WO2007031261A1

WO2007031261A1 - Joint for two building elements

Info

Publication number: WO2007031261A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/008850
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stuart Colin Harper; David Shaw; Phillip Parkin
Original assignee: Corus Uk Limited
Priority date: 2005-09-14
Filing date: 2006-09-12
Publication date: 2007-03-22
Also published as: GB0518734D0; EP1934410A1

Abstract

A joint for connecting two building elements (2, 3), the joint comprising one or more protrusions (4) formed in one of the building elements and one or more apertures (5) formed in the other building element, the one or more protrusions being a push fit in the one or more apertures.

Description

JOINT FOR TWO BUILDING ELEMENTS

The invention relates to a joint for connecting two building elements. Such building elements may be used in constructing a building, especially a modular building, and may perform many functions, for example as wall studs, floor joists or roof members.

At present, such building elements are joined together by mechanical methods such as screwing, riveting or welding. A problem with these mechanical methods is that they require complex machinery or tools and may be time-consuming. Moreover, the resulting joints can be difficult to disassemble.

The invention seeks to mitigate the above problems.

Accordingly, the invention provides a joint for connecting two building elements, the joint comprising a protrusion formed on one of the building elements and an aperture formed in the other building element, the protrusion being a push fit in the aperture.

As the protrusion is a push fit in the aperture, it is possible to manufacture a joint which may be assembled manually, without using any machinery or tools. The joint may also be disassembled manually. Assembly/disassembly is therefore quicker and simpler than with the known mechanical methods. At least one outer edge of the protrusion may be inclined with respect to the corresponding edge of the aperture. This will make it easier to assemble and disassemble the joint as there will be less resistance on insertion of the protrusion into the aperture and removal of the protrusion from the aperture.

At least one outer edge of the protrusion may be substantially perpendicular with respect to the corresponding edge of the aperture. Although this will increase resistance on insertion and removal of the protrusion so that it is harder to assemble and disassemble the joint, it also has the result that it is harder to accidentally disassemble the joint and improves the rotational stiffness of the joint.

In order to achieve a balance between decreasing resistance so that it is easier to assemble and disassemble the joint and increasing resistance so that it is harder to accidentally disassemble the joint, the protrusion may comprise at least one outer edge which is inclined with respect to the corresponding edge of the aperture and at least one outer edge which is substantially perpendicular with respect to the corresponding edge of the aperture. Good results have been achieved when the protrusion comprises one or two substantially perpendicular outer edges, the remaining outer edges being inclined.

The protrusion may be solid or hollow. The protrusion may be a member which has been applied to the building element.

Alternatively, the protrusion may be a member which has been formed from the building element. For example, the protrusion may be pressed from the building element, or may be formed from the building element during rolling.

The aperture is preferably non-circular. If the aperture is circular, there is little rotational and torsional resistance when the joint is assembled, with the result that the joint lacks rigidity.

The aperture may comprise at least two edges which meet at an angle. This will increase rotational and torsional resistance.

The aperture may be quadrangular. For example, the aperture may be rectangular. Such an aperture is easy to manufacture, and provides good rotational and torsional resistance.

One of the building elements may comprise a recess for receiving the other building element. This increases the rigidity of the joint.

The recess may comprise a channel formed in the building element. This has the advantage of reducing the weight of the building element, but still providing the necessary strength. For example, both building elements may be substantially C- shaped in cross-section. The aperture may be formed in the channel. This will make it easier to assemble the joint as the protrusion on the other building element will help to force apart the side arms of the channel.

A pair of apertures may be formed in the channel, one on each side arm. This will make it even easier to assemble the joint as having two protrusions formed on either side of the other building element will increase the degree to which the side arms of the channel are forced apart.

One of the building elements may comprise one or more tabs for holding the other building element. This will increase the torsional rigidity of the joint.

The building elements may be made from metal, for example sheet metal, and may be cold formed.

The building elements may be selected from a group consisting of wall studs, floor joists and roof members.

The invention further provides a pair of building elements comprising a joint according to the invention. The invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the following drawings of which; Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a joint according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a joint according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a joint according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a joint according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a joint according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a joint according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a pair of building elements comprising the joint of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 shows part of an alternative embodiment of the building elements shown in Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 shows part of a second alternative embodiment of the building elements shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 1 to 6 each show a joint 1 for connecting two building elements 2, 3, the joint 1 comprising a protrusion 4 formed on one of the building elements 3 and an aperture 5 formed in the other building element 2, the protrusion 4 being a push fit in the aperture 5.

Fig. 1 , shows part of a building element 3 comprising a solid protrusion 4, which is substantially hemi-cylindrical, the two ends of the hemi-cylinder being inclined towards one another, rather than being parallel to one another as in a true hemi- cylinder. The protrusion 4 is formed by pressing the element 3. Fig. 1 also shows part of a building element 2 comprising a rectangular aperture 5. Building element 3 is joined to building element 2 by inserting the protrusion 4 into aperture 5. The protrusion 4 is a push fit in the rectangular aperture 5. All four edges 6a-6d of protrusion 4 are inclined with respect to the corresponding edges of aperture 5. A joint assembled from building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 1 is very easy to assemble and disassemble, but has less rotational and torsional resistance than some of the other described embodiments. There is also a greater risk that it may be accidentally dissembled (i.e. pulled out) than with some of the other described embodiments.

Fig. 2 shows part of a building element 3 comprising a hollow protrusion 4, which is formed by cutting two slits 7 in the building element 3 and pressing the building element 3 to form the protrusion 4. The two slits 7 are parallel and of equal length so that pressing the area between the two slits 7 results in a protrusion 4 which is rectangular in plan, and which comprises a curved web 8, which extends from one end of the slits 7 to the other end of the slits 7. Fig. 2 also shows part of a building element 2 comprising a rectangular aperture 5. Protrusion 4 is a push fit in rectangular aperture 5. Protrusion 4 has two edges 6a, 6c which are substantially perpendicular with respect to the corresponding edges of the aperture 5, and two edges 6b, 6d which are inclined with respect to the corresponding edges of the aperture 5. A joint assembled from building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 2 has improved rotational resistance compared with a joint assembled from building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 1. It also has more resistance to accidental disassembly. Fig. 3 shows part of a building element 3 comprising a hollow protrusion 4, which is formed in the same manner as the protrusion 4 shown in Fig. 2. The two slits 7 are again parallel to one another, but one of the slits 7 is longer than the other. Pressing the building element 3 therefore results in a protrusion 4, which is wedge- shaped in plan, rather than rectangular. As the protrusion 4 is wedge-shaped in plan, the aperture 5 formed in building element 2 is also wedge-shaped. The curved web 8 which extends between the ends of the slits 7 comprises two edges 6a, 6c which are inclined with respect to the corresponding edges of the aperture 5 and two edges 6b, 6d which are substantially perpendicular with respect to the corresponding edges of the aperture 5. A joint assembled from building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 3 has less rotational resistance than a joint assembled from building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 2, but has much greater resistance to accidental disassembly. It also has the advantage that it protrudes less when inserted in the aperture 5.

Fig. 4 shows part of a building element 3 comprising a hollow protrusion 4 which is made in the same manner as the protrusion 4 of Fig. 2. The protrusion 4 is the same as that of Fig. 2, apart from the shape of the web 8 which comprises three planar faces 9, one of which is parallel to the building element 3 and is sandwiched between the other two faces 9, which are inclined towards one another. Fig. 4 also shows part of a building element 2 comprising a rectangular aperture 5. A joint assembled from the building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 4 has greater resistance to accidental disassembly than a joint assembled from the building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 2. It also has the advantage that it protrudes less when inserted in the aperture 5.

Fig. 5 shows part of a building element which is the same as that shown in Fig. 4, except that it has only two planar faces 9, one of which is inclined with respect to the building element 3 and the other of which is substantially perpendicular to the building element 3. Fig. 5 also shows part of a building element 2 comprising a rectangular aperture 5. A joint assembled from the building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 5 has excellent resistance to accidental disassembly. Again, it has the advantage of little protrusion from the aperture 5.

Fig. 6 shows a part of a building element 3 comprising a hollow protrusion 4 which is formed in the same manner as the hollow protrusion 4 of Fig. 2, except that it has only one slit 7. The protrusion 4 formed by pressing the building element 3 is wedge-shaped in plan, and has three planar faces 9, each of which is inclined relative to the building element 3. Fig. 6 also shows part of a building element 2 comprising a wedge-shaped aperture 5. A joint assembled from the building elements 2, 3 of Fig. 6, has less rotational and torsional resistance than some of the other described embodiments. However, it is more resistant to accidental disassembly and has the advantage of little protrusion from the aperture 5.

Fig. 7 shows two building elements 2, 3 comprising the joint of Fig. 2. Both building elements 2, 3 are elongate members of C-shaped cross-section and are made from galvanised sheet steel which has been formed into shape by bending, folding or rolling. Each of the side arms 10 of building element 3 extends to form a lip 11 , which is substantially perpendicular to the side arm 10, and which projects towards the other lip 11.

Building element 2 includes six rectangular apertures 5 formed in opposed pairs in the side arms 10 of the building element 2. The three pairs of apertures 5 are spaced equidistantly along the length of building element 2, and may be made at any time during the forming process.

Building element 3 comprises a pair of protrusions 4 formed on the outside of the side arms 10 of building element 3. The pair of protrusions 4 is positioned at one end of building element 3, and are made as described above by forming slits and pressing.

Building elements 2 and 3 may be connected by positioning the end of building element 3 which carries the protrusions 4 so that it is perpendicular to building element 2 and the two protrusions 4 are aligned with one of the pairs of apertures 5 formed in building element 2. The end of building element 3 is then pushed into the channel of building element 2. The two protrusions 4 force apart the side arms 10 of building element 2 aiding insertion of the protrusions 4 into the apertures 5. The operation may be reversed to disassemble the joint.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the building element 3, that is, the building element which is inserted between the side arms of the other building element, includes two lips 1 1. However, it is possible to use a building element 3 without these lips. As shown in Fig. 8, it is also possible to include two lips 11 on the building element 2, that is, the building element which receives the other building element. In this case, the lips 11 include two opposed cut outs 12 to accommodate the building element 3. Fig. 9 shows a building element 2, which includes two pairs of square tabs 13, which have been cut out from each side arm 10 of the building element 2, and bent inwardly so that they are perpendicular to the side arms 10 of the building element 2. The tabs 13 may be used to hold the other building element 3 once it has been inserted between the side arms 10 of the building element 2. This is done by further bending the tabs 13 so that they press against the building element 3. The tabs 13 increase the torsional resistance of the joint.

In the described embodiments, the protrusion(s) 4 are shown as being formed on building element 3 and the aperture(s) 5 are shown as being formed on building element 2. That is, the protrusion(s) 4 are shown as being formed on the building element which is inserted between the side arms of the other building element. However, this arrangement may be reversed so that the protrusion(s) 4 are formed on building element 2 and the aperture(s) 5 are formed on building element 3. That is, the aperture(s) 5 may be formed on the building element which is inserted between the side arms of the other building elements.

In the described embodiments, the rectangular apertures 5 measure 40mm x 20mm and the width of the building element 2 is 55mm. However, other sizes may be used. In addition, other shapes of aperture and protrusion may be used in addition to those described above. The skilled person will be able to determine the optimal protrusion/aperture shape and size for any particular application using his own skill and knowledge and routine experiment.

Claims

1. A joint for connecting two building elements, the joint comprising one or more protrusions formed in one of the building elements and one or more apertures formed in the other building element, the one or more protrusions being a push fit in the one or more apertures.

2. A joint for connecting two building elements, the joint comprising a protrusion formed on one of the building elements and an aperture formed in the other building element, the protrusion being a push fit in the aperture.

3. A joint according to claim 2, wherein at least one outer edge of the protrusion is inclined with respect to the corresponding edge of the aperture.

4. A joint according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein at least one outer edge of the protrusion is substantially perpendicular with respect to the corresponding edge of the aperture.

5. A joint according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion is solid.

6. A joint according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protrusion is hollow.

7. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein the protrusion is a member which has been applied to the building element.

8. A joint according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the protrusion is a member which has been formed from the building element.

9. A joint according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion is press-formed from the building element.

10. A joint according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion is formed from the building element during rolling.

11. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture is non-circular.

12. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture comprises at least two edges which meet at an angle.

13. A joint according to claim 12, wherein the aperture is quadrangular.

14. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the building elements comprises a recess for receiving the other building element.

15. A joint according to claim 14, wherein the recess comprises a channel formed in the building element.

16. A joint according to claim 15, wherein both building elements are substantially C-shaped in cross-section.

17. A joint according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the aperture is formed in the channel.

18. A joint according to claim 17, wherein a pair of apertures is formed in the channel, one on each side arm.

19. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the building elements comprises one or more tabs for holding the other building element.

20. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein the building elements are made from metal.

21. A joint according to claim 20, wherein the building elements are made from sheet metal.

22. A joint according to claim 21 , wherein the building elements are cold-formed.

23. A joint according to any preceding claim, wherein the building elements are selected from the group consisting of wall studs, floor joists and roof members.

24. A joint substantially as described herein or as shown in the drawings.

5. A pair of building elements comprising a joint according to any preceding claim.