Field of invention

This invention relates to a connector plate such as is used in relation to securing elements to a structure, such as elements of scaffolding to a building structure.

Background of the invention

When constructing buildings and other structures, elements such as scaffolding or safety barriers often need to be temporarily secured to the structure. Generally a connector plate is disposed between the element and the structure so as to ensure that mechanical load is distributed through the connector plate as well as the element. Such connector plates are configured so as to be specific to the type of structure and a construction worker will need to select the correct type of plate for the intended use. Sometimes the incorrect type of plate is selected, leading to delays in construction.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a connector plate used to temporarily secure support elements such as posts to a structure, for example posts used to secure scaffolding or safety barriers to a building structure, the connector plate comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures are arranged in at least first and second rectangular arrays and the first rectangular array has apertures of a different diameter to the second rectangular array. This allows different types of fixings to be used with a single connector plate, allowing the connector plate to be multi-purpose and useable with a variety of different types of structures which require different types of fixings. This avoids the need for different base plates to be selected and supplied depending on the nature of the supporting structure. By way of example, one array may comprise apertures of an appropriate diameter for receiving screws for securing into wood or metal and another array may comprise apertures of appropriate diameter for receiving fixings for securing into concrete.

The first rectangular array preferably has apertures of around 10mm in diameter which are especially suitable for receiving fixing means, such as screw bolts, used to secure the connector plate to a concrete support. The second rectangular array preferably has apertures of approximately 16mm in diameter and so is capable of receiving fixing means, such as screws, used to secure the connector plate to a metal or wooden support.

Preferably the first rectangular array surrounds the second rectangular array.

A third rectangular array may be provided to allow items to be secured to the connector plate. This enables, for example, a bracket to be connected to the connector plate and then a post or other object to be secured to the connector plate by way of the bracket.

Preferably the second and third arrays are offset from each other so as not to overlap.

Desirably the apertures in each array are offset from apertures in any other array. Offsetting the apertures from each other in this way so they do not precisely align with apertures in any other array makes it easier to identify where to place fixings of the same diameter and/or type in the plate.

Preferably an aperture is disposed in at least each corner of each rectangular array.

The second rectangular array preferably comprises apertures of two different diameters, typically having a first set of apertures with a diameter of around 26mm suitable for receiving fixing means such as threaded rods and a second set of apertures of around 16mm diameter suitable for receiving fixing means, such as screws, used to secure the connector plate to a steel or wooden support. Where threaded rods are used as a fixing means, a pair of connector plates can be used as a clamp.

Preferably the second array consists of four apertures, with two apertures of a first diameter each disposed at respective ends of a first long edge of the rectangular array and two apertures of a second diameter disposed at respective ends of a second long edge of the rectangular array. Similarly the third array preferably consists of four apertures each disposed at a corner of the rectangular third array. Preferably the first array consists of six apertures disposed at spaced apart intervals in a substantially rectangular shape, with preferably two of the apertures disposed at adjacent comers of a shortest edge of the first rectangular array.

Preferably the connector plate is formed from steel plate, such as mild steel plate that has been hot dip galvanized, typically having a thickness of around 8mm so as to be sufficiently robust for use in construction of buildings and the like.

The connector plate is preferably substantially rectangular preferably having a length in the range 300 to 200mm and a width in the range 200 to 140mm.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector plate in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view from one side;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the connector plate;

Figure 4 shows the connector plate in use; and

Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-section of the connector plate when in use.

Description

Connector plate 10 shown in Figure 1 is formed as a rectangle from 8mm thick mild steel plate that has been hot dip galvanized, and has a length of 250mm and a width of 170mm. A plurality of circular apertures 12 extend through the plate so as to allow fixing means such as screws and bolts to be inserted into the plate. Apertures 12 are arranged in three separate rectangular arrays 14, 16, 18 as shown by the dashed lines. Apertures in each array are offset from apertures in any other array to ensure apertures in any one of the arrays do not align with apertures in any of the other arrays, see Figure 3. Second array 16 is positioned within first rectangular array 14 and second and third arrays 16, 18 are laterally and longitudinally offset from each other.

First rectangular array 14 consists of six apertures 20, 20’ of approximately 10mm in diameter, two of apertures 20’ being disposed at adjacent corners of a shortest edge of the rectangular array. The 10mm apertures are suitable for receiving fixings used to secure connector plate 10 to concrete substrates, for example a concrete floor or pillar.

Second array 16 consists of two pairs 22, 22’ of apertures, each pair having a different diameter. Apertures 22 are approximately 25mm in diameter and are able to receive threaded rods, with apertures 22’ approximately 16mm in diameter and used for fixings to secure connector plate 10 to steel or other metal items. Each aperture is positioned at a corner of array 16, with each pair placed along the longest sides of array 16.

Third array 18 consists of four apertures 24 of approximately 10.5mm in diameter. These apertures can either be formed directly through the plate as a cylindrical channel or, as shown in Figure 2, can have a frusto-conical opening leading into a smaller diameter cylindrical channel so as to receive countersunk fixings, such as countersunk screws. Array 18 is particularly intended for attaching a bracket or similar to the connector plate, the bracket then receiving an item such as a post, see in particular Figure 4. If desired, the wall of one or more apertures can be formed with a screw thread. Figure 4 shows an example of use of connector plate 10, plate 10 being secured to a concrete floor 30 with fixings extending through apertures 20, 20’ of first array 14. Two brackets 40 are connected to plate 10 by fixings inserted into apertures 24 of third array 18 and, as can be seen in Figure 5, receiving channel 42 defined between brackets 40 receives post receptor 44 in which post 46 is inserted. Slidable connectors 48, 50 used for gripping and securing a safety barrier 52 are attached to post 46, with only part of barrier 52 shown. As can be seen from Figure 6, the fixings or screws used in apertures 24 do not extend beyond plate 10 and so do not extend into the concrete floor below. Thus, if desired, brackets or other fixtures can be secured to plate 10 before positioning into a structure. If required, fixings positioned through apertures 24 can also extend into the substrate or floor below plate 10.

The connector plate can be used in a variety of different ways to temporarily secure elements needed during construction. For example, the connector plate may be attached to concrete floors, wooden floors, steel supports, timber supports, concrete pillars and can be used as a clamp where two plates are connected together using threaded rods extending through apertures 24. By providing a number of rectangular arrays of apertures, one plate is able to be used in multiple situations and for multiple purposes. The arrangement of these specific arrays makes it straightforward to identify which apertures should be used for a purpose.