NZ543703A - Frame fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

A fitting 10 for a building frame includes a sleeve 12 for mounting along a first member 14 and at least one flange 16, which is irremovably fastened to extend from the sleeve 12 and adapted for receiving and mounting a second member.

Description

10049842237* ;54 37 0 3 ;Our ref: RC506009NZPR ;PATENTS FORM NO. 5 ;Patents Act 1953 ;NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ;FRAME FITTING ;We, Onesteel Trading Pty Limited of 1 York Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia, an Australian company, 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: ;- 2 -Frame Fitting ;Technical Field ;A fitting for a building frame is disclosed. The 5 fitting finds particular though not exclusive application with metal building frames. ;Background Art ;When constructing building frames fabricated from 10 metals such as steel, it is known to employ in the framework load bearing members of a channel or closed roll form section, and to employ universal beams and universal columns. The load bearing members are welded to upright posts or bolted to cleats welded to upright posts to 15 define various features of the building frame (eg. ;mezzanine floor structure, roof structure etc). Floor joists may also be welded to the load bearing members to define a floor in such buildings. The resultant metal building frame may then be clad with an appropriate 20 material to complete the building. ;In metal building frames, wire, rod, straps and/or sheet bracing are each arranged (eg. diagonally) between adjacent posts to stabilise the building frame and improve its structural integrity/rating. However, the use of 25 bracing adds additional complexity to frame construction and also adds to the construction time. In addition, an absence of bracing in external walls would allow for a larger proportion of open (eg. glassed) areas to enable the entry of light, solar warmth, air flow and to provide 30 for greater viewing from within the building. ;To date it has been difficult to achieve large open areas within a timber or metal building frame in the absence of bracing. ;jj w $ .. . J • ;i ;- 3 - j " ■' '. ::''' • ■- ;Summary ;In a first aspect there is provided a fitting for a building frame comprising: ;- a sleeve for mounting along a first member; and 5 - at least one flange irremovably fastened to extend from the sleeve and adapted for receiving and mounting a second member thereat. ;The fitting can provide for a modular frame construction and can also enhance the speed of building 10 frame assembly. In addition, in metal building frames, it may eliminate a number of the components currently employed (eg. such as bracing). ;In one form at least one pair of opposing flanges extend from the sleeve, the pair being adapted for 15 receiving and mounting the second member therebetween, ;thus enhancing the security and strength of second member mounting. ;The opposing flanges can each comprise a right-angle plate, with one portion of the plate fastened to the 20 sleeve adjacent to a respective end thereof, whereby the other portion of the plate projects orthogonally from the sleeve. ;For respective opposing flanges on the sleeve the orientation and spacing between the other plate portions 25 can correspond to a standard second member sizing. For example, where the second member is a closed hollow section, the orientation and spacing can correspond to the external dimension of the section. Thus, fittings can be supplied that have eg. industry standard flange spacings. 30 The one portion of the plate can be fastened to the sleeve by welding or the like. The other portion of the plate can be provided with one or more holes therethrough that enable one or more respective fasteners to engage into the second member when positioned at the plate ;- 4 - ;portion. For example, these fasteners may be self-tapping screws or bolts, so that this fitting configuration allows for rapid erection of a building frame. ;The first member may be defined as a post component 5 in the building frame. That component may in turn be adapted for insertion at opposing ends into respective column sections of the building frame. This arrangement can provide for a very sturdy mounting of the fitting to the frame. ;10 In one form the sleeve is welded (or otherwise fastened) to the first member prior to positioning the first member into the respective building frame column sections. ;In this form the fitting as supplied can comprise the 15 sleeve already fastened to the first member. For example, when the fitting is supplied as part of a kit for a building frame, the sleeve may already have been fastened to the first member so that the fitting is ready for direct assembly into the respective column sections. 20 Alternatively the sleeve can be retro-fitted to an existing building frame (eg. to the columns thereof). ;When the first member is defined as a post component, the component can be telescopically received in opposing ends of in-use upper and lower column sections, thereby 25 joining the column sections together. In addition, the external profile of the sleeve may be sized so as to match the external profile of the upper and lower column sections. This has the effect of neatly and aesthetically incorporating the fitting into the building frame. 30 The second member may comprise a joist or bearer. ;When the second member is mounted to the fitting it may extend orthogonally with respect to the first member. The joist or bearer may be in the form of closed or open (eg. ;- 5 - ;channel) hollow section and be formed of eg. a steel or steel alloy. ;In a first embodiment, a fitting is provided that comprises a square cylindrical sleeve, with two sets 5 (typically two pairs) of opposing flanges being respectively provided on adjacent sleeve external faces (ie. so that each flange set projects at 90° to the other). ;In a second embodiment, a fitting is provided that 10 comprises a square cylindrical sleeve, with three sets (each typically a pair) of opposing flanges being respectively provided on three consecutive sleeve external faces (ie. so that each flange set projects at 90° to each other flange set, and with one flange set being located at 15 180° to the other set). ;In a third embodiment, a fitting is provided that comprises a square cylindrical sleeve, with two sets (typically pairs) of opposing flanges being respectively provided on opposing sleeve external faces (ie. such that 20 each flange set projects at 180° with respect to the other). ;In a fourth embodiment, a fitting is provided that has some similarities to the third embodiment (ie. with one flange set projecting at 180° with respect to the 25 other set). However, additionally a cleat may be arranged to project from that sleeve external face that is intermediate the sleeve faces comprising the flanges. ;Thus, the cleat projects at 90° to each of the flange sets. The cleat may be specifically adapted for mounting 30 and supporting a beam such as a universal beam or channel section (rather than a closed hollow section). ;The term "sleeve" as employed throughout this specification is to be interpreted broadly. It includes ;- 6 - ;both closed and partially opened sleeves. Whilst usually the sleeve is of square or rectangular hollow section, it may comprise other cross-sectional shapes. ;The term "member" as employed throughout this 5 specification is also to be interpreted broadly. For example, it may comprise open or closed hollow section (including channel section), solid section, etc. Again, whilst typically the members are of square or rectangular hollow section, they may comprise other cross-sectional 10 shapes, or may be defined by other structural beams such as I-beams, universal beams, elongate plate sections etc. ;Each of the fittings and members can be formed from metal (such as steel or steel alloy). However, for some applications (eg. to achieve an architectural/aesthetic 15 effect) timber, structural plastic etc may be employed for some of the components of the building frame. ;In a second aspect there is provided a building frame comprising the fitting as defined in the first aspect. ;20 Brief Description of Drawings ;Notwithstanding any other forms that may fall within the scope of the frame fitting as defined in the Summary, specific embodiments of the frame fitting will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the 25 accompanying drawings in which: ;Figures 1A to ID respectively show perspective, ;front, side and end views of a first fitting component embodiment for a building frame; ;Figures 2A to 2D respectively show perspective, 30 front, side and end views of a second fitting component embodiment for a building frame; ;- 7 - ;Figures 3A to 3D respectively show perspective, ;front, side and end views of a third fitting component embodiment for a building frame; ;Figures 4A to 4D respectively show perspective, 5 front, side and end views of a fourth fitting component embodiment for a building frame; ;Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views of the first fitting component embodiment in two almost final assembled positions in a building frame; ;10 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fourth fitting component embodiment in an assembled configuration for a building frame; and ;Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an assembled building frame comprising various of the components of 15 Figures 1 to 6. ;Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments ;Referring firstly to Figures 1A to ID, a fitting for a building frame is shown in the form of first fitting 20 component 10. The fitting component 10 comprises a square cylindrical sleeve 12 which is mounted (eg. welded) intermediately along a first member in the form of a post section 14. ;Whilst in a simplest form the fitting component may 25 comprise just one flange, the fitting component 10 ;comprises two sets of opposing L-shaped upper and lower plate flanges 16, 18. The upper plate flanges 16 are each mounted on a respective face of the sleeve 12 at an end thereof, typically with a flange foot 20 being welded to a 30 respective sleeve external face. Similarly, the lower plate flanges 18 are mounted to the same respective sleeve external face adjacent to a lower end thereof typically via welding of the flange foot 20 to the sleeve face. ;- 8 - ;Each plate flange 16, 18 comprises a protruding ledge portion 22 having two evenly-spaced holes 24 extending therethrough for the receipt of a respective fastener (as described below). ;5 Typically the fitting component 10 is supplied preassembled as shown, for use in a building frame. ;However, the sleeve 12 may be mounted to the post section 14 on site and, in this regard, the sleeve may be mounted at various locations along the post section 14. For 10 example, a spring loaded pin or a more permanent type of fastener can be introduced through the face of the sleeve and into one or more respective holes defined along and through a corresponding face of the post section. By way of example, where the post section is to be positioned 15 into the uppermost end of a column, the sleeve may then be located at an in-use upper most end of the post section. Then, when a member is mounted between the plate flanges 16,18 (as described below) it will be positioned to extend out from the top of the column. ;20 Typically the fitting component 10 is employed at a corner of a building frame. ;Referring now to Figures 2A to 2D, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a second fitting component 30 is shown which 25 defines a three-way fitting in a building frame. The second fitting component is essentially the same as the first fitting component, however, it comprises additional upper and lower L-shaped plate flanges 16', 18'. ;As with the first fitting component, the sleeve 12 30 can be mounted at various points along the post section 14 and may be supplied pre-fixed, or may be subsequently fixed to the post section on site. ;- 9 - ;Referring now to Figures 3A to 3D, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a third fitting component 40, which may act as a so-called "straight"-fitting, is depicted. This component 5 is similar to that of Figure 2 but the intermediate upper and lower L-shaped plate flanges 16,18 have been removed. This fitting enables a beam to be mounted to either side of a column so as that the beam effectively continues "straight" through the column. ;10 Again, in the component 4 0 the sleeve 12 can be located at various positions along the post section as required, and may be supplied pre-fixed to the post section or be fixed on site. ;Referring now to Figures 4A to 4D, where like 15 reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a fourth fitting component 50 is shown. The fitting of Figure 4 is very similar to the fitting of Figure 3, however, it additionally comprises a cleat 52 projecting orthogonally from that face of sleeve 12 that 20 is intermediate the plate flanges 16/18 and 16'/18'. ;Cleat 52 is provided with evenly-spaced holes 54, which enable the mounting to the fourth fitting component of a beam having a configuration that is typically other than that mounted between the flanges 16,18. For example, 25 a universal beam, I-beam or C-section comprising a flat plate (web or flange) such as shown in Figure 6 can be mounted to the cleat 52. ;Again, for component 50 the sleeve 12 can be located at various positions along post section 14 and may be 30 supplied pre-fixed or be fixable on site. ;Reference will now be made to Figures 5A and 5B, where the first fitting component 10 is shown in use as ;- 10 - ;part of a section of a building frame (eg. a corner section 60). ;In this regard, a second member in the form of first bearer 62 is shown positioned between the right-hand L-5 shaped plate flanges 16,18. Self-tapping, self-drilling fasteners 64 (eg. of a coach-bolt configuration) have been inserted through the holes 24 of ledge portion 22 and driven into the first bearer 62 to fasten it to the fitting 10. Similarly a second bearer 66 is mounted 10 between the adjacent upper and lower plate flanges 16,18 of the first fitting component 10. ;It will be seen that the first and second bearers extend at right angles with respect to each other to define the corner (but the fitting may be configured to 15 provide other angles as required). This corner can be defined as part of a column in the building frame. In this regard, an upper portion 14A of post section 14 can be inserted (typically telescopically) into an upper column section 68 of the building frame, whereas a lower 20 portion 14B of the post section can be inserted (typically telescopically) into a lower column section 70 of the building frame. ;Once so inserted, the upper and lower portions of the post section 14 can be fastened in their respective upper 25 and lower column sections 68,70 (eg. by driving a suitable fastener through each section and portion, or by swaging the upper and lower column sections, or by welding on-site etc). Alternatively, the corner section may simply be held in place by the weight of the frame. ;30 Both Figures 5A and 5B show the upper and lower portions 14A, 14B only partially inserted into the respective upper and lower column sections 68,70 (ie. in a partially exploded arrangement). ;- 11 - ;Typically the external dimensions of the sleeve 12 correspond with the external dimensions of the upper and lower column sections 68,70, such that a flush or flat surface results between the column section faces and the 5 respective adjoining sleeve faces. This provides a neat and aesthetic appearance to the resultant building frame, and also enables cladding to be flush-mounted to the building frame at the corner section 60. ;It will also be seen that the first and second 10 bearers 62,66 are of a closed rectangular hollow section, which is typically roll formed and which may be produced by continuous seam welding of roll formed strip. Known cold-rolled formed continuously seamed welded steel sections which may be employed are available under the 15 DURAGAL and TUBELINE trade marks of Onesteel Trading Pty Ltd. ;Figure 5B is essentially the same as Figure 5A, but additionally shows how a further member 72 (eg. a purlin, joist, intermediate bearer etc) can be mounted to extend 20 off the first bearer 62. This further member may extend eg. to another opposing and like bearer to bearer 62, ;which can be in an intermediate or opposing location in the building frame. That like bearer may extend from a like first fitting component, or from either the second or 25 third fitting components that are provided at the other location in the frame. The frame may even employ a four-way fitting component located intermediately in the building frame. ;Referring now to Figure 6, where like reference 30 numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, the fourth fitting component 50 of Figure 4 is shown with a plate 80 (eg. which may be part of an I-beam). The plate 80 is mounted to the cleat 52 with fasteners 82 (eg. ;- 12 - ;bolts, self-tapping bolts/screws etc) having been inserted through the holes 54 of the cleat. ;The beam 80 may comprise an I-beam or universal beam, channel section etc. Thus, where a large span or heavy 5 load is to be supported in the building frame, the employment of a universal beam may be required and then the fourth fitting component can be employed. ;Referring now to Figure 7, an example of a building frame 90 using various of the first, second, third and 10 fourth fitting components is depicted. Locations where those components may be employed are indicated by the reference numerals associated with each component (ie. 10, 30, 40 and 50). An I-beam beam employed in the building frame is indicated by the reference letters IB. Upper and 15 lower column sections are indicated by the reference numerals 68 and 70 with respect to the various first to fourth fitting components. Similarly, first and second bearers are indicated by the reference numerals 62 and 66. ;Figure 7 indicates that the fitting components enable 20 the formation of a frame without the need for employing cross bracing or sheet bracing. As can be seen, large spans and large open spaces can be provided within the frame, and within rooms defined by the building frames. ;The various fitting components described enable the 25 rapid construction of the building frame 90, and also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the building frame. In addition they enable a large range of architectural effects and outcomes to be achieved. ;Whilst specific embodiments of the frame fitting have 30 been described, it should be appreciated that the fitting can be embodied in many other forms. ;13 *

Claims (22)

Claims: 10 25

1. A fitting for a building frame comprising: - a sleeve for mounting along a first member; and - at least one flange irremovably fastened to extend from the sleeve and adapted for receiving and mounting a second member thereat.

2. A fitting as claimed in claim 1 having at least one set of opposing flanges extend from the sleeve and are adapted for receiving and mounting the second member therebetween.

3. A fitting as claimed in claim 2 wherein the opposing flanges are each a right-angle plate, with one portion of the plate fastened to the sleeve adjacent to a respective end thereof, whereby the other portion of the plate projects orthogonally from the sleeve.

4. A fitting as claimed in claim 3 wherein, for respective opposing flanges on the sleeve, the orientation and spacing between the other plate portions corresponds to a standard second member sizing.

5. A fitting as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the one portion of the plate is fastened to the sleeve by welding.

6. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the other portion of the plate is provided with one or more holes therethrough that enable one or more respective fasteners to engage into the second member when positioned at the plate portion.

7. A fitting as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fasteners are self-tapping screws or bolts.

8. A fitting as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first member is defined by a post component in the frame. - 14 -

9. A fitting as claimed in claim 8 wherein the post component is adapted for insertion at opposing ends into respective column sections of the building frame.

10. A fitting as claimed in claim 9 wherein the post 5 component is telescopically received in opposing ends of in-use upper and lower column sections, thereby joining the column sections together.

11. A fitting as claimed in claim 10 wherein the external profile of the sleeve is sized so as to match the 10 external profile of the upper and lower column sections.

12. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the sleeve is welded to the first member prior to positioning the first member into the respective building frame column sections. 15

13. A fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second member comprises a joist or bearer.

14. A fitting as claimed in claim 13 wherein the joist or bearer when mounted to the fitting extends orthogonally 20 with respect to the first member.

15. A fitting as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the joist or bearer comprises closed or open hollow section.

16. A fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that comprises a square cylindrical sleeve, with 25 two sets of opposing flanges being respectively provided on adjacent sleeve external faces, such that each flange set projects at 90° to the other.

17. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 that comprises a square cylindrical sleeve, with three 30 sets of opposing flanges being respectively provided on three consecutive sleeve external faces, so that each flange set projects at 90° to each other flange set, and - 15 - with one flange set being located at 180° to the other set.

18. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 that comprises a square cylindrical sleeve, with two 5 sets of opposing flanges being respectively provided on opposing sleeve external faces, such that each flange set projects at 180" with respect to the other.

19. A fitting as claimed in claim 18 additionally comprising a cleat that projects from a sleeve external 10 face that is intermediate the sleeve faces comprising the flanges, such that the cleat projects at 90° to each of the flange sets.

20. A fitting as claimed in claim 19 wherein the cleat is adapted for mounting and supporting a universal beam. 15

21. A fitting for a building frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A building frame comprising the fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. 20