GB2548909A

GB2548909A - Support frame

Info

Publication number: GB2548909A
Application number: GB1605563.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rose Joe; Birch Sam
Original assignee: Big Foot Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Big Foot Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-01
Filing date: 2016-04-01
Publication date: 2017-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-01
Also published as: GB2561637B; GB2561637A; GB201718169D0; EP3436751A2; GB2548909B; WO2017168155A3; WO2017168155A2

Abstract

A connector (100, Fig. 1) connects a first elongate member (10, Fig. 1) of an air conditioning equipment support frame (1, Fig. 1) to a second elongate member (20, Fig. 1) of the air conditioning equipment support frame (1, Fig. 1). The connector comprises a saddle portion 110 and a shelf portion 120 formed from plastic material. The saddle portion 110 is supported on the first elongate member (10, Fig. 1). The shelf portion 120 is supported by the saddle portion 110 and receives and supports an end of the second elongate member (20, Fig. 1). The connector (100, Fig. 1) may also comprise a saddle opening 116 and a shelf opening 126 to receive fasteners, and a cover (150, Fig. 5). The shelf portion 110 may have guide members 124. An air conditioning support frame (1, Fig. 1), corner connector (200, Fig. 1), kit of parts for assembling the frame (1, Fig. 1), computer medium comprising design data for 3D printing the connector (100, Fig. 1) and a mould for moulding the connector (100, Fig. 1) are also claimed.

Description

Support Frame [0001] This invention relates to a support frame for air conditioning equipment, and in particular to an air conditioning equipment support frame, components thereof and methods of assembly and manufacture of at least some of the components.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Air conditioning equipment support frames are typically used on roof spaces or in other exposed outdoor spaces where there is a requirement to raise air conditioning equipment (such as air conditioning units) off the ground to prevent damage or disruption to the functioning of the air conditioning equipment from localised flooding, snowdrifts, blown leaf matter, or other blown matter liable to disrupt the functioning of the air conditioning equipment. Air conditioning equipment support frames may also provide additional stability and safety when locating air conditioning equipment by spreading the weight of the air conditioning equipment over a greater area.

[0003] Typically, such support frames are simple frames manufactured from elongate steel box section members having mounting plates welded to the ends thereof for securing elongate cross-members of the support frame to other elongate members. The elongate members to which the elongate cross-members are secured are sometimes referred to as end members. The mounting plates have defined therein bolt holes for bolting the crossmembers to the other elongate members using pre-defined mounting holes along the other elongate members. The exact positioning of the cross-members on the other elongate members is limited by the positioning and frequency of the pre-defined mounting holes.

The steel box section forming the legs of the support frames may be bent to provide a single member comprising two substantially vertical leg portions and a substantially horizontal linking portion at a predetermined height. It is not easy to provide a different height for the substantially horizontal linking portion without modifying the leg portions or providing an entirely new single member.

[0004] At least some current air conditioning equipment support frames can be time-consuming and complex to assemble. At least some current air conditioning equipment support frames can be difficult or impossible to adjust to configurations different from those in which the air conditioning equipment support frame is originally supplied. The present disclosure provides at least an alternative to air conditioning equipment support frames of the prior art and also provides components thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an air conditioning equipment support frame connector for connecting a first elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame to a second elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame. The connector comprises a saddle portion formed from a plastics material and configured to be supported on the first elongate member. The connector further comprises a shelf portion formed from the plastics material or a further plastics material. The shelf portion is supported by the saddle portion and configured to receive and support an end of the second elongate member.

[0006] Thus, there is provided an efficient connector between elongate members in an air conditioning equipment support frame which can be formed from plastics. The connector supports the second elongate member with the first elongate member without direct connection of the second elongate member to the first elongate member. The first elongate member need not be modified, for example, by providing mounting holes, in order to connect to the second elongate member. The saddle portion and the shelf portion may be formed from the same or different plastics materials.

[0007] The parts of the air conditioning equipment support frame which form a platform for the air conditioning equipment may be substantially horizontal. In particular, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be horizontal. The first elongate member and the second elongate member may be mutually transverse.

[0008] The shelf portion may have defined therein a shelf opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the second elongate member to the shelf portion. Thus, the second elongate member may be secured to the first elongate member via the connector.

[0009] The air conditioning equipment support frame connector may further comprise a fastener configured to secure the second elongate member to the shelf portion. The fastener may be a screw fastener. The fastener may be a nut and a bolt.

[0010] The shelf portion may comprise a first guide member and a second guide member, together arranged to locate the second elongate member between the first guide member and the second guide member. The first guide member may comprise a first planar surface extending substantially normal to a base portion of the shelf portion. The second guide member may comprise a second planar surface extending substantially normal to the base portion of the shelf portion. The second planar surface may be parallel and opposing the first planar surface.

[0011] The air conditioning equipment support frame connector may further comprise a cover configured to be positionable over at least the shelf portion. The cover may comprise a first cover side member and a second cover side member. The first cover side member and the second cover side member may together be arranged to locate the second elongate member between the first cover side member and the second cover side member when the cover is positioned over the shelf portion. The first guide member and the second guide member may be arranged to be slidable within the first cover side member and the second cover side member. The cover may be provided on a second component separate from a first component of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector, the first component comprising at least the shelf portion. The first component may further comprise the saddle portion.

[0012] A distance between facing surfaces of the first cover side member and the second cover side member may be less than a distance between outer opposing surfaces of the first guide member and the second guide member. Thus, as the cover is positioned over the shelf portion, the first cover side member and second cover side member are configured to urge each of the first guide member and the second guide member inwardly, whereby to clamp the second elongate member between the first guide member and the second guide member.

[0013] The cover may have defined therein a cover opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the second elongate member to the cover. A single fastener may be used to secure the second elongate member to the shelf portion and the cover.

[0014] At least one of the shelf opening and the cover opening may be an elongate slot. Both the shelf opening and the cover opening may be elongate slots.

[0015] The shelf portion may be arranged to transversely connect the first elongate member to the second elongate member. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector may further comprise a further shelf portion arranged to connect a further elongate member to the first elongate member. The further shelf portion may extend in an opposite direction to the shelf portion from the saddle portion.

[0016] At least one of the shelf portion and the cover may further comprise at least one nut engaging member for fixing the rotational position of the nut during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame. Thus, the nut may be a captive nut and only a single torque-applying tool (such as a wrench or screwdriver) is required to secure the second elongate member to the connector.

[0017] The saddle portion may have defined therein at least one saddle opening for receiving a saddle fastener configured to be fastenable to clamp the saddle portion in position on the first elongate member. Thus, the saddle portion can be secured to the first elongate member over a range of longitudinal positions on the first elongate member.

[0018] The saddle portion may comprise a top portion configured to be supported on the first elongate member and two side portions arranged to extend from the top portion along a depth of the first elongate member. Thus, the saddle portion may easily be supported and located on the first elongate member. The opening may be an elongate slot extending along a one of the side portions from the intersection of the side portion with the top portion. The elongate slot may terminate within the side portion.

[0019] The saddle fastener may be a saddle nut and a saddle bolt. At least one of the shelf portion and the saddle portion may further comprise at least one saddle nut engaging member for fixing the rotational position of the saddle nut during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame. Thus, the saddle nut may be a captive nut and only a single torque-applying tool (such as a wrench or screwdriver) is required to secure the second elongate member to the connector.

[0020] The disclosure extends to an air conditioning equipment support frame comprising: a first elongate member providing a support leg; a second elongate member providing a cross-member extending horizontally from the support leg; and an air conditioning support frame connector as hereinbefore described connecting the support leg to the cross-member. The first elongate member may extend substantially horizontally from the second elongate member.

[0021] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector for connecting an elongate longitudinal member of the air conditioning equipment support frame to an elongate leg member of the air conditioning equipment support frame. The corner connector comprises a first component. The first component comprises: a first cover portion; and an elongate longitudinal member connecting portion configured to protrude within and engage with an end of the elongate longitudinal member. The corner connector further comprises a second component. The second component comprises a second cover portion configured to selectively engage with the first cover portion. The corner connector further comprises a third component comprising: a first connecting portion; and an elongate leg member connecting portion configured to protrude within and engage with an end of the elongate leg member. The first, second and third components are formed from one or more plastics materials. One of the first component and the second component further comprises a second connecting portion. When the second cover portion is selectively engaged with the first cover portion, the second connecting portion is configured to engage with the first connecting portion whereby to secure the third component to at least one of the first component and the second component. When the second cover portion is selectively engaged with the first cover portion, the first and second cover portions are arranged to extend over at least a portion of the elongate leg member connecting portion.

[0022] Thus, the corner connector can be moulded using a single-step moulding process.

[0023] The elongate leg member connecting portion may have defined therein an elongate slot for receiving an elongate leg member fastener configured to secure the elongate leg member to the third component at a selectable protrusion distance of the elongate leg member connecting portion within the elongate leg member.

[0024] The second component may further comprise a further elongate longitudinal member connecting portion configured to protrude within and engage with the elongate longitudinal member.

[0025] The second component may further comprise a third connecting portion configured to, when the second cover portion is selectively engaged with the first cover portion, engage with at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion whereby to secure the third component to the second component.

[0026] At least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion may have defined therein a cover portion opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the first component to the second component. The fastener may be a screw fastener.

[0027] At least one of the elongate longitudinal member connecting portion and the further elongate longitudinal member connecting portion may have defined therein an elongate longitudinal member opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the elongate longitudinal member to the first component or the second component.

[0028] At least one of the fasteners is a nut and bolt, and wherein at least one of the elongate longitudinal member connecting portion, the further elongate longitudinal member connecting portion, the first cover portion and the second cover portion comprises at least one nut engaging member for fixing the rotational position of the nut during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector.

[0029] The air conditioning equipment support frame may further comprise: an elongate longitudinal member providing a longitudinal member extending from an end of the support leg: and an air conditioning support frame corner connector as hereinbefore described connecting the elongate longitudinal member to the first elongate member.

[0030] The disclosure extends to an air conditioning equipment support frame comprising: an elongate leg member providing a support leg; an elongate longitudinal member providing a longitudinal member extending horizontally from an end of the support leg: and an air conditioning support frame corner connector as hereinbefore described connecting the elongate longitudinal member to the elongate leg member. The elongate leg member may extend substantially vertically from the elongate longitudinal member.

[0031] The disclosure further extends to a kit of parts for assembling the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as hereinbefore described, the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as hereinbefore described or the air conditioning equipment support frame.

[0032] The disclosure extends to a computer-readable medium comprising design data which, when supplied to a 3D printer, is processable by the 3D printer to cause the 3D printer to manufacture the air conditioning equipment support frame connector.

[0033] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a mould assembly for moulding the air conditioning equipment support frame connector. The mould assembly comprises: a first mould having at least one mould surface; and a second mould having at least one respective opposing mould surface. The second mould is arranged to substantially oppose the first mould and defines at least one mould cavity between the at least one mould surface and the at least one respective opposing mould surface, whereby to form at least one component of the connector in the mould cavity.

[0034] The disclosure extends to the first and second moulds for use in the mould assembly.

[0035] One of the at least one respective opposing mould surfaces may comprise a protrusion arranged to extend from the mould surface, whereby to form the elongate slot extending along a one of the side portions of the saddle portion.

[0036] Viewed from a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a mould assembly for moulding the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector. The mould assembly comprises: a first mould having at least one mould surface; and a second mould having at least one respective opposing mould surface. The second mould is arranged to substantially oppose the first mould and defines at least one mould cavity between the at least one mould surface and the at least one respective opposing mould surface, whereby to form at least one component of the corner connector in the mould cavity.

[0037] The disclosure extends to the first and second moulds for use in the mould assembly.

[0038] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of assembly of an air conditioning equipment support frame using the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as hereinbefore described. The method comprises: supporting the saddle portion of the connector on a first elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame; and inserting an end of a second elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame onto the shelf portion of the connector.

[0039] The method may further comprise: securing the second elongate member to the shelf portion.

[0040] The method may further comprise: positioning the cover over at least the shelf portion.

[0041] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of assembly of an air conditioning equipment support frame using the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as hereinbefore described. The method comprises: inserting the elongate leg member connecting portion of the third component within an end of an elongate leg member; securing the third component to at least one of the first component and the second component; and engaging the first cover portion of the first component with the second cover portion of the second component. The first cover portion and the second cover portion together extend over at least a portion of the elongate leg member connecting portion. The method further comprises inserting the elongate longitudinal member connecting portion of the first component within an end of an elongate longitudinal member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an illustration of an air conditioning equipment support frame in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is an illustration of a first component for an air conditioning equipment support frame connector of the air conditioning equipment support frame of Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 are further views of the first component shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an illustration of a cover configured to engage with the first component shown in Figures 2 to 4;

Figures 6 and 7 are further views of the cover shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an illustration of a component of an air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector of the air conditioning equipment support frame of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an illustration of a further component of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector of the air conditioning equipment support frame of Figure 1;

Figure 10 is an illustration of a yet further component of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector of the air conditioning equipment support frame of Figure 1;

Figure 11 is a further view of the yet further component shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an illustration of an assembly of the component shown in Figure 8 with the yet further component shown in Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 13 is an illustration of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector of Figure 1, showing the component of Figure 8, assembled within the further component of Figure 9 and the yet further component of Figures 10 and 11;

Figures 14 and 15 are illustrations of further air conditioning equipment support frames in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 is an illustration of an air conditioning equipment support frame in accordance with the present disclosure. The air conditioning equipment support frame 1 can be used for raising items of air conditioning equipment off a base level in order to prevent leaves, snow or other driftable matter from building up against a side of the air conditioning equipment, resulting in damage or disruption to the functioning of air conditioning equipment. A raised support frame for air conditioning equipment can also prevent damage due to flooding where the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 is positioned on the ground. The air conditioning equipment support frame 1 may also provide additional stability and safety for the mounting of air conditioning equipment by spreading the weight of the air conditioning equipment over a greater area. The air conditioning equipment support frame 1 comprises two pairs of leg sections formed from elongate leg members 30. Each elongate leg member 30 extends substantially vertically from a foot 50 provided at a lower end of the elongate leg member 30. Each pair of leg sections is connected at an upper end via an elongate longitudinal member 10. The elongate longitudinal member 10 runs substantially horizontally. An air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 is provided at each end of the elongate longitudinal member 10 to connect to each respective elongate leg member 30. The elongate longitudinal members 10 are spaced by two elongate cross members 20, each elongate cross member 20 running horizontally between the elongate longitudinal members 10. An air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 is provided at each end of each elongate cross member 20 to connect each elongate cross member 20 between the elongate longitudinal members 10. Two repositionable mounting points 40 are provided on each elongate cross member 20 to secure air conditioning equipment (not shown) to the air conditioning equipment support frame.

[0044] The elongate longitudinal members 10 and the elongate leg members 30 are each typically formed from metal box section, for example steel alloy square box section. It will be appreciated that other profile shapes are possible, such as tubular section. It will also be appreciated that other materials are possible, such as aluminium. The elongate cross members 20 are typically formed from channel section, comprising a channel base portion, with two channel side portions extending one each from each edge of the channel base portions. An upper end of each channel side portion has extending therefrom an overturned section forming an inwardly projecting lip, whereby to provide a wider channel between an end of the overturned section and the channel base section compared to the spacing between the two overturned sections. The channel base portion typically has defined therein a plurality of regularly spaced slots. It will be appreciated that the plurality of regularly spaced slots is a standard feature of support members in the field. The repositionable mounting points 40 typically comprise a metal plate sized to be held captively between the overturned sections and the base section of the elongate cross member 20. The mounting point 40 is also provided with a resilient washer in the form of a rubber washer to vibrationally insulate the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 from any vibrations in the air conditioning equipment.

[0045] Each foot 50 is typically a pre-formed plastics support foot which can optionally be secured to the mounting surface in order to secure the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 to a fixed anchor point.

[0046] Each air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 is slidably supported on the associated elongate longitudinal member 10, whereby the separation distance between the two elongate cross members 20 can be varied. Both the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 and the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector are formed from a plastics material. In this particular embodiment, the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 is assembled from a first component 101 and a cover 150 (see Figures 5 to 7). The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 is assembled from three separate moulded plastics components.

[0047] Figure 2 is an illustration of a first component for an air conditioning equipment support frame connector of the air conditioning equipment support frame of Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 are further views of the first component shown in Figure 2. Although the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 shown in Figure 1 shows an air conditioning support frame connector 100 formed from two separate plastics components, it will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments the air conditioning support frame connector may be realised using only the first component 101 shown in Figure 2. The first component 101 of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 comprises a saddle portion 110. The saddle portion 110 comprises a saddle top portion 112. A saddle side portion 114 extends from each side of the saddle top portion 112. The saddle portion 110 is configured to be supported on a first elongate member in the form of an elongate longitudinal member 10 (see Figure 1).

[0048] A shelf portion 120 extends from each side of the saddle portion 110. In particular, the shelf portions 120 each extend from each saddle side portion 114 of the saddle portion 110. The shelf portion 120 is therefore supported by the saddle portion 110. Each shelf portion 120 comprises a shelf base portion 122 and first and second guide members each in the form of shelf side portions 124 each extending from a respective edge of the shelf base portion 122 in an opposite sense to the saddle side portions 114. The shelf portion 120 is configured to receive and support an end of a second elongate member in the form of an elongate cross member 20.

[0049] Each shelf base portion 122 has defined therein a shelf opening in the form of an elongate shelf slot 126. The elongate shelf slot 126 allows a fastener (not shown) to be used to secure the elongate cross member 20 to the shelf portion 120.

[0050] Each saddle side portion 114 has defined therein a saddle opening in the form of an elongate saddle slot 116. The elongate saddle slot 116 is positioned to allow a fastener (not shown) to pass around the outside of the elongate longitudinal member 10 and to engage with both saddle side portions 114, whereby to clamp the saddle side portions 114 against the elongate longitudinal member 10. In this way, the position of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 on the elongate longitudinal member 10 can be substantially fixed. For the case where the fasteners are screw fasteners, such as bolts, the first component 101 further comprises at least one nut engaging member in the form of a shelf portion nut engaging surface 128 and a saddle portion nut engaging surface 118. Each of the nut engaging surfaces 118, 128 is positioned to rotationally fix the position of a nut, whereby to allow easy tightening of a screw fastener by an installer using only a single torque-applying tool (such as a screwdriver or wrench).

[0051] Figure 5 is an illustration of a cover 150 configured to engage with the first component 101 shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figures 6 and 7 are further views of the cover shown in Figure 5. As described hereinbefore, the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 preferably comprises a cover 150. The cover 150 is sized to fit over at least the shelf portion 120 of the first component 101. The use of the cover 150 increases both the safety of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 and the apparent safety and robustness of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100. The cover 150 comprises a saddle cover portion 160 arranged to at least partially surround the saddle portion of the first component when the cover 150 is positioned on the first component 101. The cover 150 further comprises a shelf cover portion 170 arranged to cover the shelf portion 120 of the first component and define. together with the shelf portion 120, an elongate cross member receiving cavity. In practice, it will be appreciated that the elongate cross member 20 may be positioned on the shelf portion 120 before the cover 150 is positioned on the first component 101. The shelf cover portion 170 comprises a top portion 172, and first and second cover side members 174, the first and second cover side members 174 each extending from respective ends of the top portion 172, and arranged to slidably surround the shelf side portions 124 when the cover 150 is positioned on the first component 101.

[0052] The top portion 172 of the shelf cover portion 170 has defined therein a cover opening in the form of an elongate cover slot 176. The elongate cover slot 176 allows a fastener (not shown) to be used to secure the elongate cross member 20 to the shelf cover portion 170. It will be appreciated that the same fastener may be used to secure the elongate cross member 20 to both the shelf cover portion 170 of the cover 150 and to the shelf portion 120 of the first component.

[0053] In this particular embodiment, a spacing between facing surfaces of the first and second cover side members 174 is just less than a total width of outer opposing faces of the shelf side portions 124 for each shelf portion 120. In this way, as the cover 150 is slid over the first component 101, the first and second cover side members 174 push against the shelf side portions 124 and at least partially clamp the elongate cross member 20 within the shelf portion 120.

[0054] Both the first component 101 and the cover 150 are typically formed from a plastics material by a moulding process. Advantageously, the first component 101 and the cover 150 can each be formed from a two-part mould in a single moulding process. It will be appreciated that appropriate drafting angles and material thicknesses can be chosen without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0055] The air conditioning equipment support frame 1 uses air conditioning support frame corner connectors 200 to connect the elongate leg members 30 to the elongate longitudinal members 10. Figure 8 is an illustration of an elongate leg member insertion component 210 of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 of the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 of Figure 1. The elongate leg member insertion component 210 is arranged to be inserted partially within the hollow section of the elongate leg member 30. The elongate leg member insertion component 210 is typically formed from a plastics material and comprises a flange portion 212 sized to prevent full insertion of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 within the elongate leg member 30. A topside of the flange portion 212 is provided with a connecting portion in the form of a locating eyelet portion 214 for engagement with at least one further component of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200. An elongate leg member connecting portion in the form of a protruding portion 216 extends from an underside of the flange portion 212. The protruding portion 216 comprises a first portion 218 sized to fit snuggly within an internal space of the elongate leg member 30. Beyond the first portion 218, is provided a second portion 220 having a reduced width and defining an elongate slot 222 for securing the elongate leg member insertion component 210 within the elongate leg member 30 by engagement with a fastener passing through a corresponding hole defined in the elongate leg member 30. The second portion 220 further comprises a lip member 224 increasing an effective width of the second portion 220 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210. The degree of insertion of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 within an elongate leg member 30 is easily controlled by altering the position where the fastener passes through the slot. In this way, it will be appreciated that the effective length of each leg of the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 can be altered slightly to cope with the situation where the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 is positioned on uneven terrain.

[0056] Figure 9 is an illustration of a further component 240 of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 of the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 of Figure 1. The further component 240 comprises an elongate longitudinal member connecting portion in the form of an elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244. The elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244 has a width sized to fit within the elongate longitudinal member 10. The elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244 has an opening 252 defined therein for securing the elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244 within the elongate longitudinal member 10. An end of the elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244 is connected to a cover portion 246 via a curved portion 242 arranged to turn through substantially 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongate longitudinal member 10. The curved portion 242 comprises a web portion 248 configured to at least provide the appearance of improved rigidity for the curved portion 242. The cover portion 246 has a width greater than the width of the elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244 and is configured to at least partially cover the elongate leg member 30 when the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 is connected to the elongate leg member 30. The further component 240 further comprises a connecting portion in the form of a protrusion member 250 sized to fit within the locating eyelet portion 214 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 (see Figure 8). The further component 240 also comprises a further connecting portion 254 configured to facilitate the engagement of the further component 240 with a yet further component 270 (see Figure 10 below).

[0057] Figure 10 is an illustration of a yet further component 270 of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 of the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 of Figure 1. Figure 11 is a further view of the yet further component shown in Figure 10. The yet further component 270 comprises an elongate longitudinal member connecting portion in the form of a further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274. The further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274 has a width sized to fit within the elongate longitudinal member 10. The further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274 has an opening 282 defined therein for securing the further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274 within the elongate longitudinal member 10. An end of the further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274 is connected to a further cover portion 276 via a further curved portion 272 arranged to turn through substantially 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongate longitudinal member 10. The further cover portion 276 has a width greater than the width of the further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274 and is configured to at least partially cover the elongate leg member 30 when the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 is connected to the elongate leg member 30. The yet further component 270 further comprises a further connecting portion in the form of a further protrusion member 280 configured to engage with the protrusion member 250 of the further component 240 and sized to fit within the locating eyelet portion 214 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 (see Figure 8). The further component 270 also comprises a further connecting portion 284 configured to facilitate engagement of the further component 240 with the yet further component 270 during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200. It can be seen in Figure 11 that the further connecting portion 284 comprises a nut engaging surface 286 to facilitate each assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200.

[0058] Although the present disclosure describes that the locating eyelet portion 214 is engaged by both the protrusion member 250 of the further component 240 and the further protrusion member 280 of the yet further component 270, it will be appreciated that only one of the further component 240 and the yet further component 270 may comprise a protrusion member configured to engage with the locating eyelet portion 214 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210.

[0059] Figure 12 is an illustration of an assembly of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 shown in Figure 8 with the yet further component 270 shown in Figures 10 and 11. The locating eyelet portion 214 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 is positioned on the further protrusion member 280 and the second portion 220 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 extends through and beyond the further cover portion 276. In this way, the further cover portion 276 covers at least a portion of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 when the locating eyelet portion 214 of the elongate leg member insertion component 210 is located around the further protrusion member 280.

[0060] Figure 13 is an illustration of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector of Figure 1, showing the component of Figure 8, assembled within the further component of Figure 9 and the yet further component of Figures 10 and 11. When fully assembled, it will be appreciated that the further component 240 and the yet further component 270 are configured to co-engage whereby to together form a connection member for the elongate longitudinal member 10 from the elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 244 and the further elongate longitudinal member protruding portion 274. The cover portion 246 and the further cover portion 276 together form a protective cover around an end of an elongate leg member 30 to substantially prevent ingress of moisture, dirt, or other contaminants into the elongate leg member 30 through the end of the elongate leg member 30 connected to the elongate leg member insertion component 210.

[0061] Each of the elongate leg member insertion component 210, the further component 240 and the yet further component 270 are typically formed from a plastics material by a moulding process. Advantageously, the components can each be formed from a two-part mould in a single moulding process. It will be appreciated that appropriate drafting angles and material thicknesses can be chosen without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0062] Figures 14 and 15 are illustrations of further air conditioning equipment support frames in accordance with the present disclosure. In the further air conditioning equipment support frame 300 shown in Figure 14, an extension system is shown where the elongate cross members are extended elongate cross members 22.

[0063] In the yet further air conditioning equipment support frame 400 of Figure 15, a two-layer air conditioning equipment support frame 400 is shown. The assembly and manufacture of the components for the air conditioning equipment support frame is substantially as described with reference to the like components hereinbefore described, apart from the hereinafter described differences. The two-layer air conditioning equipment support frame 400 comprises a first layer comprising first layer elongate longitudinal members 12, connected to elongate cross members 20 using air conditioning equipment support frame connectors 100. The air conditioning equipment support frame 400 further comprises a second layer. The second layer is connected to the first layer by elongate leg members 32. The elongate leg members 32 extend from a ground layer, past the first layer and to air conditioning equipment support frame corner connectors 200 at the second layer. The first layer elongate longitudinal members 12 are connected to the elongate leg members 32 by connecting bolts (not shown). The second layer is substantially as described within the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connectors 200 in relation to the air conditioning equipment support frame 1 of Figure 1. The two-layer air conditioning equipment support frame 400 is configured to support two air conditioning equipment units, one each on the first layer and the second layer.

[0064] It will be appreciated that some or all of the fasteners described hereinbefore may be screw fasteners, and in particular may be nuts and bolts.

[0065] It will be appreciated that the size of any of the elements disclosed hereinbefore may be chosen as required to provide a robust, stable and lightweight air conditioning equipment support frame.

[0066] It will also be appreciated that the material of any of the elements disclosed hereinbefore may be chosen as required to provide a robust, stable and lightweight air conditioning equipment support frame. The elongate members are typically formed from metal, for example steel alloy, aluminium or aluminium alloy.

[0067] It will be appreciated that each of the plastics components for the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 and the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200 are formable by moulding. In particular, the mould assembly comprises a first mould, which defines at least one first mould cavity for partially forming at least one component or either the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 or the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200. Preferably, the first mould comprises a plurality of mould cavities for partially forming all plastics components of at least one of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 and the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200. The mould assembly further comprises a second mould, which defines at least one second mould cavity, each second mould cavity arranged to correspond with a respective first mould cavity from the at least one first mould cavity. The mould assembly may be configured to form each plastics component of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100. Alternatively, the mould assembly may be configured to form each plastics component of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector 200. In the case of the components being moulded, the plastics material is typically a thermosettable plastics material.

[0068] It will be appreciated that one or more components of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100 may alternatively be formed on a 3D printer. The 3D printer typically forms the components of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100. The 3D printer is supplied with a computer-readable medium comprising design data which, when supplied to the 3D printer, is processable by the 3D printer to cause the 3D printer to manufacture the at least one component of the air conditioning equipment support frame connector 100.

[0069] In summary, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning equipment support frame connector (100) for connecting a first elongate member (10) of the air conditioning equipment support frame (1) to a second elongate member (20) of the air conditioning equipment support frame (1). The connector comprises a saddle portion (110) formed from a plastics material and configured to be supported on the first elongate member (10). The connector further comprises a shelf portion (120) formed from the plastics material or a further plastics material. The shelf portion (120) is supported by the saddle portion (110) and configured to receive and support an end of the second elongate member (20).

[0070] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0071] Features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The disclosure is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The disclosure extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An air conditioning equipment support frame connector for connecting a first elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame to a second elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame, the connector comprising: a saddle portion formed from a plastics material and configured to be supported on the first elongate member; and a shelf portion formed from the plastics material or a further plastics material, the shelf portion being supported by the saddle portion and configured to receive and support an end of the second elongate member.

2. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shelf portion has defined therein a shelf opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the second elongate member to the shelf portion.

3. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air conditioning equipment support frame connector further comprises a fastener configured to secure the second elongate member to the shelf portion.

4. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shelf portion comprises a first guide member and a second guide member, together arranged to locate the second elongate member between the first guide member and the second guide member.

5. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a cover configured to be positionable over at least the shelf portion.

6. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cover comprises a first cover side member and a second cover side member, the first cover side member and the second cover side member together being arranged to locate the second elongate member between the first cover side member and the second cover side member when the cover is positioned over the shelf portion.

7. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 6 when dependent on claim 4, wherein a distance between facing surfaces of the first cover side member and the second cover side member is less than a distance between outer opposing surfaces of the first guide member and the second guide member.

8. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cover has defined therein a cover opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the second elongate member to the cover.

9. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 8 or in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 2, wherein at least one of the shelf opening and the cover opening is an elongate slot.

10. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 2 or claim 8, wherein the fastener is a nut and a bolt and at least one of the shelf portion and the cover further comprises at least one nut engaging member for fixing the rotational position of the nut during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame.

11. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the saddle portion has defined therein at least one saddle opening for receiving a saddle fastener configured to be fastenable to clamp the saddle portion in position on the first elongate member.

12. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein the saddle portion comprises a top portion configured to be supported on the first elongate member and two side portions arranged to extend from the top portion along a depth of the first elongate member, and wherein the opening is an elongate slot extending along a one of the side portions from the intersection of the side portion with the top portion, and wherein the elongate slot terminates within the side portion.

13. The air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the saddle fastener is a saddle nut and a saddle bolt and at least one of the shelf portion and the saddle portion further comprises at least one saddle nut engaging member for fixing the rotational position of the saddle nut during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame.

14. An air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector for connecting an elongate longitudinal member of the air conditioning equipment support frame to an elongate leg member of the air conditioning equipment support frame, the corner connector comprising: a first component comprising: a first cover portion; an elongate longitudinal member connecting portion configured to protrude within and engage with an end of the elongate longitudinal member; a second component comprising: a second cover portion configured to selectively engage with the first cover portion; and a third component comprising: a first connecting portion; and an elongate leg member connecting portion configured to protrude within and engage with an end of the elongate leg member, wherein the first, second and third components are formed from one or more plastics materials, and wherein one of the first component and the second component further comprises a second connecting portion, and wherein, when the second cover portion is selectively engaged with the first cover portion, the second connecting portion is configured to engage with the first connecting portion whereby to secure the third component to at least one of the first component and the second component, and the first and second cover portions are arranged to extend over at least a portion of the elongate leg member connecting portion.

15. The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in claim 14, wherein the elongate leg member connecting portion has defined therein an elongate slot for receiving an elongate leg member fastener configured to secure the elongate leg member to the third component at a selectable protrusion distance of the elongate leg member connecting portion within the elongate leg member.

16. The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second component further comprises a further elongate longitudinal member connecting portion configured to protrude within and engage with the elongate longitudinal member.

17. The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the other of the first component and the second component further comprises a third connecting portion configured to, when the second cover portion is selectively engaged with the first cover portion, engage with at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion whereby to secure the third component to the first component and the second component.

18. The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, wherein at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion have defined therein a cover portion opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the first component to the second component.

19. The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18, wherein at least one of the elongate longitudinal member connecting portion and the further elongate longitudinal member connecting portion have defined therein an elongate longitudinal member opening for receiving a fastener configured to secure the elongate longitudinal member to the first component or the second component.

20. The air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein at least one of the fasteners is a nut and bolt, and wherein at least one of the elongate longitudinal member connecting portion, the further elongate longitudinal member connecting portion, the first cover portion and the second cover portion comprises at least one nut engaging member for fixing the rotational position of the nut during assembly of the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector.

21. An air conditioning equipment support frame comprising: a first elongate member providing a support leg; a second elongate member providing a cross-member extending horizontally from the support leg; and an air conditioning support frame connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 connecting the support leg to the cross-member.

22. The air conditioning equipment support frame as claimed in claim 21, further comprising: an elongate longitudinal member providing a longitudinal member extending from an end of the support leg; and an air conditioning support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20 connecting the elongate longitudinal member to the first elongate member.

23. An air conditioning equipment support frame comprising: an elongate leg member providing a support leg; an elongate longitudinal member providing a longitudinal member extending from an end of the support leg; and an air conditioning support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20 connecting the elongate longitudinal member to the elongate leg member.

24. A kit of parts for assembling the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20 or the air conditioning equipment support frame as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23.

25. A computer-readable medium comprising design data which, when supplied to a 3D printer, is processable by the 3D printer to cause the 3D printer to manufacture an air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13.

26. A mould assembly for moulding the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, the mould assembly comprising; a first mould having at least one mould surface; and a second mould having at least one respective opposing mould surface, the second mould being arranged to substantially oppose the first mould and defining at least one mould cavity between the at least one mould surface and the at least one respective opposing mould surface, whereby to form at least one component of the connector in the mould cavity.

27. A mould assembly as claimed in claim 26, when used to mould the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein one of the at least one respective opposing mould surfaces comprises a protrusion arranged to extend from the mould surface, whereby to form the elongate slot extending along a one of the side portions of the saddle portion.

28. A mould assembly for moulding the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20, the mould assembly comprising: a first mould having at least one mould surface; and a second mould having at least one respective opposing mould surface, the second mould being arranged to substantially oppose the first mould and defining at least one mould cavity between the at least one mould surface and the at least one respective opposing mould surface, whereby to form at least one component of the corner connector in the mould cavity.

29. A method of assembly of an air conditioning equipment support frame using the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: supporting the saddle portion of the connector on a first elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame; and inserting an end of a second elongate member of the air conditioning equipment support frame onto the shelf portion of the connector.

30. The method of assembly as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: securing the second elongate member to the shelf portion.

31. The method of assembly as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 using the air conditioning equipment support frame connector as claimed in claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the method further comprises: positioning the cover over at least the shelf portion.

32. A method of assembly of an air conditioning equipment support frame using the air conditioning equipment support frame corner connector as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20, the method comprising: inserting the elongate leg member connecting portion of the third component within an end of an elongate leg member; securing the third component to at least one of the first component and the second component; engaging the first cover portion of the first component with the second cover portion of the second component, wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion together extend over at least a portion of the elongate leg member connecting portion; and inserting the elongate longitudinal member connecting portion of the first component within an end of an elongate longitudinal member.