GB2301388A - Connecting means for the adjacent edges of panels - Google Patents

Connecting means for the adjacent edges of panels Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2301388A
GB2301388A GB9509814A GB9509814A GB2301388A GB 2301388 A GB2301388 A GB 2301388A GB 9509814 A GB9509814 A GB 9509814A GB 9509814 A GB9509814 A GB 9509814A GB 2301388 A GB2301388 A GB 2301388A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
edging
gaskets
panels
connecting arrangement
arrangement according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9509814A
Other versions
GB9509814D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Stacey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HALLS GARDEN PRODUCTS Ltd
Original Assignee
HALLS GARDEN PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HALLS GARDEN PRODUCTS Ltd filed Critical HALLS GARDEN PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority to GB9509814A priority Critical patent/GB2301388A/en
Publication of GB9509814D0 publication Critical patent/GB9509814D0/en
Publication of GB2301388A publication Critical patent/GB2301388A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/38Connections for building structures in general
    • E04B1/61Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other
    • E04B1/6108Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the frontal surfaces of the slabs connected together
    • E04B1/6116Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the frontal surfaces of the slabs connected together by locking means on lateral surfaces
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01GHORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14Greenhouses
    • A01G9/16Dismountable or portable greenhouses ; Greenhouses with sliding roofs
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/02Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant
    • E04D3/06Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor
    • E04D3/08Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/02Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant
    • E04D3/06Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor
    • E04D3/08Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars
    • E04D2003/0806Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars the supporting section of the glazing bar consisting of one single extruded or rolled metal part
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/02Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant
    • E04D3/06Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor
    • E04D3/08Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars
    • E04D2003/0818Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars the supporting section of the glazing bar consisting of several parts, e.g. compound sections
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/02Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant
    • E04D3/06Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor
    • E04D3/08Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars
    • E04D2003/0818Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars the supporting section of the glazing bar consisting of several parts, e.g. compound sections
    • E04D2003/0825Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars the supporting section of the glazing bar consisting of several parts, e.g. compound sections the metal section covered by parts of other material
    • E04D2003/0831Glazing gaskets of particular shape
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/02Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant
    • E04D3/06Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor
    • E04D3/08Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of glass or other translucent material; Fixing means therefor with metal glazing bars
    • E04D2003/0868Mutual connections and details of glazing bars
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02ATECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Securing Of Glass Panes Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A connecting arrangement for connecting together two panels at adjacent peripheral edges, for forming a modular structure, comprises two edging gaskets (2, figure 1) each having a generally U-shaped internal cross section for gripping a peripheral edge of a respective panel, and elongate connecting members 5, 6 operable to cooperate with abutments 3, 4 on respective edging gaskets to hold two adjacent edging gaskets in abutting relationship, preferably along substantially the entire length of the edging gaskets. The connecting arrangement is particularly useful in modular type structures such as greenhouses, making them relatively easy to assemble and strong and easy to repair. There is also a saving in mailing costs of kit-form unassembled units since the breakable panels are more protected at least along their edges. Also disclosed is a connecting arrangement (figures 3 and 4) for angular joints.

Description

CONNECTING MEANS DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a connecting means for example for use particularly in modular self-assembly type greenhouses.
Traditional greenhouses for self-assembly in the domestic market comprise glass panels mounted in a support structure or frame of metal struts fastened together. The glass panels are held in the frame structure at spaced intervals with simple metal clips. Such greenhouses are often dispatched from the factory in flat packs for home assembly.
Many problems are encountered with these greenhouses.
The glass panels are inherently fragile and difficult and dangerous to handle. Hence the glass panels cannot be made too large and so to fill sections of the frame often need to be overlapped. Mould tends to grow in these overlaps and also around the clips holding the glass in place.
Also for dispatch and handling the glass panels must be packaged very carefully and packaging costs add enormously to the overall greenhouse cost.
Traditional greenhouses are also difficult to build and usually need complicated extra diagonal strengthening struts or bracing to improve their wind tolerance.
According to the present invention there is provided a connecting means for connecting two panels together at adjacent peripheral edges, for forming a modular structure (for example a self-assembly greenhouse or the like) the connecting means comprising two edging gaskets each having a generally U-shaped internal cross-section for gripping a peripheral edge of a respective panel, and an elongate connecting member operable to co-operate with respective edging gaskets to hold two adjacent edging gaskets in abutting relationship, preferably along substantially the entire length of the edging gaskets.
The invention also provides for a modular self-assembly greenhouse comprising a set of transparent panels formed for example of glass wherein each side of each panel is mounted in an edging gasket having a generally U-shaped internal crosssection, there being a set of elongate members each having means for receiving two or more edging gaskets in adjacent juxtaposition to thereby hold two more panels together, each connecting member extending in use substantially the length of a respective edging gasket and thus of a side of a panel.
Preferably two connecting members are provided at each panel junction, one of which co-operates on one side of the respective edging gaskets, and the second set co-operates with the other side to hold both sides of the edging gaskets.
According to a preferred embodiment the connecting members are in the form of clips fitting around abutments on the edging gaskets to hold the gaskets in abutting relationship. The gaskets are preferably resilient to form a seal between adjacent panels.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of connecting means according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connecting means of Figure 1.
Figures 3 and 4 show cross-sections of two other forms of connecting means according to the invention, for corners and for eaves respectively; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a corner detail of a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
In all Figures, two panels 1 of glass or perspex or other transparent material are shown each having one side encased in an extruded plastic edging gasket 2 acting as a frame. The edging frames 2 have a generally U-shaped internal cross-section to encase the edge of the panel and have abutments 3 and 4 on opposite sides. Usually the edging gasket 2 grips the panel by friction. It could be glued on but this is not preferred since then the glass cannot be so easily changed if it breaks. When this connecting means is used to build a structure such as a greenhouse, then the inside and outside will preferably be as marked on the Figures.
The adjacent extruded edging gaskets 2 are held together on one side by connector 5 fitting around abutments 3, and on the other side by connector 6 fitting around abutment 4. The connectors extend the length of the panel sides producing a tight effective seal at the junctions of the panels.
Connector 5 has a part extending away from the panels into the greenhouse. This improves the strength of the structure created by the connecting means. Holes 7 are formed in the connector 5. This saves material in manufacture but also provides the means to hang or attach items in the greenhouse, e.g. blinds or shelves or hanging baskets or gardening gloves or tools. The connector 5 has a rounded inner edge 8 for comfort and safety. It can be made most cost effectively of aluminium.
The connector 6 is a flat clip also extending the length of the panel edge. It may also be made of aluminium and may be colour coated to provide an aesthetically pleasing and unusual effect for a greenhouse or similar structure.
It will be seen that a greenhouse type structure made in this way is easy and safe to assemble since the edges of the glass panels are protected against damage and for safety during packing, handling and assembly. It is also very strong since unlike known such structures, the clips themselves contribute to the structure strength. In known greenhouse structures, the clips do not contribute to the strength and thus a strong independent framework must be provided for the glass often requiring diagonal bracing struts to provide the required wind loading resistance.
When such a greenhouse is sold in kit form, there is a saving in packaging and mailing costs since the edging gaskets on the glass panels provide protection for the glass in any case. This protection allows larger glass panels to be used than would otherwise be possible, providing for a further saving in materials and for a better greenhouse since smaller panels means more framework and less light getting in.
The edging gasket automatically provides a thermal break between inside and outside so less condensation results, making the greenhouse cleaner and less susceptible to mould and fungi growth and to the proliferation of organisms detrimental to the health of plants.
Furthermore, this structure enables a greater degree of standardisation to be achieved since most panels can be made of uniform size and dimensions. This reduces manufacturing costs and makes assembly easier. The modular nature makes extensions and add-ons easy too.
Of course, in constructing a greenhouse with parts according to this invention, some variations on the form of connector will be needed at those positions where the glass panels abut at non-vertical or non-horizontal junctions, e.g.
roof ridges, eaves and mullions. It can easily be envisaged that such connectors can be constructed within the scope of the present invention. For example, in Figure 3 a corner connection is shown in which glass panels 1 have edging gaskets 2 connected on one side by a narrow, flat topped clip 9 and on the other (outer) side by a right-angled corner connector 10. The strength of such a junction is improved by fitting an additional connector 11 with a dog-bone-shaped cross-section between the edging gaskets 2.
An arrangement for use at the eaves of a greenhouse is shown in Figure 4 using flat topped clip 9 inside and an eaves connector 12 angled at about 1200 on the outside with a dogbone connector 13 also angled at 1200 providing further strength.
In Figure 5 is illustrated an arrangement for the junction of three panels such as occurs at the corner of a side wall 14, a gabled front wall 15 and a roof panel 16.
Here, boomerang-shaped tongue connectors 17 are used to additionally join the dog-bone connectors 18 which here will be hollow extrusions, possibly of nylon, to receive the corner boomerang tongue connectors 17.
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention for joining flat panels in a line. The abutments 3 and 4 on opposite sides of the edging gaskets 2 are in equivalent opposed positions, which compared to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, means that the two outer abutments 4 are closer together and are thus held together with a narrow clip connector 6. In Figure 6 this clip connector 6 is covered with a cap 19 primarily for decorative purposes: it may be coloured or patterned or of unusual or striking design so as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the finished greenhouse. In this way the strength of connecting clip 6 can be maintained without prejudice to the desire for colour and pattern. The internal connector 5 is similar in construction to that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
It will be appreciated that a connection means according to the invention could be usefully employed in the construction of any modular structure. The panels to be connected could be of any material or colour and for example screening panels or fencing panels could usefully be connected in this way. However, the invention is particularly useful for connecting delicate items such as glass panels.

Claims (18)

1. A connecting arrangement for connecting together two panels at adjacent peripheral edges, for forming a modular structure, the connecting means comprising two edging gaskets each having a generally U-shaped internal cross-section for gripping a peripheral edge of a respective panel, and an elongate connecting member operable to cooperate with respective edging gaskets to hold two adjacent edging gaskets in abutting relationship, preferably along substantially the entire length of the edging gaskets.
2. A connecting arrangement according to claim 1 comprising two connecting members provided at each panel junction, one which cooperates on one side of the respective edging gaskets, and the second of which cooperates with the other side to hold both sides of the edging gaskets.
3. A connecting arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connecting members are in the form of clips, and the edging gaskets have abutments around which the clips fit to hold the gaskets in abutting relationship.
4. A connecting arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the edging gaskets abutments are in the form of lips extending parallel to and along the length of the edge of a panel to be connected and the edging member have complementary shaped inturned edges to fit over the lips and hold the edging gaskets.
5. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the gaskets are resilient so as to form a seal between adjacent panels.
6. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging gaskets are made of extruded plastics material.
7. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging gaskets are arranged to encase the edge of the respective panel.
8. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging members have rounded profiles at their inner edges.
9. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging members are formed of aluminium.
10. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging members are coloured.
11. A connecting arrangement according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one dog-bone connector in the form of a flat right-angled corner piece for connecting two gaskets at a corner function of gaskets.
12. A modular self-assembly structure comprising a set of transparent panels wherein each side of each panel is mounted in an edging gasket having a generally U-shaped internal cross-section, there being a set of elongate members each having means for receiving two or more edging gaskets in adjacent juxtaposition to thereby hold two or more panels together, each connecting member extending substantially the length of. a respective edging gasket and thus of a side of a panel.
13. A structure according to claim 12, wherein each transparent panel is made of glass.
14. A structure according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the edging gaskets are attached to the panels by glue.
15. A structure according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein at least one edging member has a part extending away from the connected panels.
16. A structure according to claim 15, wherein the inside extension part is formed with holes for hanging and/or supporting articles inside the structure.
17. A structure according to any one of claims 12 to 16 which is adapted for use as a greenhouse.
18. A connecting arrangement or a structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 5.
GB9509814A 1995-05-15 1995-05-15 Connecting means for the adjacent edges of panels Withdrawn GB2301388A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9509814A GB2301388A (en) 1995-05-15 1995-05-15 Connecting means for the adjacent edges of panels

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9509814A GB2301388A (en) 1995-05-15 1995-05-15 Connecting means for the adjacent edges of panels

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9509814D0 GB9509814D0 (en) 1995-07-05
GB2301388A true GB2301388A (en) 1996-12-04

Family

ID=10774497

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9509814A Withdrawn GB2301388A (en) 1995-05-15 1995-05-15 Connecting means for the adjacent edges of panels

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2301388A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2173006A1 (en) * 1997-06-04 2002-10-01 Figueroa Faustino Fernandez Prefabricated sliding roof greenhouse with temperature control
FR2905748A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-14 Airbus France Sas PANEL ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD
WO2014040127A1 (en) * 2012-09-11 2014-03-20 Neill Jonathan Bosch A structural assembly

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB641974A (en) * 1945-11-08 1950-08-23 Louis Toth Windows
GB710125A (en) * 1951-09-06 1954-06-09 Allan H Williams Chester Ltd Improvements in or relating to metal frames for double glazed windows
WO1991004389A1 (en) * 1989-09-18 1991-04-04 Walter Ribic Framed surface component, especially for façade cladding, and process for fitting it

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB641974A (en) * 1945-11-08 1950-08-23 Louis Toth Windows
GB710125A (en) * 1951-09-06 1954-06-09 Allan H Williams Chester Ltd Improvements in or relating to metal frames for double glazed windows
WO1991004389A1 (en) * 1989-09-18 1991-04-04 Walter Ribic Framed surface component, especially for façade cladding, and process for fitting it

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2173006A1 (en) * 1997-06-04 2002-10-01 Figueroa Faustino Fernandez Prefabricated sliding roof greenhouse with temperature control
FR2905748A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-14 Airbus France Sas PANEL ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD
WO2014040127A1 (en) * 2012-09-11 2014-03-20 Neill Jonathan Bosch A structural assembly
AU2013315346B2 (en) * 2012-09-11 2017-04-13 Simon William Bird A structural assembly

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Publication number Publication date
GB9509814D0 (en) 1995-07-05

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