Adjustable joining system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- AU2025201468
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Field OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention broadly relates to an adjustable joining system, and more particularly although not exclusively, to an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements in such a way that the second element is adjustable with respect to the first element. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Shipping containers have been used as supporting structures for large assemblies such as an overarching roof assembly. A selection of elements including longitudinal stringers and cross members are required for interconnection to form such an overarching roof assembly. It is commonplace to use brackets to join the longitudinal stringers and cross members to form the structure of the overarching roof assembly which is typically in a shape of a coat hanger.
[0003] It is commonplace to use brackets which can be bolted to opposing edges of shipping containers to form and support an overarching structure which is somewhat in the shape of a coat hanger. Previous attempts include using either a pivot pin type bracket or a fixed bracket with a moment arm in the shape of a spigot.
[0004] The pivot pin type bracket offers the flexibility of accommodating cross members that need to be disposed at different angles or orientations to form structures of different sizes or configurations. However, as the cross members attached are attached in an unconstrained manner, this type of bracket has a shortcoming in that the cross members themselves need to be relatively stiff. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[0005] On the other hand, the fixed bracket is provided with an upstanding fixed angled moment arm in the shape of a tube or spigot for insertion into the hollow end of a curved cross member. Since the tube or spigot, which is essentially the joiner, of this type of bracket is fixed with no unconstrained degree of freedom, the adjoining curved cross member does not need to be as stiff. Although this offers the benefit of enabling a saving in metal, it has a shortcoming in that a large inventory of brackets is required to suit different beam or assembly sizes.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable joining system which may overcome or at least ameliorate the above shortcomings or which may provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system comprising: a bracket having a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening; a tiltable arm being rotatably connected to the first vertical plate, the tiltable arm including one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element; and at least one releasable fastener engageable with the first and second openings; wherein at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is slotted so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[0008] Preferably, at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is curvedly slotted so as to enable rotational movement of the tiltable arm relative to first vertical plate.
[0009] Preferably, the one end of the tiltable arm includes a panel with a first central opening, the panel being rotatably connected to the first vertical plate. More preferably, the first vertical plate includes a second central opening which corresponds to the first central opening.
[00010] Preferably, the adjustable joining system also includes another releasable fastener adapted to engage the first and second central openings so as to achieve the rotatable connection between the first vertical plate and the panel.
[00011] Preferably, the opposite end includes a connector adapted to facilitate detachable connection with the second element. More preferably, the connector includes a base and a protrusion stemming from the base. Even more preferably, the connector includes a coupler adapted to be an intermediary facilitating engagement between the hollow end and the protrusion. Most preferably, the coupler is in the form of a sleeve adapted to mate with the second element, the sleeve having a recess adapted to receive at least part of the protrusion.
[00012] Preferably, the first vertical plate is located on one side of the tiltable arm. More preferably, the bracket includes a second vertical plate being located on an opposite side of the tiltable arm and having at least a third peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening. Even more preferably, each of the first and second vertical plates includes three corresponding peripheral openings. Most preferably, each of the first and second vertical plates includes four corresponding peripheral openings. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[00013] Preferably, the panel includes additional peripheral openings which correspond to the peripheral openings of the first and second vertical plates. More preferably, the adjustable joining system includes additional releasable fasteners, each additional releasable fastener being adapted to engage one of the peripheral openings in the first vertical plate, one of the peripheral openings in the panel and one of the peripheral openings in the second vertical plate. Even more preferably, the peripheral openings are evenly spaced and distributed in each of the first and second vertical plates and the panel.
[00014] Preferably, each of the first and second vertical plates has a curved or semicircular top. More preferably, the one end of the tiltable arm includes a rounded edge being in conformity with the curved or semicircular top of the first and second vertical plates.
[00015] Preferably, each releasable fastener includes a nut, a bolt and two washers.
[00016] Preferably, the first element is a stringer. More preferably, the second element is a girder having a hollow end adapted to receiving the protrusion.
[00017] Preferably, the adjustable joining system is angularly adjustable. Conveniently, the adjustable joining system is continuously adjustable.
[00018] Preferably, the horizontal plate is affixed to the first element via a fastening system.
[00019] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting first and second elements of a structure, the method includes the steps of: (i) providing a bracket having: a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 first element and a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening; a tiltable arm including one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end; and at least one releasable fastener; wherein at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is slotted; (ii) rotatably connecting the tiltable arm to the first vertical plate; (iii) selectively placing the tiltable arm in a selected position where it is disposed at a first selected angle to the horizontal plate and where the first and second peripheral openings are aligned; (iv) passing the at least one releasable fastener through the aligned first and second peripheral openings; (v) tightening the at least one releasable fastener to lock the tiltable arm in the selected position; and (vi) connecting the second element to the opposite end of the tiltable arm.
[00020] Preferably, the method includes further steps of: (vii) loosening the at least one releasable fastener so as to allow tilting movement of the tiltable arm; (viii) adjusting the tiltable arm so that it is tilted at a second selected angle to the horizontal plate which causes corresponding guided sliding movement of the releasable fastener within the first peripheral opening; (ix) maintaining the tiltable arm at the second selected angle; and (x) tightening the at least one releasable fastener to lock the tiltable arm at the second selected angle to the horizontal plate. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[00021] It should be noted that the steps do not have to be carried out in the above stated order.
[00022] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket of an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system including a tiltable arm and at least one releasable fastener, the bracket comprising: a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element; and a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening; wherein the tiltable arm is rotatably connected to the first vertical plate and includes one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element, the at least one releasable fastener being engageable with the first and second peripheral openings; wherein at least one of the first and second openings is slotted so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.
[00023] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a tiltable arm of an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system including a bracket and at least one releasable fastener, the bracket being a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and having a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening; wherein the tiltable arm is rotatably connected to the first vertical plate and includes one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element; wherein the at least one releasable fastener is engageable with the first and second peripheral openings, at 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 least one of the first and second peripheral openings being slotted so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.
[00024] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system comprising: a bracket having a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and a first vertical plate having at least one first peripheral opening; a tiltable arm being rotatably connected to the first vertical plate, the tiltable arm including one end with at least one second peripheral opening which corresponds to the at least one first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element; and at least one releasable fastener engageable with the at least one first and second peripheral openings; wherein when the first vertical plate has only one first peripheral opening, the one end of the tiltable arm has two or more second peripheral openings, and when the one end of the tiltable arm has only one second peripheral opening, the first vertical plate has two or more first peripheral openings, so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.
[00025] Preferably, the first and second peripheral openings are holes.
[00026] Preferably, the two or more first and second peripheral openings are disposed at predetermined locations.
[00027] Preferably, the adjustable joining system is stepwise or discretely adjustable. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[00028] In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, preferred embodiments of an adjustable joining system will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable joining system according to the present invention being used to form an overarching structure of a roof assembly; Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of the adjustable joining system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the adjustable joining system of Figure 1 without any releasable fastener; Figure 4 is a side view of the adjustable joining system of Figure 1 with releasable fasteners; Figure 5a is a perspective view of the adjustable joining system of Figure 1 with the tiltable arm being disposed at a selected, inclined angle to the horizontal plate; Figure 5b is a perspective view of the adjustable joining system of Figure 1 with the tiltable arm being disposed in an upright orientation; Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the adjustable joining system of Figure 1 in use being mounted on a shipping container; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustable joining system of the present invention with three slotted peripheral openings; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the adjustable joining system of Figure 7 with a different connector; Figure 9 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the configuration and arrangement of the vertical plates with respect to the panel of the tiltable arm of Figure 8; 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 Figure 10 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the configuration and arrangement of the panel of the tiltable arm of Figure 9 with respect to an alternative embodiment of the vertical plates; Figure 11 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the configuration and arrangement of the vertical plates of Figure 9 with respect to an alternative embodiment of the panel of the tiltable arm; Figure 12 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the configuration and arrangement of the panel of Figure 11 with respect to an alternative embodiment of the vertical plates; Figure 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable joining system according to the present invention; Figure 14 is an exploded view of a further alternative embodiment of the adjustable joining system according to the present invention; and Figures 15 to 17 are perspective views showing the adjustable joining system of Figure 7 or Figure 8 with the tiltable arm being connected to girders of different sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00029] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an adjustable joining system 10 for connecting first and second elements of a structure is shown. The first and second elements are typically elongate elements of a load-bearing structure such as an overarching roof assembly 12 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first and second elements are stringer 14 with a U-shaped profile and a gently curved cross member 16 respectively. As best shown in Figure 6, the stringer 14 runs along an edge of a shipping container 66. The adjustable joining system 10 broadly comprises a bracket 18, a tiltable arm 20 operatively mounted to the bracket 18, and four fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[00030] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the bracket 18 includes a horizontal plate 30 and a pair of (first and second) vertical plates 32 & 34. The horizontal plate 30 is adapted in use to be affixed to the stringer 14 by way of screws, bolts or rivets for example. The first vertical plate 32 has four curved slotted peripheral openings 36a, 38a, 40a & 42a. The second vertical plate 34 also has four curved slotted peripheral openings 36b, 38b, 40b & 42b. The curved slotted peripheral openings of the first and second vertical plates 32 & 34 are configured to correspond with one another respectively. For instance, slotted peripheral opening 36a is in registry with peripheral opening 36b and they are designed in use to operate as a pair. As such, the first and second vertical plates 32 & 34 provide three other pairs of slotted peripheral openings. Each of the first and second vertical plates 32 & 34 has a curved or semicircular top. The tiltable arm 20 includes one end being in the form of a panel 50 and an opposite end being connectable to the cross member 16 in the present embodiment. The panel 50 has a centre opening 52 provided to facilitate engagement with the vertical plates 32 & 34. Part of the panel 50 includes a rounded edge being in conformity with the curved or semicircular top of the first and second vertical plates 32 & 34. The panel 50 of the tiltable arm 20 is rotatably or pivotally connected to the respective first and second vertical plates 32 & 34 by way of a removable central fastener 44 which includes the combination of a nut 48, a washer and a bolt 46 in the present embodiment. As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bolt 46 protrudes through and is in use partly received in the centre opening 52. The tiltable arm 20 also includes a connector 58 adapted to facilitate detachable connection with the cross member 16 which is in the form of a curved girder in the present embodiment. The connector 58 includes a base 60 and a spigot 16 stemming from the base 60. The girder 16 has a hollow end 64 (see Figures 3 and 8) in which the spigot 62 is received. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[00031] In use, the panel 50 of the tiltable arm 20 is flanked by the first and second vertical plates 32 & 34 which are located on opposite sides of the panel 50. In addition to the centre opening 52, the tiltable arm 20 includes four other peripheral openings (for example 54 & 56 visible in Figure 4) which are provided to receive part of the fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 respectively. As best shown in Figure 2, the bolt of each of the fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 first protrudes through and remains partly received in the slotted peripheral opening 36b (for example). Each bolt then engages the tiltable arm 20 by passing through and remains partly received in the peripheral opening 56 (for example) before protruding through and remaining partly received in the slotted peripheral opening 36a (for example) so as to releasably secure the tiltable arm 20 in a selected position where it is disposed at a first selected angle to the horizontal plate 30. It will be appreciated that when the fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 are loose or loosened, the tiltable arm 20 is free and allowed to tilt to a second selected angle to the horizontal plate 30 thereby causing the bolts of the respective releasable fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 to make corresponding guided sliding movement within the respective slotted peripheral openings 36a&b, 38a&b, 40a&b and 42a&b. Once the tiltable arm 20 is moved to a desired position or orientation and disposed at a selected angle, all of the releasable fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 may then be tightened so that the fasteners become non-movable. Since the fasteners are fixedly engaged with the panel 50, the tiltable arm 20 is consequentially locked in position being disposed at the selected angle to the horizontal plate 30.
[00032] It should be noted that the slotted peripheral openings 36a&b, 38a&b, 40a&b and 42a&b are coherently curved in such a way that the guided sliding movement thereof results in rotational movement of tiltable arm 20. Also, the four curved slotted peripheral openings of each of the first and second 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 vertical plates 32 & 34 are evenly spaced and located approximately at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.
[00033] Referring to Figure 7, an alternative preferred embodiment of the adjustable joining system 10a is shown with each of vertical plates 32a & 34a having only three slotted peripheral openings instead of four slotted peripheral openings. Also, in this embodiment, the connector includes a coupler 68 adapted to be an intermediary facilitating engagement between the hollow end 64 and the protrusion which takes the form of a panel 70. The coupler is in the form of a sleeve 68 adapted to mate with the hollow end 64 of the second element. The sleeve 68 has a recess which is in the form of a pair of slits 72 adapted in use to receive at least part of the panel 70. In contrast, with reference to Figure 8, the tiltable arm 20b of the adjustable joining system 10b has an alternative embodiment of the protrusion which takes the form of a spigot 62 (also see Figure 3) stemming from the base 60.
[00034] For the ease of reference, peripheral openings provided in the vertical plates 32 & 34 are generally referred to as first peripheral openings. Corresponding peripheral openings provide in the panel 50 of the tiltable arm 20 are generally referred to as second peripheral openings. It is important to note that as a bare minimum, only one first peripheral opening in each of the vertical plates 32 & 34 and one corresponding second peripheral provided in the panel 50 would be required for the present invention to function. Also, in this embodiment, at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is required to be slotted so as to facilitate and enable selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm 20 at different angles to the horizontal plate. To demonstrate this, a few alternative embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 9 to 12. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[00035] As illustrated in Figure 9, a schematic exploded view of the vertical plates 32a & 34a and panel 50a is shown. Each of the vertical plates 32a & 34a has three slotted peripheral openings which are aligned with corresponding peripheral openings provided in the panel 50a.
[00036] Referring to Figure 10, an alternative embodiment of the vertical plates 32b & 34b are shown, each having three peripheral openings which are in the form of peripheral holes 74 instead of peripheral slotted openings. These three pairs of peripheral holes 74 are aligned with three corresponding peripheral slotted openings provided in panel 50a.
[00037] As shown in Figure 11, an alternative embodiment of the panel 50b is shown with three peripheral openings which are in the form of peripheral holes 76. Each of these peripheral holes 76 is aligned with a pair of peripheral slotted openings provided in vertical plates 32a & 34a.
[00038] It will be appreciated that three fasteners are required for each of the three embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11. In each case, the fasteners only need to be loosened without being totally withdrawn to allow the tiltable arms to rotate and be adjusted when in use.
[00039] Turning now to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment of the vertical plates 32c & 34c is shown. Each of the vertical plates 32c & 34c is provided with multiple peripheral holes 74 (as opposed to peripheral slotted openings) located at predetermined locations around the peripheral of the vertical plates 32c & 34c. In this embodiment, at least two peripheral holes 74 are provided in the vertical plates 32c & 324c to correspond with each peripheral hole 76 provided in panel 50b. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the tiltable arm 20 of the adjustable joining system is only stepwise or discretely adjustable. In contrast, the tiltable arm 20 of the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11 is continuously adjustable 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 with the peripheral fasteners being able to rove within the slotted openings.
[00040] With reference to Figures 13 & 14, two further alternative embodiments of the adjustable joining system are shown with the bracket having only one vertical plate being rotatably connected to the panel of the tiltable arm. As shown in Figure 13, panel 50a with three peripheral slotted openings are rotatably connected via central fastener 44 to vertical plate 32a with three corresponding peripheral slotted openings. Referring to Figure 14, vertical plate 32c with multiple peripheral holes are rotatably connected via central fastener 44 to panel 50b with three peripheral holes. It will be appreciated that this embodiment may be altered to have multiple peripheral holes provided in the panel 50b and only three or more holes provided in the vertical plate 32c. It is contemplated that the tiltable arm may function with one or more peripheral holes provided in either the panel 50b or vertical plates 32c so long as multiple holes are provided in the other.
[00041] The tiltable arm 20 may be configured to facilitate connection with second elements of different sizes. To this end, the size and configuration of panel 50, the base 60 and the protrusion stemming therefrom may vary to match various sizes of cross members 16, 16a & 16b, as shown in Figures 15 to 17 respectively.
[00042] It should be noted that the adjustable joining system of the present invention is designed such that it allows for certain flexibility and adaptability during the installation or assembly process. Specifically, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the panel 20 may be selectively dropped into the gap between the vertical plates 32 & 34 in two opposing orientations due to the symmetrical nature of the vertical plates 32 & 34. As such, the adjustably joining system 10 may be used to support both opposing ends of the cross member 16. 2025201468 28 Feb 2025
[00043] In a preferred embodiment, in order to form the overarching assembly 12, the adjustable joining system 10 may be installed and operated by carrying out the following steps: 1) providing a bracket 18; 2) affixing the horizontal plate 30 of the bracket 18 to the stringer 14 by way of a fastening mechanism as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 for example; 3) rotatably connecting the tiltable arm 20 to the first vertical plate by engaging the central fastener 44 with the central openings provided in the vertical plates and panel respectively; 4) placing or adjusting the tiltable arm 20 to a position or orientation where it is disposed at a selected (first) angle to the horizontal plate 30; 5) passing the fours releasable fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 in succession first through the respective slotted first peripheral openings 36b, 38b, 40b & 42b provided in vertical plate 34, then the four corresponding second peripheral openings (54 & 56 for example) provided in the panel 50, and finally the corresponding slotted first peripheral openings 36a, 38b, 40b & 42b provided in the vertical plate 32; 6) putting the nuts onto the end of the respective bolts of the fasteners and tightening them up; and 7) engaging the cross member 16 by inserting the spigot 62 into the hollow end 64.
[00014] In order to adjust or change the position or orientation of the tiltable arm from an inclined position (as shown in Figure 5a) to an upright / position for example (as shown in Figure 5b), the following further steps are to be taken: 8) loosening the fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 by rotating the nuts in an opposite direction (note that there is no need to totally withdraw or retrieve the bolts which can remain engaged 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 with both the vertical plates 32 & 34 and the panel 50 whilst guidedly roving within the relevant slotted openings); 9) moving or adjusting the position or orientation of the tiltable arm 20 to another selected position where it is disposed at another (second) selected angle to the horizontal plate 30 (note that this would cause corresponding guided sliding movement of the bolts of the fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 within the respective slotted holes 36a&b, 38a&b, 40a&b and 42a&b; and 10) tightening up the nuts of the fasteners 22, 24, 26 & 28 again so that the fasteners become non-movable thereby locking the tiltable arm 20 at the new (second) angle to the horizontal plate 30, as selected or desired by the user or installer.
[00015] Now that preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in some detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the adjustable joining system offers at least the following advantages: 1. the tiltable arm significantly reduces inventory as the tiltable arm can be used or adjusted to operate at different angles to suit different roof structures and assemblies of variable sizes and configurations; 2. less stiff curved cross members or beams may be used as the tightenable fasteners contribute to strengthening of the joining system as a whole, resulting in a saving in metal and hence material cost; 3. the tiltable arm allows at least 1 degree of freedom at the time of installation; 4. the tiltable arm may be mounted to the vertical plates in opposing orientations to suit both ends of an elongate (second) element; and 2025201468 28 Feb 2025 5. the tiltable arm enables adjustment both during and after installation thereby increasing the flexibility and versatility of the joining system.
[00016] The above described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosed herein does not mean that all embodiments must include the feature.
[00017] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For instance, the number of slotted peripheral openings provided in the vertical plates and the panel of the tiltable arm may vary. Also, the joining system may operate with only one vertical plate. Furthermore, the shape and configuration of the slotted peripheral openings may vary to facilitate tilting of the tiltable arm. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description. In addition, it will be appreciated that the adjustable joining system of the present invention may find use outside of the building and / or construction industries. Only minor adaptations to the horizontal plate of the bracket and / or the connector of the tiltable arm would be required for the adjustable joining system of the present invention to be applicable for adjustably joining two objects in general.
Claims
1. An adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system comprising:a bracket having a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening;a tiltable arm being rotatably connected to the first vertical plate, the tiltable arm including one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element; andat least one releasable fastener engageable with the first and second openings;wherein at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is slotted so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.
2. The adjustable joining system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is curvedly slotted so as to enable rotational movement of the tiltable arm relative to first vertical plate.
3. The adjustable joining system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one end of the tiltable arm includes a panel with a first central opening, the panel being rotatably connected to the first vertical plate.
4. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vertical plate includes a second central opening which corresponds to the first central opening.2025201468 28 Feb 20255. The adjustable joining system of claim 4, which includes another releasable fastener adapted to engage the first and second central openings so as to achieve the rotatable connection between the first vertical plate and the panel.
6. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposite end includes a connector adapted to facilitate detachable connection with the second element.
7. The adjustable joining system of claim 6, wherein the connector includes a base and a protrusion stemming from the base.
8. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vertical plate is located on one side of the tiltable arm.
9. The adjustable joining system of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a second vertical plate being located on an opposite side of the tiltable arm and having at least a third peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening.
10. The adjustable joining system of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second vertical plates includes three corresponding peripheral openings.
11. The adjustable joining system of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second vertical plates includes four corresponding peripheral openings.
12. The adjustable joining system of either claim 10 or 11, wherein the panel includes additional peripheral openings which correspond to the peripheral openings of the first and second vertical plates.2025201468 28 Feb 202513. The adjustable joining system of any one of claims 10 to 12, which includes additional releasable fasteners, each additional releasable fastener being adapted to engage one of the peripheral openings in the first vertical plate, one of the peripheral openings in the panel and one of the peripheral openings in the second vertical plate.
14. The adjustable joining system of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the peripheral openings are evenly spaced and distributed in each of the first and second vertical plates and the panel.
15. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second vertical plates has a curved or semicircular top.
16. The adjustable joining system of claim 15, wherein the one end of the tiltable arm includes a rounded edge being in conformity with the curved or semicircular top of the first and second vertical plates.
17. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each releasable fastener includes a nut, a bolt and two washers.
18. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element is a stringer.
19. The adjustable joining system of any one of claims 7 to 18, wherein the second element is a girder having a hollow end adapted to receiving the protrusion.
20. The adjustable joining system of any one of claims 7 to 19, wherein the connector includes a coupler adapted to be an intermediary facilitating engagement between the hollow end and the protrusion.2025201468 28 Feb 202521. The adjustable joining system of claim 20, wherein the coupler is in the form of a sleeve adapted to mate with the second element, the sleeve having a recess adapted to receive at least part of the protrusion.
22. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, being angularly adjustable.
23. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, being continuously adjustable.
24. The adjustable joining system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal plate is affixed to the first element via a fastening system.
25. A method of connecting first and second elements of a structure, the method includes the steps of:(i) providing a bracket having:a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening;a tiltable arm including one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end; andat least one releasable fastener;wherein at least one of the first and second peripheral openings is slotted;(ii) rotatably connecting the tiltable arm to the first vertical plate;(iii) selectively placing the tiltable arm in a selected position where it is disposed at a first selected angle to the horizontal plate and where the first and second peripheral openings are aligned;(iv) passing the at least one releasable fastener through the aligned first and second peripheral openings;(v) tightening the at least one releasable fastener to lock the tiltable arm in the selected position; and2025201468 28 Feb 2025(vi) connecting the second element to the opposite end of the tiltable arm.
26. The method of claim 25, which includes further steps of:loosening the at least one releasable fastener so as to allow tilting movement of the tiltable arm;adjusting the tiltable arm so that it is tilted at a second selected angle to the horizontal plate which causes corresponding guided sliding movement of the releasable fastener within the first peripheral opening;maintaining the tiltable arm at the second selected angle; andtightening the at least one releasable fastener to lock the tiltable arm at the second selected angle to the horizontal plate.
27. A bracket of an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system including a tiltable arm and at least one releasable fastener, the bracket comprising:a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element; anda first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening;wherein the tiltable arm is rotatably connected to the first vertical plate and includes one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element, the at least one releasable fastener being engageable with the first and second peripheral openings;wherein at least one of the first and second openings is slotted so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.2025201468 28 Feb 202528. A tiltable arm of an adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system including a bracket and at least one releasable fastener, the bracket being a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and having a first vertical plate having at least a first peripheral opening;wherein the tiltable arm is rotatably connected to the first vertical plate and includes one end with at least a second peripheral opening which corresponds to the first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element;wherein the at least one releasable fastener is engageable with the first and second peripheral openings, at least one of the first and second peripheral openings being slotted so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.
29. An adjustable joining system for connecting first and second elements of a structure, the adjustable joining system comprising:a bracket having a horizontal plate adapted in use to be affixed to the first element and a first vertical plate having at least one first peripheral opening;a tiltable arm being rotatably connected to the first vertical plate, the tiltable arm including one end with at least one second peripheral opening which corresponds to the at least one first peripheral opening and an opposite end connectable to the second element; andat least one releasable fastener engageable with the at least one first and second peripheral openings;wherein when the first vertical plate has only one first peripheral opening, the one end of the tiltable arm2025201468 28 Feb 2025has two or more second peripheral openings, and when the one end of the tiltable arm has only one second peripheral opening, the first vertical plate has two or more first peripheral openings, so as to facilitate selective placement and locking of the tiltable arm at different angles to the horizontal plate.
30. The adjustable joining system of claim 29, wherein the first and second peripheral openings are holes.
31. The adjustable joining system of either claim 29 or 30, wherein the two or more first and second peripheral openings are disposed at predetermined locations.
32. The adjustable joining system of any one of claims 29 or 31, being stepwise or discretely adjustable.