Column Connector System

Abstract

A mechanical connector system for interjoining and aligning tandem related tubular column sections utilizing a unitary cast connector having a planar platform portion for abutting engagement with adjacent ends of the column section members, a conical guide portion extending outwardly on one side of the platform portion and a depending polygonal flange portion protruding from the opposite side thereof for interfitting engagement with the interior walls of related column section members. Ancillary tie-bolt means are also utilized between structural support framing members associated with the column sections to positively lock the latter in assembled position.

Parent Case Text

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 203,780 filed Dec. 1, 1971 and now abandoned.

Description

This invention generally relates to building structures and more specifically relates to an improved system for intertying tubular members to form structural columns comprising independent sections, each of which comprises one or more tubular members adapted to be superposed in coaxial alignment with similar members in accordance with the principles and teachings set out in the application of A. A. Antoniou, filed in the U.S. Pat. Office June 28, 1971, under Ser. No. 157,402.

As more fully described in that copending application, a unique building system employs generally paralellepiped modular units adapted to be prefabricated in a factory and erected at a building site to form a complete building. While the specifics of each modular units need not be described herein in order to understand the present invention, it is to be noted that such units employ tubular metal members as upright frame elements between which additional supporting framework members are connected to effect a rigidified structure. These upright frame elements, when assembled in tandem with like elements of adjacent modular units operate to form structural support columns in the completed building. Each column of the building comprises one or more superposed sections, each section of which has one or more like tubular members (usually one, two or four) adapted to be related in coaxial fashion with corresponding tubular members of adjacent column sections. In order to interconnect the modular units into a rigidified whole it is necessary to interjoin the individual column sections thereof both laterally and vertically. This is accomplished by connector means which are insertable into the open ends of tubular column members.

The features of one form of connector means, fabricated from several individual elements and adapted to be utilized with removable guide means for aligning adjacent ends of the tubular members is fully described in the above referred to application. The herein disclosed invention is concerned with an improved connector means for that purpose.

A principal object of this invention is to provide improved connector means for interjoining tubular members to formulate structural columns therefrom.

Another important object of this invention is to provide connector means as aforesaid which demonstrates improved economies of production, ease of handling and operational strength and ruggedness.

Still another important object of this invention is to provide connector means for tubular columns demonstrating improved capability for interaligning tubular sections and for maintaining the same in such alignment when building support columns therefrom.

Having thus described this invention the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will appear from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective showing of a structural assembly for forming a tubular structural column utilizing improved connector means according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along vantage line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled column connection taken substantially along vantage line 3--3 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view with portions thereof in cross-section, taken substantially from vantage line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along vantage line 5--5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of column connector means of this invention for interjoining single tube column sections;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the improved connector means for interjoining two tube column sections; and

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the improved connector means for interjoining four tube column sections.

Turning now to the specifics of the illustrated embodiment of this invention, as set out in the accompanying drawings, particular reference will initially be made to FIG. 1.

As illustrated in this figure two single tube column sections 20 and 21 are shown in exploded perspective relationship with the improved connector means 22 of this invention. Angle iron floor frame members 23 and 24 are disposed at right angles to one another and rigidly welded to the lower end of column section 20, and corresponding ceiling frame members 25 and 26 are similarly affixed adjacent the upper end of tubular column section 21. Ancillary hold-down means 27 are associated with each of the floor frame members 23, 24 for connective cooperation with another means 28 secured to the ceiling frame members 25 and 26. It will be understood that the exploded perspective showing of FIG. 1 represents a column connective structure at one corner of a pair of superposed frameworks for a modular unit generally of the order described in the above referred to copending application Ser. No. 157,402, filed June 29, 1971, wherein the two tubular column sections 20 and 21 are intertied in tandem end-to-end coaxial alignment to form a rigid support column for a building.

The assembled relationship of the several elements illustrated in FIG. 1 is set forth more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. As there shown, each of the tubular column sections 20 and 21 is formed as a single standard structural tubing member having a polygonal cross-section, in this case quadrangularly square, and cut to desired length, as for example, in the order of 8 feet. In assembly it is intended that the lower end 30 (see FIG. 2) of the upper column section 20 will align registeringly over the upper end 31 of the lower disposed column section 21 in forming a tubular column; the connector means 22 of this invention being installed between such opposing ends 30 and 31 in assembly (see FIG. 3) and serving to guide the same into coaxial alignment as illustrated in FIG. 2.

As noted heretofore, the floor frame members 23, 24 are rigidly affixed to column section 20. More specifically, one end of floor frame member 23 is fixed to the outer face of one sidewall 33 of the column section 20 adjacent the lower end 30 thereof as by welded connection. In a similar fashion floor frame member 24 is affixed to the adjacent sidewall 34 of the column section 20 (see FIG. 4). Inasmuch as the particular column section 20 illustrated is a single tube of square cross-section, the two walls 33 and 34 thereof are related at right angles and thus the attached floor frame members 23 and 24, normal to walls 33 and 34 are likewise at right angles to one another. As shown, the frame members 23 and 24 comprise structural elements of standard angle iron formation having vertical flange walls 36 and 37, respectively integrally formed with horizontal flanges 38 and 39, respectively. As shown, the vertical flange walls 36 and 37 of the two frame members 23 and 24 are aligned in coplanar relationship with the outside walls 40 and 41, respectively, of the column section 20 (see FIG. 4). In a like fashion, the horizontal flange portions 38 and 39 thereof are aligned in coplanar or flush relationship with the lower end 30 of the tubular column section.

The structural framework adjacent connector means 22 and related to the lower disposed column section 21, as previously noted, comprises the two ceiling frame members 25, 26, each of which is formed as a standard angle iron having vertical flange portions 45, 46 and horizontal flange portions 47, 48, respectively. (See FIGS. 3 and 5). As shown best in FIG. 1, the ends of the frame members 25 and 26 are abutted against inside walls 49 and 50, respectively, of the tubular column member 21 and affixed thereto by weld means 51; such frame members being oriented like the over-disposed frame members 23, 24, related to column section 20.

As previously mentioned, auxiliary hold-down means 27 are associated with column section 20 and as best illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings such comprise a guide sleeve 55, a bolting block 56 and a tie bolt 57. The bolt 57 is adapted to pass through the bolting block 56 and an opening 58 formed for that purpose in the horizontal flange of each of the floor frame members 23 and 24. There is one such assembly 27 related with each of the frame members 23 and 24 and each thereof is located immediately adjacent the column section 20 and attached to the walls 33 and 34 thereof.

The guide sleeve 55 of each assembly 27 comprises a right angle section member fixed as by weld means 59 and 60 to the inside faces of the vertical flange walls of the two frame members 23 and 24 and the respectively related walls 33 and 34 of the column section 20. Additional welding connection is preferred, as shown at 60a, between the lower end of the sleeve member 55 and the horizontal flanges 38 and 39 of the two frame members.

Each sleeve member 54 forms a rough guide pocket 59 with the adjacent column wall, and associated flange wall 36 or 37 for sliding reception of a bolting block 56, the latter being formed as a substantially rectangular metal member of a size to fit conformably within the guide pocket (see FIG. 4). The length of block 56 is substantially equal to the inside face dimension of a vertical flange wall for the structural frame members 23 or 24, so that the upper end 64 of the bolting block is generally flush with the upper edge of such vertical flange walls in final assembly.

As will best be recognized from FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the main body of the block 56 has a centrally extending bore opening 61 and a cutout opening 62 communicating with such bore opening 61 for passage of the bolt 57 therethrough.

The tie-down bolt 57 is adapted to pass through the bore 61 of the block member 56 and the opening 58 formed through the horizontal flange of the related structural frame member 23 or 24 as the case may be (see FIG. 2) so that the head end 63 of the bolt bears against a washer 63a engaging the upper end 64 of the block 56.

In final assembly each tie-down bolt 57 is adapted to cooperate with an underdisposed internally threaded stud connector socket 65 of anchor means 28 which is welded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the horizontal flange portion 47 or 48 of a related ceiling frame member 25 or 26. The anchor means 28 also includes a guard member 66 formed as an angle iron section welded to the interior walls of the frame members 25 and 26 adjacent the threaded socket members 65 to safeguard the latter from damage and provide undersupport for the horizontal flanges of frame members 23 and 24 in assembly. It will be understood, of course, that a socket member 65 is associated with each of the ceiling frame members 25 and 26 and that such socket members are aligned for coaxial reception of the bolt members 57.

Having thus described the various elements ancillary to the improved connector means 22 of this invention the specific features and aspects of the latter will now be described.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 of the drawings, connector means 22 for interjoining two single tube column sections preferably is formulated as a unitary metal casting. Connector 22 can be machined, although the preferred method for its formation is by casting for economy purposes. Be that as it may, it will be recognized that the makeup of the unitary means 22 includes a planar platform portion 70, a conical guide portion 71 extending centrally outwardly of one upper face 72 of the platform portion 70 and a polygonal skirt or flange portion 73 depending from the opposite or lower face 74 of platform portion 70. Inasmuch as the particular illustrated embodiment for the tubular column sections 20 and 21 concerns a square tubular formation for the latter, the platform portion 70 of the connector means 22 is likewise of like square formation having dimensions conforming to the peripheral dimensions for the column sections 20 and 21 with which it cooperates. That is to say, it is preferred that the periphery of the platform portion 70 terminates substantially flush with the outside walls of the tubular column sections 20 and 21. Platform portion 70 is further formed of a thickness substantially equivalent to the wall thickness of a tubular column member and in any event of a thickness sufficient to withstand the compressive loads applied to the column sections in operation.

Formed integrally symmetrical with the platform portion 70 is the guide means 71 which preferably is formed generally in the shape of an inverted ice-cream cone although other shapes, such as a bullet shape may serve as well. As shown, means 71 has a generally cylindrical base portion 75 immediately adjacent to and merging with the platform portion 70 and of a diameter substantially equivalent to the inside tubular dimensions of the column sections with which it is to cooperate. Thus as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4, cylindrical portion 75 cooperates with the square interior formation of column section 20, by engaging the inside walls of the latter substantially tangentially at four points, with very little clearance therebetween. Extending outwardly of the cylindrical portion 75 is a conical guide portion 76 disposed symmetrically of the platform portion 70 and terminating in an outer end or tip 77 which is rounded over or with a generous radius.

The skirt portion 73 of the connector means 22 is formed coaxially of the guide means 71 and extends outwardly of lower face 74 of the platform portion 70 with quadrangular formation to conform with the interior configuration of a column section 21 into which it is inserted in operation. The corners of the quadrangular skirt are radiused as at 78 and as best noted from FIG. 5 the conforming configuration of the skirt portion 73 is dimensioned to provide only slight clearance between its exterior and the interior walls of the single tube column section 21.

The entire connector means 22 preferably is hollow to reduce weight and save metal. Therefore, the same is characterized by an internal hollow chambering 80, seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, which communicates openly with the lower end of the skirt portion 73 thereof. While it is not necessary that the connector means 22 be hollow, again, for economu reasons, it is felt that the hollow formation is best. It will be noted that the walls of the various portions 70, 71 and 73 are of a thickness substantially equivalent to the wall thickness of the column section tube with which the same cooperates so as to provide equivalent strength and rigidity. Importantly the skirt portion 73 depends from the bottom face of the central platform portion a sufficient distance to enter the upper end of the lower disposed tubular column section 21 and accurately locate and maintain the connector in its mounted position on top of the column section 21 without fear of accidental displacement. At the same time, it is desired that the flange or skirt portion 73 be readily inserted into and withdrawn from the tubular column section by a normal manual operation, without the necessity of special tools. The internesting relationship of the assembled connector means and the tubular column section 21, especially the relationship of the skirt portion 73 thereof to the interior walls adjacent the upper end of such tube section, is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings.

The functioning of the connector means and especially the guide portion 71 thereof in coaxially aligning two column sections 20 during the assembly of the column, is best illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. As therein illustrated, the inverted ice-cream cone or conical guide means 71 is adapted to be inserted into the open bottom interior or an overdisposed tubular section 20, entering the open lower end 30 thereof in assembly. As the interior walls of section 20 engage the conical guide surface of portion 71, lowering movement of the column section 20 toward the underdisposed section 21, serves to cam the section 20 into coaxial alignment with the connector means 22 which in turn is coaxially mounted in the underdisposed column section. As a consequence, the two sections 20 and 21 (see FIG. 3) and the connector means eventually arrive at coaxial aligned positions with the lower end 30 of the tube section being disposed in registering superposition with the upper end 31 of the tube section 21, the platform portion 70 being abuttingly engaged thereby. Once the two tube sections 20, 21 of any column joint are so aligned and located in assembled relationship with the connector means 22, the tie-down bolts 57 are threaded into the stud connector sockets 65 to positively interlock the column sections for tensile loading.

Having thus described the basic features of the single tube connector means 22 according to this invention, the modified forms 22a and 22b thereof as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 readily will be understood.

As best shown in FIG. 7, for example, connector means 22a is adapted to interjoin four tubular column members in tandem coaxial end-to-end relationship. It will be recognized that connector means 22a comprises the same elements and features of the previously described two tube connector means 22 except for the fact that the platform portion 70a thereof is substantially twice as long as that described for connector means 22 and a pair of inverted ice-cream cone guide portions 71a and depending skirt portions 73a are provided thereon.

In FIG. 8, a second form of connector means 22b for interjoining eight column members is shown. A central platform portion 70b thereof is substantially square and supports four symmetrically positioned inverted ice-cream cone guide portions 71b on the upper face thereof. Correspondingly, four shirt portions 73b depend from the lower face of such platform portion.

Essentially the modified connector means 22a (FIG. 7) comprises two of the connector means 22 of FIG. 6 integrally interjoined by central platform portion 70a. The modified connector means 22b of FIG. 8, similarly, comprises four of the connector means 22 interjoined integrally by the central platform portion 70b thereof.

Operationally, the multiple tube connector means 22a and 22b, serve to cluster plural tubular members in each column section, as occurs when interjoining laterally adjacent modular building units and when stacking such units vertically. In all cases the connector means described herein operate to align tubular members coaxially and to abuttingly engage their opposing ends to provide sectionalized building columns which are stable in compression and shear loading. When used in conjunction with the auxiliary hold-down and anchor means 27, 28 described, or the equivalent thereof, the resulting column structures carry tension, compression, bending and shear loads.

Having described the particular embodiment of this invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings so as to enable those familiar with this art to understand and practice the same,

Claims

It is claimed:

1. In a building constructed of a plurality of multi-ton modular building units stacked in superposed and laterally adjacent array to define the building's interior spaces, partitions and support structure, such units having corresponding rigid parallelopiped structural frameworks composed of tubular metal upright frame members rigidly interconnected at their upper and lower ends by horizontal ceiling and floor angle frame members, said upright frame members constituting open-ended hollow sections of vertical support columns in the assembled building; an improved system for mechanically interconnecting said units and effecting stable vertical support columns of the superposed sections thereof comprising: at each junction of opposing column sections, a rigid metal connector member, having an elongated conical guide portion defining the upper end thereof, a planar platform portion integral with the operationally lower disposed base end of said guide portion and projecting therebeyond normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, and a polygonal skirt portion depending from the bottom side of said platform portion in coaxial alignment with said guide portion; said skirt portion having a peripheral contour substantially conforming with the interior cross-sectional configuration of a column section, but with sufficient clearance to be freely fitted into the open upper end thereof; each of the several column sections of an underdisposed building unit being operationally fitted with a connector member so that plural guide portions thereof project upwardly for entry into the open lower ends of the several corresponding column sections of an overdisposed building unit to be mounted thereon, the conical surfaces of said guide portions serving to operationally enter said open lower ends and engage the interior walls of said several column sections as an overdisposed unit is lowered over an underdisposed unit, thereby guiding the same into registering alignment by automatically laterally camming and aligning the opposing ends of superposed column sections to bring about their abutting engagement with opposite faces of the said connector member platform portions therebetween, the adjacent said floor and ceiling frame members of superposed units thereby being registeringly aligned; means adjacent the lower end of each column section forming an open top guide socket adjacent the junction of each floor frame member therewith, rigid block means, insertably mounted in each said socket and having a central bore communicating with an opening through the floor frame member associated therewith, anchor means mounted on each ceiling frame member adjacent each junction thereof with the upper end of a said column section, the same being aligned opposite said bore and opening of a superposed floor frame member; guard means protectively mounted adjacent said anchor means and providing a vertical bearing wall engageable with the under side of a superposed floor floor frame member outwardly of the junction of opposing column sections with a said platform portion, and adjustable tensioning means extending through each said block for positive connection with a said anchor means thereby rigidly to intertie registeringly aligned floor and ceiling frame members laterally outwardly of the opposing ends of said superposed column sections whereby to abuttingly engage the latter with a said platform portion therebetween with predetermined frictional force sufficient to prevent relative movement of said column sections and connector members at each junction thereof as the building is erected.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said connector member is formed as a hollow unitary metal casting closed over at the apex end of said guide portion which has a curvilinearly formed exterior.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said platform portion is peripherally configured to conform to the exterior cross section of the column sections engaged thereby.

4. The invention of claim 1 in which said platform portion extends past two exterior surfaces of a column section and is formed with plural coaxially aligned guide and skirt portions extending to operatively align and interjoin plural pairs of opposing column sections in tandem relation with the laterally adjacent faces thereof in contacting relation.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the ceiling and floor angle frame members are mounted with one flange wall vertical and coplanar with an exterior wall of associated column sections, said pocket forming means is connected to both walls of a floor frame member and an exterior wall of a column section, and said guard means is fixed to both walls of a said ceiling frame member with the upper end of said vertical bearing wall extending beyond the upper edge of the vertically disposed wall of the said ceiling frame member to engage the under face of a said superposed floor frame member.