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GB2516948A - Bracket member and bracket assembly - Google Patents

Bracket member and bracket assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2516948A
GB2516948A GB1314195.7A GB201314195A GB2516948A GB 2516948 A GB2516948 A GB 2516948A GB 201314195 A GB201314195 A GB 201314195A GB 2516948 A GB2516948 A GB 2516948A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
bracket
aperture
connecting member
edge portion
bracket member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1314195.7A
Other versions
GB201314195D0 (en
Inventor
Kevin Gray
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
UNIKA COLOR PRODUCTS Ltd
Original Assignee
UNIKA COLOR PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UNIKA COLOR PRODUCTS Ltd filed Critical UNIKA COLOR PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority to GB1314195.7A priority Critical patent/GB2516948A/en
Publication of GB201314195D0 publication Critical patent/GB201314195D0/en
Publication of GB2516948A publication Critical patent/GB2516948A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/28—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for metal furniture parts
    • F16B12/38—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for metal furniture parts using snap-action elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/12—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics
    • F16B12/26—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics using snap-action elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/0004—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship
    • F16B5/0008—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge
    • F16B5/0012—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge a tongue on the edge of one sheet, plate or panel co-operating with a groove in the edge of another sheet, plate or panel
    • F16B5/0016—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge a tongue on the edge of one sheet, plate or panel co-operating with a groove in the edge of another sheet, plate or panel with snap action

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

A bracket member 2 for use in interconnecting two panels is adapted to be mounted to a surface to define an aperture 4 when mounted to a surface in use. The bracket member comprises a locking member 6 arranged to project into aperture 4, the locking member 6 comprising a raised edge portion 8. In use a connecting member has a shoulder which engages the raised edge portion 8 to lock the connecting member to the bracket member. If the connecting member is inserted in the aperture 4 in a first direction then the shoulder will engage the raised edge portion 8. If the connecting member is inserted in the aperture 4 in a second, opposite, direction then the shoulder does not engage the raised shoulder portion 8.

Description

Bracket Member and Bracket Assembly The present invention relates to a bracket member for use in interconnecting two panels, and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a bracket assembly for use in interconnecting two panels.
In many types of construction, it is desirable to interconnect two panels for example at right angles to form a front for a unit. In kitchen fittings, two panels are interconnected at right angles when a filler panel such as a dummy drawer front or plinth is mounted.
Known bracket assemblies generally enable the panels to be interconnected rigidly which is particularly desirable for panels that are above the ground. For example, a dummy drawer front that is fitted in front of a kitchen sink should be rigidly connected to prevent the risk of the dummy drawer front falling off and causing injury.
However, it is not essential to interconnect kitchen plinths around the floor rigidly because access might be needed behind the plinth to the underside of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers to facilitate repair and maintenance. If such known bracket assemblies are used to interconnect kitchen plinths, this can cause difficulties in removing the plinth to obtain access.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention seeks to
overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket member for use in interconnecting two panels, the bracket member adapted to be mounted to a surface to define an aperture when mounted to a surface in use, the bracket member further comprising a locking member arranged to project into said aperture, the locking member comprising a raised edge portion; wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a connecting member, the connecting member comprising a shoulder arranged to engage said raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting member together; and wherein when a connecting member is fully inserted into said aperture in a first direction the shoulder engages the raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting member together, and when a connecting member is fully inserted into said aperture in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, the shoulder is spaced apart from the raised edge portion such that the respective bracket member and connecting member are not locked together.
This provides the advantage of a bracket member that enables two panels to be interconnected both rigidly and in a manner that facilitates separation of the panels. The bracket member therefore enables interconnection at two different levels of force.
By providing a bracket member having a locking member comprising a raised edge portion such that when a connecting member is fully inserted into the aperture in a first direction the shoulder engages the raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting members together, this means that the bracket member can be used to connect two panels rigidly together. This is desirable for interconnecting a raised panel such as a dummy drawer front in a kitchen below a kitchen sink or hob, where it should be ensured that there is little risk that the panel will fall.
By providing a bracket member having a locking member comprising a raised edge portion such that when a connecting member is fully inserted into the aperture in a second direction, the shoulder is spaced apart from the raised edge portion such that the respective bracket member and connecting members are not lccked together, this enables the bracket member to be used to interconnect two panels with a lower level of retention force. This is useful for applications where the panels might be required to be removed for maintenance purposes.
The bracket member is therefore able to perform two different tasks which means that users do not have to purchase and use two different types of bracket. This results in significant time and cost savings for the user.
In a preferred embodiment, said locking member comprises an engagement surface arranged to be inclined relative to said surface in use, and wherein said raised edge portion is disposed at an end of said engagement surface.
This provides the advantage that the inclination of the engagement surface causes the shoulder of the connecting member to ride over the raised edge portion when the connecting member is withdrawn from being inserted in the second direction. This facilitates removal of the connecting member when two panels are not required to be rigidly interconnected.
In a preferred embodiment, the bracket member further comprises a bar member disposed between two support legs, such that when the support legs are placed on a surface, the bar is held in a raised position to define said aperture.
ma preferred embodiment, said locking member is disposed on an underside of said bar member.
In a preferred embodiment, said bar member defines a longitudinal axis and said raised edge portion is laterally offset from said longitudinal axis.
In a preferred embodiment, indicia is shown on an upper surface of said bar member, the indicia identifying the first and second directions for insertion of a connecting member.
This provides the advantage of facilitating correct use of the bracket member by a user and preventing the bracket member being mounted to a panel in use in an incorrect orientation.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket assembly for use in interconnecting two panels, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket member as defined above; and a connecting member comprising a shoulder arranged to engage said raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting member together.
This provides the advantage of an assembly that enables two panels to be interconnected both rigidly and in a manner that facilitates separation of the panels. The assembly therefore enables interconnection at two different levels of force.
By providing a bracket member having a locking member comprising a raised edge portion such that when the connecting member is fully inserted into the aperture in a first direction the shoulder engages the raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting members together, this means that the assembly can be used to connect two panels rigidly together. This is desirable for interconnecting a raised panel such as a dummy drawer front in a kitchen below a kitchen sink or hob, where it should be ensured that there is little risk that the panel will fall.
By providing a bracket member having a locking member comprising a raised edge portion such that when the connecting member is fully inserted into the aperture in a second direction, the shoulder is spaced apart from the raised edge portion such that the respective bracket member and connecting members are not locked together, this enables the assembly to be used to interconnect two panels with a lower level of retention force. This is useful for applications where the panels might be required to be removed for maintenance purposes.
The assembly is therefore able to perform two different tasks which means that users do not have to purchase and use two different types of assembly. This results in significant time and cost savings for the user.
In a preferred embodiment, the connecting member comprises a mounting portion adapted to be mounted to a surface and a tongue portion defining said shoulder, wherein the tongue portion is arranged to be located in said aperture.
In a preferred embodiment, the tongue portion defines a tongue aperture, and wherein said shoulder is formed on an inner edge of said tongue aperture.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an underside of a bracket member embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the top of the bracket member of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the top of a connecting member of a bracket assembly embodying the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the connecting member of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the underside of the bracket assembly embodying the present invention with the connecting member and bracket member engaged in the locked condition; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of Figure 5 with the connecting member and bracket member in the unlocked condition.
Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a bracket member 2 for use in interconnecting two panels is adapted to be mounted to a surface to define an aperture 4 when mounted to a surface in use. The bracket member comprises a locking member 6 arranged to project into aperture 4, the locking member 6 comprising a raised edge portion 8. The aperture is adapted to receive a connecting member 100, the connecting member comprising a shoulder 108 arranged to engage the raised edge portion 8 of the bracket mcmbor 2 to lock the respectivo bracket member 2 and connecting member 100 together.
When a connecting member 100 is fully inserted into the aperture 4 in a first direction as shown in Figure 5, the shoulder 108 engages the raised edge portion 8 to lock the respective bracket member 2 and connecting member 100 together. When a connecting member 100 is fully inserted into the aperture 4 in a second direction as shown in Figure 6, the shoulder 108 is spaced apart from the raised edge portion B such that the respective bracket member 2 and connecting member 100 are not locked together.
The locking member 6 comprises an engagement surface 10 which is inclined relative to a surface on which the bracket member 2 is placed and therefore also inclined relative to the upper surface 12 (Figure 2) of the bracket member 2. The raised edge portion 8 is formed at the end of inclined engagement surface 10. The bracket member 2 comprises two support legs 14 and a bar member 16 disposed between the two leg portions 14 such that when the support legs 14 are placed on a surface, the bar 16 is held in a raised position to define the aperture 4. As a consequence, aperture 4 has a width W shown in Figure 1. A pair of holes 18 is formed through support leg portions 14, the holes 18 being arranged to receive screws or the like to enable the bracket member 2 to be fastened to a panel.
Referring to Figure 1, bar member 16 defines a generally longitudinal axis running along brace portion 20. The raised edge portion 8 of locking member 6 is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis. On the upper surface 12 of the bracket member 2, indicia 22 is provided to identify the first and second directions for insertion of connocting member 100. In particular, the indicia 22 comprises the words "lock" and "unlock" with corresponding arrows to indicate to a user in which orientation to mount the bracket member 2 to a panel for the desired amount of locking force as will be explained in further detail below.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, connecting member 100 is generally L-shaped and comprises a mounting portion 114 adapted to be mounted to a surface such as a panel. In particular, mounting holes 118 are provided to enable the connecting member 100 to be screwed to a surface. The connecting member 100 also comprises a tongue portion 130 sized to fit into aperture 4. The tongue portion 130 comprises a tongue aperture 132. The shoulder 108 is formed on an inner edge of tongue aperture 132. The tongue portion also comprises an inclined leading edge 134.
With reference to Figures 2, 5 and 6, the operation of the bracket member 2 and bracket assembly 2, 100 of the present invention will now be described.
If a user wishes to mount a panel rigidly between two panels to provide a dummy drawer front that is prevented from falling, the user mounts two bracket members 2 to the side panels between which the drawer front is to be mounted with the lock indicator pointing to the leading edges of the panels between which the dummy drawer front is to be mounted.
S
The user then mounts two connecting members 100 at either end of the dummy drawer front panel (which is generally a rectangular panel) using guidelines 50, 150 to obtain the correct alignment. The user then inserts tongue portions 130 of connecting members into aperture 4 of the bracket members and pushes. As shown in Figure 5, this causes tongue portion to slide into aperture 4 and the raised edge portion 8 of locking member 6 to click over shoulder 108 to lock the connecting member 100 to the bracket member 2. This provides a rigid interconnection which requires a predetermined amount of rearward force to remove. It should be understood that fully inserted means that the mounting portion 114 of connecting member 100 is pushed up flush against the edge of bar member 16 of bracket member 2.
In the case where a lower level of retaining force is required, such as mounting a plinth between the floor and units of a kitchen, the user mounts connecting members 100 in the same fashion to the ends plinth. However, the user reverses the orientation of bracket members 2 when mounting to the panels between which the plinth is to be mounted, such that the unlock indicator points towards the front edges of the panels between which the plinth is to be mounted.
As a consequence, referring to Figure 6, when the tongue portions 130 of connecting members 100 are pushed into aperture 4, the shoulder 108 of connecting member 100 moves past raised edge portion 8 of bracket member 2 such that when the tongue portion 130 is fully inserted, the shoulder 108 and raised edge portion 8 are laterally spaced apart and there is no locking engagement. When tongue member 130 is pulled backwardly out of aperture 4, the inclined engagement surface 10 of locking member 6 causes shoulder 108 to ride over inclined engagement surface 10 and provides only a small amount of retaining force such that the plinth can be readily removed.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention has bcon described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, such that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, materials other than panels can be interconnected with the bracket member 2.

Claims (11)

  1. CLAIMS1. A bracket member for use in interconnecting two panels, the bracket member adapted to be mounted to a surface to define an aperture when mounted to a surface in use, the bracket member further comprising a locking member arranged to project into said aperture, the locking member comprising a raised edge portion; wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a connecting member, the connecting member comprising a shoulder arranged to engage said raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting member together; and wherein when a connecting member is fully inserted into said aperture in a first direction the shoulder engages the raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting member together, and when a connecting member is fully inserted into said aperture in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, the shoulder is spaced apart from the raised edge portion such that the respective bracket member and connecting member are not locked together.
  2. 2. A bracket member according to claim 1, wherein said locking member comprises an engagement surface arranged to be inclined relative to said surface in use, and wherein said raised edge portion is disposed at an end of said engagement surface.
  3. 3. A bracket member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bar member disposed between two support legs, such that when the support legs are placed on a surface, the bar is held in a raised position to define said aperture.
  4. 4. A bracket member according to claim 3, wherein said locking member is disposed on an underside of said bar member.
  5. 5. A bracket member according to claim 4, wherein said bar member defines a longitudinal axis and said raised edge portion is laterally offset from said longitudinal axis.
  6. 6. A bracket member according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein indicia is shown on an upper surface of said bar member, the indicia identifying the first and second directions for insertion of a connecting member.
  7. 7. A bracket meirber for use in interconnecting two panels, the bracket member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  8. B. A bracket assembly for use in interconnecting two panels, the bracket assembly comprising; a bracket member according to any one of the preceding claims; and a connecting member comprising a shoulder arranged to engage said raised edge portion to lock the respective bracket member and connecting member together.
  9. 9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member comprises a mounting portion adapted to be mounted to a surface and a tongue portion defining said shoulder, wherein the tongue portion is arranged to be located in said aperture.
  10. 10. An assembly according to claim B or 9, wherein the tongue portion defines a tongue aperture, and wherein said shoulder is formed on an inner edge of said tongue aperture.
  11. 11. A bracket assembly for use in interconnecting two panels, the bracket assembly substantially as bereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB1314195.7A 2013-08-08 2013-08-08 Bracket member and bracket assembly Withdrawn GB2516948A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1314195.7A GB2516948A (en) 2013-08-08 2013-08-08 Bracket member and bracket assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1314195.7A GB2516948A (en) 2013-08-08 2013-08-08 Bracket member and bracket assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201314195D0 GB201314195D0 (en) 2013-09-25
GB2516948A true GB2516948A (en) 2015-02-11

Family

ID=49261875

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1314195.7A Withdrawn GB2516948A (en) 2013-08-08 2013-08-08 Bracket member and bracket assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2516948A (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4148454A (en) * 1978-05-22 1979-04-10 Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. Bracket assembly
GB2478823A (en) * 2010-03-18 2011-09-21 Seminar Components Connector assembly

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4148454A (en) * 1978-05-22 1979-04-10 Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. Bracket assembly
GB2478823A (en) * 2010-03-18 2011-09-21 Seminar Components Connector assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201314195D0 (en) 2013-09-25

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)