GB2378455A

GB2378455A - Framework connectors

Info

Publication number: GB2378455A
Application number: GB0119047A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis Anthony Jones; Colin Antony Jones
Original assignee: Aspect Management Ltd
Current assignee: Aspect Management Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-04
Filing date: 2001-08-04
Publication date: 2003-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-04
Also published as: GB2378455B; GB0119047D0

Abstract

A conservatory framework comprises an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and a sill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eaves structure, there being at least one corner and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure and/or the sill being formed by a separate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and/or the sill. For example figs 5 and 7 show an eave and corresponding sill connector for the receipt of a non/mitred eave or sill beam.

Description

FRAMEWORK CONNECTORS This invention relates to the construction of conservatories of the type in which glazed window frames are provided between an eaves beam and a cill, the eaves beam and the cill being in the form of extruded profiles, e. g. of a metal such as aluminium or aluminium alloy or of a plastics material.

One of the problems associated with the fabrication of such conservatories lies in the cutting of the extruded profiles to form comer joints. This is generally done by mitring of adjacent sections of the extruded profile. To ensure accuracy, the cutting is often done off-site (e. g at factory premises) and the previously mitred profiles are then transported to the erection site.

The present invention seeks to provide a conservatory design which eliminates the need for the production of mitred joints between sections of the eaves beam and/or cill profiles.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a conservatory framework comprising an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and a cill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eaves structure, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure and/or the cill being formed by a separate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and/or the cill.

In this way, the need to mitre the profiled sections is eliminated. Instead, each profiled section may be cut substantially at right angles relative to the length of the section

and the connector may be configured to interconnect the profile sections at a predetermined angle relative to each other.

The connector may be arranged to interfit with each profiled section in such a way that the two components are telescopically interconnected, e. g. so that one component inserts into the other. For example, the connector may have two angularly related projections each for receiving or reception in an end of one of the profiled sections.

One feature of the invention resides in the use of the connectors to locate load-transmitting members which serve to transmit the weight of the roof from the eaves structure so that the window frames in use are largely relieved from carrying the weight of the roof.

Another feature of the invention resides in the use of the eaves beam connectors to mount the glazing bars of the roof for tilting adjustment.

These and other features and aspects of the present invention will become further apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof and the appended claims.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a diagrammatic line drawing showing part of a conservatory from a side elevation ; Figure 2 is a corresponding plan view of the conservatory;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of the roof structure of an alternative design; Figure 4 is a perspective view of one form of connector block for use in making joints at comer of the eaves beam structure of the form shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of one form of connector block for use in making in-line joints in the eaves beam structure; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connector block for use in making joints at comer of the eaves beam structure shown in Figure 3; Figures 7 and 8 perspective views of cill comer connectors for use at the comers of the conservatory frameworks shown in Figures 1 and 3 respectively; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side elevation showing a glazing bar mounting shoe for assembly to a comer or in-line eaves beam connector of the present invention or directly to the eaves beams themselves ; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic end view of the shoe of Figure 9, also showing the profile of the inner member of the glazing bar; Figures 11 and 12 are diagrammatic perspective views of alternative forms of shoe ; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an eaves beam extruded profile; and

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an assembly comprising an eaves beam end connector, a cill end connector and a load-transmitting post.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a conservatory in accordance with the invention typically comprises a load-bearing wall 100 carrying a cill 102 above which a roof structure 104 is supported with glazed window frames (not shown) located between the cill 102 and an eaves beam 106 (also commonly referred to as the ring beam) of the roof structure. The roof structure comprises a ridge 108 and glazing bars 110 extending between the ridge 108 and sections of the eaves beam which extend around the sides of the conservatory. The glazing bars 110 serve to support roofing panels, e. g. of glass. polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride, extending from the ridge 108 and overhanging the eaves beam sections 106. The eaves beam 106 and the cill 102 each comprise extruded profiles of for example aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the eaves beam and the cill are each made up of a number of sections cut from the respective extruded profiles and joints between adjacent sections are shown at locations El, E2 and Cl, C2, El and Cl being comer joints and E2 and C2 being intermediate joints between in-line sections of the extruded profiles. Typically, in a 3 segment-fronted conservatory design as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the internal angles at joints El and Cl will be about 135 . Where the design is a 5 segment-fronted conservatory, the internal angles at joints El, Cl will be about or 150 . In a design such as that shown in Figure 3, the eaves beam and cill joints may be of the in-line type corresponding to E2, C2 and the comer joints may be right angled.

Currently the practice is to produce the joints by mitring the adjacent sections of the extruded profiles forming the eaves beam and the cill, which is time consuming and

requires a significant degree of accuracy in cutting if well-fitting joints are to be achieved. For this reason, the sections of the extruded profiles are usually cut to size and mitred offsite and then delivered to the construction site. Also, in current designs, the weight of the roof structure is largely transmitted from the eaves beam to the cill and hence to the loadbearing wall 100 through the glazed window frames which are often fabricated from extruded PVC profiles. In accordance with the present invention, mitring of the joints between the adjacent sections of the extruded profiles is eliminated by employing separate connectors which provide the comer joints or in-line joints of the eaves beam and/or the cill and"squaring off'the ends of the extruded profiles by cutting them substantially at right angles to the length of the profile.

One example of a comer connector for the joints El in the eaves beam structure is shown in Figure 4 and will be seen to comprise a block 120 having inner and outer faces 122 and 124 corresponding to the angle of the joint and side faces 126 which are angularly related so as to conform with the angle required. For example, the faces 126 of the block may be at an angle of 135 or 1500 relative to each other. Each face 126 is provided with a projection 128 which is configured to interfit with the eaves beam profile.

As shown in Figure 4, the projections 128 are of generally square configuration and, as such, are appropriate for insertion into an eaves beam profile including a corresponding cross-section. However, it will be understood that the internal cross-sectional shape of the eaves beam profile may take a wide variety of forms and that the projections 128 may be configured accordingly to match. When so fitted, the ends proper of the eaves beam profile will be brought into abutment with those areas of the side faces 126 surrounding the projections 128 to afford a tight joint between the profiled section and the face 126. After the connector has been fitted with the eaves beam section to be interconnected, suitable fasteners may be used to secure the eaves beam sections to

the connector. The connector may be provided with pre-drilled holes for the purpose, e. g. for receiving self-tapping screws.

Figure 5 illustrates an in-line connector for use in making a joint E2, the connector comprising a central portion 130 having a front face 132 which is intended to be flush with the eaves beam sections on each side thereof. Projections 134 extend from each side of the central portion 130 for interfitting with the internal profile of the eaves beam sections. Each projection 134 may be provided with pre-drilled holes 135 for reception of fasteners, e. g. self-tapping screws, for securing the eaves beam sections to the connector.

Figure 6 illustrates a connector suitable for making right angled joints between adjacent eaves beam sections. In this case, the connector comprises a block 140 of generally cuboidal configuration having outer faces 142 (one only shown) which are right angles to one another and are intended to be flush with the eaves beam sections and sides faces 144, also at right angles to each other, provided with projections 146 for interfitting with the eaves beam sections in the manner described above in relation to the connector of Figure 4.

In each of the connector embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, means 160 is provided for providing a tiltable connection between the lower ends of the glazing bars 110 and the eaves structure so as to allow the pitch of the roof to be adjusted during installation. The tiltable connection may take various forms including a tiltable or pivotable bolt arrangement of the kind disclosed for instance in British Patent Application No. 2347963, i. e. where the head of the bolt is received within a channel in the eaves beam structure and is designed to permit tilting of the associated glazing bar. The means 160 may comprise a channel 162 for reception of the tiltable component so that the tiltable

component is captive with the connector and may be adjusted slidably lengthwise of the channel.

Alternatively, instead of a tiltable bolt arrangement, the tiltable connection may be achieved by means of glazing bar-mounting shoes as will described further later.

In the case of the comer connectors of Figures 4 and 6, the channel 162 extends generally horizontally and perpendiculary with respect to the bisector between the side faces of the connector block. The connector blocks in each case may be substantially symmetric with respect to a vertical plane normal to the length of the channel 162.

The connector embodiments of Figures 4 to 6 are also designed for the purpose of controlling the load-bearing characteristics of the conservatory framework and, in particular, to ensure that the window frames are largely relieved of load-bearing duties so far as the weight of the roof structure is concerned. In particular, the connectors of Figures 4 to 6 are designed to co-operate with vertical load-transmitting members 164 which transmit the weight of the roof structure from the eaves beam to the load-bearing wall 100 thereby substantially by-passing the window frames. These load-transmitting members 164 are primarily located at the comers of the conservatory framework but, particularly where the framework involves relatively long spans of the eaves beam with the attendant possibility of"sagging", they may also be located intermediate the comers by inclusion of the in-line connectors of Figure 5 in the eaves beam structure. In a modification, the load-transmitting members 164 may be arranged to transfer the weight of the roof directly to ground level rather than to the wall 100.

Each connector is provided with a formation which interengages with the load-transmitting members 164. For example, where the load-transmitting members are in the form of posts, the connectors may be provided with recesses 166 (not shown in Figure 5) having a configuration generally complementary to the outer periphery of the posts and

opening at the bottom face of the blocks. In this case, the top portions of the posts are received in the recesses so as to abut with the bases of the recesses 166. In a modification, at least the top portions of the load-transmitting members may be hollow so as to receive a projection provided on the bottom walls of the connectors.

Cill comer connectors are illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The cill extruded profile is typically of the conventional box section configuration corresponding to the cross-sections of the connectors in Figures 7 and 8. The connector 180 of Figure 7 is of the type used for example for a standard 135 or 1500 comer between adjacent cill sections and is dimensioned for reception of the ends of the cill sections thereby concealing the end proper of each cill section which does not therefore need to be mitred and may simply be squared off. Once the cill sections have been engaged with the connectors 180, they may be secured in place by affixing them to the top of the wall 100. The cill connector 182 of Figure 8 is generally the same as that of Figure 7 except that the angle in this case is 900.

In addition to the comer connectors 180,182, in-line cill connectors (not shown) may be provided which comprise a straight length having a profile corresponding to the comer connectors of Figures 7 and 8. The in-line cill connectors may be used in conjunction with the in-line connectors for the eaves structure.

The cill connectors as described above interfit with the cill sections by insertion of the ends of the latter within their interiors. However, the possibility of the cill connectors having portions which insert into the ends of the cill sections is not excluded.

In this case, the cill connectors may have a central portion which is exposed and substantially flush with the cill sections.

As in the case of the connectors for the eaves structure, each of the cill connectors is adapted for co-operation with the substantially vertical load-transmitting members 164, in particular the bottom ends of the latter, so that the weight of the roof

structure is transmitted to the load-bearing wall 100 thereby largely by-passing the window frames. The bottom ends of the members 164 may seat on the top walls of the cill connectors in which case the cill connectors will be provided with means for registry with and location of the bottom ends of the members 164. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the arrangement may be such that the top wall 190 of the cill connectors is relieved of load-carrying duties, e. g. by forming the top walls 190 with an aperture 192 through which the members 164 extend for engagement with the bottom wall which seats on the load-bearing wall 100. If desired, the bottom walls may also be apertured so that the members 164 extend through the cill connectors and seat directly on the wall 100.

The eaves beam connectors and the cill connectors may be produced as plastics mouldings, e. g. polypropylene or nylon, or they may be fabricated from other materials such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Reverting now to the mounting of the glazing bars 110, Figure 9 illustrates one form of mounting shoe for co-operation with the channels 162 associated with the eaves structure connectors of the present invention and with corresponding channels associated with the eaves beams themselves. One form of eaves beam profile is illustrated in Figure 13 by way of example. It will be understood that where the eaves beam profile is as shown in Figure 13, the projections of the comer and in-line connectors will be adapted to match the internal profile of the eaves beam.

As shown in Figure 10, the glazing bars 110 comprise an inner member 28 and an outer member (not shown) attachable to the inner member. The glazing bar construction may be of any of the forms disclosed in our prior British Patent Applications Nos. 0118713.7 and 0118716.0 filed on 1 August 2001 under references N01/0455/GB and (N01/0471/GB), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The inner member 24 is T-shaped and comprises a cross-piece 26 and a central stem 28 which terminates at its upper end in a channel 30 by means of which the outer member may be attached to the inner member, e. g. in the manner disclosed in the above mentioned prior British Applications. The cross-piece 26 may be provided with cladding (not shown) to conceal the inner member on the inner side of the roof. Once the outer members have been assembled to the inner members of the glazing bars, the roofing panels are trapped between the inner and outer members in the manner disclosed in the prior British Applications.

In constructing the roof, the glazing bars are coupled at their lower ends to the eaves structure in a tiltable manner to accommodate the pitch of the roof, such coupling being effected by means of glazing bar mounting shoes 10 (see Figure 9) which are designed to be mounted tiltably on the eaves structure or on the eaves beam connectors and engage with the glazing bars in such a way that one component inserts or nests within the other in telescopic fashion and locates the glazing bars relative to the eaves structure without requiring any fastening, at least not initially. In this manner, instead of having to fasten the glazing bars while holding them up in the air, after the shoes have been initially engaged with the eaves structure, the installer can then engage sufficient glazing bars with respective shoes to support the ridge structure without having to effect permanent securement of the glazing bars to the eaves structure at that stage.

As shown in Figure 10, each shoe may comprise a channel-section 40 having a base 42, sides walls 44 and inwardly projecting flanges 46 bounding the mouth of the channel. One end of the channel is closed by stop plate 48 and the opposite end is open. The lower end portion of the glazing bar (of which only the inner member 24 is illustrated) inserts slidably into the channel 40 with the cross-piece 26 received as a close fit within the channel and with the stem 28 of the T projecting through the open mouth of the

channel. The flanges 46 serve to trap the cross-piece 26 within the shoe. The fit may be sufficiently close (e. g. an interference fit) that adequate resistance to withdrawal of the glazing bar is provided to prevent the glazing bar accidentally falling out of the shoe once inserted. Intially only the inner member 24 of the glazing bar is engaged with the shoe. The outer member is assembled after the roofing panels have been put in place.

The base of the channel 40 acts as cladding for the lower end portion of the inner member 24, the remaining length being clad by for example plastics cladding extending along the inner face of the glazing bar substantially from the shoe to the ridge.

The stop plate 48 as well as limiting the extent to which the glazing bar can be inserted, also serves as an end closure for the glazing bar thereby obviating the need for a separate end closure. If desired, the stop plate 48 may be provided with a projection (not shown) for co-operation with the outer member to prevent the latter being lifted at that point by a would-be intruder attempting to gain access through the roof by removing the roofing panels.

At its underside, the shoe 10 is provided with a downwardly directed projection which terminates in a portion 50 which co-operates with the eaves beam directly or the eaves beam connectors to allow the shoe and hence the glazing bar to tilt in the direction depicted by reference A according to the desired pitch of the roof. For this purpose, the profile of the eaves beam or the eaves beam connectors includes a channel 162 for reception of the portion 50 so as to allow such tilting to occur. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the portion 50 may be generally cylindrical or spherical (at least in part) and the channel 162 is of generally complementary curvature. The portion 50 may be insertable through the open mouth of the channel 162 in which case the portion 50 may be resiliently deformable to allow this. Alternatively the portion 50 may be inserted from one open end of the channel 162. In both instances, the intergagement between the portion 50 and the

channel is such that the shoe may slide lengthwise of the eaves beam or connector to enable it to be positioned in any desired location.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate modified forms of the shoe in both of which the channel-section 40 of slightly different configuration to that of Figures 9 and 10 but is again designed for reception of the glazing bar by sliding insertion as a close fit. Also both of these embodiments include strengthening or bracing plates 54 securing the upper part of the stop plate 48 to the shoe and a projection 56 for co-operation with the outer member of the glazing bar to prevent it being lifted away from the inner member in the vicinity of the shoe. For instance, the projection 56 may be arranged to overlie the outer member for this purpose.

The bracing plates may in addition to affording reinforcement for the end stop 48 also serve to locate fastening means for securing the shoe to the glazing bar. For example, the bracing plates 54 and the central stem 28 of the inner member 24 may be drilled to receive a bolt to couple the stem to the bracing plates.

In Figure 11, the shoe is provided with a tilting portion 50 of generally cylindrical configuration whereas in Figure 4, it is provided with tilting portion 50 in the form of a curved cup-shaped section which is downwardly convex for co-operation with the channel 162. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the shoe may comprise a plastics moulding, e. g. a single piece moulding, of suitable material such as polypropylene.

Alternatively, it may be fabricated from other materials such as aluminium or other metal.

In Figures 1 to 3 only the forward end of the conservatory is shown. Typically the rearward end will be located against a wall, e. g. the wall of a building such as a house to which the conservatory is attached. At the rearward end, the eaves beams and the cills on each side of the conservatory may terminate in end connectors which may be similar

to those used in-line connectors except that only one projection need be provided for registry with the eaves beam or cill profile. Thus, for example, at the rearward end of the conservatory, an arrangement such as that shown in Figure 14 may be employed. Referring to Figure 14, the eaves beam end connector comprises a block 200 of generally cuboidal configuration adapted at one side thereof for registry with the end of eaves beam. More specifically, the block 200 is provided on one face 201 thereof with a projection 202 which interfits with the eaves beam either with the internal profile or the external profile of the latter. Thus, for example, the projection 202 may be configured generally to match the internal profile of the eaves beam and that end of the eaves beam may be squared off so that it buts tightly against the face 201. The block 200 is also provided with a channel 162 for use in tiltably mounting a glazing bar, e. g. by way of a bar-mounting shoe or a tiltable bolt arrangement in the manner previously described. The lower face of the block 200 is coupled to a generally vertical load-transmitting post 204; for example, by reception in a recess (not shown) opening at the lower face.

The cill end connector 206 has a configuration which generally matches that of the cill profile and interfits with the end of the cill either with the internal profile or the external profile of the latter. For example, the cill end connector 206 may be dimensioned to receive the cill or it may be shaped to insert into the cill profile. An aperture 208 is provided in the connector 206 for location of the post 204 to allow for load transfer to the wall 100 or to ground level.

In use, the post 204 may be secured by any suitable means to the wall of the house against which the rear end of the conservatory is located. The arrangement may be such that the post 204 transmits the weight of the roof to the wall of the house or the securing arrangment may be such that it transmits the load to the wall 100 or to ground level.

In the foregoing description with reference to the drawings, the eaves beam and the cill have closed profiles, e. g. box-type sections. However, the possibility of their having"open"profiles (i. e. a profile which does not enclose a space on all sides) is not excluded.

The connectors disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with the any one of the arrangements disclosed in any one or more of the previously mentioned co-pending GB Patent Applications, co-pending GB Patent Application 0118715.2 (reference N01/0459/GB) and co-pending GB Patent Application of even date herewith and filed under reference number NO 1/0479/GB, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

Claims

1. A conservatory framework comprising an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and a cill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eaves structure, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure and/or the cill being formed by a separate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and/or the cill.

2. A framework as claimed in Claim 1 in which a load-transmitting member extends between at least one eaves structure connector and a cill connector disposed below.

3. A framework as claimed in Claim 2 in which a plurality of such loadtransmitting members is provided and in which the weight of the roof is transmitted by such members so that the window frames in use are largely relieved from carrying the weight of the roof.

4. A framework as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 in which the connectors are adapted to locate the load-transmitting members.

5. A framework as claimed in Claim 4 in which the upper ends of the loadtransmitting members are engaged in recesses in the eaves structure connectors.

6. A framework as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the lower ends of the loadtransmitting members are registered with apertures in the cill connectors.

7. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is a comer connector.

8. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is a comer connector defining a right angled comer.

9. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is a comer connector defining an angle greater than 90 .

10. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is an in-line connector.

11. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each connector and the adjacent section interengage with each other with one component received at least in part within the other.

12. A framework as claimed in Claim 11 in which the connector is an eaves structure connector and comprises a block having side faces from which projections extend for reception within the profile of the eaves structure.

13. A framework as claimed in Claim 12 in which the side faces are angularly related to one another so that adjacent eaves sections are interconnected at an angle to one another.

14. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the eaves structure and/or the cill is formed by an extruded profile.

15. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the connector is a cill connector and has a profile which generally corresponds to that of the adjacent cill sections.

16. A framework as claimed in Claim 15 in which the cill sections engage within the cill connectors.

17. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the connectors are of plastics material.

18. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the eaves structure connector is adapted to mount a glazing bar for tilting adjustment relative to the eaves structure.

19. A framework as claimed in Claim 18 in which the eaves structure connector is provided with a channel for tiltably receiving a component for coupling a glazing bar to the eaves structure.

20. A framework as claimed in Claim 19 in which the component comprises a bolt, the head of which is received tiltably within the channel.

21. A framework as claimed in Claim 19 in which the component comprises a mounting shoe for a glazing bar.

22. A framework as claimed in Claim 21 in which the shoe and the bar slidably intergage one within the other.

23. A framework as claimed in Claim 22 in which the bar is received within the shoe.

24. A framework as claimed in Claim 22 or 23 in which the shoe and the bar interengage as a close fit (e. g. an interference fit) so that the shoe and bar may remain interengaged without the aid of a fastening means.

25. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 24 in which the glazing bar is insertable endwise into the shoe.

26. A framework as claimed in Claim 25 in which the shoe includes an end stop which limits the extent to which the bar is insertable into the shoe.

27. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 26 in which the shoe is of channel-section.

28. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 26 in which the shoe is of channel-section and in which the bar is insertable into the shoe through one end of the channel.

29. A framework as claimed in any one of any one of Claims 21 to 28 in which the glazing bar comprises an inner T-shaped member comprising a cross-piece and a central stem.

30. A framework as claimed in Claim 29 when dependent on Claim 28 in which the inner member is insertable endwise into the channel-section shoe in such a way that the cross-piece is trapped within the channel and the stem of the T projects through an open mouth of the channel.

31. A framework as claimed in Claim 30 in which the cross-piece is trapped in the channel by a flange or flanges bounding the mouth of the channel.

32. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 31 in which the glazing bar comprises an inner member and an outer member attachable to the inner member and in which the shoe includes means for preventing separation of the outer member from the inner member at the lower end thereof when the glazing bar is engaged with the shoe in the normal position of use.

33. A framework as claimed in Claim 32 in which the separation-preventing means comprises an projection co-operating with the outer member when the glazing bar is engaged with the shoe.

34. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 33 including means for use in fastening the glazing bar to the shoe to prevent separation of the bar from the shoe.

35. A framework as claimed in Claim 34 when dependent on Claim 27 in which such means is external to the channel.

36. A framework as claimed in Claim 27,28 or 35 in which the channel is provided with an end plate to limit insertion of the bar and in which bracing plates are provided for use in connection of the end plate to the channel.

36. A framework as claimed in Claim 36 when dependent on Claim 35 in which the bracing plates form the means for use in fastening the bar to the shoe.

37. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 36 in which the shoe includes a projection for co-operation with a socket associated with the eaves structure or eaves structure connector to allow tilting of the shoe and hence a glazing bar coupled to the shoe.

38. A framework as claimed in Claim 37 in which the projection includes a portion having a curvilinear outer surface for co-operation with the socket.

39. A framework as claimed in Claim 38 in which the curvilinear portion of the projection is generally cup-shaped.

40. A framework as claimed in Claim 37 in which the projection includes a generally cylindrical or generally part-cylindrical portion for engagement within the socket.

41. An eaves structure connector comprising a block for interposition between adjacent eaves beam sections and having means for interengagement with adjacent eaves beam sections, means for tiltably mounting a glazing bar and means for registry with a load-transmitting member for transferring the weight of a roof supported from the eaves structure to said member.

42. An assembly comprising an eaves structure connector as claimed in Claim 41 and a glazing bar-mounting shoe tiltably engageable with the connector.

43. A comer, in-line or end connector for use with an eaves beam structure or a cill, the connector being adapted to interfit with a non-mitred end of an extruded eaves beam or cill profile (which may of closed or open configuration) so as extend beyond the end of the profile and provide means for location of load-transmitting components associated with the eaves beam and/or cill.

44. A connector as claimed in Claim 43 having two projections which are in-line or angularly related and serve to interconnect adjaent eaves beam or cill sections.

45. A connector as claimed in Claim 43 comprising an end connector having a single projection for coupling with the end of an eaves beam or cill profile.

46. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 40 in which the eaves structure and/or cill terminates in an end connector as claimed in Claim 45.

47. A conservatory framework substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

48. An eaves structure connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

49. A cill connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A conservatory framework comprising an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and a cill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eaves structure, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being formed by a separate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and comprises a block having side faces from which projections extend for reception within the profile of the eaves structure.

2. A conservatory framework comprising an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and a cill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eaves structure, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure and the cill being formed by a separate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and/or the cill, the eaves connector comprising a block having side faces from which projections extend for reception within the profile of the eaves structure.

3. A framework as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which a load-transmitting member extends between at least one eaves structure connector and a cill connector disposed below.

4. A framework as claimed in Claim 3 in which a plurality of such loadtransmitting members is provided and in which the weight of the roof is transmitted by such members so that the window frames in use are largely relieved from carrying the weight of the roof.

5. A framework as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 in which the connectors are adapted to locate the load-transmitting members.

6. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5 in which the upper ends of the load-transmitting members are engaged in recesses in the eaves structure connectors.

7. A framework as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 in which the lower ends of the load- transmitting members are registered with apertures in the cill connectors.

8. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is a comer connector.

9. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is a comer connector defining a right angled comer.

10. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is a comer connector defining an angle greater than 90 .

11. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one connector is an in-line connector.

12. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each connector and the adjacent section interengage with each other with one component received at least in part within the other.

13. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12 in which said side faces are angularly related to one another so that adjacent eaves sections are interconnected at an angle to one another.

36. A framework as claimed in Claim 27, 28 or 35 in which the channel is provided with an end plate to limit insertion of the bar and in which bracing plates are provided for use in connection of the end plate to the channel.