AU621633B2

AU621633B2 - New roofing or wall joint

Info

Publication number: AU621633B2
Application number: AU37059/89A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Leonard William Mckelvey; Robert Victor Peterson; John Rymill Salmon
Original assignee: SYPAK CONSOLIDATED IND Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SYPAK CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES PTY Ltd
Priority date: 1988-05-17
Filing date: 1989-06-27
Publication date: 1992-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2009-06-27
Also published as: AU3705989A

Description

ii r ~I 62A Sew COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA The Patents Act 1952-1969 Name of Applicant: Address of Applicant: SYPAK CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES PTY.

LTD.

9 Moreton Street CHINDERAH NSW 2497 9111 00 a 0 09 09 00 0 4 0 00goo I I 00 9 O 00 Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: G.R. CULLEN COMPANY, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, Dalgety House, 79 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Qld. 4000, Australia.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED: 09 NEW ROOFING OR WALL JOINT The following statement is a' full description of the invention including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 THIS INVENTION relates to a joint for joining together adjacent panels of a wall, roof, or similar structure to form a rigid construction. It also relates to a wall, roof, etc. constructed by using such joints.

Throughout the description and claims, reference to a roof will include reference to a floor, ceiling, wall or other similar partition, and reference to a roofing panel will include reference to a panel for a floor, ceiling, wall or other similar partition.

0000 In conventional construction methods, a *,e0 multiplicity of fasteners are generally required to secure 0o o 0o two adjacent panels together to form a roof. By using a magazine-loaded tool, such as a nail-gun, it has been possible to greatly reduce the time taken to install the necessary fasteners. However, the fact remains that all of I 00 these tools require the builder to have access to a source of electricity or compressed air to supply the necessary motive power, and this is not always possible.

Hence, whilst the installation time has been 9o 20- reduced, the total costs may not be greatly affected since 0 0 0 00 the builder must invest in suitable tools, and sometimes, an appropriate power source such as a portable electric generator or air compressor, and the quantity of fasteners used remains substantially constant.

Furthermore, conventional building methods require that tile or metal sheet roofs include a large number of Cl_ 00oo o a 0 00 a 0 0 0 0 o0 o c e o o co 0 0 3 support beams. This is particularly so if the structure is being built in a cyclone-prone area. As there are a multiplicity of fasteners being used to secure a metal sheet roof, there is a possibility that not all fasteners will have a weatherproof seal.

In our co-pending Australian patent application no.

16361/88 there is described, amongst other aspects, one way in which a roof for a building or structure may be constructed. In that application, the roof had a plurality 0 Sof panels 'each with a joinder edge. The two panels to be 0 joined were arranged side-by-side with their joinder edges next to each other. The joint was completed by securing a co go capping member over the joinder edge.

Whilst such an arrangement has advantages over *5 conventional tile roofs, or roofs of metal sheeting, it was .0 nevertheless labour intensive, and did not result in a roof ,o suitable for cyclonic conditions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a joint for joining two adjacent roof panels which :0 substantially alleviates at least some of the problems referred to above.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a roof having at least two adjacent roof panels joined by the joint referred to above.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a joint for joining at least two adjacent roof 2 c v 4 panels, said joint comprising a pair of opposed elongate members each said elongate member comprising a central web, two panel supporting portions extending outwardly from said central web, and co-operating engagement means to allow the two elongate members to be fastened together in the absence of separate fasteners whereby the panel supporting portions co-operate to clamp said panels therebetween, the co-operating engagement means comprising t t a pair of spaced substantially parallel male flanges extending from the central web of one of the elongate members, S and a pair of spaced substantially parallel female flanges S extending from the central web of the other of the elongate ft I members, whereby a respective male flange is adapted to resiliently engage a corresponding said female flange upon i02 fitting of the two elongate members together to form the joint.

oeo Preferably, the panel supporting portions on each elongate member project outwardly and oppositely to each other.

Alternatively, the panel supporting portions on each elongate member project outwardly and perpendicularly to each other.

Advantageously, the panel supporting portions extend substantially along the entire length of ea;ch said elongate member.

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4 a It is further preferred that the panel supporting portions of at least one elongate member are adapted to include a sealing means to sealingly engage a surface of said roof panels. Preferably the sealing means comprises at least one sealing strip received in a groove or channel formed in each said panel supporting portion. Optionally, each groove or channel is adapted to retain said sealing strip in position.

Alternatively, at least one surface of each said roof panel is adapted to include a sealing means to sealingly engage at least one of said panel supporting portions.

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1 09 gode 0 a& 00 1 Sof t aa 9 9 C C

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esa male engaging an -e-elongate mea egtfcamb cooperating female engaging means en the other Q elongate member.

Advantageously, the me engaging means includes a pair of substantia parallel male flanges and the female engaging ns includes a pair of substantially parallel -i-c4tlai-<= y fcng'gn Cnnrl ij 3-FaTiy- Preferably each male flange comprises a male engagement projection and S each cooperating .female flange comprises a mating female a engagement projection. Alternatively each male flange comprises a plurality of male engagement projections and each

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cooperating female flange comprises a mating female c engagement projection.

5 It is further preferred that each male engagement

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c projection includes an engagement lip, and each female c engagement projection is adapted to resiliently engage a

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respective engagement lip. Desirably each said engagement lip includes a camming edge which engages with a bead or Or return flange located on a free edge of each said female

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F 6 engagement projection.

Preferably, the cooperating engagement means extends continuously along the entire length of each said elongate member.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a roof including a joint as described above.

6 With the joint of the invention no fasteners are necessary to secure two adjacent panels together. It is a relatively simple procedure to engage two elongate members to clamp adjacent panels between the members. A secure and water tight joint is possible because of the provision of the sealing strips. Where the joint is used for a roof (or ceiling), support beams may be secured to the joint without affecting its water tight characteristics.

The joint of the invention, when used with o109 composite panels enables a roof of panel construction to be o 0 achieved without the need for load supporting members intermediate two adjacent joints.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which: e e I Figure 1 is a perspective view of one elongate member; 7igure 2 is a perspective view of another elongate J member; 2ee Figure 3 is a perspective view of the members of c figures 1 and 2 with panels clamped therebetween; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative to that illustrated in figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative elongate member to that shown in figure 1; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the members of figures 5 and 2 with panels clamped therebetween.

Figure 1 shows an elongate member 10 according to one embodiment. Member 10 has two outwardly and oppositely directed panel supporting portions or flanges 11, 12.

Flanges 11, 12 depend from sides of web 13 and at an inclined angle thereto. The distal edges of flanges 11, 12 are provided with a groove or channel 14, 15 respectively.

Channel 14 has two webs 16 which, together with part of flange 11, define a U-shaped channel. Inwardly directed S 0 0 LO100 return flanges 17 ensure that the channel so defined has a 0o 000 necked opening. Similarly, webs 18 with return flanges 19 *ace Oo also define a necked U-shaped channel on flange 12. These channels receive sealing strip 20, 21 respectively.

The member 10 has a male engaging means of two laterally spaced male flanges 22, 23 which include a male engagement projection adapted for engagement with the elongate member 30 of figure 2. Flanges 22, 23 are provided Iwith engagement lips 24, 25 with outwardly facing inclined camming edges 26, 27.

0 The elongate member 30 of figutre 2 co-operates with member 10 and is adapted for engagement with that member.

Member 30 has two outwardly and oppositely directed panel supporting portions or flanges 31, 32 depending from a web 33. Each of flanges 31, 32 has a U-shaped groove or channel az a free or diGtal edge thereof. Flange 31 has its channel formed by flanges 34 from each of which depends a return i

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8 flange 35 to define a necked U-shaped channel for receiving a sealing strip 36. Flange 32 has its channel formed by flanges 37 for each of which depends a return flange 38 to define a necked U-shaped channel for receiving a sealing strip 39.

Member 30 has two short flanges 40, 41 extending along and from web 33 but from a face thereof opposite to the face from which laterally spaced female flanges 42, 43 of the female engaging means extend. Flanges 42, 43 have mating female projections in the form of return flanges or beads 44, extending along free edges thereof. Flanges 44, 45 are 1 engagable by camming edges 26, 27 to urge the free edges of flanges 42, 43 slightly away from one another when member is engaged with member 30 or alternatively to urge the lips 4 O-,o 24, 25 slightly towards one another. Upon engagement of the members lips 24, 25 engage behind return flanges to inhibit or resist separatIon of members 10, 30. The natural resiliency of flanges 22, 23 and 42, 43 enables this to occur and those flanges return to the configuration of that shown 2'CI in figures 1 and 2 once engaged. The engagement action may C C c deflect just flanges 42, 43 or in addition also deflect flanges 22, 23.

Figure 3 shows the members 10, 30 in engagement with panel 50 securely clamped between flanges 11, 31 of members 10, 30 and panel 51 securely clamped between flanges 12, 32 of members 10, 30. Flanges 11, 31 are preferably

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rru~-- a~ur+r--uu.rrcwnarrai;r~ l~pli 9 parallel to one another. Similarly, flanges 12, 32 are also preferably parallel to one another.

Where the joint comprising members 10, 30 is for a roof or wall a beam or stud 52 may be connected to web 33 and between short flange 40, 41 by fasteners 53 (only one of which is shown) located at intervals along web 33.

Figure 4 shows an alternative construction for a joint-like numerals have been employed to show like features to that illustrated in figure 3. In the figure 4 embodiment 0000oooo "01d) elongate member 60 has a web 13 co-planar with flanges 11, 0 a 0 0 a 000 12. Member 61 similarly has web 33 co-planar with flanges a oo 0*00 oo 31, 32. In this way panels 50, 51 may extend at 180 degrees 0 0 to each other when clamped between members 60, 61.

The panels 50, 51 may be composite panels having cc! 5 inner and outer skins with an insulating core between them.

't C The outer core may be metallic or synthetic in nature so as to be moisture impervious. Where a floor is to be constructed, it may be preferable to rebate the panels in the vicinity of flanges 11, 12 so that a relatively smooth or ec unstepped finish is provided where flanges 11, 12 are on an 0 upper surface of the floor.

Figure 5 shows an elongate member 70 according to another embodiment of the invention. Member 70 is similar to member 10 figure 1, and like numerals have been employed to show like features to member ,In this embodiment, a plurality of lips 73, 74 are

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provided on each flange 71, 72 of the male engaging means.

Thus, a plurality of parallel but spaced camming edges 75, 76 extend outwardly from each flange 71, 72. In this way, members 70 and 30 are able to cater for panels 77, 78 of a variety of thicknesses by having a selected edge 75, 76 of each flange 71, 72 respectively on member 70, engage with return portions 44, 45 of member 30; as depicted in figure 6.

This has the effect of altering the spacing between flanges 11 and 31, and 12 and 32 respectively.

g t Whilst the foregoing describes the preferred ft embodiments of the invention, other modifications would be rrsC readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that would Sce ec fall within the scope of the invention.

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The joint, for example, could be readily adapted to join two panels substantially perpendicular to each other, r! cc or at any suitable acute or obtuse angle. Alternatively, the joint could be readily adapted to join three panels together "to give a Y-shaped or T-shaped joint by using three suitable elongate members.

I ce In another option, the sealing means may be included in the panel surfaces, and not in the panel supporting portions as described above.

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Claims

1. A joint for joining at least two adjacent roof panels, said joint comprising a pair of opposed elongate members each said elongate member comprising a central web, two panel supporting portions extending outwardly from said central web, and co-operating engagement means to allow the two elongate members to be fastened together in the absence of separate fasteners whereby the panel supporting portions co-operate to clamp said panels therebetween, the co-operating engagement means 0 comprising 00a a pair of spaced substantially parallel male flanges o i extending from the central web of one of the elongate members, and 0 :00: a pair of spaced substantially parallel female flanges extending from the central web of the other of the elongate S members, 0* P.2" whereby a respective male flange is adapted to resiliently engage a corresponding said female flange upon fitting of the two elongate members together to form the joint.

2. The joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein said panel supporting portions on each elongage member project outwardly and are substantially co-planar relative to each other. 3, The joint as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the panel supporting portions extend substantially along the entire length of each said elongate member. The joint as claimed in claim 3 wherein said panel supporting portions of at least one elongate member include a sealing means to sealingly engage a surface of said roof panels. The joint as claimed in claim 4 wherein said sealing means comprises at least one sealing strip received in a groove or channel formed in each said panel supporting portion.

6. The joint as claimed in claim 5 wherein said groove or channel is adapted to retain said sealing strip in position.

7. The joint as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of each said roof panel is adapted to include a sealing means to sealingly engage with at least one of said panel supporting portions.

8. The joint as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each male flange includes a male engagement projection Ct e and each co-operating female flange includes a mating female engagement projection.

9. A joint as claimed in claim 8 wherein each male flange includes a plurality of male engagement projections and each co- operating female flange includes a mating female engagement P projection. C

10. A joint as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein each male engagement projection includes an engagement lip, and each female engagement projection is adaptedc to resiliently engage a respective engagement lip.

11. A joint as claimed in claim 10 wherein each said engagement lip incluees a camming edge which engages with a bead or return flange located on a free edge of each said female engagement projection. i' b I W ~I 1: 13

12. A joint as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said co-operating engagement means extends continuously along the entire length of each said elongate member.

13. A roof including a joint defined in any one of the preceding claims.

14. A joint for joining at least two adjacent roof panels substantially as hereinbe"ore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A roof including a joint substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this Sixth day of January, 1992. SYPAK CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES PTY LTD by their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.

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