Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Patent
1999-06-23
2000-09-12
Kent, Christopher T.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
527295, 527306, 527291, 527317, 527201, 52634, E04C 330
Patent
active
061159867
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to structural members for use as components in metal building frames and is of particular though not exclusive relevance to structural members of the kind formed from a strip of metal and used as e.g. wall studs, floor joists, ceiling joists and other lightweight beams.
BACKGROUND ART
The present applicant's Australian Patent 667145 discloses a structural member of a kind rollformed from a strip of metal sheet so that the strip is folded over onto itself at its lateral edges to form respective boxed edge formations linked by a web. The web and adjacent portions of the boxed edge formations define a longitudinally extending recess of dovetail cross-section. Boxed structural members of this form are well suited to serve as wall studs in steel building frames in that they provide sufficient structural strength with minimum material, while the boxing imparts sufficient rigidity to allow other frame and cladding components to be fastened to the studs by nailing.
Initial trials utilising structural members of the above described kind as wall studs have revealed a difficulty with stacking and transport. More conventional steel frame components of channel-like configuration, such as those used for top and bottom plates and noggings in steel house frames, are easily stackable for transport by nesting the components together. The edge formations of the box studs prevent nesting, however, and lateral ties or restraints are necessary on stacks to overcome the low coefficient of friction between opposed steel surfaces which otherwise prevents a stack of the studs from remaining stable. Stackability is also impaired by the thinness of the steel sheet in which the box studs are usually formed: advantageous in that the box studs are lightweight and cost efficient, but a disadvantage in that they are less robust in stacks.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome this difficulty.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention accordingly provides a structural member of the kind including a strip of metal sheet folded over onto itself at its lateral edges so that the member has respective boxed edge formations which extend between a pair of notional substantially parallel planes and are linked by a web between but offset from these planes, and wherein at least one and preferably both of the boxed edge formations defines a longitudinally extending ridge at one of said planes and, behind the other plane, an outwardly open longitudinally extending groove complementary to said ridge, whereby the structural member may be stacked on another similar member and the stack be laterally stabilised by co-operation of said groove on one member and said ridge on the other.
The web preferably defines, with opposed adjacent portions of the boxed edge formations, a longitudinally extending recess of generally dovetail cross-section.
The boxed edge formations are preferably of generally truncated triangular configuration in cross-section, defining a base containing the longitudinally extending groove and an apex forming the longitudinally extending ridge.
The edge formations preferably include parallel flat faces defining the lateral margins of the structural member.
The web is preferably substantially closer to said other notional plane than to said one plane.
The folded over portions of the metal strip preferably include an edge lip engaged against a centre portion of the metal strip, the lips and centre portion together defining the web. The lips are advantageously fastened to the centre portion, e.g. by spot welds, rivets or clinches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention Will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 depicts the uniform cross-section of an elongated structural member according to an embodiment of the invention, suitable for use as a wall stud component of a steel house frame;
FIG. 2 is a sectioned isometric view of the structural member; and
FIG. 3 depict s a three-member
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BHP Steel (JLA) Pty Ltd
Kent Christopher T.
Thissell Jennifer I.
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