Structural support systems

Abstract

There is provided a structural support system ( 2 ) for a conservatory structure, the structural support system comprising a first beam ( 6 ), a second beam ( 8 ) attached to the first beam ( 6 ) by an end thereof and an end plate ( 14 ) at least partly closing the end of the second beam ( 8 ), with fixing means ( 24 ) securing the first beam ( 6 ) to the second beam ( 8 ) through the end plate ( 14 ) thereby to clamp the first beam ( 6 ) to the second beam ( 8 ).

1 . A structural support system for a conservatory structure, the structural support system comprising a first beam, a second beam attached to the first beam by an end thereof and an end plate at least partly closing the end of the second beam, with fixing means securing the first beam to the second beam through the end plate thereby to clamp the first beam to the second beam.  
   
   
       2 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end plate comprises means for holding at least one bolt head captive on the interior thereof.  
   
   
       3 . A structural support system according to  claim 2 , in which the means for holding the at least one bolt head captive comprises a slot for receiving a bolt head.  
   
   
       4 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end plate comprises means for retaining at least one bolt in a hole through the end plate.  
   
   
       5 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the means for retaining at least one bolt comprises a holding plate in a slot in the end plate.  
   
   
       6 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end plate is of generally U-shaped cross section.  
   
   
       7 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end plate has an end, a first limb depending therefrom and a second limb depending therefrom.  
   
   
       8 . A structural support system according to  claim 7 , in which the first and second limbs are substantially parallel.  
   
   
       9 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end plate lies substantially within the second beam.  
   
   
       10 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end plate is dimensioned to be a sliding fit in a structural support beam.  
   
   
       11 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which an end of the second beam is attached to a side of the first beam.  
   
   
       12 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which an end of the second beam is attached to an end of the first beam.  
   
   
       13 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the end of the second beam is mitred to fit to the first beam at a desired angle.  
   
   
       14 . A structural support system according to  claim 1 , in which the first beam is a column beam and the second beam is a rafter beam.  
   
   
       15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A method of assembly of at least part of a structural support system, the method comprising the steps of providing a first beam, providing an end plate at the end of a second beam at least partly closing the end of the second plate and securing the first and second beams together via the end plate thereby to clamp the first beam to the second beam.  
   
   
       17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A method of assembly according to  claim 16 , in which a conservatory element is applied to the structural support system.