US1884462A

US1884462A - Building construction

Info

Publication number: US1884462A
Application number: US325840A
Authority: US
Inventors: Corwin D Willson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1928-12-13
Filing date: 1928-12-13
Publication date: 1932-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 1949-10-25

Description

D. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INVENTOR.

7 Sheets-Sheet l [aka 0v /7 Min/v Filed Dec.

ATTORNEY.

Oct- 25, 1932. c w soN 1,884,462

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13. 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 JNVENTOR. QB v flew/v F. Maw.

A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. D. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 13. 1928 INVENTOR. v KMH/A QMAZw/V A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. D. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 (bx- 1w ,9. Mlla'on A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. 0. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. [@ek m 2 W450 A TTORNEY.

Oct. 25, 1932. 11 w so 1,884,462

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. (bar/#2 M14 Jaw A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. D. wlLLsoN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. 13, 1928 x INVENTOR- f'aewlv D. Muaw ATTORNEY.

-l R s P'atented Oct. 25, 1932 COBWIK D. WILLSON, OF LAKE ORION, MICHIGAN BUILDING GONSTRUCTION Application filed December 18,1928. Serial No. 325,840.

This invention relates to building construction, and the object of the invention is to provide a construction for buildings of various types capable of erection without the use of wood in the form of lumber and that is simple in construction and readily erected and of even greater strength than buildings ordinarily made with the usual wood framing in the side walls, partitions and roof.

At the present time lumber for building construction is becoming too expensive for general use in the'building of houses, garages and smaller structures, and further the usual wooden building as heretofore made isnot well insulated from heat or cold and is comparatively costly in erection due to the multiplicity of hand operations required such as cutting and nailing of the lumber in place at the point of erection.

My invention seeks to avoid the use of wood in the form of lumber and to avoid the carpenter work necessary in the cutting of the material and the securing of it in place and other hand operations substituting therefor a standard size of wall panel of a heat insulating material of cellular form such as the well known Celotex. Masonite, or any of the various forms of insulating building material heretofore made in sheets with this difference that the panel is preferably hollow in form and of considerable thickness between the inner and outer faces to provide a wall that is heat and cold insulating toamajor degreeand to sustain these panels in position in the walls or partitions of the building by a metal framework or skeleton, portions of which are erected previous to placing of the panels and portions of which may be erected as the panels are placed.

Subsequent to the positioning of the panels,

the metal framework is placed under tension and the panels under compression whereby a staunch and serviceable wall is provided avoiding the use of wood in the form of lumber and securing cheapness of material and lessened cost of erection.

A further object and feature of the invention is to provide a building construction in which the walls, partit ons, floor or roof are formed of panels practically all of a uniform shape in a metal skeleton placed under tension and the panels under compression with the framework or skeleton so arranged that expansion and contraction of the'materials through variations in temperature is compensated for without material variation 1n compression and tension strains.

The principal feature of the invention is 1n the provision of a light weight metal skeleton or framework insuflicient of and by itself I to withstand the strains and load to which the structure may be subjected in the buildmg as for instance the metal framework for the wall sections is insufiicient in and of itself to sustain the load of a complete roof) and to combine with this skeleton framework filler members of heat insulating character and capable of withstanding compression strains at least to that degree to which they may be subjected to such strains in the buildmg being constructed.

Thus a fundamental and essential characteristic of this invention is a building havmg the walls, partitions, floors, and roof elements formed of a metal framework capable of being placed under tension subsequent to the positioning of the panels or filler members therein and to thereby provide a construction in which the metal framework forms the tension element and the tiller members or panels form the compression element of a self-sustaining wall, floor, partition, or roof unit.

A further fundamental object of the invention is to provide a construction permitting the several elements to be made of a standard size and shapethat is, the filler members are practically all of a uniform size and shape and the metal members may be made in standard lengths and the windows and door frames may be of a size corresponding to the size of the standard filler member or multiple thereof. The construction therefore is of a character lending itself practically completely to modern factory production methods where practically all the elements entering into building are prepared at a central point under quantity production methods by machinery eliminating waste and .oft

further reducing the labor cost at the point of erection of the structure.

There are several other novel features and objects of the invention incidental to the main or fundamental features above outlined, such for instance as the manner of providing the eave and the covering of the corner osts and rovision of an element taking t e lace what is commonly known as the fascia element of the roof gable and various other incidental details of construction as are hereinafter more fully described.

The invention, as previously stated, is adapted for use in various structures and the illustrations and description herein given principally relate to only one formof building structure-namely, a r Welling having various sizes and forms of gable and broken wall lines normal to structures of this class. It is the purpose of this invention to provide a construction of the general character outlined, that is of separate panels and metal frame elements capable of being tied together as a unit subsequent to or as the erection proceeds of standard sizes of panels and rods of various standard lengths, but still capable of considerable variation in the arrangement of the walls, roof and floor plan to correspond to various architectural types and to this end is also of a character permitting the facing of the erected walls, partition or roof elements either in whole or in part with brick, stucco, shingle or other desirable material adaptable for such use but, nevertheless, may and is adapted to be used in construction of cheaper buildings without such facing material.

These and various other objects and novel features of the invention are hereinafter more fully described, and the preferred form and arrangements of elements for the construction of a building involving my invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a small form of dwelling embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the metal framework erected in a building such as is illustrated in Fig. 1, this view being principall designed .to give a complete illustration e erected metal framework, it being understood, however, that some portions of this framework are not placed until the filler members are first positioned as hereinafter described. I

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred form of the filler or panel member.

ig. 4 is an enlarged section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail in perspective showing the metal ridge and the connection of the rods thereto.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken through the roof on.line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 1 showing the construction of the wall and the manner of connecting the roof elements therewith.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section on line 8-8 of Fig. 2 showing a corner formed by two walls ying at a right angle one to the other.

ig. 9 is a horizontal section of an outside wall and an inner partition wall showing the arrangement of the metal elements and filler members.

Fig. 10 is a similar view of another form of the same construction illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a detail in perspective showing the arrangement of the metal elements in a floor construction.

Fig. 12 is a section taken on line 1212 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged horizontal section through a wall at a window opening. p

Fig. 14 is a section on an enlarged scale taken substantially on line 14-14.- of Fig. 1. Fig. 15 is a perspective View of the skeleton framework at the same point as Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a section taken on line l6l6 of Fig. 1 showing the facing of the roof element at the gable end of the building.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged horizontal section through a wall showing the frame at a door opening.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of another form of filler member used for instance in a ceiling where lightness in weight of the structure is desired.

Fig. 19 is a detail showing one method of supporting the vertical posts in the base.

Fig. 20 is a detail showing one method of connecting the main horizontal member, with a vertical member of the metal framework.

,Fig. 21 is an alternative plan of a floor or roof structure.

Fig. 22 is a cross section of the preferred form of the strengthening means.

The construction hereinafter described in detail is firstly to be understood as adapted for the construction of buildings of various types, as houses of various forms and other building structures, small cheaply constructed garages, and buildings for various purposes as storage sheds etc., and contemplates the construction of a complete building formed of a metal framework and filler members supported under compression by the applied tension of the metal elements and then merely surfaced in some cheap manner as by painting or stucco finish as may be desired.

For this purpose the filler members should be made as nearly moisture proof as is possible and also fire retardent by chemical treatment or otherwise and of an insulating material whereby the interior of the building is insulated from heat or cold.

To illustrate the invention I have shown principally one form of building-namely, a dwelling of the cheaper or bungalow type as indicated in Fig. 1 to illustrate some of the and shingles respectively.

In any structure tolbe made according to myinvention the major portion of the metal framework may be first erected and this metal framework may be erected in conjunction with 'a concrete or similar foundation such for instance as is indicated at 1 in Fig. 7. In this case the concrete foundation is shown as being placed directly uponan earth foundation as sug' ested at 2 so that the concrete at the point 3 supports the filler members of the floor in this instance of use. With such a lbs foundatipn I provide vertical rods 4 bent at their lower ends as at 5 to provide a secure fastening of the end of the rod in the concrete base.

As will be understood from Fig. 2 the wall is provided with a series of such rods 4 spaced some uniform distance apart, preferably about eighteen inches. At the upper end these rods 4 extend through apertures provided therefor in one leg of an angle iron 6 as shown in Figs. 2 and 7. At each end of'this wall line at each corner ofthe building is a vertical angle iron 7 indicated more clearly in Fig. 8. These corner angle irons at their lower ends may be embedded in the concrete as suggested in Fig. 19 and at their upper ends are preferably attached to the member 6 as by means of a turned down end 8 on the member 6 which lies over one leg of a vertical member 7 as is suggested or-indicated in Fig. 20. The construction at this point, however, may vary considerably without departing from the spirit of the invention as in some cases a corner post may be connected with a horizontal channel by means of a bracket such as is indicated at 9 in Fig. 11. In any case the essential' point is that these corner members, which are preferably of angle iron of standard form of section, are provided with a series of apertures to receive the ends of the

horizontal rods

10, 10 as will be understood from Fig. 2.

In its preferred form the main portion of 0 the framework is formed of bars of angle or channel formin cross section or even a special form if desired either of which is not expensive in comparison with the usual wooden members used for this purpose.

Thus the frame of the structure illustrated may be formed of these vertical angle irons 7 cross members 6 atthe top also of angle iron form a ridge member 11 either of angle iron as shown -in Fig. 6 or of channel form as 0 indicated in Fig. 15 in which both a ridge and valley are shown. The arrangement of angles and channels may vary considerably depending u on the form of the building and these speci c examples above referred to are given 5 mainly to illustrate the adaptability of the adapt-ed for use in ceilings material in providing a metal framework in the construction of a building of any desired form after my improved method and means. In any of the possible structures themetal frame work consists of these angle and'chanv ncl iron members forming the general outline of the building and between these members are positioned the rods such for instance as the vertical and

horizontal rods

4 and 10 shown in Fig. 2, the angle and channel iron members having apertures to receive the rods. WVhat I have hereinafter termed a unit or a unitary structure is a wall, fioorpartition or roof section consisting of a peripheral frame, the cross rods therein and filler members therefor. In the usual building made according to this invention there is necessarily provided window and door 0- enings in the metal framework as is hereina ter more fully described.

One purpose of my invention is to secure a construction in which there is a panel inember of the desired material preferably rectangular in formand of a size and weight capable of being readily handled by one man and should have alffour edges of this panel supported by metal members and under compression by reason of the tension of the metal members. The preferred form of construction of a panel or filler member adaptable for this purpose is illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 18. It is firstly to be observed that this invention is not confined to the details of construction of the filler member as shown or of the material of which the filler member may be formed by the preferred construction of a filler member is somewhat like the ordinary forms of fiber board now used in partitions and wall surfaces and may be formed of a fiber of any desired material and preferably rendered practically fireproof by'being impregnated with chemical and the use of a cementitious material of any desired character as a base. To secure the best insulating effect with a material of this nature, the filler member or panel indicated at 18 is preferably hollow in form as shown more clearly in Figs. 3and 4, there being webs 14 extending between the two opposite side faces 15 and 16 thereof and in case the wall is to be plastered er finished with a stucco exteriorly or interiorly I provide a series of recesses 17 in either or both faces of the panel greater in diameter at the bottom than at the surface.

These recesses should be sufficient in quantity to provide a strong support for the applied material. Another form of the panel is shown at 19 in Fig. 18, it having a face wall 20 and a peripheral rectangular portion indicated at 21. This provides a light panel where a panel of less weight sustaining character may be employed. In any of the forms of the panel or filler members shown the peripheral edges of the panel are grooved as indicated at 22 and 23 in each of the forms shown. The grooves 23 in the ends of the anel are offset relative to the grooves 22 in t e longitudinal edges of the panel so that the vertical and

horizontal rods

4 and 10, which are offset the thickness of the rod in the metal framework, may engage therein. This panel as will readi y be understood is supported in the space between 7 two vertical rods 4 and adjacent horizontal rods 10 which, in the arrangement of the framework indicated in Fig. 2, is a space of rectangular form to receive these panels or channels. After the erection of the perlpheral angle or channel irons, the vertical rods may all be positioned and then, beginning at the base of the building, the first row of panels ma be positione therein and as an instance one manner in which this may be done, let it be considered that the space a: at the lower left hand corner of Fig. 2 first receives a panel.

Upon the positioning of the panel between the vertical rods 4 and the corner element 7 the horizontal rod is inserted from the left of the figure over the top of the first positioned panel. Then the panel for the space y is positioned and the horizontal the end thereof and this is full row of that wall Previous to positioning the filler member as just stated the edges thereof are coated with a material such for instance as tar or asphalt in order to provide a substance that will form a sheath about the rod and the edges of the adjacent anels. These panels, as will be understood ater, are. pressed together to cause a closrod moved over continued until the section is 1n place.

'ure of any interstice therebetween preventing ingress of air or moisture. Thus, the rods are protected from deterioration through the pressure of air or moisture insuring long life. The second and succeeding rows of any wall, floor, partition or roof section may be assembled in the same general manner.

After an entire section within the confines of the angle or channel iron border frames has been completed, these vertical and

horizontal rods

4 and 10 are tightened by the nuts 24 as shown more clearly in Figs. 6, 7 or 8 which places the panels under compression. The grooves in the panels are slightly larger than the rods to insure the panels coming to end to end and edge to edge contact and thus, when the structure is placed under tension by means of these nuts or similar instrumentality, a unitary structure is provided in which the framework forms the tension member and the panels the compression member of the unit.

There are various problems arising in the construction of a building of any of the ordinary forms such for instance as will be understood from Fig. 6 which shows a portion of a roof section. This has the rods 4 corresponding to the vertical rods 4 of the wall section and cross rods or wires 10" corresponding to the horizontal wires 10 of a vertical wall. The panels 18 are positioned in the same general manner as previously described with ordinary wall section. The angle iron member 6 at the top of the vertical wall has a vertical leg indicated in Fig. 6 by the numeral 25 and as the rod 4 does not approach this leg at a right angle has an outturned end 26 extending through the aperture provided therefor in this vertical leg of the angle iron 6 to which the nut is to be applied and the tension on this rod 4 is applied from the upper end at the ridge. Also as these filler blocks or panels 18 of the standard size and form would not seat in proper edge relation with this vertical leg 25 of the angle 6 at the end of the block, a panel is formed at less than a right angle to the lower face as indicated at 27. The lower face of this panel is of the standard length. The arrangement of the roof edge for the vertical wall or what may be termed the eave is shown in Fig. 7 It will be noted that for the purpose of this construction it is necessary to arrange the vertical leg 25 of the angle iron to provide an abutment for the roof panels and the horizontal leg extends outwardly forming the top stringer for the wall section and that this lies with the opening between the legs extending outwardly.

Advantage is taken of this arrangement to provide a filler 28 of a form covering a portion of this angle iron and may be shaped as by means of the groove 29 on its upper face providing a recess for a metal eave trough. This member 28 may be formed in sections and secured in place as by lag screws 30 extending from the angle iron into the block or filler 28. It is not material, however, what manner is pursued in securing this member 28 in place but it is preferably made in sections capable of being readily handled and positioned subsequent to the erection of the wall and roof panels and the placing of the same under compression by the tightening of the rods as described. Likewise, the ridge member when formed of either an angle or channel iron is positioned with the opening between the legs uppermost and this space may be covered by any approved form of filler such as indicated at 31 in Fig. 6 or 48 in Fig. 14. The filler 31, as shown in Fig. 6, is preferably provided with an edge portion 32 overlying the roof indicated as covered with shingles. This ridge element 31 may also be sustained in position by means of lag screws 33 extending through the angle iron and into the blocks forming the ridge but the details of this arrangement may be variedmaterially without departing from the spirit of this invention.

A similar problem is involved-in the finishing of corners of a building. The frames 7 are usuall formed of angle iron as will beunderstoo from Fig. 8 with the space between the legs of the angle open to exterior .of the wall and subsequent to the erection of the blocks and rods and the tightening of the rods, blocks 34 are provided covering this angle iron and these may be sustained in position by means of lag screws extending through the angle iron and into the blockand positioned previous tothe finishing of the inner or outer faces of the block where such finish is found to be'desirable. This finish is indicated by the word plaster on the interior faces of the walls and as stucco or brick on the exterior and, depending upon what this exterior facing is to be, the blocks 34. may have a surface effect corresponding to that of the building. Such feature, however, is only incidental and not an essential characteristic of this structure.

It is desirable in most cases to provide a horizontal rod indicated at 36 in Fig. 7 close ly adjacent to the angle iron and this is true both with the vertical and horizontal angles or channels. For this purpose the angle or channel adjacent which the rod is to be positioned has a groove 37 rolled thereinto at the time of manufacture of the angle or other form of main member, it being in position to register with the groove of the block 18 contacting therewith thus providing a space for the rod which supports the end of the block.

In the arrangement of Fig. 7 this rod enables tension to be placed upon the upper ends of the top row of the'inserted panels and also secures the upper endof the blocks in position in the framework. It has commonly been the practice where a panel has' been inserted in the framework in previous constructions to support the blocks in place by means of a mortar or cement and in those previous cases the strength of the wall is merely the strength of this mortared joint between the blocks and my construction differs in that the blocks are sustained in position solely by means of the rods which encircle all four edges of the block. Thus, when these wires or rods are placed under tension it is not possible to displace a panel except by pressure suiiicient to destroy the panel at its edges by reason of the fact that the edges of the panel overlap the rods to fifty per cent of their diameter on all sides.

A strain greater than sufficient to break the edges of the panel is required to force a panel out of a completed wall due to the comression strains to which the blocks are subjected as will be evident from the foregoing. Therefore, while the metal framework is not of itself capable of sustaining any great load and the filler members themselves are light in weight and not of a solidity equal to that of wood, yet under the compression strains imposed thereon by placing the metal framework under tension the structures may withstand loads and strains in excess of the The method of providing a partition wall between two other walls formed after the manner described is shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In ig. 10 the interior partition is indicated generally by the numeral 38 having the horizontal rod 39 and vertical rods 40, the filler block or panel being indicated at 18. In the outer wall is introduced a vertical angle iron -11 one leg of which extends between the blocks 18 of the outer Wall and the block in the right side of the angle in this particular construction may be cut out on the rear edge to provide a recess inwhich the leg 42 of the angle 41 may lie and into which the ends of the rods 39-may project. This would be the arrangement in an outer wall not very great in length in which the rods 10 would extend through apertures in the angle 41 but in the event of an outer wall section of such length in which the horizontal rods would Fig. 9 which consists of a channel member 43 the base 44 of which forms an abutment for the panels of the partition wall and is apertured to receive the horizontal rods 45 of the partition. The legs of this channel are apertured to receive the ends of the rods 10 of the outerwall and these legs form the abutment for the blocks of the outer wall The opening between these legs in the outer face of the wall may be covered in any approved manner as by a block of insulating material indicated at 46 and the plaster, stucco, brick or other outer finish 47 for the wall extends over the block 18, the channel member 43, and filler 46.

In the construction of the building shown there is a peculiar formation in the valley indicated in Figs. 14 and 15. The metal framework is illustrated in Fig. 15 and while channels have been shown other forms might be used for the main framework at this point but the construction, however, is identical in principle with that previously described. The roof rods extend into the channel member 12 and one edge of this channel receives the ends of both series of rods that is, those running longitudinally of the roof element as well as those running toward the ridge. These channels, if channels are used, may be covered as is shown in Fig. 14 with a filler member 48 secured by a lag screw 49 extending through the channel 12. The edges of this block 48 may be slightly tapered so that on drawing the same into place by the lag screw 49 it will bindingly engage opposite edges of the legs of the channel and with the use of cementitious material along this edge as with the other blocks and panels as previously described a water tight joint will be secured. \Vhile the blocks 28 shown in Fig. 7 do not wedge into place as just described relative to the blocks 48 yet, as the faces thereof in contact with the channel or wall of the angle iron 6 are previously covered with a cementitious material, the drawing of the same tightly to lace by the lag screws 30 will seal the oint etween the block and the channel. The roof surface in this particular case may also extend down over the upper face of this block as indicated by dotted lines 50 in Fig. 7.

In the finishing of the roof of a building such as is here illustrated the gable edge of the roof requires a finish and for this purpose the angle iron forming the gable of the metal frame indicated at 51 in Fig. 16 is provided with a block 52 which provides a fascia member and this member may have a depending portion 53 extending over the gable end of the wall and providing a finish therefor.

This may be formed of blocks as with the other cases of similar nature like

blocks

28, 34 and 48 and secured in place in a similar manner as by lag screws 54.

The walls of a structure such as is described are of necessity to be provided with apertures for the reception of doors and windows and, in order that the structure may be to the greatest degree of standard size of panels or filler members, the openings in the metal framework are of the same size as the openings provided for the panel members between the vertical and horizontal rods or a multiple of this size depending upon the requirements of the particular case. This will be understood from Fig. 2 in which a window opening 2 is provided occupying a space approximately equal in size and'area to that of six filler blocks or panels. The frame for the opening may be of any desired shape in cross section, as for instance as is shown in Fig. 13, the frame may be channel like in form as indicated at 55 and is grooved as at 56 to receive a vertical rod 4 of the framework and apertured to receive the horizontal rods 10 of the framework.

From Fig. 2 it will be apparent that the vertical and hoizontal rods terminate at this frame 55, there being a horizontal rod 10. on one side and one of greater length 10 on the o posite side extending from this window rame 55 to the respective corner members 7 of the wall section in which this frame is positioned. The metal window frame, being thus tied in the metal framework, forms a component part thereof and does not introduce a weakness into the wall structure. The window proper is to be introduced into this framework and many expedients may be em loyed for this purpose. I have shown in ig. 13 a molding 57 covering the inner edge of the frame 55 and a similar molding 57 on the exterior. In this frame 55 is secured a hollow frame 58 to which a glassed panel.

sash 59 may be h'ingedly secured. If sliding sash are to be used this frame structure would change to correspond to the form of the usual frames for sliding sash. Inasmuch as the ends of the rods which terminate at the frame 55 extend through the frame and are provided with a nut 60 as shown in Fig. 13, it is desirable to cover these rod ends and nuts. For this purpose a light metal channel 61 may be secured to the main frame 55.

A similar plan is followed in the provision of a door opening. This is indicated more particularly in section in Fig. 17 and in this case the opening for the door is formed by a frame 62 of the same general character as the window frame 55.

A channel 63 is secured on this frame covering the rod ends and nuts therefor of the metal skeleton and in this case this channel may provide a stop for a door member 64 which is indicated as a hollow metal door which may be hinged in any approved manner (not here shown)- in respect to this frame 62. As in the case of the window frame 55 this door frame forms a component part of the metal skeleton used in this structure and the size and form of the door opening is a multiple of the size and form of the openings rovided for a standard wall panel. It is to e noted, however, that this invention is not restricted to making the frames of the doors and windows of a. size e ual to or a multiple of the size and form of a standard panel as it may be made of different sizes and smaller filler members made especially to fill spaces less than the size of the standard Preferably, however, to keep this structure of standard parts in order that it may conform to the requirements for quantity production on a commercial scale, it is preferable that all openings and the length and height of walls and of the roof portions be made to utilize a standard block throughout reducing to a minimum the necessity of use of odd sizes or shapes of filler members. To maintain this standardization of the elements used in the structure the blocks heretofore described such as the

block

28, 33, 34, 48 and 52 may be made of a standard length so as to correspond. to a standard length or height of a Wall section in conjunction with which they are used.

Floors may be made of the same standard panels. In the type of floor shown in thelower end of Fig. 7 there is a concrete base 3 on which the panels 18 may be directly placed. In case of a concrete foundation being provided for the outer wall, the first row ofpanels 18 may be shaped at the bottom to rov'de base like portions extending upward y a distance on each side of the wall block, and thus provide a base 65 in the interior of the room and a similar portion 65 on the exterior eliminating the necessity of placing separate pieces to provde a desirable wall finish. With a i Joana then the "its. upper-end,

, flower andu'pp'er Vall sections of a multiple sto y. u ing. does notten'd to when the app a floor unprovided with a concrete base or a second story floor or ceiling, a differentv problem is presented and I have illustrated one plan of such a floor in Figs. 11 and 12. In

Fig. 11 I have shown channel members 66 and 67 forming two sides of the outer main frame of the metal skeleton for a second story floor. These members 66 being at a distance above the base of the structure provide a thermal frame to which the vertical rods 4 of the first story of the wall are connected in the usual way substantially as with the angle iron form of Fig. 7-that is, the flanges of the channel are apertured to receive the lower vertical rods and nuts are there provided by which these rods may be placed under tension. The second story rods terminate in the upper flange of this channel member 66 as a base in the same manner so that the channel members forming the peripheral frame of the floor skeleton be-' come a component part of both the wall structure and the floor structure inasmuch as the

rods

68 and 69 extend into the base of these channels 66 and 67.

These

rods

68 and 69 are spaced in the same manner as the vertical and

horizontal rods

4 and 10 of the wall section and thus take the same panel or filler block and in the same general manner aswill be readily under stood. The wall structure forthe second story may have the panels 18 resting directly on the upper flange of the channel 66 and 67 as is shown in the "said Fig. 11 and the panels that are inserted in thespaces between the

rods

68 and 69 are put undertension in the same manner as with the'wall as heretofore describedthat is, aft'erthe blocks have been positioned more orlless loosely-in place the

rods

68 and 69 ie'tightfened to place the filler blocksunder compression.

The vertical ods 4 for the jvvall heretofore mentioned may also terr'riinate'inajcommon nutor,couplgng 'lQ. will be understood mre l 'flyfjfro Fig: 512, the lower rod 4 O thre'ad'edthereOn and v If 4 is lfectefd it is threaded at its lowerlendi'hto the upper end of this nut sion on this member 4 from "niform through oth the By this plan the member 66 y M distorted throughfplacing a 'tensi on onth verticalrods; A ceiling may be constructed in the samegeneral manner in which'cfase the upper cross member of the top 1 of a wall se ction'provides the peripheral ceil- 'it may sustain is limitedsomewhat by the na- "ture of the constructonbu't if the'fioor is "of considerable "expanse, as is so'r'n'eti'ines the case even in dwellings, it is desirable'to stifien the ,same to prevent'vibration and to-carry heav- I ;".ier loads.

Y ""1171 closely adjacent to one of the rods 68 WhlCh For'this purpose I provide a beam extends into the channel members 66 at opposite ends. This beam may be of the channel or I form and is preferably unattached to the member 66. Th s will be understood more clearly from Fig. 12 from which it is to be seen that the end of the beam 71 is supported on a bracket 72 carried on a rod 4 just underneath the channel member 66 for the introduction of which the panel members contactmg the lower flange of the member 66 will need to be cut out slightly to provide a recess for this bracketand the nut '73Ton the rod 4 supporting the same. This beam preferably is not attached to the member 66 as in such case it would tendto prevent plac ng-the filler members of the floor under the desired compression strainthat is, if the beam 71 actually fitted between two opposite channel members 66 the extent to which these channel members may be sprung inwardly in tightening the nuts on the rods 68 would be limited by the beam, but by providing space 73 between the end of the beam 71 and the channel 66, the channel 66 may be flexed inwardly to the extent possible by the strain imposed by the tightening of the nuts on the rods 68.

This beam as before stated tends to prevent vibration in the floor surface as it is indcpendently supported on the vertical rods 4. A floor thus equipped is able to sustain greater load than if rods such as 68 and 69 only were used within the encircl ng border frames 66 and 67. It is also to be noted that in wall sections of more than usual expanse similar members may be introduced vertically in the wall for the purpose of strengthening the same.

In structures of this character there is usually a chimney and a wall section of my improved construction well adapts itself to a solut on of this problem. For instance in the type of building shown I have indicated the chimney 75 in Fig. 5 where it may be seen how the ridge angle bar may have one end introduced directly into the brick work as shown by dotted lines. Likewise, the angle member 51 forming the gable end of the metal framework may be anchored in this brick 'tion of various structural features involved in a simple dwelling. that all the various problems of construction may be readily solved by my new form of building construction and to a major degree, with the exception of the possible necessity of cutting a rod on a building or notching,

section may or cutting a panel to provide an odd shaped piece, this whole structure may be made of standard lengths of rods, channels or angles and standard size of filler members or panels for the walls, floors, partitions or root, and that as each unitary section of the wall, partitiongrooi or floor is assembled the rods for that unitary portion if desired or necessary may be put under tension and the filler members under compression which is an essential feature of this type of nst? tion for the reasons heretofore given.

There is an at onai problem of possibly minor importance arising in a construction of this character and that is-it is desirable that the tension and compression strains do not vary under variations in temperature or at least do not vary to any detrimental degree. One reason is that a wall section, for instance, may be so located relative to other buildings that a portion of such wall section is in dense shade while another portion may be subjected to direct rays of sunlight and thus an upper portion of the wall mum expansion and a lower portion thereof under little or no expansion due to heat either interiorl or exteriorly.

There ore,'a compensating means is provided in order that the rods and panels of the colder lower portion of the wall may be under normal tension and compression strain and the rods and the panels of the upper heated section of wall also under normal tension and compression strains, Under these opposed conditions I provide, at least at that end of each rod at which the nut is turned up to apply a tension, a spring 7 6 beneath the nut which is put under compression by the turning of the nut and thus to a degree the spring member determines the strain to which the rod may be put. Thus, under any expansion of the rod due to heat such as described above and consequent elongation of the rod. the tension on the rod is not decreased inasmuch as the amount of take-up in the spring is greater than the expansion of the normal length of the rod to which it is ap lied which is normally not greater than oneearth of an inch in a length of approxi mately fifty feet of rod. Thus, under such an expansion and due to the fact that the panel membersthemselves have some tendency to expand under influence of heat (although to a less degree than the rod) the compression strain is maintained and the walls therefore under such conditions ismaintained in its normal tension and compression. This is likewise true in a cold portion of the wall as the rods and panels tend to contract in a portion of a wall that is maintained at less temperature. Therefore under varying temperature conditions and by the use of a yieldable element between the nut and frame be under a condition of its maxior element through which the rod extends, the nornlal tension and compression in a wah or other section is maintained under varying temperature conditions. It is to be noted, however, that the invention is not in its broadest sense limited to the use of a yieldable element in this manner.

I have heretofore indicated that the metal frame, such as the angles or channel irons described, may be connected together by means of brackets, and it is to be understood that these may take any approved form depending upon the form and relationship of the members to be thus connected. However, one feature of such connection of the peripheral frame members of any section or unit of the structure, such for instance as the bracket 9 in Fig. 11, is that the bolts connecting the brackets to a longitudinal member, as the element 66, should be passed through elongated apertures in the said member which allows the corner member 7 to move inwardly slightly in placing a tension on the horizontal rods of the section outlined by these members 2' and 66. It is also to be noted that, in placing the corner members 7 in a concrete wall 7 as indicated in Fig. 19, it is preferable that on formation of the concrete wall a recess be formed for the lower end of the vertical member 7 and, after the frame has been at under tension, these recesses may then be lled with a cement or concrete to fix the frame in position. It is by this relative latitude of movement of the main frame elements that the major compression strains may be placed on the panel members. My invention, however, is not limited to such looseness of'structure as the edges of the panel members may be covered with more or less cementitious material to fully take up the space between fixed borderframes and the slight flexing of the border framesdue to tightening of the rods will place compression strains on the panel members.

While I have described the

members

4 and 10 and corresponding elements of the metal skeleton as rods, it is to be understood that the term rod, or rods as used in the appended claims refers to the metal elements extending between the border frames in a wall section or unit of the structure and these may be either a solid rod, tubing or wires or other form as may be found desirable for the particular building or element thereof being constructed.

From the foregoing description it is evident that the various objects of the invention are secured by the construction described and that a structure thus formed is simple of erection, avoids the use of woodin the form of lumber. and considerable labor saving is occasioned by the fact that the amount of cutting or fitting of the material or the erection and nailing to place as with lumber is avoided and that a structure superior in many respects is obtained as the material as a whole is more readily handled, is lighter in weight and by chemically impregnating the filler members is fire resistant or fire retardant. By use of a filler member of a fibrous nature and therefore of a cellular structure, a heat or cold insulation is provided superior to that secured by use of the commonly known building materials.

It is further to be noted that the construction described provides a wall, partition, floor or roof unit that is capable of being placed under tension and compression strains independent of other units of the structurethat is, a side wall for instance can be built up in its entirety and with the crossed rods or wires placed under tension and the filler members for that wall section under compression,independently of theotherwallunits. Also the partitions in such a structure may be placed under tension and compression independently of the walls. This is likewise true of the floor or roof slabs.

Further, the construction permits ready repair in the event of destruction of a portion of a unit. The rods may be released from the tension, the fractured or partially destroyed filler blocks removed and new ones introduced and rods again tightened as originally. Although the metal frame is concealed both interiorly and exteriorly, the blocks, such as 28, 32, 34 etc., may be removed thus exposing the rod ends and nuts therefor.

An additional feature and object of this invention is to provide a construction not confined to any predetermined design and yet formed of standard units capable of being made on a quantity basis by factory methods without reference to any predetermined design as the buildings to be constructed in this manner while not confined to -the design of the structure are confined to size of wall, roof or partition units as to length and'height to conform to the standard filler element.

Where heavier loads are to be carried as in a floor or roof section-that is, loads greater than the safe load of the floor or roof sections constructed as previously described-it is necessary to introduce strengthening members such as are indicated and described relative to Figs. 1 or 12. In that case the upper faces of the beams 71 are practically flush with the upper surfaces of the filler members placed within the. frames. This, in some cases may be objectionable and I have shown an alternative form of construction for floor and roof sections or wall sections where the pressures transversely of the floor or roof section are sufficiently great as to require the additional strengthening means. This arrangement is shown in Figs. 21 and 22, Fig. 21 being a portion of a floor section in which the longitudinal members 80 are in the form of beams extending from one end of the border frame 81 to the other 82. These beams are spaced to carry the proposed load there being a greater number of these beams with heavier loads and less with lighter loads. Usually, however, for construction of a roof or floor section the beams are spaced the same as the rods of the previous structure providing rectangular spaces of uniform size between'these rods and beams within the border frame. If greater loads are to be carried and therefore a greater number of beams required the filler members for the spaces will have to be made of special size for the purpose. It is also to be noted that oftentimes there is a tical leg of each of which is formed to pro=-- vide a recess for a longitudinal tie rod 87 which extend through apertures therefor in the border frames81 and 82 and threaded at the said end to receive the nut as in the previous construction described. The angle iron beam may be slightly shorter than the distance between the end frames and supported at the ends by a bracket such as the bracket 72 shown in Fig. 12 of the previously described construction. It is also to be noted that the transverse rods 83 extend through apertures in the beams as indicated in Fig. 22.

As shown in Fig. 22 it will be noted that the vertical portions of the beam do not extend to the surface of the

filler members

88 and 89 but these members are notched in their end faces to engage over and enclose the beam 80. Thus at these ends the

blocks

88 and 89 rest upon the horizontal flanges of the 1 beam. Therefore, not only is a greater strength secured by the use of the beams 80 but the block itself by reason of its manner of support on the beams can withstand much greater pressure than is the case with the construction previously described in which the principal support for the filler member is the rod seating in the half groove formed in the end or sides of the block as is the case with the side edges of the

blocks

88 and 89 of this alternative construction.

The lower faces 90 of these blocks extend slightly below the lower face of the beam 80 and thus upon application of the plaster 91 or other finish for the lower face of the floor 'or inner face of the wall formed according to this alternative plan the beam is entirely enclosed. It is also to be understood that a cementitious material is applied to the edges of the filler members of this alternative construction and that the filler members are placed under the same compression strains by the tensioning of the rods 83 and 87 as is heretofore described relative to the construction shown in Fig. 11.

It is also to be understood that various changes in details of construction may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described a construction involving the fundamental and general features of my invention, what I claim is 1. In building construction, a unitary structure for a wall, partition or a roof consisting of a metal framework including a series of rod like elements arranged to provide a plurality of spaces of substantially uniform size, filler members for the said spaces, means for placing the rod like elements under tension to thereby place the filler member under compression, a yieldable member for each rod like element placed under compression by the placing of the tension on the rods and providing a means automatically compensating for expansion and contraction in the structure.

2. In building construction, a unitary structure for a wall, partition, floor or roof consisting of a metal framework including a series of rod like elements arranged to provide a plurality of spaces of substantially uniform shape, filler members for the said spaces, means for placing the red like elements under tension to thereby place the filler elements under compression, and means whereby the tension and compression of the said elements is maintained substantially uniform under variations in temperature.

3. In building construction, a skeleton framework including metal tie elements substantially circular in cross section, a series of which extend in one direction across the frame and a series of which extend in an opposite direction providing rectangular openings or spaces therebetween. a filler member of rectangular form for the said spaces, the said filler members each having a substantially half round groove in its opposite side faces in which one series of elements are positioned to approximately half their diameter and the end portions having similar grooves for metal elements running in the opposite direction and in staggered relation with the first named grooves corresponding to the staggered relation of the tie elements, a cementitious coating applied to the grooved faces of the filler members previous to their positioning in the frame, the said grooves being formed in the filler member below the center plane thereof, and means for placing the tie elements under tension whereby the filler members are brought to edge to edge and end to end contact with the cementitious coating filling the interstices and covering the T elements;

4. In building construction, a metal framework comprising a peripheral frame of comparatively rigid form, a series of tie elements ripheral frames in extending between the to be placed under half their depth, said. filler members being materially reater in thickness than the tie members an the grooves therein being moreremote from that face of the tiller members to which a load may be applied, and means for placing tension on the tie members subsequent to the placing of the filler members.

In testimony whereof I sign this specification.

CORWIN D. WILLSON.

spaces of substantially um-