AU2012100221A4 - A Bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

A Z-bracket (10) comprises a central web (12), a first flange (14) extending laterally from an end part of the central web (12), the first flange (14) extending laterally to one side from the central web (12), and a second flange (16) extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web (12), the second flange (16) extending laterally to another side of the central web (12), the central web (12) having a projection (1 8)extending outwardly therefrom. kuxL

Description

A BRACKET FIELD OF THE INVENTION [00011 The present invention relates to a bracket. The present invention also relates to a method for installing insulation. In more specific embodiments, the method of the invention relates to installing installation under a floor of the building. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 100021 Modular or demountable buildings are widely used in remote area locations, such as mine sites and remote towns and villages. Many modular or demountable buildings have a floor structure that includes joists made from C-section beams, which are located above the main bearers The C-section beams are arranged such that a number of the beams are spaced apart from each other and positioned generally parallel to each other. Each beam comprises a central web that has two laterally extending flanges positioned at the upper and lower ends of the central web. The flanges both extend away from the same side of the central web to form the characteristic "C" shape cross-section of the beams. Flooring material is then laid on the C-section beams. 100031 Many modular or demountable buildings are positioned on piers or piles that, in turn, rest on or in the ground. The piers or piles effectively act as the foundation for the building. The piers or piles also raise the underfloor area of the building above ground level. This can result in a number of benefits, including minimising the risk of intrusion of water or run-off into the building during periods of heavy rain and making it easier to prevent access of termites or other vermin to the building. However, as the underfloor area of the building is raised above ground level, it may become desirable or necessary to insulate the underfloor region in order to minimise heat loss from the building in cold climates or to minimise heat gain into the building in hot climates. [00041 As the insulation is to be positioned underneath a floor, it can be difficult to mount the insulation under the floor. For example, in floor structures include a plurality of C-section beams, an insulating panel can be positioned such that one side of the insulating panel is positioned between the opposed lateral flanges of the beam. In this instance, the lower flange acts to support that side of the insulating panel. However, the other side of the insulating panel butts against a vertical wall of the next C-section beam. The lateral flanges of the next C-section beam face away from that side of the insulating panel. Therefore, the opposed side of the insulating panel is effectively unsupported. To support the other side of the insulating panel it is necessary L to provide some sort of supporting structure or supporting bracket. Some earlier installations attached an L-shaped bracket to the rear wall of the central web to support the other side of the insulation. Installation of such L-shaped brackets can be time consuming. 100051 Difficulties involved in insulating underfloor regions in buildings are even more pronounced where the underfloor joists are made from wooden beams. In those instances, it is necessary to support both sides of the insulating panels in order to retain the insulating panels in place between adjacent joists. [00061 The present applicant does not concede that the prior are discussed in this specification forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. [00071 Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents should be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [00081 In a first aspect, the present invention provides a Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web having a projection extending outwardly therefrom. 100091 In one embodiment, the projection extends laterally from the central web. In one embodiment, the projection extends generally parallel to one of the first flange or the second flange. 100101 In one embodiment, the projection is formed by punching out a portion of the central web, the portion remaining attached to the central web along at least on edge. In this embodiment, an opening is defined in the central web, the opening having a shape that is generally similar to the shape of the projection. [00111 In some embodiments, the central web includes at least one opening for receiving a fastener. The fastener may be used to affix the bracket to a beam, a joist or the like. The fastener may comprise a nail, a screw, a bolt or a rivet. [00121 The bracket may be formed by bending a metal strip to form the first flange, the central web and the second flange. The projection may be formed by a punch out in the central 3 web. The least one opening for receiving a fastener may be formed by drilling or punching one or more holes into the central web. 100131 The bracket is suitably formed from a metal. The bracket may be formed from galvanised steel. [00141 The bracket of the present invention may be used for mounting insulating panels to an underfloor region. [00151 Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for mounting an insulating panel to an underfloor region, the underfloor region comprising a plurality of spaced joists, the method comprising the steps of providing an insulating panel, providing at least one Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web including a projection extending outwardly therefrom, positioning at least one Z-bracket such that a first flange rests on an upper surface of a joist, and positioning the insulating panel such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends into the insulating panel. [00161 In one embodiment, the plurality of joists comprise a plurality of C-section beams and the insulating panel is positioned such that one side is positioned between opposed flanges of a C-section beam and the other side of the insulating panel is positioned such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends into the insulating panel. [00171 In one embodiment, a plurality of Z-brackets is used to support each insulating panel. [00181 In another embodiment, at least one of the Z-brackets supports one side of insulating panel and at least one of the Z-brackets supports the other side of the insulating panel. [00191 In some embodiments, the at least one Z-bracket is affixed to the joists. The Z bracket may be affixed to the joist by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise a nail, a screw, a bolt or a rivet. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used. 100201 In the method of the present invention, the lower flange of the Z-bracket supports a lower surface of the insulating panel. To more securely locate the insulating panel in place, the projection projecting from the central web of the Z-bracket extends into the insulating panel.

41 This acts to more securely hold the insulating panel in place relative to the Z-bracket. [00211 In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the insulating panel includes a core and the projection extends into the core. For example, the insulating panel may comprise an expanded polystyrene core and the projection may extend into the expanded polystyrene core. [00221 In a third aspect, the present invention provides an underfloor structure comprising a plurality of joists with one or more insulating panels located between the joists, and at least one Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web including a projection extending outwardly therefrom, at least one Z-bracket being positioned such that a first flange rests on an upper surface of a joist, the insulating panel being positioned such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends into the insulating panel. [00231 In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for mounting an insulating panel to an underfloor region, the underfloor region comprising a plurality of spaced joists, the method comprising the steps of providing in insulating panel, providing at least one Z bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web including a projection extending outwardly therefrom, positioning at least one Z-bracket such that a first flange rests on an upper surface of a joist, and positioning the insulating panel such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends above a top surface of the insulating panel. [00241 In one embodiment, the projection extends along the top surface of the insulating panel. [0025] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an underfloor structure comprising a plurality of joists with one or more insulating panels located between the joists, and at least one Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web including a projection extending outwardly therefrom, positioning at least one Z-bracket such that a first flange rests on an upper surface of a joist, the insulating panel being positioned such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends above a top surface of the insulating panel. 100261 In one embodiment, the projection extends along the top surface of the insulating panel. [00271 The bracket of the present invention is very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. It allows for expedient fitment of insulating panels between opposed joists or beams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00281 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 100291 Figure 2 is a side view of the bracket shown in figure 1; [00301 Figure 3 is a side view of an underfloor structure in accordance with embodiment of the present invention; 100311 Figure 4 is a side view of an underfloor structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and [00321 Figure 5 is a side view of an underfloor structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 100331 It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the attached drawings. [00341 Figures 1 and 2 shows a bracket 10 in accordance with the present invention. The bracket 10 is made from a single strip of metal. The bracket 10 includes a central web 12, a first flange 14 extending laterally from one end of the central web 12 and a second flange 16 6 extending laterally from the other end of the central web 12. As can be seen from figures 1 and 2, the first flange 14 extends away from one side of the central web 12 and the second flange 16 extends away from the other side of the central web 12. As shown in figure 2, the first flange 14, central web 12 and second flange 16 form a generally Z-shaped bracket. [00351 The bracket 10 also includes a projection 18 extending from the central web 12. As best shown in figure 1, the projection 18 is formed by punching out a part of the central web 12 whilst the projection remains attached to the central web by at least one edge thereof. The projection 18 may comprise a tongue-like projection. Punching out of the projection 18 leaves a complementary shaped opening 20 in the central web 12 (see figure 1). [00361 As best shown in figure 2, the projection 18 extends to the same side of the central web 12 as the second flange 16. The projection 18 is spaced from the second flange 16. [00371 Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an underfloor structure. The underfloor structure includes a plurality of C-section beams 20. The C-section beams may be made from steel or aluminium. Each C-section beam has a generally vertical wall 22 having top flange 24 and bottom flange 26 extending therefrom. The top flange 24 and bottom flange 26 extend to the same side of the generally vertical wall 22. The C-section beams form part of an underfloor structure of the building in accordance with structures that are well-known to persons skilled in the art. [00381 In order to provide insulation to the underfloor region, an insulating panel 28 is positioned such that one side 30 is located between the upper flange 24 and the lower flange 26 of a C-section beam 20. In this embodiment, the lower surface 32 of the insulating panel 28 that is located near the side 30 rests on the lower flange 26 of C-section beam 20. However, the other side 34 of the insulating panel 28 is located adjacent or in abutment with the generally vertical wall 22A of an adjacent C-section beam 20A. This may be considered to be the rear side of the generally vertical wall 22A. The rear side of the generally vertical wall 22A, by itself, is not capable of supporting the other side 34 of insulating panel 28. 100391 In order to support the other side 34 of insulating panel 28, at least one Z-shaped bracket 10 is positioned such that the first (top) flange 14 rests on the C-section beam 20A. The central web 12 of the Z-shaped bracket 10 lies adjacent to or in abutment with the rear side of generally vertical wall 22A. The second (lower) flange 16 extends away from the central web 12 (and also extends away from the generally vertical wall 22A). The lower surface 32 of the insulating panel 28 in the vicinity of side 34 rests on and is supported by the second flange 16 of the bracket 10. Therefore, both opposed sides of the insulating panel 28 are properly supported and the insulating panel 28 is supported in place. Advantageously, the central web 12 is dimensioned such that the second flange 16 is positioned at a height that is essentially the same as the height of the lower flange 26 of the C-section beam 20. This is useful where it is desired to support the insulating panel 28 in a generally horizontal orientation. [0040] To provide a more secure location in positioning of the insulating panel 28, the insulating panel 28 is installed as such that the projection 18 of the Z-shaped bracket 10 extends into the insulating panel 28. This is shown in figure 3. In one embodiment, the insulating panel 28 comprises a core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) having reflective sheets of foil (such as aluminium foil) applied to opposed major surfaces. The projection 18 can easily pierce into the EPS core to more firmly hold the insulating panel 28 in position. [00411 It will be understood that a plurality of brackets 10 may be used to support each insulating panel 28. In this instance, a plurality of brackets 10 are positioned along the length of each of the C-section beams, with the brackets on each beam being spaced from each other. [0042] In order to complete the underfloor structure, flooring material 36 is affixed to the C section beams using conventional fixing techniques. The flooring material may comprise wooden sheets or floorboards, or other flooring material known to the person skilled in the art. [00431 Similar arrangements are used to support insulating panels 28A and 28B in between adjacent sets of joists. [0044] It may also be possible to include packing material, such as EPS blocks 38 between the top surface of the insulating panels and the underneath surface of the flooring material 36. The packing material is placed on the open side of the C Section joist to hold the insulation firmly in place once flooring is securely fixed to joists. This minimizes the likelihood of any movement in the insulation material, for example, due to transport or high wind areas [00451 Figure 4 shows a side view of an underfloor structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in figure 4, rectangular section beams are used instead of the C-section beams used in the underfloor structure shown in figure 3. The rectangular section beams may comprise steel beams or wooden beams. In order to support the insulating panels 28, brackets 10 and 10A are positioned on opposed bearers 50, 50A, respectively. The insulating panel 28 is installed using the brackets 10, 10A to support the insulating panel 28. It will also be appreciated that packing material is not required as both sides 8 of the insulating panel 28 are held by the respective projections 18, 18A of the brackets 10, 1OA that extend into the insulating panel. [00461 Figure 5 shows an underfloor structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In figure 5, the underfloor structure includes a plurality of C-section beams 70, 70A. A relatively thin insulating panel 72 is positioned such that it rests upon the lower flange 71 of C-section beam 70. A bracket 10 which is essentially the same as the bracket 10 shown in figures 1 and 2, is positioned on C-section beam 70A. The insulating panel 72 may comprise a more dense insulating material. As the insulating material is more dense, a thinner insulating panel may be provided. Desirably, the insulating panel 72 has a thickness that is equal to or slightly smaller than the spacing between second flange 16 and the projection 18 of the bracket 10. The insulating panel 72 may be positioned so that it is between the second flange 16 and projection 18. Flooring material 74 may be applied. Packing material 76, such as a block of EPS, may also be included between the flooring material 74 and the insulating panel 72. [00471 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (5)

1. A Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web having a projection extending outwardly therefrom.

2. A Z-bracket as claimed in claim I wherein the projection extends laterally from the central web and the projection extends generally parallel to one of the first flange or the second flange.

3. A Z-bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the projection is formed by punching out a portion of the central web, the portion remaining attached to the central web along at least on edge.

4. A method for mounting an insulating panel to an underfloor region, the underfloor region comprising a plurality of spaced joists, the method comprising the steps of providing an insulating panel, providing at least one Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web including a projection extending outwardly therefrom, positioning at least one Z bracket such that a first flange rests on an upper surface of a joist, and positioning the insulating panel such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends into the insulating panel.

5. An underfloor structure comprising a plurality of joists with one or more insulating panels located between the joists, and at least one Z-bracket comprising a central web, a first flange extending laterally from an end part of the central web, the first flange extending laterally to one side from the central web, and a second flange extending laterally from an opposed end part of the central web, the second flange extending laterally to another side of the central web, the central web including a projection extending outwardly therefrom, at least one Z-bracket being positioned such that a first flange rests on an upper surface of a joist, the insulating panel being positioned such that a lower surface rests on the second flange of the Z-bracket and the projection extends into the insulating panel.