AU2013270613A1 - Wall Expansion Bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A wall expansion bracket for use in connecting a horizontal beam or wall portion with a vertical beam or truss. The bracket includes a base portion and a mounting portion having a flexible connection configured to permit a vertical beam attached to the mounting portion to move toward a horizontal beam or wall portion attached to the base portion. Page 1 of 11 FIGURE: 1A -120 -- 104 -- - 06

Description

1 WALL EXPANSION BRACKET Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to improvements in bracket connectors, and more particularly to eliminating the need for a slotted wall bracket for use in a building or other structure. Background of the Invention [0002] In some structures, roof trusses are placed on top of wall frames. Some wall frames, particularly some of those internal to the structure are non load bearing. In addition, some of these internal non-load bearing wall frames contain bracing panels to resist lateral forces on the structure. A rigid connection is needed between the truss and wall to transfer the forces from the ceiling to the bracing panel. At the same time, this connection has to control the lateral position of the truss frame and hold the wall frame against tipping over, whilst permitting some relative vertical movement between the truss and wall frame. [0003] Conventional brackets are not optimal for permitting vertical movement in a way which best retains the structural integrity of the connection. For example, some brackets require a multitude of pieces in order to accommodate settling, leading to uncoordinated settlement and an overly complicated arrangement. Accordingly, what is needed is a bracket that allows vertical movement of a beam or similar article in a fashion which more optimally retains the structural integrity of the connection. [0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary [0005] The present invention in one preferred aspect provides brackets for use in a structure including a truss and a wall structure. The brackets include: a 2 base attachable to a wall structure, (either vertically or horizontally); one or more support members extending from the base; at least one of the support members include a buttress wall and a guide wall having a flexible connection and attachment point. The guide wall extends vertically from the buttress wall generally at a right angle. If there is more than one support member, a gap or recess is defined between the two guide walls, the gap being sized to receive a structural member, such as a roof truss, at a position between the ends of the truss. The attachment point at the top end of the flexible connection is then secured (nailed or screwed off) to the roof truss structure. This allows movement of the roof truss structure in a vertical direction along the longitudinal axis of the wall expansion bracket support member guide wall, while restricting movement of the structural members in horizontal directions. [0006] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a bracket for use in a building structure including a wall frame and a ceiling member extending over the wall frame. The bracket includes a base for connection to the wall frame; and one or more support members extending from the base. At least one of the support members includes a buttress wall and a guide wall having a flexible connection that extends vertically from the buttress wall, generally at a right angle. If there are two support members, a gap is defined between the two guide walls, the gap being sized to receive the ceiling member at a position between ends of the ceiling member. The top end of the flexible connection is then secured (nailed or screwed off) to the ceiling member. This allows movement of the ceiling member in a vertical direction along the longitudinal axis of the wall expansion bracket support member guide wall while restricting movement of the structural members in horizontal directions. [0007] The present invention in a further preferred aspect provides for a wall expansion bracket. The bracket includes a length and a height perpendicular to the length; a base portion extending along the length, the base portion having an attachment surface with a generally planar portion for attachment to a beam or portion of a wall; and a mounting portion extending along the height. The mounting portion has a guide surface with a generally planar portion for contact 3 with a beam. The generally planar portion of the guide surface extends non parallel to the generally planar portion of the attachment surface. The mounting portion includes a flexible connection along the height, the flexible connection being configured to permit the beam attached to the guide surface to move towards the beam or wall portion attached to the attachment surface of the base portion. [0008] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a wall expansion bracket. The bracket includes a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a height perpendicular to both the length and the width; a base portion extending along the length, the base portion having an attachment surface with a generally planar portion for attachment to a beam or portion of a wall; and a mounting portion extending along the width and the height, the mounting portion having an upper guide surface with a generally planar portion for contact with a beam and a lower guide surface with a generally planar portion for contact with the beam. The generally planar portion of the upper guide surface is co-planar with the generally planar portion of the lower guide surface in a vertical plane. The mounting portion includes a gap completely separating the generally planar portions of the upper and lower guide surfaces in the vertical plane across the entire width of the bracket. [0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers, but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

4 Brief Description of the Figures [0011] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a wall expansion bracket for the attachment of horizontal to vertical structural members in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0012] Fig. 1 B is a front elevation view of the bracket of Fig. 1 A. [0013] Fig. 1C is a partial perspective view of the bracket of Fig. 1A shown attached to a horizontal beam and a vertical cross beam. [0014] Fig. 1 D is a partial perspective view of the bracket of Fig. 1 A shown attached to a horizontal beam and a different vertical cross beam. [0015] Fig. 2A is a perspective of a wall expansion bracket for the attachment of vertical to vertical structural members in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0016] Fig. 2B is a partial perspective view of the bracket of Fig. 2A shown attached to a horizontal beam and a vertical cross beam. [0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a wall expansion bracket with only one support member for use in a bracing application for the attachment of vertical to vertical structural members in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a wall expansion bracket for use in the attachment of vertical to vertical structural members in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0019] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a wall expansion bracket for use in the attachment of horizontal to vertical structural members in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 [0020] Figs. 6A, B and C are respective perspective views of wall expansion brackets for use in the attachment of horizontal to vertical structural members in accordance with additional preferred embodiments of the present invention. [0021] Fig. 7 shows possible configurations of an expandable section of the wall expansion bracket in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings [0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0023] Figs. 1A to 1 D show a preferred embodiment of a wall expansion bracket 100 having a base portion 102 and a mounting portion 104 with a flexible connection 106. In use, bracket 100 is placed upon a horizontal structure or beam 10 and thereafter a vertical structure or cross beam 12 is placed within a gap or recess in the mounting portion. Vertical beam 12, once fastened to mounting portion 104, will settle vertically downwards towards horizontal beam 10, facilitated by flexible connection 106. The preferred elements of bracket 100 and their interrelationship are described below. [0024] Referring to Figs. 1 A to 1 D, base portion 102 preferably includes a foot plate 108 having an upper surface 110, a lower surface 112, and at least one reinforcement member 114. Lower surface 112 is preferably configured for placement against a surface of a beam or a portion of a wall. Reinforcement members 114 are preferably configured to provide added reinforcement to the structure of bracket 100. In a preferred form, reinforcement members 114 may be created via spot welding. [0025] As shown in Figs 1 A and 1 B, mounting portion 104 preferably includes first and second buttress walls 116, 118, respectively. First and second buttress walls 116, 118 preferably include first and second guide walls 120, 122, respectively. Unless otherwise mentioned, the description of first guide wall 120 6 will be understood to apply to second guide wall 122. First guide wall 120 preferably includes an upper guide surface 124 and a lower guide surface 126. The upper and lower guide surfaces preferably have a generally planar portion for contact with vertical cross beam 12 as shown in Fig. 1 B. The generally planar portions of upper and lower guide surfaces 124, 126, respectively, are preferably co-planar in a vertical plane. Preferably, mounting portion 104 includes a gap 128 completely separating the generally planar portions of upper and lower guide surfaces 124, 126 in their vertical plane across the entire width of bracket 100. Gap 128 is preferably formed by flexible connection 106, which is integrally formed with upper guide surface 124 and lower guide surface 126. Flexible connection 106 preferably includes a generally V-shaped section 130 having a first leg 132 connected to a second leg 134 by a bend 136. [0026] Referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, bracket 100 preferably includes a guide recess 138 formed between first guide wall 120 and second guide wall 122. Guide recess 138 preferably includes a horizontal gap 140 at the lower end of guide recess 138. Horizontal gap 140 preferably has a maximum width greater than the minimum width separating first guide wall 120 and second guide wall 122. Horizontal gap 140 is preferably configured so that as vertical cross beam 12 settles towards horizontal beam 10, vertical cross beam 12 will have sufficient clearance to settle towards horizontal beam 10. [0027] Referring now to Figs. 2A and 2B, a wall expansion bracket 200 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket 200 is similar to bracket 100 except that bracket 200 is preferably configured for attachment of one vertical structural member to another vertical structural member such as shown in Fig. 2B. Bracket 200 preferably includes a base 202 with an attachment surface 212 that extends preferably parallel to the height of bracket 200. Bracket 200 further preferably includes a horizontal foot plate 242 at the lower end of guide recess 238. Referring to Fig. 2B, in use, bracket 200 is preferably configured so that attachment surface 212 may be placed against a vertical side of horizontal beam 10 to attach vertical cross beam 12 thereto.

7 [0028] Referring now to Fig. 3, a bracket 300 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket 300 is similar to bracket 200 except that second guide wall 322 preferably only extends approximately half way along the height compared first guide wall 320. In particular, second guide wall 322 preferably only includes a lower guide surface 326. [0029] Referring now to Fig. 4, a bracket 400 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket 400 is similar to bracket 200 except that bracket 400 preferably only includes a first guide wall 420, and does not include a horizontal foot plate. Bracket 400 may be used either with alone or with additional brackets to secure one structural member to another structural member. For example, a first bracket 400 may be placed on one side of a vertical beam and another bracket 400 directly opposite the first bracket so as to trap and secure the vertical beam therebetween. [0030] Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6B, a bracket 500 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket 500 is similar to bracket 100 except that there is preferably only one guide wall 520 having lower guide surface 526 with side ends 527 and 529 that are both preferably connected to foot plate 508. Additionally, bracket 500 preferably includes first and second perimeter buttress walls 516, 518 that extend along ends 527, 529, respectively of lower guide surface 526 and along foot plate 508. As with bracket 400, more than one bracket 500 may be used in different combinations to secure one structural member to another. [0031] Referring now to Fig. 6A, a bracket 600 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket 600 is similar to bracket 500 except that bracket 600 preferably includes a moveable engagement means, preferably in the form of a plurality of moveable teeth 644. Each tooth 644 preferably has a length and a free end 646 with at least one bend 648 along its length.

8 [0032] Preferably each tooth 644 is configured to be engaged with the beam upon an application of a blunt force. In use, a user will preferably apply a blunt force with an instrument such as a hammer or mallet to engage tooth 644 to move tooth 644 through a gap 650 in either the guide wall and/or the foot plate. [0033] Referring now to Fig. 6C, a bracket 700 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket 700 is similar to bracket 500 (Figs. 5 and 6B) except that bracket 700 preferably includes a plurality of preformed fastener holes 752 on upper guide surface 726 and foot plate 708. It will be appreciated that the bracket may be formed without any preconfigured fastener holes if desired. [0034] Fig. 7 shows possible configurations of the flexible connection of the bracket. For example, flexible connection 106a preferably has a generally trapezoidal configuration includes at least four bends, each bend forming an intersection between two linear portions. Flexible connection 106b preferably has a general oval configuration and includes four bends that are preferably completely curved from the upper guide surface to the lower guide surface. Flexible connection 106c preferably has a general triangular configuration and includes three bends, each forming an intersection between linear portions. Flexible connection 106d preferably has a generally semi-circular configuration and includes three bends that are completely curved. Flexible connection 106e preferably has a generally square configuration and includes four bends that each forming an intersection between linear portions. Flexible connection 106f preferably has a generally trapezoidal configuration and includes four bends that each forms an intersection between linear portions. Flexible connection 106f is similar to flexible connection 106e except that the upper and lower sides of flexible connection 106f are at an obtuse angle relative to the vertical plane. [0035] Having described the preferred components of the bracket, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Figs. 1A to 1 D for attaching a horizontal beam to a vertical beam. In use, bracket 100 is preferably positioned on horizontal beam 10 and preferably fastened thereto with at least one fastener.

9 Bracket 100 may be fastened to beam 10 with nails, screws, or other fasteners as desired. Such fasteners may be inserted through pre-formed holes or inserted directly through the plate. After bracket 100 is fastened to horizontal beam 10, vertical beam 12 is positioned within guide recess 138 so that the sides of the vertical beam preferably contact first and second guide walls 120, 122, respectively. As shown in Fig. 1 B, vertical beam 12 is preferably positioned such that horizontal gap 140 is maintained relatively free and clear. Thereafter, at least one fastener is inserted through upper guide surface 124 to securely fasten vertical cross beam 12 with bracket 100. Once the beams are fastened to bracket 100, vertical beam 12 is permitted to settle vertically towards horizontal beam 10. The vertical settlement of vertical beam 12 is facilitated by flexible connection 106. [0036] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or certain steps added or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0037] A preferred method of attaching one vertical beam to another vertical beam will now be described with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B. In use, bracket 200 is positioned on the side of horizontal beam 10 such that attachment surface 212 is positioned against the side of beam 10. Thereafter, vertical beam 12 is positioned within guide recess 238 in a manner similar to that described above in relation to the method of attachment of bracket 100. [0038] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, either or both of the guide walls of the bracket may include more than one flexible connection if so desired. For example, the guide wall may include a plurality of flexible connections such that the guide wall forms a corrugation. If so desired, the flexible connection may have a thickness different from that of the rest of the guide wall. For example, a flexible connection having a thickness less than that of the remaining portions of the guide wall will permit greater flexibility. Likewise, the thicker the flexible connection, the more resistant 10 the flexible connection will be to vertical settlement of beam 12 towards beam 10. Additional tabs and/or bends may be added to the base portion or the mounting portion as desired to better facilitate placement of the bracket against one or more of the beams. The flexible connection may be formed as a plurality of fingers with vertical slots separating each finger. [0039] The bracket may be made from a variety of materials. For example, the bracket may be made from a metal such as steel or aluminium, or may be made from a non-metal material such as a polymer having a hardness similar to that of metal. [0040] The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantage of having fewer separate pieces in order to facilitate settlement of one beam towards another. For example, the bracket is preferably formed from a single sheet or plate of metal which facilitates the ease of manufacture of the bracket. [0041] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0042] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (39)

1. A wall expansion bracket, comprising: a length and a height perpendicular to the length; a base portion extending along the length, said base portion having an attachment surface with a generally planar portion for attachment to a beam or portion of a wall; and a mounting portion extending along the height, said mounting portion having a guide surface with a generally planar portion for contact with a beam, said generally planar portion of said guide surface extending non-parallel to said generally planar portion of said attachment surface, said mounting portion including a flexible connection along the height, said flexible connection being configured to permit the beam attached to the guide surface to move towards the beam or wall portion attached to the attachment surface of said base portion.

2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said flexible connection is configured to permit the beam attached to the guide surface to move only towards the beam or wall portion attached to the attachment surface of said base portion.

3. The bracket of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said flexible connection includes at least three bends.

4. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said flexible connection includes an included angle.

5. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said flexible connection is generally V-shaped.

6. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said flexible connection is integrally formed with said guide surface. 12

7. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said generally planar portion of said attachment surface of said base portion extends perpendicular to the height.

8. The bracket of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said base portion includes a footplate.

9. The bracket of claim 8, wherein said footplate extends perpendicular to the height of said bracket.

10. The bracket of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said generally planar portion of said attachment surface of said base portion extends parallel to the height.

11. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said attachment surface of said base portion extends on both sides of a vertical plane containing said generally planar portion of said guide surface.

12. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said attachment surface of said base portion forms a stop for the beam when the beam is attached to said guide surface.

13. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said bracket is formed from a single plate.

14. The bracket of any one of the above claims, further comprising a reinforcement member to strengthen at least one of said guide surface and said attachment surface.

15. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said mounting portion includes a second guide surface opposite said guide surface, said guide surface and said second guide surface forming a guide recess configured to receive a width of the beam therebetween.

16. The bracket of claim 15, wherein said second guide surface is connected to a second flexible connection configured to permit the beam attached to the 13 second guide surface to move towards the beam or wall portion attached to the attachment surface of said base portion.

17. The bracket of any one of the above claims, wherein said guide surface includes at least one pre-formed hole adapted to receive a fastener therethrough to attach the beam to said guide surface.

18. The bracket of any one of claims 1-16, wherein said guide surface includes at least one moveable tooth for attaching the beam to said guide surface.

19. The bracket of claim 18, wherein said tooth is integrally formed with said guide surface.

20. The bracket of either claim 18 or 19, wherein said tooth has a length and a free end, said tooth including at least one bend along its length.

21. The bracket of any one of claims 18-20, wherein said tooth is configured to be engaged with the beam upon application of a blunt force.

22. A wall expansion bracket, comprising: a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a height perpendicular to both the length and the width; a base portion extending along the length, said base portion having an attachment surface with a generally planar portion for attachment to a beam or portion of a wall; and a mounting portion extending along the width and the height, said mounting portion having an upper guide surface with a generally planar portion for contact with a beam and a lower guide surface with a generally planar portion for contact with the beam, said generally planar portion of said upper guide surface being co-planar with said generally planar portion of said lower guide surface in a vertical plane, said mounting portion including a gap completely separating the generally planar portions of said upper and lower guide surfaces in the vertical plane across the entire width of said bracket. 14

23. The bracket of claim 22, wherein said gap is formed by a trough having at least three bends.

24. The bracket of claim 23, wherein said trough is generally V-shaped.

25. The bracket of either claim 23 or 24, wherein said trough is integrally formed with said upper and lower guide surfaces.

26. The bracket of any one of claims 22-25, wherein said generally planar portion of said attachment surface of said base portion extends perpendicular to the height.

27. The bracket of any one of claims 22-25, wherein said base portion includes a footplate.

28. The bracket of claim 27, wherein said footplate extends perpendicular to the height of said bracket.

29. The bracket of any one of claims 22-25, wherein said generally planar portion of said attachment surface of said base portion extends parallel to the height.

30. The bracket of any one of claims 22-29, wherein said attachment surface of said base portion extends on both sides of the vertical plane containing said generally planar portions of said guide surfaces.

31. The bracket of any one of claims 22-30, wherein said attachment surface of said base portion forms a stop for the beam when the beam is attached to said guide surfaces.

32. The bracket of any one of claims 22-31, wherein said bracket is formed from a single plate.

33. The bracket of any one of claims 22-32, further comprising a reinforcement member to strengthen at least one of said guide surfaces. 15

34. The bracket of any one of claims 22-33, wherein said mounting portion includes a second guide surface opposite at least one of said upper and lower guide surfaces, said upper and lower guide surfaces and said second guide surface forming a guide recess configured to receive a width of the beam therebetween.

35. The bracket of any one of claims 22-34, wherein said upper guide surface includes at least one pre-formed hole adapted to receive a fastener therethrough to attach the beam to said guide surface.

36. The bracket of any one of claims 22-34, wherein said upper guide surface includes at least one moveable tooth for attaching the beam to said guide surface.

37. The bracket of claim 36, wherein said tooth is integrally formed with said guide surface.

38. The bracket of either claim 36 or 37, wherein said tooth has a length and a free end, said tooth including at least one bend along its length.

39. The bracket of any one of claims 36-38, wherein said tooth is configured to be engaged with the beam upon application of a blunt force.