Patent GB-1402925-A (GB)
Title: Demountable structures
IPC: E04G7/26
Filed: 1972-11-01
Abstract: 1402925 Scaffolding joints G POFFERI 1 Nov 1972 50245/72 Heading E1S [Also in Divisions A4 and F2] A demountable frame structure comprises first and second connection members each having an annular rim which faces the rim of the other member, the rims of the two connection members being defined around a common axis and spaced apart along this axis, the inner surface of each rim lying on a respective imaginary conical surface, and a plurality of connection elements arranged around the axis between the connection members, each connection element having a pair of arcuate wall portions, which cooperate to form a pair of walls, the outer surface of each of which lies on a respective one of the conical surfaces such that each of the walls lies within the inner rim surface of a respective connection member, and means clamping the rims in engagement with the connection elements. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, one of the connection members is an insert 207 in a tubular post 201 and the other connection member is a cap 293, each having a rim facing the rim of the other member and whose internal surface, e.g. 207A, is conical. The connection elements are either end fittings 211 in horizontal tubular frame members 203 or filler elements 221 where no frame member is required, each element being formed with two opposed arcuate grooves 213 having a-diverging conical inner side wall 213A corresponding to the surface 207A, and the portions of the elements to be fitted within the space bounded by the rims of the members 207, 293 being formed as segments, e.g. quadrants, of a cylinder having conical ends to fit between the members 207, 293. In the assembly, space is left for a stud or other tension element 209 engageable with screw threads in, or nuts associated with, the members 207, 293. Fig. 1 also shows a foot 235 secured by an integral bolt to a further insert 207 in the bottom of the part 201. In place of the insert 211, a modified insert (275, Figs. 7 and 8, not shown) may be fitted into each corner of a shelf or platform to be fitted into the assembly, the insert including a spigot fitted non- rotatably in a bore in the corner which is suitably chamfered. An alternative connection element for a shelf or platform. Fig. 13, consists of a corner fitting 303 having a slot 303A to receive the shelf 301, this figure showing two tubular posts 201 engaging the connection elements via the conical surfaces 207A and tightened on to a threaded stud 209 by rotation of the posts 201, 305 is a filler element. In an arrangement for connecting three tubular members 1-201, 2-201, 3-201, Fig. 18. and at the same time providing for the securing of a diagonal brace 401, one of the filler elements is replaced by an element 403 having externally of the joint an annular rim 405 which cooperates with a similar rim on a cap member 409 to secure a connection element 407 having conical end portions and which is formed on or fitted to the adjacent end of the brace 401, a stud 411 being provided for tightening the assembly. A structure embodying the above joints is disclosed (Fig. 16, not shown). Instead of using studs or bolts to tighten the joint, the connection elements or segments thereof may be undercut at 613, Fig. 23, to provide for a bayonet connection between the connection members and the connection elements, the former having pins (609) engageable with the undercut formation 613.