CA1104320A - Corner assembly for wall panels - Google Patents
Corner assembly for wall panelsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1104320A CA1104320A CA322,977A CA322977A CA1104320A CA 1104320 A CA1104320 A CA 1104320A CA 322977 A CA322977 A CA 322977A CA 1104320 A CA1104320 A CA 1104320A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panels
- trim piece
- supporting member
- clamping member
- legs
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner. The assembly includes an exterior trim piece, a supporting member for the exterior trim piece, fastening means to tighten the supporting and clamping members together to squeeze the edges of the panels at the corner and to thus provide a structural tie therebetween, and an interior trim piece which snaps over the free vertical edges of the clamping member and hides the fastening means and the clamping member.
The structural tie between the two corner panels is effected by the squeezing action of the legs of the supporting member and of the clamping member upon the faces of the adjoining wall panels at the points of contact between the faces and the supporting and clamping members.
A covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner. The assembly includes an exterior trim piece, a supporting member for the exterior trim piece, fastening means to tighten the supporting and clamping members together to squeeze the edges of the panels at the corner and to thus provide a structural tie therebetween, and an interior trim piece which snaps over the free vertical edges of the clamping member and hides the fastening means and the clamping member.
The structural tie between the two corner panels is effected by the squeezing action of the legs of the supporting member and of the clamping member upon the faces of the adjoining wall panels at the points of contact between the faces and the supporting and clamping members.
Description
l:lV~3~0 This invention relates qenerally to buildiny con-struction of the type wherein modular panels are joined to form a continuous wall, and more particularly -to an improved covering and sealing assembly for corners.
In the use of conventional panels for erecting buildings and the like, difficulty has been experienced in obtaining a satisfactory corner assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner.
While many prior art corner assemblies for joining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner, have proven to be satisfactory in some respects, they have generally proven to be unsatisfactory, in that they have not provided a positive and adjustable fastening from inside of the building. Furthermore, splices of such assemblies have not been self-aligning. Such prior art assemblies also utilize fasteners which are exposed to the outside of the wall. Additionally, they do not provide simple erection procedure.
United States Letters Patent No. 2,337,885, in the name of C.A. Hallam, is exemplary of a further problem which is common to prior art corner assemblies for joining a pair of edge adjoining wall panels; namely, such corner assemblies do not provide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the two adjacent panels without the aid of auxiliary means such as spacer members and roof plates which are welded to the corner posts, as required by llallam.
Accordingly, the building industry is seeking a corner l~V9t~.~0 assembly for wall panels which will provide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the two panels at the corner, without the aid of auxiliary means, while at the same time it presents a neat appearing corner closure of the same material and color as the wall panels, precludes the need for any fasteners exposed to the outside of the wall and provlde ample erection procedure.
The present invention provides a covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each, such as at a corner. The covering and sealing assembly includes an exterior trim piece of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs, the free vertical edges of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion. A supporting member is provided for the exterior trim piece. The supporting member comprises first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent the legs of the exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received with the groove formed by the return bent portions of the legs of the exterior trim piece. The first and second portions are adjoined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects the legs of the exterior trim piece in equal angles. The planar part of the third portion is provided with at least one opening and retaining means is positioned therein.
A clamping member is provided having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to the pla~ar part of the third portion of the supporting member. The clamping member has panel type legs extending from either side of the ~0 central portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced . .
~lV4320 relationship to the panel legs of the exterior trim piece and to the first and second portions of the supporting member. The central portion of the clamping member is provided with an opening which corresponds to the opening in -the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member, and fastener means extend through the opening in the clamping member and the opening in the supporting member into the retaining means.
When the fastening means is tightened it effects a structural tie between the pair of panels by squeezing action of the first and second portions of the supporting member and of the legs of the clamping member upon the faces of the panels at the points of contact between the faces and the supporting and clamping members.
The squeezing or clamping force equals or exceeds the frictional forces between the supporting and clamping members and the surfaces or faces of the panels and effects the structural tie between the pair of panels.
In practice, it has been found that the inner face of one - panel and the inner face of the other panel define a first included angle between the panels, that the first and second portions of the supporting member define a second included angle therebetween, the second included angle being less than the first included angle, and that the panel type legs of the clamping member define still a third included angle therebetween, the third included angle being greater than the first included angle~ The relationship of the aforementioned first, second and third included angles allows continuous intimate contact between the inside and outside panel faces and the legs of the clamping members and the first and second portions of the supporting members, respectively.
llV9~3Zo Firlally, an interior trim piece is provided which snaps over the free vertical edges of the clamping member and hides the fastener means and the clamping member.
In the preferred embodiment, insulation may be inserted between the exterior trim piece and the supporting member, and between the covering and sealing assembly and the edges of the panels to which it is attached.
In another preferred embodiment, the legs of the clamping member are fastened to their respective panels to provide additional holding of the corner assembly to the panels.
According to the present invention, the aforementioned problems are solved by providing a covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are angularly disposed in edge-to-edge relationship. Each panel comprises an outer metal skin and an inner metal skin separated by and joined to an interediate insulating body substantially filling the space between said skins. The corner and sealing assembly includes an exterior trim piece of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs, the free vertical edges of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion. A supporting member is provided for the exterior trim piece, the supporting member comprising first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent the legs of the exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received within the groove formed by the return bent portions of the exterior trim piece. The first and second portions - of the supporting member are joined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects the legs of the exterior trim piece in equal angles. The planar part of the third portion of the supporting l~U~ O
member is provided with a-t least one opening. Retaining means are positioned in the opening of the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member. ~ clamping member is provided having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member. The clamping member has panel type legs extending from either side of the central planar portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced relationship to the panel type legs of the exterior trim piece and to the first and second portions of the supporting member. The central planar portion of the clamping member is provided with at least one opening which corresponds to the opening in the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member. The inner metal skin of one panel and the inner metal skin of the other panel define a first included angle between the panels. The first and second portionsof the supporting member-define a second included angle therebetween, the second included angle being less than the first included angle. Finally, the panel type legs of the clamping member define still a third included angle therebetween, the third included angle being greater than the first included angle.
Fastening means are provided extending through the opening in the clamping member and the opening in the supporting member into the retaining means. When the fastening means is tightened, a structural tie is affected between the pair of panels by squeezing action of the first and second portions of the supporting member and the legs of the clamping members upon the outer and inner metal skins of the panels, respectively, l3~0 at the points of contact between the skins and the supporting and clamping members, with the force of the squeezing action being substantially equal to or exceeding the frictional forces between the supporting and clamping members and the outer and inner metal skins, respectively, when intimate contact results therebetween.
Figure 1 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view showing the corner assembly of the present invention with a pair of edge adjoining wa]l panels which are disposed at right angles to each other.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a building construction showing the joining of modular panels utilizing the corner assembly of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a plan view of an assembled corner assembly of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a plan view enlargement of the upper right hand corner of Figure 2 showing insulation;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the splice of short pieces of the corner assembly as seen from line 6-6 of Figure 5.
Figure 7A is a plan view enlargement of a corner similar to the upper right hand corner of Figure 2 showing a prior art corner assembly which does not provide a structural tie between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels when this llQ~ O
assembly is in the untightened position.
- Figure 7B is a Figure similar to Figure 7A when the prior art corner assembly is in the tightened position.
Figure 8A is a plan view enlargement of the upper right hand corner of Figure 2 showing a corner assembly which does provide a structural tie between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels when this assembly is in the untightened position.
-- Figure 8B is a Figure similar to Figure 8A when this assembly is in the tightened position.
Figure 9A is a plan view of a clamping member of the corner assembly of the present invention showing how the clamping member may be formed.
Fisure 9B is a free body of the clamping member including a moment diagram.
Figure 10A is a plan view of a supporting member of the corner assembly of the present invention showing how the supporting member may be formed.
Figure 10B is a free body of the supporting member including a moment diagram.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of panels 10 with which the corner assembly 12 of the present invention may be used, are disposed in edge-to-edge relationship. In general, each panel 10 comprises an outer metal skin 14 and an inner metal skin 16 separated by and joined to an intermediate insulating body or core element 18 substantially filling the space between the .. .. . . _. _.. _ _ . .. .. ...... _ .. . . .
llU9~3~0 skins 14 and 1~.
In practice, the insula-ting body or core element 18 is formed of any suitable insulating material, such as materlal which is light welght, fibrous or particulate aggregate held together by a binder. Ilowever, it has been found that best results are obtained when the core element 18 comprises a material characterized as integral, low density, cellular material having uniform small voids, such as, for example, urethane or polystyrene.
One edge 20 of each panel 10 is provlded with a recessed groove 22 of generally ~-shaped cross section forming a female member. The other edge 24 of each panel 10 is provided with an edge portion 26 of reduced thickness which forms a male member.
A building construction comprising a plurality of panels 10 is disposed in edge-to-edge relationship is shown in FIG. 2.
Each panel 10 is of a width and of a length which is determined by the re~uirements of the building and of the location of the support frame 28, which includes the columns 30.
The corner assembly 12 of the present inven-tion covers and seals the gap between a pair oE edge adjoining wall panels 10 which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner where they may be disposed at substantially right angles. The corner assembly 12 includes an exterior trim piece 32 of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs 34, the free vertical - edges 36 of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion 38. The included angle 40 between the legs 3~ of the exterior trim piece 32 is substantially identical to the included angle 42 between tlle panels 10 at a corner.
It will, of course, be understood that while the outer 1~0~0 s~ fac~ of ~l~e cxt~rior l:ri.m l)i.cce 32~ may ~e of any clesirecl material, it is generally of ~he same materia] ~nd co~o~- as the outer skins 14 of the panels 10.
A supporting member 44 is provided for the exterior trim piece. The supporting member 94 comprises first and second portions 46 and 48,, each of which is adapted to lie adjacent the legs 3~ of the exterior trim piece 32 with the free vertical edges 46a and 48a thereof, respectively, received within the groove formed by the return bent portions 38 of tile legs 34 of the exterior trim piece 32. The first and second portlons 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44 are joined by a third portion 50 at least a part 52 of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects the legs 34 of the exterior trim piece 32 in equal angles. The planar part 52 of the third port~ion 50 of the supporting member 44 is provided with at least one opening 54 and retaining means such as the cage nut 56 are positioned therein.
~ clamping member 58 is provided having a central planar portion 60 which lies in parallel relationship to the planar part 52 of the third portion 50 of the supporting member 44. The , clamping member 58 has panel type legs 62 extending from either side of the central portion 60 adapted to lie respectively in parallel spacedlrelationship to the'panel legs 34 of the exterior trim piece 32 and to the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44. The central portion 60 of the clamping member 58 is provided with an opening 64 which corresponds to the opening 54 in the planar part 52 of the third part 50 of the supporting member 44.
Fastening means such as the threaded bolt 66 extends through the opening 64 in the clampillg member 58 and the opening ;
, . . . _ . . . . , . " .. , . . . ~ . ...
-` 11(14t3Z,(~
54 ln the su~porting mem~er 44 into the retaininy means 56 such as a cage nut or a swaged nut.
As can be seen in FIG. 5, the panels 10 at the corner are positioned such that the edges of the outer and inner skins 14 .
and 16, respectively, are within the opening between the spaced legs 48 and 62 and.46 and 62 of the supporting member 44 and the clamping member 58, respectively. In practice, the assembly of the exterior trim piece 32 and the support member 44 are held against the edges of the corner panel 10. A bolt 66 is then threaded into the retaining means 56. The head of the bolt 66 is then fit through the opening 64. When the bolt.
66 is tightened, the legs 62 of the clamping member 58 are pressed against the inner metal skins 16 at the edges of the panels 10 at the corner which are then squeezed towards the ; 15 outer skins 14 thereof, providing a structural tie therebetween. .
-. A suitable interior trim piece 68 snaps over the free vertical edges 70 of the legs 62 of the clamping member 58 and hides the bolt 66 and the clamping member 58. As shown in the ~- drawings, the vertical free edges 70 of the legs 62 of the ~: 20 clamping member 58 may be provided witll flanyes W}liCh contact flanges 72 on the edges of the interior trim piece 68. Addi-tionally, the edges of the panel type legs 62 of the clamping member 58 adjacent the free vertical edges 70 thereof may be bent as at 74 to provide room for the flanges 72 of the interior trim piece 68.
As can be seen in FIG. 5, insulation such as plastic foam 76 may be inserted between the exterior trim piece 32 and the supporting member 44, and in the interstitial spaces 78 between cut edges, as at 21 the panels 10 and the corner assembly 12.
. .
' 1~09~320 It will be understood that tile central planar portion 60 of the clampi~g member 5~ may ~e spaced from the planar portion 52 of the third portion 50 of the supporting member 44 when the corner assembly 12 is assembled to the panels 10. ~lowever, such spaci,ng will, of course, depend upon the thickness of the panels lO.
Additional holding of the corner assembly 12 to tlle panels 10 may be provided by securing the panel type le~s 62 of the clamping member 5a to the inner skins 16 of their respective panels lO. Such securing or fastening may be accomplished by use of screws or rivets.
As shown in FIG. 6, the present invention contemplates that short pieces of the exterior trim piece 32 and short pieces of the support member 44 may be butt joined at their ends to match a total height of corner panels. Such splices are self-aligning because short pieces of the lower exterior trim piece 32 may be offset vertically from its supporting member 44 so that the abutting upper short piece of the supporting member 44 ~ telescopes into the lower exterior trim piece 32 and both are '' 20 clamped by the clamping member 58.
As shown in FIG. 2, it will be noted that for the right hand corner, both the male edge portion 26 of a first panel lO and " the female edge 20 of a second panel lO have had portions, as at 21, of the panels removed or cut off prior to utilization 25 f the corner assembly 12 of the present invention. This may be done when required to result in the proper wall length. In the left hand corner of the building construction of FIG. 2~, the male edge portion 26 of a first panel lO has again been partially removed while the female edge 20 of the second 30 panel lO is used who]e.
~` 11 o ~ s previously in(licatecl, L~rior art corner assembl~es do not ~rovide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the two ac~jacent panels being joined without ~he aid of auxiliary means such as spacer members and roof plates c J which are welded to, for example, a corner post. In this regard, FIG. 7A is a plan view enlargement of a corner similar to the upper right hand corner of FIG. 2 showing a corner assembly of the present invention which does not provide a structural tie between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels 10 when the assembly is in the untightened position. As can be seen, the included angle A, defined by the first and second portions 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44, and the included angle B, defined by the panel type legs 62 of the clamping member 58, are substantially identical to the included angle C, defined by the surfaces or faces of the inner metal skin 16 of the panels 10. For simpllcityr the angle C has been shown as 90.
FIG. 7A shows the relationship of a supporting member 44 having a 90 included angle ~ and a clamping member 58, also having a 90 included angle B, to the building panels 10, also a 90 included angle C, before the threaded bolt 66 is tightened into the retaining means 56. As can been seen, the surfaces or faces of the outer metal skins 14 are in intimate contact with the first and second portions 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44. Likewise, the surfaces or faces of the inner skins 16 of the panels 10 are in intimate contact with the panel type legs 62 of the.
- clamping member 58. Ilowever, as shown in FIG. 7~, when the threaded bolt 66 is tightened into the retaining means 56, 3 the supportillg and clampillg members 44 and 58 tend to be pulled into the juncture betweel~ the building panels 10. Note that ..
tl.~ planclr portiolls r3~ ~In(l 6() of ~he su~)ortirl-J ancl clam~ing members 44 and 58, respectively, tend to ~ecome ~owed. ~ccord-ingly, as can be seen, the lec~s 62 of the clampin~ member 58 no longer contact the surface or.~ace of the inner metal skins l6 of the panels 10 except at the points o.E c~ntact 82. Similarly, the legs 46 and 48 of the supporting members 44 no longer contact the surface or face of the outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10 except at the points of contact 84.
It has been determined that the corner assèmbly 12 of the present invention will provide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the pair of panels 10 by squeezing action of the first and.second portions 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44, and of the legs 62 of the clamping member 58, upon the surface or face of the outer and inner metal skins 14 a!nd 16, respectively, at the points of contact between the skins 14 and 16 and the. supporting and clamping members 44 and 58, respectively, if the included angle A, defined by the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supportirlg member 44, is less than the included angle C, defined by the surfaces or faces of the inner metal skin 16 of the panels 10; and further, if the included angle B, defined by the panel type legs 62 of the clamping member 58, is greater than the angle C. In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 8A, the included angle A is 88, the included angle s is 98, and the included angle C is 90.
When the corner assembly 12 of FIG. 8~ is assembled, and before the threaded bolt 66 is tightened, it will be noted that there is only contact bet~een the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44 and the surface or face of the outer skin 14 of the panels 10 at the points 86. Similarly, there is only contact between the legs 62 of the clamping member ~ . ._ . _ . . ... .. _ _ .. ___ .. .. . _ . . _~__ _ . . _ ....
58 and the sur~ace or ~ace of the inner metal skin 16 of tlle panels 10 at the points 88.
As the threaded bolt 66 is gradually tightened, the supportinc~
and clamping members 44 and 58 are gradually pulled into the juncture between the panels 10. When sufficient force has been applied, as shown in FIG..8s, continuous intimate contact results between the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44 ancl the surface or face of tlle outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10 as well as between the legs 62 and the surface.or face of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10.
Itihas been found that the squeezing or clamping force should equal or exceed the frictional forces between the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58 and the surfaces of the outer and inner skins 14 and 16 of the panels 10 in order to effect the structural tie between the pair of panels 10. ~ccordingly, the corner assembly 12 of-the present invention thus achieves an .
effective and satisfactory structural tie between -the adjoining panels 10.
It should, of course, be noted that when the person installing the corner assembly 12 sees the condition of the corner assembly 12 in relation to the panels 10 shown in FIG. 8s, tightening of th~ threaded bolt 66 should cease. If tightening of the threaded bolt 66 continues, the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58 will continue to be pulled into the juncture between the panels 10 until only point contact exists between the first and second portions 46 and 48, as well as the leg 62 of.the clamping member 58, and the panel surfaces, as shown-in FIG. 7B. Should this occur, the threaded bolt 66 should be backed off in order to decrease the force until continuous intimate contact results between the compollents 1 ~' ,0 the assem~ly an~l Ll~e surf~ces oE tlle ~anel skins.
Tlle include~ anyles A and B of the supporting al~d clamping members 44 and 58, respectively, may be determined by calculations exam~les of which will more fully be explained hereinafter. However, it wlll, of course, be understood that the included angles ~ and B will vary depending upon corner assembly application as well as upon many variables, including the included angle C, defined by the surfaces or faces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10, the thicknesses, dimensions and material of the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58, the frictional forces between the supporting and the clamping members 44 and 58 and the skins 16 of the panels 10, etc.
Turning now to FIGS. 9~ and 9B, the calculation of the included angle B will be explained.
A plan view of a clamping member 58 is shown in FIG. 9A.
The included angle B, defined by the legs 62a and 62b, is shown as 98, which is greater than the 90 included angle C between the ~ inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10. An example of the method of calculating the required included angle B, which is in fact 98 when the included angle C is 90, may be as follows:
;
Assumptions:
1. P = the allowable force exerted by the fastening means 66.
In the use of conventional panels for erecting buildings and the like, difficulty has been experienced in obtaining a satisfactory corner assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner.
While many prior art corner assemblies for joining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner, have proven to be satisfactory in some respects, they have generally proven to be unsatisfactory, in that they have not provided a positive and adjustable fastening from inside of the building. Furthermore, splices of such assemblies have not been self-aligning. Such prior art assemblies also utilize fasteners which are exposed to the outside of the wall. Additionally, they do not provide simple erection procedure.
United States Letters Patent No. 2,337,885, in the name of C.A. Hallam, is exemplary of a further problem which is common to prior art corner assemblies for joining a pair of edge adjoining wall panels; namely, such corner assemblies do not provide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the two adjacent panels without the aid of auxiliary means such as spacer members and roof plates which are welded to the corner posts, as required by llallam.
Accordingly, the building industry is seeking a corner l~V9t~.~0 assembly for wall panels which will provide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the two panels at the corner, without the aid of auxiliary means, while at the same time it presents a neat appearing corner closure of the same material and color as the wall panels, precludes the need for any fasteners exposed to the outside of the wall and provlde ample erection procedure.
The present invention provides a covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each, such as at a corner. The covering and sealing assembly includes an exterior trim piece of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs, the free vertical edges of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion. A supporting member is provided for the exterior trim piece. The supporting member comprises first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent the legs of the exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received with the groove formed by the return bent portions of the legs of the exterior trim piece. The first and second portions are adjoined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects the legs of the exterior trim piece in equal angles. The planar part of the third portion is provided with at least one opening and retaining means is positioned therein.
A clamping member is provided having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to the pla~ar part of the third portion of the supporting member. The clamping member has panel type legs extending from either side of the ~0 central portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced . .
~lV4320 relationship to the panel legs of the exterior trim piece and to the first and second portions of the supporting member. The central portion of the clamping member is provided with an opening which corresponds to the opening in -the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member, and fastener means extend through the opening in the clamping member and the opening in the supporting member into the retaining means.
When the fastening means is tightened it effects a structural tie between the pair of panels by squeezing action of the first and second portions of the supporting member and of the legs of the clamping member upon the faces of the panels at the points of contact between the faces and the supporting and clamping members.
The squeezing or clamping force equals or exceeds the frictional forces between the supporting and clamping members and the surfaces or faces of the panels and effects the structural tie between the pair of panels.
In practice, it has been found that the inner face of one - panel and the inner face of the other panel define a first included angle between the panels, that the first and second portions of the supporting member define a second included angle therebetween, the second included angle being less than the first included angle, and that the panel type legs of the clamping member define still a third included angle therebetween, the third included angle being greater than the first included angle~ The relationship of the aforementioned first, second and third included angles allows continuous intimate contact between the inside and outside panel faces and the legs of the clamping members and the first and second portions of the supporting members, respectively.
llV9~3Zo Firlally, an interior trim piece is provided which snaps over the free vertical edges of the clamping member and hides the fastener means and the clamping member.
In the preferred embodiment, insulation may be inserted between the exterior trim piece and the supporting member, and between the covering and sealing assembly and the edges of the panels to which it is attached.
In another preferred embodiment, the legs of the clamping member are fastened to their respective panels to provide additional holding of the corner assembly to the panels.
According to the present invention, the aforementioned problems are solved by providing a covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are angularly disposed in edge-to-edge relationship. Each panel comprises an outer metal skin and an inner metal skin separated by and joined to an interediate insulating body substantially filling the space between said skins. The corner and sealing assembly includes an exterior trim piece of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs, the free vertical edges of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion. A supporting member is provided for the exterior trim piece, the supporting member comprising first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent the legs of the exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received within the groove formed by the return bent portions of the exterior trim piece. The first and second portions - of the supporting member are joined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects the legs of the exterior trim piece in equal angles. The planar part of the third portion of the supporting l~U~ O
member is provided with a-t least one opening. Retaining means are positioned in the opening of the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member. ~ clamping member is provided having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member. The clamping member has panel type legs extending from either side of the central planar portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced relationship to the panel type legs of the exterior trim piece and to the first and second portions of the supporting member. The central planar portion of the clamping member is provided with at least one opening which corresponds to the opening in the planar part of the third portion of the supporting member. The inner metal skin of one panel and the inner metal skin of the other panel define a first included angle between the panels. The first and second portionsof the supporting member-define a second included angle therebetween, the second included angle being less than the first included angle. Finally, the panel type legs of the clamping member define still a third included angle therebetween, the third included angle being greater than the first included angle.
Fastening means are provided extending through the opening in the clamping member and the opening in the supporting member into the retaining means. When the fastening means is tightened, a structural tie is affected between the pair of panels by squeezing action of the first and second portions of the supporting member and the legs of the clamping members upon the outer and inner metal skins of the panels, respectively, l3~0 at the points of contact between the skins and the supporting and clamping members, with the force of the squeezing action being substantially equal to or exceeding the frictional forces between the supporting and clamping members and the outer and inner metal skins, respectively, when intimate contact results therebetween.
Figure 1 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view showing the corner assembly of the present invention with a pair of edge adjoining wa]l panels which are disposed at right angles to each other.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a building construction showing the joining of modular panels utilizing the corner assembly of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a plan view of an assembled corner assembly of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a plan view enlargement of the upper right hand corner of Figure 2 showing insulation;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the splice of short pieces of the corner assembly as seen from line 6-6 of Figure 5.
Figure 7A is a plan view enlargement of a corner similar to the upper right hand corner of Figure 2 showing a prior art corner assembly which does not provide a structural tie between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels when this llQ~ O
assembly is in the untightened position.
- Figure 7B is a Figure similar to Figure 7A when the prior art corner assembly is in the tightened position.
Figure 8A is a plan view enlargement of the upper right hand corner of Figure 2 showing a corner assembly which does provide a structural tie between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels when this assembly is in the untightened position.
-- Figure 8B is a Figure similar to Figure 8A when this assembly is in the tightened position.
Figure 9A is a plan view of a clamping member of the corner assembly of the present invention showing how the clamping member may be formed.
Fisure 9B is a free body of the clamping member including a moment diagram.
Figure 10A is a plan view of a supporting member of the corner assembly of the present invention showing how the supporting member may be formed.
Figure 10B is a free body of the supporting member including a moment diagram.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of panels 10 with which the corner assembly 12 of the present invention may be used, are disposed in edge-to-edge relationship. In general, each panel 10 comprises an outer metal skin 14 and an inner metal skin 16 separated by and joined to an intermediate insulating body or core element 18 substantially filling the space between the .. .. . . _. _.. _ _ . .. .. ...... _ .. . . .
llU9~3~0 skins 14 and 1~.
In practice, the insula-ting body or core element 18 is formed of any suitable insulating material, such as materlal which is light welght, fibrous or particulate aggregate held together by a binder. Ilowever, it has been found that best results are obtained when the core element 18 comprises a material characterized as integral, low density, cellular material having uniform small voids, such as, for example, urethane or polystyrene.
One edge 20 of each panel 10 is provlded with a recessed groove 22 of generally ~-shaped cross section forming a female member. The other edge 24 of each panel 10 is provided with an edge portion 26 of reduced thickness which forms a male member.
A building construction comprising a plurality of panels 10 is disposed in edge-to-edge relationship is shown in FIG. 2.
Each panel 10 is of a width and of a length which is determined by the re~uirements of the building and of the location of the support frame 28, which includes the columns 30.
The corner assembly 12 of the present inven-tion covers and seals the gap between a pair oE edge adjoining wall panels 10 which are disposed at an angle to each other, such as at a corner where they may be disposed at substantially right angles. The corner assembly 12 includes an exterior trim piece 32 of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs 34, the free vertical - edges 36 of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion 38. The included angle 40 between the legs 3~ of the exterior trim piece 32 is substantially identical to the included angle 42 between tlle panels 10 at a corner.
It will, of course, be understood that while the outer 1~0~0 s~ fac~ of ~l~e cxt~rior l:ri.m l)i.cce 32~ may ~e of any clesirecl material, it is generally of ~he same materia] ~nd co~o~- as the outer skins 14 of the panels 10.
A supporting member 44 is provided for the exterior trim piece. The supporting member 94 comprises first and second portions 46 and 48,, each of which is adapted to lie adjacent the legs 3~ of the exterior trim piece 32 with the free vertical edges 46a and 48a thereof, respectively, received within the groove formed by the return bent portions 38 of tile legs 34 of the exterior trim piece 32. The first and second portlons 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44 are joined by a third portion 50 at least a part 52 of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects the legs 34 of the exterior trim piece 32 in equal angles. The planar part 52 of the third port~ion 50 of the supporting member 44 is provided with at least one opening 54 and retaining means such as the cage nut 56 are positioned therein.
~ clamping member 58 is provided having a central planar portion 60 which lies in parallel relationship to the planar part 52 of the third portion 50 of the supporting member 44. The , clamping member 58 has panel type legs 62 extending from either side of the central portion 60 adapted to lie respectively in parallel spacedlrelationship to the'panel legs 34 of the exterior trim piece 32 and to the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44. The central portion 60 of the clamping member 58 is provided with an opening 64 which corresponds to the opening 54 in the planar part 52 of the third part 50 of the supporting member 44.
Fastening means such as the threaded bolt 66 extends through the opening 64 in the clampillg member 58 and the opening ;
, . . . _ . . . . , . " .. , . . . ~ . ...
-` 11(14t3Z,(~
54 ln the su~porting mem~er 44 into the retaininy means 56 such as a cage nut or a swaged nut.
As can be seen in FIG. 5, the panels 10 at the corner are positioned such that the edges of the outer and inner skins 14 .
and 16, respectively, are within the opening between the spaced legs 48 and 62 and.46 and 62 of the supporting member 44 and the clamping member 58, respectively. In practice, the assembly of the exterior trim piece 32 and the support member 44 are held against the edges of the corner panel 10. A bolt 66 is then threaded into the retaining means 56. The head of the bolt 66 is then fit through the opening 64. When the bolt.
66 is tightened, the legs 62 of the clamping member 58 are pressed against the inner metal skins 16 at the edges of the panels 10 at the corner which are then squeezed towards the ; 15 outer skins 14 thereof, providing a structural tie therebetween. .
-. A suitable interior trim piece 68 snaps over the free vertical edges 70 of the legs 62 of the clamping member 58 and hides the bolt 66 and the clamping member 58. As shown in the ~- drawings, the vertical free edges 70 of the legs 62 of the ~: 20 clamping member 58 may be provided witll flanyes W}liCh contact flanges 72 on the edges of the interior trim piece 68. Addi-tionally, the edges of the panel type legs 62 of the clamping member 58 adjacent the free vertical edges 70 thereof may be bent as at 74 to provide room for the flanges 72 of the interior trim piece 68.
As can be seen in FIG. 5, insulation such as plastic foam 76 may be inserted between the exterior trim piece 32 and the supporting member 44, and in the interstitial spaces 78 between cut edges, as at 21 the panels 10 and the corner assembly 12.
. .
' 1~09~320 It will be understood that tile central planar portion 60 of the clampi~g member 5~ may ~e spaced from the planar portion 52 of the third portion 50 of the supporting member 44 when the corner assembly 12 is assembled to the panels 10. ~lowever, such spaci,ng will, of course, depend upon the thickness of the panels lO.
Additional holding of the corner assembly 12 to tlle panels 10 may be provided by securing the panel type le~s 62 of the clamping member 5a to the inner skins 16 of their respective panels lO. Such securing or fastening may be accomplished by use of screws or rivets.
As shown in FIG. 6, the present invention contemplates that short pieces of the exterior trim piece 32 and short pieces of the support member 44 may be butt joined at their ends to match a total height of corner panels. Such splices are self-aligning because short pieces of the lower exterior trim piece 32 may be offset vertically from its supporting member 44 so that the abutting upper short piece of the supporting member 44 ~ telescopes into the lower exterior trim piece 32 and both are '' 20 clamped by the clamping member 58.
As shown in FIG. 2, it will be noted that for the right hand corner, both the male edge portion 26 of a first panel lO and " the female edge 20 of a second panel lO have had portions, as at 21, of the panels removed or cut off prior to utilization 25 f the corner assembly 12 of the present invention. This may be done when required to result in the proper wall length. In the left hand corner of the building construction of FIG. 2~, the male edge portion 26 of a first panel lO has again been partially removed while the female edge 20 of the second 30 panel lO is used who]e.
~` 11 o ~ s previously in(licatecl, L~rior art corner assembl~es do not ~rovide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the two ac~jacent panels being joined without ~he aid of auxiliary means such as spacer members and roof plates c J which are welded to, for example, a corner post. In this regard, FIG. 7A is a plan view enlargement of a corner similar to the upper right hand corner of FIG. 2 showing a corner assembly of the present invention which does not provide a structural tie between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels 10 when the assembly is in the untightened position. As can be seen, the included angle A, defined by the first and second portions 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44, and the included angle B, defined by the panel type legs 62 of the clamping member 58, are substantially identical to the included angle C, defined by the surfaces or faces of the inner metal skin 16 of the panels 10. For simpllcityr the angle C has been shown as 90.
FIG. 7A shows the relationship of a supporting member 44 having a 90 included angle ~ and a clamping member 58, also having a 90 included angle B, to the building panels 10, also a 90 included angle C, before the threaded bolt 66 is tightened into the retaining means 56. As can been seen, the surfaces or faces of the outer metal skins 14 are in intimate contact with the first and second portions 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44. Likewise, the surfaces or faces of the inner skins 16 of the panels 10 are in intimate contact with the panel type legs 62 of the.
- clamping member 58. Ilowever, as shown in FIG. 7~, when the threaded bolt 66 is tightened into the retaining means 56, 3 the supportillg and clampillg members 44 and 58 tend to be pulled into the juncture betweel~ the building panels 10. Note that ..
tl.~ planclr portiolls r3~ ~In(l 6() of ~he su~)ortirl-J ancl clam~ing members 44 and 58, respectively, tend to ~ecome ~owed. ~ccord-ingly, as can be seen, the lec~s 62 of the clampin~ member 58 no longer contact the surface or.~ace of the inner metal skins l6 of the panels 10 except at the points o.E c~ntact 82. Similarly, the legs 46 and 48 of the supporting members 44 no longer contact the surface or face of the outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10 except at the points of contact 84.
It has been determined that the corner assèmbly 12 of the present invention will provide an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the pair of panels 10 by squeezing action of the first and.second portions 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44, and of the legs 62 of the clamping member 58, upon the surface or face of the outer and inner metal skins 14 a!nd 16, respectively, at the points of contact between the skins 14 and 16 and the. supporting and clamping members 44 and 58, respectively, if the included angle A, defined by the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supportirlg member 44, is less than the included angle C, defined by the surfaces or faces of the inner metal skin 16 of the panels 10; and further, if the included angle B, defined by the panel type legs 62 of the clamping member 58, is greater than the angle C. In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 8A, the included angle A is 88, the included angle s is 98, and the included angle C is 90.
When the corner assembly 12 of FIG. 8~ is assembled, and before the threaded bolt 66 is tightened, it will be noted that there is only contact bet~een the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44 and the surface or face of the outer skin 14 of the panels 10 at the points 86. Similarly, there is only contact between the legs 62 of the clamping member ~ . ._ . _ . . ... .. _ _ .. ___ .. .. . _ . . _~__ _ . . _ ....
58 and the sur~ace or ~ace of the inner metal skin 16 of tlle panels 10 at the points 88.
As the threaded bolt 66 is gradually tightened, the supportinc~
and clamping members 44 and 58 are gradually pulled into the juncture between the panels 10. When sufficient force has been applied, as shown in FIG..8s, continuous intimate contact results between the first and second portions 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44 ancl the surface or face of tlle outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10 as well as between the legs 62 and the surface.or face of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10.
Itihas been found that the squeezing or clamping force should equal or exceed the frictional forces between the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58 and the surfaces of the outer and inner skins 14 and 16 of the panels 10 in order to effect the structural tie between the pair of panels 10. ~ccordingly, the corner assembly 12 of-the present invention thus achieves an .
effective and satisfactory structural tie between -the adjoining panels 10.
It should, of course, be noted that when the person installing the corner assembly 12 sees the condition of the corner assembly 12 in relation to the panels 10 shown in FIG. 8s, tightening of th~ threaded bolt 66 should cease. If tightening of the threaded bolt 66 continues, the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58 will continue to be pulled into the juncture between the panels 10 until only point contact exists between the first and second portions 46 and 48, as well as the leg 62 of.the clamping member 58, and the panel surfaces, as shown-in FIG. 7B. Should this occur, the threaded bolt 66 should be backed off in order to decrease the force until continuous intimate contact results between the compollents 1 ~' ,0 the assem~ly an~l Ll~e surf~ces oE tlle ~anel skins.
Tlle include~ anyles A and B of the supporting al~d clamping members 44 and 58, respectively, may be determined by calculations exam~les of which will more fully be explained hereinafter. However, it wlll, of course, be understood that the included angles ~ and B will vary depending upon corner assembly application as well as upon many variables, including the included angle C, defined by the surfaces or faces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10, the thicknesses, dimensions and material of the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58, the frictional forces between the supporting and the clamping members 44 and 58 and the skins 16 of the panels 10, etc.
Turning now to FIGS. 9~ and 9B, the calculation of the included angle B will be explained.
A plan view of a clamping member 58 is shown in FIG. 9A.
The included angle B, defined by the legs 62a and 62b, is shown as 98, which is greater than the 90 included angle C between the ~ inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10. An example of the method of calculating the required included angle B, which is in fact 98 when the included angle C is 90, may be as follows:
;
Assumptions:
1. P = the allowable force exerted by the fastening means 66.
2. Ra = Rb = the force exerted by the clamping member 58 against the faces or surfaces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10.
3. The force P is equidistant between Ra and Rb.
4. The clamping member 58 is formed from steel whose modulus of elasticiLy I is ~() x I()fi l,~si; l~y = 5(),000 psi; arlcl wl~os~ tllicklless is o.~G incl~s.
5. A factor of safety of 1.67.
The section modulus S of the cross section of the clamping member 58 may be calculated as follows:
S _ b ~ d2
The section modulus S of the cross section of the clamping member 58 may be calculated as follows:
S _ b ~ d2
- 6 , where b = ~ one inch width of the section and d = 0.06 inch, the thickness of the clamping member 58.
The force Ra Rb may be computed by applying the load P to a beam whose length L is the distance between ~a and Rb, as shown in FIG. 9B.
, The maximum allowable moment, as shown in PIG. 9B, may be calculated as follows:
F F
M~1ax = Sf, where f = Y = Y = 0.6F = 30,000 ~si.
Factor of Safety 1.67 The actual moment, Ma = PL
4 , - Equating MMaX = Ma Sf 4 ~_ Solving for P
- 20 p = ~f = 6L
Assuming 1 = 5.75 inches for this particular corner assembly, P is calculated to be 12.52 pounds per inch of section-length and Ra is calculated to be 6.26 pounds per inch of section length.
The deflection of the legs 62a and 62b will be equal if the lengths of the legs are equal, and may be computed as follows:
a = ~ where I = S(-2~ 2- = 0 095 inclles 3.~,~
~ 16 --.
o 1 ll C~ I c~ t o t: l l~` C' ~ V ~ ` (> I l_ ll C` cl c r I . c ~ C~I L)C?~ 1 I; t lle S ~ l t S
~ ancl l~, a~ ~est scc]l in l`l(~ , forms an allgle ~ witl a straight line between Ra and l~.
~ PL = ~~ a_ = _3 ~ = each end of the bearn.
The total ineluded angle B between the legs 62a and 62b of the clamping member 58 is 90 + 2 ~ = 95 41'. In practice this is rounded off to 96, and allowing a +2 tolerance for manufacturing, a 98 angle is specified.
In summary, the clamping member 58 is formed to an included angle B of 98 between the legs 62a and 62b.
Turning now to FIGS. lOa and lOb, the calculation of the included angle ~ will be explained.
A plan view of a supportinc3 member 44, without the exterior trim piece 32, is shown in FIG. 10~. The included angle ~, defined 15 by the legs 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44, is shown as 88, which is smaller tllan the 90 included angle C between the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10. ~n example of the method of calculating the required included angle ~, which is in fact 88 when the included angle C is 90, is similar to that fcr calculating included angle B of the clamping member 58.
The free v~rtical edges 46a and 48a of the legs 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44 are in contact with tile outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10 of the assembly, and exert forces Rc and Rd, respectively, upon the skins 14 of the panels lG.
The free body cross section acts as a beam of length ~, the composite length of the supporting member 44, with a load P
exerted by tl~e fastenillcJ means 66. ~ssuming that the supportillcJ
member 44 is formed of the same material as the clampillg member 58 and that the other assumptions are also iclentical, the ;
'13.~0 lculations of tlle allow~l~le loads Rc ~nd l~d are cls Fol]ows:
~Max = Sf = Ma = 4L
P = 4 L = -4 C~ 6' LF . .
Assume L - 10 inches for this part.icular corner assembly and R = Rd = 2 = 3.6 pounds per inch.
The support member 44 is continuous over the total length of the surfaces of the outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10, whereas the clamping member 58 may not necessarily be continuous over the total length of the surfaces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10. If the clamping member 58 is assumed to contact the surfaces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10 at 62.5~ of the length of the panels 10 (panels 15 inches long on center every 24 inches or 15 x lOO), then the squeezing action of the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58 cannot exceed the ,, !
force Ra exerted by the clamping member 58 multiplied by 0.625.
Rc = Rd ~ O.625 Ra = .625 Rb .
O.625 Ra = 3-9 pounds ~ Rc = 3.6 pounds.
S In general the legs 46 and 48 of the support member 44 will deflect first, since they are shorter than the third portions 50 and the planar portion 52.
Assume La = the lengths of each of the legs 46 and 48 = 2.375 . inches for thislparticular corner assembly and the deflection of - each of the legs 46 and 48 under a load P of 12.52 pounds, exerted by the fastening means 66 through the clamping member 58, equals:
1 = 48aEI = 0.0066 inches 3~
e 1 L = 0.0083 Radians = 0 28' at the intersection of the leg 46 and the third portion 50 and at the intersection of the leg 48 and the third portion 50.
~ 13 ~ .
~ s ~ suL)I~orti~l~3 me~llll~er 44 de[lccts ull-ier additional load P, the third portiolls 50 begin to deflect, and with their lengths Lb, which are assumed to be 1.75 inches for this particular corner assembly, the deflection will be:
~ Pl'b = O.0027 inches ~3 2 = 2 = 0.0046 Radians Lb ~ 2 ~ 15~ at the intersection of the planar portion 52 ~nd each of the third portions 50 of the supporting member 44.
The total deflection ~ ,as best seen in FIG. 10B, is the sum of the deflection angles 01 ~ ~2 , or 0 43', which is rounded off as 1. Allowinq for manufacturing tolerances, each anqle between the third portions 50 and either leq 46 or 48 is made 1 less than 90, or 89. Accordingly, from simple trigonometric relationships, it may readily be determined that the included anqle A, defined by the leqs 46 and 48 of the ~ ~ supporting member 44, is 88.
The corner assembly 12 of the present invention provides an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the edge of two adjoining panels 10 at a corner of a building. Such panels 10 are gejnerally (but not necessarily) at riqht angles to each other. The corner assembly 12 presents a neat appearing corner closure of the same material and color as the wall panels 10 and precludes the need for any fasteners exposed to the outside or inside of the panel walls. The structural strength provided by the corner assembly 12 of the present invention provide~
structural continuity around the corner. The corner assembly 12 of the present invention allows for slight variation of corner panel position off width module. Furthermore it provides ;
11(~9~3,~0 ability to seal the corner panel joint ayainst moisture and air leakage. Further benefit results when insulation is '' utilized since the corner assembly 12 will then provide insulation continuity of panels at the corner. ~he corner assembly 12 of the presènt invention provides a positive and adjustable fastening from the,inside of buildinc3s and it may be erected in sequence with wall panels or after wall panels are in place.
While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically illustrated and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is to be given its broadest interpretation in the terms of the following claims.
.
~ ~ 20
The force Ra Rb may be computed by applying the load P to a beam whose length L is the distance between ~a and Rb, as shown in FIG. 9B.
, The maximum allowable moment, as shown in PIG. 9B, may be calculated as follows:
F F
M~1ax = Sf, where f = Y = Y = 0.6F = 30,000 ~si.
Factor of Safety 1.67 The actual moment, Ma = PL
4 , - Equating MMaX = Ma Sf 4 ~_ Solving for P
- 20 p = ~f = 6L
Assuming 1 = 5.75 inches for this particular corner assembly, P is calculated to be 12.52 pounds per inch of section-length and Ra is calculated to be 6.26 pounds per inch of section length.
The deflection of the legs 62a and 62b will be equal if the lengths of the legs are equal, and may be computed as follows:
a = ~ where I = S(-2~ 2- = 0 095 inclles 3.~,~
~ 16 --.
o 1 ll C~ I c~ t o t: l l~` C' ~ V ~ ` (> I l_ ll C` cl c r I . c ~ C~I L)C?~ 1 I; t lle S ~ l t S
~ ancl l~, a~ ~est scc]l in l`l(~ , forms an allgle ~ witl a straight line between Ra and l~.
~ PL = ~~ a_ = _3 ~ = each end of the bearn.
The total ineluded angle B between the legs 62a and 62b of the clamping member 58 is 90 + 2 ~ = 95 41'. In practice this is rounded off to 96, and allowing a +2 tolerance for manufacturing, a 98 angle is specified.
In summary, the clamping member 58 is formed to an included angle B of 98 between the legs 62a and 62b.
Turning now to FIGS. lOa and lOb, the calculation of the included angle ~ will be explained.
A plan view of a supportinc3 member 44, without the exterior trim piece 32, is shown in FIG. 10~. The included angle ~, defined 15 by the legs 46 and 48 of the supporting member 44, is shown as 88, which is smaller tllan the 90 included angle C between the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10. ~n example of the method of calculating the required included angle ~, which is in fact 88 when the included angle C is 90, is similar to that fcr calculating included angle B of the clamping member 58.
The free v~rtical edges 46a and 48a of the legs 46 and 48, respectively, of the supporting member 44 are in contact with tile outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10 of the assembly, and exert forces Rc and Rd, respectively, upon the skins 14 of the panels lG.
The free body cross section acts as a beam of length ~, the composite length of the supporting member 44, with a load P
exerted by tl~e fastenillcJ means 66. ~ssuming that the supportillcJ
member 44 is formed of the same material as the clampillg member 58 and that the other assumptions are also iclentical, the ;
'13.~0 lculations of tlle allow~l~le loads Rc ~nd l~d are cls Fol]ows:
~Max = Sf = Ma = 4L
P = 4 L = -4 C~ 6' LF . .
Assume L - 10 inches for this part.icular corner assembly and R = Rd = 2 = 3.6 pounds per inch.
The support member 44 is continuous over the total length of the surfaces of the outer metal skins 14 of the panels 10, whereas the clamping member 58 may not necessarily be continuous over the total length of the surfaces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10. If the clamping member 58 is assumed to contact the surfaces of the inner metal skins 16 of the panels 10 at 62.5~ of the length of the panels 10 (panels 15 inches long on center every 24 inches or 15 x lOO), then the squeezing action of the supporting and clamping members 44 and 58 cannot exceed the ,, !
force Ra exerted by the clamping member 58 multiplied by 0.625.
Rc = Rd ~ O.625 Ra = .625 Rb .
O.625 Ra = 3-9 pounds ~ Rc = 3.6 pounds.
S In general the legs 46 and 48 of the support member 44 will deflect first, since they are shorter than the third portions 50 and the planar portion 52.
Assume La = the lengths of each of the legs 46 and 48 = 2.375 . inches for thislparticular corner assembly and the deflection of - each of the legs 46 and 48 under a load P of 12.52 pounds, exerted by the fastening means 66 through the clamping member 58, equals:
1 = 48aEI = 0.0066 inches 3~
e 1 L = 0.0083 Radians = 0 28' at the intersection of the leg 46 and the third portion 50 and at the intersection of the leg 48 and the third portion 50.
~ 13 ~ .
~ s ~ suL)I~orti~l~3 me~llll~er 44 de[lccts ull-ier additional load P, the third portiolls 50 begin to deflect, and with their lengths Lb, which are assumed to be 1.75 inches for this particular corner assembly, the deflection will be:
~ Pl'b = O.0027 inches ~3 2 = 2 = 0.0046 Radians Lb ~ 2 ~ 15~ at the intersection of the planar portion 52 ~nd each of the third portions 50 of the supporting member 44.
The total deflection ~ ,as best seen in FIG. 10B, is the sum of the deflection angles 01 ~ ~2 , or 0 43', which is rounded off as 1. Allowinq for manufacturing tolerances, each anqle between the third portions 50 and either leq 46 or 48 is made 1 less than 90, or 89. Accordingly, from simple trigonometric relationships, it may readily be determined that the included anqle A, defined by the leqs 46 and 48 of the ~ ~ supporting member 44, is 88.
The corner assembly 12 of the present invention provides an effective and satisfactory structural tie between the edge of two adjoining panels 10 at a corner of a building. Such panels 10 are gejnerally (but not necessarily) at riqht angles to each other. The corner assembly 12 presents a neat appearing corner closure of the same material and color as the wall panels 10 and precludes the need for any fasteners exposed to the outside or inside of the panel walls. The structural strength provided by the corner assembly 12 of the present invention provide~
structural continuity around the corner. The corner assembly 12 of the present invention allows for slight variation of corner panel position off width module. Furthermore it provides ;
11(~9~3,~0 ability to seal the corner panel joint ayainst moisture and air leakage. Further benefit results when insulation is '' utilized since the corner assembly 12 will then provide insulation continuity of panels at the corner. ~he corner assembly 12 of the presènt invention provides a positive and adjustable fastening from the,inside of buildinc3s and it may be erected in sequence with wall panels or after wall panels are in place.
While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically illustrated and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is to be given its broadest interpretation in the terms of the following claims.
.
~ ~ 20
Claims (31)
1. In a corner and sealing assembly for the corner of a building of the type having a pair of panels angularly disposed in edge-to-edge relationship, each panel comprising an outer metal skin and an inner metal skin separated by and joined to an intermediate insulating body substantially filling the space between said skins, an exterior trim piece of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs, the free vertical edges of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion; a supporting member for said exterior trim piece, said supporting member comprising first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent said legs of said exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received within the groove formed by said return bent portions of said exterior trim piece, said first and second portions being joined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects said legs of said exterior trim piece in equal angles, said planar part of said third portion being provided with at least one opening; retaining means positioned in said opening of said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member; a clamping member having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member, said clamping member having panel type legs extending from either side of said central planar portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced relationship to said panel type legs of said exterior trim piece and to said first and second portions of said supporting member, said central planar portion of said clamping member being provided with at least one opening which corresponds to said opening in said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member; the inner metal skin of one panel and the inner metal skin of the other panel defining a first included angle between said panels, said first and second portions of said supporting member defining a second included angle therebetween, said second included angle being less than said first included angle, and said panel type legs of said clamping member defining a third included angle therebetween, said third included angle being greater than said first included angle; and fastening means extending through said opening in said clamping member and said opening in said supporting member into said retaining means, whereby the tightening of said fastening means effects a structural tie between said pair of panels by squeezing action of said first and second portions of said supporting member and said legs of said clamping members upon said outer and inner metal skins of said panels, respectively, at the points of contact between said skins and said supporting and clamping members, with the force of said squeezing action being substantially equal to or exceeding the frictional forces between said supporting and clamping members and said outer and inner metal skins respectively, when intimate contact results therebetween.
2. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein insulation is inserted between said exterior trim piece and said supporting member.
3. The building construction according to claim 2, wherein insulation is inserted in the interstitial spaces between said supporting member and said clamping member and the edges of said panels.
4. The building construction according to claim 2, wherein said insulation comprises plastic foam.
5. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein said panels at the corner of said building construction are substantially at right angles to each other.
6. The building construction according to claim 5, wherein said panel legs of said exterior trim piece are sub-stantially at right angles to each other.
7. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein an interior trim piece is positioned over said clamping member.
8. The building construction according to claim 7, wherein the vertical free edges of said panel type legs of said clamping member are provided with flanges, and wherein said interior trim piece snaps over said flanges.
9. The building construction according to claim 8, wherein the edges of said interior trim member are provided with flanges, and wherein the edges of said panel type legs of said clamping member adjacent said flanges thereof are bent to provide room for said flanges of said interior trim member.
10. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein said central planar portion of said clamping member is spaced from said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member.
11. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises a cage nut.
12. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises swaged nut.
13. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises a threaded bolt.
14. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein each said panel type leg of said clamping member is fastened to the inner skin of its respective panel to provide additional holding of said corner assembly to said panels.
15. The building construction according to claim 14, wherein said panel type legs are fastened to the inner skin of their respective panels by screws.
16. The building construction according to claim 15, wherein said panel type legs are fastened to said inner skin of their respective panels by rivets.
17. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of said exterior trim piece is of the same material and color as said outer skins of said panels.
18. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein short pieces of said exterior trim piece and short pieces of said support member are butt joined at their ends to make the sum of their lengths equal to the total height of said corner panels.
19. The building construction according to claim 18, wherein said exterior trim piece is offset vertically from said supporting member so as to provide self alignment both between said short pieces of said exterior trim piece and said short pieces of said support member.
20. The building construction according to claim 1, wherein an interior trim piece snaps over the free vertical edges of said clamping member and hides said fastener means and said clamping member.
21. In a covering and sealing assembly for concealing and sealing the gap between a pair of edge adjoining wall panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, the combination of an exterior trim piece of V-shaped cross section having two panel type legs, the free vertical edges of which are turned back upon themselves to form a return bent portion;
a supporting member for said exterior trim piece, said supporting member comprising first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent said legs of said exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received within said return bent portions of said exterior trim piece, said first and second portions being joined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects said legs of said exterior trim piece in equal angles, said planar part of said third portion being provided with at least one opening; retaining means positioned in said opening of said planar part of said third portion of said supporting members; a clamping member having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member, said clamping member having panel type legs extending from either side of said central planar portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced relationship to said panel type legs of said exterior trim piece and to said first and second portions of said supporting member, said central planar portion of said clamping member being provided with at least one opening which corresponds to said opening in said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member; the inner face of one panel and the inner face of the other panel defining a first included angle between said panels, said first and second portions of said supporting member defining a second included angle therebetween, said second included angle being less than said first included angle, said panel type legs of said clamping member defining a third included angle therebetween, said third included angle being greater than said first included angle; and fastening means extending through said opening in said clamping member and said opening in said supporting member into said retaining means whereby the tightening of said fastening means effects a structural tie between said pair of panels by squeezing action of said first and second portions of said supporting member and said legs of said clamping member upon the faces of said panels at the points of contact between said faces of said supporting and clamping members, with the force of said squeezing action being substantially equal to or exceeding the frictional forces between said supporting and clamping members and said outer and inner metal skins, respectively, when intimate contact results therebetween.
a supporting member for said exterior trim piece, said supporting member comprising first and second portions each of which is adapted to lie adjacent said legs of said exterior trim piece with the free vertical edges thereof received within said return bent portions of said exterior trim piece, said first and second portions being joined by a third portion at least a part of which is planar and lies in a plane which intersects said legs of said exterior trim piece in equal angles, said planar part of said third portion being provided with at least one opening; retaining means positioned in said opening of said planar part of said third portion of said supporting members; a clamping member having a central planar portion which lies in parallel relationship to said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member, said clamping member having panel type legs extending from either side of said central planar portion adapted to lie respectively in parallel spaced relationship to said panel type legs of said exterior trim piece and to said first and second portions of said supporting member, said central planar portion of said clamping member being provided with at least one opening which corresponds to said opening in said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member; the inner face of one panel and the inner face of the other panel defining a first included angle between said panels, said first and second portions of said supporting member defining a second included angle therebetween, said second included angle being less than said first included angle, said panel type legs of said clamping member defining a third included angle therebetween, said third included angle being greater than said first included angle; and fastening means extending through said opening in said clamping member and said opening in said supporting member into said retaining means whereby the tightening of said fastening means effects a structural tie between said pair of panels by squeezing action of said first and second portions of said supporting member and said legs of said clamping member upon the faces of said panels at the points of contact between said faces of said supporting and clamping members, with the force of said squeezing action being substantially equal to or exceeding the frictional forces between said supporting and clamping members and said outer and inner metal skins, respectively, when intimate contact results therebetween.
22. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein insulation is inserted between said exterior trim piece and said supporting member.
23. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein insulation is inserted in the interstitial spaces between said supporting member and said clamping member and the edges of said panels.
24. The corner and sealing assembly according to claim 23, wherein said insulation comprises plastic foam.
25. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein the vertical free edges of said panel type legs of said clamping member are provided with flanges, and wherein the edges of said interior trim piece are also provided with flanges, the edges of said panel type legs of said clamping member adjacent said flanges thereof being bent to provide room for said flanges of said interior trim piece.
26. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein said central planar portion of said clamping member is spaced from said planar part of said third portion of said supporting member.
27. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein said retaining means comprises a swaged nut.
28. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein said fastening means comprises a threaded bolt.
29. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein said retaining means comprises a cage nut.
30. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein each said panel type leg of said clamping member is fastened to its respective panel to provide additional holding of said corner of said covering and sealing assembly to said panels.
31. The covering and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein said edge adjoining wall panels are disposed at substantially right angles.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US889,351 | 1978-03-23 | ||
| US05/889,351 US4192113A (en) | 1977-06-27 | 1978-03-23 | Corner assembly for wall panels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1104320A true CA1104320A (en) | 1981-07-07 |
Family
ID=25394948
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA322,977A Expired CA1104320A (en) | 1978-03-23 | 1979-03-08 | Corner assembly for wall panels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1104320A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-03-08 CA CA322,977A patent/CA1104320A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4192113A (en) | Corner assembly for wall panels | |
| US4633634A (en) | Building side wall construction and panel therefor | |
| US4125984A (en) | Building panel construction and connector therefor | |
| US5373678A (en) | Structural panel system | |
| US4266385A (en) | Interlocking building panel construction | |
| US3267626A (en) | Composite panel with insulating insert | |
| US3734550A (en) | Building construction assembly | |
| CA2589425C (en) | System for constructing log structures | |
| US4143498A (en) | Concealed fastener clip for building panels | |
| CA1066014A (en) | Wall structure | |
| US3394526A (en) | Beam and clamp building construction | |
| US5048248A (en) | Non-directional composite foam panel side joint | |
| US2732044A (en) | mcclune | |
| US3559359A (en) | Building panel system | |
| US5749197A (en) | Panel joint system | |
| US3940893A (en) | Building panel joint | |
| EP0051351B1 (en) | A panel joining system | |
| CA1096580A (en) | Assembly of wall elements | |
| CA1290542C (en) | Apparatus for joining curvilinear structural panels and the like | |
| CA1104320A (en) | Corner assembly for wall panels | |
| US5722211A (en) | Rail structure to support flat structural elements | |
| GB2221740A (en) | Panel built bodies | |
| AU627358B2 (en) | Interlocking of modular building components | |
| US2363233A (en) | Structural unit | |
| US3417529A (en) | Drive cleat connector |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |