Bracket system for joining

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system of components for efficiently joining structural elements together to form multipurpose structures. The device utilises brackets with screw jacks, providing a versatile and secure assembly solution. The brackets are designed for quick and easy attachment to the structural elements allowing for assembly and disassembly without causing damage to materials. The screw jacks offer adjustable tension ensuring a secure and stable connection between panels. Consequent advances in structural stability create opportunities to utilise homogeneous modern preformed structural elements, particularly reticular panels useful for modular construction. The system of components enables the creation of diverse orthogonal structures such as temporary partitions, exhibition booths, work benches and shelving units and containers. The simplicity and efficiency of the components along with the ability to interchange and reconfigure the panels makes it a valuable tool for a variety of applications.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates generally to joint hardware for joining structural elements, including panels and members, to form landscape, garden and general building constructs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to the building and construction of structures incorporating prefabricated structural elements. The assembly of structures from prefabricated structural elements may be limited in practice by the available methods for joining such elements.

[003] The present invention has the objective of providing a system of joinery offering greater versatility in mechanically joining prefabricated structural elements, including panels and members. The system may be used in the assembly of landscape constructs and other building constructs.

[004] Conventional methods for joining structural elements may require drilling, penetrating fixings, adhesives, bracing or other supporting structures. Such methods may present difficulties when mechanically joining brittle structural elements, including stone and masonry elements.

[005] Panel-shaped structural elements may require structural reinforcement when joined and are therefore often supported by a substrate frame. Conventional methods for joining panels commonly include adhesives, nails, screws, braces and other penetrating or supporting fixings. Such methods may limit the configurations in which panels and other structural elements can conveniently be assembled.

[006] The present invention aims to provide a system for mechanically joining structural elements while reducing or avoiding the need for penetrating fixings through the structural elements. The system may further facilitate the joining of multiple structural elements to form different joint configurations and constructs.

[007] In developing the present invention, an analysis of the dimensions and thicknesses of available prefabricated structural elements was useful in configuring joint hardware suitable for receiving and joining such elements. Concrete sleepers

[008] References herein to concrete sleepers include preformed concrete structural elements of the type used in landscape and retaining-wall construction.

[009] Concrete sleepers may be manufactured in various dimensions according to their intended application. Concrete sleeper joining

[010] Conventional systems for joining and supporting concrete sleepers may employ posts having substantially C-shaped or H-shaped cross-sectional profiles. The posts are typically installed vertically in the ground and may be secured using concrete footings, with the concrete sleepers received between or within the posts.

[011] Because there may be no mechanical connection between a vertical post and a horizontal landscape element, post-supported construction may require the posts to be positioned accurately within concrete footings. Linear or rotational movement of a post while the concrete cures may consequently affect the alignment of the resulting structural run.

[012] Conventional C-shaped or H-shaped channel posts may provide clearance around a received sleeper. Installers may use separate wedges, spacers or chocks between the rear face of the sleeper and a rear side wall of the channel to urge the sleeper against the opposing side 2023290933   14 Sep 2026 wall, thereby aligning the exposed front faces of adjacent sleepers. The use of these additional components can increase installation time, and the components may subsequently shift, deteriorate or become dislodged.

[013] Such post-supported construction may require excavation and permanent or semipermanent installation of the supporting posts. Where a construct is to be assembled on an existing paved or concrete surface, installation of embedded posts may also require penetration or alteration of the existing surface.

[014] Construction of a raised garden bed or other landscape construct over an existing hard surface, such as a concrete pad or asphalt pavement, may conventionally require openings to be drilled or cut through the surface to accommodate or anchor vertical posts. This can restrict the available construction methods and permanently alter the underlying surface. Pavers

[015] Pavers are commercially available in a range of materials, dimensions and thicknesses. Pavers suitable for use with the joint hardware may include natural-stone, porcelain and concrete pavers of various thicknesses, including, by way of example, pavers having thicknesses of 20 mm and 40 mm.

[016] Pavers are generally mass-produced in standardised dimensions, making them suitable preformed structural elements for assembly into constructs.

[017] Pavers may provide advantages as structural elements due to their strength, durability and resistance to deterioration in outdoor applications. Joining pavers

[018] Pavers are commonly installed horizontally on a prepared supporting surface and are not traditionally used to construct vertical three-dimensional landscape structures. If conventional construction methods were used to assemble pavers vertically, the methods might rely on concrete foundations, supporting frames, mortar, adhesives or other binding materials. Wetbound arrangements may be difficult to modify or disassemble and may prevent the pavers from being conveniently reused or reconfigured.

[019] The weight and characteristics of stone and masonry elements, together with conventional bonding methods, may limit their practical use in reconfigurable constructs. A mechanical joining system that permits pavers to be securely joined without permanent bonding may facilitate assembly, disassembly and reconfiguration of constructs incorporating such elements.

[020] Conventional joining hardware may provide limited means for mechanically joining pavers to one another or to other structural elements. Joint hardware capable of securely joining pavers may therefore facilitate their use in landscape and other construction applications beyond their conventional use as surface coverings. Existing brackets and joining components

[021] Certain existing joining components use a grub screw or threaded holding bolt to apply pressure to a surface of the material being retained, thereby urging the material against an opposing side wall of the joining component. Such a threaded pressure-applying arrangement is referred to herein as a screw jack. The screw jack permits adjustable pressure to be applied to the material without penetrating its surface.

[022] The side wall or retainer plate supporting the screw jack requires sufficient structural integrity to resist forces generated by operation of the screw jack. The position of the threaded hole relative to an adjoining fold or connecting plate may also affect flexure of the retainer plate due to leverage generated by the applied clamping force. 2023290933   14 Sep 2026 Assessing landscape constructs

[023] Pavers may be used as structural elements in the assembly of landscape and other constructs.

[024] Conventional masonry landscape or garden walls may be assembled from masonry blocks of similar width and height to provide a stable, self-supporting structure.

[025] Conventional mortar-joined masonry construction generally produces substantially permanent assemblies that may be difficult to disassemble, modify or reconfigure. Mechanical joint hardware capable of assembling pavers without permanent mortar bonding may facilitate adaptable and reconfigurable landscape or garden constructs. Further refinement of the joint hardware

[026] A partial-wall configuration, in which part of a side wall or retainer plate is absent or interrupted, may permit a structural element to extend through the interrupted portion. The partial-wall configuration may thereby increase the versatility of the joint hardware.

[027] In certain embodiments, removal of the corresponding wall portions may also permit different joint configurations to be formed using common tooling.

[028] Where an interrupted portion is positioned between adjacent screw jacks, the interruption may reduce transmission of wall deformation or torsional effects from one screw jack to another.

[029] In certain embodiments, the clamping mechanism may comprise a removable screw-jack subassembly. The removable subassembly may facilitate manufacture, installation, maintenance, replacement and finishing of the joint hardware without requiring each threaded interface to be formed directly in the body of the joint hardware. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[030] The present invention provides a system of joinery comprising one or more joint hardware components configured to join preformed structural elements, including pavers and concrete sleepers, to form a construct.

[031] Terminology used herein may vary according to the particular embodiment. References to joining brackets, joining components or joint hardware may refer to joint hardware bodies configured to receive and secure structural elements. References to opposing side walls or retaining plates of a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped profile may refer to retainer plates. The plate or central plane extending between the opposing retainer plates may be referred to as a central connecting plate.

[032] An operative straight portion of the joint hardware having a substantially C-shaped crosssection for receiving a structural element may be referred to as a channel run. A channel run may comprise a straight length of channel or a branch forming part of an L-shaped, T-shaped or X-shaped joint hardware configuration. Two channel runs may be arranged back-to-back to form a substantially H-shaped profile.

[033] References herein to a “clamping interface” include the disclosed arrangement of a threaded aperture or a nut seat in a retainer plate at which a screw jack may be operatively engaged to apply clamping force to a structural element. The term “threaded spindle” is used herein to describe the disclosed threaded bolt or grub screw forming part of the screw jack. References to a “retainer plate” include the retaining plate or side wall of the joint hardware.

[034] Each channel run may be defined by a pair of opposing side walls forming retainer plates and a central connecting plate extending between the retainer plates. One or more structural elements may be received between the opposing retainer plates. 2023290933   14 Sep 2026

[035] At least one clamping interface may be located in at least one retainer plate of each channel run. When installed and tightened, a screw jack or threaded spindle presses against a structural element positioned between the retainer plates and urges the structural element against the opposing retainer plate. The resulting compression provides a frictional locking action that secures the structural element within the joint hardware.

[036] The joint hardware may secure the structural elements without requiring a fixing to penetrate the structural elements, thereby facilitating assembly, disassembly and reconfiguration of the resulting construct.

[037] The joint hardware may be provided in multiple configurations based upon one or more substantially C-shaped channel runs. The configurations may include an I-shaped straight-joint configuration, an L-shaped corner-joint configuration, a T-shaped junction configuration, and an X-shaped cross-junction configuration.

[038] An I-shaped straight-joint configuration may comprise at least two clamping interfaces spaced along at least one retainer plate. An L-shaped corner-joint configuration may comprise at least two clamping interfaces, including at least one associated with each branch. A T-shaped junction configuration may comprise at least three clamping interfaces, including at least one associated with each branch. An X-shaped cross-junction configuration may comprise at least four clamping interfaces, including at least one associated with each branch.

[039] The clamping interfaces may apply clamping force to respective structural elements to secure the structural elements in abutting relationships forming straight joins, corner joins, T-junctions or cross-junctions.

[040] In certain embodiments, the joint hardware may comprise an elongated substantially C-shaped channel having a plurality of clamping interfaces distributed along at least one retainer plate. The elongated channel may receive and secure multiple structural elements arranged successively or in a stack. An elongated H-shaped profile may comprise two substantially C-shaped channel runs arranged back-to-back to join respective groups of structural elements in a substantially straight configuration.

[041] In a further arrangement, two elongated substantially C-shaped channels may be arranged to form a corner join between groups of structural elements. Such an arrangement may be used to assemble wall or container structures from multiple panels or concrete sleepers.

[042] The opposing retainer plates may be spaced apart by a distance suitable to receive a structural element therebetween. In certain embodiments, the distance between the opposing retainer plates may be from 20 mm to 110 mm. Depending upon the structural element intended to be received, the distance may be from 20 mm to 39 mm for receiving pavers or other structural elements, from 40 mm to 50 mm for receiving concrete pavers or other structural elements, or from 51 mm to 110 mm for receiving concrete sleepers or other structural elements.

[043] In certain embodiments, a retainer plate may include a nut seat configured to receive and retain a removable nut providing a threaded interface for a threaded spindle. The nut seat may be configured to resist rotation or displacement of the nut while permitting the nut to be installed, removed or replaced. The nut seat may comprise a hexagonal-hole seat, a slot extending from an edge of the retainer plate, a combined hexagonal-slot seat, a cage-nut mounting arrangement, or another retained-nut arrangement. The retained nut may comprise a flanged nut or another threaded nut suitable for engagement by the threaded spindle.

[044] A removable nut and threaded spindle may together form a removable screw-jack subassembly. The removable threaded interface may facilitate manufacture, maintenance or replacement of the clamping interface and may permit the joint hardware body to be painted, powder coated, galvanised or otherwise finished separately from the threaded components. 2023290933   14 Sep 2026

[045] A retainer plate may have a substantially continuous full-wall configuration or a partial-wall configuration in which one or more portions of the retainer plate are absent or interrupted. The partial-wall configuration may permit a structural element to extend through an interrupted portion, thereby increasing the versatility and positioning options of the joint hardware.

[046] In certain embodiments, removal of corresponding wall portions may also permit different joint configurations to be formed using common tooling.

[047] Where an interrupted portion is positioned between adjacent clamping interfaces, the interruption may reduce the transmission of deformation or torsional effects from one clamping interface to another.

[048] The joint hardware body may be formed from metal or plastic having sufficient rigidity to withstand the clamping forces applied through the clamping interfaces. In certain embodiments, the joint hardware body may be formed from folded sheet metal, moulded metal, plastic or by an additive-manufacturing process.

[049] The retainer plates may have a thickness selected according to the material, construction and intended application of the joint hardware, while providing sufficient rigidity to withstand the applied clamping forces.

[050] In certain embodiments, a structural member may be received between opposing retainer plates of associated joint hardware. Assembled structures may be reinforced with rectangular or square hollow-section members (RHS or SHS), or with other members suitable for reinforcing or supporting the resulting construct.

[051] The joint hardware may be used to assemble landscape or garden constructs, including landscape walls, garden walls, retaining structures, containment structures, garden beds, planter boxes, edging, steps and drain pits. The joint hardware may remain as part of the completed construct while permitting the structural elements to be subsequently released, removed or reconfigured.

[052] In certain applications, pavers or concrete sleepers may be mechanically joined without mortar bonding or penetrating fixings through the structural elements. A landscape wall or garden wall may, in an appropriate configuration, be assembled without vertical support posts embedded in the ground. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[053] In the embodiments described herein, a joint hardware body comprises one or more channel runs having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. Each channel run comprises a pair of opposing retainer plates and a central connecting plate extending between the retainer plates.

[054] The one or more channel runs may form a straight-joint configuration or may be arranged as branches of an L-shaped corner-joint configuration, a T-shaped junction configuration or an X-shaped cross-junction configuration. The retainer plates extend from longitudinal edges of the central connecting plate in substantially the same direction to form the substantially C-shaped cross-section of each channel run.

[055] Each channel run includes at least one clamping interface located in at least one of its retainer plates. A clamping interface may comprise a threaded aperture or a nut seat at which a screw jack or threaded spindle may be operatively engaged. When tightened, an end of the threaded spindle projects inwardly and presses against a structural element received between the retainer plates, urging the structural element against the opposing retainer plate. 2023290933   14 Sep 2026 Clamping-interface embodiments

[056] A clamping interface may comprise a threaded aperture formed directly in a retainer plate, with a threaded bolt or grub screw threadably engaged in the aperture to form the screw jack.

[057] Alternatively, the clamping interface may comprise a nut seat configured to receive a removable threaded nut. The nut seat may comprise a hexagonal hole, a slot extending inwardly from an edge of the retainer plate, a combined hexagonal hole and slot, or a cage-nut mounting arrangement.

[058] In a hexagonal-hole arrangement, the head of a flanged nut may be received in a correspondingly shaped hole. Engagement between the nut head and the hole resists rotation of the nut, while the flange inhibits passage of the nut through the retainer plate.

[059] In an edge-slot arrangement, the nut may be introduced from an edge of the retainer plate. The slot may be dimensioned to receive part of the nut or the threaded spindle while resisting rotation of the nut. A recess or indentation may be formed adjacent to or along the slot to reduce interference between the nut and a structural element and to assist in retaining the nut.

[060] In a combined hexagonal-hole and slot arrangement, the slot may extend between the hexagonal hole and an edge of the retainer plate. The slot may be wider than the threaded spindle and narrower than the head of the nut, permitting the spindle and nut to be introduced from the edge while the nut is retained against rotation when seated in the hexagonal hole.

[061] The removable nut and threaded spindle may together form a removable screw-jack subassembly. The nut may be installed, removed or replaced, and the joint hardware body may be painted, powder coated, galvanised or otherwise finished separately from the threaded components. Dimensions and receiving capacity

[062] The joint hardware may be provided in predetermined sizes selected primarily according to the distance between the opposing retainer plates. The distance may be selected to receive one or more preformed structural elements, including pavers, concrete sleepers, panels, timber members, and rectangular or square hollow-section members (RHS or SHS).

[063] In certain embodiments, the distance between the opposing retainer plates may be from 20 mm to 110 mm. Depending upon the structural element intended to be received, the distance may be from 20 mm to 39 mm for receiving pavers or other structural elements, from 40 mm to 50 mm for receiving concrete pavers or other structural elements, or from 51 mm to 110 mm for receiving concrete sleepers or other structural elements.

[064] These dimensions describe the spacing or receiving capacity of the joint hardware and do not require every structural element of a named type to have a thickness throughout the corresponding range. Materials and construction

[065] The joint hardware body may be formed from metal or plastic having sufficient rigidity to withstand the clamping forces applied through the clamping interfaces. Suitable constructions may include folded sheet metal, moulded metal, plastic and components formed by an additivemanufacturing process.

[066] The material, thickness and construction of the retainer plates may be selected according to the intended application and the clamping forces to be applied. A metal joint hardware body may be strengthened or otherwise modified by cold working, heat treatment, alteration of material composition, or formation of holes, slots, ribs or indentations in one or more retainer plates. 2023290933   14 Sep 2026

[067] The joint hardware body may be painted, powder coated, galvanised or otherwise finished according to the intended environment and application. Partial-wall embodiments

[068] A retainer plate may have a substantially continuous full-wall configuration or a partial-wall configuration in which one or more wall portions are absent or interrupted. An interrupted portion may permit a structural element to extend through the retainer plate and may allow the joint hardware to be positioned at locations other than a corner of the structural element.

[069] In a straight-joint configuration, an interrupted portion may be positioned between adjacent clamping interfaces. The interruption may permit another structural element to pass through the retainer plate and may reduce transmission of deformation or torsional effects between the adjacent clamping interfaces.

[070] In an L-shaped corner-joint configuration, one or more wall portions may be interrupted adjacent to the corner so that a structural element can extend through the interrupted portion. In a T-shaped junction configuration, a wall portion may be interrupted where a branch intersects another channel run so that a structural element received in the branch can extend through the retainer plate.

[071] In certain embodiments, corresponding wall portions may be removed from different joint configurations so that the joint hardware bodies can be manufactured using common tooling. Elongated channel embodiments

[072] In certain embodiments, the joint hardware may comprise an elongated substantially C-shaped channel having opposing retainer plates and a central connecting plate. A plurality of clamping interfaces may be distributed along at least one retainer plate. The clamping interfaces may comprise threaded apertures, nut seats or combinations thereof.

[073] One or more elongated C-shaped channels may receive and secure multiple structural elements arranged successively, side by side or in a stack to form a larger panel or wall structure. The channels may extend horizontally or vertically according to the configuration of the resulting construct.

[074] An elongated substantially H-shaped profile may comprise two substantially C-shaped channel runs arranged back-to-back. The respective channel runs may receive and secure respective groups of structural elements to form a substantially straight join.

[075] In a further arrangement, two elongated substantially C-shaped channels may be arranged to form a corner join between groups of structural elements. Such an arrangement may be used to assemble wall or containment structures from multiple panels, pavers or concrete sleepers.

[076] One or more retainer plates of an elongated channel may include interrupted portions between adjacent clamping interfaces. The interrupted portions may reduce transmission of wall deformation or torsional effects between the clamping interfaces. Assembly of constructs

[077] In use, a preformed structural element may be positioned between opposing retainer plates of a channel run. A threaded spindle may then be tightened at a clamping interface so that the spindle urges the structural element against the opposing retainer plate. Two or more joint hardware components may be positioned at selected edges or locations of the structural elements to form straight joins, corner joins, T-junctions or cross-junctions.

[078] The joint hardware may be used to assemble landscape or garden constructs, including landscape walls, garden walls, retaining structures, containment structures, garden beds, 2023290933   14 Sep 2026 planter boxes, edging, steps and drain pits. The structural elements may include natural-stone, porcelain or concrete pavers, concrete sleepers, panels and members.

[079] Pavers or concrete sleepers may be mechanically joined without mortar bonding and without fixings penetrating the structural elements. The clamping interfaces may subsequently be released to permit structural elements to be removed, replaced or reconfigured.

[080] The disclosed clamping arrangement may urge a structural element against an opposing retainer plate to position and secure the structural element without requiring a separate wedge or chock of the kind commonly used when installing sleepers in conventional C-section posts.

[081] The disclosed joint hardware may permit pavers or other masonry elements to be assembled in a dry construction without mortar between the joined elements. The absence of mortar joints avoids cracking of such joints and may facilitate disassembly, modification and reuse of the elements.

[082] In an appropriate configuration, a landscape wall or garden wall may be assembled without vertical support posts embedded in the ground. Supporting or reinforcing members may nevertheless be included according to the configuration, loading and intended application of the construct.

[083] Assembled structures may be reinforced with rectangular or square hollow-section members (RHS or SHS), or with other members suitable for reinforcing or supporting the resulting construct.

Claims

1. A joint hardware component for interlocking two or more preformed structural elements to form a construct, wherein the preformed structural elements are selected from the group consisting of pavers and concrete sleepers; the component comprising:a joint hardware body defining at least one channel run having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, each channel run being defined by a pair of opposing side walls forming retainer plates and a central connecting plate extending between the retainer plates;at least one clamping interface located in at least one retainer plate of each channel run, wherein, when the joint hardware body defines a single straight channel run, the single straight channel run includes at least two clamping interfaces spaced along its length;wherein each clamping interface comprises:(i) an internally threaded aperture formed in a retainer plate and configured to threadably receive a threaded spindle; or(ii) a nut seat configured to receive and retain a threaded nut for threadable engagement with a threaded spindle;wherein each clamping interface is configured such that, when a threaded spindle is operatively installed and tightened, the threaded spindle presses a structural element positioned between the retainer plates directly against an opposing retainer plate, thereby locking the structural element within the joint hardware body; and wherein the structural elements are securable without penetrating fixings, thereby allowing assembly, disassembly and reconfiguration of the structural elements.

2. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the clamping interface comprises the nut seat configured to restrain a threaded nut against rotation or displacement relative to the retainer plate.

3. The joint hardware component of claim 2, further comprising a threaded nut received and retained in the nut seat.

4. The joint hardware component of claim 3, further comprising a threaded spindle threadably engaged with the threaded nut.

5. The joint hardware component of claim 3, wherein the threaded nut comprises a cage nut received and retained within an aperture or slot formed in the retainer plate.

6. The joint hardware component of claim 3, wherein a portion of the retainer plate at or adjacent to the nut seat is recessed or indented to accommodate at least part of the threaded nut or an associated nut flange.

7. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the clamping interface comprises the internally threaded aperture formed directly in the retainer plate.

8. The joint hardware component of claim 7, further comprising a threaded spindle threadably engaged with the internally threaded aperture.

9. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the opposing retainer plates are spaced apart by a distance between 20 mm and 110 mm.

10. The joint hardware component of claim 9, wherein the opposing retainer plates are spaced apart by a distance between 20 mm and 50 mm and are configured to receive a paver therebetween.2023290933   14 Sep 202611. The joint hardware component of claim 10, wherein the opposing retainer plates are spaced apart by a distance between 40 mm and 50 mm and are configured to receive a concrete paver between the opposing retainer plates.

12. The joint hardware component of claim 9, wherein the opposing retainer plates are spaced apart by a distance between 51 mm and 110 mm and are configured to receive a concrete sleeper therebetween.

13. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the central connecting plate has a substantially L-shaped form in plan view, thereby defining two channel runs extending at approximately right angles to one another.

14. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the central connecting plate has a substantially T-shaped form in plan view, thereby defining three channel runs.

15. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the central connecting plate has a substantially X-shaped form in plan view, thereby defining four channel runs.

16. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the joint hardware body defines two substantially C-shaped channel runs arranged back-to-back, with their respective central connecting plates juxtaposed, thereby forming a substantially H-shaped cross-section.

17. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein the joint hardware body is elongated in the direction of at least one channel run and comprises a plurality of clamping interfaces distributed along the length of at least one retainer plate.

18. The joint hardware component of claim 1, wherein at least one retainer plate has a partial-wall configuration comprising an interrupted portion in which part of the retainer plate is absent.

19. The joint hardware component of claim 18, wherein the interrupted portion is configured to permit a structural element to extend through the retainer plate.

20. The joint hardware component of claim 18, wherein the interrupted portion is positioned between adjacent clamping interfaces to reduce transmission of deformation or torsional effects from one clamping interface to another.

21. A construct comprising two or more preformed structural elements selected from the group consisting of pavers and concrete sleepers, the structural elements being secured together by at least one joint hardware component according to claim 1.

22. The construct of claim 21, wherein the construct comprises a garden bed or planter box.

23. The construct of claim 21, wherein the construct comprises a landscape construct.

24. The construct of claim 23, wherein the landscape construct comprises a landscape wallor garden wall assembled without vertical support posts embedded in the ground.

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