GB2243660A

GB2243660A - Rigid framework constructions

Info

Publication number: GB2243660A
Application number: GB9010166A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert James Weeden
Original assignee: BUTLER DESIGN ASSOCIATES LIMIT; Versatile Fittings WHS Ltd
Current assignee: BUTLER DESIGN ASSOCIATES LIMIT; Versatile Fittings WHS Ltd
Priority date: 1990-05-04
Filing date: 1990-05-04
Publication date: 1991-11-06
Also published as: GB9010166D0

Abstract

A rigid framework comprises cylindrical tubes (1) connected end-to-end by a cylindrical boss (3), and a beam (2) connected by way of a connector (8) to the cylindrical boss (3), the end (9) of the connector (8) being shaped to conform to the cylindrical boss (3) so that the beam (2) cannot rotate about its own axis. <IMAGE>

Description

A SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTING A RIGID FRAMEWORK The present invention relates to a system for constructing a rigid framework, in particular, for use in children's play areas, exhibitions, or as a storage and display system.

It is known to construct a framework of metal tubes for use as scaffolding in the building and construction industry in which the tubes are connected by clamping arrangements. However, such an arrangement would not be suitable for use in the areas mentioned above as the clamps and protruding screws would present a serious hazard to persons in the vicinity of the framework. An attempt has been made to overcome this problem by constructing the framework and then welding the metal tubes together thus avoiding protruberances and unsightly clamps.

However, welded frameworks suffer from the disadvantage that they are difficult to move and cannot easily be rearranged to suit changing needs.

There is therefore, a demand for a framework which can be dismantled, which is rigid enough to support a considerable weight placed upon it simultaneously and which presents a smooth finish without external protruberances which could be hazardous.

According to the present invention there is provided a system for constructing a rigid framework comprising a plurality of tubes, a plurality of beams, a plurality of cylindrical bosses for interlocking adjacent tubes to form elongate sections, and means for connecting beams to the bosses to thereby form a framework of beams and tubes, wherein the means for connecting the beams to the bosses are shaped to be conformal with the cylindrical surface of the bosses such that a beam cannot inadvertently rotate around its longitudinal axis once connected to a boss.

Preferably, the beam connector has one end shaped to be conformal with the cylindrical surface of a boss and the other end shaped to be a sliding fit within the end of the beam it is to connect to the boss, the ends being spaced by a body portion.

Preferably, the end of the connector which is a sliding fit within the beam comprises two spaced prongs extending from the body portion.

Preferably, the beam connector has a bore extending through its body portion from between the spaced prongs to the shaped surface of its opposite end to enable a screw to secure the beam connector in a threaded bore in the boss.

Preferably, the spaced prongs each have a bore extending therethrough which co-operate with corresponding bores in the beam which is to be connected to the boss such that when the beam is located on the connector a screw connector can be passed through the beam and prongs to secure the beam in position.

Preferably, the cylindrical boss has a bore extending along its longitudinal axis and the tubes have a threaded strip extending across the diameter of each end such that the boss can be connected between any two tubes by way of a screw connection.

Preferably, the boss has one or more threaded bores passing through the boss at substantially 900 to the longitudinal axis of the boss.

Preferably, the beams have a flange extending along their length such that when the beams and tubes are located in position as a framework with the beams in horizontal planes and tubes in vertical columns, the flanges will form a rim upon which a sheet of material can rest to thereby form a rigid horizontal platform.

Preferably, the beams and tubes are made from hollow steel, the boss is made from solid steel and the beam connector is an aluminium extrusion.

Preferably, the system is used as a children's play apparatus.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention wil now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of several component parts of the system of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view of the components in Fig. 1 when connected together; Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a framework constructed from a plurality of the component parts in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 depicts a suitable use for the framework in Fig. 3.

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of several component parts of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The system comprises a plurality of hollow tubes 1 of which only two can be seen in Fig. 1. In this embodiment the tubes 1 are vertical and form the upright columns of the framework which is depicted in Fig. 3. The system also comprises a plurality of hollow beams 2 of which only one can be seen in Fig.

1. In this embodiment the beams 2 are horizontal and form the horizontal rectangular frames depicted in Fig. 3. A cylindrical boss 3 is located between adjacent tubes 1 which is provided with a bore 4 extending along its longitudinal axis. The ends of each of the tubes 1 have a strip 5 extending across the diameter within which is a threaded bore 6. A screw connector 7 can pass through the boss 3 and into the end of a tube 1 to hold adjacent tubes 1 together to form a vertical column.

The system further comprises a beam conneector 8 which has one end 9 shaped to be conformal with the cylindrical boss 3 and the other end 10 shaped to be a sliding fit within the end of a beam 2. The end 10 comprises two spaced prongs 11 which contact opposite internal surfaces of the beam 2. The beam connector 8 has a bore 12 passing from between the spaced prongs 11 to the end surface 9. A screw 13 is provided which passes through the beam connector 8 and into a threaded horizontal bore 14 in the boss 3 to secure the beam connector 8 to the boss 3.

The prongs 11 each have a hole 15 passing therethrough which corresponds with a hole 16 in each side of the beam 2 when the beam 2 is located on the beam connector 8. A screw 17 is then able to pass through the beam 2 and beam connector 8 to hold the beam 2 in position. The screw 17 can be of the type comprising a threaded bolt and a sleeve having an internal threadedbore (rather than a simple threaded bolt and nut) to provide a more aesthetic appearance to the finished framework.

It can clearly be seen from Figs 1 and 2 that when the component parts are secured in place the beam connector 8cannot rotate about its own axis thus providing an extremely rigid structure.

Moreover, Fig. 2 shows how the connected component parts provide a streamlined finish with no protruberances which could prove harmful to a child.

The beams 2 can be provided with flanges 18 which form a substantially continuous edge upon which a platform 19 can rest. The platforms 19 then act as a surface upon which various playthings can be placed (See Figs. 3 and 4).

The bottom tube 1 of each vertical column can be provided with a levelling foot 20 in order to compensate for any irregularities in the surface upon which the framework is placed.

Fig. 4 shows how the completed framework can be used to carry rope ladders, slides and other pieces of apparatus suitable for a children's play area.

The tubes, beams and boss are preferably constructed from steel and the beam connector is preferably constructed from an aluminium extrusion.

Although the boss 3 and beam connector 8 are depicted as being connected by a single screw 13, it would be possible to connect these parts by two or more screws to provide increased rigidity.

It will be appreciated that the beam connector 8 could be connected at an angle other than 900 to the boss 3 if requirements dictated such an arrangement of tubes and beams.

The embrace of the surface 9 of the beam connector 8 is preferably 90 so that when four of the beam connectors 8 are connected to the boss 3 their edges will abut and further increase rigidity.

Although, the present invention has been described as being particularly suitable for use as a framework for a children's play apparatus, other uses are contemplated such as a replacement for conventional industrial racking which carries large items for display (sofas, carpets, etc).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for constructing a rigid framework comprising a plurality of tubes, a plurality of beams, a plurality of cylindrical bosses for interlocking adjacent tubes to form elongate sections, and means for connecting beams to the bosses to thereby form a framework of beams and tubes, wherein the means for connecting the beams to the bosses are shaped to be conformal with the cylindrical surface of the bosses such that a beam cannot inadvertently rotate around its longitudinal axis once connected to a boss.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the beam connector has one end shaped to be conformal with the cylindrical surface of a boss and the other end shaped to be a sliding fit within the end of the beam it is to connect to the boss, the ends being spaced by a body portion.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the end of the connector which is a sliding fit within the beam comprises two spaced prongs extending from the body portion.

4. A system as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the beam connector has a bore extending through its body portion from between the spaced prongs to the shaped surface of its opposite end to enable a screw to secure the beam connector in a threaded bore in the boss.

5. A system as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the spaced prongs each have a bore extending therethrough which co-operate with corresponding bores in the beam which is to be connected to the boss such that when the beam is located on the connector a screw connector can be passed through the beam and prongs to secure the beam in position.

6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cylindrical boss has a bore extending along its longitudinal axis and the tubes have a threaded strip extending across the diameter of each end such that the boss can be connected between any two tubes by way of a screw connection.

7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the boss has one or more threaded bores passing through the boss at substantially 900 to the longitudinal axis of the boss.

8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the beams have a flange extending along their length such that when the beams and tubes are located in position as a framework with the beams in horizontal planes and tubes in vertical columns, the flanges will form a rim upon which a sheet of material can rest to thereby form a rigid horizontal platform.

9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the beams and tubes are made from hollow steel, the boss is made from solid steel and the beam connector is an alumnium extrusion.

10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim for use as a children's play apparatus.

11. A system for constructing a rigid framework substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.