U.S. patent number 3,668,828 [Application Number 05/018,129] was granted by the patent office on 1972-06-13 for building construction framework with receivers for bracing means.
Invention is credited to George E. Nicholas, Howard G. Watkins.
United States Patent |
3,668,828 |
Nicholas , et al. |
June 13, 1972 |
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORK WITH RECEIVERS FOR BRACING
MEANS
Abstract
A building construction wherein a precut building framework is
initially elected, and provided with receivers for interposing
between a plurality of strengthening and bracing members.
Inventors: |
Nicholas; George E.
(Pleasantville, NJ), Watkins; Howard G. (Northfield,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
21786390 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/018,129 |
Filed: |
March 10, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/92.1;
52/653.1; 52/639; 52/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
1/30 (20130101); E04B 1/26 (20130101); E04B
2001/2684 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
1/26 (20060101); E04B 1/30 (20060101); E04B
1/00 (20060101); E04b 007/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/90,92,93,639,648,262 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700,893 |
|
Jan 1966 |
|
IT |
|
869,494 |
|
Feb 1941 |
|
FR |
|
588,570 |
|
May 1947 |
|
GB |
|
598,121 |
|
Feb 1948 |
|
GB |
|
204,269 |
|
Sep 1923 |
|
GB |
|
774,803 |
|
Jan 1968 |
|
CA |
|
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Frank L.
Assistant Examiner: Braun; Leslie A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A building construction comprising a generally horizontal
upwardly facing lower wall member adapted to be supported by a
foundation, columns adapted to upstand from the foundation at
spaced locations along said lower wall member, a generally
horizontal downwardly facing upper wall member extending between
and supported by said columns in spaced relation over said lower
wall member, rafters extending in parallelism with each other
obliquely upwardly in one direction from respective columns, a
plurality of stud receivers on the lower and upper sides of said
lower and upper wall members respectively, for receiving upright
studs extending between said lower and upper wall members, and a
plurality of purlin receivers on the facing sides of adjacent
rafters for receiving purlins extending between said rafters, said
lower and upper wall members, columns and rafters being fabricated
of structural metal, and said stud receivers comprising generally
J-shaped clips having their bight portions fastened to said wall
members with the clips of lower and upper wall members in
respective facing relation with each other, said rafters comprising
channels in facing relation with each other, and said purlin
receivers comprising flanged members fixed in said channels in
respective alignment with each other, whereby said flanged members
and the flanges of said channels combine to effectively support
purlins.
2. A building construction according to claim 1, said columns each
having a right angle cross-sectional configuration with one flange
parallel to the plane of said wall members and the other flange
parallel to the adjacent rafter, said columns each having one
flange cut away for passage of the adjacent rafter, and fastener
means securing the other flange of each column to the adjacent
rafter.
3. A building construction according to claim 1, said wall members
each having a right angle cross-sectional configuration with one
flange of each wall member in horizontal facing parallelism with
one flange of the adjacent upper wall member and the other flange
of each wall member disposed generally vertically and coplanar with
the other flange of the adjacent upper wall member, and said
J-shaped clips having their bight portions fixedly secured to said
one flanges of said wall members and opening between the leg
portions of said clips in said one direction toward said other
flanges of said wall members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While the building construction of the present invention is capable
of adaptation to commercial, as well as residential buildings, it
has been primarily developed for use in the latter, wherein very
rapidly rising costs both in labor and materials have combined to
place new residential construction beyond the economic reach of
many families.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to
provide a building construction which is capable of effectively
reducing building costs, to permit of enjoyment of new building
construction by many more families than now possible.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
building construction wherein a skeletal framework is prefabricated
and assembled at the site without requiring skilled construction
personnel to effect substantial savings in cost.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
building construction wherein the average homeowner, or other
persons without special building construction skills, may quickly
and easily complete a residence or like building utilizing a
structural framework in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a
building construction having the advantageous characteristics
mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which is extremely simple in
structure for economy in manufacture and assembly, durable and
reliable throughout a very long useful life, and which is capable
of employment in a wide variety of differently styled, attractive
buildings.
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon
reading the following specification and referring to the
accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this
disclosure.
The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,
combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be
exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which
the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view, partially broken away,
illustrating a building construction framework of the present
invention, with some strengthening members in place therein.
FIG. 2 is a generally vertical, sectional view taken approximately
along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, being broken away to conserve
drawing space.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view in the general region of line
3 in FIG. 1, being broken away and enlarged for clarity.
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 3, showing
certain components thereof in exploded condition.
FIG. 5 is a partial interior perspective view, as taken from the
right in FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically
to FIG. 1 thereof, a building framework is there generally
designated 10, and is illustrated as being of generally rectangular
configuration in plan, but may be of any desired layout or plan.
The building 10 may include a conventional foundation, as at 11, or
other suitable foundation, such as a slab, as desired. At spaced
locations about the foundation 11, upstanding therefrom, are a
plurality of columns 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. In the illustrated
embodiment, the columns 12, 13 and 14 are all disposed in alignment
with each other, while the columns 14, 15 and 16 are also in
alignment with each other and disposed in a plane generally normal
to the plane of the aligned columns 12, 13 and 14.
Disposed generally horizontally, and extending between each pair of
adjacent columns 12-16, is an upwardly facing lower wall member, as
at 20, 21, 22 and 23. More specifically, the lower wall member 20
extends generally horizontally between the columns 12 and 13, while
the lower wall member 21 extends generally horizontally between
columns 13 and 14, the lower wall member 22 extending between
column 14 and 15, and the lower wall member 23 extending between
columns 15 and 16. Further, each of the lower wall members 20-23 is
superposed above and supported, either directly or indirectly, by
the foundation 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower wall
members 20-23 are each supported by a base member or plate resting
flat on the foundation 11, a beam resting on the base plate, and
the floor on the beam. More specifically, a base plate 26 rests
flat on the foundation or footing 11, extending between the columns
12 and 13, while a similar base 27 rests flat on the foundation 11
extending between the columns 13 and 14, a base member 28 rests
flat on the foundation extending between the columns 14 and 15, and
a base member 29 rests flat on the foundation extending between the
columns 15 and 16. The base members 26, 27, 28 and 29, are
preferably secured to the foundation or footing 11, as by anchors
30, see FIG. 2. A beam 31 rests on the outer margin of the base
member 26, extending between the adjacent columns 12 and 13, while
a beam 32 rests on the outer margin of the base member 27 extending
between the adjacent columns 13 and 14, a beam 33 resting on the
outer margin of the base member 28 extending between the columns 14
and 15, and a beam 34 resting on the outer margin of the base
member 29 and extending between the adjacent columns 15 and 16.
The building 11 may include a plurality of additional beams, as at
35 in FIG. 2, extending parallel to the beam 33, all of which beams
may combine to support a generally horizontal floor 36. Resting on
the floor 36, extending along and directly over the beam 31 is a
bottom plate 37, while a bottom plate 38 rests on the floor
directly over and extending along the beam 32, an additional bottom
plate 39 resting on the floor directly over the beam 33, and a
bottom plate 40 resting on the floor directly over the beam 34. The
construction thus far described may be generally conventional, the
base members 26-29, beams 31-34, floor 36 and plates 37-40 all
being fabricated of wood, in the conventional manner, or of other
suitable materials.
Extending longitudinally along and superposed on each of the plates
37-40 is a lower wall member, which is thereby supported, though
indirectly, by the foundation 11. Seated directly on the plate 37,
being longitudinally coextensive therewith to extend between
adjacent columns 12 and 13, is the lower wall member 20. Similarly,
the lower wall member 21 extends longitudinally along and is seated
on the plate 38, between the columns 13 and 14, while the lower
wall member 22 is seated on the plate 39, extending longitudinally
therealong between adjacent columns 14 and 15, and the lower wall
member 23 is seated on the plate 40 extending longitudinally
therealong between the columns 15 and 16. Each of the lower wall
members 20-23 may be fabricated advantageously of metal, preferably
of angle iron or steel so as to have the constant cross-sectional
configuration of a right angle. The lower wall members are each
arranged with there right angular cross-section configuration so
that one flange is generally horizontal and seats in flat facing
engagement on the upper side of the nether plate. For example, the
lower wall member 21 may have one flange 42 disposed generally
horizontally and seated flat on the nether plate 38, while the
lower wall member 22 may have one flange 43 disposed generally
horizontally and seated flat on the nether plate 39.
Located in parallel, vertically spaced relation over each lower
wall member 20-23 is a respective, downwardly facing, upper wall
member, as at 44, 45, 46 and 47. The upper wall members 44-47 are
each suitably secured in position extending horizontally between an
adjacent pair of columns 12-16, as will appear more fully
hereinafter, directly over and in vertically spaced relation with a
respective lower wall member 20-23. More specifically, the upper
wall members 44-47 are each advantageously fabricated of iron or
steel angle stock, so as to have a constant right angular
cross-sectional configuration, with one flange of each upper wall
member disposed generally horizontally in parallel spaced facing
relation with the horizontal flange of the associated lower wall
member. For example, the upper wall member 45, as best seen in FIG.
3, has one flange 47 disposed generally horizontally in spaced
parallelism with the horizontal flange 42 of the adjacent lower
wall member 21. Also, the upper wall member 46, see FIG. 2, has one
flange 48 disposed generally horizontally in spaced parallelism
with the horizontal flange 43 of its adjacent lower wall member
22.
Further, the lower wall members 20-23 are each arranged with its
other or remaining flange disposed generally vertically and
extending upwardly from the associated plate, while the upper wall
members 44-47 are each arranged with their other or remaining
flanges disposed vertically and depending from the horizontal
flanges. More specifically, the vertical flanges of adjacent lower
and upper wall members are disposed in generally coplanar relation,
extending toward and terminating short of each other. Thus, the
lower wall member 21 includes an upstanding or generally vertical
flange 50, while the adjacent upper wall member 45 includes a
vertically depending flange 51, the flanges 50 and 51 extending
along the outer sides of their respective members, and being
generally coplanar with each other. Similarly, the lower wall
member 22 and upper wall member 46 are provided with generally
vertically disposed outer flanges 52 and 53, respectively, which
flanges are generally planar, as best seen in FIG. 2.
The columns 12-16 are also advantageously fabricated of iron or
steel angle members. In particular, the outer or corner columns 12,
14 and 16 may each be fabricated of a single angle member, having
its right angularly spaced flanges arranged each in the plane of a
respective wall of the building structure 10. This may be seen in
FIG. 1. The intermediate or wall columns 13 and 15 are
advantageously fabricated of a pair of right angle structural
members arranged with a pair of flanges bolted together and the
remaining flanges generally coplanar with each other. This
construction may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the column 13 is
composed of a pair of right angle structural elements 55 and 56
arranged with one pair of flanges 57 and 58 bolted or otherwise
secured together in facing relation, and the other or remaining
pair of flanges 59 and 60 extending away from each other in
generally coplanar relation. That is, the aligned or coplanar
flanges 59 and 60 are disposed generally planar with the wall of
the intermediate column 13, while the facing flanges 57 and 58
extend inwardly from the coplanar flanges.
At an elevated location, the angle elements 55 and 56 have their
coplanar flanges 59 and 60 cut away, as at 61 and 62 in FIG. 4,
leaving only the facing upper extremities of the flanges 57 and 58.
Each lower wall member 20-23 extends, or has its end portion
extending into the interior of the adjacent angulate column; and
similarly, each of the upper wall members 44-47 has its opposite
ends extending into the interior of the adjacent angulate column
elements. Suitable fastening means may there be provided, such as
threaded fasteners, or the like permitting of quick and easy
assembly and erection.
Preferably a top wall plate, as at 64, 65 and 66 may be superposed
directly on the top wall members 44, 45 and 46. Further, the top
wall plate 66 may extend along and over both top wall members 46
and 47. One mode of connection is illustrated in FIG. 4, the column
element 56 being provided interiorly with an apertured, horizontal
plate 68, and the adjacent ends of top plate 65 and top wall member
45 being fastened or otherwise suitably bolted to the plate 68.
In addition, each of the lower wall members 20-23 is provided with
a plurality of upwardly facing stud receivers, sockets or clips,
for example the lower wall member 21 being provided with the
receivers 70, and the lower wall member 22 being provided with the
receivers 71. The receivers 70 and 71 may each be fabricated of
metal sheet bent into a generally U-shaped configuration, and more
specifically to a J-shaped configuration, including a lower bight
72, and a pair of spaced leg portions 73 and 74 upstanding from the
bight portion. One of the legs, say leg 74 may project upwardly
beyond the other leg 73. As best seen in FIG. 5, the receivers or
clips 70 are each located with their bight portion 72 fixedly
secured, as by welding or other suitable means, to the horizontal
flange 42 of the lower wall member 21, while the leg portions 73
and 74 of each receiver are open in one direction toward and closed
by the vertical or outer flange 50. Thus, the receivers 70 open
inwardly from the lower wall member 21 toward the interior of the
structure 10. The longer leg portions 74 may be provided with
fastener receiving openings, as at 75, if desired.
In addition, the upper wall members 44-47 are each also provided
with a plurality of stud receiving sockets or clips. For example,
the upper wall members 45 and 46 may each be provided with a
plurality of downwardly facing, generally U-shaped stud receivers
or clips, as at 76 and 77, respectively. Further, the upper wall
member clips 76 and 77 are located in vertical alignment with
respective lower wall member clips 70 and 71. The upper wall member
clips, best seen in FIG. 5, may be of J-shaped section, including a
bight portion 77 welded or otherwise fixed to the underside of the
horizontal flange 47, and having depending legs 78 and 79, the
latter extending beyond the former. The space between legs 78 and
79 is closed on the outer side by depending flange 51, and opens
inwardly toward the interior of the building structure 10. Here
again, suitable fastener receiving openings may be provided, say
through the longer leg portion 79, as at 80.
It will now therefore be readily apparent that vertical members or
studs, such as 2 .times. 4's inches, may be quickly and easily
inserted to extend vertically between the adjacent pairs of lower
and upper wall members, each stud having its opposite ends received
in respective lower and upper stud receivers 70 and 77.
In addition to the structure described hereinbefore, the framework
of building construction 10 includes a plurality of roof trusses,
as at 85, 86 and 87, see FIG. 1. The roof trusses 85-87 are each
preferably fabricated of metal, such as iron or steel structural
members, being disposed in parallel spaced vertical planes at an
elevation spaced over the floor 36. In particular, the roof trusses
85 and 87 are located at opposite ends, and may be considered as
end trusses, while the truss 86 is located between the end trusses
and may be considered an intermediate roof truss. The several roof
trusses 85-87 are in alignment or registry with each other, and may
be generally symmetrical about a mid-plane, assuming the overall
configuration of an isosceles triangle.
More specifically, the intermediate roof truss 86 may include a
rafter 88 which extends obliquely upwardly and inwardly from an
upper region of the adjacent intermediate column 13 to an upper or
ridge point for connection thereat to a like rafter 89 extending
obliquely downwardly and laterally outwardly from the rafter 88.
The rafters 88 and 89 may be connected together by a generally
horizontally extending tie beam 90, and a medial or king post 91
may extend generally vertically between a midpoint of the tie beam
90 and the ridge point or connection between rafters 88 and 89.
There may be provided auxiliary or queen posts, as at 92 and 93
extending vertically between mid-regions of respective rafters 88
and 89 and the nether region of tie beam 90. Additionally, diagonal
struts 94 and 95 may extend between the upper ends of respective
posts 92 and 93, and the lower end of king post 91.
As best seen in the enlarged views of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rafter 88
may include a pair of elongate channel members 97 and 98 disposed
in longitudinally extending back-to-back relation. In particular,
the channel members 97 and 98 may be received in the respective
cutouts 61 and 62 of column angle members 55 and 56. The upper
portions of angle member flanges 57 and 58 are thus interposed in
sandwiched relation between the webs or rafter channels 97 and 98,
and the facing portions may be fixedly secured together, as by
suitable fastening means, as at 99 in FIG. 3. The rafter channels
97 and 98 are thus fixedly secured in adjacent, spaced back-to-back
relation, and have their upper or ridge ends suitably fixed to the
upper end of king post 91. Also, the rafter channels 97 and 98
continue to extend obliquely downwardly and outwardly through the
respective column cutouts 61 and 62 and beyond the column 13 to
provide eave extensions, as at 100 and 101.
The end roof trusses 85 and 87 may be similar to the intermediate
roof truss 88, except that the end truss rafters are preferably
fabricated of a single structural member or channel.
That is, the outer or end trusses 85 and 87 include rafters 103 and
104, respectively, which extend obliquely upwardly and laterally
inwardly from respective corner columns 12 and 14. The end trusses
85 and 87 may also include respective king posts 105 and 106,
respective tie beams 107 and 108, respective auxiliary posts 109
and 110, and respective struts 111 and 112, all similar to the
intermediate truss 86.
However, the rafters 103 and 104 are only single structural members
or channels respectively disposed in parallel spaced facing
relation with the channels 97 and 98 of rafter 88. The rafters 103
and 104 may be suitable secured to the upper end portions of
respective corner columns 12 and 14, in the same manner as
individual channels 97 and 98 of intermediate rafter 88 are secured
to their respective adjacent column members 55 and 56. Also, the
rafter channels 103 and 104 may include extensions 114 and 115
extending obliquely downwardly and laterally outwardly beyond their
respective columns 12 and 14, parallel to the extensions 100 and
101 of intermediate rafter 88.
All of the roof truss structure described hereinbefore may
advantageously be fabricated of structural steel or iron and
suitably secured together. In addition, if desired on the external
or outer sides of the end rafters 103 and 104 there may be secured
longitudinally extending wooden members, as at 116 and 117, say 2
.times. 4's inches. Additional wooden members or 2 .times. 4's
inches may be secured to outer surfaces of the columns, as at 118
and 119 on columns 14 and 16.
It will now be appreciated that the rafters of adjacent roof
trusses include channel members of U-shaped cross-section disposed
in longitudinally extending, parallel spaced facing relation with
respect to each other. Interiorly of each rafter channel member, at
spaced location therealong, are secured a plurality of angle
members, brackets or receivers, as at 122 in channel 98, see FIGS.
1, 3 and 4. The angle members or receivers 122 are welded or
otherwise suitably fixed in position within the channel 98,
extending transversely thereacross between the channel side walls,
and advantageously formed with fastener receiving openings, if
desired. Additionally, the rafter channel 104 in parallel spaced
facing relation with the rafter channel 98 is provided with like
angle members or receivers, obscured in the drawings, the receivers
of channel 104 being in respective alignment with the receivers 122
of channel 98. The end rafter channel 103 is also provided
interiorly thereof and at spaced locations therealong with a
plurality of angle members, brackets or receivers 123, which may be
identical to the angle members 122. Similarly, the channel 97 in
parallel spaced facing relation with the channel 103 is provided
with angle members, brackets or receivers (obscured in the
drawings) in respective alignment with the brackets or receivers
123.
By this construction, there is permitted the extension between
adjacent facing pairs of rafter channels of a plurality of purlins,
such as 2 .times. 6 wooden members. A plurality of such purlins are
shown at 125 extending in parallel relation with each other between
the facing channels 103 and 97, each purlin having its opposite
ends suitably secured to an aligned pair of purlin receivers 123. A
similar plurality of purlins extends between the facing pair of
rafter channels 98 and 104, having their opposite ends suitably
secured to respective aligned purlin receivers 122.
If desired, the distal or outer ends of the rafter channels may be
cut in a vertical plane, and provided with an end closure or
member, as at 127 and 128 on rafter channels 97 and 98 in FIGS. 3
and 4. This permits the quick and easy securement of an eaves board
or the like, as at 129 in FIG. 3.
From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides
a building construction wherein a metal frame or skeleton of steel
can be quickly and easily assembled and erected, providing for
simple and efficient insertion and securement of studs and purlins,
and wherein the instant invention fully accomplishes its intended
objects.
Although the present invention has been described in some detail by
way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of
understanding, it is understood that certain changes and
modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *