Improvements in or relating to building interior partition structures

Abstract

The top rail 12 is secured to the concrete 10 by limited universal motion mounts spaced apart by a hanger assembly 15. Each hanger assembly 15 has a second component of the mount, i.e., a bendable hanger member 18 housing a track, which flexes to hold the top rail member in place when the compartment 10 is moved. In the case of a ceiling, the circular hanger assembly is secured in the circular housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to internal partition structures of buildings, and in particular, but not limited to, buildings having horizontal concrete partitions between floors that are susceptible to movement relative to stable partition structural elements. Typically, partition structural elements include non-structural walls and ceilings that are used to divide the interior spaces of a building. Movement of these elements may damage not only the elements themselves, but also other components mounted on them, such as cabinets, lamps, etc. Background Art

[0002] Stable insulation elements are often nonstructural and can be damaged by movement of the structural insulation. The insulation is susceptible to movement from normal building movement as well as geological shocks such as earthquakes. Depending on the severity of the movement, the extent of damage will vary, but even relatively minor movement and vibrations can cause unsightly cracks to appear suddenly or gradually in insulation elements. When the building is in motion, it is best to keep nonstructural elements stable.

[0003] There is a view to counteract this movement in order to protect non-structural walls. Examples are: PCT / AU2018 / 000047 and PCT / AU2020 / 000060 of the present applicant; US4,037,380; US7,624,549; US8,495,844; DE2836126; FR2863284; US20060032157; US9,719,253; US20050120661; US8,458,972. There are many more examples. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an effective alternative to the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the present invention generally relates to a limited universal motion mount for mounting a stable partition structural element, typically a wall or ceiling, to a structural compartment, comprising: a first component configured to engage or connect to the structural compartment; and a second component configured to engage or connect between the first component and the stable partition structural element, and the limited universal motion mount is configured to firstly assist in the operational positioning of the stable partition structural element, and secondly provide an effective amount of isolation and damage protection to the fixed partition element from movement of the structural compartment in any direction within a predetermined range of motion. Typically, the second component includes a resilient damping element.

[0005] The operational positioning of the auxiliary stable partition structure element generally includes a relationship between the second element and the stable partition structure element that is used to maintain the associated partition structure in a generally vertical or horizontal attitude.

[0006] The effective amount of isolation and damage protection for a stable partition structure element will depend on the type of materials, configuration, thickness and other factors used in the components and partition structure, as well as the amount of force that can still be withstood. It should be understood that the description of a stable partition structure element also includes more than just the individual elements in the partition structure, some elements may be better than others at withstanding the forces applied to them, and damage to some elements may be hidden from view while damage to other elements may be easily seen. Damage may be transmitted to one element indirectly through another element that is not damaged. The degree of isolation from motion does not mean complete isolation, but rather isolation that is effective in a particular situation.

[0007] Generally speaking, in any case there is a balance point where the positioning of the second component to the partition structural element and its ability to isolate the partition structural element have an optimal point, and then there are a series of less than ideal variables in materials, configurations, thicknesses and other factors that either individually or in combination ultimately lead to failure.

[0008] The first component is typically configured to move in conjunction with the structural barrier. It is preferably secured directly to the structural barrier using at least one fastener, typically a heavy-duty fastener. The second component is typically configured to maintain the partition structural element typically in its normal operating position, but then respond to the movement of the structural barrier typically indirectly through the first component, without the movement or the forces generated by the movement being transmitted to the stable partition structural element. Therefore, the fastener and the part connected to the fastener move synchronously with the first component through its own series of responses to the movement. Preferably, the response is achieved by absorption and / or relative movement between the second component and the stable partition structural element. Preferably, the response is to move synchronously with the first component and help the mounting member return to the starting position. This means that although the second component may bend and deform, it tends to recover itself while still moving synchronously with the first component. In one embodiment, the second component is independent and not connected to any partition structural element. Although not connected, when it comes to a vertical partition structure, the second component is arranged to maintain the vertical partition structure in a vertical posture by cooperating with the cooperating parts of the second component and the partition structure element, thereby supporting and maintaining the partition structure element in its associated partition structure in a vertical posture. In a preferred example, the partition structure element has a portion that cooperates with the second component, and these portions together effectively provide a laterally spaced joint for vertical alignment. In one form, the second component includes a filler material that flexibly changes shape or bends between the portions of the partition structure element in response to the movement of the structural partition. In a specific example, the second component has a curved portion that just contacts the partition structure element (preferably on a tangent). Typically, the second component operates elastically against the shell, and the shell can move with or without the structural partition. The shell can move in conjunction with the structural partition. This is preferred when the partition structure is a horizontal partition structure such as a ceiling. The housing is preferably circular and fixed to the structural compartment, wherein the second component is directly or indirectly attached to the ceiling and flexibly mounted in the housing to flex in response to movement so that the ceiling remains substantially stable. The housing may be stable relative to the partition member so that the second component moves with the structural compartment within the housing. This is particularly applicable to walls where the housing is an elongated wall track.

[0009] As can be understood from the above, on the other hand, a stable partition structural element is provided herein, which is configured to cooperate with the first and second components of the corresponding spaced-apart limited universal motion mounting parts, and the stable partition structural element includes an elongated wall rail member, the rail member having spaced-apart holes, each hole being configured to allow the corresponding first component of the corresponding limited universal motion mounting parts to freely pass through so that the first component can operate and move in the corresponding hole. In another embodiment, the rail member has a bilateral portion that cooperates with the second component to assist in keeping the partition structural element vertical. The rail member can have any suitable cross-section, including U-shaped and T-shaped, and the T-shaped is suitable for narrower partition structures and wider second components and a wider range of motion. The second component is preferably assembled inside the rail member and extends axially along the rail member. The rail member can be a channel or top track of a wall assembly, the track having a top inner surface that cooperates with the second component, the second component having an intermediate groove, and the intermediate groove forms a gap between the second component and the stop inner surface so that the second component can be bent upward against the top inner surface of the track. The apertures of the stable partition structure element may include cut-outs to facilitate forming the apertures at selected locations along the elongated rail member by selectively removing the cut-outs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to make the present invention more easily understood and put into practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which: Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall frame using the hanger according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 It is shown that it is applicable to Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a hanger; Figure 3 is a partial view from below, showing the Figure 1 and Figure 2 A hanger of an embodiment; Figure 4 This is a bottom view; FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D According to Figures 1 to 4 A perspective view, a top view, a side view and an end view of a hanger member of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 In another application FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D Another embodiment of the hanger member; Figure 7 is used FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The hanger assembly of the hanger member shown is used in Figure 6 Stereoscopic image before application; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial side view of an application of the component in use; Fig. 9 It is a similar diagram to the previous one, but with the compression zone component slightly adjusted; Fig.10 is another embodiment using an alternative compression zone; Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a perspective view showing an alternative top rail; and Fig.13 yes Fig.11 and Fig.12 The cutout used in the track; Figures 14 to 17 Shows Figure 8 and Fig.10 The bending of the embodiment with grooves shown in the dashed line; Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention wherein the teachings are applied to a ceiling hanger; Fig.19 It is shown Fig.17 an exploded view of an embodiment of the type shown; Figure 20 to Figure 24 Shown is suitable for Fig.18 and Fig.19 The bridging element and the housing of an embodiment; Fig.25 The melting of the bridging element under fire conditions is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Referring to the accompanying drawings, first Figures 1 to 4 Initially, there is shown in cross-section a horizontal concrete membrane 10 and parts of the partition structure, in this case a column 11 and a top rail member, in this case a U-shaped track 12, which is separated from the bottom surface 13 of the membrane 10 by a flexible spacer 14. Any form of partition structure can be used; it does not have to be based on column walls. The partition structure includes a stable partition structure element, which in this case is a track 12, which remains stable relative to the movement of the membrane 10. If the track is stable, the rest of the partition structure is protected. Figures 18 to 25 The invention is described as being applied to movements relative to ceiling partition structures. In each case, there is an elastic damping element between the structural partition and the partition structure for damping the movement, thereby preventing damage to the partition structure in 360 degrees vertically and horizontally, resulting in limited universal movement, in the example, the range of limited universal movement is 50 mm, that is, 25 mm in any direction from a selected center position when installed. The invention thus helps to set an initial or neutral position to prepare for subsequent movements.

[0012] The top rail 12 is secured to the concrete 10 by a limited universal motion mounting, which is a spaced apart hanger assembly 15, which includes a first component of the mounting, in this case a screw fastener 16, which is rigidly connected to the barrier 10 and moves in conjunction with the barrier 10. In the vicinity of each fastener 16, each top rail has a hole 17 configured for free passage of the fastener 16, and each hanger assembly 15 has a second component of the mounting, namely a hanger member 18.

[0013] Hanger member 18 is slidably mounted within track 12, which includes a stable partition structural element, and hanger member 18, holes 17 and fasteners 16 are arranged so that in response to movement of concrete barrier 10, the hanger member is operable to extend, tilt, rotate, slide, compress, bend or otherwise absorb mechanical shock and vibration so that the stable partition structural element remains stable relative to barrier 10 within certain limits, which in this case are defined by the radius of hole 17 and the type, configuration, thickness and other elements of the materials used in the component and partition structure and the amount of force that can still be withstood in the event of any deflection. The fasteners can also move up and down through the hanger 18.

[0014] In this case, the track 12 includes a channel 19 and the hanger member 18 is an elongated elastic body of generally figure-8 or lemniscate shape, configured to slidably fit into the channel 19 between the side walls 20 and 21, these walls and the hanger member in the figure-8 shape cooperate within the walls of the channel, the hanger member fitting tangentially with each wall. The hanger member 18 has a central hole 22 for fastener 16 to pass through and a narrow intermediate area 23 between the protrusions 24 and 25. The protrusion width "x" is slightly greater than the inner wall spacing between the walls 20 and 21 to allow for a tight slide between the walls 20 and 21, in this case each protrusion has a slotted compression area 26 therein that enters the hole 38 using an inclined slot 27. This arrangement helps to position the hanger member within the track channel before the track is inverted and raised, so that this friction retention helps to apply the screw fasteners into the concrete partition. The protrusions effectively fill the channel, helping to keep the partition vertical.

[0015] The hanger member is made of a material that can slide and flex in response to the movement of the fastener in the hole 17. Since the fastener moves in conjunction with the partition 10, for the major components of movement, first up and down, the hanger will slide to move up and down, for the lateral component, the hanger will flex, for any axial direction in the plane of the partition structure, the hanger will slide, and for smaller components of movement including torsion and tilting, the hanger will also absorb these movements because it is not connected to the track. Therefore, the hanger will cope with all possible movements of the fastener 16 and the track 12 will remain stable.

[0016] In the embodiment shown, an optional return spring 28 returns the hanger member 18 to its resting position in the channel. The finger metal plate 28 with opposing fingers 29 is an optional fail-safe device in the event of a fire where the hanger member 18 may burn out, in which case the fingers 29 will strike against the rear wall 30 of the track 12 and ensure that the track remains suspended. The fingers also keep the plate aligned as they extend into the hanger member V-shaped holes 39 to prevent any rotation of the plate.

[0017] It should be understood that the hanger member can be used to suspend and clamp the partition structure, and can also keep the partition structure in a vertical position. Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the hanger member clamps the rear wall 30 of the track 12 against the flexible material 14 .

[0018] Figures 6 to 9 An embodiment using hanger members 18 and fasteners 16 is shown, wherein the spacers 14 are omitted and sleeves 31 are used to set the distance of the rear wall 30 from the bottom surface 13 of the compartment 10. Like reference numerals refer to like features.

[0019] Fig.10 34 has a hanger member and like reference numerals denote like features. In this case, there is no slotted compression zone, the compression zone 33 in the protrusion 34 is achieved by a fork defining opposite ends 35 and 36 connected by a bridge 37 outside the crescent-shaped hole 38 so that the ends 35 and 36 can be slightly compressed to help locate in the channel described above and also fill the space between the channel walls. The V-shaped opening 39 and the hole 22 function the same as they do in the previous embodiment.

[0020] The amount of load applied to the second component will depend on the type of material, configuration, thickness and other factors employed in the second component, as well as the coordination of the second component with the partition structural elements and the magnitude of the forces to be addressed in any deflection of the structural partition. The design of materials, configurations, thicknesses will be highly variable, and optimization of these will largely be achieved through ordinary trial and error experiments.

[0021] Generally speaking, if the track 12 is completely rigid, the hanger member will have some flexibility. If the track 12 is made of a material that has some elasticity and can recover on its own, the hanger member may have less flexibility, but a greater ability to absorb and recover.

[0022] The second component is typically a one-piece, unitary structure made from a suitable plastic material, and the wall thickness may vary depending on the type of material in order to control the amount of bending and compression.

[0023] There need not be a compression zone. The material can be quite rigid and the relative tolerances of the track and hanger ends can allow for a close friction but still sliding fit. It can just compress on the contact area where the second part contacts the partition structural element.

[0024] When a narrow section 23 is used, the bending resistance due to the narrow section 23 will also depend on the choice of material and the mechanical arrangement that allows bending. For example, the middle portion may not be a narrow arc, but may be a slot.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will understand without any invention how to create many different variations that have the same function. For example, while the figures herein show a complex "best approach", a second component comprising a simple configuration of a rectangular elastic plug filler between walls 20 and 21 may also work, with the central fastener 16 passing through hole 17 and not connected to track 12. In this case, the fastener may have a sleeve and a washer so that the filler can slide, compress and recover in the same manner as broadly described.

[0026] Likewise, changes in the partition structural elements will result in changes in the mountings. Different rail profiles may allow for different arrangements, with the mountings fitting into grooves, between ribs, etc. Examples are given above for cross sections including U-shapes and T-shapes. In the case of a T-shape, the second component may be designed to slide into the crossbar portion of the T-shaped profile from the end. This may be a tight but slidable two-way "locating" fit, relying on vertical movement up and down of the fasteners rather than any vertical movement of the second component.

[0027] In another variation, the track 12 and holes 17 may be combined in the form of a universal track with optional holes at preset spacings to accommodate different track and fastener requirements and different spacings within a track. Fig.11 A track 40 is shown having a rear or web portion 41 and side walls 42 and 43 (shown in phantom to illustrate that these components are variable and thus the shape of the track profile is variable) and having holes 17 spaced along the track 40 at single and double stud spacings so that in the case of double studs, fasteners can be used alternately, or one fastener every 4th stud, etc., depending on local needs and building regulations. This design margin does not come at the expense of weakening the track, and the metal thickness can be increased if additional strength is required. Another example is as Fig.12 1, wherein in this case the track has a back side 45 which in this case has alternating holes 17 and slots 46. In this case, the slots can be used to fix the outer side wall, wherein the movement in the plane of the wall can be absorbed along the slots up and down and front and back, while through the holes 17, the same "universal" track can be used to accommodate partition structures and partitions (such as Figure 1 As shown), only one type of track needs to be reserved to satisfy both situations.

[0028] In other variations, Figure 8 and Fig.10 The recess is shown in phantom so that when assembled, the hanger member is spaced from the back of the track so that there is a gap to allow the hanger to rise and flex. Figure 8 In the case of a 15 mm thick hanger, this gap is approximately 4 mm. Fig.10 Such a groove is shown extending between the dashed lines at 49-52. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The tracks in the housing may have slots, some of which are indicated by dashed lines 53, extending along the side walls 42 and 43 to provide further adjustment or movement. Fig.13 The cut-out pattern used to make the hole 17 is shown. Thus, the hole 17 may be formed from a quadrant section 54 of 7mm cut-out and a 3mm wide connecting section 55, with a 10mm hole 56 provided to mark the upper plate at the centre required when the track is secured in place. The track can then be removed, the connecting section cut off and the metal part 57 removed, at which point the hanger and fastener are self-securingly assembled by friction fit between them and the track. It is then a simple operation to secure the track using the fastener.

[0029] Now refer to Figures 14 to 17 , Figures 14 to 17 A further embodiment is shown in which the second component is configured using Fig.14 The type of technology and form of the hanger assembly 58 and the track 59, forming the hole 17. The hanger 58 has Fig.10 The form shown in the plan view, and having an upward groove 60, as shown in the above Fig.10 The dashed lines 42-52 in FIG. 5A and 5B are shown in FIG. Fig.16 and Fig.17 shows this bending. It is worth noting that Figures 15 to 17In the embodiment of the invention, the walls 61 and 62 of the side of the track 59 have inward ribs 63 and 64, which are used to hold the hanger 58 in its operating position. Since the hanger is flexible, the hanger is just clamped in place, so those ribs are designed to have sufficient protrusion to achieve a hard insertable snap-on action. It should be understood that friction fixation as described in the previous embodiment is also applicable. However, it is also possible to adopt the form of a track or shell configuration for the purpose of relative movement. The example of a simple channel is non-limiting, and more complex arrangements are possible. For example, there may be a shell with a downward protrusion that positions a smaller second component so that the second component does not reach the walls 61 and 62 on the outside, but actually indirectly achieves the same function through some intermediate components. The top wall 64 can have a stepped portion forming an internal channel, and the hanger can be installed in this channel, while the wall members 65 and 66 are installed in the main channel.

[0030] The invention is generally applicable to the relative movement of any partition structure and although the above relates to vertical partition structures or walls, the following examples relate to horizontal partition structures (including ceilings) where the tracks accommodating the hangers are actually replaced by a circular housing accommodating the hangers.

[0031] Reference Fig.18 , Fig.18 An embodiment 67 is shown, in this example, in use with a bracket 68 and hook 69 for a suspended ceiling (not shown). Screw fasteners 70 are equivalent to fasteners 16 in that they secure a housing 71 to the structure 10, the housing 71 having an enlarged hole that is generally the same size as hole 17 and allows the same movement.

[0032] Inside the housing 71 is a resilient hanger 73 having bendable resilient blades 74 which respond to movement of the structure 10 in the same manner as the hanger 18 responds to the same movement.

[0033] The assembly also has a washer 75 , a threaded socket 76 and a bolt 77 . Fig.17 The diameter of the hole 72 in the housing is about 30 mm, and the bolt 17 is an 8 mm bolt. Fig.18 The hole 78 in can be selected to suit the expected range of motion, so another hole size is shown in dashed lines at 79.

[0034] The housing 71 has an inner wall 80, and the end 81 of the blade hits against the wall to perform elastic movement in the housing. The housing screw 70 and thus the housing 71 move in conjunction with the structure 10, which is exactly the same as the movement of the fastener 16 in the previous embodiment. Therefore, the working principle is the same: both cause the hanger blade to bend and deform, just as the hanger in the previous embodiment bends with the movement of the structure.

[0035] Fig.24 Hanger 73 is shown collapsed during a fire, such that gasket 75 is larger than hole 78 , thereby maintaining stable integrity with structure 10 .

[0036] Although the above is given by way of illustrative examples, many changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broader scope and range of the present invention as set forth in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A limited universal motion mount for mounting a stable partition structural element to a structural compartment, the limited universal motion mount include: a first component configured to engage or connect to the structural barrier; and a second component configured to engage or connect between the first component and the stable partition structural element, and the restricted universal motion mount is configured to firstly assist in the operational positioning of the stable partition structural element, and secondly provide an effective amount of isolation and damage protection to the stable partition structural element from movement of the structural insulation in any direction within a predetermined range of motion.

2. The constrained universal motion mount of claim 1 , wherein assisting in the operational positioning of the stable partition structure element comprises a relationship between the second element and the stable partition structure element, the relationship being used to maintain the associated partition structure in a substantially vertical or horizontal attitude.

3. A limited universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component is configured to move in conjunction with the structural insulation and includes at least one fastener that enters directly into the structural insulation, and the second component is configured to normally maintain the partition structural element in its normal operating position, but then respond to movement of the structural insulation indirectly through the first component without transmitting the movement or forces generated by the movement to the stable partition structural element.

4. A constrained universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component operates by a response, the response being carried out by absorption and / or relative movement between the second component and the stable partition structural element, the response being synchronous with the movement of the first component and helping the mount to return to a starting position.

5. A restricted universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component is flexible and deformable, the second component tending to self-correct while still moving synchronously with the first component.

6. A restricted universal kinematic mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component is independent and not connected to any interrupting structural element.

7. A restricted universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component is independent and not connected to any partition structure element, and although not connected, when it comes to a vertical partition structure, the second component is arranged to maintain the vertical partition structure in a vertical attitude by the cooperating portion of the second component and the partition structure element, thereby supporting and maintaining the partition structure element in its associated partition structure in a vertical attitude.

8. The limited universal motion mount of claim 7 wherein the partition structure element has portions that cooperate with the second component, the portions together providing laterally spaced apart joints for vertical alignment of the vertical partition structure.

9. A constrained universal motion mount according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second component includes a filler material that flexibly changes shape or bends between portions of the partition structural element in response to movement of the structural partition, and wherein the second component housing includes a wall track in which the second component is mounted.

10. A restricted universal motion mount as claimed in claim 7 or 8 or 9 wherein the second component has a curved portion just contacting the track of the partition structural element, the second component operating resiliently against a housing which may or may not move with the structural partition.

11. A restricted universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component is mounted within a housing, and the housing moves in conjunction with the structural partition, and the partition structure is a ceiling.

12. The constrained universal motion mount of claim 11 wherein the housing is circular and secured to the structural compartment, wherein the second component is directly or indirectly attached to the ceiling and flexibly mounted in the housing to flex in response to movement such that the ceiling remains substantially stable.

13. A constrained universal motion mount as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing is fixed relative to the partition structure so that the second component moves within the housing together with the structural partition, and the housing is an elongate wall track.

14. A restricted universal kinematic mount according to any one of the preceding claims, It is engaged or connected to a stable partition structural element, which is configured to cooperate with the first part and the second part of the corresponding spaced-apart restricted universal motion mount, and the stable partition structural element includes one or more housings providing spaced-apart holes, each hole is configured for free passage of a corresponding first part of a corresponding restricted universal motion mount to enable the first part to perform operational movement within the corresponding hole.

15. A limited universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second component housing having a rail member having bilateral portions cooperating with the second component to assist in maintaining the partition structural elements vertically, the second component being mounted within the rail member and extending axially along the rail member.

16. A limited universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component is located within the housing, the housing being a rail member, the rail member being a channel or top track of a wall assembly, the track having a top inner surface that mates with the second component, the second component having a middle groove that forms a gap between the second component and the stop inner surface so that the second component can bend upward against the top inner surface of the track.

17. A limited universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture of the stable barrier element includes a cut-out to facilitate formation of the aperture at a selected position along an elongate rail member by selective removal of the cut-out, the rail member providing a housing for the second component.

18. A restricted universal motion mount according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises a resilient damping element.

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