AU2002300096B2

AU2002300096B2 - A retaining means

Info

Publication number: AU2002300096B2
Application number: AU2002300096A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Van Wissen
Original assignee: Melbourne Prop Hire Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Melbourne Prop Hire Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-07-13
Filing date: 2002-07-12
Publication date: 2008-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2022-07-12

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: A RETAINING MEANS Applicant: T-LOCK PTY LTD The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 A RETAINING MEANS 00 oO

O

NThe present invention relates to a retaining means. The present invention has particular application to the building industry, especially as a retaining means for a bracket to prevent rotation thereof, and will herein be described in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not limited thereto At present, the construction of factories, warehouses and the like involves Sthe erection of a steel building frame. The frame generally includes a series of i 10 substantially vertically extending steel I-beams arranged to create the frame sides.

OPre-fabricated concrete panels are then affixed in a substantially vertical orientation between the I-beams, usually three panels high, thereby constructing the building walls. The concrete panels used generally vary dimensionally from 1 metre high by 1 metre long to 3.5 metres high by 12 metres long. Given the immense weight associated with such panels, it is important that they be securely retained in place. This is particularly so given that, as previously stated, the panels are stacked three high.

Fixing the concrete panels in place between I-beams is presently achieved using brackets. Four brackets are usually required for retaining each panel in place, irrespective of the dimensions of the panel(s) in question. Each of the four brackets are bolted to one respective corner of the panel, in such a way that one of the flange portions of the adjacent I-beam is secured between the bracket and the surface of the panel.

Existing brackets are of approximately rectangular design, with one bracket end for contact and rest against a surface of the panel and the other bracket end designed to retain the panel proximate to the flange bof an associated I-beam, thereby retaining the panel in place. Existing brackets include an aperture provided off-centre through the bracket body and nearest the end that makes contact with the panel. A bolt or other screw-threaded fastener is inserted through the aperture to secure the bracket to the panel.

One problem with the above arrangement is that, over time, the brackets tend to rotate about the retaining bolt, away from their preferred orientation relative to the panel. This occurs because the bracket aperture is off-set to one end of the bracket. The rotation of the bracket can be induced by slight o movements in the building and building frame from wind forces, ground movement 8 Sand/or expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations. Also, the vibrations generated from the use of overhead cranes attached to the building frame can cause rotation of the brackets about the retaining bolt. This can result in the bracket no longer being orientated correctly to secure the concrete panels in Iplace, leading to the potentially disastrous situation of the upstanding concrete Cpanels being only partially secured in place or, at worst, completely unsecured.

C One attempt to overcome the problem of bracket rotation has been to i 10 secure the bracket in its intended orientation by welding it to the adjacent I-beam Oduring construction of the building wall.

However, it has been found that welding the brackets to the I-beams is far from ideal for a number of reasons. Firstly, welding each bracket in place is timeconsuming and therefore unnecessarily expensive. Also, the accessibility to the brackets once in place often makes welding difficult to undertake. The weld produced is also unsightly. Furthermore, it has been found that the weld can break, because of the aforementioned vibrations, wind or ground movement and/or temperature fluctuations. The forces induced by the expansion and contraction of the panel are enormous and may also cause cracking of the panel in the welded arrangement. Failure of the weld could result in catastrophic consequences.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a means for resisting the rotation of a bracket about its point of attachment to a structural member.

It would also be desirable to provide an improved bracket, which at least addresses some of the aforementioned problems associated with existing brackets.

It would be further desirable to provide an improved building panel, which at least addresses some of the aforementioned problems associated with existing panels.

The above discussion of the background to the invention is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the filing date of the application.

0 According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided Sa means for resisting rotation of a bracket about its point of attachment to F a building panel, including: a means for securing the rotation resisting means to the bracket; and a resilient means for maintaining a biasing force between the bracket and the building panel, thereby providing resistance against the tendency of the bracket to rotate about its attachment means Srelative to the building panel.

0io wherein the securing means and the resilient means are integrally formed 1 from a substantially elongate material, and the elongate material is configured to provide the securing means in the form of a channel, within which the bracket can be accommodated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination: a bracket a means for attachment of the bracket to a building panel; and a means for resisting rotation of the bracket relative to the building panel, the rotation resisting means including: a means for securing the rotation resisting means to the bracket; and a resilient means for maintaining a biasing force between the bracket and the building panel, wherein the securing means and the resilient means are integrally formed from a substantially elongate material, and the elongate material is configured to provide the securing means in the form of a channel, within which the bracket can be accommodated.

In a preferred form, the elongate material from which the rotation resisting means is constructed is a thin steel rod. However, Applicant envisages that the elongate material could adopt many and varied forms.

As another example, the elongate material could be in the form of a steel ribbon.

Whatever specific elongate material is used to construct the elongate material, it could be bent into a desired shape to provide both the W \DELILAHDDM spccfrs\20023O96.yped pagcs(7.1 .07)dm 00 0 securing means and the resilient means. In this way the manufacturing Scosts of the rotation resisting means could be minimised.

f In the same specific form, the elongate material is bent to provide a resilient means in the form of at least one arm. More preferably, a plurality of arms is provided. Applicant envisages that four arms would be a satisfactory number.

The means for enabling the bracket body to be attached to a 0building panel could adopt many suitable forms. In a particularly preferred t' form, the attachment means includes an aperture in the body, through l0 which a screw-threaded fastener is inserted to connect the bracket body to N a building panel. Preferably, the aperture is elongated, thereby enabling the bracket body to be adjusted relative to the panel to which it is attached. In an alternative form, a fastener could be permanently secured to the bracket.

It is to be appreciated that the rotation resisting means could be integrated into or otherwise permanently attached to the bracket body during manufacture. Alternatively, the rotation resisting means and bracket body could be manufactured separately and releasably or permanently connected together prior to use.

In one form, the panel to which the bracket is attached is a building element, such as a concrete building panel. However, it is to be appreciated that many uses are envisaged for the bracket and, consequently, the panel could adopt numerous forms depending on the particular application.

Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination: a building panel including at least one bracket, wherein the at least one bracket includes: a bracket; a means for attachment of the bracket to the building panel; and a means for resisting rotation of the bracket relative to the panel; wherein the rotation resisting means includes: a means for securing the rotation resisting means to the building panel; and W.\DELILA)fDDM\spcic200230096-etypd p~gcs0 II 07) do oo 0 a resilient means for maintaining a biasing force between the Sbracket and the building panel.

f wherein the securing means and the resilient means are integrally formed from a substantially elongate material, and the elongate material is configured to provide the securing means in the form of a channel, within which the bracket can be accommodated.

Preferably, the bracket body is slightly bent in a direction 0perpendicular to the body surface. This enables the bracket, in use, to Smaintain contact with the concrete panel, thereby assisting in the creation 0io of a rigid building structure.

N By constructing the rotation resisting means from a resilient material, it is possible to maintain a constant pressure between the bracket body and the building panel when in use. This provides resistance against the tendency of the bracket body to rotate about its attachment means relative to the building panel.

The following description refers to a preferred embodiment of the retaining means, bracket, and building panel of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the retaining means, bracket and building panel are illustrated in a preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the retaining means, bracket and building panel are not limited to the preferred embodiment as hereinafter described and illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a retaining means of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a bracket body of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a means for enabling the bracket body to be secured to an object; and W \DELILAlC\flM\Spmim$\20230096-oyp dpagcs(7.11,07)dm 0 Figure 4 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a Sbracket of the present invention, including the elements illustrated in each of figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a portion 0 of a building panel of the present invention including two brackets.

SFigure 7 is a perspective close-up view of part of Figure 5 including m one bracket.

S 10 Figure 8 is a side view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 6.

W.\DELILAH\DD. spmia\200230OD96 ny pag( 7 11 07)dow Figure 9 is a first perspective view of a preferred second embodiment of the 0 rotation resisting means.

Figure 10 is a top view of the rotation resisting means illustrated in Figure C9.

Figure 11 is a first end view of the rotation resisting means illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a second perspective view of the rotation resisting means illustrated in Figure 9.

SFigure 13 is a second end view of the rotation resisting means illustrated in i 10 Figure 9-.

Referring to Figure 1, a rotation resisting means 10 is illustrated. The rotation resisting means includes a means 12 for securing the rotation resisting means 10 to a bracket (not illustrated). The rotation resisting means 10 also includes a resilient means 14 in the form of legs 16,18,20,22. The rotation resisting means 10 may be manufactured from 3.2mm diameter steel rod. The securing means 12 and the legs 16,18,20,22 are integrated.

Figure 2 illustrates a bracket body 24. The bracket body 24 includes an aperture 26. The aperture 26 provides a means for attachment of the bracket body 24 to an object (such as a concrete panel) by a fastening means (refer to Figures 4 to Aperture 26 is elongated to enable the bracket body 24 to be adjusted relative to the object to which it is attached.

The bracket body 24 is made from flat bar, 350 Mpa grade steel.

Figure 3 illustrates one type of suitable fastener 28 for securing the bracket body 24 via the aperture 26. The fastener 28 is threadable and is attached to a panel via an attachment aperture cast into the panel. The fastener 28 further includes a flange 30, and scallops (not illustrated) on the underside of the flange The scallops are provided for biting into the bracket body 24 around the aperture 26, thereby preventing the fastener 28 from easily loosening. The fastener 28 includes a threaded portion 29. The fastener 28 is typically a grade 4.6 bolt constructed from 400 Mpa grade steel.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the rotation resisting means 10 illustrated in Figure 1, the bracket body 24 illustrated in Figure 2 and the fastener 28 illustrated in Figure 3 when assembled to form a bracket 32. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how the securing means 12 secure the rotation resisting means 10 to the bracket body 00 24. The legs 16,18,20,22 extend downwardly from adjacent or proximate to the c underside of the bracket body 24.

Figure 6 illustrates two brackets 32 when attached to a concrete panel 34.

The bracket bodies 24 include concrete panel contact points 36, 38. The contact points 36,38 assist in preventing the brackets 32 from rotating about the fasteners ID28 by biting into the surface 40 of the concrete panel 34. Each of the bracket bodies 24 includes a bend 48, thereby enabling the contact points to bite into the surface 40 of the panel 34.

c1 io Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a bracket 32 in close-up. As in Figure 6, the Sbracket 32 is attached to a concrete panel 34. When the bracket 32 is connected to the panel 34, the bracket end 42 extends slightly beyond the end of the flange 44 of the I-beam 46, thereby retaining the panel 34 in its substantially vertical orientation. It is to be appreciated that the I-beam 46 is illustrated from above in Figure 8. The I-beam 46 is erected such that it is substantially vertical.

The bracket 32 is allowed to slide over the I-beam 46 thereby allowing movement of the panel in relation to the I-beam.

The legs 16,18,20,22 (not clearly visible) are bent from their at rest position in Figures 6, 7 and 8. This generates a biasing force in the legs 16,18,20,22 causing them to bite into the surface 40 of the concrete panel 34, thereby assisting in preventing the bracket body 24 from rotating about the fastener 28.

Figure 9 through 13 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a rotation resisting means. As with the rotation resisting means 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the rotation resisting means 10a illustrated in Figures 9 through 13 incorporates a means for securing the rotation resisting means 10a to a bracket (not illustrated); and a resilient means in the form of legs.

The above described arrangement addresses at least some of the disadvantages associated with existing methods of securing concrete panels in the vertical orientation. In particular the need to weld the brackets to the I-beam is obviated, resulting in substantial labour saving costs during construction.

Obviating the need for welding the brackets to the I-beam also improves the safety of structures incorporating such brackets, since welds are known to fail over time.

8 Finally, it is to be understood that various modifications and/or alterations 00 may be made to the retaining means, bracket and building panel herein described c-I and illustrated without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

l^

Claims

2. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the substantially elongate material is one of a thin steel rod and a steel ribbon.
3. A combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substantially elongate material is configured to provide a resilient means in the form of at least one arm.
4. A combination according to claim 3, wherein the resilient means includes a plurality of arms. A combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means includes an aperture in the bracket, through which a fastener is inserted to connect the bracket to the building panel.
6. A combination according to claim 5, wherein the aperture is elongated, thereby enabling the bracket to be adjusted relative to the building panel.
7. A combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket has a body configured to enable the bracket, in use, to maintain contact W \DELILAII\DDM\spccics\2002300096-reyped pages(7 I I 07).doc with the buidling panel, thereby assisting in the creation of a rigid building 00oO structure. S 8. A combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation resisting means is configured to, in use, maintain a constant pressure Sbetween the bracket and the building panel, thereby resisting rotation of the bracket about the attachment means. \O
9. In combination: C 10 a building panel including at least one bracket, wherein the at least one Sbracket includes: a bracket; a means for attachment of the bracket to the building panel; and a means for resisting rotation of the bracket relative to the panel; wherein the rotation resisting means includes: a means for securing the rotation resisting means to the building panel; and a resilient means for maintaining a biasing force between the bracket and the building panel. wherein the securing means and the resilient means are integrally formed from a substantially elongate material, and the elongate material is configured to provide the securing means in the form of a channel, within which the bracket can be accommodated.
10. A combination according to claim 9, wherein one end of the at least one bracket is at least proximate to an associated panel support in a manner allowing movement of the panel relative to a panel support.
11. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the panel support is a substantially vertically extending I-beam or H-beam.
12. A combination according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the building panel includes at least four brackets, with each bracket attached to a respective corner of the panel. W.\DELILAII\DDM\pccics\20230OOO96-riypcd pages(7 I I 7).doc 7- 11
13. A combination according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the rotation 00oO resisting means is configured to, in use, maintain a constant pressure between the C bracket and the building panel, thereby resisting rotation of the bracket about the Ct attachment means.
14. A means for resisting rotation of a bracket about its point of attachment to a building panel, including: a means for securing the rotation resisting means to the bracket; and a resilient means for maintaining a biasing force between the bracket and the building panel, thereby providing resistance against the tendency of Sthe bracket to rotate about its attachment means relative to the building Spanel; wherein the securing means and the resilient means are integrally formed from a substantially elongate material, and the elongate material is configured to provide the securing means in the form of a channel, within which the bracket can be accommodated. A means according to claim 14, wherein the substantially elongate material is one of a thin steel rod and a steel ribbon.
16. A means according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the substantially elongate material is configured to provide a resilient means in the form of at least one arm.
17. A means according to claim 16, wherein the resilient means includes a plurality of arms.
18. A means according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the rotation resisting means is configured to, in use, maintain a constant pressure between the bracket and the building panel, thereby resisting rotation of the bracket about the attachment means.
19. A combination according to any one of the embodiments substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. W:\DELII.AH\DDMfpcies\20023096-retypcd pages(7 1 07) doc 12 A means for resisting rotation substantially as herein described with 00 reference to the accompanying drawings. W \DELILAII\DDM\spccs\2002300096-retyped pages(7.I I 07).doc