NZ505974A - Connection system for window or door frames using a plastic connector to attach two sections of joinery - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible plastic connector 22 engages with the profile of a first section of joinery 23 and resides within or next to a second joinery profile 24. Plugs 14,15 or screws, positioned within the rectangular apertures 12, 13 of the second section 24 and connector 22, serve to align and lock the second section 24 to the connector 22 and therefore to the first section 23.

Description

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF NZ. 1 3 JUL 2001 DECEIVED PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $ 250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 505974 15 Dated- 26 July 2000 IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO JOINERY WE Window Technologies Limited, a New Zealand Company of 19 Anaheim Boulevard, Howick, Auckland, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described m and by the following statement- 1 James & Wells ref 25656/5 IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO JOINERY Technical Field This invention relates to improvements m or relating to joinery In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to improvements m or relating to methods 5 and apparatus for connecting components of metal joinery The invention may be particularly suitable for connecting mullions and transoms to each other and/or to the frame of a window frame or door frame, for example an aluminium window frame or an aluminium door/door frame. However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to such use. The pnor art, and 10 background art, and possible applications of the present invention as discussed herein are therefore given by way of example only.

Background Art In this specification the following terms are given the following definitions: "Mullion" A vertical member that is positioned within a frame such as a 15 window or door frame.

"Transom" A horizontal member that is positioned within a frame such as a window or door frame.

"Frame" The outer member around the perimeter of a structure such as a window or door.

"Screw-port" A hole that forms part of an extrusion profile in which a self tapping screw is driven in to result m a mechanical fastening between 2 members 2 James & Wells ref 25656/5 "Spigot" A connection block that is usually an extrusion shaped to fit the inside of a mullion or transom section It is cut as a short piece and screwed to the member that is required to have the mullion or transom connected to it, the mullion or transom is then 5 slipped over it and a screw or rivet connection is made through the side.

"Backing seal" A rubber seal that slides into a slot in the extrusion profile for the fixed glass or opening sash to seal against.

Normally joinery, and in particular metal joinery such as aluminium window or 10 door frame joinery, is joined together by using stainless steel self tapping screws that thread into screw-ports in the mullion and transom sections. The window or door frame normally has holes drilled in it to align with the required position of a mullion or transom and the self tapping screws are located through these holes into the screw-ports that are normally part of the mullion or transom. It is this 15 process that secures the mullion or transom in place. The mullion or transom sections are also often drilled to align with the required position of another mullion or transom that is connecting to one or more of these internal members.

The mullion may not always be the same extrusion profile as the transom, and it could be therefore that one of these members is spanning a longer or shorter 20 distance than the other. If a member is required to span a longer distance it is common to introduce an internal or external extrusion profile for strengthening purposes, often m the form of a fin, or in some cases it may be either an internal or external box attached as part of the extrusion design Usually (but not always) these extrusion profiles have a common design and depth relative to the part of the 25 profile that covers the depth of the window or door frame (from the outside edge to the inside of the glazing up-stand). 3 James & Wells ref 25656/5 There is a problem traditionally experienced when joining the likes of a mullion with two transoms either side thereof and m the same line (that is, maltese-cross shaped but not necessarily equal length members) or conversely a transom with two mullions either side thereof and m the same line. Namely, the screw access is only able to be achieved into one of the transoms m the same line or conversely one of the mullions in the same line. This is because the first transom or the first mullion stops any access to the holes that are needed to screw through to get a connection to the second transom or second mullion respectively. Therefore it is normal to use a spigot to make this connection.

A further problem that can exist is the screw breaking off mside the screw-ports of the mullion or transom sections. This can happen for a variety of reasons, being a faulty batch of screws, an air or battery driver that is tensioned too highly for the gauge of screw being driven m or because the mullion or transom extrusion die is getting worn and the screw-port diameter is becoming undersize and recreating too much stress on the head of the screw as the threads try to cut their way through the aluminium screw-port.

A further problem with screws going through holes m the window or door frame is that they must be sealed with a sealant that stops any water seeping through the screw-holes and onto the framework of the building. This has caused some leaking problems on metal joinery such as aluminium joinery, particularly where the window or door system is to be placed into cladding type construction that positions the aluminium frame onto the line of the timber framework.

Any leaking that does occur can cause major damage to the timber framework, floor or internal linings, sometimes going undetected and causing structural problems with timber framework or joists rotting over a period of time. 4 James & Wells ref 25656/5 One further aspect of aluminium window and door manufacturing is that these screw-holes can be drilled in the wrong place. If this happens, particularly on the sill section, then they must be sealed over or leaking will occur. If the incorrect sealants are used then they can quickly break down if subject to any water lying 5 withm the aluminium frame cavity.

Lastly, because screws are traditionally used for the connection of mullions or transoms it means it is difficult to introduce stiffening type materials like steel bars to the inside of mullions or transoms. The steel often has to be drilled through where any transoms meet with mullions or vice versa and this can cause 10 difficulties because the steel is often very thick for strength reasons. Furthermore, metal filings can get left inside the mullion or transom sections and can rust or corrode. Because steel has approximately three times the strength of aluminium but is substantially cheaper m price it can be used economically to achieve the required strengths. To achieve these same strengths with aluminium often means 15 the extrusion profiles get very large and unsightly.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, said connection system including- (a) a first section of joinery, James & Wells ref 25656/5 (b) a connector, said connector being adapted to engage with said first section of joinery, and said connector being provided with an aperture formed therethrough, (c) a second section of joinery, said second section of joinery having an aperture formed therethrough, and said second section of joinery being adapted to engage with said connector, the arrangement and construction being such that when said second section of joinery has been engaged with said connector, the aperture in the connector aligns substantially with the aperture m the second section of joinery, (d) locking means adapted to fit into or through the substantially aligned apertures of the connector and second section of joinery, to thus secure the second section of joinery with respect to the connector, and therefore with respect to the first section of joinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein said second section of joinery is adapted to fit substantially over said connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein said locking means is in the form of a screw.

According to a further and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above, wherein when said second section of joinery has been fitted substantially over the connector, the 6 James & Wells ref 25656/5 aperture m the connector is slightly misaligned or off centre with respect to the aperture m the second section of joinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein the aperture in the connector is positioned so as to be slightly closer to where the first section of joinery abuts an end of the second section of joinery, as compared to the aperture m the second section of joinery, (once the second section of joinery has been engaged with or fitted over the connector).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein the aperture in the connector and/or the second section of joinery is/are substantially square or rectangular.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein said locking means is in the form of two opposing plugs adapted to fit into each side of the apertures of the connected connector and second section of joinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein an inner surface of the aperture m the connector is provided with a flange extending into the aperture, the flange being formed from two bevelled interior surfaces which extend into the aperture and meet at substantially a mid point within said aperture.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, 7 James & Wells ref 25656/5 wherein said flange protrudes towards where the first section of joinery abuts the end of the second section of joinery, the arrangement and construction being such that when said plugs are inserted into each side of said aperture(s) a bevelled surface of each plug engages with each bevelled interior surface of the flange, to 5 thus force the second section of joinery firmly against the connector and/or the first section of joinery, to thereby secure the second section of joinery to same.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein said plugs are each provided with an aperture formed therethrough to 10 allow for them to be screwed or otherwise joined together after they have been fitted within the apertures of the connected connector and second section of joinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, 15 wherein said connector is adapted to fit or clip into a profile formed withm and/or along said first section of joinery According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein there are provided retention means to secure the first connector with 20 respect to the first section of joinery According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein said retention means is m the form of a nib extending from a portion of the connector adapted to engage with a notch formed within the profile of the first 25 section of joinery. 8 James & Wells ref 25656/5 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, substantially as described above, wherein said connector is provided with a drainage aperture.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a 5 connector for use with the connection system.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a first section of joinery to a second section of joinery, utilising the connection systems substantially as described above, comprising the steps of: (a) fitting the connector to said first section of joinery, (b) fitting the second section of joinery to or over said connector whereby the apertures within the connector and the second section of joinery are substantially aligned or slightly misaligned, (c) locking the second section of joinery to said connector to thus secure the second section of joinery to the connector, and thereby to the first section 15 of joinery.

It is envisaged that the connection system may be suitable for joining any type of joinery, whether metal or otherwise. However, it is believed that the connection system, and methods of use of same, may be particularly suitable (although not exclusively) for use with metal joinery, and aluminium joinery m particular 20 Moreover, the connection system may be utilised for connecting mullion and transom members either around or to a framed perimeter (such as a window frame or door frame) or to each other. Furthermore, the connection system may be utilised for joining the likes of a mullion with two transoms either side thereof and in the same line (as referred to previously) or conversely a transom with two 25 mullions either side thereof and in the same line In such use, the connection 9 James & Wells ref 25656/5 system does away with the requirement to use a spigot. This has advantages m time savings, cost savings, aesthetic appeal and the like.

Moreover, whilst the connection system may be particularly suitable for connecting joinery comprising a window frame or door frame, the joinery could 5 also be used in products such as awnings, sliding windows, hinged or sliding doors, bi-foldmg doors, as well as special joinery designs such as garden windows, bay windows, skylights, rooflights, and the like.

The connector may be adapted to engage with the first section of joinery by any suitable means, for example it may be glued or fixed by the use of screws, bolts or 10 rivets.

Alternatively, and preferably, the connector may be of a form where it is adapted to fit or clip into and/or be able to slide along a profile formed in the first section of joinery. In such an embodiment, the connector may be fitted by either clipping it into the profile or alternatively by sliding it along the profile of the first section 15 of j ornery, from one end thereof.

In one embodiment, there may be provided retention means to prevent the connector from sliding along the first piece of joinery (and/or profile of same) once fitted thereto. Any suitable retention means may be utilised, for example glue, rivets or screws.

However, in a preferred embodiment the retention means may include a protruding portion such as a nib formed on the connector which is adapted to engage with an aperture, notch or slot formed within the first section of joinery and/or profile of same. In such an embodiment the connector may be fitted to the first section of joinery at the point where the aperture, notch or slot is formed and 25 be held m place by virtue of the protruding portion such as a nib engaging with the James & Wells ref 25656/5 aperture, notch or slot, thus preventing lateral movement, or sliding, of the connector with respect to the first section of joinery The connector may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, wood or a plastics material. The connector may preferably be comprised of a plastics 5 matenal which has some small degree of flexibility which allows the connector to be squeezed and/or clipped into place with respect to the first section of joinery (and/or profile of same).

The connector may preferably be provided with an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, although in 10 preferred embodiments may be substantially square and/or rectangular. In a preferred embodiment the aperture may be substantially rectangular.

An advantage of the shape of the aperture being either substantially square or rectangular is that such a shape helps to prevent any rotational movement by the first and/or second sections of joinery when they had been fitted each other. That 15 is, movement mwards and/or outwards off the line of the outer frame of the joinery thus connected. This may be quite an important aspect of the invention as any such movement may open up gaps that would look unsightly and also compromise the integrity of the sealing of the joinery thus connected The second section of joinery may be adapted to engage with the connector. Any 20 suitable engagement means may be utilised. For example, the connector may be of suitable form or cross-section to be adapted to clip and/or fit into a profile of the second section of joinery Alternatively, the second section of joinery may be adapted whereby it fits substantially over, and therefore substantially encloses, the connector (once the connector has been fitted to the first section of joinery). 11 James & Wells ref 25656/5 The second section of joinery may preferably be provided with an aperture formed therethrough, the arrangement and construction being such that when the second section of joinery has engaged with the connector, the aperture in the connector aligns substantially with the aperture m the second section of joinery. In such an 5 embodiment there may also be provided locking means adapted to lock or secure the second section of joinery to or about the connector, and hence secure the second section of joinery with respect to the first section of joinery.

In such an embodiment, the locking means may be of any suitable form, for example a screw, bolt or rivet could be passed through the apertures in the 10 connected second section of joinery and connector.

In an alternative embodiment the arrangement and construction may be such that when the second section of joinery has been fitted to or over the connector, the aperture m the connector is slightly misaligned or off centre with respect to the aperture in the second section of joinery.

Preferably, the aperture in the connector may lie slightly closer to the point where the second section of joinery abuts the first section of joinery. Furthermore, in such an embodiment the aperture m the connector may preferably be provided with a flange or wedge shaped portion which extends into the aperture withm the connector and preferably extends towards where the second section of joinery 20 abuts the first section of joinery. The flange or wedge may preferably be formed from two inwardly extending bevelled surfaces which meet at substantially a midpoint within the aperture.

In such an embodiment, the locking means may be a screw, rivet or bolt, although may preferably be provided by two opposing plugs adapted to fit into each side of 25 the apertures of the connected connector and second section of joinery. The plugs may preferably be provided with bevelled surfaces adapted to be complimentary 12 James & Wells ref 25656/5 and engage with the bevelled surfaces of the flange. The plugs may be secured within the aperture by any suitable means, although preferably by the use of a bolt, screw or rivet which may pass through an aperture formed withm each plug.

In such an embodiment it may be appreciated that given the misalignment of the 5 aperture of the connector with respect to the aperture in the second section of joinery, the insertion of the plugs into the aperture and subsequent engagement with the surfaces of the flange forces the second section of joinery (downwardly) towards the point where the second section of joinery abuts the first section of joinery. Hence, as the plugs are locked into place, for example by the use of a 10 screw or a bolt, it may be appreciated they will exert considerable pressure on the second section of joinery and ensure a secure and snug fit between the second section of joinery and the first section of joinery, about the connector.

Preferably, the connector may be of a form or be adapted to have a portion which extends above or outside of the profile of the first section of joinery. Such a 15 portion may be engaged by a portion of the second section of joinery to provide additional support and/or strength and to minimise movement or flexing of the second section of joinery to the first section of joinery and/or the connector.

In another embodiment, the design or configuration of the connector may be such that it is slightly tapered. The arrangement and construction may be that it tapers 20 from a narrower portion to a wider portion as the second section of joinery is fitted over or engaged with the connector. This results in a slight spreading of the second section of joinery as it is fitted over or engaged with the connector. This ultimately results in the second section of joinery bemg put under slight pressure which also helps to ensure for a snug fit of the second section of joinery with 25 respect to the connector. 13 James & Wells ref 25656/5 The first section of joinery may be provided with one or more drainage holes to allow for water entering the connection system to drain therefrom.

The connector may also be provided with one or more screw holes to be utilised m the circumstances where the connector is to be more securely fixed with respect to 5 the first and/or second sections of joinery.

In use, the connector may be engaged with and connected to the first section of joinery. The second section of joinery may then be engaged with and/or fitted over the connector and secured to same by the use of the locking means which are adapted to pass through the apertures m the connected connector and second 10 section of j oinery.

The present invention also allows for the ready addition of stiffening material such as solid steel bars (which are usually rectangular and fit within the profile of the joinery). Another example of an appropriate stiffening material would be a purpose shaped steel profile that would be made to fit neatly and/or snugly within 15 the section of joinery. Preferably, such bars may span the full length or height of the section of joinery, finishing just short of the connector One advantage of the present invention is that because it does away with having to make screw holes, it is not necessary to have to screw through such stiffening material which overcome some difficulty referred to previously.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 14 James & Wells ref 25656/5 Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of one possible embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cut-away side view of the non-exploded version of the embodiment shown m figure 1, Figure 3 is a top view of the embodiment shown m figure 2, and Figure 4 is a partially cut-away front view of the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 3.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention Having regard to Figure 1, there is shown a connection system for connecting 10 joinery, the connection system bemg generally indicated by arrow 21.

The connection system 21 includes a connector 22 which may be utilised to join a first section of joinery 23 to a second section of joinery 24.

The first section of joinery 23 comprises part of the lower horizontal portion of an aluminium window frame, and the second section of joinery 24 comprises an 15 aluminium mullion to be fitted withm the window frame.

The connector 22 is adapted to engage with the profile formed withm and along the first section of joinery 23 The connector 22 is also of a shape and/or configuration which allows for the second section of joinery 24 to be fitted substantially over the connector 22.

The connector 22 is provided with an aperture 13, and the second section of joinery 24 is provided with a corresponding or complimentary aperture 12. The aperture 12 is formed by punching out a portion of the side walls of the second section of joinery 24. It is envisaged that with certain embodiments of the James & Wells ref 25656/5 connector that only one side wall of the second section of joinery 24 may be punched out m order to form the aperture 12.

An advantage of the apertures 12, 13 bemg substantially square (or preferably rectangular) is that such a shape helps to prevent any rotational movement of the 5 second section of joinery 24 about the first section of joinery 23, when they have been securely connected after insertion of the locking means (described later) that is, the arrangement helps prevent movement mwards and outwards off the line of the first section of joinery 23. This is quite an important aspect of the design as any such movement will open up gaps that would look unsightly and also 10 compromise the integrity seal between the first and second sections of joinery 23, 24, and particularly between surfaces 37 and 38 (see Figure 2).

The connector is comprised of a plastics material, and in the embodiment shown the plastics material is glass-reinforced nylon.

The apertures 12, 13 are substantially rectangular m shape or cross-section and are 15 of substantially the same dimensions and size.

With reference to Figure 2, it may be seen that the connector 22 is provided with a protruding nib 1 which is adapted to slot into a notch 9 (not clearly shown) which is formed m the profile of the first section of joinery 23. As the nib 1 engages with notch 9, it prevents movement or sliding of the connector 22 along the profile 20 of the first section of joinery 23.

The connector 22 is clipped into the profile of the first section of joinery 23 by inserting the protruding portion 2 under the hp 3 which is formed at the front of the first section of joinery 23. In a further embodiment, the hp 3 may be provided with a slight recess to engage with a portion extending from the protruding portion 25 2 to allow for a more positive location Pressure is then applied to the protruding 16 James & Wells ref 25656/5 portion 4 of the connector 22 whereby such pressure will start to compress the flexible limb 5 of the connector 22 until the pressure is such that the connector snaps into position under the ledge or channel 6 (that provides a channel for a backing seal against which a section of glass will subsequently rest). Furthermore, 5 the flexible limb 7 also locates itself m the groove or channel 8 that the backing seal slides or pushed into.

A screw hole 10 is provided for circumstances where the connector 22 needs to be more securely fixed to the first section of joinery 23.

The aperture 13 formed in the coimector 22 is provided with a flange 25 which 10 extends or protrudes into the aperture 13 ma direction towards where the end of the second section of joinery 24 abuts the first section of joinery 23 (m the region indicated by arrow 27).

The flange 25 is formed by two sloping or bevelled surfaces 28, 29 which meet at an apex 30 substantially in the centre of the aperture 13.

Once the connector 22 has been fitted to the first section of joinery 23, the second section of joinery 24 is then positioned over the connector 22. In doing so, the inside face 11 of the second section of joinery 24 is located against the protruding portion 4 of the connector 22. This helps to prevent movement or flexing of the second section of joinery 24 with respect to the connector 22 and/or first section 20 of joinery 23.

Once the second section of joinery 24 has been fitted over the connector 22, the arrangement and construction is such that the aperture 12 is slightly misaligned or off centre with respect to the aperture 13. That is, the aperture 13 is slightly closer to where the end 26 of the second section of joinery 24 abuts the first section of 25 joinery 23 in the region marked 27. 17 James & Wells ref 25656/5 Locking means for the connection system 21 is provided by two substantially rectangular plugs 14, 15 and screw 19. The plugs are provided with bevelled surfaces 31, 32, and each plug is also provided with an aperture therethrough indicated by arrows 33, 34. It may be appreciated that when the plugs 14, 15 are 5 inserted into the aperture 13 in the connector 22, the bevelled surfaces 31, 32 engage with the surfaces 28, 29 of the flange 25. This forces the plugs 14, 15 m the direction indicated by arrow 35 (see figures 2 and 4) where they push against the bottom surface 36 which comprises the lower end of the aperture 12 formed withm the second section of joinery 24. This has the effect of forcing the second 10 section of joinery in the same direction as that indicated by arrow 35 which ensures for a snug and secure fit between the first section of joinery 23 and the second section of joinery 24.

It is preferred to have the apertures 12, 13 and the plugs 14, 15 substantially rectangular so that the plugs 14, 15 must be inserted in the correct fashion, that is, 15 with the bevelled surfaces 31, 32 engaging with the surfaces 28, 29 of the flange 25. That is, if the apertures 12, 13 were substantially square it may be possible to inadvertently try and fit the plugs 14, 15 either upsidedown or the wrong way around.

In order to make the connection even more secure there is provided a screw 19 20 which is adapted to screw through the apertures 33, 34 formed m the plugs 14, 15 As the screw 19 is screwed into and through the plugs 14, 15 they exert pressure on the second section of joinery in the direction indicated by arrow 35, as described above.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the top surface 16 of the connector 22 is slightly 25 bevelled or tapered which allows for the spreading of the second section of joinery 18 James & Wells ref 25656/5 24 as it is fitted over the connector 22 This results m a snug fit as the second section of joinery is forced down and over the connector 22.

The first section of joinery 23 is provided with a drainage hole 18 which allows for any water entenng the window frame to exit through the drainage hole 18 by 5 virtue of the cavity 17 which is provided at the base of the connector 22. That is, the cavity 17 provides a pathway for water to dram throughout the joinery system, to eventually exit out through the drainage hole(s) 18.

The sealing process for sealing the first section of joinery 23 to the second section 24 is no different to conventional screws together joinery connections. That is, a 10 standard sealant (small joint sealer) is applied to the end of the second section of joinery 24 before it is positioned against the first section of joinery 23 (or fitted over the connector 22). Once the connection has been made, a clean up process occurs to remove the excess sealant from the visible areas of the joined joinery. What is different in the present invention is that no sealant is required around the 15 holes and screw holes that would have otherwise penetrated the frame (or sections of joinery 23, 24) because the present invention does away with the requirement of such holes and screw holes.

Advantages of using a connection system 21, substantially as described above include the following: 1. It is not necessary to screw the second section of joinery 24 to the first section of joinery 21 by the use of screws, or by drilling holes. Hence, the possibility of the window frame subsequently leaking when fitted is greatly reduced. 2. The time taken to connect the first section of joinery to the second section 25 of joinery is less than present practices which involve having to drill and 19 James & Wells ref 25656/5 screw. That is, with the connection system 21 only one screwing action is required, namely the screwing of the screw 19 through the plugs 14, 15. 3. When joining a mullion about each side of the transom, or vice versa, there is no need to utilise a spigot arrangement as described previously. 4. The use of the connection system 21 has aesthetic advantages in that no rivet or screw holes or body plugs are visible on the exterior of the frame. This is of particular benefit on door panels or door mullions.

. Use of the connection system 21 allows for the introduction of stiffener sections made out of any type of material (protective coated if necessary) that can add strength to the mullion or transom sections of a window frame and to not compromise the integrity of the material because there is no drilling of holes through any protective coating that protects the material from rust or corrosion. 6. Designing window and door systems is often governed by the position of screw ports in the mullions and transoms and where the screw alignment relates to the design, shape and contours of the window or door frame section (in cross section end view terms). By not having screw ports, there is a substantially design advantage with the flexibility that a designer can enjoy m bemg able to ignore these screw positions.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined m the appended claims James & Wells ref 25656/5

Claims (16)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A connection system for connecting joinery, said connection system including: (a) a first section of joinery, (b) a connector, said connector bemg adapted to engage with said first section of joinery, and said connector bemg provided with an aperture formed therethrough, (c) a second section of joinery, said second section of joinery having an aperture formed therethrough, and said second section of joinery bemg adapted to engage with said connector, the arrangement and construction being such that when said second section of joinery has been engaged with said connector, the aperture m the connector aligns substantially with the aperture m the second section of joinery, (d) locking means adapted to fit into or through the substantially aligned apertures of the connector and second section of joinery, to thus secure the second section of joinery with respect to the connector, and therefore with respect to the first section of joinery.

2. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second section of joinery is adapted to fit substantially over said connector

3. A connection system as claimed m claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said locking means is m the form of a screw. 21 James & Wells Ref 25656/5

4. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said locking means is m the form of two opposing plugs adapted to fit into each side of the apertures of the connected connector and second section of joinery

5. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein when said second section of joinery has been fitted substantially over the coimector, the aperture m the connector is slightly misaligned or off centre with respect to the aperture in the second section of joinery.

6. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the aperture m the connector is positioned so as to be slightly closer to where the first section of joinery abuts an end of the second section of joinery, as compared to the aperture m the second section of joinery, (once the second section of joinery has been engaged with or fitted over the connector).

7. A connection system as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the aperture m the connector and/or the second section of joinery is/are substantially square or rectangular

8. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein an inner surface of the aperture m the connector is provided with a flange extending into the aperture, the flange bemg formed from two bevelled interior surfaces which extend into the aperture and meet at substantially a mid point withm said aperture.

9. A connection system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said flange protrudes towards where the first section of joinery abuts the end of the second section of joinery, the arrangement and construction bemg such that when said plugs are inserted into each side of said aperture(s) a bevelled surface of each plug engages with each bevelled intenor surface of the flange, to thus force the 22 James & Wells Ref 25656/5 second section of joinery firmly against the connector and/or the first section of joinery, to thereby secure the second section of joinery to same.

10. A connection system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said plugs are each provided with an aperture formed therethrough to allow for them to be screwed or otherwise joined together after they have been fitted withm the apertures of the connected connector and second section of joinery.

11. A connection system as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said connector is adapted to fit or clip into a profile formed within and/or along said first section of joinery.

12. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein there are provided retention means to secure the first connector with respect to the first section of joinery.

13 A connection system as claimed m claim 12 wherein said retention means is m the form of a nib extending from a portion of the connector adapted to engage with a notch formed within the profile of the first section of joinery.

14. A connection system as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said connector is provided with a drainage aperture.

15 A connector for use with the connection system as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for connecting a first section of joinery to a second section of joinery, utilising the connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, including the steps of. (a) fitting the connector to said first section of joinery, 23 James & Wells Ref 25656/5 fitting the second section of joinery to or over said connector whereby the apertures withm the connector and the second section of joinery are substantially aligned or slightly misaligned, locking the second section of joinery to said connector to thus secure the second section of joinery to the connector, and thereby to the first section of joinery. 24 James & Wells Ref 25656/5