U.S. patent application number 11/395580 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for apparatus and method for joining building components.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE BOEING COMPANY. Invention is credited to Bryan A. Branscome, Dean W. Habersetzer, Michael S. Lewis, Chris G. McInelly.
Application Number | 20070227089 11/395580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38556833 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070227089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis; Michael S. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Apparatus and method for joining building components
Abstract
A joint apparatus and method of assembly is disclosed for
connecting building components such as panels, door jamb
assemblies, windows and other structures. The apparatus includes an
engagement structure with retaining elements that couple building
components without the need for mechanical fasteners. The retaining
element may contain serrations on which an adhesive is applied
before a panel or other building component is secured to the joint
apparatus. Other building components such as hinge assemblies
include coupling members with a flange. The slots along a retaining
element allows coupling members to snap fit into the joint
apparatus once a flange is secured into the slots in order to lock
the components.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Michael S.; (Lake
Forest Park, WA) ; McInelly; Chris G.; (Stanwood,
WA) ; Habersetzer; Dean W.; (Everett, WA) ;
Branscome; Bryan A.; (Camano Island, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT;BOEING MANAGEMENT COMPANY
P.O. BOX 2515
MAIL CODE 110-SD54
SEAL BEACH
CA
90740-1515
US
|
Assignee: |
THE BOEING COMPANY
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
38556833 |
Appl. No.: |
11/395580 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/6195 20130101;
E04F 2201/0594 20130101; B64D 11/00 20130101; Y02T 50/46 20130101;
E04B 1/6112 20130101; E04F 2201/07 20130101; Y02T 50/40
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/468 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/00 20060101
E04C003/00 |
Claims
1. A joining apparatus for use with a building component having an
insert structure, a channel, an engagement structure disposed in
said channel such that the building component is securable in the
channel without the use of additional mechanical fasteners.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement structure
includes a first retaining element configured to engage with a
building component having a planar surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement structure
includes a second retaining element that is configured to engage
with a building component having a complementary configured insert
structure.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
channels each having an engagement structure disposed therein.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the treated surface includes
serrations.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thickness of the building
component is less than 1 inch.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive disposed
on the engagement structure.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the channel is configured to
receive an aircraft building component.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rub strip.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a structural
projection that allows a complementary configured rub strip
retainer cavity to join with said joint apparatus.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the building component is an
aircraft interior building component.
12. A joining apparatus comprising: a channel with an engagement
structure; and a building component including a coupling portion
that is configured to engage with the channel such that the
resultant joined apparatus is free from mechanical fasteners.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the building component
includes a jamb element.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the building component
includes a panel.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the coupling portion of the
building component includes an insert.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the coupling portion of the
building component includes an insert that is configured to adjoin
with the engagement structure which includes a complimentary
configured slots.
17. The joining apparatus of claim 12 that includes a rub
strip.
18. The joining apparatus of claim 12 that includes a structural
projection that allows a complementary configured retainer cavity
on a rub strip to join with said joint apparatus.
19. The joining apparatus of claim 12 wherein the building
component is an aircraft interior structure.
20. A method of assembling an interior of an aircraft, the method
comprising: providing a joint apparatus, attaching a building
component to the joint apparatus without the use of mechanical
fasteners.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising applying an adhesive
to a surface of the building component prior to inserting said
building component into a channel.
22. A method of assembling an interior of an aircraft, the method
comprising: engaging a joint apparatus with a building component
such that the resulting joined structure is free of mechanical
fasteners.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a joint apparatus
for facilitating the assembly of building components such as
panels, hinge assemblies, latch assemblies, door stops, and other
structural elements. These building components may be installed
within a commercial aircraft. A building component is secured to
the joint apparatus using adhesive or snap fit locking engagement.
In addition, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for
coupling and supporting building components in planar or angular
relation.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Structural joint connectors have use in a variety of
manufacturing and building applications to create many different
products. The connectors have numerous functions that include
joining panels and various different building components during
production. A variety of different connectors have been developed
to interconnect structural elements.
[0005] Existing devices used to secure panels and other components
include the use of an extrusion with flanges designed to fit along
a panel edge. Mechanical fasteners are commonly installed through
the flange and into the panel in order to strengthen the joint.
Other connectors that include straps, angles, edges, and end
fittings with a greater thickness or different material are used to
enhance the strength of joints. For example aircraft industries
have created aluminum connectors to join walls, panels, and
barriers for aircraft interiors.
[0006] In aerospace applications, size and weight considerations
are paramount. Many existing structural components were created to
decrease weight, size, or the amount of material required while
providing sufficient strength to ensure an effective joint. In
addition, the amount of labor hours required to assemble the
components must also be considered in order to minimize
manufacturing costs. Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the
art for building components that are lightweight, size efficient,
cost effective, and easy to assemble.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a lightweight and
compact joint apparatus provides a secure structural connection for
building components such as wall panels and hinge assemblies while
reducing the amount of labor hours required during assembly.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the joint
apparatuses and methods provide a rigid connection for a variety of
building components. A small, lightweight, and sturdy apparatus
that connects two adjacent panels or joins a panel with another
distinctive building component includes a channel with an
engagement structure that allows building components to connect
without the need of mechanical fasters. The joint apparatus may
interlock with a portion of each of the adjacent panels to secure
them together. It is also a feature of this invention to provide a
novel method of ensuring that a solid structural joint results.
[0009] According to another aspect, a snap fit locking engagement
secures each building component to the joint apparatus. Slots and
engagement structures along with a consistently designed coupling
enhance the strength of a joint.
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a
consideration of the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the
joint apparatus with a single building component.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a joint apparatus embodiment
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a joint
apparatus coupling two building components.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a joint apparatus and
two building components.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a joint apparatus and two
building components at a corner.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the joint apparatus
illustrated in FIG.5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a joint apparatus and
two building components.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a joint apparatus with two building
components at a corner.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 8
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The foregoing and other advantages and features of the
invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will
become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary
embodiments, and which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a partial view of a joint apparatus 10 which
includes a channel 12 formed by an engagement structure 14. An
engagement structure 14 may include a first retaining element 16 to
enhance the strength of a coupling between the joint apparatus and
a building component 20 such as a panel, a hinge assembly, or a
door stop installed in aircraft interiors. The embodiment comprises
an engagement structure 14 that may include a first retaining
element 16 and a second retaining element 18 that are configured to
engage with an insert structure 24 of a building component 20 that
has a planar surface 26 such as a panel 22. Retaining elements 16,
18 may configured to engage with a panel 22 that has a
complementary configured insert structure 24.
[0022] The joint apparatus 10 is small and lightweight and has the
strength to couple building component 20. It may be fabricated from
an aluminum alloy material such as 7075 or 2024.
[0023] The retaining element 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
includes a treated surface 27 with serrations 30 to enhance the
rigidity of the coupling such that a channel 12 can secure a
building component 20 without the use of additional mechanical
fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc.
[0024] A substance used for bonding, such as adhesive 32, may also
be applied to a retaining element 16 prior to contact with an
insert structure 24 of a building component 20. The serrations 30
are approximately 0.010 inch deep to ensure proper bonding. The
size of a joint apparatus and method used to install a building
component may be adapted to satisfy strength requirements and
minimize the dimensions of the component.
[0025] The size of retaining elements 16, 18, described in the
embodiment along with method of joining, characteristics of an
adhesive 32, and use of serrations 30 enhance the strength of the
joint and eliminate the need for a building component, such as a
panel, with a thickness greater than 1 inch. This can result in a
significant reduction in size and weight in order to satisfy
requirements for products such as aircraft interiors. The length of
the retaining elements 16, 18 are approximately 0.50 inch in order
to retain a building component 20 that is approximately 0.50 inch
wide.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a joint apparatus 10 with an engagement
structure 14. An engagement structure includes retaining elements
16, 18 and serrations 30.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a joint apparatus 10 that couples first
and second building components 20, 21.
[0028] The joint apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes
channels 12, 13. Each channel includes an engagement structure 14
with retaining elements 16, 18 to join more than one building
component such as panels 22, 23. A retaining element 16 in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes serrations 30 to enhance the
bond strength of an adhesive 32 which is applied prior to coupling
an insert structure 20 to a joint apparatus 10. The assembly of
FIG. 4 is exemplary only, and the joining apparatus disclosed
and/or claimed herein may be used to connect numerous other
building components such as hinge assemblies, latches, and
stops.
[0029] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 5 which includes a joint apparatus 10 coupling
two building components 20, 21 at a corner.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a joint apparatus 10 that includes a
first channel 12 and a second channel 13 that bridge two building
components 20, 21 at an angle. A first channel 12 includes an
engagement structure 14 comprising a first retaining element 16 and
a second retaining element 18. An adhesive 32 is applied over
serrations 30, which extend from a retaining element before a
building component such as a panel 22 is inserted into a channel 12
and supported by an engagement structure 14. A retaining elements
16, 18 are configured to engage with a building apparatus 22 that
has a complementary configured insert structure 24.
[0031] The embodiment in FIG. 6 also includes a decorative layer
and/or protective rub strip 42 that is attached to a joint
apparatus 10. The embodiment includes a projection 44 extending
from a joint apparatus 10 that secure a rub strip 42 to a joint
apparatus 10. A rub strip 42 has a structural extension 46 and a
retainer cavity 48 that is compatible with a projection 44 in order
to provide a means of snap fit fastening. This is created to ensure
quick disassembly and installation in order to accomplish
maintenance, repairs, or modifications.
[0032] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 7 which is a cross sectional view of a joint
apparatus 10 that includes a first channel 12 and a second channel
13 that couple two building components 20, 21. A first channel 12
includes an engagement structure 14 comprising a first retaining
element 16 and a second retaining element 18. An adhesive 32 is
applied over serrations 30 which extend from a retaining element
before a building component such as a panel 22 is inserted into a
channel 12 and supported by an engagement structure 14.
[0033] The second channel 13 includes an engagement structure 14
with retaining elements 28, 29 to secure a second building
component 21. A building component 21 may be a jamb element 34 such
as a door stop 33, hinge assembly or latch assembly. Retaining
elements 28, 29 illustrated in the embodiment include a slot 35 to
secure a door stop 33 to a joint assembly 10. Door stop 33 includes
a coupling member 38 that fits into an engagement structure 14.
Upon insertion of a coupling member 38, a flange 40 on a coupling
member 38 snap-fits into slots 35 located along an engagement
structure 14. The snap-fit connection is accomplished once the
flange 40 is snugly fit into the slots 35 in order to secure a
building component 21 onto a joint apparatus 10 without the use of
mechanical fasteners. In another embodiment, a flange 40 on an
engagement structure may be used to fit into a slot 35 on a
coupling portion 38 of a building component 21 in order to snap-fit
upon insertion.
[0034] Each embodiment may include a universal retaining element,
29. In addition to a slot 35, a retaining element 29 comprises a
treated surface with serrations 30 for use when joining a building
component that does not include a coupling member 38 with a flange
40. Serrations 30 enhance rigidity to allow a channel 13 to secure
a building component that does not include a flange 40. The
embodiment includes an adhesive that is applied over serrations 30,
before a building component 21 such as a panel 22 is inserted into
a channel 13 and supported by an engagement structure 28, 29.
[0035] Referencing FIG. 7 in some of the embodiments, a decorative
layer and/or protective rub strip 42 may be attached to a joint
apparatus 10. The apparatus illustrated in the embodiment includes
projections 44 extending from an engagement structure 14 that
secure a rub strip 42 to a joint apparatus 10. Rub strip 42
includes a structural extension 46 and a retainer cavity 48 that is
compatible with a projection 44 in order to provide a means of snap
fit fastening. This is created to ensure quick disassembly and
installation in order to accomplish maintenance, repairs, or
modifications.
[0036] A joint apparatus 10 that couples two building components,
20, 21 at a corner is illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a cross section illustration of an embodiment of
the invention that includes use of a joint apparatus 10 connecting
building components 20, 21 at a corner. A joint apparatus includes
two channels 12, 13, a first connector 50, and a second connector
51. A first connector 50, may be attached to retaining elements 18,
28 at an angle. A second connector 51 may be fabricated with a
curved surface 53 and attached to retaining elements 16, 29 in
parallel.
[0038] The first channel 12 includes an engagement structure 14
comprising a first retaining element 16 and a second retaining
element 18. An adhesive 32 is applied over serrations 30, which
extend from a retaining element 16 before a building component 20
such as a panel 22 is inserted into a channel 12 and supported by a
engagement structure 14. The use of serrations and adhesive enhance
the strength of the joint and eliminate the need for mechanical
fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, rivets or pins.
[0039] The second channel 13 includes an engagement structure 14
with retaining elements 28, 29 to secure a second building
component 21. A building component may be a jamb element 34 such as
a hinge assembly 36, door stop, or latch assembly.
[0040] Hinge assembly 36 includes a coupling member 38 that fits
into a engagement structure 14. Upon insertion of a coupling member
38, a flange 40 extending from a coupling portion 38 snap-fits into
slots 35 located along an engagement structure 14. The snap-fit
connection allows a flange 40 to snugly fit into slots 35 and
secure hinge assembly 36 to a joint apparatus, 10 without the use
of mechanical fasteners such as a screw, bolt, nail pin, or rivet.
In another embodiment, flanges on an engagement structure 14 can be
used to fit into slots 35 on a coupling portion 38 of a building
component 21 in order to snap-fit upon insertion.
[0041] In addition to a slot 35 or a flange 40, a retaining element
29 comprises a treated surface with serrations 30 for use when
joining a building component that does not include a coupling
member 38 with a flange 40. Serrations 30 enhance rigidity to allow
a channel 13 to secure a building component that does not include a
flange 40. The embodiment includes an adhesive that is applied over
serrations 30, before a building component 21 such as a panel 22 is
inserted into a channel 13 and supported by an engagement structure
28, 29
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 9, in other embodiments a
joint apparatus may also include a decorative layer and/or
protective rub strip 42 that is attached to a joint apparatus 10. A
joint apparatus illustrated in the embodiment includes projections
44 extending from an engagement structure 14 that secure rub strip
42 to a joint apparatus 10. Rub strip 42 has a structural extension
46 and a retainer cavity 48 that is compatible with a projection 44
in order to provide a means of snap fit fastening. This is created
to ensure quick disassembly and installation in order to accomplish
maintenance, repairs, replacement, or modifications.
[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that the preceding
exemplary embodiments of the invention provide the foundation for
numerous alternatives and modifications thereto. These other
modifications are also within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited to that precisely as
shown and described above.
* * * * *