AU750220B2 - Improved bridging member - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: 0 0.

*0 0 0 *5*S

S

.555 Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Stramit Corporation Limited Actual Inventor(s): CHRISTOPHER LEE HEALY Address for Service: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: IMPROVED BRIDGING MEMBER Our Ref 610965 POF Code: 237473/169406 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- 6006q IMPROVED BRIDGING MEMBER This application is a divisional application of AU-31570/97, the contents of which are herein incorporated by cross reference. This invention relates to an improved bridging member, and to components for such bridging member, for use as spacers or bridging between successive structural members such as purlins, girts or the like of a building structure.

A number of forms of bridging members are known. These include those of Australian patent specification AU-B-21347/70, AU-B-16953/88 and AU-B-10356/92, and British patent specification GB-1507136. A further known arrangement is that of our Australian patent specification AU-A-63279/94.

In general terms, these known forms of bridging members, like those of the present invention, have an elongate body which, to enhance structural strength, is of C-section channel form. At each end of the body, there is a respective engagement portion by which each of successive bridging members S. 15 is adapted to be secured between a successive pair of structural members, with the bridging member directly, or indirectly, inter-connected in end-to-end relationship. Each engagement portion may comprise a tongue, or its equivalent, as in AU-B-21347/70 and AU-B-10356/92, with first tongue of one bridging member projecting through a slot in one structural member of its pair 20 and engaging with a second tongue of a further bridging member for the next pair of structural members. Alternatively, the respective engagement portions may comprise hooks and lugs as in AU-B-16953/88. In a still further alternative, the respective engagement portions may comprise various forms of inter-engaging male and female members as in GB-1507136, or inter-locking male and female members as in our invention of AU-A-63279/94.

In general, the bridging member of the present invention is concerned with an improved, or alternative, form of our invention of application AU-A-63279/94.

In the bridging member of AU-A-63279/94, the male engagement portions are in the form of a laterally spaced pair of projections which are inserted through holes in the web of the first structural member of its pair. In the supply of such members, as with other bridging members, it is usual for a 2 N:\DJH\DONOTDELdMsional of 31579-97.doc:7/03100 plurality of them to be bundled together for ease of transport and handling on site and the bundles can be of a substantial weight. In the event of a bundle being dropped, the projections can be damaged by being bent, and it then can be difficult to straighten them sufficiently to enable use of a damaged bridging member. In the applicant's co-pending application 31570/97, to which this application is a divisional, a bridging member is disclosed which is concerned with providing a solution to this problem, both for bridging members according to AU-A-63279/94, and other forms of bridging members for which this solution is applicable, including other forms of the present invention.

In the invention defined in 31570/97, there is provided a first engagement portion for a bridging member, or a bridging member having such first portion at a first of opposite ends thereof, which is co-operable with a second engagement portion at the other second end of a similar bridging member. The first engagement portion includes a body which has first and 15 second opposite ends. The body is connectable or is connected at the first end, directly or indirectly with a second engagement portion. At the second end, the first engagement portion has at least one projection which extends away from the first end. The or each projection is adapted for insertion through an opening or respective opening, such as a slot or hole in a web of a first 20 structural member, and it has a leading end region is adapted to preferentially deform, under the action of substantial impact forces applied thereto, whereby o the projection otherwise is substantially protected from bending and is able to remain in a form still enabling its insertion through the opening substantially without being impeded by the preferentially deformed end region.

In one form, the leading end region of the or each projection is bent or folded transversely with respect to its longitudinal extent. This folding or bending is arranged such that the end region does not impede insertion of the projection through the respective opening but provides the preferential deforming of the leading end region.

In another form, the leading end region of the or each projection includes an opening or recess located intermediate its opposite sides to form at least one region of reduced width. The opening may be centrally located 3 N:UDJH\DONOTDELdMsIonal of 31579-97.doc:7/03/00 intermediate the opposite sides so that these reduced regions are formed along the margins of the leading end region at the opposite sides. Alternatively, openings may be formed at the opposite sides, these openings extending in to the intermediate region such that a waisted section is formed. In either of these arrangements, the or each reduced region is adapted to collapse under the action of substantial impact forces applied thereto to provide the preferential deforming of the leading end region.

In the invention defined in 31570/97, there may be at least two projections which are laterally spaced along and project beyond the second end of the body of the first engagement portion. The first engagement portion, intermediate its respective ends, may have a body of C-shape channel section which has a web and, at each side of the web, a respective flange. However, other sections are possible for the body since, in a simplest form, the body may be of flat or transversely curved plate of a suitable gauge, in effect simply comprising a web. Alternatively, the body may be of Z-section, differing from a C-section in that the flanges extend oppositely from the web therebetween. In any event, the or each projection itself most preferably is of C- or Z-section, having a web which is a continuation of the web of the body and a respective flange at each side of its web. Where the body is of C- or Z-section, one flange 20 of the projection preferably is the continuation of a flange, or a respective flange, of the body.

The end portion preferably comprises a tab or a respective tab at the leading end of the or each projection. The tab preferably has a lesser transverse dimension than the web of its projection and may be disposed intermediate of the flanges of that web. Where, for example, there are two projections each adjacent a respective side of the engagement portion, the tab may be offset towards that side of its web.

The present invention is concerned with a first engagement portion for a bridging member, or a bridging member having that engagement portion. The S* 30 first engagement portion may, and most preferably does, have the features of the invention defined in 31570/97, although this is not necessarily the case.

Also, the invention may be used with a preferred form of the invention detailed in the following and relating to a second engagement portion of or for the second end of a bridging member, this also is not necessary.

Thus, for example, the first engagement portion could be suitable for use with a second (or rear) engagement portion as disclosed in our Australian patent specification AU-A-63279/94.

In accordance with the present invention, the first engagement portion is co-operable with a second engagement portion at the second end of a similar bridging member. The first engagement portion includes a body which has first and second opposite ends. The body is connectable or is connected at the first end, directly or indirectly, to a second end portion. At the second end, the first engagement portion has at least one projection which extends away from the first end. Again, the or each projection is adapted for insertion through an opening or a respective opening, such as a slot but preferably a hole, in a web of a first structural member. The or each projection has a main elongate part which extends from the body to a leading end thereof. Also, the or each projection has a tab which extends along the main part towards, and has a trailing end spaced from, the second end of the body. The tab diverges such that its trailing end is displaced from the main part of its projection whereby, as the projection is inserted through the web opening of the structural member from one side of the latter, the tab is caused to flex resiliently to enable its passage through the opening and then is able to recover substantially towards its divergent position such that its trailing end is opposed to a surface of the web, at the other side of the structural member, to thereby restrain withdrawal of the projection from the opening.

25 The body of the engagement portion, may be similar to that described earlier. That is, the body may have a web, whether this is in the form of a flat or laterally curved plate or a web of a C- or Z-section channel. The main part of the or each projection preferably is a continuation of the web of the body. The tab of the or each projection most preferably is defined by a flange which is S 30 turned from the main part, for example, substantially at right angles to the web, although other arrangements are possible.

When the body of the engagement portion is of C- or Z-section, the or each projection may be adjacent to a or a respective side flange of the body.

The projection may have a flange which is a continuation of a side flange of the body, and this flange may define the tab. Where the projection does have such flange, it will be along an outer edge of its main part, although the tab most preferably is defined by a second flange along an inner edge of its main part.

The second flange may extend from the main part in the same direction as the flange at the outer edge, or in the opposite direction. That is, the projection also may be of C- or Z-section. However, the tab may be a lateral section of the main part, with the tab diverging out of a parallel relationship with the main part, rather than defined by a flange turned from the main part.

The risk of damage to male engagement portions also exists with female engagement portions where these comprise projections from a body as, for example, in AU-A-63279/94. In a preferred form, the present invention is concerned with providing a solution to this problem, both for bridging members according to AU-A-63279/94, and for other forms of bridging members for which this solution is applicable, including other forms of the present invention.

In a preferred form of the invention, there is provided a second engagement portion for a bridging member, or a bridging member having such engagement portion at a second of opposite ends thereof, which is co-operable :°°with a first engagement portion at the other, first end of a similar bridging member. The second engagement portion includes a body having first and second opposite ends. At the first end, the body is connectable, or is connected, directly or indirectly with a first engagement portion. At the second 25 end, the second engagement portion has at least one means co-operable with the first portion of a similar bridging member with the or each co-operable means defined by the body inboard with respect to the second end whereby the co-operable means is substantially protected against impact loading applied to the second end.

30 The co-operable means may comprise or include at least one tab which is cut or stamped from the body of the second engagement portion and is turned so as to project from the body, within a margin of the body adjacent to the second end. Where there is more than one co-operable means, the tabs are spaced laterally of the body. The or each tab is co-operable with a respective part of a first engagement portion of a similar bridging member, such as with the or a respective projection of the first portion of that similar member.

The body of the engagement portion, in a preferred form of the invention, also may be similar to that described for the first form. That is, the body may have a web, whether this is in the form of a flat or laterally curved plate, or a web of the C- or Z section channel. In such case, the or each tab is turned so as to project from the web in the direction in which the web is to approach the first engagement portion of a similar bridging member. The or each tab preferably is substantially perpendicular to the web.

The engagement portion of a preferred form of the invention most preferably provides for locking engagement with the first engagement portion of a similar bridging member. This can, for example, be achieved by folding over the or each tab when it is engaged with the first engagement portion, such as after it has been received through an opening of a projection of the latter.

However, the locking engagement preferably results from a releasable snap in engagement between first and second engagement portions, to facilitate S. 20 unlocking.

To provide a releasable snap engagement between first and second engagement portions, the or at least one tab of the latter portion may have detent means which interacts with the first engagement portion. The detent of a tab means may comprise a suitably positioned dimple on the tab which, as 25 the tab is inserted through an opening, is force fit through the opening, requiring application of a suitable force to withdraw the tab. Alternatively, the tab may have a resiliently flexible tang which projects rearwardly with respect to a leading edge of the tab, such that the tang is required to flex to enable it to pass through the opening and then is able to recover so as to engage the first 30 portion. In that alternative, the tang may be able to be flexed, by application of a force, to enable the tab to be withdrawn. However, still further arrangements are possible, in which detent means are not provided on the tab itself, but on an adjacent part of the second engagement portion. In one form, the tang includes a distal outer end, which is engageable with the first engagement portion, is arcuate in cross-section. This increases the effective thickness of the distal end and reduces the problems of tolerance. It also assists in increasing the stiffness of the tang.

In one arrangement, suitable for use where the first engagement portion has projections, the tab may be receivable in an opening of a projection of the first portion of a similar bridging member. In such case, there may be an upstanding part, such as a further tab or a flange, with that part laterally adjacent and substantially parallel to the tab. The arrangement may be such that, with the tab received in an opening of a projection of a first engagement portion, the upstanding part is adjacent to a side edge of the projection, with the part having detent means such as described in the last preceding paragraph 0herein for engaging with that side edge.

00.0 S 15 In one preferred form, the or at least one tab of the second engagement portion may be adjacent to a side flange of the body of its portion, with the side flange having the detent means. In such case, the detent means may be provided by a tang or tongue formed in the side flange, by providing a U-shaped slot in the flange, with the tang or tongue extending towards the web 0 20 of the body, but bent slightly towards the tab so as to be engageable with the side edge of a projection of the first engagement portion of a similar bridging member. Where the second engagement portion is a C-section channel, each side flange may have a similar detent means adjacent to each of respective laterally spaced tabs. Where the second portion is a Z-section channel, one side flange may have such detent means for one of two laterally spaced tabs, with a similar detent means for the other tab being provided by an upstanding part cut or stamped, and then bent from the web, so as to be laterally adjacent to the other tab.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, description now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation showing a bridging member according to an embodiment the invention; 8 N:DJH\DONOTDELjdivtslonal of 31579-97.doc:7/03100 Figure 2 is a top plan view of the member of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an elevational view of the member of Figure 1, from the trailing end; Figure 4 is a partial side elevation, showing initial insertion of the leading end of the member of Figure 1, through the web of a first structural member; Figure 5 is a view from the right hand side of Figure 4, after the member has been swung to its in use position; Figure 6 is a partial perspective view showing inter-engagement of the trailing end of the member of Figure 1, when in its in use position, with the leading end of a similar member inserted through the web of a second structural member; Figure 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view through the members of Figure 6; 0" Figure 8 is a perspective view of the member of Figure 1; and Figure 9 is a partial side elevation showing a leading end of a bridging member *0**.according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a top plan view of the member of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a partial side view showing a leading end of a bridging member according the a third embodiment of the invention; and Figure 12 is a top plan view of the member of Figure 11.

~As shown in the drawings, the bridging member 11 is of elongate form.

20 It is suitable for bridging between a successive pair of a plurality of laterally spaced structural members such as purlins, girts or the like. Such bridging is .o .provided by an end to end series of bridging members 11, each engaging with a web of each of a successive pair of structural members. The bridging member 11 has a length slightly greater than the uniform spacing between the webs of successive structural members.

The member 11, of channel shape in transverse section, has an elongate central portion 12, a forward fastening portion 13 and a rear fastening portion 14. Portion 12 is longer than illustrated, with a mid-region of it shown as broken away. Each portion 13 and 14 is of slightly larger section than portion 12, such that a respective end of portion 12 can be neatly received in partial overlapping relationship in each of portions 13 and 14. Also, portion 12 is secured to each of portions 13 and 14, at the respective overlapping webs, 9 N:\DJH DONOTDEL\dMivisionaI of 31579-97.doc:7103100 such as by punched clinches 15. Also, a fastener (not shown) can be provided through aligned holes 16 of the overlapping web. However, if required, each of the portions 13 and 14 can be formed integrally with portion 12.

The forward portion 13 has a channel shaped body 17 having a side flange 17a upstanding from each side of its web 17b. The leading edge 18 of each flange 17a is in a common plane with a mid-part of the stepped, leading edge 19 of the web 17b. Projecting beyond edge 19, portion 13 has a laterally spaced pair of projections or spears Each spear 20 has a channel shape provided by a first, outer side flange 20a which is a continuation of a respective flange 17a, a web 20b which is a continuation of web 17b and a second, inner flange 20c. In accordance o°°*o.o with the first form of the invention, web 20b has a tab 21 by which it projects beyond its flanges 20a and 20c and, intermediate its ends, web 20b defines a longitudinal slot 23.

S 15 The flanges 20a and 20c of each spear 20 are of lesser width than the flanges 17a. Also, a rear part of the edge of flange 20a increases in width to define an arcuate ramp 26 by which it merges towards its flange 17a, but with an undercut 27 being provided in flange 17a at the trailing end of ramp 26.

The tab 21, by which the web 20b of each spear 20 projects beyond flanges 20a and 20c is shaped to preferentially deform under the action of substantial impact forces applied to the leading end region of the spears 20. As shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, the tab 21 is folded upwardly from the general plane of web 20b, in the direction in which flanges 20a and extend. The fold is provided by bending web 20b on a transverse fold line 22 adjacent to the leading ends of flanges 20a and 20c, but with tab 21 itself being bent in the reverse direction on second transverse fold line 22a. The tab 21 thus is of somewhat arcuate form as viewed in side elevation. The form of the tab 21 is such that an end impact force applied to member 11 at one or each tab 21, such as by member 11 being dropped on its leading end, will result in preferential bending of tab 21 on line 22 and/or line 22a, rather than bending of spear 20 other than at tab 21. This is facilitated by tab 21 projecting beyond N:ADJHDONOTDELdlMsonal of 31579-97.doc:7103100 the leading end of each flange 20a and 20c, and also by tab 21 decreasing in width, as shown, in a direction away from those flanges.

An alternative form of the forward portion 13 is disclosed in Figures 9 and 10. The embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 includes many of the features of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8 and accordingly like reference numerals have been given to like features. The main difference with the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 is in the construction of the tab 21. Again this tab is adapted to preferentially deform but in this embodiment rather than being folded, the tab 21 includes an opening 50 within opposite sides 51 and 52 of the tab 21.

With this arrangement, marginal regions 53 and 54 of the tab which are located intermediate the opening 50 and respective ones of the opposite sides 51 and 52 are adapted to collapse under the action of substantial impact force applied to the tab 21 to provide the preferential deforming of the tab 21.

Yet another form of the forward portion 13 is disclosed in Figures 11 15 and 12. Again, the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 include many of the features of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8 and accordingly like reference numerals have been given to like features.

In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the tab 21 includes a pair of recesses 55, 56 along its opposite side. These recesses extend towards a central region of the tab 21 to form a central waisted region 57 of the tab. This waisted region is adapted to preferentially deform under impact loading due to its reduced width as compared to the remaining part of the tab 21. To further increase the propensity of the tab 21 to preferentially deform, a crease 58 is formed across the waisted region 57. The crease 58 is in the form of an indent to form a line of reduced thickness across the waisted region 57.

While the outer flange 20a of each spear 20 is similar in overall form to the corresponding flange of the bridging member of the drawings of specification AU-A-63279/94, this is not the case with the inner flange While the inner flange 20c may extend in the opposite direction to that shown, its principal characteristic is the provision of a tab 24 in accordance with the second form of the invention, formed by a longitudinal slot 25 (see Figure 6) extending forwardly from the trailing edge of flange 20c. In the form shown, 11 N:ADJHDONOTDELdMisional of 31 579-97.doc:7/0300 tab 24 diverges inwardly, away from flange 20a, while the same applies if flange 20c extends in the opposite direction.

The arrangement of fastening portion 13 is such that, with bridging member 11 suitably disposed between, and at an acute angle to, a pair of structural members, member 11 can be advanced longitudinally to insert each spear 20 in a respective hole 36 defined in the web 37 of a first one of the structural members. These holes 36 preferably are of industry standard dimensions, known as AISC holes, as specified by the Australian Institute of Steel Construction. Thus, as shown, the holes 36 may be elliptical in form, about 18 mm by 22 mm across, and at a standard spacing between centres depending on the size of the structural members. Also, the width between flanges 17a and the width of spears 20 generally accord with such standard holes.

The spacing between the flanges 20a and 20c at a leading part of each S. 15 spear 20 is such that the leading end of each spear 20 is able to be inserted into a respective hole 36 of the web 37 of the structural first member. However, that spacing increases towards the trailing part of each spear 20 due to the divergence of its tab 24. The arrangement is such that, for each spear 20 to be fully inserted through the respective hole 36, its tab 24 is resiliently flexed so as to straighten, that is, towards the respective flange 20a. Also, the length of the tab 24 is such that, with its spear20 fully inserted through the respective hole 36, the trailing end of the tab 24 is slightly clear of the hole 36 and thus is able to resiliently return substantially towards its divergent position. In the returned position, the trailing end of the tab 24 is opposed to the web 37 of the first structural member, and thus prevents withdrawal of its spear 20. However, if such withdrawal is required, the tab 24 can be flexed, such as manually, so as to permit this.

With each spear 20 fully inserted through its respective hole 36 of the first structural member, the bridging member 11 then is able to be swung to a position in which it is perpendicular to the web of each of the first and second structural members between which it is to provide bridging. The direction in which member 11 is swung is clock-wise relative to the view of Figure 1 and, in 12 NAJHODONOTDELdivisional of 31579-97.doc:7/03/00 that movement, member 11 is guided by each ramp 26 riding across the periphery of the respective hole 36. When member 11 is in that perpendicular position, its rear portion 14 then is adjacent to the web of the second structural member of that pair. In being swung to that position, the portion 14 is able to engage with the spears of a similar bridging member 111 which have been inserted through the holes of the second structural member from a side of the latter remote from the first structural member. The similar member has previously been installed between a next adjacent pair of structural members comprising the second structural member and the next one beyond this in a direction away from the first structural member.

The rear portion 14 of bridging member 11 has a channel shaped oooe *..body 29, having a side flange 29a, upstanding from each side of its web 29b.

Adjacent to the trailing edge 30 of body 29 and each flange 29a, a respective tab 31 is punched from web 29b. Each tab 31 is punched and bent so that it is 15 substantially parallel to the adjacent flange29a, leaving a respective opening 31a in web 29b. Also, adjacent to its tab 31, each flange has a U-shaped cut-out 32 so as to define a depending detent tab 34 which is slightly bent inwardly towards the respective tab 31.

The arrangement of rear portion 13 is such that, as its member 11 is swung to the abovementioned perpendicular position, portion 14 is able to receive and releasably engage the spears 120 of the installed member 111.

For this, the spacing between its flanges 29a slightly exceeds the spacing between flanges 17a and, hence, between flanges20a. Thus, as the member 11 is swung to that position, its web 29b is moved towards the underside of the web 120b of the projections 120 of the installed member 111.

The spacing of each tab 31 from its adjacent flange 29a is such that the tab 31 is received through the slot 123 of a respective projection 120 of the installed bridging member 111. Each tab 31 may include an undercut region at the base of its forward facing surface. With this arrangement, the leading end of the spears 120 are captured in the undercut which prevents them from coming out of engagement. It also limits the eccentricity of the loading applied on the tabs when in tension. Also, each tab 34 is engaged by the flange 120a of a 13 N: DJHDONOTELivMsional of 31579-97.doc:7/03/00 respective projection 120 of the installed member 111, causing the tab 34 to flex outwardly. When the member 11 achieves its perpendicular position, the engaged projections 120 of the installed member 111 contact its web 29b.

Also, when that contact is achieved, the lower end of each tab 34 is slightly above the upper leading edge of the flange 120 of the installed member 111, such that the tabs 34 are able to resiliently recover to their inward bent positions. In those positions, the tabs 34 releasably lock the portion 14 in relation to spears 120 and thus hold member 11 in its perpendicular position.

However, tabs 34 can be manually flexed for unlocking, if required. Further, whilst not shown, the lower end of each tab may be arcuate in cross-section.

This increases the stiffness of the tabs 34 and increases their effective o oooo thickness to provide a better contracting surface which reduces the problems of tolerance error.

The arrangement of rear portion 14 is such that tabs 31 and 34 are 15 substantially protected against damage, in the even of an end applied impact load. Thus, at least relative to the arrangement of AU-A-63279/94, damage is less likely if, for example, a bundle of members 11 is dropped.

An upper margin of each flange 29a of rear portion 14, along a trailing portion thereof, is turned outwardly to define a lip 40. This serves two functions. The first function of each lip 40 is to strengthen its flange 29a, and thereby increase its resistance to damage by end applied impact forces. The second function of lips 40 is to serve as a guide providing for correct alignment of member 11, as it is swung to perpendicular position, for receiving therein the spears 120 of the installed member 111.

A bridging member according to the invention is able to be readily fabricated from sheet metal of a suitable gauge. As installed to provide bridging between successive structural members, such as purlins and girts, an end-to-end series of the bridging members acts to restrain sagging and/or twisting of the structural members and maintenance of a parallel relationship therebetween.

The present invention, according to its preferred embodiments, allows the bridging member to be installed simply by inserting the spears through the 14 N:ZJHDONOTDEL Mdsiona of 31579-97.doc:7/03100 first structural member at an angle and swinging the bridging member to the perpendicular to engage with the spears of an installed bridging member, adjacent to the second structural member. In that perpendicular position, the bridging members hold the structural members, improving safety conditions as the person installing the bridging members moves forward to install successive bridging members.

In the case of at least the preferred forms of bridging member disclosed in AU-A-63279/94, the bridging member necessitates it being positioned at an acute angle to the web of each structural member between which it is to provide bridging. Such angle is necessary in order to enable the projections at the leading end to be inserted through the holes of the web of the first structural oo member, prior to the member being swung to its perpendicular position. In general, with at least preferred forms of the bridging member of the present invention, such acute angle positioning is not necessary for the purpose of 15 enabling such insertion of the projections at the leading end, although such positioning can be necessitated by the spacing between successive structural members. Thus, for example, if a bridging member were to have its projections inserted though the openings of the web of a first structural member, before installation of a second structural member, the bridging member need not initially be presented at an acute angle to the web of the first structural member.

That is, the bridging member could simply be initially positioned perpendicular S: to that web, and then removed longitudinally to insert its projections through the holes of the web. If required, the bridging member then could be used to ensure correct installation of a second structural member adjacent to its trailing end.

The preferred bridging member is compatible with any purlin with industry standard, AISC holes. The installation requires no tools, and may be done by one person. Furthermore, if it is necessary to remove an individual bridging member, for example to install a roof ventilator or air conditioner, the bridging member can be simply removed without needing to remove the other bridging members, by pushing back first the tabs 34 and then the tabs 24. The fastening portions are designed to provide ease of location and a positive snap N:\DJH\DONOTDELldMsional of 31579-97.doc:703/00 connection between the bridging members, while holding the structural members against rotation.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of this disclosure are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

N:\DJHDONOTDELdMsional of 31579-97.doc:703/00

Claims (26)

1. A bridging member for providing bridging between first and second successive structural members, such as purlins, girts or the like, of a plurality of laterally spaced said structural members; wherein the bridging member is of elongate form and has at respective first and second ends thereof a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion; wherein the first engagement portion has at least one projection which extends away from the second end, the or each projection includes a main elongate part which extends to a leading end thereof, and being adapted for insertion through an opening or respective opening in a web of a first structural member, and a locking tab which extends along the main part towards the second end of the bridging member and terminates at a trailing end, the locking tab being arranged to diverge from said main part of its projection whereby, as the projection is inserted through the web opening of the structural member from one side thereof the tab is caused to flex resiliently to enable its passage through the opening and then is able to recover substantially towards its divergent position such that its trailing end is opposed to a surface of the web, at the other side of the structural member, to thereby restrain withdrawal of the projection from the opening. 20

2. A bridging member according to claim 1, wherein the locking tab is laterally spaced from the main part of its projection and diverges out of a parallel relationship with said main part.

3. A bridging member according to claim 1, wherein the or each projection includes a flange which extends away from the web of the main part of its 25 projection and wherein said locking tab is formed on said flange.

4. A bridging member according to claim 3, wherein the main part is in the form of a web which is generally parallel to a web of the bridging member.

A bridging member according to claim 4, wherein the flange of the or *O each projection which incorporate said locking tab is formed as an extension of 30 a said flange, or a said respective flange, of the bridging member.

6. A bridging member according to claim 4, wherein the or each projection includes an inner and an outer flange, the outer flange forming a continuation of a said flange, or a said respective flange, of the bridging member and said inner flange incorporating said locking tab thereon.

7. A bridging member according to claim 6, wherein said inner and outer flanges of the or each projection extend from the web in the same direction.

8. A bridging member according to claim 6, wherein the inner and outer flanges of the or each projection extend in opposite directions from the main part of its projection.

9. A bridging member according to any preceding claim, wherein said second engagement portion has at least one means co-operable with the first engagement portion of a similar bridging member, with the or each co-operable means being located in board with respect to the second end of the bridging member whereby the co-operable means is substantially protected against impact loading applied to the second end.

A bridging member according to claim 9, wherein the second engagement portion includes a body and wherein the co-operable means includes at least one locating tab which is cut or stamped from the body and is turned so as to project from the body, within a margin of the body adjacent to the second end.

11. A bridging member according to claim 10, wherein the body of the second engagement portion includes a web and wherein the or each locating tab is turned so as to project from the web in the direction in which the web is to 20 approach the first engagement portion of a similar engaging member.

12. A bridging member according to claim 11, wherein the or each locating tab is receivable in an opening formed in the projection, or a respective one of the projection, of the first engagement portion of a like bridging member.

13. A bridging member according to claim 12, wherein the or each locating S 25 tab includes an undercut region on its edge surface which faces towards the first end, a portion of said projection adjacent said opening is operative to locate in said undercut region to maintain the first engagement portion of a similar bridging member in engagement with said second engagement portion.

:14. A bridging member according to claim 12, wherein the second engagement portion includes detent means to provide for locking engagement thereof with the first engagement portion of a similar bridging member. A bridging member according to claim 14, wherein said detent means are formed on the or each locating tab.

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16. A bridging member according to claim 14, wherein the body of the second engagement portion includes at least one flange which extends from the web in a direction which is substantially parallel to the or each locating tab, and wherein the or each flange includes said detent means such that with the locating tab received in an opening of a projection of the first engagement portion, the flange is adjacent to a side edge of the projection with the detent means adapted for engagement with that side edge.

17. A bridging member according to claim 16, wherein the detent means is in the form of a resilient tang located on the or each flange, the or each tang projecting towards the locating tab, or a respective one of the locating tabs.

18. A bridging member according to claim 17, wherein the or each tang is formed by providing a U-shaped slot in its flange.

19. A bridging member according to either claim 17 or 18, wherein a distal end of said tang is arcuate in cross-section.

20. A bridging member according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the flange, or at least one of the flanges, including said detent means forms a continuation of the flange, or a respective one of the flanges, of the bridging member.

21. A bridging member according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the flange, or at least one of the flanges, including said detent means, is cut or stamped from the second engagement portion web and is turned so as to project from the web in a direction substantially parallel to the locating tab or a respective one of the locating tabs.

22. A bridging member according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the 25 or at least one of the flanges includes an upper margin which extends at an q angle to said web of said second engagement portion to form an outer lip.

23. An engagement portion of a bridging member for providing bridging between first and second structural members, such as purlins, girts or the like, of a plurality of laterally spaced said structural members, said engagement 9* S 30 portion including a body which has first and second opposite ends and including at least one projection which extends from one of said ends in a direction away from the other said end, the or each projection including a main elongate part which extends to a leading end thereof and being adapted for insertion through an opening or respective opening in a web of a first structural member, and a locking tab which extends along the main part, and has a trailing end spaced from the other end of the body, the locking tab being arranged to diverge from said main part of its projection whereby as the projection is inserted through the web opening of the structural member from one side thereof, the tab is caused to flex resiliently to enable its passage through the opening and then is able to recover substantially towards its divergent position such that its trailing end is opposed to a surface of the web, at the other side of the structural member, to thereby restrain withdrawal of the projection from the opening.

24. An engagement portion according to claim 23, wherein the locking tab is laterally spaced from the main part of each projection and diverges out of a parallel relationship with said main part.

An engagement portion according to claim 23, wherein the or each projection includes a flange which extends away from the web of the main part of each projection and wherein said locking tab is formed on said flange.

26. An engagement portion according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the other end of the body is connectable to a central portion of the bridging member. DATED: 20 May 2002 oo°• By PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for STRAMIT CORPORATION LIMITED oooooo J