Adjustable frame

Abstract

A coupler (60a, 60b) comprising: a substantially rectangular base plate (64), a first side plate (62), and a second side plate (62); wherein: an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate; wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate, and such that the coupler has a U- shaped or C-shaped cross-section; and a first slot (80a, 80b) is defined through first side plate and the second side plate.

Description

[0001] ADJUSTABLE FRAME

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a frame for infill walling that comprises couplers. The present invention also relates to a coupler for use as part of the frame.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Infill walling is a building technique that uses panels to fill a void, typically between beams of a primary structural frame, and typically on the exterior of a building. Infill walls are usually non-load bearing. Exterior infill walls are typically designed to resist wind loads, and interior infill walls can be designed for fire resistance and acoustic insulation. Infill walls may support cladding applied to the exterior of the building.

[0006] A frame for infill walling is typically made of metal (e.g. steel, such as rolled steel), but may be made of wood (e.g. engineered wood), masonry (e.g. concrete), and / or plastic. Frames can be prepared away from the site of construction (pre-prepared) and transported to site to be arranged as required.

[0007] Such frames are typically prepared from steel C-section and / or steel U-section. It will be understood that, compared to U-section, C-section has inward-pointing lips at the mouth of the section.

[0008] Partially pre-prepared frames for partition walls are known. These can be adjustable to ensure a relatively accurate size and shape to comply with planning approval and / or fit to minimise gaps between the frame and other components of the wall or building (e.g. adjacent walls). For instance, the Howick X-TENDA 3600 can prepare two-axis extending frames that adjust upwards and outwards to fill the available opening and provide a partition wall. These frames are for interior application, having a material gauge (thickness) of 0.8mm.

[0009] However, the surrounding structure within which a frame is placed is not always aligned as intended, and it is important for frames to be as adaptable as possible in filling the void. This issue is particularly relevant for exterior infill walling applications, where concrete can be mis-poured and adjacent structures may be deflected from the intended design. Frames that have conventionally produced by the Howick X-TENDA 3600 do not provide sufficient flexibility to compensate for misaligned flooring, adjacent walls and / or ceilings.

[0010] In addition, frames that have conventionally been produced by the Howick X-TENDA 3600 do not provide flexibility to ensure that apertures in the frame, for example for windows and / or doors, are level.

[0011] The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to a first aspect the claimed invention provides a frame for infill walling, the frame comprising at least two elongate first members and at least two elongate second members. The first members are connected to each other via the second members, such that the first members and the second members form a substantially rectangular shape comprising four intersections, such that the first members and the second members define a plane. The frame further comprises at least three couplers. Each coupler attaches one of the first members to one of the second members at one of the intersections. The frame further comprises at least two first slots and at least two second slots. Each slot is in one of the couplers and / or one of the members. The frame further comprises a plurality of fixings. At least one of the fixings extends through each slot in a direction perpendicular to the plane and attaches at least one of the couplers to at least one of the members through at least one of the slots. The first slots are substantially parallel to one another, the second slots are substantially parallel to one another, and the second slots are substantially perpendicular to the first slots. The first slots and the second slots are positioned at three or more intersections of the frame. Either the fixings are partially tightened to allow the dimensions of the frame to be adapted such that the frame can adopt a desired size and shape, or the fixings are tightened to prevent the dimensions of the frame from being adapted.

[0014] The frame of the present invention is able to ensure that the installer has sufficient flexibility to compensate for misaligned flooring, adjacent walls and / or ceilings. The frame of the first aspect may define the whole of a section of wall, or be part of a larger frame that defines the section of wall. For example, the frame of the first aspect may define a window as part of a larger frame. In either application, the frame of the first aspect enables apertures in the frame, for example for windows and / or doors, to be level. For example, the frame can allow the sill and / or head of the window or door to be adjusted as necessary to be level.

[0015] The frame of the first aspect may define the whole of a section of wall that is a primary frame, and may comprise two or more (e.g. three or four or more) secondary couplers configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of an aperture in the frame (e.g. for windows and / or doors). The secondary couplers may be linked by one or more internal members and define a secondary frame. The secondary frame may be positioned within the primary frame.

[0016] Importantly, having a frame with intersections, at least three couplers and two sets of slots (i.e. the first slots and the second slots), and fixings, as required by the first aspect provides such flexibility and ease of installation, which was not possible with conventional products.

[0017] In use, each fixing can allow the coupler to move and / or rotate relative to the first member or the second member (e.g. movement in the axis of the slot and / or rotation in about the axis of the fixing), thereby allowing the dimensions of the frame to be adapted, and can be tightened to secure the coupler to the first member or the second member (to reduce and / or prevent movement and / or rotation). When the fixing is tightened and the coupler is secured to the first member and / or the second member, the coupler is unable to move and / or rotate relative to the first member and / or the second member, and so the dimensions and shape of the frame are unable to be adapted. When the fixing is tightened and the coupler is secured to the first member and the second member, the first member is unable to move and / or rotate relative to the second member. This allows a user to adapt the frame to the desired shape during installation, ensuring the frame achieves an optimal fit for the intended application.

[0018] Frames that have conventionally produced by the Howick X-TENDA 3600 do not have the required combination of intersections, at least three couplers and sets of slots (i.e. the first slots and the second slots) as required by the first aspect. This means that frames conventionally produced by the Howick X-TENDA 3600 are not easy for users to install. The members flop around in an unsupported fashion until they are secured into position with fixings.

[0019] Frames conventionally produced by the Howick X-TENDA 3600 are typically made for internal (partition) walls, and therefore are made with thinner gauge material. The members and couplers of frame of the invention are preferably made of material having a gauge of 0.85mm or more, such as 1.0mm or more.

[0020] By contrast, the present invention, with couplers, slots and fixings, provides additional ease for the user to install the frame, providing a more reliably optimal fit.

[0021] ITR020130011A1 describes a series of interconnected perforated plates that are described as mutually jointable and lockable. This product is designed for construction toys, such as Meccano®, and would not have the strength required of a frame for infill walling. This document focusses on the rotation of members relative to one another and the fixing of members at various angles to one another, primarily using curved slots rather than straight slots. This is not typically relevant to frames for infill walling, where vertical members tend to be substantially perpendicular to horizontal members. There is no disclosure of a frame for infill walling that specifically comprises at least three couplers, each attaching one of a first member to a second member, as required by the claimed invention. There is no disclosure of the plates being used to achieve an optimal fit with an existing ceiling and walls, as is typical for infill walling. There is no disclosure of a slotted head track. Furthermore, as ITR020130011A1 describes a construction toy rather than components for infill walling, the dimensions of the components of ITR020130011A1 are significantly different from those of the invention.

[0022] US2003074849A1 describes a slotted metal stud, where the slot allows for vertical movement of the stud relative to a member movably fixed to the stud through the slot. This document does not define a second slot perpendicular to the (first) slot. The stud does not allow accurate fitting of a frame in both vertical and horizontal directions, as is particularly important in the corners of frames for infill walling. There is no disclosure of a slotted head track. Furthermore, the stud described by US2003074849A1 is a member in itself rather than being a coupler between two members. US2011099928A1 describes a metal framing system that has slots in the members. However, this document does not describe a coupler, or a frame comprising a coupler, to attach a vertical member to a horizontal member. Such couplers can provide a fit for infill walling that is more accurate and more versatile than the fit that can be achieved by simply placing slots in the members. Furthermore, there is no disclosure of a slotted head track.

[0023] The frame may be provided as a kit of components, as a partially constructed frame (e.g. where fixings are not tightened) and / or as a constructed frame (e.g. where the fixings are tightened).

[0024] Preferably the slots are in (i.e. defined by) the couplers. This allows the present invention to be performed with conventional members that do not have slots, or that do not have slots in the correct orientations to achieve the benefits of the invention.

[0025] The frame preferably comprises four couplers. More preferably the frame comprises: two first couplers, where each first coupler is attached to or adapted to be attached to one of the members through one of the first slots or one of the second slots; and two second couplers, where each second coupler is attached to or adapted to be attached to one of the first members through one of the first slots and to one of the second members through one of the second slots.

[0026] According to a second aspect the claimed invention provides a coupler. The coupler comprises a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate, wherein an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate, and wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate, and such that the coupler has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section (where the cross-section is perpendicular to the length of the edges). A first slot is defined through first side plate and the second side plate. It will be understood that the first slot is made up a slot in the first side plate and a slot in the second side plate, wherein the position and orientation of the first side plate slot is the same as the position and orientation of the second side plate slot. Preferably the first slots extend in a direction parallel to the edges of the side plate that are attached to the base plate. Preferably a second slot is defined through the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the second slots are perpendicular to the first slot. Preferably the second slot extends in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the side plate that are attached to the base plate.

[0027] Preferably the slots of the second aspect are the slots of the frame of the first aspect.

[0028] Other devices are known in similar areas of technology but do not have the specific features of the claimed invention or provide the specific benefits that can be achieved by the claimed invention in relation to infill walling.

[0029] For example, GB846164 discloses a window frame with a vertical adjustment slot to vary the height / angle of a window frame. However, this does not provide the same level of adjustment as the frame of the invention, and a user would not be able to adapt the frame to the desired shape during installation, ensuring the frame achieves an optimal fit for the intended application.

[0030] KR102055650B 1 discloses a frame for fixing to a wall to hold plasterboard. The frame attaches to a wall by a bolt that goes through a plate, allowing the vertical position of the frame to be adjusted. However, there is no means for both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the frame. Therefore, this does not provide the same level of adjustment as the frame of the invention, and a user would not be able to adapt the frame to the desired shape during installation, ensuring the frame achieves an optimal fit for the intended application.

[0031] CN2632259Y discloses a two-part door frame that is adaptable for walls of different depth. However, there is no means for both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the frame. Therefore, this does not provide the same level of adjustment as the frame of the invention, and a user would not be able to adapt the frame to the desired shape during installation, ensuring the frame achieves an optimal fit for the intended application.

[0032] CN2323114Y discloses a frame for a theftproof door. The frame includes slots to allow the frame to be adjusted to the size of the door aperture. However, the apertures of the slots are not in the plane defined by first members and the second members. The fixings of the frame of CN2323114Y do not extend through the slots in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the members.

[0033] The disclosure of the present application includes the subject-matter of the following clauses:

[0034] 1. A frame for infill walling, the frame comprising: at least two elongate first members, at least two elongate second members, at least three couplers, at least two first slots that are substantially parallel to one another, at least two second slots that are substantially parallel to one another and that are substantially perpendicular to the first slots, and a plurality of fixings; wherein: the first members are connected to each other via the second members, such that the first members and the second members form a substantially rectangular shape comprising at least four intersections, and such that the first members and the second members define a plane; each coupler attaches one of the first members to one of the second members at one of the intersections; the first slots and the second slots are positioned at three or more intersections of the frame; each slot is in one of the couplers and / or one of the members; at least one of the fixings extends through each slot in a direction perpendicular to the plane and attaches at least one of the couplers to at least one of the members through at least one of the slots; and either the fixings are partially tightened to allow the dimensions of the frame to be adapted such that the frame can adopt a desired size and shape, or the fixings are tightened to prevent the dimensions of the frame from being adapted.

[0035] 2. The frame of clause 1, wherein the frame comprises four couplers.

[0036] 3. The frame of clause 2, wherein the frame comprises: two first couplers, where each first coupler is attached to or adapted to be attached to one of the members through one of the first slots or one of the second slots; and two second couplers, where each second coupler is attached to or adapted to be attached to one of the first members through one of the first slots and to one of the second members through one of the second slots.

[0037] 4. The frame of any preceding clause, wherein the frame defines the whole of a section of wall that is a primary frame, and comprises two or more secondary couplers configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of an aperture in the frame, wherein the secondary couplers are linked by internal members and define a secondary frame that is positioned within the primary frame.

[0038] 5. The frame of any preceding clause, wherein the first members have a length of 2m or more. 6. The frame of any preceding clause, wherein the second members have a length of 2m or more.

[0039] 7. The frame of any preceding clause, wherein the first members, the second members and the couplers have a gauge of from 0.7 to 3.0mm.

[0040] 8. The frame of clause 7, wherein the gauge is from 0.85 to 3.0mm.

[0041] 9. The frame of any preceding clause, wherein each first member and / or second member comprises a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate, an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate, and an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate.

[0042] 10. The frame of any preceding clause, wherein each coupler comprises: a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate; wherein: an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate; wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate, and such that the coupler has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section; and the first slot is defined through first side plate and the second side plate.

[0043] 11. A coupler comprising: a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate; wherein: an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate; wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate, and such that the coupler has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section; and a first slot is defined through first side plate and the second side plate.

[0044] 12. The frame of clause 10 or the coupler of clause 11, wherein a second slot is defined through the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the second slot are perpendicular to the first slot.

[0045] 13. The coupler of clause 12, wherein the second slot extends in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the side plate that are attached to the base plate.

[0046] 14. The frame of clause 10, or the coupler of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the first slot is parallel to the edges of the base plate that attach to the edges of the side plates.

[0047] 15. The frame of clause 9 or clause 10, or the coupler of any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the side plates have a width of 40 to 150mm. 16. The frame or the coupler of any preceding clause, wherein the couplers have a length of from 100mm to 300mm.

[0048] 17. The frame or the coupler of any preceding clause, wherein the slots have a length of from 50 to 150mm.

[0049] 18. The frame or the coupler of any preceding clause, wherein each slot is annular.

[0050] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0051] Preferably the first members are orientated substantially horizontally in use. Preferably the second members are orientated substantially vertically in use. Preferably the first slots are orientated substantially horizontally in use. Preferably the second slots are orientated substantially vertically in use.

[0052] Fixings may be used at other locations on the frame, for example where there are not slots, to form and / or secure the frame.

[0053] The side plates of a member, preferably a first member, may be slotted such that they comprise a plurality of slots that are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the elongate length of the member. A horizontal member, preferably the uppermost horizontal member in use (i.e. the “top track” or the “head track”), may be slotted such that the side plates of the member comprise a plurality of slots that are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the elongate length of the member, wherein each slot of the first side plate overlaps with a slot of the second side plate. This may be known as a slotted head track, such as a voestalpine Metsec Slotted Head Track. The plurality of slots may comprise 10 or more slots per metre, such as 20 or more slots per metre. Preferably the slots of the plurality of slots are spaced from one another by a distance smaller than the length of each slot. Preferably the slots of the plurality of slots are each regularly spaced in relation from one another. The use of slotted head tracks provides further enhancements to the fit of the frame and allows the use of the coupler with standard components, such as a slotted head track, to achieve an even more accurate and versatile fit than could be achieved with conventional infill walling frame components. The frame may comprise one or more internal members (e.g. internal vertical members) to provide additional strength to the frame. Each internal members may attach to the first and / or second members via one or more couplers.

[0054] The members and / or the couplers may be made of rolled steel. The steel is preferably galvanised. These may be prepared using a roll forming machine. These may be swaged as necessary in order to fit within one another. For example, the couplers may fit within the members, or the couplers may fit around the members. It will be understood that members with a U-shaped cross-section can be prepared by “lip-cutting” members with a C-shaped cross-section, whereby the inward pointing lips at the mouth of the C-shaped section are removed.

[0055] Each first member and / or second member may have a U-shaped and / or C-shaped crosssection. Therefore, each first member and / or second member may comprise a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate, wherein an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate, and wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate.

[0056] The frame may be prefabricated, whereby the frame comprises one or more panels, such as cladding material and / or plasterboard, attached to a face of the frame.

[0057] Preferably the first members are substantially, or are, the same length as one another. Preferably the second members are substantially, or are, the same length as one another.

[0058] The first members, which are preferably substantially horizontal in use, may have a length of Im or more, such as 2m or more, or 3m or more, or 20m or less, such as 10m or less, for example from Im to 20m, or from 2m to 10m. The second members, which are preferably substantially vertical in use, may have a length of Im or more, such as 2m or more, or 2.3m or more, or 10m or less, such as 5m or less, or 3m or less, for example from Im to 10m, or from 2m to 5m.

[0059] The couplers may have a length, in the dimension of the edges where the side plates attach to the base plate, of 50mm or more, such as 100mm or more, or 150mm or more, or 500mm or less, such as 300mm or less, or 250mm or less, for example from 50mm to 500mm, or from 100mm to 300mm. The length of the members may be the greatest dimension of the members, or the dimension in the direction of the attachment between the edge of the first side plate and the edge of the base plate.

[0060] The side plates of the members and / or the couplers may have a width (i.e. dimension from the edge attached to the base plate to the opposing edge) of 40 to 150mm, preferably from 45 to 80mm, for example about 70mm. The width of the side plates may be the depth of the U and / or C-shaped cross-section.

[0061] The base plate of the coupler may have a width (i.e. dimension from the edge attached to the first side plate to the edge attached to the second side plate) of 50mm or more, such as 80mm or more, or 100mm or more. The width of the base plate may be 500mm or less, such as 300mm or less, or 200mm or less. The width of the base plate may be from 50mm to 500mm, such as from 80mm to 300mm.

[0062] The members and the couplers may each be made of a sheet material that has been rolled into shape. The members and / or the couplers have a gauge (material thickness) that may be 0.7mm or more, such as 0.75mm or more, such as 0.8mm or more, preferably 0.85mm or more, such as 0.9mm or more, or 1.0mm or more, or 1.5mm or more. The thickness may be 3.0mm or less, such as 2.6mm or less, preferably 2.5mm or less, such as 2.0mm or less, or 1.5mm or less. The thickness may be from 0.7 to 3.0mm, such as from 0.75 to 2.5mm, or from 0.85 to 3.0mm, or from 0.85 to 2.5mm.

[0063] The slots may have a length (i.e. a greatest dimension) of 30mm or more, such as 40mm or more, preferably 50mm or more, or 60mm or more, for example 70mm or more, or 80mm or more, most preferably 85mm. The length of the slots may be 200mm or less, preferably 150mm or less, or 100mm or less, or 90mm or less, such as 60mm or less. The length of the slots may be from 30 to 200mm, such as from 50 to 150mm, or from 70 to 100 mm.

[0064] Preferably the first slot, which is preferably substantially horizontal in use, has a length of 50mm or more, such as 70mm or more, or 80mm or more, such as from 50 to 200mm, or from 50 to 150mm. A length of about 85mm is preferable to allow at least 50mm horizontal movement when a slotted head track is used, depending on where the fixing is located. The first slot is preferably parallel to the edges of the base plate that attach to the edges of the side plates. The first slot is preferably located substantially centrally with respect to the width of the side plates of the coupler and / or the member in which the slot is defined. The first slot is preferably located towards one end of the length of the coupler and / or the member in which the slot is defined. The first slot may be 50mm or less from the end of the length of the coupler, such as 40mm or less, or 30mm or less, such as from 10 to 50mm from the end of the length of the coupler.

[0065] Preferably the second slot, which is preferably substantially vertical in use, has a length of 30mm or more, such as 40mm or more, or 45mm or more, such as from 30 to 200mm, or from 30 to 60mm. Where the second slot is in the coupler, it is preferably perpendicular to the edges of the base plate that attach to the edges of the side plates. The second slot is preferably located substantially centrally with respect to the width of the side plates of the coupler and / or the member in which the slot is defined. The second slot in the coupler is preferably located towards one end of the length of the coupler that is opposite from the end of the coupler where the first slot is located. The second slot may be 50mm or less from the end of the length of the coupler, such as 40mm or less, or 30mm or less, such as from 10 to 50mm from the end of the length of the coupler.

[0066] Preferably each slot is annular, such that the sides of each slot are not open. In other words, slots have sides that extend substantially entirely around the circumference of the slot. This can prevent the fixing from inadvertently disengaging with the slot. It will be understood that each slot should be in a plane defined by the first members and the second members. Preferably the slots of the coupler and / or frame of the invention are straight, i.e. substantially rectangular, typically having rounded corners and / or ends. Typically the slots are not curved in their length.

[0067] The coupler may consist essentially of, or consist of, the base plate, the first side plate, the second side plate; the first slot, and optionally (preferably) the second slot.

[0068] The term “substantially” in relation to a parameter may refer to an error margin of ±20% or less, such as ±10% or less, for example ±5% or less. Substantially rectangular may mean that the shape has a internal angles from 70° to 110°, such as from 80° to 100°. The fixings attach the couplers to the first members and to the second members through the slots. The fixings may be screws (e.g. self-drilling (Tek) screws) and / or bolts. Preferably the fixings are able to be tightened and loosened by the user. Where each fixing extends through the total thickness of the frame, the frame may comprise at least four fixings. Where each fixing extends through half of the thickness of the frame, the frame may comprise at least eight fixings.

[0069] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0070] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame of the invention;

[0072] Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of portion A of Figure 1;

[0073] Figure 3 shows a perspective view (top) and a side view (bottom) of coupler 60a;

[0074] Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of portion B of Figure 1; and

[0075] Figure 5 shows a perspective view (top) and a side view (bottom) of coupler 60b.

[0076] Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows frame 10, which includes top horizontal member 20, bottom horizontal member 30, and vertical members 40, 50. Top horizontal member 20 is made of steel in U-shaped cross-section. Members, 30, 40, 50 are made of steel in a C-shaped cross-section, portions of which have been lip-cut and / or swaged as necessary to allow couplers and / or members to fit together.

[0077] An enlarged view of portion A from Figure 1 is shown by Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 shows coupler 60a that includes vertical slot 70 and horizontal slot 80.

[0078] Coupler 60a is U-shaped and is sized to allow vertical member 40 to partially fit within it. Fixing 15a attaches coupler 60a to vertical member 40 through vertical slot 70. Fixing 15a passes through vertical slot 70 and fixes into vertical member 40. Fixings 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d are self-drilling (Tek) screws. Fixing 15a can be partially tightened / fastened and interact with slot 70 to allow frame 10 to be adjusted in its vertical dimension and in its shape by varying the extent to which vertical member 40 extends into coupler 60a.

[0079] Fixing 15a can be tightened / fastened to secure the dimension and shape of frame 10.

[0080] Coupler 60a is sized to fit (partially or fully) within horizontal member 20. Fixing 15b attaches coupler 60a to horizontal member 20 through horizontal slot 80a. Horizontal member 20 is a “slotted head track”, which comprises vertical slots 90 that allow for vertical flexibility in positioning vertical members along the horizontal length of frame 10. Fixing 15b also attaches coupler 60a to horizontal member 20 through one of the vertical slots 90. Fixing 15b and slot 80a allow frame 10 to be adjusted in its horizontal dimension by varying the extent to which coupler 60a extends into horizontal member 40.

[0081] As indicated by Figure 1, frame 10 includes two regions that are adapted as shown in Figure 2.

[0082] Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view (top) and a side view (bottom) of coupler 60a.

[0083] First slot 80a is substantially horizontal in use, is defined by side plates 62, and has a length of 85mm, which provides at least 50mm horizontal movement when a slotted head track is used depending on where the screws fix through the slot. First slot 80a is parallel to the edges of base plate 64 that attaches to side plates 62. First slot 80a is located substantially centrally with respect to the width of the side plates 62 of coupler 60a. First slot 80a is preferably located towards one end of the length of coupler 60a in which the slot is defined. Specifically, the shortest distance from end of slot 80a to one end of the length of coupler 60a is 20mm. Coupler 60a has a length of 200mm and a width of 70mm.

[0084] Second slot 70 is preferably substantially vertical in use, is defined by side plates 62, and has a length of 50mm. Second slot 70 is perpendicular to the edges of base plate 64 that attach to the edges of side plates 62. Second slot 70 is located substantially centrally with respect to the width of side plates 62 of the coupler 60a. Second slot 70 is located towards one end of the length of coupler 60a that is opposite from the end of coupler 60a where first slot 80a is located. Specifically, the shortest distance from slot 70 to one end of the length of coupler 60a is 25mm. An enlarged view of portion B from Figure 1 is shown by Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings. Figure 4 shows coupler 60b that includes horizontal slot 80.

[0085] Coupler 60b is U-shaped and is sized to allow vertical member 40 to partially fit within it. Fixing 15c attaches coupler 60b to vertical member 40 through a non-slotted hole. Fixing 15c, when not fully tightened, may allow some rotational movement to allow the frame to accurately fit the desired space.

[0086] Horizontal member 30 is sized to fit (partially or fully) within coupler 60b. Fixing 15d attaches coupler 60b to horizontal member 30 through horizontal slot 80b. Fixing 15b and slot 80b allow frame 10 to be adjusted in its horizontal dimension by varying the extent to which horizontal member 30 extends into coupler 60b.

[0087] As indicated by Figure 1, frame 10 includes two regions that are adapted as shown in Figure 4.

[0088] Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view (top) and a side view (bottom) of coupler 60b.

[0089] Coupler 60b is substantially the same as coupler 60a as shown in Figure 3. Slot 80b is substantially the same as slot 80a as shown in Figure 3. Coupler 60b does not have a second slot that, in use, is to be orientated vertically. Coupler 60b has a width of 50mm.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A frame for infill walling, the frame comprising:- at least two elongate first members,- at least two elongate second members,- at least three couplers,- at least two first slots that are substantially parallel to one another,- at least two second slots that are substantially parallel to one another and that are substantially perpendicular to the first slots, and- a plurality of fixings; wherein: the first members are connected to each other via the second members, such that the first members and the second members form a substantially rectangular shape comprising at least four intersections, and such that the first members and the second members define a plane; each coupler attaches one of the first members to one of the second members at one of the intersections; the first slots and the second slots are positioned at three or more intersections of the frame; each slot is in one of the couplers and / or one of the members; at least one of the fixings extends through each slot in a direction perpendicular to the plane and attaches at least one of the couplers to at least one of the members through at least one of the slots; and either the fixings are partially tightened to allow the dimensions of the frame to be adapted such that the frame can adopt a desired size and shape, or the fixings are tightened to prevent the dimensions of the frame from being adapted.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein each coupler comprises: a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate; wherein: an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate; wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that isperpendicular to the base plate, and such that the coupler has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section; and the first slot is defined through first side plate and the second side plate.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein two or more of the couplers comprise a second slot defined through the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the second slot is perpendicular to the first slot.

4. The frame of claim 3, wherein the second slot extends in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the side plate that are attached to the base plate.

5. The frame of claim 2, or claim 3 or claim 4 as dependent upon claim 2, wherein the first slot is parallel to the edges of the base plate that attach to the edges of the side plates.

6. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein each first member and / or second member comprises a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate, an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate, and an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend from the base plate in the same direction that is perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the side plates of at least one of the first members member are slotted such that they comprise a plurality of slots that are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the elongate length of the member, and wherein the slotted side plates comprise 10 or more slots per metre.

7. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises four couplers.

8. The frame of claim 7, wherein the frame comprises:- two first couplers, where each first coupler is attached to or adapted to be attached to one of the members through one of the first slots or one of the second slots; and- two second couplers, where each second coupler is attached to or adapted to be attached to one of the first members through one of the first slots and to one of the second members through one of the second slots.

9. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the frame defines the whole of a section of wall that is a primary frame, and comprises two or more secondary couplers configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of an aperture in the frame, wherein the secondary couplers are linked by internal members and define a secondary frame that is positioned within the primary frame.

10. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first members have a length of 2m or more.

11. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the second members have a length of 2m or more.

12. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first members, the second members and the couplers have a gauge of from 0.7 to 3.0mm.

13. The frame of claim 12, wherein the gauge is from 0.85 to 3.0mm.

14. A coupler comprising: a substantially rectangular base plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate; wherein: an edge of a first side plate is attached an edge of the base plate; wherein an edge of a second side plate is attached an opposing edge of the base plate, such that the side plates extend in the same direction from the base plate that is perpendicular to the base plate, and such that the coupler has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section; and a first slot is defined through first side plate and the second side plate.

15. The coupler of claim 14, wherein a second slot is defined through the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the second slot are perpendicular to the first slot.

16. The coupler of claim 15, wherein the second slot extends in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the side plate that are attached to the base plate.

17. The coupler of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first slot is parallel to the edges of the base plate that attach to the edges of the side plates.

18. The coupler of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the side plates have a width of 40 to 150mm.

19. The frame or the coupler of any preceding claim, wherein the couplers have a length of from 100mm to 300mm.

20. The frame or the coupler of any preceding claim, wherein the slots have a length of from 50 to 150mm.

21. The frame or the coupler of any preceding claim, wherein each slot is annular.

22. The coupler of claim 14, wherein:- the coupler comprises a second slot defined through the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the second slot are perpendicular to the first slot; wherein the second slot extends in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the side plate that are attached to the base plate;- the first slot is parallel to the edges of the base plate that attach to the edges of the side plates;- the side plates have a width of 40 to 150mm;- the coupler has a length of from 100mm to 300mm;- the slots have a length of from 50 to 150mm; and- each slot is annular.

23. The coupler of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the coupler consists essentially of the base plate, the first side plate, the second side plate; the first slot, and the second slot.

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