Modular frame joining member and frame system including the same

Abstract

A joining member for use with a ceiling frame system used as a mounting frame for lightingfixtures cabling etc. comprises at least first and second arms arranged to be insertable into channelled frami

Description

The invention to which this application relates is a frame system with improved joining means. The frame system is typically provided to be attached to, mounted with, or suspended from a support such as a ceiling structure and provided in a configuration to allow the support of one or more components in position for example during construction. A number of frame systems are known and one of which is known as a “Unistrut” (RTM) frame system. The frames that make up the frame system are typically tubular or tray-like members that are suspended from a ceiling to act as a conduit and / or support for the passage of cables, electrical or data, therealong. The frames may also act as a conduit for piping or the like. The frames are conventionally provided with a number of apertures such that the frames may be suspended from a ceiling by a suspending means, such as a cable or elongate threaded metal or metal alloy member anchored to the ceiling. Objects such as light fixtures, ornaments, partitions or the like may also be suspended from the frame itself by the said apertures. It is known that the frames can be configured as a network or lattice from a ceiling to form a pattern which is suitable for use in the building configuration in which the frames are to be used. For example, the frame may be configured for the suspension of a series of fighting fixtures therefrom, with common electrical cables for the lighting fixtures passing along the frame. The frame system is typically formed from a series of frames which are relatively fixed with respect with each other, and so guide and support the cable along its required path. The need for the secure fixation of the frames with respect to each other is of particular importance if a rigid member, such as a pipe, is common between the frames of the pattern. A known method of fixing said frames with respect to each other is to use one or more bolted connections. To enable this, it is common that the adjacent frames are configured to overlap, with the bolts being located and operated to bolt the frames in mutual location bolted connection at the intersection of the frames. This requires a significant amount of bolting operations to be performed by installers, which can be difficult due to space constraints and the fact that the work is often done at height from the floor. Furthermore, for larger buildings and / or premises with a complicated configuration, a large number of these frames are required to be bolted together which can take considerable time and expense. Furthermore, if one or more frames is / are to be removed or reorientated following installation, the bolted connections must be undone, which can be a time-consuming task. An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a modular means to join adjacent frames of a frame system wherein the join is relatively easily installed and removed, and wherein the join enables the frames to be coplanar and / or non-coplanar with respect to each other. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a joining member for use with a frame system, the joining member including at least first and second arms arranged to be at least partially insertable along and having a profile substantially complimentary with respective channels in at least first and second frames of the frame system so as to engage with the same, wherein the first and second arms protrude from a hub of the joining member in angularly offset directions such that when attached to respective first and second frames, the said frames are located together at said angular offset. Typically the hub acts as a stop to Emit the insertion of the first and / or second arms into the corresponding first and second channels. In one embodiment the member is configured to engage with the channels of the first and second frames in a friction fit. Typically the first and / or second arms have a tapered profile, such that the first and / or second arms are relatively easily insertable into the channel opening and then engaged with the channel by the friction fit. Typically one or more faces of the said arms are acted upon by a serrated surface formed on the free edges of the channel. In one embodiment the member includes third or more arms depending outwardly from said hub so to allow engagement with further frames and / or other components. In one embodiment the said member includes engagement means such that the member may be retained with the frames. Typically, the engagement means includes a threaded connection for the engagement with a threaded member, such as a bolt or the Eke. Alternatively, or in addition, the engagement means includes a cam-lock connection for engagement with a cam-locking member. Further alternatively, or in addition, the engagement means includes a snap-fit connection. Further alternatively, or in addition, the engagement means includes a shim member that is configured to be located between at least one of the arms and the frame in use. In one embodiment, one or more arms of the member include a rotation preventing means, such as one or more protrusions, so as to prevent the arms from rotating with respect to the channel when at least partially inserted through the same. In one embodiment the said hub includes a movement means so as to allow relative adjustment of the respective arms depending outwardly therefrom, such that the directions at which the first and second arms are angularly offset are selectively variable. Typically the movement means includes a hinge joint. In one embodiment, the arms are fixed with the hub such that the joining member is unitary. In an alternative embodiment, the arms are selectively located with the hub by the provision of locating means. Typically, in this embodiment, the hub includes a series of locating means at offset angles such that the joining member is configurable by selecting which of those locating means onto which arms are to be located to form the joining member. In one embodiment, the locating means is complimentary with a concealing part to conceal the locating means when not in use. In one embodiment, the locating means includes a threaded connection. In an alternative embodiment, the locating means includes a cam-lock connection. In a yet further embodiment, the locating means includes a snap or friction fit connection. In one embodiment the joining member is formed of a plastic material. This provides the advantage that the member is relatively lightweight with respect to the frame and does not apply sufficient strain on a suspension means of the frame during use to damage the same. In one embodiment the plastic material includes nylon. In one embodiment, the plastic material includes glass reinforced plastic (GRP). In one embodiment, the arms and / or the hub include a core. In one embodiment, the core is formed of metal. In one embodiment the metal used is steel. In an alternative embodiment at least the arms are formed of tubular metal and the hub is formed of metal. In one embodiment the hub is cuboid in shape. In one embodiment, arms are arranged to extend from at least two faces of the hub. In one embodiment the arms are substantially cuboid in shape. Typically, the channels of the frames are relatively U-shaped and typically with in-turned free edges and the frames can be used as a guided support for electrical cables, data cables, ventilation pipes and / or the like. Alternatively, the channels of the frames are formed as tubes. The frames may act as a mounting means for ceiling panels, ceiling decorations, lighting fixtures and / or the like. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a joining assembly for a frame system, the assembly including at least first and second frames, and at least one joining member, said joining member including a hub and at least first and second arms provided to be insertable into a channel of one or other of the first or second frames and having a profile complimentary with the said channel to engage with the same, wherein the said arms protrude from said hub at angularly offset directions relative to the other, such as to define the angular orientation of the joined first and second frames of the frame system. In one embodiment the channels of the frames are relatively U-shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the channels of the frames are tubular. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a frame system, the system including a series of frames located with adjacent frames by the provision of joining members, wherein said joining members include arms extending at offset angles from a hub so as to be substantially complimentary with and partially inserted through channels of the frames, such that the angular orientation of the frames is defined by the configuration of the arms of the joining members. Typically the formation of the said frame system is continued by the joining together of as many frames using additional of said joining members until the required configuration of the system is achieved. In one embodiment, the system includes support means to allow the system to be supported by and suspended from a ceiling or other support means of a building. In one embodiment the location of respective frames in the required configuration will utilise at least two of said joining members at the interface of the said frames or trays and engaged in respective channels formed in the frames. Typically, the frames act as a universal framing system for ceiling panels, ceiling decorations, lighting fixtures and / or the like. In one embodiment the frame system is suspended from a ceiling of a building or alternatively may be built on a floor to hold apparatus or equipment or be built as a bench / table or workstation. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming a frame system, including at least two frames, and at least one joining member as previously described. In one embodiment the kit further includes suspension means to suspend the frames from a support structure in use. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming a frame system, said method including the steps of providing a plurality of frames and a plurality of joining members, placing a first frame and a second frame adjacent each other in a selected configuration and engaging one or more joining members in channels in the said first and second frames to locate and retain said first and second frame members in the selected configuration, and wherein the said joining member includes at least first and second arms arranged to be at least partially insertable along and having a profile substantially complimentary with said respective channels in at least first and second frames and the first and second arms protrude from a hub of the joining member in angularly offset directions such that when attached to respective first and second frames, the said frames are located together at said angular offset. 26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the method includes the joining of further frames to adjacent frames using the said joining members until a frame system of the required size and configuration is formed. Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a known frame assembly; Figure 2 illustrates a detailed view of the frame of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a section view of a known method of retaining frames with respect to each other; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a frame system in accordance with the invention; Figures 5a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with two arms in a corner configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 6a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with three members in a corner configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 7a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with three members in a side configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 8a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with four members in a corner configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 9a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with four members in a side configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures lOa-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with five members in a corner configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures lla-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with six members in a corner configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 12a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with two members in a side configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 13a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of a joining member with two members and a movable hub in a first configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 14a-b illustrate a perspective and side view of the joining member of Figure 13 in a second configuration in accordance with the invention; Figures 15a-c illustrate an above perspective, below perspective, and side view of a joining member with selectively configurable arms in accordance with the invention; Figures 16a-c illustrate a perspective, front and plan views of a further joining member with selectively locatable arms in accordance with the invention; Figures 17a-c illustrate a perspective, internal, and front view of a hub of a joining member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 18a-b illustrate a front and side view of a concealing part for use with the hub of Figures 17a-c; Figures 19a-b illustrate rear perspective and front perspective views of an arm for use with the hub of Figures 17a-c; Figures 20a-c illustrate the steps of locating a joining member in accordance with Figures 17-19; Figures 21a-d illustrate a side, front perspective, detail, and rear perspective view of a joining member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of a joining member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 23 illustrates a perspective view of a joining member as part of the frame support system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention including engagement means; Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of a joining member and frame assembly including engagement means in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of a joining member including strengthening ribs; Figure 26 illustrates a shim for use with a joining member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 27a-b illustrate a joining member and frame assembly including the shim of Figure 26; Figures 28a-b illustrate a further shim for use with a joining member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 29a-d illustrate the steps of forming a joining member and frame assembly including the shim of Figures 28a-b; Figures 30a-d illustrate a joining member arm located in a channel of a frame in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and Figures 31a-e illustrate several embodiments of frame systems formed in accordance with the invention for a range of different uses. Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a ceiling frame or tray 2 configured to be suspended from a ceiling by a suspension means members 4. The frame 2 has a U-shaped cross-section, although in alternative embodiments it may have a tubular profile. The frame 2 includes a series of apertures 6 spaced along the length of the same. These apertures 6 act as a location for the cables 4 by which the frame is suspended to pass through and be anchored. The apertures 6 further act as a location for a fixture to be anchored, in this example a light fixture 8 suspended by a cable or chain 10. The light fixture 8 is powered by an electrical cable 12 that feeds along the length of the frame 2. The electrical cable 12 is common with further lighting fixtures (not shown) suspended from this frame 2 and adjacent frames 2’. In this example, to allow for the desired configuration of lighting fixtures 8 within a room, the first frame 2 and a second frame 2’ from which the lighting fixtures are suspended are arranged perpendicular to each other. The known method of retaining the first and second frames 2,2’ is illustrated in Figure 3, wherein a bolt 14 passes through the respective apertures 6,6’ and is retained by a nut 16. It can be seen that this causes the frames 2, 2’ to be on separate planes, such that objects suspended from the frames 2,2’ will be at varying heights. Various embodiments of a joining member 20 in accordance with the invention are illustrated in Figures 4-12. The joining member 20 includes at least a first arm 22 and a second arm 24 extending from a hub 26 in angularly offset directions and the arms are provided so as to be inserted along, and engage with, respective channels 37 of adjacent frames 2, 2’ so as to retain the frames in their relative positions. The arms are typically formed so as to allow engagement with inwardly protruding lips 40 on opposing sides of the typically U-shaped channel 37 and which run along the channel. The joining member 20 can be provided in several embodiments including variation in the numbers of the arms extending from the hub 26 so as to provide variation for different configurations and / or numbers of frames to be joined. Figures 5a-b illustrate a joining member 20a for joining two perpendicular and coplanar frames. Figures 6a-b illustrate a joining member 20b for joining two perpendicular and co-planar frames and a third arm 28 for joining a third frame perpendicular to the shared plane of the first and second frames. Figures 7a-b illustrate a joining member 20c for joining two co-linear frames and a third frame perpendicular to the axis of the two first and second frames. Embodiments with a fourth arm 30 are illustrated in Figures 8-9; a joining member 20f including a fifth arm 32 is illustrated in Figures lOa-b; and a joining member 20g including a sixth arm 34 are illustrated in Figures lla-b. A further joining member 20h, illustrated in Figures 12a-b, includes a first arm 22 and a second arm 24 that extend in opposite directions from the hub 26, to join co-linear frames. In each of the embodiments 20a-20h, the first and second arms 22, 24, and any additional arms, each have a profile complimentary with the interior wall of the channel 37 of a frame 2. Typically and as shown, for example in Figures 30a-d, which show an end of the arm 22 in position in the channel 37, the arms 22 and typically also arm 24, have a cross sectional shape which allows the arm to be inserted into and along the channel 37 in any of the four orientations as illustrated by arrows 31. Also shown is the fact that each of the side walls 51 of the arm has substantially the same shape and includes a central portion 53 and indented shoulder portions 38 at opposing edges of the central portion 53 and this shape is typically provided along the majority of the length of the arm 22, and also the other arms of the joining member 20. The indented shoulder portions 38 are dimensioned so that the two indented shoulder portions which are to be positioned adjacent to the Ups 40 of the channel when the arm is located in the channel 37, allow the Ups 40 to slide along the respective indented shoulder portions 38 and the adjacent central portion 53 is located intermediate the Ups 40. The width of the arms 22, 24 between central portions 53 of opposing side walls 51 is such as to form a friction fit with the inner walls 36 of the channel 37 when the arms are inserted in and along the channel 37. This in conjunction with the indented shoulders engaging with the lips 40 means that a secure and retained engagement of the arms in the respective channels is achieved. The frames 2 can be provided with a serrated edge 42 and the shoulder 38 of the arms 22, 24 are configured to be located and engaged with these serrated edges. The arms 22, 24 are tapered at the end 44 furthest from the hub 26. This tapering allows the arms 22,24 to be located and aligned with the ends of the frames 2 before being inserted within the same. It will be appreciated that the insertion of the arms 22, 24 within the respective frames 2, 2’ as illustrated in Figure 4, act as a joining means for the frames but also a means to reinforce the walls 36 of the frames, preventing buckling or bending of the same. The hub 26 has a width greater than the arms 22, 24 and the interior walls 36 of the frames 2. In this way, the hub 26 acts as a stop to Emit the insertion of the arms 22, 24 within the frames. A face 46 of the hub 26 is brought into contact with the end 48 of the frame 2 when the first arm 22 is inserted along its entire length within the frame 2. The arms 22, 24 include a series of apertures 50 along their length for the reception of an engagement means therethrough. When assembled and inserted within a frame 2, a bolt is passed through an aperture 6 of the frame aligned with an aperture 50 of the arms 22, 24 which extend the cross section of the arms 22, 24. In this way, the arms 22, 24 are engaged and retained with the frame 2 with which they are inserted. An alternative joining member 100 is illustrated in Figures 13a-b and 14a-b. In this embodiment, the first and second arms 122, 124 extend from a movable hub 126. The movable hub 126 is comprised of a first hinge 123 and a second hinge 125 pivotable with respect to each other about a hinge pin 127. In this way, the hub may be selectively configured by a user of the member to alter the direction at which the first and second arms 122, 124 extend from the hub 126 with respect to each other. The user of the member may adjust the member 100 for the required configuration of the frames 2 to be joined. A further embodiment 300 of the member is illustrated in Figures 15a-c wherein the member is modular such that the arms 322, 324 are initially separate from the hub and then welded thereto in the required position and orientation. This provides the advantage that an installer of the frame system may configure the joining member for the required configuration for the frame orientation with which the joining member is to be used. In Figures 16a-c the arms 322, 324 include respective locating means in the form of engagement plates 328, 330 mounted with respective end plates 332, 324 and which are shaped so as to allow the same to be inserted into locating portions of hubs and be rotated, typically 90 degrees, to be retained with the locating portions of the hubs. In this embodiment, the arms 322, 324 are selectively located with location portions of a hub, and are removable to allow the joining means to be configurable. Figures 17-20 illustrate a further embodiment of a joining member 400 that is modular. The joining member 400 includes a hub 426, illustrated most clearly in Figures 17a-c and 20a. The hub 426 in this embodiment is cuboid in shape and includes a series of locating portions in the form of recesses 454 defined by a series of sidewalls 456. The locating portions 454 correspond with the locating means 432 of arms 422 to be selectively located with the hub 426, as illustrated most clearly in Figures 19a-b. The complimentary profile of the locating portions 454 of the hub 426 and the engagement means 432 of the arm 422 prevents rotation of the arm 422 about its access when located with the hub. The locating portion 454 and the engagement means 432 include aligned apertures 458, 460 respectively. The aligned apertures 458, 460 are arranged to allow a threaded connection, such as a bolt 462, to pass through the same and engage with a threaded connection, such as a nut 464, of the hub 426 and retain the arm 422 with the hub. The nut 464 arrangement is illustrated most clearly in Figures 17b and 20a. The nut 464 is located within a seat 466 of the hub 426. To access the nuts 464 and locate them within the seats 466, a portion of a side wall of the hub is removed, resulting in an access 468. Once the arms 422 have been located with the locating portions 454 in the required configuration, the unused locating portions 454 and / or the access 468 is concealed using a concealing part, in this embodiment a cap 470 that is complimentary with the profile of the locating portion 454. The cap is illustrated most clearly in Figures 18a-b and 20c. Figures 21a-d illustrate a further embodiment of a joining member 500, wherein the member includes first, second, and third arms 522, 524, 528, located with a hub 526. The hub 526 is formed from a 3D printed nylon material and includes branding 530 at various locations. Furthermore, the hub 526 includes a tubular steel core 532 to increase the strength and rigidity of the member 500. Figure 22 illustrates a further embodiment of a joining member 600, wherein the hub 626 and arms 622, 624, 628 include a series of dimples 630. In this embodiment, the hub and arms are formed of a GRP material, and the dimples 630 and material are suitable to be screwed into using a suitable self-drilling fixing, such as connections known in the art as “tek-screws”. This provides the advantage that the arms 622, 624, 628 can be located with the hub 626 using a simple connection and requiring no further components within the hub. Furthermore, the self-drilling fixings can be passed through the apertures 6 of the frames 2 and into the dimples 630 to retain the arms with the frames without the need for any further connecting means. Figure 23 illustrates a further embodiment of a joining member 700, wherein the arms include engagement portions 702 for use with an engagement means 704. In this embodiment, the engagement portions 702 are cam-lock apertures for the reception of complimentary cam-locks 706 of the engagement means 704. The engagement means 704 include a plate 708 that engages the sidewalls of the frame 2. The plate 708 is movable along a shaft 710 in a direction towards and away from the frame when the engagement means 704 is engaged with the cam-lock apertures 702. A tightening paddle 712 includes a pivot 714 mounted with the shaft 710 with an offset axis, such that rotating the paddle 712 by 180 degrees forces the plate 708 to engage with the walls of the frame 2 and retains the arms of the joining member 700 with the frame 2 by friction. Figure 24 illustrates a further embodiment of a joining member 800, including arms with inserting portions 802 and locking portions 804. The inserting portions 802 are configured to be inserted through the channel 37 of a frame 2. The boundary between the inserting portion 802 and the locking portion 804 includes a groove 806 for the reception of a hinge 808 of a locking tab 810. The hinge 808 includes a bite 812 that is configured to engage with the Up 40 of the frame 2 when the locking tab 810 is rotated about the hinge 808 when the same is located within the groove 806 to he flat against the locking portion 804, as indicated by 814. Thus, the biting force between the bite 812 and the Up 40 retains the arm with the frame. The locking tab 810 includes an aperture 816 which is arranged to align with an aperture 818 of the locking portion, such that a threaded connection may pass through the apertures 816, 818 and retain the locking tab 810 in the position 814. Figure 25 illustrates a further joining member 900, wherein the arms 902, 904, 906 are formed from extruded aluminium and are spot welded 908 to the hub 910. The arms included strengthening ribs 912, that maintain the profile of the arms during the extrusion process. Figure 26 illustrates a shim 1000 for use with a joining member 20. The shim 1000 is formed of a sheet material, in this embodiment a sheet metal, and includes a hook portion 1002 arranged to rest inside an opening 21 of the arm 22 of the joining member 20, illustrated most clearly in Figures 27a-b. The shim 1000 is located between the arms of the joining member 20 and the frames 2 to increase the friction between the components and retain the joining member with the frame. The shim 1000 includes an aperture 1004 that aligns with the aperture 50 of the joining member so as not to impede a connecting member passing therethrough. Figures 28a-b illustrate a further embodiment of a shim 1100 that is crimped, and so imparts a greater retaining force when the arms of the joining member 20 are located with the frame, as illustrated in Figures 29a-d. Figures 31a-e illustrate examples of use of a frame system formed in accordance with the invention. In Figure 31a there is shown a frame system which is provided from a series of frames 2 joined together using joining members 20 and in this case wheels or castors 21 are provided as part of the frame system in order to allow the frame system to be moved around the floor surface 23. In Figure 31b the frame system is used to provide a frame support for solar panels 53 with a series of frames 2 joined together by joining members 20 in accordance with the invention and mounted via support means 61 on the roof 59 of a building. Figure 31c illustrates a workstation frame system 63. Figure 31d illustrates a production line frame system 65 formed using a series of frames 2 joined together using joining members 20 in accordance with the invention. Figure 31 e illustrates a frame system 67 formed to provide support for an electrical network system provided, in this embodiment within an underground train system 69, part of which is illustrated, with the brickwork and panelling removed from the top of the illustration in order to show the frame system formed in accordance with the invention from frames 2 and joining members 20 and which in this embodiment is suspended from the ceiling of the building structure. Thus, the frame system can be used to form, or be part of, ceiling suspended support systems such as electrical frameworks and offsite manufactured mechanical and electrical frames and floor supported fixtures and apparatus such as air handling apparatus structures, plantroom structures, roof frame structures and also allows greater adaptability for use in specialist and bespoke frame systems design and development. The invention therefore allows a frame system to be built and configured by using the insertion of the appropriate joining members into the channels of the frames using appropriate force, such as may be achieved using a hammer, to form the system in the required configuration and without the requirement for multiple other components to be used and so no, nuts, bolts, washer, plates and brackets need be used or stored as they are not required as part of the frame system in accordance with the invention. The frame system with the joining members in accordance with the invention therefore allow the frame systems to be built, adapted and adjusted quickly in order to allow the same to be used in fast changing environments and using if appropriate off site manufacturing of the frame system for subsequent delivery and installation on site.

Claims

1. A joining member for use with a frame system, the joining member including at least first and second arms arranged to be at least partially insertable along and having a profile substantially complimentary with respective channels in at least first and second frames of the frame system so as to engage with the same, wherein the first and second arms protrude from a hub of the joining member in angularly offset directions such that when attached to respective first and second frames, the said frames are located together at said angular offset.

2. A joining member according to claim 1, wherein the hub acts as a stop to limit the insertion of the first and / or second arms into the respective channels.

3. A joining member according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second arms are configured to engage with the respective channels in a friction fit.

4. A joining member according to any preceding claims wherein the first and / or second arms include a tapered profile such that the arms are insertable along the said respective channels.

5. A joining member according to any preceding claim wherein the member includes third or more arms depending outwardly from said hub so to allow engagement with further channels and / or other components.

6. A joining member according to any preceding claim wherein at least one arm includes engagement means such that the arm is selectively retained in a channel inuse.

7. A joining member according to claim 6, wherein the engagement means includes any of a threaded connection, cam-lock, shim and / or a snap-fit connection.

8. A joining member according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the arms includes a protrusion to prevent the rotation of the same with respect to the channel with which the same is engaged in use.

9. A joining member according to any preceding claim, wherein the hub includes a movement means so as to allow relative adjustment of the respective arms depending outwardly therefrom, such that the directions at which the first and second arms are angularly offset are selectively variable.

10. A joining member according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said arms is fixed with the hub such that the member is unitary.

11. A joining member according to any of claims 1-9, wherein at least one of said arms is selectively located with the hub by the provision of a locating means.

12. A joining member according to claim 11, wherein the hub includes a series of locating means at offset angles such that the joining member is configurable by selecting one which of said locating means arms are located.

13. A joining member according to any of claims 11-12, wherein the locating means is complimentary with a concealing part to selectively conceal the locating means when not in use.

14. A joining member according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the locating means includes any of a threaded connection, a cam-lock connection, a snap-fit connection and / or a friction fit connection.

15. A joining member according to any preceding claim wherein at least the hub includes a core.

16. A joining member according to any preceding claim wherein the arms are complimentary with a U-shaped channel, and wherein the channel has in-turned free-edges.

17. A joining assembly for a frame system, the assembly including at least first and second frames, and at least one joining member, said joining member including a hub and at least first and second arms provided to be at least partially insertable into a channel of one or other of the first or second frames and having a profile complimentary with the said channel to engage with the same, wherein said arms protrude from said hub at angularly offset directions, such as to define the angular orientation of the joined first and second frames of the frame system.

18. A joining assembly according to claim 17, wherein the channels of the frames are relatively U-shaped.

19. A frame system, the system including a series of frames and a plurality of joining members, wherein the frames are located with adjacent frames by the use of joining members as defined in any of claims 1-16.

20. A frame system according to claim 19, wherein the arms of the joining members have a profile substantially complimentary with the respective channels so as to engage with the same and retain the adjacent frames in engagement.

21. A frame system according to any of claims 19-20, wherein the formation of the said system is continued by joining together as many frames using additional joining members until the required configuration of the system is achieved.

22. A frame system according to any of claims 19-21, wherein the system includes support means to allow the system to be supported by and / or suspended from a supporting structure.

23. A kit of parts for forming a frame system, including a plurality of frames, and a plurality of joining members as defined in any of claims 1-16.

24. A kit of parts according to claim 23 further including support means to locate the said frame system from and / or on a support structure in use.

25. A method of forming a frame system, said method including the steps of providing a plurality of frames and a plurality of joining members, placing a first frame and a second frame adjacent each other in a selected configuration and engaging one or more joining members in channels in the said first and second frames to locate and retain said first and second frame members in the selected configuration, and wherein the said joining member includes at least first and second arms arranged to be at least partially insertable along and having a profile substantially complimentary with said respective channels in at least first and second frames and the first and second arms protrude from a hub of the joining member in angularly offset directions such that when attached to respective first and second frames, the said frames are located together at said angular offset.

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the method includes the joining of further frames to adjacent frames using the said joining members until a frame system of the required size and configuration is formed.

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