AU2019264541A1

AU2019264541A1 - Building frame and components therefor

Info

Publication number: AU2019264541A1
Application number: AU2019264541A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Fowler
Original assignee: Aus Truss Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aus Truss Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-12
Filing date: 2019-11-12
Publication date: 2021-05-27

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector bracket (20) comprising a main body (22) which includes first and second body sections (24,26), the first body section (24) including inner and outer ends (28,30), and upper and lower sides (32,34) between the inner and outer ends (28,30), the second body (26) section extending laterally from the inner end (28) of the first body section (24), the second body section (26) including upper and lower sides (37,38) and an outer free end (39), the upper and lower sides of the first body section each having a slot (40,42) therein which are spaced from the inner end (28) of the first body section (24). A support assembly and building wall structure are also provided. FIG 11 P5904AU00 I Il I 40 70 F2G2 26 42 FIG 27 2

Description

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BUILDING FRAME AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to building frames for dwellings and other types of buildings and to components for use in such building frames.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Building frames typically comprise a series of building components which are assembled together to form a rigid structure to which the building roof, walls and floor and the like can be mounted. Such components may include by way of example, studs, beams, columns and trusses which together are assembled to form the rigid building frame. The building frames are usually formed primarily of either timber or metal or a combination of both.

[0003] The disclosure finds particular application in the construction of fire or smoke walls although reference to this particular application is not to be taken as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure for which protection is being sought.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] In a first aspect embodiments are disclosed of a connector bracket comprising a main body which includes first and second body sections, the first body section including inner and outer ends, and upper and lower sides between the inner and outer ends, the second body section extending laterally from the inner end of the first body section, the second body section including upper and lower sides and an outer free end, the upper and lower sides of the first body section, each having a slot therein which are spaced from the inner end of the first body section.

[0005] In use the first body section is adapted to be fitted or secured to one building frame component and the second body section is adapted to be fitted or secured to another frame component so that the two components are spaced apart from one another. The arrangement may provide for a gap between the two components.

[0006] In certain embodiments the slots are substantially aligned or oppositely disposed with respect to one another in a direction of an axis substantially parallel to the laterally extending direction second body section. In certain embodiments the slots are closer to the inner end than the outer end of the first body section.

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[0007] In certain embodiments the upper and lower sides of the second body section are inwardly stepped from the upper and lower sides of the first body section at the inner end thereof.

[0008] In certain embodiments the upper and lower sides of the first and second body sections are substantially parallel with one another at least partially along the length thereof. In certain embodiments the first and second body sections are substantially flat in shape having opposed faces between the upper and lower sides thereof.

[0009] In certain embodiments mounting regions are provided on one of the faces of the first and second body sections. In certain embodiments there are junction regions between the upper and lower sides and the free end of the second body section these junction regions having a curved profile.

[0010] In certain embodiments the first and second body sections are a one piece structure.

[0011] In a second aspect embodiments are disclosed of a support assembly for use in building frame structures, the support assembly comprising a channel shaped support member which includes a main wall, spaced apart side walls extending from the main wall providing for a channel interior and an open side opposite to the main wall at free ends of the side walls, a flange at the free end of each side wall the flanges extending towards one another into the open side, a connector bracket as described above, the second body section of the connector bracket extending through the open side into the channel interior and the flanges being located within respective slots in the upper and lower sides of the first body section when the connector bracket is in a fitted position with respect to the support member.

[0012] In certain embodiments the slots are positioned relative to the second body section so that when the slots are located within the flanges the second body section is positioned in abutting relation to immediately adjacent to an interior side of the main wall of the support member.

[0013] In certain embodiment a part of the upper and lower sides of the first body section is disposed within the interior when the connector bracket is in the fitted position the parts being immediately adjacent to or in abutting relation to respective interiors sides of the side walls of the support member.

[0014] In certain embodiments the second body section is operatively secured to the main wall of the support member. In certain embodiments the second body section is operatively secured to the main wall of the support member by one or more fasteners.

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[0015] In certain embodiments the channel shaped support member comprises ann elongated beam, there being a plurality of the connector brackets arranged at spaced intervals along the length of the beam.

[0016] In a further aspect embodiments are disclosed of a building wall structure comprising a plurality of wall studs arranged in a line and in spaced apart relation with respect to one another, two support assemblies each being as described above, the support assemblies being disposed on opposite sides of the line of wall studs, the connector brackets associated with respective one of the support assemblies being operatively connected to respective wall studs so that there is a gap between the support members and the wall studs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method and apparatus set forth in the summary, specific embodiments of the method and apparatus will now be described by the way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a layout in plan of the walls in a building;

[0019] Figure 2 is a layout in plan of the frame trusses for the building shown in figure 1;

[0020] Figure 3 is a more detailed illustration of that part of the wall layout identified as details in figure 1;

[0021] Figure 4 is a more detailed illustration of that part of the wall layout identified as detail 2 in figure 1;

[0022] Figure 5 is a more detailed illustration of that part of the wall layout identified as detail 3 in figure 2;

[0023] Figure 6 is a more detailed illustration of that part of the wall layout identified as detail 4 in figure 2;

[0024] Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the line c-c in figure 1;

[0025] Figure 8 is a sectional view of a first option for the arrangement taken along the line B-B in figure 2 including a detail view;

[0026] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a second option to that shown in figure 8 taken along the line B-B in figure 2 including a detail view;

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[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic isometric view of the first option referred to in figure 8 from one side;

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic isometric view of the first option referred to in figure 8, from the other side;

[0029] Figure 12 is a schematic isometric view of the second option referred to in figure 9 from one side;

[0030] Figure 13 is a schematic isometric view of the second option referred to in figure 9 from the other side;

[0031] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a support assembly according to one embodiment viewed from one side;

[0032] Figure 15 is an isometric view of the support assembly shown in figure 14 viewed from the other side;

[0033] Figure 16 is an isometric view from one side of a connector bracket according to one embodiment secured to a building frame component;

[0034] Figure 17 is an isometric view of the connector bracket shown in figure 1 from the other side;

[0035] Figure 18 is a first isometric view of a connector bracket according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 19 is a second isometric view of the connector bracket shown in figure 18;

[0037] Figure 20 is a top side view of the connector bracket shown in figure 18;

[0038] Figure 21 is a fist side elevation of the connector bracket shown in figure 18;

[0039] Figure 22 is a first end elevation of the connector bracket shown in figure 18;

[0040] Figure 23 is a second end elevation of the connector bracket shown in figure 18;

[0041] Figure 24 is an underside view of the connector bracket shown in figure 18;

[0042] Figure 25 is a second side elevation of the connector bracket shown in figure 18.

[0043] Figure 26 is a first isometric view of a connector bracket according to another embodiment; and,

[0044] Figure 27 is a second isometric view of the connector bracket shown in figure 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS

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[0045] Referring to figure 1 there is shown a wall layout in plan of a building 100. The building 100 comprises two compartments, areas or zones 101 and 102 which are joined by a common wall 104. The common adjoining wall 104 shown is in the form of a firewall 105. As shown the firewall 105 comprises three sections 105A, 105B and 105C. In many jurisdictions where separate compartments, areas or zones share a common wall, that wall must be in the form of a firewall. By way of example only the compartments, areas or zones may comprise dwellings or part thereof. The building 100 includes external walls 106 and internal walls 107. Furthermore as shown in figure 7 the firewall 105 extends the entire distance from the bottom of the building frame to a position immediately adjacent roof battens 119. The drawings illustrate an embodiment where the fire wall is an internal wall. It will be understood however that the firewall and its unique construction could be an external wall.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates a layout of building frame trusses for the building shown in figure 1. The truss layout shown in figure 2 comprises trusses 120 (not all are referenced) which are arranged substantially parallel to one another from one external wall 106 to the other. The layout further includes girder trusses 117 which extend laterally with respect to trusses 120 and terminate at the firewall. The building frame further includes, studs, columns and posts (such as SHS posts) for supporting various components of the building. Examples of columns in the firewall are identified by numeral 110 in figures 1 and 2. Examples of studs 115 used in the firewall 105 are illustrated in figure 6 which illustrates in detail that part of the firewall 105B. The studs 115 in the firewall 105 are arranged in a line in spaced apart relation along the length of the wall 105. On either side of the studs 115 fire resistant panels 113 are installed. An example of such panelling is manufactured and sold under the trade mark FYRCHEK. These panels may comprise a glass fibre reinforced gypsum core which assists in maintaining structural integrity when subjected to flame thereby providing fire separation at a common wall between two compartments, areas or zones.

[0047] As shown in figures 8 and 9 there is a gap 118 between the studs 115 and other components of the building frame. Figure 8 to 17 illustrate an assembly which facilitates this gap. This gap enables panels 113 to be positioned therein.

[0048] Figures 8 to 17 illustrate a support assembly 60 for supporting a truss in position relative to a stud. Figures 8, 10 and 11 illustrate one type of truss 121 and figures 9, 12 and 13 illustrate another type of truss 122 with reference to figure 8 to trusses are shown mounted relative to a stud 115. The arrangement shown is particularly suitable for use in the construction of the firewall 105. As shown the arrangement provides for a space or gap 118 between the studs and the trusses 121 and 122. The truss 121 is shown in figures 8, 10 and

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11 comprises lateral members upright members and diagonal members assembled to together to form a rigid structure. The trusses 121 include an end upright 123 which extends from the base of the truss to the top. With reference to figure 9 two trusses 122 are shown which are of a different design to those shown in figure 8. In the configurations shown in figures 9, 12 and 15, the trusses 122 include an end upright 124 comprising two sections 125 and 126 one being inwardly displaced with respect to the other to provide a recessed space 127.

[0049] In both of the above arrangements the support assembly 60, and as best illustrated in figure 15 is the same and comprises a support member 61 in the form of an elongated beam 62 and a connector bracket 20. The beam 62 is in the form of a channel 64 comprising a main wall 66 spaced apart side walls 68 and 70 extending from the main wall and an open side 76. The three walls provide for an interior space 78 access to which can be via the open side 76. The side walls have flanges 72 and 74 at the open side extending towards one another.

[0050] The support assembly further includes a connector bracket 20 which is operatively connected to the beam. The connector bracket 20 is shown in detail in figures 18 to 25 and includes the main body 22 having first and second body sections 24 and 26. The first body section 24 comprises inner and outer ends 30 and 32 and upper and lower sides 34 and 36. The second body section 26 extends laterally from the inner end of the first body section terminating at an outer free end 39. The second body section also includes upper and lower sides 37 and 38. As shown in the upper and lower sides of the second body section are stepped inwardly or displaced inwardly with respect to the upper and lower sides of the first body section.

[0051] The bracket further includes two slots 40 and 42 in the upper and lower sides of the first body section. As shown the slots are aligned opposite to one another. The slots are spaced from the inner side of the first body section and a purpose will hereinafter become apparent.

[0052] The second body section 26 is sized so as to be receivable within the interior space 78 of the channel. When installed the second body section a butts against the interior surface of the main wall 66 and the flanges 72, 74 are positioned within respective slots 40, 42. Installation can be effected by presenting the second body 26 section to the open side 76 in a position so that it can pass into the interior space 78. Rotation of the bracket 20 when in this position enables the flanges 72, 74 to locate within respective slots 40, 42. In this

P5904AU00 position the bracket can be slid along the length of the beam so as to be located in any desired position.

[0053] The first body section has a mounting region at which the bracket can be secured to a stud. When the bracket is secured to the stud the second body section of the bracket can be secured to the beam. Fasteners such as Tek Screws 131 can be used to secure the bracket to the stud. As shown the fasteners are arranged in an array which provides for high strength of securement. The second body section of the bracket can be secured to the main wall of the channel by fasteners such as Tek Screws 131. As shown when installed the arrangement provides for a space or gap 118 between the studs and the beam and trusses supported thereon. In the embodiment of bracket shown in figures 26 and 27 gang nails 129 formed in the first body section of the bracket are provided to secure the bracket to a stud which in this case will be a timber stud.

[0054] As shown the truss 121 in figure 8 and 122 in figure 9 are supported on the beam 62. In the embodiment of figure 8 the end upright 123 rests on top of the beam 62. In the embodiment of figure 9 the upper section 125 rests on the beam 62 so that the beam 62 is positioned within recessed space 127. The trusses may be secured to the beam by multigrip elements such as those manufactured and sold under the trade mark PRYDA.

[0055] In the forgoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "upper" and "lower" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0056] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0057] In this specification the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

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[0058] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, addition and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0059] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g. aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realise yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

[0060] The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claim.

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TABLE OF PARTS Item Item No. Item Item No. Connector bracket 20 Compartments 101/102 Main body 22 Common adjoining wall 104 First body section 24 Fire wall 105 Second body section 26 External walls 106 Inner end 28 Internal walls 107 Outer end 30 Columns 110 Upper side 32 SHS post 111 Lower side 34 Studs 115 Upper side 37 Beams 116 Lower side 38 Girder truss 117 Outer free end 39 Truss 120 Locating slots 40/42 Truss 121 Stepped region 44 Truss 122 Side faces 46/48 End upright 123 Side faces 50/52 End upright 124 Mounting regions 54/56 Sections 125,126 Support assembly 60 Recessed space 127 Support member 61 GAP 118 Beam 62 Battens 119 Channel 64 Panels 113 Main wall 66 Gang nails 129 Side walls 68/70 Tek Screw 131 Flanges 72/74 Open side 76 Interior 78 Building 100

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Claims

1. A connector bracket (20) comprising a main body (22) which includes first and second body sections (24,26), the first body section (24) including inner and outer ends (28,30), and upper and lower sides (32,34) between the inner and outer ends (28,30), the second body (26) section extending laterally from the inner end (28) of the first body section (24), the second body section (26) including upper and lower sides (37,38) and an outer free end (39), the upper and lower sides of the first body section each having a slot (40,42) therein which are spaced from the inner end (28) of the first body section (24).

2. A connector bracket according to claim 1 wherein the slots (40, 42) are substantially aligned with respect to one another in a direction of an axis substantially parallel to the laterally extending second body section (26).

3. A connector bracket according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the slots (40, 42) are closer to the inner end (28) than the outer end (30) of the first body section (24).

4. A connector/bracket according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the upper and lower sides (37,38) of the second body section (26) are inwardly stepped from the upper and lower sides (32, 34) of the first body section (24) at the inner end (28) thereof.

5. A connector bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the upper and lower sides of the first and second body sections are substantially parallel with one another at least partially along the length thereof.

6. A connector bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first and second body sections are substantially flat in shape having opposed faces between the upper and lower sides thereof.

7. A connector bracket according to claim 6 including respective mounting regions (54, 56) on one of the faces of the first and second body sections.

8. A connector bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first and second body sections (24, 26) are a one piece structure.

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9. A connector bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 8 including junction regions between the upper and lower sides and the free end of the second body section the junction regions having a curved profile.

10. A support assembly (60) for use in building frame structures, the support assembly comprising a channel shaped support member (61) which includes a main wall (66), spaced apart side walls (68,70) extending from the main wall providing for a channel interior and an open side (76) opposite to the main wall at free ends of the side walls, a flange (72,74) at the free end of each side wall the flanges extending towards one another into the open side, a connector bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 8 the second body section of the connector bracket (20) extending through the open side into the channel interior and the flanges being located within respective slots in the upper and lower sides of the first body section, when the connector bracket is in a fitted position with respect to the support member.

11. A support assembly according to claim 10 where in the slots are positioned relative to the second body section so that when the slots are located within the flanges the second body section is positioned in abutting relation to or immediately adjacent to an interior side of the main wall of the support member.

12. A support assembly according to claim 10 wherein a portion of each of the upper and lower sides of the first body section is disposed within the channel interior when the connector bracket is in the fitted position the portions being immediately adjacent to or in abutting relation to respective interiors sides of the side walls of the support member.

13. A support assembly according to claim 10, 11 or 12 where in the second body section is operatively secured to the main wall of the support member.

14. A support assembly according to claim 13 wherein the second body section is operatively secured to the main board wall of the support member by one or more fasteners.

15. A support assembly according to claim 9 wherein the channel shaped support member comprises and elongated beam, there being a plurality of the connector brackets arranged at spaced intervals along the length of the beam.

16. A building wall structure comprising a plurality of wall studs arranged in a line and in spaced apart relation with respect to one another, two support assemblies each being in accordance with any one of claims 10 to 15 the support assemblies being disposed on

P5904AU00 opposite sides of the line of wall studs, the connector brackets associated with respective ones of the support assemblies being operatively connected to respective wall studs so that there is a gap between the support members and the wall studs.

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