US3324535A - Jig for positioning and aligning facing sheets - Google Patents

Description

June M, T. B. JOHNSON JIG FOR POSITIONING AND ALIGNING FACING SHEETS Filed March 31, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. THO/W45 .5. JO/l/VSOA/ 3,324,535 JI G FOR POSITIONING AND ALIGNING FACING SHEETS Filed March 31, 1964 June 13, 3%? 1-. a. JOHNSON 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR THO/W45 B. JO/l/VSO/V ZGENT 3 T. B. JOHNSON June l3, l9

JIG FOR POSITIONING AND ALIGNING FACING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 31, 1964 INVENTOR. 77/0/1445 5. JUlV/VSO/V .IN C

Robertson Company, Pittsburgh, 1%., a corporation of 5 Pennsylvania Filed Mar. 31, 1964, Ser. No. 358,681 8 Claims. (Cl. 29200) This invention relates to apparatus for positioning and aligning facing sheets to form a wall of a building, and more particularly to an alignment and positioning jig for retaining ribbed sheets in alignment with the previouslyapplied adjacent and/or subjacent ribbed sheet during securement thereof to the structural framework of said building.

Many buildings are erected with outer as well as inner walls formed from a plurality of facing sheets which have their marginal edges overlapped to form a weatherproof sheet metal skin. The facing sheets normally are rolled formed with longitudinal ribs primarily to add structural strength to the sheet and secondarily to produce a sheet having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The facing sheets normally are erected with the ribbing extending vertically so that the resulting wall will have the appearance of a plurality of vertical, parallel lines.

As is known, a building wall may consist of a single horizontal row of the facing sheets as in the case of a onestory building or a plurality of horizontal rows of the facing sheets as in the case of the multi-story building. Where the wall consists of a single horizontal row of facing sheets, the sheets are sequentially applied across at least upper and lower subgirt members and are first secured along their lower edges to the lower subgirt member and then to the previously-applied sheet in the region of overlap therewith. Finally, each sheet is secured to the upper subgirt member. When a wall of a multi-story building is erected, the above sequence is repeated for each row, starting at the bottom row and working up to the roof of the building.

One major problem associated with erection of multistory building walls of the type described, concernsthe vertical alignment and parallelism of the facing sheets. Specifically, each sheet must be erected parallel with the previously-applied adjacent sheet of a horizontal row of sheets as well as being positioned in vertical alignment with the previously-applied subject facing sheet. If the sheets are not aligned in this manner, the resulting wall will have lines which appear to snake up the-wall, i.e., the ribbing of the misaligned sheets will produce a snakelike pattern. When relatively short length sheets are used, i.e., up to about twelve feet, this snake-like pattern is very prominent. When intermediate length sheets are used, i.e., from about twelve feet to about twenty feet, the snake-like pattern is still noticeable but not quite as much as with the shorter length sheets. When the longer length sheets are used, i.e., from about twenty feet to about forty feet, the snake-like pattern is hardly noticeable. Thus, alignment of the sheets is very important for sheet lengths from the shortest to about twenty feet.

A workman who applies the facing sheets to the structural framework of a building is known as a sheeter. A talented sheeter is able to position each sheet by eye so that there is no noticeable misalignment. However, talented sheeters are rare. Because of the scarcity of experienced sheeters, misalignments frequently occur. Inexperienced sheeters are slow in securing facing sheets.

Facing sheets, of the type described, are available in lengths arranging from about two feet to about forty feet. According to erection practices, a facing sheet eight 35,324,535 Patented June 1-3, 19%? feet long or less is applied across and secured to at least two subgirt members. Facing sheets ranging from about eight feet, one inch to about fourteen feet, eleven inches are applied across and secured to at least three subgirt members-the general rule being that for sheets greater than eight feet long, one additional subgirt member must be provided for each additional five feet in sheet length.

Heretofore, in the erection of building walls of the type described, it has been necessary to employ four Workmen. The first workman raised the facing sheets to the level at which they are to be erected. The second and third men, the sheeters who normally stood on a scaffolding positioned at the level of the lower subgirt member, handled the sheets and secured them to the structural steel of the building. A fourth man also was necessary, whose primary function was to maintain the upper end of the facing sheet engaged with the upper subgirt member and in alignment with the previously-applied facing sheet. That is to say, the fourth man cooperated with the sheeters to position each sheet parallel with and properly overlapped with the previously-applied facing sheet prior to securing it in place.

In the case of a seven-foot facing sheet, for example, which normally spans across the subgirt members, the fourth man maintained the upper end of the sheet engaged with the upper subgirt member while the sheeters secured the sheet in place. The fourth man also applied a temporary fastener to the sheet for securing it to the upper subgirt member. The temporary fastener, of course, was removed when applying the second horizontal row of the facing sheets.

In the case of a twelve-foot facing sheet, for example, which normally spans across three subgirt members, the fourth man served only to maintain the upper end of the facing sheet engaged with the upper subgirt mem-. her in a predetermined position relative to the previouslyapplied facing sheets. The sheeters secured the facing sheet to the lower and intermediate subgirt members. In this instance, there was no need for the aforementioned temporary fasteners.

It would be very desirable if the building walls could be erected without the need of the fourth workman from the standpoint of safety. The elimination of one man from a crew of four, furthermore, would result in a laborcost savings.

The fourth man normally walks the structural steel of the building skeleton during the erection of the entire wall. Hence, there is always the possibility that he will fall and be seriously injured.

Accordingly, the primary objects of the present invention include:

To provide an alignment jig for mechanically positioning the facing sheets in substantially true alignment with respect to the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent facing sheets;

To provide an alignment jig which retains the upper ends of the facing sheet engaged with the upper subgirt member thereby eliminating the need of the aforesaid fourth man;

To provide an alignment jig for aiding in the erection of facing sheets whereby the sheets may be accurately applied much more quickly than heretofore possible;

To provide apparatus for aiding in the erection of facing sheets whereby the erection cost is significantly reduced; and

To provide apparatus which enables relatively inexperienced sheeters to apply facing sheets rapidly and accurately.

In accordance with the invention, an alignment jig is provided comprising a bar member which is detachably secured to an upper subgirt member. A plurality of indexing members, at least one and preferably two indexing members for each sheet that is to be erected, and are secured to and horizontally spaced apart from the bar member by a predetermined distance to define sets of edge receiving means. Gauging means, one each i provided at each end of the bar member. Depending upon which direction the facing sheets are being applied, one of the gauging members is engaged with the previouslyapplied facing sheet at a predetermined point thereon and serves to position the indexing member in a predetermined spaced relation with respect to the ribbing of the adjacent, previously-applied facing sheets and in vertical alignment with the ribbing of the previously-applied subjacent facing sheet. The arrangement is such that the first sheet received by a first of these sets of edge receiving means is automatically positioned with a lateral corrugation thereof in registry with an adjacent lateral corrugation of the adjacent, previously-applied facing sheet. That is to say, the sheeter has little or no diificulty in aligning the sheet parallel with the adjacent facing sheet. With the sheet automatically aligned, the sheeters merely secure the facing sheet in place.

The present alignment jig may be adapted to retain a facing sheet having any one of a number of profiles. For example, in the drawings, two embodiments of the present alignment jig are illustrated which are adapted to receive ribbed facing sheets having What are commonly termed V-beam and corrugated profiles. A third embodiment of the present alignment jig is illustrated which is adapted to receive a generally flat facing sheet having widely spaced, outwardly projecting beads or arcuate ribs. This type of facing sheet is well known in the building industry. It should be understood, however, that these specific showings are intended merely to illustrate the versatility of the present alignment jig.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a building wall composed of vertically ribbed V beam facing sheets;

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are fragmentary isometric views illustrating the profile of a V-beam, a corrugated and the aforementioned generally fiat facing sheet, respectively;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary front view of a vertical column of the ribbed sheets of FIG. 1 illustrating, on an exaggerated scale, the snake-like appearance of the ribs when the sheets are misaligned;

FIG. 6 is an overall front view of an embodiment of the present alignment jig which is especially adapted for use with ribbed sheets of the V-beam type;

FIG. 7 is a front view, on an enlarged scale, of a bar member and an indexing member with a V-beam sheet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7, further illustrating the indexing member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 8, illustrating a means for changing the spacing between the indexing member and the 'bar member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line XX of FIG. 6, illustrating a V-beam sheet having an upper edge portion retained by the present alignment jig;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line XIXI of FIG. 6, illustrating a means for detachably securing the present alignment jig to a subgirt member;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view illustrating a connection between two halves of a bar member of the present alignment jig;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary isometric view illustrating one of the gauging members secured to one end of the bar member and adapted for use with a V-beam sheet;

FIG. 14 is a front view similar to FIG. 7, illustrating the bar member and an indexing member of a further embodiment of the present alignment jig which is especially adapted for use with facing sheets of the corrugated type;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. 14, further illustrating the indexing members of FIG. 14;

FIG, 16 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 15, illustrating a means for changing the spacing between the indexing member and the bar member of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line XVIIXVII of FIG. 14, further illustrating the indexing member of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of one end of the alignment jig of FIG. 14, illustrating one of the gauging members adapted for use with the corrugated facing sheet; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic isometric view illustrating the configuration of an indexing member of a further embodiment of the present alignment jig which is especially adapted for use with the aforementioned generally fiat facing sheet.

Building wallFacing sheets In FIG. 1, there is shown a wall portion of a building 20 which comprises a vertical column 22 extending vertically from a concrete floor 24; horizontal subgirt members 26; and, in this instance, an outer sheet metal skin 28 formed from vertically ribbed facing sheets 30. The facing sheets 30 are secured to the subgirt members 26 by means of fasteners (not visible) and to each other in the region of overlap by means of fasteners 32. All of the fasteners preferably comprise self-tapping screws.

The facing sheets 30, illustrated in FIG. 1, comprise a facing sheet commonly known as a V-beam sheet. The profile of the V-beam sheet 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and comprises flat coplanar outer walls 34, fiat, coplanar inner walls 35, and inclined webs 36 each of which join an adjacent outer and inner wall 34, 35. Each of the inner walls includes an inner face 37 and an outer face 38. In this specification and in the claims, those portions of the inner faces 37 and the outer faces 38 which reside at the upper edge of the facing sheet 30 will be termed corresponding inner edge portions and corresponding outer edge portions, respectively.

The facing sheet 30 includes along the opposite sides thereof lateral corrugations 40, 42. The lateral corrugation 40 of one sheet being adapted to overlap the lateral corrugation 42 of an adjacent one of the sheets 30 as shown in FIG. 1. It is desirable, when installing the V- beam sheets 30, that the lateral corrugations be registered when overlapped. As used herein, the term registered means that the overlapped lateral corrugations of the adjacent facing sheets are parallel and are substantially entirely in continuous surface contact throughout their length and throughout the width of the overlap.

As mentioned above the present alignment jig may be adapted for use in conjunction with ribbed facing sheets having any one of a variety of transverse profiles. There are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a typical corrugated facing sheet 44 and a typical generally fiat facing sheet 46, respectively.

The profile of the typical corrugated facing sheet 44 is essentially sinuous and includes inner corrugations 48 and outer corrugations 49. The inner corrugations 48 each have an inner surface 50 and an outer surface 51. In the specification and the claims, those portions of the inner surfaces 50 and the outer surfaces 51 which reside at the upper end of the sheet 44 will be termed corresponding inner edge portions and corresponding outer edge portions, respectively. The corrugated facing sheet 44 also includes along its opposite sides, lateral corrugations 52, 54-the lateral corrugation 52 of one corrugated facing sheet 44 being adapted to overlap and in registry with the lateral corrugation 54 of an adjacent, previously-applied corrugated facing sheet 44.

The profile of the typical generally flat facing sheet 46, illustrated in FIG. 4, comprises flat, coplanar inner walls 56, an adjacent pair of which is joined by an arcuate rib 57. The inner wall 56 has inner surfaces 58 while the ribs 57 have outer surfaces 59. In this specification and in the claims, those portions of the inner surfaces 58 and the outer surfaces 59 which reside at the upper end of the sheet 46 will be termed corresponding inner edge portions and corresponding outer edge portions, respectively. The facing sheet 46 also includes along its opposite sides, lateral corrugations 66, 62--the lateral corrugation 60 of one facing sheet 46 being adapted to be overlapped and in registry with the lateral corrugation 62 of an adjacent, previously-applied facing sheet 46.

As will become apparent later in the specification, the present alignment jig is readily adaptable for use with any of the facing sheets 30, Ml or 46. Furthermore, the present alignment jig is adaptable for use with available facing sheets having any one of a variety of other profiles.

Misalignment of facing sheets As stated above, the facing sheets must be positioned parallel with the previously-applied adjacent sheet and in vertical alignment with the previously-applied subjacent sheet. If the facing sheets are not so erected, the ribbing of the facing sheets will appear to snake up the wall of the building. Illustrated in FIG. is a vertical column of facing sheets 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d and 64a. The sheets 64a and 64a are vertically aligned and parallel while the sheets 64b, 64c and 64d are not alignedthe misalignment being exaggerated. As can be seen, the ribbing of the sheets 64b, 64c and 64d produces a snake-like pattern which mars the appearance of the wall. The present invention provides an alignment jig which aids the sheeter, whether he is experienced or inexperienced, to align the sheets whereby there is no noticeable misalignment.

Alignment jig-V-beam sheets Reference is now directed to FIG. 6 wherein there is illustrated an alignment jig 66 which is used for erecting the V-beam facing sheets 30. The alignment jig 66 comprises, in general, a bar member 68 preferably formed in two sections 68a, 6812; sets 70 of vertically depending indexing members 72; a gauging member 74 at each end of the bar member 68; a plurality of clamping means 76, at least two and preferably three for each of the sections 68a, 68b; and a splice angle '78 secured to one end of the section 68b, for example, as shown in FIG. 12.

As will become apparent later in the specification, the clamping means 7 6 are employed to detachably secure the bar member 68 to one of the subgirt members 26. One of the gauging members 74 is engaged at a predetermined point with a previously-applied adjacent facing sheet, to position the alignment jig 66 in a predetermined position with respect to the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent facing sheets. The indexing members 72 of each set 70 cooperate with the bar member 68 to define edge receiving slots which are adapted to receive an upper edge portion of the facing sheet being erected, the arrangement being such that the facing sheet will be automatically aligned with the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent facing sheets.

Hence, the facing sheets may be sequentially applied to the subgirt members 26 in a rapid and eflicient manner. For example, the alignment jig 66 of FIG. 6, is adapted to receive nine of the V-beam facing sheets 30 as indicated by the letters A through I. Each of the V-beam sheets 30 covers a width of twenty-seven inches, hence, nine of the sheets 30 would cover a twenty-foot width. In order to ascertain the time required to erect nine twelve-foot long V-beam sheets with the aid of the alignment jig 66, two sheeters, standing on scaffolding, were employed to erect the sheets while a handler, stationed at a lower level, was employed to raise the sheets to the sheeters. In this instance, the twelve-foot sheets spanned across three subgirt members (as in FIG. 1), the alignment jig being detachably secured to the uppermost subgirt member. The timing started with the raising of the first sheet by the handler.

During their erection, each sheet was secured along its lower end and along an intermediate portion to the lower and intermediate subgirt members as well as being secured to the last-applied adjacent sheet, in the region of overlap therewith, up to a level of about six feet. On completing the erection of the nine sheets, the scaffolding was raised six feet higher whereupon one of the sheeters climbed the steel for the purpose of moving the alignment jig to the next level. Meanwihle, the second sheeter completed the fastening of the sheets in the region of their overlap. The

scaffolding was again raised to the level of the upper ends of the previously-applied nine sheets. The clasped time was thirty minutes. It should be noted that an area twentyfeet wide by twelve-feet high had been covered by three workmen during the thirty-minute period which included the repositioning of the alignment jig as well as the scaffolding.

Bar member 68 As can be seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 12, the bar member 68 comprises an angle having 2. depending vertical leg 86 including a vertical surface 82 and a horizontal, outwardly extending leg 84. As best seen in FIG. 8, the subgirt member 26 includes a depending leg 86 having a vertical exterior face 88. The bar member 63 preferably is positioned with the vertical surface 82 substantially coplanar with the vertical exterior face 68 whereby the surface 82 is positioned to engage the corresponding inner edge portions 37 of the V-beam sheet 30.

Indexing members-V-beam sheets Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, each of the indexing members 72, which are adapted for use with the V- beam sheets 30, preferably are made from a strip of metal and are formed With a vertically depending tongue portion 90, a horizontal portion 92 at the upper end of the tongue portion 90 and an outwardly bent lower end portion 94 serving as a guide means for slideably introducing the B-beam sheet into the space between the tongues 90 and the vertical leg of the bar member 68. The horizontal portion 92 preferably is bolted to the horizontal leg 84 of the bar member 68 and is positioned thereon so that the tongue 96 is horizontally spaced apart from the vertical leg 80 by a predetermined distance indicated at X. The distance X is substantially equal to and preferably slightly greater than the thickness of the heaviest gauge facing sheet to be erected.

In order to reduce the spacing between the tongue and the vertical leg 80, it is preferred that one or more shims 96 be interposed between the outboard ends of the horizontal leg 84 and the horizontal portion 92 as shown in FIG. 9. In this manner, the indexing member 72 is tilted whereby the distance between the lower ends of the tongue 90 and the vertical leg 86 is diminished as indicated at Y. The distance Y, of course, will be substantially equal to and preferably slightly greater than the thickness of the facing sheets which are to be erected. Thus, the alignment jig 66 may be rapidly adapted to re ceived a sheet having a given thickness which falls within a predetermined range of thicknesses.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the sheet 30 is inserted be tween the vertical leg 80 and the tongue 94 until it abuts the horizontal leg 84. Thus, the horizontal leg 84 serves as a stop means for limiting the movement of the sheet 30 between the vertical leg 80 and the tongue 90. Furthermore, the tongue 96 is positioned to engage the corresponding outer edge portions 38 of the sheet 30. Still further, the length of the tongue 90 preferably is less than the amount of overlap of an upper sheet with a lower sheet so that any surface markings resulting from the alignment jig 66 will be covered by the overlapping end portion of the next higher row of facing sheets.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the Width of the tongue 90 is substantially equal to the width of the flat inner wall 35 of the sheet 30. Thus, the inclined webs 36 prevent the V-beam from movement in a lateral direction out of alignment with the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent sheets.

As stated above, each set 70 preferably comprises two of the indexing members 72. As shown in FIG. 10, the indexing members 72 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance whereby they engage the second (M) and fourth (N) inner walls 35. In this manner the sheet 30 is symmetrically disposed about the indexing members 72. It should be noted at this time that a single indexing member 72 may be used to retain each facing sheet in laterally aligned relation with the previously-applied facing sheet.

Gauging memlbersV-beam sheets The postioning of the alignment of jig 66 with respect to the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent sheets is accomplished by means of the gauging member 74. Referring now to FIG. 13, the gauging member 74 preferably comprises a plate whose width is substantially equal to the Width of the inner wall of a previously-applied adjacent facing sheet 30. The gauging member '74 is secured to the end of the bar member 68 by any suitable means such as the arm 98 and spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance. As seen in FIG. 6, the arrangement of the gauging member 74 is such that the indexing members 72 of each set 70 will be automatically positioned in vertical alignment with the second and fourth inner walls of the previously-applied subjacent V-beam sheets.

It is possible to have the gauging member 74 (FIG. 13) disposed behind the sheet 30 whereby it engages one of the outer walls 34. It is preferred, however, to have the gauging member 74 disposed outboard of the sheet 30'. In this position, there is nothing to interfere with its engagement with the inner wall 35. It also is preferred to provide one gauging member 74 at each end of the bar member 68 so that the alignment jig may be employed to erect a wall from left-to-right 0r right-to-left.

Clamping means Clamping means 76 are provided so that the alignment jig 66 may be detachably secured to a subgirt member 26. Reference is directed to FIG. 11 wherein the construction of one of the clamping means 76 is illustrated in detail. It should be understood that the clamping means 76 may comprise any suitable fastening mechanism which will temporarily secure the alignment jig to one of the subgirt members 26. Accordingly, the construction to be described is to be considered as only one of a variety of suitable clamping means.

The clamping means 76 comprises a rod 100, a tubular member 104, a jaw member 108 and a wing nut 110'. The rod 100 has a threaded end portion 102 which extends through the tubular member 104 which is secured to the bar member 68 and through an opening 106 in the horizontal leg 84 of the bar member 68. Secured to the lower end of the rod 100' is a jaw member 108 which is adapted to engage the lower end of the depending leg 86 of the subgirt member 26. The jaw member 108 is moved toward and away from the tubular member 104 by means of a wing nut 110 which is turned onto the threaded portion 102 of the rod 100. The jaw member 108 preferably comprises a set screw of the cup-point type. Secured to the rear face of the vertical leg 80 is a coupling nut 112 within which resides a set screw 114, preferably of the cuppoint type, whose lower end is adapted to engage the upper face of the subgirt member 26. Thus, when the Wing nut 110 is tightened down, the jaw member 108 and the set screw 114 detachably secure the alignment jig 66 to the subgirt member 26.

Frequently the building girts are non-uniform, i.e., they may change in thickness from bay-to-bay of a building; or

they may be out of alignment by as much as A-inch in a bay; et cetera. To accommodate such non-uniformities, the set screw 114 provides more or less spacing for the clamping means 76 beyond the range of the clamping variation afforded by the wing nut 110 and threaded portion 102 of the rod 180. The spacing indicated at Z in FIG. 11 can be increased or decreased by adjustment of the set screw 114.

Gauging members--C0rrugaled sheets An alignment jig 66 for use with sinuous corrugated sheets is shown in FIGS. 14 through 18.

The positioning of the alignment jig 66 with respect to the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent sheets is accomplished by means of a gauging member 128 (FIG. 18) which comprises a corrugated strip 130 having a single corrugation adapted to engage one of the inner corrugations 48 of a previously-applied adjacent corrugated sheet 44. The strip 130 is welded or otherwise secured to an arm 132 which, in turn, is secured to the horizontal leg 84 of the bar member 68. The arm 132 supports the strip 130 at a predetermined distance from the bar member 68, the arrangement being such that (in FIGS. 14-17) the indexing members 118 of each set of indexing members will be automatically positioned in vertical alignment with certain ones of the inner corrugations 48 of a previouslyapplied, subjacent corrugated sheet.

It is possible to position the gauging member 128 so that it engages the corrugated sheet 44 on the interior surface of the sheet 44'. However, it is preferred to have the gauging member 128 engage the sheet 44' on the outboard surface of the sheet 44' since in this relation there is nothing to interfere with its application to the sheet 44'. It also is preferred that one gauging member 128 be provided at each end of the bar member 68 so that the alignment jig 66 may be employed to erect the facing sheets from left-to-right or right-to-left.

Indexing menrbers-Corrugated sheets Reference is now directed to FIGS. 14 through 17 wherein there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of an alignment jig 66 for use with a sinuous corrugated facing sheet. Only a portion of the bar member 68 and an indexing member 118 are shown, which members cooperate to receive the sinuous corrugated sheet 44. In this embodiment, the indexing member 118 is tubular and has a nut 120 or other similarly internally threaded element, brazed or otherwise secured within the upper end portion of the indexing member 118. The indexing member 118 is secured to the horizontal leg 84 preferably by means of a bolt 122 which is threadedly engaged in the nut 120. The indexing member 118 depends from the horizontal leg 84 and is horizontally spaced apart from the vertical surface 82 of the bar member 68 by a predetermined distance indicated at X. As can best be seen in FIGS. 15 and 17, the vertical surface 82 is positioned to engage one of the corresponding inner surfaces 51 of an inner corrugation 48 while the indexing member 118 is positioned to engage one of the corresponding outer surfaces 50 of an inner corrugation 48. The curvature of the indexing member 118 corresponds with the curvature of the inner corrugation 48. Hence, the corrugated sheet 44 is restricted against movement in a lateral direction out of alignment with the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent corrugated sheets. The indexing member 118 also has a beveled lower end 124 which serves as a convenient guide means for slideably introducing the corrugated sheet 44 into the space between the vertical leg and the indexing member 118.

As in the case of the tongues of FIGS. 7 and 8, the length of the indexing member 118 preferably is less than the amount of overlap of an upper corrugated sheet 44 With a lower corrugated sheet 44. Furthermore, each set of the indexing members 118 preferably comprises two indexing members which are spaced apart by a predeter- 9 mined distance whereby the corrugated sheet 44 will be symmetrically disposed about the indexing members 118 when the corrugated sheet 44 is inserted into the alignment jig 66'. Alternatively, a single indexing member 118 may be employed.

In order to change the distance between the indexing member 118 and the vertical leg 80, it is preferred that one or more shims 126 (FIG. 16) be positioned between the outboard end of the horizontal leg 84 and the upper end of the indexing member 118. In this manner, the indexing member 118 is tilted whereby the distance between its lower end and the vertical leg 80 is shortened to a value Y. The distance Y, of course, will be substantially equal to and preferably slightly greater than the thickness of the corrugated sheet which is to be erected. Thus, the alignment jig 66' may be easily adapted to receive corrugated sheets having any given thickness which is within a predetermined range of thicknesses.

As best seen in FIG. 15, the corrugated sheet 44 is inserted between the indexing member 118 and the vertical leg 80 until it abuts about the horizontal leg 84 of the bar member 68. The horizontal leg 84, thus, serves as a means for limiting the movement of the corrugated sheet 44 between the indexing member 118 and the vertical leg 80.

Indexing members-Generally flat facing sheets Reference is now directed to FIG. 19 wherein there is schematically illustrated the configuration of an indexing member 134 adapted to engage one of the corresponding outer edge portions 59 of an arcuate rib 57 of a generally flat facing sheet 48. In this embodiment, the indexing member 134 is channel-shaped and is secured to the horizontal leg 84 (not shown) of the bar member 68 by any suitable means and horizontally spaced apart from the vertical leg 80 by a predetermined distance substantially equal to and preferably slightly greater than the distance between the inner surface 58 of the inner wall 56 and the outermost point of the arcuate rib 57. The distance between the indexing member 134 and the vertical leg 80 may be accomplished in the manner heretofore described, i.e., by using shim members.

The indexing member 134, being channel-shaped, forms a cup-like element having an open lower end through which the arcuate rib 57 is introduced. The indexing member 134 preferably engages the outer surface 59 at three spaced-apart points on its periphery. Hence, the indexing member 134 prevents lateral movement of the facing sheet 46 out of alignment with the previously-applied adjacent and subjacent sheets. As in the case of the indexing members 72 and 118, the length of the indexing member 134 preferably is less than the amount of overlap of an upper one of the facing sheets 46 with a lower one of the facing sheets 46 so that in the event the indexing member 134 mars the exterior surface of the lower facing sheet, the upper facing sheet will cover the marred surface. As in the case of the indexing members 72 and 118, at least one and preferably two of the indexing members 134 may be employed to retain each facing sheet in laterally aligned relation with the previously-applied fac ing sheet.

Although the invention has been shown in connection with certain specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. To this end it will be readily apparent that the configuration of the indexing member of the present alignment jig may be made to suit the profile of the particular sheet being erected. The only limitation being that the indexing member prevent lateral movement of the sheet during its erection.

I claim as my invention:

1. An alignment jig for erecting a wall of a building comprising a plurality of longitudinally ribbed, laterally 10 overlapping, facing sheets engaged with and being secured to at least an upper and a lower subgirt member both of which form part of the structural framework of said building, said alignment jig comprising in combination:

a bar member having a vertical surface;

means for detachably securing said bar member to said upper subgirt member with said vertical surface positioned for engagement by corresponding inner edge portions of a ribbed sheet; and

at least one vertically depending indexing member secured to said bar member at a preselected location thereon, said indexing member being outwardly spaced from said vertical surface and cooperating therewith to define a space for receiving an outer edge portion of a ribbed sheet to position said ribbed sheet in a laterally aligned, overlapping relation with a previously-applied ribbed sheet during securement thereof at least to said lower subgirt member and to the previously-applied ribbed sheet.

2. The combination of claim 1 including a gauging member at one end of said bar member, said gauging member being spaced from said indexing member by a predetermined distance and thereby positioned to engage an intermediate corrugation of a previously-applied ribbed sheet whereby a lateral corrugation of the ribbed sheet to be applied next will be registered with and overlap a lateral corrugation of the previously-applied ribbed sheet.

3. The combination of claim 1 including means for guiding a ribbed sheet into said space defined by said indexing member and said vertical surface, said guide means comprising an inclined surface of said indexing member positioned for engagement by said ribbed sheet.

4. An alignment jig for erecting a wall of a building comprising a plurality of longitudinally ribbed, laterally overlapping, facing sheets engaged with and being secured to at least an upper and a lower subgirt member both of which form part of the structural framework of said building, said alignment jig comprising in combination:

an angle member having a depending vertical leg and a horizontally outwardly extending leg, said depending vertical leg presenting a vertical surface;

means for securing said angle member to said upper subgirt member with said vertical surface positioned for engagement by corresponding inner edge portions of a ribbed sheet;

at least one vertically depending indexing member secured to said horizontal leg and spaced apart from said vertical surface of said vertical leg, said indexing member and said vertical leg cooperating to define a space for receiving an outer edge portion of a ribbed sheet to retain said ribbed sheet in a laterally aligned relation with a previously-applied ribbed sheet during securement thereof at least to said lower subgirt member and to the preivously-applied ribbed sheet;

said horizontal leg being positioned for engagement by the ribbed sheet inserted into said space to align the transverse end edges of the ribbed sheet being erected with the transverse end edges of the previously-applied ribbed sheet.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said indexing member comprises a tongue formed from a metal strip including a horizontal portion bolted to said horizontal outwardly extending leg of said angle member and a depending vertical portion substantially parallel with and spaced from said vertical leg of said angle member.

6. The combination of claim 4 wherein said indexing member comprises a depending cylindrical member bolted to said horizontal outwardly extending leg of said angle member and depending therefrom substantially parallel with said vertical leg.

7. The combination of claim 4 including at least one shim member inserted between said horizontal outwardly extending leg of said angle member and the upper end of said indexing member for adjusting the distance be- References Cited tween the lower end of said indexing member and said UNITED STATES PATENTS vertical surface of said angle member to correspond with the thickness ofthe-ribbed sheet being erected. 1/ 1917 Harshberger 33 '188 8. The combination of claim 4 wherein said indexing 5 1,483,532 2/1924 Tobey X member comprises a. generally C-shaped member secured 1,989,141 1/1935 Leonard to said horizontally outward extending leg, said C-shaped I member having a central web and spaced flanges project- JOHN CAMPBELL Examme' ing from the opposite sides of said central web toward S. S. MATTHEWS, T. H. EAGER,

said vertical surface. Assistant Examiners.

Claims (1)

1. AN ALIGNMENT JIG FOR ERECTING A WALL OF BUILDING COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLY RIBBED, LATERALLY OVERLAPPING, FACING SHEETS ENGAGED WITH AND BEING SECURED TO AT LEAST AN UPPER END A LOWER SUBGIRT MEMBER BOTH OF WHICH FORM PART OF THE STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK OF SAID BUILDING, SAID ALIGNMENT JIG COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: A BAR MEMBER HAVING A VERTICAL SURFACE; MEANS FOR DETACHABLY SECURING SAID BAR MEMBER TO SAID UPPER SUBGIRT MEMBER WITH SAID VERTICAL SURFACE POSITIONED FOR ENGAGEMENT BY CORRESPONDING INNER EDGE PORTIONS OF A RIBBED SHEET; AND AT LEAST ONE VERTICALLY DEPENDING INDEXING MEMBER SECURED TO SAID BAR MEMBER AT A PRESELECTED LOCATION THEREON, SAID INDEXING MEMBER BEING OUTWARDLY SPACED FROM SAID VERTICAL SURFACE AND COOPERATING THEREWITH TO DEFINE A SPACE FOR RECEIVING AN OUTER EDGE PORTION OF A RIBBED SHEET TO POSITION SAID RIBBED SHEET IN A LATERALLY ALIGNED, OVERLAPPING RELATION WITH A PREVIOUSLY-APPLIED RIBBED SHEET DURING SECUREMENT THEREOF AT LEAST TO SAID LOWER SUBGIRT MEMBER AND TO THE PREVIOUSLY-APPLIED RIBBED SHEET.

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