Connector

Technical Field

Connectors for connecting members in construction applications are disclosed. The connectors are primarily described in relation to the connecting of joists to bearers and purlins to rafters, however, it should be appreciated that this is merely exemplary, and that the connectors can be applied in other connecting applications.

Background Art Various connectors exist for connecting joists to bearers and purlins to rafters.

Bearers may take the form of steel universal beams ('I-beams') or wood beams of rectangular cross-section. Joists may take the form of wood beams of rectangular cross-section, steel C-section beams, or elongate triangulated frame structures of steel or wood. Connectors are known that comprise simple right angle sections, used to connect a joist to a bearer. The respective flanges of the angle sections are vertically orientated and are fastened or welded to the bearer and joist.

Connectors are known for use with a joist made from wood and a bearer that is a steel universal beam. A top corner of the joist can be coped and the joist seated on a connector in the form of a spacer strip located in one of the elongate recesses of the universal beam. The spacer strip can be secured to the vertical web of the universal beam by bolts and may also rest on the top surface of the respective lower horizontal flange. The joist is skew nailed to the spacer strip. This arrangement allows the top surface of the joist to stand either above or in-line with the top surface of the bearer. A connector is known for use with a bearer made from steel. A vertically- orientated cleat may be welded to a vertical section of the bearer (e.g. if the bearer was a universal beam or C-section the cleat would usually be welded to the web of the beam). One end of the joist is then fastened to the cleat by bolts or screws, or is welded to the cleat. AU2003262225 discloses a coupling for connecting a purlin to a rafter or a girt to an upright. The coupling comprises a C-section for location along the rafter or upright, and one or more purlin or girt fixtures extending from the C-section. A flange extends from the fixture for fastening to the rafter or upright.

It is to be understood that any prior art information referred to herein does not represent an admission that the information forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

According to a first aspect, a connector is provided for connecting one member to at least one other member in a construction application, the connector comprising: - an element adapted for selective location at a position along a surface of the one member; - at least one fixture connected to the element and adapted for securing to a respective other member in use; wherein the at least one fixture is configured such that, when the one member is oriented horizontally in use, there is no restriction to the other member being downwardly and upwardly displaced in a generally vertical direction with respect to the fixture, whilst a portion of the other member can still be located adjacent to the fixture for connection thereto.

By allowing the other member to be so displaced, various step-downs and step- ups in relation to an in-use upper surface of the one member can be accommodated, as can other members (eg. joists and purlins) of varying depths. For example, the connector allows an in-use upper surface of a joist to be arranged at an elevated height with respect to the upper surface of a bearer, so that floor boards or another floor covering can be suspended above the bearer and mounted on the joist only. This can provide a passageway for eg. sub-floor cabling, piping etc along the upper surface of the bearer. As another example, when the upper surface of a joist is arranged at a lower height with respect to the upper surface of a bearer, the connector allows a step-down to be created. Step-downs can be used eg. in bathrooms to prevent water flowing from a tiled bathroom floor and into an adjacent room.

As a further example, when a joist or purlin has a depth greater than that allowed for by a known connector/coupling, the connector allows the joist or purlin to be arranged at a lower than usual height with respect to the fixture so that its upper surface then aligns with the respective bearer or rafter upper surface.

It should also be appreciated that the terminology "generally vertical direction" may include deviations from vertical, with the fixture then being oriented to accommodate such deviations from vertical whilst still ensuring that a portion of the other member is located adjacent to the fixture. According to a second aspect, a connector is provided for connecting one member to at least one other member in a construction application, the connector comprising:

- an element adapted for selective location at a position along a surface of the one member; - at least one fixture connected to the element and adapted for securing to a respective other member in use; wherein the at least one fixture is configured such that, when the one member is oriented horizontally in use, and the element is positioned on the one member, an in- use upper surface of the fixture aligns with an in-use upper surface of the element. This arrangement of the connector allows the in-use upper surface of the other member (eg. a joist or purlin) to easily be aligned with the in-use upper surface of one member (eg. a bearer or rafter). The aligning of the element and fixture upper surfaces can also allow the connector to provide additional underlying support to a floor, roof etc (ie. it results in the connector defining a type of structural bearing member). In one form the at least one fixture comprises opposing side members that define a recess therebetween, the side members being adapted for securing to respective opposing sides of the at least one other member in use. The use of opposing side members provides for a secure mounting of the other member to the fixture.

When the one member is oriented horizontally hi use, and the element is located along the one member surface, the side members can be configured to extend generally vertically such that the at least one other member can be downwardly and upwardly displaced in the recess in a generally vertical direction. In this regard, an end of the at least one other member can be positioned in use between the opposing side members. In one embodiment both side members together are defined by a respective flange of a length of C-section. In another embodiment the opposing side members of the fixture each include a discrete length of angle section. The/each angle section can comprise a right angle section.

In one embodiment, the fixture is integrally formed with the element (eg. formed from a single, unitary blank). This can provide a rapid and economic means of forming the connector.

In another embodiment, the fixture is welded to the element. In a further embodiment, the fixture member is fixed to the joist/purlin fixture by fasteners. Thus, the connector can be formed from pre-existing components. For example, in one embodiment, the element and/or the opposing side members of the fixture can each comprise a discrete length of angle section (eg. a right angle section).

In one form, that portion of the element or the fixture which faces a respective member has one or more apertures extending therethrough such that the portion in each case can be connected to the respective member by one or more fasteners extending in use though the or each aperture.

According to a third aspect, a blank is provided that is shaped and/or configured to be bent or formed into a connector as defined in the first and second aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the connector as defined in the Summary, specific embodiments of the connector will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first connector embodiment; Figure 2 shows a front view of the connector of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a right side view of the connector of Figure 1; Figures 4A — 4D respectively show plan, side, front and perspective views of a second connector embodiment;

Figures 5 A - 5D respectively show plan, side, front and perspective views of a third connector embodiment;

Figure 6 shows, in perspective, the connector embodiment of Figure 4 being used to connect a joist to a bearer in a step-down configuration;

Figure 7 shows, in perspective, the connector embodiment of Figure 5 being used to connect two joists to a bearer, each in a step-up configuration; and

Figure 8 shows, in perspective, the connector embodiment of Figure 5 being used to connect two joists to a bearer, each having a different depth to the other.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a connector 2 is shown for connecting members within construction applications (eg. a joist to a bearer or a purlin to a rafter). The connector will now be described when used to connect a joist to a bearer but it should be appreciated that it can equally be used to connect together other members, such as a purlin to a rafter etc. The connector 2 comprises an in-use inverted angle-section 4 having an L- shaped profile and adapted for selective location at a position along a surface of a bearer. In use the angle-section 4 faces an upper surface and an adjacent side surface of the bearer. The connector 2 further comprises opposing first and second angle-sections 6 and 8, each also having an L-shaped profile. When the bearer is horizontal the angle- sections 6 and 8 are typically, though not exclusively, fastened to the angle-section 4 so that they are vertically oriented in use.

To form the connector 2, regions 10 and 12 of the first and second angle- sections 6 and 8 are respectively welded to ends of the angle-section 4 such that each flange 13 or 14 of the respective angle-sections 6, 8 extends in an opposite direction to a flange 15 of the angle-section 4. In another variation, the first and second angle-sections 6 and 8 are fixed to the angle-section 4 by fasteners (eg. rivets, bolts, self-tapping or drilling screws (such as Tek® screws) etc).

It will be seen that respective in-use upper end surfaces 16 and 17 of the first and second angle-sections 6 and 8 align with an upper surface 18 of the flange 15. This allows the in-use upper surface of one member (eg. a bearer) to easily be aligned with the in-use upper surface of another member (eg. a joist). This alignment can also allow the connector 2 to provide additional underlying support to a floor, roof etc mounted thereon. In this regard, the fastening between the angle-section 4 and the angle-sections 6, 8 results in the connector defining a type of structural bearing member, with the overlying floor, roof etc then resting on upper surfaces 16, 17 and 18.

Also, when positioning the angle-section 4 on eg. a timber bearer, the bearer can first be prepared to form a recess in an upper face thereof, into which the flange 15 can be received, so that upper surface 18 is flush with the bearer upper face.

The arrangement of the angle-sections 6, 8 on the angle-section 4 also defines a recess 20, partly defined between flanges 13, 14 and by a flange 21 of the angle-section 4. When the bearer is horizontal and when the angle-sections 6 and 8 are then vertically oriented, at least a portion of an end of a joist can be positioned within the recess 20 and can be displaced vertically up and down to a required height/location relative to the angle-sections 6, 8. At the desired location it can then be fixed to the angle-sections 6, 8 by fasteners (eg. screws) that are introduced through respective apertures 22 provided in the flanges 13, 14. On the other hand, the angle-section 4 can be fixed to a bearer by fasteners (eg. screws) that are introduced through respective apertures 24 provided in the flange 15.

By allowing a member end to be so displaced in the recess 20, various step- downs and step-ups in relation to an upper surface of the bearer can be accommodated, as can joists and purlins of varying depths. Some examples of potential configurations are also described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. For example, when the connecter 2 has an in-use orientation as shown in

Figures 1 to 3, the upper surface of the joist can be arranged at an elevated height with respect to the upper surface of a bearer, so that eg. floor boards (or another floor or roof covering etc) can be suspended above the bearer and mounted on the joist only. This can provide a passageway for eg. sub-floor cabling, piping etc which can then run along the upper surface of the bearer.

As another example, when the upper surface of a joist is arranged at a lower height with respect to the upper surface of a bearer, a step-down can be created. Step- downs can be used eg. in bathrooms and can prevent water from flowing out of a tiled bathroom floor and into an adjacent room. As a further example, when the joist has a depth greater than that allowed for by a known connector/coupling, the joist can be arranged at a lower than usual height between the side members so that its upper surface then aligns with the bearer upper surface.

Referring now to Figures 4A to 4D, an alternative connector 100 is shown for connecting members within construction applications (eg. a joist to a bearer or a purlin to a rafter).

The connector 100 comprises an in-use inverted C-section 101 having a C- shaped profile and adapted for selective location at a position along a member such as a

bearer. In use a plate portion 102 of the C-section 101 faces an upper surface of the bearer, and flange portions 103, 104, that in-use subtend downwardly from the plate portion 102, face adjacent respective side surfaces of the bearer. Thus, the C-section 101 enables secure mounting (and fastening) of the connector to a bearer or the like, and provides for easy sliding therealong to adjust the connector position prior to fastening.

The connector 100 further comprises a plate region 105 that in-use subtends downwardly from the flange portion 103 as an integral continuation thereof. The plate region 105 comprises opposing first and second in-use vertically orientated flange sections 106 and 108, each projecting orthogonally from the plate region 105. In the case of connector 100, the plate region 105 further comprises opposing third and fourth in-use vertically orientated flange sections 109 and 110, spaced from the first and second flange sections 106 and 108, and again each projecting orthogonally from the plate region 105.

In addition, it will be seen that the plate region 105 further comprises opposing in-use laterally extending flange portions 111 and 112 that separate the first and second flange sections 106 and 108 from the third and fourth flange sections 109 and 110. The flange portions 111 and 112 each project in the same plane as the plate region 105 and enable the plate region 105 to be securely fastened to an adjacent bearer side via apertures 113. Again, the connector arrangement is such that the first and second flange sections 106 and 108 and the third and fourth flange sections 109 and 110 respectively define recesses 114 and 116 therebetween, with each recess being defined by the flange sections and the plate region 105. When at least a portion of an end of a member (eg. a joist) is positioned within the recesses 114 and 116 it can be displaced vertically up and down to a required height/location relative to the flange sections and plate region 105.

The member can then be fixed to the flange sections 106, 108 and 109, 110 by fasteners (eg. screws) that are introduced through respective apertures 118, 120 provided in the flange sections. On the other hand, the C-section 101 is fixed to a member (eg. a bearer) by fasteners (eg. screws) that are introduced through respective apertures 122, 124 provided in the plate portion 102 and flange portions 103, 104.

Referring now to Figures 5 A to 5D, a variation on the connector of Figure 4 is shown as a connector 200. Like reference numerals to Figure 4 are used to denote similar or like parts.

The connector 200 as shown enables the connecting of three members within a construction application (eg. the connecting of two opposing joists to a bearer or the connecting of two opposing purlins to a rafter). In addition, only those parts of the connector 200 not shown in the connector 100 will now be described. Li this regard, the connector 200 further comprises a second plate region 205 that in-use subtends downwardly from the flange portion 104 as an integral continuation thereof. The plate region 205 again comprises opposing first and second in-use vertically orientated flange sections 206 and 208, each projecting orthogonally from the plate region 205. Again, the plate region 205 further comprises opposing third and fourth in-use vertically orientated flange sections 209 and 210, spaced from the first and second flange sections 206 and 208, and again each projecting orthogonally from the plate region 205.

In addition, it will be seen that the plate region 205 further comprises opposing in-use laterally extending flange portions 211 and 212 that separate the first and second flange sections 206 and 208 from the third and fourth flange sections 209 and 210 (note flange section 210 is obscured from view in Figures 5 A to 5D, but has been allocated a number for continuity). The flange portions 211 and 212 each project in the same plane as the plate region 205 and enable the plate region 205 to be securely fastened to an adj acent bearer side via apertures 213.

Again, the arrangement of the connector 200 is such that the first and second flange sections 206 and 208 and the third and fourth flange sections 209 and 210 respectively define recesses 214 and 216 therebetween, with each recess being defined by the flange sections and the plate region 205. When at least a portion of an end of an opposing member (eg. a j oist) is positioned within the recesses 214 and 216 it can be displaced vertically up and down to a required height/location relative to the flange sections and plate region 205. The member can then be fixed to the flange sections 206, 208 and 209, 210 by fasteners (eg. screws) that are introduced through respective apertures 218, 220 provided in the flange sections. The connectors 100, 200 are each formed from a flat, pre-cut blank such that all of the flange portions and sections are integrally formed therewith, to provide structural integrity to the connector. In this regard, the connectors 100, 200 are each formed by bending the blank in appropriate bending apparatus. In an alternative

manufacturing method, at least some of the flange portions and sections can be welded to a plate portion or region, although this makes the manufacturing method more complex.

Referring now to Figure 6 the connector 100 of Figure 4 is shown in use to connect a joist J to a bearer B and to provide a step-down configuration to the joist J. In this regard, the upper surface of joist J is lower than ("stepped down" with respect to) the upper surface of bearer B. As mentioned above, this step-down can be used in a number of applications.

For example, when a number of such stepped-down joists are used to support a bathroom floor, the underlying floor sheets can sit on the joists at a level whereby, once tiled over, the tiles can assume a height slightly lower than the floor of an adjacent room. This can then prevent water from flowing from the tiled bathroom floor and into an adjacent room.

In another example, a number of such stepped-down joists can be used to support eg. a timber floor. The floor boards can sit on the joists between exposed bearers to provide a new and different aesthetic effect.

Referring now to Figure 7 the connector 200 of Figure 5 is shown in use to connect first and second opposing joists J ₁ and J ₂ to a bearer B and to provide a step-up configuration to each of the joists. Jn this regard, the upper surface of each of joists J ₁ and J ₂ is higher than ("stepped up" with respect to) the upper surface of bearer B. As mentioned above, this step-up can be used in a number of applications.

For example, floor boards (or some other floor or roof covering such as sheets etc) can be suspended above the bearer and mounted on the joists only. This can provide a passageway P between the exposed ends of the joists J ₁ and J ₂ (eg. for sub-floor cabling, piping etc which can then run along the upper surface of the bearer).

Referring now to Figure 8 the connector 200 of Figure 5 is shown in use to connect first and second opposing joists J ₁ and J ₂ to a bearer B. In this case the joist J ₁ is wider than the joist J ₂ . The connector 200 allows each of the different depths of the joists to be accommodated, and yet also allows the upper surface of each of joists J ₁ and J ₂ to align with the upper surface of bearer B.

Thus, each of the connectors 2, 100 and 200 can accommodate a joist that has a depth greater than that allowed for by a known connector/coupling, so that the joist can

be arranged at a lower than usual height (or at a varyiable height) between the side members, whereby its upper surface then aligns with the bearer upper surface.

While the connector has been described with reference to a number of specific embodiments it should be appreciated that it can be embodied in many other forms.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.