GB2407354A

GB2407354A - Connector assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2407354A
Application number: GB0319819A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Malcolm Hullock
Original assignee: HADJCO 259 Ltd
Current assignee: HADJCO 259 Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-26
Filing date: 2003-08-26
Publication date: 2005-04-27
Also published as: GB0319819D0

Abstract

A connector assembly 301 is adapted to permit one or more separate support members to be connected to a structural support 302 about a single point. The connector assembly comprises a receiving assembly 101 which is adapted to be either secured to, or form a part of, said structural support 302 and has a groove 303 for receiving an engaging element 206 of a connector element fitted 201 to an end of the, or each, support member (not shown). The receiving assembly further includes a retaining element (120, Fig. 1) movable between an engaging position in which said retaining element engages with the engaging element of the or each connector element so as to retain and secure the engaging element within said groove, and a non-engaging position in which the engaging element of the or each connector element can be moved into and out of the groove. A means of locking the retaining element in the engaing position may also be provided. The connector assembly is particularly suitable use in forming a conservatory roof structure where it can be used to connect the upper ends of a number of vertically inclined glazing bars to a single point on an apex support.

Description

CONNECTOR FOR USE IN A CONSERVATORY ROOF

The present invention relates to a connector for use in a conservatory roof or a similar structure such as, for example, a greenhouse, garage, house or shed roof.

A typical modern conservatory consists of a base and a vertical support framework, which extends from the base to support a generally horizontal eaves beam. A number of side panels, typically in the form of glazing units, are secured to this vertical framework to form the sides of the conservatory. The conservatory roof typically consists of a further framework structure, which usually comprises a number of vertically inclined glazing bars or jackrafters that are secured at their lower ends to the eaves beam structure, and at their upper ends to an apex support of the roof. The expression "apex support', is used herein to refer to an elevated support member, which forms the apex or uppermost support of the conservatory roof structure. The framework of the roof structure provides support to one or more vertically inclined roof panels, which, in modern conservatory designs, are either glazing panels or opaque or partially opaque plastic panels made from materials such as polycarbonate.

Depending on the design of the conservatory, the apex of the roof may be just a single point or location of the roof structure design or, alternatively, may be in the form of a ridge which extends over either the whole length or depth of the conservatory or a portion thereof. In many conservatory designs it .: e: .: : . . c e is usual to have a number of glazing bars converging towards a single point or location of the apex support of the roof. In such cases the roof panels supported by the glazing bars converging on a single point or location of the apex support also taper towards that point or location accordingly. Examples of conservatory designs where it is required to fix numerous glazing bar supports to a single point or location of an apex support include roof structures in which the apex is a single point, and roof structures where the apex is a ridge and a number of glazing bars converge towards one end of the ridge, which is the case with a Victorian-style conservatory roof, for example.

One current form of connector utilised in conservatory roof structures to enable the upper ends of a number of glazing bars to be fixed to a single point or location of the apex support comprises hooked cor.r.ector eler. ents, which are adapted to be fitted to the upper ends of the glazing bars, and a generally horizontal ring support, which is either secured to or forms the apex support.

The ring support is usually a semi-circular ring. The hooked connector elements can be hooked over the ring to secure the upper ends of one or more glazing bars to the apex support. The hook connector elements are also usually configured to "snap-fit" onto the ring and may be further secured by the provision of a locking pin, for example, to prevent the hooked connector elements from being subsequently unhooked from the ring. The provision of a generally horizontal semi-circular ring enables the upper ends of several vertically inclined glazing bars which converge on the apex support from e e e ee e ëee e ee cee e e e e ëeë.ee e different angles or locations of the eaves beam structure to be secured to a single point or location of the apex support, and thereby enable the desired conservatory roof design to be achieved.

A problem with this known connection system is that it can be awkward to secure and lock a number of connector elements to the ring support during assembly of the structure. Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative connection system which can permit several support members of a structure, such as the glazing bars of a conservatory roof, to be connected and secured to single point or location of a structural support, such as the apex support of a conservatory roof, with greater ease during assembly.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector assembly suitable for use in a conservatory roof structure or the like, and adapted to permit a plurality of separate support members to be connected to a structural support, said connector assembly comprising a receiving assembly adapted to be either secured to, or form, said structural support and having a groove for receiving an engaging element a connector fitted to an end of the or each support member, and a retaining element moveable between an engaging position in which said retaining element engages with the engaging element of said one or more connectors so as to retain and secure the engaging elements within said groove, and a non-engaging position in which the engaging elements of the connector elements can be moved into and out of the groove.

# it: : . e. .e * . The connector assembly of the present invention provides a simple and convenient means by which several support members may be connected to a single point or location on a structural support. Specifically, the receiving assembly can be secured to a structural support and connectors may be fitted to the ends of several support members, such as the glazing bars of a conservatory roof, which are then positioned within the groove of the receiving assembly and secured therein by moving the retaining element from a non-engaging position to the engaging position.

Preferably, the receiving assembly further comprises a locking means adapted to lock said retaining element into said engaging position. Any suitable locking means may suffice as long as it is capable of securing the retaining element into the engagement position.

1 he connector assembly of the present invention is particularly suited for use in a conservatory roof structure, although the may also be used in many other structures. When used as a component of a conservatory roof structure, it is preferable that roof structure comprises one or more roofpanels supported on a framework, said framework comprising an eaves beam, an apex support and one or more vertically inclined glazing bars extending from said eaves beam to said apex support. Preferably, the apex support is the structural support to which the receiving assembly is secured or, alternatively, the receiving assembly may constitutes the apex support per se. The connector assembly permits the upper ends of the said one or more glazing bars to be connected to a 8 w. # C c e, sea

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.e a s the same location or point of the apex support, which is an important feature of many modern conservatory designs. The engaging elements fitted to the upper ends of the glazing bars may then be secured into position within the groove by moving the retaining element into the engagement position.

Preferably the groove is shaped to accommodate a portion of the engaging element of the said one or more connectors such that the engaging element can be easily located within the groove. In addition, the engaging element may be repositioned by sliding within the groove to the required position during assembly. It is also preferable that the retaining element is shaped to fit around a further portion of the engaging element of the one or more connectors when it is in said first position to retain and secure the engaging elern.ents into the groove In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove has a semi circular cross- sectional profile and the engagement element of the connector is provided with a circular head member, which is fitted to the main body of the connector by a narrow neck. The circular head member is slotted into the corresponding semi-circular groove and is secured into placed by a retaining element, which engages an exposed portion of the circular head of the connectors positioned within the groove and thus, prevents the head from being removed from the groove. It is especially preferred that the retaining element comprises a curved surface which fits to and engages the side of the circular head member so as to define, in conjunction with the groove, a socket or groove # 8 4e Be ce 8 8 8 I _ e a e en 8 C a C with a confined opening through which the neck extends and which engages with the head member and prevents it being withdrawn from the groove. It is also preferable that the confined opening is sufficient to allow the neck of the connector to move slightly, so as to enable the connector to pivot within the groove to a certain extent. This allows a certain degree of flexibility in the connection formed.

It is also preferable that the receiving assembly, which is adapted to receive the engaging elements of the connectors, comprises a lower plate and an upper plate, said upper plate being the retaining element and said groove being formed in the upper surface of the lower plate. Preferably, the upper plate is slidably mounted such that it can be moved towards and away from said lower plate. In such embodiments of the invention, it is preferable that the engaging elements of the connectors are configured to extend into the groove formed on the upper surface of the lower plate. In most cases, this will favour the provision of an engaging element in the form of a head member, which is connected to the main body of the connector by a neck. This construction is particularly advantageous because it permits the engagement elements of the connector to be placed into the groove and this will enable the vertically inclined supports to be effectively rested against the lower plate. This allows the supports to be appropriately positioned prior to being secured within the groove.

e ::: : : :::e . . . . ë a:. .:e.:e A: Once all of the engagement elements of the connectors are in place, the upper plate (i.e. the retaining element) can be slid downwards to the engagement position where it secures and retains the engagement element of the one or more connectors within the groove. The upper plate may then be locked into position by a suitable locking means.

Preferably, the height of the groove can be adjusted relative to the structural support to which the assembly is attached. It is especially preferable that the groove is slidably mounted to permit movement upwards or downwards relative to the structural support. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the pitch of the support members to be varied. Calibrated markings may be provided to illustrate to a person assembling a structure comprising the connector assemblies of the invention the pitch height change.

The receiving assembly and connectors of the present invention may be made from any suitably strong material, although toughened plastics are 1 5 preferred.

The groove may be of any suitable form or shape. Preferably, however, the groove is a circular or part-circular (e.g. semi-circular) in shape. It is especially preferred that the groove encircles part or all of the receiving assembly so that support members converging on the receiving from a number of different angles can be accommodated in therein.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure comprising a connector assembly as hereinbefore defined.

... . ... . . ...

.-me According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof structure for a conservatory or the like comprising one or more roof panels supported on a framework, said framework comprising an eaves beam, an apex support and one or more vertically inclined glazing bars extending from said eaves beam to said apex support, said apex support comprising a connector assembly adapted to permit the upper ends of said one or more glazing bars to be connected to the same location or point of the apex support, said connector assembly being adapted to be secured to, or form a constituent part of, said apex support and comprising a groove for receiving an engaging element of one or more connector elements fitted to the end of the said one or more glazing bars, and a retaining element moveable between an engaging position in which said retaining element engages with the engaging element of said one or more connector elements so as to retain and secure the engaging elements within said groove, and a non-engaging position in which the engaging elements of the connector elements can be moved into and out of the groove.

How the invention may be put into practice will now be described in reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a receiving assembly of an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A and 2B are both perspective views showing a connector of the present invention, .. . .. . . . . . . . ee.

.. eve ee. Figure 2C is a side elevational view of the connector shown in both Figures 2A and 2B; Figure 2D is a view of the underside of the connector shown in both Figures 2A and 2B; Figure 2E is a rear end view of the connector shown in both Figures 2A and 2B; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connection formed between the assembled connection assembly shown in Figure 1 and the connector shown in Figures 2A-2E; Figure 4A is a plan view showing several connectors resting on the upper surface of the lower plate of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 4B is a plan view showing several connectors retained within the grove of an assembled connection assembly such as that shown in Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of Figure 4B.

In the following description of the figures like reference numerals are used in different figures to denote like or corresponding parts.

An exploded view of a receiving assembly of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The receiving assembly 101 is composed of four parts, namely a lower plate 102, and adjustable slider 110, an upper plate 120 and a plate support 130. The lower plate 102 comprises an upper surface 103 with a groove 104 formed therein. The groove 104 is :: a: : : .:: . . . e I a:. .: .:. . : semicircular in both shape and cross- section. Also positioned on the upper surface 103 of the lower plate 102 is an upright member 105, which is adapted to secure the upper plate 120 into engagement with the lower plate 102 during use, and a second upright element 106, which enables the lower plate to be slidably mounted onto the adjustable slider 110.

The adjustable slider 110 comprises securing elements 111 and 112, which enable the slider (and the lower plate 102, the upper plate 120, and the plate support 130 attached thereto) to be secured to a structural support, such as the apex support of a conservatory roof structure. The slider is also provided with a vertically extending channel 113 to which the upright element 106 of the lower plate 102 is mounted. This enables the height of the lower plate 102 to be adjusted relative to the structural support to which the slider (and hence, the assembly 101) is attached. Toothed grip location elements are provided in the groove to enable the lower plate to be located at the desired height. Markings 114 are also provided to illustrate the pitch height scale.

The upper plate 120 forms the retaining element of the receiving assembly 101 during use. The upper plate can be fitted to the assembly when it is required for retaining one or more engagement elements within the groove 104, as discussed further below. The upper plate 120 fits onto the upper surface 103 of the lower plate 102 and is retained in position by being pushed forwards and thereby engaging with the upright member 105. To remove the upper plate 120 form the upper surface of the lower plate 102 it is necessary to e :: i: : : :: :.

::: : : ::: .. . . push the upper plate back towards the slider 110 and then lift it up once it is clear from engagement with the upright member 105. The upper plate 120 has a cut away section 121, which forms a space between the slider 110 and the upper plate 120 when it is placed into the engagement position on the upper surface of the lower plate 102. This gap receives a correspondingly shaped downwardly extending protrusion (not shown) formed on the under surface of the plate support 130. The plate support is slidably mounted to the slider l lO and once the upper plate is placed in the engagement position, the plate support can be lower onto the upper surface of the upper plate 120 and the lO correspondingly shaped downwardly extending protrusion (not shown) slides into the gap formed by the cut-out portion 121 to lock the upper plate 120 into the engagement position, i.e. the upper plate can no longer be pushed backwards and out of engagement with the upright member 105 of the lower plate.

As an alternative, the upper plate may be secured into its retaining position by bolting it to the lower plate.

Figures 2A-2E show an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. The connector 201 is adapted to be fitted to the end of a glazing bar support of a conservatory roof and comprises a body portion 202, which is provided with securing holes 203, a guide slot 204 and a flange 205.

The guide slot 204 and flange 205 enable the connector 201 to be fitted to the end of a glazing bar and the holes 203, with nut recesses 203a, enable the body .. . . . . ::: : : ::: .. ... . . 202 to be secured to the end of the glazing bar attached thereto. The connector further comprises a circular head 206, which is connected to the body 202 via a slim neck portion 207. The significance of the head and neck portions will become apparent in the description of Figures 3, 4A, 4B and 5 below.

Figure 3 shows a fully assembled connector assembly 301 secured to the end of an apex support beam 302 of a conservatory roof structure. The head member 206 of a connector 201 is fitted to the end of a glazing bar support (not shown) and is retainably engaged within the groove 303 defined by the receiving assembly lot. The groove 303 is defined by a combination of the groove 104 formed in the upper surface of the lower plate 102, together with a portion of the under surface of the upper plate 120 and is provided with a narrow opening through which the neck 207 of the connector extends. The engagement between the under surface ofthe upper plate 120 and the head 206 of the engagement element of the connector 201 prevents the connector from being removed from the receiving assembly and thus forms a robust connection therebetwcen. However, at the same time, the opening of the groove 303 does not grip the neck 207 of the connector 201 and this permits the connector 201 to move up and down, effectively pivoting about the head 206 retained in the groove 303. This allows a certain degree of flexibility in the connection to be provided, which can be extremely advantageous during the construction of a conservatory roof structure.

a. .e ee e e . ..

It will also be apparent from the connection shown in Figure 3 that the groove 303 of the connection assembly 301 can accommodate numerous connector elements fitted to vertically inclined glazing bars, which converge on the connector assembly from different angles.

Figure 4A shows several connectors resting within the groove 104 formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 102. This Figure shows the arrangement of several connectors 201 on the lower plate during the assembly or construction of the conservatory roof, i.e. before the upper plate 120 and the plate support 130 are fitted into place. Figure 4B on the other hand shows a plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 4A with the upper plate and the plate support in position to secure and retain the connectors 201 into position.

It wil! be appreciated from Figures 4A and 4B that the semi-circular profile of the groove 302 enables several connector element to be fixed to the assembly and this provides a convenient means by which several glazing bars may converge towards, and be connected to, the same location of an apex support.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of Figure 4B. It can be seen from Figure 5 that the groove 104 formed in the upper surface 103 of the lower plate 102 provides a lip 501, which enables the circular head member 206 of the connector 201 to be rested within the groove 104 during assembly, as is also shown in Figure 4A. The lip 501 prevents the connector slipping out in this rested position even before the upper plate 120 is placed into the engagement position. A triangulation screw 502 may also be .e ë . . e provided to support the connector 201 at an elevated angle relative to the receiving assembly lOl.

Claims

. ce.:e ec: :: :: : .e : CLAIMS

1. A connector assembly suitable for use in a conservatory roof structure or the like, and adapted permit one or more separate support members t& be connected to a structural support, said connector assembly comprising a receiving assembly adapted to be either secured to, or form a part of, said structural support and having a groove for receiving an engaging element of a connector element fitted to an end of the or each support member, the receiving assembly further comprising a retaining element movable between an engaging position in which said retaining element engages with the engaging element of the or each connector element so as to retain and secure the engaging element within said groove, and a nonengaging position in which the engaging element of the or each connector element can be moved into and out of the groove.

2. A connector assembly according to claim 1, in which the receiving assembly further comprises a locking means adapted to lock said retaining element in said engaging position.

3. A connector assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the groove is shaped to accommodate a portion of the engaging element of the or each connector element, such that the engaging portion can be easily located within the groove.

4. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, in which the groove is shaped such that the engaging element may be repositioned by sliding within the groove to the required position during assembly.

5. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, in which the retaining element is adapted to fit around a further portion of the engaging element of the, or each, connector. # e

e c. ce e

6. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, in which the groove has a generally semi-circular cross sectional profile.

7. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, in which the groove is circular or part circular in shape.

8. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, in which the groove encircles the whole or a part of the receiving assembly.

9. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, the assembly further comprising one or more connector elements adapted for fitting to the end of respective support members.

10. A connector assembly according to claim 9, in which each connector element comprises a main body portion and a head portion connected to the main body portion by means of a neck portion, the head portion comprising the engaging element.

11. A connector assembly according to claim 10, in which the head portion 1 S is generally circular.

12. A connector assembly according to claim 11, in which the retaining element comprises a curved surface which fits to and engages a side of the circular head member so as to define, in conjunction with the groove, a socket or groove with a confined opening through which the neck extends.

13. A connector assembly according to claim 12, in which the confined opening is larger than the neck, so as to enable the connector element to pivot about the head member to a certain extent.

14. A connector assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the receiving assembly comprises a lower plate member and an upper plate 4 . e member, said upper plate member being the retaining element and the groove being formed in an upper surface of the lower plate member.

15. A connector assembly according to claim 14, in which the upper plate member is slidably mounted such that it can be moved towards and away from the lower plate member to bring the upper plate member into and out of the engaging position.

16. A connector assembly as claimed in claim 15, in which the lower plate member comprises a first abutment means and the upper plate member comprises a second abutment means, the arrangement being such that when the upper plate member is in the engaing position, the upper plate member is moveable between a locked position, in which the first and second abutment means are engaged to prevent the upper plate from being moved away from the lower plate member out of the engaing position, and an unlocked position, in which the upper plate member is free to move away from the lower plate member.

17. A connector assembly according to claim 16, in which the receiving means further comprises a means to restrict movement of the upper plate member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

18. A connector assembly according to claim 17, in which the means for restricting movement of the upper plate member comprises a plate support member moveable from a first position, in which it engages with the upper plate member to prevent it from being moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, to a second position in which the upper plate member is free to be moved between the locked and unlocked positions.

19. A connector plate assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18, in which the lower plate member has a shoulder against which the main c c , c e C C body of the, or each, connector element can be rested when its engaging element is engaged in the groove.

20. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 19, in which a lip is formed on the outer edge of the groove to help retain the engaing element of the, or each, connecting element in the groove.

21. A connector assembly according to any previous claim, in which the height of the groove relative to the structural support can be adjusted.

22. A connector assembly as according to claim 21 when dependent on any of claims 14 to 20, in which the lower plate member is adjustably mounted to the structural support to enable the height of the grooved to be varied.

23. A connector assembly according to claim 22, in which the lower plate member is slidably mounted to the structural support.

24. A connector assembly according to claim 22 or claim 23, in which the receiving means is provided with calibrated markings to assist a user in positioning the lower plate member relative to the structural support.

25. A connector assembly according to any previous claim in which the receiving means and /or the connecting elements are made from a plastics material.

26. A structure comprising a connector assembly according to any previous claim.

27. A roof structure for a conservatory or the like, comprising one or more roof panels supported on a framework, said framework comprising an eves beam, an apex support and one or more vertically inclined glazing bars extending from said eves beam to said apex support, said apex e support compressing a connector assembly adapted to permit the upper ends of said one or more glazing bars to be connected to the same location or point of the apex support, said connector assembly being adapted to be secured to, or form a constituent part of, said apex support and comprising a groove for receiving an engaging element of a connector element fitted to the end of the or each glazing bar, and a retaining element movable between an engaging position in which said retaining element engages with the engaging element of the or each connector element so as to retain and secure the engaging element within lO said groove, and a non-engaging position in which the engaging element of the or each connector element can be moved into and out of the groove.

28. A roof structure according to claim 27, comprising a connector assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. A connector assembly suitable for use in a conservatory roof structure or the like, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

30. A structure substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

31. A roof structure for a conservatory or the like, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.