Adjustable collar

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable collar for use in pipe pile foundations, the adjustable collar comprising a hollow, elongate member having a first open end configured in use to be connected to a beam, and an opposed second open end configured in use to be received within an end of a foundation pipe pile The hollow, elongate member defines a cavity extending between the first and second open ends thereof. The hollow, elongate member further comprises at least one flap. The or each flap has a first end defining a fold line along a portion of the hollow, elongate member, and a second opposed end located at or adjacent the first open end of the hollow, elongate member. The or each flap is independently rotatable about the corresponding fold line between: a first collapsed configuration in which the or each flap forms a portion of the hollow, elongate member; and a second extended configuration in which the or each flap extends in a direction outwardly away from the cavity of the hollow, elongate member to provide a slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end of the hollow, elongate member. The or each slot is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a beam, and in which the or each flap provides a surface for fixation to a beam.

Description

[0001] ADJUSTABLE COLLAR

[0002] The present invention relates to an adjustable collar for use in pipe pile foundations (for example for use in levelling a horizontal beam on a pipe pile foundation). The present invention also relates to an adjustable collar and beam assembly, an adjustable collar and pipe pile foundation assembly, a method for installing the adjustable collar for securing beams on pipe pile foundations, a method of levelling a horizontal beam on a pipe pile foundation, and a method for manufacturing the adjustable collar.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] Collars are used, in the lightweight building construction industry, to connect a horizontal beam to pipe pile foundations.

[0005] Conventional collars are typically connected to a beam (for example horizontal beam) using an external screw which extends through the collar into the beam. The use of a screw often causes the collar shape to distort which can compromise the structural integrity of the structure.

[0006] Known collars may be made of flexible material which can lead to potential instability in the connection between the collar and the beam, which may lead to misalignment and structural weaknesses, particularly under load-bearing conditions.

[0007] Once in place, concrete is poured into the collar, however the presence of the screw can obstruct the flow of concrete. This can lead to the need for manual intervention to ensure that the concrete has filled the cavity within the collar around the screw. As a result, the method of connecting a horizontal beam to the pipe pile foundation using conventional collars can be inefficient and potentially unstable, which may lead to failure of the structure.

[0008] There is therefore a need for an improved collar which addresses one or more of the problems outlined above. In particular, there is a need for a collar which is capable of being easily and efficiently mounted in position to provide a secure connection between a beam and a pipe pile foundation with reduced risk of failure and / or misalignment.

[0009] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable collar for use in pipe pile foundations, the adjustable collar comprising: a hollow, elongate member having a first open end configured in use to be connected to a beam, and an opposed second open end configured in use to be received within an end of a pipe pile foundation, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a cavity extending between the first and second open ends thereof; in which the hollow, elongate member further comprises at least one flap, in which the or each flap has a first end defining a fold line along a portion of the hollow, elongate member, and a second opposed end located at or adjacent the first open end of the hollow, elongate member, in which the or each flap is independently rotatable about the corresponding fold line between: a first collapsed configuration in which the or each flap forms a portion of the hollow, elongate member; and a second extended configuration in which the or each flap extends in a direction outwardly away from the cavity of the hollow, elongate member to provide a slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end of the hollow, elongate member, in which the or each slot is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a beam, and in which the or each flap provides a surface for fixation to a beam.

[0011] The hollow, elongate member may have any suitable cross-sectional shape and dimensions. For example, the hollow, elongate member may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The hollow, elongate member may have a polygonal shaped cross-section, for example square or rectangular.

[0012] The cavity defined by the hollow, elongate member can have any suitable shape. For example, the cavity may be substantially cylindrical in shape (ie. having a substantially circular cross-section). The cavity may however be oval, polygonal (for example square or rectangular) in shape.

[0013] The cross-sectional shape of the hollow, elongate member and / or cavity is preferably symmetrical about a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

[0014] The adjustable collar is preferably configured in use to provide at least one slot(s) to receive a portion, preferably a lower portion, of a beam therein, and at least one flap(s) defining a surface for engaging an underlying portion of a beam.

[0015] The presence of the at least one slot(s) and the at least flap(s) enables the adjustable collar to be securely fixed to the beam, to prevent misalignment of the beam relative to the adjustable collar, and to reduce the risk of failure.

[0016] The adjustable collar of the present invention forms a secure and integral connection between the collar and a beam. In particular, the provision of flaps which are able to be rotated about the fold line (i.e. folded) so as to extend in a direction outwardly away from the hollow, elongate member (in the second extended configuration), provide a surface for fixation to an underlying contact surface of the beam to improve engagement with the beam. The contact surface provided by the flap(s) enhances the structural integrity of the connection between the collar and the beam. The presence of the flap(s) helps to reduce, and preferably prevent, movement of the beam relative to the adjustable collar. Furthermore, the contact provided between the flap(s) and the beam enables the loads to be distributed evenly across the connection.

[0017] The flap(s) are preferably shaped and dimensioned, to provide for optimal stability and secure attachment between the collar and the beam.

[0018] The flap(s) are preferably formed from portion(s) of the hollow, elongate member. In the second extended configuration, the flap(s) are preferably configured to lie flush with an underlying contact surface of a beam to minimise, and preferably prevent, interference with any other construction elements.

[0019] The shape and dimensions of the flap(s), and corresponding slot(s), are preferably selected to correspond to the shape and dimension of the beam to be engaged. The adjustable collar(s) therefore allows for improved versatility.

[0020] The adjustable collar of the present invention may be installed quickly and easily to provide an effective connection between a beam and a pipe pile foundation. The cavity of the adjustable collar of the present invention is free from obstruction by attachment member(s) and as such the cavity of the adjustable collar can receive concrete therein without inhibiting the flow of concrete.

[0021] The beam is preferably configured in use to be positioned as a horizontal beam, for example the beam is a horizontal beam.

[0022] The adjustable collar is preferably used for levelling horizontal beams on pipe pile foundations in lightweight building construction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the hollow, elongate member comprises a pair of spaced apart flaps. For example, the pair of spaced apart flaps may be located on opposite sides of the hollow elongate member.

[0024] The hollow, elongate member preferably defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second opposed ends thereof.

[0025] The fold line(s) preferably extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

[0026] In the first collapsed configuration, the or each flap preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member. In the first collapsed configuration, each flap is aligned with the adjacent portions of the hollow, elongate member. In the second extended configuration, the or each slot preferably extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

[0027] The or each flap preferably comprises an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. In the first collapsed configuration, the inner surface of the or each flap preferably forms a portion of an inner surface of the hollow, elongate member, and the outer surface of the or each flap forms a portion of the outer surface of the hollow, elongate member. In the second extended configuration, the inner surface of the or each flap is preferably configured in use to contact or engage a surface of a beam.

[0028] In the second extended configuration, the or each slot is preferably defined by a pair of opposed contact side surfaces and a contact end surface extending therebetween of the hollow, elongate member. The or each slot is preferably configured in use such that each contact side surface of the hollow, elongate member provides an abutment surface for a corresponding side portion of a beam. The contact end surface of the elongate member is preferably configured in use to provide an abutment surface for a lower portion of a beam. The inner surface of the or each flap is preferably configured in use to contact or engage the lower portion of a beam.

[0029] The adjustable collar preferably further comprises at least one attachment member for securing the inner surface of the or each flap to a beam. The adjustment collar is preferably configured in use to be secured to a portion of an underlying beam by at least one attachment member extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member. The at least one attachment member is preferably a screw, for example a self-tapping screw.

[0030] In one embodiment, the adjustable collar is an end cap and provides a single flap and a corresponding single slot for receiving an end of a beam therein.

[0031] The adjustable collar receives a portion of a beam within the at least one slot, and also provides a surface for attachment of the at least one flap to a surface of the underlying beam. As such, the adjustable collar has improved stability and load-bearing capacity compared to known collars for using in connecting a beam to a pipe pile foundation. The hollow, elongate member preferably further comprises an opening extending from the second open end in a direction towards the first open end thereof. Preferably, the opening extends in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

[0032] The opening is preferably configured such that the portion of the hollow, elongate member adjacent the opening is compressible or expandable, for example manually compressible or manually expandable, in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member. The opening is preferably configured such that the portion of the hollow, elongate member adjacent the opening is compressible, for example manually compressible, in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member. The opening is preferably configured such that the portion of the hollow, elongate member adjacent the opening is expandable, for example manually expandable, in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

[0033] In one embodiment, the opening tapers inwardly in a direction from the first open end towards the second open end thereof.

[0034] The hollow, elongate member is preferably composed of one or more of: plastic and / or composite material and / or water repellent cardboard.

[0035] In one embodiment, the or each slot extends in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

[0036] The hollow, elongate member may have any suitable dimensions for engaging a pipe pile foundation and for engaging a beam. The diameter of the hollow, elongate member as measured at an end thereof is preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 20 cm, preferably at least 30 cm. The diameter of the hollow, elongate member as measured at an end thereof is preferably no more than 100 cm, preferably no more than 80 cm, preferably no more than 60 cm, preferably no more than 50 cm. The diameter of the hollow, elongate member as measured at an end thereof is preferably between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 60 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 50 cm. The diameter of the hollow, elongate member (without application of compressive forces) is preferably substantially constant along the length (as measured between opposed ends thereof) of the hollow, elongate member.

[0037] The length of the at least one flap is preferably equal to the length of the slot (when measured between the contact end surface and first open end of the hollow, elongate member).

[0038] The length of the at least one slot is preferably selected to be substantially the same as the height of the beam to be received within the slot(s). The length of the at least one flap is preferably selected to be substantially the same as the height of the beam to be received within the slot(s).

[0039] The width of the at least one slot (as measured between opposing contact side surfaces (i.e. the length of the contact end surface)) is preferably selected to be substantially the same as the width of the beam to be received within the slot(s). The width of the at least one flap (as measured between opposing side portions thereof) is preferably selected to be substantially the same as the width of the beam to be received within the slot(s).

[0040] By providing at least one slot having a length and width to substantially correspond to the height and width of the beam, the hollow, elongate member is configured to form a tight fit with the beam resulting in reduced risk of misalignment of the beam relative to the collar.

[0041] The at least one flap is preferably substantially rectangular or square in shape.

[0042] The at least one slot is preferably substantially rectangular or square in shape.

[0043] The length of the at least one flap (when measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably at least 4 cm, preferably at least 6 cm, for example about 8 cm. The length of the at least one flap (when measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably no more than 15 cm, preferably no more than 12 cm, for example no more than 10 cm. The length of the at least one flap (when measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, preferably between 6 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 6 cm and 10 cm, for example about 8 cm. The width of the at least one flap (when measured between opposing side portions extending between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably at least 2 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, for example 4 cm. The width of the at least one flap is preferably no more than 10 cm, preferably no more than 8 cm, preferably no more than 6 cm. The width of the at least one flap is preferably between 2 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm.

[0044] The length of the at least one slot (when measured between the contact end surface and the first open end of the hollow, elongate member) is preferably at least 4 cm, preferably at least 6 cm, for example about 8 cm. The length of the at least one slot is preferably no more than 15 cm, preferably no more than 12 cm, for example no more than 10 cm. The length of the at least one slot is preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, preferably between 6 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 6 cm and 10 cm, for example about 8 cm.

[0045] The width of the at least one slot (when measured between opposing contact side portions of the hollow, elongate member) is preferably at least 2 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, for example 4 cm. The width of the at least one slot is preferably no more than 10 cm, preferably no more than 8 cm, preferably no more than 6 cm. The width of the at least one slot is preferably between 2 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm.

[0046] The hollow, elongate member may have a length (as measured between opposing open ends thereof) of at least 10 cm, preferably at least 12 cm, preferably at least 15 cm, for example 16.5 cm. The hollow elongate member may have a length of no more than 25 cm, preferably no more than 20 cm, preferably no more than 18 cm. The hollow, elongate member may have a length of between 10 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 12 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 18 cm.

[0047] The opening of the hollow, elongate member preferably extends from the second open end of the hollow, elongate member along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 70% of the length of the hollow, elongate member. The opening of the hollow, elongate member preferably extends from the second open end of the hollow, elongate member along no more than 95%, preferably no more than 90%, preferably no more than 85%, for example about 80% of the length of the hollow, elongate member. The opening of the hollow, elongate member preferably extends from the second open end of the hollow, elongate member between 50% and 95%, preferably between 60% and 90%, preferably between 70% and 90% of the length of the hollow, elongate member.

[0048] The hollow, elongate member preferably has a cylindrical shape. The hollow, elongate member preferably defines a cavity having a substantially circular cross-section.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable collar and beam assembly comprising: at least one adjustable collar as herein described; and a beam received within the slot(s) and engaged with the flap(s) of the first open end of the adjustable collar.

[0050] The assembly may comprise any suitable number of adjustable collars connected to the beam depending on the particular requirements for the assembly.

[0051] In one embodiment, the or each end of the beam may be engaged to an adjustable collar comprising a single flap and corresponding slot. Each adjustable collar located between the ends of the beam each comprise a pair of aligned, and opposed flaps to enable a portion of the beam to be received therein and to pass therethrough.

[0052] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable collar and pipe pile foundation assembly comprising: an adjustable collar as herein described; and a pipe pile foundation engaged with the second open end of the adjustable collar.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing an adjustable collar for securing beams on pile foundations, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining an adjustable collar as herein described; moving the or each flap to the second extended position; and engaging an inner surface of the or each flap with a portion of a beam; and optionally securing the or each flap to the beam using at least one attachment member.

[0054] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of levelling a horizontal beam on a pipe pile foundation, comprising: obtaining an adjustable collar as herein described; compressing the second end of the adjustable collar; inserting the second end of the adjustable collar into a pipe pile foundation to provide a tight fit therebetween; moving the or each flap to the second extended position; and engaging an inner surface of the or each flap with a portion of a beam; and optionally securing the or each flap to the beam using at least one attachment member.

[0055] The method may further comprise pouring concrete in-situ through the adjustable collar into contact with the pipe pile foundation.

[0056] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an adjustable collar as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining a hollow, elongate member having a first open end configured in use to be connected to a beam, and an opposed second open end configured in use to be received within an end of a foundation pipe pile, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a cavity extending between the first and second open ends thereof; cutting the first end of the hollow, elongate member to provide at least one flap having a predetermined shape and dimensions to correspond to the shape and dimensions of a beam; defining a fold line along a portion of the hollow, elongate member at a first end of the flap(s) such that the or each flap is independently rotatable about the corresponding fold line between: a first collapsed configuration in which the or each flap forms a portion of the hollow, elongate member; and a second extended configuration in which the or each flap extends in a direction outwardly away from the cavity of the hollow, elongate member to provide a slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end of the hollow, elongate member.

[0057] The method of manufacture of the adjustable collar of the present invention reduces the amount of waste produced in comparison to the production of conventional adjustable collars. Conventional adjustable collars have slots formed in one end of the hollow, elongate member to receive a portion of a beam. In order to form the slots, material is removed from the hollow, elongate member and removed as waste. In contrast, the adjustable collar of the present invention utilises the material of the hollow, elongate member which forms the slot(s) as an additional securement feature (i.e. to provide a surface for fixation to an underlying contact surface of the beam). The material waste of the method of manufacture to produce the adjustable collar of the present invention is therefore significantly reduced compared to known collars, for example by approximately 10% whilst also used to ensure for a more secure connection with reduced risk of failure under load.

[0058] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the adjustable collar in the second extended configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the adjustable collar of Figure 1 in the second extended configuration engaged to a beam;

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the adjustable collar of Figure 1 in the second extended configuration engaged to a beam;

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the adjustable collar of Figure 1 in the second extended configuration engaged to a beam; and

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an adjustable collar and beam assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the adjustable collar 1 comprises a hollow, elongate member 2 having a first open end 4 configured in use to be connected to a beam 6, and an opposed second open end 8 configured in use to be received within an end of a foundation pipe pile (not shown). The hollow elongate member 2 defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second open ends 4, 8 thereof.

[0065] The hollow, elongate member 2 is substantially cylindrical in shape defining a cavity 10 having a substantially circular cross-section extending between the first open end 4 and second open end 8 thereof. It is however to be understood that the hollow, elongate member and cavity may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions depending on the particular requirements for the hollow, elongate member.

[0066] The hollow, elongate member 2 is composed of plastic or composite materials and / or water repellent cardboard. It is to be understood that the hollow, elongate member 2 may be composed of any suitable material including composite materials with waterproof properties such as water repellent cardboard.

[0067] The hollow, elongate member 2 has a length of 16.5 cm when measured between the first and second open ends 4, 8 thereof. It is however to be understood that the hollow, elongate member have any suitable length (for example between 10 cm and 100 cm) depending on the particular requirements for the member.

[0068] The hollow, elongate member 2 further comprises a pair of spaced apart flaps 12 located on opposing surfaces of the hollow, elongate member 2. The flaps 12 are substantially rectangular in shape and formed from portions of the hollow, elongate member 2. It is however to be understood that the flaps can be any suitable shape, such as for example square in shape, depending on the particular requirements of the underlying beam.

[0069] Each flap 12 has a first end 14 defining a fold line 16 along a portion of the hollow, elongate member 2, and a second opposed end 18 located at the first open end 4 of the hollow, elongate member 2 in the first collapsed configuration. It is however to be understood that the second opposed end 18 may be located adjacent the first open end 4 to provide for example a stepped profile at the first open end thereof. The fold line 16 extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member 2.

[0070] Each flap 12 is independently rotatable about the corresponding fold line 16 between a first collapsed configuration (not shown) and a second extended configuration.

[0071] In the first collapsed configuration (not shown), each flap 12 forms a portion of the hollow, elongate member 2. In the first collapsed configuration, each flap 12 extends in a direction extending substantially parallel the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member 2 and is aligned with the adjacent portions of the hollow, elongate member 2. The inner surfaces 22 of each flap 12 are aligned with an inner surface 40 of the hollow, elongate member 2 in the first collapsed configuration. The outer surface 42 of each flap 12 is aligned with an outer surface 44 of the hollow, elongate member 2 in the first collapsed configuration.

[0072] In the second extended configuration, each flap 12 extends in a direction outwardly away from the cavity 10 of the hollow, elongate member 2 to provide a slot 20 extending from the first open end 4 towards the second open end 8 of the hollow, elongate member 2 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof.

[0073] The inner surface 22 of each flap 12 provides a contact surface for fixation to a beam 6.

[0074] The outer surface 42 of each flap 12 is located flush with the lower surface 26 of the beam 6.

[0075] Each slot 20 is dimensioned to receive a beam 6 (preferably a horizontal beam). Each slot 20 is defined by a pair of opposed contact side surfaces 34, 36 and a contact end surface 38 extending therebetween.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, each flap 12 has a length (as measured between the first and second ends 14, 18 thereof) which is equal to the length (as measured between the first open end 4 and the contact end surface 38) of the corresponding slot 20.

[0077] The length of each flap 12 and slot 20 is substantially the same as the height of the beam 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of each flap 12 and corresponding slot 20 is 8 cm. It is however to be understood that the length of each flap 12 and slot 20 is determined by the dimensions of the beam to be received within the slot.

[0078] The width of each flap 12 (as measured between opposing sides 30, 32 thereof) and corresponding slot (as measured between opposing contact side surfaces 34, 36) is substantially the same as the width of the beam 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of each flap 12 and corresponding slot 20 is 4 cm. It is however to be understood that the width of each flap 12 and slot 20 is determined by the dimensions of the beam to be received within the slot.

[0079] The adjustable collar 1 includes two pairs of two attachment members 24, for example self-tapping screws, configured in use such that each attachment member 24 within each pair is spaced apart from each other and extend throughs a corresponding flap 12 to secure the contact surface 22 of each flap 12 in positioned adjacent an upper surface 26 of the beam 6.

[0080] The hollow, elongate member 2 further comprises an opening 28 extending from second open end 8 in a direction towards the first open end 4 and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 28 tapers inwardly in a direction extending towards the first open end 4. The length of the opening 28 is approximately 90% of the length of the hollow, elongate member 2 (as measured between the first and second open ends 4, 8 thereof).

[0081] In use, the adjustable collar 2 is moved from the first collapsed configuration to the second extended position by rotating each flap 12 about the fold line 16 such that each flap 12 extends outwardly from the hollow, elongate member 2 and the inner surface 22 thereof provides a contact surface for engaging a beam 6.

[0082] A beam 6 is inserted into each corresponding slot 20 to abut the contact end surface 38 and the pair of opposed contact side surfaces 34, 36.

[0083] The inner surface 22 of each flap 12 contacts the lower surface of the beam 6. The outer surface 44 of each flap 12 sits flush with the lower surface of the beam. The attachment members 24 are spaced apart from each other along each flap 12 to secure each flap 12 in position on the lower surface of the beam 6.

[0084] The adjustable collar 2 is now held securely in position relative to the beam 6, preventing or minimising misalignment or movement of the beam 6. The beam 6 may be secured in place to a plurality of spaced apart adjustable collars 2 as shown in Figure 5. The number of adjustable collars 2 connected to the beam 6 will vary depending on the requirements for the structure. Each end of the beam is received within a collar 2 having a single flap and corresponding slot configured to receive the corresponding end of the beam. Adjustable collars 2 located between the ends of the beam each comprise a pair of aligned, and opposed flaps to enable a portion of the beam 6 to be received therein and to pass therethrough.

[0085] The second end 8 of the hollow, elongate member 2 is compressed, preferably manually, and inserted into a pipe pile foundation 46 to provide a tight fit therebetween.

[0086] Concrete is poured \n-situ through the adjustable collar into contact with the pipe pile foundation 46, and through the openings 48 thereof into the ground surface thereby forming a secure structure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adjustable collar for use in pipe pile foundations, the adjustable collar comprising: a hollow, elongate member having a first open end configured in use to be connected to a beam, and an opposed second open end configured in use to be received within an end of a foundation pipe pile, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a cavity extending between the first and second open ends thereof; in which the hollow, elongate member further comprises at least one flap, in which the or each flap has a first end defining a fold line along a portion of the hollow, elongate member, and a second opposed end located at or adjacent the first open end of the hollow, elongate member, in which the or each flap is independently rotatable about the corresponding fold line between: a first collapsed configuration in which the or each flap forms a portion of the hollow, elongate member; and a second extended configuration in which the or each flap extends in a direction outwardly away from the cavity of the hollow, elongate member to provide a slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end of the hollow, elongate member, in which the or each slot is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a beam, and in which the or each flap provides a surface for fixation to a beam.

2. The adjustable collar as claimed in claim 1 , in which the hollow, elongate member comprises a pair of spaced apart flaps.

3. The adjustable collar as claimed in claim 2, in which the pair of spaced apart flaps are located on opposite sides of the hollow elongate member.

4. The adjustable collar as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first andsecond opposed ends thereof, and in which the fold line(s) extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

5. The adjustable collar as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second opposed ends thereof, and in which in the first collapsed configuration the or each flap extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

6. The adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second opposed ends thereof, and in which in the second extended configuration, the or each slot extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

7. The adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each flap comprises an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, and in which in the first collapsed configuration the inner surface of the or each flap forms a portion of an inner surface of the hollow, elongate member, and the outer surface of the or each flap forms a portion of the outer surface of the hollow, elongate member.

8. The adjustable collar as claimed in claim 7, in which in the second extended configuration the inner surface of the or each flap is configured in use to contact or engage a surface of a beam.

9. The adjustable collar as claimed in claim 8, in which in the second extended configuration the or each slot is defined by a pair of opposed contact side surfaces and a contact end surface extending therebetween of the hollow, elongate member, and in which the or each slot is configured in use such that each contact side surface of the hollow, elongate member provides an abutment surface for a corresponding side portion of a beam, and in which the contact end surface of the elongate member is configured in use to provide an abutment surface for a lowerportion of a beam, and in which the inner surface of the or each flap is configured in use to contact or engage the lower portion of a beam.

10. The adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one attachment member for securing the inner surface of the or each flap to a beam.11 . The adjustable collar as claimed in claim 10, in which the at least one attachment member is a screw, for example a self-tapping screw.

12. The adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an opening extending from the second open end of the hollow, elongate member in a direction towards the first open end thereof.

13. The adjustable collar as claimed in claim 12, in which the opening is configured in use to be compressible or expandable, for example manually compressible or manually expandable, in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

14. The adjustable collar as claimed in either of claims 12 and 13, in which the opening tapers inwardly in a direction from the first open end towards the second open end thereof.

15. The adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hollow, elongate member is composed of one or more of: plastic and / or composite material and / or water repellent materials.

16. The adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the slot extends in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow, elongate member.

17. An adjustable collar and beam assembly comprising: an adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claim; anda beam received within the slot(s) and engaged with the flap(s) of the first open end of the adjustable collar.

18. An adjustable collar and pipe pile foundation assembly comprising: an adjustable collar as claimed in any preceding claims; and a pipe pile foundation engaged with the second open end of the adjustable collar.

19. A method of installing an adjustable collar for securing beams in pipe pile foundations, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining an adjustable collar as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16; moving the or each flap to the second extended position; and engaging an inner surface of the or each flap with a portion of a beam; and optionally securing the or each flap to the beam using at least one attachment member.

20. A method of levelling a horizontal beam on a pipe pile foundation, comprising: obtaining an adjustable collar as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16; compressing the second end of the adjustable collar; inserting the second end of the adjustable collar into a pipe pile foundation to provide a tight fit therebetween; moving the or each flap to the second extended position; and engaging an inner surface of the or each flap with a portion of a beam; and optionally securing the or each flap to the beam using at least one attachment member.21 .A method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising: pouring concrete in-situ through the adjustable collar into contact with the pipe pile foundation.

22. A method for manufacturing an adjustable collar as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: obtaining a hollow, elongate member having a first open end configured in use to be connected to a beam, and an opposed second open end configured in use to be received within an end of a foundation pipe pile, in which the hollow, elongate member defines a cavity extending between the first and second open ends thereof; cutting the first end of the hollow, elongate member to provide at least one flap having a predetermined shape and dimensions to correspond to the shape and dimensions of a beam; defining a fold line along a portion of the hollow, elongate member at a first end of the flap(s) such that the or each flap is independently rotatable about the corresponding fold line between: a first collapsed configuration in which the or each flap forms a portion of the hollow, elongate member; and a second extended configuration in which the or each flap extends in a direction outwardly away from the cavity of the hollow, elongate member to provide a slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end of the hollow, elongate member.

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