Bracket assembly for connecting construction components

Abstract

A bracket assembly comprising a first bracket element 2 and a second bracket element 3, wherein each of the bracket elements comprise a body 5 and at least one locking member 20, 30. A body plane of e

Description

The present invention relates to a bracket assembly for attaching a first construction component to a second construction component. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly of the present invention has particular utility for providing a partially, or fully, concealed connection in use. In the process of joining construction components using brackets, a large variety of methods are possible. Even in terms of joining one joist to another joist, a number of hangers are available. Generally, brackets for joining one joist to another are split into two groups. The first group comprises a hanger type providing a bracket mounted on a first joist where the bracket provides a base for a second joist to rest on. The second group comprises concealed hanger type or concealed bracket type mounted in a slit provided in one joist or construction component. For this latter type of bracket, it is both desirable and, for some countries regulated by building codes and / or law, that the slit may only be of a certain size. Hence, when high loads need to be endured there is no possibility of increasing the strength of the bracket by adding embossments, supporting ribs or the like because of the limiting size of the slit. These slit-installed brackets rely on the thickness of the material of the bracket only. However, when increasing the thickness of the bracket material, problems may easily arise during the manufacturing process. The increase in thickness may result in significantly more powerful manufacturing machinery being required, where the more powerful machinery is more expensive, and which may increase the cost of each bracket significantly. In addition, more raw material is required. Furthermore, the thicker a material is, e.g. sheet metal, the larger a bending radius is needed in order for the bend to be accurate in its final stage e.g. when bending to ninety-degree angles. The spring back during the bending process and the general tolerance of the material renders it significantly more difficult to ensure the desired tolerance of the angle of the bend as the material gets thicker. If a bending radius which is too small is used, the material may even start to crack. Increasing the bending radius may not be an option due the fact that the increase in bending radius may necessitate a decrease of material in the joist to be assembled. For various reasons, such as structural, aesthetics, as well as general handling and risk of errors, an increased radius is typically not an option. Traditionally, in order to use thicker material and still maintain a small radius, the bracket elements of the bracket assembly are welded together or e.g. punched together creating an embossment in one bracket element and an indentation in the other. However, the embossed variants may disassemble during the mounting of the bracket assembly. The welding process is an additional process necessitating additional equipment in the manufacturing process and significantly increases the cost of the product. A further factor to account for is whether or not a galvanising treatment is to be employed, either before or after, as this materially affects a welding process and the manufacturing process that can be used. The present invention addresses the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved bracket assembly for joining two construction components, such as two joists, which is simplified, a more efficient use of raw material, and cheaper to manufacture. Even more specifically, the present invention provides fora partially, or fully, concealed connection in use. The present invention provides an improved bracket assembly for joining two construction components, such as two joists, capable of using the traditional specifications for the slit in one component (e.g. a joist or beam). The aforementioned, together with numerous other aspects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are addressed by the present invention. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a bracket assembly, the bracket assembly comprising: a first bracket element; and a second bracket element, wherein each of the first bracket element and the second bracket element comprises: a body having a first side surface and a second side surface, the body having a body thickness, a body plane, a body width and a longitudinal body axis; and at least one locking member, and wherein: the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element are arranged parallel to each other; and the locking member of the first bracket element is interlocked with the locking member of the second bracket element. Preferably, the at least one locking member of each of the first bracket element and the second bracket element comprises a fixed end section, attached to the body, and a second end section that is free. Preferably, one or both of the first bracket element and / or the second bracket element comprises, or is connected to, a flange. Preferably, the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element are first arranged parallel to each other in a first position relative to each other in an intermediate assembled position, with the locking member of the first bracket element and the locking member of the second bracket element aligned, and wherein next the body plane of the first bracket element and body plane of the second bracket element are arranged parallel to each other in a second position relative to each other, different from the first position, in an assembled position, wherein the locking member of the first bracket element is interlocked with the locking member of the second bracket element. Preferably, the flange extends, or is arranged at, an angle relative to the body of the bracket element so as not to be coplanar therewith. Preferably, the flange extends, or is arranged at, an angle substantially perpendicular relative to the body of the bracket element. Preferably, the locking member of each of the first and second bracket element in its unlocked (non-interconnected) state extends beyond the thickness of the body thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the body plane. Preferably, the locking members of the first and second bracket element in their interlocked state, measured perpendicular to the body plane, has a combined thickness thinner than 150% of the total body thickness of the two bracket elements, more preferably thinner than 135% of the total body thickness, and most preferably thinner than 120% of the total body thickness. Preferably, the thickness of the body of the bracket elements is less than 5 mm. Preferably, the bracket assembly further comprises a stop mechanism preventing relative movement between the two bracket elements in their interlocked position (state). Preferably, the bracket elements are interlocked by a sliding operation in a direction parallel to the general plane of the body and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to lock the two bracket elements together. Preferably, the bracket elements are interlocked by a sliding operation in a direction parallel to the general plane of the body and transversal to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to lock the two bracket elements together. Preferably, the locking member of the first and / or the second bracket element comprises an arcuate and / or wavy outline when viewed in a cross-section. Preferably, the free end section of the locking member of the first and / or the second bracket element is slanted in relation to the body plane. Preferably, the locking members of the first and the second bracket element are in physical contact along more than 5% of the extension from the fixed end section to the free end section. Preferably, the first and second bracket element are made from sheet metal. Preferably, the bracket assembly is made from any one or more of galvanised steel, stainless steel, metal alloys, plastic or combinations thereof. Preferably, the bracket assembly is used as a concealed joist hanger. Preferably, the flange of one, other or both of the first and second bracket elements is / are provided separately of the first and second bracket elements. Preferably, connecting means are provided for connecting a flange element to one or both of the first and second bracket elements. Preferably, the connecting means are spaced hook (or tooth) forms, with interleaved apertures provided on an edge of each of the first and second bracket elements which, in use, are inserted into, and mate with, corresponding apertures provided in the separate flange element. The connecting means may be bent or otherwsie provided out of the plane of the bodies of the first and second bracket elements. Alternatively, the connecting means may comprise a hinged connection of the first and second bracket elements to the separate flange or flanges. The edges of the first and second bracket elements may be orthogonal. Alternatively, the bend edge with the flange or the flange connecting edge of the first and second bracket elements may be angled so as to provide for vertical offset (non-perpendicular) connection of the two construction components to be connected. The present invention thus provides for both lateral and vertical offset connection of the two construction components to be connected. In a further aspect, the present invention provides use of a bracket assembly as set forth above, wherein the bodies of the bracket elements when in use are received, and preferably concealed or at least partially so, in a slit in the first and / or second construction component. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a bracket assembly, the method comprising: providing a first bracket element; and providing a second bracket element, wherein each of the first bracket element and the second bracket element comprises: a body having a first side surface and a second side surface, the body having a body thickness, a body plane, a body width and a longitudinal body axis; and at least one locking member, and: arranging the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element parallel to each other; and interlocking the locking member of the first bracket element with the locking member of the second bracket element. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a connection using the bracket assembly set forth above, and fasteners, wherein the bodies of the bracket elements are received, and preferably concealed or at least partially so, in a slit in the first and / or second construction component, with the fasteners used to connect the bracket assembly to the first and second construction components. In this way, a strong connection between the first and second bracket element is possible. When interlocking the locking members, the bracket elements cannot be separated, for example, in a particular direction such as substantially perpendicular to the body plane of the bracket elements. In this way, there is no risk of the bracket elements separating during installation of the bracket assembly. Even if the angle between the flange and the body of the bracket elements is not fully accurate, the bracket elements will still be locked together despite any torque arising. Such torque could arise when the flanges are connected to a first construction component, and the angle between each flange and the body is acute. If the angle is acute, a torque can arise, trying to force the bodies of the bracket elements away from each other, for example when measured or considered perpendicular to the body plane. When the bodies are kept in the correct position relative to each other, the bracket assembly may be inserted in a slit in a second construction component. Thus, by utilizing the first and second bracket elements in a bracket assembly, the sheet material of each of the bracket elements may be kept at a thickness which allows the angle between the flange and the body to be accurate, and where the combined thickness of the two brackets and the presence of the two flanges ensures that the bracket assembly is strong enough for the job of joining two construction components to each other. This in turn means that the machinery used to produce the bracket assembly may be adapted to bend thinner sheet material than if the bracket was made out of one thicker piece of sheet material, which means that it is easier to ensure that the angle between the flange and the body is correct, and that the machinery does not have to be as powerful as when using one thick piece of sheet material. Yet further, the cost of the bracket may be reduced both by weight of the material as well as the cost of raw material and of manufacturing. In an embodiment, the bracket assembly may be arranged for attaching a first construction component to a second construction component, the bracket assembly comprising: - a first bracket element and a second bracket element each comprising - a body defining a first side and a second side, a body thickness, a body plane a body width and a longitudinal body axis, - a flange extending from the body of the first and the second bracket element, and - at least one locking member comprising a fixed end section attached to the body and a free end section, wherein the first and the second bracket element, in the installed situation, have parallel body planes and are locked together by means of the locking members interlocked by sliding the first bracket element in an opposite direction of the second bracket element, thereby interconnecting the locking member of the first bracket element with the locking member of the second bracket element. Furthermore, in order to achieve a strong bracket assembly able to withstand a high load, the material used to form the bracket assembly needs to be of a certain thickness, i.e. more than 2 mm. The strength of the material, i.e. the cross-sectional strength of the material, generally determines the resulting strength of the bracket assembly. Hence, using thicker material results in a stronger bracket assembly. However, two layers of half the thickness generally achieves the same strength as one solid piece of material having twice the thickness. By using two layers of material, i.e. two sheets of metal instead of the one thicker sheet, much smaller machinery can be used during the manufacturing process. When locking the sheets together, i.e. locking the two bracket elements of the bracket assembly together, without the use of welding or mechanical pressing, a thicker sum total cross-section is still possible, and hence a high strength of a double walled bracket assembly is possible. When the two bracket elements are interlocked, the worker finally installing the bracket assembly may still handle the bracket assembly as a single bracket assembly and does not need to handle two individual bracket elements. Although achieving the strength of a bracket assembly having twice the material thickness, the bracket elements may still be assembled by hand only. Typically, the bracket elements will be assembled into a bracket assembly at the factory, but the assembling of the bracket assembly at the site of use is also possible. All in all, a bracket assembly according to the present invention is possible where no welding is needed and the use of heavy machinery is not necessary, all while still providing the worker installing the bracket assembly with a product that is easy to install with no need for further assembly. In an embodiment, in the assembled state, i.e. the interlocked state, the locking member of the first bracket element is positioned in the body plane of the second bracket element. Vice versa, the locking member of the second bracket element is positioned in the body plane of the first bracket element. Moreover, a flange may extend substantially in a direction perpendicular from the body of a bracket element. In this way, the bracket assembly comprises a solid flange to attach the bracket assembly to the first construction component. In addition, the locking member of each of the first and second bracket element in its unlocked state may extend beyond the thickness of the body thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the body plane. In this way, the locking member may be pretensioned and hence able to exert a stronger clamping force when interlocked. Furthermore, the locking member of the first and second bracket element in their interlocked state, measured perpendicular to the body plane, may have a combined thickness thinner than 150% of the total body thickness of the two bracket elements, more preferably thinner than 135% of the total body thickness, and most preferably thinner than 120% of the total body thickness. In this way, the bracket assembly in its assembled state, i.e. interlocked state, is easy to slide into a slit of the one component to be assembled with another component e.g. a joist or beam. Additionally, the thickness of the body of a bracket element may be less than 5 mm. Also, the bracket assembly may further comprise a stop mechanism preventing relative movement between the two bracket elements. The stop mechanism may also simply be called a stop. In this way, the bracket elements stay in their relative position when interlocked. This avoids the two bracket elements separating during handling and / or installation by the workers, and during manufacturing or transport. The stop mechanism (stop) may in itself be a flexible tongue directly cut in the body of the first bracket element and a mating hole cut in the body of the second bracket element. The stop mechanism may also be an embossed area in the first bracket element and a mating indentation in the second bracket element ensuring that reversing (undoing of the interlock) is difficult, or at least resisted. The stop mechanism may be arranged so as to facilitate that the first and second bracket elements may be closely aligned in a parallel position before interlocking the two bracket elements together in order to easily to engage the locking members of the two bracket elements. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism may be positioned in an indentation or a hole prior to the interlocking of the two bracket elements in order to keep the bracket elements against each other. In this way, a minimum of force is required to keep the bracket elements in place in their initial position immediately before locking them together. In an embodiment, the stop mechanism may also be arranged so as to avoid relative movement between the bracket elements in a direction opposite to the disassembling direction of the bracket assembly. In this way, during assembly the bracket elements can be forced to a halt or stop position, i.e. a position that aligns the flanges in the desired position relative to each other. In an embodiment, the bracket assembly comprises two or more stop mechanisms. In this way, the bracket assembly may comprise a first stop mechanism that prevents relative movement in a first direction, e.g. the disassembling direction, and a second stop mechanism that prevents relative movement of the bracket elements in the bracket assembly, i.e. the interlocking direction. Consequently, the bracket element and hence the flanges are forced to a halt (at a stop position) during the assembly of the bracket assembly, ensuring the correct relative position of the bracket elements due to a second stop mechanism, and at this final and fully assembled position, the bracket elements are also prevented from disassembling due to the first stop mechanism. It is to be understood by the person skilled in the art that a small play may be present in relation to the relative positioning of the bracket elements during activation of the stop mechanisms. In this way, the stop mechanisms may be activated in both directions substantially at the same time. Hence, when the two bracket elements are forced to the fully assembled state and brought to a halt by a stop mechanism, the other stop mechanism is already engaged, ensuring that disassembling is no longer possible. Moreover, the bracket elements may be interlocked by a sliding operation in a direction parallel to the general plane of the body and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to lock the two bracket elements together. In addition, the bracket elements are interlocked by a sliding operation in a direction parallel to the general plane of the body and transversal to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to lock the two bracket elements together. Furthermore, the locking member of the first and / or the second bracket element may have an arcuate and / or wavy outline when viewed in a cross-sectional view. The locking member may be of arcuate form, so as to conform and interlock with a mating locking member also of arcuate form. In this way, the locking members slide easily on top of each other and perform the locking when the arcuate and / or wavy curvatures are aligned. Preferably, the locking members are configured so as to be biased towards one another, adding to the interlocking force. Additionally, the free end section of the locking member of the first and / or the second bracket element may be slanted in relation to the body plane. In this way, the locking members will engage smoothly with each other. In particular, when initiating the locking, i.e. when the locking members start to slide the one on top of the other, the sliding operation is eased. Moreover, locking members of the first and the second bracket element may be in physical contact along more than 5% of the extension from the fixed end section to the free end section. Furthermore, the locking member of the first and second bracket element may be in physical contact in less than 80% of the locking member, more preferred less than 50% and most preferred less than 20% of the extension from the free end section to the fixed end section. In addition, the first and second bracket element may be made from sheet metal. Also, the bracket assembly may be made from any one or more of galvanised steel, stainless steel, metal alloys, plastic or combinations thereof. Additionally, the bracket assembly may be used as a concealed connector, e.g. a concealed joist or beam hanger. Moreover, the present invention also relates to use of a bracket assembly wherein the bodies of the bracket elements, when in use, are concealed in a slit in the first and / or second construction component. In this way, it is possible to conceal the bracket assembly fully, or partially, in the end section of one or both construction components (e.g. beams and / or joists) abutting each other. Also, the material may be mild steel. In an embodiment, the material may be galvanised steel. Furthermore, the extension from the free end section to the fixed end section of the locking member may be 5-50 mm or more preferably 10-40 mm. In addition, the edge of the free end section may be slanted in relation a crosssection of the locking member seen perpendicular to the material thickness of the locking member. Also, the locking member may be made from the same piece of material as the body of the bracket element. Moreover, both the flange and the body may be made of the same piece of material. Additionally, the body may comprise a number of holes arranged to receive dowels or other fasteners. Furthermore, at least one of the holes may comprise an opened rim arranged to receive a dowel or fastener inserted in the hole in a direction parallel to the plane of the body i.e. a C-shaped hole. Also, the body may comprise guides for guiding the dowel or fastener to the open hole. In addition, the total body thickness of the bracket may be double the thickness of a flange. Moreover, the stop mechanism may prevent relative movement between the bracket elements in the direction at least generally opposite of locking the bracket elements together. Finally, the extent of the longitudinal axis of the bracket assembly, i.e. the longitudinal extent of the body, may be 150-1,000 mm, more preferably 200-800 mm, and most preferably 250-600 mm. The present invention is described in further detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments, and in which: Figures 1A and IB show a schematic perspective view of an assembly of two construction components according to the present invention, Figures 2A-2C show schematically end elevation, side elevation and perspective views of an embodiment of the bracket assembly according to the present invention in an interlocked state, Figure 3A shows schematically a perspective view of the first bracket element of the bracket assembly according to the present invention to be locked in a transversal manner, Figure 3B shows schematically a perspective view of the second bracket element of the bracket assembly according to the present invention to be locked in a transversal manner, Figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of the first and second bracket element according to the present invention aligned to be interlocked in a transversal manner, Figure 4B shows a schematic side elevation view of the arrangement of Figure 4A, Figure 4C shows a schematic top plan view of the arrangement of Figure 4A, Figures 5A-5C show schematically the relative sliding of the locking members, i.e. interlocking, of the first and second bracket elements according to the present invention before interlocking, during interlocking and once interlocked, Figure 6 shows schematically a side elevation view of the first and second bracket elements according to the present invention interlocked after sliding along the longitudinal body axis, Figure 7 shows schematically a side elevation view of the first and second bracket elements according to the present invention positioned to be locked in a longitudinal manner i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal body axis. Figures 8A-8D show schematically perspective, side elevation, end elevation and top elevation views of an alternative embodiment of the bracket assembly according to the present invention in an interlocked state with an alternative flange arrangement, Figures 9A-9D show schematically perspective, side elevation, and top elevation views of an alternative embodiment of the bracket assembly according to the present invention in an interlocked state with another alternative flange arrangement, and Figures 10A-10D show schematically perspective, end elevation, and top elevation views of an alternative embodiment of the bracket assembly according to the present invention in an interlocked state with a yet further alternative flange arrangement. All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to illustrate the invention, with other parts being omitted. Figure 1A shows in a perspective view the situation where the bracket assembly (not visible) of the present invention is used as a concealed joist hanger i.e. connecting a first construction component 11 to a second construction component 12. However, as suggested by the name, the bracket assembly is not visible, only the holes 13 for bolts or dowels or other fasteners and the slit 14 are visible. Similar to Figure 1A, Figure IB shows the connecting of a first construction component 11 to a second construction component 12. The second construction component 12 is shown at least partly transparent only for schematic illustration purposes, and the bracket assembly 1 of the invention comprising flanges 8 is seen connecting the two construction components 11, 12. The bracket assembly 1 is connected to the first construction component 11 by e.g. nails or other fasteners (not shown) and to the second construction component 12 when inserted in the slit 14 by bolts or dowels or other fasteners (not shown) inserted through / in the holes 13 (see Figure 1A). Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show an embodiment of bracket assembly 1 according to the invention. The bracket assembly 1 comprises a first bracket element 2 and a second bracket element 3. Each of the bracket elements 2, 3 comprises a body 5 defining a first side 6 and a second side 7, a body thickness BT, a body plane BP, a transversal axis TA along which a body width BW is defined (see Figure 2B) and a longitudinal body axis BA. Furthermore, the first bracket element comprises a locking member 20, and the second bracket element comprises a locking member 30. Each locking member 20, 30 comprises a fixed end section 51, (shown in Figure 5) attached to the body 5 and a free end section 52 (shown in Figure 5). The bracket assembly 1 shown in Figures 2A-2C comprises a stop 25. The stop 25 prevents the first bracket element 2 and the second bracket element 3 from sliding apart after being interlocked. In a similar way, the stop 25 or a further stop may also be arranged to assist in the positioning of the first and second bracket elements 2, 3 relative to each other in the interlocked position. The bracket assembly 1 is shown in the situation where the first and the second bracket elements 2, 3 are in the installed situation, i.e. they have parallel body planes BP and are locked together by means of the locking members 20, 30 after sliding the first bracket element 2 in an opposite direction to the second bracket element 3, thereby interconnecting and interlocking the locking member 20 of the first bracket element 2 with the locking member 30 of the second bracket element 3. It is shown that each body 5 of the bracket elements 2, 3 in this embodiment comprises a flange 8 arranged substantially perpendicular to the body 5, i.e. the body plane BP of the bracket elements 2, 3. In this embodiment of the bracket assembly 1, the flanges 8 of each bracket element are similar but it is to be understood by the skilled in the art that in another embodiment the flanges 8 may be different, as described below and illustrated in Figures 8A-8D, Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), only one bracket element 2, 3 may comprise a flange 8. In Figure 2B, it is shown that the bracket assembly 1 comprises locking members 20, 30. For the sake of distinguishing between the locking members herein, the locking members are referenced as 20', 20" and 20"' but will in general be referenced as 20. In general, the locking function of the locking members 20, 30 will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 5A-5C in paticular. Each locking member 20, 30 is positioned in an opening 21 in the body 5. It is to be understood that in the installed (interlocked) situation, the body 5 of the first bracket element may partly coverthe opening(s) 21 of the second bracket element 3 and vice versa. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2B, the locking member 20' is positioned near to one side of its opening 21. In a similar manner, the locking member 20'" is also positioned near to one side of its opening 21. The locking member 20' and the locking member 20'" are positioned at opposing sides of the openings 21 respectively. Having the locking members 20', 20'" positioned in this way in the openings 21 the first and second bracket element 2, 3 are aligned correctly with respect to each other along the longitudinal body axis BA. The correct alignment is the position where the apertures 15 of the first bracket element 2 and the apertures 15 of the second bracket element 3 allows for the desired dowel or bolt or fastener to pass through. The interconnection of the locking members 20, 30 i.e. when fully interlocked, ensures the positioning of the first bracket element 2 relative to the second bracket element 3 along the transversal axis TA. Figures 3A and 3B show the first bracket element 2 and the second bracket element 3 when they are not assembled and not interlocked i.e. before they form the bracket assembly 1. In this view, it is easier to see that the locking members 20 (20', 20", 20'"), 30 in this embodiment are in fact each a tongue of arcuate form projecting from the body 5 of the bracket element 2, 3. In this embodiment, the locking members 20, 30 are formed directly from the material of the body 5. However, it is to be understood that the body 5 of the bracket elements 2, 3 may consist of alloys or other mixed material and hence the material of the locking member may be different from the rest of the bracket element in other embodiments. In the embodiment of the bracket assembly shown in the present figures, the first bracket element 2 and the second bracket 3 element are different but the first and second bracket element may also be similar (e.g. see alternative embodiments shown and described). The first bracket element 2 comprises an aperture 31. The aperture 31 and the slanted projection 32 together form a stop when the first and second bracket elements 2, 3 are interlocked to form the bracket assembly 1. When interlocked, the slanted projection 32 is forced partly into the aperture 31 and due to the spring effect of the slanted projection 32, a snap-lock, i.e. a stop mechanism, is formed. Such stop mechanism may be acting in both directions, i.e. both in the assembling direction and in the disassembling direction. In this way, the bracket elements 2, 3 may be brought to their desired relative position, i.e. their fully assembled interlocked position, and a stop prevents further relative movement in the assembling direction and / or in the disassembling direction. It is shown that the locking members 20, 30 are raised from the first side 6 of body 5 of the bracket elements 2, 3. It is shown that the apertures 21 of the first bracket element 2 have room to receive the locking members 30 of the second bracket element 3. Similarly, the locking members 20 of the first bracket element 2 are received in the apertures 21 of the second bracket element 3. From this position (shown in Figure 4), the first and second bracket element 2, 3 are ready to be interlocked to form the bracket assembly 1. In Figures 2A-3B, each of the bracket elements 2, 3 comprises large holes 15 and small holes 16. When the bracket elements 2, 3 are interlocked the large holes 15 align and bolts, dowels, fasteners or the like may be inserted to join the bracket assembly 1 and one construction component together. The small holes 16 are arranged to receive nails or screws or other fasteners in order to join the bracket assembly 1 to the other construction component. Figures 4A-4C show the positioning of the bracket elements 2, 3 before interlocking. It is seen that first sides (not numbered) of the bracket elements 2, 3 are aligned in contact. When the first side 6 of the first bracket element 2 is aligned in contact with the first side 6 of the second bracket element 3, the locking members 20 of the first bracket element 2 will be arranged in the apertures 21 of the second bracket element 3. Vice versa, the locking members 30 of the second bracket element 3 will be arranged in the apertures 21 of the first bracket element 2. From this position, the first and second bracket element 2, 3 will be pushed in opposite directions to one another and thereby interlocked by the locking members 20, 30. Figures 5A-5C show the movement of the locking members 20, 30 during the process of interlocking the first bracket element 2 with the second bracket element 3. In Figure 5A, the locking members 20, 30 are positioned as already shown in Figure 4A-4C. It is shown that the locking member 20 of the first bracket element 2 is positioned in the aperture 21 of the second bracket element 3. In a similar way, the locking member 30 of the second bracket element 3 is positioned in the aperture 21 of the first bracket element 2. It is seen that each of the locking members 20, 30 has a fixed end section 51 and a free end section 52. In this way, the free end sections 52 are allowed to move in direction substantially perpendicular to the body 5 of bracket elements 2, 3 i.e. flex in a direction away from the first surface 6, while being naturally biased back to their original position when flexed. The free end section 52 of the locking members 20, 30 may comprise a slanted tip 53. The slanted tip 53 may also be rounded or otherwise adapted to facilitate an easy start of interlocking process when the free ends of the locking members 20, 30 should pass each other in the very beginning of the interlocking process. The body has a body thickness BT. It is obvious for the person skilled in the art that the thicker the material the more the bracket assembly 1 will be able to carry, in terms of structural capacity. In general, the locking members 20, 30 have the same thickness as the body 5 of bracket elements 2, 3. However, it is to be understood that the manufacturing process, e.g. a stamping process, may cause the locking members 20, 30 to have a different thickness compared to the body 5 thickness. In another embodiment, typically using thicker sheet metal, the locking members 20, 30 may deliberately be thinned in order to ease the interlocking process (e.g. a reduced biasing force when flexed). Arrows A2 and A3 show the respective directions in which the first and second bracket element 2, 3 should be moved relative to one another in order to interconnect and interlock the locking members 20, 30. In Figure 5B, the first and second bracket element 2, 3 are in the process of being forcibly moved, against the biasing force of the flexing of the locking members 20, 30, in the direction of the arrows A2 and A3 respectively. It is shown that in this stage of the interlocking process, the free end sections 52 of the locking members 20, 30 are forced (flexed) away from each other due to the arcuate wavy (or other such curved) outline of the locking members 20, 30. It is to be understood that the locking members 20, 30 may have a variety of outlines e.g. a ratcheted or scored kind of surface, or other such feature(s) (e.g. high friction) rendering the arcuate, wavy or curved nature less necessary. In case of other outlines or forms of the locking members, there may be additional stop mechanisms (similar to the one shown in Figures 2A-3B) in order to align the bracket elements 2, 3 correctly when interlocked. Furthermore, it is shown by dotted lines, that the tip of the first end (free end section) 52 of one bracket element 2, 3 is forced through plane of the second side 7 of the other bracket element 2, 3. In Figures 5A-5C it is shown that the first locking member 20 in the intermediate position (shown in Figure 5A) is positioned substantially aligned with the body plane of the second bracket element 3. Similarly, the second locking member 30 is positioned substantially aligned with the body plane of the first bracket element 2. Figure 5C shows the first and second bracket elements 2, 3 in their fully interlocked situation (e.g. as shown in Fig. 2A). The first and the second bracket elements 2, 3 are in their final installed situation, i.e. they have parallel body planes BP (not shown) and are locked together by means of the locking members 20, 30, after sliding the first bracket element 2 in an opposite direction to the second bracket element 3, thereby interconnecting and interlocking the locking member 20 of the first bracket element 2 with the locking member 30 of the second bracket element 3. The locking process shown in Figures 5A-5C is the same no matter if the relative movement of the first and second bracket elements 2, 3 is carried out along the longitudinal axis BA or along a transversal axis TA (both shown in Figures 2A, 2B). Figures 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the locking members 20, 30 interlock due to a movement along the longitudinal body axis BA. Hence, in this embodiment also, the two bracket elements 2, 3 interlock in similar manner as the embodiment described in Figures 2-4, but differ only in having the relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the one illustrated in Figures 2-4. Figures 8A-8D show an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the flange 8 of each of the first and second bracket elements 2, 3 of previous embodiments is / are provided separately of the first and second bracket elements 2, 3. In this alternative embodiment of the present invention, a separate flange element 100 is provided and itself comprises flanges 108. No flange is provided on either of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103. Instead, spaced hook (or tooth) forms 300, with interleaved apertures 200, are provided on an edge of each of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 which, in use, are inserted into, and mate with, corresponding apertures provided in the separate flange element 100. Other features shown are as shown and decribed above in previous emdodiments and adopt a leading "1" reference numeral in addition to the previous reference numeral used. The corresponding apertures provided in the separate flange element 100, can be provided in a portion out of plane with respect to the flange or flanges 108 of the separate flange element 100, as shown. Such an arrangement can provide for lateral offset (non-perpendicular) connection of the two construction components 11, 12 to be connected. This embodiment also avoids the need for any flange to be provided in either of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 (e.g. not bent by a bending process). A further alternative embodiment of the present invention, similar to that of Figures 8A-8D, is shown in Figures 9A-9D. Here in this embodiment, however, the corresponding apertures provided in the separate flange element 108, are not (but could be) provided in a portion out of plane with respect to the flange or flange of the separate flange element 108. Instead, the spaced hook (or tooth) forms 300 that are likewise provided on an edge of each of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 can be bent out of plane as shown. Again, in use, the spaced hook (or tooth) forms 300 are inserted into, and mate with, corresponding apertures 200 provided in the separate flange element 108. Again, other features shown are as shown and decribed above in previous emdodiments and adopt a leading "1" reference numeral in addition to the previous reference numeral used. Such an arrangement once again can provide for lateral offset (non-perpendicular) connection of the two construction components 11, 12 to be connected. This embodiment also avoids the need for any flange to be provided in either of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 (e.g. not bent by a bending process). Finally, a yet further alternative embodiment of the present invention, similar to that of Figures 8A-8D and Figures 9A-9D in that a separate flange or flanges is provided, is shown in Figures 10A-10D. Here in this embodiment, however, a hinged connection of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 to the separate flanges 80 is provided. Respective edges of the flanges 80 and the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 are provided with interleaving hinge loops 200, 300 which join the resepctive edges of the flanges 80 and the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 when a hinge pin 400 is introdcued within the interleaved hinge loops 200, 300. Again, other features shown are as shown and decribed above in previous emdodiments and adopt a leading "1" reference numeral in addition to the previous reference numeral used. Such an arrangement once again can provide for lateral offset (non-perpendicular) connection of the two construction components 11, 12 to be connected. This embodiment also avoids the need for any flange to be provided in either of the first and second bracket elements 102, 103 (e.g. not bent by a bending process). While orthogonal edges of the first and second bracket elements 2, 3, 102, 103 have been shown and described, alternatively the bend edge with the flange or the flange connecting edge of the first and second bracket elements 2, 3, 102, 103 can be angled so as to provide for vertical offset (non-perpendicular) connection of the two construction components 11, 12 to be connected. The present invention thus provides for both lateral and vertical offset connection of the two construction components 11, 12 to be connected. Although the present invention has been described above and illustrated in the Figures in connection with certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that modifications are conceivable without departing from the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims and drawings), may be replaced by an alternative feature(s) serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. In addition, all of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Accordingly, while many different embodiments of the present invention have been described above, with preferred features, any one or more or all of the features described, illustrated and / or claimed in the appended claims may be used in isolation or in various combinations in any embodiment. As such, any one or more feature may be removed, substituted and / or added to any of the feature combinations described, illustrated and / or claimed. For the avoidance of doubt, 5 any one or more of the features of any embodiment may be combined and / or used separately in a different embodiment with any other feature or features from any of the embodiments. As such, the true scope of the present invention is that set out in the appended 10 claims.

Claims

1. A bracket assembly, the bracket assembly comprising:a first bracket element; anda second bracket element, wherein each of the first bracket element and the second bracket element comprises:a body having a first side surface and a second side surface, the body having a body thickness, a body plane, a body width and a longitudinal body axis; andat least one locking member, and wherein:the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element are arranged parallel to each other; andthe locking member of the first bracket element is interlocked with the locking member of the second bracket element.

2. A bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member of each of the first bracket element and the second bracket element comprises a fixed end section, attached to the body, and a second end section that is free.

3. A bracket assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or both of the first bracket element and / or the second bracket element comprises, or is connected to, a flange.

4. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element are first arranged parallel to each other in a first position relative to each other in an intermediate assembled position, with the locking member of the first bracket element and the locking member of the second bracket element aligned, and wherein next the body plane of the first bracket element and body plane of the second bracket element are arranged parallel to each other in a second position relative to each other, different from the first position, in an assembled position, wherein the locking member of the first bracket element is interlocked with the locking member of the second bracket element.

5. A bracket assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the flange extends, or is arranged at, an angle relative to the body of the bracket element so as not to be coplanar therewith.

6. A bracket assembly according to claim 5, wherein the flange extends, or is arranged at, an angle substantially perpendicular relative to the body of the bracket element.

7. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member of each of the first and second bracket element in its unlocked (non-interconnected) state extends beyond the thickness of the body thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the body plane.

8. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking members of the first and second bracket element in their interlocked state, measured perpendicular to the body plane, has a combined thickness thinner than 150% of the total body thickness of the two bracket elements, more preferably thinner than 135% of the total body thickness, and most preferably thinner than 120% of the total body thickness.

9. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the body of the bracket elements is less than 5 mm.

10. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket assembly further comprises a stop mechanism preventing relative movement between the two bracket elements in their interlocked position (state).

11. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket elements are interlocked by a sliding operation in a direction parallel to the general plane of the body and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to lock the two bracket elements together.

12. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket elements are interlocked by a sliding operation in a direction parallel to the general plane of the body and transversal to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to lock the two bracket elements together.

13. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member of the first and / or the second bracket element comprises an arcuate and / or wavy outline when viewed in a cross-section.

14. A bracket assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the free end section of the locking member of the first and / or the second bracket element is slanted in relation to the body plane.

15. A bracket assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein locking members of the first and the second bracket element are in physical contact along more than 5% of the extension from the fixed end section to the free end section.

16. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second bracket element are made from sheet metal.

17. A bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket assembly is made from any one or more of galvanised steel, stainless steel, metal alloys, plastic or combinations thereof.

18. A bracket assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket assembly is used as a concealed joist hanger.

19. Use of a bracket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bodies of the bracket elements when in use are received, and preferably concealed or at least partially so, in a slit in the first and / or second construction component.

20. A method of providing a bracket assembly, the method comprising: providing a first bracket element; andproviding a second bracket element, wherein each of the first bracket element and the second bracket element comprises:a body having a first side surface and a second side surface, the body having a body thickness, a body plane, a body width and a longitudinal body axis; andat least one locking member, and:arranging the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element parallel to each other; andinterlocking the locking member of the first bracket element with the locking member of the second bracket element.

21. A method of forming a connection using the bracket assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and fasteners, wherein the bodies of the bracket elements are received, and preferably concealed or at least partially so, in a slit in the first and / or second construction component, with the fasteners used to connect the bracket assembly to the first and second construction components.

22. A bracket assembly, the bracket assembly comprising:- a first bracket element and a second bracket element, where each bracket element comprises- a body having a first side surface and a second side surface, the body having a body thickness, a body plane, a body width and a longitudinal body axis, - a flange extending from the body of the first and the second bracket element, and- at least one locking member comprising a fixed end section, attached to the body and a second end section that is free, wherein:the body plane of the first bracket element and the body plane of the second bracket element are arranged parallel to each other in a first position relative to each other in an intermediate assembled position, and where the locking member of the first bracket element and the locking member of the second bracket element are aligned, and where the body plane of the first bracket element and body plane of the second bracket element are arranged parallel to each other in a second position relative to each other, different from the first position, in an assembled position, bracket element, thereby interconnecting the locking member of the first bracket element with the locking member of the second bracket element.

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