U.S. patent number 3,893,269 [Application Number 05/334,187] was granted by the patent office on 1975-07-08 for curbed walls comprising pairs of planar panels and studs therefore.
This patent grant is currently assigned to United States Gypsum Company. Invention is credited to Nels Nelsson, Alan C. Wendt.
United States Patent |
3,893,269 |
Nelsson , et al. |
July 8, 1975 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Curbed walls comprising pairs of planar panels and studs
therefore
Abstract
A curved wall formed from generally circular segments comprising
planar panels non-colinearly mounted by studs having side flanges
interengaging the edges of the panels, and means contacting the
edges but not the face of the panels, for preventing improper
convergence of the panels.
Inventors: |
Nelsson; Nels (Des Plaines,
IL), Wendt; Alan C. (Barrington, IL) |
Assignee: |
United States Gypsum Company
(Chicago, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
23306008 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/334,187 |
Filed: |
February 20, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/65; 52/282.3;
16/224; 52/70; 52/245; 16/250; 52/71; 52/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
1/6108 (20130101); E04B 2/78 (20130101); E04B
1/6145 (20130101); E04B 2/62 (20130101); Y10T
16/524 (20150115); Y10T 16/533 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
2/76 (20060101); E04B 1/61 (20060101); E04B
2/58 (20060101); E04B 2/62 (20060101); E04B
2/78 (20060101); E04b 001/344 (); E04b 002/32 ();
E04b 002/78 (); E04b 002/82 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/245,277,71,278,70,65,482,285,488,281,492,280,494,496,495,624,586,282,729,73
;16/139,146,143,137 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Frank L.
Assistant Examiner: Braun; Leslie A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kurlandsky, Esq.; Samuel Roberts,
Esq.; Kenneth E. Hadley, Esq.; Stanton T.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A generally circular wall segment comprising planar panels
non-colinearly positioned to approximate a circle, each panel
having a front surface and an edge surface, and a plurality of
studs each positioned between two adjacent ones of said panels at
their adjacent edges and interengaging the same, each of the studs
being characterized by a center web portion, at least one flange
extending from two opposite sides of the web portion at a
non-orthogonal angle thereto, interengaged with the edge surface of
one adjacent panel, and means positioned towards the convex surface
of the wall from the flange for covering the gap between adjacent
panels and for preventing convergence of the adjacent panels, said
means including a flange extending so as to contact the edge
surfaces only of two adjacent panels and having a width x defined
by the following equation:
x = d + t(w cos .alpha. + d)/( R + a)
where w = the width of the panels, t = the thickness of the wall
measured from the interior point of contact of two adjacent
interengaged panels if translated into contiguous positions, to the
point of contact with said covering means, R = the radius of
curvature measured from the center of curvature of the wall segment
to the midpoint of the interior surface of the wall segment, d =
the distance, if any, the interior points of contact of said panels
are actually spaced apart in the wall as assembled, a = the depth
of the chamfer, if any, of the panel surface defining said interior
surface, and .alpha. = the angle between R and a line extending
from the center of curvature through the midpoint of the separation
between said adjacent edge surfaces.
2. The wall segment as defined in claim 1, wherein each of the
portions of the wall segment positioned between two of said studs
are defined by a pair of said panels of substantially equal width
and thickness located back to back, said studs having two of said
flanges projecting from each of said sides into interengagement
each with one of said pair.
3. The wall segment as defined in claim 2, wherein said
non-orthogonal angle for each of said two flanges is equal to:
90.degree. - .alpha.
4. The wall segment as defined in claim 1, wherein said
non-orthogonal angle equals
90.degree. - .alpha.
5. The wall segment as defined in claim 1, and further including
means for angularly adjusting said one flange with respect to said
center web portion about the longitudinal axis of said web
portion.
6. The wall segment as defined in claim 5, wherein said angularly
adjusting means includes means for hinging said one flange with
respect to said web portion.
7. A generally circular wall segment comprising planar panels
non-colinearly positioned to approximate a circle, each panel
having a front surface and an edge surface; and a plurality of
studs each positioned between two adjacent ones of said panels at
their adjacent edges and interengaging the same; each of the studs
being characterized by at least two side flanges each having means
for interengaging kerfs in the adjacent panel edge surfaces; stop
means for separating said adjacent edge surfaces a distance x
defined by the equation:
x = d + t(w cos .alpha. + d)/( R + a) where w = the width of the
panels, t = the thickness of the wall measured from the interior
point of contact of two adjacent interengaged panels if translated
into contigous positions, to the point of measurement of the
distance x, R = the radius of curvature measured from the center of
curvature of the wall segment to the midpoint of the interior
surface of the wall segment, d = the distance, if any, the interior
points of contact of said panels are actually spaced apart in the
wall as assembled, a = the depth of the chamfer, if any, of the
panel surface defining said interior surface, and .alpha. = the
angle between R and a line extending from the center of curvature
through the midpoint of the separation between said adjacent edge
surfaces; and covering means adjacent the convex surface of the
wall segment for covering the gap between adjacent panels.
8. The wall segment as defined in claim 7, wherein said stop means
includes a rib projecting generally perpendicularly from one of
said side flanges.
9. The wall segment as defined in claim 7, and further including
means for altering the angular positioning of the
kerf-interengaging means at one edge surface with respect to the
kerf-interengaging means at the adjacent edge surface.
10. The wall segment as defined in claim 9, and further including
means for altering the width x.
11. The wall segment as defined in claim 7, and further including
means for altering the thickness t.
12. The wall segment as defined in claim 7, wherein said side
flanges are hinged together at one of their edges.
13. The wall segment as defined in claim 12, and further including
a rib projecting generally perpendicularly from said side
flange.
14. The wall segment as defined in claim 13, wherein said stop
means and said covering means comprise ribs spaced apart on said
side flanges, forming grooves, and a flat cover member releasibly
positioned within said grooves, respectively.
15. The wall segment as defined in claim 12, and further including
a center web portion mounting said covering means at one edge and
hingedly mounting two interengaging gear segments at the other
edge, said gear segments being integrally connected to said side
flanges, whereby rotation of one gear segment and side flange with
respect to the center web portion causes the other gear segment and
side flange to rotate an equal amount.
16. The wall segment as defined in claim 15, wherein said stop
means includes a coil torsion spring positioned so as to extend
from one side flange to the opposite side flange through said web
portion.
17. A stud for use in a generally circular wall segment comprising
planar panels non-colinearly positioned to approximate a circle
with the studs each positioned between two adjacent ones of said
panels at their adjacent edges and interengaging the same; the stud
comprising at least two side flanges, a center web portion mounting
a covering means at one edge, and two interengaging gear segments
hingedly mounted for rotation about the other edge of the web
portion, said gear segments being integrally connected to said side
flanges, whereby rotation of one gear segment and side flange with
respect to the center web portion causes the other gear segment and
side flange to rotate an equal amount.
18. The stud as defined in claim 17, wherein said covering means
include a curved flange extending in both directions from the
center web portion, and a curved flange extending from one edge of
each side flange towards and overlapping said web portion flange,
each of said overlapping flanges having complementary radii of
curvature.
19. The stud as defined in claim 17, and further including means
for biasing the side flanges apart.
20. A generally curved wall segment comprising pairs of planar
panels each having a front surface and an edge surface, and a
plurality of studs each positioned between two pairs of adjacent
ones of said panels at their adjacent edge surfaces and
interengaging the same, leaving their front surfaces exposed, each
pair of panels defining one section of the wall, each of the studs
being characterized by a center web portion and lateral flanges
engaging kerfs provided at the edges of said panels, said lateral
flanges having protuberances serving as stop means for locating
said edge surfaces of each pair of panels in a common plane
inclined at an angle to and spaced-apart from the center web
portion.
21. The wall segment as defined in claim 20, wherein said angle on
one side of the web portion is substantially equal to said angle on
the opposite side.
22. A wall comprising a plurality of planar wall members arranged
with their surfaces tangent to an imaginary curvilinear line, each
of said wall members comprising a pair of parallel spaced-apart
panels each having a kerf provided therein at the vertical edges
thereof, and a plurality of studs each intermediate and connecting
the panels of adjacent wall members, each stud comprising a
transverse web having a pair of oppositely directed flanges
disposed at an angle of less than 180.degree. with respect to each
other at one portion thereof disposed within the kerfs of one pair
of adjacent panels, and a second pair of oppositely directed
flanges disposed at an angle of less than 180.degree. with respect
to each other spaced-apart from said first pair and disposed within
the kerfs of the other pair of adjacent panels.
23. A wall according to claim 22, additionally having cover means
mounted on each of said studs covering the space between the edges
of adjacent wall members at the outer surface thereof.
24. A wall according to claim 23, wherein said cover means
comprises a pair of oppositely directed flanges integral with said
stud.
25. A wall according to claim 22, wherein the web of said stud
comprises a pair of web members hingedly connected at one end, and
having a cover plate disposed at the spaced-apart ends of said web
means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the construction of walls from planar gypsum wallboard panels,
it is conventional to mount the panels in ceiling and floor runners
by the use of studs of one type or another. Preferably these are
hidden, floating studs, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,605,
which interengage with the panels by a tongue-and-groove fit
between flanges on the studs and kerfs in the edges of the panels.
Heretofore, such panels generally have been mounted either linearly
or orthogonally. No hidden stud has been taught which would permit
an angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree., and still cover
uniformly the gap between the panels. That is, one of the main
advantages of kerf-engaged panels is the fact that the joints are
rendered inconspicuous, creating the appearance of a monoliithic
surface. Exposure of the stud is so unattractive esthetically that
the amount not hidden, if any, must be minimized.
Studs of a different type have been provided which will permit the
non-colinear positioning of panels to approximate a circular wall
segment. One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,533. However,
the disadvantage of this type of stud is that it does not
interengage with a kerf, but instead surrounds the complete edge,
thus exposing to view a very substantial stud segment. Furthermore,
for each change in the radii of curvature of the wall segment, or a
change in panel thickness, an entirely new stud must be provided.
Such different stud sizes result in the stockpiling of a great
variety of different studs, eacn of which is of limited use.
Still another problem is that such a stud cannot accommodate more
than one panel defining the thickness. This problem is particularly
acute for partitions made from gypsum panels or wallboard, inasmuch
as such panels conventionally have only one face, the front face,
decoratively treated. Most partitions, such as landscape partitions
temporarily dividing up large rooms by sections less than ceiling
height, must have both exposed faces attractively decorated. For
gypsum panels, this requires a pair in each section with the
undecorated faces adjacent to each other. It will be readily
appreciated that the use of paired gypsum panels to define each
portion or section of a curved wall creates a special geometric
problem if standard widths are to be used for both members of the
pair. That is, unless each of the panels in the pair is properly
positioned, the chord of the circle defined by the outer panel will
not be centered within the arc of the chord defined by the inner
panel. None of the "circular" partitions heretofore provided have
dealt with this problem.
In the field of landscape partitions, adjustable piano hinges have
been used to permit panel angles between 0.degree. and 180.degree..
However, these are screw-attached to the edge of the panels, and
the entire gap between the hinge has been completely exposed. Not
only is such a gap unattractive because of the appearance of the
screws, by reason of its converge it is difficult to keep clean.
Still other constructions, of which U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,289 is one
example, use flexible hinges connected to the exposed faces of the
frames of the panel. Although the hinge covers the gap, this has
the same disadvantage as noted above concerning the type of
structure exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,533. That is, this
construction exposes the entire hinge and thus destroys the
appearance of a monolithic wall. Thus there is a need for a hinged
wall segment particularly suited to gypsum panels which covers the
gap at the hinge with a minimum of exposure of the hinge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a generally circular wall segment for a
landscape partition or a complete wall, comprising non-colinearly
positioned wallboard panels and studs mounting the panels by kerf
engagement of flanges of the studs, the gap between panels being
covered by means which extend into contact only with the kerfed
edges of the panels, and not the front or back face surfaces
thereof. More specifically, there is provided studs and a generally
circular wall segment comprising planar panels non-colinearly
positioned to approximate a circle; each panel having a front
surface and an edge surface; the studs each being positioned
between two adjacent ones of said panels at their adjacent edges
and interengaging the same; each of the studs being further
characterized by side flanges each having means for interengaging
kerfs in the adjacent panel edge surfaces; stop means for
separating said adjacent edge surfaces a distance x defined by the
equation:
x = d+t (wcos .alpha. +d)/( R+a)
where w = the width of the panels, t = the thickness of the wall
measured from the interior point of contact of two adjacent
interengaged panels if translated into contiguous positions, to the
point of measurement of the distance x, R = the radius of curvature
measured from the center of curvature of the wall segment to the
midpoint of the interior surface of the wall segment, d = the
distance, if any, the interior points of contact of said panels are
actually spaced apart in the wall as assembled, a = the depth of
the chamfer, if any, of the panel surface defining said interior
surface, and .alpha. = the angle between R and a line extending
from the center of curvature through the midpoint of the separation
between said adjacent edge surfaces; and covering means adjacent
the convex surface of the wall segment for covering the gap between
adjacent panels. Optionally, the studs may further include means
for altering the angular positioning of the kerf-interengaging
means at one edge surface with respect to the kerf-interengaging
means at the adjacent edge surface. This in turn requires means for
altering either the width x or the thickness t. Preferably, each
section of the wall segment is formed by a pair of panels, in which
case the studs are provided with stop means for locating the edge
surfaces of each pair in a common plane, which plane is angled with
respect to the center of the stud the same amount as the plane of
the edge surfaces of the next adjacent pair of panels.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a wall
segment particularly suited for gypsum panels, approximating a
circular shape, and kerf-engaging studs therefor, which expose a
minimum of stud surface exterior to the wall.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a wall segment
wherein each portion is formed from paired panels of equal
widths.
It is a related object of the invention to provide such a wall
segment and studs wherein the studs have means for covering the gap
and for abutting the adjacent panel edge surfaces without covering
the front or back face surface of the panels.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a wall
segment and studs therfor which are readily adjustable to
accommodate variations in the radii of curvature of the wall
segment.
It is yet another related object of the invention to provide such a
wall segment wherein the number of different stud configurations
required for variations in wall dimensions is minimized.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reference to
the following brief description of the drawings and detailed
discussion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view in section of a circular wall
segment constructed in accordance with the prior art;
FIG. 2 is a partially schematic plan view of a wall segment
constructed in accordance with the invention, illustrating several
sizes of the stud used therein;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragment, in section, of a wall similar to
that shown in FIG. 2, modified to show a more generalized
condition;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragment, in section, of the fragment shown
in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view in section similar to FIG. 3, but
illustrating another embodiment of the invention; and
FIGS. 6-7 are fragmentary plan views in section similar to FIG. 3
but illustrating still other embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention concerns partitions arranged so as to form a
generally circular wall or wall segment, assembled from planar
panels. It will be apparent that curvature must be obtained from
the means connecting such planar panels. As such, the wall or wall
segment may extend the full height from floor to ceiling, being
held there by conventional floor and ceiling runner track, or it
may be a so-called landscape partition extending less than full
height. In both cases, both faces of the wall are decorated.
Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one mode of assembly
provided heretofore to achieve a circular wall 10. Single panels 12
are mounted so that their vertical edges 13 telescope or fit
between the flanges 14 of a stud 16, the flanges being
non-orthogonally inclined to the center web 18 of the stud so as to
obtain the prescribed fixed curvature of the wall. Since both
surfaces 20 and 22 of the panels must be decorated, it is difficult
to use conventional gypsum wallboard as the panels. Furthermore,
flanges 14 extend well beyond the vertical edges 13, thus
destroying the appearance of a monolithic, unbroken wall
surface.
Turning now to FIG. 2, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, a curved wall 30 comprising generally circular segments
30', 30", and 30'", is assembled by mounting paired panels 32 and
34 held in a proper angular relationship to adjacent panels 32 and
34, respectively, by studs 40', 40", and 40'" interengaged with the
vertical edge surfaces 35 of the panels (FIG. 3). Each segment 30',
30", and 30'" has its own radius of curvature R and center of
curvature C identified by the corresponding prime. As is readily
apparent from the drawing and as explained more fully hereafter, a
different sized or angled stud 40 must be used in each of the three
segments.
A pair of panels 32, 34 defines one section of the wall segments.
Each of the paired panels has a decorated face surface 36 and an
undecorated back surface 38, positioned with the back surfaces
adjacent. As such, the panels may be gypsum wallboard, but although
the description hereafter shall be limited to such, other panels
may also be used.
Panels such as gypsum wallboard come in conventional or standard
widths, and it is thus essential that each panel of any pair be
positioned so that the sectors of the circle of which each panel is
a chord are concentric, one centered within the other. Otherwise,
the radius of curvature cannot be maintained and/or the panels 32
(and 34, segment 30'" ) cannot abut each other at their vertical
edges. To accomplish this, the vertical edge surface 35 of paired
panels 32 and 34 must be coplanar. This relationship in turn
defines the geometry of the studs which must mount the panels in
the manner stated. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the studs 40 comprise
a center web portion 42, paired side flanges 44 and 46 each pair of
which extends from an opposite side of portion 42 at a
non-orthogonal angle thereto, cover means 48 adjacent to the panel
surfaces 36, and stops 50 for separating or preventing convergence
of panels 34. The side flanges conventionally interengage with the
panels at kerfs 51. As best seen in FIG. 3, in the embodiment
illustrated, the gap cover and the stops are all formed and
provided by flange 47 extending from the web portion 42 generally
perpendicular thereto, at the edge of the portion 42 opposite to
the edge from which flanges 44 extend. Flanges 44 also have stop
ridges or ribs 52 extending perpendicularly therefrom towards
flanges 46. Ribs 52 are not needed (FIG. 2) if adjacent panels 32
actually contact. The resulting construction provides stop means on
the stud for locating the vertical edge surfaces of the paired
panels in a common plane inclined at an angle alpha from the center
web portion 42. The stop means on the opposite side of the stud
locates the paired panels on the opposite side in a common plane at
an angle to the web portion 42 which is substantially equal to the
angle alpha.
Of the parts of the stud thus enumerated, flange 47, ribs 52 (if
any), and the angle of the side flanges 44 and 46 to the center web
portion are controlled by the geometry of the wall segment. FIGS. 3
and 4 best illustrate the geometry, for a wall segment identical to
that shown in FIG. 2, except that the segment has been generalized
by translating panels 32 apart a distance such that each of the
corners 62 thereof is spaced from the imaginary interior point of
contact 64 which would exist if the corners were contiguous, by a
distance d/2. This distance also appears in the separation of
panels 34. To achieve the proper positioning of paired panels 32
and 34, it is essential that the width of flange 47 and the
distance between the exterior surfaces of ribs 52, be defined by
the value of the radius of curvature and of the angle alpha. Angle
alpha is defined by the radius of curvature drawn to the midpoint
54 of the interior surface of the wall segment, namely surface 36,
and a line extending from the center of curvature through point 64,
here identified as line 66. Thus, let x be the distance either
panels 32 or panels 34 must be separated by either flange 47
measured from stops 50, or the stop ridges 52. Then,
x/2 = d/ 2 + y, (1)
for y = the distance the vertical edge surface 35 is separated by
the stop means 50 (y.sub.e) or rib 52 (y.sub.i), from a plane
parallel to the plane of web portion 42. As will be seen from
trigononmetric relationships, for w = the width of the panels, t =
the thickness of the wall measured from corners 62 to the point of
contact with either stop means 50 (t.sub.e) or rib 52 (t.sub.i) and
a = the amount of chamfer of corners 62 measured parallel to
vertical edge surfaces 35, then
y/t = sin .alpha. = cos .alpha. .sup.. tan .alpha. (2)
But,
(w/2 + ()/(R + a) = tan .alpha. (3)
Therefore,
y/t cos .alpha. = (w/2 + c)/(R + a) (4)
d/2c = cos .alpha. , or (5)
d = 2c cos .alpha. . (6)
By substitution and simplification,
y/t = (w cos .alpha. + d)/ 2(R + a) or (7)
y = (t/2)(w cos .alpha. + d)/(R + a). (8)
Substituting Equation No. 8 into Equation No. 1,
x = d + t (w cos .alpha. + d)/(R + a). (9)
It will be apparent that Equation No. 7 applies with equal force to
the more specific condition exemplified by FIG. 2, wherein d = 0 as
points 62 have been translated into contact. For this condition,
the equation simplifies to
x = tw cos .alpha. /(R + a). (10)
For panels 32 and 34 having a width of 24 inches and a chamfer a of
3/32 of an inch, x measured for flange 47 becomes equal to 24t cos
.alpha. /(R + 3/32).
The remaining feature of the stud controlled by the geometry is the
value of the angle beta at which the side flanges 44 and 46 project
from web portion 42. That value will be seen to be
B = 90.degree. - .alpha. . (11)
other details of the wall, not shown, are conventional and readily
apparent to one skilled in the art. Thus for a full wall, the studs
40 extend inbetween the side flanges of both ceiling and floor
runners (not shown), so as to completely span the space between
them. The cross section of the stud remains the same throughout its
entire length.
The resulting wall built from segments 30', 30", and 30'" is
characterized by a covering flange 47, functioning also as a stop
preventing further improper approach of adjacent panels 34, which
hides the gap at the joint without protruding out over the face or
front surface of the panels. The wall readily accommodates a
reverse curve, as shown by segment 30'", wherein panel 34 is
adjacent to panel 32.
Turning now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an alternate
embodiment, particularly as a landscape partition, wherein both
panel stop means comprise ribs on both of the side flanges. Parts
similar to those previously described bear the same reference
numerals to which the distinguishing suffix a has been added. Thus,
wall segment 30a comprises paired panels 32a and 34a positioned
with panels 32a adjacent, and panels 34a adjacent, at their
vertical edge surfaces 35a. Stud 40a mounts each pair of panels
32a, 34a with surfaces 35a coplanar and with the adjacent panels
the proper distance apart, by means of side flanges 44a and 46a. As
in the embodiment of FIG. 3, flanges 44a are provided with stop
ribs 52a. However, stud 40a differs in that flange 47 has been
eliminated. In its place, stop ribs 82 project perpendicularly from
flanges 46a, towards ribs 52a. Flanges 46a thus constitute the
cover for the gap at the joint, as well as the means mounting the
stop ribs and the panels 34a. The distances x.sub.e , for the
exterior, and x.sub.i , for the interior are determined by the
equations set forth above, as is the angle of projection of flanges
44a and 46a from the web portion 42a. As landscape partitions
conventionally include a base, bases 90 are shown having
intersection edges 92 coplanar with the web portion 42a. The panels
may be conventionally mounted within the bases by structure not
shown, or the stud 40a may telescope into shoulders 94 and 96
formed as part of the base. Base 90 may be omitted if stud 40a is
used in a full height wall.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate still other embodiments wherein the side
flanges have been rendered rotatable or angularly adjustable,
whereby the radius of curvature and the angle alpha may be varied
while using the same stud. Parts similar to those previously
described bear the same reference numeral, to which the
distinguishing suffixes b and c , respectively, have been
added.
Turning first to FIG. 6, wall segment 30b features paired planar
panels 32b and 34b mounted by a stud 40b having side flanges
interengaging the panels at the kerfed edges 35b of the latter so
as to space the panels the proper distance apart with edges 35b of
each pair of panels being coplanar. Unlike the previous
embodiments, however, the side flanges comprise portions 100 and
102 hinged together at their interior edges 104 by a simple bulb
and socket hinge 106, each portion having kerf-engaging flanges 108
and 110 extending perpendicularly therefrom. This construction has
the advantage of automatically insuring the coplanar mounting of
the edges of the paired panels, and of providing several
alternative radii of curvature. To form the stop, and thus the
distance x of the gap, a flat cover member 120 releasibly attaches
to the portions 100 and 102 by appropriate means. As shown, that
means comprises a plurality of ribs 122, 124, 126, and 128 located
on the surfaces of portions 100 and 102, adjacent to their edges
opposite to edge 104, projecting generally perpendicularly
therefrom so as to face each other. The ribs are preferably shaped
so as to form curved grooves inbetween them, and member 120 is
provided with bulbed edges 129 complementary shaped to releasibly
snap into position within the grooves. By altering the groove into
which the cover member is positioned, it will be readily apparent
that the value of t in Equation No. 7 above will change, while the
value of x measured as the width of member 120 plus the thickness
of the portions 100, 102, will remain constant. That is, this in
turn will alter the value of R and angle alpha. Thus, if the member
120 is moved inwardly, angle alpha increases and R decreases, by
amounts readily calculable from the above equations.
It will be readily apparent that other attachment means (not shown)
for cover member 120 can be provided. For example, the blub
projections could be mounted on the interior surface of portions
100 and 102, and the edges of the member 120 could be grooved to
snap over the bulbs.
The embodiment of FIG. 6 is limited in that only three different
radii of curvature can be provided by the same stud. However, FIG.
7 illustrates a stud wherein the radius of curvature of the wall
segment 30c is continuously variable. That is, paired panels 32c
and 34c are interengaged by flanges 108c and 110c at edges 35c,
these flanges projecting generally perpendicularly from side
flanges 100c and 102c which abut the edges 35c, as in the previous
embodiment. However, a center web portion 42c is reintroduced in
this embodiment, and a continuous hinge 140 rotatably mounts the
side flanges for continuous angular adjustment with respect to the
center web portion and with respect to each other. The hinge is of
the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,402,422, and comprises gear
segments 142 integrally connected to the side flanges, the segments
being hingedly or rotatably mounted on pins 146 forming the edges
of a Y 148 extending from the web portion. The means for covering
the gap between the panels comprises, at the opposite edge of the
web portion, a curved cover flange split into three flanges 150,
152, 154. Flange 150 extends in both directions from the web
portion but it does not always extend the full width of the gap to
be covered. The difference is provided by the other curved flanges
152 and 154, which extend towards each other from the edge of the
side flanges 100c and 102c which is opposite to the edge mounting
the gear segments. The flanges 152 and 154 overlap flange 150. It
will be readily apparent that the radii of curvature for flanges
152 and 154 must complement the radius for flange 150, whereby the
flanges will open and close smoothly as the angle between the stud
side flanges is altered.
Although the flanges 150, 152, and 154 thus provide the cover for
the gap between the panels, by themselves they do not prevent
improper or undesired convergence of panels 34c, 34c towards each
other. For this purpose, a stop in the form of means for biasing
the side flanges 100c and 102c apart, has been added. Specifically,
one or more coil torsion springs 160 are positioned within
appropriately sized openings in the center web portion 42c. The
legs 162 of the spring bias against the side flanges with a force
sufficient to hold the adjacent panels apart, but not sufficient to
prevent deliberately applied convergence when a larger radius of
curvature is desired for the wall segment.
Thus, in stud 40c, the width x of the cover can be continuously
altered for a fixed thickness t , continuously altering the radius
of curvature R for the wall segment as per Equation No. 7.
Although the invention has been disclosed in connection with
several preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather,
it is intended that it cover all equivalents, alternate
arrangements, and embodiments as may be included within the scope
of the following claims.
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