GB2031715A - Adjustable brackets - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket comprises a generally U-shaped channel base portion, the arms of the base embracing and being rigidly secured to the sides of a channel sectioned arm extending substantially at right-angles thereto, the base having a rearwardly extending clevis tag formed therein to engage within the channel of a supporting rail, and being provided with at least one bore into which fixing means may be introduced adjustably but firmly to retain said bracket in engagement with said rail. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to a bracket This invention concerns a bracket, and in particular a bracket for use in conjunction with a channel-shaped member, such channelshaped member usually being of a kind suitable for connecting to, or embedding in, concrete or a like material. It is an established system to embed, into concrete, channelshaped members which, with the use of a plurality of co-operating components are used to connect other structural components (shelves, metal framing and the like) as will be apparent from the specifications of British Patents Nos. 959,109; 1,319,451; 1,349,453 and 1,350,764.

One object of this invention is to provide a versatile bracket which is compact, yet strong, and which can co-operate with channelshaped members.

More specifically an object of this invention is to provide a bracket which, by virtue of being reversible, reduces the need for a plurality of differing brackets. In prior proposals the bracket comprised a generally upright Usection from which a channel section, constituting an arm protruded, the generally upright portion being adapted to embrace, and be secured to, a fixed supporting channel. Due to rearwardly protruding arms of the generally upright U-section this type of bracket could not be used where the fixed supporting channel was embedded flush in concrete and in the circumstances it was necessary to provide alternative forms of bracket to deal with installations where brackets were needed to cooperate with a flush fixing.It was also necessary to fabricate differing bracket constructions to accommodate not only these flush and non-flush applications but also to provide a bracket which could be used so that the protruding channel-sectioned arm may be selected to have its open side disposed in a particular direction.

According to this invention there is provided a bracket comprising a generally Ushaped channel portion adapted to be secured to a fixture in the form of fixed channel section, the arms of the U-shaped channel portion embracing and being rigidly secured to the side cheeks of a channel sectioned arm extending substantially at right-angles thereto, the base of the U-shaped channel portion having a clevis tag formed therein, such tag being adapted to engage within the channel of the fixture, said bracket also being provided with at least one bore into which fixing means (for example in the form of a nut and bolt) may be introduced.

More particularly the fixing means may comprise a nut described and claimed in British Patent specification No. 1,319,451.

Conveniently said tag is symmetrically disposed on said bracket to permit the bracket to be used in a choice of positions relative to the fixture.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and further features of the same more readily appreciated an embodiment of the improved bracket will now be described by way of example, and with reference to, the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 to 4 show examples of brackets required to carry out previously the function of the single bracket the subject of the present application, Figure 5 is a sectional view of a known nut and bolt arrangement; Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a bracket in accordance with this invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of the bracket of Fig. 6; and, Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of the bracket of Figs. 6 and 7.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 4 it will immediately be seen that in two versions (Fig. 1 and 2) the brackets comprise a U-shaped member adapted to embrace a fixed surfacefitted channel member whereas in the other two known versions (Figs. 3 and 4) the bracket comprises a substantially flat plate adapted to engage within the channel of such a fixed channel member, these latter versions being for use with a flush fitted member. The need for two types of bracket of each version is to enable the location of the channel sectioned protruding arm either with its open side uppermost or lowermost and to ensure that the requisite strength of the bracket is maintained. This is especially necessary in the versions of Figs. 3 and 4 where the rearwardly directed clevis tag is provided at the foot of the plate.

With reference to Figs. 6, 7 and 8 it will be seen that the embodiment of bracket in accordance with this invention comprises a generally U-shaped channel portion 1 comprising a fixture-engaging base 2 and side cheeks 3 and 4. The base 2 is provided with a centrally disposed outwardly directed clevis tag 5. The inner surfaces of the side cheeks 3 and 4, and the inner surface of the base 2, are welded to an end portion of a generally channel-sectioned arm 7 having a base 8, side walls 9 and 10 and inturned flanges 11 and 12, such flanges 11, 1 2 providing component-engaging supports.

The bracket is adapted to be releasably secured in any desirable location to a fixture itself comprising another channel section also which has a base, side walls and inturned flanges and this bracket may be secured to the fixture whether the fixture lies flush with, or is superposed upon or below, a structure-for example, a concrete structure.

The bracket in accordance with this invention may be located in either one of two angular positions adjacent and with respect to said fixture and with the clevis tag 5 located in the mouth of the open channel of said fixture and with the base 2 lying in contact with the inturned flanges of the channel. The bracket is retained in this position by one or more nut and bolt assemblages extending through either one of, or both of, the axial bores 1 3 and 14 in the base 2 immediately above and below the tag 5. The nut and bolt connector may conveniently be of known type having a portion which embraces behind the returns of the channel of the fixture; a typical example of such an assemblage is shown in Fig. 5.

The clevis tag 5 is provided to prevent sideways or rotational movement of the bracket with respect to the fixture.

It will be immediately apparent that the bracket may be attached to a channel-sectioned fixture so that the protruding arm 7 has its channel open uppermost or alternatively is open in a downward direction.

The tag is centrally located in relation to the remainder of the bracket thereby making the bracket substantially symmetrical and thereby providing it with the requisite versatility. Additionally the positioning of the tag in this way allows for zinc to drain when the bracket is hot-dip galvanised during production. Additionally if, in use, the arm 7 is located with its channel side uppermost and should water collect within the channel then the tag permits the water to drain therefrom.

In use the brackets would normally be secured to an upright channel sectioned fixture with only one bolt and the aperture used would be that located uppermost.

Claims (4)

1. A bracket comprising a generally Ushaped channel portion adapted to be secured to a fixture in the form of fixed channel section, the arms of the U-shaped channel portion embracing and being rigidly secured to the side cheeks of a channel sectioned arm extending substantially at right-angles thereto, the base of the U-shaped channel portion having a clevis tag formed therein, such tag being adapted to engage within the channel of the fixture, said bracket also being provided with at least one bore into which fixing means may be introduced.

2. A bracket according to claim 1 wherein said tag is symmetrically disposed on said bracket to permit the bracket to be used in a choice of positions.

3. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.

4. A bracket substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.