GB2304854A - Framework connector - Google Patents
Framework connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2304854A GB2304854A GB9616618A GB9616618A GB2304854A GB 2304854 A GB2304854 A GB 2304854A GB 9616618 A GB9616618 A GB 9616618A GB 9616618 A GB9616618 A GB 9616618A GB 2304854 A GB2304854 A GB 2304854A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- members
- connector
- structural
- male
- structural members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229910001018 Cast iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/24—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal
- E04B1/2403—Connection details of the elongated load-supporting parts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/58—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements
- E04B1/5825—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section
- E04B1/5831—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section of substantially rectangular form
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
- F16B7/044—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship
- F16B7/0446—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for tubes using the innerside thereof
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/24—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal
- E04B1/2403—Connection details of the elongated load-supporting parts
- E04B2001/2406—Connection nodes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/58—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements
- E04B1/5825—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section
- E04B2001/5856—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements with a closed cross-section using the innerside thereof
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
A structural frame for a building and the like comprises hollow structural members of square or rectangular section joined by connectors (23), each connector comprising a body (22) and three male members (24, 25, 26) extending orthogonally therefrom and sized to fit within the hollow ends of respective structural members. The connectors (23) and structural members are initially held together using adhesive and then secured permanently by spiral springs or pins driven into holes (28). The connectors (23) are each cast in one piece from spheroidal graphitic cast iron, and the structural members are rolled steel sections.
Description
CONNECTOR
This invention relates to connector, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a connector for use in the construction industry for connecting structural columns and beams. The invention also relates to a structure including such connectors.
Many buildings and structures are built around steel frames, formed of vertical columns and horizontal beams.
The columns and beams are generally connected by bolting or welding, both of which create stresses at the connections, and which generally require the presence of skilled tradesmen to ensure that the connections are properly formed.
It is among the objectives of the present invention to provide a connector which obviates or mitigates these disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided a structure comprising: at least two structural members having hollow ends: and at least one connector, the connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom, each male member being adapted to be received in a close fitting relationship with a respective structural member end.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a structural frame for a building and the like, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of structural members having hollow ends;
providing a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom; and
securing the male members in the hollow ends of respective structural members to form a structural frame.
The invention permits frames for buildings and other structures to be assembled quickly and easily, without requiring skilled labour.
Preferably, the male members extend orthogonally from the connector body. Most preferably, each connector has three or more male members extending therefrom.
Preferably also, each male member is initially secured in the respective structural member end using adhesive for temporary alignment purposes, which adhesive may be applied to the male member before it is inserted into the structural member. Such an operation may be readily carried out by unskilled personnel. Additionally, retaining members may be used to permanently secure the joints. Most preferably, a spiral pin or the like is driven through appropriate aligned holes in the members, and again this operation being readily carried out by unskilled personnel.
Preferably also, the male members and the hollow structural members are of generally square or rectangular section. This provides an increased contact area between the connected members and is therefore particularly advantageous where the members are initially secured by adhesive. Most preferably, the corners of at least the male members and the hollow ends of the structural members are radiused, to minimise stress concentration and the likelihood of crack formation.
Preferably also, the structure is formed of iron-based material. Most preferably, the connector is formed of spheroidal graphitic cast iron, such that the connectors may be cast in one piece. This material also provides good impact resistance and resistance to crushing.
Conveniently, the structural members are steel rolled hollow sections (RHS).
These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structural frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are end, side and plan views of a connector forming part of the frame of Figure 1.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings which illustrates an exemplary structure in the form of a cuboid frame 8, made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The frame 8 comprises four upright columns 10, 11, 12, 13, four floor beams 14, 15, 16, 17 and four roof beams 18, 19, 20 and 21. The columns and beams are joined by respective floor and roof node connectors 22, 23, and an exemplary roof node connector 23 is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.
The columns and beams comprise rectangular steel rolled sections (RHS), the columns 10 - 13 and the shorter side beams 14, 15, 18, 19 being of square section, and the longer front and rear beams 16, 17, 20, 21 being of rectangular section.
The connector 23 is a casting formed of spheroidal graphitic cast iron and includes a generally cuboid body 22 and three male members 24, 25, 26 extending orthogonally therefrom. The male members are sized to be located within the ends of the respective column 10 and beams 18, 20 and thus the member 24 for engaging the front roof beam 20 is rectangular, while the members 25, 26 for engaging the column 10 and the side beam 18 are of square cross-section.
It will be noted that the corners of the male members 24, 25, 26 are radiused to minimise stress concentration and thus minimise the risk of crack formation. The beams and columns are similarly radiused.
In use, the male members 24, 25, 26 are located in the ends of the respective column and beams during assembly of the frame 8. Prior to locating the members in the hollow ends of the structural members, the outer surfaces of the members 24, 25, 26 are coated with adhesive such that an adhesive bond is formed between the male members and the ends of the hollow members. In addition, a number of holes 28 are drilled through the assembled columns, beams and male members to receive spiral springs (not shown) to further secure the column and beams on the connector 23.
Thus, it may be seen that connectors, in conjunction with the hollow structural members, may be relatively easily connected to create a structural frame 10.
It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto, without departing from the invention.
Claims (17)
1. A structure comprising:
at least two structural members having hollow ends; and
at least one connector, the connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom, each male member being adapted to be received in a close fitting relationship with a respective structural member end.
2. The structure of claim wherein the male members extend orthogonally from each connector body.
3. The structure of claim 1 or 2 wherein each connector has three or more male members extending therefrom.
4. The structure of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each male member is initially secured in a respective structural member by adhesive.
5. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein retaining members are utilised to permanently secure the male members in the ends of the structural members.
6. The structure of claim 5 wherein the retaining members are in the form of spiral pins driven through appropriate aligned holes in the members.
7. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the male members and the structural members are of generally square or rectangular section.
8. The structure of claim 7 wherein the corners of at least the male members and the hollow ends of the structural members are radiused.
9. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the structural members and connector are formed of iron based material.
10. The structure of claim 9 wherein the connector is formed of spheroidal graphitic cast iron.
11. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the connector is cast in a single piece.
12. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the structural members are steel rolled hollow sections.
13. A method of forming a structural frame for a building and the like, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of structural members having hollow ends;
providing a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom; and
securing the male members in the hollow ends of respective structural members to form a structural frame.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein each male member is initially secured in the respective structural member end by adhesive.
15. The method of claim 13 or 14 where retaining members are utilised to permanently secure the structural members on the connectors.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein holes are drilled through the hollow ends and male members of the assembled structural members and connectors and the retaining members located therein.
17. The connector substantially as described herein and as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9516577.5A GB9516577D0 (en) | 1995-08-12 | 1995-08-12 | Connector |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9616618D0 GB9616618D0 (en) | 1996-09-25 |
GB2304854A true GB2304854A (en) | 1997-03-26 |
Family
ID=10779173
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9516577.5A Pending GB9516577D0 (en) | 1995-08-12 | 1995-08-12 | Connector |
GB9616618A Withdrawn GB2304854A (en) | 1995-08-12 | 1996-08-08 | Framework connector |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9516577.5A Pending GB9516577D0 (en) | 1995-08-12 | 1995-08-12 | Connector |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (2) | GB9516577D0 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2400427A (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2004-10-13 | Future Products Ltd | Connecting block |
EP1640519A2 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-03-29 | Richard Anthony Whiting | Corner member and a load transmission member |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB310692A (en) * | 1928-06-02 | 1929-05-02 | Benjamin Edmund Etherton | Improvements in or connected with skeleton structures, such as shop and other fronts, frames for doors, windows, pictures and the like |
GB1008031A (en) * | 1963-09-27 | 1965-10-22 | John William Archer | Improvements in or relating to furniture and other frame construction joints |
GB1337613A (en) * | 1972-02-15 | 1973-11-14 | Porta Showers Ltd | Framework joint |
GB1338694A (en) * | 1970-04-20 | 1973-11-28 | Schaetzle W | Tubular body frame for a motor vehicle |
US3873220A (en) * | 1972-02-17 | 1975-03-25 | Nihon Space Union Co Ltd | Tube joint |
GB1473199A (en) * | 1974-05-08 | 1977-05-11 | Esquire Inc | Housing |
US4161375A (en) * | 1978-05-05 | 1979-07-17 | Murphy Pierce M | Connector for tubes of square cross-section |
EP0175196A2 (en) * | 1984-09-12 | 1986-03-26 | Azucena Sa | Member, construction system with a support to be assembled with at least one member of such a kind and dismountable structure realized by assembling a plurality of such members and supports |
-
1995
- 1995-08-12 GB GBGB9516577.5A patent/GB9516577D0/en active Pending
-
1996
- 1996-08-08 GB GB9616618A patent/GB2304854A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB310692A (en) * | 1928-06-02 | 1929-05-02 | Benjamin Edmund Etherton | Improvements in or connected with skeleton structures, such as shop and other fronts, frames for doors, windows, pictures and the like |
GB1008031A (en) * | 1963-09-27 | 1965-10-22 | John William Archer | Improvements in or relating to furniture and other frame construction joints |
GB1338694A (en) * | 1970-04-20 | 1973-11-28 | Schaetzle W | Tubular body frame for a motor vehicle |
GB1337613A (en) * | 1972-02-15 | 1973-11-14 | Porta Showers Ltd | Framework joint |
US3873220A (en) * | 1972-02-17 | 1975-03-25 | Nihon Space Union Co Ltd | Tube joint |
GB1473199A (en) * | 1974-05-08 | 1977-05-11 | Esquire Inc | Housing |
US4161375A (en) * | 1978-05-05 | 1979-07-17 | Murphy Pierce M | Connector for tubes of square cross-section |
EP0175196A2 (en) * | 1984-09-12 | 1986-03-26 | Azucena Sa | Member, construction system with a support to be assembled with at least one member of such a kind and dismountable structure realized by assembling a plurality of such members and supports |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2400427A (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2004-10-13 | Future Products Ltd | Connecting block |
GB2400427B (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2006-02-15 | Future Products Ltd | Improvements relating to the connection of beams |
EP1640519A2 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-03-29 | Richard Anthony Whiting | Corner member and a load transmission member |
EP1640519A3 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2008-01-23 | Richard Anthony Whiting | Corner member and a load transmission member |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9516577D0 (en) | 1995-10-11 |
GB9616618D0 (en) | 1996-09-25 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |