Title:
Panel support and attachment system
Document Type and Number:
United States Patent 3925952
Abstract:
A system enabling the attachment of a metal building panel to a concrete support structure which is particularly designed to be utilized after the concrete has cured or the supporting block has been set. The system includes vertical and horizontal alignment surfaces as well as a shelf and integral flashing which facilitates the positionment of the system on the support structure.
Inventors:
Hagel, John Louis (Hinsdale, IL)
Pape, Robert Carl (Hanover Park, IL)
Reinwall Jr., Ernest William (McHenry, IL)
Pape, Robert Carl (Hanover Park, IL)
Reinwall Jr., Ernest William (McHenry, IL)
Plaque It!
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Application Number:
05/454644
Publication Date:
12/16/1975
Filing Date:
03/25/1974
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Export Citation:
Assignee:
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (Chicago, IL)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
52/293.300, 52/264, 52/235, 52/58, 52/283
International Classes:
E04B1/08; E04B2/92; E04B1/02; E04B2/90; E04B1/38
Field of Search:
52/506,511,73,274,293,235,241,295,283,58,264
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Purser, Ernest R.
Assistant Examiner:
Farber, Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Beart, Robert Buckman Thomas W. W.
Claims:
We claim
1. A system for securing one extremity of a panel to an edge portion of a support structure, the system including, a horizontal alignment means cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment means lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical alignment means at a predetermined vertical position on the system and on one side of the plane of the vertical alignment means with the horizontal alignment means extending on the opposite side of the plane of the vertical alignment means, a panel attachment and vertical support surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to that of the horizontal alignment means and located above the predetermined vertical position of the shelf portion, the aligment means, shelf portion and panel attachment surface all being interconnected wherein the system may be secured to the edge portion of the support structure and is adapted to subsequently receive and secure a panel thereto.
2. The system as in claim 1, wherein the alignment means, shelf portion, and panel attachment surface are incorporated in a one piece elongate device.
3. The system as in claim 1, wherein the shelf portion includes an integral flashing member extending downwardly therefrom and towards the plane of the vertical alignment means and adapted to abut a vertical surface of the support structure.
4. The system as in claim 1, which includes a means producing an enclosed void behind the panel attachment surface.
5. The system as in claim 4, wherein the void producing means includes a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom in a direction opposite the direction of the shelf portion wherein said void producing means may serve as an interior attachment surface.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the void producing means includes a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the upper most extremity thereof, said plate surface including a flange at its innermost extremity and disposed in a horizontal plane thereby adapted to abut the horizontal surface of the support structure to permit a fastener to attach the flange and the system to the structure.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal alignment means includes a surface integral with the panel attachment surface and adapted to abut the horizontal marginal edge surface of the support structure so the system may be located and supported thereon.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal and vertical alignment means include an integral corner section wherein the shelf portion is located in a different horizontal plane than the plane of the horizontal alignment means.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the shelf portion is generally coplanar with the horizontal alignment means so that the extremity of the panel supported by the shelf will be generally flush with the horizontal support structure surface.
10. The system of claim 1, which further includes a recess located beneath the panel attachment surface and which includes barbs extending inwardly thereof, the recess thereby adapted to receive and retain portions of insulating material which may be positioned between the panel and the panel attachment surface.
11. The system of claim 1, which includes a plate surface extending downwardly and inwardly from and integral with the panel attachment surface, the plate surface terminating with an attachment flange, a sealing recess positioned at the juncture of the attachment flange and the remaining portions of the plate surface.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the shelf portion includes an integral flashing member extending downwardly and inwardly from the outermost extremity thereof, the innermost portion of the flashing extending in a generally vertical plane and forming at least a portion of the vertical alignment means.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal alignment means includes two laterally spaced, coplanar surfaces, a first such surface being integral with and directly adjacent the panel attachment surface, a second such surface spaced inwardly from the first surface and adapted to fasten the system to the support structure.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment means, shelf portion and panel attachment are incorporated in an integral elongate device, the system further including a retaining clip device adapted to be secured within a recess formed at the corner of the support structure to attach the elongate device thereto.
15. The system of claim 1, which includes a plurality of devices adapted to be secured to one another to be retained in a recess formed in the edge of a support structure.
16. A system for supporting and securing a building panel to a corner of a support structure, the system including an integral elongate body, the body comprising an alignment support surface lying in a first plane and adapted to be positioned on a horizontal surface of the associated support structure, an alignment support surface lying in a second plane perpendicular to said first plane and adapted to be positioned on a vertical surface of the associated support structure, a shelf surface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the second plane and adapted to extend outwardly from the support structure, the shelf surface including a flashing surface extending beneath and from the outermost portion thereof inwardly and adapted to abut the vertical surface of the associated support structure, a panel securing surface extending generally perpendicular to said first plane and upwardly from the shelf surface, a void producing surface behind the securing surface extending downwardly from the uppermost extremity of the panel securing surface and in a direction opposite the direction of extent of the shelf surface and terminating with an alignment and attachment flange which lies in said first plane, a recess extending inwardly of and formed in the panel securing surface at the juncture of said panel securing surface with the first plane, the recess including barb means adapted to retain insulation material therein.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the shelf surface lies in the first plane and forms an extension of the support surface also lying in said first plane.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the shelf surface lies in a plane beneath the first plane.
19. The system of claim 1, which includes a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface and extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom in a direction opposite the direction of the shelf portion and terminating with a horizontally disposed flange surface which serves as the horizontal alignment means as well as a surface through which the system may be secured to the support structure.
20. A system for securing one extremity of a panel to an edge portion of a support structure, the system including, a horizontal alignment means cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment means lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical alignment means, a panel attachment and vertical support surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to that of the horizontal alignment means, a means for producing an enclosed void behind the panel attachment surface including a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom in a direction opposite the direction of the shelf portion wherein said void producing means may serve as an interior attachment surface, the alignment means, shelf portion, panel attachment surface and void producing means all being interconnected wherein the system may be secured to the edge portion of the support structure and is adapted to subsequently receive and secure a panel thereto.
21. A system for securing one extremity of a panel to an edge portion of a support structure, the system including, a horizontal alignment means cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment means lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical alignment means, a panel attachment and vertical support surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to that of the horizontal alignment means, a means for producing an enclosed void behind the panel attachment surface including a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the uppermost extremity thereof, said plate surface including a flange at its innermost extremity and disposed in a horizontal plane thereby adapted to abut the horizontal surface of the support structure to permit a fastener to attach the flange and the system to the structure, the alignment means, shelf portion, panel attachment surface and void producing means all being interconnected wherein the system may be secured to the edge portion of the support structure and is adapted to subsequently receive and secure a panel thereto.
1. A system for securing one extremity of a panel to an edge portion of a support structure, the system including, a horizontal alignment means cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment means lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical alignment means at a predetermined vertical position on the system and on one side of the plane of the vertical alignment means with the horizontal alignment means extending on the opposite side of the plane of the vertical alignment means, a panel attachment and vertical support surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to that of the horizontal alignment means and located above the predetermined vertical position of the shelf portion, the aligment means, shelf portion and panel attachment surface all being interconnected wherein the system may be secured to the edge portion of the support structure and is adapted to subsequently receive and secure a panel thereto.
2. The system as in claim 1, wherein the alignment means, shelf portion, and panel attachment surface are incorporated in a one piece elongate device.
3. The system as in claim 1, wherein the shelf portion includes an integral flashing member extending downwardly therefrom and towards the plane of the vertical alignment means and adapted to abut a vertical surface of the support structure.
4. The system as in claim 1, which includes a means producing an enclosed void behind the panel attachment surface.
5. The system as in claim 4, wherein the void producing means includes a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom in a direction opposite the direction of the shelf portion wherein said void producing means may serve as an interior attachment surface.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the void producing means includes a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the upper most extremity thereof, said plate surface including a flange at its innermost extremity and disposed in a horizontal plane thereby adapted to abut the horizontal surface of the support structure to permit a fastener to attach the flange and the system to the structure.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal alignment means includes a surface integral with the panel attachment surface and adapted to abut the horizontal marginal edge surface of the support structure so the system may be located and supported thereon.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal and vertical alignment means include an integral corner section wherein the shelf portion is located in a different horizontal plane than the plane of the horizontal alignment means.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the shelf portion is generally coplanar with the horizontal alignment means so that the extremity of the panel supported by the shelf will be generally flush with the horizontal support structure surface.
10. The system of claim 1, which further includes a recess located beneath the panel attachment surface and which includes barbs extending inwardly thereof, the recess thereby adapted to receive and retain portions of insulating material which may be positioned between the panel and the panel attachment surface.
11. The system of claim 1, which includes a plate surface extending downwardly and inwardly from and integral with the panel attachment surface, the plate surface terminating with an attachment flange, a sealing recess positioned at the juncture of the attachment flange and the remaining portions of the plate surface.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the shelf portion includes an integral flashing member extending downwardly and inwardly from the outermost extremity thereof, the innermost portion of the flashing extending in a generally vertical plane and forming at least a portion of the vertical alignment means.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal alignment means includes two laterally spaced, coplanar surfaces, a first such surface being integral with and directly adjacent the panel attachment surface, a second such surface spaced inwardly from the first surface and adapted to fasten the system to the support structure.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment means, shelf portion and panel attachment are incorporated in an integral elongate device, the system further including a retaining clip device adapted to be secured within a recess formed at the corner of the support structure to attach the elongate device thereto.
15. The system of claim 1, which includes a plurality of devices adapted to be secured to one another to be retained in a recess formed in the edge of a support structure.
16. A system for supporting and securing a building panel to a corner of a support structure, the system including an integral elongate body, the body comprising an alignment support surface lying in a first plane and adapted to be positioned on a horizontal surface of the associated support structure, an alignment support surface lying in a second plane perpendicular to said first plane and adapted to be positioned on a vertical surface of the associated support structure, a shelf surface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the second plane and adapted to extend outwardly from the support structure, the shelf surface including a flashing surface extending beneath and from the outermost portion thereof inwardly and adapted to abut the vertical surface of the associated support structure, a panel securing surface extending generally perpendicular to said first plane and upwardly from the shelf surface, a void producing surface behind the securing surface extending downwardly from the uppermost extremity of the panel securing surface and in a direction opposite the direction of extent of the shelf surface and terminating with an alignment and attachment flange which lies in said first plane, a recess extending inwardly of and formed in the panel securing surface at the juncture of said panel securing surface with the first plane, the recess including barb means adapted to retain insulation material therein.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the shelf surface lies in the first plane and forms an extension of the support surface also lying in said first plane.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the shelf surface lies in a plane beneath the first plane.
19. The system of claim 1, which includes a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface and extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom in a direction opposite the direction of the shelf portion and terminating with a horizontally disposed flange surface which serves as the horizontal alignment means as well as a surface through which the system may be secured to the support structure.
20. A system for securing one extremity of a panel to an edge portion of a support structure, the system including, a horizontal alignment means cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment means lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical alignment means, a panel attachment and vertical support surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to that of the horizontal alignment means, a means for producing an enclosed void behind the panel attachment surface including a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom in a direction opposite the direction of the shelf portion wherein said void producing means may serve as an interior attachment surface, the alignment means, shelf portion, panel attachment surface and void producing means all being interconnected wherein the system may be secured to the edge portion of the support structure and is adapted to subsequently receive and secure a panel thereto.
21. A system for securing one extremity of a panel to an edge portion of a support structure, the system including, a horizontal alignment means cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment means lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical alignment means, a panel attachment and vertical support surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to that of the horizontal alignment means, a means for producing an enclosed void behind the panel attachment surface including a plate surface integral with the panel attachment surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the uppermost extremity thereof, said plate surface including a flange at its innermost extremity and disposed in a horizontal plane thereby adapted to abut the horizontal surface of the support structure to permit a fastener to attach the flange and the system to the structure, the alignment means, shelf portion, panel attachment surface and void producing means all being interconnected wherein the system may be secured to the edge portion of the support structure and is adapted to subsequently receive and secure a panel thereto.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Due to the rising costs of building construction, methods and materials are required to replace present methods and materials in order to substantially reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of construction. In the construction of metal buildings and utilizing metal panels, there are concurrently two construction practices for the attachment of these panels to the support structure. One such practice requires that the contractor preset anchor bolts around the periphery of a concrete floor or slab prior to the setting or hardening thereof. At some point later in time, when the concrete has become hardened or set, the steel erector installs L-shaped angles to the anchor bolts around the periphery of the floor to permit the metal side walls of the building to be attached to the upwardly extending portions of the L-shaped base angle. In this way the metal side walls of the building are supported and held in the desired position to the concrete floor by the connecting L-shaped base angle therebetween.
Another current construction practice utilizes a device which is inserted in the concrete form so that concrete may be poured around and embedding the device therein. Thereafter, the panels may be attached directly to an attachment surface of the device, which is normally provided with a void-producing surface or material immediately behind the attachment surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The prior art construction techniques are time-consuming, expensive and troublesome in installation and quite often difficult to coordinate between the various subcontractors on a construction site. In the case of the insert devices, the logistics of material delivery must be critically coordinated so that the insert devices are on the job site prior to the pouring of the concrete. This technique also requires substantial set-up time for the concrete contractors. The prior art techniques of attaching base angles is costly in labor and frequently the panels installed are not aligned properly.
All of the prior art methods require additional materials and labor to effect weatherproofing, such as sealing, flashing or the like.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a metal building panel attachment system which greatly simplifies the attachment of the metal panel to the support structure and contributes to total installation economies.
More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a panel attachment system which may be accurately aligned to vertical and horizontal surfaces of the base support structure.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an attachment system which provides a panel support ledge upon which panels can be placed and tilted into position and which includes a built-in flashing member to eliminate separate operations required to install a flashing piece.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention are provided by a fastening system which generally includes a horizontal alignment surface cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment surface lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical attachment surface and a panel attachment surface extending generally perpendicular to the horizontal alignment surface. The system will futher include an integral flashing surface extending downwardly and inwardly of the shelf portion and adapted to abut the vertical structure surface.
Since it is advantageous to minimize the number of pieces to be handled, a primary embodiment of the invention is directed to a unitary structure embodying all of the above aspects of the invention.
The foregoing objects, features and advantages will be apparend from the following more particular description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an integral attachment system embodying the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the attachment system of the present invention as it is applied to the corner of a support structure and upon which a panel is mounted.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an attachment system similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but adapted to mount a preinsulated panel.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified form of the attachment system.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of still another modified form of the attachment system.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views of two additional modifications of the invention utilizing a two piece attachment system.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of yet another modification of the invention which utilizes a three piece attachment system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein similar parts are designated by similar numerals throughout the description, an attachment system 10 generally includes a vertically arranged panel securement and supporting surface 12, a horizontal support and alignment surface 14 and a vertical support and alignment surface 16. A shelf or ledge portion 18 extends outwardly from the plane of the panel support surface 12 and is generally perpendicular thereto. An integral flashing device 20 extends from the outer edge of the shelf inwardly and downwardly thereof to join with the vertical alignment surface 16 which abuts an associated vertical surface on the support structure. A cover or void producing plate 22 extends from the upper edge of the panel attachment surface 12 to a flange portion 26 having apertures 28 which serve as the means to secure the system to the support structure.
In the preferred embodiment, the various support, alignment and attachment surfaces described above are included in an integral steel plate in lengths determined by the particular job requirements.
Turning to FIG. 2, the attachment system 10 will be more specifically defined in terms of the function and association of the various elements with a supporting structure and a metal building panel attached thereto.
A metal building panel, such as corrugated panel 40 may easily and accurately be secured to the corner of a concrete or block support structure using the attachment system of this invention. The unitary plate 10 may quickly and accurately be aligned and positioned along the edge of a support structure by positioning the horizontal surface portion 14 on the horizontal marginal edge surface 50 of the support structure and abutting the vertical alignment surface 16 with the associated vertical marginal edge surface 52 of the support structure. A suitable length of the system may thus be secured to the support structure through the use of an appropriate fastener 34 in association with the attachment flange 26, which also serves as a horizontal alignment surface. Apertures 28 may be preformed in the flange 26 to accept such fasteners 34 as may be desired by the contractor. The fastener 34 may be any of a number of concrete fasteners which are adapted to be driven in a preformed hole in the concrete or block.
After the attachment plate 10 has been so secured to the support structure, the bottom edge of the metal building panel may be placed on the generally horizontal ledge or shelf 18 and tilted up into position against the generally vertical upstanding panel securing surface 12. At this point the panel may be securely fastened to the attachment surface through the use of a self-drilling fastener such as self-drilling fastener 13.
In certain installations, it may be advantageous to secure a layer of insulation 42 behind the panel 40. The present invention facilitates such an installation through the provision of a recess 30 extending inwardly of the panel attaching surface 12 and which is provided with barbs 32 to grip the terminal edge of the insulation and hold it securely in place without the use of additional tools or adhesives.
It should be noted that the cover plate or void producing plate 22 will completely cover the tips of the fastener 13 as well as provide a secondary atachment surface for the interior of the structure.
A weather stripping material 25 may be provided within a recess 24 formed at the juncture of the cover plate 22 with the attachment flange 26 to assure the elimination of drafts and/or seepage.
A further important aspect of the invention is the integral flashing portion 20 which extends from the outer edge of the shelf 18 downwardly to abut with the support structure, and in the preferred embodiment is integral with the vertical alignment surface 16. With such an arrangement separate flashing or weatherproofing operations are virtually eliminated.
Certain metal building panels include a pre-attached lamination of insulation which provides a controlled thickness of such insulation sandwiched between the panel and an inner skin surface. It is contemplated that the invention described herein will accommodate the attachment of such preinsulated panels. In FIG. 3 such a preinsulated panel is shown secured to a base structure through the use of the attachment system 10 in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In such an application, however, it may be necessary to provide an extension of the shelf in the form of a discrete flashing type member 60 since the overall thickness of such a preinsulated panel is generally greater than that of a noninsulated panel. The attachment of the panel to the system may be effected through the use of spring clips 62. One extremity of such a clip may be positioned in the recess 30 and retained therein behind barbs 32. The other extremity will penetrate the insulation and clamp the skin 44 against the panel attachment surface 12.
It will be appreciated that the attachment flange 26, in the preferred embodiment, will enable the system to be attached at a location which is spaced from the edge of the support structure, thus reducing the possibilities of concrete spalling or deterioration when holes are drilled in the concrete. In addition to the flashing function of portion 20, it will be apparent that a significant structural support for the shelf 18 is attained through this section 20.
While the described embodiments have shown a panel supporting ledge 18 to be essentially a continuation of a horizontal alignment and support surface 14 so that the panel edge may be flush with the horizontal surface of the support structure, it is contemplated to be within the purview of the invention to attach the panel in such a manner as to allow the edge of the panel to be supported in a plane beneath the horizontal surface of the support structure. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 wherein similar elements of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3 are denoted with a suffix a. A vertical support surface 70 extends between the shelf portion 18a and the horizontal alignment and support surface 14a. The surface 70 may further serve as a vertical alignment surface and thus contribute to the rigidity and accuracy of the system as well as permitting the panel to be mounted beneath the horizontal support surface 50a.
FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the invention which may be utilized where the marginal edge surface available for attachment is restricted. Attachment system 10b will include similar elements to that of fastener system 10 and such similar element denoted by the suffix b. In this embodiment, the fastening flange extends into the void beneath the cover plate 22b and thus flange 14b serves as the horizontal alignment surface as well as one means to secure the system. A suitable aperture 74 may be formed within the void producing plate 22b to enable a workman to create the hole in the support structure on horizontal surface 50b and to place a suitable fastener 34b therein. The vertical alignment and positioning surface 16b is shown as an extension of the panel attachment surface 12b so that the edge of panel 40b is somewhat below the horizontal surface 50b of the support structure. An additional vertical alignment surface may be utilized in the form of a flange extending downwardly from the flashing 20b and which may also be adapted for accepting another fastener 34b to assure the vertical rigidity of the system.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown as a one piece system utilized on a corner section of a structure having intersecting vertical and horizontal surfaces, it should be understood that the basic principles of the invention can be utilized in certain construction techniques wherein a recess has been provided at the corner of the support structure. In such an environment, it may be necessary to utilize a multi-piece system incorporating the shelf, horizontal alignment surfaces, vertical alignment surfaces and flashing as in the preferred one piece embodiment.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, various forms of multipiece attachment systems will be described consistent with the invention described above.
The system 10c described in FIG. 6 is basically a two piece system with the outer portion including the panel attachment surface 12c, shelf 18c, flashing 20c, horizontal and vertical alignment and support surfaces 14c integral and closely adjacent at one terminal edge of this outer portion. The cover plate 22c is generally outlined with the horizontal support surface 50c and includes a terminal edge designed to be clipped beneath a spring edge on an inner clip portion 80. The inner clip 78 basically conforms to the configuration of the recess and will include a vertical surface 80 and a horizontal surface 82. The vertical surface terminating in the spring grip portion 84 while the terminal edge of the section 82 will include a raised portion 84 adapted to overlie the horizontal alignment surface 14c of the outer clip. The inner clip 78 will be attached to the structure through the use of anchor bolts 86.
The device 10d shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the device shown in FIG. 6 but the inner clip 78d is adapted to be pressed over a fastener 86d formed in the concrete and lockingly retained thereon. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, three parts are utilized to obtain the invention and will include a recess conforming portion 78e which will provide a lip 14e extending over and closely adjacent to the vertical support surface 52e on the support structure. The recess formed in element 14e will thus serve as the horizontal alignment surface and will receive a turned in extremity of a channel-like member 92 which includes the shelf portion 18e, the flashing portion 20e and a vertical alignment surface 16e. The third clip member 88 will include the panel attachment surface 12e and the void producing plate 22e. The surface 12e nests witnin the recess 14e and the plate 22e is clipped behind the recess conforming device 78e.
It should be understood that the unitary structure described in FIGS. 1-5 is the preferred embodiment but that certain job site requirements will present difficulties in utilizing this preferred embodiment. In such instances, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8 are shown to exemplify how the teachings of this invention can be utilized. Thus, it should be apparent that while the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and broad scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Due to the rising costs of building construction, methods and materials are required to replace present methods and materials in order to substantially reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of construction. In the construction of metal buildings and utilizing metal panels, there are concurrently two construction practices for the attachment of these panels to the support structure. One such practice requires that the contractor preset anchor bolts around the periphery of a concrete floor or slab prior to the setting or hardening thereof. At some point later in time, when the concrete has become hardened or set, the steel erector installs L-shaped angles to the anchor bolts around the periphery of the floor to permit the metal side walls of the building to be attached to the upwardly extending portions of the L-shaped base angle. In this way the metal side walls of the building are supported and held in the desired position to the concrete floor by the connecting L-shaped base angle therebetween.
Another current construction practice utilizes a device which is inserted in the concrete form so that concrete may be poured around and embedding the device therein. Thereafter, the panels may be attached directly to an attachment surface of the device, which is normally provided with a void-producing surface or material immediately behind the attachment surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The prior art construction techniques are time-consuming, expensive and troublesome in installation and quite often difficult to coordinate between the various subcontractors on a construction site. In the case of the insert devices, the logistics of material delivery must be critically coordinated so that the insert devices are on the job site prior to the pouring of the concrete. This technique also requires substantial set-up time for the concrete contractors. The prior art techniques of attaching base angles is costly in labor and frequently the panels installed are not aligned properly.
All of the prior art methods require additional materials and labor to effect weatherproofing, such as sealing, flashing or the like.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a metal building panel attachment system which greatly simplifies the attachment of the metal panel to the support structure and contributes to total installation economies.
More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a panel attachment system which may be accurately aligned to vertical and horizontal surfaces of the base support structure.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an attachment system which provides a panel support ledge upon which panels can be placed and tilted into position and which includes a built-in flashing member to eliminate separate operations required to install a flashing piece.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention are provided by a fastening system which generally includes a horizontal alignment surface cooperating with and connected to a vertical alignment surface lying in planes generally perpendicular to one another, a shelf portion extending outwardly from the plane of the vertical attachment surface and a panel attachment surface extending generally perpendicular to the horizontal alignment surface. The system will futher include an integral flashing surface extending downwardly and inwardly of the shelf portion and adapted to abut the vertical structure surface.
Since it is advantageous to minimize the number of pieces to be handled, a primary embodiment of the invention is directed to a unitary structure embodying all of the above aspects of the invention.
The foregoing objects, features and advantages will be apparend from the following more particular description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an integral attachment system embodying the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the attachment system of the present invention as it is applied to the corner of a support structure and upon which a panel is mounted.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an attachment system similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but adapted to mount a preinsulated panel.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified form of the attachment system.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of still another modified form of the attachment system.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views of two additional modifications of the invention utilizing a two piece attachment system.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of yet another modification of the invention which utilizes a three piece attachment system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein similar parts are designated by similar numerals throughout the description, an attachment system 10 generally includes a vertically arranged panel securement and supporting surface 12, a horizontal support and alignment surface 14 and a vertical support and alignment surface 16. A shelf or ledge portion 18 extends outwardly from the plane of the panel support surface 12 and is generally perpendicular thereto. An integral flashing device 20 extends from the outer edge of the shelf inwardly and downwardly thereof to join with the vertical alignment surface 16 which abuts an associated vertical surface on the support structure. A cover or void producing plate 22 extends from the upper edge of the panel attachment surface 12 to a flange portion 26 having apertures 28 which serve as the means to secure the system to the support structure.
In the preferred embodiment, the various support, alignment and attachment surfaces described above are included in an integral steel plate in lengths determined by the particular job requirements.
Turning to FIG. 2, the attachment system 10 will be more specifically defined in terms of the function and association of the various elements with a supporting structure and a metal building panel attached thereto.
A metal building panel, such as corrugated panel 40 may easily and accurately be secured to the corner of a concrete or block support structure using the attachment system of this invention. The unitary plate 10 may quickly and accurately be aligned and positioned along the edge of a support structure by positioning the horizontal surface portion 14 on the horizontal marginal edge surface 50 of the support structure and abutting the vertical alignment surface 16 with the associated vertical marginal edge surface 52 of the support structure. A suitable length of the system may thus be secured to the support structure through the use of an appropriate fastener 34 in association with the attachment flange 26, which also serves as a horizontal alignment surface. Apertures 28 may be preformed in the flange 26 to accept such fasteners 34 as may be desired by the contractor. The fastener 34 may be any of a number of concrete fasteners which are adapted to be driven in a preformed hole in the concrete or block.
After the attachment plate 10 has been so secured to the support structure, the bottom edge of the metal building panel may be placed on the generally horizontal ledge or shelf 18 and tilted up into position against the generally vertical upstanding panel securing surface 12. At this point the panel may be securely fastened to the attachment surface through the use of a self-drilling fastener such as self-drilling fastener 13.
In certain installations, it may be advantageous to secure a layer of insulation 42 behind the panel 40. The present invention facilitates such an installation through the provision of a recess 30 extending inwardly of the panel attaching surface 12 and which is provided with barbs 32 to grip the terminal edge of the insulation and hold it securely in place without the use of additional tools or adhesives.
It should be noted that the cover plate or void producing plate 22 will completely cover the tips of the fastener 13 as well as provide a secondary atachment surface for the interior of the structure.
A weather stripping material 25 may be provided within a recess 24 formed at the juncture of the cover plate 22 with the attachment flange 26 to assure the elimination of drafts and/or seepage.
A further important aspect of the invention is the integral flashing portion 20 which extends from the outer edge of the shelf 18 downwardly to abut with the support structure, and in the preferred embodiment is integral with the vertical alignment surface 16. With such an arrangement separate flashing or weatherproofing operations are virtually eliminated.
Certain metal building panels include a pre-attached lamination of insulation which provides a controlled thickness of such insulation sandwiched between the panel and an inner skin surface. It is contemplated that the invention described herein will accommodate the attachment of such preinsulated panels. In FIG. 3 such a preinsulated panel is shown secured to a base structure through the use of the attachment system 10 in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In such an application, however, it may be necessary to provide an extension of the shelf in the form of a discrete flashing type member 60 since the overall thickness of such a preinsulated panel is generally greater than that of a noninsulated panel. The attachment of the panel to the system may be effected through the use of spring clips 62. One extremity of such a clip may be positioned in the recess 30 and retained therein behind barbs 32. The other extremity will penetrate the insulation and clamp the skin 44 against the panel attachment surface 12.
It will be appreciated that the attachment flange 26, in the preferred embodiment, will enable the system to be attached at a location which is spaced from the edge of the support structure, thus reducing the possibilities of concrete spalling or deterioration when holes are drilled in the concrete. In addition to the flashing function of portion 20, it will be apparent that a significant structural support for the shelf 18 is attained through this section 20.
While the described embodiments have shown a panel supporting ledge 18 to be essentially a continuation of a horizontal alignment and support surface 14 so that the panel edge may be flush with the horizontal surface of the support structure, it is contemplated to be within the purview of the invention to attach the panel in such a manner as to allow the edge of the panel to be supported in a plane beneath the horizontal surface of the support structure. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 wherein similar elements of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3 are denoted with a suffix a. A vertical support surface 70 extends between the shelf portion 18a and the horizontal alignment and support surface 14a. The surface 70 may further serve as a vertical alignment surface and thus contribute to the rigidity and accuracy of the system as well as permitting the panel to be mounted beneath the horizontal support surface 50a.
FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the invention which may be utilized where the marginal edge surface available for attachment is restricted. Attachment system 10b will include similar elements to that of fastener system 10 and such similar element denoted by the suffix b. In this embodiment, the fastening flange extends into the void beneath the cover plate 22b and thus flange 14b serves as the horizontal alignment surface as well as one means to secure the system. A suitable aperture 74 may be formed within the void producing plate 22b to enable a workman to create the hole in the support structure on horizontal surface 50b and to place a suitable fastener 34b therein. The vertical alignment and positioning surface 16b is shown as an extension of the panel attachment surface 12b so that the edge of panel 40b is somewhat below the horizontal surface 50b of the support structure. An additional vertical alignment surface may be utilized in the form of a flange extending downwardly from the flashing 20b and which may also be adapted for accepting another fastener 34b to assure the vertical rigidity of the system.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown as a one piece system utilized on a corner section of a structure having intersecting vertical and horizontal surfaces, it should be understood that the basic principles of the invention can be utilized in certain construction techniques wherein a recess has been provided at the corner of the support structure. In such an environment, it may be necessary to utilize a multi-piece system incorporating the shelf, horizontal alignment surfaces, vertical alignment surfaces and flashing as in the preferred one piece embodiment.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, various forms of multipiece attachment systems will be described consistent with the invention described above.
The system 10c described in FIG. 6 is basically a two piece system with the outer portion including the panel attachment surface 12c, shelf 18c, flashing 20c, horizontal and vertical alignment and support surfaces 14c integral and closely adjacent at one terminal edge of this outer portion. The cover plate 22c is generally outlined with the horizontal support surface 50c and includes a terminal edge designed to be clipped beneath a spring edge on an inner clip portion 80. The inner clip 78 basically conforms to the configuration of the recess and will include a vertical surface 80 and a horizontal surface 82. The vertical surface terminating in the spring grip portion 84 while the terminal edge of the section 82 will include a raised portion 84 adapted to overlie the horizontal alignment surface 14c of the outer clip. The inner clip 78 will be attached to the structure through the use of anchor bolts 86.
The device 10d shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the device shown in FIG. 6 but the inner clip 78d is adapted to be pressed over a fastener 86d formed in the concrete and lockingly retained thereon. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, three parts are utilized to obtain the invention and will include a recess conforming portion 78e which will provide a lip 14e extending over and closely adjacent to the vertical support surface 52e on the support structure. The recess formed in element 14e will thus serve as the horizontal alignment surface and will receive a turned in extremity of a channel-like member 92 which includes the shelf portion 18e, the flashing portion 20e and a vertical alignment surface 16e. The third clip member 88 will include the panel attachment surface 12e and the void producing plate 22e. The surface 12e nests witnin the recess 14e and the plate 22e is clipped behind the recess conforming device 78e.
It should be understood that the unitary structure described in FIGS. 1-5 is the preferred embodiment but that certain job site requirements will present difficulties in utilizing this preferred embodiment. In such instances, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8 are shown to exemplify how the teachings of this invention can be utilized. Thus, it should be apparent that while the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and broad scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.