AU2014101408B4

AU2014101408B4 - Integrated modular metal frame building system

Info

Publication number: AU2014101408B4
Application number: AU2014101408A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Smith; Michael Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-14
Filing date: 2014-11-27
Publication date: 2015-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-27
Also published as: AU2014101408A4; AU2015333593B2; WO2016058050A1; AU2022201796A1; AU2015333593A1

Abstract

Abstract An integrated modular metal frame building system (1) comprising a plurality of structural members (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) taken from a set of structural members (14, 16, 18, 20, 22); at least one key plate (24, 26) taken from a set of key plates (24, 26); and at least one locking peg (28). The plurality of structural members (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) each have at least a pair of apertures provided therein for receiving the at least one key plate (24, 26). The at least one key plate (24, 26) having apertures provided therein for receiving a locking peg (28). The at least one locking peg (28) has at least a pair of retaining arms (136) each having a slight tapered edge. When the key plate (24, 26) is received in the plurality of structural members (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) and the retaining arms (136) are received within the apertures of the key plate (24, 26), the slight tapered edge creates a tensioned connection between the structural members (14,16, 18, 20, 22) Figure 1

Description

"INTEGRATED MODULAR METAL FRAME BUILDING SYSTEM" FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to an integrated modular metal frame building system. The metal frame building system is particularly suited to forming structures which are capable of withstanding extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, and seismic events. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application. [0003] Residential structures are typically formed either incorporate brick walls or a framing system. In the former situation, a bricklayer is employed to create the wall on a layered basis. While the end result is a strong structure, it is not resistant to seismic events and is more time consuming and quite costly. [0004] The latter situation reduce the time needed to construct a building, and therefore its attendant costs, but the relative advantages and disadvantages of the framing system are dependent on the material used, the overall design and the method of construction. [0005] Wood-based framing systems are the most commonly used framing systems. This is due to skilled professionals being most familiar with such systems and the ease with which a wooden frame can be modified or adapted as needed to complete the structure. However, wood-based framing systems suffer from significant disadvantages including: " Wooden frame elements are heavy which can make them awkward to manipulate. * Wooden frames are not fireproof, nor are they insect resistant; " Wooden frames are not made with ready accommodation for utilities; * Wooden frame elements are prone to buckling, warping, splitting, shrinking and otherwise bending out of shape; * Wooden frames are also affected by high humidity which can cause dry rot; and * installation of the wood-based frames may be delayed in situations of inclement weather.

[0006] It should also be noted that wood-based frames often requires modification following installation to account for the misalignment - either in installation or resulting from warping, etc. - of the frame. [0007] As an alternative to wood-based framing systems, metal framing systems have been developed. Prior metal framing systems involves the use of lighter frame elements and generally are less expensive than wood-based framing systems. Metal framing systems are also not likely to warp or otherwise lose their intended shape. However, prior metal-based framing systems also suffer from significant disadvantages including: " The difficulty with which a metal frame element can be modified and the attendant safety risks from sharp metal edges that can result from such modifications; * Procedures for erecting such metal frame structures still require a significant amount of site time, which incurs significant costs. * Due to the difficulty in screw connecting together various metal frame elements, there generally is no time advantage in building or erecting a metal frame structure in a workshop or on site relative to building a wood-based frame structure. [0008] In response to these problems, a modular metal wall framing system was developed by Zev Rosenberg and made the subject of US Patent 6,983,569. The modular metal wall framing system of this patent relies on a series of tabs and crimp points to connect struts to channel members. [0009] The problem with this modularised approach is that the tabs are prone to misalignment and the connection created by the tabs and crimps can - depending on the ability of the installer - be flimsy. Additionally, this modular metal wall framing system does not provide any indication as to how to link walls to form corners, linear continuation, the transition from wall o roof structure or connecting internal wall sections. [0010] This combination of potentially flimsy wall construction and the lack of connectivity between walls can result in a building which - while able to handle common structural stresses - may be prone to collapse in extreme weather conditions such as intense tropical law pressure systems or seismic events. [0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an integrated modular metal frame building system that solves, or at least ameliorates in part, the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of', and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to". [0013] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a an integrated modular metal frame building system comprising: a plurality of structural members taken from a set of structural members; at least one key plate taken from a set of key plates; and at least one locking peg where the plurality of structural members each have at least a pair of apertures provided therein for receiving the at least one key plate and the at least one key plate having apertures provided therein for receiving a locking peg, such that when the key plate is received in the plurality of structural members and the at least one locking peg having at least a pair of retaining arms each having a slight tapered edge, such that when the retaining arms are received within the apertures of the key plate, the slight tapered edge creates a tensioned connection between the structural members. [0014] The set of structural members preferably includes one or more of the following: a nogging; a connecting stud; a channel stud; a base plate; a top plate. Similarly, the set of key plates preferably includes one or both of the following: a key plate; a corner key plate. [0015] In its ideal form, the pair of tapered arms each have a tapered edge having a plurality of teeth provided therealong, the plurality of teeth operable to prevent disengagement of the locking peg from the key plate. [0016] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is a structural member for use in an integrated modular metal frame building system, the structural member has at least a pair of apertures provided therein for receiving at least one key plate taken from a set of key plates, each key plate having apertures provided therein for receiving a retaining arm of a locking peg, such that when the key plate is received in the structural member and the locking peg is received within the apertures of the key plate, a slight tapered edge of the retaining arm creates a tensioned connection between the structural member and another structural member.

[0017] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is a key plate for use in an integrated modular metal frame building system, the key plate having apertures provided therein for receiving a retaining arm of at least one locking peg, such that when the key plate is received within at least one aperture provided in a pair of structural member and a retaining arm of the at least one locking peg is received within the apertures of the key plate, a slight tapered edge of the retaining arm creates a tensioned connection between the pair of structural members. [0018] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is a plurality of locking pegs for use in an integrated modular metal frame building system, each locking peg having a pair of retaining arms having a slight tapered edge, the pair of retaining arms also adapted to be received within the apertures of a key plate taken from a set of key plates such that, when the key plate is received within at least a pair of apertures provided in a structural member taken from a set of structural members, the slight tapered edge of the retaining arms create a tensioned connection between the structural member and another structural member. [0019] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is a method of creating an integrated modular metal frame for a building comprising the steps of: inserting a key plate taken from a set of key plates into a first structural member taken from a set of structural members, such that at least a first aperture provided in the key plate protrudes therethrough inserting the key plate into a second structural member taken from the set of structural members, such that at least a second aperture provided in the key plate protrudes therethrough and creating a tensioned connection between the first and second structural members by inserting slightly tapered edges of retaining arms of a locking peg into each of the first and second apertures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first part of a structure built according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second part of a structure built according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a top plate forming part of the modular construction system of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a logging forming part of the modular construction system of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the nogging shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connecting stud forming part of the modular construction system of the present invention. Figure 7 is a side plan view of the connecting stud shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a base plate forming part of the modular connection system of the present invention. Figure 9 is a top plan view of a key plate forming part of the modular construction system of the present invention. Figure 10 is a top plan view of a corner key plate forming part of the modular construction system of the present invention. Figure 11 is a top plan view of the corner key plates shown in Figure 8 in their installed arrangement. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a locking peg forming part of the modular construction system of the present invention. Figure 13 is a top plan view of the locking peg shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a top plan view of the locking peg shown in Figure 12 used to secure the top plate as shown in Figure 8 in its preferred arrangement. Figure 15 is perspective view of a base plate as used in an alternative modular construction system of the present invention. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0021] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is an integrated modular metal frame building system 10 comprising - a plurality of structural members; and - a plurality of connecting members. [0022] The various types of connecting members are designed to secure structural members, either of the same type or of differing types, together to form a structure 12. [0023] The plurality of structural members include the following: * a logging 14; * a connecting stud 16; e a channel stud 18; * a base plate 20; and * a top plate 22. [0024] The plurality of connecting members include the following: * a key plate 24; * a corner key plate 26; and * a locking peg 28. Nogging 14 [0025] The nogging 14 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. [0026] The nogging 14 comprises a base 30. The base 30 has open ends 32 and sides 34. Extending from each open end 32 is a pair of locking tabs 36. Each locking tab 36 extend from the open end 32 at a position proximate a side 34. [0027] Each locking tab 36 has a pair of connector slots 38 provided therein. The connector slots 38 are transversely aligned relative to the open end 32. [0028] The nogging 14 has a length (L 1 ). Positioned approximately half way along the length (LI) of the nogging 14 are a pair of channel stud slots 40. The channel stud slots 40 are "C"-shaped. The alignment of the channel stud slots 40 are such that back 42 sits along its respective side 34. [0029] Attached to each side 34 are strengthening flanges 44. The strengthening flanges 44 extend at right angles to the side 34. In this manner each strengthening flange 44, is connected to the base 30 such that a "C"-shaped channel is formed. Furthermore, the strengthening flanges 44 are arranged such that open face 46 of the formed "C"-shaped channels face each other. [0030] Each strengthening flange 44 has a cut-away portion 48. The cut-away portion 48 is positioned such as to be vertically aligned with its associated channel stud slot 40. [0031] In this embodiment, a screw hole 50 is also provided in each strengthening flange 44 at a position in vertical alignment with its associated cut-away portion 48 and channel stud slot 40. Connecting Stud 16 [0032] The connecting stud 16 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. [0033] The connecting stud 16 takes the form of a flanged "C"-shaped channel 52. The "C"-shaped channel 52 has a base wall 54 and two opposing side walls 56. [0034] Pairs of plate slot apertures 58 are located in the base wall 54 equidistantly along the length (L 2 ) of the connecting stud 16. [0035] Nogging slot apertures 60 are located in each side wall 56 equidistantly along the length (L2) of the connecting stud 16. In this embodiment, the nogging slot apertures 60 on each side wall 56 are in exact alignment with each other. [0036] The connecting stud 16 has a roof end 62. Projecting from each side wall 56 at the roof end 62 is a connector tab 64. A pair of slotted apertures 66 are provided in each connector tab 64 at a position proximate roof end 62 of side walls 56. Each slotted aperture 66 in the pair is parallel to its counterpart. The pair of slotted apertures 66 are positioned so as to be transverse to the roof end 62 of the side wall 56. [0037] Also provided in each connector tab 64 is a hole 68. The role of the hole 68 will be explained in more detail below. [0038] A plurality of utility apertures 70 are provided in each side wall 56. Each utility aperture 70 is positioned so as to be proximate a nogging slot aperture 60. This position is such that each utility aperture 70 is positioned to the side of the nogging slot aperture 60 towards the roof end 62. [0039] Extending from each side wall 56, in a direction perpendicular thereto, are flanges 72. The flange 72 attached to a first side wall 56 extends away from the flange 72 attached to the other side wall 56. A securing aperture 74 is provided in end 76 of each flange 72 opposite roof end 62. Channel Stud 18 [0040] The channel stud 18 also takes the form of an open-ended "C"-shaped channel. The cross-sectional dimensions of the channel stud 18, as taken along A-A, are identical to that of the channel stud slots 40. Base plate 20 [0041] The base plate 20 is shown in Figure 8. [0042] The base plate 20 has a base 78 and two side walls 80. The side walls 80 extend from sides of base 78 in a direction perpendicular thereto. Flanges 82 also extend from the side walls 80 in a direction parallel to the base 78. The end effect is that the base plate 20 has a cross-section similar to a "C"-shaped channel. [0043] Located within the base 78 are two securing apertures 84. The securing apertures 84 will be described in more detail below. [0044] The side walls 80 have a stud end 86 and a free end 88. The stud end 86 has two spaced stud connector apertures 90 provided therein. The space between the stud connector apertures 90 is substantially equivalent to the width of a stud connecting stud 16. [0045] The free end 88 has an aperture 92 provided therein. The role of this aperture will be explained in more detail below. [0046] Located mid-length (L 3 ) of the side wall 80 is a channel stud securing aperture 94. [0047] Located along the length (L 3 ) of each side wall 80 are a plurality of cut-outs 96. Each cut-out 96 is aligned with an aperture 90, 92, 94 such that the aperture is proximate the centre of each cut-out 96. Top Plate 22 [0048] Top Plate 22 is shown in Figure 3. [0049] Top plate 22 has a base 98 and two side walls 100. The side walls 100 extend from sides of base 98 in a direction perpendicular thereto. Flanges 102 also extend from the side walls 100 in a direction parallel to the base 98. However, the flanges 102 extend away from each other. [0050] Provided in ends 104 of base 98 are two linear apertures 106. Further "C" shaped apertures 108 are provided in the base 98 at positions in between the ends 104. [0051] Apertures 106, 108 are provided in facing pairs. Part of each aperture 108 is proximate the edge 110 formed by the base and a side wall 100. Key Plate 24 [0052] Key plate 24 is shown in Figure 9. [0053] Key plate 24 has two slot arms 112 and a spanning body 114. The slot arms 112 are attached to opposing sides 116 of the spanning body 114. The slot arms 112 and spanning body 114 are aligned to the same plane. The end result is that the key plate 24 has an overall shape similar to the letter "H". [0054] Provided in ends 118 of each slot arm 112 Is a single slotted aperture 120. Each slotted aperture 120 is of equal dimensions and is similarly positioned relative to the spanning body 114. Corner Key Plate 26 [0055] Corner key plate 26 is shown in Figures 10 and 11. [0056] The corner key plate 26 has a body 122 and two tabs 124. The body 122 has a connecting edge 126 and a face edge 128. Two apertures 130 are aligned with the connecting edge 126. [0057] Each tab 124 has a pair of slotted apertures 132 provided therein. Each slotted aperture 132 is arranged in parallel within its pair. Each pair of slotted apertures 132 is positioned so as to be transverse to the part of the body 122 to which the tab 124 connects. Locking Peg 28 [0058] The locking peg 28 is shown in Figures 12 and 13. [0059] The locking peg 28 has a body 134 and retaining arms 136. The body 134 has opposing sides 138 and a bottom side 142. A positioning tab 144 extends away from an open face 146 of the body 134 at an angle. In this embodiment, an aperture 148 is also centrally located within the body 134.

[0060] Each retaining arm 136 has a retainer portion 150 and a stop portion 152. The stop portion 152 has a rounded top 154 and a base 156. The retainer portion 150 extends from the base end 156 such that the stop portion 152 and the base end 156 of each retaining arm 136 are in the same vertical plane X-X. There is a slight taper in each retaining arm 136 as it extends from the base end 156. [0061] The width (W 1 ) of the stop portion 152 at the base end 156 is greater than the width (W 2 ) of the retainer portion 150. in doing so, the part of the base end 156 not connected to the stop portion 152 forms an abutment 158. [0062] Each retaining arm 136 connects to an opposing side 138 of the body 134. The connection is such that each retaining arm 136 extend perpendicular to the open face 146. This positioning also places the abutment 158 in alignment with the bottom side 142 of the body 134. [0063] The retaining arms 136 are positioned so as to be parallel to each other. [0064] The invention will now be described in the context of its intended use. [0065] After a slab has been formed, a plurality of base plates 20 are placed on the slab at the desired locations. In this instance, two base plates 20 are arranged linearly while a further base plate 20 is positioned at a right angle to one end of the linear arrangement. [0066] With the base plates 20 suitable arranged, the installer secures them in place using a suitable fastening mechanism (not shown) that is received within securing apertures 84. [0067] A first stud 200a is then constructed by placing a first connecting stud 16 upside down such that the base wall 54 faces the floor surface. A plurality of key plates 24 are then manipulated such that the slot arms 112 to one side of the key plate 24 are received within a pair of plate slot apertures 58. [0068] A second connecting stud 16 is then placed on top of the key plates 24 such that the base wall 54 is face up. The key plates 24 or the connecting stud 16 is appropriately manipulated such that the remaining exposed slot arms 112 are received within a pair of plate slot apertures 58 in this connecting stud 16. [0069] It is to be noted that this arrangement sees the base wall 54 of each connecting stud 16 abutting the spanning body 114 of each key plate 24. This also means that each connecting stud 16 partially occludes its corresponding slotted aperture 120.

[0070] The first stud 200a is then maneuvered to a position perpendicular to the slab and placed inside the base plate 20. When properly positioned, flanges 72 of each connecting stud 16 are received within cut outs 96 of the base plate 20 to which it is to be attached. It also means that stud connector apertures 90 are in alignment with securing apertures 74. [0071] Stud 200a is then secured in place by the use of a fastening means (not shown), such as a Tek screw, that passes through both the stud connector aperture 90 and securing aperture 74. This now provides the installer with free access to the protruding portions of the slot arms 112. [0072] Each protruding pair of slot arms 112 are then locked in place by way of a locking peg 28. To do this, the installer uses the positioning tab to manipulate the retaining arms 150 to a position where they are received within slotted apertures 120 of the protruding slot arms 112. [0073] When the retaining arms 150 are properly received within the slotted apertures 120, the body 134 of the locking peg 28 abuts both the base wall 54 of the connecting stud 16 and the spanning body 114 of the key plate 24 being locked in place. The insertion of the retaining arms 150 in this manner also ensures that, by reason of the slight taper of the retaining arms, that a tensioned connection is formed between the locking peg 28 and the structural members it retains that resists disassembly of the resulting structure. [0074] Once secured by locking pegs 28, a nogging 14 is connected to stud 200a such that the pair of locking tabs 36 are received in aligned nogging slot apertures 60 of each connecting stud 16. This results in the locking tabs 36 protruding into the interior of its associated connecting stud 16. [0075] The protruding locking tabs 36 are then locked in place using a locking peg 28. Installation of the locking peg 28 is achieved in the same manner as already described. [0076] When the retaining arms 150 are properly received within the connector slots 38, the body 134 of the locking peg 28 abuts both the side wall 56 of the connecting stud 16 and the open end 32 from which the locking tab 36 projects. [0077] Additional noggings 14 are then installed as required and connected using this same process. [0078] A second stud 200b and third stud 200c is then constructed in a manner identical to that described above for the construction of the first stud 200a. The installed noggins 14 are then connected to the second stud 200b using the same connection process as already described. [0079] If additional rigidity is to be provided to the noggings 14, or further support is needed for fastening of internal wall finishings (not shown) a channel stud 18 may be installed, Installation of a channel stud 18 sees the channel stud 18 inserted through aligned channel stud slots 40 in the installed noggings 14. [0080] To complete the wall structure, a top plate 22 is then installed such that connector tabs 64 are received within corresponding linear apertures 106 or "C" shaped apertures 108, as appropriate [Andrew is this correct or is it only in the linear apertures 106 that the studs are received?]. If a channel stud 18 is installed, the channel stud 18 is also received within one of the "C" shaped apertures 108. [0081] The top plate 22 is then secured in position by way of locking pegs 28. To do this, the installer uses the positioning tab to manipulate the retaining arms 150 to a position where they are received within both sets of slotted apertures 66 of the connector tabs 64 protruding to one side of the stud 200 concerned. [0082] When the retaining arms 150 are properly received within the slotted apertures 66, the body 134 of the locking peg 28 sits on top of base 98. [0083] To provide the most secure connection possible, ideally, the locking peg 28 used to secure the stud 200 are alternated in their alignment. Thus, if the wall is subject to movement in a direction that may result in the locking peg 28 coming loose, the same force will actually cause the alternate locking peg 28 to move in a direction that further secures it within its connector tabs 64. [0084] This arrangement is illustrated in Figure 14. [0085] A second wall (not shown) is then constructed using the same process on the base plate 20 positioned at right angles to the constructed wall. This second wall includes stud 200c. [0086] To provide an integral corner connection between the two walls, corner key plates 26 are used. [0087] To elaborate, a corner key plate 26 is installed to the free side of stud 200b such that its tabs 124 are received in nogging slot apertures 60 of both connecting studs. The corner key plate 26 is then retained in position by way of a locking peg 28 in a process identical to that used to secure noggings 14. [0088] This process is then repeated to secure an additional corner key plate 26 to the free side of stud 200c at a vertically aligned position [0089] Installation of the two corner key plates 26 in this manner creates an area of overlap as shown in Figure 11. This overlap also aligns apertures 130 such that a fastening means (not shown) can be received therethrough and secure the connection of the corner key plates 26. This process is repeated until all desired corner key plates 26 are installed. [0090] With the structure now complete, the installer can now route utility cabling, such as electrical cabling, gas piping and reticulated vacuum systems to their desired locations by way of the open cavities in the connecting studs 16, through the utility apertures 64 and then into the open cavities of the noggings 14. If necessary, utility cabling can also be routed through the corners at the spaced area created to the side of face edge 128. [0091] The person skilled in the art should readily understand that the integrated nature of this modular system, combined with its intended anchoring to the floor surface and connection of any roof structure thereto by way of holes 62, means that the structure forms a rigid whole and as such has the capability of withstanding intense tropical low pressure systems or seismic events. [0092] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Additions or modifications described, where not mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments that are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. " The inclusion of flanges 72 and 102 provide a guide to facilitate proper alignment and contact for plaster board or other flat surface finishes to the structure. * While the invention as described above is considered to provide sufficient strength as described, if the installer wishes to further strengthen the structure Tek screws or other like fasteners can be employed. For instance a Tek screw may be used to fasten a locking peg to a connecting stud 16 by way of the aperture provided in the body of the locking peg. * While the invention has been described in a configuration that would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art as a double wall construction, the invention can be modified to facilitate single wall construction. In such a configuration, the noggings have a smaller width to that as shown and are modified to facilitate connection to a single connecting stud 16. Such a configuration is particularly suited for use as an internal partition wall. * To prevent further warping or undesired relative movement of the connecting studs forming struts 200a, 200b, a securing plate may be attached. * Channel stud slots 40 may be omitted. * Ideally, the plate slots 58 are offset relative to the nogging slot apertures 60 so as to prevent locking pegs 28 from obscuring the open cavity of the connecting stud 16 or from preventing one or more locking pegs 28 from being properly installed as described above. * Two corner key plates 26 may be combined into an integral whole. However, this requires additional precision on the part of the installer and creates installation difficulties relative to installation of the corner key plates 26 as described above. * The corner key plate 26 as described above facilitates creation of 90* corners. However, variations on the corner key plate 26 as would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art would allow the corner key plate 26 to facilitate creation of corners of other angles. " The locking peg 28 may omit the positioning tab 144. Alternatively, the positioning tab 144 may be modified to facilitate ease of secure insertion of the locking peg 28 by way of a hammer or similar tool. * A plurality of teeth (not shown) may be provided along the tapered edge of the retaining arms 136. The plurality of teeth operate in a manner that prevents easy removal of the locking peg 28 while not inhibiting its installation. * The base plates 20 may be secured to a concrete slab, or other like base element, through fastening means such as threaded bolts protruding from the concrete slab (fastening being by means of a nut threaded to the threaded bolt when received through securing apertures 84. Alternatively, nails etc. may be projected through the securing aperture to embed into the concrete slab, or other like base element. * The base plate 20 may take an alternative configuration as shown in Figure 15. In this configuration there is no differentiation made between the stud end 86 and the free end 88. Rather a single cut out 96 is provided at each end to receive connecting strut 16, such that the position where linearly aligned base plates 20 meet is at the centre of the connecting strut 16.

[0093] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Additions or modifications described, where not mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments that are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated modular metal frame building system comprising: a key plate taken from a set of key plates, the key plate having at least a pair of tabs protruding therefrom; a structural member taken from a set of structural members, the structural member having at least a pair of apertures provided therein for receiving a tab of the key plate; and a locking peg having at least a pair of retaining arms arranged in parallel to each other, each retaining arm having a slight tapered edge, where each tab has an aperture provided therein and when the tabs of the key plate are received within the apertures of the structural member and the retaining arms are received within the apertures of the tabs, the slight tapered edges of the retaining arms create a tensioned connection between the key plate and the structural member

2. An integrated modular metal frame building system according to claim 1, where the tapered edge has a plurality of teeth provided there along, the plurality of teeth operable to prevent disengagement of the locking peg from the key plate.

3. A structural member for use in an integrated modular metal frame building system, the structural member has at least a pair of apertures provided therein each adapted to receive a tab of a key plate taken from a set of key plates, such that when a tab is received in each aperture of the structural member and a retaining arm of a locking peg is received within an aperture provided in each tab, a slight tapered edge of each retaining arm creates a tensioned connection between the key plate and the structural member.

4. A locking peg for use in an integrated modular metal frame building system, the locking peg having a pair of retaining arm having a slightly tapered edge, and where the pair of retaining arms are arranged in parallel to each other, such that when each retaining arm is received within an aperture of a tab of a key plate taken from a set of key plates and each tab is received within an aperture provided in a structural member taken from a set of structural members, the slight tapered edges of the retaining arms create a tensioned connection between the key plate and the structural member.

5. A method of creating an integrated modular metal frame for a building comprising the steps of: inserting a key plate taken from a set of key plates into a first structural member taken from a set of structural members, such that at least a pair of first parallel apertures provided in the key plate protrudes therethrough; inserting the key plate into a second structural member taken from a set of structural members, such that at least a pair of second parallel apertures provided in the key plate protrudes therethrough; creating a tensioned connection between the first structural member and the key plate by inserting a slightly tapered edge of a retaining arm of a first locking peg into each of the pair of first parallel apertures; and creating a tensioned connection between the second structural member and the key plate by inserting a slightly tapered edge of a retaining arm of a second locking peg into each of the pair of second parallel apertures.