U.S. patent number 3,593,468 [Application Number 04/773,395] was granted by the patent office on 1971-07-20 for interlocking channel sections for use in the construction of floors, ceilings, walls and the like.
Invention is credited to Leopold Bustin.
United States Patent |
3,593,468 |
Bustin |
July 20, 1971 |
INTERLOCKING CHANNEL SECTIONS FOR USE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FLOORS, CEILINGS, WALLS AND THE LIKE
Abstract
The present invention is directed to interlocking channel
sections having means for matingly engaging one another in
interlocking relationship to form a floor, ceiling or wall assembly
and, more particularly, to channel sections having longitudinally
extending flanges and recesses wherein the flanges in one section
are adapted to become hingedly engaged in the recesses in an
adjacent section to form an interlock therebetween. The invention
also contemplates the use of auxiliary closure members in
combination with the interlocking channel sections whereby the
channel sections may also be employed to provide ventilating,
heating, cooling ducts and the like.
Inventors: |
Bustin; Leopold (Flanders,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
25098131 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/773,395 |
Filed: |
November 5, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/27; 52/588.1;
52/220.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
5/10 (20130101); E04C 2/08 (20130101); F24F
13/0227 (20130101); E04B 1/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F24F
13/02 (20060101); E04C 2/08 (20060101); E04B
1/18 (20060101); E04B 5/10 (20060101); E04b
002/18 (); E04c 002/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/588,220,221,326,332,327,496,305,27 ;138/92,162 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,004,362 |
|
1957 |
|
DT |
|
57,907 |
|
1912 |
|
CH |
|
Primary Examiner: Sutherland; Henry C.
Claims
I claim:
1. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling,
wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top
wall and first and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of
the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed
substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said
sidewalls having flange extending laterally outward therefrom and
longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess
extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof,
said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary
configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be
adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section
thereby providing for the pivotal movement of said flange along its
longitudinal axis within said recess so as to form a hinged
interlocking engagement therewith, an auxiliary closure member
having a longitudinally extending keyway formed therein and arcuate
flange members at both ends thereof, the other of the ends of said
sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped
terminations, said closure member being disposed between the
sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement
of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said
U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, whereby said channel
section and said auxiliary closure member form a closed duct
disposed within said channel section, and a locking plate having a
longitudinally extending key formed thereon and at least one
arcuate protruding tip extending laterally therefrom, said locking
plate being operable to securely position said closure member with
respect to said channel section to prevent accidental dislodgment
therefrom by slidably positioning said key within said keyway with
said arcuate protruding tip in slidable abutting engagement with
one of said U-shaped terminations of one of said sidewalls.
2. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling,
wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top
wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member
therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof
secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially
perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member
having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an
arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending
laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other
of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward
therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending
flange of said one channel section being adapted to be
interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of
another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said
channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have
inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations; a pair of
auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members having
arcuate flange members at both of the ends thereof, said closure
members being disposed between said partition member and said first
and second sidewalls and being secured to said channel section by
engagement of its arcuate flange members with said U-shaped
termination of said sidewalls and with the arms of said T-shaped
termination of said partition member, such that said channel
section and said closure members define first and second closed
ducts disposed within said channel section; at least one of said
closure members having a longitudinally extending keyway formed
therein, and at least one locking plate, said locking plate having
a longitudinally extending key formed thereon and at least one
arcuate protruding tip extending laterally therefrom, said locking
plate being operable to securely position said closure member with
respect to said channel section to prevent accidental dislodgement
therefrom by slidably positioning said key within said keyway with
said arcuate protruding tip in slidable abutting engagement with
one of said arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition
member.
3. A channel secton for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling,
wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top
wall and first and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of
the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed
substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said
sidewalls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and
longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess
extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof,
said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary
configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be
adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section
thereby providing for the pivotal movement of said flange along its
longitudinal axis within said recess so as to form a hinged
interlocking engagement therewith, an auxiliary closure member
having arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, the other of
the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially
U-shaped terminations, said closure member being disposed between
the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by
engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member
with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, whereby said
channel section and said auxiliary closure member form a closed
duct disposed within said channel section, one of said arcuate
flange members of said closure member and one of said U-shaped
terminations of said sidewalls being in interlocking engagement
with one another, the other of said arcuate flange members and the
other of said U-shaped terminations being in snap-engagement with
one another; said one of said arcuate flange members being
pivotally movable about its longitudinal axis within said one of
said U-shaped terminations so as to form a hinged interlocking
engagement therewith; said closure member including a
longitudinally extending boss formed on the inner surface thereof,
said boss having a stepped inner portion defining at least one pair
of shoulders and a notch, and hole formed in said notch adapted to
receive a bolt having a head, said bolt head being positioned
between said pair of shoulders and held against rotational movement
thereby.
4. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling,
wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top
wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member
therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof
secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially
perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member
having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an
arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending
laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other
of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward
therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending
flange of said one channel section being adapted to be
interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of
another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said
channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have
inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations; a pair of
auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members having
arcuate flange members at both of the ends thereof, said closure
members being disposed between said partition member and said first
and second sidewalls and being secured to said channel section by
engagement of its arcuate flange members with said U-shaped
termination of said sidewalls and with the arms of said T-shaped
termination of said partition member, such that said channel
section and said closure member define first and second closed
ducts disposed within said channel section; at least one of said
closure members having a longitudinally extending boss formed on
the inner surface thereof, said boss having a stepped inner portion
defining at least one pair of shoulders and a notch, a hole formed
in said notch and adapted to receive a bolt having a head, and said
bolt head being positioned between said pair of shoulders and being
held against rotational movement thereby.
5. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling,
wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top
wall and fist and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of
the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed
substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said
sidewalls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and
longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess
extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof,
said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary
configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be
adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section
thereby forming an interlock between said channel sections; first
and second auxiliary closure members, the other of the ends of said
sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped
terminations, each of said closure members including arcuate flange
members at both ends thereof, said closure members being disposed
between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto
by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member
with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, said closure
members being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an
opening therebetween, said channel section and said auxiliary
closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel
section, the side edges of one of said closure members having
internal bosses formed thereon, each of said bosses having a groove
formed therein, an adjustable closing member slidably disposed
within said grooves in juxtaposition with respect to said one
auxiliary closure member, said one closure member having a
longitudinal slot formed therein, and sliding means disposed within
said longitudinal slot and secured to said adjustable closing
member, whereby said sliding means is operable to selectively cover
and uncover said opening to thereby selectively open and close said
duct.
6. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling,
wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top
wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member
therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof
secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially
perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member
having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an
arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending
laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other
of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward
therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending
flange of said one channel section being adapted to be
interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of
another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said
channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have
inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, and including
at least first and second auxiliary closure members, each of said
closure members including arcuate flange members at both ends
thereof, said closure members being disposed between said first
sidewall and said partition and secured thereto by engagement of
said arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said
fist sidewall and with one of the arms of said T-shaped termination
of said partition, said closure members being disposed in spaced
apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said first
sidewall, said partition and said auxiliary closure members forming
an open duct disposed within said channel section, the side edges
of one of said closure members having internal bosses formed
thereon, each of said bosses having a groove formed therein; an
adjustable closing member slidably disposed within said grooves in
juxtaposition with respect to said one auxiliary closure member,
said one auxiliary closure member having a longitudinal slot formed
therein, and sliding means disposed within said longitudinal slot
and secured to said adjustable closing member, whereby said sliding
means is operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening to
thereby selectively open and close said duct.
7. A channel section in accordance with claim 6,
and including third and fourth auxiliary closure members,
said third and fourth closure members including arcuate flange
members at the ends thereof,
said third and fourth closure members being disposed between said
second sidewall and said partition and secured thereto by
engagement of said arcuate flange members with said U-shaped
termination of said second sidewall and with the other of the arms
of said T-shaped termination of said partition,
said closure members being disposed in spaced apart relationship
and forming an opening therebetween,
said second sidewall, said partition and said third and fourth
closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel
section, and
an electrical junction box positioned within said opening to close
said duct which serves as an electrical conduit.
Description
The present invention pertains to interlocking channel sections
adapted to matingly engage one another in hinged interlocking
relationship to form floor, ceiling and wall assemblies and
contemplates the utilization of auxiliary closure members in hinged
locking and snap engagement therewith to form ducts for use as
heating, cooling and ventilating ducts and also for use as
electrical conduits and the like, the ducts being formed
concomitantly with the formation of the floor, ceiling or wall
assemblies.
The present invention provides interlocking channel sections for
forming floor, ceiling and wall assemblies without necessitating
the use of drilling or welding operations, as is the case with the
present day floor and ceiling assemblies.
The interlocking channel sections may be made in any desired size,
for example, they may be made in lengths of 20' or 6", and in
widths of 10' or 3".
It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to
provide new and novel interlocking channel sections for forming
floor, ceiling and wall assemblies.
It is another object of the present invention to provide
interlocking channel sections which are strong, light weight,
noncorrosive, nonsparking, fireproof and soundproof.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide
interlocking channel sections of the aforementioned type wherein
the channels are formed with longitudinally extending flange
members and recesses, wherein the flange of one of said channel
sections is adapted to become hingedly engaged within the recess in
another.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide
auxiliary closure members for use in conjunction with said channel
sections, wherein the channel sections define ducts therewithin and
said auxiliary members seal the ducts from undesirable
environmental conditions by hinged and snap engagement with said
channel sections, and said channel sections are interlockedly
engaged to form floor, ceiling or wall assemblies.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide
channel sections and auxiliary closure members of the
aforementioned type wherein there is included a locking member for
engagement with said channel sections and said auxiliary closure
members to prevent accidental dislodgement of said closure
members.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention, will become more apparent when considered in conjunction
with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top view of a plurality of channel sections in
interlocking engagement to form a floor assembly in accordance with
the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and
depicting the plurality of channel sections and auxiliary closure
members;
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing the interlocking
engagement of two adjacent channel sections;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the manner of
engagement of an auxiliary closure member with a channel
section;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 wherein the channel
sections and closure members form a ceiling assembly;
FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view depicting another embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view depicting a further embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing another form of the
invention;
FIGS. 10 through 12 are perspective views depicting forms of the
invention;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view depicting a yet further embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 14 is a top view of a pair of channel sections securely
positioned in abutting engagement by other channel sections secured
to each side of the abutting channel sections; and
FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a pair of channel sections positioned
in abutting engagement and secured therein by an auxiliary closure
member interlockedly engaged with the terminations of the sidewalls
of each of said channel sections.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIGS. 1
and 2 thereof, there is shown a plurality of individual channel
sections, designated generally by the reference numeral 10, in
interlocking engagement, in a manner to be described more fully
hereinafter.
The channel sections 10 comprise a top wall 12 and sidewalls 14 and
16 disposed perpendicularly thereto and formed integrally
therewith. The top wall 12 has a plurality of longitudinally
extending ribs 18 on the exterior surface thereof which render the
top surface nonslip and nonskid.
The sidewall 24 has an upwardly extending arcuate flange member 20
disposed on the upper portion thereof and extending longitudinally
therefrom, while the sidewall 16 is formed having a recess 22
disposed on the upper portion thereof and extending longitudinally
therewith. However, it will be seen that the flange 20 defines a
recess 24 disposed between it and the sidewall 16. Similarly, the
recess 22 defines a lip member 26 which is coextensive with the top
wall 12.
When it is desired to form, for example, a floor assembly, or a
part thereof, two channel sections 10 are placed in hinged
interlocking engagement in a manner now to be described with
particular reference to FIG. 3.
As clearly seen in FIG. 3, the recess 22 is formed having a radius
of curvature which is greater than that of the recess 24.
Similarly, the radius of curvature of the flange 20 is greater than
that of the lip 26.
To form the floor assembly, the right channel section 10 (as seen
in FIG. 3) is placed at an upwardly inclined angle of about
30.degree. with respect to the left channel section 10 (as seen in
FIG. 3), which position is shown by dotted lines, with the flange
20 inserted into the recess 22. The right channel section is then
pivoted about its longitudinal axis causing the flange 20 to be
seated within the recess 22 and, concomitantly therewith, causing
the lip 26 to extend into and be seated within the recess 24. The
pivotal movement of the right channel section continues until the
walls 14 and 16 are in faced abutting engagement with one another.
When this occurs, the right and left channel members are positioned
in hinged interlocking engagement with one another by virtue of the
mating of the flange 20 and lip 26 with the recesses 22 and 24,
respectively.
It is to be noted that the interlocking relationship of the channel
sections hereinbefore described results in the abutment of the
walls 14 and 16 along their entire length, whereby they are
substantially coextensive with one another. Thus, any possibility
of longitudinal movement of the right channel section with respect
to the left channel section is extremely limited. Moreover, any
load or weight applied to the top member 12 results in bending
movement forces being applied to the walls 14 and 16 in opposite
directions; thus, increasing the frictional engagement of the walls
14 and 16, and their mating portions 20, 22, 24 and 26, so as to
render any longitudinal movement of the adjacent interlocking
channel sections, highly improbable, if not impossible.
Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the channel
sections 10 may include a centrally disposed partition member 28
which is formed integrally therewith. The partition 28 has a
substantially T-shaped bottom portion 30 defining two arcuate
flange members 32 and 34, which in turn define two recesses 36 and
38, respectively. It is to be noted that the partitions lend
additional strength and rigidity to the channel sections.
The sidewalls 14 and 16 have substantially U-shaped bottom portions
40 and 42, respectively, which define inward longitudinally
extending flange members 44 and 46, respectively. The flanges 44
and 46 define recesses 48 and 50, respectively.
The partition 28, as illustrated herein divides the channel section
10, in conjunction with the sidewalls 14 and 16, into two equal
chambers or ducts 52 and 53. The ducts, as will be explained more
fully hereinafter, may serve as electrical conduits, ventilating
ducts, mail chutes and the like.
There is also provided for use in conjunction with the channel
section 10 an auxiliary closure member 54 adapted to be secured to
the bottom portion of the channel section 10, as will be discussed
in more detail hereinafter to close off or seal the ducts 52 and 53
from water, dirt and other undesirable environmental elements.
As best seen in FIG. 4, the closure member 54 has integrally formed
arcuate flange members 56 and 58 which define recesses 60 and 62,
respectively. The bottom surface of the member 54 preferably has a
plurality of serrations 64 formed thereon to provide a nonslip,
nonskid surface. It is herein to be specifically noted that flange
56 is more arcuate than flange 58, while the radius of curvature of
recess 60 is smaller than that of recess 62.
When it is desired to close-off the ducts 52 and 53, the closure
member is secured to the bottom portion thereof in a manner which
will be described with particular reference to duct 53, and as
specifically illustrated by FIG. 4.
To seal the duct 53, the closure member 54 is disposed at an
upwardly inclined angle of about 30.degree. with respect to the
T-shaped bottom portion 30 of the partition 28, as shown in the
dotted position of FIG. 4, and the arcuate flange 56 is inserted
into the recess 38 and pivoted about its longitudinal axis in the
manner of a hinge, until the flange 58 is in abutment with the
flange 46 of the bottom portion 42 of the sidewall 16. The member
54 is then moved further downward (as seen in FIG. 4) to cause the
flange 58 to snap into the recess 50 where it is seated in abutting
engagement with flange 46. It will be appreciated that the edges of
the flanges (56,58) are provided with beads corresponding to beads
formed on the edges of the inward longitudinally extending flange
members (34,46) as best show in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this position the
flanges 56 and 34 are in hinged interlocked mating engagement
within the recesses 38 and 60, respectively, in a manner the same
as the channel sections 10, as discussed hereinbefore, while the
flanges 58 and 46 are disposed in snap engagement within the
recesses 50 and 62, respectively.
As discussed previously the channel sections 10 and auxiliary
closure members 54 may also be employed to form ceiling assemblies,
one example of which is depicted in FIG. 5. In this instance, it is
desired to secure a hanger bracket 66 or any other type of
suspended member from the ceiling assembly. To accomplish this, a
hole 68 is drilled in the closure member 54 at the desired position
along a notch 70 formed therein for this purpose and a bolt 72 is
placed in the hole 68 with the head 74 of the bolt in engagement
with a pair of shoulders 76 and 78 formed in the closure member
(see FIG. 4) for the purpose now to be discussed; the closure
member is also formed having a second pair of shoulders 80 and
82.
When the hanger 66 is to be secured with respect to the closure
member 54, the bolt 72 is placed into the hole 68 with its head 74
in engagement with the shoulders 76 and 78. The hanger 66 is then
secured by means of a threaded orifice therein (not shown)
threadedly engaging bolt 72 or by securing a nut (not shown) to the
bolt. In either case, the shoulders 76 and 78 bear on the head 74
and act as a "wrench" to positionally secure the bolt and prevent
any rotational movement, whereby the hanger 66 may be secured to
the closure member by use of a single tool, e.g., a wrench. It is
to be noted that if a larger bolt, having a larger head, is
required, then the head would bear against the shoulders 80 and 82
which also would act as a "wrench" to prevent any rotational
movement of the bolt.
The member 54, having the hanger 66 affixed thereto, is secured
between the members 30 and 42, in the manner previously described
in conjunction with FIG. 4.
When it is necessary to remove the closure member 54 to gain access
to duct 53, all that is required is a single tool, such as a
screwdriver 84 (FIG. 5), being placed on the underside of the
arcuate flange 58 to disengage the snap engagement of flange 58
with flange 46.
Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 6,
wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In
this embodiment the arms or flanges 32a and 34a of the T-shaped
bottom portion 30a of the channel section are formed having a
completely arcuate configuration as opposed to the flattened
portions of T-shaped portion 30. It has been found that this
completely arcuate configuration results in a channel section
having improved compressive load strength in that the compressive
load is distributed along the entire flange members 32a and 34a
rather than at the particular point in vertical alignment with the
impact point of compressive force.
The auxiliary closure member 54a is provided with a keyway 86 which
is adapted to receive a key 88 in sliding engagement. The key 88 is
formed as an integral part of a locking plate member 90. The
locking plate member includes an arcuate protruding tip 92 which is
adapted to abuttingly engage the inner bottom portion of flange 34a
when key 88 is inserted into keyway 86. Thus, the locking plate
member 90 fixedly positions the auxiliary closure member 54a, so as
to prevent any undesired or accidental dislodgement thereof from
its engaged position. However, when it is desired to remove the
closure member 54a from its seal position, so as to gain access to
the corresponding duct, all that need be done is to remove locking
plate member 90 by sliding key 88 outwardly from keyway 86,
whereupon the closure member will be removed in the manner
previously described.
The flange 56a of closure member 54a is formed with an inwardly
disposed shoulder 94 having a slot 96 therein. Slidably disposed
within slot 96 is an adjustable closure member 98 whose purpose
will be explained more fully hereinafter.
A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG.
7, wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference
numerals.
This embodiment depicts interlocking channel sections 106, wherein
the walls 14b and 16b each have outwardly extending flange members
20b and 26b, respectively, at the top portion thereof and T-shaped
members 40b and 42b, respectively, at the bottom portions thereof.
The members 40b and 42b define flange members 44b, 100 and 46b,
102, respectively.
A closure member 54b is interconnected between the flanges 100 and
102 in a manner described previously, so as to close off duct 104.
However, in this embodiment, it is also desired to have access to
the duct 104 from the top thereof. Thus, a cover plate 106, similar
in construction to closure member 54b, is hingedly connected at one
end with flange 26b and is engageable with flange 20b at its other
end by means of a snapon engagement. The cover plate 106 may be
easily removed by simply placing a screwdriver in the groove 108.
If desired, a wedge (not shown) may be inserted within the groove
to more securely position the cover plate.
The sidewalls 14b and 16b are formed with internal bosses 112 and
114, respectively, within which there are formed slots 116 and 118,
respectively. Slidably disposed within the slots 116 and 118 is an
adjustable closure member 98b which is in abutting slidable
engagement with the top wall member 12b.
Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 8,
wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In
this embodiment, the sidewalls 14c and 16c have flat surfaces and
are adapted to engage adjacent sidewalls in flush relationship.
Adjacent channel sections 10c are adapted to be placed in
interlocking engagement by means of a closure member 54c having a
flange 56c which hingedly engages flange 44c in interlocking
engagement and also by an arcuately protruding tip 120 of the
closure member which snap engages the flange 46c to maintain
sidewalls 14c and 16c in flush engagement.
The channel sections 10c may also be provided with adjustable
closure members 98c.
In FIG. 9, there is depicted another form of the present invention
wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In
this form of the invention, the channel section 10d is formed with
the bottom portion of the sidewall 16d having a T-shaped member
42d. The closure member 54d is secured to the member 42d both by
hinged interlocking engagement and by snapon engagement of the
protruding arcuate tip 120d with member 42d.
Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown an alternative embodiment
of the present invention, wherein similar parts are denoted by
similar reference numerals.
In this embodiment a channel section 10e has a partition 28e
defining two ducts 52e and 53e. The duct 52e may be used, for
example, as a ventilating duct and has a variable occluded opening
122 in communication therewith; the opening 122 being defined by
the space between the auxiliary closure member 54e and another
auxiliary closure member 124.
The closure member 54e includes a longitudinal slot 126 formed
therein. An adjustable closure member 98e is adapted to variably
occlude the opening 122 ro selectively place the duct 52e in air
flow communication with the outside air, as will now be
described.
The member 98e is attached to a knob 128 in any desired manner,
such as by having an intermediate member (not shown) interconnected
thereto by riveting, threaded engagement or other suitable
engagement. The intermediate member is slidably positioned within
the slot 126 between the ends thereof. The adjustable closure
member 98e is positioned in abutting slidable engagement with the
closure members 54e and 124 in a manner described hereinbefore.
Thus, movement of the knob 128 will cause slidable movement of the
adjustable closure member 98e causing the same to variably occlude
the opening 122, thereby selectively opening the duct 52e to the
outside in dependence upon the movement of knob 128.
The other duct 53e is utilized as an electrical conduit and has a
junction box 130 positioned therewithin between two auxiliary
closure members 132 and 134. An electrical wire 136 leads into the
junction box and is connected thereto, while an electrical wire 138
is connected thereto and leads outwardly therefrom.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the ducts may
be utilized for a multitude of purposes in addition to electrical
conduits, such as conduit pipe, water conduits, etc.
A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG.
11, where similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals.
In this embodiment, a channel section 10f is formed having a
lateral opening 140 extending completely therethrough. The lateral
opening provides for an entire assembly to be placed within the
channel section secured thereto, whenever it is deemed necessary or
desirable to do so.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown by FIG. 12,
where again, similar parts are denoted by similar reference
numerals. In this embodiment a channel section 10g may extend
longitudinally in a horizontal plane for use, for example, as a
baseboard of a room. Another channel section, denoted generally by
the reference numeral 142 but being essentially of the same
structure as channel section 10g, is connected to the channel
section 10g by means of a transitional member 144. The channel
section 142 extends longitudinally in a vertical plane and forms a
part of a wall assembly. The transitional member comprises a base
146 and sidewalls 148 and 150 which together define a recessed slot
152. The exterior surface of the base has a recess 154 formed
therein, which pivotally engages the flange 20g in hinged
engagement, in a manner described previously hereinbefore. The
sidewall 150 is provided with a protruding arcuate tip 156 which is
snapon engaged with the member 40g of channel section 10g. The
channel section 142 is then secured with respect to the member 144
by being positioned in nesting relationship within the recessed
slot 152.
Another embodiment of the invention is depicted by FIG. 13. In this
embodiment a plurality of cover members 158 are used to form a
decorative wall assembly. The cover member 158 includes a concave
longitudinal flange 160 and a convex longitudinal flange 162. The
flanges 160 and 162, in conjunction with the central body portion
164 of the member 158, defining recesses 166 and 168,
respectively.
In the fabrication of the wall assembly, a fastening means 170,
such as a nail, is used to secure the flange 160 to the wall 172.
The next adjacent cover member is secured to the first by snapon
engagement wherein the flange 160 is seated within the recess 168
and the flange 162 is seated within recess 166, with the flanges
160, 162 being in interlocking engagement. The above procedure is
then repeated until the wall assembly is completed.
In some applications, it may be necessary to utilize the channels
in areas having extremely long lengths. In this case, it may be
necessary to longitudinally connect two or more channels together.
One manner of accomplishing the above is depicted by FIG. 14,
wherein channel sections 174 and 176 are disposed in longitudinal
abutting engagement with the ends 178 and 180, respectively,
thereof in juxtaposed position. Another channel section 182 is then
placed in hinged interlocking engagement with sidewalls 184 and 186
of the channel sections 174 and 176, respectively, while another
channel section 188 is placed in hinged interlocking engagement
with the sidewalls 190 and 192 of the channel sections 174 and 176,
respectively, in the manner described in detail hereinbefore.
Another method of interconnecting two channel sections disposed in
abutting end-to-end engagement, is depicted in FIG. 15, wherein
channel sections 194 and 196 are disposed in longitudinal abutting
engagement with the ends 198 and 200, respectively, thereof in
juxtaposed position. The channel sections 194 and 196 are then
secured together by means of an auxiliary closure member 202 which
engages the partition terminations 204, 206 and the sidewall
terminations 208, 210 of the channel sections 194 and 196,
respectively, in the manner described in detail hereinbefore.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although
the channel sections of the present invention have been described
as having provision for the connection of auxiliary closure
members, it is within the scope of the invention, and in fact, in
some applications, it may be desirable to fabricate the channel
sections as tubular members having a base portion which is
integrally formed with and disposed between the sidewalls thereof.
Additionally, it will be apparent that although the channel
sections have been specifically described as having a single
partition to form two ducts disposed within the channel sections,
they may be fabricated having a plurality of partitions to thereby
form multiduct channel sections or tubular interlocking channel
sections.
It is also to be noted that any of the auxiliary closure members or
cover plate members may be more firmly secured with respect to the
channel sections by the use of a wedge, as was discussed previously
hereinbefore.
Another feature of the present invention resides in the fact that
although in some embodiments the closure plate members have been
shown and described as being disposed within the channel sections
in their securement thereto, they may also be disposed externally
thereof while still being secured thereto. In this regard, the
closure members would be placed over the sidewall and partition
terminals and secured thereto in a suitable manner.
One exceedingly useful application of the present invention would
be for use in the construction of aircraft landing strips,
especially in remote areas exhibiting extremely bad weather
conditions. In this application the channel sections could be used
to contract the landing strip and the ducts within the channel
sections could have hot air, hot water or radiating heating
elements therein to prevent the landing strip from freezing or from
permitting a heavy accumulation of snow to form thereon.
It is herein to be noted that the basic channel section can be
modified to provide for specialized situations. In one instance it
may be desirable to utilize a standard channel section as an end
section of a floor, ceiling or wall assembly. To accomplish this
result, all that need be done is to cut off the longitudinal flange
member extending outwardly from the sidewall, whereby the sidewall
becomes planar with no projections extending laterally
therefrom.
Therefore, while I have shown and described several preferred
embodiments of my invention, there are many changes, modifications,
and improvements which may be made therein by one skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined
in the appended claims.
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