IE84874B1 - A framing system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a framing system comprising a number of roll formed metal elements jointed together. Such a framing system may be use to provide a wall such as a partition wall ofa building such as a modular building. Many framing systems of this type are known. There is however a need for an improved system which will be easy to assemble whilst restricting tolerances and thereby ensuring greater accuracy in overall dimensions.

Description

A framing system introduction The invention relates to a framing system comprising a number of roll formed metal elements jointed together. Such a framing system may be use to provide a wall such as a partition wall ofa building such as a modular building.

Many framing systems of this type are known. There is however a need for an improved system which will be easy to assemble whilst restricting tolerances and thereby ensuring greater accuracy in overall dimensions.

Statements of invention.

According to the invention there is provided a framing system comprising a number of frame elements, at least some of the frame elements being configured for interconnection with adjacent frame elements on assembly, a frame element comprising at least one connector comprising a male connector or a female connector for interconnection with a female or male connector of an adjacent like frame element, wherein the male connector comprises a fixing region and a male locator. the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole, the male locator comprising a protuberance extending from the male connector, the male connector having at least two protuberances, the female connector comprises a fixing region and a female locator, the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole, the guide of the male connector of the frame element being engagable with the guide of the female connector of another frame element, the female locator comprising a through hole, the female connector having at least two through holes. the male protuberances detining locking members and the through holes defining lock receivers, the protuberances being configured to lock adjacent frame elements at a particular orientation relative to each other when the protuberances of one frame element are engaged and locked in the corresponding through holes of another frame element to substantially prevent rotation of the adjacent frame elements when en gagedt The invention also provides a frame eletnent for a framing system having at least one I0 connector comprising a male connector or a female connector for interconnection with a female or male connector of an adjacent like frame element, wherein the male connector comprises at fixing region and a male locator, the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole, the male locator lb comprising a protuberance extending from the male connector, the male connector having at least two protuberances. the female connector comprises a fixing region and a female locator, the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole. the guide of the male connector of one frame element being cngagablc with the guide of the female connector of another frame element, the female locator comprising a through hole, the female connector having at least two through holes, the male protuberances defining locking members and the through holes Ix) (J1 defining lock receivers, the protuberance being configured to lock adjacent frame elements at a particular orientation relative to each other when the protuberances of one frame element are engaged and locked in the corresponding through holes of another frame element to substantially prevent rotation of the adjacent frame elements when engaged.

In one embodiment the locators are equispaced from the associated fixing region. ln one embodiment the male and female connectors each comprise four locators which are equispaced around the fixing region on radii extending from the fixing region.

In another embodiment the locators of the male connector are formed on the frame elements by shearing or drawing through.

In one embodiment the protuberance comprises an elongated form. in another embodiment the protuberance comprises a ridge form.

In a further embodiment the protuberance comprises a substantially u—shaped cross section.

In one embodiment the protuberance comprises a substantially v-shaped cross section in another embodiment the protuberance comprises from and back lateral faces defining the locking members.

In a further embodiment the front and back lateral faces comprises a shear edge. ln one embodiment the lateral faces protrude substantially at right angles to the frame element. in another embodiment the ridge extends in a sustainable radial direction relative to the fixing region in a further embodiment the ridge extends in a generally circumferential direction relative to the fixing region.

[Q £ In another embodiment each through hole comprises a generally cylindrical internal wall extending through the frame element substantially at right angles for receiving the protuberance.

In a further embodiment the frame element comprises a generally channel form comprising a base web and first and second side flanges. ln one embodiment the side flanges comprise an inturned tip at the upper edge thereof to define a generally c-shaped form.

In another embodiment a portion of the inturned lip is removed to define a slot for receiving a portion ofan adjacent frame element.

In a further embodiment the frame element comprises an inturned lip except at the male connector portion thereof.

In one embodiment the frame element comprises a swage at a portion thereof.

In another embodiment the frame element comprises a swage at the female connector portion thereof.

In a further embodiment the male connector comprises a raised guide concentric with the hole in the fixing region.

In one embodiment wherein the guide of the female connector comprises a recessed guide concentric with the fixing region. in another embodiment the hole ofthe fixing region comprises a fixing hole.

In a further embodiment the hole ofthe fixing region comprises a pilot hole. to U1 In one embodiment the hole ofthe fixing region comprises a clearance hole.

A frame element of the invention may comprise one or more male connectors, or one or more female connectors. Alternatively in another embodiment a frame element comprises at least one male and at least one female connector.

According to another aspect the invention provides a building system comprising a framing system of the invention and a support element for the framing system, the support element comprising an upper support and legs depending from the support, and a fixing member extending outwardly from one of the legs for fixing the support element to a support structure. in one embodiment the fixing member is configured to enable the insertion of fixing pins therethrough to anchor the element to the support structure.

In another embodiment the fixing member comprises a plurality of preformed fixing holes to receive fixing pins.

In further embodiment the fixing member is continuous. in one embodiment the fixing member is formed integrally with the support element. ln another embodiment the fixing member is arranged substantially at right angles to the leg. in a further embodiment the support defines a receiver configured to receive and support a structural member. in one embodiment the legs are configured to space the support apart from the support structure.

In another embodiment one of the legs comprises a plurality of spaced-apart screed entry holes.

In further embodiment the screed entry holes comprise through holes.

In one embodiment the screed entry holes comprise a semicircular form.

In another embodiment the support element comprises a stabilising member extending inwardly from one ofthe legs.

In a further embodiment the stabilising member is arranged substantially at right angles to the leg.

In one embodiment the stabilising member extends between the two legs.

In another embodiment the stabilising member is configured to stabilise the support element.

In a further embodiment the stabilising member is continuous.

In one embodiment the stabilising member is fonned integrally with the support element.

According to a funher aspect the invention provides a building system comprising a framing system of the invention and a support element for mounting the framing system to a support structure, the support element comprising an upper connector and a lower connector, the upper and lower connectors having a substantially L-shaped form and comprising a web and a flange, the web of the upper connector being configured for connection to a support structure. the web of the lower connector being configured for a connection to a structural member to be mounted, and the flanges of the upper and lower connectors being configured for connection to each other.

In one embodiment the web of the upper connector comprises a plurality of fixing holes spaced apart to enable connection to a suppoit structure.

In another embodiment the flange of the upper connector comprises a plurality of spaced-apart slots. in a further embodiment the slots are vertically oriented.

In one embodiment the slots are configured to enable deflection of a support structure without placing a load on 21 structural member to be mounted.

In another embodiment the webs ofthe upper and lower connectors are continuous.

In a further embodiment the flanges of the upper and lower connectors are continuous.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a modular building system comprising :1 Framing system of the invention and/or a building system of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by ways ofexample only, in which: Fig.

I is a perspective view of an assembled frame according to the invention; Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig. is a perspective view ofajoint detail ofthc frame; . 3 is a perspective view ofanotherjoint detail of the frame; :14 is an exploded view ofthejoint detail of Fig. 3; is a perspective view ofone frame element; is a plan view ofthe frame element of Fig. 5; is an elevational view ofthe frame element of Fig. 5 . 8 is an end view ofthe frame element of Fig. 5; . 9 is an enlarged view of detail A (see Fig 7) oftho frame element; ix.) 'Jl . 10 is a plan view of an alternative frame element with a rail connector at one (left hand) end and a male end track connector at an opposite end: Figs. II and 12 are elevational views of the frame element of Fig. 10 with different arrangement of end chamfers: Figs. 13-(a) and 13(b) are elevational views of end portions of another frame element; Figs. 14(3) and l4(b) are cross sectional views on the lines X-X and Y—Y in Fig. 13(3) and l3(b); Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view ofdetail B in Fig. l4(a); Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view ofdetail C in Fig. 14(b); Fig. 17 is an elevational view ofend portions of another frame element; Fig. 18 is a cross sectional view on the line ll-ll in Fig. 20; Fig. 19 is a detailed view ofthe detail D of Fig. 18: Fig. 20 is a detailed view of an alternative locator ofthe invention; H. 21 is a cross sectional view ofajoint interconnecting frame elements; . 22 is a perspective view of one element ofthe joint of Fig. 2 I; t. 23 is a perspective view of another element ofthejoint of Fig. 21; Figs. 24 and 25 are detailed perspective views from above and below the element: Fig. 26 is a partially cut away perspective view ofthejoint of Fig. 2 I; Figs. 27 and 28 are perspective views of a frame of the invention mounted to form a partition wall; Figs. 29 and 30 are perspective and cross~secti0nal views respectively of the detail L of Fig. 28; Figs. 3] and 32 are perspective view ofa base support element; Figs. 33 and 34 are perspective views of an alternative base support element; Figs. 35, 36 and 37 are plan views from above the front and below the base support element of Figs. 33 and 34; Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of M of Fig. 28; Figs. 39 and 40 are perspective views of the lower and upper components of the upper support element of Fig. 38; Detailed Description Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a framing system IO comprising a number of frame elements l typically of metal, in this case steel sections, connected atjoints 2. ix) L The frame element l comprises an elongated generally c-shaped lipped channel having a web, and side flanges which extend continuously the length of the element.

Each element l comprises at least one connector portion comprising a male connector 4 of a female connector 3. Each joint 2 comprises the interconnection of a male connector 4 with a female connector 3 of an adjacent element 1. The element i comprises a lip l2 which extends inwardly at the top ofthe side flanges.

The male connector 4 comprises oppositely arranged on each of the side flanges of the element 1, a fixing region 5 in this case comprising a fixing hole, a raised guide 6 and at least two locators spaced apart around the fixing hole and guide. The raised guide 6 is concentric with the fixing hole 5. The locators are equispaced around the fixing hole on radii extending from the fixing hole. The locators comprise male protuberances 7 protruding inwardly on the counterform/inside ofthe element l. The raised guide 6 also protrudes inwardly on the inside of the element l. The protuberances 7 comprise locking members l5 for locking engagement with the female connector 3 of an adjacent element l.

The female connector 3 comprises oppositely arranged on each of the side flanges of the element l. a fixing region 9 in the case comprising a fixing hole, a recessed guide IO and at least two locators equispaced around the fixing hole and guide. The recessed guide l0 protrudes inwardly on the inside of the eiement l. The locators comprise female receiving holes 8 for receiving the male protuberance 7 in locking engagement.

There are at least two locators and in this case four locators 7, 8 associated with the fixing regions 5 and 9 ofthe male and female connectors 4 and 3.

The male and female connectors 4 and 3 are configured for interconnection with corresponding connectors of adjacent frame elements. in the embodiments shown a female connector portion 3 is inseited inside a male connector portion 4 and the connectors are inter-engaged and fixed.

I2 As shown in the drawings. in this case the element I has a swaged form at the female connector portion 3 to enable it to be inserted inside an adjacent element 1 at a male connector portion 4. The frame element is swaged at more than I and no more than 4 times the thickness of the material of the element. The provision of the swage allows for tolerance between the elements. The lip i2 is omitted at the male connector portion 4 to enable insertion of the female connector portion 3 into close abutting engagement with the male connector.

The element l may comprise at the male connector portion 4 an open base portion l3. This is to enable the adjacent element to be inserted through the first element for interconnection at particular orientation. This is suitable in applications where lateral restraint is required. in the embodiment illustrated the female connector 3 is located inside the male connector 4 to form a joint 2. The guides 6 and i0 of the male and female connectors have complimentary forms which assist the user in alignment of the fixing regions 5 and 9. That is the guide 6 of the male connector is raised relative to the recessed guide [0 of the female connector. The raised guide 6 is received in the recessed guide 10 as the connectors 4 and 3 are moved into together for interconnection.

The complementary forms of the guides 6 and l0 provide for an initial locating of the connectors 4 and 3 with alignment of their respective fixing holes 6 and I0, which by virtue of their form also provide for the user to rotate the connectors ofthe adjacent frame elements 1 relative to each other to enable engagement of the locators 7 and 8 so as to secure the adjacent frame elements I at the required orientation relative to each other.

As shown in the drawings rail frame elements 100 may also be connected to the frame elements. Referring to Figs. 10 to 12 the rail frame element [00 is shown in further detail. The elements lO0 comprise chamfered ends l4. The rail frame elements I00 are used on applications where a non-perpendicular connection is required.

Preferred forms of the locators and connectors of the frame elements I are described with reference to the drawings and in particular Figs. l7 to 26.

The locking members l5 of the male protuberances 7 engage with the female receiver holes 8 to prevent rotation ofthe frame members relative to each other once the male and female locators are engaged.

The protuberances 7 are formed by partially shearing through/drawing through the element l. The protuberances 7 comprise an elongated ridge 17 having shear edges at both ends. The shear edges define the locking members I5 for locking engagement with the internal wall l9 of the female receiving holes 8. The shear edges l5 are arranged substantially at right angles to the frame element.

The protuberances 7 may have a substantially V-shaped lateral cross—section or alternatively a substantially U-shaped lateral cross-section as shown in Figs. I9 and (in detailed drawings the form ofthe protuberances is exaggerated for clarity).

In the embodiments illustrated the height of the protuberance 7 is equal to or less than the depth of the receiving hole so that the top of the protuberance 7 does not protrude out through the receiving hole 8 on engagement.

The male protuberances 7 have by virtue of the manner in which they are formed a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the material of the frame element. The intemal wall l9 has a generally cylindrical form and extends through the thickness of the frame element. The internal wall 19 extends substantially at right angles to the frame element. l\J t), The locking engagement of the male and female locators is thus particularly secure since it is provided by a positive engagement through substantially the full thickness ofthe elements.

The shear edges 15 at both ends of the ridge 17 are positively and securely engaged with the female receiving holes 8 and by their form are substantially prevented from rotating in the hole 8. As a result. the adjacent frame elements are securely locked and any rotational movement substantially prevented once the male protuberances 7 are engaged in the female receivers 8.

In one embodiment the elongated ridges extend radially relative to the fixing hole 5, in this case all of the ridges of the locators are substantially aligned in the same direction. Alternatively the ridges may be arranged so all points on the ridges are of similar distance from the fixing hole 5, the ridges having an approximately circumferential orientation relative to the fixing hole. The ridges are not rounded in form to follow a circumferential line. In this case the ridges of the locators on opposite sides of the fixing hole run parallel to each other. The arrangement of the plural locators and receivers spaced apart around the fixing region provides for a highly secure connection of adjacent frame elements.

When the connectors 4 and 3 are orientated as required and their respective loeators 7 and 8 engaged, the joint is secured by inserting a fixing member ll through the aligned fixing holes 5 and 9 and tightening it. The fixing member ll may be of the nut and bolt type illustrated. The fixing member ll is selected so that the head of the fixing is accommodated in the guide 6 on the outside of the element. When the fixing member is inserted and tightened the protuberances 7 are clamped into the holes 8 ensuring a very seeu re connection between the frame elements.

As noted above the frame element may comprise fixing regions 5 and 9 which have a form other than a fixing hole. In the case that one of both of the holes are omitted a self piercing rivet may be used to connect the frame elements through the corresponding fixing regions. Alternatively either or both male and female fixing regions 5 and/or 9 may comprise a pilot hole in which case pop rivets used to connect the frame elements together. in a further arrangement the fixing region 5 and/or 9 may comprise fixing holes sized for use with a staked fixing. In a still further arrangement either of the fixing regions 5 and/or 9 may comprise a clearance hole for use with a self tapping screw. Clearly any suitable combination of the above may be used.

The male and female connection 3. 4 and locators 7. 8 are configured to ensure that there is no tolerance at the connection between adjacent frame elements. Therefore the frame system of connected frame elements has a high dimensional accuracy.

When assembled, the joint 2 made at the connectors ensures that loosening is resisted by, for example, a wind load because there is no relative movement between adjacent frame elements at thejoint. ln construction ofa frame joint all frame elements are held exactly at the correct orientation relative to one another, thus in effect providing a self jiggingjoint connection.

The differing profiles of the male and female locators are particularly important in ensuring a good connection between the frame elements. The connection at the joint has the advantages of being particularly secure.

It will be appreciated that the system may be used to join adjacent frame elements in any application such as wall type frame l0 as illustrated in Fig. l to which cladding panels may be attached. Such a wall may be load bearing or non load bearing and may, for example, form part ofa modular building unit.

Referring to Figs. 27 and 28, a frame 25 comprised of interconnected frame elements l is mounted between an upper support structure 26, 27 and an underlying support structure 28. The frame 25 forms a partition wall which extends from the floor 28 to the ceiling 27.

The frame 25 is mounted to the underlying support structure 28 by means of a base support element 30 and to the upper support structure 26, 27 by means of an upper support element 50.

Referring to Figs. 29 to 37, the base support element 30 has an elongated form comprising front and back legs 32 and 34 depending from atop support 33. and a protruding fixing member 35. The protruding fixing member 35 extends outwardly from the base of the front leg 34. The base support element 30 may further comprise a stabilising member 31 extending inwardly from the base of the back leg 32. The stabilising member 31 serves to provide support and reinforcement for the base support element and the frame 25. The fixing member 35 and stabilising member 31 are continuous and integrally formed with the support element. The fixing and stabilising members extend substantially at right angles to the front and back legs respectively.

The fixing member 35 includes a plurality of fixing holes 36. The base support element is anchored securely to the underlying support structure 28 by means of inserting fixing means through fixing holes 36.

Referring to Fig. 37 a base support element 40 is described. The base support element 40 is similar to the element 30 and like features has been identified by similar reference numerals. The front leg 34 further comprises a plurality of holes 37. The holes 37 are sheared through or punched through holes provided in the facing wall 34 adjacent to the fixing member 35. The holes 37 have a generally semicircular form. These are to allow the screed to enter the base support element 40. This provides for an improved seal between the base support element and the supporting structure and is particularly important in application where acoustic performance is of importance.

In use the back leg 32 of the support element is positioned near to the outer edge of the support structure 28 for example a floor slab. The stabilising member 3| which extends inwardly from the back leg 32 provides support and reinforcement for the base support element 30, 40 and also takes account of any tolerance in the support structure, for example the edge of the floor slab may not be entirely straight. Fixing means are inserted through the fixing holes 36 to secure the base support element 30. to the supporting structure 28.

When the base support element 30, 40 is securely fixed to the underlying support structure. the frame 25 is then mounted to it be inserting plurality of self-tapping or self—drilling screws through the frame member 25 into the top support 33 thereof.

While in the embodiments described the fixing and stabilising member are continuous it will be appreciated that they may comprise a suitable alternative form.

Also while in the embodiments described the fixing member and inner support are integrally formed with the support element it will be appreciated that either may be formed separately for connection thereto.

We must also provide an upper support element 50 for connecting the top of the frame to an upper support structure 26, 27. The upper support element 50 comprises two connectors namely a first upper connector 55 and a second lower connector 5 I.

In the embodiment illustrated the upper and lower connectors 55 and 51 have similar Forms. Roth comprise a substantially L-shaped form comprising a web and a side flange.

The upper connector 55 comprises a web 57 and a flange 56. The web 57 is configured for connection to the supporting structure 26, 27. The flange 56 depends from the web 57 and is configured for connection to the lower connector 5|. The flange 56 comprises a plurality of slots 59. The slots 59 have an elongated form and are vertically orientated. The web 57 comprises a plurality of fixing holes 58 for fixing to the support structure 26 which may be of metal.

K! I The slots 59 are configured to allow for download deflection of the support structure . 27 without placing a structural load on the frame.

The lower connector 51 similarly comprises a web 53 and an upstanding llange 52.

The web and flange are substantially flat and planar. The flange 52 is configured for connection to the flange 56 of upper connector. The web 53 is configured for connection to the top ofthe frame to be mounted.

The upper and lower components 51 and 52 are connected Vertically at their respective flanges 52 and 56 by means of self drilling and self taping screws. lmportantly the slots 59 in the upper component 55 allow for some movement on assembly and some repositioning of the components 51 and 55 relative to each other when connecting them.

In use the lower component Sl is connected to the top of the frame prior to connection of the upper component 55 and prior to mounting the frame. The lower component Si is connected to the frame by inserting a self drilling or self-tapping screw through the web 53.

The frame system ofthe invention has advantages as follows: The framing system and frame elements of the invention provide an improved means for connecting frame elements. The connectors comprise male and female connectors having respective locking members configured for positive locking engagement. The locking members are configured so that on engagement the frame elements are held securely at the configured orientation relative to each other.

Furthermore by virtue of their arrangement the locking members substantially prevent any rotation of the elements relative to each other once the respective locking members are engaged. The arrangement is also very strong since the corresponding locking members are configured to engage each other through the thickness of the material of the frame elements. The locking member comprise male locking members and female lock receivers which have different profiles each being conti gured for a strong positive engagement with the corresponding member.

The frame elements further have the advantage that they are easy to assemble. In addition the locators are integral with the elements eliminating the need for separate components.

The base support element of the invention has further advantages as follows: by virtue of its structure the base support element serves to raise the top support above the screed depth and is available in different sizes for use with different screed thickness allows the time consuming steps of setting out and packing to level and anchoring of wall to take place before costly cranes are on site displaces the anchor fastening away from the edge of the slab giving a more secure and higher capacity connection ~ fewer anchors are needed connection of frame to in—situ base support element is via self drilling self tapping screws allowing rapid assembly of frames into position and maximising crane utilisation shape allows vertical deflection of floors to take place under live loading without straining fasteners or the support element through excessive load transfer may potentially be used for the passage of services e.g. electrical data for plumbing by allowing the screed to enter the element an improved seal is achieved between the elements and support structure. the base support element has advantages for applications where acoustic performance is of importance The upper support element has further advantages including the following: ease and flexibility ol‘ handling due to configuration comprising two separate components ease of use the Components are configured for connection to the support in order and manner required by the on-site circumstances setting out can be completed prior to arrivai of cranes on site the upper support element allows for vertical connection of the components which provides for increased flexibility and ease of handling on site. the provision of a two component upper support element in which the components are connected vertically allows for the upper component to be connected through to the lower component horizontally the form and manner of connection of the upper support element components allows for downward deflection of the floor without placing a structural load on the frame The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS l. A framing system comprising a number of frame elements, at least some of the frame elements being configured for interconnection with adjacent frame 5 elements on assembly. a frame element comprising at least one connector comprising a male connector or a female connector for interconnection with a female or male connector ofan adjacent like frame element, wherein the male connector comprises a fixing region and a male locator, the I0 fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole. the male locator comprising a protuberance extending from the male connector, the male connector having at least two protuberances, the female connector comprises a fixing region and a female located, IS the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole. the guide ofthe male connector ofone frame element being engagable with the guide ofthe female connector of another frame element. the female locator comprising a through hole, the female connector having at least two through holes. 20 the male protuberance defining locking members and the through holes defining lock receivers. the protuberances being configured to lock adjacent frame elements at a particular orientation relative to each other when the protuberance of one frame element are engaged and 25 locked in the corresponding through holes ofanother frame element to substantially prevent rotation o ftlie adjacent frame elements when engaged. '2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locators are equispaced from the 30 associated fixing region. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the male and female connectors each comprise four locators which are equispaced around the fixing region on radii extending region. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the locators of the male connector are formed in the frame elements by shearing or drawing through. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the protuberance comprises an elongate form. A system as claimed in any of claims I to 5 wherein the protuberance comprises a ridge form. A system as claimed in any of claims I to 5 wherein the protuberance comprises a substantially U-shaped cross-section. A system as claimed in any of claims l to 6 wherein the protuberance comprises a substantially V-shaped cross-section. A system as claimed in claims l to 8 wherein the protuberance comprises front and back lateral faces defining the locking members. . A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the front and back lateral faces comprises a shear edge. .A system as claimed in claim 9 or I0 wherein the lateral faces protrude substantially at right angles to the frame element. .A system as claimed in claims 6 to ll wherein the ridge extends in a substantially radial direction relative to the fixing region. A system as claimed in claims 6 to ll wherein the ridge extends in a generally circumferential direction relative to the fixing region. . A system as claimed in any of claims I to 13 wherein each through hole comprise a generally cylindrical internal wall extending through the frame element substantially at right angles for receiving the protuberance. . A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame element comprises a generally channel form comprising a base web and first and second side flanges. . A system as claimed in claim I5 wherein the side flanges comprise an inturned lip at the upper edge thereofto define a generally c-shaped form. . A system as claimed in claim I6 wherein a portion of the inturned lip is removed to define a slot for receiving a portion of an adjacent frame element. .A system as claimed in claim l7 wherein the frame e element comprises as inturned lip except at the male connector portion thereof. . A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flame element comprises a swage at a portion thereof. . A system as claimed in claim l9 wherein the frame element comprises a swage at the female connector portion thereof. .A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guide of the male connector comprises a raised guide concentric with the hole in the fixing region. 7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guide of the female T0 connector comprises a recessed guide concentric with the hole in the fixing region. . A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the hole ofthe fixing region comprises at fixing hole. . A system as claimed in any of claims I to 22 wherein the hole ofthe fixing region comprises a pilot hole. .A system as claimed in any of claims I to 22 wherein the hole of the fixing region comprises a clearance hole. .A framing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to .A frame element for a framing system having at least one connector comprising a male connector or a female connector for interconnection with a female or male connector ofan adjacent like frame element, wherein the male connector comprises a fixing region and a male iocator. the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole, the male locator comprising a protuberance extending from the male connector, the male connector having at least two protuberances. the female connector comprises a fixing region and a female locator. the fixing region having a hole and a guide surrounding the hole. the guide of the male connector of one frame element being cngageable with the guide of the female connector of another frame connector having at least two through holes, the male protuberances defining locking members and the through holes defining lock receivers. the protuberances being configured to lock adjacent frame elements at a particular orientation relative to each other when the protuberances of one frame element are engaged and locked in the corresponding through holes of another frame element when engaged. A frame element as claimed in claim 27 comprising one or more male A frame element as claimed in claim 27 comprising one or more female connectors. A frame element as claimed in claim 27 comprising at least one male and at least one female connector. A frame element substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to