CA2123476A1 - Head rail - Google Patents
Head railInfo
- Publication number
- CA2123476A1 CA2123476A1 CA 2123476 CA2123476A CA2123476A1 CA 2123476 A1 CA2123476 A1 CA 2123476A1 CA 2123476 CA2123476 CA 2123476 CA 2123476 A CA2123476 A CA 2123476A CA 2123476 A1 CA2123476 A1 CA 2123476A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- head rail
- head
- rails
- rail
- wall support
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0803—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0805—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and the wall
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
A head rail arrangement for the construction of a wall support structure for non load bearing walls comprising first and second head rails.
The wall support structure is fixedly connected to the second head rail. The second head rail is flexibly suspended from the first head rail thereby allowing slight shifts of the building structure without damage to the wall structure.
The wall support structure is fixedly connected to the second head rail. The second head rail is flexibly suspended from the first head rail thereby allowing slight shifts of the building structure without damage to the wall structure.
Description
2i23~76 Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to an interior or exterior wall support structure for non load bearing walls. Wall support structures generally comprise a network of vertical posts and horizontal members and are generally covered with prefabricated materials such as gypsum panels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for supporting vertically disposed posts while readily accommodating some shifting of the building which results in relative movement of the floors and ceilings of a building. The present invention is particularly related to, but not limited to, modern construction techniques of multi-story buildings involving the construction of floors and ceilings on column supports prior to the installation of wall support structures. For example, new construction methods consist of cement or concrete floor and ceiling slabs between which metallic wall support structures are erected.
Brief descri~tion of the ~rior art:
Knownconstructiontechniques forerecting wall structures generally involve the installation of a U-shaped bottom rail fixedly secured to the floor.
The wall structure w-ill rest on the bottom rail. A
top rail, commonly known as a head rail, also U-shaped 212347~
is fixedly secured to the ceiling overlying the bottom rail. A sufficient number of vertical posts are then erected and fastened to the top and bottom rails.
Horizontal members are also installed between the vertical posts to strengthen the structure.
Electrical, telecommunication and plumbing systems are of course installed before prefabricated panelling, such as gypsum, are fastened to the wall structure to complete a finished interior wall.
One difficulty with the technique described above is that most building will experience settling or shifts during their lifespan. Most of the shifts will generally occur shortly after the completion of construction of the building. This is most apparent in multi-story buildings. The weight of the upper stories will press down on the stories below and cause slight shifts or settling of the building.
This will often result in relative movement of ceiling and floors. Although this is a normal occurrence and generally does not render the building structure unsafe, interior wall structures may be submitted to great compression or expansion forces. This may result in breakage or buckling of the interior wall structures and their panelling finishes.
A number of solutions have been proposed to overcome this difficulty. Andrews, U.S. Patent #
3,492,766 (1970), teaches the use of height-adjustable studs in the construction of interior walls. Palumbo, U.S. Patent # 5,129,204 (1992), similarly shows a metallic vertical stud having an accordion shaped region which will deflect under heavy load.
212347~
In practice such innovations have met with limited acceptance of the trade because of the higher construction costs generated by the higher costs of manufacturing the height-adjustable studs.
A less expensive solution has been developed by the construction trade. The technique is to use two stackable U-shaped head rails fitted one over the other. The U-shape implies that the head rails have side flanges preventing side to side movement when the head rails are fitted one over the other. However, the arrangement allows some liberty of top to bottom movement between a first head rail fixedly secured to the ceiling and a second head rail located immediately below and overlapped by the first head rail. The remainder of the interior wall structure is of course fastened to the second head rail. Also, for this technique to work, the side flanges of the U-shaped head rails are slightly flared so that the first and second head rails may readily be placed in overlapping relationship. Such a construction technique requires additional workmen to install what is a fragile wall structure until all finishing panelling is installed. Indeed, at least two workmen are needed to hold the second head rail in place while other workers install vertical and horizontal beams. The fragility of the arrangement persists even when the vertical and horizontal beams are in place. As electrical or telecommunication or plumbing equipment are installed, the wall structure may be deformed since it is not securely fastened to the ceiling. What happens is that the second head rail starts to slide longitudinally in the first head rail. For example, workmen installing cables will generally pull them through the vertical posts of the interior wall structures. Such activity will often result in a deformed wall structure as explained above. The rigidity of the finished interior wall is later improved as the finishing panelling, such as gypsum panels, is installed. Nevertheless, it is to be noted that, if as a result of shifting of the building, the floor to ceiling distance is sufficiently increased, the second head rail may completely distance itself from the first head rail.
This will result in an unsafe interior wall having no top support and which could conceivably topple on its side and cause serious injury to the occupants or serious damage to the furnishings of a building.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art by providing a novel head rail arrangement comprising two head rails with the second head being flexibly connected to and suspended from the first head rail.
Another object of the invention is to provide a head rail arrangement having a convenient suspension mechanism to suspend a second head rail from a first head rail.
Another object of the invention is to provide this new head rail arrangement at substantially the same costs as a conventional head rail arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel head rail arrangement for use in a wall support system installed in a building between a floor slab and a ceiling slab defining a story. The wall support system comprising vertical posts mounted in an horizontal bottom rail, fixedly mounted on the floor slab. The head rail arrangement comprising first and second head rails, the first head rail being fixedly fastened or fixedly suspended from the ceiling slab, the second head rail being connected to the first head rail and being flexibly suspended below and from the first head rail.
The flexible connection between the first and second head rail accommodates slight shifts or settling of the building and consequently slight relative movement between the floor and ceiling slabs of a story.
In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connection comprises flexible metallic bands die-punched on three sides from the second head rail , with the longitudinal free end of the metallic band is fastened to the first head rail which is thereby suspended from the first head rail.
In a most preferred embodiment, the first and second head rails are stackable.
In a most preferred embodiment, the first and second head rails are U-shaped and essentially of equal dimensions.
In another preferred embodiment, the first and second metallic head rails have a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a flat longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal flanges. The suspension means comprises an interlocking means for connecting the first and second head rail. The interlocking means comprises corresponding bent shapes on the longitudinal side flanges of the first and second head rails whereby the side flanges of the second head rial will abutt and be suspended from the side flanges of the first head rail.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the head rail arrangement of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an fragmentary vertical cross section of a head rail arrangement of the present invention and a bottom rail, respectively fastened to a ceiling and a floor slab and having a vertical post mounted therebetween;
5Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view of a head arrangement of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a head rail of the present invention and comprising die-punched flexible connection bands; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of an optional embodiment of the head rail arrangement of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the appended drawings, FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a head rail arrangement 10 of the present invention. The head rail arrangement consists of a first head rail 12, generally U-shaped and fixedly secured to a ceiling slab located above it (shown in FIG. 2) and a second head rail 14, similar to the first head rail 12, partially overlapped by the first head rail 12 and flexibly connected to the first head rail 12 by a flexible metallic band 16 die-punched on three sides from the material of second head rail 14. Flexible band 16 projects generally upwardly and diagonally from second head rail 14 and towards first head rail 12. This is conveniently illustrated in FIG. 2 where it is shown that flexible band 16 is readily fastened to the first head rail 12 and to the ceiling slab 18 above it by means of a single fastener, shown for illustrative purposes as screw 20. As a result, the second head rail 14 is flexibly connected to and suspended from the first head rail 12. Because head rails 12 and 14 are of the same generally shape, they are stackable and slightly overlap. Consequently, while the head rails 12 and 14 have some liberty of up and down movement relative to one another, the side flanges 22 of the first head rail 12 prevent side to side movement of the second head rail 14. Hence, the above described head rail arrangement 10 can be readily installed, even by a single workman. The headrail arrangement 10 will not be subject to being deformed when work crews install electrical, telecommunication or plumbing equipment.
Still referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, a representative vertical post 24 is also shown connected to the side flanges 26 of the second head rail 14. Vertical post 24 is fastened to the second rail 14 by conventional fasteners, shown for illustrative purposes as screws 20. Shown in FIG. 2, the foot of post 24 is fastened by screws 20 to the side flanges 28 of a bottom rail 30. The bottom rail 30 is itself fastened at spaced longitudinal intervals to a floor slab 32. It is of course to be understood that a plurality of posts such as post 24 will be fastened along the length of second head rail 14 and bottom rail 32 to constitute a proper support structure for a wall. It is to be further understood that horizontal members (not shown) may be installed between vertical posts 24 to further strengthen the 21234~6 wall structure. Additional strength would also be obtained when finishing panelling (not shown) such as gypsum board is installed to cover the wall structure.
It is also to be understood that a plurality of flexible connection bands 16 would be installed at spaced intervals along the length of head rails 12 and 14 thereby providing a generally uniform and sufficiently sturdy yet flexible connection between head rails 12 and 14.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the head rail arrangement of the present invention is illustrated from a side view. It can be seen that flexible band 16 projects from the second head rail 14 towards the first head rail 12. A single connector, for illustrative purposes, is shown in dotted lines. This connector comprises a screw 20 connecting the two head rails 12 and 14 before boring into the ceiling slab 18. Such connections are of course repeated at regular intervals along the length of head rails 12 and 14. In most applications at least two flexible band 16 connections would be required to suspend second head rail 14 from a first head rail 12.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a top view illustrates a preferred general die-punch shape of flexible band 16. Band 16 is die-punched on three sides from the longitudinal flat top portion of second head rail 14. This leaves flexible band 16 attached on one side to second head rail 14. One skilled in metal working and construction materials will easily determine the proper dimensions, materials and thickness of materials used to arrive at a sufficiently sturdy yet flexible connection band 16.
Advantageously, band 16 will simply be bent upwards at an angle by the workman immediately prior to installation of head rails 12 and 14. Also advantageously, the free end of band 16 will comprise a hole 32 for convenient insertion of a fastener such as a screw. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the metallic band 16 can be formed in the second head rail 14 by other methods than die punching. For example, band 16 could be made from a suitable material not integral with the second head rail 14 but rather secured to it by welding or other suitable way of fastening it to head rail 14.
The length of the metallic band 16 is not crucial to the present invention. It is to be understood that if the band 16 is long the suspension effect and flexibility of the connection will be greater than if the band 16 is short. The choice of materials used and the thickness of the materials will also alter the flexibility of the connection.
Referring again to FIG. 2, once installed the head rail arrangement of the present invention will permit relative movement of floor and ceiling slabs without transmitting important compression or expansion forces to posts 24. When a ceiling slab 18 and a floor slab 32 move towards each other, head rail 14 will simply nest itself deeper in the channel formed by head rail 12. Of course this movement is limited. At one point when the head rail 14 becomes completely nested in head rail 12, compression forces would be directed to the posts. The flanges 22 of head 2123~76 rail 12 are slightly flared to allow head rail 14 to nest itself in the channel formed by head rail 12. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that if ceiling slab 18, during a shift of the building moves towards floor slab 32, the head rails 12 and 14 will simply nest themselves more without transmitting a greater load on posts 24 or on floor slab 32. When further nesting of head rails 12 and 14 takes place, the side flanges 22 will flare a little more to allow head rail 12 to penetrate deeper in the channel formed by head rail 12. This action is of course reversible should the ceiling or floor slabs move to distance themselves from each other.
FIG. 5 illustrates an optional embodiment of the head rail arrangement of the present invention.
Again the head rail arrangement consists of a first head rail 34 and a second head rail 36. However, in this embodiment, the first head rail 34 is fixedly connected to the ceiling slab (not shown) and the second head rail 36 is snap fitted or longitudinally slid in nesting relationship with the first head rail 34. As is illustrated by FIG. 5, the free ends 38 and 40 of side webs 42 and 44 of the first head rail 34 are bent in at 90 angle to define longitudinal notches wherein corresponding longitudinal shapes of the top portions 46 and 48 of the second head rail 36 may be snap fitted or slid in abutting relationship to first head rail 34. This arrangement prevents the second head rail 36 from falling to the ground during installation of posts 24 and yet permits limited upward and downward movement of head rail 36 in relation to head rail 34. Optionally the second head 2123~76 rail 36 may be provided with a flexible connection band as described in the preferred embodiment described above.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a two preferred embodiments thereof, the embodiments can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
The present invention relates to an interior or exterior wall support structure for non load bearing walls. Wall support structures generally comprise a network of vertical posts and horizontal members and are generally covered with prefabricated materials such as gypsum panels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for supporting vertically disposed posts while readily accommodating some shifting of the building which results in relative movement of the floors and ceilings of a building. The present invention is particularly related to, but not limited to, modern construction techniques of multi-story buildings involving the construction of floors and ceilings on column supports prior to the installation of wall support structures. For example, new construction methods consist of cement or concrete floor and ceiling slabs between which metallic wall support structures are erected.
Brief descri~tion of the ~rior art:
Knownconstructiontechniques forerecting wall structures generally involve the installation of a U-shaped bottom rail fixedly secured to the floor.
The wall structure w-ill rest on the bottom rail. A
top rail, commonly known as a head rail, also U-shaped 212347~
is fixedly secured to the ceiling overlying the bottom rail. A sufficient number of vertical posts are then erected and fastened to the top and bottom rails.
Horizontal members are also installed between the vertical posts to strengthen the structure.
Electrical, telecommunication and plumbing systems are of course installed before prefabricated panelling, such as gypsum, are fastened to the wall structure to complete a finished interior wall.
One difficulty with the technique described above is that most building will experience settling or shifts during their lifespan. Most of the shifts will generally occur shortly after the completion of construction of the building. This is most apparent in multi-story buildings. The weight of the upper stories will press down on the stories below and cause slight shifts or settling of the building.
This will often result in relative movement of ceiling and floors. Although this is a normal occurrence and generally does not render the building structure unsafe, interior wall structures may be submitted to great compression or expansion forces. This may result in breakage or buckling of the interior wall structures and their panelling finishes.
A number of solutions have been proposed to overcome this difficulty. Andrews, U.S. Patent #
3,492,766 (1970), teaches the use of height-adjustable studs in the construction of interior walls. Palumbo, U.S. Patent # 5,129,204 (1992), similarly shows a metallic vertical stud having an accordion shaped region which will deflect under heavy load.
212347~
In practice such innovations have met with limited acceptance of the trade because of the higher construction costs generated by the higher costs of manufacturing the height-adjustable studs.
A less expensive solution has been developed by the construction trade. The technique is to use two stackable U-shaped head rails fitted one over the other. The U-shape implies that the head rails have side flanges preventing side to side movement when the head rails are fitted one over the other. However, the arrangement allows some liberty of top to bottom movement between a first head rail fixedly secured to the ceiling and a second head rail located immediately below and overlapped by the first head rail. The remainder of the interior wall structure is of course fastened to the second head rail. Also, for this technique to work, the side flanges of the U-shaped head rails are slightly flared so that the first and second head rails may readily be placed in overlapping relationship. Such a construction technique requires additional workmen to install what is a fragile wall structure until all finishing panelling is installed. Indeed, at least two workmen are needed to hold the second head rail in place while other workers install vertical and horizontal beams. The fragility of the arrangement persists even when the vertical and horizontal beams are in place. As electrical or telecommunication or plumbing equipment are installed, the wall structure may be deformed since it is not securely fastened to the ceiling. What happens is that the second head rail starts to slide longitudinally in the first head rail. For example, workmen installing cables will generally pull them through the vertical posts of the interior wall structures. Such activity will often result in a deformed wall structure as explained above. The rigidity of the finished interior wall is later improved as the finishing panelling, such as gypsum panels, is installed. Nevertheless, it is to be noted that, if as a result of shifting of the building, the floor to ceiling distance is sufficiently increased, the second head rail may completely distance itself from the first head rail.
This will result in an unsafe interior wall having no top support and which could conceivably topple on its side and cause serious injury to the occupants or serious damage to the furnishings of a building.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art by providing a novel head rail arrangement comprising two head rails with the second head being flexibly connected to and suspended from the first head rail.
Another object of the invention is to provide a head rail arrangement having a convenient suspension mechanism to suspend a second head rail from a first head rail.
Another object of the invention is to provide this new head rail arrangement at substantially the same costs as a conventional head rail arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel head rail arrangement for use in a wall support system installed in a building between a floor slab and a ceiling slab defining a story. The wall support system comprising vertical posts mounted in an horizontal bottom rail, fixedly mounted on the floor slab. The head rail arrangement comprising first and second head rails, the first head rail being fixedly fastened or fixedly suspended from the ceiling slab, the second head rail being connected to the first head rail and being flexibly suspended below and from the first head rail.
The flexible connection between the first and second head rail accommodates slight shifts or settling of the building and consequently slight relative movement between the floor and ceiling slabs of a story.
In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connection comprises flexible metallic bands die-punched on three sides from the second head rail , with the longitudinal free end of the metallic band is fastened to the first head rail which is thereby suspended from the first head rail.
In a most preferred embodiment, the first and second head rails are stackable.
In a most preferred embodiment, the first and second head rails are U-shaped and essentially of equal dimensions.
In another preferred embodiment, the first and second metallic head rails have a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a flat longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal flanges. The suspension means comprises an interlocking means for connecting the first and second head rail. The interlocking means comprises corresponding bent shapes on the longitudinal side flanges of the first and second head rails whereby the side flanges of the second head rial will abutt and be suspended from the side flanges of the first head rail.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the head rail arrangement of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an fragmentary vertical cross section of a head rail arrangement of the present invention and a bottom rail, respectively fastened to a ceiling and a floor slab and having a vertical post mounted therebetween;
5Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view of a head arrangement of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a head rail of the present invention and comprising die-punched flexible connection bands; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of an optional embodiment of the head rail arrangement of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the appended drawings, FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a head rail arrangement 10 of the present invention. The head rail arrangement consists of a first head rail 12, generally U-shaped and fixedly secured to a ceiling slab located above it (shown in FIG. 2) and a second head rail 14, similar to the first head rail 12, partially overlapped by the first head rail 12 and flexibly connected to the first head rail 12 by a flexible metallic band 16 die-punched on three sides from the material of second head rail 14. Flexible band 16 projects generally upwardly and diagonally from second head rail 14 and towards first head rail 12. This is conveniently illustrated in FIG. 2 where it is shown that flexible band 16 is readily fastened to the first head rail 12 and to the ceiling slab 18 above it by means of a single fastener, shown for illustrative purposes as screw 20. As a result, the second head rail 14 is flexibly connected to and suspended from the first head rail 12. Because head rails 12 and 14 are of the same generally shape, they are stackable and slightly overlap. Consequently, while the head rails 12 and 14 have some liberty of up and down movement relative to one another, the side flanges 22 of the first head rail 12 prevent side to side movement of the second head rail 14. Hence, the above described head rail arrangement 10 can be readily installed, even by a single workman. The headrail arrangement 10 will not be subject to being deformed when work crews install electrical, telecommunication or plumbing equipment.
Still referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, a representative vertical post 24 is also shown connected to the side flanges 26 of the second head rail 14. Vertical post 24 is fastened to the second rail 14 by conventional fasteners, shown for illustrative purposes as screws 20. Shown in FIG. 2, the foot of post 24 is fastened by screws 20 to the side flanges 28 of a bottom rail 30. The bottom rail 30 is itself fastened at spaced longitudinal intervals to a floor slab 32. It is of course to be understood that a plurality of posts such as post 24 will be fastened along the length of second head rail 14 and bottom rail 32 to constitute a proper support structure for a wall. It is to be further understood that horizontal members (not shown) may be installed between vertical posts 24 to further strengthen the 21234~6 wall structure. Additional strength would also be obtained when finishing panelling (not shown) such as gypsum board is installed to cover the wall structure.
It is also to be understood that a plurality of flexible connection bands 16 would be installed at spaced intervals along the length of head rails 12 and 14 thereby providing a generally uniform and sufficiently sturdy yet flexible connection between head rails 12 and 14.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the head rail arrangement of the present invention is illustrated from a side view. It can be seen that flexible band 16 projects from the second head rail 14 towards the first head rail 12. A single connector, for illustrative purposes, is shown in dotted lines. This connector comprises a screw 20 connecting the two head rails 12 and 14 before boring into the ceiling slab 18. Such connections are of course repeated at regular intervals along the length of head rails 12 and 14. In most applications at least two flexible band 16 connections would be required to suspend second head rail 14 from a first head rail 12.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a top view illustrates a preferred general die-punch shape of flexible band 16. Band 16 is die-punched on three sides from the longitudinal flat top portion of second head rail 14. This leaves flexible band 16 attached on one side to second head rail 14. One skilled in metal working and construction materials will easily determine the proper dimensions, materials and thickness of materials used to arrive at a sufficiently sturdy yet flexible connection band 16.
Advantageously, band 16 will simply be bent upwards at an angle by the workman immediately prior to installation of head rails 12 and 14. Also advantageously, the free end of band 16 will comprise a hole 32 for convenient insertion of a fastener such as a screw. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the metallic band 16 can be formed in the second head rail 14 by other methods than die punching. For example, band 16 could be made from a suitable material not integral with the second head rail 14 but rather secured to it by welding or other suitable way of fastening it to head rail 14.
The length of the metallic band 16 is not crucial to the present invention. It is to be understood that if the band 16 is long the suspension effect and flexibility of the connection will be greater than if the band 16 is short. The choice of materials used and the thickness of the materials will also alter the flexibility of the connection.
Referring again to FIG. 2, once installed the head rail arrangement of the present invention will permit relative movement of floor and ceiling slabs without transmitting important compression or expansion forces to posts 24. When a ceiling slab 18 and a floor slab 32 move towards each other, head rail 14 will simply nest itself deeper in the channel formed by head rail 12. Of course this movement is limited. At one point when the head rail 14 becomes completely nested in head rail 12, compression forces would be directed to the posts. The flanges 22 of head 2123~76 rail 12 are slightly flared to allow head rail 14 to nest itself in the channel formed by head rail 12. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that if ceiling slab 18, during a shift of the building moves towards floor slab 32, the head rails 12 and 14 will simply nest themselves more without transmitting a greater load on posts 24 or on floor slab 32. When further nesting of head rails 12 and 14 takes place, the side flanges 22 will flare a little more to allow head rail 12 to penetrate deeper in the channel formed by head rail 12. This action is of course reversible should the ceiling or floor slabs move to distance themselves from each other.
FIG. 5 illustrates an optional embodiment of the head rail arrangement of the present invention.
Again the head rail arrangement consists of a first head rail 34 and a second head rail 36. However, in this embodiment, the first head rail 34 is fixedly connected to the ceiling slab (not shown) and the second head rail 36 is snap fitted or longitudinally slid in nesting relationship with the first head rail 34. As is illustrated by FIG. 5, the free ends 38 and 40 of side webs 42 and 44 of the first head rail 34 are bent in at 90 angle to define longitudinal notches wherein corresponding longitudinal shapes of the top portions 46 and 48 of the second head rail 36 may be snap fitted or slid in abutting relationship to first head rail 34. This arrangement prevents the second head rail 36 from falling to the ground during installation of posts 24 and yet permits limited upward and downward movement of head rail 36 in relation to head rail 34. Optionally the second head 2123~76 rail 36 may be provided with a flexible connection band as described in the preferred embodiment described above.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a two preferred embodiments thereof, the embodiments can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
Claims (5)
1. In a wall support system of the type installed in a building between a floor slab and a ceiling slab defining a story, and of the type where said wall support system comprises a plurality of metallic posts mounted in essentially horizontal bottom rails fixedly mounted to the floor slab, and essentially horizontal head rail means fixedly suspended from the ceiling slab, the improvement consisting of head rail means comprising:
first and second metallic head rails;
suspension means for suspending said second metallic head rail below and from said first head rail, whereby said wall system will accommodate slight shifts or settling of said building resulting in relative movement of said floor and ceiling slabs.
first and second metallic head rails;
suspension means for suspending said second metallic head rail below and from said first head rail, whereby said wall system will accommodate slight shifts or settling of said building resulting in relative movement of said floor and ceiling slabs.
2. The wall support system of claim 1 wherein said suspension means consists of a plurality of metallic bands die-punched on three sides from said second head rail.
3. The wall support system of claim 1 wherein said first and second head rails are stackable.
4. The wall support system of claim 3 wherein said first and second head rails are essentially of equal dimensions and essentially U-shaped.
5. The wall support system of claim 1 wherein said first and second metallic head rails have a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a flat longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal flanges and wherein said suspension means comprises interlocking means for connecting first and second head rails, said interlocking means comprising corresponding bent shapes on the longitudinal side flanges of said first and second head rails whereby the side flanges of said second head rail will abutt and be suspended from the side flanges of said first head rail.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2123476 CA2123476A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1994-05-12 | Head rail |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2123476 CA2123476A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1994-05-12 | Head rail |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2123476A1 true CA2123476A1 (en) | 1995-11-13 |
Family
ID=4153583
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2123476 Abandoned CA2123476A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1994-05-12 | Head rail |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2123476A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-05-12 CA CA 2123476 patent/CA2123476A1/en not_active Abandoned
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