GB2616409A

GB2616409A - Connector

Info

Publication number: GB2616409A
Application number: GB2202553.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sargent Samuel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-02-24
Filing date: 2022-02-24
Publication date: 2023-09-13
Also published as: GB202202553D0

Abstract

A connector 10 comprising a planar element having two arms 12a, 12b extending form an end wall 14, which together define an elongate opening 16, which opening has a generally U-shaped configuration, with a curved face (18) at the inner end thereof, two substantially linear, side walls 20, and the outer end 22 thereof opening through a side edge 24 of the planar element, the arms 12a, 12b each comprising one or more bore holes 26a 28a extending through the thickness of the planar element 11 through which fastening means can extend in use. The connector is unitary and suitable for attaching a flat surface of a planar member (e.g. plank, plate, sheet) to a curved surface of an elongate member (e.g. pipe, rail, pole, rod).

Description

Connector The present invention relates to a connector configured to enable a planar member to be attached to a curved surface of an elongate member, such as a pipe. In particular, the connector of the present invention enables a flat surface of a planar member to be attached to the curved surface of an elongate member, such as a pipe.

BACKGROUND

In the construction industry it is common to attach planar members, such as planks, plates and sheets to elongate members having a curved surface, such as pipes or rails. For example, when assembling scaffolding, fencing or supporting structures, and the like.

There are many different devices currently available for attaching rigid planar members to the curved surfaces of a pipe or rail. An example of such a device can be found in Australian patent application number AU 2019240713 Al, which discloses a plank end cap, that comprises a fitting having an upper and lower flange, with a wall extending therebetween, that together provide an open channel for receiving the end of a plank. The device further comprises a clamping portion extending from the wall on the opposite side to the open channel, which clamp is configured to clamp a supporting member, such as a rail or pipe.

The clamp comprises a curved bracket and a fastener extending between the end of the bracket and the wall of the device. The bracket is placed around the rail or pipe and the fastener is then tightened in place to clamp the device to the rail or pipe.

A similar device is disclosed in United Kingdom patent application number GB 2563232 A, where a clamp section, designed to be fastened around a rail or pipe is attached to a bracket section, which bracket section supports a scaffold plank or the like.

Also used in the construction industry are devices for hanging pipes or wiring from walls, joists and the like. An example of one such device can be found in Japanese patent application number JP 2017-150651, which discloses a device having a curved section with two arms extending therefrom. The curved section can be flexed to accommodate pipes and wiring of different dimensions. The arms contain a series of holes therein through which fixings can be inserted to attach the device to a wall or joist or the like.

The present invention provides a simple unitary device that can be used to attach a flat surface of a planar element, such as a side or edge face of a plank of wood or the like, to the curved side wall of a pipe, rail, rod or the like. Advantageously, the device of the present invention can be used to fix a planar element end-on to the curved surface of pipe, rail, rod or the like.

SUMMARY

According to a first embodiment, there is provided a connector comprising a planar element having a two arms extending from an end wall, which together define an elongate opening, which opening has a generally U-shaped configuration, with a curved face at the inner end thereof, two substantially linear side walls, and the outer end thereof opening through a side edge of the planar element, the arms each comprising one or more bore holes extending through the thickness of the planar element through which fastening means can extend in use.

The connector of the first embodiment being suitable for attaching a planar member to a curved surface, most suitably for attaching a planar member to a curved surface of an elongate member. Preferably, the connector of the first embodiment is suitable for attaching an end surface of a planar member to a curved surface of an elongate member.

According to a second embodiment, there is provided a method of attaching an end face of a planar member to a curved surface of an elongate member, wherein the connector is placed around the elongate member by sliding the elongate member along the elongate opening in the connector, such that the elongate member extends substantially perpendicular above and below the planar element of the connector, until the curved surface of the elongate member abuts the curved face of the elongate slot, the end of the planar member is then brought into abutment with the curved surface of the pipe, with the planar member located abutting the underneath side of the two arms of the connector, such that the two arms of the connector overlie the upper surface of the planar member, and then fixing the connector to the planar member by inserting suitable fastening means through the bore holes in each arm of the connector and into the planar member.

In all embodiments of the present invention, the elongate member suitably has a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the elongate member is a pole, pipe, rod or rail.

In all embodiments of the present invention, the two arms of the connector are preferably substantially parallel. Suitably, in all embodiments of the invention the side walls of the elongate opening are substantially parallel.

In all embodiments of the invention, each arm suitably comprises at least a first and second bore hole. The first bore hole in each arm is suitably of circular cross section and extends straight through the planar element, substantially perpendicular to the surface of the planar element. The diameter of the bore hole may be chosen to suite the particular application and fixing means. However, the circular bore holes suitably have a diameter of 3-8 mm, such as 3-6mm diameter, and preferably around Smm diameter. The second bore hole in each arm may be an elongate slot, having a length of around 8-15 mm suitably, 10-12 mm, preferably around 11 mm long. The elongate slot suitably has a width of 3-8 mm, such as 3- 6mm, and preferably around 5mm. Alternatively, or in addition, the elongate slot may be replaced by a second bore hole that extends though the planar element at an incline. Suitable, the second bore hole is inclined at an angle of between 20-40 degrees to the surface of the planar element, such as an angle of between 25-35 degrees to the surface of the planar element and preferably, the second bore hole is inclined at an angle of around 30 degrees to the surface of the planar element.

Preferably, the first bore holes and the second bore holes are located on substantially the same location on each arm of the connector.

The dimensions of the elongate opening of the connector will be chosen to suit the dimensions of the elongate member. The width of the elongate opening should correspond substantially, allowing for insertion of the elongate member into the elongate opening, with the diameter of the elongate member for a more secure connection. Suitably, the width of the elongate opening is around 30-60 mm wide, preferably around 35-55 mm wide and most preferably around SOmm wide. The radius of curvature of the curved end face of the elongate opening is defined by the width of the elongate opening. For example, if the width of the elongate opening is 50mm, the radius of curvature of the curved face will be 25mm.

The length of the elongate opening, and consequently the length of the two parallel arms, can be chosen to suit the particular application. Suitably, the length of the elongate slot from the edge of the connector to the centre of curvature of the curved face of the inner end thereof, may be from 100-200mm, suitably from 100-150mm, preferably from 100- 120mm and most preferably around 110mm.

The planar element making up the connector may be any suitable shape for the application. For example, the planar element may be substantially rectangular or square shaped. Advantageously, to reduce manufacturing materials, the planar element may be substantially U-shaped.

The width of the two arms of the planar element should be sufficient to give the connector sufficient strength to achieve the required function. The specific dimensions can be chosen to suit the particular application. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the arms is substantially constant along the length thereof. Alternatively, the width of the arms may vary along the length of the arms. Suitably, at the narrowest width, each of the two arms are approximately 30-70 mm wide, such as 40-60mm wide, and in a preferred embodiment each arm is approximately SO mm wide.

The length of the planar element is defined by the length the arms and the shape and depth of the end wall. And will be chosen to suit the particular application. The length of the planar element from the end of the arms to the distal face of the end wall may be around 150-200 mm, such as 160-180mm, preferably 160-170 mm and in one preferred embodiment the length of the planar element from the end of the arms to the distal face of the end wall is approximately 165mm.

The planar element from which the connector is made is suitably substantially uniform overall. However, the planar element may comprise an array of cavities in each face thereof, such that the planar element comprises a ridged surface one or both opposing face, as defined by the array of cavities. The purpose of this structure is to retain strength of the connector, whilst reducing the amount of material required to make the connector.

The thickness of the planar element, at its thickest, is suitably approximately 10-22 mm, preferably 10-15 mm, and in a preferred embodiment the thickness of the planar element, at its thickest, is approximately 12 mm. At its thinnest (where the cavities overlie each other located on opposing faces of the planar element) the planar element may only be 3- 8mm thick, suitably 3-6 mm thick, and preferably around 3mm thick.

The connector may be made of any suitable means, such as wood, metal or plastic. Preferably, the connector is made of high-density polyethylene, which is durable, strong and weather resistant. Ideally, the connector is made from recycled plastics material.

The connector may be made in any suitable colour to suit the application. Preferably, the connector is a bright colour to improve visibility in use.

The connector may be made by any suitable method, for example if the connector is made from plastic it may be injection moulded or extruded. If the connector is made of metal is may be cast into a suitable mould. A connector made from wood may be laser cut.

The attachment device of the present invention advantageously allows a flat end surface of a planar member to be attached to a curved surface of an elongate member having a substantially circular cross-section. The connector can be used with any elongate member having a circular cross-section, such as a pipe, pole rod or rail. Reference herein to one of a pipe, pole, rod or rail should be understood to refer to any similar elongate member with a curved surface, unless specified otherwise. The planar member, may be any suitable planar member into which an elongate fastening means can be inserted, but advantageously is a wood, metal, stone or concrete material in the form of a plank, slab, sheet or the like.

Reference herein to one of a plank, slab or sheet should be understood to refer to any similar planar member, unless specified otherwise.

Most preferably, the connector of the present invention can be used to join a plank of wood side-on or end-on to the curved surface of a pipe, rod or rail, with the plank extending substantially perpendicular of the rail once attached.

In use, the connector is placed around the pipe by sliding the pipe along the elongate opening in the connector, such that the pipe extends substantially perpendicular above and below the planar element of the attachment mean, until the curved surface of the pipe abuts the curved face of the elongate slot. The end of the plank is then brought into abutment with the curved surface of the pipe, with the plank located underneath the two arms of the connector, such that the two arms of the connector overlie the upper surface of the plank. The connector is then fixed to the plank by inserting suitable fastening means, such as screws, through the first and second bore holes in each arm of the connector and into the planar member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures of which: Figure 1 illustrates plan view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 in use; Figure 3 is a cut-away side view of the connector of figure 1 in use; Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the connector of figure 1 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures In the following detailed description numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without these specific details.

The connector of figures 1 to 4 is an example of a connector according to the present invention. The connector 10 of this embodiment comprises a planar element 11 having two substantially parallel arms 12a, 12 b extending from an end wall 14, which together define an elongate opening 16, which opening 16 has a generally U-shaped configuration, with a curved face 18 at the inner end thereof and two substantially linear, parallel side walls 20, with the outer end 22 thereof opening through a side edge 24 of the planar element 11, the arms 12a, 12b each comprising one or more bore holes 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b extending through the thickness of the planar element 11 through which fastening means 30 can extend in use.

A flat surface 36 of the planar member 32, a plank of wood in this illustration, in use, is brought into abutment with the curved surface of the pipe 34, as particularly shown in figure 3. The planar member 32 is located such that the underneath side of the two arms 12a, 12b of the connector 10 abut a surface of the planar member 32, such that the two arms 12a, 12b of the connector 10 overlie an upper surface 38 of the planar member 32.

The connector 10 is then fixed to the planar member 32 by inserting suitable fastening means 30, such as screws, through the bore holes 26a, 26b, 28a and 28b, in each arm 12a, 12b of the connector 10 and into the planar member 32.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the first bore hole 28a, 28b, in each arm 12a, 12b is of substantially circular cross section and extends straight through the planar element 11, substantially perpendicular to the surface of the planar element 11. The diameter of the circular bore hole 28a, 28b may be chosen to suite the particular application and fixing means. However, the circular bore holes 28a, 28b of this embodiment suitably have a diameter of 3-8 mm.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, the second bore hole 26a, 26b in each arm 12a, 12b is an elongate slot, having a length of around 8-15 mm. The elongate slots 26a, have a width of 3-8 mm.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the elongate slot 26a, 26b is replaced by a second bore hole that extends though the planar element at an incline. Suitably, the second bore hole is inclined at an angle of between 20-40 degrees to the surface of the planar element.

As can be seen from figures 1-4, the first bore holes 28a, 28b and the second bore holes 26a, 26b are located on substantially the same location on each arm 12a. 12b of the connector 10.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, the width of the elongate opening 16 is around 30-60mm. The radius of curvature of the curved end face 18 of the elongate opening 16 is defined by the width of the elongate opening 16. For example, if the width of the elongate opening 16 is 50mm, the radius of curvature of the curved face 18 will be 25mm. The length of the elongate opening 16 from the edge of the connector 24 to the centre of curvature of the curved face 18 of the inner end thereof, may be from 100-200mm.

The planar element making up the connector may be any suitable shape for the application. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the planar element 11 is substantially U20 shaped.

The width of the two arms 12a, 12b of the planar element 11 should be sufficient to give the connector 10 sufficient strength to achieve the required function. In this embodiment, the width of the arms 12a, 12b is substantially constant along the length thereof. In this embodiment, the width of each of the two arms 12a, 12b is approximately 30-70 mm.

The planar element 11 comprises an array of cavities 38 in each face thereof, such that the planar element 11 comprises a ridged surface on opposing faces, as defined by the array of cavities 38. The ridged surface retains the strength of the connector 10, whilst reducing the amount of material required to make the connector 10.

The thickness of the planar element 11, at its thickest, is suitably approximately 10-22 mm.

At its thinnest (where the cavities overlie each other located on opposing faces of the planar element) the planar element 11 may only be 3-8mm thick.

In use, the connector 10 is used to attached a flat surface of a planar member 32, for example an end face or a side face of the planar member 32 to a curved surface of an elongate member 34, such as a pipe, rod or rail. In use, the connector 10 is placed around the curved surface of the pipe 34 by sliding the pipe 34 along the elongate opening 16 in the connector 10, such that the pipe 34 extends substantially perpendicular above and below the planar element 11 of the connector 10, until the curved surface of the pipe 34 abuts the curved face 18 of the elongate slot 16, as shown in figures 2,3 and 4.

The connector 10is suitable for attaching a flat surface of a planar member 32 to a curved surface, most suitably for attaching a planar member 32 to a curved surface of a pipe 34. Preferably, the connector 10 is suitable for attaching an end surface of a planar member 32 to a curved surface of a pipe 34.

Claims

Claims: 1. A connector comprising a planar element having two arms extending from an end wall, which together define an elongate opening, which opening has a generally U-shaped configuration, with a curved face at the inner end thereof, two substantially linear, side walls, and the outer end thereof opening through a side edge of the planar element, the arms each comprising one or more bore holes extending through the thickness of the planar element through which fastening means can extend in use.
2. A connector according to claim 1, suitable for attaching a flat surface of a planar member to a curved surface of an elongate member.
3. A connector according to claim 1 or 2, suitable for attaching an end surface of a planar member to a curved surface of an elongate member.
4. A connector according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the two arms are substantially parallel.
5. A connector according to claim 4, wherein the side walls of the elongate opening are substantially parallel.
6. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm comprises a first and second bore hole.
7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein the first bore hole in each arm is suitably of circular cross section and extends straight through the planar element, substantially perpendicular to the surface of the planar element, suitably the diameter of the bore hole being from 3 to 8 mm.
8. A connector according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second bore hole in each arm is an elongate slot, suitably having a length of around 8 to 15 mm and a width of 3 to 8 mm.
9. A connector according to claim 6 or], wherein the second bore hole extends though the planar element at an incline, the second bore hole suitably being inclined at an angle of between 20-40 degrees to the surface of the planar element.
10. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate opening is around 30-60 mm wide and the radius of curvature of the curved face is half the width of the elongate opening.
11. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the elongate opening, and consequently the length of the two parallel arms, from the edge of the connector to the centre of curvature of the curved face of the inner end thereof, is from 100-200mm.
12. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar element is substantially rectangular or square shaped.
13. A connector according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the planar element is substantially U-shaped.
14. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at the narrowest point the width of each of the two arms of the planar element are approximately 30-70 mm.
15. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the planar element from the end of the arms to the distal face of the end wall is around 150-200 25 mm.
16. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the planar element is substantially uniform overall.
17. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar element comprises an array of cavities on one face thereof, such that the planar element comprises a ridged surface on that face, as defined by the array of cavities. 11.
18. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar element comprises an array of cavities in each face thereof, such that the planar element comprises a ridged surface on each opposing face, as defined by the array of cavities.S
19. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the planar element, at its thickest is approximately 10-22 mm.
20. A connector according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the thickness of the planar element, at its thickest is approximately 10-22 mm and the thickness of the planar element its thinnest, is approximately 3-8mm.
21. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is made of wood, metal or plastic.
22. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, made by injection moulding, cast moulding, extrusion or laser cutting.
23. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, which is unitary. 20
24. A method of attaching an flat surface of a planar member to a curved surface of an elongate member using an connector as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the connector is placed around the elongate member by sliding the elongate member along the elongate opening in the connector, such that the elongate member extends above and below the planar element of the attachment mean, until the curved surface of the elongate member abuts the curved face of the elongate slot, an face of the planar member is then brought into abutment with the curved surface of the pipe, with an upper surface of the planar member located abutting the underneath surface of the two arms of the connector, such that the two arms of the connector overlie the upper surface of the planar member, and then fixing the connector to the planar member by inserting suitable fastening means through the bore holes in each arm of the connector into the planar member.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the elongate member has a circular cross-section and may be a pipe, pole, rod or rail.
26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the planar member, is a wood, metal, stone or concrete material in the form of a plank, slab or sheet.
27. A method according to claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the fastening means is a nail, screw or bolt.