GB2041436A

GB2041436A - Components for suspended ceilings, wall frames or like structures

Info

Publication number: GB2041436A
Application number: GB7936338A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: FIRSTEEL METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: FIRSTEEL METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 1978-10-21
Filing date: 1979-10-19
Publication date: 1980-09-10
Also published as: GB2041436B

Abstract

A connector is provided for interconnecting a transverse structural member (11) with a longitudinal member (10). Both these members have a generally vertical web (12) with a horizontal flange (14) projecting from its lower edge. The connector includes a hooked part (20) designed to fit over the upstanding web (12) of the one member and a laterally projecting part, (24) extending approximately in the same plane as the projecting flange (14). Ribs (25), (26) on the tab portion (24) of the connector grip within the hollow flange (14) of the other member. Inturned projections (30) grip below the downturned portion (13) of the upstandingweb (12) and thus prevent removal of the connector from the member. A hole (35) enables the connector to be fixed in position by a split pin passing through the web (12) of the metal. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to components for suspended ceilings, wall frames or like structures This invention relates to the construction of lattice structures as used for example in suspended ceilings or in insulation systems for the roofs or walls of buildings. The lattice structure in the final assembly system supports a number of panels or tiles usually formed of acoustic or thermal insulating material.

In the assembly of such lattice structures it is usual to connect the ends of the transverse frame members to the associated longitudinal members, either by tongue and slot connections formed in the members themselves, or by means of separately formed connectors.

Existing connectors suffer from various disadvantages and it is an object of the invention to devise an improved connector for this general purpose.

Broadly stated the invention consists in a connector for interconnecting a transverse structural member with a longitudinal member, both members having a generally vertical web with a horizontal flange projecting from its lower edge, the connector including a hooked part designed to fit over the upstanding web of one member and a laterally projecting part extending approximately in the same plane as the projecting flange of said one member, the connector being formed to engage one or both members and to prevent or resist unintentional movement or withdrawal in at least one direction.

Preferably the hooked part of the connector includes at least one resilient detent or inturned projection arranged to prevent or limit movement of the connector along or off the respective longitudinal member.

For example, the hooked part may have an inturned detent at a position spaced below the upper arch of the hooked part.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the inturned projection or detent is designed for use in conjunction with a structural member having a doubled flange or an enlarged bead along the free edge of the web, with the detent or inturned projection of the hooked part locating below the doubled flange or bead to prevent accidental withdrawal, but permit free lengthwise movement.

In a particular preferred construction the hooked part is formed with a transverse aperture to receive a pin or bolt passing through a registering aperture in the web of the structural member. The laterally projecting part may be formed with at least one projection or deformation which effectively increases its vertical thickness so as to provide an effective coupling with a hollow horizontal flange of a structural member fitted over the projecting part.

In any case the connection is conveniently formed from sheet metal by pressing, and the projecting part may have two or more parallel ribs or grooves formed in its upper and/or lower surfaces.

In a modified form the connector of the invention may be so designed that forcible movement or expansion of the transverse members towards the longitudinal member will be permitted. This latter type of connector provides for thermal expansion as may occur if a fire starts in the building. It is well recognised that undesirable expansion of the structural members can cause distortion of the lattice framework, thus allowing panels to fall which then increases the fire risk. It will be understand that the allowed additional forcible movement of the transverse member will accommodate some thermal expansion of the member and without applying an unaccepable lateral force to the longitudinal member. The construction also provides adequate location of the parts relative to one another in normal conditions.

In a particular preferred arrangement the projecting part of the connector includes at least one detent or projection arranged to act as a resilient or deformable stop to prevent or limit movement of the transverse member towards the respective longitudinal member until or unless a predetermined minimum force is applied.

This type of connector may be provided in combination with a clip, bracket or sleeve, attached to the connector, or the respective structural member, or separate therefrom, designed to co-operate with the connector to hold the parts in their normal relative positions until the said minimum force is exceeded.

It will be understood that the allowed additional forcible movement of the transverse member will accommodate some thermal expansion of the member and without applying an unacceptable lateral force to the longitudinal member. The construction also provides adequate location of the parts relative to one another in normal conditions.

This type of connector may be provided in combination with a clip, bracket or sleeve, attached to the connector, or the respective structural member, or separate therefrom, designed to co-operate with the connector to hold the parts in their normal relative positions until the said force is exceeded.

The invention also consists of a complete lattice framework with or without associated panels or tiles, incorporating one or more connectors as defined above.

The invention may be performed in various ways and preferred embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end view of a connector according to the invention, Figure 2 is a side elevation of the connector as seen in the direction of the arrow X in Fig.

1, Figure 3 is a plan view onto half of the connector as seen in the direction of arrow Y in Fig. 1, Figure 4 is a complete plan view of such a connector when incorporated in a cross-connection of a lattice framework, Figure 5 is an elevation partly in section in the direction of arrow Z in Fig. 4, Figure 6 is a perspective view partly exploded illustrating the same assembled crossconnection, Figure 7 is another perspective exploded view illustrating the connector in use in a vertical lattice frame, Figure 8 is a side elevation of an alternative form of connector, Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating the connector of Fig. 8 in position over a longitudinal member of a lattice framework, with two transverse members attached to the connector in their normal positions, Figure 10 is an end view of the assembly of Fig. 9, Figure ii is a plan view of the cover sleeve used in the assembly, and Figures 12 and 13 are a side elevation and an end view of the same cover sleeve.

The cross-connector shown in detail in Figs.

1 to 3 is for use with the type of lattice framework illustrated in Figs. 4 to 6 and consisting of longitudinal members 10 and transverse members 11, all of the same crosssection and each having an upstanding vertical web 1 2 with a hooked portion 1 3 along its upper edge and a horizontal flange 14 projecting on both sides from the bottom edge of the web. Each member is formed by pressing and bending a single sheet or strip of sheet metal. The horizontal flange 14 has a doubled hollow flange portion 1 5 on one side and a bent-over flange 1 6 or) the other side, thus effectively providing a hollow horizontal flange of some thickness.

The cross-connector is designed to engage and locate the ends of the transverse members 11 with respect to the longitudinals 10, all with their under surfaces substantially flush. The connector has a central arched portion 20 designed to loop over the upstanding web 1 2 on a longitudinal, and two lateral flange portions 21, 22 designed to rest respectively on the upper surfaces of the flanges 15, 16. Each of these flange portions 21, 22 is downwardly cranked at 23 anus has a further projecting horizontal tab 24. Each of these tabs has four parallel grooves or ribs, the two outer ribs 25 projecting downwards while the inner ribs 26 project upwards.This effectively increases the vertical thickness of each tab and gives some resilience so that the tab makes a tight fit within the hollow horizontal flange 15, 1 6 of the respective transverse member 11. Due to the cranked parts 23 the under surfaces of the transverse members 11 are flush with the longitudinal 1 0.

The arched portion 20 of the cross-connector has an inturned barb or dimple 30 formed on each vertical edge of both sides of the arch. These are designed to reduce the effective width of the arch to less than the width of the downturned portion 1 3 at the top of the web 1 2 and the vertical position of the barbs is such that they will engage below the bottom edge of the part 1 3. Since the barbs are provided symmetrically on both sides the attitude of the connector is not important: the connector can be slid into position lengthwise or it can be pressed down into position making a snap fit over the part 1 3. When in position it is capable of sliding lengthwise along the member 10 to any required position.

When used in a vertical lattice frame on the wall of the building as illustrated in Fig. 7 it is useful that the cross-connector should be fixed in relation to the members 1 0. For this purpose each connector has a transverse hole 35 extending through both sides of the arched portion 20, approximately at the same height as the barbs 30. When assembling the frame a corresponding hole is punched or drilled through the web 1 2 and the connector is fixed by a split pin 36 or other fixing member, thus preventing sliding movement lengthwise and horizontal removal.

The cross-connector of the type shown in Figs. 8 to 10 is additionally provided on each side with a rounded projection 40 level with the upper step 22 and extending outwardly towards the lower horizontal tab 24, being rounded in plan as illustrated in Fig. 9. This projection provides a rounded or sloping surface 41 which acts as a normal stop for the end 42 of a transverse member 11. In this normal position a small gap exists between the end 42 of the transverse member 11 and the edge of the bottom flange 14 of the longitudinal member 10. This is effectively closed by the cover sleeve illustrated in Figs.

11 to 13, which has a central flat plate portion 45 designed to fit below the bottom flange of the longitudinal member 10 and two projecting wings 46, each with a pair of lugs 47 along the opposed edges. These lugs are designed to be upstanding as illustrated in Figs. 1 2 and 1 3 and when the ends of the transverse members 11 have been fitted onto the projecting parts of the cross connector, these lugs 47 are bent inwards towards each other as illustrated in Fig. 9 and 10, thus effectively closing the gaps referred to.

If this framework is exposed to high temperatures causing the transverse members 11 to expand, the forcible movement of the ends of these members towards the longitudinal member 10 will cause the hollow bottom flange 14 of the respective member to ride up over the slope of the projection 40. In doing so the bent lugs 47 will be slightly deformed or distorted but being formed of light gauge metal they do not act as a positive obstruction. After riding up over the rounded projecting parts 20 the hollow bottom flanges 14 of the transverse members 11 can then move a limited further distance inwards as they run over the steps formed by the lateral flange portions 21, 22 of the cross-connector. The construction thus provides a limited but adequate degree of expansion for the transverse members when exposed to high temperatures, and therefore avoids serious distortion of the lattice framework. The construction does however provide adequate location of the parts in normal conditions and temperatures.

Claims

1. a connector for interconnecting a transverse structural member with a longitudinal member, both members having a generally vertical web with a horizontal flange projecting from its lower edge, the connector including a hooked part designed to fit over the upstanding web of one member and a laterally projecting part extending approximately in the same plane as the projecting flange, the connector being formed to engage one or both members and to prevent or resist unintentional movement or withdrawal in at least one direction.

2. A connector according to claim 1, in which the hooked part of the connector includes at least one resilient detent or inturned projection arranged to prevent or limit movement of the connector along or off the respective longitudinal member.

3. A connector according to claim 2, in which the hooked part has an inturned detent at a position spaced below the upper arch of the hooked part.

4. A connector according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the inturned projection or detent is designed or use in conjunction with a structural member having a doubled flange or an enlarged bead along the free edge of the web, with the detent or inturned projection of the hooked part locating below the doubled flange or bead to prevent accidental withdrawal, but permit free lengthwise movement.

5. A connector according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hooked part is formed with a transverse aperture to receive a pin or bolt passing through a registering aperture in the web of the structural member.

6. A connector according to any of the preceding claims, in which the laterally projecting part is formed with at least one projection or deformation which effectively increases its vertical thickness so as to provide an effective coupling with a hollow horizontal flange of a structural member fitted over the projecting part.

7. A connector according to claim 5, in which the projecting part is formed of thin sheet metal and is deformed to provide the effective increased thickness.

8. A connector according to claim 6, in which the projecting part has two or more parallel ribs or grooves formed in its upper rnd/or lower surfaces.

9. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, so designed that forcible movement or expansion of the transverse member towards the longitudinal member will be permitted.

10. A connector according to claim 9, in which the projecting part of the connector includes at least one detent or projection arranged to act as a resilient or deformable stop to prevent or limit movement of the transverse member towards the respective longitudinal member until or unless a predetermined minimum force is applied.

11. A connector according to claim 9 or claim 10, in combination with a clip, bracket or sleeve, attached to the connector, or the respective structural member, or separate therefrom, designed to co-operate with the connector to hold the parts in the normal relative positions until the said minimum force is exceeded.

1 2. A connector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 3. A complete lattice framework with or without associated panels or tiles, incorporating one or more connectors as defined in any one of claims 1 to

12.