Connector Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to the field of connectors or fasteners. Particularly, the present invention relates to the field of connectors utilized in connecting or securing adjacent members. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of construction.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] Housing forms an integral part of society. In this regard, a house provides shelter and accommodation to a person. Typically, it requires a significant amount of time to construct a dwelling on site.

[0004] One prior art solution to this problem is the provision of modular or prefabricated homes. However, transport of the components of the modular or prefabricated homes can represent a significant burden in both time and cost. Furthermore, building construction can also be time consuming because of adverse weather conditions and subcontract interface delays.

[0005] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues and/or to provide the consumer with a commercial alternative to the presently available solutions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a connector assembly comprising: a first elongate body having a male head; a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head; a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head.

[0007] In one embodiment, the distal end of the first elongate body is threaded. In one embodiment, the first elongate body comprises an outer threaded surface. In an embodiment, the first elongate body is an elongate member. In an embodiment, the first elongate body is a rod.

[0008] In an embodiment, the distal end of the second elongate body is threaded. In one embodiment, the second elongate body comprises an outer threaded surface. In an embodiment, the second elongate body is an elongate member. In an embodiment, the second elongate body is a rod.

[0009] In embodiments, the male head comprises an enlarged head. In an embodiment the male head comprises a domed head. In some embodiments, the male head comprises an aperture therethrough. In one embodiment, the aperture is threaded. In one embodiment, the male head comprises a domed head with a cut out section. In an embodiment, the male head comprises a flange. In embodiments, the flange is sized and dimensioned to engage the female head. In embodiments, the aperture is adapted to receive the fixing member.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the female head is adapted to receive the male head. In one embodiment, the female head comprises a tubular shaft or blind hole. In embodiments, the female head comprises a flange having a wall extending from the periphery thereof. In an embodiment, the female head comprises an aperture. In certain embodiments, the female head comprises a single aperture. In certain embodiments the female head comprises a pair of aligned apertures. In an embodiment, one or more of the apertures are threaded. In embodiments, the apertures are adapted to receive the fixing member. [0011 ] In one embodiment, the connection assembly further comprises one or more engagement plates. In certain embodiments, the engagement plate comprises a flange and an aperture. In one embodiment, the aperture extends through the engagement plate. In one embodiment, the aperture is a blind hole. In an embodiment, the aperture is centrally located. In an embodiment, the aperture is threaded. In embodiments, the aperture is adapted to engage the first elongate body and/or the second elongate body.

[0012] In an embodiment, the connection pate further comprises a cover plate and/or bracket. The cover plate and/or bracket are adapted to fit the flange of the female head or the flange of the male head. The cover plate and/or bracket suitably comprises one or more apertures adapted to receive a fixing device. In one embodiment, the cover plate and/or bracket is adapted to fix to a fixed structure.

[0013] The connection assembly when used with prefabricated housing components. The connection assembly for use with prefabricated housing components. In an embodiment, the prefabricated housing components comprise linking slab(s), wall(s), ceiling(s) and/or roofing component(s).

[0014] In another aspect, the invention resides in a prefabricated housing assembly comprising: a connector assembly comprising a first elongate body having a male head, a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head, and a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head; and a prefabricated housing component adapted to receive, secure and/or fix to the connector assembly.

[0015] The connector assembly and prefabricated housing components may be as substantially described for the first aspect.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention resides in a kit comprising: a connector assembly comprising a first elongate body having a male head, a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head, and a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head; and a prefabricated housing components adapted to receive, secure and/or fix to the connector assembly.

[0017] The connector assembly and prefabricated housing components may be as substantially described for the first aspect.

[0018] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of assembling a house including the steps of: a connector assembly comprising a first elongate body having a male head, a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head, and a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head; optionally fixing the connector assembly to one or more prefabricated components; securing the female head to the male head using the fixing member; to thereby assembly the house.

[0019] The connector assembly and prefabricated housing components may be as substantially described for the first aspect.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of adapting the one or more prefabricated components to accept the first elongate body and/or the second elongate body.

[0021 ] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 shows an embodiment of a connector assembly in a disassembled state;

FIG 2 shows the embodiment in FIG 1 in an assembled state;

FIG 3 shows another embodiment of a connector assembly in a disassembled state;

FIG 4 shows the embodiment in FIG 3 in an assembled state;

FIG 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a connector assembly in a disassembled state;

FIG 6 shows the embodiment in FIG 5 in an assembled state; and

FIG 7 shows an embodiment of the cover plate and bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in connector assembly. Accordingly, the assembly, kit and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0025] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0026] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a assembly, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a assembly, method, article, or apparatus.

[0027] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0028] The present invention is predicated on the finding that the present connector assembly can alleviate some of the problems mentioned hereinabove. In this regard, the connector assembly allows for connecting or fixing different orientation walls together. This allows for components of a dwelling to be prefabricated, transported to the desired location, and assembled with the present connector assembly. As a result, it is envisaged that a dwelling can be constructed in significantly less time and this results in cost savings and also minimizes the negative effect of weather conditions.

[0029] In a first aspect, although it need not be the broadest or indeed the only aspect, the invention resides in a connector assembly comprising a first elongate member having a male head and a second elongate body having a female head. The female head is adapted to receive the male head. The connector assembly further comprises a fixing member that is adapted to secure the female head to the male head.

[0030] Shown in FIG 1 is an embodiment of the present connector assembly 100 in a disassembled state and shown in FIG 2 is the embodiment of FIG 1 in an assembled state. Particularly, FIG 1 shows an embodiment of the first elongate body and the second elongate body in (a) a side view, and (b) a front view. The connector assembly 100 comprises a first elongate body 1 10, a second elongate body 120 and a fixing member 130. The first elongate body 1 10 comprises a male head 1 1 1 at an end thereof. The second elongate body 120 comprises a female head 121 at an end thereof. The fixing member 130 comprises a typical fastener such as screw, a nut or nut and washer.

[0031 ] In one embodiment, the distal end of the first elongate body 1 10 is threaded. That is, the opposing end of the male head 1 1 1 is threaded. In the embodiment shown, the first elongate body 1 10 is threaded. In one embodiment, the first elongate body 1 10 is an elongate member. In one embodiment, the first elongate body 1 10 comprises a threaded shaft. In one embodiment, the elongate body is in the form of a screw. In one embodiment, the first elongate body 1 10 has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 50mm, between about 2mm and about 25mm, between about 3mm and about 20mm, between about 5mm and about 15mm, between about 8mm and about 12mm, or about 10mm.

[0032] In some embodiments, the distal end of the second elongate body 120 is threaded. That is, the opposing end of the female head 121 is threaded. In the embodiment shown, the second elongate body 120 is threaded. In one embodiment, the second elongate body 120 is an elongate member. In one embodiment, the second elongate body 120 comprises a threaded shaft. In one embodiment, the second elongate body 1 10 has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 50mm, between about 2mm and about 25mm, between about 3mm and about 20mm, between about 5mm and about 15mm, between about 8mm and about 12mm, or about 10mm.

[0033] The male head 11 1 comprises an enlarged head. In this regard, the head is larger than the width of the first elongate body. In an embodiment, the male head 1 11 comprises a domed head. In the embodiment shown, the male head 1 1 1 comprises an aperture 1 12 therethrough. In one embodiment, the aperture may be threaded. As shown, the male head 1 1 1 is suitably a domed head with a cutout section on opposing side. In one embodiment, the male head 1 1 1 comprises a flange 1 13. The flange 113 is sized and dimensioned to engage the female head 121 (mentioned in more detail hereinafter).

[0034] The female head 121 is adapted to receive the male head 1 1 1. The female head is preferably larger than the width of the second elongate body. The female head 121 suitably comprises a tubular shaft or blind hole. The female head 121 suitably comprises a recess that is adapted to receive the male head 1 1 1 . As shown in FIG 1 , the female head 121 comprises a flange with a wall extending from the periphery thereof. The female head 121 defines a volume that is suitable to receive the male head 1 1 1. The female head 121 comprises an aperture 122. In the embodiment shown, the female head 121 comprises a pair of aligned apertures. In a suitable embodiment, one or more of the apertures is threaded. As shown, the fixing member 130 is adapted to secure the male head 1 1 1 to the female head 121 (and thus the first elongate body 1 10 to the second elongate body 120) through the apertures thereof. The wall extending from the flange suitably engages the flange 113 of the first elongate body 110. This engagement provides an alignment of the holes to assist in assembling the assembly.

[0035] The connection assembly 100 may further comprise one or more engagement plates 140. The engagement plate 140 suitably comprises a flange 141 and an aperture 142. In one embodiment, the aperture 142 is extends through the engagement plate 140. In another embodiment, the aperture 142 is a blind hole. In one embodiment, the aperture 142 is centrally located. The aperture 142 is suitably threaded such that it is engageable with either the first elongate body 1 10 or the second elongate body 120. In one embodiment, the aperture may have a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 50mm, between about 2mm and about 25mm, between about 3mm and about 20mm, between about 5mm and about 15mm, between about 8mm and about 12mm, or about 10mm.

[0036] In one embodiment, the engagement plate 140 may be formed with a prefabricated component. It will be appreciated that a prefabricated component may be formed with an engagement feature (e.g, a groove) that engages the engagement plate 140.

[0037] The connection assembly 100 may suitably further comprise a nut 151 and washer 152. In one embodiment, the aperture of the nut 151 and washer may have a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 50mm, between about 2mm and about 25mm, between about 3mm and about 20mm, between about 5mm and about 15mm, between about 8mm and about 12mm, or about 10mm.

[0038] The connection assembly 1 10 can suitably be fixed or secured to prefabricated components. In this regard, the prefabricated components suitably comprise an aperture that is adapted to engage the first elongate body 1 10 or the second elongate body 120, a groove for engaging the engagement plate 140, or a blind hole adapted to engage the first elongate body 1 10 or the second elongate body 120. In one embodiment, the prefabricated components may have or may be provided with an aperture or blind hole that has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 50mm, between about 2mm and about 25mm, between about 3mm and about 20mm, between about 5mm and about 15mm, between about 8mm and about 12mm, or about 10mm.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the connection assembly 100 need not necessarily require the engagement plate or the nut and washer. In this regard, the prefabricated components may suitably comprise an aperture or blind hole that are adapted to receive and secure to the first elongate body or the second elongate body.

[0040] FIG 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly 200. Shown in FIG 3 is an embodiment of the present connector assembly 200 in a disassembled state and shown in FIG 4 is the embodiment of FIG 3 in an assembled state. Particularly, FIG 3 shows an embodiment of the first elongate body and the second elongate body in (a) a side view, and (b) a front view. The connector assembly 200 comprises a first elongate body 210, a second elongate body 220 and a fixing member 230. The first elongate body 210 comprises a male head 21 1 at an end thereof. The second elongate body 220 comprises a female head 221 at an end thereof. The fixing member 230 comprises a typical fastener such as a screw, a nut or nut and washer. It will be appreciated that the description for the connection assembly 100 is largely applicable to the present connection assembly 200.

[0041 ] In one embodiment, the distal end of the first elongate body 210 is threaded. In the embodiment shown, the first elongate body 210 is threaded. In one embodiment, the first elongate body 210 is an elongate member. In one embodiment, the first elongate body is 210 comprises a threaded shaft.

[0042] In some embodiments, the distal end of the second elongate body 220 is threaded. In the embodiment shown, the second elongate body is threaded. In one embodiment, the second elongate body 220 is an elongate member. In one embodiment, the second elongate body is 220 comprises a threaded shaft.

[0043] The male head 21 1 comprises an enlarged head. In an embodiment, the male head 21 1 comprises a domed head. In the embodiment shown, the male head 21 1 comprises an aperture 212 therethrough. In one embodiment, the aperture may be threaded. As shown, the male head 21 1 is suitably a domed head having a cutout section. In one embodiment, the male head 21 1 comprises a flange 213.

[0044] The female head 221 is adapted to receive the male head 21 1. The female head 221 suitably comprises a tubular shaft or blind hole. As shown in FIG 3, the female head 221 comprises a flange with a wall extending from the periphery thereof. The flange and wall extending thereof define a volume to receive the male head 21 1 . The female head 221 defines a volume that is suitable to receive the male head 21 1 . The female head 221 comprises an aperture 222. In the embodiment shown, the female head 221 comprises a pair of aligned apertures 222a, 222b. In a suitable embodiment, one or more of the apertures is threaded. As shown, the fixing member 230 is adapted to secure the male head 21 1 to the female head 221 (and thus the first elongate body 210 to the second elongate body 220) through the apertures thereof.

[0045] FIG 5 shows another embodiment of a connection assembly 300. Shown in FIG 5 is an embodiment of the present connector assembly 300 in a disassembled state and shown in FIG 6 is the embodiment of FIG 5 in an assembled state. Particularly, FIG 5 shows an embodiment of the first elongate body and the second elongate body in (a) a side view, and (b) a front view. The connector assembly 300 comprises a first elongate body 310, a second elongate body 320 and a fixing member 330. The first elongate body 310 comprises a male head 31 1 at an end thereof. The second elongate body 320 comprises a female head 321 at an end thereof. The fixing member 330 comprises a typical fastener such as a screw, a nut or nut and washer. It will be appreciated that the description for the connection assemblies 100, 200 is largely applicable to the present connection assembly 300.

[0046] In one embodiment, the distal end of the first elongate body 310 is threaded. In the embodiment shown, the first elongate body 310 is threaded. In one embodiment, the first elongate body 310 is an elongate member. In one embodiment, the first elongate body 310 comprises a threaded shaft.

[0047] In some embodiments, the distal end of the second elongate body 320 is threaded. In the embodiment shown, the second elongate body is threaded. In one embodiment, the second elongate body 320 is an elongate member. In one embodiment, the second elongate body 320 comprises a threaded shaft.

[0048] The male head 31 1 comprises an enlarged head. In an embodiment, the male head 31 1 comprises a domed head. In the embodiment shown, the male head 31 1 comprises an aperture 312 therethrough. In one embodiment, the aperture may suitably be threaded. As shown, the male head 31 1 is suitably a domed head with a cutout section. The cutout section suitably accommodates a head of the fixing member. This advantageously conceals the fixing member and also allows the connector assembly to be more space efficient. In one embodiment, the male head 311 comprises a flange 313.

[0049] The female head 321 is adapted to receive the male head 31 1. The female head 321 suitably comprises a tubular shaft or blind hole. As shown in FIG 5, the female head 321 comprises a flange with a wall extending from the periphery thereof. The female head 321 defines a volume that is suitable to receive the male head 311. The female head 321 comprises an aperture 322. In the embodiment shown, the female head 321 comprises a single aperture 322. In a suitable embodiment, one or more of the apertures is threaded. The female head 321 is adapted to receive the male head 31 1 . As shown, the fixing member 330 is adapted to secure the male head 311 to the female head 321 (and thus the first elongate body 310 to the second elongate body 320) through the apertures thereof.

[0050] In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a cover plate and/or bracket. The cover plate and/or bracket are adapted fit over the flange of the female head or the flange of the male head. The cover plate and/or bracket may comprise one or more apertures adapted to receive a fixing device. The cover plate and/or bracket can be utilized to secure and/or bolt the elements of the connector assembly to a fixed structure to provide further stability.

[0051 ] The cover plate and/or bracket can be utilized to stabilize adjacent workpieces. In this regard, further stability may be provided to the overall structure. An embodiment of the cover plate 410 and bracket 420 are shown in FIG 7. As shown, the bracket 410 has at least a pair of apertures that are adapted to receive the connector assembly. A connector assembly is received in a respective aperture and secured to a respective workpiece. The cover plate 420 similarly has at least a pair of apertures that are adapted to receive a connector assembly. The main difference between the cover plate and the bracket is their structure. In this regard, the cover plate suitably has a substantially flat elongate structure whereas the bracket has a substantially ‘L’ shape structure to accommodate workpieces in different orientations with respect to one another.

[0052] In an embodiment, in use, when the male head is secured to the female head, the first elongate body and the second elongate body reside in substantially the same axis. In one embodiment, in use, when the male head is secured to the female head, the fixing member is substantially perpendicular to the first elongate body and the second elongate body.

[0053] The present invention may transverse several prefabricated components and this allows for additional structure and load to be spread over multiple components. This provides further structural stability and strength.

[0054] The present connector assembly allows any form of a residential house (wall, ceiling, roofing system) to be prefabricated and on-site assembly to form a dwelling. In this regard, a different connector can be utilized depending on assembly (e.g., a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation) and connection type. In this regard, if a vertical connection is required then connector assemblies 100 and 200 are utilized. In contrast, if a horizontal connection is required then connector assembly 300 is utilized. It will be appreciated that the present invention can be utilized in many different assembly orientations.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the connector assembly and components thereof may be sized and dimensioned for the desired connection system. For example, the size of the connection assembly and components thereof may be larger for connecting to a foundation when compared to connecting walls and ceilings. Alternatively, if a relatively small structure is required to be connected then the connection assembly and components thereof may be smaller.

[0056] It is postulated that the present connectors can facilitate the joining of building components. In this regard, the inventors envisage that the present connectors can be utilized in joining at least: 1 . A system bottom plate (timber or metal, e.g., steel) to a foundation;

2. A bottom of a wall to a system bottom plate;

3. A wall to a wall;

4. A system top plate to a top of a wall;

5. A ceiling element to a top of a wall;

6. A ceiling element to a ceiling element; and

7. A system top plate to a primary roof structural framing.

[0057] For instance, as two components are joined (in the instance of a wall and a system bottom plate), one component (either the first elongate body or the second elongate body) is incorporated into a component (e.g., the bottom of a wall) and the other component (the other of the first elongate body of the second elongate body) is incorporated into the system bottom place, and the male head is received in the female head and secured with the fixing device. This allows for quick and effective securing of multiple components.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the pre-fabricated components may be formed with the first elongate body or the second elongate body therewith. It will also be appreciated that the structures secured to the connector assembly may also have a threaded aperture or blind hole formed therein. It will be appreciated that the system bottom place, foundation, bottom of walls, top of walls, system top plates, ceilings elements and primary roof structure framing may be provided with the first elongate body or the second elongate body, or have a threaded aperture or blind hole formed therewith that are adapted to cooperate with the first elongate body and/or the second elongate body.

[0059] The present invention can be pre-fabricated and transported to the site in the form of a kit. In particular, the present invention can be transported as a flatpack with pre-fabricated housing components with the present connector assembly. The present invention allows the housing components to be quickly and easily set up and this limits exposure to adverse weather conditions that are typically experienced during construction. Furthermore, the present invention alleviates the problem of trade sequencing, interface delays and material wastage. The present connection assembly can be utilized with pre-fabricated components that are vertical or horizontal relative to one another.

[0060] It is envisaged that the present building system utilizing the present connector assembly and pre-fabricated housing components can deliver a residential dwelling within a 72-hour timeframe of having access to a completed slab foundation (includes service draining, primary plumbing, electrical, data and communication provisions).

[0061 ] It is postulated that the present invention can allow off-site manufacturing time which results in cost efficiencies and reduce construction timeframes. As an example, in residential housing, the timeframe to complete the shell of a building (to lock-up stage) can be significantly reduced.

[0062] In another aspect, the invention resides in a prefabricated housing assembly comprising a connector assembly comprising a first elongate body having a male head, a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head, and a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head; and at least one prefabricated housing component adapted to receive, secure and/or fix to the connector assembly.

[0063] The connector assembly and prefabricated housing components are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0064] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a kit comprising a connector assembly comprising a first elongate body having a male head, a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head, and a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head; and at least one prefabricated housing component adapted to receive, secure and/or fix to the connector assembly.

[0065] The connector assembly and prefabricated housing components are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0066] In yet another aspect, the invention resides in a method of assembling a house including the steps of: providing a connector assembly comprising a first elongate body having a male head, a second elongate body having a female head adapted to receive the male head, and a fixing member adapted to secure the female head to the male head; optionally fixing the connector assembly to one or more prefabricated components; securing the female head to the male head using the fixing member; to thereby assembly the house.

[0067] The connector assembly and prefabricated housing components are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0068] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0069] The present application claim priority to Australian provisional application No 2022901904 filed 7 July 2022. The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.