WO2024210759A1

WO2024210759A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: WO2024210759A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2024/050037
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Keith ROEBUCK
Original assignee: Holmes Solutions Limited Partnership
Priority date: 2023-04-06
Filing date: 2024-04-05
Publication date: 2024-10-10

Abstract

A connector for interconnecting first and second structures, the connector comprising a body configured to be supported from the first structure, the body comprising one or more faces from which arrayed projections extend transversely and are configured to be pressed into the second structure, such that the body abuts the second structure, whereby loading exerted by either structure is taken through the projections in shear and imparted to the other structure through the body, wherein the/each face is positioned, in use, to abut an opposing face of said second structure such that said opposing face is penetrated by said projections.

Description

CONNECTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a connector, in particular to a structural connector for connecting a support to a structure, typically in a building, whereby loading exerted by the structure is taken through and imparted to the support by the connector, the support typically comprising at least one upright support member such as a column, and the structure typically comprising at least one roof, ceiling or floor (or platform) structure, or like structure, which assumes a generally horizontal or level orientation and/or is transverse to the support.

The invention has particular, though not exclusive, application to mass timber building and construction.

BACKGROUND

Mass timber building, also known as engineered wood building, generally requires the use of timber panels and columns in creating structures. Unlike light-frame wood construction, the use of large timber panels, columns and beams, and the combinational use of timber with steel and concrete, results in the need for specialized connection systems between the components of the structure. Conventionally, panel to column connections utilize panels which bear directly onto the uppermost surface of the column. The relatively low load capacity of conventional panel to column connections is typically governed by complex rolling shear failure modes in the mass timber building components. Furthermore, conventional connections can promote brittle rolling shear and tensile splitting failure modes in the components and/or connection.

International building standards and safe building practice require panel to column connections provide adequate protection against fire, pests (including termites/white ants) and the elements (water, extreme cold temperatures etc.). Meeting these standards and practices is difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional connection systems.

It is desirable to provide improvements relating to structural connections systems, including for panel-to-column connections in mass timber building structures.

The word “timber” as used herein refers, except where context otherwise requires, to both solid or natural timber and “mass timber”. The latter comprises wood constituents such as veneers, boards, strands, fibers, panels or particles, and adhesive or other substances/means holding the wood constituents together. Non-limiting examples of mass timber include laminated timber, such as cross -laminated timber (CLT), glulam, laminated veneer, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), fiberboard, such as medium density fiberboard and high density fiberboard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSB).

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector for interconnecting first and second structures, the connector comprising a body configured to be supported from the first structure, the body comprising one or more faces from which arrayed projections extend transversely and are configured to be pressed into the second structure, such that the body abuts the second structure, whereby loading exerted by either structure is taken through the projections in shear and imparted to the other structure through the body, wherein the/each face is positioned, in use, to abut an opposing face of said second structure such that said opposing face is penetrated by said projections.

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the first and second structures comprises a support structure and the other of the first and second structures comprises a structure ("supported structure") which is supported by the support structure when the first and second structures are interconnected via the connector.

Preferably, the first structure and the second structure comprise the support structure and the supported structure, respectively. Alternatively, the second structure and the first structure may comprise the support structure and the supported structure, respectively.

The loading will typically comprise vertical loading.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, said support structure comprises at least one support member.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, said support structure comprises at least one upright member, e.g. defining a column or panel.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, said supported structure is arranged transverse to the support structure.

The connector is preferably for interconnecting the support structure and supported structure in a building. In the preferred embodiments, the arrayed projections extend laterally from the body and/or from surfaces or faces of the body.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides said/an assembly comprising: at least one connector according to the first aspect; and said first and second structures, wherein the body of the/each connector is supported from the first structure and said projections are pressed into the second structure such that the body abuts the second structure, whereby loading exerted by either structure is taken through the projections in shear and imparted to the other structure through the body.

A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides a building structure, or part thereof, comprising the assembly of the second aspect.

In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming an assembly, comprising bringing a connector (preferably of the first aspect) and a structure (preferably of an assembly according to the second aspect) into engagement such that vertical load is transmitted from the structure to another or the other structure at least in part through arrayed projections which extend transversely from one or more faces of a body of the connector, the engagement including positioning the/each face to abut an opposing face of said structure and pressing the projections into the structure.

In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming an assembly, comprising a first and second structures, preferably being in accordance with the second aspect, the method comprising applying to the second structure at least one connector comprising a body comprising one or more faces from which arrayed projections extend transversely, the connector preferably being in accordance with the first aspect, the application comprising pressing said projections into the structure, such that the/each face abuts an opposing face of the second structure and said opposing face is penetrated by said projections.

Preferably, the/each connector is arranged to be supported from the first structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the, each, or at least one said, connector is applied to either of the first and second structures and the connector so applied is arranged to be engaged with the other structure. The, each, or at least one said, connector so applied may be pre-applied to the structure(s) to which it is applied and/or may be so applied prior to being arranged to be engaged with the other structure. In a preferred embodiment of the third or fourth aspect, applying said connector to the structure, comprises urging the connector or body towards or against the structure whereby the projections are pressed into the structure, preferably such that the body abuts the structure.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a building structure comprising the assembly of the third or fourth aspect.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a building structure or part thereof comprising at least one connector and first and second structures, wherein the connector comprises a body and arrayed projections which extend from the body, and wherein: said projections are received in said second structure; the body abuts the second structure; and the body is supported from the first structure, whereby loading exerted by one structure is taken through the projections and imparted to the other structure through the body.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, said projections are pressed into the second structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, at least one load distributing member is arranged, preferably between said body and said first structure, whereby loading imparted thereby is distributed through the first structure. The, each, or at least one said, load-distributing member may comprise or define, for example, a plate. The load distributing member may define or support a corresponding retainer with which said first structure is provided, to constrain the first structure and connector against relative lateral movement.

In preferred embodiments of the disclosure, the second structure comprises at least one panel or panel structure.

Preferably, the second structure comprises at least one underfoot structure, such as a floor or platform structure, and/or at least one ceiling or roof structure.

Preferably, the second structure comprises at least one engineered wood or timber structure.

The second structure may comprise one or more main and/or rigid structures and include at least one part ("impressible part") into which said projections can be pressed such that the main and/or rigid structure(s) is/are supported via the impressible part(s). The impressible part(s) may be connected to the main and/or rigid structure(s) and/or may be comprised of material soft enough to permit said projections to be pressed into the impressible part(s) but strong and/or resilient enough to withstand the pressing of the projections into said material or part(s) and loading that one or more interfaces, defined by said material or part(s), via which the connector engages the structure(s), are subjected in service. At least one said main and/or rigid structure may comprise a frame and/or panel structure. At least one said main and/or rigid structure may, alternatively or additionally, comprise a metal and/or glass structure.

The second structure may have parts comprised of different materials, including (comparatively) soft material of which said impressible part(s) may be comprised. The soft material may comprise, for example, timber, wood, plastics or polymeric material, though it could comprise metal that is softer than material of which the projections are, or the/each connector is, comprised.

The first structure may be columnar. In preferred embodiments, the first structure comprises a column.

Preferably, the body has sides which face in different lateral directions.

Preferably, the body includes surfaces which face in different lateral directions, and over each of which an array comprising respective ones of said projections is arranged, and each said surface is positioned to abut a respective opposing surface of said second structure penetrated by projections of the array arranged thereover. Preferably, the body is configured to be arranged in either of first and second orientations to engage either of respective faces of said support(s). Preferably, the body is rotatably orientable about at least one axis therethrough to assume either of a said first orientation and a said second orientation. Preferably, the, each, or at least one said, axis is a horizontal axis.

Preferably, the body comprises a retainer ("connector retainer") configured to mate with a corresponding retainer ("support retainer") with which said first structure is provided, to constrain the first structure and connector against relative lateral movement.

In one preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the connector retainer comprises a downwardly opening retaining passage arranged to receive an upwardly projecting retaining member of which said support retainer is comprised. Preferably, said downwardly opening retaining passage is provided in said body. Preferably, said downwardly opening retaining passage is wider than said upwardly projecting retaining member, whereby there is a lateral clearance between the connector and upwardly projecting retaining member. In another preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the connector retainer comprises a downwardly projecting retaining member arranged to be received in an upwardly opening retaining passage of which said support retainer is comprised. The downwardly projecting retaining member may extend from said body. Preferably, said downwardly projecting retaining member is narrower than said upwardly opening retaining passage, whereby there is a lateral clearance between the connector and the upwardly opening retaining passage.

Preferably, the retaining passage or retaining member is dimensioned such that there is lateral clearance between the retaining member or retaining passage, respectively, of said support retainer.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a distally convergent tip.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a tapered tip.

Said support structure may comprise at least one upright member or section, preferably of metal, such as steel. Preferably, said support structure further comprises a covering arranged over the upright member(s) and extending therealong.

The covering may be protective. Preferably, the covering is fire-protective.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the covering is resistant to effects of fire and/or pest and/or water penetration.

The covering may be decorative.

The covering may be of (for example) plaster or plasterboard.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the body of the, each, or at least one said, connector comprises plural flat faces, from which said projections extend transversely, arranged to be in abutment with opposing flat faces of said second structure, and the connector is arranged to transmit loading from moments about respective axes parallel to said faces/surfaces, exerted thereon by either structure, to the other structure and/or to brace said structure(s) against loading from moments about such axes. Said surfaces/faces/axes may comprise surfaces/faces/axes that are orthogonal and/or lie in planes that are orthogonal.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, at least one said connector is arranged between opposite sides of at least one said supported structure or planes in which opposite faces or surfaces of said supported structure(s) lie. Preferably, said opposite sides, faces or surfaces comprise upper and lower sides, faces or surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, at least one said connector may be positioned at mid-height of or within said supported structure(s) and the assembly includes at least one insulating layer (which may, for example, comprise timber) whereby there is provided inherent fire protection. The/any gap(s) is/are preferably sealed by suitably rated/fire-rated element(s)/material(s), for example intumescent materials. This may eliminate a need to provide structurally redundant timber layers for the (possibly sole) purpose of fire protection. See, for example, Figures 4C, 4D and 4E herein.

In a connection, comprising the connector and the first and second structures, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the connector is insulated and/or said connection is resistant to spread of fire thereacross. In particular, the connector may be arranged, or able to be arranged, in a void between planes in which said opposite sides, faces or surfaces lie, e.g. at a vertical mid-point therebetween, and a cavity between either side of the connector and a respective one of said planes is or can be covered over and/or filled, or otherwise occluded, by material(s) for suppressing fire propagation, which may comprise at least one inherently fire-resistant material, and/or material which reacts with heat or fire such that there results a fire-resistant material, such as (for example) timber/wood material that can bum whereby the resulting material comprises char. The said material(s) may comprise at least one intumescent material. The said material(s) may be disposed in and/or around the cavity or void to either or each side of the connector. It may thus be that a need for an insulating timber layer, of the kind typically employed to suppress fire propagation, is eliminated.

The projections may vary in length (being an axial or proximal-to-distal dimension thereof), in a said connector and/or array, and/or from one connector to another, without departure from the invention.

The projections may vary in at least one transverse dimension, in a said connector and/or array, and/or from one connector to another, without departure from the invention. Said at least one transverse dimension (in which the projections vary) may comprise one or more width dimensions. Said width dimensions may comprise first and second width dimensions.

Said first and second width dimensions may comprise mutually orthogonal width dimensions. Said first and second width dimensions may, for instance, extend in vertical and horizontal directions, respectively, or vice versa. Said first and second width dimensions may comprise minimum and maximum width dimensions, respectively, or vice versa.

Said first and second width dimensions may comprise minor and major width dimensions, respectively, or vice versa.

In a connector according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the projections consist of or include ones which have a length from 0.25 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably from 2 mm to 3.5 mm, and most preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 mm.

In a connector according to that or another preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the projections may consist of or include ones wherein the, each, or at least one said, transverse or width dimension is from 0.25 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably from 2 mm to 3.5 mm, and most preferably from 2 mm to 2.5 mm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lengths of the projections are all within 50% of one another.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the projections in a said connector and/or array consist of or include ones the length and transverse dimension(s) of which are of the same value.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the projections in a said connector and/or array consist of or include ones the length and transverse dimension(s) are of different values. In the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector is preferably formed separately from the first structure and is configured or arranged to engage the first structure so as to be supported therefrom.

The body may abut the second structure directly. In particular, the body may be received directly against the second structure, whereby the body and second structure may be in contact. The body may, alternatively or additionally, abut the second structure indirectly; for instance, at least one (preferably flexible) sheet or membrane - e.g. for forming a barrier, such as a moisture- or water-proof and/or pest-resistant (for instance, a termite-proof) barrier - may be interposed between the second structure and the body or connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure lb is a perspective view, from a different angle, of a connector in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pair of connectors interconnecting a support and a pair of structures;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a pair of connectors receiving a pair of structures;

Figure 4a is a diagram of a traditional structure and support connection;

Figure 4b is a diagram of a structure and support connection using a connector in accordance with an embodiment;

Figures 4c and 4d are diagrams showing traditional structure and support connections;

Figure 4e is a diagram showing a structure and support connection using a connector in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pair of connectors fitted to a support.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an in-use connector indicating force directions;

Figure 7 is a sectional view of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment; and

Figure 8 is a data plot showing the displacement of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a connector for interconnecting a support and a structure, the connector comprising a body configured to engage the support and arrayed projections which extend from the body and are configured to be pressed into the structure, such that the body is received against the structure, whereby loading exerted by the structure is taken through the projections in shear and imparted to the support through the body.

In the embodiments described with reference to the drawings, the support comprises at least one upright support member such as a column, and the structure comprises at least one roof, ceiling or floor/platform structure, or like structure, which assumes a generally horizontal or level orientation and/or is transverse to the support. The loading in such embodiments includes vertical loading, such as floor dead and live loading.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

Figures la and lb show the connector 100 of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The connector 100 comprises a body 10 which takes the form of a block and has a generally cubic shape, though alternative forms or shapes of the body (including but not limited to rectangular and cuboid shapes or forms, shapes/forms with rounded edges, such as for example a spherocube, or any other suitable three-dimensional shape/form) are possible without departure from the invention. The scale/size of the connector may additionally be altered without departure from the invention. The connector 100 is sized or scaled such that it meets the loading requirements (those being primarily of shear and stress) of the application (the application being primarily relative to the size/scale of the structure and/or support which the connector interconnects). The body 10 has upright side faces 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, faces 10A and 10B being arranged at right angles, and faces 10C and 10D being likewise arranged.

The connector 100 further comprises projections 20 distributed, substantially evenly in the preferred embodiment illustrated, over the faces 10A and 10B, the projections 20 being arranged in arrays 20A and 20B and extend laterally from the faces 10A and 10B respectively. The projections 20 are sufficiently small in cross-section to be pressable into a generally softer material (typically comprising timber) of a structure that the connector 100 is to support (as described later) while being sufficiently large in cross section to transfer loading between the body 10 and the structure without being sheared from the body 10. The size of the projections 20 is sizeable/scalable with respect to the size/scale of the connector 100.

Each of the arrays 20A and 20B exemplified is regular and staggered, the projections 20 which form it being arranged in offset rows. In connectors according to alternative embodiments of the invention, the arrays may have other configurations; for example, the projections in either or each array may be arranged in rows that are vertically aligned (in a grid pattern, i.e. not staggered), in radial patterns (e.g. forming concentric circles), or irregularly. The number of projections 20 in each array is around 60 in the preferred embodiment illustrated, though this number may vary without departure from the invention. The projections 20 have a diamond- shaped cross section in the preferred embodiment illustrated, though the cross-sectional configuration thereof may vary without departure from the invention; for example, the configuration/cross-section may (instead of being diamond-shaped) be square, rectangular, circular, semi-circular. The cross-sectional area and configuration of each projection 20 is constant in the preferred embodiment illustrated, though either or each may vary, as may the cross-sectional dimensions of each projection 20, without departure from the invention. The projections 20 extend a relatively short distance from the body 10 such that when they are pressed into the structure, the respective face from which they protrude is received against the structure. In the present embodiment, each projection 20 has a length (being the proximal-to-distal dimension) of 2mm to 2.5mm. Any of the characteristics discussed above may vary - for instance, in accordance with the loading characteristics to which the connector/projections is/are subjected, the material(s) from which the structure and/or connector is/are formed - without departure from the invention. The projections 20 may be considered to act similarly to miniature dowels or micro-dowels.

The connector 100 is preferably of metal, e.g. comprising steel or any of a number of alloys with suitable metallurgical characteristics. Alternatively, the connector 100 may be of a suitably strong, tough or hard polymeric material such as, for example, a plastic. Additionally, the connector 100 is of unitary or single -piece construction. This connector 100 can be moulded or cast and/or machined. Manufacture of the connector 100 may, for instance, comprise moulding or casting of material, to form a billet or other preliminary piece or workpiece (which may approximate the geometry or configuration of the connector 100), and subsequent machining of the billet/(work)piece such that a geometry or configuration of the connector 100 is defined; for instance, the billet or (work)piece may be milled, faced or parted to form the faces 10A and 10B and the projections 20 which extend therefrom. Machining may, alternatively or additionally, comprise drilling or boring to form passages in/through the body, which passages will be described later.

Turning now to Figure 2, two connectors 100 can be seen in situ in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. It is noted that, whilst this and other figures disclose embodiments of the invention utilizing two connectors, a single connector (or any number of connectors) would also be suitable. The connector 100 is for interconnecting an upright support 200 and a structure 300 which is arranged transverse thereto. In embodiments of the disclosure, and seen in Figure 2, the connector/s are arranged at a periphery 140 of the structure 300, being an outer surface thereof, such that the body 10 of the connector 100 abuts an edge 150 of said structure. An alternate embodiment may comprise the connector 100 arranged against an edge 150 of the structure 300 that is not at a periphery 140 of the structure 300 (such as at an aperture comprising a portion of the structure 300), or may comprise the connector 100 arranged at a periphery 140 of the structure 300 but not an edge 150 (such as at an upper surface thereof). The need for such arrangements can be found in building works, wherein said support 200 may comprises a column, beam, ledge, post, shelf or other like building element, and said structure 300 may be one of, for example, an underfoot structure or roof/ceiling. A transverse interconnection includes a connection situated or extending across a portion or the whole of either of the structure or support, and includes an interconnection at or about at a right angle, being of approximately 90 degrees, but additionally may include any such interconnection wherein the support 200 and structure 300 are interconnected in a substantially angled manner, such as in the application of the invention for the construction of a gable roof, loft or the like.

Preferably, the structure is of timber. Said timber may comprise any type of timber. Accordingly the structure may comprise engineered timber, such as laminated timber or made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or any other such timber building material as previously identified. Similarly, the support is preferably made from timber and is able to be made from any such timber material or variant thereof. Alternatively, the support may also be constructed using a steel or concrete column or section of steel or concrete, the steel or concrete may be encompassed by plasterboard, gypsum or a similar plaster component (as pictured in Figure 7), or by timber. It is further understood that either of the of the structure or support may be made, partially or wholly, of a material other than timber, such as for example steel, alloy metals, iron, concrete, brick, plaster or plastic.

Interconnection between the support 200 and structure 300 is aided by way of engagement of the body 10 of the connector 100 to the support 200. The arrayed projections 20 of the body 10 are configured to be pressed into the structure 200 providing said engagement. The application of the connector 100 to the structure 200 comprises urging either or each of the connector 100 and structure 200 (such as by pushing and/or pulling or drawing it) against the other whereby the projections are pressed into the structure 200 and the connector 100 is thus engaged therewith. The urging pushed, drawn against or pulled into the structure to provide engagement. This may include each or at least one of the projections 20 penetrating, indenting, or providing a texture that allows adequate engagement to, the structure 200. The body comprises at least one face 40 being a geometrical component of the body 10 from which the projections 20 extend. The face 40 is positioned on the body 10 such that, in use, the face can be received by an opposing face 50 of the structure 200. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 2, and seen best in Figures la and lb, the body 10 may include a plurality of faces 40 wherein each of the faces 40 are provided at differing lateral directions to/of the body 10 and comprise respective arrays of respective ones of projection 20. In this embodiment, each face 40 similarly corresponds to an opposing face 50 of the structure 200, and each respective array of projections 20 provides the engagement thereof. As pictured in Figure 2, this embodiment is best configured to include 2 such faces 40 being mutually orthogonal. It should be understood that, however, pending the relative arrangement of the support 200 and structure 300, any feasible number of faces 40 may be used, and they may have no combined mutual orthogonality, only pairs of mutual orthogonality or none at all.

Turning now to Figure 3, the body 10 of the connector 100 additionally includes at least one passage 60 thereof. The passage 60 has an opening 70 through an exterior of the body 10, the opening 70 to receive a fastener therethrough. The fastener is driven through the body 10 via the opening 70 of the passage 60, and into the structure 300, thus providing anchorage of the connector 100 to the structure 300. The passage 60 may be a void of any shape, preferably being substantially linear so to allow receiving of the fastener therethrough. The passageway 60 may be pre-formed in the body 10 of the connector 100, or formed at a later date such as, for example, by a machining process as previously described. In the embodiment shown, the passage 60 is of a substantially cylindrical cross-section, however it is understood that any such cross-section which provides for the driving of the fastener may be suitable. The opening 70 of which is of a larger cross-section to allow for a similarly larger head of said fastener. Preferably, the body 10 includes 4 passages 60, wherein each passage opening 70 is provided on a common face 10D and two passages extend through each face 10A, 10B from which an array of projections 20A, 20B extend. It is considered that, for example in connectors of larger size/scale than those provided in the figures, that more than 4 passages could be provided, where accordingly each passage opening 70 is also provided at a common face 10D, and wherein the passages equally extend through each face from which an array of projections extend. The driving of said fastener may comprise hammering said fastener wherein the hammered fastener may comprise a nail. Alternatively, the driving of said fastener may comprise screwing said fastener wherein the screwed fastener may comprise a screw. The fastener may be any such fastener, including any such standard fastener (for example carriage bolts, lag screws or nails) capable of being driven as described. In a preferred embodiment, there exists two passages 60 per connector 100. In the case of two or more passages 60, each passage 60 may extend along non-parallel axes 80 such that each fastener driven therethrough extends into the structure along its respective one of the non-parallel axes 80. Said non-parallel axes 80 may include any such axes that allow the fasteners to be driven as described. Preferably, the non-parallel axes 80 are configured such that the point of intersection of the axes is provided away from the faces 40 of the connector 100, in that the fasteners, when driven through the passages 60, are at a greater lateral distance to one another in the structure 300 than at the point of exiting the body 10 of the connector 100. The or at least one of the passages 60 opens through a surface of the body 10 which, at least partially, includes the face 40 of the body 10 comprising the respective arrays of respective ones of projections 20.

Turning now to Figure 5, the connector 100 can be seen to be arranged to be positioned atop the support 200. It is understood that, in being arranged to be positioned atop the support 200, the connector 100 may be understood to be placed on an upper surface of the support 200, fixed or retained to the upper surface of the support 200, positioned near the top of the support 200, or as a component of or near the top of the support 200. The top of the support 200 may be an ultimate top of the support 200, or instead of a change in the shape of the support such that an upper facing surface is provided, or instead again a point of interconnection between two portions of a support 200 such that an upper facing surface is provided. The connector 100 includes a retainer 90, the retainer 90 for mating with a corresponding retainer 110 with which the support 200 is provided. The retainer 90, when mated to the corresponding retainer 110, acts to constrain movement, primarily in a relative lateral direction, between the connector 100 and support 200. This constraint of movement ensures the connector 100 remains positioned atop the support 200, and is incapable of sliding off of the support 200. In this way, the retainer 90 and/or retainers 90, 110 may additionally act to guide the connector 100 during positioning of the connector 100 to its arrangement atop the support 200 during installation.

Looking to Figure 5, the retainer 90 can be seen to comprise a downwardly opening retaining passage. The retaining passage is substantially central to the body 10 of the connector 100, and cylindrical in cross-section. Similarly to the passages 60, however, it is understood that any such cross-section or linearity which provides a means for retaining the body 10 may be suitable. Whilst it is preferable that the retaining passage is provided in the bounds of the body 10, it is also possible that such a retaining passage could be provided beyond the body or separate thereto and still provide said functionality (such as, for example, a separate retaining passage coupled to the body 10). The retaining passage is capable of being received by a corresponding upwardly projecting retaining member, being a retainer 110 of the support 200. The upwardly projecting retaining member may be provided of, or coupled to, the support 200. Preferably, the upwardly projecting retaining member is configured so to be at least partially smaller than the retaining passage so to create a lateral clearance therebetween. Such a clearance allows for marginal misalignment between the retaining passage 90 and retaining member 110 assisting in the ease of installation thereof and creating the ability for limited, rather than no, lateral movement therebetween. Additionally, the clearance provides allowance of tolerances, such as manufacturing tolerances, common in the industrial applications of inventions in the field to which the invention relates. It is understood that, alternatively, the retaining passage may be provided to the support 200, and the retaining member provided to the body 10. Additionally, the retaining member may include a tapered upper portion 130, whereby guiding action of the retainer 90 is provided. It is understood that said taper may comprise any such geometry wherein the circumference of width of the retainer 90 is reduced toward the upper most portion thereof, include by way of a chamfer, fillet or bevel.

In addition to the connector, the connection system may also include a support plate 120. The support plate 120 comprises a plate configured to substantially abut an upper surface of the support 200. The plate 120 may be attachable to the support 200 by any number of means, but is preferably attached by fasteners driven through the plate 120 into the support 200. The support plate 120 may house, be integrally formed to include, or otherwise couple to it the retaining member 110 or passage previously described. The support plate is preferably made of steel, but may also be formed by any such material providing at least the same or greater rigidity and strength as the support. Alternatively, the support plate 120 may be integrally formed in or of the support 200.

An assembly may be formed through each of the connector 100 and support plate 120. Wherein together the components provide a connection system for interconnecting a structure 300 and a support 200. Such an assembly may include the at least one connector 100 being received by a structure 300. The at least one connector 100, when assembled, additionally engages a support 200, by way of a retainer of a support plate 120. The assembly may alternatively provide the interconnection of a number of structures 300 to a single support 200, wherein the assembly includes multiple respective connectors 100.

A method for interconnecting a structure 300 and a support 200 is also provided. The method comprising a connector 100, as previously described, including a body 10. At least one face 40 of the body 10 is positioned to at least one corresponding opposing face 50 of the structure 300. Arrayed projections 20 extending laterally from the body 10 are pressed into the structure 300 such that the body 10 is received by the structure 300. Elongate fasteners are driven through passages 60 in the body 10, and are actuated such that the fasteners provide said pressing into the structure 300. The connector 100 then engages the support 200. The support 200 comprises a support plate 120. A retainer 90 of the connector 100 corresponds to a retainer 110 of the support plate 120 which guides the relative positioning of the support 200 and connector 100 during engagement. Upon engagement, the retainer 90 and corresponding retainer 110 act to constrain lateral movement between the container 100 and support 200. Interconnecting the support 200 and structure 300 using the connector 100 avoids the use of horizontal beams commonplace in the industry. These connection methods result in the structure 200 bearing directly onto the support 200, which generates punching shear and bearing stress as can been in Figure 4a. Such shears and stresses can result in failure of the connection, and inherently dictate the use of thicker, larger material to accommodate this, such as those shown in Figures 4c and 4d (when compared to Figure 4e). The connector 100 allows for the interconnection to occur using a point-supported layout (see Figure 4b), wherein the arrayed projections and fasteners enhance the vertical load capacity and stiffness of the connection. Turning now to Figure 6, a connector 100 is shown atop the support, and arrows are included to indicate the directions in which the connector 100 provides resistance to shear and stress forces acting on the support 200. As shown in the Figure, the arrow labelled A illustrates offset vertical load, the arrows labelled B illustrate moment resistance, and the arrow labelled C illustrates shear resistance. Connections made using the connector 100 additionally promote ductile failure modes, which are safer than the brittle failure modes known to occur in traditionally connected supports and structures. This failure has been evidenced in practical testing of the connector 100, and an example of the results achieved can be found at Figure 8, wherein the solid and dashed curves represent displacement measurements at two different locations both on the same test panel (as per an embodiment of the invention). Public domain published data was used as a comparison for performance of a traditional connector.

The connection, comprising the connector 100, the support 200 and the structure 300, has characteristics such that, in the case of fire, the connector 100 is insulated and the said connection is resistant to spread of fire thereacross. In particular, connector 100 is able to be arranged between planes in which the opposite (top and bottom) sides of the structure 300 lie, e.g. at a vertical midpoint between the said sides, and the void in the structure 300, within which the connector 100 is positioned, can be covered over and/or filled, either side of the connector 100, with material(s) for suppressing fire propagation, which may comprise at least one inherently fire-resistant material, such as (for example) gypsum, and/or material which reacts with heat or fire to form fire-resistant material, such as (for example) timber/wood material that can bum to form (fire-resistant) char. The said material(s) may comprise at least one intumescent applied in and/or around the void. It may thus be that a need for an insulating timber layer, of the kind typically employed to suppress fire propagation is eliminated.

The connection can additionally provide protection against the elements and pests common to such applications. Summarily, it is understood that the connector of the present disclosure provides an apparatus, assembly and method and so the required means by which a structure and a support can be interconnected. The connector comprises a body, the body being configured to engage said support. Arrayed projections extend laterally from the body, and in particular from faces or surfaces of the body, and are configured to be pressed into said structure, such that the body is received against the structure. The connector may also include a retainer comprising a retaining passage for mating with a corresponding retaining member of the support. The body of the connector includes surfaces to meet opposing surfaces of the structure, and passages through which fasteners may be driven to secure the surfaces of the body against the opposing surfaces of the structure. Advantageously, when the connector is installed, loading, comprising (but not necessarily limited to) vertical loading, exerted by the structure is taken (being reacted by local bearing) through the projections in shear and imparted to the support through the body of the connector, resulting in increased load capacity, and enhanced load-bearing and load-transferring characteristics, of the connection.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in the context of mass timber building, and particularly buildings in which the supported structure comprises a timber structure, it is not limited to such applications. The building/construction, and in particular the supported structure, may vary widely in nature and form without departure from the invention. For instance, the supported structure may comprise a hard and/or rigid structure, e.g. a metal and/or glass structure, which may be a frame and/or panel structure, and include at least one portion which may be connected to the hard and/or rigid structure and which is comprised of material soft enough to permit the connector projections to penetrate a face defined by the portion (but strong enough to withstand both penetration by the projections and rigours/loads that the interface(s), via which the connector engages the structure, defined by that material are subjected in service), whereby the projections are pressed into the portion and the connector body is received against the face/portion. The structure to be supported may be one having parts which are of different materials, including comparatively soft material of which the aforementioned portion(s) are/is comprised. The comparatively soft material may comprise, for example, plastics or polymeric material, though conceivably could comprise metal that is softer than the material from which projections/connector is/are formed.

In the case of the preferred embodiments of the invention described in detail, it is to a supported structure that a connector is/can be applied, such that projections of the connector are pressed into the supported structure, with the connector being supported, or being configured or arranged to be supported, from the support structure. However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the connector may be applied, or be configured or arranged to be applied, to a support structure, such that projections of the connector are pressed into the support structure, with the connector being supported, or being configured or arranged to be supported, from the supported structure. The arrangement, size and configuration of the projections should be such that the deformation of the material/portion that they penetrate, or into which they are pressed, is localised or confined to being in the regions of the projections. In the case of the comparatively soft material being fibrous material such as timber, as in the embodiments illustrated, said arrangement, size and configuration should be such that the fibres of the material remain substantially intact.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

LEGEND

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A connector for interconnecting first and second structures, the connector comprising a body configured to be supported from the first structure, the body comprising one or more faces from which arrayed projections extend transversely and are configured to be pressed into the second structure, such that the body abuts the second structure, whereby loading exerted by either structure is taken through the projections in shear and imparted to the other structure through the body, wherein the/each face is positioned, in use, to abut an opposing face of said second structure such that said opposing face is penetrated by said projections.

2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises surfaces which face in different lateral directions and over each of which an array comprising respective ones of said projections is arranged, each surface being positioned to abut a respective opposing surface of said second structure penetrated by projections of the array arranged thereover.

3. A connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body comprises a block.

4. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises two or more faces, from which the projections extend transversely, each face being positioned to abut an opposing face of said second structure penetrated by projections extending therefrom.

5. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each face is flat and positioned to abut a said face of said second structure that is flat.

6. A connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the body is configured to be arranged in a first or second orientation to engage either of respective faces of said second structure.

7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein the body is rotatably orientable about at least one axis to assume either of the first and second orientations.

8. A connector according to claim 7, wherein said axis is a horizontal axis.

9. A connector according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the surfaces comprise mutually orthogonal surfaces or faces.

10. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one passage opening through an exterior of the body to receive a fastener for anchoring the connector to the structure.

11. A connector according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is an elongate fastener.

12. A connector according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the, each, or at least one said passage is arranged to receive a said fastener, when a said fastener is driven into the second structure to anchor the connector to the second structure.

13. A connector according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said at least one passage comprises passages extending along non-parallel axes, such that respective fasteners so driven extend along said axes.

14. A connector according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein at least one said passage opens through a surface of the body over which projections of the connector are arranged and which is positioned to abut an opposing surface of said second structure penetrated by ones of the projections.

15. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is arranged to be positioned atop the first structure.

16. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims including a connector retainer configured to mate with a corresponding support retainer with which said first structure is provided, to constrain the connector and first structure against relative movement.

17. A connector according to claim 16, wherein the connector retainer comprises a downwardly opening retaining passage arranged to receive an upwardly projecting retaining member of which said corresponding support retainer is comprised, to constrain the connector and first structure against relative movement.

18. A connector according to claim 16, wherein said downwardly opening retaining passage is provided in said body.

19. A connector according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said downwardly opening retaining passage is wider than said upwardly projecting retaining member, whereby there is a lateral clearance between the connector and upwardly projecting retaining member.

20. A connector according to claim 16, wherein the connector retainer comprises a downwardly projecting retaining member arranged to be received in an upwardly opening retaining passage of which said corresponding support retainer is comprised.

21. A connector according to claim 20, wherein the downwardly projecting retaining member extends from said body.

22. A connector according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the downwardly projecting retaining member is narrower than said upwardly opening retaining passage, whereby there is a lateral clearance between the downwardly projecting retaining member and the upwardly opening retaining passage.

23. A connector according to any one of claims 17 to 22, the retaining member comprising a distally convergent or tapered tip.

24. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, being of unitary construction.

25. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said projections extend laterally from the body.

26. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, for interconnecting the first and second structures in a building.

27. An assembly comprising: at least one connector according to any one of the preceding claims; and said first and second structures, wherein the body of the or each connector is supported from the first structure and said projections are pressed into the second structure such that the body abuts the second structure, whereby loading exerted by either structure is taken through the projections in shear and imparted to the other structure through the body.

28. An assembly according to claim 27, wherein one of the first and second structures comprises a support structure and the other of the first and second structures comprises a structure supported by the support structure via the connector.

29. An assembly according to claim 28, wherein the first structure and the second structure comprise the support structure and the supported structure respectively.

30. An assembly according to claim 28, wherein the second structure and the first structure comprise the support structure and the supported structure respectively.

31. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein at least one load-distributing member is arranged such that loading imparted by the body is distributed through the first or support structure.

32. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 31, including at least one load-distributing member or portion arranged within and/or supported by the first or support structure.

33. An assembly according to claim 31 or 32, wherein, the, each, or at least one said, load-distributing member or portion comprises or defines a plate.

34. An assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the, each, or at least one said, load-distributing member or portion defines or supports a retainer to constrain the connector and first structure against relative movement.

35. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one engineered wood or timber structure.

36. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one mass timber structure.

37. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one underfoot structure and/or at least one ceiling or roof structure.

38. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 37, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one roof, ceiling or floor or platform structure, or like structure.

39. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least structure which assumes a generally horizontal or level orientation and/or is transverse to the other structure.

40. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 39, wherein either or each of the first and second structures is columnar or comprises at least one column.

41. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 40, wherein the either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one upright member or section.

42. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 41, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one, and/or at least one said, member or section that is of metal.

43. An assembly according to claim 42, wherein the at least one, and/or at least one said, member or section is of steel.

44. An assembly according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein either or each of the first and second structures further comprises at least one covering arranged over and/or extending along the, each, or at least one said, member and/or section.

45. An assembly according to claim 44, wherein the, each, or at least one said, covering is protective.

46. An assembly according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the, each, or at least one said, covering is fire-protective.

47. An assembly according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the, each, or at least one said, covering is resistant to effects of fire and/or pest and/or water penetration.

48. An assembly according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the, each, or at least one said, covering is decorative.

49. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 48, wherein the body of the, each, or at least one said, connector comprises plural flat faces, from which said projections extend, arranged to abut opposing flat faces of said second structure, whereby the connector is arranged to transmit to either of said first and second structures loading from moments about respective axes parallel to said faces or surfaces, exerted thereon by the other of said first and second structures, and/or to brace said other of said first and second structures against loading from moments about such axes.

50. An assembly according to claim 49, wherein said surfaces, faces or axes comprise ones that are orthogonal and/or lie in planes that are orthogonal.

51. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 50, wherein either or each of said first and second structures comprises a plurality of structures.

52. An assembly according to claim 51, wherein the, either, or each, plurality of structures comprises structures arranged transverse to the other structure(s).

53. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 52, wherein the connector(s) is/are at least partially contained by either or each of said first and second structures.

54. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 53, wherein at least one said connector or body is arranged to be received by or within at least one recess, rebate or cut-out in or defined by at least one said first and/or second structure.

55. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 54, wherein at least one said connector is arranged at a periphery of either or each of the first and second structures and/or such that the body thereof abuts an edge of either or each of the first and second structures.

56. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 55, wherein the connector is insulated and/or wherein a connection comprising the connector and the first and second structures is resistant to spread of fire thereacross.

57. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 56, wherein at least one said connector is arranged between opposite sides of at least one said structure or planes in which opposite faces or surfaces of said structure(s) lie.

58. An assembly according to claim 57, wherein the connector is arranged in a void between planes in which said opposite sides, faces or surfaces lie, and a cavity between either side of the connector and a respective one of said sides or planes is or can be occluded by material(s) for suppressing fire propagation.

59. An assembly according to claim 57 or 58, wherein said opposite sides, faces or surfaces comprise upper and lower sides, faces or surfaces.

60. A building structure or part thereof comprising at least one connector and first and second structures, wherein the connector comprises a body comprising one or more faces from which arrayed projections extend transversely, and wherein: the/each face abuts an opposing face of said second structure; said projections are received the opposing face of said second structure; the body abuts the second structure; and the body is supported from the first structure, whereby loading exerted by one structure is taken through the projections and imparted to the other structure through the body.

61. A method of forming an assembly, comprising bringing a connector and a structure into engagement such that vertical load is transmitted from the structure to another structure at least in part through arrayed projections which extend transversely from one or more faces of a body of the connector, the engagement including positioning the/each face to abut an opposing face of said structure and pressing the projections into the structure.

62. A method of forming an assembly, comprising first and second structures, the method comprising applying to one structure at least one connector comprising a body comprising one or more faces from which projections extend transversely, the application comprising pressing said projections into said one structure such that the or each face abuts an opposing face of said one structure and said opposing face is penetrated by said projections.

63. A method according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the/each connector is arranged to be supported from the other structure.

64. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 63, being for forming a said assembly according to any one of claims 26 to 57 or a building structure or part thereof according to claim 58.

65. A method according to claim 64, wherein said assembly is the assembly of any one of claims 26 to 57.

66. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 65, wherein the, each, or at least one said, connector accords with any one of claims 1 to 25.

67. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 66, including applying said connector to the second structure, the application comprising urging either or each of the connector and second structure towards or against the other whereby the projections are pressed into the second structure.

68. A method according to claim 67, the application being such that the body abuts the structure.

69. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 68, wherein application of at least one said connector to said structure comprises driving at least one fastener to secure the connector to the structure whereby a body of the connector is retained in abutment with the structure.

70. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 69, wherein the, each, or at least one said, connector is applied to either of the first and second structures and the connector so applied is arranged to be engaged with the other structure.

71. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 70, wherein the, each, or at least one said, connector is applied to at least one said structure and the connector(s) thereafter arranged to be engaged with at least one other said structure.

72. A method according to any one of claims 61 to 71, wherein application of the at least one connector to the second structure(s) comprises urging either or each of the second structure and the connector or body towards and/or against the other.

73. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 27 to 72, wherein said projections are pressed into the structure.

74. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 27 to 73, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises at least one panel or panel structure.

75. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 27 to 74, wherein either or each of the first and second structures comprises one or more main and/or rigid structures and includes at least one part ("impressible part") into which said projections can be pressed such that the main and/or rigid structure(s) is/are supported via the impressible part(s).

76. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to claim 75, wherein the impressible part(s) is/are connected to the main and/or rigid structure(s) and/or comprised of material soft enough to permit said projections to be pressed into the impressible part(s) but strong and/or resilient enough to withstand the pressing of the projections into said material or part(s) and loading that one or more interfaces, defined by said material or part(s), via which the connector engages said structure(s), are subjected in service.

77. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to claim 75 or 76, wherein the, each, or at least one said, main and/or rigid structure comprises a frame and/or panel structure.

78. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 75 to 77, wherein at least one said main and/or rigid structure comprises a metal and/or glass structure.

79. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein at least one said structure has parts comprised of different materials, including soft material of which said impressible part(s) is/are comprised.

80. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to claim 79, wherein the soft material comprises plastics or polymeric material.

81. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to claim 79 or 80, wherein the soft material comprises metal.

82. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 27 to 81, wherein said support comprises at least one support member.

83. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 27 to 82, wherein the, each, or at least one said, support comprises at least one upright member, e.g. defining a column.

84. An assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of claims 27 to 83, wherein the, each, or at least one said, structure is arranged transverse to the support.

85. A connector, assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of the preceding claims, the loading comprising vertical loading.

86. A connector, assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of the preceding claims, the body having sides which face in different lateral directions.

87. A connector, assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the, each, or at least one said, connector comprises plural flat faces, from which said projections extend, arranged to abut opposing flat faces of said second structure, whereby the connector is arranged to transmit to either of said first and second structures loading from moments about respective axes parallel to said faces or surfaces, exerted thereon by the other of said first and second structures, and/or to brace said other of said first and second structures against loading from moments about such axes.

88. A connector, assembly, building structure or part thereof or method according to claim 87, wherein said surfaces, faces or axes comprise ones that are orthogonal and/or lie in planes that are orthogonal.