AU2007237197B2 - Frame joiner - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame joiner for joining frame members is described. The frame joiner includes a first joining means for joining to a first frame member and a second joining means for joining to a second frame member, wherein the first joining 5 means includes a spigot member to engage an open end of the first frame member, the spigot member further including adjustable engagement means to frictionally engage an inner surface portion of the first frame member. The adjustable engagement means further includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first and second engagement surfaces 10 moveable with respect to each other to each frictionally engage respective inner surface portions of the first frame member. coj ce) cli CCr crr cv, CD) C"N 540 500 530 511510 530 520 521 Figure 8a 511 510 530 531 555 521 522 Figure 8b

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: Hills Industries Limited Actual Inventors: Phillip Alan Winwood David Herschel Nicholls Address for Service: C/- MADDERNS, 1st Floor, 64 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: FRAME JOINER Details of Associated Provisional Application No: 2006906644 dated 28 November 2006 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us.

PRIORITY The present application for patent claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2006906644 entitled "FRAME JOINER" filed 28 November 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its 5 entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the joining of frame members together. In a particular form, the invention relates to a frame joiner that joins an open 10 ended frame member to one or more other frame members. REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT The present invention is related to the following application for patent: 15 Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2006906643 entitled "A FRAME MEMBER FOR PLAY EQUIPMENT" filed 28 November 2006, The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference. 20 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Often it is desirable to be able to join a plurality of frame members together when forming a support structure such as scaffolding or the like. In one example, such as the erection of domestic playground equipment that comprises a number of frame members, it is desirable to be able to combine an 25 open ended frame member with other frame members in a playground structure in a manner that allows for the straightforward assembly of the structure and the addition of other modular components. Similarly, other playground equipment such as trampolines will often involve the joining of a number of frame members together. 2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention accordingly provides a frame joiner for joining first and second tubular frame members including: first adjustable joining means for joining to the first tubular frame member; and 5 second adjustable joining means for joining to the second tubular frame member, wherein the first joining means includes a spigot member to engage an open end of the first tubular frame member, the spigot member further including adjustable engagement means to frictionally engage an inner surface portion of the first tubular frame member, wherein the adjustable engagement means includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first and second engagement surfaces 0 moveable with respect to each other to each frictionally engage respective inner surface portions of the first tubular frame member. Preferably, the spigot member includes a first engagement member that includes the first engagement surface and a second engagement member that includes the second engagement surface, the first and 5 second engagement members moving along a common interface surface, wherein movement of the first and second engagement members along the common interface surface causes the first and second engagement surfaces to each frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of the first frame member. o Preferably, the common interface surface is inclined and the first and second engagement members move in a wedging action to force outwardly the first and second engagement surfaces to each frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of the first frame member. Preferably, the first and second engagement members are caused to move in a wedging action by 25 drawing means that draws the second member towards the first member. Preferably, the drawing means includes a bolt extending through the first and second engagement members, the bolt including a first screw threaded region to engage a second screw threaded region located in the second member. 30 Preferably, the first engagement member is a spigot shaft and the second engagement member is a wedge member. Preferably, the first and second engagement surfaces are shaped to match the inner surface of the first 35 tubular frame member. 3 Preferably, the second adjustable joining means includes clamping means to clamp the second tubular frame member. Preferably, the clamping means includes: 5 a first clamping member; a second clamping member; and tightening means to tighten the first and second clamping members about the second tubular frame member. ) Preferably, the first clamping member includes a first frame member receiving recess to receive the second frame member and wherein the second tubular clamping member includes a second frame member receiving recess to receive the second tubular frame member. Preferably, the first and second frame member receiving recesses match the sectional profile of the 5 second tubular frame member. Preferably, the first clamping member is integral with the spigot member. In a second aspect the present invention accordingly provides a frame joiner for joining a plurality of 3 open ended tubular frame members together, the frame joiner including: a plurality of spigot members extending from a central body to engage the plurality of frame members, each of the spigot members further including adjustable engagement means, wherein the adjustable engagement means includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first and second engagement surfaces moveable with respect to each other to each frictionally 5 engage respective inner surface portions of each of the open ended tubular frame members, thereby joining the frame members together. Preferably, each of the plurality of spigot members includes a first engagement member that includes the first engagement surface and a second engagement member that includes the second engagement 0 surface, the first and second engagement members moving along a common interface surface, wherein movement of the first and second engagement members along the common interface surface causes the first and second engagement surfaces to each frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of each of the open ended tubular frame members. 5 Preferably, the central body includes central adjustment means to adjust each of the adjustable engagement means in a central location. 4 Preferably, the central adjustment means is located in a recess formed in the central body. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of spigot members is pivotable. 5 Preferably, at least one spigot member is of a different size to another spigot member of the plurality of spigot members. 5 Preferably, at least one spigot member is of a different sectional profile to another spigot member of the plurality of spigot members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5 Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a frame joiner according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view of the frame joiner illustrated in 10 Figure 1; FIGURES 3a to 3g are a series of views of a spigot member comprising a first component of the frame joiner illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; FIGURES 4a to 4g are a series of views of a wedge member comprising a second component of the frame joiner illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; 15 FIGURES 5a to 5f are a series of views of a clamping member comprising a third component of the frame joiner illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; FIGURES 6a and 6b include front and perspective views of a frame joiner according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention; FIGURES 7a and 7b include top and perspective views of a frame joiner 20 according to a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention; FIGURES 8a and 8b include front and perspective views of a frame joiner according to a fourth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; FIGURES 9a and 9b include front and perspective views of a frame joiner according to a fifth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 25 FIGURE 10a and 10b include front and top views of a frame joiner according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURE 11 is a front view of a frame joiner according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, like reference characters designate like or 30 corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 6 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there are shown assembled and exploded perspective views of a frame joiner 100 according to a first illustrative 5 embodiment of the present invention- Frame joiner 100 in this embodiment is employed to join together first frame member 200 and second frame member 210. Frame joiner 100 includes a spigot member 10 and wedging member 20 which together combine to form a first joining means 110. Frame joiner 100 further includes clamping member 50 which together with spigot member 10 10 forms second joining means 120. Referring now to Figure 3, there are shown various views of spigot member 10 which includes a head portion 17 integrally formed with a spigot shaft 16 that is circular in cross-section and terminates in an inclined interface surface 15 11. Head portion 17 includes a frame member receiving recess 12 which in this illustrative embodiment is semi-circular in cross-section to receive tubular frame member 210. As would be apparent to those skilled in the art, frame member receiving recess 12imay be adapted depending on the exact cross sectional profile of frame member 210. 20 Head portion 17 further includes side bolt holes 13 and corresponding hexagonal recesses 15 to each seat a hexagonal nut 41. Spigot shaft 16 includes a bolt hole or bore 14 extending through to inclined interface surface 11 and a pair of diametrically opposed locating ridges 18 which function to slot into 25 corresponding notches 202 in first frame member 200. Referring now to Figure 4, there are shown various views of wedge member 20 which (similarly to spigot shaft 16) is circular in cross-section and includes a corresponding interface surface 21 and a central bore 22. Central bore 22 30 terminates in a hexagonal recess 23 suitable to receive hexagonal nut 40. 7 Referring now to Figure 5, there are shown various views of clamping member 50 which (similar to head portion 17 of spigot member 10) includes a frame member receiving recess 51. Clamping member 50 further includes a pair of bolt holes 52 which correspond to bolt holes 13 located in head portion 5 17 of spigot member 10. Referring once again to Figures 1 to 5, frame joiner 100 is assembled by first inserting central bolt 30 through washer 34 and through the central bore 14 of spigot member 10. Central bolt 30 includes a screw threaded shaft 31 and a 10 head 32 having an Allen key recess 33. Wedge member 20 is then fastened to spigot member 10 by inserting the shaft 31 of central bolt 30 through the central bore 22 of wedge member 20 and screwing into nut 40 seated in hexagonal recess 23. In this manner, wedge member 20 is now attached to spigot member 10 with their corresponding inclined interface surfaces 11, 22 15 meeting. The combination of wedge member 20 and spigot shaft 16 which functions as a first joining means 110 can then be inserted into the open end 201 of first frame member 200 ensuring that locating ridges 18 are aligned with notches 202. 20 The diameter of both wedge member 20 and spigot shaft 16 are substantially identical and fractionally less than the inner diameter of first frame member 200. Additionally, the diameter of central bores 14, 22 of spigot member 10 and wedge member 20 are fractionally greater than the diameter of the shaft 31 of central bolt 30 which allows lateral or sideways movement of the wedge 25 member 20 with respect to the spigot member 10 as the wedge member 20 is drawn towards spigot member 10 due to the action of the corresponding inclined interface surfaces 11, 22 as screw central bolt 30 is tightened. The combination of first frame member 200 and spigot member 10 can then be 30 joined to second frame member 210 by first positioning second frame member 210 in frame member receiving recess 12. Clamping member 50 is then 8 fastened to spigot member 10 (which itself acts as a second clamping member) by bolts 35 which are inserted through bolt holes 52 and screwed into corresponding hexagonal nuts 41 which are seated in hexagonal recesses 15 located in head portion 17 of spigot member 10 thereby functioning as a 5 tightening means, this arrangement then forming a second joining means 120. It can be readily seen that spigot member 10 provides an adjustable engagement means to frictionally engage an inner surface portion of frame member 200 where a first engagement surface is provided by spigot shaft 16 10 and a second engagement surface is provided by wedge member 20, each of these engagement surfaces frictionally engaging respective inner surface portions of frame member 200. This is due to the lateral movement of wedge member 20 as it moves along the common interface surface between interface surfaces 11, 21. Although in this illustrative embodiment the first and second 15 engagement surfaces are substantially shaped to match the inner surface portions of frame members, equally other shapes may be employed provided the associated engagement surfaces are able to frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of frame member 200. 20 In one non-limiting application consistent with the principles described in the specification, a frame joiner in accordance with this first illustrative embodiment may be advantageously employed to construct a modular playground structure such as that described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2006906643 entitled "'A FRAME MEMBER FOR PLAY 25 EQUIPMENT" filed 28 November 2006, and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. Referring now to Figure 6, there are shown front and perspective views of a frame joiner 300 according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present 30 invention. Frame joiner 300 which is suitable for joining two frame members end on, includes two opposed spigot shafts 310, 320 and corresponding 9 wedge members 311,321 as has been previously described. Frame joiner 300 also includes a central body 330 to which the opposed spigot shafts 310,320 are formed within a unitary construction. Body 330 further includes an access recess or chamber 340 that allows access by an Allen key to tighten bolts 315, 5 325 with a corresponding nut such as located in hexagonal recess 322. Referring now to Figure 7, there are shown top and perspective views of a frame joiner 400 according to a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Frame joiner 400 is suitable for joining two frame members at a 10 predetermined angle to each other such as 90" as shown here. Once again a common access recess or chamber 440 in central body 430 allows access to bolts 415, 425 which can be tightened with corresponding nuts located in hexagonal recesses 412,422. 15 Referring now to Figure 8, there are shown front and perspective views of a frame joiner 500 according to a fourth illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Frame joiner 500 includes three spigot shafts 510, 520, 550 and corresponding wedge members 511,521, 551 all extending from a central body 530 that are respectively tightened by bolts 515, 525, 555 with a 20 corresponding nut such as located in hexagonal recess 522. Access to each of the bolts 515, 525, 555 is via common access recess or chamber 540 and further access is provided by aperture 531. Whilst in this illustrative embodiment, each of the spigot shafts are at 90* to each other, equally they could be set at other predetermined angles. 25 Referring now to Figure 9, there are shown front and perspective views of a frame joiner 600 according to a fifth illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Frame joiner 600 includes two spigot shafts 610, 620 extending from a central body 630 and a pivotable third spigot shaft 650. Each of the 30 spigot shafts 610, 620, 650 incorporate corresponding wedge members 611, 621, 651 that are respectively tightened by bolts 615, 625, 655 with a 10 corresponding nut such as located in hexagonal recess 622. Access to screws 615, 625 is via access recess or chamber 640. In this illustrative embodiment a frame member, would be first attached to pivotable spigot shaft 650 via bolt 655 which is seated in the body of spigot shaft 650. This then would be 5 attached to pivot mount 660 that extends from central body 630 allowing the attached frame member to pivot about pivot axis 661. Referring now to Figure 10, there are shown front and top views of a frame joiner 700 according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the present 10 invention. Multi head frame joiner 700 incorporates multiple spigot shafts and corresponding wedge members as has been described previously all extending from a central body 710. Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown a front view of a frame joiner 800 15 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the second illustrative embodiment, frame joiner 800 is suitable for joining two frame members end on and includes two opposed spigot shafts 810,820 and corresponding wedge members 811,821 extending from central body 830. As shown here and in any of the embodiments previously described, the cross 20 sectional profiles of spigot shafts 810,820 and corresponding wedge members 811, 821 may be varied as desired depending on the frame members being joined together. Some examples include round 850, oval or elliptical 851, square 852 or rectangular 853 profiles. Additionally one spigot shaft and its corresponding wedge member may adopt one cross-sectional profile whilst 25 the other adopts a different cross-sectional profile or size, again depending on the frame members being joined. A brief consideration of the above described embodiments indicates that the frame joiner incorporates a large degree of flexibility in the frame members 30 that can be joined together. Furthermore, as the engagement means can be adjustable at a central location this provides added convenience. 11l It will be understood that the term "comprise" and any of its derivatives (eg. comprises, comprising) as used in this specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which it refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied. 5 Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. J The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 12

Claims (20)

1. A frame joiner forjoining first and second tubular frame members including: first adjustable joining means for joining to the first tubular frame member; and second adjustable joining means for joining to the second tubular frame member, wherein the 5 first tubular joining means includes a spigot member to engage an open end of the first tubular frame member, the spigot member further including adjustable engagement means to frictionally engage an inner surface portion of the first tubular frame member, wherein the adjustable engagement means includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first and second engagement surfaces moveable with respect to each other to each frictionally engage respective inner surface D portions of the first tubular frame member.

2. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spigot member includes a first engagement member that includes the first engagement surface and a second engagement member that includes the second engagement surface, the first and second engagement members moving along a common interface surface, wherein movement of the first and second engagement members along the common 5 interface surface causes the first and second engagement surfaces to each frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of the first frame member.

3. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the common interface surface is inclined and the first and second engagement members move in a wedging action to force outwardly the first and second engagement surfaces to each frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of the D first frame member.

4. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and second engagement members are caused to move in a wedging action by drawing means that draws the second member towards the first member.

5. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 4, wherein the drawing means includes a bolt extending 25 through the first and second engagement members, the bolt including a first screw threaded region to engage a second screw threaded region located in the second member.

6. A frame joiner as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first engagement member is a spigot shaft and the second engagement member is a wedge member.

7. A frame joiner as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second 0 engagement surfaces are shaped to match the inner surface of the first tubular frame member. 13

8. A frame joiner as claimed in any one of claims I to 7, wherein the second adjustable joining means includes clamping means to clamp the second tubular frame member.

9. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 8, wherein the clamping means includes: a first clamping member; 5 a second clamping member; and tightening means to tighten the first and second clamping members about the second tubular frame member.

10. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first clamping member includes a first frame member receiving recess to the second tubular frame member and wherein the second clamping D member includes a second frame member receiving recess to receive the second tubular frame member.

11. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first and second frame member receiving recesses match the sectional profile of the second tubular frame member.

12. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first clamping member is integral with the 5 spigot member.

13. A frame joiner for joining a plurality of open ended tubular frame members together, the frame joiner including: a plurality of spigot members extending from a central body to engage the plurality of frame members, each of the spigot members further including adjustable engagement means, wherein the .0 adjustable engagement means includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, the first and second engagement surfaces moveable with respect to each other to each frictionally engage respective inner surface portions of each of the open ended tubular frame members, thereby joining the frame members together,

14. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of spigot members !5 includes a first engagement member that includes the first engagement surface and a second engagement member that includes the second engagement surface, the first and second engagement members moving along a common interface surface, wherein movement of the first and second engagement members along the common interface surface causes the first and second engagement surfaces to each frictionally engage the respective inner surface portions of each of the open ended 0 tubular frame members. 14

15. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the central body includes central adjustment means to adjust each of the adjustable engagement means in a central location.

16. A frame joiner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the central adjustment means is located in a recess formed in the central body. 5

17. A frame joiner as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein one or more of the plurality of spigot members is pivotable.

18. A frame joiner as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein at least one spigot member is of a different size to another spigot member of the plurality of spigot members.

19. A frame joiner as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein at least one spigot member is o of a different sectional profile to another spigot member of the plurality of spigot members.

20. A frame joiner substantially in accordance with any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 15