AU781708B2 - Connecting ferrule - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Titl e: CONNECTING FERRULE RETAIL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES PTY. LTD.

Applicant: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: DocuRw&m2 2 CONNECTING FERRULE This invention relates generally to connectors and, in particular, to a ferrule for interconnecting metal rods, bars, bolts and other construction and structural members. The ferrule is applicable for inclusion in pre-cast and cast-in-situ concrete structures, such as wall slabs, to permit temporary connection of construction fittings including supporting props and permanent connection of fixtures and structural members thereto. It will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application, although it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto.

One form of common building construction involves large concrete slabs positioned to form building walls. Those slabs are sometimes pre-cast and initially placed in a generally horizontal orientation with their lower edge on the wall line, and then tilted into a final vertical position. Supporting props are placed against the slabs to temporarily retain them in position until permanent fixing is complete.

In order to positively locate the props relative to the slabs, and so prevent inadvertent or accidental slippage or other movement therebetween, connecting ferrules are usually included in the slab during casting. Those ferrules have a screw threaded connecting bore opening through a surface of the slab and into 20 which can be received a screw threaded shank of a bolt in order to temporarily :°oole fasten a prop to the slab. The ferrules can also be later used for permanent fastening of fixtures and other parts of the structure to the slabs.

The ferrules are installed in the slab formwork prior to casting of the slab concrete. Conventional installation involves connecting the ferrules to the concrete metal reinforcement. In one form, each ferrule has a mounting hole through which extends a short metal mounting cross bar. That bar is welded or wire tied to both the ferrule and surrounding reinforcement matrix in order to position the ferrule for the concrete pour. The mounting bar also assists in anchoring the ferrule against pull out from the concrete, as well as preventing rotation of the ferrule relative to the concrete during subsequent fastening of a prop, fixture or structural members.

This ferrule installation procedure is both time consuming and labour intensive, and thus expensive. In addition, maintaining accurate spatial positioning of the ferrules during the concrete pour can be quite difficult to w:VkgeSPECPQ4881 .doc achieve. That is particularly so where the ferrules are positioned for their connecting bores to open onto the upper face of a horizontally pre-cast slab.

Movement of the reinforcement during concrete pour can result in the ferrules being submerged in the concrete and thus inaccessible for subsequent use.

In an effort to achieve more precise and consistent ferrule positioning, recent installation procedures have involved mounting the ferrule in a separate support or "chair" formed of metal or plastic. The support bears on and upstands from a bottom surface of the formwork, and can be tied to surrounding metal reinforcement. Although these supports improve ferrule positioning, they add significantly to the cost of slab construction. They are also bulky to store and transport. Particular care is also required to ensure that, during the subsequent pour, the supports are securely encased in concrete with no significant retained air pockets.

It is an object of the present invention to provide arrangements which enables easier and more accurate positioning and retention of connecting ferrules in concrete structures, including a connecting ferrule for that purpose.

With that object in mind, the present invention provides in one broad aspect a ferrule for providing mechanical fixing to a cast product including: an elongate body; a connecting bore in the body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; and, positioning means cooperable with a positioning member to facilitate retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position in the cast product during use thereof.

In one preferred arrangement the positioning means includes a positioning bore in the ferrule body for receiving the positioning member.

In one preferred arrangement the positioning bore extends longitudinally of the ferrule body, whilst in an alternative arrangement that bore extends transversely of the ferrule body. The bore may extend at other angles in the ferrule body in other arrangements. In the one arrangement, the body has another opposite end and the positioning bore opens onto that other end.

Preferably, the other end of the body has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the positioning bore opens onto the other end face. In one preferred form the positioning bore is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

3a Preferably, the positioning bore is threaded for threaded connection of the positioning member to the ferrule body.

4 In one preferred form, the ferrule also includes a cross hole in the ferrule body for accommodating a cross bar. That cross hole is preferably open ended so that the cross bar can extend entirely through the ferrule body.

Preferably, the cross hole is located so that the positioning bore opens into the hole. In this way, the positioning member in the positioning bore can interferingly engage upon a cross bar received in the cross hole so as to fix the ferrule bar relative to the cross bar. That fixing retains the ferrule in predetermined lineal and rotational positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the cross bar.

Preferably, the connecting bore extends longitudinally of the ferrule body.

The one end of the body preferably has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the connecting bore opens onto that face. In one preferred form the connecting bore is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body. The connecting bore can be threaded for threaded connection of a structural member to the ferrule.

The present invention may also be used with a positioning member for facilitating the retention of the above ferrule in a predetermined position in a cast product, including a positioning rod having a connecting end portion for 20 extending into the positioning means, to connect the positioning member to the ferrule.

Preferably, the connecting end portion of the positioning rod has a thread form for threaded connection to the ferrule body.

Preferably, the positioning rod also has an opposite support end portion.

In one preferred form, that support end position bears on a reference surface to locate the ferrule in the predetermined position relative thereto.

In another preferred form, the positioning member further includes a support base carrying the positioning rod. That base bears on a reference surface to locate the ferrule in the predetermined position relative thereto. In this form, the opposite support end portion of the positioning rod is preferably connected to the support base. Preferably, the support base is movably connected to the positioning rod. In this way, relative movement between the positioning rod and support base enables adjustment of the ferrule into the predetermined position; that is, the support base and/or the positioning rod can be moved relative to one another so as to move the ferrule connected to the support rod relative to the support base and reference surface on which it bears.

In this preferred form, the support end portion of the positioning rod has a thread form, and the support base has a threaded connecting hole for threaded interconnection with the positioning rod.

In one arrangement, the support base is provided by a second ferrule and the threaded connecting hole in the support base is provided by the positioning bore of the second ferrule. In another arrangement, the support base is a support chair.

The present invention further provides, in yet another broad aspect, the combination of an above ferrule supported on an above positioning member.

According to one specific aspect, the present invention provides a ferrule assembly, including: a ferrule having an elongate body with opposed ends, a connecting bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; a positioning bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and 20 opening onto the other end thereof, and, :ie.o.

a transversely extending cross hole in the ferrule body, the connecting bore opening into the cross hole; a cross bar extending through the cross hole; and, a positioning member extending into the positioning bore thereby 25 connecting the positioning member to the ferrule, the positioning member .oo,•i interferingly engaging upon the cross bar in the cross hole so as to fix the S: ferrule in position relative to the cross bar, and the positioning member in use of the assembly bearing on a reference surface thereby to facilitate retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position relative to the reference surface.

According to another specific aspect, the present invention provides a ferrule assembly, including; a pair of ferrules, each ferrule having an elongate body with opposed ends, W:AkteSPEC PO4881.dOC 6 a connecting bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule, a positioning bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto the other end thereof, and a transversely extending cross hole in the ferrule body, the connecting ore opening into the cross hole, the ferrules being axially aligned on a common longitudinal axis with the other ends of the ferrule bodies in facing relation; a respective cross bar extending through each cross hole; and, a positioning member extending between and into the positioning bores thereby connecting the positioning member to each ferrule, the positioning member interferingly engaging upon the cross bars in the cross holes so as to fix the ferrules in position relative to the cross bars, and retaining the ferrules in predetermined positions relative to one another and relative to a reference surface on which one of the ferrules bears.

According to another broad aspect, the present invention provides a ferrule for providing mechanical fixing to a cast product including: an elongate body; a connecting bore in the body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; and, positioning means cooperable with a positioning member to facilitate o retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position in the cast product during use thereof, wherein the positioning means includes a positioning stud extending from the ferrule body for receiving the positioning member.

In one preferred arrangement the positioning stud extends longitudinally of the ferrule body, whilst in an alternative arrangement that stud extends transversely of the ferrule body. The stud may extend at other angles in the ferrule body in other arrangements. In the one arrangement, the body has another opposite end and the positioning stud opens onto that other end.

Preferably, the other end of the body has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the S"positioning stud extends from the other end face. In one preferred form the positioning stud is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

6a Preferably, the positioning stud is threaded for threaded connection of the positioning member to the ferrule body.

Preferably, the connecting stud extends longitudinally of the ferrule body.

The one end of the body preferably has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the connecting opens onto that face. In one preferred form the connecting stud is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body. The connecting stud can be threaded for threaded connection of a structural member to the ferrule.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a positioning member for use with a ferrule of the above type, including a support base which bears on a reference surface to locate the ferrule in the predetermined position relative thereto, and the support base having a connecting means for interconnection with the positioning stud of the ferrule.

Preferably, the connecting means and the positioning stud are threaded for interconnection.

The invention will be disclosed herein with reference to the ferrule in a normal use orientation in a horizontally extending concrete formwork and slab, and terms such as "upper" and "lower" should be construed in the light of this orientation. However, it is to be appreciated that other orientations may be equally possible and that consequential changes in terms such as those above may be required in the light of those other orientations for a proper and complete understanding of the invention.

The following description refers to preferred embodiments of the ferrule, positioning member and ferrule assembly of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the ferrule, positioning member and ferrule assembly are illustrated in preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the ferrule, positioning member and ferrule assembly are not limited to the preferred embodiments as hereinafter described and as illustrated in the 6* drawings.

In the drawings, where the same reference numerals identify the same or like components; 6b Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a longitudinal half section of a ferrule according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; So Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a longitudinal half section of a ferrule according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a longitudinal half section of a ferrule according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a side view in cross section of a ferrule assembly including the ferrule of Fig. 1, and a positioning member according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, installed in a cast concrete slab; Fig. 5 is a side view similar to Fig. 4 of another ferrule assembly including the ferrule of Fig. 1, and a positioning member according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 is a side view similar to Fig. 4 of a further ferrule assembly including a pair of ferrules of Fig. 1 and a positioning rod according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring initially to Fig. 1 there is generally shown a ferrule 1 having an elongate body 2 with central longitudinal axis X, and side 3 extending between opposed ends 4,5. One end 4 has an at least substantially planar end face 6 o extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and the other end 5 also has an at least substantially planar end face 7 extending perpendicular to the axis X.

The elongate body 2 has a connecting bore 8 for connecting a structural member (not shown) to the ferrule 1. The bore 8 extends longitudinally of the ferrule body 2, with one end opening onto the one end face 6 and the other end being closed so that the bore 8 is blind. The bore 8 is positioned on the central longitudinal axis X, in this embodiment.

The connecting bore 8 conveniently has a thread form 9 for connection of 25 a structural member such as a correspondingly threaded fastening bolt of a positioning prop. The thread form 9 can be, for example, a screw, coil or z-bar .I thread as will be appreciated by those skilled in this art.

:The elongate body 2 also has positioning means 10 to facilitate retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position during use thereof. That positioning means 10, in this embodiment, is a positioning bore 11 extending longitudinally of the ferrule body 2, with one end opening onto the other end face 7. The bore 11 is positioned on the central longitudinal axis X and therefore aligned with the connecting bore 8, in this embodiment. In other embodiments, however, the W:VkdeSPECPQ488.doc bores 8 and 11 may not be aligned, but rather for example the bore 11 may extend parallel to but offset from axis X.

As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, in this embodiment, the bore 11 is open at the end remote from the other end face 7.

The positioning bore 11 has a thread form for positive threaded connection thereto of a correspondingly threaded positioning member 12-which acts to retain the ferrule 1 in the predetermined position. Again, that thread form can be, for example, a screw, coil or z-bar thread.

The ferrule body 2, in this embodiment, also has a cross hole 13 for accommodating a cross bar 14 (see Fig. The hole 13 is open ended so that the bar 14 can extend entirely through the body 2.

The cross hole 13 is located along the ferrule body 2 between the closed end of the connecting bore 8 and the other end face 7. Specifically, the hole 13 is located so that the positioning bore 11 opens into the hole 13. This arrangement enables the positioning member 12 to be threaded through the positioning bore 11 until it interferingly engages upon a mounting bar 14 S.passing through the mounting hole 13. In this way, the positioning member 12 will act to fix the ferrule 1 against movement along and about the cross bar 14.

In this embodiment, the cross hole 13 is circular shaped, although other 20 shapes may be equally suitable depending on the ferrule application.

:°°loo The ferrule body 2 may be of any suitable cross sectional shape. Such shapes include cylindrical (as shown) and multi faced such as hexagonal (not shown).

The ferrule 1 is composed of any suitable material, having regard to its S 25 intended application. In the exemplary application, the ferrule 1 is composed of metal such as mild steel and stainless steel. The base metal may have a zinc, S. galvanized or other coating.

S. The ferrule 1 is manufactured by any suitable process, for example by machining from solid bar stock, casting or moulding, or fabricating such as from tube and other material stock.

Variations of ferrule 1 are shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In Fig. 2, the cross hole 13 has been omitted so that the positioning bore 11 is blind at the end remote from the end face 7. In Fig. 3, the cross hole 13 has been retained but W:XateMSPECP04881 .doc 9 the positioning bore 11 has been relocated so as to extend perpendicular to axis X and open onto side 3 Referring now to Fig. 4, the ferrule 1 of Fig. 1 is shown, in conjunction with one embodiment of a positioning member 12, forming a ferrule assembly in a cast concrete slab S. The slab S bears on formwork F and contains an embedded matrix of steel reinforcement R which includes cross bar 14.

The positioning member 12 is in the form of a threaded positioning rod The rod 15 has a connecting end portion 16 for receiving in the positioning bore 11 so as to interferingly engage with the cross bar 14 and fix the ferrule 1 in a predetermined position along and about the longitudinal axis of bar 14.

The positioning rod 15 also has an opposite support end portion 17 for bearing on the formwork surface A in order to facilitate support of the ferrule 1 at a predetermined distance from that surface A. In this embodiment, support end portion 17 bears directly on surface A, whilst in a modified embodiment described hereinafter, the support end portion 17 bears indirectly on the surface A to achieve that support.

The positioning rod 15 is composed of metal, such as steel.

.I :In this embodiment, the positioning rod 15 is of a simple, straight shape.

Alternatively, however, the rod 15 may be of more complex shape. Such shapes may facilitate stable support and anchoring of the ferrule 1 in the concrete slab S.

0 A procedure for installing the ferrule 1 for casting into an upper face U of a concrete slab S will now be outlined.

A short metal cross bar 14 is initially inserted through the cross hole 13.

The connecting end portion 16 of the positioning rod 15 is then screw threaded into the positioning bore 11 so as to interferingly engage with the cross bar 14 in .o the mounting hole 13, and so tightly fix the ferrule 1 relative to the cross bar 14.

The positioning rod 15, if in the form of a metal rod, can be galvanised or coated in plastic to stabilise and provide corrosive protection to the rod.

The ferrule 1 and accompanying cross bar 14 and positioning rod 15 are then positioned on the formwork surface A. In this embodiment, the positioning rod 15 is selected or cut to a length so that, with the ferrule 1 orientated vertically and the support end portion 17 of the rod 15 bearing on the surface A of the formwork F, the one end face 6 of the ferrule body 2 lies in the plane of W:U;rtSPECPO4881 .doc the intended upper face U of the slab S. Thus, the length of the positioning rod can be selected or cut so that the distance D between the support end portion 17 of the rod 15 (or the surface A) and the one end face 6 of the ferrule body 2 corresponds with the thickness of the slab S.

Holding the ferrule 1 in that position, the cross bar 14 is then connected to adjacent metal reinforcement. That can be achieved, for example, by welding or wire tying.

In a modified embodiment of the ferrule assembly shown in Fig. 5, the positioning member 12 further includes a support base 18 carrying the positioning rod 15 and bearing on the surface A in order to locate the ferrule 1 in the predetermined position. With this support base 18, the ferrule 1 will have added vertical and horizontal stability with minimal support from the surrounding reinforcement matrix. To that extent the support base 18 may be particularly suitable for use with the ferrule 1 of Fig. 2.

The support base 18 has a body portion 19 defining a connecting hole for receiving the support end portion 17 of the positioning rod 15. The connecting hole 20 has a thread form 21 for threaded interconnection with the S. :rod 15. A threaded lock nut (not shown) can also be provided to tightly lock the support base 18 and positioning rod 15 in their relative positions. Alternatively, the connecting hole 20 may be unthreaded and a pair of lock nuts may be provided one each side of the body portion 19 to secure the rod 15 to the support base 18. This arrangement enables adjustment of the position of the ferrule 1 relative to the surface A, through relative movement of the positioning rod 15 and support base 18, in order to position the ferrule 1 into its predetermined position. With this arrangement, the length of the positioning rod is not as critical as in the Fig. 4 embodiment in order to achieve accurate ferrule positioning. The lock nut (where provided) further ensures that the S"position is retained until the slab S is poured and set.

The support base 18 also has one or more support legs 22 extending from the body portion 19 to bear on the surface A in order to achieve stable support for the rod 15 and ferrule 1.

The support base 18 is composed of any suitable material such as metal or plastic, and may be manufactured by casting, molding, pressing, folding or fabricating.

W:VaL2eSPECflP4881doac 11 Turning now to Fig. 6, there is shown a further modification of the previous embodiments in that a second ferrule 1' is connected to the positioning rod 15 at the opposite support end portion 17 so as to interconnect the ferrules 1 and 1' in axially aligned, opposed relationship with the other end faces 7 in facing relation. In this embodiment, each ferrule 1 and 1' can act as a support for the other ferrule 1' and 1 in the manner of the support base 18. In addition, a separate cross bar 14' can be passed through the cross hole 13' in ferrule 1' and engaged by opposite support end portion 17 of rod 15 to further secure the ferrule assembly in position and, in particular, to assist in preventing "pull out" of the ferrules 1 and 1' when connected to structural members. The second ferrule 1' can be connected to a structural member in the same manner as with ferrule 1.

It should be appreciated that one or both ferrules 1 and 1' could be replaced by the ferrule 1 shown in Fig. 2.

Installation of this ferrule assembly involves insertion of separate cross bars 14 and 14' through the respective cross holes 13 and 13'. The pair of ferrules 1 and 1' are then interconnected through common positioning rod 15 at respective end portions 16 and 17 thereof.

The ferrules 1 and 1' are then positioned so that the one end face 6' of one ferrule body 2' bears on the surface A of the formwork F, and thus lies in the plane of the intended lower face L of the slab S, whilst the one end face 6 of the other ferrule body 2 lies in the plane of the intended upper face U of the slab S; S. With this arrangement, the positioning rod 15 is selected or cut to a length so that the distance D between the one body end faces 6 and 6' corresponds S" 25 with the slab thickness.

eoooo S"The cross bars 14 and 14' can again be connected to adjacent metal reinforcement to finally fix the assembly in position.

In a further alternative arrangement (not shown) to that as shown in Fig.

4, the positioning member 12 is a threaded positioning stud in place of the positioning rod 15. With this arrangement, the stud acts to fix the ferrule 1 to the cross bar 14, and thereby retain the ferrule 1 in position, but is not so long as to support the ferrule by bearing directly or indirectly on the formwork surface A. As a result the cross bar 14 together with the positioning stud act to retain the ferrule 1 in its predetermined position. This arrangement is suitable for the W:Vt.aaSPECPCM488l.doC ferrule 1 of Figs. 1 and 3. In addition, this arrangement can be particularly suitable where the ferrule 1 is intended to be cast into a lower or side face of a concrete slab S. In that arrangement the one end face 6 of the ferrule body 2 will bear on a surface of the formwork F.

In a variation of the ferrule embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2, the positioning bore 11 is replaced by an alternative positioning means 10'. This is seen in Figs. 7 and 8. One such form of positioning means 10' is a positioning stud provided at the end 5 of the ferrule body 2 with which positioning member 12' can cooperate. In this variation the stud can have an external thread form, and the positioning member 12' can include a positioning shaft, tube or nut having an internal thread form for interconnection to the threaded stud.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the positioning member 12' includes a support base 18' having body proportion 19' which has a connecting hole Connecting hole 20' is threaded to complementarily engage threaded positioning means 10' in ferrule Body portion could be formed so that a threaded nut (not shown) is included to replace the threaded connecting hole The ferrule of the present invention can be easily and accurately positioned, particularly in applications such as pre-cast and cast-in-situ concrete 20 structures. The provision for a positioning member enables the ferrule to be precisely positioned, for example by being spaced from and positively supported on an underlying surface of formwork. As a result, the ferrule can be consistently positioned so that the one end face will be flush with the upper face of the slab.

In one preferred embodiment, the positioning member enables simple l• fixing of the ferrule to a cross bar, avoiding the need for separate fixing by way of welding, wire ties or otherwise. That fixing can also achieve satisfactory retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position.

Any additional cost in the manufacture of the ferrule of the present invention, compared with prior ferrule arrangements, is expected to be more than offset by savings in installation time and commensurate costs.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be made to the ferrule without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (39)

1. A ferrule for providing mechanical fixing to a cast product including: an elongate body; a connecting bore in the body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; and, positioning means cooperable with a positioning member to facilitate retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position in the cast product during use thereof.

2. A ferrule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positioning means includes a positioning bore in the ferrule body for receiving the positioning member.

3. A ferrule as claimed in claim 2, wherein the positioning bore extends longitudinally of the ferrule body.

4. A ferrule as claimed in claim 2, wherein the positioning bore extends transversely of the ferrule body. 20 5. A ferrule for providing mechanical fixing to a cast product including: an elongate body with opposed ends; a connecting bore in the body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; and, a positioning bore in the ferrule body opening onto the other end for receiving a positioning member which facilitates retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position in the cast product during use thereof. S6. A ferrule as claimed in claim 5, wherein the other end of the body has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the positioning bore opens onto the other end face. S7. A ferrule as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the positioning bore is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body. 14

8. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the positioning bore is threaded for threaded connection of the positioning member to the ferrule body.

9. A ferrule as claimed in any preceding claim, and further including a cross hole in the ferrule body for accommodating a cross bar. A ferrule as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mounting hole extends transversely of a longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

11. A ferrule as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the cross hole is open ended so that the cross bar can extend entirely through the ferrule body.

12. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the cross hole is located so that the positioning bore opens into the hole, whereby the positioning member in the positioning bore can interferingly engage upon a cross bar received in the mounting hole so as to fix the ferrule in position relative to the cross bar. 20 13. A ferrule as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cross hole is positioned adjacent the other end of the ferrule body.

14. A ferrule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting bore extends longitudinally of the ferrule body. A ferrule as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one end of the body has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the connecting bore opens onto the one end face.

16. A ferrule as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the connecting bore is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

17. A ferrule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting bore is closed at an end remote from the one end of the body.

18. A ferrule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting bore is threaded for threaded connection of a structural member to the ferrule.

19. A positioning member for facilitating the retention of a ferrule in a predetermined position in a cast product in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, including a positioning rod having a connecting end portion for extending into the positioning means, to connect the positioning member to the ferrule.

20. A positioning member as claimed in claim 19, wherein the connecting end portion of the positioning rod has a thread form for threaded connection to the ferrule body.

21. A positioning member as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the positioning rod has an opposite support end portion for bearing on a reference surface to locate the ferrule in the predetermined position relative thereto.

22. A positioning member claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the positioning member further includes a support base carrying the positioning rod and which 20 bears on a reference surface to locate the ferrule in the predetermined position relative thereto.

23. A positioning member as claimed in claim 22, wherein the positioning rod has an opposite support end portion and the support base is connected to the positioning rod at the support end portion.

24. A positioning member as claimed in claim 23, wherein the support base is movably connected to the positioning rod, relative movement between the positioning rod and support base enabling adjustment of the ferrule into the predetermined position. S* 25. A positioning member as claimed in claim 24, wherein the support end portion of the positioning rod has a thread form, and the support base has a threaded connecting hole for threaded interconnection with the positioning rod. 16

26. A positioning member as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the support base is a support chair.

27. A positioning member as claimed in claim 25, wherein the support base is a second said ferrule and the threaded connecting hole is provided by the positioning bore of the second ferrule.

28. A ferrule assembly, including: a ferrule having an elongate body with opposed ends, a connecting bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; a positioning bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto the other end thereof, and, a transversely extending cross hole in the ferrule body, the connecting bore opening into the cross hole; a cross bar extending through the cross hole; and, a positioning member extending into the positioning bore thereby connecting the positioning member to the ferrule, the positioning member interferingly engaging upon the cross bar in the cross hole so as to fix the ferrule in position relative to the cross bar, and the positioning member in use of the assembly bearing on a reference surface thereby to facilitate retention of the 2 ferrule in a predetermined position relative to the reference surface.

29. A ferrule assembly, including; a pair of ferrules, each ferrule having an elongate body with opposed ends, a connecting bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule, S 30 a positioning bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto the other end thereof, and o a transversely extending cross hole in the ferrule body, the connecting bore opening into the cross hole, bore opening into the cross hole, 17 the ferrules being axially aligned on a common longitudinal axis with the other ends of the ferrule bodies in facing relation; a respective cross bar extending through each cross hole; and, a positioning member extending between and into the positioning bores thereby connecting the positioning member to each ferrule, the positioning member interferingly engaging upon the cross bars in the cross holes so as to fix the ferrules in position relative to the cross bars, and retaining the ferrules in predetermined positions relative to one another and relative to a reference surface on which one of the ferrules bears. A ferrule assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings.

31. A ferrule for providing mechanical fixing to a cast product including: an elongate body; a connecting bore in the body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; and, positioning means cooperable with a positioning member to facilitate 20 retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position in the cast product during use thereof, wherein the positioning means includes a positioning stud extending from the ferrule body for receiving the positioning member.

32. A ferrule for providing mechanical fixing to a cast product including: an elongate body with opposed ends; connecting bore in the body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule; and, S.a positioning stud extending from the other end of the ferrule body for S* receiving a positioning member which facilitates retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position in the cast product during use thereof.

33. A ferrule as claimed in claim 32, wherein the other end of the body has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the 18 longitudinal extent of the body, and the positioning stud extends from the other end face.

34. A ferrule as claimed in claim 32 or 33, wherein the positioning stud is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the positioning stud is threaded for threaded connection of the positioning member to the ferrule body.

36. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35, and further including a cross hole in the ferrule body for accommodating a cross bar.

37. A ferrule as claimed in claim 36, wherein the mounting hole extends transversely of a longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

38. A ferrule as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein the cross hole is open ended so that the cross bar can extend entirely through the ferrule body. 20 39. A ferrule as claimed in claim 38, wherein the cross hole is positioned adjacent the other end of the ferrule body. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 39, wherein the connecting bore extends longitudinally of the ferrule body.

41. A ferrule as claimed in claim 40, wherein the one end of the body has an at least substantially planar end face extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the body, and the connecting bore opens onto the one end face.

42. A ferrule as claimed in claim 40 or 41, wherein the connecting bore is positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

43. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 42, wherein the connecting bore is closed at an end remote from the one end of the body. 19

44. A ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 43, wherein the connecting bore is threaded for threaded connection of a structural member to the ferrule. A positioning member for facilitating the retention of a ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 44, in a predetermined position in a cast product, including a support base which bears on a reference surface to locate the ferrule in the predetermined position relative thereto, and the support base having a connecting means for interconnection with the positioning means of the ferrule.

46. A positioning member as claimed in claim 45 wherein the connecting means of the positioning member and the positioning means of the ferrule are threaded for interconnection.

47. In combination, a ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 supported on a positioning member as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 27.

48. In combination, a ferrule as claimed in any one of claims 31 to S-supported on a positioning member as claimed in claim 46.

49. A ferrule, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. A positioning member, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings.

51. In combination, a ferrule as claimed in claim 49 supported on a positioning member as claimed in claim

52. A cast product including a ferrule of any one of claims 1 to 18 or claims 31 to 45 or claim 49, supported on a positioning member of claims 19 to 27 or claims 46 or Dated: 24 June 2002 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: RETAIL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES PTY LTD *o o o 16 interferingly engaging upon the cross bar in the cross hole so as to fix the ferrule in position relative to the cross bar, and the positioning member in use of the assembly bearing on a reference surface thereby to facilitate retention of the ferrule in a predetermined position relative to the reference surface. 33. A ferrule assembly, including; a pair of ferrules, each ferrule having an elongate body with .opposed ends, a connecting bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto one end thereof for connecting a structural member to the ferrule, a positioning bore extending longitudinally in the ferrule body and opening onto the other end thereof, and a transversely extending cross hole in the ferrule body, the connecting 6 ore opening into the cross hole, the ferrules being axially aligned on a common longitudinal axis with the other ends of the ferrule bodies in facing relation; a respective cross bar extending through each cross hole; and, 0a positioning member extending between and into the positioning bores thereby connecting the positioning member to each ferrule, the positioning member interferingly engaging upon the cross bars in the cross holes so as to 0@ 20 fix the ferrules in position relative to the cross bars, and retaining the ferrules in predetermined positions relative to one another and relative to a reference surface on which one of the ferrules bears. loll 34. A ferrule assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying 25 drawings. 055555 S DATED: 22 December 2000 0 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: RETAIL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES PTY. LTD. W:Vka9eSPECP4881.doC