WO2011041824A1

WO2011041824A1 - Building frame assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2011041824A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001278
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Sinclair
Original assignee: Sinclair, Aaron
Priority date: 2009-10-06
Filing date: 2010-09-29
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

A building frame assembly comprising a first beam having a first longitudinal axis and a first engagement formation, and a right angle connector including: i) a base plate having a second engagement formation formed on a surface of the base plate; ii) a side plate extending generally perpendicular to the base plate, the side plate including a third engagement formation; and iii) a stiffening rib extending between the base plate and the side plate; and a second beam having a second longitudinal axis and a fourth engagement formation; wherein the first engagement formation is engageable with the second engagement formation to secure the base plate to the first beam, and the third engagement formation is engageable with the fourth engagement formation to secure the side plate to the second beam, thereby securing the first beam perpendicular relative to the second beam.

Description

Building frame assembly

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a building frame assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a frame assembly for supporting wall and roof structures.

Background of the Invention

Stud walls are typically constructed with a timber frame consisting of horizontal top and bottom plates and vertical studs. The studs are generally connected to adjacent studs with horizontal nogging. The timber frame may be fabricated in place, or alternatively, the frame may be built on a horizontal surface (on or offsite) and then moved to the desired location and elevated to a vertical orientation.

There are several disadvantages associated with existing building framing techniques.

Firstly, framing is a specialised carpentry skill and can be quite time and labour intensive. Timber frame construction also requires the use of hazardous tools such as power saws and nail guns. The need for skilled carpentry adds to the cost of a construction project, and requires that a carpenter is available on site at the appropriate stage of construction.

A further disadvantage is that timber is not an optimal building material for some environments and applications. For example, in areas where white ants are prevalent, most soft wood timber species used in construction such as radiata pine are susceptible to white ant attack. Timber is also generally not suitable in any application where it may be exposed to water.

Some existing frame assembly systems utilise metal plates and studs. There are also problems associated with metal frame constructions such as susceptibility to rusting, increased weight for handling and increased material costs. Metal frames have thermal properties which are considerably less favourable than timber increasing the on going costs of heating and cooling a room. Similar to timber constructions, metal frames require specialised builders and tradespeople to conduct the installation. This tends to add to the cost of the construction project. Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a building frame assembly comprising:

a first beam having a first longitudinal axis and a first engagement formation;

a right angle connector including:

i) a base plate having a second engagement formation formed on a surface of the base plate;

ii) a side plate extending generally perpendicular to the base plate, the side plate including a third engagement formation; and

iii) a stiffening rib extending between the base plate and the side plate; and a second beam having a second longitudinal axis and a fourth engagement formation; wherein the first engagement formation is engageable with the second engagement formation to secure the base plate to the first beam, and the third engagement formation is engageable with the fourth engagement formation to secure the side plate to the second beam, thereby securing the first beam perpendicular relative to the second beam.

The first engagement formation preferably includes a first male projection having a flared head and the second engagement formation includes two opposing retention lips adapted to receive and engage the flared head.

The first male projection, preferably extends in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis and projects generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

The first and second beams each preferably have a generally I shaped cross section comprising a central web and two opposing flanges.

The male projection is preferably mounted on the central web and projects generally perpendicular relative to a surface of the web.

The second engagement formation preferably also includes first spring element adapted to bias the base plate away from the first beam. The spring element preferably includes a projection extending along the first longitudinal axis which is adapted to engage a step formed on the first beam and extending along the first longitudinal axis.

The third engagement formation preferably includes a first channel and the fourth engagement formation includes a second male projection which extends parallel to the second longitudinal axis and is adapted to interferingly engage with the second channel.

The third engagement formation preferably includes a second channel, wherein an opening of the second channel faces an opening of the first channel.

The second beam preferably includes a third male projection located on an opposing side of the second beam relative to the second male projection, wherein the second male projection is engageable with the first channel, and the third male projection is engageable with the second channel.

The building frame assembly preferably includes at least one fastening element projecting away from the base plate, the fastening element being longitudinally ihsertable in an end of the second beam and having one or more teeth adapted to engage with an aperture formed in the second beam to prevent removal of the second beam from the base plate.

The fastening element preferably includes a second spring element adapted to bias the one or more teeth toward said aperture.

The building frame assembly preferably includes a male stopper element which is insertable through an aperture formed in the base plate and a corresponding aperture formed in the first beam, the stopper element being adapted to prevent longitudinal movement of the right angle connector in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides, a building frame assembly comprising: a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis and having a generally I-shaped cross section comprising a central web and two opposing flanges, the first beam including a first engagement formation comprising a first male projection having a flared head, wherein the first male projection extends in a direction generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis, further wherein the first male projection is mounted on the central web and projects generally perpendicular relative to a surface of the web.

The building frame assembly preferably further includes:

a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis and having a generally-I shaped cross section comprising a central web and two opposing flanges, the second beam including a second engagement formation comprising a second male projection having a flared head, wherein the second male projection extends parallel to the second longitudinal axis and projects generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, further wherein the second male projection is mounted on the central web and projects generally perpendicular relative to the web; and

a beam coupling element having a third engagement formation, including two opposing retention lips adapted to receive and engage the first male projection, and a fourth engagement formation having two opposing retention lips adapted to receive and engage the second male projection;

wherein the third and fourth engagement formations are located on opposing sides of the beam coupling element, and the beam coupling element allows the first and second beams to be connected to each other so that the first and second longitudinal axes are generally parallel.

The beam coupling element preferably includes one or more spring elements adapted to bias the beam coupling element away from the first and second beams.

The building frame assembly preferably further including a cover plate comprising:

a cover plate body including two opposing retention lips,

wherein the retention lips are adapted to receive and engage the first male projection, to secure the first beam relative to the cover plate, such that the cover plate extends generally between the two opposing flanges, wherein the cover plate is adapted to receive a fastener which is engageable with a fixed structure to secure the cover plate and the first beam to the fixed structure.

The building frame assembly further preferably comprises:

a right angle connector including:

i) a base plate having a second engagement formation including two opposing retention lips formed on a surface of the base plate;

ii) a side plate extending generally perpendicular to the base plate, the side plate including a third engagement formation including two opposing retention lips; and a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis and having a fourth engagement formation including a second male projection having a flared head;

wherein the first engagement formation is engageable with the second engagement formation to secure the base plate to the first beam, and the third engagement formation is engageable with the fourth engagement formation to secure the side plate to the second beam, thereby securing the first beam perpendicular relative to the second beam.

The building frame assembly further preferably comprises a roof bracket including:

a roof bracket body having two opposing retention lips formed in the roof bracket body;

first and second plates formed on the roof bracket body, wherein a space is located between the first and second plates, the space being adapted to receive a rafter, truss or other such beam;

wherein the retention lips are adapted to receive and engage the first male projection, to secure the first beam relative to the roof bracket.

Preferably at least one generally triangular stiffening rib extends between each of the first and second plates and the roof bracket body.

The frame assembly is preferably manufactured from plastic.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a building frame;

Fig. 2 is an end view of a beam and a cover plate of the building frame of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an end view of two beams of the building frame of Fig. 1 connected side by side with a joiner;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the joiner of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cover plate of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a front view of a right angle connector for connecting the beam of Fig 2 with another perpendicular beam;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the right angle connector of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a right angle connector of a second embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the right angle connector of Fig. 8 connected to a beam;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view depicting the right angle connector of Fig. 8 used with two perpendicular beams;

Fig. 11 is an end view of the right angle connector and beam of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a partial perspective view of an engagement formation of the right angle connector of Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is a is a partial perspective view of an engagement formation of the right angle connector of Fig. 8 and a beam engagement;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a longitudinal beam connector for connecting two parallel beams end to end;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a right angle connector for securing two parallel and perpendicular beams;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the right angle connector of Fig. 15 in use;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a right angle connector of a third embodiment;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a right angle connector of a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a right angle connector of a fifth embodiment;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a right angle connector of any of the first to fifth embodiments connected to two perpendicular beams;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 20 including an electrical mounting plate;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a joiner of a second embodiment;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a roof bracket of the building frame;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the roof bracket of Fig. 23 secured to a rafter and a beam;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a release tool of the building frame;

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the release tool in operation; and

Fig. 27 is a cross sectional view of a pylon tab engaged with a beam. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A building frame assembly 30 is shown in Fig. 1. The frame assembly 30 is made from modular components which are formed from a suitable plastic material such as Polyvinyl chloride. The frame assembly 30 is constructed as an underlying skeleton for mounting plasterboard, biueboard or another suitable cladding, in a similar manner to other stud walls. The frame assembly 30 typically consists of a generally horizontal bottom plate 32, a horizontal top plate 34, vertical studs 36 and horizontal nogging 38 placed between the studs 36. These are secured in place by right angle connector 80.

The basic building block of the frame assembly 30 is the beam 40 which is shown in end view in Fig. 2. The beam 40 is formed by an extrusion process, and has a generally hollow cross-section when viewed from the end. The beam 40 is used to provide all of the above mentioned components of the frame assembly 30.

The beam 40 extends along a first longitudinal axis XX and has a first engagement formation 42. The first engagement formation 42 is in the form of a first male projection 42 having a flared or barbed head 44.

The first male projection 42 projects away from the beam 40 along the axis ZZ, and the first male projection 42 extends longitudinally parallel to axis XX. The beam 40 has a generally universal or I-shaped cross-section comprising a central web 46 and two opposing flanges 48.

The male projection 42 is mounted on the central web 46 and projects generally

perpendicular relative to the web 46, or parallel to the flanges 48. The beam 40 also has a second male projection 50 mounted on the opposing side of the web 46. The beam 40, along with the other components of the building frame assembly 30 is manufactured from a suitable engineering plastic material. The beam 40 is made largely by an extrusion process, and has a generally hollow cross section with some stiffening ribs 52 which increase the overall stiffness of the beam 40. The beam 40 is symmetrical about an axis YY passing through the web 46, and also symmetrical about a perpendicular axis ZZ, which passes through the first and second male projections 42, 50, and is evenly located between the two flanges 48. Accordingly, the beam 40 has two identical sides which may either be used as the top or bottom. As shown in Fig. 2, the flanges 48 are generally hollow, and formed with a rectangular profile and having stiffening ribs 49, 52 located within. Each flange 48 has an outer wall 53. The outer walls 53 provide a face that plaster board is fixed to. As shown in Fig. 2, the grooves 55 formed in the outer walls 53 provide a keyway for glue to adhere with. When a screw or other such fastener is driven through the outer wall 53, the screw tip passes through the cavity within the flange 48. The screw is sufficiently long to also passes through the inner stiffening rib 52. This provides a superior gripping force for the screw, as it is in contact with the beam 40 in at least two locations.

As shown in Fig. 9, the beam 40 also includes apertures in the form of notches or holes 54 which are located on the side faces of the flanges 48 which are parallel with the faces of the web 46. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the apertures 54 are circular holes 54 which extend in a direction which is generally parallel to the axis ZZ. The holes 54 are deeper than the wall thickness of the beam 40, and as such each of the holes 54 locally provides a through passage to the cavity inside the flanges 48. The holes 54 may be formed during a separate process after extrusion of the beam 40. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the holes 54 do not breach the outer edges of the beam 40, which leaves the corners intact, preserving the structural integrity of the beam 40. Alternatively, in the embodiment of Fig. 20, the apertures 54 are generally elongate slots 54

Fig. 14 shows a joiner 60 for connecting two parallel beams 40 end to end. The joiner 60 has a body 62 having a cross-sectional profile which is similar to that of the beam 40. The joiner 60 also includes eight arms or tongues 64 which extend longitudinally along axis XX and are inserted into the hollow ends of two beams 40, within their flanges 48. The joiner 60 also includes four arms or tongues 65 which are inserted into the hollow end of the two beams 40, within their webs 46.

Figs. 3 and 4 show a beam coupling element 180 having a third engagement formation 182 including two opposing retention lips 183, 185 adapted to receive and engage the first male projection 42, and a fourth engagement formation 184 having two opposing retention lips 187, 189 adapted to receive and engage the second male projection 50 of a second beam 40. The third and fourth engagement formations 182, 184 are located on opposing sides of the beam coupling element 180, and the beam coupling element 180 enables the first and second beams 40 to be connected to each other so that their longitudinal axes XX are parallel.

The retention lips 183, 185, 187, 189 are inclined or tapered, so as to provide a guide surface to guide the first and second male projection 42, 50 into the third and fourth engagement formations 182, 184.

As shown in Fig 3, two beams 40 are shown side by side, and interconnected with the beam coupling element 180. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the beam coupling element 180 includes one or more resilient biasing elements 186. The resilient biasing elements or spring elements 186 are adapted to bias the beam coupling element 180 away from the first and second beams 40, providing a tight fit. As depicted in Fig. 3, two beams 40 are connected side by side with the coupling element 180 located in between. The spring elements 186 snap into engagement behind the steps 100. By connecting two or more beams 40 in this manner, a builder can create a stronger composite beam than a single beam 40 in isolation, and hence provide greater load bearing or spanning capabilities. This may also be utilised at corners, where a double stud would typically be required.

As shown in Fig. 3, the spring elements 186 have an angled surface, and the steps 100 also have a corresponding angled surface. This results in the spring element 186 being able to slide past the step 100, resulting in the beam 40 being relatively easily snapped into engagement with the coupling element 180. However, once the beam 40 and coupling element 180 are connected, the edge 101 formed on the step 100 and the edge 191 formed on the coupling element 180 overlap each other, preventing the coupling element 180 and beam 40 from being separated without considerable force, or sliding them apart parallel to the axis XX.

Fig. 5 shows a cover plate 70 for engaging a beam 40. The cover plate 70 has a generally planar body 71, and on an underside of the body 71, an engagement formation 72 including two opposing retention lips 74, 75, adapted to receive and engage the first or second male projection 42, 50 of the beam 40.

The cover plate 70 can be snapped onto the beam 40, as shown in Fig. 2. This provides a cover over one or both side of the beam 40. This may be utilised for example when the beam 40 is used as a bottom plate 32 for a stud wall 30. In this arrangement, the cover plate 70 is snapped onto the beam 40, and the central groove 76 formed in the cover plate acts as a marker of the centre line of the cover plate 70. The builder may drill a hole through the cover plate 70 and beam 40, and into the underlying floor to enable a masonary anchor, set screw or other such fastener to be inserted.

Figs. 6 and 7 show a first embodiment of a right angle connector 80. The connector 80 is used to interconnect two like beams 40 generally perpendicular relative to each other, such as the connection between a bottom plate and a stud, or a nogging and a stud. The right angle connector 80 includes a base plate 82 having a second engagement formation 84 formed on an underside of the base plate 82. The second engagement formation 84 includes two opposing retention lips 85, 87 adapted to receive and engage the flared head 44 of the first male projection 42. The retention lips 84 extend away from the base plate 82, and are received by the space between the two flanges 48 of the beam 40.

The right angle connector 80 includes a side plate 86 extending generally perpendicular to the base plate 82. The base plate 82 and side plate 86 together make a generally L-shaped bracket. The side plate 86 includes a third engagement formation 88, in the form of a longitudinally extending channel or socket 88. The channel 88 is adapted to receive the flared head 44 of the beam 40 in a longitudinally sliding motion.

As shown in the embodiments of Figs. 6 to 11, the right angle connector 80 includes a second side plate 102, spaced apart from the first side plate 86. The second side plate 102 includes a second channel 104, and an opening of the second channel 104 faces an opening of the first channel 88. Accordingly, the web 46 of a beam 40 fits in between the two side plates 86, 102, and the first channel 88 and second channel 104 engage with the male projections 42, 50 located on the opposing sides of the beam 40.

Each embodiment of the right angle connector 80 includes a triangular stiffening rib, or diagonal brace 90 which extends between the base plate 82 and the side plate 86. The brace 90 adds structural integrity to the frame assembly 30.

When connecting two beams 40 in a perpendicular configuration, a first beam 40 is snapped into engagement with the base plate 82 of the right angle connector 80, such that the flared head 44 enters within the retention lips 84.

The right angle connector 80 of each of the embodiments includes at least one fastening element 120 projecting away from the base plate 82. In the embodiments of Figs. 6 to 11, the fastening elements 120 are provided by four pylons 127 which are longitudinally insertable into an end of the beam 40, within the flanges 48. The pylons 127 have a pointed top 139 for ease of insertion into a beam. The fastening elements 120 have one or more teeth 122 adapted to engage with the holes 54 formed in the beam 40, in order to prevent removal of the vertical beam 40 from the base plate 82. As the vertical beam 40 slides downwardly and engages the right angle connector 80, the stepping teeth 122 are inwardly deflected, into the centre of the beam 40 and snap into place in each hole 54 that the teeth 122 slide past.

As shown in Fig. 6, the teeth 122 are located at different vertical heights. This enables the engagement of one or more of teeth 122, depending on where the beam 40 has been cut, and hence which holes 54 line up more accurately with the teeth 122.

Fig 12 provides a detail of one of the teeth 122. Each tooth 122 is formed generally as a cylindrical projection which has been cut off at an angle. This provides a sliding surface 123, which assists during insertion, and a restriction surface 133 which inhibits during removal of the beam 40. Each tooth 122 is located on a generally rectangular tab 141 which is resiliently mounted on the pylon 127.

As shown in Fig. 12, each tab 141 has a free end 131 and a hinged end 135. When the pylon 127 is inserted into a first beam 40, in order to connect two beams 40 at right angles, the free end 131 is located closest to the join area, or the end of the first beam 40 that the pylon 127 was inserted into. When a force is applied to the first beam 40, pulling the first beam 40 away from the right angle connector 80, a bending moment causes the tab 141 to rotate in a direction such that the free end 131 moves closer to the internal wall of the beam 40, which assists in locking the first beam 40 to the pylon 127, and hence the right angle connector 80. Because the end of each tab 141 at the free end 131 extends beyond the tooth 122, there is an abutment surface 137 which is able to abut against the inside of the beam 40, to prevent further rotation of the tab 141. As shown in Fig. 27, when an attempt is made to pull the first beam 40 away from the right angle connector 80, the free end 131 of the tab 141 is pivoted towards the beam 40, and the abutment surface 137 comes into engagement with the inside wall of the beam 40, effectively locking the first beam 40 relative to the right angle connector 80.

Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional detail of one of the teeth 122 when located within one of the holes 54.

Fig. 15 depicts a corner fixing block 240 for securing two beams 40 such as studs in a corner. The fixing block 240 is shown in a corner assembly in Fig. 16. The corner fixing block 240 operates in a similar manner to the coyer plate 70, but with engagement features on two perpendicular sides 241, 242. The corner fixing block 240 also includes a diagonal brace 243.

Figs. 17 to 19 show a third embodiment of the right angle connector 80. As shown in Fig. 17, the fastening element 120 includes a second spring element 124 which is adapted to bias the teeth 122 toward the holes 54. The second spring element 124 is a curved plastic projection which has inherent resilience on account of its shape.

In a further embodiment of the right angle connector 80 shown in Figs 18 and 19, the second engagement formation 84 also includes first spring element 92 which is visible in Fig. 19. The spring element 92 is adapted to bias the base plate 82 away from the first beam 40. The spring element 92 is formed by resilient projections 92, 96 which extend along the first longitudinal axis XX and which urge against the angled walls 98 of the beam 40 as shown in Fig. 2. When the first beam 40 is secured to the right angle connector 80, the arms 92, 96 snap into place behind the steps 100, which are also shown in Fig. 2.

In each of the embodiments the right angle connector 80 includes a male stopper element 140 which is insertable through holes 142 formed in the base plate and one of the holes 54 formed in the beam 40. The stopper element 140 prevents longitudinal movement of the right angle connector 80 along the longitudinal axis XX.

As shown in Fig. 17, there are two sets of holes 142 spaced along the longitudinal axis XX of the base plate 82. This enables the installer to use the set of holes 142 which is more closely aligned with a pair of the underlying holes 54, depending on where the beam 40 has been cut, or the intended location of the stud 36.

Figs. 20 and 21 show two beams 40 such as a bottom plate 32 and stud 36 joined to each other in a perpendicular arrangement with a right angle connector 80. In this embodiment, a bracket 160 is shown for mounting power points or light switches using cover plate 70. Fig. 10 is a further perspective view showing the connection of two beams 40 with a right angle connector 80.

Fig. 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a beam coupling element 180. The beam coupling element 180 of this embodiment enables two beams 40 to be connected side by side and parallel with each other. A third engagement formation 182 including two opposing retention lips 183, 185 adapted to receive and engage the first male projection 42, and a fourth engagement formation 184 having two opposing retention lips 187, 189 adapted to receive and engage the first male projection 42 of a second beam 40. The third and fourth engagement formations 182, 184 are located on opposing sides of the beam coupling element 180

Fig. 23 shows a roof bracket 220 having a roof bracket body 222 with two opposing retention lips 224 formed in the underside of the roof bracket body 222. First and second plates 226 are formed on the roof bracket body 222, and a space 228 is located between the first and second plates 226. The space 228 is adapted to receive a timber rafter, truss or other such beam. The retention lips 224 are adapted to receive and engage the first male projection 42, to secure the beam 40 relative to the roof bracket 220. Fig. 24 depicts a timber beam secured to a beam 40 using the roof bracket 220. At least one generally triangular stiffening rib 230 extends between each of the first and second plates and the roof bracket body 222.

Figs. 25 and 26 depict a removal tool 250. The removal tool 250 has a plurality of projections 252. When a beam 40 is secured to a right angle connector 80, in order to remove the beam 40, a user may place two of the removal tools 250 around the base of the beam 40, on opposing sides of the beam 40 such that the projections 252 extend into the holes or notches 54. This in turn results in the projections 252 biasing the teeth 122 inwardly. With the teeth 122 all out of engagement with the holes 54, the user may slide the beam 40 away from the right angle connector 80. Accordingly, the removal tool 250 is used during dismantling of a structure, 30 or if disassembly if a stud or other member is installed at an incorrect location. Advantageously, the building frame assembly 30 can be installed with the nogging 38 parallel to, and at the same height as the adjacent nogging 38 between adjacent studs 36. This simplifies subsequent plaster board installation, as the nails or fasteners may be installed along uniform, horizontal lines. A further advantage of the frame assembly 30 is that the weight of the components is typically around half the weight of a comparable timber frame. This makes it easier to fabricate building frames 30 and lift them into a vertical orientation when completed.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A building frame assembly comprising:

a first beam having a first longitudinal axis and a first engagement formation;

a right angle connector including:

2. The building frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement formation includes a first male projection having a flared head and the second engagement formation includes two opposing retention lips adapted to receive and engage the flared head.

3. The building frame assembly of claim 2, wherein the first male projection extends in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis and projects generally

perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

4. The building frame assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second beams each have a generally I shaped cross section comprising a central web and two opposing flanges.

5. The building frame assembly of claim 4, wherein the male projection is mounted on the central web and projects generally perpendicular relative to a surface of the web.

6. The building frame assembly of claim 5, wherein the second engagement formation also includes first spring element adapted to bias the base plate away from the first beam.

7. The building frame assembly of claim 6, wherein the spring element includes a projection extending along the first longitudinal axis which is adapted to engage a step formed on the first beam and extending along the first longitudinal axis.

8. The building frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the third engagement formation includes a first channel and the fourth engagement formation includes a second male projection which extends parallel to the second longitudinal axis and is adapted to interferingly engage with the second channel.

9. The building frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the third engagement formation includes a second channel, wherein an opening of the second channel faces an opening of the first channel.

10. The building frame assembly of claim 9, wherein the second beam includes a third male projection located on an opposing side of the second beam relative to the second male projection, wherein the second male projection is engageable with the first channel, and the third male projection is engageable with the second channel.

11. The building frame assembly of claim 8, including at least one fastening element projecting away from the base plate, the fastening element being longitudinally insertable in an end of the second beam and having one or more teeth adapted to engage with an aperture formed in the second beam to prevent removal of the second beam from the base plate.

12. The building frame assembly of claim 11, wherein the fastening element includes a second spring element adapted to bias the one or more teeth toward said aperture.

13. The building frame assembly of claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more teeth are mounted on tabs, each tab having a free end and a hinged end, and the free end being located closest to the base plate of the right angle connector, the free end extending beyond the one or more teeth to define a abutment surface which is adapted to abut against an internal wall of the second beam.

14. The building frame assembly of claim 1, including a male stopper element which is insertable through an aperture formed in the base plate and a corresponding aperture formed in the first beam, the stopper element being adapted to prevent longitudinal movement of the right angle connector in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

15. A building frame assembly comprising:

a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis and having a generally I-shaped cross section comprising a central web and two opposing flanges, the first beam including a first engagement formation comprising a first male projection having a flared head, wherein the first male projection extends in a direction generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis, further wherein the first male projection is mounted on the central web and projects generally perpendicular relative to a surface of the web.

16. The building frame assembly of claim 15, further including:

17. The building frame assembly of claim 16, wherein the beam coupling element includes one or more spring elements adapted to bias the beam coupling element away from the first and second beams.

18. The building frame assembly of claim 15, further including a cover plate comprising:

a cover plate body including two opposing retention lips,

19. The building frame assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a right angle connector including:

20. The building frame assembly of claim 15, further comprising a roof bracket including:

21. The building frame assembly of claim 19, wherein at least one generally triangular stiffening rib extends between each of the first and second plates and the roof bracket body.

22. The building frame assembly of any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the frame assembly is manufactured from plastic.