GB2266756A

GB2266756A - A flexible fixing and housing assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2266756A
Application number: GB9208284A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Designs Limited Milkwood; Philip Dallas Say; Nigel Paul Soper; Anthony Rudland Alfred Howard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-04-15
Filing date: 1992-04-15
Publication date: 1993-11-10
Also published as: GB9208284D0

Abstract

A flexible fixing and housing assembly comprises a bolt 10, an internally threaded cap head 4, a washer 3, and a spring 7 in a shaped housing 1, which allows flexibility in structures where loads placed on elements of that structure cause movement. As shown, the assembly is used in the attachment of slats 9 in a bench or chair. In another embodiment, compression spring 7 may be replaced by a resilient washer (5, Fig. 2). <IMAGE>

Description

FLEXIBLE FIXING & HOUSING ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a flexible fixing & housing assembly.

In the construction of for example furniture, where flexibility of elements of a structure is essential or unavoidable, it is necessary to use a fixing method that can accommodate such movements but preserve the integrity of the structure. This invention will allow a structure to absorb a load whilst at the same time be able to return to the original position prior to the load being applied.

In relation to certain materials; Medium Density Fibreboard, chipboard, plywood and other laminar or compound board materials it has not been possible before to make use of such materials in a structural (load bearing) capacity where flexibility of supported sections has been the desired or inevitable consequence of a design. This invention allows use of such materials in this mode.

The invention can be accommodated in different shaped housings to suit different load patterns.

The fixing constitutes a bolt, washers, an internally threaded cap head and the flexibility is achieved by a spring or compressible washer depending on the degree of load to be absorbed. The housing shape is defined by the load requirement (two forms are illustrated) As can be seen in the drawings the housing allows the free movement of the fixing under load without imposing shear forces on the material in which it is located. Similarly the compressible medium (spring or washer) allows the fixing to return to its original position when the load is removed.

A specific embodiment of this invention will now be described in relation to the accommodation of load in the case of slats found on a bench or chair the profile of which (illustrating housings and slat location) is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows the profile of a bench or chair incorporating the housings and slats Figure 2 shows front elevation, side elevation and cutaway of fixings and housing in unloaded position. Two assemblies shown to indicate both ends of bench or chair Figure 3 shows front elevation as Fig 2 under load Figure 4 shows top view of assembly as in Fig 2 Figure 5 shows cutaway isometric view of assembly as in Fig 2 Figure 6 shows front/side elevation and cutaway of fixings as in Fig 2 but with different bolt, washer and spring components to allow greater load tolerance Figure 7 shows front elevation and cutaway as in Fig 6 but under load Figure 8 shows isometric view of fixings and housing detail as illustrated in Figs 2,3,4 and 5 Figure 9 shows isometric view of fixings and housing detail as illustrated in Figs 6 and 7 Figure 10 shows isometric view of fixings and housing detail for alternative load demand The assembly in Figs 2,3,4 and 5 shows the slats 9 fixed by bolts 2, washers 3 and 5 and internally threaded cap head 4 to a detail of the profile 11 in Fig 1 via the housing 1 which is machined into the profile 11 The assembly in Figs 6 and 7 shows the slats 9 fixed by bolts 10, washers 3 and 6, compression spring 7 and internally threaded cap head 4 to a detail of the profile 11 in Fig 1 via the housing 1 which is machined into the profile 11 The isometric cutaway in Fig 10 shows the bolt 2, washers 3 and 3 and internally threaded cap head associated with a different housing 8 that could be machined into a profile 11 as in Fig 1 to deal with an alternative load demand.

Claims

I A flexible fixing and housing assembly comprising bolt 2,10, internally threaded cap head 4, washers 3,5,6, spring 7 in a shaped housing 1,8 which allows flexibility in structures where loads placed on those parts cause movement which is a desirable or inescapable feature of a design.
2 A flexible fixing and housing assembly which allows use of such materials as Medium Density Fibreboard, chipboard, ply and other laminar or fibrous board materials in a structural mode.