WO2006085078A1

WO2006085078A1 - Apparatus for coupling beams to posts of a framework of a building

Info

Publication number: WO2006085078A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/000451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Andre Abbott-Wilcox
Original assignee: Timberfix Limited
Priority date: 2005-02-10
Filing date: 2006-02-09
Publication date: 2006-08-17
Also published as: GB0502756D0

Abstract

Apparatus (30) for coupling a beam (14) to a post (12), comprising a body (32) which is configured for attachment to the beam, the body comprising a profile configured to engage a corresponding profile mounted on one end of a post when coupling its beam thereto, whereby the body comprises a rear face (34) configured to abut an axial end face (15) of the beam and an aperture (36) extending through the body to the rear face for receiving an elongate member (40) for attaching the body to the beam.

Description

TITLE : CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for constructing a building, particularly but not exclusively timber-framed constructions .

BACKGROUND ART There is considerable interest in traditional-looking timber-framed buildings , for use as garages , or more complex garden outbuildings , or even as extensions to existing houses . In recent time, a modular system of construction has been adopted for buildings of this kind in order to introduce cost savings associated with a manufactured item as opposed to a bespoke one . In the modular system the framework components are standardized to a degree so that they may be put together in different permutations to provide a variety of different building designs . However, a large number of different components are seemingly required to complete even one building, and alternative components need to be provided if a full range of different types of buildings are to be offered.

The present applicant has appreciated that existing modular timber-framed buildings may be simplified to great advantage .

In WO 03/069083 , the present applicant proposed a modular kit of components for constructing a building, comprising a first coupling part embedded in one end of a beam, and a second coupling part embedded in an axial end of a post , the coupling parts having interconnecting end profiles for rigidly coupling the beam to the post . Whilst the system proposed in WO 03/069083 has many advantages over previous construction systems , the present applicant has devised an improved version of the connection system which eliminates the need for complex machining of the post and beam. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for coupling a beam to a post, comprising a body which is configured for attachment to a beam, the body comprising a profile configured to engage a corresponding profile mounted on one end of a post when coupling its beam thereto, wherein the body comprises a rear face configured to abut an axial end face of a beam and an aperture extending through the body to the rear face for receiving an elongate member for attaching the body to the beam.

In this way, apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "coupling part" ) is provided for attaching a beam to a post which eliminates the need for complex machining of the beam in order to receive the coupling part . Thus , square cut beams may be provided, ready for the coupling part to be attached thereto . The present invention is particularly useful in D . I . Y . applications . Some minor preparation of the beam for connection to the capping member may be required in certain circumstances . For example , a blind bore may need to be drilled into the axial end of the beam for registering with the aperture to receive the elongate coupling member (e . g . screw or pin) . However, as will be appreciated, blind bores may be drilled readily and quickly, as and when required .

The body may have a plate-like structure for covering at least a substantial part of the axial end of the beam. The rear face may have an area which is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the beam. The rear face of the body may be substantially planar .

The profile may be located on a front face of the body. The profile may include a bore for slidably receiving a locking pin in the corresponding post profile . The aperture may extend from a front face of the body to the rear face . The body may comprise at least one further aperture . The first-mentioned aperture and the at least one further aperture may be configured to guide elongate coupling members at different angles into the beam. For example , apertures disposed on upper parts of the body may be configured to direct an elongate coupling member towards a lower surface of a coupled beam. Apertures disposed on lower parts of the body may be configured to direct an elongate coupling member towards an upper surface of a coupled beam. In this way, the elongate coupling members will in use converge to provide improved resistance to stresses forcing the beam away from the post experienced by the connection between the body and the beam.

The body may comprise at least one bevelled lateral edge . In this way, the body may abut a correspondingly bevelled edge on a similar body coupling an adj acent beam to the post . The use of such bevelled edges allows parts coupling the beam to the post to be hidden from view. In addition, abutting bevelled edges may in use help to spread loads experienced by the adj acent bodies .

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of components for constructing a building, comprising : a beam in use having attached thereto a first coupling part comprising a body which is configured for attachment to the beam, the body comprising a profile configured to engage a corresponding profile mounted on one end of the post when coupling the beam thereto, wherein the body comprises a rear face configured to abut an axial end face of the beam and an aperture extending through the body to the rear face for receiving an elongate member for attaching the body to the beam; a post for supporting the beam; and a second coupling part comprising a second body configured for attachment to the post , the profile of the first coupling part being connectable to a corresponding profile on the second coupling part for coupling the beam to the post .

The body may have a plate-like structure for covering at least a substantial part of the axial end of the beam. The rear face may have an area which is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the beam. The rear face of the body may be substantially planar.

The profile may be located on a front face of the body. The profile may include a bore for slidably receiving a locking pin in the corresponding post profile .

The aperture may extend from a front face of the body to the rear face . The body may comprise at least one further aperture . The first-mentioned aperture and the at least one further aperture may be configured to guide elongate coupling members at different angles into the beam. For example, apertures disposed on upper parts of the body may be configured to direct an elongate coupling member towards a lower surface of a coupled beam. Apertures disposed on lower parts of the body may be configured to direct an elongate coupling member towards an upper surface of a coupled beam. In this way, the elongate coupling members will in use converge to provide improved resistance to stresses forcing the beam away from the post experienced by the connection between the body and the beam.

The body may comprise at least one bevelled lateral edge . In this way, the body may abut a correspondingly bevelled edge on a similar body coupling an adj acent beam to the post . The use of such bevelled edges allows parts coupling the beam to the post to be hidden from view . In addition, abutting bevelled edges may in use help to spread loads experienced by the adj acent bodies .

The second coupling part may comprise a member which extends through the second body and is configured to be anchored in the post when attaching the second body thereto . The member may be integrally formed with the second body. In this way, a construction system may be provided in which the end of the post requires little or no complex machining before the second coupling part can be attached to it . As will be appreciated, this is particularly useful in DIY applications .

Typically, the post will be aligned vertically, and the beam will be aligned horizontally. When connected together, the first and second coupling parts are capable of securely coupling the beam and post together so as to provide a framework for a building . The beam may be wholly supported by its coupling with the first coupling part .

In a one embodiment of the present invention, the axial end of the post comprises a bore and the member is configured to be a snug fit in the bore . The member may be configured to be positively retained in the bore during use . For example, the member may comprise an elongate pin which may be a friction fit in the bore . The elongate pin may be integrally formed, and hence embedded, in the body of the second coupling part .

At least one of the first and second coupling parts may include an aperture for slidably receiving a locking pin, connecting the parts together . For example , both coupling parts may have an aperture, with the apertures being registrable so both may be slidingly engaged by the locking pin when connecting the beam to the post . Alternatively, the locking pin may be retained (or integrally formed) in one coupling part (e . g . in the second coupling part) and configured to engage the aperture in the other coupling part .

The or each aperture in the first and second coupling parts and the locking pin may have matching or snugly interfitting non-circular cross sections . In this way, first and second coupling parts may be secured against rotation when the locking pin is slidingly engaged in the or each aperture .

The body of the second coupling part may have a substantially cruciform component , with the first coupling part . being connectable to an extremity of one of the body' s four limbs . The body may be reinforced by side parts linking adj acent limbs . Each extremity of each of the four limbs may be configured to be connected to a respective coupling part , each equivalent to the first coupling part . In this way, a plurality of beams (e . g . four) may be rigidly coupled to the post .

The kit may further comprise a capping member configured to prevent the connection between the first and second coupling parts being disconnected . The capping member may comprise a rigid plate comprising an aperture registrable with the aperture in at least one of the first and second coupling parts for receiving the locking pin when the locking pin connects together the first and second coupling parts . For example, the capping member may- comprise a plurality of apertures each for receiving a locking pin retained in the second coupling part . A nut may be used to engage a threaded portion of the locking pin to clamp the capping member to the second coupling part . Alternatively, a friction-fitting cap may be used to engage an end portion of the locking pin .

The kit may further comprise a brace for bracing the beam against the post , the brace comprising an open framework comprising at least two elongate members joined together to define together with the post a rigid polygon, with one member in use adj acent the beam.

The rigid polygon may be a triangle , perhaps an isosceles triangle . The rigid polygon may be a right- angled triangle for use with beams and posts coupled together at right angles . In this way, the brace is a snug fit between beam and post , reinforcing the exact geometrical relationship between the two .

The one member may comprise a first strip-like portion configured to fit flush against the beam and a second strip-like portion configured to fit flush against the post . At least one of the two strip-like members may have one or more apertures , each for receiving a screw to secure the brace to a respective beam or post . The first strip- like member may instead be bolted to the beam. Cladding may be provided for the strip-like members to conceal them from view when used to brace a beam against a post . The second member may be strip-like, and may be aligned to offer greatest resistance to in-plane buckling (i . e . in the plane of the polygon) . In other words , the largest planar surfaces of the strip-like second member are aligned parallel to the plane of the polygon. Cladding may be provided to conceal the second member from view. The cladding may be configured to resemble a conventional brace .

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a building comprising a superstructure formed from a kit of components according to the second aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example , with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings , in which :

Figure 1 is an illustration of the framework of a timber-framed building which embodies the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of components used in the timber-framed building of Figure 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an exploded, schematic view of components shown in Figure 2 ; Figure 4 is a schematic view showing detail of a first coupling part shown in Figure 2 prior to attachment to a beam;

Figure 5 is a schematic view showing detail of a first coupling part shown in Figure 2 during attachment to the beam;

Figure 6 is a schematic view showing detail of a first coupling part shown in Figure 2 after attachment to the beam; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of components including a brace used in the timber-framed building of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 8 is perspective view of components used in the timber-framed building of Figure 1 after assembly therof . BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows the superstructure of a timber-framed building (10) which comprises a plurality of vertical posts

(12) supporting horizontal beams (14) . Braces (16) are fitted between beams (14) and posts (12 ) to increase stiffness and lend architectural interest . The posts (12) are fixed to the ground (18) , in some cases using base plates (20) which are bolted to the foundations . The posts

(12) and beams (14) are coupled together by coupling parts

(30 , 50) connected by locking pins (70) concealed from view by the posts and beams themselves .

Figures 2 to 8 show in detail how a beam (14) is coupled to a post (12) in accordance with the present invention and how a brace (16) may be provided to additionally support the beam (14 ) .

In use, a plate-like first coupling part (30) is attached to an axial end face (15) of a beam (14) and a second coupling part (50) is attached to the post (12 ) by member (60) . The first coupling part (30) comprises a body

(32 ) having a rear face (34) which in use abuts the axial end face (15) of the beam. The body (32) is coupled to the beam by means of screws (40) which engage apertures (36) located on a front face (37) of the body (32 ) . Apertures (36) located at upper and lower parts of the front face

(37) respectively are angled to direct a screw (40) towards lower and upper sides of the beam. The first coupling part (30) may be formed from plastics material (e . g . polymeric plastics material) . The body (32) additionally comprises bevelled lateral edges 39.

In order to secure the first coupling part (30) to the beam (14) it may be necessary to drill blind bores in the axial end face (15) of the beam for receiving the screws

(40) . To this end, the apertures (36) may be used as a guide for drilling any required blind bores . The body (32) may comprise an additional aperture or area of weakness

(38) for receiving a nail (45) for loosely pinning the first coupling part (30) to the beam. Once the body (32) is pinned to the beam, the requisite blind bores may be readily drilled (e . g . using a drill bit 47 together with a guide member 49) .

The coupling parts (30 , 50) have interengageable profiles (60 , 70 ) for coupling the beam to the post . In particular, the profile (60) of the first coupling part

(30) comprises a bore (62) which is slidably engageable with a locking pin (72) of the second profile (70) . The locking pin (70) may have a square or round cross-section, with the bore (62) having a corresponding cross-section .

An optional modular elongate capping plate (80 ) may be fixed to the first and second coupling parts (30 , 50) to further reinforce the assembly. The elongate capping plate (80 ) includes a plurality of apertures (84 ) , each for receiving one of the locking pins (70) . Locking nuts (86) may be used to engage a threaded portion of the locking pins (70 ) to clamp the capping member to the second coupling part (50) .

The second coupling part (50) comprises a cruciform body (51) with reinforcing side panels (120) joining adj acent limbs of the cruciform body. The member (60) comprises an elongate pin (130) configured to engage a blind bore in the post (12 ) . The second coupling part (50) is secured to the post using screws (140) . As shown most clearly in Figures 7 and 8 , brace (16) is configured as an open framework (200) comprising three elongate, strip-like members (210A, 210B, 210C) j oined together to define, together with the post (12) , a rigid isosceles triangle structure . Two members (210A, 210B) are j oined together at a right angle, and are configured to fit flush against the beam (14) and the post (12) when coupled together . Screw holes (220) are provided to receive screws and secure the two members (210A, 210B) to the beam (14) and post (12 ) adj acent thereto . The members (210A, 210B, 210C) are in use concealed inside a recess in respective cladding members (230A, 230B, 230C) . The cladding members may comprise a bifurcated or two-piece cladding . In use, the third member (210C) is aligned with its (largest) planar faces in the plane of the triangular structure, for optimum resistance to in-plane buckling .

Bolts (316) extending through the beam (14) may be used to coupling the brace (16) to the beam. Tightening nuts (318) on bolts (316) clamp the brace (16) to the beam (14) .

Claims

1. Apparatus for coupling a beam to a post , comprising a body which is configured for attachment to a beam, the body- comprising a profile configured to engage a corresponding profile mounted on one end of a post when coupling its beam thereto, wherein the body comprises a rear face configured to abut an axial end face of a beam and an aperture extending through the body to the rear face for receiving an elongate member for attaching the body to the beam.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the body has a plate-like structure for covering at least a substantial part of the axial end of the beam.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the rear face has an area which is substantially the same as the cross- sectional area of the beam.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims , wherein the rear face of the body is substantially planar .

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims , wherein the profile is located on a front face of the body.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims , wherein the profile includes a bore for slidably receiving a locking pin in the corresponding post profile .

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims , wherein the aperture extends from a front face of the body to the rear face .

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises at least one further aperture .

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the first- mentioned aperture and the at least one further aperture are configured to guide elongate coupling members at different angles into the beam.

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims , 5 wherein the body comprises at least one bevelled lateral edge .

11. A kit of components for constructing a building, comprising : a beam in use having attached thereto a first coupling part comprising apparatus according to any of the

10 preceding claims ; a post for supporting the beam; and a second coupling part comprising a second body configured for attachment to the post , the profile of the first coupling part being connectable to a corresponding profile on the second coupling part for coupling the beam to the

15 post .

12. A kit according to claim 11 , wherein the second coupling part comprises a member which extends through the second body and is configured to be anchored in the post when attaching the second body thereto .

20 13. A kit according to claim 12 , wherein the member is integrally formed with the second body.

14. A kit according to claim 12 or claim 13 , wherein the axial end of the post comprises a bore and the member is configured to be a snug fit in the bore . 25

15. A kit according to claim 14 , wherein the member is configured to be positively retained in the bore during use .

16. A kit according to claim 15 , wherein the member comprise an elongate pin which is a friction fit in the bore .

17. A kit according to any of claims 11-16 , wherein at least one of the first and second coupling parts includes an aperture for slidably receiving a locking pin, connecting the parts together .

18. A kit according to claim 17 , whereint he or each aperture in the first and second coupling parts and the locking pin have matching or snugly interfitting non- circular cross sections .

19. A kit according to any of claims 11-18 , wherein the body of the second coupling part has a substantially cruciform component , with the first coupling part being connectable to an extremity of one of the body' s four limbs .

20. A kit according to claim 19 , wherein the body is reinforced by side parts linking adjacent limbs .

21. A kit according to claim 20 , wherein each extremity of each of the four limbs is configured to be connected to a respective coupling part , each equivalent to the first coupling part .

22. A kit according to any of claims 11-21, further comprising a capping member configured to prevent the connection between the first and second coupling parts being disconnected.

23. A kit according to claim 22 , wherein the capping member comprises a rigid plate comprising an aperture registrable with the aperture in at least one of the first and second coupling parts for receiving the locking pin when the locking pin connects together the first and second coupling parts .

24. A kit according to claim 23 , wherein the locking pin 5 includes a threaded portion for receiving a nut for clamping the capping member to the second coupling part .

25. A kit according to claim 23 , further comprising a friction-fitting cap for engaging an end portion of the locking pin.

10 26. A kit according to any of claims 11-25 , further comprising a brace for bracing the beam against the post , the brace comprising an open framework comprising at least two elongate members joined together to define together with the post a rigid polygon, with one member in use

15 adj acent the beam.

27. A kit according to claim 26 , wherein the rigid polygon is a triangle .

28. A kit according to claim 26 or claim 27 , wherein one member comprises a first strip-like portion configured to

20 fit flush against the beam and a second strip-like portion configured to fit flush against the post .

29. A kit according to claim 28 , wherein at least one of the two strip-like members has one or more apertures , each for receiving a screw to secure the brace to a respective

25 beam or post .

30. A kit according to claim 28 or claim 29 , further comprising cladding for the strip-like members to conceal them from view when used to brace a beam against a post .

31. A kit according to any of claims 26-31 , wherein the second member is strip-like and is aligned to offer greatest resistance to in-plane buckling .

32. A kit according to claim 31 , further comprising cladding for concealing the second member from view .

33. A building comprising a superstructure formed from a kit of components according to any of claims 11-32.