GB2580730A

GB2580730A - A connecting device and a frame assembly comprising the connecting device

Info

Publication number: GB2580730A
Application number: GB1911898.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kinsella Paul; Kealy Patrick
Original assignee: Merlyn Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Merlyn Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-22
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2020-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-20
Also published as: GB2580730B; EP3914800A2; GB201911898D0; WO2020152663A3; WO2020152663A2; EP3914800B1

Abstract

A connecting device 10 for connecting and securing first and second frame members 4, 7, in which the first member 4 has a bore 20 extending longitudinally therein, and the second member 7 has a bore 27 and a channel 28 extending longitudinally therein. The connecting device comprises a body member 37 with a hollow interior region 44 and an entry slot 52. The body member 37 is engageable in the bore 20 of the first member 4, a guide member 55 located in the hollow interior region 44 of the body member and extending therefrom through the entry slot 52 and slideably engages the one of the bore (27, Fig 5) and the channel 28 of the second member for adjustably guiding and retaining the second member transversely relative to the first member 4. An engagement means 67, 70 is engageable with the first member 4 to retain body member 37 in the bore 20, whilst a limit means 60 co-operates with the guide member 55 and the second member 7. A securing element 64 co-operates with the guide member 55 and the second member 7 to selectively position the second member transversely relative to the first member.

Description

"A connecting device and a frame assembly comprising the connecting device" The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting and securing a pair of first and second members together with one of the first and second members extending substantially transversely of the other one of the first and second members. The invention also relates to a frame assembly comprising at least one of the connecting devices.

Frame assemblies in general comprise a pair of spaced apart upstanding members joined by spaced apart upper and lower cross-members. In general, the upstanding members and the upper and lower cross-members define an opening, which depending on the use to which the frame assembly is put, may be an access opening, which typically, would be closed by a door, for example, a hinged door, a sliding door or the like. Such frame assemblies are commonly used in shower enclosures, and the access opening defined by the frame assembly provides access into the shower enclosure. The access opening in general is closed by one or a pair of doors which in the case of a single door may be hingedly connected to one of the upstanding members and would close against the other one of the upstanding members. Alternatively, in the case of a single door, the single door may be pivotally connected to the upper and lower cross-members, and would pivot about a generally vertically extending pivot axis extending between the upper and lower cross-members. In the case of a pair of doors, the doors may be of the folding type, one of which would be pivotally coupled between the upper and lower cross-members, and the other of which would be slideable in the upper and lower cross-members. Alternatively, such frame assemblies for a shower enclosure may comprise a stationary panel which typically, would be a stationary transparent panel typically of toughened glass, which would close half of the access opening, and the remainder of the access opening would be closed by a sliding door. The sliding door would be slideable between a closed state closing the remainder of the access opening not closed by the stationary panel, and an open state with the sliding door and the stationary panel adjacent each other providing access through the access opening.

In general, such frame assemblies are require to marry-up with an existing wall or walls of a room in which the shower enclosure is located. In general, the walls of a room are not always plumb, or parallel to each other, and in the case of similar houses in a housing estate the dimensions between a pair of walls in which a shower enclosure is to be located may vary due to normal building tolerances. This presents considerable difficulty when a frame assembly is being installed in a location in which the walls of a room are not plumb or parallel to each other, or the dimensions vary from house to house. In general, frame assemblies being factory made are particularly accurately dimensioned, with the upstanding members being parallel to each other, and the upper and lower cross-members also being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upstanding members and squared. Accordingly, a difficulty arises when such frame assemblies are being fitted into, for example, an alcove in which the opposite side walls of which are not parallel, or the dimension between the side walls varies from house to house, or where such a frame assembly is being fitted adjacent a side wall where the side wall does not extend perpendicularly upwardly from the floor, or base on which the lower cross-member of the frame assembly is to be located. Various arrangements have been provided to facilitate adjustment of the upstanding side members relative to the upper and lower cross-members. However, such adjustment arrangements tend to be relatively complex and not easy to use on site.

There is therefore a need for a connecting device for connecting and securing a pair of first and second members together with one of the first and second members extending substantially transversely of the other one of the first and second members. There is also a need for a frame assembly which comprises at least one upstanding member and one cross-member extending substantially transversely from the upstanding member, whereby the cross-member is transversely adjustable relative to the upstanding member.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a connecting device, and such a frame assembly.

According to the invention there is provided a connecting device for connecting and securing one of a pair of first and second members to the other one of the first and second members, with one of the first and second members extending substantially transversely of the other one of the first and second members, the first member having a bore extending longitudinally therein, and the second member having one of a bore and a channel extending longitudinally therein, the connecting device comprising a body member defining a hollow interior region and an entry slot into the hollow interior region, the body member being configured to be engageable in the bore of the first member, a guide member located in the hollow interior region of the body member and extending therefrom through the entry slot and configured to slideably engage the one of the bore and the channel of the second member for adjustably guiding and retaining the second member transversely relative to the first member, an engagement means engageable with the first member for retaining the body member in the bore of the first member, a limit means co-operable with the guide member and the second member for limiting the amount of transverse adjustable movement of the second member relative to the first member, and a securing means co-operable with the guide member and the second member for securing the second member in a selectable position transversely relative to the first member.

In the one aspect of the invention the body member defines a first end face, and the entry slot extends in the first end face.

In one embodiment of the invention the engagement means comprises an engagement member resiliently connected to the body member for engaging a corresponding engagement opening in the first member.

Preferably, the engagement member is resiliently urgeable into the body member.

Preferably, the body member is slideable into the bore of the first member for positioning therein, and advantageously, the engagement member is engageable with the engagement opening as the body member is being urged into the bore for locating, positioning and retaining the body member therein.

Preferably, the engagement member comprises a tapered lead-in for facilitating entry of the body member into the bore of the first member.

In another embodiment of the invention the limit means comprises one of a limit member extending from the guide member and an elongated limit slot formed in the guide member for slideably engaging in the other one of a limit slot and a limit member located in the second member.

Preferably, the limit means comprises a limit member, and advantageously, the limit member extends from the guide member in a direction substantially parallel to the side entry slot of the body member.

In one embodiment of the invention the guide member is configured in the hollow interior region of the body member to accommodate and guide the second member into and out of the hollow interior region of the body member with a portion of the second member located between the guide member and the body member.

In one aspect of the invention the body member comprises a U-shaped element comprising a pair of spaced apart side walls and an end wall joining the side walls at one end thereof, the side and end walls defining the hollow interior region, and the side walls adjacent an end thereof opposite the end wall defining the entry slot, and preferably, the side walls of the body member adjacent the end thereof opposite the end wall define the first end face.

In one embodiment of the invention the guide member extends from the end wall through the hollow interior region between the side walls.

In another aspect of the invention the guide member is spaced apart from the side walls for accommodating respective portions of the second member between the guide member and the side walls.

In one embodiment of the invention the engagement means is resiliently connected to the end wall of the body member and extends therefrom.

In a further embodiment of the invention the body member comprises a base wall extending from the end wall and between the side walls.

In a further aspect of the invention a base slot extends through the base wall for accommodating a panel therein.

In one aspect of the invention the base slot extends from the entry slot, and preferably, the base slot extends substantially perpendicularly from the entry slot.

In another aspect of the invention the body member defines a base face, and the base slot extends in the base face. Advantageously, the the base face extends substantially perpendicularly to the first end face.

Ideally, the body member defines the transverse cross-section of the bore of the first member.

In a further aspect of the invention the body member comprises at least one side ridge located on each of opposite external front and rear faces defined by the body member. Preferably, a pair of spaced apart side ridges are provided on each of the external front and rear faces of the body member.

In one embodiment of the invention the side walls of the body member define respective ones of the external front and rear faces thereof.

In a further aspect of the invention the guide member defines the transverse cross-section of the one of the bore and the channel of the second member.

Preferably, the securing means comprises a grub screw located in a threaded bore formed in the guide member, the grub screw being configured to engage the second member.

The invention also provides a frame assembly comprising at least one first member having a bore extending longitudinally therein, and a second member having one of a bore and a channel extending longitudinally therein, the second member extending transversely from the first member and being secured thereto by a connecting device according to the invention.

Preferably, the first member comprises an engagement opening extending into the bore thereof, and the engagement means of the body member is engaged in the engagement opening.

Advantageously, the first member is provided with a side opening extending into the bore thereof.

Preferably, the engagement opening in the first member is formed in the first member opposite the side opening.

Preferably, the body member of the connecting device is located in the bore of the first member with the entry slot of the body member aligned with and communicating with the side opening of the first member, and advantageously, the body member is located in the bore of the first member with the guide member extending through the side opening of the first member.

In one embodiment of the invention the second member is slideably mounted on the guide member, and is slideable transversely relative to the first member into and out of the hollow interior region of the body member through the side opening of the first member.

In another embodiment of the invention the second member is provided with an elongated limit slot, and the limit means of the guide member is slideably engaged in the limit slot. Preferably, the limit slot extends longitudinally in the second member.

In one embodiment of the invention the grub screw in the threaded bore of the guide member is engageable with the second member for securing the second member to the guide member.

Preferably, the guide member is slideable in the channel extending longitudinally in the second member.

In one embodiment of the invention the channel of the second member is defined by a longitudinally extending side wall, and a pair of spaced apart first and second walls extending longitudinally along and from the side wall. Preferably, a longitudinally extending first return extends from the first wall, and a longitudinally extending second return extends from the second wall, the first and second returns being spaced apart from the longitudinally extending side wall and extending from the first and second walls in respective opposite directions towards each other and defining an elongated longitudinally extending opening to the channel.

In another aspect of the invention the first member is configured to receive a pair of body members of a pair of the connecting devices at respective opposite ends of the first member.

In another embodiment of the invention the first member comprises an elongated member, and preferably, the frame assembly comprises a pair of the first members spaced apart from each other, and configured as a pair of upstanding members.

In one embodiment of the invention the second member comprises an elongated member, and preferably, the frame assembly comprises a pair of the second members spaced apart from each other, and configured as upper and lower cross-members extending between the upstanding members formed by the first members.

In another aspect of the invention an elongated guide rail extends sidewardly from at least one of the second members for slideably carrying a carriage for supporting a door slideable along the at least one of the second members.

Advantageously, the second members are secured to at least one of the first members adjacent the top and bottom thereof, respectively, by the respective connecting devices.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides a relatively inexpensive, easy to manufacture and easy to use connecting member which permits ready and easy adjustment of a first member relative to a second member, and in particular, adjustment of the second member transversely relative to the first member of the frame assembly. This adjustment can be carried out after the connecting device has been engaged in the first and second members of the frame assembly. This is a particularly important advantage in that it allows the first members, namely, upstanding members of the frame assembly to be secured to respective walls of an existing structure, and any out of plumb of the existing walls or dimensional inaccuracies between the walls of an existing structure can then be taken account of by adjusting the second members, which typically would be upper and lower cross-members of the frame assembly relative to the upstanding members.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a frame assembly according to the invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the frame assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating a connecting device also according to the invention for connecting a pair of frame members of the frame assembly to each other adjacent a corner of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the corner of Fig. 3 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is another exploded perspective view of the corner of Fig. 3 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the corner of Fig. 3 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the frame members in respective different states, Figs. 8 and 9 are top plan views of the corner of Fig. 3 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the frame members in the states of Figs. 6 and 7, respectively, Fig. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of a pad of the corner of Fig. 3 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the corner of Fig. 3 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the assembly of the frame members, Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective views of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the connecting device of Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrow E of Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the connecting device of Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrow F of Fig. 14, Fig. 17 is an end elevational view of the connecting device of Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrow G of Fig. 14, Fig. 18 is an end elevational view of the connecting device of Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrow H of Fig. 14, Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 20 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 19 of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 21 is an end elevational view of the portion of Fig. 19 of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 22 is an end elevational view of the portion of Fig. 19 of the connecting device of Fig. 3 from the opposite end to that of Fig. 21, Fig. 23 is a top plan view of the portion of the Fig. 19 of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 24 is a perspective view of another portion of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 24 of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 26 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 24 of the connecting device of Fig. 3, Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame member of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 28 is an end elevational view of the frame member of Fig. 27, Fig. 29 is a top plan view of the frame member of Fig. 27, and Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the connecting device of Fig. 1 illustrated in a part of the frame assembly of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a frame assembly according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. In this embodiment of the invention the frame assembly is particularly suitable for a shower enclosure (not shown) and is configured to slideably carry a sliding door 3 for providing access to the shower enclosure. The frame assembly comprises a pair of first members, namely, an elongated upstanding left-hand first member 4 and an elongated upstanding right-hand first member 5. The first members 4 and 5 are joined by second members, namely, elongated upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8, respectively, extending transversely between and perpendicularly to the first members 4 and 5. Connecting devices also according to the invention and indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 adjustably connect and secure the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 to the upstanding left-hand and right-hand first members 4 and 5. The connecting devices 10 permit adjustment of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 in a transverse direction, namely, in the direction of the arrows A and B substantially perpendicularly to the upstanding first members 4 and 5 for permitting adjustment of the spacing between the upstanding first members 4 and 5 outwardly from each other in the direction of the arrows A and inwardly towards each other in the direction of the arrows B. A stationary panel 14, for example, a glass panel extends from the first member 5 between the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8. Clips 12, one of which is illustrated in the lower cross-member 8 are provided in both the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 for securing the stationary panel 14 in position in the cross-members 7 and 8. Upper and lower rails 15 extending longitudinally along and sidewardly from the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 slideably engage carriages 17, two of which are secured to the sliding door 3 adjacent an upper edge 18 thereof, and two of which are secured to a lower edge 19 of the sliding door 3. Stop members 80, see Figs. 3 and 4, are located in the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 for simultaneously engaging the corresponding leading ones of the carriages 17, in order to bring the sliding door 3 to a stop when the sliding door 3 reaches its normal closed position. Such cross-members as the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 and rails for slideably carrying carriages for supporting a sliding door of a frame assembly of a shower enclosure similar to the frame assembly 1 will be well known to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended to describe these aspects of the frame assembly in further detail.

The first members 4 and 5 of the frame assembly 1 are identical to each other, and each first member 4 and 5 comprises an elongated member of extruded aluminium of hollow box section of rectangular transverse cross-section having a hollow interior region 20 also of rectangular transverse cross-section extending therethrough. Top and bottom ends 22 and 23, respectively, of the first members 4 and 5 are open into the hollow interior region 20. Side openings 24 extend into inner webs 25 from the top and bottom ends 22 and 23 of the first members 4 and 5 for accommodating the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8, respectively, into the hollow interior regions 20 of the first members 4 and 5.

The upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 are identical to each other, and each upper and lower cross-member 7 and 8 is also of extruded aluminium and defines an elongated bore 27 extending therethrough and an elongated channel 28 also extending longitudinally along the corresponding cross-members 7 and 8. The channel 28 of each cross-member 7 and 8 is defined by a side wall 29 of the cross-member 7 or 8, and elongated spaced apart first and second walls 30 and 31, respectively, extending longitudinally along and outwardly from the side wall 29 of the corresponding cross-member 7 or 8. Elongated first and second returns 33 and 34, respectively, extend from the first and second walls 30 and 31 towards each other and define with the side wall 29 and the first and second walls 30 and 31 the corresponding channel 28. The first and second returns 33 and 34 define a longitudinally extending opening 35 into the channel 28. The second return 34 of each cross-member 7 and 8 forms the rail 15 of the corresponding cross-members 7 and 8 on which the carriages 17 are slideable.

Turning now to the connecting devices 10, each connecting device 10 comprises a body member 37, typically of a plastics material, for engaging in the hollow interior region 20 adjacent a corresponding end 22 or 23 of a corresponding one of the first members 4 or 5. Each body member 37 comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls 38 joined by an end wall 39 at one of their ends 40. A base wall 41 extends from the end wall 39 and between the side walls 38. A base slot 42 is formed in the base wall 41 for aligning with a corresponding panel engaging slot 43 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 or 5 for accommodating the stationary glass panel 14 therein. The side walls 38, the end wall 39 and the base wall 41 define a hollow interior region 44 of the body member 37. The body member 37 defines a first end face 45 and a second end face 46 opposite the first end face 45, an upper end face 47 and a lower end face 48, and opposite external front and rear faces 49 and 50. The side walls 38 and the base wall 41 define a side entry slot 52 extending through the first end face 45 and communicating with the hollow interior region 44 of the body member 37. The side walls 38 and the end wall 39 define an upper end slot 53 extending through the upper end face 47 and communicating with the hollow interior region 44 of the body member 37. Each body member 37 defines a cross-section which is substantially similar to the transverse cross-section of the hollow interior region 20 extending through the first members 4 and 5, so that the body members 37 are a relatively tight sliding fit in the hollow interior regions 20 of the respective first members 4 and 5.

The body members 37 are configured for locating in the hollow interior regions 20 of the first members 4 and 5 at the corresponding end 22 or 23, thereof, with the entry slots 52 of the body members 37 aligned with the corresponding side openings 24 in the corresponding end of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5, so that the corresponding upper and lower ones of the cross-members 7 and 8 are slideable into the hollow interior region 44 of the corresponding body members 37 through the side openings 24 of the corresponding ones of the first members 4 and 5 and the entry slot 52 of the corresponding body member 37.

A guide member 55, typically of a plastics material is secured to the end wall 39 of each body member 37 by a pair of screws 56, and extends through the hollow interior region 44 of the body member 37 and through the entry slot 52 thereof, and in turn through the side opening 24 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5. The screws 56 extend through bores 57 in the end wall 39 of the corresponding body member 37 and engage corresponding threaded bores 58 extending into the guide member 55. The guide member 55 extends through the hollow interior region 44 spaced apart from the side walls 38 for accommodating portions of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 between the guide member 55 and the side walls 38 of the body member 37. The guide member 55 of each body member 37 is configured to slideably engage the channel 28 adjacent a corresponding end thereof of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 for facilitating slideable adjustment of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 transversely of and relative to the corresponding first member 4 or 5 in the directions of the arrows A and B. The transverse cross-section of each guide member 55 is substantially similar to the cross-section defined by the channel 28 of each of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 for facilitating relatively tight sliding movement of the upper and lower cross-member 7 and 8 on the respective guide member 55.

A limit means, in this embodiment of the invention a limit member 60 extending from the guide member 55 of each body member 37 is slideably engageable in a corresponding limit slot 62 extending longitudinally through the first wall 30, defining the channel 28 of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 for retaining the guide element 55 engaged in the corresponding end of the corresponding one of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8, and also for limiting the transverse movement of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 relative to the corresponding first member 4 and 5.

Ends 61 and 63 of the limit slot 62 are engageable with the limit member 60 of the guide member 55 for limiting the extent of the slideable movement in the directions of the arrows A and B of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 relative to the guide member 55. In particular, the end 61 of each limit slot 62 engages the corresponding limit member 60 in order to prevent the free end 79 of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 being urged outwardly in the direction of the arrow B from the hollow interior region 44 of the corresponding body member 37 through the entry slot 52 thereof.

The limit member 60 is positioned on the corresponding guide member 55, so that when the limit member 60 is located in the limit slot 62 and abutting the end 61 of the limit slot 62 in the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8, the end 79 of the corresponding cross-members 7 and 8 is located within the hollow interior region 44 of the body member 37 and the corresponding connecting device 10 so that the ends 79 of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 will always be concealed within the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5. A tapered lead-in 66 is provided on the limit member 60 of the guide member 55 of each connecting device 10 for facilitating entry of the guide member 55 into the channel 28 of the corresponding one of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8, and also for facilitating entry of the limit member 60 into the corresponding limit slot 62.

A securing means, in this embodiment of the invention comprising a grub screw 64 engaged in a threaded bore 65 of the guide member 55 of each connecting device 10 is engageable with the side wall 29 of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8, for in turn rigidly securing the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8 to the guide member 55 of the corresponding connecting device 10 when adjustment of the cross-member 7 or 8 relative to the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5 has been completed.

Each body member 37 comprises an engagement means for positioning and locking the body member 37 in the hollow interior region 20 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5. In this embodiment of the invention the engagement means comprises an engagement member 67 resiliently mounted on the end wall 39 of the body member 37 by a resilient carrier shaft 69 and engageable with a corresponding engagement opening 70 in the outer web 71 of the corresponding first member 4 or 5. The carrier shaft 69 is configured to be resiliently urgeable inwardly into the body member 37 with the engagement member 67 as the body member 37 is being urged into the hollow interior region 20 adjacent the corresponding one of the ends 22 and 23 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5, and when the engagement member 67 is aligned with the engagement opening 70, the resilience in the carrier shaft 69 urges the engagement member 67 outwardly of the body member 37 and into locking engagement with the engagement opening 70, for in turn securing and locking the body member 37 in the hollow interior region 20 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5. The engagement member 67 terminates in a tapered lead-in 72 for facilitating entry of the body member 37 into the hollow interior region 20 of the corresponding one of the ends 22 and 23 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5.

Pairs of spaced apart ridge members 73 are provided on the respective front and rear faces 49 and 50 of the body member 37 and terminate in tapered lead-ins 74 for facilitating entry of the body member 37 into the hollow interior region 20 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5.

The body member 37 with the ridges 73 on the front and rear faces 49 and 50 thereof, define the transverse cross-section of the hollow interior region 20 of the first members 4 and 5, so that as discussed above the body member 37 is a relatively tight sliding fit in the hollow interior region 20 of the first members 4 and 5.

Inwardly directed grooves 75 extend inwardly into the front and rear faces 49 and 50 of the side walls 38 of the body member 37 adjacent the first end face 45 thereof for engaging edges 76 of the inner web 25 defining the side openings 24 adjacent the top and bottom ends 22 and 23 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5. Returns 78 on the side walls 38 adjacent the first end face 45 of each body member 37 are provided to conceal the edges 76 of the inner web 25 defining the side openings 24.

In use, with the guide member 55 secured by the screws 56 in the body member 37 of each connecting device 10, the connecting devices 10 are ready for use. Initially, the connecting devices 10 are slideably engaged with the cross-members 7 and 8, by urging the guide members 55 of the connecting members 10 into engagement with the channels 28 of the cross-members 8 until the limit member 60 of each guide member 55 is slideably engaged in the limit slot 62 in the corresponding end of the corresponding one of the cross-members 7 and 8, see Fig. 11. However, at this stage the grub screws are not yet tightened, so that the cross-members 7 and 8 are slideable within the hollow interior regions 44 of the body members 37 of the connecting members 10.

The lower cross-member 8 with the connecting devices 10 slideably connected to the opposite ends thereof is placed in position on the ground or on the shower tray of the shower enclosure, and the first members 4 and 5 are urged downwardly onto the connecting members 10 for engaging the body members 37 of the connecting devices 10 in the hollow interior regions 20 at the bottom ends 23 of the first members 4 and 5. The first members 4 and 5 are urged downwardly onto the body members 37 until the engagement members 67 of the body members 37 engage the corresponding engagement openings 70 in the first members 4 and 5 adjacent the lower end 23 thereof. The first members 4 and 5 are then secured to the opposite walls defining the shower enclosure.

With the first members 4 and 5 secured to the walls defining the shower enclosure, the upper cross-member 7 with the connecting devices 10 slideably connected to the opposite ends thereof is then assembled to the first members 4 and 5 by engaging the body members 37 of the connecting members 10 at the opposite ends of the upper cross-member 7 in the hollow interior regions 20 of the first members 4 and 5 adjacent the top ends 22 thereof. The upper cross-member 7 is urged downwardly for in turn urging the body members 37 into the hollow interior regions 20 of the first members 4 and 5 adjacent the top ends 22 thereof until the engagement members 67 of the body members 37 engage the corresponding engagement openings 70 in the first members 4 and 5 adjacent the upper ends 22 thereof.

At this stage the position of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 relative to the first members 4 and 5 is adjusted in the appropriate direction of the arrows A and B transversely of the first members 4 and 5, so that the stop members 80 on the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 are aligned plumb one above the other, and also that the clips 12 on the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 are also aligned plumb one above the other. Once the positions of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 have been transversely adjusted relative to the first members 4 and 5 with the stop members 80 and the clips 12, respectively, plumbed relative to each other, the grub screws 64 are then tightened in the threaded bores 65 of the guide members 55 to engage the side wall 29 of the corresponding one of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8, for in turn tightly and rigidly securing the guide members 55 to the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8, for in turn rigidly securing the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8 to the first members 4 and 5.

The stationary glass panel 14 is then located in the frame assembly 1 with the stationary glass panel 14 engaged in the panel engaging slot 40 of the corresponding one of the first members 4 and 5, which in this embodiment of the invention is the first member 5, and also engaged in the base slot 42 of the corresponding ones of the body members 37 located in upper and lower ends 22 and 23 of the first member 5. The sliding door 3 is then located in the frame assembly 1, with the carriages 17 of the sliding door 3 engaging the upper and lower rails 15 of the upper and lower cross-members 7 and 8.

While the body member 37 of each connecting device 10 has been described as comprising ridge members 73 on the respective front and rear faces 49 and 50, thereof, while this is desirable, it is not essential.

It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention the base wall 41 may be omitted from the body member of each connecting device. Indeed, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that where the base wall is provided a base slot may be omitted.

While the first members have been described and illustrated as being of specific shapes and constructions, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any suitable shape and construction of first members may be provided. Similarly, it is envisaged that the cross-members may be of any other suitable shape or construction. Indeed, it is envisaged in some embodiments of the invention that the guide members 55 of the connecting devices may be configured to engage the bore 27 in the corresponding cross-member 7 or 8, and in which case, it is envisaged that a grub screw for securing the cross-member 7 or 8 to the guide member 55 could be provided in the cross-member, or alternatively, an access opening or slot could be provided in one of the walls defining the bore 27 to provide access to the grub screw in the threaded bore of the guide member 55 for operating the grub screw to engage the other one of the side walls defining the bore 27 of the cross-members 7 and 8. Such an opening, typically, would be formed by an elongated slot which would be of sufficient length to provide access to the grub screw between the extreme relative positions of the cross-member relative to the guide member.

While the frame assembly has been described for use in a shower enclosure, the frame assembly could be provided for use in any other application.

It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention it may be only necessary to provide connecting devices according to the invention for joining the upper and lower cross-members to one of the first and second members 4 and 5. Indeed, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that depending on the frame assembly and its application, a single connecting device for connecting one of the upper and lower cross-members to one of the first members may be all that would be required.

While the first members 4 and 5 and the second members 7 and 8 have been described as being of aluminium material, the first and second members 4, 5 and 7, 8 may be of any other suitable material, and furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the first members 4 and 5 and the second members 7 and 8 may be formed by any other suitable means besides extrusion. In fact, it is envisaged that when the first and second members 4, 5 and 7, 8 are formed by means other than extrusion, it is envisaged that suitable bores or channels would be machined or formed into the bores at the respective opposite ends for engaging the body member and the guide member of the connecting device.

It will also be appreciated that while the connecting device has been described as comprising a body member and a guide member of a particular shape and construction, the body member and the guide member may be of any other suitable shape or construction. It is also envisaged that the connecting device may be of any other suitable material besides a plastics material.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

Claims 1. A connecting device for connecting and securing one of a pair of first and second members to the other one of the first and second members, with one of the first and second members extending substantially transversely of the other one of the first and second members, the first member having a bore extending longitudinally therein, and the second member having one of a bore and a channel extending longitudinally therein, the connecting device comprising a body member defining a hollow interior region and an entry slot into the hollow interior region, the body member being configured to be engageable in the bore of the first member, a guide member located in the hollow interior region of the body member and extending therefrom through the entry slot and configured to slideably engage the one of the bore and the channel of the second member for adjustably guiding and retaining the second member transversely relative to the first member, an engagement means engageable with the first member for retaining the body member in the bore of the first member, a limit means co-operable with the guide member and the second member for limiting the amount of transverse adjustable movement of the second member relative to the first member, and a securing means co-operable with the guide member and the second member for securing the second member in a selectable position transversely relative to the first member.
2. A connecting device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the body member defines a first end face, and the entry slot extends in the first end face.
3. A connecting device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the engagement means comprises an engagement member resiliently connected to the body member for engaging a corresponding engagement opening in the first member, and the engagement member is resiliently urgeable into the body member.
4. A connecting device as claimed in Claim 3 in which the body member is slideable into the bore of the first member for positioning therein, and the engagement member is engageable with the engagement opening as the body member is being urged into the bore for locating, positioning and retaining the body member therein.
5. A connecting device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the limit means comprises one of a limit member extending from the guide member and an elongated limit slot formed in the guide member for slideably engaging in the other one of a limit slot and a limit member located in the second member.
6. A connecting device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the guide member is configured in the hollow interior region of the body member to accommodate and guide the second member into and out of the hollow interior region of the body member with a portion of the second member located between the guide member and the body member.
7. A connecting device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the body member comprises a U-shaped element comprising a pair of spaced apart side walls and an end wall joining the side walls at one end thereof, the side and end walls defining the hollow interior region, and the side walls adjacent an end thereof opposite the end wall defining the entry slot, and the side walls of the body member adjacent the end thereof opposite the end wall define the first end face.
8. A connecting device as claimed in Claim 7 in which the guide member extends from the end wall through the hollow interior region between and spaced apart from the side walls for accommodating respective portions of the second member between the guide member and the side walls.
9. A connecting device as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which the body member comprises a base wall extending from the end wall and between the side walls, and a base slot extends through the base wall for accommodating a panel therein.
10. A connecting device as claimed in Claim 9 in which the base slot extends from the entry slot.
11. A connecting device as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 10 in which the body member defines the transverse cross-section of the bore of the first member.
12. A connecting device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the guide member defines the transverse cross-section of the one of the bore and the channel of the second member.
13. A connecting device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the securing means comprises a grub screw located in a threaded bore formed in the guide member, the grub screw being configured to engage the second member.
14. A frame assembly comprising at least one first member having a bore extending longitudinally therein, and a second member having one of a bore and a channel extending longitudinally therein, the second member extending transversely from the first member and being secured thereto by a connecting device as claimed in any preceding claim.
15. A frame assembly as claimed in Claim 14 in which the first member comprises an engagement opening extending into the bore thereof, and the engagement means of the body member is engaged in the engagement opening.
16. A frame assembly as claimed in Claim 15 in which the first member is provided with a side opening extending into the bore thereof, and the body member of the connecting device is located in the bore of the first member with the entry slot of the body member aligned with and communicating with the side opening of the first member.
17. A frame assembly as claimed in Claim 16 in which the second member is slideably mounted on the guide member, and is slideable transversely relative to the first member into and out of the hollow interior region of the body member through the side opening of the first member.
18. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 17 in which the second member is provided with an elongated limit slot, and the limit means of the guide member is slideably engaged in the limit slot.
19. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 18 in which the grub screw in the threaded bore of the guide member is engageable with the second member for securing the second member to the guide member.
20. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 19 in which the guide member is slideable in the channel extending longitudinally in the second member.
21. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 20 in which the channel of the second member is defined by a longitudinally extending side wall, and a pair of spaced apart first and second walls extending longitudinally along and from the side wall, and a longitudinally extending first return extends from the first wall, and a longitudinally extending second return extends from the second wall, the first and second returns being spaced apart from the longitudinally extending side wall and extending from the first and second walls in respective opposite directions towards each other and defining an elongated longitudinally extending opening to the channel.
22. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 21 in which the first member is configured to receive a pair of body members of a pair of the connecting devices at respective opposite ends of the first member.
23. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 22 in which the first member comprises an elongated member, and the second member comprises an elongated member.
24. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 23 in which the frame assembly comprises a pair of the first members spaced apart from each other, and configured as a pair of upstanding members.
25. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 24 in which the frame assembly comprises a pair of the second members spaced apart from each other, and configured as upper and lower cross-members extending between the upstanding members formed by the first members.