CA2350851A1 - Log construction - Google Patents
Log construction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2350851A1 CA2350851A1 CA002350851A CA2350851A CA2350851A1 CA 2350851 A1 CA2350851 A1 CA 2350851A1 CA 002350851 A CA002350851 A CA 002350851A CA 2350851 A CA2350851 A CA 2350851A CA 2350851 A1 CA2350851 A1 CA 2350851A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- barrier
- boundary
- projections
- pair
- logs
- 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
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/56—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members
- E04B2/70—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members with elongated members of wood
- E04B2/701—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members with elongated members of wood with integrated supporting and obturation function
- E04B2/702—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members with elongated members of wood with integrated supporting and obturation function with longitudinal horizontal elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/26—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of wood
- E04B1/2604—Connections specially adapted therefor
- E04B2001/262—Connection node with interlocking of specially shaped wooden members, e.g. puzzle type connection
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/26—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of wood
- E04B1/2604—Connections specially adapted therefor
- E04B2001/2628—Interlocking connectors, e.g. with hooks or dovetails, added to the elongated wooden members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/26—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of wood
- E04B1/2604—Connections specially adapted therefor
- E04B2001/2628—Interlocking connectors, e.g. with hooks or dovetails, added to the elongated wooden members
- E04B2001/2632—Interlocking connectors, e.g. with hooks or dovetails, added to the elongated wooden members with dovetail-type connections
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/26—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of wood
- E04B1/2604—Connections specially adapted therefor
- E04B2001/2692—End to end connections of elongated members along their common longitudinal axis
Abstract
A log construction has a pair of logs, each having an end region with a surface portion thereon, wherein the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a boundary therebetween, the boundary having a length. At least one barrier extends across the boundary and along the length thereof to couple the end regions together, the barrier having a pair of projections. Each of the logs has a passage open to and adjacent the boundary for receiving a corresponding one of the projections. Each projection has a pair of outer surfaces and the passage having a pair of inner surfaces the outer and inner surfaces being further arranged to generate residual compressive forces toward the boundary as a result of shrinkage between the barrier and the end regions.
Description
07/05/01 THU 14:x7 FAX 705 E526074 James E. Gastle f~004 ~ LOG CONSTRLICTIbN ~
',~'ECI~iNICAL FTELD ' ~'rie present invention relates to lag construet.icn.
respite the advances in modern building construct~.on techniques, the traditional log construction nonetheless 7Cel~~lnS papul~r,..~W tn itc ~RSthEat-ir flr~~iti01~,~1Ji~l~~ar8ll~e~____ ________.
modern log buildings are commonly made in a prefabricated fashibn at a factory site, end . thef: ~ .'.rl~.r~z=sw :.,~. t::o destination.
The most dominant disadvantage to ldg construction is that tile log tvt~lls tend to be drafty, paxticularly~due to long term shrinkage and settling, which exposes gaps between the log joints. As the shrinkage occurs, ttie log construction 2o tends to lose some structural integrity due to loosening joints. Advances in packing Materials have made significant advances, in reducing.. air . infilt-pat-io::. trrough. the. lcg-~~~all, but problems still remain_ .... _ ~~ ~t is ~:: ,~",b~w"- oW *hw-pres4~~!:.. .~~=18r~.t~~w_v-.w:~=:~~t~~:;=~ .:s~' _.__ ... ..._ ....
improved log construction techniques.
30 , Hriefly stated, the invention involves a ldg construction cvmpzising:
a pair of Iogs, each having an end region with a surface n~.f.3.5Gni mull ie..~.7..FaY Tne osnnn.,a L...,.... n n.,.,m., ~",..... inns _ .. ..y rv1 aaW.r'as':VI asaaa Wiv"3~da:vvl--Y ........... yy,ru a~. -.~,pGi<. " vvy ...
',~'ECI~iNICAL FTELD ' ~'rie present invention relates to lag construet.icn.
respite the advances in modern building construct~.on techniques, the traditional log construction nonetheless 7Cel~~lnS papul~r,..~W tn itc ~RSthEat-ir flr~~iti01~,~1Ji~l~~ar8ll~e~____ ________.
modern log buildings are commonly made in a prefabricated fashibn at a factory site, end . thef: ~ .'.rl~.r~z=sw :.,~. t::o destination.
The most dominant disadvantage to ldg construction is that tile log tvt~lls tend to be drafty, paxticularly~due to long term shrinkage and settling, which exposes gaps between the log joints. As the shrinkage occurs, ttie log construction 2o tends to lose some structural integrity due to loosening joints. Advances in packing Materials have made significant advances, in reducing.. air . infilt-pat-io::. trrough. the. lcg-~~~all, but problems still remain_ .... _ ~~ ~t is ~:: ,~",b~w"- oW *hw-pres4~~!:.. .~~=18r~.t~~w_v-.w:~=:~~t~~:;=~ .:s~' _.__ ... ..._ ....
improved log construction techniques.
30 , Hriefly stated, the invention involves a ldg construction cvmpzising:
a pair of Iogs, each having an end region with a surface n~.f.3.5Gni mull ie..~.7..FaY Tne osnnn.,a L...,.... n n.,.,m., ~",..... inns _ .. ..y rv1 aaW.r'as':VI asaaa Wiv"3~da:vvl--Y ........... yy,ru a~. -.~,pGi<. " vvy ...
2 ' pOLtiou 4~r~i~4Tt; _-Wa"a2~~3n -'~.~s'_y~~f~.~ ~114~t~.~~..3ri?
.c'~rraFiC~Rfl_t_LL __ engage one anpther at a boundary therebetween, the boundary havi::g a.l.$~~_gt5~y_....
at least one baxxier extending across the boundary .an~? . _.
along the length thereof to couple the end regions togethez~, the barrier hav~.ng a pair of projections, each Qf the logs further comprising a passage open to and ad~aGet'1~. the boundary for receiving a Corresponding one of the prO~ect10n5, , each of the projections having a pair of outer surfaces and the passage having a pair of .'inner surfaces, the outer and inner surfaces being fuY'thAr arranged to generate- rBSidual compressive - fcirces- tofaard - the 't~oundary as a ~~ result Qf shrinkage betsrseen the b.:::,°.;,.z~. s:.d t::.~_.-cad rog:ona-. -....
. -.. .. ... -In another aspect of the present invention, there is - . ... . _ ..
provided a method cf ~cr:~i::g_.a .1~ _canstr~~ct,~.on .compri.six~g..t~e.
..._ _.....
steps of:
providing a pair of lags, each with an end region having a surface portion thereon, arranging the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a hout~~d t"a ~T~~h-°-rohof-~uoon ~ j-?ag. hrnlnd~lr~
_.halt'~nl~__a __ ______ . _ length, prQ~i$ing at least one barrier to extending across the boundary and along the length thereof to couple the end regions together, the barrier having a pair of projections, 07/05/01 THU 14:58 FAX 705 8526074 James E. Castle C~ DOB
forming in g8,ch of tk~e logs a passage opel'7 to and ad~acent'the boundary for receiving a corresponding one of th8 projections, forming on each of the projections a pair..of muter surfaces and in thA passage a--pair-rf-inner_aurfaces;
arranging the out°r- an ~ i.~.:7eX surfa~':Pa tn nAnPrr~tc3 residual compre3sive ~CQxces toward the boundary as ~, r e-sult-of- ---shrinkage between the Y~arria7~' a»ti trie en~t regxot~s.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI3E DRAB rW NG5 ,:
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to tt~e appended drawing's in which:
figure ~, is a perspective assembly view of a log construction;
Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the lag construction of figure 1;
Figure 3 1.S a TA8'I'ii~;e~ ~~~r~Te'~f~Taa~y p~~Sp=~'~'~:ai a~~x~wif _..._ .
..._.
view 4f one portion of the lag construction Qf figure i;
Figure ~ is a magnified fragmentary plan view of a portion of the log construction of figure l;
,Figure 4a and 4b are magnified fragmentary plan views of other l~C~ C6nStrzlotibns Figure 5 is a magnified fragmentary schematic plan view 07/05/01 THU 14:98 FAX 705 6528074 James E. Gastle ~ 007 of the log construction of figure 4;
Figure & is a magnified fragmentary schematic plan view of another log- , k'j~gure 7 is a fragmentary assembly view Qf still another log constYUCt1011: .. _ __. ..
_ _ . _ .__.Fsgurp .8 is-a_.fr .agmpntar~r._x~c~r~;pective view of yet another 1~ 1CCJ CC~Stiiiv:vivW i Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of yet anotheY log Construction; , 15 F~.gure l0 i,$ a sectional view taken on line 10-10 of figure zo Figure 11 is a fragmentary $ssembly side view of yet another log construction: and ' Figure z2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 12-12 of figur~ 11.
,BEST MOLE FOR CARRYI13 QUT TH,~",_ItIVF.I!lTION ____ deferring to the figures, there is provi a a og construction 10 comQrising a pair a= Wogs -zi, -i3, each -iog ~ w ~ -- ~-having an end region 12a, 14a formed to engage one another, for example by a rectangular joint. uhe iog~ have first surface portions 12b, 14b an3 adjacent .~ocond suxfa~ -... .... .
portions 12c, l,øa, each with a length 'W' betwee;, a;, S,u~$i w surface 12d, 14d anc3 an a.~.~~r~:Yd:.ate °~;rfac° 22e, '19e. hs seen in figure 2, the surface portions are, when assembled, 07/05/01 THU 14:8 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Gastle C~ 008 separated by 8 boundary 7.5, and az~e preferably upright and planar_ Iri this case, the boundary is shown to involve a large gap for illustrative purposes only.
5 The end regions further comprise first barrier receiving passages lzf, 14f adjacent the first surface portions and ____ _ ____ __~eCS~Ild 17~~r~p?'' .ro~pivi nn na~saoes 120. 14u whiOh arB Open t0 and adjacent the second ss~rface portions and the boundary in their A rigid ba~;wzer~ i~ the fax". ol' s kcy ls., ...~ pr o~:ided to engage each pair of aligned passages 1 2f , 14f and ~ gig, ~ ag, tn interrupt the boundary between the adjacent surface portions along substantially the entire length thereof, thereby to couple thg er~d rggiotts together.
Preferably, the key has a tensile strength, shear ~.:~~.. 4r,,H~h~t ~~::~i~sn anA ~t~°t~~:i,~n . ..... .... _ -rQ3~~,y~,T~ ~,y th~ -.~,~?.~~;y~. ,3"ie.~-~~'~r~'~ ~t rn~_' nnrc accnmt,~nr~
,. ... .. ..... .... ,.... .. _...._. ._.........._.._.__..., zo the key also has the capacity to inhibit displacement of one surface portion relative to its aGl,jacent surface portion, thereby inhibiting relative movement of the logs, that is to inhibit displacement of one surface portion relative to another transverse -to the baun~ary. ~iW a ~deg~.ee ~ to ~ which the ~ 5 key wi 11 inhibit such relative mover~ar~ ~ ~ ~ d~Fer~ds~ ~ ~o~ w~t5w ~ -f i between the key and the aligned passages.
each of the key receiving passages incluaes a bear~ihg surface 12h, 14h, to establish a loaded r._n.~,~.i.t,'_nn w;tr,_ the 3o barrier. zn this manner, each of the bearing surfaces of one passage, has a corresponding opposed bearing surface in the other barrier receiving passage. Thxs can be seen in figure 9 wherein the, bear] ng fiua~.t'a.~.4a. , ~h .~'. n.. ~ ~.. _,_~_:~.re_ >a., _i ~r.~.rl::~i ~-~,..__ , . _..____ __ . _...
07/05/01 THU 14:98 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Gastle f~]009 the opposed passages 14h in lag 14.
~rho outer surf~rps Of the prQiectfons and the correspotiaing inner surraces-o~'-tneages -dre ~c.ompiaraantary and are further arranged to generate residual compressive forces toward the boundary as a result of' shrinkage between the barrier and the end regions, thereby to establish this compressive loading_ Further, the keys and their corresponding passages rnay be configured to establish tensile loading on the key and consequently compressive loading on th~a bearing suxfaees in ordef to have the effect of drawing the logs together, that is to minimize the spacing between the surface portions at the boundary 15. Therefore,'~~t is-ta:.stla strength and stiffness should be sufficient to withstand these 35 forces.
The ltey 16 has a pair of aligned webs 16a, 16b, each shaped to fit snugly with~.n a corresponding one of the barrier receiving passages (though a loos$ fitting is shown for 2~ illustrative purposes). Tk~e webs 18a, 16b are also joined by a central. portion ~.6e to extend across the boundary 15. Each of the projccti.oxls j,r~cludes a pair of bearing surface portions 16d, l6e.for engaging a corresponding bearing surface in the b$rrier receiving passage.
Preferably, the projections arc symmetrically arranged along the comm~7zz cpntra~ axiS_.'_A~_,,. ,The outer surfaces of each of the prnecaic~nx rliv~erge from the boundary relative to the _ axis. More prefers y, i m 34 Grv~:~-- ccctic~r, ---fir - ~ha- -r~d'g~=-shaYs,-d'. _. .:.1-;: a-r-~zst-ia~r. ... .__..
embodiment, as shown in figure 4a, the Central portion has parallel opposing side f$nes 17a and the outer cor5ters are rounded as shown at 17b, 17c. In still another embodiment, O7/05/DI THU 14:J9 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Castle [010 the projection has circular divergent outer surfaces ~.9a, 19b as shown in figure 4b. The log construction can also utzli2e a number of known log joinexy _tpchnigues,.suck~ as a dove tail joint as shown iri figure 7, which also makes use of a central portion with parallel Opposing side faces as shown at zl.
A particular feature of the log construction is that the barrier and the logs may be formed from materials with different "coefficients of shrinkage", a terra which is 1o intended to refer td the degree to which a part~,cular material shrinks over a predetermined period of time and may be expressed by some ratio of the 'pre-shrink~ length and the 'post-shrunk' length of a unzt sample of the material. For example, green softws~od _suGh as pine--caw sp-rwe~ -sh~uid- shr~.~sk to a greater extent (and ther4fGre have a correspondingly higher coefficient of shrinkage) than a green hardwood, and to a much greater. extent than a substantially cu~esl. h~.rdwood-. as one might obtain after an appropria'~e period of kiln or air drying, fcxr -exa~ap~e.
. . . Preferably, the barrier find Liie icicj5 isi~ i~tii Furm~sClwTt'C~h~-__ . ___ ____ wood materials, while the barrier is formed from material with a lower .shrinkage coefficient than the material_.of. ttae lotrs..
Still more preferably, the baxrier is farmed fxom hardwadd z5 materials arid the logs are formed from saftwood materials.
More particularly, the barrier is formed from a single piece of substantially cured haz~dwdod and the softwood material is green.
. Conveniently, the barrier and the passages are dimensioned so that the barrier c811 17e i11st811ed i11 place by slidable engaging the barrier with - 4 :e y .ra~sSag~S -dtti'ing- ~ ----07/05/D1 THU 14:9 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Gastle f~011 assembly.
5uxprisingly, the compressive farces arising between the barrier and its associated end region from the natural effects of ehr~.nkago rnay ba r~i rected to draw the end regions , so ,-c~aun7ed into tighter engagement without the need for .
additional locking or wedging - iiat~i3wara . -' :,s-- ear. ba' seen in ----.
. . -figure 5, the green softzaood of the end region tends to shrinfc aver time, thereby making the passage smellGr ~in 4Lo3~
to secti.Qna1 area shown by the chain d4tted lines, that is it has a relatively high coefficient of shrinkage. aecause the barrier itself, in this particular examp7.e, is made from a substantial~y 4tzrs~? i~ar, i.t shssu3.s3 net s~irin~ ~.~a t~nu measurable degrcc and ~_1'iex-~fwr'a.whas -a-.sign.ificantl.y_ ~na_ll.ax'- __-.___ __ coefficient of shrinkage. The barrier, as a result, will become more tightly engaged within the passage as it reduces in size, thereby causing, in eftecG, a sgueezing action an the barrier.
~. particular aspect here is the arrangeiaent of the inner and outer surfaces which, though sxmmetrical re7.~3~i..e _ta the common cent7cal axis ~A~, the surfaces are not symmetrical.
about a central transverse axis shown ~H~, as miyiiL utuerwise occur if the cross section of the pro jection were, for example _ symmeJtrically oiroular or ellipsoid i-n cross section, as shown d. LL... ..l G-~-.-._~_ ._ xvwl. A
in ~~gure n. iYl a~'lTl~.3~ iaic~~u5, v.~,tra v.W;yi:~maiv.~ ~.~~._.~a ~::~~w~.--- .-_.._ - ._..
Qn a circular_ .pr~~~.rf-..inn by .itS corresponding passage on one side of the tr~n~yPrrr~ apr_i_s; ~rnulrl.nal~ance_themsel~e~s~~_With, . .. v is " i'visay~ -..~~ __ 4 hg._ ~p~~~~- ~i~aLr-~~. .. ~f;~.--.~~g~~r.o_~~a .- ~av.~c.~.. _ 3o resulting in substantially no residual forces emerging therefrom.
In thQ case of the embodiment of figure 5, tk~e 07/05/01 . UU ames . as a ~~r~.QSSi~re_ fnrl~.,P~. F~. on cane side of the transverse axis -do w rat balance those on the other side and infect they reinforce--. one another and - tYii~ resultir,t~ residual iarc:e i.y uitacta.:
toward the boundaz~y and has the effect of drawing both etW
regions inwardly to~tard one anc~iier at '~ is b~uu~'~.W.~X
residual force is generated between ~11G 5U11G~rv.7 w aiGi u~~-arrar~ged in a divergent manner away from thg opening t4 the hc~nndary, and in the .Cash ,df the ~rian~ular., crass section, ..larve -i-ruw~-~rrespo :ding ~eaevorg~rs~..~s:~;face~. Lbw--~ecsfu'~d-wthc~r~:.~i-se -.. ... .._. _.. __ 1o balance to creat8 a substantially zero residual force relative to the commc_,1r't rpntral. axis. Thus, the outer surfaces are asymmetrically arranged relative to the transverse axis_ The residual forces therefore are caused by the compressive ~L"_"n°_~.....
F~ generated at the intersect~.on of ttte inner and outer ~,5 surfaces and more particularly to the component thereof in the direction of the common central axis, as shown at Fp,, and FRK-In qther words, the force FR,, ~ten~~s-tn fnrr~.c~ the 8nd YAtJ10Y1 toward the boundary while the force F.,~ t.ends to force the key away from the boundary, the net effect being biasing of the 2o end regions together to minimize the spacing therebetween at the boundary and to form a s1~~ug o3:~nco~i-on-~t:~.or;.b.ot:~.:.~:;-:._._ -Tn _- _ ..... .
order to provide these compressive forces, the angle of the inner surface of the passages may be at an angle a ranging from 45 to 85 degrees aT!d mcar-~ _.~lxa~'e~ak~.x about 8a decrees..
It will be understood, finer the wurfaces may come im avy _ - number-.._4r...-d~.Ff ~ ~ _ ~a_a ~,...~ A~..;
e7."~i'fW ..CO~tiil~L4:,-~rL,.SrJS~a-, -~JS~~-YT's'.
arranged in a similar manner as alcove.
. The joining technique shc~~az,. ?ere-in_~.ho-v~_ ~s_iaar~irulax:i,;w.-useful because it is simple to in~all- a..~.d requires . no _ -additional tightening manoeuvres With additional wedging dBVic:eS. R:vths~Y _~ ,__ ,, :.f t: c the preaerrt t~~ ~..~y4G lItUJlO.-i ~G
07/05/01 THU 14:4D FAX 705 R5?Rn7d .-.-_.___-T.amp~_F_ rp~mP._....... ...
..._....... ..__ ~nm natural compressive forces caused by the natural shrinkage of the materials. The same technique can be used to form butt joints and corner joints in the same log construction thereby reducing the number of parts necessary for a p~~e~lar 5 Constructibn. __ The length of the keys depends an the length ~W', which of course will depend on the thickness of the logs and the prO~l.le bf tiJC kJ$t1'~i~i.iia~ ~VI~~t pwttcr:: read, the i ntPntion 1D boring that the key Pxtends, t$e grltire length 'W'. Ay ..
extending the entire length, the key can provide an effective t+ +1, i .,~i'1 tra~i nn ref A 1 Y thrnllf~h. 'thfa 1 nor wall barrier again.. .~..c _.. . -as would otherwise occur through the boundary as~shown by the arrows in figure 3.
. .. Hi~i~Y~Vc3f , i.~rie iii tii.'c lGugth . u3jt : 1°~ ~'° ~-r~r,-~ad r,;~ :nnr n than one single barrier. The single barrier maybe replaced wa.th, for example, three keys, all with a ocllective length ..
equalling that of the single hey as..shown at ale, b, c in 2o figure 7.
The_ log construction may ba torrned in the following mantte~-. First, the lags 12, 14 are cut to length and their end regions are shaped so as to engage in a complementary fashion as shown above. The barri$r receiving passages ii=, 14~, 1~C1, leg are rClrmeQ 60 LFIdL t17~'~y fC7CL'4'ilU J.L~VIII I.iJC
V~U4kt~~ ' '---- -"
surface 12d, 14d tQ the intermediate surface 122, 14e. The keys are then formed with a cross section which is complementary t4 that of the aligned passages.
The- keys Andy -b the axis 'A' in order to immediately establish ~a loaded condition w~.th the bearing surfaces. With the lags in their 9i~-n?.ini T_r_n_r og;gn Fax_ ~n, n~2nn-~ _ . _ . ,rA,~~~ F..,. ra:st2r .....
...._..... . ..._....... ... ....f~t.nl~
position with the passages aligned, the keys may then be pressed--~:~ -Nl~ce- :ait::...apprrpra.at..e-~u,7_ki ng compounds placed therein as necessary. The joint may then be~ 3eft Lo rise forces cf- ~at:~=w y:: b~i~xl ~~~~ ~'"=nk~~..of_t-_,hp. ma.teri,als..._.._.
_.. __._ .
s to establish the residual farces as described.
The cross sections used herein have the additional benefit of increasing the engaged surface area of the =nnpr and outer surfaces, both to increase the area which is .1.... 1.5.~.~.....s nw available far caulking materials, if desire..., c. ~,. c~........~....
increase the distance. that infiltrating air would need to travel to cirouyrrvent the barrier so formed.
,.
the key may, if desired, by dimensioned to extend beyond a s~.ngi~ .~Qi:~t. For cx::.~,pl s, the key s may extend t,Ryr~nc3 two or mere joint$ as shown in the log construetiQn 30 shown in f;.g~r~ e. ~ I~ tYris ~ca~c, -there -$=s pr~v~.decL rwo_ ~t.s ~.f_~ng.~ __.._ .. 1?,...3.~ ,...r,~.itV~._ easch .spt_n2~~!?g a n~smhsr .,f alihnp~l end rPrri nns 32a, 34a, with each log element from set 3z formed to engage $ pair of adjacent logs in set 34. There is provided a series of first surface portions as shown at 32b, and a series of second sctrfaGe portions as shown at 32c. _ _, _. _ In this case, each log is also provided with barrier __. .... . . _ ..3G ....=aasit>.i.y~...pp~s3gos._33s. ~-33L~r_E~!~..~ .of. whi ch extends the full thickness of the log so that, when assembled as Shown in figure ~, the passages 33a, 33b align togettr~~- i=c,s l~rrm- a substantially continuous e~.ongate passage extending the full length of the so-formed log 'wa7.1' . This is shown in the case of the passag~2s 33a by the dashed lines at "33A".
A pair of keys 36, 38 engage the elongate passage 33a, 33b, thereby to interrupt the boundaxy between the adjacent 07/D5/O1 THLI 14:40 FAx 705 6526074 dames E. Gastle ~ 015 surface portions and to inhibit relative movement between the ~.og elements of each set of logs in the cc~nstruction,~ __. . __ .
The keys used herein may be formed from a number of materials- Hardwood materials such as maple and vak are readily available and provide a natural cauntex~pax~t to the softwoods normally used for the logs themselves.
lIowevor, other raatoxiala ouch as plastics are also _ to envisioned. in this ease, the materials may be prefarmed into the keys as shown above or alternatively be arranged to be forced in a liquid or athEF de~rmabls consistency, into the aligned passages. 'this technique has the advantage that__rh~.
key farming material can fill the voids in the aligned passage, while accammadating minor misalignments between the logs. Furthermore, the passages can be finished in such a manner to allow the key forming material to partially ai" fully extend beyond the passages themselves and fill the spacing the between the adjacent surface portions. mhe key forming material, in this case, may be a thex-moset material syGh as those defined as epoxies or thermoplastics such as ~n1 ~r~a~~vlpna nr nnl vnrnnyl Rna _ ~rhc~ rhararrtwr i ut W -c c~T W hp_ - w formed key may also he modified by adjusting the make up of the material., for example by adding a reinforcing fibre and the like.
.._.. ... _ .. ..__ .... .. ....~7'~ ferri-ii(y w fi~jurar.. ~, +~'~'~'~ 3.~.
Yes.".': i~°~ .,°."'°*~'.~..~ 1 r"~r ..a.a .. ~. ...w. ..... ~..
construction complement-asry. Pnd _rggin>tsv_57a; _54a. _ __.In thls case;__.the complementary end regions are simply a fla'r.~2nd face to farm a t~uLL juinL having a lc~ansverse boundary a6. ,A barrier in the form of a key 58 is arranged in a like fashion to that shown above.to interrupt the haundary along substantially the D7/D5/O1 THU 14:41 FAX 705 6526074 James E. Castle f~ O1B
entire transverse dimension thereof, in this case, the height as ahcwn' in figurE 10. _- . _ ._ Referring to figures 11 and 12, there is ~7rovided still another log constructio~ ?~. with a p?~ir of_ i ngs ~2 ; ?4 having complementary end regio::..._;~~a~ ?4a....- IrL_th;~ r:asp,__~he___. ____ E:c.~tupltamtsmtaty end ~egiolr» Ax's Simply a flat end face to f4rm _ a butt joint having a transverse boundary 76. one end face has a projection lab and tk~e othex end face has a complementary recess ?2b. A Pair ~h rest-an4rrg._esse~tk~li~aa--:,°.- ire ~rovi-dcci--to -_ engage each of the end regions on opposite sides thereof.
each of the fastening assemblies includes a pa),r of cylindrical plugs 80 mounted on a .base plate ~2, eaah plug adapted to receive a fastener such as a spike 94, by wax of a sma~.~. e7.ongate passage or the like. A pair of passages ex~.end through each of the end regions ?2a, 74a and are dimensioned so as to receive a corresponding pair of plugs as shown.
The spikes are dimensioned to that 'they can be driven through the upper' plug a?ld.-n~r~Pnt i f,LO Tw - i'ow .r i ~ r~ ' ~Prely~r °' to hold the fastening arse~nblies in place. The plugs are firmly mounted on the plate sv that the plate can absorb the loading 'exerted thereon should the butt end joint:-' If ' desired, the plugs may be dimensioned to ext~and fully into the _ . ... 1~ ~~~~g~~ .~.~y.~~p~ ~~.~ '~o~~.. a~ siic~wn in un5ii~u iii»b iii figure 12.
.c'~rraFiC~Rfl_t_LL __ engage one anpther at a boundary therebetween, the boundary havi::g a.l.$~~_gt5~y_....
at least one baxxier extending across the boundary .an~? . _.
along the length thereof to couple the end regions togethez~, the barrier hav~.ng a pair of projections, each Qf the logs further comprising a passage open to and ad~aGet'1~. the boundary for receiving a Corresponding one of the prO~ect10n5, , each of the projections having a pair of outer surfaces and the passage having a pair of .'inner surfaces, the outer and inner surfaces being fuY'thAr arranged to generate- rBSidual compressive - fcirces- tofaard - the 't~oundary as a ~~ result Qf shrinkage betsrseen the b.:::,°.;,.z~. s:.d t::.~_.-cad rog:ona-. -....
. -.. .. ... -In another aspect of the present invention, there is - . ... . _ ..
provided a method cf ~cr:~i::g_.a .1~ _canstr~~ct,~.on .compri.six~g..t~e.
..._ _.....
steps of:
providing a pair of lags, each with an end region having a surface portion thereon, arranging the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a hout~~d t"a ~T~~h-°-rohof-~uoon ~ j-?ag. hrnlnd~lr~
_.halt'~nl~__a __ ______ . _ length, prQ~i$ing at least one barrier to extending across the boundary and along the length thereof to couple the end regions together, the barrier having a pair of projections, 07/05/01 THU 14:58 FAX 705 8526074 James E. Castle C~ DOB
forming in g8,ch of tk~e logs a passage opel'7 to and ad~acent'the boundary for receiving a corresponding one of th8 projections, forming on each of the projections a pair..of muter surfaces and in thA passage a--pair-rf-inner_aurfaces;
arranging the out°r- an ~ i.~.:7eX surfa~':Pa tn nAnPrr~tc3 residual compre3sive ~CQxces toward the boundary as ~, r e-sult-of- ---shrinkage between the Y~arria7~' a»ti trie en~t regxot~s.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI3E DRAB rW NG5 ,:
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to tt~e appended drawing's in which:
figure ~, is a perspective assembly view of a log construction;
Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the lag construction of figure 1;
Figure 3 1.S a TA8'I'ii~;e~ ~~~r~Te'~f~Taa~y p~~Sp=~'~'~:ai a~~x~wif _..._ .
..._.
view 4f one portion of the lag construction Qf figure i;
Figure ~ is a magnified fragmentary plan view of a portion of the log construction of figure l;
,Figure 4a and 4b are magnified fragmentary plan views of other l~C~ C6nStrzlotibns Figure 5 is a magnified fragmentary schematic plan view 07/05/01 THU 14:98 FAX 705 6528074 James E. Gastle ~ 007 of the log construction of figure 4;
Figure & is a magnified fragmentary schematic plan view of another log- , k'j~gure 7 is a fragmentary assembly view Qf still another log constYUCt1011: .. _ __. ..
_ _ . _ .__.Fsgurp .8 is-a_.fr .agmpntar~r._x~c~r~;pective view of yet another 1~ 1CCJ CC~Stiiiv:vivW i Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of yet anotheY log Construction; , 15 F~.gure l0 i,$ a sectional view taken on line 10-10 of figure zo Figure 11 is a fragmentary $ssembly side view of yet another log construction: and ' Figure z2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 12-12 of figur~ 11.
,BEST MOLE FOR CARRYI13 QUT TH,~",_ItIVF.I!lTION ____ deferring to the figures, there is provi a a og construction 10 comQrising a pair a= Wogs -zi, -i3, each -iog ~ w ~ -- ~-having an end region 12a, 14a formed to engage one another, for example by a rectangular joint. uhe iog~ have first surface portions 12b, 14b an3 adjacent .~ocond suxfa~ -... .... .
portions 12c, l,øa, each with a length 'W' betwee;, a;, S,u~$i w surface 12d, 14d anc3 an a.~.~~r~:Yd:.ate °~;rfac° 22e, '19e. hs seen in figure 2, the surface portions are, when assembled, 07/05/01 THU 14:8 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Gastle C~ 008 separated by 8 boundary 7.5, and az~e preferably upright and planar_ Iri this case, the boundary is shown to involve a large gap for illustrative purposes only.
5 The end regions further comprise first barrier receiving passages lzf, 14f adjacent the first surface portions and ____ _ ____ __~eCS~Ild 17~~r~p?'' .ro~pivi nn na~saoes 120. 14u whiOh arB Open t0 and adjacent the second ss~rface portions and the boundary in their A rigid ba~;wzer~ i~ the fax". ol' s kcy ls., ...~ pr o~:ided to engage each pair of aligned passages 1 2f , 14f and ~ gig, ~ ag, tn interrupt the boundary between the adjacent surface portions along substantially the entire length thereof, thereby to couple thg er~d rggiotts together.
Preferably, the key has a tensile strength, shear ~.:~~.. 4r,,H~h~t ~~::~i~sn anA ~t~°t~~:i,~n . ..... .... _ -rQ3~~,y~,T~ ~,y th~ -.~,~?.~~;y~. ,3"ie.~-~~'~r~'~ ~t rn~_' nnrc accnmt,~nr~
,. ... .. ..... .... ,.... .. _...._. ._.........._.._.__..., zo the key also has the capacity to inhibit displacement of one surface portion relative to its aGl,jacent surface portion, thereby inhibiting relative movement of the logs, that is to inhibit displacement of one surface portion relative to another transverse -to the baun~ary. ~iW a ~deg~.ee ~ to ~ which the ~ 5 key wi 11 inhibit such relative mover~ar~ ~ ~ ~ d~Fer~ds~ ~ ~o~ w~t5w ~ -f i between the key and the aligned passages.
each of the key receiving passages incluaes a bear~ihg surface 12h, 14h, to establish a loaded r._n.~,~.i.t,'_nn w;tr,_ the 3o barrier. zn this manner, each of the bearing surfaces of one passage, has a corresponding opposed bearing surface in the other barrier receiving passage. Thxs can be seen in figure 9 wherein the, bear] ng fiua~.t'a.~.4a. , ~h .~'. n.. ~ ~.. _,_~_:~.re_ >a., _i ~r.~.rl::~i ~-~,..__ , . _..____ __ . _...
07/05/01 THU 14:98 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Gastle f~]009 the opposed passages 14h in lag 14.
~rho outer surf~rps Of the prQiectfons and the correspotiaing inner surraces-o~'-tneages -dre ~c.ompiaraantary and are further arranged to generate residual compressive forces toward the boundary as a result of' shrinkage between the barrier and the end regions, thereby to establish this compressive loading_ Further, the keys and their corresponding passages rnay be configured to establish tensile loading on the key and consequently compressive loading on th~a bearing suxfaees in ordef to have the effect of drawing the logs together, that is to minimize the spacing between the surface portions at the boundary 15. Therefore,'~~t is-ta:.stla strength and stiffness should be sufficient to withstand these 35 forces.
The ltey 16 has a pair of aligned webs 16a, 16b, each shaped to fit snugly with~.n a corresponding one of the barrier receiving passages (though a loos$ fitting is shown for 2~ illustrative purposes). Tk~e webs 18a, 16b are also joined by a central. portion ~.6e to extend across the boundary 15. Each of the projccti.oxls j,r~cludes a pair of bearing surface portions 16d, l6e.for engaging a corresponding bearing surface in the b$rrier receiving passage.
Preferably, the projections arc symmetrically arranged along the comm~7zz cpntra~ axiS_.'_A~_,,. ,The outer surfaces of each of the prnecaic~nx rliv~erge from the boundary relative to the _ axis. More prefers y, i m 34 Grv~:~-- ccctic~r, ---fir - ~ha- -r~d'g~=-shaYs,-d'. _. .:.1-;: a-r-~zst-ia~r. ... .__..
embodiment, as shown in figure 4a, the Central portion has parallel opposing side f$nes 17a and the outer cor5ters are rounded as shown at 17b, 17c. In still another embodiment, O7/05/DI THU 14:J9 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Castle [010 the projection has circular divergent outer surfaces ~.9a, 19b as shown in figure 4b. The log construction can also utzli2e a number of known log joinexy _tpchnigues,.suck~ as a dove tail joint as shown iri figure 7, which also makes use of a central portion with parallel Opposing side faces as shown at zl.
A particular feature of the log construction is that the barrier and the logs may be formed from materials with different "coefficients of shrinkage", a terra which is 1o intended to refer td the degree to which a part~,cular material shrinks over a predetermined period of time and may be expressed by some ratio of the 'pre-shrink~ length and the 'post-shrunk' length of a unzt sample of the material. For example, green softws~od _suGh as pine--caw sp-rwe~ -sh~uid- shr~.~sk to a greater extent (and ther4fGre have a correspondingly higher coefficient of shrinkage) than a green hardwood, and to a much greater. extent than a substantially cu~esl. h~.rdwood-. as one might obtain after an appropria'~e period of kiln or air drying, fcxr -exa~ap~e.
. . . Preferably, the barrier find Liie icicj5 isi~ i~tii Furm~sClwTt'C~h~-__ . ___ ____ wood materials, while the barrier is formed from material with a lower .shrinkage coefficient than the material_.of. ttae lotrs..
Still more preferably, the baxrier is farmed fxom hardwadd z5 materials arid the logs are formed from saftwood materials.
More particularly, the barrier is formed from a single piece of substantially cured haz~dwdod and the softwood material is green.
. Conveniently, the barrier and the passages are dimensioned so that the barrier c811 17e i11st811ed i11 place by slidable engaging the barrier with - 4 :e y .ra~sSag~S -dtti'ing- ~ ----07/05/D1 THU 14:9 FAX 705 8528074 James E. Gastle f~011 assembly.
5uxprisingly, the compressive farces arising between the barrier and its associated end region from the natural effects of ehr~.nkago rnay ba r~i rected to draw the end regions , so ,-c~aun7ed into tighter engagement without the need for .
additional locking or wedging - iiat~i3wara . -' :,s-- ear. ba' seen in ----.
. . -figure 5, the green softzaood of the end region tends to shrinfc aver time, thereby making the passage smellGr ~in 4Lo3~
to secti.Qna1 area shown by the chain d4tted lines, that is it has a relatively high coefficient of shrinkage. aecause the barrier itself, in this particular examp7.e, is made from a substantial~y 4tzrs~? i~ar, i.t shssu3.s3 net s~irin~ ~.~a t~nu measurable degrcc and ~_1'iex-~fwr'a.whas -a-.sign.ificantl.y_ ~na_ll.ax'- __-.___ __ coefficient of shrinkage. The barrier, as a result, will become more tightly engaged within the passage as it reduces in size, thereby causing, in eftecG, a sgueezing action an the barrier.
~. particular aspect here is the arrangeiaent of the inner and outer surfaces which, though sxmmetrical re7.~3~i..e _ta the common cent7cal axis ~A~, the surfaces are not symmetrical.
about a central transverse axis shown ~H~, as miyiiL utuerwise occur if the cross section of the pro jection were, for example _ symmeJtrically oiroular or ellipsoid i-n cross section, as shown d. LL... ..l G-~-.-._~_ ._ xvwl. A
in ~~gure n. iYl a~'lTl~.3~ iaic~~u5, v.~,tra v.W;yi:~maiv.~ ~.~~._.~a ~::~~w~.--- .-_.._ - ._..
Qn a circular_ .pr~~~.rf-..inn by .itS corresponding passage on one side of the tr~n~yPrrr~ apr_i_s; ~rnulrl.nal~ance_themsel~e~s~~_With, . .. v is " i'visay~ -..~~ __ 4 hg._ ~p~~~~- ~i~aLr-~~. .. ~f;~.--.~~g~~r.o_~~a .- ~av.~c.~.. _ 3o resulting in substantially no residual forces emerging therefrom.
In thQ case of the embodiment of figure 5, tk~e 07/05/01 . UU ames . as a ~~r~.QSSi~re_ fnrl~.,P~. F~. on cane side of the transverse axis -do w rat balance those on the other side and infect they reinforce--. one another and - tYii~ resultir,t~ residual iarc:e i.y uitacta.:
toward the boundaz~y and has the effect of drawing both etW
regions inwardly to~tard one anc~iier at '~ is b~uu~'~.W.~X
residual force is generated between ~11G 5U11G~rv.7 w aiGi u~~-arrar~ged in a divergent manner away from thg opening t4 the hc~nndary, and in the .Cash ,df the ~rian~ular., crass section, ..larve -i-ruw~-~rrespo :ding ~eaevorg~rs~..~s:~;face~. Lbw--~ecsfu'~d-wthc~r~:.~i-se -.. ... .._. _.. __ 1o balance to creat8 a substantially zero residual force relative to the commc_,1r't rpntral. axis. Thus, the outer surfaces are asymmetrically arranged relative to the transverse axis_ The residual forces therefore are caused by the compressive ~L"_"n°_~.....
F~ generated at the intersect~.on of ttte inner and outer ~,5 surfaces and more particularly to the component thereof in the direction of the common central axis, as shown at Fp,, and FRK-In qther words, the force FR,, ~ten~~s-tn fnrr~.c~ the 8nd YAtJ10Y1 toward the boundary while the force F.,~ t.ends to force the key away from the boundary, the net effect being biasing of the 2o end regions together to minimize the spacing therebetween at the boundary and to form a s1~~ug o3:~nco~i-on-~t:~.or;.b.ot:~.:.~:;-:._._ -Tn _- _ ..... .
order to provide these compressive forces, the angle of the inner surface of the passages may be at an angle a ranging from 45 to 85 degrees aT!d mcar-~ _.~lxa~'e~ak~.x about 8a decrees..
It will be understood, finer the wurfaces may come im avy _ - number-.._4r...-d~.Ff ~ ~ _ ~a_a ~,...~ A~..;
e7."~i'fW ..CO~tiil~L4:,-~rL,.SrJS~a-, -~JS~~-YT's'.
arranged in a similar manner as alcove.
. The joining technique shc~~az,. ?ere-in_~.ho-v~_ ~s_iaar~irulax:i,;w.-useful because it is simple to in~all- a..~.d requires . no _ -additional tightening manoeuvres With additional wedging dBVic:eS. R:vths~Y _~ ,__ ,, :.f t: c the preaerrt t~~ ~..~y4G lItUJlO.-i ~G
07/05/01 THU 14:4D FAX 705 R5?Rn7d .-.-_.___-T.amp~_F_ rp~mP._....... ...
..._....... ..__ ~nm natural compressive forces caused by the natural shrinkage of the materials. The same technique can be used to form butt joints and corner joints in the same log construction thereby reducing the number of parts necessary for a p~~e~lar 5 Constructibn. __ The length of the keys depends an the length ~W', which of course will depend on the thickness of the logs and the prO~l.le bf tiJC kJ$t1'~i~i.iia~ ~VI~~t pwttcr:: read, the i ntPntion 1D boring that the key Pxtends, t$e grltire length 'W'. Ay ..
extending the entire length, the key can provide an effective t+ +1, i .,~i'1 tra~i nn ref A 1 Y thrnllf~h. 'thfa 1 nor wall barrier again.. .~..c _.. . -as would otherwise occur through the boundary as~shown by the arrows in figure 3.
. .. Hi~i~Y~Vc3f , i.~rie iii tii.'c lGugth . u3jt : 1°~ ~'° ~-r~r,-~ad r,;~ :nnr n than one single barrier. The single barrier maybe replaced wa.th, for example, three keys, all with a ocllective length ..
equalling that of the single hey as..shown at ale, b, c in 2o figure 7.
The_ log construction may ba torrned in the following mantte~-. First, the lags 12, 14 are cut to length and their end regions are shaped so as to engage in a complementary fashion as shown above. The barri$r receiving passages ii=, 14~, 1~C1, leg are rClrmeQ 60 LFIdL t17~'~y fC7CL'4'ilU J.L~VIII I.iJC
V~U4kt~~ ' '---- -"
surface 12d, 14d tQ the intermediate surface 122, 14e. The keys are then formed with a cross section which is complementary t4 that of the aligned passages.
The- keys Andy -b the axis 'A' in order to immediately establish ~a loaded condition w~.th the bearing surfaces. With the lags in their 9i~-n?.ini T_r_n_r og;gn Fax_ ~n, n~2nn-~ _ . _ . ,rA,~~~ F..,. ra:st2r .....
...._..... . ..._....... ... ....f~t.nl~
position with the passages aligned, the keys may then be pressed--~:~ -Nl~ce- :ait::...apprrpra.at..e-~u,7_ki ng compounds placed therein as necessary. The joint may then be~ 3eft Lo rise forces cf- ~at:~=w y:: b~i~xl ~~~~ ~'"=nk~~..of_t-_,hp. ma.teri,als..._.._.
_.. __._ .
s to establish the residual farces as described.
The cross sections used herein have the additional benefit of increasing the engaged surface area of the =nnpr and outer surfaces, both to increase the area which is .1.... 1.5.~.~.....s nw available far caulking materials, if desire..., c. ~,. c~........~....
increase the distance. that infiltrating air would need to travel to cirouyrrvent the barrier so formed.
,.
the key may, if desired, by dimensioned to extend beyond a s~.ngi~ .~Qi:~t. For cx::.~,pl s, the key s may extend t,Ryr~nc3 two or mere joint$ as shown in the log construetiQn 30 shown in f;.g~r~ e. ~ I~ tYris ~ca~c, -there -$=s pr~v~.decL rwo_ ~t.s ~.f_~ng.~ __.._ .. 1?,...3.~ ,...r,~.itV~._ easch .spt_n2~~!?g a n~smhsr .,f alihnp~l end rPrri nns 32a, 34a, with each log element from set 3z formed to engage $ pair of adjacent logs in set 34. There is provided a series of first surface portions as shown at 32b, and a series of second sctrfaGe portions as shown at 32c. _ _, _. _ In this case, each log is also provided with barrier __. .... . . _ ..3G ....=aasit>.i.y~...pp~s3gos._33s. ~-33L~r_E~!~..~ .of. whi ch extends the full thickness of the log so that, when assembled as Shown in figure ~, the passages 33a, 33b align togettr~~- i=c,s l~rrm- a substantially continuous e~.ongate passage extending the full length of the so-formed log 'wa7.1' . This is shown in the case of the passag~2s 33a by the dashed lines at "33A".
A pair of keys 36, 38 engage the elongate passage 33a, 33b, thereby to interrupt the boundaxy between the adjacent 07/D5/O1 THLI 14:40 FAx 705 6526074 dames E. Gastle ~ 015 surface portions and to inhibit relative movement between the ~.og elements of each set of logs in the cc~nstruction,~ __. . __ .
The keys used herein may be formed from a number of materials- Hardwood materials such as maple and vak are readily available and provide a natural cauntex~pax~t to the softwoods normally used for the logs themselves.
lIowevor, other raatoxiala ouch as plastics are also _ to envisioned. in this ease, the materials may be prefarmed into the keys as shown above or alternatively be arranged to be forced in a liquid or athEF de~rmabls consistency, into the aligned passages. 'this technique has the advantage that__rh~.
key farming material can fill the voids in the aligned passage, while accammadating minor misalignments between the logs. Furthermore, the passages can be finished in such a manner to allow the key forming material to partially ai" fully extend beyond the passages themselves and fill the spacing the between the adjacent surface portions. mhe key forming material, in this case, may be a thex-moset material syGh as those defined as epoxies or thermoplastics such as ~n1 ~r~a~~vlpna nr nnl vnrnnyl Rna _ ~rhc~ rhararrtwr i ut W -c c~T W hp_ - w formed key may also he modified by adjusting the make up of the material., for example by adding a reinforcing fibre and the like.
.._.. ... _ .. ..__ .... .. ....~7'~ ferri-ii(y w fi~jurar.. ~, +~'~'~'~ 3.~.
Yes.".': i~°~ .,°."'°*~'.~..~ 1 r"~r ..a.a .. ~. ...w. ..... ~..
construction complement-asry. Pnd _rggin>tsv_57a; _54a. _ __.In thls case;__.the complementary end regions are simply a fla'r.~2nd face to farm a t~uLL juinL having a lc~ansverse boundary a6. ,A barrier in the form of a key 58 is arranged in a like fashion to that shown above.to interrupt the haundary along substantially the D7/D5/O1 THU 14:41 FAX 705 6526074 James E. Castle f~ O1B
entire transverse dimension thereof, in this case, the height as ahcwn' in figurE 10. _- . _ ._ Referring to figures 11 and 12, there is ~7rovided still another log constructio~ ?~. with a p?~ir of_ i ngs ~2 ; ?4 having complementary end regio::..._;~~a~ ?4a....- IrL_th;~ r:asp,__~he___. ____ E:c.~tupltamtsmtaty end ~egiolr» Ax's Simply a flat end face to f4rm _ a butt joint having a transverse boundary 76. one end face has a projection lab and tk~e othex end face has a complementary recess ?2b. A Pair ~h rest-an4rrg._esse~tk~li~aa--:,°.- ire ~rovi-dcci--to -_ engage each of the end regions on opposite sides thereof.
each of the fastening assemblies includes a pa),r of cylindrical plugs 80 mounted on a .base plate ~2, eaah plug adapted to receive a fastener such as a spike 94, by wax of a sma~.~. e7.ongate passage or the like. A pair of passages ex~.end through each of the end regions ?2a, 74a and are dimensioned so as to receive a corresponding pair of plugs as shown.
The spikes are dimensioned to that 'they can be driven through the upper' plug a?ld.-n~r~Pnt i f,LO Tw - i'ow .r i ~ r~ ' ~Prely~r °' to hold the fastening arse~nblies in place. The plugs are firmly mounted on the plate sv that the plate can absorb the loading 'exerted thereon should the butt end joint:-' If ' desired, the plugs may be dimensioned to ext~and fully into the _ . ... 1~ ~~~~g~~ .~.~y.~~p~ ~~.~ '~o~~.. a~ siic~wn in un5ii~u iii»b iii figure 12.
Claims (17)
1. A log construction comprising:
a pair of logs, each having an end region with a surface portion thereon, wherein the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a boundary therebetween, said boundary having a length, at least one barrier extending across said boundary and along the length thereof to couple said erd regions together, said barrier having a pair of projections, each of said logs further comprising a passage open to and adjacent said boundary for receiving a corresponding one of said projections, each of said projections having a pair of outer surfaces and said passage having a pair of inner surfaces, sofa outer and inner surfaces being further arranged to generate residual compressive forces toward said boundary as a result of shrinkage between said barrier and said end regions.
a pair of logs, each having an end region with a surface portion thereon, wherein the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a boundary therebetween, said boundary having a length, at least one barrier extending across said boundary and along the length thereof to couple said erd regions together, said barrier having a pair of projections, each of said logs further comprising a passage open to and adjacent said boundary for receiving a corresponding one of said projections, each of said projections having a pair of outer surfaces and said passage having a pair of inner surfaces, sofa outer and inner surfaces being further arranged to generate residual compressive forces toward said boundary as a result of shrinkage between said barrier and said end regions.
2. A log construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said projections are symmetrically arranged along a common central axis.
3. A log construction as defined in claim 2 wherein said outer surfaces are asymmetrically arranged relative to a transverse axis.
4. A log construction as defined in claim 3 wherein the outer surfaces of each of said projections diverge from said boundary relative to said central axis.
5. A log construction as defined in claim 4 wherein each of said projections is triangular in cross section.
6. A log construction as defined in claim 5 wherein said barrier and said logs are formed from materials with different coefficients of shrinkage.
7. A log construction as defined in claim 6 wherein said barrier is formed from material with a lower coefficient of shrinkage than the material. of said logs.
8. A log construction as defined in claim 7 wherein said barrier and said logs are both formed from wood materials.
9. A log construction as defined in claim 8 wherein said barrier is formed from hardwood materials and said logs are formed from softwood materials.
10. A log construction as defined in claim 9 wherein said barrier is formed from a single piece of substantially cured hardwood and said softwood material is green.
11. A log construction as defined in claim 10 wherein said barrier is dimensioned for slidable engagement with said passages during assembly thereof.
12. A log construction as defined in claim 11 wherein said complementary end regions form a butt joint.
13. A log construction as defined in claim 11 wherein said complementary end regions form a corner joint.
14. A method of forming a log construction comprising the steps of:
providing a pair of logs, each with an end region having a surface portion thereon, arranging the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a boundary therebetween, said boundary having a length, providing at least one barrier to extending across said boundary and along the length thereof to couple said end regions together, said barrier having a pair of projections, forming in each of said logs a passage open to and adjacent said boundary for receiving a corresponding one of said projections, forming on each of said projections a pair of outer surfaces and in said passage a pair of inner surfaces, arranging said outer and inner surfaces to generate residual compressive forces toward said boundary as a result of shrinkage between said barrier and said end regions.
providing a pair of logs, each with an end region having a surface portion thereon, arranging the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a boundary therebetween, said boundary having a length, providing at least one barrier to extending across said boundary and along the length thereof to couple said end regions together, said barrier having a pair of projections, forming in each of said logs a passage open to and adjacent said boundary for receiving a corresponding one of said projections, forming on each of said projections a pair of outer surfaces and in said passage a pair of inner surfaces, arranging said outer and inner surfaces to generate residual compressive forces toward said boundary as a result of shrinkage between said barrier and said end regions.
15. A method as defined in claim 14 further comprising the step of arranging said projections to be symmetrical along a common central axis and asymmetrical relative to a transverse axis.
16. A method as defined in claim 15 further comprising the steps of arranging the outer surfaces of each of said projections so as to diverge from said boundary relative to
17 said central axis.
17. A method as defined in claim 16 further comprising the steps of forming said barrier from material with a lower coefficient of shrinkage than the material of said logs.
17. A method as defined in claim 16 further comprising the steps of forming said barrier from material with a lower coefficient of shrinkage than the material of said logs.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2206290 CA2206290C (en) | 1997-06-10 | 1997-06-10 | Log construction |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2206290 Division CA2206290C (en) | 1997-06-10 | 1997-06-10 | Log construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2350851A1 true CA2350851A1 (en) | 1998-12-10 |
Family
ID=4160752
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002350851A Abandoned CA2350851A1 (en) | 1997-06-10 | 1997-06-10 | Log construction |
| CA 2206290 Expired - Fee Related CA2206290C (en) | 1997-06-10 | 1997-06-10 | Log construction |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2206290 Expired - Fee Related CA2206290C (en) | 1997-06-10 | 1997-06-10 | Log construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2350851A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2392175B (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2005-10-26 | David John Talmer | Construction kit |
| BE1015689A5 (en) * | 2003-09-18 | 2005-07-05 | Valcke En Zoon Nv | Building construction. |
| CA2622773C (en) | 2008-02-19 | 2012-11-27 | David A. Loeks | Modular log building construction |
-
1997
- 1997-06-10 CA CA002350851A patent/CA2350851A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-06-10 CA CA 2206290 patent/CA2206290C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2206290C (en) | 2001-09-04 |
| CA2206290A1 (en) | 1998-12-10 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |