GB2412690A

GB2412690A - Clamping device for joining worktops

Info

Publication number: GB2412690A
Application number: GB0417343A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Dabell; Christopher Smith
Original assignee: D P BAKEWELL Ltd
Current assignee: D P BAKEWELL Ltd
Priority date: 2004-03-29
Filing date: 2004-08-04
Publication date: 2005-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-04
Also published as: GB0417343D0; GB0407100D0; GB2412690A9; GB2412690B

Abstract

A device for joining two members together so that a face of one member abuts a face of the other member (e.g. joining two worktop panels P1, P2 together edge-to-edge). A key element (10) is inserted into a slot, bore or other recess in the face of one member (P1) so that a portion of the key element (10) projects from that face, then the two members are brought together so that the projecting portion of the key element (10) enters a slot, bore or other recess (S2) in the other member (P2). The two members are then clamped together using an elongate fixing element (12) which projects from, extends through or is engaged to the key element (10)

Description

241 2690

ARRANGEMENTS FOR JOINING MEMBERS TOGETHER

The present invention relates to a method of and a clamp for joining two members together, and more particularly but not solely to joining worktop panels together edge-to-edge.

In forming a work surface, it is commonly necessary to join worktop pieces or panels together edge-to-edge.

Considerable care is taken to align two worktop panels accurately, so that the surfaces of the two panels are level before being clamped together: however, accurate levelling is difficult to achieve and very often it is necessary to carry out a lot of surface-finishing, after the panels have been joined, to provide a flush surface across the line of join.

We have now devised a method, and a clamp for use in this method, which can be used for joining two worktop panels together edge-to-edge in an accurate manner, so that the top or finish surfaces of these panels will be level across the line of join: the method and clamp can however be used with advantage for the joining together of panels or other members in a variety of arrangements, whether to bring the surfaces of these members level with each other or otherwise.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of joining two members together so that a face of one member abuts a face of the other member, the method comprising inserting a key element into a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of one member, positioning the two members with their respective faces in abutment and with a portion of said key element projecting from said face of said one member and entering a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of said other member, and clamping the two members together using an elongate fixing element which projects from, extends through or is engaged to said key element.

Preferably the key element is a close or interference fit into the slot, bore or other recess provided in the abutment face of each of the two members being joined together.

Providing the respective slots, bores or other recesses are accurately positioned in the two members, then the two members become accurately positioned or aligned relative to each other, when brought together and clamped. Where the faces of the two members which are to abut are the edges of two panels, then the surfaces of these panels may be made level with each other, although in some circumstances the arrangement may form a step, between the top surface of one panel and the top surface of the other panel, of a predetermined and, typically uniform, amount.

Preferably the elongate fixing element extends, in use, in a direction generally perpendicular to the abutting faces of the two members being joined.

Typically the key element will be inserted into the slot, bore or other recess in the one member so that said portion of the key element projects from the face of that member, and then the two members are brought together in face- to-face abutment so that the projecting portion of the key element enters the slot, bore or other recess in the face of the other member.

In some cases, where there is insufficient space to align the two members whilst a portion of the key element projects from one member, the key element is initially inserted into the slot, bore or other recess in one member so as not to project from the face of that member, then the two members are brought together in face-to-face abutment, and then the key element is displaced so that a portion thereof projects from the slot, bore or other recess in the one member and enters the slot, bore or other recess in the other member.

The elongate fixing element may project from the key element and, in use, have means engaged to its outer end to effect the clamping: such means may comprise a nut threaded onto the end of the elongate fixing element, and typically a washer or thrust plate against which the nut acts. Instead, the elongate farm =-ment., ...'S I- halt.,Th,h is tightened into the key element to effect the clamping. In another variant, the elongate fixing element may extend through the key element and, in use, have means engaged to both of its outer projecting ends, to effect the clamping.

Preferably the key element is fixed into the slot, bore or recess of one said member, preferably using one or more screws, before the two members are brought together.

Preferably the key element is formed with one or more passages or apertures for these fixing screws, arranged so that the or each fixing screw will extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the abutting faces of the two members being joined. The key element may be fixed using two screws passed through bores either side of the elongate fixing element or stud: instead, the key element may be fixed in place using a screw countersunk into a bore extending through it, into the outer end of which bore the elongate fixing element or stud is subsequently threaded.

The key element may comprise a flat body having opposite edge portions for engaging into respective said slots in the abutting faces of the two members. Instead, the key element may comprise a cylindrical body for engaging into respective bores in the abutting faces of the two members.

Preferably one of the two members is formed with a recess, typically in an underside surface thereof, into which the projecting end of the elongate fixing element extends, when the two members are brought together. The clamping is effected by engaging a fixing means to this end of the elongate fixing element, within the recess formed in the e.g. underside of the respective member. A bore or other passage extends through this member, from its face to the respective recess, to accommodate the elongate fixing element. Typically the fixing means, engaged to the end of the elongate fixing element, acts against an end surface of the recess, when tightened onto the elongate fixing element to effect the clamping.

Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a clamp for using in joining two members together so that a face of one member abuts a face of the other member, the clamp comprising a key element having a body for inserting at least partially into a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of one member and positioning so that it extends partially into a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of the other member, and an elongate fixing element projecting from said key element body or extending through or arranged to extend through said key element body to project therefrom, or arranged for one end thereof to engage said key element body.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a section through the adjoining edges of two worktop panels which have been joined using a method and clamps in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a key element of the clamp in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 3 is an underside view of a localized area of the adjoining worktop panels, showing one of the clamps used in joining the worktop panels together; FIGURE 4 is an underside view of the adjoining worktop panels, showing the use of a set of three clamps in joining them together; FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of the key element of a clap in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 6 is an isometric view showing the key element fitted into a slot formed along the edge of a first of two worktop panels to be joined together; FIGURE 7 is an isometric view showing a corresponding slot formed along the edge of the second worktop panel and further showing the two panels about to be brought together, the key element harina been fitted into the first panel FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of the clamp used in joining the worktop panels together edge-to-edge; FIGURE 9 is an isometric view of a modified key element, provided with a stud projecting in opposite directions from the body of the key element; FIGURE 10 is a sectional view of a clamp, which comprises the key element of Figure 9, used in joining two worktop panels together edge-to-edge; FIGURE 11 comprises a plan view and rear and front edge views of the key element of a modified clamp; FIGURE 12 is a sectional view showing two panels joined together using the clamp of Figure 11; FIGURE 13 is a sectional view showing two panels joined at right angles, using a method and clamps in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 14 is a sectional view showing a key element of cylindrical form fitted into a bore formed in the edge of one panel; and FIGURE 15 is a sectional view showing two panels joined together by another embodiment of clamp in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, first and second worktop panels Pi, P2 are joined together edge-to-edge using a number of clamps each of which comprises a key element having a projecting stud 12, the outer end of which receives a washer or thrust plate 14 and a nut 16. Figure 4 shows a typical arrangement in which the two panels Pi, P2 are joined end-to-end and three clamps (not shown in this Figure) are used, spaced across the width of the panels, to join them together.

As shown particularly in Figures 2 and 5, the key element 10 of each clamp comprises a flat, rectangular body having the stud 12 projecting from the centre of one of its edges, at right angles thereto. From the same edge of the key element two countersunk bores 11 extend throL,gh it to its opposite edge, the bores 11 being positioned either side of the stud 12. The stud 12 is screw-threaded either along its whole length or adjacent both ends, and is screwed into a bore or socket 13 formed in the body of the key element 10.

Before joining the two panels P1, P2 together edge-to- edge, the edges to be joined are machined in precision manner to form respective, longitudinal slots or channels S1, S2: the slots S1, S2 of the two panels P1, P2 are formed at the same, precise spacing from their top or finished surfaces.

Typically the worktop panels comprise a layer L of surface material, bonded to a supporting substrate M of Shipboard or MDF (see Figure 1), which is thicker than the surface material layer: in such a case, the slots S1, S2 are machined in the edges of the supporting substrates M. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the key element 10 is inserted into the slot S1 of one of the worktop panels P1 and is fixed in position by screws (not shown) passed through the countersunk bores 11 and engaged into the material of the panel. The key element 10 has approximately half of its body within the slot S1 and its other half projecting from the slot S1: also, the thickness of the key element 10 is precisely equal to the width of the slot S1, so that the key element fits precisely within the slot.

The other worktop panel P2 is formed, on its underside, with a recess R for each clamp which is used (see the set of three recesses R in Figure 4) . These recesses R are formed at a predetermined distance from the edge of the panel and at positions to align with the studs 12 of the key elements 10 fitted to the worktop panel P1. Further, slots C are formed in the underside of the worktop panel P2, one for each recess R. each slot C extending from its recess R to the edge of the panel: instead, a bore may be drilled into the edge of the panel P2, from the bottom of its longitudinal slot S2 and into the recess R. P.ef lo.= t^ 7, ante the e l,, mhc Of Or elements 10 have been fitted into the longitudinal slot S1 of the first panel P1 and the corresponding recesses R and slots C (or alternative bores) have been formed in the second panel P2, then the two panels are brought together edge-to-edge, so that the projecting studs 12 of the key elements 10 of panel P1 extend into the recesses R of the panel P2 and the projecting portions of the key elements themselves fit into the longitudinal slot S2 of the panel P2. The top or finish surfaces of the two panels P1, P2 are thus brought accurately level with each other.

Finally, the washers or thrust plates 14 are applied to the ends of the studs 12, where these project into the recesses R in the underside of the second panel P2, and the nuts 16 are similarly applied and tightened. The nuts accordingly urge the washers or thrust plates 14 against the end surfaces of the recess R. either side of the slot C, with the effect of clamping the two panels P1, P2 together.

Figure 9 shows a key element 10 which is modified by the provision of two studs 12 projecting in opposite directions from the centres of opposite edges of the key element body.

The two studs 12 may comprise a single stud extending completely through the key element and projecting from its opposite edges: the single stud need not be screw-threaded to the key element 10, but may instead pass freely through it.

In use of this key element, both panels P1, P2 are formed with recesses in their undersides, as the recesses R shown in Figures 3 and 4: also both panels are formed with slots or bores, as the slots C shown in Figures 3 and 4, extending from the recesses R to the edges of the panels. Washers or thrust plates 14 and nuts 16 are then applied to both studs 12 (or to both ends of the one through-stud) of each key element, in the respective recesses in the undersides of both panels. The completed assembly is shown in Figure 10.

Figure 11 shows a key element 10 which is modified by haTr32ng =' th'^ghh'e 1)=, - -Sn-e -=nt'=r he-weep the t.A?f) countersunk bores 11 for the fixing screws. An hexagonal section recess 12b is formed in the rear edge of the key element 10, in register with the through-bore 12a, to receive the head of a bolt when passed through the through-bore 12a from the rear edge of the key element. Referring to Figure 12, once this bolt 12 is inserted in this manner, the key element 10 is fixed into the slot in the edge of panel P1, then the two panels P1, P2 are brought together edge-to-edge for the projecting portion of the key element to enter the slot in the edge of panel P2 and the projecting end of the bolt 12 to enter the recess R in the underside of panel P2: finally, the washer or thrust plate 14 and nut 16 are applied to the end of the bolt 12, as in the previously-described embodiments, the head of the bolt 12 being held against rotation by its engagement in the hexagonal recess 12b of the key element.

Whilst the above description has been given in relation to two panels P1, P2 to be joined edge-to-edge in order to bring their top surfaces level with each other, the method and clamps of the present invention may be used to join two panels or members together in other arrangements. For example, two panels may joined edge-to-edge, but with a predetermined step between the top surface of one and the top surface of the other: however, the panels (or other members) may be joined other than edge-to- edge. As another example, therefore, Figure 13 shows an arrangement in which two panels P3, P4 are joined at right angles to each other: thus, a key element 10 is shown fitted into a slot formed in a surface of the panel P3, which is then brought up to the edge of panel P4 so that the projecting portion of the key element 10 is fitted into a slot formed in the edge of panel P4 and the stud 12 extends into a recess formed in the underside of the panel P4; finally, the washer or thrust plate 14 and nut 16 are applied to the end of the stud 12, as previously described.

Also, whilst the key element 10 has been described as comprising a flat body, it may instead take other forms. For example, and as shown in Figure 14, the key element may comprise a cylindrical body 10, arranged to be partly inserted into a bore B formed into e.g. the edge of one panel P1, with this cylindrical body 10 fixed in place by a screw 18 passed through a countersunk bore lOa through its centre: the outer end lOb of this bore is arranged to have a threaded stud 12 screwed into it once the fixing screw has been tightened. The projecting end of the cylindrical body 10 of the key element is received in a bore formed in the edge of the second panel.

Figure 15 shows an arrangement for use where the mating edges of the two panels or other members cannot be separated sufficiently to allow insertion of the key element, after fitting into one member to project therefrom, into the slot, bore or recess of the second member. In this arrangement, the slot, bore or recess S2 in one panel P2 is formed to a depth greater than the overall length of the key element 10: the key element 10 is fitted fully into the slot, bore or recessS2 in the panel P2, and the edges of the two panels are brought into alignment. A stud 12 is then inserted, from the recess R in the underside of the panel P2, through a bore in the key element 10, and tightened to displace the key element 10 into the slot, bore or recess S1 in the panel P1, and fix it to that panel, the key element 10 projecting partly onto the slot S2 in the panel P2. Finally, a thrust washer 14 and then a nut 16 are applied to the threaded outer end of the stud 12, to clamp the two panels P1,P2 together, in the same manner as in the arrangements previously described. In an alternative, the slot, bore or recessS1 in the panel P1 may be formed to a depth greater than the overall length of the key element 10, the key element in this case then being inserted fully into the slot S1 and fixed in place using at least one (preferably two) screws inserted through it and into the panel P1, in such a way as to leave the key element 10 free to be displaced a limited distance outwardly of the slot S1. Then a bolt or stud is inserted! from the recess R in the underside of the panel P2.

and screwed into a bore in the key element 10: as this bolt is tightened, or a nut is tightened on the outer end of the stud, the bolt or stud serves to displace the key element 10 partly out of the slot S2 in the panel P2, before the key element 10 is stopped by the heads of its fixing screws and further tightening of the bolt, or of the nut on the end of the stud, serves to clamp the two panels together edge-to-edge, as previously described.

Claims

1) A method of joining two members together so that a face of one member abuts the face of the other member, the method comprising inserting a key element into a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of said one member, positioning the two members with their respective faces in abutment and with a portion of said key element projecting from said face of said one member and entering a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of said other member, and clamping the two members together using an elongate fixing element which projects from, extends through or is engaged to said key element.

2) A method as claimed in claim 1, in which said key element is inserted into said slot, bore or other recess in said one member so that a portion of said key element projects from said face of said one member, and then said members are brought together in face-to-face abutment so that said projecting portion enters said slot, bore or other recess in said face of said other member.

3) A method as claimed in claim 1, in which said key element is initially inserted into said slot, bore or other recess in said one member so as not to project from said face of said one member, then said members are brought together in face-to-face abutment, and then said key element is displaced so that said portion thereof projects from said slot, bore or other recess in said one member and enters said slot, bore or other recess in said other member.

5) A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said key element is a precise fit into the slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of each of said members.

6) A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said elongate fixing element has one end fixed to the key element and its opposite end projecting therefrom, and means are engaged to said opposite end of said elongate fixing element to effect said clamping.

7) A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which said elongate fixing element is passed through a passage formed in the key element, said elongate fixing element having at one end a head which is received in a recess in one face of said key element, the opposite end of said elongate fixing element projecting from an opposite face of said key element, and means are engaged to said opposite end of said elongate member to effect said clamping.

8) A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which said elongate fixing element extends through said key element to project from opposite faces thereof, and means are engaged to both ends of said elongate fixing element, to effect said clamping.

9) A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, in which at least one of said members is formed with a recess in a surface thereof, into which the or a projecting end of said elongate fixing element extends, when the two members are brought together, and said clamping is effected by engaging said means to the end of said elongate fixing element such that said means urge against an abutment surface of said recess.

10) A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, in which said means comprises a nut threaded onto the or each end of said elongate fixing element.

11) A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which said elongate fixing element comprises a screw or bolt which is tightened into said key element to effect said clamping.

12) A method as claimed in claim 11, in which said other member is formed with a recess in a surface thereof, and said screw or bolt is inserted from said recessed surface to engage with said key element and is tightened for its head to urge against an abutment surface of said recess.

13) A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said key element is fixed into said slot, bore or recess in said one member, before the two members are brought together.

14) A method as claimed in claim 13, in which said key element is fixed into said slot, bore or recess in said one member, using at least one screw or bolt.

15) A method as claimed in claim 14, in which two said screws or bolts are used, passed through bores in said key element either side of said elongate fixing element or the passage for said elongate fixing element.

16) A method as claimed in claim 14, in which a said screw or bolt is passed through a passage in said key element, to fix said key element to said one member, such that the head of said screw or bolt becomes inset from the end of the passage into which it was inserted, and said elongate fixing element is subsequently engaged into the free portion of the same passage.

17) A method of joining two members together, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, Figures 9 and 10, Figures 11 and 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 or Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings.

18) A clamp for use in joining two members together so that a face of one member abuts a face of the other member, the clamp comprising a key element having a body for inserting at least partially into a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of one member and positioning so that it extends partially into a slot, bore or other recess provided in said face of the other member, and an elongate fixing element projecting from said key element body, or extending through or arranged to extend through said key element body to project therefrom, or arranged for one end thereof to engage said key element body.

19) A clamp as claimed in claim 18, in which one end of said elongate fixing element is fixed to said body and projects therefrom.

20) A clamp as claimed in claim 18, in which said elongate fixing element is passed through, or is arranged to be passed through, a passage formed in said body, said elongate fixing element having at one end thereof a head which is engaged, or arranged to be engaged, in a recess in one face of said body, with the opposite end of said elongate fixing element projecting from the opposite face of said body.

21) A clamp as claimed in claim 18, in which said elongate fixing element extends through said body.to project from opposite faces thereof.

22) A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising clamping means for applying to the or each projecting end of said elongate fixing element.

23) A clamp as claimed in claim 22, in which the or each clamping means comprises a nut for threading onto said elongate fixing element.

24) A clamp as claimed in claim 23, in which the or each clamping means further comprises a thrust element against which said nut urges.

25) A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24, in which said body is formed with one or more passages or apertures to enable it to be fixed, using screws, bolts or other fasteners, into said slot, bore or recess of said one member.

26) A clamp as claimed in claim 24, in which said body is formed with two said passages or apertures, one either side of said elongate fixing element or the passage in which, in use, the elongate fixing element is engaged.

27) A clamp as claimed in claim 24, in which said body is formed with a passage through which a screw or bolt may be passed to fix said body to said one member, such that the head of said screw or bolt becomes inset from the end of the passage into which it was inserted, and the elongate fixing element may be engaged subsequently into the free portion of said passage.

28) A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 27, in which said body is generally flat and rectangular in shape.

29) A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 27, in which said body is generally cylindrical in shape.

30) A clamp substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, Figures 9 and 10, Figures 11 and 12, Figure 14 or Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings.