MODULAR NETWORK ACCESS FRAME AND COVER

Abstract

A modular frame for a cover for an in-ground chamber or pit, the modular frame comprising a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another to form an external frame, at least some of the frame sections comprising an abutment wall to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber or pit, and a cover support structure to support a portion of one or more cover members relative thereto. Optionally, a depending structure to at least partially define an internal skirt configured to be received within the in-ground chamber or pit and/or an external upstand to at least partially define an opening into which the one or more cover members are locatable to at least partially close the opening may be provided. A cover including the modular frame and an in-ground chamber or pit including the cover are also provided.

Claims

1. A modular frame for a cover for an in-ground chamber or pit, the modular frame comprising: a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another to form an external frame, at least some of the frame sections comprising: a) an abutment wall to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber or pit; and b) a cover support structure to support a portion of one or more cover members relative thereto.

2-5. (canceled)

6. A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein frame sections are releasably securable relative to one another.

7. A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein a connector block shaped to fit relative to respective frame sections is provided with a pair of perpendicular mechanical fasteners, each located through a portion of a pair of adjacent the frame sections and through the connector block.

8. A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a depending structure to at least partially define an internal skirt configured to be received within the in-ground chamber or pit.

9. A modular frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein all of the frame sections used in the modular frame include the abutment wall, the cover support structure, the depending structure and the external upstand.

10. A modular frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein the depending structure extends substantially perpendicularly to the abutment wall.

11. A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein each frame section comprises a central body with the abutment wall comprising a lower wall of the central body.

12. A modular frame as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cover support structure is provided at an upper side of the central body, spaced from the abutment wall.

13. A modular frame as claimed in claim 12 wherein the abutment wall and cover support structure are spaced apart by a pair of end walls.

14. A modular frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein one or more intermediate walls are provided between the abutment wall and the cover support structure and between the end walls.

15. A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an external upstand to at least partially define an opening into which the one or more cover members are locatable to at least partially close the opening.

16. A modular frame as claimed in claim 15 wherein the external upstand comprises a substantially vertical outer wall with an overhang to provide clearance on an external side of the frame section.

17. (canceled)

18. A modular frame as claimed in claim 15 wherein the external upstand comprises an inner wall which at least partially defines the opening for the at least one cover member.

19. A modular frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a flange extending transversely and inwardly from the external upstand.

20. A modular frame as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange engages a locking mechanism or structure provided on or relative to the cover member.

21. A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one pair of beam pockets provided to support a transverse beam in order to locate and support the transverse beam relative to the modular frame wherein each beam pocket is attached to the frame section using a releasable fastener.

22-29. (canceled)

30. A cover assembly for an in-ground chamber or pit comprising the modular frame as claimed in claim 1 and at least one cover member.

31. The cover assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein each cover member comprises a substantially planar upper support surface.

32-36. (canceled)

37. An in-ground chamber or pit including at least one wall assembly and a cover comprising the modular frame as claimed in claim 1.

38-64. (canceled)

65. A modular frame as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a connector block for connecting adjacent hollow frame portions together, the respective frame portions each having at least one opening in a side wall thereof to receive an elongate fastener therethrough, the connector block comprising: a. a first connector block component comprising a body with a clamping portion, at least a pair of guide openings for a respective elongate fastener and at least one angled ramp portion; b. a second connector block component comprising a body with a clamping portion, at least a pair of engagement openings for a respective elongate fastener and at least one angled ramp portion; wherein elongate fasteners cause the respective angled ramp portions to slide relative to one another to move the respective clamping portions between a relaxed condition and an enlarged, clamping condition located with a first end of the connector block within a first frame portion and an opposite end of the connector block within an adjacent frame portion with the respective ends of the frame portions abutting so that the connector block is wholly within the two adjacent frame portions.

66-69. (canceled)

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0107] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0108] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a modular frame and cover of an embodiment.

[0109] FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of a modular frame of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 without the cover tiles.

[0110] FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of a range of set length frame members according to an embodiment.

[0111] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a sidewall of an access chamber wall, with the frame and cover of an embodiment.

[0112] FIG. 5 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0113] FIG. 6 is an axonometric view of a range of cover tile configurations according to an embodiment.

[0114] FIG. 7 is a side view of a cover tile according to an embodiment.

[0115] FIG. 8 is a set of side views showing the different cover configurations with side tolerance of an embodiment.

[0116] FIG. 9 is a top view of a cover tile of an embodiment.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a side view of the cover tile of FIG. 9 in a central location with tolerance.

[0118] FIG. 11 is a side view of the cover tile of FIG. 9 pushed to one side with tolerance.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a sectional end view of the frame and cover of an embodiment showing the locking ledge.

[0120] FIG. 13 is a sectional end view of the frame of an embodiment showing the protective ledge.

[0121] FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the configuration of FIG. 1, showing the locating raising frame functionality.

[0122] FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing attachment of the side frame members together in an embodiment.

[0123] FIG. 16 is an exploded view showing attachment of the corner frame members together in an embodiment.

[0124] FIG. 17 is an axonometric view of a beam pocket attached to a frame member in an embodiment.

[0125] FIG. 18 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0126] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of two adjacent frame members at a connection point in an embodiment.

[0127] FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the configuration shown in FIG. 19 along line A-A.

[0128] FIG. 21 is a sectional end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19 with the connector block in the relaxed condition.

[0129] FIG. 22 is a sectional end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19 with the connector block in the clamped condition.

[0130] FIG. 23 is a sectional end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20 with the connector block in the relaxed condition.

[0131] FIG. 24 is a sectional end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20 with the connector block in the clamped condition.

[0132] FIG. 25 is an axonometric exploded view of a connector block of an embodiment.

[0133] FIG. 26 is an axonometric view of the first connector block component from the side opposite to that shown in FIG. 25.

[0134] FIG. 27 is an axonometric view of the second connector block component from the side opposite to that shown in FIG. 25.

[0135] With reference to the accompanying figures, a modular frame 12 for a cover 13 for an in-ground chamber or pit 10 is provided. An example of a chamber or pit 10 formed from a pair or stackable sections 11 (more could be used) is illustrated in FIG. 1 with a cover 13 formed using a modular frame 12 located thereon. The cover 13 shown in FIG. 1 is formed from 6 cover members or tiles 14 mounted relative to a modular frame 12.

[0136] The modular frame has the potential to be fitted to precast or cast-in situ concrete chambers.

[0137] The modular frame 12 is better seen in FIG. 2 as the cover members or tiles 14 have been removed. The modular frame of the illustrated embodiments comprises a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another to form an external frame as shown in FIG. 2. The modular frame in FIG. 2 also includes two transverse beams 18 (described further below).

[0138] The modular frame 12 is typically manufactured in dimensions which are determined according to multiples of the cover member 14 size. This will assist with minimising the number of variant sizes of cover member that have to be manufactured. Typically, the cover member 14 will be manufactured in a single size (although more than one standard size can be manufactured) and then the modular frame will typically be formed using one or more cover members 14 with the modular frame dimensions determined according to how many cover members 14 are used.

[0139] The frame sections will typically be manufactured in a number of predetermined cut lengths as shown in principle in FIG. 3.

[0140] The modular frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a number of straight frame sections 15. The straight frame sections 15 will normally have a consistent cross-sectional shape over the entire length of the frame section. In an embodiment, the straight frame sections may be extruded although other methods of manufacture may be used. An attachment opening 17 is provided at both ends of the straight frame sections 15 to allow the frame sections 15 to be locked relative to an adjacent frame section. The locking arrangement is discussed below in relation to FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0141] The modular frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes four corner frame sections 16. As illustrated, each corner frame section 16 (illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 16) includes a pair of frame section portions 19 at an angle to one another. Although any angle could be used, the most common shape of the modular frame will normally be rectangular as shown, and in that configuration, the corner frame sections have an angle of 90° between the pair of frame section portions 19.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 16, the frame section portions 19 of a corner frame section 16 are securable relative to one another to form a corner frame section 16. The frame section portions 19 are mitre cut at the respective ends in order to form the corner frame section 16. In an embodiment, the frame section portions of a corner frame section may be extruded, although other methods of manufacture may be used.

[0143] Typically, the plurality of frame sections will be manufactured to form the modular frame of the required size and the frame sections may be delivered to the site of the in-ground chamber or pit 10 and built/assembled on site. As mentioned above, the modular frame 12 will typically be formed from combinations of frame sections of predetermined cut lengths. The modular frame 12 will typically be sized to fit onto an in-ground chamber or pit 10. Once the modular frame 12 has been assembled, the cover members 14 are typically fitted relative to the modular frame 12 in order to form the cover assembly 13. The cover assembly 13 may be formed on the in-ground chamber or pit 10, or adjacent thereto and then simply placed onto the in-ground chamber or pit 10.

[0144] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, each frame section (whether a straight frame section 15 or a corner frame section 16) comprises an abutment wall 20 to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber or pit. Also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a cover support wall 21 to support a portion of one or more cover members 14 relative to the frame section. The frame section shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 also includes a depending structure 22 to at least partially define an internal skirt configured to be received within the in-ground chamber or pit and an external upstand 23 to at least partially define an opening into which the one or more cover members 14 are locatable to at least partially close the opening in the modular frame.

[0145] The modular frame 12 of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 to form an external frame 12. In an embodiment, the plurality of frame sections 15, 16 are releasably securable relative to one another.

[0146] The frame sections can be formed of any material. Normally a plastic or composite material will be used for low weight but high strength. The frame sections may be made of metal and some circumstances, particularly for increased strength which may be required in larger frames or frames which cover in-ground chambers or pits of larger dimensions.

[0147] As mentioned above, the frame sections used to form the modular frame will normally include one or more straight frame sections 15 per side and four corner sections 16. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a connector block 24 can be used to lock the frame sections relative to one another. The connector block illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 is shaped to fit relative to respective parts of adjacent frame sections. A simple locking mechanism can be provided through the provision of a perpendicular pin 25 which is located through an opening 51 in a portion of the respective frame section and then through the connector block 25. Typically, the connector block 24 will be solid and provided with at least a pair of transverse openings to receive a locking pin 25, one locking pin 25 locking the connector block 24 to each of the pair of adjacent frame sections. A straight connector block 25 is provided to connect a straight frame section 15 to a straight frame section 15 as shown in FIG. 15 or a straight frame section 15 to a frame section portion 19 of a corner frame section 16 relative to one another. An angled connector block 25 may be provided to connect the frame section portions 19 of a corner frame section 16 relative to one another as shown in FIG. 16.

[0148] Typically, all of the frame sections 15, 16 used in the modular frame 12 include the depending structure 22 and the external upstand 23, particularly as the external upstand 23 is primarily responsible for maintaining the cover members 14 in place relative to the frame 12, particularly against any lateral movement.

[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment wall 20 is substantially horizontal when the modular frame 12 is in use. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the abutment wall 20 will preferably abut an upper edge of the side wall of the chamber or pit, which in the embodiment shown, is formed from a number of stackable sections 11. Preferably, the abutment wall 20 abuts the upper edge directly.

[0150] The abutment wall illustrated is primarily planar.

[0151] In the illustrated embodiment, each frame section 15, 16 includes a central body 26 and the abutment wall 20 is configured as a lower wall of the central body 26. Where each frame section includes a central body 26, the cover support wall 21 is provided at an upper side of the central body 26, spaced from the abutment wall 20. The central body 26 is preferably hollow in order to reduce weight but maintain the required strength characteristics. The abutment wall 20 and cover support wall 21 are spaced apart by a pair of end walls 27. The end walls will typically extend substantially perpendicularly to the abutment wall 20 and the cover support wall 21 to define a generally rectangular central body. The end wall on an inner side of the body 26 extends to become the inner wall of the depending structure 22 and the end wall on an outer side of the body 26 extends to become a lower part of the external upstand 23.

[0152] An intermediate wall 28 (between the end walls 27) is provided between the abutment wall 20 and the cover support wall 21 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The provision of the intermediate wall 28 defined a pair of internal bores 29 within the central body 26 and one of these bores will receive a portion of the connector block 24.

[0153] The abutment wall 20 extends laterally across the width of the side wall 11 of the in-ground chamber or pit 10. The abutment wall 20 may not abut the side wall across the entire width of the side wall as is illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0154] The abutment wall 20 will preferably extend over the length of the frame section 15, 16.

[0155] The abutment wall 20 shown in the Figures is provided with a depending lip 30 at an outer side thereof, at an opposite side to the depending structure 22. The depending lip 30 may not extend downwardly as far as the depending structure 22. The depending lip 30 may assist with locating the frame section on the side wall of the in-ground chamber or pit 10, but the depending structure 22 will primarily locate the frame section on the side wall.

[0156] The provision of the abutment wall 20 on all frame sections 15, 16 will preferably result in an abutment wall 20 formed around the periphery of the modular frame 12 to abut the side wall about the periphery of the in-ground chamber pit 10. This will assist with spreading the load of the modular frame 12 on the side wall of the in-ground chamber or pit 10.

[0157] Preferably, the abutment walls 20 on adjacent frame sections are preferably coplanar when the frame 12 is assembled.

[0158] The frame sections 15, 16 of the modular frame 12 each preferably include a cover support wall 21 to support a portion of one or more cover members 14 relative thereto. More than one cover member 14 may be supported on the cover support wall 21 of a frame section. Normally, the cover support wall 21 is oriented substantially horizontally in use. The cover support wall 21 will typically be substantially parallel to the abutment wall 20 and spaced therefrom as discussed above.

[0159] The cover support wall 21 will typically support lower portion of one or more cover members 14 as shown in FIG. 5 in particular. Preferably, the cover support wall 21 supports an outer portion of one or more cover members 14 directly on the cover support wall 21.

[0160] The cover support wall 21 preferably extends from an inner side of the external upstand 23 to an inner side of the depending structure 22.

[0161] Typically, all frame sections will include the cover support wall 21 to spread the load of the cover members 14 to ensure that the cover member 14 are appropriately supported by the external frame 12. As will be explained further below, the external frame 12 may be provided with one or more transverse beams 18 to support other portions of the one or more cover members 14.

[0162] Preferably, the cover support walls 21 of adjacent frame sections 15, 16 are coplanar with one another when the frame is assembled.

[0163] The depending structure 22 may have any shape. The depending structure 22 of the illustrated embodiment is rectangular. The illustrated generally rectangular depending structure 22 is hollow, formed from a number of wall portions.

[0164] The depending structure 22 illustrated extends substantially perpendicularly to the abutment wall 20 of the frame section, depending from the central body 26 of the frame section. An inner wall of the depending structure 22 is an extension of the inner end wall 27 of the central body 26. A spaced apart, outer wall is provided in the preferred rectangular depending structure 22. The outer wall is parallel to the inner wall. In use, it will be the outer wall of the depending structure 22 that will abut the pit wall if there is any lateral movement of the frame or cover relative to the pit. A transverse connecting wall may be provided at a lower end of the inner wall and the outer wall of the preferred rectangular depending structure 22.

[0165] The depending structure 22 is preferably provided over the length of each of the frame sections. Typically, all frame sections will have the depending structure 22.

[0166] The length of the frame sections 15, 16 chosen to form the modular frame 12, preferably form an internal skirt on the modular frame 12 which is configured to centre the modular frame 12 on the in-ground chamber or pit 10 by being received within the one or more sidewalls of the in-ground chamber or pit 10 which in turn, preferably secures the modular frame 12 against lateral movement.

[0167] The external upstand 23 is typically shaped. In one form, the external upstand 23 will typically have a substantially vertical outer wall 31. The outer wall 31 will preferably be planar.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 13, the outer wall 31 of the external upstand 23 will typically be spaced further outwardly to the external wall of the central body 26. This configuration will typically allow the outer wall 31 of the external upstand 23 to protect the central body 26 of the frame section from any contact. As will become clearer below, this configuration also creates a clearance for the head 35 of a bolt 32 provided to attach a beam pocket 33 for example relative to a side wall 34 of an opening into which the pit 10 is located.

[0169] The external upstand 23 may be provided with an upper wall 36 which is spaced above the cover support wall 21. The upper wall 36 is spaced above the cover support wall 2 sufficiently such that the upper wall 36 is substantially coplanar with the top surface of one or more cover members 14 when the one or more cover members 14 is correctly fitted relative to the modular frame 12. The upper wall 36 will preferably be substantially planar and substantially horizontal in use.

[0170] The external upstand 23 has an inner wall 37. The inner wall 37 will typically be substantially vertical. The inner wall will typically be the portion of the upstand 23 which at least partially defines the opening for the cover member 14. The inner wall 37 will also typically provide an abutment wall for the outer edge of the cover member 14, should the cover member 14 be forced laterally within the modular frame 12 at any point. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, when the cover members 14 are fitted relative to the modular frame 12, a clearance or separation gap (X) will typically be provided between the inner wall 37 of the upstand 23 and the outer edge of the cover member 14 located adjacent thereto. In a preferred form, the cover member 14 will be spaced from the inner wall 37 (and from other cover members) by a fixed dimension X. In use, the cover members 14 will preferably be provided relative to the modular frame using a fixed dimension peripheral clearance or separation gap about each cover member 14 which will in turn provide increased clearance in multiples of dimension X depending on the number of cover members 14.

[0171] A flange 38 preferably extends transversely and inwardly from the preferred inner wall 37 of the external upstand 23. The flange 38 will typically function as a locking ledge in order to releasably lock one or more cover members 14 relative thereto. Typically, the flange/locking ledge 38 extends over the length of the frame section. In one possible configuration illustrated in the Figures, the cover member 14 has a stepped outer edge with a peripheral upper lip 39 extending further outwardly than a lower part 40 of the cover member 14. The locking ledge 38 will also preferably support the peripheral upper lip 39 of the cover member 14 thereon and the lower part 40 of the cover member 14 will typically be supported on the cover support wall 21 as shown in FIG. 12 in particular.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiments, the flange/locking ledge 38 is also used to engage a locking mechanism or structure provided on or relative to the cover member 14. This will typically assist with maintaining the cover members 14 relative to the modular frame 12 against vertical movement. For example as illustrated in FIG. 12 a laterally extending deformable cover attachment flap 41 may be provided on the cover member 14 and when the cover member 14 is installed relative to the modular frame 12, the deformable cover attachment flap 41 may abut an underside of the flange 38. As will be explained below, the cover member 14 may be provided with one or more rotatable locking members as shown in FIG. 9.

[0173] The flange 38 is spaced from the upper wall 36 of the external upstand 23 and from the cover support wall 21. Normally, the flange 38 is located approximately halfway between the upper wall 36 of the external upstand 23 and the cover support wall 21.

[0174] As mentioned above, the number of cover members 14 used will typically be a whole number (in other words, cover members will not be required to be cut to fit to the modular frame). The cover members 14 may have different dimensions, for example, half size cover members may be provided in order to maximise the configurations available, but the cover members 14 will preferably all have the same features allowing cover members 14 of different dimensions to be fitted relative to the modular frame 12 in any location.

[0175] Each cover member 14 will typically have a substantially planar upper support surface. The upper support surface may have gripping members or assemblies provided relative thereto as illustrated in FIG. 9. Each cover member 14 will preferably have a stepped side wall with a peripheral upper lip 39 extending further outwardly than a lower part 40 of the cover member 14. The peripheral upper lip 39 will typically extend completely about the cover member 14.

[0176] In one embodiment illustrated for example in FIG. 9, a pair of locking pins 42 may be provided relative to each cover member 14 in order to releasably lock the cover member 14 relative to the modular frame 12, particularly, the locking ledge 38. Each locking pin 42 will typically be rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, a portion of the locking pin 42 will preferably engage the locking ledge 38 of one of the frame sections and/or a beam 18 (explained further below). The provision of a pair of locking pins 42 will allow the cover member to be locked in position on two sides.

[0177] In an embodiment, the locking pin 42 will typically include an enlarged head, typically received within a rebate or recess in an upper surface of the cover member 14, an elongate shaft which extends through an opening in the cover member 14 and a locking flange provided relative to the shaft which, when rotated into the locked position, typically abuts the locking ledge 38 of the frame member and/or beam 18. Normally, the locking pin 42 is rotated to approximately 90° in order to lock and unlock the locking pin 42.

[0178] Each cover member 14 will typically be a fixed depth as shown in FIG. 7. The cover members will normally have the same configuration. Different cover members 14 may be manufactured of different materials in order to adjust the load rating of the cover member to suit different load applications. For example, a lighter weight plastic may be used for a cover member with a lower load rating and a metal cover member, having exactly the same features could be used for a higher load rating. The cover members of the lighter weight plastic and the metal cover member may be used in relation to the same frame section with the material used for the cover member adjusting the use characteristics.

[0179] The modular frame 12 may be provided with one or more transverse beams 18 as shown in FIG. 2 in order to support an edge of one or more cover members 14. The transverse beams 18 will typically be provided between opposite sides of the modular frame 12. A beam pocket 33 will typically be provided at both ends of each transverse beam 18 in order to locate and support the transverse beam 18 relative to the modular frame 12. The beam pocket 33 will typically be attached to the frame section. Preferably, the beam pocket 33 will be attached to the frame section using a releasable fastener such as an elongate bolt 32 or similar. Where provided, the elongate bolt 32 will typically extend laterally through the preferred central body 26 of the frame section. As mentioned above, where a bolt 32 is provided, the head 35 of the bolt 32 will typically be protected by the external upstand 23 such that the head 35 of the bolt 32 does not extend further laterally outside the external upstand 23.

[0180] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the beam pocket 33 of an embodiment will typically be substantially rectangular. The beam pocket 33 will normally include a planar rear wall 43 which is typically oriented substantially vertically in use. A transversely extending base flange 44 will preferably extend from or relative to the planar rear wall 43. The base flange 44 will typically abut a lower end portion of the beam 18 to support the beam 18. A pair of spaced apart side flanges 45 will preferably be provided. The side flanges 45 will preferably extend transversely from or relative to the base wall 44. Together with the base flange 44, the spaced apart side flanges 45 will preferably define a substantially U-shaped receiver portion into which the end of a beam 18 is received as shown in FIG. 18. The beam pocket 33 may be formed from a single piece of material which is bent or shaped to provide of the rear wall 43, base flange 44 and side flanges 45. Reinforcing sections 46 may be provided relative to the base flange 44 and each of the side flanges 45.

[0181] One or more attachment flanges 47 may be provided relative to the planar rear wall 43. The attachment flanges 47 will typically extend from the rear wall 43, on either side of the beam pocket 33 to provide fixing portions through which the preferred bolts 32 are provided to attach the beam pocket 33 relative to the frame section(s).

[0182] Each beam 18 will typically include a cover support wall 48. Typically, the cover support wall 48 of the beam 18 is substantially planar. A pair of cover support walls 48 are provided on either side of the central divider 49 extending over the length of the beam 18. The central divider 49 will typically assist with location of a cover member 14 relative to the beam 18.

[0183] The beam 18 may be attached to the beam pocket 33 if required or simply be received within the beam pocket 33 to locate the beam relative to the external frame 12.

[0184] A connector block for connecting adjacent hollow frame sections or portions 15 together is illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 27. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the respective frame portions 15 each have an opening (obscured by head of fastener 103) in a side wall thereof to receive the elongate fastener 103 therethrough. the connector block 100 illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 27 can be used in lieu of the connector block 24, illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0185] The connector block 101 in FIGS. 19 to 27 comprises a first connector block component 101 comprising an enlarged body portion 104 and a clamping portion 105, a pair of guide openings 106 for a respective elongate fastener 103, a main angled ramp portion 107 and a pair of secondary angled ramp portions 108. Each of the secondary angled ramp portions 108 are provided at least partially on a lug 114 provided at either end of the first connector block component 101.

[0186] The connector block 100 in FIGS. 19 to 27 also comprises a second connector block component 102 comprising a body portion 109 and a clamping portion 110, a pair of engagement openings 111 for a respective elongate fastener 103, a main angled ramp portion 112 and a pair of secondary angled ramp portions 113. Each of the secondary angled ramp portions 113 are provided at least partially on a lug 115 provided at either end of the second connector block component 102.

[0187] These components are best illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 27.

[0188] The first connector block component 101 and the second connector block component 102 are each provided in a single piece but could be multipiece to take advantage of different advantageous material properties. Both are generally rectangular in shape.

[0189] The first connector block component 101 includes an enlarged body portion 104 located adjacent to the head of the fastener 103 and a second portion extending substantially perpendicularly thereto. The enlarged body portion 104 shown in FIG. 25 is shaped to engage with one or more features of an internal shape of the frame portion 15 as shown in FIGS. 21 to 24. This engagement will usually strengthen the clamping engagement between the connector block 101 and the respective frame portions 15 by positively locating the first connector block component 101 (and thereby, the connector block 100) within the frame portion 15.

[0190] The guide openings 106 extend through the enlarged body portion 104. The clamping portion 105 is provided on the second portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the enlarged body portion 104.

[0191] The guide openings 106 extend substantially parallel to the clamping portion 105.

[0192] The clamping portion 105 of the first connector block component 101 illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 27 is provided on the lower part of the first connector block component 101. The clamping portion 110 is provided on the upper part of the second connector block component 102 with the respective ramp portions therebetween.

[0193] The clamping portion 105 is provided as a number of smaller fingers 125 (only the fingers on the second connector block component are illustrated but similar fingers are provided on 105), each with a clamping surface, and the surfaces being coplanar with each other. The clamping surfaces of each of the of smaller fingers 125 are coplanar. The fingers shown are parallel. The configuration of the clamping portion 105 of the first connector block component 101 in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as configuration of the clamping portion 110 of the second connector block component 102.

[0194] The first connector block component 101 includes a male, main angled ramp portion 107, centrally located on the first connector block component 101. The main angled ramp portion is provided between a pair of guide block opening 117. The main angled ramp portion 107 is provided on the opposite side of the enlarged body 104 to an alignment boss 118 and faces the second connector block component 102.

[0195] A pair of secondary angled clamp portions are provided, one on each end lug 114. The guide block opening 117 are defined between the main angled ramp portion 107 and end walls from which each of the lugs 114 extend.

[0196] As illustrated, the main angled ramp portion 107 and each of the end walls have parallel side walls to define the guide block opening 117. The base of the guide block opening 117 is also preferably planar. The base of the guide block opening 117 will normally be perpendicular to the sidewalls of the guide block opening 117 and the end walls of the guide block opening 117 to guide movement of the guide blocks 119 of the second connector block component 102 (described further below).

[0197] Each lug 114 is provided with a groove or groove portion at least partially about an outer part of the lug 114. The groove or groove portion seats a resilient loop 120. The resilient loop 120 acts to hold the first connector block component 101 and the second connector block component 102 together but still allow relative movement. The resilient loop 120 may also bias the first connector block component 101 and the second connector block component 102 into the relaxed condition.

[0198] An alignment boss 118 or protrusion is provided on an external side of the enlarged body portion 104. The alignment boss 118 is provided on the same wall of the enlarged body portion 104 as the guide openings 106. As seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, a corresponding opening portion is provided in the end edge of the frame portions 15.

[0199] The second connector block component 102 corresponds, at least on the facing surfaces, with the configuration of the first connector block component 101.

[0200] The main angled ramp portion 112 provided on the second connector block component 102 is a female main angled ramp portion provided in a receiving gap 121 on the second connector block component 102 to receive the male main angled ramp portion 107 provided on the first connector block component 101.

[0201] The receiving gap 121 on the second connector block component 102 is flanked by a guide block 119 on either side. Each guide block 119 has the engagement opening 111 formed thereinto.

[0202] Each of the guide blocks 119 is normally received into the respective guide block opening 117 on the first connector block component 101. At least a part of the outer shape of the guide blocks 119 correspond with the shape of the guide block opening 117.

[0203] As illustrated, the guide blocks 119 are each rectangular in outer shape, having a planar lower wall and a pair of parallel side walls. The guide block 119 is normally sized to be received closely within the guide block opening 117 of the first connector block component 101 to guide movement of the respective connector block components relative to one another.

[0204] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 24, the connector block 100 will normally be located with one end within a frame portion 15 and an opposite end within an adjacent frame portion 15 with the respective ends of the frame portions 15 abutting about the alignment boss 118 so that the connector block 100 is wholly within the two adjacent frame portions 15.

[0205] The connector block 101 will generally clamp the adjacent frame portions 15 together by frictionally engaging with both frame portions 15 preferably multiple internal surfaces of each frame portion 15.

[0206] The elongate fasteners 103 preferred for use will include an enlarged head and an elongate shank. The elongate shank will normally be at least partially threaded to engage with the correspondingly internally threaded portion of the engagement openings 111 of the second connector block component 102.

[0207] In use, the connector block 101 is located partially in the hollow end of a frame portion 15 and partially in a hollow end of an adjacent frame portion 15. The frame portions 15 are then pushed together until their respective end edges abut about the alignment block 118, completely containing the connector block 101. The fasteners 103 can then be inserted through the openings in the frame portions 15, through the guide openings 106 in the first connector block component 101 and into the engagement openings 111 in the second connector block component 102. When the fasteners 103 are tightened, this draws the second connector block component 102 towards the first connector block component 101 and the respective ramp portions cause the connector block 100 to become enlarged toward, and eventually into the enlarged clamping condition in which the clamping portions 105, 110 abut one or more inside wall surfaces of the respective frame portions 15 to clamp them each to the connector block 100 and through their mutual clamping to the connector block, connect the frame portions 15 relative to one another. Loosening the fasteners 105 may allow the biasing force of the resilient loops 121 to return the connector block components to the relaxed condition allowing disconnection of the frame portions 15.

[0208] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.