NZ264759A - Foundation/base for building frame; foundation beam assembly having upstanding base socket or sleeve connectors for framing - Google Patents

Description

264759 n.Z. PATENT OFFICE 1 7 JAN 1996 Received Pa-tents Form No 5 THE PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional Number: 264759 Dated: 21 October 1994 FRAME AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS WE, MAXIMILLAN DOUGLAS JONES, a New Zealand citizen and TERRY DAVID ARCHER, a New Zealand citizen, both of 94 Barnard Street, Wadestown, Wellington, New Zealand, hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement 264759 FRAMB AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS Field of Invention This invention relates to frame and building 5 constructions, and more particularly relates to constructions involving factory prefabricated components enabling accuracy of formation with quality control, and on-site assembly with time labour and costs savings.

The invention has particular application to foundation forming methods for steel frame constructions and buildings for residential and commercial usage, but some aspects may also be usefully applicable to constructions or buildings additionally employing timber 15 and other material components - as will be evident from -the following description.

Objects of Invention One object of the invention is to provide a method 20 and means for accurately and quickly forming level reinforced concrete slab or peripheral footing foundations with a minimum of excavation work and eliminating the need for precise forming of trenchwork and other excavations, with consequential considerable 25 time and costs savings.

Another object of the invention is to provide base frame components for foundation forming and incorporating means facilitating concrete boxing or 30 formwork placing in an accurate and secure manner, and in a manner facilitating removal on completion of the concrete foundation work.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method 35 and means for forming a reinforced concrete base structure with preformed anchor component parts facilitating and speeding framing erection therefrom and thereover. 264759 Yet another object is to provide a versatile portal frame building system employing prefabricated joint components enabling and simplifying frame erection for a variety of different styles of dwellings and/or 5 commercial or other buildings and closed or open-framed constructions.

Further objects of the system as a whole are to provide preformed cladding, roofing and window componentry 10 compatible with and readily fitted to the base foundation and framing concepts of the invention, for completion of the buildings or other framed constructions; and more particular objects, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent 15 from the ensuing description.

Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a foundation forming and base support means 20 for a frame building or like construction, comprising a horizontal peripheral foundation beam assembly having a plurality of similar upstanding base socket or sleeve connectors secured or adapted to be secured thereto and located in spaced relationship at spacings and 25 positioning equal to the desired spacing and positioning of outer vertical stud or- frame' members for a building or like construction to be erected? said base socket or sleeve connectors having upper end parts adapted to receive and be secured to lower end parts of said 30 vertical stud or frame members; and said horizontal beam assembly, with the lower end parts of said base socket or sleeve connectors, being arranged for embedment in peripheral concrete footing for the building or like construction to be erected.

In a second aspect of the invention, at least some of said base socket or sleeve connectors are provided 264759 with lateral projections aligned or alignable with similar lateral projections of others of said base socket or sleeve connectors at prescribed heights above said foundation beam assembly and to which concrete 5 formwork is detachably securable.

In a third aspect of the invention intended for concrete slab foundation form, at least some of said base socket or sleeve connectors are each provided with at least 10 one anchor part located at a prescribe! height above said foundation beam assembly and to which an end part of horizontal reinforcing steel for the concrete slab is arranged to be secured.

In a fourth aspect of this invention there is provided a portal framing system for erection on a foundation formed or formable as aforesaid, and comprising a plurality of preformed upright outer frame members with lower end parts adapted for engagement with and 20 securement to respective or selected ones of said base socket or sleeve connections, a plurality of rafter members arranged for inclined disposition spanning the structure between opposing upright outer frame members and with outer end parts of at least some 25 connectable to respective upper end parts of the upright frame members by means of upper socket or sleeve joint connectors, and with inner end parts of mating rafters being connected or connectable by apex socket or sleeve connectors; said upper joint connectors and apex 30 connectors being further provided with laterally projecting connector parts for horizontal framing connection and/or panel connection.

Preferably the base, upper joint and apex socket or 35 sleeve connectors are of strong steel (eg galvanised high tensile steel) construction; and preferably at least some of said upper joint and/or apex socket or sleeve connectors incorporate a hinge or angular 2647 adjustment facility enabling common connectors to be adjusted and adapted for the erection of variable angle upper portal framing constructions.

The system is particularly applicable to all (or substantially all) steel frame constructions, but it is envisaged that the principles and connector components involved can be applicable to such as aluminium alloy connectors and framing components; 10 and/or that timber framing elements can be conjoined and erected with steel or strong aluminium alloy base, upper joint and apex socket or sleeve connectors in accordance with the invention. In some instances strong durable rigid plastics moulded socket or sleeve 15 connectors may be suitably applicable.

The system applied to building constructions is particularly adapted or adaptable for use with preformed internal and external wall and roof panel cladding 20 units; and to simplified but preformed strong and aesthetic window componentry as hereinafter exampled. The system as a whole provides for factory manufacture of a range of standard joint framing and panel componentry which is capable of employment in the 25 erection of a variety of designs of dwellings, commercial buildings or other frame or framed constructions; including • s-.v-rh as barns, sheds, conservatory and glass-house constructions and the like.

The invention further includes other aspects as hereinafter exampled, and the methods of forming foundations and erecting framework constructions, with and without finishing componentry of the kinds exampled.

The Drawings Some preferred aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the 2647 accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a typical cross sectional view of a first portal frame assembly for such as a dwelling constructed 5 in accordance with the invention, in this instance providing for a panel wall at one side and a window at the opposite side; FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of the encircled base 10 and foundation part A of figure 1; FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of the base socket or sleeve connector and connected foundation beam part of the arrangement shown in figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a view similar to that of figure 2 but illustrating an alternative foundation and base socket or sleeve connector and alternative foundation beam arrangement; FIGURE 5 is a view similar to that of figure 3, but more particularly illustrating the base socket or sleeve connector and foundation beam of figure 4; FIGURES 6,7 & 8 are respectively isometric, elevational and plan views illustrating one form of external corner foundation base socket or .sleeve and foundation beam connector; FIGURE 9 is an enlarged view of the encircled upper joint connector part B, more particularly detailing and exampling internal and external finishings for a dwelling; FIGURE 10 is an isometric view of the form of upper joint connector of figure 9 and connecting upper frame parts; 264759 FIGDRB 11 is an isometric view of the upper joint assembly and connected framing; FIGURE 12 is an isometric view illustrating a 5 modification in variation of the upper joint connector of figure 10 and means for securement to the upper framing; FIGURE 13 is a view of the encircled apex part C of 10 figure 1; FIGURE 14 is an isometric view of the form of apex joint connector of figure 12; FIGURE 15 is an isometric view of the apex joint assembly and exampling connected framing; FIGURE 16 is a view of the encircled collar tie joint part D exampled in figure 1; FIGURE 17 is an isometric view of the collar tie joint of figure 16; FIGURE 18 is a view illustrating an optional upper 25 joint and eaves construction for a dwelling or other building (ie optional to the arrangement exampled in figures 1 and 9); FIGURE 19 is a reverse image view of the encircled 30 collar tie joint and upper window section part E exampled in figure 1; FIGURE 20 is an isometric view of the joint and frame assembly of figure 19; FIGURE 21 is a view illustrating an optional apex assembly particularly applicable to a glass roof construction such as may form a feature part of a 264759 building or be suited to conservatory and/or glass house constructions; FIGURE 22 is a sectional plan view illustrating an 5 opening window construction particularly suitable for employment in conjunction with the frame building constructions in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 23 is a vertical sectional view of the opening 10 window construction of figure 22; FIGURE 24 is a sectional plan view illustrating an entry door opening construction particularly suitable for employment in conjunction with the frame building 15 construction in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 25 is a vertical sectional view of the door opening construction of figure 24; FIGURE 26 is an elevational view illustrating an optional upper corner junction between a wall post of stud (intermediate or corner) a ceiling beam and inclined roof rafter; FIGURE 27 is an isometric view of the joint bracket employed in the arrangement of figure 26; FIGURES 28 and 29 are elevational and plan views illustrating one arrangement of an external corner joint connection between a corner post and hip roof rafters, and FIGURE 30 is a side elevational view independantly illustrating the corner connector employed in figures 35 28 and 29.

Description of Exampled Embodiments of Invention Referring firstly to figure 1 of the drawings, a 264759 dwelling or like building can be quickly economically and strongly constructed on a reinforced concrete slab floor 1 integrally formed with peripheral reinforced concrete peripheral footings 2, over which a series 5 of upstanding strategically positioned portal frame assemblies 3 are erected and with lower end parts securely jointed to the foundations 1,2 and with connecting framing and other components as hereinafter described. Whilst variances in overall appearance 10 and construction of the portal frame assemblies 3 will naturally occur or be required to meet constructional and design variations for different parts of the same building, or for other buildings, the general principles involve extensive use of prefabricated common socket 15 or sleeve joint connectors and other components, and common methods of assembly, facilitating and speeding construction.

In the foundation examples according to figures 1, 20 2,3,4 and 5 an essential component is a horizontal main peripheral foundation beam assembly 4, in the first instance a substantial steel beam 4a, secured by corner or other joint plates/brackets bolted or otherwise secured on site to form an integral readily 25 accurately levelled peripheral beam base frame 4 locatable in a peripheral foundation trench 5 which does not specifically require to be accurately and squarely formed in the usual foundation forming manner. For a concrete slab floor construction as illustrated 30 the underlying base material la will of course require fairly accurate levelling in the usual manner and as required according to slab thickness and upper surface level relative to the base socket or sleeve connectors 6.

A plurality of identical base connectors 6 will be required for all or most uptight frame members or studs 7, with special purpose variations as may be required 2647 at some locations (eg corner locations and for different cross section upright frame members); and such base connectors 6 are preferably formed from rectangular or box section galvanised steel tube of cross-sectional 5 dimensions so as to each be capable of accommodating the designated upright frame member 7 in the open upper end thereof. The base connectors 6 have their lower end parts permanently secured, such as by welding at the factory or on site, but preferably by on site screw 10 tech fixing, to the foundation beam base frame 4 at the desired upright frame member 7 spacing. The arrangement of figures 4 and 5 show an I-beam with the base connectors 6 secured by welding to the upper flange of beam 4a, but an option includes provision 15 of bottom flanges 6a (as shown in broken outline) projecting from the connectors 6 for securement by screws. In the preferred construction illustrated in figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the foundation beam assembly 4 is a fabricated steel channel 4 20 preferably of roll-formed sheet steel with upper and lower returned flanges 4a,4b conjoined by a vertical ribbed web 4c of substantial strength and rigidity, and the base connectors 6 are screw tech fixed to the upright web part 4c of the beam 4 (ie utilising self 25 tapping screws and powered screw driving tools).

The base connectors 6 are provided at prescribed heights above the foundation beam assembly 4 with outer laterally projecting apertured tabs 8 enabling accurate 30 and simple fixing, in a detachable manner, of timber or sheet steel formwork for concrete foundation placing and shaping. In cases where a concrete slab floor is not required, further inner laterally projecting formwork attachment tabs or brackets can be provided 35 on the base connectors 6; but in the preferred slab floor 1 constructions, added strength to the structure is provided by directly linking the horizontal slab steel reinforcing 9 to the upstanding base connectors 264759 6 by way of anchor parts 10 fixed to the base connectors 6. In the figures 4 and 5 illustrations, the anchor part 10 is defined by an apertured tab projecting inwardly for engagement by a hooked end part 9a of 5 the slab reinforcing 9; and in the figures 2 and 5 illustrations the anchor part 10 is in the form of a short tube length secured to one side wall of each base connector 6 and through which the reinforcing end part 9a is located and hooked over. The arrangement 10 facilitates the reinforcing 9 placing and securement and the floor slab 1 is poured and formed integrally with the peripheral footings 2 embedding the beam assembly 4 and base connector 6 lower end parts in the concrete.

As previously indicated the foundations thus formed can be employed for a timber framed dwelling or other structure with timber studs having their lower end parts engaged with in and secured by bolts, nails or 20 screws in the exposed upper open end parts of the (or alternative) base connectors 6 or to a fitted timber base plate. However, the preferred frame constructions in accordance with the invention employ hollow box section galvanised steel (preferably high tensile steel 25 for at least the portal framing) and the steel upright (box section) members 7 have their lower end parts secured in the base connectors 6 by self tapping screws or other fastening means.

Pigures 6,7 and 8 of the drawings illustrate one arrangement for a base corner post and beam corner connector 6x which is of fabricated steel construction and includes a short rectangular hollow section lower end portion 6xa with inner and outer diagonally opposed 35 and parallel upwardly extending angle section supports 6xb and 6xc welded thereto for location within and securement to (such as by screws) to the lower end portion of a rectangular section corner post 7x (the 264759 components being of complementary dimensions). Laterally projecting apertured tabs 8x similar to and aligned with the tabs 8 of the intermediate wall base connectors 6 extend from respective vertical flange 5 parts of the angle supports 6xb and 6xc for the founation formwork fixing; and large plate connectors 6xd are fixedly secured (such as by welding) to the lower inner vertical corner part of the inner angle support 6xb at the reinforcing base end portion 6xa 10 so as to extend in a vertical plane at right angles to each other for fixedly securing (such as by welding, bolts or screws) to the respective web ends of the longitudinal and transverse parts of the foundation beam 4 assembly.

Referring now to figures 9,10,11 and 12 of the drawings, the upper joint connectors 11 are again preferably formed from box section steel of complementary section to the upright members 7 to enable fitment on the upper 20 end parts of such members, and securement thereto by bolts or screws through preformed apertures 12. Inner face wall parts of the upper joint connectors above the upright members 7 are cut away to permit insertion of outer end parts of steel hollow box section rafters 25 13 between the upper side wall parts 11a and securement thereto by a single bolt passed through preformed horizontally aligned apertures- 14. Employment of a single bolt provides a hinge connection at this point 14 and enables variations in rafter and roof pitch 30 or inclination.

In the arrangement according to figures 9,10 and 11 the framing top rails 16 (again of steel hollow box section) can be provided on their underside with 35 pre-fixed (eg by welding or screwing depending projections 16a of complementary shape and size to, and arranged for location within, the upper open ends of the respective upper sleeve connectors 11; and next 264759 transverse framing members 17 below the top rail 16 abutting the sides of the upper connectors 11 and/or between upright members 7 can be secured thereto such as with simple L shaped or other connections and with 5 screws (eg as mentioned below and referenced 20 or 26a). As exampled in figure 12, in one modification the upper socket or sleeve connectors 11 can be alternatively provided with laterally projecting tabs or flanges 15 for top rail 16 (again steel hollow box 10 section) and/or other transverse frame member 17 fixing.

Lighter gauge box, open channel, or L-section, transverse frame members 17 can be employed simply for inner wall panel cladding/lining 18 fixing; particularly where added structural strength is provided 15 by the use of preformed external wall cladding panels 19.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, custom made structural and aesthetically pleasing wall panels 19 20 are provided specifically for use with the described framing constructions; and such panels 19 are preferably of sandwich construction with an inner lightweight thermally insulating core panel of foamed polysterene or like material, and a glass fibre reinforced outer 25 covering (with alkalide resistance rating). The inner face 19a of each panel is of .course plain as it will be concealed from view, but the outer exposed face 19b is desirably textured and/or coloured or provided with such as a marble (or simulated marble) chip or 30 other decorative finish. The cladding panels 19 are preferably also provided on their inner faces with embedded projecting screw threaded fixing members, or projecting tabs or brackets, for securement of the panels 19 to the upright frame members 7, and/or to 35 transverse frame members such as members 17 and like members fixed between lower and medial parts of the uprights members 7. Figures 2 and 3 example further laterally projecting brackets 20 fixed to the upright 264759 member 7 lower end parts for tha fixing of lower transverse frame members 21, but it is envisaged that such brackets or like permanent fixing tabs can be factory provided on the upper end parts of the base 5 connectors 6.

The construction according to figures 1 and 9 provides for a concealed roof guttering channel 22 formed with the outer cladding panel 19 upper edge parts projecting 10 above the top rail 16, and with the building roof defined by sheet structural plywood panels 23 (dispensing with the need for roof purlins) extending over and secured to the rafters 13, and being covered with a durable waterproof membrane 24 such as a butylene 15 (trade mark) sheet material. Outer end parts of the membrane 24 extending over and being supported by gutter base strips 22a of plywood or other suitable material, and lapping upwardly at the projecting upper edge parts of the cladding panels 19. Ceiling panels 25 of any 20 suitable material (eg particle board, gibralter board or the like) are arranged to be secured to the underside of the rafters 13 and/or horizontal lighter gauge steel bracing or frame members 26 extending therebetween and fixed at their ends to the rafters 13, such as 25 by separately formed fixing brackets 26a (as illustrated) or cut and flanged end parts of the frame members 26. Any suitable outer, roofing panels, tiles, shingles or other roofing materials may be placed and secured over the main roof structure thus formed.

In another modification or variation of the framing aspect of the invention, instead of having the rafter 13 outer end parts directly locating in the upper connectors 11 for securement thereto, the upper 35 connectors 11 can be formed as knee-joints with upper inwardly projecting and inclined socket parts with which the rafter 13 outer end parts engage; and transverse frame fixing tabs can be factory provided 264759 on such upper knee-joint parts. The upper knee-joint part can be separately formed and secured to the main upright socket part as before to provide for angular variation of the rafters, but a stock of fixed angle 5 upper knee-joint connectors can be provided for fixed angle rafters and roofing.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate an angle apex socket or sleeve connector 27, with which the inner upper 10 end parts of opposing aligned rafters 13 of a portal frame 3 are engaged. The connector 27 can be a fixed angle connector but preferably and as illustrated the two opposite sleeve parts 27a are made angularly adjustable to enable variations in roof and rafter 15 13 pitch to be accommodated. Interconnection of two separately provided upper joint connectors 11 as described with reference to figure 7 would provide such a variable angle apex joint connector; but the illustrated arrangement is formed as a unitary connector 20 27 from a hollow rectangular steel section by providing a medial inverted V cut-out 27b (cutting through the side and bottom wall parts) and leaving the upper wall central transverse part uncut to define a bendable join line 27c, thus enabling the opposite sleeve parts 25 27 to be set to the desired roof and rafter 13 pitch-. A strengthening flat plate 21A can be fitted (such as by screws or bolts) to' one or both sides of the connector 27 bridging the cut-out 27b and securing the opposite sleeve parts 27b and securing the opposite 30 sleeve parts 27b at the desired angle. Stock plates 27d of prescribed different length or with prescribed different screw or bolt hole spacing can be provided for standard roof pitch and rafter angles eg 10°, 20°, 25° pitch. The apex joint connector 27 is similarly 35 provided with laterally projecting fixing tabs 28 for securement of lighter gauge steel transverse frame or rail members 29 between adjacent portal frames 3. 2647 In most constructions of portal frames it will be desirable for structural strength to have a horizontal collar tie 30 extending between medial parts of the opposing rafters 13, such collar tie 30 again preferably 5 being of hollow box section tensile steel and extending between similar opposite end fixed angle or angularly adjustable connectors 31; and figures 16 and 17 illustrate a collar tie socket or sleeve connector 31 having two socket parts 31a and 31b, secured together 10 for variable angular relationship (for accommodating different angle or pitch roof and rafter constructions), by a single transverse hinge bolt connection 32 extending horizontally through fixed side plates 32a projecting downwardly from each side of the connection 15 upper part 31. The collar tie connector 31 is fitted with the lower part 31a disposed horizontally and arranged to receive and be secured to one end part of the collar tie 30, and the other upper part 31b extending upwardly and inwardly from the outer end 20 portion of the lower part 31a. The arrangement can provide for the collar tie connector upper part 31b to conjoin medial mating ends of two rafter parts, or to be slidably locatable over a single rafter 13 for fixing in any desired position ie allowing for 25 height variations of the collar ties 31 and thus ceiling height variation as desired, with ceiling panels 25 secured to the underside of th6 collar ties 30 and/or transverse frame members 26 extending therebetween, and secured with appropriate fixing screws and brackets 30 or tabs 31c (or flanged end parts as mentioned with reference to figure 10). Medial bracing members 33 can extend between the medial part of the collar tie 30 and the upper parts of the rafters 13, as exampled in figure 1.

Figure 18 illustrates an optional eaves construction with rafters 13 extending beyond the upright members 7 to terminate in engagement with a U channel eaves 264759 socket or sleeve connector 36a similar to the previously described upper connector 11; but fully open on the inner side to enable a lower eaves frame part 34 to engage with the connector 36a in the same manner as 5 the rafter 13, and soffit panelling 35 being secured to the underside. The wall cladding panels 19 will of course terminate under the eaves, but a concealed guttering channel 22 is provided in exactly the same manner previously described with reference to figure 10 9 (like parts being similarly numbered) except that a concealing facia strip or board 36 of any suitable or desired material is provided.

Figures 1, 19 and 20 illustrate one form of main window 15 (generally indicated by the arrow 37) particularly suited to this portal frame 3 construction and extending for substantially full wall height and partly into the roof area, with the rafter(s) 13 terminating short of the normal length and being secured to an upper 20 transverse steel window rail 38 by way of engagement with and securement to a further socket or sleeve connector 39 with lateral fixing tabs 39a for securing the upper window rail 38. In one variation, and as indicated in broken line in figure, 19, the collar tie 25 30 can be located at the upper window rail 38 and thus the described collar tie connector 31 of figure 13 can replace the aforementiofied further socket connector 39 and be secured directly to the upper window rail 38.

The main window 37 may comprise structural steel or aluminium alloy uprights or props 40 of hollow box section (as for the other described wall framing upright members 7 and rafters 13); with upper inclined parts 35 40a angled complementary to the angle or pitch of the rafters 13 and with inner upper end portion engaging and being secured to the rafter connector 39 (or 31). The window props 40 replace the otherwise provided 2647 main upright members 7 and can thus have their lower end parts engage directly with and be secured to the respective provided base socket connectors 6. Glazing panels 41 can be fixed in any known or new manner on 5 the outside (or between if preferred) of the window props 40 utilising known or new glazing bars and sealing means; preferably the glazing bars 42,42a custom made and secured directly to the props 40 without the need for independantly formed window frames or complete 10 window constructions.

Figure 19 sketchily outlines the glazing bars 42,42a preferably employed, but these are shown more clearly in figures 21 and 22. Figure 21 examples an apex 15 construction for a glass roof in a construction formable with the framing system of this invention and provides a main apex beam formed by two steel (or aluminium alloy) box section frame members 43 (horizontal or inclined as required) conjoined at spaced intervals 20 by V connector brackets screwed thereto. The preferred glazing bars 42,42a are shown more particularly in this drawing with the each inner bar part 42 having a flat base 42b for securement by screws rivets or the like directly to the upper outer walls of the frame 25 members 43 and having medial projecting longitudinal flanges 42c with hooked outer _ longitudinal edge parts 42a over which the outer capping glazing bar part 42a is locatable in snap-fit engagement after placing of the glazing panel 41 and peripheral seal strip 44 -30 the periphery of the glazing panel 41 being sealed and secured between the glazing bar base part 42b, seal strip 44 and outer capping bar 42a. The apex roof part between the glazing bars 42,42a on each frame member 43 can be enclosed and sealed employing special 35 flanged and angled extrusions 45 engageable with and sealed to the glazing bars 42,42a as before and supporting such as a structural plywood capping 46 and butylene or like membrane outer sealing 47. 2647 Figures 22 and 23 are sectional plan and elevational views illustrating a typical opening window construction specifically suited to constructions in accordance with the invention and as aforedescribed with reference 5 to figures 19,20 and other drawings, with like parts having like reference numerals. In this arrangement the same vertical glazing bars 42,42a are employed in conjunction with the special extrusion 45.. which in this case engages a panel 19 vertical edge. Further 10 special extrusions 48,48' are provided for the vertical side and top and bottom rails of the window frame to define outer lateral flange channel parts 48a for engagement with surround components. In this case the vertical side rails 48 (figure 18) engage the 15 glazing bars 42,42a, and the top and bottom rails 48' (figure 19) engage fixed upper and lower glass or other panel parts 49; and inner outwardly directed channel parts 50 with which flexible rubber or plastics seal strips 51 are engaged. A toughened plate glass panel 20 52 is mounted on side friction hinge stay supports 53 secured to the side rails 48 to be openable outwardly therefrom or to be closed on the seal strips 51. Any suitable window catch or lock means 54 can be provided. The construction provides a window of neat and 25 aesthically pleasing appearance with adequate strength and sealing capability whilst dispensing with the usually provided glass trim or sashes of convention window systems.

Figures 24 & 25 are sectional plan and elevational views illustrating an entry door arrangement suited to constructions in accordance with the invention and as described with reference to figure 22 in particular, again with like parts having like reference numerals. 35 The door mainframe comprises two of the upright members 7 and a similar box section conjoining upper rail 16' fitted withthe same vertical and an upper transverse 264759 glazing bar assembly 42,42a with seals 51,51' for side and upper glazing panels 49, and inner closing or facing insert strips or bars 57. Any suitable or desired door trim frame may be fitted within the main door 5 frame 7,16' and the illustrated arrangement provides an extruded aluminium alloy trim frame 58 within which the door 55 is located and mounted on side hinges 56.

Figures 26 and 27 illustrate an alternative jointing 10 arrangement between an upright member 7, an inclined roof rafter 13 and a horizontal ceiling rater, beam or tie 30'; and employing the previously described and illustrated collar tie connector 31 inverted. This connector 31 is secured by a bolt 14' to an 15 inwardly projecting tab 59a of an angle bracket 59 secured by bolts or screws to the upper end of the upright member 7. In this instance the bracket 59 may additionally serve as a connection for such as a garage, carport or other lateral extension (not shown) 20 and be provided with further outwardly direct horizontal or vertical (horziontal shown) connection tabs 59b.

Figures 28,29 and 30 illustrate a means for forming a hip roof construction, and in particular illustrate 25 a typical corner sleeve connector 60 for fitment to a corner post upright 7x and connection/support of an inclined double rafter 61 comprising two box section members 61a,61b joined (such as by transverse straps or connectors 61c) in parallel angled relationship 30 as required for hip roof support. The connector 60 in this instance includes an upright angle part 60a secured to the inner corner side of the upper end of the corner post 7x by screws or bolts and having laterally projecting tabs 60b for top rail 16 connection 35 and a pair of angled inwardly and upwardly directed socket parts 60c within which the outer lower end portions of the joined rafters 61 are located and secured. The socket parts 60 can also be provided 2647 with laterally projecting tabs 60d for horizontal member connections.

Thus, by this invention there is provided a foundation 5 and portal framing system which is extremely versatile and provides for relative ease of assembly and erection with resultant substantial time and costs savings. The constructions and prefabrication aspects facilitate accurate forming and assembly and enable a variety 10 of different kinds of building or other constructions to be erected on easily formed and levelled foundations.

Some particular aspects of the invention have been described and illustrated by way of example; but it 15 will be appreciated that many other variations of and modifications or additions to the invention can take place without departing from the spirit and scope of the base invention concepts as defined by the appended claims. 2647 foundation beam assembly is predominantly of I beam form with horizontal flange parts and a conjoining upright web part.

. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said peripheral foundation beam assembly is predominantly of squared open channel form with upper and lower horizontal flange parts and a conjoining upright web part. 6. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 5, wherein said base socket or sleeve connections have their lower end part extending alongside the outer face of the upright web and are fixedly secured or adapted for securing to the upright web to project upwardly therefrom. 7. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said base socket or sleeve connections are fixedly secured or adapted for securing to the upper surface of said upper flange part to project upwardly therefrom. 8. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 5 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings. 9. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 4 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.

. A foundation and base support means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral foundation beam assembly is provided with corner joint connectors securing longitudinal and 2647 lateral foundation beam parts and defining corner base socket or sleeve connectors for vertical corner posts of a frame building to be erected on said foundation and base support means, the lower end parts of said corner joint connectors being arranged for embedment in the peripheral concrete footing for the building. 11. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the corner posts are arranged and constructed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 6,7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings. 12. A method of forming a foundation and base support means for a frame building or like construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 13. A portal framing system for erection on a foundation and base support means formed according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a plurality of preformed upright outer frame members with lower end parts adapted for engagement with and securement to respective or selected ones of said base socket or sleeve connections, a plurality of rafter members arranged for inclined disposition spanning the structure between opposing upright outer frame members and with outer end parts of at least some connectable to respective upper end parts of the upright frame members by means of upper socket or sleeve joint connectors, and with inner end parts of mating rafters being connected or connectable by apex socket or sleeve connectors; said upper joint connectors and apex connectors being further provided with laterally projecting connector parts for horizontal framing connection and/or panel connection. 14. A framing systems as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least the majority of the principal ones 264759 of said frame connectors are of pre-fabricated metal construction.

. A framing system as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein at least the majority of the principal ones of said frame connectorscomprise hollow box section parts arranged to received or locate about and be fixedly secured to end parts of the respective frame members. 16. A framing system as claimed in in claim 15, wherein at least the majority of the principal framing members are of hollow box section metal. 17. A framing system as claimed in claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16, wherein at least some of said metal frame connectors are for upper frame and roof rafter joint connection and comprise first and second socket or sleeve parts in fixed angular relationship complementary to the desired roof angle or pitch of a building erected with the framing system. 18. A framing system as claimed in claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16, wherein at least some of said metal frame connectors are for upper frame and roof rafter joint connection and comprise first and second socket or sleeve parts which are conjoined in hinged relationship allowing angular adjustment for the accommodation of a variety of desired roof angles or pitches of buildings to be erected with the framing system. 19. A framing system as claimed in claim 13 and employing the components hereinbefore described with reference to any one or combination of figures 9 to 30 of the accompanying drawings.

. A building foundation, base connection and frame assembly arranged and constructed substantially 2647 as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 2 and 3, and any one or combinations of figures 9 to 30 of the accompanying drawings. 21. A building foundation, base connection and frame assembly arranged and constructed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 4 and 5, and any one or combination of figures 9 to 30 of the accompanying drawings. 22. A method of forming a foundation and base support means for a frame building or like construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1, 2 and 3, or figures 4 and 5, and/or figures 6,7 and 8. 23. A method of forming a building frame on a foundation and base support means according to the method of claim 22 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 9 to 30 of the accompanying drawings. 24. A method of constructing a building substantially as hereinbefore described and employing the method according to claim 22 or claim 23.

. A building incorporating the foundation and base support means and/or the framing system according to any one of claims 1 to 21 inclusive, or formed by the methods according to claim 22, claim 23 or claim 24".

MAXIMILIAN DOUGLAS JONES, and TERRY DAVID ARCHER, By Their Authorised Attorneys JOHN A REMMINGTON & ASSOCIJ^SlN r^^ofF,ce 1 7 JM4 2647

Claims (4)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS;

1. A foundation and base support means for a frame building or like construction, comprising a horizontal peripheral foundation beam assembly having a plurality of similar upstanding base socket or sleeve connectors secured or adapted to be secured thereto and located in spaced relationship at spacings and positioning equal to the desired spacing and positioning of outer vertical stud or frame members for a building or like construction to be erected; said base socket or sleeve connectors having upper end parts adapted to receive "and" be secured to lower end parts of said vertical stud or frame members; and said horizontal beam assembly, with the lower end parts of said base socket or sleeve connectors, being arranged for embedment in peripheral concrete footing for the building or like construction to be erected.

2. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base socket or sleeve connectors are provided with lateral projections aligned or alignable with similar lateral projections of others of said base socket or sleeve connectors as prescribed heights above said foundation beam assembly and to which concrete formwork is detachably securable.

3. A foundation and b^se support means as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said foundation is of concrete slab form, and at least some of said base socket or sleeve connectors are each provided with at least one anchor part located at a prescribed height above said foundation beam assembly and to which an end part of horizontal reinforcing steel for the concrete slab is arranged to be secured.

4. A foundation and base support means as claimed in claim lr claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said peripheral