GB2123055A

GB2123055A - Framework building

Info

Publication number: GB2123055A
Application number: GB08317079A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Norman Ashley Boyce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-07-03
Filing date: 1983-06-23
Publication date: 1984-01-25
Also published as: GB8317079D0

Abstract

In constructing a building, a rigid skeletal framework of struts 8 secured together by joining devices is erected and covered with a plastics membrane secured to the ground base or to lower portions of the framework. Plate members 10 of the joining devices are then extended outwardly from collar 2 and locked by pin 16 to impart tension to the membrane. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to building construction The invention relates to a method of construction of the type of building comprising a rigid framework composed of struts, for example metal tubing, the interstices of the rods being unfilled to form panels, walls and the like.

It is known to construct buildings of this general type incorporating a plastics membrane, which are suitable for use to cover large ground pian areas for use for example to protect agricultural produce from the adverse effects of the weather or to provide shelter for normally outdoor sports activities. Such building structures frequently fail through heat degradation of the membrane usually at places in which the membrane is in contact with the struts of the framework and/or involve the maintenance of the membrane in a distended condition by compressed air.

The object of the present invention is to minimise the above disadvantages.

The invention provides a method of constructing a building comprising the steps of a) erecting upon a ground base a rigid skeletal framework comprising struts or tubular members to define the contours of the building and securing the struts or members together by means of joining devices having body portions adapted to connect with the struts or members, each joining device including an adjustable plate member capable of an extending movement outwardly of the body portion, b) covering the framework with a membrane of plastics material and securing marginal portions thereof to the ground base or to lower portions of the framework, and c) extending the plate members outwardly of the framework to impart tension to the membrane.

The invention further provides a joining device for use with the method described in the preceding paragraph, comprising a body portion having connecting members for securing together struts or tubular framework members, said connecting members arranged to project in a generally radial direction from an axial centre line, and a plate member arranged for adjustable movement along said centre line with respect to the body portion and means for retaining the plate member in a selected adjusted position.

There will now be described an example of a building according to the invention and a method of constructing the same. It will be understood that the description which is to be read with reference to the drawings is given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a joining device incorporating an adjustable plate; and Figure 2 illustrates diagrammatically three stages in the assembly of a building construction incorporating the joining devices.

The joining device consists of a body portion comprising a collar 2 having a plurality (only two shown in Figure 1) of externally threaded members 4 to each of which are secured by locknuts 6, a strut 8, comprising a metal tube. The members 4 are arranged to project from the collar in a generally radial manner but at a predetermined angle from a radial plane, the centre-lines of the members 4 passing through the axial centre line of the collar 2. This angle is selected according to the span required by the completed building.

A plate member 10 comprises a saucer-like disc having its convex surface facing outwardly of the collar 2. A stem portion 12 projects from the inner, concave, surface of the plate and is slidably received within the collar 2. The plate 10 is thus capable of being positioned close to or spaced from the collar. The stem portion 12 is provided with transverse passages 14, through which an anchoring pin 1 6 is passed to prevent unwanted retraction of the stem through the collar.

Figure 2 shows three stages in the assembly of a building having a domed shape. Portion A of the Figure shows a framework consisting of struts 8 secured together by joining devices having plate members 10 as above described.

In portion B of Figure 2, a sheet of plastics material 1 8 is shown draped over the framework of struts 8 and secured along the ground line G.

In order to impart tension to the sheet 16, the plate member 10 of each joining device is moved from an initial position in which it is close to the associated collar 2, in an axially outward direction. The pin 1 6 is placed through the passage 14 to prevent retraction. When all the plate members have been extended in this matter the sheet is under tension as shown in portion C of Figure 2. The shape of the plate members may be just discernible beneath the sheet 18, since the plate members are the only points of contact between the framework and the sheet.

Where the building shown in Figure 2 is to be used for, say, agricultural purposes, the plastics sheet 18 acts in the same manner as the glass of a green-house. It will be found advantageous if the plate member is made from a suitable plastics material, glassfibre reinforced if necessary, so that, since there is no contact between the sheet and the struts 8 as explained above, all contact between metal and plastics material is avoided. In this way, degradation of the plastics material at hot-spots due to the effect of the sun's rays and occurring at points of contact with metal, is avoided.

In addition, since the sheet is on the outside of the building, the metal of the struts 8 is protected from wet weather.

Since the plastics sheet material is under tension due to the extension of the plate members 10, it is also possible, if desired, to provide cladding upon the sheet material. This may be a thin layer of concrete or glass-reinforced plastics material as desired.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the following

Claims

claims. Claims

1. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of a) erecting upon a ground base a rigid skeletal framework comprising struts or tubular members to define the contours of the building and securing the struts or members together by means of joining devices having body portions adapted to connect with the struts or members, each joining device including an adjustable plate member capable of an extending movement outwardly of the body portion, b) covering the framework with a membrane of plastics material and securing marginal portions thereof to the ground base or to lower portions of the framework, and c) extending the plate members outwardly of the framework to impart tension to the membrane.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the plate members are extended outwardly in step c) from an initial position in which it is close to its associated body member to a final portion in which it is spaced therefrom.

3. A method as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the amount of outward movement is sufficient to remove contact between the membrane and the struts or tubular members of the framework.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the further step d) providing a layer of cladding material over the tension membrane.

5. Ajoining device suitable for use in the method as claimed in claim 1, comprising a body portion having connecting members for securing together struts or tubular framework members, said connecting members arranged to project in a generally radial direction from an axial centre line, and a plate member arranged for adjustable movement along said centre line with respect to the body portion and means for retaining the plate member in a selected adjusted position.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plate member is of plastics material.

7. A device as claimed in either one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the plate member is provided with a convex outer surface adapted in use to contact the membrane.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the body portion of the device comprises a collar adapted to receive end portions of the struts or tubular members of the framework, said plate member being supported upon a stem portion slidably received in the collar.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for retaining the plate member in a selected adjusted portion comprises a retaining pin receivable in a selected one of a plurality of transverse passages in the stem portion.

10. A method of constructing a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the drawings.

11. A joining device, constructed and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the drawings.