US1965601A - Securing member for building construction units - Google Patents

Description

July 10, 1934. e. F. KOTRBATY SECURING MEMBER FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UNITS Filed June 4, 1929 11 Sheets-Sheet l (gm umber 60y E Kama/1W [IIIIIlIII/Il/I July 10, 1934. G. F. KOTRBATY SECURING MEMBER FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UNITS Filed June 4. 1929 .11 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ewuemtoz Guy I? KOTRBATX $5 68 Chime/1 July 10, 1934.

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SECURING MEMBER FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UNITS Filed June 1929 l1 Sheets-Sheet ll 6 w F. #07754 T) M/I/S flbliomw Patented July 10, 1934 PATENT? OFFICE SECURING MEMBER FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UNITS Guy F. Kotrbaty, New York. N. Y., asaignor to. Ferrocon Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application June 4,1929, Serial No. 368,228- 10 Claims. (01. 72-101 This invention relates to building construction and more particularly to improved securing members for use with structural members.

This application is in part a continuation of my application, Serial No. 295,705, filed July 27,

,1928, for Building construction, now matured into U. S. Letters Patent No. 1,877,898, issued Sep-= tember 20, 1932.

The specific details of my improvements having been set forth in the application above referred to, they will be presented here solely for the purpose of establishing the cooperative relationship between the several features, in order to more clearly illustrate the patentable novelty of the several parts in their specific structures and in their combination as previously set forth.

The examples shown are given merely by way of example, for since the underlying principles may be incorporated in other specific structures,

it is not intended to limit the constructions to the forms shown, except as such limitations are clearly imposed by the appended claims.

In the drawings like numerals refer to similar parts throughout the'several views of which Fig. 1 is a horizontal section of a construction unit;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of a small construction unit provided with keyways and adapted for insertion as a filling member between larger construction units;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, the unit being provided with a plurality of key members in place of keyways;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of a unit embodying the features of the construction shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, this member being provided with a keyway and a key member;

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are horizontal sections of solid H-shaped key members, Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are views similar to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the members being rolled from sheet material;

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are horizontal sections of the members shown in Figs. 5 to 10in position in their respective keyways; O

Figs. 14 to 17 are horizontal views of other types of solid keys and Figs. 18 to 21 are horizontal views of keys similar to those shown in Figs. 14 to 17, the members being made from sheet metal;

Figs. 22 to 25 are horizontal sections of Figs. 14 to 21 in position in their respective keyways;

Figs. 26 and27 are modified forms of the key members shown in Figs. 18 and 20;

Figs. 28 and 29 are horizontal cross sections of key members provided with integral panel members; I

Figs. 80 and 31 are sections of key members adapted to look a plurality of wall members inangular relation to one another;

32 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of a plurality of construction members keyed together to form thepa'rtition walls of several rooms;

Fig. 33 is a view similar to Fig. 32 showing a coat of plastic material applied to the surfaces of the construction members;

Fig. 34 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of a plurality of construction members assembled and keyed together to form wall and fioor sections, a coating of plastic material being applied to the members to form the surface finish;

Fig. 35 is a horizontal cross section of a precast member;

Fig. 36 is a horizontal section showing the method of joining a plurality of the units shown in Fig. 35;

Figs. 37 to 40 are horizontal sections of a numberof units for forming connecting members;

Figs. 41, 42, 43 and 44 are horizontal cross sections of pre-cast connecting units utilizing the members shown in Figs. 37 to 40 respectively;

Fig. 45 is a view similar to Fig. 32, and shows a plurality of pre-cast units assembled in a completed structure;

Fig. 46 is a vertical section through a floor member;

Fig. 47 is a fragmentary vertical section partly in elevation of a floor member as shown in Fig. 46 showing the slotted ribs and longitudinal stifiening members;

Fig. 48 is a detail vertical section showing the method of uniting a plurality of floor members;

Fig. 49 is a vertical section of a modification of structure shown in Fig. 48;

Figs. 50 and 51 are detailed vertical sections of key members used in conjunction with the floor members;

Figs. 52 to 55 are modifications of the structure shown in Figs. 46 and 47;

Referring now to Fig. 1, the construction unit or wall member designated generally by the numeral 1 comprises parallel wall portions 2 and 3, together with integral end portions, 4 and 5. The side portions comprise a plurality of expanded sections, 6, provided with re-entrant stifiening ribs, 7. At its center portion the unit is provided with a vertical stiffening member, 8, and a beaded portion, 9. Opposite the member 9, the end of the sheet metal unit are provided with locking beads, 10 and 11, which are rolled together or crirnped in any suitable fashion. A

stiffening member 12, of sheet metal provided with beaded end sections, 13 and 14, isinserted in the keyways formed by the beaded portions, 9, 10-11, and may be crimped thereto in any desired manner.

While the side walls are preferably made to include expanded sections with integral alternate stiffening ribs, the invention comprehends the use of fluted or corrugated sections in their stead, the said sections being formed of solid sheet metal of any desired size and composition.

As shown in Fig. l, the wall member is provided with key-ways, designated generally by the numeral 15, adapted to receive key members to be described more in detail hereinafter. In place of the key-ways shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the member shown in Fig. 3 is provided with a plurality of key members, 16, and the unit shown in Fig. 4 is formed with both a key-way and a key member.

Figs. 5 to 7 show several .types of solid key members having the general configuration of an I-beam. These solid members comprise webpor-v tions, 17, with integral end or side faces, 18. If desired these faces may be provided with flanged portions, 19, as shown more particularly in Figs. 5 and '7. While this construction gives a desirable strength and rigidity in the key mem-- ber and imparts a sufficient structural strength when, used in key-ways novel results are secured by forming such members of sheet metal as shown in Figs. 8 to 10. In these figures the key members comprise web portions, 20, and end portions, 21, flanged or not, as desired, at 22. The ends of the sheets from which these members are rolled or otherwise suitably formed are juxtaposed as at 23 to form reentrant portions. These adjoining flange portions of sheet metal maybe welded or brazed together, if desired, to secure added stiffness in the member. Comparing these members with solid members of like configuration it will be noted that forall practical purposes a maximum of strength is provided while securing a distinct saving in metal as well as marked economies in fabrication.

In use the I -shaped key members, designated hereinafter for convenience generally by the numeral 24, are fitted into appropriate key-ways, 25, in construction units 26, as will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In Figs. 14 to 18 are disclosed a plurality 'of.

key members rolled or otherwise formed' from solid m tal. In Fig. 14 there is shown a key member having a web portion, 27, and symmetrical cylindrical portions, 28. The cylindrical portions may be provided with cut-out portions 29, as shown in Fig. 16 to insure an improved locking of the several members.

In Figs. 15 and 1'7 there are shown key members comprising web portions, 27, and integral arcuate end portions, 30, 31, the particular configuration being a matter of choice with the architect or designer.

In Figs. 18 to 21, there are shown a plurality of key members correspond-ing generally to those shown in Figs. 14 to 17, but being formed from rolled sheet metal. For convenience of description these are designated generally by the numerals 32, 33, 34 and 35. As noted in the description of Figs. 8 to 10, these members may be larly in Fig. 1.

'key members of Figs. 18 to 21 are shown in engagement with appropriate key-ways, 37, 38, 39 and 40, in construction units 41, 42, 43 and 44.

Where increased stiffness and strength in a key member is desired without resorting to a cast or rolled solid member the constructions shown in Figs. 26 and 2'1 are made use of. It will be noted that the structure shown in Fig. 26 comprises a substantially double walled member having inner and outer walls 45, 46, respectively, which construction assures a maximum strength and resilence while retaining the advantages of light weight. Fig. 27 shows a key member having the usual web portion, 27, together with cylindrical end portions 47 and 48, the metal formingthe portion 48 being bent inwardly to form parallel reinforcing members, 49, 50, terminating adjacent the inner surface of portion 47, in curvilinear flanged portions, 51 and 52. The structures shown in Figs. 26 and 27 can be readily fabricated from sheet metal and impart considerable strength without involving any substantial increase in weight of metal.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the key members will be made from suitable weightstock in order to provide the necessary reinforcement to adapt them to support the various floor loads met with in different constructions. While the keys may be fabricated from the same weight stock as is used for the grid members, it is preferred to use a thicker stock in order to assure an ample factor of safety in the finished assembly.

complished by the uniform bearingof the key surfaces against the corresponding keyways, both surfaces being coextensive throughout their entire extent, and the web portions forming a solid metallic barrier through the grid ends, the whole forming an eflicient seal against the passage of fluids.

The key members hereinbefore discussed are intended primarily for use in connecting straight sections of the construction units shown particu- Where it is desired to permit the attachment of interior finishes and the like at the junction of a pair. of construction units, this invention comprehends the use of key members provided with unilateral extensions, 53, or bilateral extensions, 54, provided on one or both sides of the web member and being furnished with hollow panel members, designatedgenerally by the numeral 55. These panel members may be given any suitable configuration to accord with the finish desired.

Where wall partitions are to be abutted or built out from a main wall the key members shown in Figs. 30 and 31 are used. These comprise the usual cylindrical portions designated generally by ty of the separate integral members is readily apparent. These members are set up in appropriate channel sections as will be described more in detail hereinafter, and when in position may be coated with stucco or plaster 125, to give a finished structure, as shown more particularly in Fig. 33. Where a corner section is encountered, a corner protective and stiffening bead 6a, which is formed integral with two angularly disposed side sections 6, is provided. This stiffening member adds a desired rigidity to the corner of the assembly and protects the plastic coat from mechanical injury. As shown more particularly in Fig. 33, the stiffening member projects diagonally at the corner beyond the side walls of the grid members and provides a metallic key for the ends of the plastic coat, thus assuring its retention on the grid structure and protecting it from mechanical injury, as already noted. The grid members may be,

made in various lengths and widths to permit the formation of the necessary embrasures to accommodate the the requisite doors and windows, as indicated generally at 125a in Figs. 33 and 34. This construction is particularly adapted for use in setting up partitions or curtain walls in oillces where the wall members are not required to have any substantial strength, or it maybe used for the construction of garages, bungalows and other structures involving heavy load-bearing walls. For cheap construction of garages and similar buildings, where a plastic outer coating is not necessary, the units maybe made up with the side walls corrugated instead of being provided with alternate foraminous and solid sections, or the outer wall may be corrugated solid metal and the inner wall of expanded or foraminous metal adapted to receive a plastic coating. It will, of course, be understood that the conditions may be reversed, if desired to conform to any given specification or to harmonize with the surroundings. The simplicity of assemblage permits the building of such completed structures in a minimum of time and further permits the use of relatively unskilled labor, the requisite units being preformed and appropriately marked with the respective type numbers before being shipped to the site upon which they are to be erected. The types of the various units are so constituted and arranged as to provide any desired number of parts for use in building construction -generally, while retaining the marked advantages of adapting itself to any design, thereby permitting a desirable elasticity in design features.

While there has been shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will of course be understood that other specific structures may be comprehended within the scope of this invention without departing from the spirit of the disclosure herein made.

Where the building units cannot be conveniently finished in their assembled state, the invention also comprehends the provision of preformed slabs or construction units embodying the principles hereinbefore described. Referring now -to Fig. 35 there is shown a pre-formed unit designated generally by the numeral 60, comprising a plurality of grid members having grid portions 61, channel portions 62, interposed between the grid portions and integral therewith, and keyway forming recessed portions, 63, formed on either the grid sections may be welded or brazed together if desired. The completed grid structure is inserted in an appropriate form and a plastic mass of concrete cement, lime-mortar, gypsum or other appropriate construction material is poured around the core. The resulting structure comprises a monolithic structure, 70, having grid core members 61, hollow interior spaces, 71, and keyways, 72. The expanded portions 61. and the anchor members 64, serve to retain the structural material 60a in intimate contact with the metallic core and assure the monolithic structure above noted.

These monolithic members may be assembled in any desired fashion as shown in Fig. 36, the key members being substantially the same as those already set forth. Where it is desired to make a completely monolithic structure, concrete or other material may be poured into the hollow portions and around the keys, 50, thereby providing a continuous monolith.

Figs. 37, 38, 41 and 42 illustrate a plurality of precast insert keyway members and their cores, including members having channel portions 62 of varying size and interposed reentrant keyway sections 63, previously described. Angularly disposed side members 64a are provided with reentrant portions 64, as noted above. A pair of these members is suitably joined at central portion 65 by means of rivets 66 or by any other suitable means such as welding or brazing. A suitable filling material, such as concrete 60a is cast into place, being retained by walls 64a and members 64.

Figs. 39, 40, 43 and 44, illustrate the formation of a plurality of precast'intermediate sections having associated keys integral therewith. These members comprise plastic chambers having walls 64a and reentrant angular portions 64 with plastic 60a disposed therein. A pair of these members is provided with key sections 16b having semi-cylindrical portions 16c and horizontal inturned sections 16d, the whole having an interposed spacer and being secured by rivets 66 in the usual manner to form key members designated generally by numeral 32.

. In Fig. 45 there is shown a perspective view of a completed wall together with abutting side walls made up from the precast units described, the several elements being clearly shown in their cooperative relationship.

In assembling the completed units shown in Figs. 32, 33, 34 and 45 the wall members are fitted into channel members, set in concrete supports 81. These members 80 are provided with fluted depending tongues 82, adapted to anchor in the concrete or brick courses, where brick is used. The channel members are of suitable size to receive the wall members Where they are of the form shown in Fig. 32.

As shown in Fig. 34 a completed structure comprises a space or support 81, in which is embedded a channel retaining member 80. Fitted into the channel is a wall member 60, which in turn is capped by a member 83, provided'with a channel retaining member 84, to receive the top of member 60, the outer surfaces and 86, being expanded or perforated to receive any desired finish.

Member 85 is backed by an integral, unexpanded metal skirt 85a adapted to contact with the solid plastic mass 83, and to prevent moisture from reaching the mass by conduction or capillary action from the outside stucco coat on member 85. This construction renders the joints of the building substantially water-proof, which feature is also found in the precast slabs shown in Fig. 35, where the grid sections are joined by securing means already described, the solid unexpanded portions 65 preventing the transfer of moisture from one face to the other due to their impermeability.

superposed upon the members 83, are floor members 90, upon which, in turn, further pedestals or supports 81 may be placed.

The flooring 100a for the completed structures is built over a flooring member as shown in Fig. 46. This member comprises a bottom expanded or perforated grid portion 100 adapted to serve as a ceiling, integral end portions 101 provided with reentrant cylindrical portions 102, adapted to serve as keyways for the key members disclosed in Figs. 18, 20, 26 and 27. The member shown in Figs. 46 and 47 is provided further with an integral arch portion comprising horizontal slotted rib portions 103, and longitudinal stifiening members 104, traversing the members 103, at right angles as shown. The ends of the sheet metal structure are joined at the crown in any suitable manner as shown at 105. It will thus be seen that a flooring member has been provided which is so designed as to have a maximum compression resistance together with an under surface adapted to receive a finishing coating of stucco or plaster. These members are adapted to be juxtaposed in any desired number and locked together as shown in Figs. 48, 49, 53 and 55 by the key members previously disclosed. When the members are properly assembled, concrete or other monolithic structural material is cast over them to a suitable depth, the result being a monolithic structure having a maximum of strength, yet comprising a minimum of a metallic support together with a minimum amount of the concrete or other material.

In Figs. 50 and 51 are shown cores adapted to join the flooring members by serving as keys which can be filled with concrete or other structural material and thereby made integral with the floor in general, thus permitting the use of deeper concrete beam sections, providing added strength for heavier floor loads.

In Figs. 52-53 and 54-55 there are shown various modifications of the flooring support. The member shown in Fig. 52 is provided with reentrant arcuate portions 104a surrounding the keyways. This construction permits the more perfect arching of the structure adapting it to a heavier floor construction system by shortening the arch span and increasing the concrete beam section width as well as introducing a greater amount of steel for reinforcing purposes. In addition it is to be noted that the combination of the abutting keyways of this modification introduces an additional structural strength.

For bridge flooring or other heavy live load requirements, the structure shown in Figs. 54 and 55 is comparable to that just described. The characteristic feature of this construction is the combination of a centrally supported arch, locked by the key system already described, with an integral, keystone-shaped beam section. This results in a deeper beam section, as the bottom: of the beam 108 is positioned substantially adjacent to the ceiling grid 100. The keyways are formed as reentrant portions of the vertical stiffening members 112.

The construction units herein described are readily formed from sheet metal of any suitable gauge and can be rolled or otherwise fabricated with a minimum of trouble and expense. In assembling, the units can be put together by unskilled labor, the parts being so formed and so constituted as to preclude any misplacement of the several units. The only skilled labor required in constructing a house, garage or other structure is that of the plasterer for applying the finish coating of stucco or other material to the grid members. While the ordinary coating materials have been described it will be readily understood that gunite or other plastic or cement mixes may be applied in any desired manner. Where the pre-cast monolithic units are used, the necessity for skilled labor is reduced to an absolute minimum while at the same time assuring optimum results both in speed of construction as well as in durability of the finished edifice.

What is claimed is:

1. A securing member of the class described, comprising, a continuous structural supporting member having two-integrally joined expansible hollow sections, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

2. A securing member of the class described, comprising a continuous structural supporting member having two integrally joined expansible hollow sections, and intermediate sections of expanded metal, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for selfsupporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

3. A securing member for building units, including a continuous structural supporting member having two expansible side sections and an intermediate expansible web section, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

4. A securing member of the class described, including a continuous structural supporting member having a plurality of expansible hollow sections of generally circular cross-section, and an intermediate web section, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

5. A securing member of the class described, including a continuous structural supporting member having a plurality of expansible hollow sections of generally circular cross-section, and an integral intermediate web section of rectangular cross-section, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for selfsupporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

6. A securing member of the class described, including a continuous structural supporting member having two side sections and an integral intermediate web section, and expansible throughout its several parts, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

7. A securing member of the class described, including a continuous structural supporting member having pairs of opposed expansible sections andintermediate integral webs joining said sections, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

8. A securing-member of the class described, including a continuous structural supporting member having pairs of opposed expansible sections and intermediate integral webs joining said sections, at least one of said sections being slotted, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act asa securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

9. A combined securing and'structural member of the class describedJncluding a continuous structural supporting member having pairs of opposed expansible combination securing and structural sections, and intermediate integral webs joining said sections, at least one of said securing sections being slotted along its length, said member forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

10. A securing member of the class described, including a plurality of members including opposed expansible side sections substantially semicylindrical in shape and joined by an integral web, said members being juxtaposed and held spaced from each other.

GUY F. KOTRBA'I'Y.

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