EP-4737660-A1 - CONNECTOR

EP4737660A1EP 4737660 A1EP4737660 A1EP 4737660A1EP-4737660-A1

Abstract

A splice connector for connecting architectural panels together, the connector comprising two wall portions, and at least one joining portion connecting the two wall portions, wherein the two wall portions comprise a compressible material configured to exert an outward force on at least two interior surfaces of an architectural panel when inserted into an interior space defined by the panel.

Inventors

LANGEVELD, MICHIEL JACOBUS JOHANNES

Assignees

Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260506
Application Date: 20251028

Claims (16)

A splice connector for connecting architectural panels together, the connector comprising: two wall portions; and at least one joining portion connecting the two wall portions; wherein the two wall portions comprise a compressible material configured to exert an outward force on at least two interior surfaces of an architectural panel when positioned in an interior space defined by the panel.
The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one joining portion comprises said compressible material.
The connector of claim 2, wherein at least one joining portion is configured to exert an outward force on an interior surface of the panel when positioned in an interior space defined by the panel.
The connector of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the connector is formed of said compressible material; and/or wherein the connector is formed of a single piece of folded material.
The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the compressible material is felt or rubber or a polymeric material.
The connector of any preceding claim, comprising two joining portions connecting the two wall portions at different positions along the wall portions; optionally wherein the wall portions and joining portions form a rectangular cross-section.
The connector of any preceding claim, further comprising a cut-out portion configured to engage with an end surface of an architectural panel; optionally wherein the cut-out portion is positioned on the joining portion.
The connector of claim 7, wherein the wall portions and the joining portion extend in a longitudinal direction, and the cut-out portion is located at the mid-point of the connector in the longitudinal direction.
The connector of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a plurality of said cut-out portions; optionally wherein a first cut-out portion and a second cut-out portion are respectively positioned where the joining portion meets the respective two wall portions.
The connector of claim 9, wherein each cut-out portion defines a respective engagement surface configured to come into contact with a longitudinal end surface of a panel, wherein the engagement surfaces face in opposite longitudinal directions; optionally wherein the engagement surfaces are located at the same longitudinal position along the connector.
A blank of compressible material configured to be folded to form the connector of any preceding claim.
An architectural assembly comprising the splice connector of any preceding claim, and at least one architectural panel; optionally wherein the splice connector is formed of a material which is more compressible than the material of the architectural panel; and/or wherein the panel is formed of a metallic material.
The architectural assembly of claim 12, wherein: the panel has two panel wall portions and a panel joining portion defining an interior space, the panel joining portion having a first length between the panel wall portions in the interior space, the external surface of the joining portion of the connector between the two wall portions has a second length; and the second length is greater than the first length when the connector is not disposed in the interior space.
The architectural assembly of claim 12 or 13, wherein the panel is a ceiling panel, preferably a baffle ceiling panel.
The architectural assembly of any of claims 12-14, comprising a plurality of said panels, connected by said connector.
A method of manufacturing a splice connector for connecting architectural panels together, the method comprising: providing a blank of compressible material; folding the blank so as to form two wall portions and at least one joining portion spanning the two wall portions, such that the wall portions are configured to exert an outward force on at least two interior surfaces of an architectural panel when positioned in an interior space defined by the panel.

Description

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a connector, and in particular a splice connector for connecting architectural panels together. The present invention also relates to an architectural assembly comprising a connector, a blank configured to form the connector, and manufacturing methods of a connector. Connectors for connecting architectural panels together are well known. Such a connector is typically known as a splice connector. These connectors may be used to connect various types of architectural panels together, including but not limited to ceiling panels (which may be baffle ceiling panels) and wall panels. Known connectors are typically placed in an interior space defined by the panel, in order to allow the joining together of two panels which abut each other. In such arrangements, the connector is made so as to have an external dimension which is smaller than the corresponding interior dimension of the panel, so that the splice connector can be placed in (i.e. fits into) the interior space. However, the sizing of the connector may mean that there is some room for movement at the join between two adjacent panels, which may mean that the panels are not securely joined together, may affect the alignment of the panels, and may result in a visible gap between adjacent panels. It is an aim of the present invention to at least partially address the problems noted above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect, there is provided a splice connector for connecting architectural panels together, the connector comprising two wall portions and at least one joining portion connecting the two wall portions wherein the two wall portions comprise a compressible material configured to exert an outward force on at least two interior surfaces of an architectural panel when positioned in an interior space defined by the panel. This may provide a secure fit and accurate alignment of panels connected by the connector. This may also prevent visible gaps from forming between panels, which may in turn give the appearance of a single continuous panel. Optionally, the at least one joining portion comprises said compressible material. Optionally, at least one joining portion is configured to exert an outward force on an interior surface of the panel when positioned in an interior space defined by the panel. Optionally, the connector is formed of said compressible material. Optionally, the connector is formed of a single piece of folded material. This may provide ease of manufacture and reduce manufacturing cost. Optionally, the compressible material is felt. Optionally, the compressible material is rubber or a polymeric material. Optionally, the connector further comprises two joining portions connecting the two wall portions at different positions along the wall portions. Optionally, the wall portions and joining portions form a rectangular cross-section. This may provide improved rigidity of the connector. Optionally, the connector further comprises a cut-out portion configured to engage with an end surface of an architectural panel. This may provide accurate positioning of the panel relative to the connector. Optionally, the cut-out portion is positioned on the joining portion. Optionally, the wall portions and the joining portion extend in a longitudinal direction, and the cut-out portion is located at the mid-point of the connector in the longitudinal direction. Optionally, the connector further comprises a plurality of said cut-out portions. Optionally, a first cut-out portion and a second cut-out portion are respectively positioned where the joining portion meets the respective two wall portions. This may allow the connector to be inserted in more than one orientation. Optionally, each cut-out portion defines a respective engagement surface configured to come into contact with a longitudinal end surface of a panel, wherein the engagement surfaces face in opposite longitudinal directions. This may allow the connector to be inserted in more than one orientation. Optionally, the engagement surfaces are located at the same longitudinal position along the connector. This may allow the connector to be located at the same position relative to the panel for more than one insertion orientation. According to a second aspect, there is provided a blank of compressible material configured to be folded to form the connector as described above. According to a third aspect, there is provided an architectural assembly comprising the splice connector as described above, and at least one architectural panel. This may provide a secure fit and accurate alignment between the connector and the panel. Optionally, the splice connector is formed of a material which is more compressible than the material of the architectural panel. Optionally, the panel is formed of a metallic material. Optionally, the panel has two panel wall portions and a panel joining portion defining an interior space, the panel joining portion having a f