U.S. patent number 3,788,026 [Application Number 05/212,290] was granted by the patent office on 1974-01-29 for stack-wall.
Invention is credited to James J. Cook.
United States Patent |
3,788,026 |
Cook |
January 29, 1974 |
STACK-WALL
Abstract
A masonry wall construction of a plurality of preformed modules
employed in lieu of conventionally used concrete block, brick or
clay masonry wall structures. Knee braces are provided for properly
aligning the first course of modules and subsequent courses are set
in a bed of mortar and properly aligned and positioned by the use
of brackets and ties and each module is set in place by a crane or
other suitable lifting and manipulating device by engagement with
eyebolts provided for erection only.
Inventors: |
Cook; James J. (Oklahoma City,
OK) |
Family
ID: |
22790393 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/212,290 |
Filed: |
March 10, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/127.2; 52/503;
248/354.3; 52/220.2; 52/98; 52/712; 52/749.13; 248/231.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G
21/26 (20130101); E04G 21/1841 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04G
21/24 (20060101); E04G 21/18 (20060101); E04G
21/26 (20060101); E04g 021/18 (); E04g
021/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/169,98,220,370,503,377,582,378,349,127,173
;248/354,354S,226D,226R,226C ;249/44,46,47 ;24/268 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
529,964 |
|
Jun 1955 |
|
IT |
|
41,806 |
|
Sep 1965 |
|
DT |
|
953,477 |
|
Dec 1949 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Frank L.
Assistant Examiner: Raduazo; H. E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: O'Brien; Clarence A. Jacobson;
Harvey B.
Claims
What is claimed as new is as follows:
1. A wall structure comprising a plurality of courses of modules,
each of said modules being defined by a substantially rectangular
panel with the panels being vertically and horizontally aligned and
secured to each other, and means retaining the modules in position
during assembly, said means including a longitudinally adjustable
knee brace having means at one end for anchoring to the modules in
a lower course and means at the other end for anchoring to the
ground, and bracket assemblies securing upper modules in vertical
alignment with the lower modules, each of said bracket assembles
comprising a first bracket including a rigid member extending
vertically along one surface of two vertically superimposed modules
in engagement with the surface thereof and bridging the joint
therebetween, a second bracket engaging the opposite surface of the
modules, means extending between the brackets for securing them
onto the modules, said means being disposed in the juncture between
the modules to vertically orient the bracket assembly in relation
thereto, said second bracket including a lower angle iron member
rigidly secured to the means extending between the brackets, and an
upper angle iron member having a depending extension pivotally
attached to the lower member for pivotal movement about a
substantially horizontal axis parallel with the adjacent surface of
the modules, and means engaging the extension and the lower member
for swinging the upper end of the extension toward the modules for
securing the upper module in place.
2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said knee brace
includes a pair of longitudinally aligned and spaced angle iron
members, a turnbuckle interconnecting said angle iron members to
enable longituidnal adjustment thereof, said means for engaging the
ground surface including a pointed stake for insertion into the
ground, means pivotally and detachably connecting the upper end
portion of the stake to either of the flanges of the angle iron
member to enable the knee brace to be oriented in various positions
in relation to the ground surface, said means on the knee brace
engaged with the module including an angle iron member pivotally
connected to the knee brace for pivotal movement about an axis
paralleling the surface of the module to enable the angle iron
member to lay flat against the module, said angle iron member
having a horizontally disposed slot therein, a wire tie secured to
the upper edge of the lower module and including a loop projecting
through the slot, and a wedge extending down through the loop and
securing the angle iron member to the module.
3. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for
swinging the upper end portion of the upper member includes a wedge
insertable through an opening in the lower member and engaging the
inner edge of the extension on the upper member for forcing the
inner edge of the extension outwardly to cause the upper member to
pivot about its pivot axis to engage with the surface of the
module.
4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein each module includes
passageways to enable installation of utility conduits, and spacers
between the courses of the modules.
5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said knee braces
includes a pair of longitudinally aligned and spaced angle iron
members, a turnbuckle interconnecting said angle iron members to
enable longitudinal adjustment thereof, said means for engaging the
ground surface including a pointed stake for insertion into the
ground, means pivotally and detachably connecting the upper end
portion of the stake to either of the flanges of the angle iron
member to enable the knee brace to be oriented in various positions
in relation to the ground surface, said means on the knee brace
engaged with the module including an angle iron member pivotally
connected to the knee brace for pivotal movement about an axis
paralleling the surface of the module to enable the angle iron
member to lay flat against the module, said angle iron member
having a horizontally disposed slot therein, a wire tie secured to
the upper edge of the lower module and including a loop projecting
through the slot, and a wedge extending down through the loop and
securing the angle iron member to the module.
6. A bracket assembly for retaining vertically superimposed
building wall modules in vertical alignment and being disposed in
bridging relation to the joint between vertically aligned and
superimposed building wall modules, said bracket assembly
comprising a first bracket in the form of an elongated rigid member
extending vertically along one surface of two vertically
superimposed modules in bridging relation to the joint therebetween
and in engagement with the surface of both modules, a second
bracket extending vertically along the opposite surface of the two
modules in substantially opposed relation to the first bracket,
means extending between the first and second brackets for securing
them onto the modules, said means being disposed in the joint
between the two vertically superimposed modules, said second
bracket including a lower rigid member rigidly secured to the means
extending between the brackets, an upper rigid member having a
depending extension pivotally attached to the lower rigid member
for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis generally parallel
with the adjacent surface of the modules, and means interconnecting
the extension and the lower member for swinging the portion of the
upper member above the horizontal axis toward the upper module for
securing the upper module securely in place by clamping it between
the upper end portion of the first bracket and the upper end
portion of the second bracket.
7. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said means
interconnecting the extension and lower member includes a wedge
insertable through an opening in the lower member and engaging the
inner edge of the extension on the upper member below the axis for
forcing the inner edge of the extension outwardly to cause the
upper portion of the upper member to pivot about its pivot axis to
engage the surface of the module.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a wall construction and
more particularly a masonry wall constructed of a plurality of
modules of predetermined standard sizes such as 8 inch .times. 4
inch panels together with structure for erecting a wall in a manner
to effect a considerable saving in time and labor. 2. Description
of Prior Art
Conventionally, masonry walls are constructed from bricks, concrete
blocks or the like in which the individual bricks or blocks are
laid by hand which results in a substantial cost for time and labor
of the skilled artisan engaged in this work. Some efforts have been
made to reduce the expense involved in constructuon walls but most
efforts have been directed toward the concept of pouring a complete
wall as a monolithic slab either in situ in a vertical position or
in a horizontal position with the complete wall being tilted
upwardly to a vertical position after formation. Other efforts have
been made to prefabricate complete building walls at a factory site
and then transport them to a building site for installation.
However, such procedures require rather elaborate machinery, forms
and the like to form a complete wall and eliminate flexibility in
design, size and the like of a wall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a wall structure
comprising a plurality of standard size modules and an apparatus
for setting up the modules into a wall structure which enables the
modules to be constructed at a point remote from the building site
and effectively transported thereto and then erected to form a
building wall or the like without requiring the use of elaborate
machinery, transportation equipment or erection equipment.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wall structure
employing a plurality of modules together with a knee brace for
erecting the initial course of modules and alignment brackets for
erecting subsequent courses of modules with the knee braces and
alignment brackets being secured by ties disposed in the mortar bed
or joint between adjacent modules.
Another important object of the present invention is to provide a
bracket structure for aligning courses of wall modules which engage
the vertical surfaces of the modules and include adjustment means
to enable limited adjustable vertical orientation of the upper
module to properly align it vertically with a lower module.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become
subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part
thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wall construction illustrating
two courses of modules with the knee brace and brackets being
employed.
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken
substantially upon a plane passing along section line 2--2 of FIG.
1 illustrating the relationship of the brackets to the modules.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lower module with the brackets being
illustrated in section.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lower module illustrating the upper
end of the knee brace in section.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one part of the alignment bracket
between modules.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the other component of the
bracket.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the knee brace for the module.
FIG. 8 is a fragmental elevational view of a portion of the knee
brace illustrating one of the adjustment features thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now specifically to the drawings, a building wall 10 is
disclosed and is constructed from a plurality of substantially
identical modules 12 each of which may be 8 inches .times. 4 inches
in dimension and is in the form of a panel having vertically
disposed substantially parallel face surfaces which may be provided
with any pattern desired such as simulated brick, stone, concrete
block or the like or the panel may have a plain concrete appearance
and for the purposes of this application will be defined as a
substantially rectangular rigid panel 14 provided with passageways
16 for utility lines and suitable reinforcement (not shown) may be
provided in each of the panels to rigidify the same.
The first course of modules 12 are oriented vertically and retained
in position by a knee brace 18. The first course of modules may be
supported in any suitable manner such as on a foundation, footing,
concrete slab or the like in a well known and approved manner in
the building industry with the vertical joint between adjacent
modules being filled with mortar to provide a sealed joint
therebetween. Subsequent courses of modules 12 are positioned on
the lower course in alignment therewith with the joints staggered
and with a mortar bed between the modules with a bracket assembly
20 being employed between the lower course of modules and an upper
course of modules.
The knee brace 18 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 7 and
includes a lower angle iron member 22 and an upper angle iron
member 24 interconnected by a turnbuckle assembly 26 to
longitudinally adjust the members 22 and 24 in relation to each
other. The lower end of the member 22 is provided with a pointed
ground stake 28 adjustably attached to either flange of the member
22 by a plurality of holes 30 provided therein receiving a fastener
bolt or pin 32 so that either of the flanges of the member 22 may
be disposed vertically with the stake 28 being pivotal and oriented
vertically when in use as illustrated in FIG. 1. The upper end of
the upper member 24 is provided with a longitudinally adjustable
angle iron extension 34 having longitudinal slots 36 therein
receiving handle-equipped fastener bolts 38 to provide a further
adjustment of the overall length of the knee brace. The upper end
of the extension 34 is pivotally attached to an angle iron member
40 having a reinforced slot 42 therein which receives a generally
triangular shaped end 44 of a tie 46 that is embedded in the mortar
bed and thus anchored to the wall or a suitable means may be
provided for anchoring the tie to the lower course of modules 12. A
wedge 48 is inserted vertically down through the triangular shaped
loop or eye 44 with one surface of the wedge engaging the bracket
40 above and below the slot 42 thereby securing the bracket flat
against the lower module 12 so that by adjustment of the turnbuckle
26, the lower module 12 may be accurately positioned in vertical
orientation.
The bracket assembly 20 includes a rigid one-piece angle iron unit
50 bridging the horizontal joint between the lower and upper course
of modules 12 with one flange of the member 50 having a reinforced
horizontal slot 52 therein for receiving a triangular eye or loop
54 on one end of a wire tie 56 that includes a similar loop or eye
on the other end thereof and is provided with a central offset 58
which is disposed between the courses of modules and received in
the mortar bed. The loop 54 extends through the slot 50 and
receives a vertically disposed wedge 60 tethered to the member 50
by a flexible chain or the like 62 so that one flange of the angle
iron member 50 is secured flush against the aligned surfaces of the
lower and upper modules.
Each bracket assembly 20 also includes a two-piece component
generally designated by numeral 64 which includes a lower angle
iron member 66 having a reinforced horizontal slot 68 adjacent the
upper end thereof which receives the eye or loop 54 on the end of a
wire tie 56 with a vertical wedge 70 being received therein and
tethered to the angle iron member 66 by a flexible chain 72 or the
like so that angle iron member 66 will be fixedly secured to the
surface of the lower module with the upper end thereof bridging the
joint between the upper and lower panels 14 which form the modules
12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The two-piece component 64 of the
bracket assembly 20 also includes an upper angle iron member 74
having a downwardly extending leg 76 on one flange thereof and
forming a continuation thereof which is pivotally attached to the
outwardly extending flange of the angle iron member 66 adjacent the
upper end thereof by a pivot pin or bolt 78. The flange on the
angle iron member 66 to which the leg or extension 76 is pivotally
attached includes a triangular shaped opening 80 and the inner edge
of the extension 76 is provided with a smaller triangular shaped
notch 82 communicating with the inner edge for receiving a
horizontally disposed wedge 84 that is tethered to the angle iron
member 74 by flexible chain 86 or the like. Thus, by inserting the
wedge 84 horizontally as illustrated in FIG. 3, the notch 82 and
the extension 76 will engage the inclined apex of the wedge and be
forced outwardly as the wedge is inserted thereby clampingly
engaging the surface of the upper module by swinging the member 74
inwardly about pivot pin or bolt 78 thus clamping the module
against the one-piece component 50 and orienting the upper module
in exact alignment with the lower module.
As illustrated, the wire ties may be provided with weakened point
adjacent the outer ends to enable the outer ends thereof to be
broken off after assembly of the wall. The weakened points may be
in the form of notches 88 and the wire ties may be of well known
structure which facilitate breakage thereof. Also, eyebolts or ties
90 may be provided in the top edge of each module to enable a crane
or other lifting equipment to be employed to place the modules in
position with these eyebolts either being removed or broken off
after assembly of the modules. Also, each of the wedges are
tethered to their associated structure to prevent loss thereof and
enables assembly of the wall with very minimum tools inasmuch as a
conventional hammer or other impact instrument may be employed for
securing the knee braces in position and also the bracket
assemblies in position.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles
of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be restored to, falling within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *