US2909917A

US2909917A - Wall structure

Info

Publication number: US2909917A
Application number: US465802A
Authority: US
Inventors: Roedter Henry Edward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1954-11-01
Filing date: 1954-11-01
Publication date: 1959-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 1976-10-27

Description

Oct. 27, 1959 RQEDTER 2,909,917

WALL STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 1, 1954 INVENTOR. HENRY E. RODTR FAQ/8'7 4 A Tron/v5 vs Oct. 27, 1959 H. E. ROEDTER 2,909,917

WALL STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 1, 1954 INVEN TOR. HE/VkV 050 75R A TTORNEYS United States Patent Q P WALL STRUCTURE Henry Edward Roedter, Cincinnati, Ohio Application November 1, 1954, Serial No. 465,802

7 Claims. (Cl. 72-50 The present invention relates to building construction, more particularly to a wall, roof and floor structure comprising a series of interfitting metal members to form continuous closed sections.

Various forms of building structure have been proposed in the past with the intended purpose of decreasing the time of assembly and of reducing construction costs. The use of metal members in various shapes has been consistently suggested. However, invariably these building structures necessitate employing external fastening means in order to secure the members to form the building structure. In addition, prior art metallic elements for building structures are so constructed that they occupy considerable storage space and require considerable time in assembling. Furthermore, the conventional metallic building structure is designed for a specific use; that is to say, it is intended to be used as either a wall, floor, partition, or roof structure. Consequently, each of these building structures is limited in use and thereby tends to increase or at least to maintain the present building costs.

As a result it is recognized that a need for a versatile metallic building structure exists. The more uses to which such a building structure could be adapted would, in turn, result in decreasing the cost of building. In addition, an ideal building structure would have such a construction that it may be easily assembled upon the job site without the necessity of resorting to special tools or skills.

The present invention discloses a building structure which eliminates the disadvantages and includes the desired characteristics as discussed above. The building structure, as disclosed as this invention, essentially comprises metallic members which are interfitted with each other in order to form a series of continuous closed sections. The metallic members of this invention comprise a substantially V-shaped member and an auxiliary plate member. The legs of the V-shaped members are interfitted together and the auxiliary plates are then positioned between the V-shaped members. Each of these members may be modified in several difierent ways, each of which will be disclosed in detail in the description of the invention.

A structure formed, as disclosed in this invention, may

then be covered with any facing such as wood, concrete or any other of the numerous decorative panels on the market.

The building structure of this invention may also be employed as an internal concrete form in order to erect a reinforced concrete wall. When it is desired to construct a concrete wall, this building structure is positioned in the location of the desired wall. The concrete is then poured within the closed sections of the building structure. Either or both of'the outer surfaces of the structure may then be coated with concrete or the like and the result is a concrete wall wherein the building structure serves as both a form and as reinforcing.

Other uses of the building structure disclosed as this 1 several of the elements thereof shown in invention will be suggested from the description of the invention.

It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide an improved metallic wall, roof and floor structure.

It is another object of this invention to provide a wall, roof and floor structure which may be easily assembled by interfitting metallic members.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a wall, roof and floor structure upon which a suitable facing may be easily attached.

It is still an additional object of this invention to provide an internal concrete form assembled from interfitting metallic members.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improved internal concrete form.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a lightweight and strong metallic wall, roof and floor structure which is readily assembled on the job.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a strong wall, roof and floor structure which will enable the construction of a building without framing.

It is yet an additional object of this invention to provide an improved reinforced concrete wall.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a novel method of erecting a concrete wall.

it is yet another object of this invention to provide a method of forming metallic members to be assembled into a building structure.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wall structure of this invention with a portion of the facing cut away in order to show the assembled members in detail;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a concrete wall formed by using the building structure of this invention;

Figure 3 is an end view of the building structure of this invention showing the manner in which the various elements are interfitted;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modified building structure;

Figure 5 is an end view of a portion of another modification of the building structure of this invention with disassembled position;

Figure 6 is an end view of a metal plate which is formed into an element of the building structure;

Figure 7 is an end view of the metal plate after the steps have been made thereon; V

Figure 8 is an end View of the V-shaped member of the building structure when it has been formed into its ultimate shape; and

Figure 9 is an end view of a invention.

Turning modified form of the now to the drawings, more particularly to Figure 1 wherein like reference symbols indicate the same parts throughout the various views, 10 indicates generally the building structure constructed in accordance with this invention. The building structure 10 is shown being supported within a base member 11 which is in the form of a channel. suitable manner to the floor, as for example, by a suitable bolt or screw being inserted through an aperture 12;

The building structure 16 essentially comprises a number of V-shaped members 13 and auxiliary plates 14. Proceeding now to'Figure 3 the shapes of each of the members may be more readily seen. Y The V-shaped member 13 has legs 15 and 16, which come together at the apex 17 at substantially aright angle 18. .Each of the legs 15 and 16 h a pair of Base member 11 is secured in any 3 Z-

shaped bends

19 and 20 therein. The Z-shaped bend 19 comprises an outer abutment 21 having the shape of a step or offset and an inner abutment 22 similarly shaped.

Similarly, the Z-shaped bend 20 comprises an outer step' 23 and an inner step 24. These Z-

shaped bends

19 and 20 are substantially parallel and extend the entire length of the V-shaped members. The end of the leg 15 is turned upwardly at substantially a right angle '25 to form an upturned wing 26. The 'end of the leg 16 is similarly bent upwardly at substantially a right angle 27 to form a wing 28.

Theauxiliary plate 14 comprises a channel-shaped member with a base or a web portion 29, and sloping

sides

30 and 31.

Each of the V-shaped members and the auxiliary plates are formed. of a suitable. lightweight metal such as aluminum, lightweight steel or the like. The gauge of the metal from which the V-shaped members and auxiliary members are formed may be varied depending upon the weight which is to be supported by the building structure.

To assemble the V-shaped members and auxiliary plates to form abuilding structure, it is pointed out that a series of V-shaped members '13 are interfitted together by nesting the upturned portion of one leg member into the upturned leg portion of an adjacent member. The resultant structure is an undulated surface with V-shaped undulations. As viewed in Figure 3 the undulated surface has apices 17 and troughs formed by the

right angles

25 and 27 of the

upturned wings

26 and 28 whichever the case may be.

An auxiliary plate 14 is then positioned in each one of the undulations thus formed by inserting the edges of the sloping

sides

30 and 31 into the steps formed by the Z-shaped bends. It can be seen that in alternate undulations, the auxiliary plates will be received in the inner steps 24 between the legs of a V-shaped member while in other alternate undulations the auxiliary plate will be received between the outer steps 21 of adjacent V-shaped members. The assembly of the auxiliary plates 14 will result in a series of continuous closed sections 32.

The auxiliary plates 14 are assembled into the undulated surface formed by the V-shaped members by sliding the plates endwise into the respective steps or by springing them into engagement. When light gauge metals are employed to make these members, it may be then desirable to spring the auxiliary plates into position.

In some applications of this building structure it may be desirable to secure the auxiliary plates against movement within the steps. To achieve this result spaced notches may be formed in the steps and projections may be crimped into the edges of the auxiliary plates to engage the notches. Also, dimples may be made in the steps after the auxiliary plates have been positioned.

In the event that the building structure, as illustrated in Figure 3, is to be used as a roof it is contemplated that the roof joints be soldered at the points 33 so as to prevent moisture from seeping through the structure. However, when the building structure is to be used as a floor and no seal for moisture is required, it would only be necessary to tack weld the joints at 33 and 34 rather than to solder the joints. It is pointed out that the web portions 29 of the auxiliary plates 14- are substantially flush with the apices1'7 of the V-shaped members 13 and with the troughs of the undulations formed by the nesting of the upturned legs of the V- shaped members. Suitable openings 35 may be provided in the auxiliary plates 14- which may receive suitable fastening means in order to attach a facing 36 to the building structure.

Proceeding to Figure 4 there is illustrated therein a 'modification of the building structure shown in Figure 3.

V-shaped membersare then nested in relation to each a 4 other by positioning the unturned end of one V-shaped member into the upturned leg portion of the adjacent V-shaped member. The auxiliary plates are received in the undulated surface in the same manner as described in connection with Figure 3.

In Figure 5 there is illustrated still another modification of the building structure disclosed in this invention. This modified building structure similarly comprises a series of V-shaped members with auxiliary plates positioned therebetween.

The modified building structure illustrated in Figure 5 comprises V-shaped members 37 and auxiliary'plates 38. The V-shaped members 37 similarly consist of

legs

39 and 40 which meet at an apex 41 at substantially a right angle 42. In addition, each of the

legs

39 and 40 has a pair of parallel Z-shaped bends therein 43 and 44 so that the Z-shaped bend 43 comprises an outer step 45 and an inner step 46. The Z-shaped bend 44 similarly comprises an outer step 47 and an inner step 48. However, in the V-shaped member 37 only the leg 39 has an upward bend 49 thereon. It is noted that the upward bend 49 is relatively small compared to a leg of the V-shaped member and is made only high enough so as to receive an unbent end of a leg therein.

Referring to Figure 5 the auxiliary plates 38 comprise flat plate-like metallic members.

In assembling the modification illustrated in Figure 5, the unbent leg of one V-shaped member is nested within the upward bend 49 of an adjacent V-shaped member in order to form an undulated surface with V-shaped undulations. The nesting of the leg of one V-shaped member into the upward bend of an adjacent member forms a trough 50.

In order to firmly secure the auxiliary plates 39 into their respective steps a cap plate 51 may be positioned over each one of the apices 41 and the troughs 50. The cap plate 51 comprises a metallic strip which is bent along the center line at substantially a right angle in order to form two

equal legs

52 and 53. Each one of the

legs

52 and 53 is slightly bent inwardly at 54 and 55. The

legs

52 and 53 are of such a length that the bends 54 and 55 engage the steps receiving the auxiliary plates when the cap plate 51 is assembled in position. This relationship is indicated at 56 in Figure 5.

Figures 6, 7. and 8 show the steps involved in the process of forming a V-shaped member employed in this invention. A flat sheet of metal 57 may be stamped to form the Z-shaped

bends

43 and 44, and the upward bend 49. The result is a metallic element 58 as illustrated in Figure 7. The metallic element 58 is then bent along its center line 59 at substantially a right angle to form the V-shaped member 37 shown in Figure 8 and employed in the modification illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 9 shows a modification wherein the abutments are in the form of grooves 70 and are nearly rectangular to receive the ends of the resilient closing plates 72.

With the above description of the invention in mind, it is pointed out that all of the parts comprising this building structure may be nested for storage and shipment and are rapidly and easily assembled at the place of construction, thereby reducing building costs. By employing this building structure, buildings may be erected without resorting to any additional framing. Relatively heavier gauge sheet may be employed in parts when the parts are to be utilized for the erecting of heavier structures. It should be noted that no bolts, rivets or any other attachment devices are necessary in the assembly of this building structure.

As an additional feature, this building structure may be used as an internal concrete form. Returning to Figure 2, there is illustrated therein a concrete wall 60 which is erected by employing thebuilding structure of this invention as an internal concrete form 61. There are openings 62 in' the V-shapedrnembers so as to interconnect, adjacent closed sections of the structure. Con- .5. sequently, when concrete 63 is poured into the closed sections, these openings will allow the concrete to flow through them so that after solidification of the vertical columns of concrete, these vertical columns will be interconnected to form an integral concrete structure. If desired, the outer faces of the internal form 61 may be covered with layers of

concrete

64 and 65 to obtain the appearance of a concrete wall. The resulting structure is a concrete Wall wherein the building structure which was initially employed as an internal concrete form now becomes a reinforcing member to impart considerable strength to the concrete wall thus formed.

It is pointed out that any other suitable filling material may be placed in the closed sections of the building structure of this invention. For example, suitable insulating material may be assembled in the closed sections when it is desired to use the building structure as a component of a building.

Thus it can be seen that the present invention provides an easily assembled and inexpensive building structure which may be adapted to various uses in the building industry. The components of the building structure may be assembled without the need for any special tools or skills or fastening elements. In addition, this building structure may be used as internal concrete forms to erect reinforced concrete walls.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions, and, accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member.

2. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, and an auxiliary plate positioned in each undulation of the surface.

3. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plu rality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, abutment means on the faces of each V-shaped member, and an auxiliary plate having the edges thereof received in the corresponding abutment means in each undulation.

4. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, abutment means on the faces of each V-shaped member, an auxiliary plate having the edges thereof received in the corresponding abutment means in each undulation, and a cap plate positioned upon the apex of each undulation with the ends of the cap plates engaging said auxiliary plates to retain said auxiliary plates within the abutment means.

5. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, abutment means on the faces of each V-shaped member, an auxiliary plate having the edges thereof received in the corresponding abutment means in each undulation, and means on said V-shaped members to prevent sliding movement of said auxiliary plates longitudinally of said abutment means.

6. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped mem bers forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, there being a pair of parallel steps in each leg of the V-shaped members to form abutment means, an auxiliary plate received within the outer pair of steps of each undulation of the surface, each of said auxiliary plates comprising a channel member with sides sloping inwardly toward a web, the webs of said auxiliary plates being substantially flush with the apices of said V-shaped members, and means securing said auxiliary plates within said steps.

7. A concrete wall structure comprising a plurality of interfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members being nested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, and an auxiliary plate positioned in each undulation of the surface, said auxiliary plates forming with said V-shaped members, a series of closed sections, concrete in each of said closed sections, and a layer of concrete upon each outer face of said undulated surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 596,010 Baude Dec. 21, 1897 876,134 Berg J an. 7, 1908 1,000,758 Rude Aug. 15, 1911 1,013,591 Edwards Jan. 2, 1912 1,041,048 Edwards Oct. 15, 1912 1,136,792 Goldsmith Apr. 20, 1915 1,679,947 Sanborn Aug. 7, 1928 1,831,427 Schroeder Nov. 10, 1931 2,090,483 Mendez Aug. 17, 1937 2,184,113 Calafati Dec. 19, 1939 2,235,883 John Mar. 25, 1941 2,312,994 Weitzel Mar. 2, 1943 2,455,455 West Dec. 7, 1948 2,799,481 Becker July 16, 1957