Construction system

Abstract

A kit of components for constructing a building comprises a first coupling part (30) embedded in one end of a beam (14), and a second coupling part (50) embedded in one end of a post (12). The coupling parts (30,50) have end profiles (32,52) with apertures (34,54) which are registrable when the beam (14) abuts the post (12). Once registered with beam (14) resting on ledge (64) the apertures are slidably engaged by a locking pin (70), coupling the beam (14) to the post (12).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for constructing a building, particularly but not exclusively timber-framed constructions.

BACKGROUND ART

There is considerable interest in traditional-looking timber-framed buildings, for use as garages, or more complex garden outbuildings, or even as extensions to existing houses. In recent time, a modular system of construction has been adopted for buildings of this kind in order to introduce cost savings associated with a manufactured item as opposed to a bespoke one. In the modular system the framework components are standardized to a degree so that they may be put together in different permutations to provide a variety of different building designs. However, a large number of different components are seemingly required to complete even one building, and alternative components need to be provided if a full range of different types of buildings are to be offered.

The present applicant has appreciated that existing modular timber-framed buildings may be simplified to great advantage.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of components for constructing a building, comprising: a beam having a first coupling part attached thereto; a post having a second coupling part attached thereto, the first and second coupling parts having connectable end profiles, with at least one end profile including an aperture; and a locking pin for slidably engaging the aperture, wherein the first and second parts are configured to rigidly couple the beam to the post when the locking pin is engaged in the aperture.

Typically, the post will be aligned vertically, and the beam will be aligned horizontally. The first and second coupling parts are capable of securing the beam and post together so as to provide a framework for a building. The first and second coupling parts may be configured such that one end face of the beam abuts a surface of the post when the locking pin is engaged in the aperture.

Both end profiles of the first and second coupling parts may have an aperture, with the apertures being registrable so both may be slidingly engaged by the locking pin when rigidly coupling the beam to the post. One end profile may include a pair of apertures configured to register with opposite sides of the aperture in the other end profile when rigidly coupling the beam to the post. In this way, the pair of apertured portions of the one end profile define a recess for receiving the apertured portion of the other end profile. The pair of apertured portions thus act as “stops”, preventing unwanted movement of the beam relative to the post along the axis of the locking pin when registered in the apertures.

The or each aperture in the connectable end profiles and the locking pin may have matching or snugly interfitting non-circular cross sections, In this way, first and second coupling parts may be secured against rotation when the locking pin is slidingly engaged in the or each aperture.

The first coupling part may include an elongate member anchored in the beam (e.g. with nails or anchoring pins), with its connectable end profile being mounted on an axial end of the elongate member. The elongate member may be substantially planar and may be anchored in a slot in the beam. The slot may extend along the axis of the beam from a free end thereof. The elongate member may be shaped to be a snug fit in a corresponding groove in the beam.

The second coupling part may have a body anchored in the post, with its connectable end profile being mounted on one lateral side of body or post. At least one further connectable end profile may be provided on at least one other (e.g. opposite) lateral side of the body or post. In this way, a pair of beams may be rigidly coupled to the post. The body may be cruciform, and may have a connectable end profile on each of four lateral side. The body may have a mounting extending from the axial end of the post, for use in coupling the post end-to-end to another post.

One of the connectable end profiles may be countersunk in a groove in the beam or post to which it is attached, thereby helping to conceal the end profiles from view and allowing beam-edge to post-side abutment when the beam and post are rigidly coupled together. An end of the post may be rebated to provide a ledge on which the beam rests when the beam and post are rigidly coupled together. This may further help to conceal the beam-to-post coupling mechanism.

The second coupling part may alternatively comprise a body surrounding one end of the post, the connectable end profile of the second coupling part being mounted on one side of the body. The body may define a chamber for slidably receiving an end section of the post. The body may enclose the end section of the post when received in the chamber. The body may take the form of a box-like enclosure with an opening through which the end section of the post is inserted when received in the chamber. The body may have at least one pair of parallel sides, and may have a rectangular (e.g. square) cross section. The body may be formed from plastics material or more specifically may be formed by a process of polymer injection moulding.

The body may comprise at least one further connectable end profile on at least one other (e.g. opposite) lateral side of the body or post. When in place on the post, the body may entirely conceal one end of the post and accordingly it may help protect that end of the post (e.g. from moisture). In use the body may help to spread the load borne by the post, helping to avoid stress concentrations.

The kit of components may further comprise a member having a profile which is connectable to the end profile of the second coupling part attached to the post. In this way, the member may be connected to the post, perhaps on a side where no beam is required. Thus, if the second coupling part has four connectable end profiles, and only three are required to establish beam-to-post couplings, the fourth profile may be connected to and hence concealed behind the member. The member may be connectable to the second coupling part with a locking pin in a manner equivalent to the way in which the first and second parts are connected together.

The member may abut the post when their respective profiles are interconnected. The member and post may be configured to maximise the area of contact therebetween, e.g. across substantially the whole of a surface of the member which in use faces the post. In this way, a tension-like force exerted on an opposite side of the second coupling part by a beam connected thereto may be resisted more readily due to distribution of the resulting load across the surface of the member. The member may be of stainless steel or other high-strength material to resist such loads.

The member may be selected from the group consisting of an end plate (or cover plate) and a mounting for a tie bar. The end plate may be used to decorative effect. The tie bar mounting may be used in combination with a tie bar to lend lateral stability to a pair of opposed walls. The tie bar mounting may include a screw-threaded portion for threadably engaging a tie bar. In this way, the effective length of the tie bar may be adjusted by rotating the tie bar relative to the threaded portion.

The kit may further comprise a capping member for the axial end of the post in which the body is anchored, with the capping member being configured to reinforce the body when anchored in the post. For example, the capping member may be formed from a rigid metal plate. In this way, the capping member helps to stiffen the entire assembly. The capping member may be configured to releasably engage the body, even once it is anchored in the post. The body may include at least one protuberant part for engaging a corresponding opening (e.g. slot) in the capping member, with the protuberant part being configured to project from the end of the post when the body is anchored therein.

The capping member may be oversized compared to the end of the post, being configured to overhang at least one side of the post when reinforcing the body anchored in the post. The capping member may include an aperture which is registrable with the or each aperture in the connectable end profiles when the beam is rigidly coupled to the post with the locking pin. In this way, the locking pin may be inserted through the apertures after registration.

Alternatively, the capping member may be of a decorative nature, intended to conceal the axial end of the post, and any otherwise visible coupling parts in the post or beam(s) . The decorative capping member may be configured to extend over the first coupling part of a beam when coupled to the post and may be configured to engage a laterally protruding part of the first coupling member. The decorate capping member may include a groove for receiving the laterally protruding part of the first coupling member. The laterally protruding part may be a friction fit in the groove and/or may be held in place with glue. Such capping members may be desirable if the beams and posts in a structure are intended to be viewed from above (e.g. handrails).

In one form, the second part may comprise a mounting which in use protrudes from the body when anchored in an axial end of the post, the mounting being configured for coupling end-to-end one post to another. Such a mounting may be used in constructing a multi-storey structure, preferably using one post for each level of the structure. The mounting may be elongate, having a longitudinal axis which is coaxial with that of the post when the body is anchored in the axial end of the. post. When used in combination with a capping member, the mounting may extend through an aperture in the latter. The mounting may be shrouded with an (externally) threaded sleeve coupled to the capping member. The mounting may be a snug fit inside the threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve may be configured to engage a corresponding screw thread of a bore in the post being coupled to the mounting.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of components for constructing a building, comprising: an elongate part (e.g. a beam or post); and a brace for strengthening a joint between the elongate part and a member extending transversely thereto, with one part having a tenon which engages a mortise in the other part when the parts are coupled together, wherein the tenon is formed by a body partially embedded in its respective part.

In use, the coupling between the brace part and the elongate part is largely concealed and thus may resemble a conventional mortise and tenon joint. A dowel or the like may even be employed to pin the tenon in the mortise. However, by forming the tenon with a separate body (e.g. one of metal instead of wood) it is possible for the brace to withstand much higher forces than if constructed in the traditional way.

The tenon may be planar (e.g. plate-like), and may have a curved leading edge or periphery. For example, the tenon may be segment-shaped or may even be semi-circular. Such a profile may avoid stress concentration which might otherwise lead to formation of cracks or splits in the arts. The mortise may have a shape which corresponds to that of the tenon. In this way, the tenon may be a snug-fit in the mortise.

The body may comprise a shank portion which is embedded in the respective part and bonded thereto with a resin. The shank portion may be metallic and the resin may be configured to bond metal to wood.

Alternatively, the body may comprise a rod extending the entire length of the brace, thereby forming a reinforced brace. The rod may be parallel to, but radially offset from, the longitudinal axis of the brace. The rod may be metallic and may itself be configured to support the intended load. The reinforced brace may thereby continue to function as a brace despite extensive fire damage to wooden parts, thereby offering improved fire-rating in comparison to conventional wooden braces.

The components may be used in combination with any of the features relating to the first aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nail for securing the elongate member of the first coupling part in a slot in its beam, comprising a shank with a leading end and a trailing end configured to receive an impact when the nail is being driven into a substrate, the shank having a rigid portion to provide additional grip when embedded in the substrate and a smooth portion substantially free of striae, wherein the smooth portion is located along the shank for supporting a member extending transversely thereto. The smooth portion may extend either side of the midpoint of the shank, and the ringed portion may extend from the leading end up to approximately one third of length of the shank. The ringed portion may have a maximum diameter which is substantially the same as that of the smooth portion. The ringed portion may include at least one ring with a frusto-conical shape, with the curved periphery tapering towards the leading end of the shank. The frustoconical shape of the ring may have a half-angle of about 30°.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the framework of a timber-framed building which embodies the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of components used in the timber-framed building of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing coupling parts of beams and posts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of an alternative coupling part for the beams shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the alternative coupling part of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view showing components used in the timber-framed building of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another exploded view perspective view showing components used in the timber-framed building of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a tie beam connector;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a brace and post usable in the timber-framed building of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the brace and post system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of components used in one alternative embodiment of the present invention for post-to-post coupling;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one coupling component of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is side elevation of a nail according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing detail of the. nail of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded schematic view of an alternative component for beam-to-post coupling;

FIG. 13A is a schematic view of a section of a handrail structure;

FIG. 13B is an exploded side view of the embodiment of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is an illustration of the handrail structure of FIGS. 13A and 13B; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of components used to form a corner section of a handrail structure.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the superstructure of a timber-framed building (10) which comprises a plurality of vertical posts (12) supporting horizontal beams (14). Braces (16) are fitted between beams (14) and posts (12) to increase stiffness and lend architectural interest. The posts (12) are fixed to the ground (18), in some cases using base plates (20) which are bolted to the foundations. The posts (12) and beams (14) are coupled together by coupling parts (30,50) connected by locking pins (70) concealed from view by the posts and beams themselves.

FIG. 2 shows in detail how a beam (14) is coupled to a post (12) in accordance with the present invention. A first coupling part (30) is attached to one end of a beam (14), and a second coupling part (50) is attached to the post (12). The coupling parts (30,50) have end profiles (32,52) with apertures (34,54) which are registrable. Once registered, the apertures are slidably engaged by a locking pin (70), coupling the beam to the post. The locking pin may have a square or round cross-section.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first coupling part (30) includes an elongate member (36) which is attached to and extends away from the end profile (32). The end profile (32) comprises a pair of spaced apart protuberant portions (38) with aperture (34) extending through each. The protuberant portions (38) define a recess (40) therebetween for receiving the end profiles (52). of the second coupling part (50). The elongate member (36) is embedded and anchored in slot (42) extending axially in the beam (14) using nails (35). The end profile (32) is countersunk in a groove (44) so that one end of the first coupling part (30) is flush with the leading end of the beam (14).

The second coupling part (50) has a body (56) of cruciform shape. The body (56) comprises two elongate 10 members (58) slotted together to provide four limbs (60). Each limb (60) has at its extremity the end profile (52) which includes the aperture (54) for slidably receiving the locking pin (70). The body (56) is embedded in the upper end (62) of the post (12) which is rebated to provide ledge (64). The upper end (62) includes a pair of mutually perpendicular slots (66) for slidably receiving the body (56). The end profiles (52) project proud of the slots (66).

During assembly, the beam (14) is moved horizontally towards the post (12) to register the aperture (34) of the first coupling part (30) with the aperture (54) of the second coupling part (50). When registered, the protuberant portions (38) of the first coupling part (30) will be on opposite sides of the projecting end profile (52) of the second coupling part (50). Also, leading axial end face (68) of beam (14) will abut one side (69) of the rebated part of the post (12). With the beam (14) resting on ledge (64), the locking pin is then driven into the registered apertures to pin the beam (14) to the post (12). The end profiles (32,52) and locking pins (70) are concealed from view, being housed in-between the beam (14) and post (12) in the groove (44).

Up to four beams (14) may be coupled to the post (12), ith the end profile (52) at the end of each limb (60) of the second coupling part (50) being connectable to a corresponding end profile (32) of a respective beam (14). If the beam (14) has the same width as the post (12), chamfered edges (80) may be provided to prevent interference between beams (14) at 90° to each other.

FIG. 3A shows an alternative first coupling part (30′) comprising a substantially C-shaped member (36′) which is attached to the end profile (32). The C-shaped member (36′) is embedded in a corresponding C-shaped groove (42′) extending from one side of the beam to an opposing side via the beam end. Once in position, the C-shaped member (36′) is secured in place by hammering anchoring pins (63) into upper and lower channels (65a,65b). The anchoring pins (63) have wedge-shaped profiles (67) which engage with correspondingly shaped notches (75) in the upper and lower limbs of the C-shaped member (36′), thereby trapping the C-shaped member (36′) in position inside the beam (14′). The anchoring pins (63) have a series of sharp ridges (77) which grip into the surrounding beam when the anchoring pins (63) are in place in the wood.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the alternative first coupling part (30′) and shows the wedge-shaped notches (75) in the limbs of the C-shaped member (36′). The C-shaped member (36′) also includes a protuberant part (92) for engaging with a capping member or plate (see below).

FIG. 4 shows how three beams (14) may be connected to a post (12) and finished with braces (16). In the arrangement shown, there is no need to have a beam projecting from the front face (80) of the post (12). Instead, a member in the form of end plate (82) is used to conceal the end profile (52) of the second coupling part (50) which is not connected to a corresponding profile (32) of a first coupling part (30). The end plate (82) includes a pair of spaced-apart apertures (not shown) which define a recess therebetween for receiving the end profile of a second coupling part (50). When the spaced-apart apertures are registered with the aperture (54) in the end profile (52), a locking pin (70) is inserted through the aligned apertures to pin the end plate (82) in place. The entire rear surface of the end plate (82) which faces the post (12) is in contact with the opposing surface of the post (12).

FIG. 5 shows how a capping member or plate (90) may be employed to stiffen the resulting structure. Beams (14) are coupled to post (12) as before. In addition, the body (56) of the second coupling post (50) includes protuberant parts (92) which extend beyond the end of post (12), even when the body (56) is anchored in the post (12). The protuberant parts (92) are a sliding fit in corresponding slots (94) in the capping plate (90). Thus, when the protuberant parts (92) are retained within slots (94), the four limbs (60) of the second coupling part (50) are stiffened by the capping plate (90).

The capping plate (90) is larger than the rebated end (62) of the post (12), and thus overhangs the sides of the latter. The capping plate (90) includes apertures (96) which register with the apertures (34) and (54) in the first and second coupling parts (30) and (50) respectively. In this way, the locking pin(s) (70) may pass through the aperture (96) in the capping plate (90) when pinning the beams to the post (12).

FIG. 6 shows how a tie bar mounting (100) may be attached to the post (12), for example to receive tie bar (102). The mounting (100) includes a pair of spaced apart supports (104) which define a recess therebetween for receiving the end profile of a second coupling part (50). The supports (104) have an aperture (106) extending therethrough which is registrable with the aperture (54) in the end profile (52). Once registered, a locking pin (70) is inserted through the aligned apertures to pin the mounting (100) to post (12).

The mounting (100) includes a threaded portion (110) which threadably engages on end of a threaded sleeve (112). The tie bar (102) threadably engages the other end of sleeve (112). In this way, the effective length of the tie bar may be varied by using the sleeve (112) to control the spacing between the threaded portion (110) and the tie bar (102).

FIG. 7 shows schematically how a post (12) and a beam (14) may be braced using a modified brace (120). The modified brace (120) is provided with a tenon (122) at each end which is configured to be a snug fit in correspondingly-shaped mortises (124). Each tenon (122) is formed by a body (126) which is partially embedded in the brace (120). The protuberant portion (i.e. tenon) of body (126) is plate-like and semi-circular in shape, and the embedded or shank portion (130) of body (126) includes metal rods (132). The rods (132) are bonded to their wooden surrounds using resin. The shape of the tenons (122) may enable the brace (120) to be deployed after the beam (14) is coupled to the post (12) using the arrangements described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Once deployed, the brace (120) may be locked in place using pegs (134) when inserted through registered apertures (136,138).

FIG. 7A shows schematically how a post (12) and a beam (14) may be braced using a reinforced brace (120′). The reinforced brace (120′) is provided with a tenon (122′) at each end which is conf igured to be a snug fit in correspondingly-shaped mortises (124′). Each tenon (122′) is formed by the protruding end-sections of a metallic rod (121) which has a rectangular cross-section and which extends through the brace (120′). The rod (121) is parallel to, but radially offset from, the longitudinal axis of the brace (120). The brace itself comprises two parts which encase the rod (121) when laminated together. Again, the shape of the tenons (122′) may enable the brace (120′) to be deployed after the beam (14) is coupled to the post (12) using the arrangements described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Once deployed, the brace (120′) may be locked in place using pegs (134) when inserted through registered apertures (136,138).

FIG. 8 shows a modified second coupling part (50′) for coupling end-to-end post (150) to post (12). (Whenever ossible, features in common with the previous embodiments are given the same reference numbers). The modified second coupling part (50′) has a body (56) embedded in the axial end (62) of post (12), and includes a cruciform mounting (152) extending co-axially therefrom. The mounting (152) extends through an aperture (154) in modified capping plate (90′) and is received in externally threaded sleeve (156) coupled (e.g. welded) to the capping plate (90′). Post (150) includes a bore (not shown) with a corresponding screw thread so that the two posts (12,150) can be bolted together by inter-engaging the screw threads.

FIG. 9 shows one modified member (58′) of the modified second coupling part (50′), which includes upper portion (160) forming one half of the cruciform mounting (152). The upper portion (160) includes a slit (162) extending therethrough for engaging a corresponding slit in a corresponding modified member to form the modified coupling part (50′). The modified second coupling part (50′) has a modified end profile (52′) with the aperture (54) in a portion (55) located at the lower end of the modified member (58′) (instead of more centrally).

FIG. 10 shows a nail (35) for use in securing the elongate member (36) of the first coupling part (30) in a slot (42) in its beam (14). The nail (35) comprises a shank (165), having a leading end (170) and a trailing end (172) with head (174). The shank (165) has a ringed portion (176) for extra grip, extending along approximately one third of shank (165) from the leading end (170). A central portion (178) of the shank is smooth (free of striae) and is thus adapted to support a great load exerted on the nail (35) by the elongate member (36) than for example the ringed portion (176). FIG. 11 shows detail of the ringed portion (176) indicated by A in FIG. 10. Each ring (180) may be viewed as having a frusto-conical shape with a conic half angle of 30°.

FIG. 12 shows a modified second coupling part (50″) for connecting a post (12′) to a beam (not shown). The second coupling part (50″) comprises a open-bottomed box-like enclosure or body (200) for attaching to the end of a post (12′), the body (200) including an inner cavity (205) for receiving an end section (208) of the post (12′). For example, the end of the post (12′) may be further rebated to accommodate the body (200) and still provide a peripheral ledge for supporting beams attached thereto. Once the end section of the post (12′) is received in the inner cavity, the body (200) is secured in place using nails. The body (200) further comprises on each side a recessed or a protuberant end profile (210, 220) with apertures (214, 224). These apertures are registrable with apertures (34) on the end profile (32) of the first coupling part (30), which is attached to one end of the beam (not shown). Once registered, a locking pin (not shown) slidably engages the apertures (34, 214 or 34, 224) to secure the post and beam in place.

FIG. 13A shows a section of a handrail structure (250) comprising a first and second handrail (260, 265) joined to a post (12), and a decorative member (270) for concealing the coupling parts (not shown) which would otherwise be visible when the structure is viewed from above. The first and second handrails (260, 265) are beam-like and coupled to the post (12) in a similar way to that described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. However, a portion of the first coupling part (30′) now extends beyond the upper surface of the beams (260, 265) to form protrusions (268). The decorative member (270) includes slot means (275) for slidably receiving the protrusions (268) when attaching the decorative member (270) to the handrail structure (250).

FIG. 13B shows a side view of the structure shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 13C shows a side view of a handrail structure constructed in accordance with this embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a corner section of a handrail featuring a modified decorative member (270′) suitable for concealing the coupling parts (not shown) that would otherwise be visible when the corner section is viewed from above.

Claims

1-37. (canceled)

38. A kit of components for constructing a building, comprising:

a beam having a first coupling part attached thereto;

a post having a second coupling part attached thereto, the first and second coupling parts having connectable end profiles, with at least one end profile including an aperture;

and a locking pin for slidably engaging the aperture; wherein the first and second coupling parts are configured to rigidly couple the beam to the post when the locking pin is engaged in the aperture.

39. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which both end profiles have an aperture, the apertures being registrable to slidably receive the locking pin when rigidly coupling the beam to the post.

40. A kit of components according to claim 39, in which one end profile includes a pair of apertures, the pair of apertures being configured to register with opposite sides of the aperture in the other end profile when rigidly coupling the beam to the post.

41. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which the or each aperture and the locking pin have a matching non-circular cross-section.

42. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which the first coupling part includes an elongate member anchored in the beam, the connectable end profile of the first coupling part being mounted on an axial end of the elongate member.

43. A kit of components according to claim 42, in which the elongate member is planar and is anchored in a slot in the beam.

44. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which the second coupling part includes a body anchored in one end of the post, the connectable end profile of the second coupling part being mounted on one side of the body.

45. A kit of components according to claim 44, in which the body has a further end profile for connecting with a corresponding end profile, the further end profile being on an opposite side of the body to the first mentioned end profile.

46. A kit of components according to claim 44, in which the body has a transversely extending portion with another end profile for connecting with a corresponding end profile of a respective part.

47. A kit of components according to claim 46, in which opposite ends of the transversely extending portion have end profiles, each for connecting with a corresponding end profile of a respective part.

48. A kit according to claim 44, further comprising a capping plate for the end of the post in which the body is anchored, the capping plate being configured to reinforce the body when anchored in the post.

49. A kit according to claim 48, in which the capping plate is configured to releasably engage the body.

50. A kit according to claim 49, in which the body includes at least one protuberant part for engaging a corresponding opening in the capping plate, the protuberant part being configured to project from the end of the post when the body is anchored therein.

51. A kit according to claim 48, in which the capping plate is configured to overhang at least one side of the post when reinforcing the body anchored in the post.

52. A kit according to claim 51, in which the capping plate includes an aperture which is registrable with the at least one aperture in the connectable end profiles when the beam is rigidly coupled to the post with the locking pin.

53. A kit according to claim 48, in which the capping plate has a central aperture for receiving therethrough a mounting member extending from the body of the second coupling, the mounting member being configured for use in coupling the post end-to-end to another post.

54. A kit according to claim 53, in which the capping plate comprises a threaded sleeve registered with the central aperture and configured to house a leading part of the mounting member.

55. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which the second coupling part comprises a body surrounding one end of the post, the connectable end profile of the second coupling part being mounted on one side of the body.

56. A kit of components according to claim 55, in which the body defines a chamber for slidably receiving an end section of the post.

57. A kit of components according to claim 56, in which the body encloses the end section of the post when received in the chamber.

58. A kit of components according to claim 55, in which the body has a further end profile for connecting with a corresponding end profile, the further end profile being on the opposite side of the body to the first mentioned end profile.

59. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which one of the connectable end profiles is countersunk in a groove in its respective beam or post, whereby the first and second coupling parts are concealed when the beam and post are rigidly coupled together.

60. A kit of components according to claim 38, in which an end of the post is rebated to provide a ledge on which the beam rests when the beam and post are rigidly coupled together.

61. A kit of components according to claim 38, further comprising a member having a profile on one side which is connectable to the end profile of the second coupling part.

62. A kit of components according to claim 61, in which the member profile and end profile of the second coupling part are connectable by a locking pin passing through an aperture defined by at least one of the members and the second coupling part.

63. A kit of components according to claim 61, in which the member abuts the post when their respective profiles are interconnected.

64. A kit of components according to claim 63, in which the member and post are configured to maximise the area of contact therebetween.

65. A kit of components according to claim 61, in which the member is selected from the group consisting of an end plate and a mounting for a tie bar.

66. A kit of components according to claim 65, in which the member is a mounting for a tie bar and includes a threaded portion for threadably engaging a tie bar.

67. A building comprising a superstructure formed from a kit of components according to claim 38.