GB2422157A

GB2422157A - A frame for a building

Info

Publication number: GB2422157A
Application number: GB0501010A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Don Alan Livens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-18
Filing date: 2005-01-18
Publication date: 2006-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-18
Also published as: GB2422157B; GB0501010D0

Abstract

A frame (2) for a building, which frame (2) comprises upright members (4), cross members (6) and roof members (8), the frame (2) being such that it comprises first connecting formations (10) for connecting the cross members (6) to the upright members (4), and second connecting formations (12) for connecting the roof members (8) to the upright members (4), ```the first connecting formations (10) being such that they each comprise a four sided male portion (22) which is slideable into a three sided female portion (16), the female portion (16) having an open fourth side (18) which is closed by the fourth side (20) of the male portion (14), and ```the second connecting formations (12) being such that they each comprise a four sided male portion (22) which is slideable into a four sided female portion (24).

Description

A FRAME FOR A BUILDING

This invention relates to a frame for a building. This invention also relates to a building when including the frame.

Buildings can be constructed in various ways. One known way is to employ a frame which is usually made of a metal such for example as steel or aluminium. The known frame will usually comprise upright members, cross members and roof members. Problems often occur in the way in which the upright members, cross members and roof members connect together. For example, the members often cannot be connected together in a sufficiently firm manner. This applies especially to connections made to the upright members. In addition, the known frames are often such that it is difficult to vary the shape of a formed building, for example if an extension is required or a height adjustment is required.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provide a frame for a building, which frame comprises upright members, cross members and roof members, the frame being such that it comprises first connecting formations for connecting the cross members to the upright members, and second connecting formations for connecting the roof members to the upright members, the first connecting formations being such that they each comprise a four sided male portion which is slideable into a three sided female portion, the female portion having an open fourth side which is closed by the fourth side of the male portion, and the second connecting formations being such that they each comprise a four sided male portion which is slideable into a four sided female portion.

The upright members, cross members and roof members of the frame of the present invention are able securely to be connected together.

With metal members, the various members can be connected together by welding. The shape of the first and the second connecting formations promotes good welding with adequate weld material. In addition, the frame of the present invention is such that it lends itself to easy changes of shape so that extensions or height increases are easily possible, even after a building has been constructed on the frame for some considerable time.

The frame may be one in which each one of the first connecting portions is such that the fourth side of the male portion has first and second lips which extend on each of opposite sides of the female portion.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frame may be one in which the male portion is on the cross member, and in which the female portion is on the upright member. In this embodiment of the invention, the frame may be one in which the female portion has the fourth open side facing upwardly and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

Alternatively, the female portion may have the open fourth side facing sideways and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the frame is one in which the male portion is on the upright member, and in which the female portion is on the cross member. In this embodiment of the invention, the female portion may have the open fourth side facing downwardly and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the upright member. Alternatively, the female portion may have the open fourth side facing sideways and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

In all embodiments of the invention, the male portion of the first connecting portion is preferably a tubular male portion. The tubular male portion is preferably of square cross sectional shape. Other cross sectional shapes may be employed so that the cross sectional shape may be rectangular or circular.

In all embodiments of the invention, each one of the second connecting formations may be such that the four sided male portion of the second connecting formation is on the roof member, and in which the four sided female portion of the second connecting formation is on the upright member. The reverse construction may be employed if desired.

Preferably, the second connecting formation is such that the four sided male portion on the roof member extends into the four sided female portion on the upright member so as to be inside the upright member and adjacent the part of the first connecting formation on the upright member.

With this embodiment of the invention, the four sided male portion on the roof member may extend into the upright member to a depth which is approximately the same as the depth of the part of the first connecting formation on the upright member.

Preferably, the second connecting formation is such that the upright member is a tube, and the four sided female portion on the upright member is formed by an upper open end of the tube. The tube is preferably a square sided tube but it may be of other cross sectional shapes such for example as rectangular or circular if desired.

Usually, the second connecting formation will be one in which the four sided male portion on the roof member is a tubular four sided male portion which has a cross sectional shape which is the same as the cross sectional shape of the four sided female portion.

In all embodiments of the invention, the parts of the first and second connecting formations on each one of the upright members are preferably such that they form a permanent part of the upright members. These parts of the first and second connecting formations are preferably welded in position. Bolts may be employed if desired but then these parts will not be permanent connections.

The frame will preferably be such that the upright members, cross members and roof members are made of a metal. Presently preferred metals are steel and aluminium but other metals may be employed if desired. Plastics materials may also be employed for relatively light weight structures. The components of the frame may be connected together by any suitable and appropriate connecting means. Thus, for example, the components of the frame may be connected together by nuts and bolts, or by pins.

As indicated above, the present invention also extends to a building when including the frame of the invention.

The building may have closed sides, for example if the building is to be used as a garage or shed. The closed sides may be side panels. The side panels may easily be fixed in position. The side panels may be clear or coloured. The side panels may include apertures for one or more windows and/or one or more doors.

The building may be one with open sides. An open sided building may be for structures such for example as carports.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows part of a first frame for a building; Figure 2 shows part of a second frame for a building; Figure 3 shows part of a third frame for a building; Figure 4 shows a first building; Figure 5 shows a second building; Figure 6 shows how the first building of Figure 4 may be extended at one side; Figure 7 shows how the first building of Figure 4 may be extended at one end; Figure 8 shows components that are needed for a single building roof; Figure 9 is like Figure 8 but shows extra components that are needed to make a larger roof than Figure 8; Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of bottom components for the roof structures shown in Figures 8 and 9; Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the one of the components shown in Figure 9; Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the components shown in Figure 9; Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the components shown in Figure 9; Figure 14 is a rear view of part of the upper component shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 shows a car port on the side of a house, the car port being able to be made into a single garage; Figure 16 shows a single garage with a work shop added to one side; Figure 17 shows a single garage made into a double garage; and Figure 18 shows a double garage or an aircraft hanger.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown part of a frame 2 for a building.

The frame 2 comprises upright members 4, cross members 6 and roof members 8. The frame 2 is such that it comprises first connecting formations 10 for connecting the cross members 6 to the upright members 4. The frame 2 also comprises second connecting formations 12 connecting the roof members 8 to the upright members 4. In the part of the frame shown in Figure 2, only one upright member 4 is shown, two cross members 6 are shown, and only one roof member 8 is shown. The illustrated members 4, 8, 8 require, as shown, two first connecting formations 10 and one second connecting formation 12.

The first connecting formations 10 are such that they each comprise a four sided male portion 14 which is slideable into a three sided female portion 16. The female portion 16 has an open fourth side 18 which is closed by the fourth side 20 of the male portion 14.

The second connecting formations 12 are such that they each comprise a four sides male portion 22 which is slideable into a four sided female portion 24.

Each one of the first connecting formations 10 is such that the fourth side 20 of the male portion 14 has first and second lips 26, 28 which extend on each of opposite sides 30, 32 respectively of the female portion 16.

As shown in Figure 1, the male portion 14 is on the cross member 6.

The female portion 16 is on the upright member 4. The female portion 16 has the open fourth side facing upwardly and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the upright member 4.

The upright member is show with flat feet 34 which are provided with apertures 36 for enabling the feet 34 to be bolted to the ground.

Figure 2 shows a frame 28 which is like the frame 2. Similar parts as in Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In Figure 2 it will be seen that the female portion 16 is on the upright member 4 but the fourth open side 18 of the female portion 16 faces sideways and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the upright member 4.

Figure 3 shows a frame 40 which is like the frame 2 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the frame 40, the male portion 14 is on the upright member 4. The female portion 16 is on the cross member 6. It will be seen that the female portion 16 has cut away parts 42 for receiving the first and second lips, 26, 28. The female portion 16 has the open fourth side 18 facing downwardly and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the upright member 4.

As can be seen from Figures 1 - 3, the male portion 14 of the first connecting portion 10 is a tubular male portion which is of square cross section.

The roof member 8 shown in Figure 3 is of a slightly different construction to the roof member 8 shown in Figure 1 and 2. Generally the roof members 8 can be of any suitable and appropriate construction for supporting a roof of desired shape.

In all of the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 - 3 it will be noticed that the second connecting formation 12 is such that the four sided male portion 22 of the second connecting formation 12 is such that it is on the roof member. The four sided female portion 24 is on the upright member 4. This is the simplest and easiest configuration although an opposite configuration could be employed if desired. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the four sided male portion 22 on the roof member 8 extends into the four sided female portion 24 on the upright member 4 so as to be inside the upright member 4 and adjacent part of the first connecting formation 10 on the upright member 4. The four sided male portion 22 on the roof member 8 extends into the upright member 4 to a depth which is approximately the same as the depth of the part of the first connecting formation 10 on the upright member 4.

As can also be seen from Figures 1, 2 and 3, the frame 2 is one in which the second connecting formation 12 is such that the upright member is a tube, and in which the four sided female portion 24 on the upright member 4 is formed by an upper open end of the tube. The tube is a square sided tube as shown but it could be of another cross sectional shape if desired. The four sided male portion 22 on the roof member 8 is a tubular four sided male portion 22 which has a cross sectional shape which is the same as the cross sectional shape of the four sided female portion 24.

As can be seen from Figures 1, 2 and 3, the parts of the first and second connecting formations 10, 12 on each one of the upright members 4 are such that they form a permanent part of the upright members 4. This is because the parts are welded in position.

Figure 4 shows how a building 44 may be constructed to have closed sides 46. The roof members 8 have been cladded with panels 48 and a gable member 50 as shown. Double doors 52 are provided as shown. The building 44 may be, for example, a garage or a bungalow.

Figure 5 shows a building 54 having open sides 56 and also an open front 58 and an open back 60. Such a building 54 may be in the form of a carport.

Figure 6 shows how the building 44 may have two of the side panels 46 removed in order to form an open side extension 62.

Figure 7 shows how the building 44 may have a rear wall which opens to form an extension and an exit.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a roof structure comprising roof components 8, 22, 55 and 57. The components fit together to form the completed roof structure.

Figure 9 shows the components of Figure 8 and extra components comprising another component 56, another component 8, two components 54, and a component 53. The various components fit together so that they are able to make a roof structure which is larger than the roof structure shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 illustrates how the component 8 fits to the component 57.

It will be seen that the component 57 has a C-shaped portion 64 which is provided with apertures 66. An insert portion 68 slides into the C-shaped portion 64. The insert portion 68 has apertures 70. When the apertures 66 align, bolts (not shown) can be passed through the apertures 66, 70 to bolt the two components 8, 57 together.

Figure 11 shows how the component 53 has apertures 72, 74 for enabling the component 53 to be bolted to adjacent components.

Figure 12 shows how the component 54 is provided with apertures 76, 78 for enabling the component 54 to be bolted to adjacent components.

Figure 13 shows in more detail the components 55, 56 shown in Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a rear view of the top part of the component 55. It will be seen that the components 55, 56 are provided with various apertures 80, 82, 84 for enabling the components to be bolted together. The component 55 has a triangular top plate 86. An angle member 88 extends outwardly from the rear face of the top plate 86 as shown.

Figure 15 shows a car port 90 on a side 92 of a house 94. The car port 90 has a sloping roof 26 and support columns 98.

Figure 16 shows a single garage 100 with a work shop 102 added to one side of the single garage 100.

Figure 17 shows how a single garage has been made into a double garage 104. The double garage 104 has two separate doors 106, 108.

Each door 106, 108 has a handle 110. The double garage 104 has an apex roof 112.

Figure 18 shows a construction 114 which may serve as a double garage or an aircraft hanger. It will be seen that the construction 114 has a side opening door 116 having a handle 118 for enabling the door to be lifted up in the nature of an up-and-over door the type employed on many garages. The construction 114 has an apex roof 120.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus for example, the shape of the frames 2, 38, 40 may differ from those shown in the drawings. Buildings other than the buildings 44, 54 may be built using an appropriate frame of the invention.

Claims

* S.. *e S Set * S S S * * S S S * 55 S S *S * S *** I S I I S * S S I I S S S S SI. S * S S CLAIMS

1. A frame for a building, which frame comprises upright members, cross members and roof members, the frame being such that it comprises first connecting formations for connecting the cross members to the upright members, and second connecting formations for connecting the roof members to the upright members, the first connecting formations being such that they each comprise a four sided male portion which is slideable into a three sided female portion, the female portion having an open fourth side which is closed by the fourth side of the male portion, and the second connecting formations being such that they each comprise a four sided male portion which is slideable into a four sided female portion.

2. A frame according to claim I in which each one of the first connecting portions is such that the fourth side of the male portion has first and second lips which extend on each of opposite sides of the female portion.

3. A frame according to claim I or claim 2 in which the male portion is on the cross member, and in which the female portion is on the upright member.

* I.. *. * 0*S * * S * * S S S S S 55

4 S 55 * 0 *.* S * S S I * S S * * S S S S S.. S * S S 4. A frame according to claim 3 in which the female portion has the open fourth side facing upwardly and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

5. A frame according to claim 3 in which the female portion has the fourth open side facing sideways and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

6. A frame according to claim I or claim 2 in which the male portion is on the upright member, and in which the female portion is on the cross member.

7. A frame according to claim 6 in which the female portion has the open fourth side facing downwardly and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

8. A frame according to claim 6 in which the female portion has the open fourth side facing sideways and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the upright member.

9. A frame according to any one of claims 3 - 8 in which the male portion of the first connecting portion is a tubular male portion.

* SI* ** * .1*

S S S I S S I

S S S SI I S SI

* * I.. S I S * S :.. *. 15 *** *5S

10. A frame according to claim 9 in which the tubular male portion is of square cross section.

II. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims in which each one of the second connecting formations is such that the four sided male portion of the second connecting portion is on the roof member, and in which the four sided female portion is on the upright member.

12. A frame according to claim 11 in which the four sided male portion on the roof member extends into the four sided female portion on the upright member so as to be inside the upright member and adjacent the part of the first connecting formation on the upright member.

13. A frame according to claim 12 in which the four sided male portion on the roof member extends into the upright member to a depth which is approximately the same as the depth of the part of the first connecting formation on the upright member.

14. A frame according to any one of claims 11 - 13 in which the second connecting formation is such that the upright member is a tube, and in which the four sided female portion on the upright member is formed by an upper open end of the tube.

* .*. S. * *i* * . . * S S * S S S IS * I S* * I III S S S I S * . S S * S S S S 16 5

15. A frame according to claim 14 in which the tube is a square sided tube.

16. A frame according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the second connecting formation is such that the four sided male portion on the roof member is a tubular four sided male portion which has a cross sectional shape which is the same as the cross sectional shape of the four sided female portion.

17. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims in which the parts of the first and second connecting formations on each one of the upright members are such that they form a permanent part of the upright members.

18. A frame for a building, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A building when including a frame according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A building according to claim 19 having closed sides.

21. A building according to claim 19 having open sides.