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(11) | EP 0 357 273 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Improvements in or relating to connectors |
| (57) A connector (1) for securing a rafter (2) of a roof structure to a wall plate (4)
thereof comprises a first component (5) of 'U'-shaped form for mounting on the rafter
(2), a pair of identical second components (6) of 'L'-shaped form for mounting on
the wall plate (4), and rivets (7) for interconnecting the components (5) and (6)
in an articulated manner. Use of the connector (1) avoids the need for forming a 'V'-shaped slot or "bird's mouth" in the rafter (2), a task demanding considerable skill, even from an experienced joiner. Other forms of connectors, some for securing other roof structure members, are also disclosed. |
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to connectors and is concerned with connectors for securing together a pair of roof structure members, although the invention may have other applications.
SUMMARIES OF THE INVENTION
[0002] According to one aspect of the invention, a connector for securing one member of a roof structure to another member thereof comprises at least one first component for mounting on one of the members, at least one second component for mounting on the other of the members, and means for interconnecting the components in an articulated manner.
[0003] According to another aspect of the invention, a connector for securing one member of a roof structure to another member thereof is generally of 'U'-shaped form comprising a middle portion flanked by a pair of laterally-spaced outer portions, wherein the middle portion may be used to mount the connector on one member of the roof structure and at least one of outer portions may be used to secure the connector to the other of the roof structure members.
[0004] One or both of the outer portions may be connected to the middle portion in an articulated manner.
[0005] The invention also comprises a roof structure comprising roof structure members secured together by a plurality of connectors, according to either, or both, forms of connectors.
[0006] The invention results in a substantial saving in time and effort in building a roof structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Various forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figures 1 and 2 are fragmentary side views and Figure 3 an exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention,
Figure 4 is a view in perspective of a roof structure, which view illustrates how the first and other embodiments may be employed,
Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a second embodiment and Figure 6 and exploded view thereof,
Figure 7 is a view similar to that shown by Figure 5 and illustrates the connector in another position,
Figure 8 is an end view of a third embodiment,
Figure 9 illustrates how the third embodiment may be employed,
Figure 10 is a a view in perspective of one of the components of the third embodiment,
Figures 11 to 18 are views in perspective of eight further embodiments of connectors, and
Figure 19 illustrates a modification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] With reference first to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, a metal connector 1 for securing one member (rafter 2) at position A (Figure 4) of a roof structure 3 to another member (wall plate 4) thereof, comprises a first component 5 of 'U'-shaped form for mounting on the rafter 2, a pair of identical second components 6 of 'L'-shaped form for mounting on the wall plate 4, in a laterally-spaced relationship, and rivets 7 for interconnecting the components 5 and 6 in an articulated, pivotable manner.
[0010] Use of the connector 1 avoids the need for forming a 'V'-shaped slot or "bird's mouth" in the rafter 2, a task demanding considerable skill, even from an experienced joiner.
[0011] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate how the connector 1 accommodates differing angles of attitude which may be taken by the rafter 2, 45° in the case of Figure 1 and 17.5° in the case of Figure 2.
[0012] The components 5 and 6, as well as the components of the other embodiments described below, are formed with fixing holes 8 and 9 whereby the connector 1 may be secured in place by nails or screws, and holes 10, 11 for the rivets 7.
[0013] With reference now to Figures 4, 5 and 6, a metal connector 21 for securing a rafter 2 at position D (Figure 4) of the roof structure 3 to one end of the ridge 12 thereof, comprises a first component 25 for mounting on the ridge 12, a second component 26 for mounting on the rafter 2, and rivets 27 for interconnecting the components 25, 26 in an articulated, ie pivotable, manner.
[0014] The component 25 comprises a fixing plate 28 of inverted 'L'-shape with a pair of laterally-spaced flanges 29 disposed at opposite sides of the longer limb 28a of the plate 28 and extending substantially normal to said sides. A fixing hole 30 is formed in the smaller limb 28b of the plate 28 and fixing holes 31 in the larger limb 28a thereof.
[0015] Aligned holes 32 are provided for the rivets 27. The 'L'-shaped construction of the fixing plate 28 allows it to fit over two adjacent (top and side) surfaces of the ridge 12.
[0016] The component 26, which fits between the flanges 29, comprises a pair of laterally-spaced cheek plates 38 interconnected by a bridging strap 39 extending laterally between the common upper side edges of the plates 38. Fixing holes 40 are formed in the cheek plates 38.
[0017] More than one bridging strap 39 may be provided if desired. Where two straps 39 are provided, one strap may extend between the common upper side edges of the cheek plates 38 (as shown in Figure 5), and the other strap between the common lower side edges of the plates 38. This arrangement provides a very secure fixing of the component 26 to the rafter 2, but is only employed when the depth of the rafter is slightly less than the vertical distance between the two straps 39.
[0018] When two straps 39 are employed, preferably they are staggered, with the lower strap disposed rearward (relative to the rivet hole 32) of the upper strap (see also Figure 10).
[0019] Figure 7 shows how the connector 21 can be used to secure a rafter 2 to a position B (Figure 4) between the ends of the ridge 12.
[0020] Use of the connector 21 avoids the need to cut the upper end of a rafter 2 so that it closely abuts, in face to face contact, an end or side of the ridge 12, a skilled task, even for a joiner.
[0021] Figures 4, 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a metal connector 51 for securing rafters 2 at position B (Figure 4) of the roof structure 3 to the ridge 12 thereof.
[0022] The connector 51 comprises first and second components 52, 53 with rivets 54 for interconnecting the components in an articulated, ie pivotable manner. Two identical components 53 are provided.
[0023] The component 52 comprises a fixing plate 55 of generally 'U'-shaped form, with a middle portion 56 flanked by a pair of side portions 57 extending substantially normal from the middle portion. In Figures 8 and 9 the plate 55 is disposed with the middle portion 56 uppermost, resting on the upper edge of the ridge 12, but it could be disposed so that the middle portion 56 is lowermost, held up against the lower edge of the ridge 12.
[0024] The component 52 further comprises two pairs of laterally-spaced flanges 58, each pair projecting substantially normal from the side edges of the associated portion 57, to which they are attached. The flange pairs 58 are disposed back to back, in a mirror-image-like manner.
[0025] The component 52 is formed with fixing holes (not shown) perforating the middle and side portions 56, 57 thereof. The flange pairs 58 are formed with aligned holes for location of the rivets 54.
[0026] Graduation lines 65 (extending radially from the rivet holes) are carried by the flange pairs 58.
[0027] As best illustrated by Figure 10, each component 53, which is intended to fit between a co-operating pair of flanges 58, comprises a pair of laterally-disposed cheek plates 60, interconnected by a bridging strap 61 extending between the common upper side edges of the plates 60. Another (lower) strap 61 may be provided, which extends between the common lower side edges of the plates 60, as shown in dotted lines and as described above with reference to Figure 6. The straps 61 are preferably staggered, as shown.
[0028] The plates 60 are formed with lug-like extensions 60a perforated by holes 62, which holes are used to locate the rivets 54.
[0029] Markings 63 (Figures 8 and 9) are carried by the plates 60. The markings 63 co-operate with the graduation lines 65 in disposing the rafters 2 at the desired angle, relative to the ridge 12.
[0031] Figure 11 illustrates an alternative metal connector 81 for securing a rafter 2 at position B (Figure 4) of the roof structure 3 to the ridge 12 thereof.
[0032] The connector 81 comprises first and second components 82, 83 with a rivet 84 interconnecting the components in an articulated, ie pivotable, manner.
[0033] The component 82 comprises a fixing plate of generally 'L'-shaped form, with a main elongate portion 85a and a subsidiary elongate portion 85b projecting from one longitudinal edge of the main portion 85a at substantially 90°. That end of the subsidiary portion 85b nearest the rivet 84 has a turned-up part 86a which abuts the upper end of the rafter 2 and a turned-down part 86b which, with the connector 81 in place, aligns the rafter 2 with the ridge 12.
[0034] The subsidiary portion 85b of the fixing plate is used to position the plate relative to the rafter 2, the portion 85b then made to abut the lower edge of the rafter 2.
[0035] Fixing holes 87 are formed in the portion 85a, the upper longitudinal edge of which first extends substantially parallel to the portion 85b, then tapers towards the rivet 84.
[0036] The component 83 comprises a fixing plate of generally 'L'-shaped form, with a main portion 90a and a subsidiary portion 90b projecting therefrom at substantially 90°. Portion 90a is formed with a hole for receiving the rivet 84. Portion 90b is formed with fixing holes 91 whereby the component 83 is secured to the ridge 12.
[0037] Figure 12 shows how a modified connector 81 can be used in an inverted manner, with portion 85b abutting the upper edge of the rafter 2. The only significant difference between the modified connector 81 and the connector 81 of Figure 11 is that the component 82 of the former is of increased length, and has two further fixing holes 87.
[0038] Figure 13 shows how a further modified connector 81 can be used to secure a hip member 13 of the roof structure 3 to one end of the ridge 12 at position D (Figure 4) thereof.
[0039] There are a few significant differences between the connector 81 of Figure 12 and the modified connector of Figure 13, namely:
a) portion 85b of the latter is not now provided with parts 86a, 86b,
b) the layout of fixing holes 91 has been changed,
c) portion 90a has an angular upper edge, and
d) portions 90a, 90b are no longer at right-angles to each other: instead the angle of the junction is obtuse.
[0040] Figure 14 shows a metal connector 101 for securing a hip member 13 of the roof structure 3 to one end of the ridge 12 at position D of Figure 4.
[0041] The connector 101 comprises first and second components 102, 103 with a rivet 104 interconnecting the components in an articulated, ie pivotable, manner.
[0042] The component 102 is of similar form to component 82 of Figure 11, comprising a fixing plate with main and subsidiary portions 105a, 105b and fixing holes 107. However, portion 105b has an upturned flange part 106 which abuts the upper end of the hip 13 to secure the component 102 before it is fixed in place.
[0043] The component 103 comprises a fixing plate of generally 'L'-shaped form, having a main portion 109a and an elongated subsidiary portion 109b in which are formed fixing holes 111. Portion 109a is formed with a hole for receiving the rivet 104. The junction between portions 109a and 109b defines an obtuse angle.
[0044] Figure 15 shows how the modified connector 81 of Figure 13 can be used to secure a hip 13 and a jack rafter 2 together, as at position D of Figure 4.
[0045] Figure 16 shows how the connector 101 of Figure 14 can be used to connect a hip 13 and a jack rafter 2 together, as at position C of Figure 4.
[0046] The connectors of Figures 15 and 16 could also be used in situations where two or more roof structures are joined together by valley boards.
[0047] Figure 17 shows a metal connector 121 comprising first and second components 122, 123 and a rivet 124 for interconnecting the components in an articulated, ie pivotable, manner.
[0048] Component 122 is mounted on a rafter 2 and component 123 on wall plate 4, as in position A of Figure 4.
[0049] The component 122 comprises a fixing plate of 'L'-shaped form, comprising major and subsidiary portions 125a, 126b disposed at substantially 90° to each other. The portion 125a is formed with fixing holes 127. Portion 125b abuts the bottom edge of the rafter 2, so as to position the component 122 correctly.
[0050] The component 123 also comprises a fixing plate of 'L'-shaped form, having an upright portion 129a in which is formed a hole for receiving the rivet 124, and a substantially horizontal portion 129b in which fixing holes 131 are formed.
[0051] Figure 18 shows how a rafter 2, wall plate 4 and ceiling joist 140 can be secured together by a metal connector 141, as in position A of Figure 4.
[0052] The connector 141 comprises a fixing plate 142 of generally 'U'-shaped form, having a base or middle portion 143, flanked by a pair of laterally-spaced outer or wall portions 144, 145, which portions extend upwardly at substantially 90° from the base portion 143. Portions 143, 144, 145 are formed with fixing holes 146, 147, 148 respectively. Base portion 143 has a flange part 143a which folds over the outer side edge of the wall plate 4, to position the connector 141 correctly. The lateral spacing between the side walls 144, 145 corresponds substantially to the width of the joist 140.
[0053] The base portion 143 is fixed to the wall plate 4, the wall 144 is fixed to the rafter 2, and the wall 145 is fixed to the joist 140, with the joist disposed between the walls 144, 145.
[0054] The side wall portion 145 is reinforced by a buttress portion 150 which extends between a fixing base portion 151 and one upright edge of the wall portion 145. The base portion 151 is provided with a fixing hole 152.
[0055] Where possible, and when desired, various portions and parts of the connectors which are presently integral may be made articulate, ie movable to each other, for example, by hinges or, as shown in Figure 19, by forming the components with local weakening, whereby parts may be bent relative to each other more readily. For example, to form an acute or obtuse angle between adjacent parts. In Figure 19 the component 103 (see Figure 16) has been provided with discrete weakening slots 160 at the junction between portions 109a and 109b to assist bending of one portion relative to the other.
[0056] Modifications to the embodiments include:
1. Replacement of the rivets 7 etc by bolts. The bolts may be lockable so as to secure together co-operating components.
2. Gang nail fixing of the connectors may be employed, the connector components being perforated in a grid-like manner.
3. Any of the components may be provided with strap-like extensions, which can be bent so as to provide additional, "wrap-over", attachment of a component to a rafter and/or ridge, somewhat like limb 28b of Figure 6.
4. Alignable markings such as 65 and 63 (Figure 9) may be applied, where possible, to the other embodiments.
5. Connectors according to the invention may be employed to secure together structural members employed other than in a roof structure.
[0057] The invention in its various forms enables the roof structure 3 to be built, requiring only measurement of the height and centre line of the ridge 12 or the distance between the ridge and the plate 4. Any need for a roofing square or roof calculation manual (which provides information concerning cutting of angles) can now be dispensed with.
1. A connector for securing one member of a roof structure to another member thereof,
characterised by the provision of at least one first component (5, 25, 52, 82, 102,
122) for mounting on one of the members (2), at least one second component (6, 26,
53, 83, 103, 123) for mounting on the other side of the members (12) and means (7,
81, 101, 121) for interconnecting the components (5, 25, 52, 82, 102, 122; 6, 26,
53, 83, 103, 123 ) in an articulated manner.
2. A connector as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that one of the components
(eg 5) is of 'U'-shaped form.
3. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one of the components
(eg 6) is of 'L'-shaped form.
4. A connector as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that one of the components
(52) comprises a fixing plate (55) with at least one pair of laterally-spaced flanges
(58) disposed at opposite sides of the plate and extending substantially normal to
said sides.
5. A connector as claimed in Claim 4, characterised in that it is provided with two
pairs of said flanges (58), disposed back to back.
6. A connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that one of
the components (eg 53) comprises a pair of laterally-spaced plates (60) interconnected
by at least one strap (61) extending laterally between the plates.
7. A connector as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that two straps (eg 61) are
provided, with one strap interconnecting the common side edges of the laterally-spaced
plates (60) and the other strap interconnecting the opposite common side edges of
said plates.
8. A connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7 characterised in that it is
provided with means (replacing rivets 7 etc) for securing the components together
in a lockable manner.
9. A connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it is
provided with means (63, 65) for positioning, when mounted on the roof structure members,
one component (52, 53) relative to the other.
10. A connector for securing one member of a roof structure to another member thereof,
characterised in that the connector (141) is of generally 'U'-shaped form, comprising
a middle portion (143) flanked by a pair of laterally-spaced outer portions (144,
145) wherein the middle portion (143) may be used to mount the connector on one member
(4) of the roof structure and at least one of outer portions (eg 144) may be used
to secure the connector (141) to the other (140) of the roof structure members.
11. A connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it is
formed (eg with slots 160) whereby one portion of a component (eg 109a) may be made
movable relative to another portion (eg 109b) thereof.
12. A roof structure characterised in that it comprises roof structure members secured
together by connectors as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10.