GB2534002A

GB2534002A - A frame

Info

Publication number: GB2534002A
Application number: GB1518862.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Murphy Christopher; Maguire Kevin
Original assignee: MERLYN IND Ltd
Current assignee: MERLYN IND Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-24
Filing date: 2015-10-23
Publication date: 2016-07-13
Also published as: GB201418916D0; GB201518862D0; IE20150392A1

Abstract

A frame 1 comprises an upright elongate frame profile 3 and an elongate crossbar frame profile 5. An interconnector 7 is provided intermediate the upright frame profile and the crossbar frame profile and is configured to maintain the profiles in a fixed perpendicular relationship. The interconnector comprises a first plug 11 for insertion into a complementary socket on the frame profile 3 and a second plug 15 for insertion into a complementary socket on the frame profile 5. A releasable fixing means secures the interconnector to the frame profile 3, the releasable fixing means comprising an aperture 19 in the upright frame profile 3 and a resiliently deformable leg 21 on the interconnector 7. The resiliently deformable leg 21 has a foot 23 biased towards location in the aperture when the first plug has been fully inserted into the complementary socket. The frame can be used to make a shower door or enclosure.

Description

"A frame"

Introduction

This invention relates to a frame. More specifically, the present invention relates to a frame that can be assembled quickly that is particularly suited to shower doors and shower enclosures.

Shower doors and shower enclosures comprise a plurality of frame elements connected together and supporting a pane of glass therebetween. Heretofore, the frame elements have been connected together by inserting screws transversely through the side of one frame element into the abutting end of another frame element. This however requires the use of a drill and other tools. This method has been found to be time consuming and relatively difficult to do correctly. Furthermore, the frames have been known to warp over time. An alternative to this approach has been the use of an interconnector to connect the frame members together. Although easier and quicker than the alternative fixing methods, there is a problem with the known interconnector in that the connection of the interconnector to the frames is relatively insecure and it is known for the frame members to inadvertently come apart.

Various different constructions of frame have been proposed. One known construction of frame is that disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0063468 in the name of Wernlund et al. Although this offering provides a useful choice to the consumer, the offering requires the insertion of screws transversely through the side of the upright member in order to secure the crossbar in position. This offering would require the upright to be mounted on the wall after the frame has been constructed which can be unwieldy. Furthermore, if the frame is to be disassembled, the crossbar has to be moved radially away from the upright which can cause stress to the other components and require displacement of the other frame components.

Another known construction of frame is that disclosed in German Patent Application Publication No. DE2002631 in the name of Wieland Werke AG. Again, this offering requires the insertion of screws transversely through the side of the upright member in order to secure the crossbar in position. This offering would require the upright to be -2 -mounted on the wall after the frame has been constructed, which can be unwieldy, and if the frame is to be disassembled, the crossbar has to be moved radially away from the upright which can cause stress to the other components and require displacement of the other frame components which is undesirable.

Both US2008/0063468 and DE2002631 appear to describe quick release fasteners useful in the construction and deconstruction of a frame. However, both of these offerings first of all require removal of screws in the upright members before the quick release fasteners can be released and both of these offerings require the quick release fasteners to be secured in place with screws after they have been engaged. This practically completely circumvents the benefit of the quick release fasteners as assembly of the frame will have to be complete before it is mounted on a wall and disassembly of the frame will first of all require removal of the frame's upright from the wall in order to provide access to the screws.

NL1025505 in the name of Alcoa Nederland BV appears to go some way towards addressing at least some of the problems mentioned above with US2008/0063468 and DE2002631. NL1025505 obviates the need for screws to be inserted transversely through the upright however NL1025505 provides a permanent connection between the connector and the upright and therefore if the frame is to be disassembled, the crossbar has to be moved radially away from the upright which can cause stress to the other components and require displacement of the other frame components which is undesirable. Furthermore, if excessive force is applied to the glass pane carried by such a frame, the frame of NL1025505 could have a tendency to inadvertently disassemble which is highly undesirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a frame that overcomes at least some of the problems of the known frames, that is simple and quick to assemble yet secure, and that provides a useful choice for the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided frame comprising an elongate upright frame profile and an elongate crossbar frame profile arranged orthogonally to the upright frame -3 -profile with one end of the crossbar frame profile abutting against a side of the upright frame profile, an interconnector connecting the upright frame profile and the crossbar frame profile configured to maintain the upright and crossbar frame profiles in a fixed perpendicular relationship with respect to each other, the interconnector comprising a first plug for axial insertion into a complementary socket on the upright frame profile, and in which there is provided a fixing means to secure the interconnector to the crossbar profile, and a releasable fixing means for securing the interconnector to the upright frame profile, the releasable fixing means comprising an aperture in the upright frame profile and a resiliently deformable leg on the interconnector, the resiliently deformable leg having a foot biased towards location in the aperture when the first plug has been fully inserted into the complementary socket..

By having such a configuration, the foot will automatically slot into position and will prevent the interconnector from being inadvertently separated from the upright frame profile. It will not be necessary to drill the upright frame profile or provide screws in order to achieve this. Therefore, the frame will be relatively fast and simple to construct yet will be secure. In addition to this, it will also be possible to intentionally disassemble the frame quickly to allow for adjustment or replacement of a pane of glass and/or the adjustment or replacement of the frame profile. Furthermore, by providing a fixing means to secure the interconnector to the crossbar frame profile, the interconnector will be firmly held in position to both the upright and crossbar frame profiles thereby providing a substantially rigid frame that will not be inclined to warp or disassemble unexpectedly.

It will be appreciated that a significant advantage of the present invention over the competing offerings is that the frame can be constructed "from the bottom up" and can be deconstructed "from the top down" in a piecewise fashion. This significantly facilitates the construction and deconstruction of the frame. This is achieved at least in part by the releasable fixing means engaging the upright frame profile instead of the crossbar frame profile. For example, when constructing the top of the frame, the interconnector may be connected to the crossbar first and the crossbar is then connected to the upright frame via the interconnector by simply slotting the first plug axially downwards into the complementary socket on the upright frame profile. The crossbar and the upright are thereafter secured together by the releasable fixing means. This allows the upright to be -4 -mounted and aligned on a wall before the introduction of the interconnector and will not require the drilling off the upright after introduction of the interconnector.

Furthermore, if it is desired to disassemble the frame, this may be achieved by simply disengaging the releasable locking means and sliding the crossbar frame upwards until the plug of the interconnector is free of the complementary socket on the upright frame profile. This will allow the crossbar to be moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright frame profile and will prevent the need for the crossbar to be moved laterally away from the upright frame profile. By not having to move the crossbar frame profile outwardly but instead moving it upwardly, the uprights will not have to be splayed apart which can cause stress on the other connectors and components of the frame. Furthermore, the other components of the frame will be largely unaffected upon removal of the crossbar and the glass sheet, if provided, will be far less inclined to become inadvertently dislodged from the frame during deconstruction.

In addition to the forgoing, the positioning of the releasable locking means on the uprights will mean that if excess pressure is applied to the pane of glass, for example if someone were to fall against the shower door, the frame elements will not be inclined to disengage under the excess force as might be the case if the releasable locking means were arranged to releasably engage the crossbar frame profiles. This provides an additional safety aspect to the frame according to the present invention.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the fixing means to secure the interconnector to the crossbar frame profile comprises at least one screw and in which there is provided at least one transverse screw receiving aperture in the interconnector. This is seen as a particularly useful and secure way of fixing the interconnector to the crossbar frame profile that will obviate the possibility of the crossbar frame profile becoming disconnected from the upright frame profile. By having such an arrangement, the interconnector can be mounted on the crossbar frame profile securely and thereafter the crossbar frame profile can be connected to the upright frame profile by simply slotting the interconnector plug into the upright frame profile.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which there is provided a screw receiving channel formed in the crossbar frame profile parallel to the longitudinal -5 -axis of the crossbar frame profile. This is also seen as a preferred solution as the crossbar frame profile can be connected more securely to the interconnector.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the interconnector comprises a plurality of longitudinal ridges arranged about the interconnector operable to form a push fit with the upright frame profile.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the foot is splayed outwardly from the innermost end of the interconnector towards the outermost end of the interconnector. In this way, if there is an attempt to dislodge the crossbar frame profile from the upright frame profile, the foot will engage against the wall of the foot-receiving aperture in the upright frame profile thereby positively acting against disengagement of the crossbar frame profile from the upright frame profile.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the interconnector is tapered at its innermost end to aid insertion of the interconnector into the upright frame profile. Furthermore, this will ensure correct placement of the interconnector in the upright frame profile.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which there is provided a second plug on the interconnector for insertion into a complementary socket on the crossbar frame profile and the fixing means to secure the interconnector to the crossbar frame profile comprises second releasable fixing means, the second releasable fixing means comprising an aperture in the crossbar frame profile and a second resiliently deformable leg on the interconnector, the second resiliently deformable leg having a foot biased towards location in the aperture when the second plug has been fully inserted into the complementary socket. This is seen as a particularly useful configuration as both the upright and crossbar frame profiles can be connected to the interconnector quickly and with the minimum of difficulty, thereby forming the frame without the need for drilling or tools. Furthermore, the frame can be disassembled in a structured and efficient way if required -6 -In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the fixing means to secure the interconnector to the crossbar frame profile comprise at least one screw and in which there is provided at least one screw receiving aperture in the second plug.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the at least one screw receiving aperture is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the second plug and there is provided a screw-receiving channel formed in the crossbar frame profile coincident with the screw receiving aperture. By having such an arrangement, the external surface of the crossbar frame profile will be smooth and free of visible screw-heads.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the at least one screw receiving aperture is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the second plug and there is provided a through-hole in the crossbar frame profile to allow a screw pass therethrough into the aperture in the second plug. By having such an arrangement, the extrusion of the crossbar frame profile will be less complex than would otherwise be the case.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the foot of the releasable fixing means for securing the interconnector to the upright frame profile extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar frame profile.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the foot of the releasable fixing means for securing the interconnector to the upright frame profile extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar frame profile In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which there is provided an end cap for mounting on the interconnector on the side of the interconnector remote from the upright frame profile. An end cap is seen as a useful device for providing a smooth external surface over the interconnector, thereby hiding the interconnector and the ends of one or more frame profiles from view. -7 -

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the end cap is slidably mounted on the interconnector. A slidable endcap is useful as it will allow for adjustment of the end cap to span the distance between the interconnector and the wall upon which the upright frame profile is indirectly mounted. This will ensure that there are no gaps between the frame and the wall.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the upright and crossbar frame profiles are constructed from an extruded material.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the complementary socket on the upright frame profile comprises an elongate channel extending longitudinally along a side of the upright frame profile.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame in which the elongate channel comprises at least one pair of opposing teeth for engaging the first plug.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame comprising a second upright frame profile and a second crossbar frame profile connected to each other by way of a second interconnector and in which the second crossbar frame profile is connected to the first upright frame profile by way of a third interconnector and the second upright frame profile is connected to the first crossbar by way of a fourth interconnector, the frame profiles forming a frame with four sides.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a shower door comprising a frame as described.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a shower enclosure comprising a frame as described.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- -8 -Figure 1 is an exploded, partial view of a frame according to the invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the frame of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded, partial view of a second embodiment of frame according to the invention; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the frame of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an exploded, partial view of a third embodiment of frame according to the invention; Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the frame of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an exploded, partial view of a fourth embodiment of frame according to the invention; Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the frame of Figure 7; Figure 9 is an exploded, partial view of a fifth embodiment of frame according to the invention; Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the frame of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an interconnector for use in a frame according to the invention, Figure 12 is another perspective view of the interconnector shown in Figure 11 Figure 13 is a perspective view of a frame incorporating the interconnector shown in Figure 11; Figure 14 is a top plan view of the frame shown in Figure 13; -9 -Figure 15 is a bottom plan view of the frame shown in Figure 13; Figure 16 is a front view of the frame shown in Figure 13; Figure 17 is a rear view of the frame shown in Figure 13; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the frame shown in Figure 13 with some of the wall profile removed; Figure 19 is a perspective view similar to Figure 18 with more of the components removed; Figure 20 is a perspective view similar to Figure 19 with more of the components removed; Figure 21 is a top plan of the frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the frame shown in Figure 20 with the second crossbar frame profile removed and the second upright frame profile removed.

Figure 23 is an end view of the frame component of Figure 22 with the crossbar frame profile removed; Figure 24 is a perspective view of the frame component of Figure 22 with the upright frame profile removed; and Figure 25 is a perspective view of the crossbar of Figures 11 to 22 and 24 Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a frame, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for a shower door comprising an upright frame profile 3, a crossbar frame profile 5, and an interconnector 7 intermediate the upright frame profile 3 and the crossbar frame profile 5. A pane of glass 9 is supported by the frame 1.

-10 -Referring specifically to Figure 1, the interconnector 7 comprises a first plug 11 for insertion into a complementary socket 13 of the upright frame profile 3 and a second plug 15 for insertion into a complementary socket 16 on the crossbar frame profile 5. There is provided a releasable fixing means, indicated generally by the reference numeral 17, for securing the interconnector 7 to the upright frame profile 3. The releasable fixing means 17 comprises an aperture 19 in the upright frame profile 3 and a resiliently deformable leg 21 on the interconnector. The resiliently deformable leg 21 has a foot 23 biased towards location in the aperture 19 when the first plug 11 has been fully inserted into the complementary socket 13 (as illustrated in Figure 2).

There is further provided fixing means, in this case a pair of screws 25, 27 to secure the interconnector 7 to the crossbar frame profile 5. The interconnector 7 has a pair of screw receiving apertures 29, 31 in the second plug 15 through which the screws are inserted and the crossbar frame profile has a pair of screw-receiving channels 33, 35 formed therein coincident with the screw-receiving aperture to receive the screws 25, 27 and secure the interconnector 7 to the crossbar frame profile 5. In addition to the foregoing, it will be seen that there are provided a pair of opposing jaws 37, 39 on the interior of the complementary socket 13 for gripping the first plug 11 when the plug is inserted into the complementary socket 13.

In use, the interconnector 7 is connected to the crossbar frame profile 5 by inserting the plug 15 into the complementary socket 16. The screws 25, 27 are then inserted into screw holes 29, 31 and in turn into the screw-receiving channels to secure the interconnector 7 in place relative to the crossbar frame profile 5. Once the interconnector is secured in place relative to the crossbar frame profile, the plug 11 is then inserted into the complementary socket 13 of the upright frame profile 3. As the plug 11 is inserted into the complementary socket 13, the leg 21 and the foot are deflected inwardly into the interior of the upright frame profile. When the foot 23 corresponds with the aperture 19 in the upright frame profile, the foot 23 and the leg will spring outwards until the leg 21 abuts against the inside wall of the upright frame profile and the foot sits in the aperture (as illustrated in Figure 2). The interconnector will thereafter be secured in position relative to the upright frame profile 3.

If it is desired to disassemble the interconnector 7 from the upright frame profile 3, the foot 23 is pressed inwardly from the position shown in Figure 2 until the foot is free of the aperture 19 and the interconnector 7 is raised upwardly relative to the upright frame profile 3. In this way, the interconnector and more specifically the plug 11 will slide out of the socket 13.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown a second embodiment of frame according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40 and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The frame 40 is of a similar construction to the frame 1 however the frame 40 instead has a pair of screws 25, 27 that are inserted transversely through the crossbar frame profile 41 and into the interconnector 43. The crossbar frame profile 41 differs from the frame profile 5 shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that the crossbar frame profile is not provided with the pair of screw-receiving channels 33, 35. Instead, the crossbar frame profile 41 has a pair of screw holes 45, 47 in the top surface thereof for reception of the pair of screws 25, 27. The pair of screws 25, 27 are in turn inserted into a pair of screw holes 49, 51 extending downwardly into a second plug 53.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown a third embodiment of frame according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60 and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The frame 60 is similar in construction to the frame 40 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 with the exception that screws are no longer needed to secure the interconnector 61 to the crossbar frame profile 63. In this instance, the crossbar frame profile 63 is provided with an aperture 65 similar to the aperture 19 in the upright frame profile 3. The second plug 67 comprises a resiliently deformable leg 69 having a foot 71 at the outer end thereof. The foot 71 is dimensioned to be received in the aperture 65 of the crossbar frame profile 63.

In use, in order to connect the crossbar frame profile 63 with the interconnector 61, the second plug 67 is inserted into the complementary socket 16. As the second plug 67 is inserted into the complementary socket, the leg 69 and the foot 71 will be deflected downwardly until the plug is inserted further and the foot 71 corresponds with the aperture 65. When the foot 71 corresponds with the aperture 65, the leg 69 and the foot 71 will spring upwards until the foot 71 is located in the aperture 65. This is similar to the -12 -process for connecting the upright frame profile 3 with the interconnector described above. Once the crossbar frame profile 63 and the interconnector 61 have been joined together, the upright frame profile 3 and the interconnector 61 are thereafter connected together. It will be appreciated that the construction of the frame 60 will take a matter of seconds. It will be understood that if it is desired to separate the interconnector from either the upright frame profile and/or the crossbar frame profile, this can be done with ease.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a fourth embodiment of frame according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80 and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The frame 80 is similar in concept to the frame 60 with the exception that the aperture 19 on the upright frame profile 3 for reception of the foot 23 is located on the side of the elongate frame profile and the leg 21 and foot 23 of the releasable fixing means 17 are located on the interconnector 81 to that side also. In this way, the foot is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar frame profile as opposed to being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar frame profile as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive. Furthermore, there is shown an alternative arrangement for the leg 69 and foot 71 of the secondary releasable fixing means in which the leg 69 is narrower than the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a fifth embodiment of frame according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 90 and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. There is further shown a wall mounted profile 91 for mounting on the wall and upon which the upright frame profile is mounted. The configuration of interconnector 93 is similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4 with provision for screws to be inserted into the second plug from above. However, this should not be deemed limited and is for illustrative purposes only. The interconnector 93 further comprises a top plate 95 and an end cap 97 is slidably mounted on the top plate.

The end cap is slidable in a reciprocal fashion back and forth on the top plate 95 to allow for adjustment towards and away from a wall (not shown) on which the wall mounted profile is mounted. It will be understood that the arrangement of top plate 95 and end cap 97 could also be implemented with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 inclusive if desired.

-13 -Referring now to Figures 11 to 25 inclusive, there is shown an alternative construction of frame and an interconnector for use in the frame according to the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The frame 100 is most clearly illustrated in Figures 13 to 25 and the interconnector 101 for use with the frame 100 is most clearly illustrated in Figures 11 and 12.

Referring first of all to Figures 11 and 12, the interconnector 101 comprises a plug 103 for axial insertion into the end of an upright frame profile (not shown). The plug 103 has a resiliently deformable leg 105 comprising a foot 107 that is operable to engage an aperture (not shown) in an upright frame profile. The foot 107 splays outwardly from the innermost end 109 of the interconnector 101 towards the outermost end 111 of the interconnector 101. The interconnector 101 is tapered at its innermost end 109 to facilitate insertion of the interconnector into the upright profile. A plurality of elongate upstanding longitudinal ridges 113 are provided spaced apart about the external periphery of the interconnector to provide a push fit between the connector and the internal bore of the upright frame profile. The interconnector 101 has a pair of transverse screw holes 115, 117 (as best illustrated in Figure 12) extending through the interconnector and aligned parallel to the axis of the cross bar (not shown).

Referring now to Figures 13 to 17 inclusive, there are shown a plurality of views of the frame 100 according to the invention. The frame 100 comprises a pair of upright frame profiles 121, 123 and a pair of crossbar frame profiles 125, 127. The upright frame profiles 121, 123 are each in turn mounted in a wall profiles 129, 131 respectively (wall profile 131 may in fact be a corner profile for a shower but the important aspect is that it is a structural member to which the upright frame profile is connected). The crossbar frame profiles 125, 127 each abut against one of the upright frame profiles 121 at one of their ends and against the other upright frame profile 123 at the other of their ends. An interconnector 101 is inserted axially into each end of the upright frame profiles 121, 123 and these interconnectors 101 connect the upright frame profiles to the crossbar frame profiles 125, 127 respectively. It will be understood that for the purposes of this example, the upright frame profiles have been shown as an equivalent or indeed even shorter length than the crossbar frame profiles. This is for illustrative purposes only and is not -14 -deemed limiting. For example, typically the upright frame profiles will be 2 to 3 times the length of the crossbar frame profiles for a shower enclosure.

Referring now to Figures 18 to 21 inclusive, there is shown a number of views of the frame 100 with progressively less parts of the wall profile 129 shown. In Figure 18, a facia plate has been removed from the wall profile 129 thereby exposing the locking mechanisms 133, 135 for connecting the upright frame profile 121 to the wall profile 129 and the locking jaws 137, 139 for securing the facia plate (not shown) in position over the wall profile 129. The locking mechanisms 133, 135 provide a degree of adjustability to allow adjustment of the alignment of the upright frame profile 121 on the wall profile 129. In this way, the upright frame profile 121 can be mounted on the wall profile and adjusted until it is correctly aligned to allow precise alignment of the shower door. In Figure 19, the remainder of the wall profile 129 has been removed with the exception of the locking mechanisms 133, 135 and the locking jaws 137, 139. In this figure, the foot 107 of the interconnector 101 at either end of the upright frame profile 121 can be seen passing through an aperture 141 in the upright frame profile 121. In figure 20, the locking mechanisms and the locking jaws of the wall profile 129 have been removed for further clarity leaving only the upright 121 on that side of the frame. In Figure 21, there is shown a top plan view of the frame shown in Figure 20 where it can be seen that the foot 107 protrudes through the aperture 141 past the upper surface of the upright frame profile 121.

Referring to Figures 22 to 25 inclusive, there are shown a number of views showing the engagement of the interconnector 101 with the upright frame profile 121 and the crossbar 125. The remaining components of the frame 100 have been removed for clarity. Referring first of all to Figure 22, it can be seen that the end of the crossbar frame profile 125 abuts against the side of the upright frame profile 121. The interconnector 101 is secured in position relative to the upright frame profile 121 by axially inserting the interconnector 101 into the upright frame profile 121. During insertion, the resiliently deformable leg 105 and foot 107 will be biased inwardly against the inside surface of the upright frame profile 121. Once fully inserted, the foot 107 will spring outwards through the aperture 141 in the upright frame profile 121, thereby preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the interconnector from the upright frame profile 121. Further downward axial movement of the interconnector 101 is prevented by a ridge -15 - 143 on the interconnector which sits in a channel 145 in the upright frame profile 121 (as best illustrated in Figure 23). The ridge 143 bottoms out in the channel 145 thereby preventing further movement inwardly of the interconnector 101. In order to withdraw the interconnector from the upright frame profile 121, the foot 107 is pressed inwardly until it is free of the aperture 141 and the interconnector is slid upwards and out of the upright frame profile.

Referring specifically to Figures 24 and 25, the interconnector 101 is connected to the end of the crossbar frame profile 125 by screws (not shown) which pass through screw holes 115, 117 (117 being obscured from view in Figure 24) and into the end of the crossbar frame profile 125. In Figure 25, it can be seen that the crossbar frame profile 125 comprises a pair of screw receiving channels 147, 149 formed in the crossbar frame profile 125. The screw receiving channels 147, 149 run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar frame profile 125 and are coincident with the transverse screw receiving apertures 115, 117 in the interconnector 101.

It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the foregoing examples without departing from the spirit of the present invention and one or more features of one embodiment could be combined with one or more features of another embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments shown, the foot 23 is substantially square or rectangular in shape. These could be hemispherical, disc shaped, triangular or other shape if desired. In some of the embodiments shown, two screws are used to connect the interconnector to the frame profiles however more or less screws could be used if desired. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8 inclusive, the foot 71 is located to protrude out of the top surface of the crossbar frame profile however this is not essential and it will be understood that the aperture 65, the leg 69 and the foot 71 could be positioned so that the foot protrudes outwardly from a side if desired. Other minor constructional changes are readily envisaged.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

-16 -The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.