GB2426014A

GB2426014A - Support bracket for converging roof beams

Info

Publication number: GB2426014A
Application number: GB0509953A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Allan Mildner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-14
Filing date: 2005-05-14
Publication date: 2006-11-15
Also published as: GB0509953D0

Abstract

A support bracket that has attachment means for being attached to an up right post, and is capable of accommodating numerous converging roof joists 3 which are secured by "U" clamp 2 to a common quadrant ring 1, supported by reinforcing sections 5 which in turn are attached to main body of bracket.

Description

Title Support bracket

Background

This invention relates to a device for supporting radial roof members or joists that converge on a central point.

When constructing a building where numerous roof joists/beams converge it is difficult (without the necessary use of complex mitred joints, and associated carpentry tools and skills) to produce a strong, compact but tidy joint.

Statement of invention

To overcome this problem the bracket is capable of supporting numerous converging radial joists without the implementation of complex carpentry joints and the use of the relevant associated tools and skills.

Fitted over the top of the central post, the bracket is held in position by its own weight (secured to the post if necessary by metallic fixings as required) and that of the radial beams resting upon (and secured to) the quadrant shaped support ring. Primarily designed for quadrant pergolas of 90 degrees, and requiring little or no maintenance, 180 degrees, 270 degrees and even 360 degrees are possible depending on bracket used.

Advanta2es Due to the simplicity of construction with no moving parts, once fitted the bracket is maintenance free.

Construction time is reduced as no special skills are required The angles of the radial beams in the vertical plane are individually and independently variable, depending on the apparent aesthetic angle of roof pitch required. The inner ends of the beams being secured from underneath to the support pivot ring of the bracket by means of "U" shaped brackets, with the outer ends being supported in simple mortice joints or other brackets as required.

Slight errors in support post heights are easily accommodated and compensated for.

Many open roof designs can be achieved, ranging from the conventional pitched, flat, radial sloping (one beam angle being greater or less than the next adjacent beam)

Introduction to drawings

Figure 1. Shows the basic 9Odegree bracket fitted to the top of a central post, with only one radial beam attached for clarity (the others being attached in a similar manner radiating from the post) the illustration also shows the method of attaching the beam to the support ring by the "U" clip/clamp.

Figure 2. Shows various elevations of the 90 degree bracket, without being attached to the post. Above rear, below front, top and side Figure 3. Shows various configurations of open roof structures that are possible to achieve with the bracket. 1 conventional pitched roof. 2 flat roof, 3 inverted pitch, 4 variable pitch (increasing/decreasing). There are also any numerous combinations or computations available depending on the builder's imagination.

Detailed description

The bracket assembly in Fig. I is fitted to the top of the central upright post 4, and held in position by the bracket body and capping member 6 and fixings 7 Radial beam 3 is supported by and attached to the peripheral element 1 (support ring) by the "U" clamp 2. Beam 3 is allowed to pivot in the vertical plane about its attachment point at bracket 2 until being fully secured by fixings 8 (after pitch angle has been decided) The metallic construction is welded and basically consists of a capped box section with a quadrant shaped bar welded to form the peripheral element, which is supported by strengthening support stays of a similar material. A facility for the attachment of an ornamental object or weather vane 9, being provided if required.

Claims

Claims 1. A support bracket for attachment to an upright post for

supporting, in use, beam ends arranged to converge at an upper end portion of the upright post, the support bracket comprising a peripheral element that extends at least for ninety degrees about a vertical axis of the upright post.
2. A support bracket according to Claim 1, characterised in the peripheral element is connected to a capping member mounted on the upright post.
3. A support bracket according to Claim 2, characterised in the peripheral element is connected to the capping member by support stays.
4. A support bracket according to Claim 3, characterised in the peripheral element extends circumferentially about said upright post.
5. A support bracket according to Claim 4, characterised in that the peripheral element extends circumferentially about said upright post to form a quadrant, a semi circle; a three quarter circle or a ring.
6. A support bracket according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the support bracket is fabricated from any suitable metal.