GB2111160A - Bracket and framework - Google Patents

Abstract

Two members (10, 11) are connected together by a bracket (12) which is a tight fit in the channel of member (10). The bracket comprises a first limb (1 5) and a second limb (16) which are at right angles and meet along a straight line (17). The edges of the limbs engage the inwardly facing surfaces of the flanges of member (10) at least at positions adjacent to line (17), the curved edge (18) of limb (15) allows the bracket to be twisted into the tight fit. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Bracket and framework comprising bracket The invention relates to a bracket, and to a framework comprising elongate members and a bracket.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bracket comprising two limbs which meet along a line wherein the width of one of the limbs measured in a direction along said line and in a region adjacent to the line is less than the width of the other limb adjacent to the line.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bracket comprising two limbs which meet along a line, wherein an edge of one of the limbs extends from the line towards an opposite edge of the one limb.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a framework comprising two elongate members, the transverse cross-sections of at least one of which defines a channel, and a bracket wherein the bracket is affixed to the other of the members and is in a tight fit within the channel defined by the one member.

The invention provides a more convenient means than has been used hitherto for connecting elongate members. A bracket in accordance with the invention can hold respective members in a close fitting relationship in such a manner that one of the members does not require support before permanent fixing of the bracket to that member.

An example of an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of parts of two elongate members connected by a bracket; and FIGURE 2 shows an elevation of the underside of the framework shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows two members 10 and 11 which are connected together by a bracket 1 2. Both of the members are elongate and substantial portions of each are not shown in the drawing.

The drawing shows an intermediate part of the member 10 and one end of the member 11.

The members and bracket form part of a framework 20.

Each of the elongate members 10 and 11 has an identical I-shaped cross-section. The members comprise a web 13 and flanges 14 at each end of the web and extending transversely thereof to form channels on either side of the web. When referring to the length of a member, we intend to refer to that dimension which extends along the elongate length of the member. By the width of a member we mean that dimension measured in a direction across the web transverse to the length, and by the depth we mean that dimension measured from a free edge of one of the flanges to the web.

Figure 2 of the drawings shows an elevation viewed along the length of the member 10 facing towards the opposite surface of the web 1 3 of member 11 from that shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that the flanges 14, unlike the web 13, are not of uniform thickness. Each of the flanges is thickest adjacent to the free edges thereof and tapers towards the junction where the respective flange joins the web. The flanges and web form a dovetail-shaped channel on each side of the web such that the width of the channel is greater adjacent to the surface of the web and is least between the free edges of the flanges.

The bracket 12 comprises a first limb 1 5 and a second limb 1 6 which is substantially at right angles to the first limb. Each of the limbs is substantially planar, and the limbs meet along a substantially straight line 1 7.

It can be seen from Figure 1 that the first limb 1 5 comprises a curved edge 1 8 which intersects one end of the line 1 7. In the example illustrated the radius of curvature of the edge is approximately equal to the length of the line with the centre of curvature at the opposite end of the line. A limb with a curved edge of the kind shown has a continually decreasing width measured at points in a direction away from the line 1 7, which widths have the maximum values for allowing the bracket to be twisted in the channel, as hereinafter described. Parts have been cut away from opposite edges of the second limb 1 6 to form inset edges 19 adjacent to the line 17, as shown in Figure 2. The edges complement the dovetail surfaces of the flanges 14 of member 11.

The drawing shows the members 10 and 11 connected together by means of the bracket 12 to form part of a framework 20. A surface of the second limb 1 6 is in face-to-face contact with a surface of web 13 of member 11 and the bracket is affixed thereto by means of rivets 21. The bracket protrudes beyond the end of member 11, by a distance in the lengthwise direction which is equal to the depth of the channel of member 10.

By this means a surface of limb 1 5 is in or is close to a face-to-face engagement with a surface of the web of member 12 and the free edges of the flanges at one end of the member 11 engage free edges of the flanges of member 1 0.

The bracket is in a tight fit in the channel of member 10. The edges of the limbs 1 5 and 1 6 engage the inwardly facing surfaces of the flanges of member 10 at least at positions adjacent to the line 1 7. When the fit is tight, member 11 is held in a position extending transversely of member 1 0. If the weight of member 11 tends to produce a slight pivoting action in the engagement of bracket 12 with member 10, for example where member 10 extends in a vertical direction and member 11 is otherwise unsupported and extends in a horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 1 , the member 11 and the bracket lock against a tendency to slide in the channel of member 10.

Pivoting is limited by the engagement of the free edges of the flanges of the members.

When the bracket is in a tight fit in the channel of member 10, the line 1 7 extends in a substantially widthwise direction relative to both of members 10 and 11. The outwardly facing surfaces of the flanges of both members are substantially co-planar.

A plurality of members and brackets can be used to construct a framework of the kind whereof a part is shown in the drawing. Such a framework can be used, for example, for forming partitions in buildings wherein panels are affixed to the outwardly facing surfaces of the flanges of the members. Each bracket allows a temporary adjustable connection to be made between respective members before further rivets or bolts are inserted through holes 22 to make the connection permanent.

To assemble the framework, the bracket 12 protruding from the end of member 11 is inserted in the channel of the further member 10 extending transversely of the first member. The dimensions of the bracket require this insertion to be carried out with the flange 1 4a of the member 11 above the flange 1 4b of that member, since the widest part of the bracket is wider than the narrowest part of the dovetail channel. When the bracket is first inserted, line 1 7 is at an angle to lines which extend in widthwise and lengthwise directions on member 10. The curved edge 18 of the bracket allows the bracket to be twisted into a tight fit about a centre line extending along the length of member 11 when the limb 15 and the flange of member 10 are in face-to-face contact.

Engagement of a rectilinear edge of limb 1 5 opposite to edge 18 with a flange 14 limits further twisting when line 1 7 is perpendicular to the length of member 10.

When constructing a framework, a member can be fitted to respective other members so that a connection is simultaneously formed at each end of the member. Brackets with curved edges adjacent to the same flange of the member 15 are required at either end of the member so that the member can be twisted into position.

Claims (11)

1. A bracket comprising two limbs which meet along a line, wherein the width of one of the limbs measured in a direction along said line and in a region adjacent to the line is less than the width of the other limb adjacent to the line.

2. A bracket comprising two limbs which meet along a line, wherein an edge of one of the limbs extends from the line towards an opposite edge of the one limb.

3. A bracket according to claim 2 wherein said one edge is curved and has a radius of curvature which is less than or equal to the maximum width of the bracket measured in a direction extending longitudinally of the line.

4. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein each of the limbs is substantially flat.

5. A framework comprising two elongate members, the transverse cross-section of at least one of which defines a channel, and a bracket wherein the bracket is affixed to the other of the members and is in a tight fit within the channel defined by the one member.

6. A framework according to claim 5 wherein the channel defined by said one of the members has a dovetail shape and wherein the widest part of the channel is the innermost part thereof.

7. A framework according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the bracket is a tight fit at the widest part of the channel defined by the one member.

8. A framework according to claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein a bracket according to claim 2 is affixed at each end of the other of the members and wherein the edges of one of the limbs of the brackets are on the same side of a centre line extending along the length of the member so that the brackets can be twisted simultaneously into tight fits with members at each end of the other member.

9. A bracket substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

1 0. A framework substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

11. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawing.