GB1370645A - Lightweight composite structures - Google Patents

Abstract

1370645 Interconnecting beams R VINCENS 4 Oct 1971 [2 Oct 1970] 46154/71 Heading F2M [Also in Division E1] Structures such as building partitions, Figs. 48-53 (not shown), false ceilings, Fig. 57 (not shown), shelving, Figs. 54-55, 58-59 (not shown), are assembled from interengageable, composite metal or plastics joists which include at least one main joist 1 comprising two external sheaths 3, 4 each having flanges 5, 6 facing each other and surrounding a plurality of longitudinally spaced, slidable first struts (e.g. 51, Fig. 15) which resiliently grip the flanges 5, 6 to define a longitudinal slot 21, Fig. 11, of constant width between the flanges and to define a housing 36 behind each slot. A projection of a further joist may be inserted into the slot 21 and retentively engaged by retaining devices on the first struts to thereby orthogonally connect the joists. A secondary joist 2, Fig. 11, comprises facing flanged sheaths 65, 66, the flanges being angled to enter the slot 21 in the main joist and having a hooked member 71 arranged as shown to engage in the main joist 1. The first struts may comprise a variety of solid or tubular cores having C-sectioned members engaging the sheath's flanges 5, 6 (e.g. Figs. 2, 5 (not shown)); four C-sectioned members 37-41, Fig. 7, welded together; or two top-hat sectioned members 51 arranged with their webs 52 back to back and interconnected by hooks 56. Two main joists may be connected orthogonally by an angle member 95, Fig. 18, received between the webs 52 of the struts 51 and retained therein either by projections 58 on the webs 52 engaging holes 57 in the member 95 or the angle member may have side flanges complementary to those of the struts 51, Figs. 26-31 (not shown). The angle member 95 may have hooked teeth 16 on one limb which extend beyond one end of the joist and orthogonally attach it to a further joist, Fig. 36, by engaging holes 117 in the web 52 of a strut 51, the teeth being retained by a member 146 engaging in the hooks of the teeth. A further orthogonal connection, Fig. 40, may be made by an angled member 118 having one limb received in a first joist and the other limb having recesses 122 locked between the struts of a second joist by engaging members-55. Still further connections may be made by X, L or T shaped members, e.g. Fig. 35, having crosssections complementary to those of the struts and engaged therein. A ariety of clips, e.g. 155, Fig. 36, for engaging and supporting panels or acting as guides for sliding doors are disclosed. Channel shaped trim members, e.g. 75, 81, Fig. 11; 100, Fig. 36, may conceal any fastenings.