U.S. patent number 3,866,381 [Application Number 05/325,461] was granted by the patent office on 1975-02-18 for extruded columnar frame for partitions, walls and enclosures.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Aztec Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to John B. Colligan, Robert C. Eschbach.
United States Patent |
3,866,381 |
Eschbach , et al. |
February 18, 1975 |
EXTRUDED COLUMNAR FRAME FOR PARTITIONS, WALLS AND ENCLOSURES
Abstract
An extrusion for receiving and interconnecting laminated panel
sections for quick construction of partitions or enclosures is
disclosed. The extrusions form frame members for the partitions or
enclosures and are designed to permit quick assembly and
disassembly of building structures without the use of fasteners.
The extrusions include channel portions adapted to receive the
edges of the panels, the panels being grooved and adapted to snap
into the corresponding channels. The extrusions may be H-shaped in
cross section for forming panels into a flat partition or wall, may
be formed with a channel on one side and adapted to receive door or
window fittings on the other side, or may be formed in a corner
unit configuration to permit joining of panels at right angles. The
corner unit extrusion includes two interlocking half members which
define a central cavity for receiving a rigid pipe, which prevents
the interlocking members from being separated. The extrusions and
panel sections are particularly adapted for use in constructing
light-weight truck canopies, and for this purpose J-shaped
interlocking extrusions permit quick connection of side panels to a
roof panel and form a pivotal hinge for an access door.
Inventors: |
Eschbach; Robert C. (Newport
Beach, CA), Colligan; John B. (Glendale, CA) |
Assignee: |
Aztec Manufacturing Company
(Monrovia, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
26984947 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/325,461 |
Filed: |
January 22, 1973 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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884812 |
Dec 15, 1969 |
3712005 |
Jan 27, 1973 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/766; 52/94;
52/262; 52/282.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D
33/046 (20130101); E04B 2/78 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
33/00 (20060101); B62D 33/04 (20060101); E04B
2/76 (20060101); E04B 2/78 (20060101); E04b
002/78 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/281,282,461,582,758H,731,586,755,753L,753K,753C |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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118,454 |
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Dec 1969 |
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NO |
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1,530,016 |
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Mar 1968 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: Purser; Ernest R.
Assistant Examiner: Braun; Leslie A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jones, Tullar & Cooper
Parent Case Text
This is a division of application Ser. No. 884,812, filed Dec. 15,
1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,005, issued Jan. 27, 1973.
Claims
1. A columnar frame member for a building structure, comprising
a first elongated half member having a first edge incorporating a
first outwardly-turned trough flange carrying a first
inwardly-extending projection and a second edge incorporating a
first inwardly-turned locking flange, said first half member
further including a second inwardly-extending projection extending
from the inner surface of said first half member and spaced between
said first projection and said first locking flange;
a second elongated half member complementary to said first half
member and cooperating therewith to define a central cavity, said
second half member having a first edge incorporating a second
inwardly-turned locking flange adapted to interlock with said first
trough flange, and a second edge incorporating a second
outwardly-turned trough flange carrying a third inwardly-extending
projection, said second trough flange being adapted to interlock
with said first inwardly-turned locking flange, said second half
member further including a fourth inwardly-extending projection
extending from the inner surface of said second half member and
spaced between said third projection and said second locking
flange, said first, second, third and fourth projections extending
into said central cavity when the respective first and second edges
of said first and second half members are engaged; and
an elongated, removable, tubular holding member located within said
central cavity and extending substantially the full length of said
frame member, the outer diameter of said holding member being such
that the external surface of the holding member contacts the inner
ends of said projections and thereby secures said first and second
half members in assembled
2. The structural corner unit of claim 1, wherein each of said
first and
3. The structural corner unit of claim 2, wherein each of said
panel securing means includes a channel integrally formed on the
corresponding half member, said channel being defined by legs
having inwardly-turned
4. The columnar frame member of claim 1, wherein said first half
member has an inner side formed by a first flat wall portion
carrying said first outwardly-turned trough flange and an outer
side formed by a first curved wall portion carrying said first
inwardly turned locking flange; and
said second half member has an inner side formed by a second flat
wall portion carrying said second inwardly-turned locking flange
adapted to interlock with said first trough flange and an outer
side formed by a second curved wall portion carrying said second
outwardly turned trough flange adapted to interlock with said first
inwardly turned locking
5. The structural corner unit of claim 4, wherein each of said
first and second half members further includes panel securing
means, said panel securing means being formed on the outer surfaces
of said first and second
6. The structural corner unit of claim 5, wherein said first and
second flat wall portions form a substantially right angle when
said cover unit is assembled.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to extruded frame
members and cooperating snap-in panels for forming building
partitions and the like, and more particularly to specific
extrusion forms which are adapted to cooperate with panels having
grooved edges for permitting quick assembly and disassembly,
without the use of fasteners, of walls, partitions and
enclosures.
In the construction and building industries, the use of extruded
frames adapted to receive panel boards or the like to form
partitions or enclosures has become a major building technique.
Such construction has been used in a variety of forms, particularly
for interior walls or dividers. Such frame-supported panel boards
can be used to divide or partition large offices or warehouses, or
may be used as outer walls for enclosures constructed to form
temporary schoolrooms, outdoor shelters, trailers, and the like.
Thus, there is an increasing need for portable, light-weight
building structures which may be easily assembled or disassembled,
and which are simple and economical to manufacture, while at the
same time being substantial, durable, and suitable for a variety of
uses.
In the past, many different designs and structural features have
been suggested and used for these purposes; however, the
light-weight portable structures now known in the art are not
entirely satisfactory for several reasons. For instance, in many
building enclosures which are extruded frames and panels, there is
no uniformity in the type of extruded frames so that various
designs must be used in different locations within the structure,
thus complicating construction. Also, the panels and extruded frame
members generally can only be applied to one specific structure,
and a single design generally is not suitable for varying
structures such as divider partitions, temporary schoolrooms or
shelters. Thus, each type of structure must be specifically
designed and extrusions and panels formed for the particular
purpose to which they are to be applied. This tends to increase the
cost of the use of such materials, rather than providing the
economy which is essential for commercially competitive structures.
If such panels and frame structures are not light weight,
economical to manufacture, and simple to assemble so that the
amount of labor and time required for fabrication of a structure is
decreased, such partitions will not be able to compete in the open
market with standard wall board construction.
Another area in which light-weight building enclosures of the type
disclosed herein are particularly useful is in the trailer or
pickup truck canopy art. Such canopies, which are in common use
today on pickup trucks, are basically constructed of thin-walled
panels carried in extruded frames. However, the prior art canopies
are not collapsible, and thus require extensive periods of time to
assemble and disassemble. Such prior devices generally must be
fabricated as a completed, assembled structure at the
manufacturer's plant and shipped as such, requiring special tools
and equipment which are not generally available to the truck owner.
Further, once assembled they cannot easily be stored when they are
to be removed from the truck, because they cannot be readily
collapsed.
When it is desired to provide windows in the partition structures
formed by the panels and extrusions of the prior art, it was
necessary to cut out a section of the panel and insert specially
formed window frame members. Such construction added to the cost of
the partition, not only because of the wasted material from the cut
out portion, but because additional special extrusions were
required to form the window frame. Further, in such an arrangement,
the window frame does not form a part of the panel supporting
structure, but merely fits within the cutout, and thus detracts
from the strength of the panel, rather than adding to it.
Another drawback to present day construction is that a large number
of fasteners is normally required to attach the panels to the frame
extrusions. Such fasteners not only detract from the appearance of
the partitions so formed, but when they appear on the outside
surface of the wall or enclosure, they produce additional openings,
or breaks, in the exterior surface which may admit air or water,
and which thus reduce the effectiveness of the structure. In
addition, such fasteners must be individually placed and secured,
thus making the assembly of such structures extremely
time-consuming so that the labor costs in assembly override any
initial savings in materials.
Although the prior art relating to building enclosures and
structures describes many different types of partitions, window
units, connecting extruded frame units, and the like, such
presently known structural features do not eliminate the problems
described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an
extrusion which can be used in combination with a laminated panel
structure to form a partition or enclosure structure.
Another object of the invention is to provide a partition or
enclosure which may be assembled without the use of fasteners, or
with a minimal number of internal fasteners so that none will be
exposed on the exterior of the structure.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a unique
corner extrusion unit for use in joining panels at right angles,
which corner unit can be easily assembled and disassembled without
the use of fasteners.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a unique
sliding window unit which may be used with the laminated panels of
the present invention to form a partition, canopy wall, or the
like, wherein the window unit forms a part of the structure and
does not require cutting out of portions of a panel.
Still another object of this invention is to provide in a sliding
window unit an extruded frame which incorporates a vinyl track
member for carrying the windows, permitting the windows to slide
smoothly while providing a watertight seal.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a light-weight
collapsible structure which can be easily assembled and
disassembled, the disassembled parts being of a size to promote
easy storage.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a building
structure which has a variety of uses, wherein common parts may be
used to construct a variety of structures such as trailers, truck
canopies, outdoor storage rooms, temporary classrooms, room
dividers, partitions, and the like.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a building
structure which requires very little time and labor to assemble and
disassemble, thereby providing economy in fabrication.
These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention
through the use of an extruded frame member which forms an
extrusion joint adapted to receive and secure laminated panels to
form partitions or enclosures. The extruded joint has a generally
H-shaped cross section, with the outer end of each leg carrying an
inwardly turned flange designed to cooperate with corresponding
grooves on the laminated panels. The edges of the panels are
slightly tapered, allowing the panels to fit into the channels
formed on opposite sides of the extruded joint sufficiently far to
allow the inwardly turned flanges to snap into the grooves. When
the panels are so snapped into place, the panel and extrusion are
firmly secured together without the requirement for conventional
fasteners such as screws, bolts, and the like. The oppositely
disposed channels on this form of extrusion permit formation of
flat walls or partition sections by joining laminated panels in
edge to edge relationship.
In another form of the extrusion, two interlocking half member
extrusions form a corner column unit so that panels may be joined
at right angles. The corner unit extrusions are so formed that,
when interlocked, they provide a central cavity adapted to receive
a pipe which engages ridges and projections inside the half member
units to prevent the interlocking members from being separated. The
non-interlocking edges of the corner extrusion half members are
formed with channels having legs and inwardly turned flanges which
are adapted to receive and hold grooved panel members.
Stationary and sliding window units are provided for use with the
partition or enclosure formed with the above extrusions. The
sliding window is carried in an extruded frame which incorporates a
vinyl track with flexible flanges to provide a guide for the
sliding windows as well as providing a watertight seal. The window
unit extrusions are also provided with channels which are adapted
to receive the grooved wall panels of the present invention. Where
the panels are interconnected to form an enclosure, such as a truck
canopy, a lift up door may be located in one of the walls of the
enclosure. This door may be hinged to the enclosure by means of
interconnecting J-shaped extrusions on both the partition and the
upper edge of the door to form a pivotal hinge. Similar J-shaped
extrusions may be provided along the top edge of the side panels
which are to form the four walls of an enclosure for
interconnection with similar extrusions on a roof panel. Such an
interconnection between the roof and wall permits quick assembly of
the walls to the roof portion, for the J-shaped extrusions may be
interconnected and the walls swung into right angle relationship to
the roof section to assemble the enclosure without the use of
conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts and the like. Where
the corners of the wall panels utilize the corner unit of the
present invention, the corners may be interlocked, and suitable
pipes placed within the corner unit extrusions to complete assembly
of the enclosure. Wall units may be formed from a plurality of
panels interconnected in edge to edge relationship by the joint
extrusions described, with window units being substituted for the
laminated panels, where desired. The wall units may be formed into
enclosures by the use of the corner unit extrusions described
herein, and the walls may be assembled to a roof section to
complete the enclosure through the use of suitable J-shaped
extrusions. Thus, the present invention permits the assembly of a
variety of building structures through the use of a minimal number
of different extrusion types, together with suitable grooved panels
for quick economical assembly as well as economical
manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and additional objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof,
taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a truck carrying a canopy constructed in
accordance with the present invention, and showing a sliding window
unit in a side wall of the canopy;
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the truck-mounted canopy showing a rear
partition of the canopy enclosure which includes a lift up door
according to the subject invention;
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a typical joint extrusion and its
associated partition panel;
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a typical interlocking corner unit
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are portions of a cross-sectional view of the truck
canopy of FIG. 1, including a sectional view of the sliding window
unit, and taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6A and 6B are portions of a cross-sectional view taken along
line 6--6 of FIG. 2, showing a section of the truck canopy with a
J-shaped roof and partition connection, a single window unit, and a
J-shaped lift up door connection;
FIGS. 7A and 7B are portions of a cross-sectional view taken along
line 7--7 of FIG. 1 and showing a sliding window unit and a lift up
door in the rear partition of a canopy;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an extrusion junction; and
FIG. 9 illustrates the relationship between the various sheets of
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring more particularly to the drawings, in FIG. 1, the numeral
10 indicates a canopy enclosure constructed in accordance with the
present invention and utilizing the extrusion members and
corresponding panels to be described. The canopy enclosure is
mounted on a vehicle generally indicated at 12, and which may be a
standard pickup truck. The canopy includes a roof assembly 14, a
front partition or wall 16, a rear partition or wall 18, and first
and second side partitions, or walls, 20 and 21, respectively, the
side partition 20 being visible in FIG. 1 and partition 21 being
located on the opposite side of the truck and not visible in this
view. The first side partition 20 is illustrated as having a
sliding window unit 22 carried therein, but it will be apparent
that different or additional window units may be included in this
and the other partitions, where and as desired. The truck canopy 10
has a lift up door 24, as illustrated in the rear view of the
canopy shown in FIG. 2, which door forms a portion of the rear
partition 18. The door is shown with a single window unit 26
located within the lift up door portion. The front wall 16 and the
side wall 21 may also include sliding or non-sliding window units,
as desired, the particular arrangement depending upon the use to
which the canopy is to be placed.
It will be understood that the canopy of FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely
illustrative of a particular utility for the partitions of the
present invention, and provides a convenient method of illustrating
the various extrusion members which comprise the present invention.
Thus, it will be understood that the various features of the
present invention illustrated with respect to the canopy of FIGS. 1
and 2 may also be used in partitions, walls and enclosures of
various types where the structure and features of the present
invention are particularly advantageous.
EXTRUDED PANEL JOINT
The basic structure from which the various partitions and walls of
the present invention are formed consists of a grooved laminated
panel and a corresponding extrusion having a channel adapted to
receive and grip the panel. Where panels are to be fastened
together in edge to edge relationship to form a wall surface, the
extruded joint 34 of FIG. 3 is typically used. This joint
extrusion, which preferably is made of a material such as aluminum,
generally has an H-shaped cross section to form two oppositely
disposed channels separated by a web 36. The channels are formed by
parallel leg plates 37 and 38, with web 36 forming the bottom, or
base of both channels. At the outermost ends of the leg plates are
inwardly turned flanges 40. These flanges, which extend the full
length of the extrusion, are adapted to fit into corresponding
grooves carried on a panel such as that indicated generally at
42.
The panels from which the partition or wall is formed may be of any
suitable construction, but preferably is laminated from various
materials to form a structure having the desired insulation,
weather resistant, and appearance characteristics. Thus, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, the panel 42 may include a core 44 of a
material such as styrofoam sandwiched between a pair of exterior
sheets 46 and 48, thus forming a panel having a resilient side and
a rigid side. The sheet 46 may be of a rigid material such as Lauan
plywood with a vinyl overlay, the plywood giving structural
integrity, with the vinyl providing the desired appearance. Sheet
48 may be of a flexible material such as prefinished stucco
embossed aluminum of approximately 0.019 inch thickness. In
constructing the panel, a kerf 50 is cut into the rigid sheet 46
adjacent the edges of the panel. The kerf is spaced from the edge
of the panel by an amount approximately equal to the depth of the
channels formed in the extrusions, and is of a depth sufficient to
receive the flanges 40. A groove 52 is pressed into the flexible
sheet 48 adjacent the edges of the panel, and opposite the kerf 50.
This groove may be formed by passing the panel through a rolling
die, for example. The die also depresses the edge of the panel, as
indicated at 51, so as to produce a slight taper at the edge of the
panel, reducing the thickness of the panel to facilitate its
insertion into the channel of the extrusion joint.
To assemble a wall or partition, panels such as the one indicated
at 42 are pressed into the channels on the joint extrusion 34
sufficiently far to allow the flanges 40 to snap into the kerf and
groove along the edges of the panels. This is accomplished by
tilting the panel slightly so that one of the flanges 40 snaps into
the kerf 50, and then pressing the flexible sheet inwardly and
slightly tilting the panel so that the other flange engages groove
52. A bead of sealing material 53 of any suitable kind can then be
injected into the upper portion of groove 52 to provide a seal
between the joint extrusion and the flexible sheet, thereby to
waterproof the assembly. It will be apparent that any number of
panels may be connected in edge to edge relationship by means of
extrusions such as the joint extrusion 34, thereby permitting
construction of walls or partitions of any desired size.
INTERLOCK CORNER UNIT
If it is desired to form an angular partition, or a corner for an
enclosure, a corner unit extrusion such as that illustrated in FIG.
4 may be used. In this unit, first and second half members 56 and
58 are provided with channels for receiving panels and with
interlocking joints so that they may be interconnected to form a
columnar extrusion which will connect the panels at right angles.
As shown, the corner extrusions have panel engaging and securing
portions which are similar to the channels in the joint extrusion
of FIG. 3. Thus, the channels 57 and 59 formed on extrusion half
members 56 and 58, respectively, include web portions 57' and 59',
respectively and corresponding upstanding legs carrying inwardly
turned flanges.
To form the interlocking joint between the two half members, the
first corner half member 56 carries at its inner edge a generally
U-shaped trough or track 60 with its open portion facing away from
the center of the extrusion and toward the inner angle of the
corner piece. This trough is arranged to receive a complementary
obliquely projecting flange 62 carried by the second corner half
member 58, flange 62 extending toward the center of the extrusion
for interlocking relationship with the trough 60. The outer surface
of the corner member is formed by outer side legs 64 and 65
extending from webs 57' and 59', respectively and curving toward
each other to form a rounded exterior corner and to define a
central cavity within the extrusion. The outer end of side leg 64
carries an inwardly turned oblique flange 66, while side leg 65
carries at its outer end an outwardly facing generally U-shaped
trough, or track, 68 adapted to receive and interlock with the
corresponding flange 66.
The troughs 60 and 68 are formed with inwardly facing ridges 70 and
71, respectively, the ridges extending along the bottom of the
troughs and being opposite each other on the inner and outer
corners of the corner unit. The half members 56 and 58 are also
provided with inwardly extending projections 72 and 73,
respectively, which are so positioned as to be directly opposite
each other when the two half members are assembled, the projections
being further positioned so that a line passing through the center
of these projections is approximately perpendicular to a line
connecting ridges 70 and 71. These projections and ridges extend
into the cavity 74 which is formed by the interconnection of half
members 56 and 58 and define a circular central area within the
cavity which is adapted to receive a cylindrical holding member 75.
This holding member may be, for example, a rigid vinyl tube which
slides into the cavity 74 of the extrusion after the half members
are interlocked, and preferably extends the full length of the
extrusion. This pipe presses against the ridges 70 and 71 and is
held in a central location by projections 72 and 73, thereby
preventing the flanges 62 and 66 from becoming disengaged from
their corresponding troughs 60 and 68. Thus, while the pipe 75 is
in place within cavity 74, the corner unit is firmly held in
interlocking relationship, without the use of fasteners such as
screws, bolts or the like. Further, the corner unit may be quickly
and easily disassembled merely by removing the vinyl tube 75,
thereby permitting simple assembly and disassembly of the corner
unit and partitions or enclosures formed therewith, without the use
of special tools.
In order to illustrate the flexibility, economy, ease of use and
convenience of the panel and extrusion system in forming walls,
partitions, enclosures, and the like, a preferred embodiment of the
invention is set forth in the form of a canopy for a pickup truck.
This canopy includes four side partitions and a roof section,
formed from joint extrusions, corner units and panels of the type
disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4, as well as other elements to be
described. Where the elements are the same or similar to those
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the numbering of these figures will
be followed hereinafter for easy reference.
ROOF ASSEMBLY
Turning now to a detailed consideration of the canopy of FIG. 1,
there is illustrated in FIG. 5 a sectional view taken along lines
5--5 of FIG. 1. The canopy of FIG. 5 includes side walls 20 and 21
and the roof assembly 14. The roof assembly includes a roof panel
76 which is constructed of a laminated material in the manner of
the laminated panel 42 described and illustrated in FIG. 3. This
roof panel is carried by four extruded roof frame members which
include the side roof extrusions 78 and 79 and end roof extrusions
80 and 81 (illustrated in FIG. 6). The roof extrusions include
channels having upstanding leg portions and inwardly turned
flanges, while the roof panel 76 includes suitable kerfs and
grooves adjacent its edges, whereby the roof panel can be snapped
into the frame extrusion channels as described hereinabove. A
typical roof extrusion 78 has upper and lower legs 82 and 83 which
are extensions of the channel-forming legs which receive the roof
panel. The bottom of the channel is defined by two inwardly
extending projections 84 and 85, in the illustrated embodiment,
although it will be apparent that a solid web may be provided, if
desired. The upper leg extension 82 curves downwardly to meet the
generally straight lower leg extension 83, whereby the upper
portion 82 forms a smoothly rounded roof edge. At the junction 86
of the upper and lower leg extensions 82 and 83, an integral
J-shaped flange 87 is formed, with the open portion of the J
depending from the roof extrusion and opening toward the interior
of the canopy. An upwardly turned restraining shoulder 88 is formed
at the lowermost portion of flange 87. As illustrated, the lower
leg extension 83 has an offset at 89 to accommodate the side panel
which is to be attached to the roof panel. This offset may be of
approximately the same dimension as the thickness of a typical
extrusion so that the side and roof connection will form a
90.degree. angle.
In forming the canopy roof, it will be apparent that the side roof
frame extrusions should be cut at 45.degree. angles or notched at
each end for proper fitting of the roof extrusion frame to itself
or to a corner casting; however, the abutting ends of these
extrusions may be closed or joined in any suitable manner. Further,
the junction preferably is covered by suitable fittings or sealants
to assure a waterproof roof section.
SIDE AND END PARTITIONS
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the side panels of the enclosure may be
constructed by joining a plurality of panels in edge to edge
relationship through the use of the joint extrusions 34 described
in FIG. 3. However, in order to fasten the side panels 20 and 21 to
the roof panel 14, a suitable connector extrusion 90 is provided.
This connector extrusion is adapted to provide a connection between
the side panels and the roof assembly, and to this end includes a
web portion 91 which defines the bottom of a U-shaped channel
having depending leg portions 92 and 93, as viewed in FIG. 5A. The
channel formed by this extrusion is adapted to receive the upper
edge of a side wall panel in the manner heretofore described. The
legs 92 and 93 extend upwardly beyond the web 91 to form the
connection means for the extrusion. Thus, the leg 92 has at its
upper end an outwardly extending J-shaped connection flange 94
which is complementary to and adapted to engage the J-shaped
portion 87 of the side roof extrusion 78. The J-shaped flanges of
the extrusions 78 and 90 may be interconnected by placing the side
panel 20 generally parallel to the roof panel 14, hooking the end
of the J-shaped flange 94 over the restraining shoulder 88, and
then swinging the side panel to a position perpendicular to the
roof panel. The J-shaped portions 87 and 94 then assume the
relative position illustrated in FIG. 5A, while the opposite
extension of leg 93 of extrusion 90 will come into contact with the
lower extension 83 of the roof extrusion, thereby holding the two
panels in the proper angular relationship.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, both the side panels 20 and 21 are
connected to corresponding edges of the roof panel 14 in the manner
described through the use of cooperating roof extrusions and
connector extrusions. Similarly, the end panels 16 and 18 of the
canopy are connected to roof panel 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
which is a cross-sectional view of the canopy of FIGS. 1 and 2
taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 2.
It will be noted that the connector extrusions 90, as well as many
of the other extrusions illustrated herein, include a C-shaped
channel, such as that indicated at 95, as an integral part of the
extrusion web. Such channels are conventional on extrusions
designed for interconnection of panel members, and permit the
joining of longitudinal and transverse extrusions to form a frame.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, an extrusion junction may be formed
between a vertical channel element, such as channel 59 on corner
half-member 58, and a horizontal extruded member 34. This junction
may be used, for example, where a horizontal extrusion abuts a
vertical extrusion, an opening 97 being formed in the vertical
extrusion to receive the end of horizontal, thereby providing added
strength. A screw 99 then may be passed through a hole 99' in the
web of vertical extrusion 58 and threaded into the C-shaped channel
95. This may be used at the corners of each side and end wall panel
to draw the corners of that panel up tight.
Normally, the panels which make up a partition for a wall or
enclosure will be shop assembled, with the panels being snapped
into their appropriate corner and joint extrusions, and the
assembly being held together by suitable screws 99. The partitions
and walls so formed are then ready for use and further assembly
into building structures, enclosures, and the like.
The side and end partitions of an enclosure may consist of a single
large panel carrying along its edges extrusions such as the corner
units of FIG. 4, the edge connectors of FIGS. 5 and 6, or the like,
whereby the panels may be interconnected into the desired enclosure
configuration. To provide added flexibility of design in the
construction of a variety of partitions and enclosures, smaller
panels connected edge-to-edge by channel extrusions 34 may be used.
In the illustrated truck canopy, for example, the side and end
partitions are divided into three general sections, permitting the
easy addition of window sections and the like. Considering FIGS. 5A
and 5B, it will be seen that the side wall 20 includes upper,
intermediate, and lower panels 96, 98 and 100. The adjacent panels
are edge connected by horizontal joint extrusions 34 to form the
partition, or wall, 20, while the periphery of the partition
carries suitable extrusions such as corner half-members, roof edge
connectors, and the like.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the central web of extrusion
34 is shown to be angled slightly with respect to the channel
forming legs and to be formed with a C-shaped channel 95, and thus
differs from the FIG. 3 illustration. This construction is provided
so that when extrusion 34 is used at the bottom, or sill, of a
window, as shown in FIG. 5B, water will drain toward the outside of
the enclosure. For this purpose, suitable drain holes may be
drilled in the outside leg of the extrusion 34, as will be
described. Where the angled web construction is utilized with the
C-shaped channel, a pair of projecting shoulders 101 and 102 may be
provided to serve as stops for the panel which is to be inserted
into the extrusion. These shoulders assure sufficient spacing for
the C-shaped channel.
In order to adapt the illustrated canopy structure to use with a
pickup truck, the lowermost side edge carries a bottom extrusion
103 which, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, includes a panel receiving
channel on its uppermost side. The lower edge of the bottom
extrusion carries depending L-shaped flanges 104 and 105, while the
center web portion of the extrusion carries a C-shaped channel 95.
The depending L-shaped flanges and the C-shaped channel 95 are
adapted to receive a resilient strip 106 which is formed to
interlock with flanges 104 and 105 and with the channel 95. Thus,
the strip includes a pair of grooves indicated at 107 and a central
head portion 108, the grooves receiving the flanges 104 and 105 and
the head portion 108 fitting into the channel 95. Depending from
the strip are a plurality of ridges, or flaps which serve to engage
the sides of a pickup truck bed, providing a pad for the canopy and
producing a waterproof seal between the canopy and the vehicle
bed.
It will be noted that the general construction of the side wall 20
and the end walls 16 and 18 is similar to that described with
respect to wall partition 21, and thus a detailed description of
each will not be given. However, the various partitions may differ
from the wall partition 21 by the addition of fixed or sliding
window units or by the addition of an entrance door, and these
variations will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and
7.
SINGLE WINDOW UNIT
Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown for purposes of
illustration a fixed window unit 26 located in the lift up door
portion 24 of the rear panel 18; similarly, a fixed window 26' is
shown in the front partition 16. Both windows are similarly
mounted, but for purposes of this description, reference will be
made to the window unit 26'. As shown, a transparent window light,
or pane, which may be a laminated glass plate, is illustrated at
108. The window light is mounted in a rectangular frame formed by
sections of the joint extrusion 34, the upper and lower edges of
the window being secured in horizontal extrusions and the side
edges of the plate being supported in vertically disposed
extrusions (shown in FIG. 7B at 34'). As shown, the outer channels
of the H-shaped extrusions 34 support the wall panels forming the
partition, as in the previously described partition. However, the
innermost channels which receive the window light 108 also receive
U-shaped aluminum extrusions 110 which serve as clips to hold the
glass plate in position within the extrusions 34. These clips 110
are each formed with a notch 112 at the end of an inward leg and a
retaining ridge 114 located near the web of the clip on the same
leg. The outer leg of the clip 110 is formed with a crease 116 near
the web so that the end of the leg is angled over the edge of the
glass plate 108 when the clip is installed. The clip is inserted in
the innermost channel of the extrusion 34 and is held in place by
the flange 140 which contacts ridge 114. A waterproof sealant of
any suitable compound, such as putty or the like, is used around
the edge of the channel where it contacts the plate 108 to help
hold the plate in position and prevent the glass from directly
contacting the flange 40 of the joint extrusion 34. The sealant
compound is indicated generally at 118, and may be placed in the
channel before the glass is inserted. A slight bulge or shoulder
may be formed in the sealant compound at the edge of the window to
assist in placement of the window light and to prevent it from
shifting. It will be apparent that although both legs of the clip
110 are not shown in contact with the web of extrusion 34, the
clips could be so designed. Further, if a more solid base is
desired for retaining the windows, a suitable track or filler may
be placed in the extrusion channels.
SLIDING WINDOW UNIT
The sliding window unit indicated in FIGS. 1, 5B and 7A-7B can be
located in any of the partitions of the canopy, but in the
illustrated embodiment is located in only the side partition 20.
The window unit is supported at its upper and lower edges, as
viewed in FIG. 5B, by typical joint extrusions 34, these extrusions
forming the horizontal members of the window frame. The inwardly
facing channels of extrusions 34 receive the laminated window
lights 126 and 127. These window lights are positioned and
laterally stabilized within the downwardly facing channel of the
top extrusion by means of a vinyl track 128. The track is E-shaped
in cross section, having depending legs extending downwardly
outside the two window lights and having a central leg extending
between the two lights. The track 128 is of a relatively rigid
vinyl material, but carries at the lower ends of its depending legs
flexible vinyl seals 129, 130 and 131 which serve to contact the
window lights, or panes, 126 and 127, preventing from them from and
providing a watertight and airtight seal.
In similar manner, the lower extrusion 34 carries in its upwardly
facing channel a rigid vinyl track 128' which is similar to track
128 and which includes flexible vinyl tips 129', 130' and 131' to
provide lateral stability to the window panes 126 and 127. In order
to properly position the windows in the vertical direction, a pair
of elongated support blocks 132 and 133 are positioned in the two
tracks formed by the vinyl member 128'. The upper surfaces of the
support blocks 132 and 133 are grooved so as to receive and guide
the panes 126 and 127.
The E-shaped track members 128 and 128' are formed with elongated
grooves or shoulders on each of the outermost legs which are
adapted to engage the inwardly turned flanges of the joint
extrusion 34, whereby the members 128 and 128' will be held firmly
in their respective channels. All of the track members are notched
and punched as at 135, 135' and 135" to provide for any water which
might collect therein.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, it will be seen that the ends of
the window frame are formed by vertical extrusions 142 and 142'.
Since these extrusions are identical, a single design may be used
on either side of the window frame simply by reversing the
extrusion. As illustrated, the extrusions are formed with a
U-shaped channel facing away from the window and adapted to receive
wall panels in the manner heretofore described. The portion of the
extrusion facing toward the window panes consists of three parallel
projections 146, 147 and 148 extending in a direction perpendicular
to the web 149 of the vertical extrusion 142. The extensions 147
and 148 are each formed with a longitudinal slot which is designed
to receive a corresponding one of the suitable sealing members 150
and 151. The seals extend toward each other and are adapted to grip
the edge of the corresponding window pane 127. In similar manner,
the seals 150' and 151' of extension 142' are adapted to grip the
edge of window pane 126. Sealing members 150 and 151 are made of a
suitable material, such as woven pile weatherstripping, which will
firmly support the window, and will provide an airtight and
watertight seal.
The third extension 146 (and 146') on the vertical extrusion is
adapted to receive a window screen 152, as indicated in FIG. 7A.
Such a screen will normally be provided adjacent the pane in the
sliding window unit which is movable; in this case, it is shown
adjacent the window pane 126 which is located inwardly of pane 127
for easy access and movement.
To support the window panes 126 and 127 at the center of the window
unit, whereby a seal between the adjacent edges of these panes may
be provided, the ends of the windows may be supported, and a
locking means may be provided, an outer center post extrusion 153
is vertically mounted in the center of the window frame unit by any
suitable means. The center post extrusion includes a U-shaped
channel 154 which is adapted to receive adhesive padding material
155 and a vertical edge of stationary window pane 127. The channel
154 and the support pad 155 cooperate with the upper and lower
tracks 128 and 128' and the weatherstripping 150 and 151 to hold
window 127 firmly in place. Center post 153 also includes a flange
or shoulder portion 156 which cooperates with extension 146' of the
vertical extrusion 142' to hold screen 152 in place. Finally, the
outer center post extrusion 153 carries a slotted extension 157
which is adapted to receive woven pile weatherstripping 158 which
extends toward the movable window pane 126 and serves to provide a
seal between the center post and the movable window.
As has been set forth, one end of the sliding window pane 126 fits
into the space between weatherstripping 150' and 151' in the
vertical extrusion 142'; the other end of window pane 126 is
gripped by an inner center post extrusion 162. This extrusion
includes a U-shaped channel 163 which carries a suitable adhesive
padding material 164 and which firmly grips the sliding window pane
126. This extrusion also includes a handle 165 by means of which
the sliding window may be moved. The handle portion 165 includes a
slot 166 adapted to carry suitable weatherstripping 167 for sealing
engagement with the central post 153. A latch 170 may be secured to
post 153 for engagement with handle 165 to prevent the sliding
window from being opened. Thus, the sliding window 126 is supported
by the upper and lower tracks 128 and 128' when open, and when
closed additionally by the weatherstrip pads 150' and 151'.
LIFT UP DOOR
As was mentioned in the discussion of FIG. 2, a typical canopy will
be provided with a suitable opening for access to its interior. The
particular access door illustrated in the present disclosure may be
generally described as a lift up door, preferably located in the
rear partition 18. This rear door is illustrated in side elevation
in FIGS. 6A and 6B and in a top view in FIG. 7B, to which Figures
reference is now made. In this example, the rear partition includes
an upper panel 172 which is secured to the roof assembly by means
of a connector extrusion 90, as previously described. The lower
edge of the panel 172 carries an upper door hinge extrusion 173
having an upwardly facing U-shaped channel adapted to receive the
lower edge of panel 172 in a snap fit. This upper door extrusion
173 includes an outwardly extending J-shaped hinge flange 174
extending from the web of the extrusion and including a retaining
shoulder 175. Located on the inner edge of extrusion 173 is a stop
platform 176 which is adapted to prevent the lift up door from
swinging too far inwardly when it is closed.
The lift up door 24 may include a window unit 26, as has been
described, or may be formed of suitable panel members. In either
case, the upper edge of the door portion carries a lower door hinge
extrusion 177 which is adapted to cooperate with the upper hinge
extrusion 173 to form a horizontal continuous hinge across the
width of the door. Extrusion 177 is similar to the connector
extrusion 90, and includes a J-shaped hinge portion 178 which
cooperates with the J-shaped flange 174 of extrusion 173. The door
hinge extrusion 177 includes a web portion 179 which carries along
its outer edge the J hinge and along its inner edge an upstanding
leg 180 which abuts the platform 176 when the door is closed,
serving to properly position the door. The lower portion of door
extrusion 177 consists of a downwardly opening U-shaped channel
which is adapted to receive either the panel elements of the
present invention or, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a window
unit 26. The lower portion of window unit 26 is carried in a joint
extrusion 34, the lower portion of which carries a lower door panel
182 to complete the lift up door.
As indicated, the lower edge of panel 182 carries a bottom
extrusion 103 for sealing engagement with the rear gate of the
truck bed. A suitable handle may be provided on the lower panel 182
or on its bottom extrusion 103 to permit the door to be opened
pivotally upwardly on the J hinge 174, 178. As has been noted, the
leg 180 on the upper door extrusion 177 contacts platform 176 so
that when the door is closed it will be in vertical alignment with
the rear of the canopy. It will be apparent that suitable latch and
lock means may also be provided.
As viewed in FIG. 7B, the lift door 24 includes a vertical side
edge extrusion 186 which extends the height of the door and which
engages the rear corner units of the canopy. As illustrated, the
vertical edge extrusion 186 includes a channel 187 which is adapted
to engage the panels of the lift door partition, for example, the
panel 188 which is adapted to fill the space between the window
unit 26 and the side of the lift up door (see FIG. 2). The web 189
of the edge extrusion carries an L-shaped outwardly extending
slotted flange 190 which extends in a direction to overlap the
corner unit 192. The opening in the slot 193 carried by flange 190
faces the corner unit 192 and carries a resilient strip 194. This
strip extends out of the slot opening and is adapted to engage the
outer surface of the corner unit when the door is closed, thereby
providing a watertight and airtight seal. Although FIG. 7B shows
only one-half of the rear partition 18, it will be understood that
the other half is a mirror image of the portion shown.
The corner unit 192 which is similar to the corner unit described
in FIG. 4, is adapted for the door frame construction by the use of
an insert 196 which is adapted to fit within the panel receiving
channel of the corner unit. Insert 196 is formed with a pair of
shoulders 197 and 198 which snap into engagement with the inwardly
turned flanges in the corner unit channel, thereby retaining the
insert 196 in the channel to form a relatively flat door
facing.
Also illustrated in FIG. 7B is a modified form of the extrusion 34
which is adapted for use as a vertical support for the window pane
of the window unit 26. As illustrated at 34', the modified joint
extrusion includes only three channel-forming legs, the fourth leg
being replaced by a grooved shoulder 199. This shoulder is adapted
to cooperate with the extruded aluminum glazing head, or retaining
clip 110 described above, whereby the groove in shoulder 199
receives the offset 112 of the clip. Such a modified joint
extrusion may be used to facilitate insertion of the window pane in
the frame formed by the horizontal and vertical joint extrusions. A
similar extrusion structure is shown for the vertical frame members
of the window unit 26', as illustrated in FIG. 7A.
CANOPY ASSEMBLY
As has been described, the various extrusions, window units, door
constructions, and panels illustrated herein may be combined in
various manners to provide building structures of any desired size
or form. As an example of the ease with which the features of the
present invention may be utilized to form a desired structure, a
canopy enclosure has been specifically illustrated. The light
weight, easily assembled and easily disassembled canopy which has
been disclosed includes roof, side and end partitions which can
individually be assembled by snapping the desired panels and window
assembly combinations into corresponding joint extrusions, corner
extrusions, partition top extrusions, partition bottom extrusions,
and the like. As has been described, the window frames are formed
from conventional joint extrusions, the panel top and door top
extrusions provide J-shaped hinge extensions, and all the various
elements are adapted to receive the grooved panels of the invention
whereby a great deal of flexibililty is provided with a minimum
number of different parts.
In constructing a canopy, after all of the partitions are assembled
into the desired sizes and configurations, the canopy may be
assembled by placing the roof assembly upsidedown on a flat surface
so that the interior surface of the roof panel faces upwardly. The
four side and end partitions may then be connected to the roof
assembly by hooking the J-shaped flanges 94 (see FIG. 5A) into the
corresponding J-shaped flanges 87 of the roof section and swinging
the partitions upwardly into a vertical position. When in this
vertical position, the first and second half members of adjacent
side and end panel corner unit extrusions may be interlocked, as
shown in FIG. 4, and a rigid pipe 75 inserted into the cavity of
each corner unit. When this has been done at all four corners of
the structure, the rigid canopy structure is completed, and the
canopy may then be placed on the bed of a vehicle such as a
standard pickup truck and secured thereto by any suitable means.
Assembly of the canopy is accomplished, therefore, without the use
of any fasteners, and thus may be accomplished quickly and easily.
Furthermore, disassembly is a simple matter, which may be
accomplished merely by removing the vinyl pipe 75 from the corner
units, thus permitting convenient handling and storage of the
canopy.
It will be recognized from the foregoing description of a preferred
embodiment of the invention that the present invention provides a
unique extrusion joint for use in construction of partitions for
such structures as dividing or enclosure walls. The joint extrusion
permits the construction of such walls with no exposed fasteners. A
unique interlocking corner unit is provided for use in constructing
enclosures which can be easily assembled or disassembled without
the use of tools or other special implements. Single and sliding
window units and separate laminated panels provide an easy way to
assemble partitions without the requirement of making special cuts
for a window and thus wasting both time and material. The joint
extrusion in combination with the laminated panels forms a
light-weight, easily modified partition which is adaptable to
easily assembled enclosures which may be disassembled to facilitate
storage. The enclosure can be adapted for many purposes, although
limited in this illustration to a truck canopy, but other uses will
be apparent to those of skill in the art.
It will be apparent that the design varieties made possible by the
present system are limited only by the imagination of the user, and
that innumerable combinations and variations are possible; however,
such variations are a part of the true spirit and scope of the
present invention, as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *