GB2123512A

GB2123512A - Structural assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2123512A
Application number: GB08219089A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald Francis Denman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-07-01
Filing date: 1982-07-01
Publication date: 1984-02-01

Abstract

A structural assembly comprises a channel member 10, a block 15 slidable in the channel member, the channel member having inwardly turned edges to retain the block therein, and means 20 mounted to the block for securing it relative to the channel member, whereby the block provides a variable mounting point along the channel member for other channel members 11, 12 by means of respective further blocks 16, 17 secured thereto and to the first block 15. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Structural assembly This invention relates to structural assemblies.

The invention provides a structural assembly comprising a channel member, a block slidable in the channel member, the channel member being shaped to retain the block therein, and means mounted to the block for securing it relative to the channel member, whereby the block provides a variable mounting point along the channel member.

The channel member may have at least one generally inwardly turned edge thereby to retain the block therein, and preferably has both outer edges thus turned.

Typically, the cross-section of the channel member is symmetrical, the channel member for example having a generally vee-shaped crosssection. The size of this vee and the inwardly turned edges, where present, preferably form in cross-section part of a generally square shape. In the latter case, the block conveniently has a substantially square cross-section corresponding to the square shape.

The securing means preferably comprises a threaded member threadedly mounted in the block whereby to be engageable against the inside of the channel member.

The block may comprise at least two portions, in which case the securing means may alternatively comprise a threaded member threadedly mounted in one of the portions such that rotation of the threaded member relative to the one portion urges the two portions apart to engage them against the inside of the channel member.

Where the block comprises at least two portions, these are conveniently insertable separately into the channel member through its open side and assembled therein. Such two portions when assembled may typically adjoin in a plane which intersects the open side of the channel member.

The assembly may include a second channel member, a second block slidable in the second channel member, the second channel member being shaped to retain the second block therein, means mounted to the second block for securing it relative to the second channel member, and means for attaching the blocks to one another so that the channel members can be rigidly connected together.

The blocks are preferably formed with corresponding mutual abutment faces such as to connect the channel members at right angles.

Advantageously, where the first channel member has an inwardly turned edge, the abutment face of the first block is formed with a step corresponding to this edge to take the interface of the blocks clear of the first channel member.

The assembly may further include a third channel member, a third block slidable in the third channel member, the third channel member being shaped to retain the third block therein, means mounted to the third block for securing it relative to the third channel member, and means for attaching the third block to the first or second block so that all the channel members can be rigidly connected together.

The blocks and the channel members' crosssections may be respectively similar in shape and preferably also in size, thus providing a unitary type construction system.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from below of an assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a channel member and block therein; Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 but showing a modified form of block; Figure 4 is a view also corresponding to Figure 2 showing another modification of the block; Figure 5 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 1 of an assembly according to the invention but utilising a composite form of block; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of another assembly according to the invention.

Referring first to Figure 1, the assembly comprises a vertical channel member 10 having a uniform cross-section. This cross-section, as will be evident from Figure 2, has a general rightangled vee shape with both outer edges inwardly turned at right-angles in symmetrical fashion to form part of a generally square shape.

A block 1 5 having an approximately square cross-section corresponding to the interior of the member 10 is slidable in the channel member 10 in a direction parallel thereto but can be secured relative to the member 10 by means of a grub screw 20. The grub screw 20, formed with a hexagonal recess 21 to receive a standard hexagonal key, is threadedly mounted in a diagonal tapped hole 22 of the block 1 5. A bore 23 in line with the hole 22 allows the key to be inserted to tighten up the screw 20 which thus engages the channel member 10 to hold the block in any desired position along the member 10.

A second channel member 11 is arranged horizontally for connection to the vertical channel member 10. A second block 1 6 similar to the first block 1 5 is similarly slidable in the horizontal member 11 and for effecting the connection is secured (by its grub screw) flush with the end of the member 11. A threaded rod or long grub screw 25 is screwed into a correspondingly tapped hole 27, the first block 1 5 and passes through a longitudinal hole in the block 16 corresponding to longitudinal hole 28 in the block 1 5. A nut 29 is tightened on the protruding end of the rod or screw 25 thus fastening the blocks 1 5 and 1 6 together thereby rigidly connecting the channel member 10 and 11.Instead of member 25 and nut 29 an ordinary headed screw of suitable length could be used.

As can be seen from Figure 2, opposite faces of the blocks 1 5 and 1 6 are parallel and adjacent faces are perpendicular so that the channel members 10 and 11 are connected at right-angles to one another, the outer end face of the block 16 abutting the side face 35 of the block 15.

In an exactly similar manner a third channel member 12 and block 17 can be attached to the block 1 5 as shown in ghost lines in Figure 1. The outer end face of the block 1 7 abuts side face 36 of the block 15 and it will be appreciated that the three channel members 10, 11 and 12 are thereby connected together mutually at right-angles.

A further block 18 may be secured at the lower end of vertical member 10 to allow the attachment of a shoe to stand on a floor or indeed the block 1 8 may be screwed directly to the floor.

Blocks may also be located at the outward ends of the members 10, 11 and 12 for the attachment thereto of plastic end caps.

As will be evident from Figure 2, each block is provided with steps in its side abutment faces corresponding to the inwardly turned edges of the channel members. These steps are slightly deeper than the thickness of the material of the channel members so that the planes of the abutment faces are clear of the channel members. This allows for example the grub screw 21 to be loosened and the assembly of members 11 and 12 while remaining connected together to be slid to a desired position along the member 10 and secured there. To allow access to the screw 21, notches 30 and 31 are formed in the blocks 1 6 and 1 7.

The blocks are conveniently solid, being made for example from aluminium or duralumin, but can alternatively be fabricated from two or more separate elements. Figures 3 and 4 show other possible forms of block. That in Figure 3 is formed in two portions 40 and 41 separated on a diagonal plane parallel to the channel member. The grub screw 21' in this case engages in a recess 43 formed in the portion 40. Tightening of the grub screw 21' urges the portion 40 against the channel member and hence secures the block in position. In other respects, the block of Figure 3 is similar to those of Figures 1 and 2.

The block in Figure 4 is a version of the block 15, being split into three portions 45, 46 and 47 in directions parallel to the channel member.

Portions 45 and 46 are similar. An advantage of this form of block is that the portions thereof can be inserted separately into the channel member through the open side thereof and assembled therein instead of insertion having to take place through the end of the channel member as is necessary with the type of block in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5 shows an assembly similar to that of Figures 1 and 2 but in which the blocks 1 5, 16 and 17 are integrally formed as a single block member 1 9. This obviates the need for members 25 and 29. The block member 1 9 is provided with slots (shown in dotted lines) giving clearance to the inwardly turned edges of the channel members, and the lower steps in the portions corresponding to blocks 1 6 and 1 7 are continued along the central portion corresponding to block 1 5. In the absence of channel member 10 this permits the member 1 9 to be siid along either of members 11 and 12 so that L or T joints can be formed therebetween.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the blocks 50 are elongate with a flat rectangular cross-section.

Tapped holes 51 in the blocks 50 project diagonally from the channel members 10, 12 and perform the same function as hole 22 in block 1 5.

Threaded rods or long grub screws 52 are screwed into and through the holes 51 to engage the opposite corner of the respective channel member to secure the blocks 50 in the desired positions relative to their respective channel members. A flange plate 55 is provided for attaching the blocks 50 together, this plate 50 having edge portions 56 bent at 45 degrees and formed with slots 57 to-admit the screws 52. Nuts 58 are tightened on the screws 52 to clamp the flange plate 55 to the blocks 50 thereby to connect the channel members 10 and 12 rigidly together.

A triangular flange plate may also be used as a strengthening bracket in the first embodiment optionally in conjunction with further blocks. For example, a flat flange plate could be used in a horizontal plane to brace the lower faces of blocks in the members 11 and 12. Alternatively, a flange plate with edge portions bent at right-angles could be secured to the vertical faces of such blocks.

Tension wires can also be connected between the blocks for strength.

The channel members used in the above embodiments can be manufactured in any suitable manner, for example by drawing, moulding or simply by bending flat material. An advantage of the cross-section of channel member described is that board of suitable thickness can be located in the channel members. For example, such a board could be located in member 10 in a plane parallel to one side of the vee thereof while abutting against the end and inner side respectively of the inwardly turned edges of the member.

The above embodiments of the invention provide simple, robust and versatile construction systems which are quick and easy to erect in any desired position or configuration. These systems can provide for example frame work for panelling, support systems for shelving and have a wide variety of other uses. Various modifications will occur to the man skilled in the art according to the required purpose, such as appropriate modification of the blocks so that the channel members can be connected at angles other than right-angles.

Claims

1. A structural assembly comprising a channel member, a block slidable in the channel member, the channel member being shaped to retain the block therein, and means mounted to the block for securing it relative to the channel member, whereby the block provides a variable mounting point along the channel member.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the channel member has at least one generally inwardly turned edge thereby to retain the block therein.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the channel member has both outer edges generally inwardly turned.

4. An assembly as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 3 wherein the cross-section of the channel member is symmetrical.

5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the channel member has a generally vee-shaped cross-section.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 when dependent on claim 3 wherein the sides of the vee and the inwardly turned edges form in crosssection part of a generally square shape.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the block has a substantially square cross-section corresponding to the square shape.

8. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the securing means comprises a threaded member threadedly mounted in the block whereby to be engageable against the inside of the channel member.

9. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the block comprises at least two portions, the securing means comprising a threaded member threadedly mounted in one of the portions such that rotation of the threaded member relative to the one portion urges the two portions apart to engage them against the inside of the channel member.

10. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the block comprises at least two portions which may be inserted separately into the channel member through its open side and assembled therein.

11. An assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the two portions when assembled adjoin in a plane which intersects the open side of the channel member.

12. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a second channel member, the block having an integral portion slidable into the second channel member which is shaped to retain that portion therein, and means mounted to the block for securing it relative to the second member.

13. An assembly as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a third channel member, the block further having a second integral portion slidable into the third channel member which is shaped to retain that portion therein, and means mounted to the block for securing it relative to the third channel member.

14. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a second channel member, a second block slidable in the second channel member, the second channel member being shaped to retain the second block therein, means mounted to the second block for securing it relative to the second channel member, and means for attaching the blocks to one another so that the channel members can be rigidly connected together.

1 5. An assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the blocks are formed with corresponding mutual abutment faces such as to connect the channel members at right angles.

16. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the abutment face of the first block is formed with a step corresponding to the one inwardly turned edge to take the interface of the blocks clear of the first channel member.

1 7. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 further comprising a third channel member, a third block slidable in the third channel member, the third channel being shaped to retain the third block therein, means mounted to the third block for securing it relative to the third channel member, and means for attaching the third block to the first or second block so that all the channel members can be rigidly connected together.

18. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 1 7 wherein the blocks and the crosssections of the channel member are respectively similar in shape.

1 9. An assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the blocks and the cross-sections of the channel members are respectively similar in size.

20. A kit of parts for a structural assembly, comprising a channel member, a block slidable in the channel member, the channel member being shaped to be able to retain the block therein, and means mountable to the block for securing it relative to the channel member.

21. A structural assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, Figures 1 and 2 with any or all of the blocks substantially as in Figure 3 or Figure 4, or Figures 1 and 2 as modified by Figure 5 or Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.