IE20220156A1

IE20220156A1 - Head restraint bracket

Info

Publication number: IE20220156A1
Application number: IE20220156A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Mcandrew Scott; Small Nicola
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Filing date: 2022-09-30
Publication date: 2023-04-12

Description

Head restraint bracket TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a head restraint bracket, particularly a head restraint bracket for use in a timber framed building. The invention also relates to a connection between a wall and a structural member in a building, the connection incorporating the head restraint bracket.

BACKGROUND Head restraints, sometimes called partition wall restraints, provide lateral restraint to the top of non-load bearing walls by transferring lateral loads, such as wind or internal pressure loads, from the top of the wall to a primary structural member of the building, for example a beam or a joist. At the same time, head restraints allow for vertical movement of the primary structural member relative to the wall to accommodate deflection, shrinkage and/or thermal movement. The use of head restraints allows the design of non-load bearing walls to be more economical.

Known head restraints include parts in sliding engagement with one another. For example, earlier patent application GB 2443490 A discloses a head restraint having a sleeve and a tail portion inserted into an end of the sleeve. Sliding movement of the tail portion within the sleeve accommodates differential vertical movement between the wall and the primary structural member. In other known head restraints, a plate includes an elongate slot through which a nail is received to effect attachment of the bracket to the primary structural member. Sliding movement of the nail within the slot accommodates differential vertical movement between the wall and the primary structural member. Since head restraints are typically made of metal, sliding parts, such as those described above, include metal-on-metal frictional contact, which has the potential to produce a high frequency noise, i.e. squeak, undesirably.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more problems of known arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a head restraint bracket for laterally supporting a non-load bearing wall, the head restraint bracket formed of a plate comprising first and second end portions; and a central portion connecting the first and second end portions to one another, the central portion having first and second parts extending at an angle relative to one another and to the first and second end portions, respectively, to facilitate a deformation of the plate that causes movement of the first and second end portions toward and/or away from one another.

The arrangement advantageously provides a head restraint bracket that is free of parts in sliding engagement with one another, Le. a frictionless arrangement that may reduce undesirable squeaking created by sliding parts. Moreover, the arrangement provides a head restraint bracket that may be easier to fit, consist of fewer parts, and/or be easier and/or cheaper to manufacture than known arrangements.

In certain embodiments, the plate may comprise a first living hinge delimiting the first and second parts of the central portion from one another. Additionally, or alternatively, the plate may comprise a second living hinge and/or a third living hinge delimiting the first and second parts of the central portion from the first and second end portions, respectively. At least one of the living hinges may include a region of reduced cross- sectional area relative to surrounding regions ofthe plate.

In certain embodiments, at least one ofthe living hinges may include a thinned region ofthe plate relative to surrounding regions ofthe plate. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the living hinges may include one or more apertures extending through the plate. At least one of the one or more apertures may be an elongate aperture extending partially over a width of the plate, and may extend over at least 50% of the width of the plate.

In certain embodiments, each of the first and second end portions, and/or the first and second parts of the central portion may be substantially planar. Additionally, or alternatively, at least part of each of the first and second end portions may extend in a common plane.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the first and second end portions may include a deflected part. The deflected part, or parts, may extend at right angles to the remainder of the respective end portion.

In certain embodiments, each of the first and second parts of the central portion may extended obliquely form the first and second end portions, respectively. Additionally, or alternatively, each of the first and second parts of the central portion are substantially the same size and/or shape as one another.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connection between a wall and a structural member in a building, the structural member being positioned above the wall and the connection comprising a head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, the first end portion being in fixed in relation to a top of the wall and the second end portion being fixed in relation to the structural member such that a vertical differential movement between the wall and structural member is permitted and a lateral movement between the same is inhibited. The connection may comprise one or both of the wall and the structural member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary head restraint bracket according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is cross-sectional view of the head restraint bracket of Figure 1 forming a connection between a wall and a structural member; and 1O Figures 3a and 3b are side views the head restraint bracket of Figure 1 in an undeformed condition and a deformed condition, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 3 show a head restraint bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bracket 10 has particular application in laterally supporting a non-load bearing wall, such as a stud wall in a timber framed building. The bracket 10 is formed of a plate 12, for example a pre-galvanised mild steel plate. The plate 12 comprises first and second end portions 14, 16 and a central portion 18. The central portion 18 spans between the first and second end portions 14, 16, thereby connecting the first and second end portions 14, 16 in spaced relation to one another. The central portion 18 is divided into first and second parts 18a, 18b. The first and second parts 18a, 18b extend at an angle relative to one another and to the first and second end portions 14, 16, respectively. Consequently, the plate 12 has a first bend 20a delimiting the first and second parts 18a, 18b from one another, and also second and third bends 20b, 20c delimiting the first and second parts 18a, 18b from the first and second end portions 14, 16, respectively, thereby providing the plate 12 with a concertina-Iike fold.

The bends 20a, 20b, 20c extend linearly across the plate 12 and are at least substantially parallel to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the bends 20a, 20b, 20c are spaced substantially equidistantly from one another. Consequently, the first and second parts 18a, 18b are substantially equal in length, and are the same size and shape as one another, though this need not necessarily be the case. Particularly suitable spacing between each of the bends 20a, 20b, 20c is 15 mm (centre-to-centre), though any suitable spacing may be used, depending on the specific application, and hence design, ofthe bracket 10.

Figure 2 shows the bracket 10 forming a connection between a wall head of a non- load bearing wall 22 and a bottom chord of a structural member, specifically a joist 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, the joist 24 extends horizontally and such that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane of the wall 22, though it will be understood that the bracket 10 will function in other arrangements offset to some 1O P315345|E 5 degree. The plate 12 comprises apertures 26 in each of the first and second end portions 14, 16, through which, in use, fasteners 28 extend to be driven into the wall 22 and the joist 24 to make the connection. The fasteners 28 may be nails, though other suitable fastening means may be used. With the connection made between the wall 22 and the joist 24, the first end portion 14 is in fixed in relation to the wall head and the second end portion 16 is in fixed in relation to the bottom chord, thereby relative movement between the first end portion 14 and the wall 22 is inhibited, as is relative movement between the second end portion 16 and the joist 24.

Upon downward deflection of the joist 24, for example due to a service load imposed on a floor supported by the joist 24, such as a person walking on the floor, the arrangement of the central portion 18 facilitates a deformation of the plate 12 that causes movement of the first and second end portions 14, 16 toward one another. The deformation is shown in Figure 3: Figure 3a shows the bracket 10 in an undeformed condition; and Figure 3b shows the bracket 10 in a deformed condition. The deformation permits a vertical differential movement between the wall 22 and joist 24 that inhibits, or at least reduces, transfer of vertical loads from the joist 24 into the wall 22. In particularly, suitable embodiments, the bracket may allow for up to 10 mm deflection of the joist 24, or other structural member. By virtue of the first and second parts 18a, 18b extending at an angle relative to one another and to the first and second end portions 14, 16, respectively, vertical loads that are transferred from the joist 24 into the plate 12 act about a lever arm, or lever arms, formed between the first bend 20a and the second and third bends 20b, 20c to cause the deformation of the plate 12 about the bends 20a, 20b, 20c. The arrangement thus facilitates the deformation of the plate 12, allowing the plate 12 to bend smoothly with little resistance force.

In undergoing the deformation, a first angle or between the first and second parts 16a, 16a decreases and the first bend 20a is displaced horizontally. More generally, in undergoing the described deformation, the first bend 20a is displaced in a direction transverse, for example perpendicular, to a direction in which the movement ofthe first and second end portions 14, 16 occurs. Deformation of the plate 12 that causes P315345|E 6 movement of the first and second end portions 14, 16 away one another, for example due to unloading of the joist 24, is similarly permitted, such as when the service load is removed.

Crucially, while the vertical movement between the wall 22 and joist 24 is permitted, a lateral movement between the same is inhibited. The above-described configuration ofthe plate 12 does not facilitate a deformation of the plate 12 that causes movement of the first and second end portions 14, 16 parallel to one another, at least not in a direction parallel to the bends 20a, 20b, 20c. As such, it will be understood that the bracket 10 has an overall stiffness in a direction perpendicular to the bends 20a, 20b, 20c that is less than an overall stiffness to a direction parallel to the same. The stiffness of the plate 12 in the direction parallel to the bends 20a, 20 enables the plate 12 to transfer lateral loads from the wall 22, for example due to a service load imposed on the wall 22, such a person leaning on the wall 22, into the joist 24. To this end, as shown in Figure 2, the bracket 10 is connected to the wall head such that the bends 20a, 20b, 20c extend perpendicular to the plane of the wall 22, though it will be understood that the bracket 10 will function in other arrangements offset to some degree. To facilitate connection of the bracket 10 to the wall head and the bottom chord, the first and second end portions 14, 16 may extend at right angles to one another, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, with such configuration being accommodated by the angles of the second and third bends 20b, 20c, though this not need necessarily be the case. The apertures 26, though which, in use, the fasteners 28 extend, may be positioned suitably close to the bends 20b, 20c while allowing installation of the fasteners 28, which may be made by use of a setting tool, to be unimpeded by the central portion 18.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the bends 20a, 20b, 20c may each be formed as a living hinge. A living hinge, sometimes called an integral hinge, is a flexible hinge, or flexure bearing, made from the same material as that which surrounds it. As such, the plate 12 may further comprises a first living hinge delimiting the first and second parts 18a, 18b from one another and second and 1O P315345|E 7 third living hinges delimiting the first and second parts 18a, 18b from the first and second end portions 14, 16, respectively. At least one ofthe living hinges may include a region of reduced cross-sectional area, i.e. at least one of the one or more of the bends 20a, 20b, 20c may have a reduced cross-sectional area relative the material that surrounds it, over the width of the plate 12. To this end, at least one of the living hinges may include a thinned region ofthe plate 12 relative to surrounding regions of the plate 12, in other words regions of the plate 12 that surround the living hinge in question, for example the first and second parts 18a, 18b. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one ofthe living hinges may include one or more apertures 30 ending through the plate 12, which may take the form of elongate slots extending over the width of the plate 12, such as those shown in the illustrated embodiment. The apertures 30 may extend over at least 50% the width of the plate 12, though may extend from 25% and/or up to 75% of the width. Each bend 20a, 20b 20c may have only a single aperture. The living hinges further facilitate the deformation of the plate 12, allowing the plate 12 to bend smoothly with little resistance force.

While the bracket 10 has particular application providing head restraint for use in a timber framed building, other applications are contemplated. For example, some embodiments ofthe invention may have application providing head restraint for use in a concrete or masonry building.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the first and second end portions 14, 16 may not extend at right angles to one another, or at least not wholly, and may extend at another angle. In some embodiments the first and second end portions 14, 16 may extend parallel to one another, at least in part. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe first and second end portions 14, 16 may include a deflected part extending at right angles to the remainder ofthe end portion. Consequently, each ofthe first and second end portions 14, 16 may include a non-deflected portion. Moreover, while in the illustrated embodiment each of P315345|E 8 the first and second parts 18a, 18b of the central portion 18 extended obliquely from the first and second end portions 14, 16, respectively, at least one of the first and second parts 18a, 18b may extend at a right angle. Some embodiments ofthe invention may include one or more further parts, for example a third part, and consequently one or more further bends.

As above, the plate 12 may be made of pre-galvanised mild steel. However, the plate 12 may be formed of any suitable material. The size and thickness of the plate 12 will be determined based on the intended use. By way of example only, the plate 12 may have a width of between 25-100 mm and/or a length (prior to forming the bends 20a, 20b, 20c) of between 50-350mm and/or the thickness of the plate 12 may be between 0.5-2.0 mm. In certain embodiments the width of the plate 12 may be 50 mm and/or the thickness of the plate 12 may be 0.9 mm. When formed, i.e. prior to use, the total height of the bracket 10 may be approximately 50 mm and/or the first angle q may approximately 165° or at least 165°. In certain embodiments, when formed, the first angle q may be up to 90°.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed herein (including those of the accompanying claims and drawings). The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

All of the features disclosed herein (including those of the accompanying claims and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some features are mutually exclusive. Moreover, each feature disclosed herein (including those of the accompanying claims and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A head restraint bracket for laterally supporting a non-load bearing wall, the head restraint bracket formed of a plate comprising: first and second end portions; and a central portion connecting the first and second end portions to one another, the central portion having first and second parts extending at an angle relative to one another and to the first and second end portions, respectively, to facilitate a deformation of the plate that causes movement of the first and second end portions toward and/or away from one another.

2. A head restraint bracket according to claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a first living hinge delimiting the first and second parts of the central portion from one another

3. A head restraint bracket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate comprises a second living hinge and/or a third living hinge delimiting the first and second parts ofthe central portion from the first and second end portions, respectively.

4. A head restraint bracket according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the living hinges includes a region of reduced cross-sectional area relative to surrounding regions of the plate.

5. A head restraint bracket according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the living hinges includes a thinned region of the plate relative to surrounding regions of the plate.

6. A head restraint bracket according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of the living hinges includes one or more apertures extending through the plate. 1O 25 3O P315345|E 1O

7. A head restraint bracket according to claim 6, wherein the at least one of the one or more apertures is an elongate aperture extending partially over a width of the plate.

8. A head restraint bracket according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the apertures extending over at least 50% of the width of the plate.

9. A head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second end portions, and/or the first and second parts of the central portion are substantially planar.

10. A head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of each ofthe first and second end portions extend in a common plane.

11. A head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a deflected part.

12. A head restraint bracket according to claim 11, wherein the deflected part, or parts, extends at right angles to the remainder of the respective end portion.

13. A head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second parts of the central portion extended obliquely form the first and second end portions, respectively.

14. A head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second parts of the central portion are substantially the same size and/or shape as one another.

15. A connection between a wall and a structural member in a building, the structural member being positioned above the wall and the connection comprising a head restraint bracket according to any preceding claim, the first end portion being in P315345|E 11 fixed in relation to a top of the wall and the second end portion being fixed in relation to the structural member such that a vertical differential movement between the wall and structural member is permitted and a lateral movement between the same is inhibited.