US3102366A

US3102366A - Wall panel end joint clip

Info

Publication number: US3102366A
Application number: US782041A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert H Slowinski
Original assignee: National Gypsum Co
Current assignee: National Gypsum Co
Priority date: 1958-12-22
Filing date: 1958-12-22
Publication date: 1963-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 1980-09-03

Description

Sept. 3, 1963' V R. H. SLOWINSKI 7 3,102,365

WALL PANEL END JOINT cup Filed Dec. 22, 1958 United States Patent 3,102,366 WALL PANEL END JOINT CLIP Robert H. Slowinski, Touawanda, N.Y., assignor to National Gypsum Company, Buffalo, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 22, 1958, Ser. No. 782,041 Claims. (Cl. 50-381) This invention relates to improvements in wall construction and more particularly to an end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends of contiguous wall panels to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abutting ends.

The clip embodying the invention is especially adapted for use in a suspended ceiling construction incorporating a plurality of suspended carrying channels connected by a plurality of transverse furring channels, to which are connected a plurality of rectangular and flat, gypsum lath panels, by means of wire clips. In a typical installation, the furring channels are spaced either 12" or 16 on center and the panels, which are usually 16" wide by 48" long, are laid lengthwise across these channels in staggered rows and in substantially co-planar, side by side and edge abutting relationship, to provide pairs of contiguous panels and pairs of spaced panels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of the contiguous panels. Each wire clip is provided with a hook end which is snapped over a furring channel and a straight end which is inserted in an arm on the hook end of the preceding clip, to provide a firm, taut support across the face of each panel. However, the joints between the unsupported abutting ends of the contiguous panels fall between the furring channels and thus, these abutting ends tend to sag, particularly after the application of gypsum plaster over the faces of the panels.

Until the present invention, conventional H-shaped, end joint clips having a plurality of oppositely extending, U-shaped fingers have been employed in an attempt to overcome this condition. Normally, at least two of these clips are used for each pair of contiguous panels. In this arrangement, one set of fingers in each clip are fitted over the corners of the abutting ends and extend parallel to and on each side of the joint therebetween, and the other set of fingers are fitted over the adjacent spaced panel. In many instances an additional clip is located at the middle of the abutting ends with the fingers extending transversely on each side of the joint. However, it has been found that in actual use such H-shaped clips merely keep the contiguous and spaced panels in alignment, but fail to provide suflicient support to prevent the abutting ends of the contiguous panels from sagging under the added weight of the later applied plaster or other finishing material. In addition, by the very nature of such clips, they must be installed simultaneously with the erection of the panels, thereby substantially increasing installation labor costs.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an end joint clip adapted to span and support the abutting ends of the contiguous panels, and thereby prevent misalignment and sagging of said abutting ends. In accomplishing this object, the inventive clip is adapted to span the joint between the abutting ends of the contiguous panels throughout the length of the joint, to engage the adjacent pair of spaced panels and to be sprung into engagement with the aforesaid abutting ends, thereby maintaining their alignment and creating a positive pressure to prevent sagging of these ends.

Another object of the invention is to provide a single end joint clip adapted to replace as many as three conventional, H-shaped clips for supporting each pair of abutting panel ends.

A further object of the invention is to provide an end joint clip adapted to be easily installed after erection of the panels rather than simultaneously therewith, thereby appreciably reducing installation labor costs.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a ceiling Wall construction incorporating an end joint clip constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention and comprising an elongated, flanged rib having a transverse arm at each end provided with angularly projecting tabs;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the transverse arm and angularly projecting tabs;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and illustrates the manner in which the preferred embodiment is installed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the left end of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional View taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 to illustrate the flanged rib incorporated in the preferred embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating a modification of the invention wherein no flange is provided on the elongated rib.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, a typical, suspended ceiling wall construction is illustrated, and generally indicated at 10. In the conventional fabrication of ceiling wall construction 10, a plurality of metal carrying channels 11 (only one of which is shown) are suspended from the permanent ceiling (not shown) by means of hangers or wires 12, and connected together by a plurality of transverse, metal fuiring channels 13 in any suitable manner (not shown). Channels 13 are spaced either 12" or 16' on center and the flat, rectangular panels 14, which are usually 16" wide by 48 long, are laid lengthwise across these channels in staggered courses or rows, and in substantially co-planar, side by side and edge abutting relationship.

Commercially, panels 14 are known as gypsum latch which includes a layer of gypsum sandwiched between fibrous sheets. While this is the preferred panel construction, it will be apparent that any suitable material or materials may be used to form panels 14.

As will also be apparent, this arrangement provides pairs of contiguous panels 14 and pairs of spaced panels 15 spanning each end of the joint 16 between the abutting ends of the contiguous panels, in any given row. For example, considering the row of panels directly underneath carrying channel 11, panels 14 are considered as the contiguous panels while panels 15 in adjacent rows are considered as the spaced panels. Obviously, if the next row to the left of the aforementioned row were being considered, panels 15 therein would be contiguous while panels 14 on either side would be spaced. However, for clarity and uniformity of description, panels 14 will be hereinafter designated as contiguous, and panels 15 as spaced.

Panels

14 and 15 are secured to channels 13 by means of wire clips .17, each clip being provided with a hook end 18 which is snapped over channel 13, and a straight end 19 which is inserted in an arm 20 on the hook end 18 of the preceding clip 17, to provide a firm, taut support across the face of each

panel

14 or 15. However, in this arrangement, the joints 16 between the abutting ends of

panels

14 or 15 fall between channels 13. Since these abutting ends are unsupported, they tend to sag, particularly under the weight of plaster or other material (not shown), which is applied in finishing ceiling construction 10.

In order to prevent this undesirable condition, the end to snap back into their original angular position.

joint clip 21, embodying the invention, is employed. As also seen in FIGS. 24, clip 21 is preferably formed from sheet metal to provide a flat, elongated rib 22 having an integral, fiat transverse or lateral arm 23 at each end, the arm being provided with a pair of integral and flat, angularly or laterally outwardly projecting tabs 24. In addition, the elongated and resilient rib 22 is bowed along its major or longer axis into a single substantially convexo-concavo shape or arc, with arms 23 projecting laterally outwardly from the convex side of rib 2.2 and being arranged transversely of the longer .axis xx, as well as substantially parallel to the shorter axis y--y. Tabs 24 project angularly or laterally outwardly from arms 23, are likewise arranged transversely of longer axis x-:c, as well as substantially parallel to the shorter rib axis yy, and diverge toward the concave side of rib 22, all tor a purpose to be described in detail below.

Referring momentarily to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be observed in FIG. 5 that rib ZZ'is preferably provided with a flange 25 projecting angularly or laterally outwardly from its concave side along each elongated edge. This construction provides a good anchor to key the plastering material .26 later applied in finishing ceiling construction 10. Alternatively, rib 22 may be constructed without a flange, as shown in FIG. 6. This type of construction is especially useful in providing a substantially flush surface for the adhesive application of acoustical tile.

Returning once again to FIGS. 1-4, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 3, the installation of clips 21 will now be described. After panels 14 and =15 have been secured in place by wires 17, each clip 21 may be readily inserted in place by passing one arm 23 between

adjacent panels

14 and 15 at one end of the joint 16. Even though the panels are substantially in edge-abutting relationship, there is a slight clearance created by the hook ends 18 of wires 17. Likewise, tabs 24 are suficiently flexible to pass through these openings and sufficiently resilient As clearly seen in FIG. 3, arm 23 is so proportioned as to project beyond the opposite or upper sides of

panels

14 and 15, while tabs 24- are adapted to securely engage the opposite sides of the spaced panels 15.

Continuing with the clip installation, the same procedure is followed with the other arm .23 at the other end of joint 16. As this is accomplished, rib 22 is unbowed along its longer axis from its former convexo-concavo shape to a substantially straight shape. As a result,

the formerly convex surface of rib .22. is bent substantially straight and sprung into substantially continuous engagement with the adjacent sides of the abutting ends of panels 14 and spans the joint 16 therebetween throughout its length. Thus, these abutting ends are not only supported by the engagement between tabs 24 and the opposite sides of spaced panels 15, but also by the unbowed rib 22, which maintains the abutting ends in alignment and creates an upward pressure to prevent the abutting ends from sagging, even after the application of plaster or other finishing material.

It will now be seen how the above described invention accomplishes its various objects and provides numerous advantages over the prior ant. While only two embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that various changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the appended claims. For example, the invention is equally applicable to side wall as well as ceiling wall construction, and within either type of construction, the panels need not be arranged in substantially co-planar relationship, but could be arranged in the nature of a segmental arch wall construction.

What is claimed is:

1. An end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends of contiguous wall panels on spaced wall panels spanning each end of the joint between said abutting ends to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abutting ends; said clip being adapted to be installed after erection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially flat rib bowed along its longer axis into a single substantially convexoconcavo arc; a substantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardly from the convex side of said rib adjacent each end thereof and being arranged transversely of said longer axis; and a tab projecting laterally outwardly from the side of each arm remote from the other arm and diverging from the tab on the other armtoward the concave side of said-rib and being arranged transversely of said longer axis.

2. An end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends of contiguous wall panels on spaced wall panels spanning each end of the joint between said abutting ends to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abutting ends; said clip being adapted to be installed after erection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially flat rib bowed along its longer axis into a single substantially convexoconcavo arc; an integral and substantially flat flange projecting laterally outwardly from the concave side of said rib along each longitudinal edge thereof; an integral and substantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardly from the convex side of said rib adjacent each end thereof and being arranged substantially parallel with the shorter axis of said rib; and a pair of integral and substantially flat tabs projecting laterally outwardly from the side of each arm remote from the other arm and diverging from the pair of tabs on the other arm toward the concave side of said rib and being arranged substantially parallel to said shorter axis.

3. In a wall construction having a plurality of panels arranged in substantially side by side and edge abutting relationship to pnovide at least one pair of contiguous panels and at least one pair of spaced panels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of said contiguous panels; the combination therewith of an end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends of said contiguous panels on said spaced panels to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abutting ends; said clip being installed after erection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially fiat rib having one substantially straight side in substantially continuous engagement with the adjacent sides of said abutting ends and spanning said joint throughout its length; a substantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardly from said one side of said rib adjacent each end thereof and between said contiguous and spaced panels beyond the opposite sides thereof and being arranged transversely of the longer axis of said rib; and a tab projecting laterally outwardly firom the side of each arm remote from the other arm and diverging from the tab on the other arm toward the other side of said rib and into engagement with the opposite sides of said spaced panels and being arranged transversely of said longer axis.

4. In a wall construction having a plurality of panels arranged in substantially side by side and edge abutting relationship to provide at least one pair of contiguous panels and at least one pair of spaced panels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of said contiguous panels; the combination therewith of an end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abut-ting ends of said contiguous panels on said spaced panels to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abutting ends; said clip being installed after erection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially fiat rib unbowed along its longer axis from a single substantially convex-o-concave are to a substantially straight shape so that its formerly convex side is bent substantially straight and sprung into substantially con- 5 tinuous engagement with .the adjacent sides of said abutting ends and spans said joint throughout its length; a substantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardly irom the formerly convex side of said rib adjacent each end thereof and between said contiguous and spaced panels beyond the opposite sides thereof and being -arranged transversely of said longer axis; and a substantially fiat tab projecting laterally outwardly from the side of each arm remote from the other arm and diverging tromthe tab on the other arm toward the formerly eoncave side of said rib and into engagement with the opposite sides of said spaced panels and being arranged transversely of said longer axis.

5. In a wall construction having a plurality of panels arranged in substantially side by side and edge abutting relationship to provide at least one pair of contiguous panels and at least one pair of spaced panels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of said contiguous panels; the combination therewith of an end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends of said contiguous panels on said spaced panels to prevent rnisalignment and sagging of said abutting ends; said clip being installed after erection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially fiat rib unbowed along its longer axis from a single substantially convexo-concavo arc to a substantially straight shape so that its tormerly convex side is bent substantially straight and sprung into substantially continuous engagement with the adjacent sides of said abutting ends and spans said joint throughout its length; an integral and substantially flat flange projecting laterally outwardly firorn the tormerly concave side of said rib along each longitudinal edge thereof; an integral and substantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardly from the formerly convex side of said rib adjacent each end thereof and between said contiguous and spaced panels beyond the opposite sides thereof and being arranged substantially parallel to the shorter axis of said rib; and a pair of integral and substantially fiat tab-s projecting laterally outwardly from the side of each arm remote from the other arm and diverging from the pair of tabs on the other arm toward the formerly concave side of said riband into engagement with the opposite sides of said spaced panels and being arranged substantially parallel to said shorter axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,312,056 Shaw Aug. 5, 1919 1,833,174 Norris Nov. 24, 1931 1,867,194 Taylor July 12, 1932 1,939,223 Palmer Dec. 12, 1933 2,178,817 Small Nov. 7, 1939 2,277,791 Small Mar. 31, 1942 2,667,667 Jacobson Feb. 2, 1954 2,811,036 Nelsson Oct. 29, 1957 2,819,858 M-ittendorf Jan. 14, 1958 2,855,648 Jansson Oct. 14, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 774,591 France Sept. 24, 1934

Claims

1. AN END JOINT CLIP FOR SPANNING AND SUPPORTING THE ABUTTING ENDS OF CONTIGUOUS WALL PANELS ON SPACED WALL PANELS SPANNING EACH END OF THE JOINT BETWEEN SAID ABUTTING ENDS TO PREVENT MISALIGNMENT AND SAGGING OF SAID ABUTTING ENDS; SAID CLIP BEING ADAPTED TO BE INSTALLED AFTER ERECTION OF SAID CONTIGUOUS AND SPACED PANELS AND COMPRISING AN ELONGATED AND SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT RIB BOWED ALONG ITS LONGER AXIS INTO A SINGLE SUBSTANTIALLY CONVEXOCONCAVO ARC; A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT ARM PROJECTING LATERALLY OUTWARDLY FROM THE CONVEX SIDE OF SAID RIB ADJACENT EACH END THEREOF AND BEING ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY OF SAID LONGER AXIS; AND A TAB PROJECTING LATERALLY OUTWARDLY FROM THE SIDE OF EACH ARM REMOTE FROM THE OTHER ARM AND DIVERGING FROM THE TAB ON THE OTHER ARM TOWARD THE CONCAVE SIDE OF SAID RIB AND BEING ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY OF SAID LONGER AXIS.