Improvements to or related improvements to the internal partitions of buildings

Abstract

The upper track 12 is secured to the concrete 10 by spaced apart hanger assemblies 15, which are free-floating fixtures. Each hanger assembly 15 has a second component of the fixture, a flexible hanger member 18 housed within the track, which flexes to hold the upper track in place as the partition 10 moves. In the case of a ceiling, a circular hanger assembly is housed within a circular housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to interior partitions in buildings, particularly, but not exclusively, to buildings of the type where horizontal concrete partitions exist between floors and the partitions are subject to movement relative to stationary partition elements. Typically, partition elements include non-structural walls and ceilings used to divide interior spaces within a building. Movement of the partition elements can result in damage to the partition elements themselves as well as other components attached to them, such as cupboards or lighting fixtures.

[0002] [Background technology] Stationary partition elements are typically nonstructural and can be damaged by movement of structural partitions. Partitions tend to move in response to normal building movement as well as earth shocks such as earthquakes. Damage varies depending on the severity of the movement, but even relatively small movements or vibrations can cause unsightly cracks to appear suddenly or gradually in the partition elements. It is desirable for nonstructural elements to remain stationary even as the building moves.

[0003] Proposals have been made to accommodate this movement in order to protect non-structural walls. The following patents, to the present applicant, are cited as examples: PCT / AU2018 / 000047 and PCT / AU2020 / 000060; US 4,037,380; US 7,624,549; US 8,495,844; DE 2836126; FR 2863284; US 20060032157; US 9,719,253; US 20050120661; US ​​8,458,972, among many others. It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0004] [Summary of the Invention] In one embodiment, the invention generally relates to a limited range of motion mount for attaching a stationary partition element, typically a wall or ceiling, to a structural partition, comprising: a first component adapted to be joined or connected to the structural partition; and a second component adapted to be joined or connected between the first component and the stationary partition element, the second component adapted to first assist in accessible positioning of the stationary partition element and second provide an effective amount of isolation and damage protection for the stationary partition element from movement of the structural partition in any direction within a predetermined range of movement of the structural partition. Typically, the second component comprises a resilient damper element.

[0005] The available positioning aids for stationary partition elements typically involve the relationship of a second element to the stationary partition element, which serves to maintain the associated partition in a generally vertical or horizontal position.

[0006] The amount of isolation and damage protection that is effective for a stationary partition element depends on the type, configuration, thickness, and other factors of the materials used for the component and partition, as well as the amount of force that can be tolerated. It should be understood that the term stationary partition element includes not only a single element but multiple elements within a partition, some of which may withstand more applied force than others, and furthermore, damage may be hidden from view on some elements while being readily visible on others. Damage may be transmitted to an element indirectly through another undamaged element. The degree of isolation from movement does not mean complete isolation, but rather isolation that is effective under the circumstances.

[0007] Generally speaking, in any given situation, there will be a balance point where the positioning of the partition element by the second component and the ability of the second component to isolate the partition element are optimal, and there will be various variables, such as material, configuration, thickness, and other factors, either individually or in combination, that are less than optimal, leading to eventual failure.

[0008] The first component is typically adapted to move in conjunction with the structural partition. The first component preferably employs at least one generally heavy-duty fastener that fits directly into the structural partition. The second component is typically adapted to hold the partition element in a standard, accessible position, but responds to movement of the structural partition, typically indirectly via the first component, without transmitting the structural partition movement or the forces resulting from that movement to the stationary partition element. Thus, the fasteners and components connected to the fasteners follow the first component through various independent responses to the structural partition movement. The response is preferably through absorption and / or relative movement between the second component and the stationary partition element. The response preferably follows the first component and assists in returning the fixture to its starting position. This means that the second component may be flexible and deformable, but tends to recover while following the first component. In one embodiment, the second component is independent and not connected to any partition element. Although not connected, in the case of a vertical partition, the second component is arranged to maintain the vertical partition in a vertical position by the partition element, with portions of the second component cooperating to support and hold the partition element in a vertical position in the associated partition. In one preferred example, the partition element has portions aligned with the second component that together effectively provide laterally spaced engagement for vertical alignment. In one form, the second component includes a filler of material that flexes or bends between portions of the partition element in response to movement of the structural partition. In one particular example, the second component preferably has a curved section that just tangentially contacts the partition element. Typically, the second component functions resiliently relative to a housing that may or may not move with the structural partition. The housing may move in conjunction with the structural partition. This is preferred when the partition is a horizontal partition, such as a ceiling.The housing is preferably circular and is fixed to the structural partition, and the second component is attached directly or indirectly to the ceiling, with flexibility provided within the housing to flex with movement while the ceiling remains substantially stationary. The housing may also be fixed relative to the partition so that the second component moves with the structural partition within the housing. This applies particularly to walls where the housing is an elongated wall track.

[0009] As can be seen from the above, another aspect provides a stationary partition element adapted to cooperate with first and second components of a fixture that are free to move within their respective spaced apart, limited ranges, the stationary partition element comprising an elongated rail having spaced apart holes, each hole adapted to allow free passage of a respective first component of the fixture that is free to move within its respective limited range. In a further embodiment, the rail has symmetrical portions that cooperate with the second component to help maintain the partition element vertical. The rail can be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, including U-shaped or T-shaped, with the T-shaped shape accommodating a narrow partition and a wider second component and a wider range of movement. The second component preferably fits inside the rail and extends axially along the rail. The rail may be a groove or upper track of the wall assembly, the track having an upper inner surface aligned with the second component, the second component having an intermediate notch forming a gap between the second component and the upper inner surface, allowing the second component to flex upward relative to the upper inner surface of the track. The holes in the stationary partition element may be provided with cutouts, which may be selectively removed to form holes at selected locations along the elongated rail. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood and put into effect, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of a wall frame using a hanger according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a hanger applicable to FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the hanger according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, as seen from below. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an underside view. [Figure 5] 5A-5D are perspective, top, side and end views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment hanger member of FIGS. 1-4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the hanger member of FIGS. 5A to 5D in a different application. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hanger assembly using the hanger members shown in FIGS. 5A-5D prior to use in the application of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the application portion of the assembly of FIG. 7 in use. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view similar to the previous one, with a slight modification of the compression zone members. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another embodiment employing a different compression zone. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative upper track. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an alternative upper track. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cutout used for the track of FIGS. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the deflection of the notched embodiment shown in phantom in FIGS. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the deflection of the notched embodiment shown in phantom in FIGS. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the deflection of the notched embodiment shown in phantom in FIGS. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 shows the deflection of the notched embodiment shown in phantom in FIGS. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention in which the teachings of the present invention are applied to a ceiling hanger. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the type shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a bridging element and housing suitable for use in the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a bridging element and housing suitable for use in the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a bridging element and housing suitable for use in the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows a bridging element and housing suitable for use in the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows a bridging element and housing suitable for use in the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 25] Figure 25 shows the melting of bridging elements during a fire.

[0011] [How to run] Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figures 1 through 4, a cutaway view of a horizontal concrete partition 10 and a portion of the partition—in this case, a stud 11 and an upper rail, in this case, a U-shaped track 12—is shown, with the upper track spaced from the underside 13 of the partition 10 by a flexible spacer 14. Any form of partition may be used and need not be based on a stud wall. The partition includes a stationary partition element, in this case, the track 12, that remains stationary against movement of the partition 10. While the track remains stationary, the remainder of the partition is protected. Figures 18 through 25 illustrate the application of the present invention to movement relative to a ceiling partition. In each case, a resilient damper element is included between the structural partition and the partition to dampen movement and prevent damage to the partition 360 degrees vertically and horizontally, thereby limiting free movement. In the example, a 50 mm range is provided—that is, 25 mm in any direction from a center position selected during installation. Thus, the present invention assists in establishing an initial or neutral position for subsequent movement.

[0012] The upper track 12 is secured to the concrete 10 by spaced apart hanger assemblies 15, which are free-floating fixtures. The hanger assemblies 15 include a first component of the fixture, in this case a screw fastener 16, which is secured to the partition 10 and moves relative to the partition 10. Adjacent to each fastener 16, each upper track has a hole 17 adapted to allow the fastener 16 to pass freely therethrough, and each hanger assembly 15 has a second component of the fixture, which is a hanger member 18.

[0013] Hanger member 18 is slidably mounted within track 12, track 12 containing a stationary partition element, hanger member 18, holes 17, and fasteners 16 arranged such that the hanger member extends, tilts, rotates, slides, compresses, flexes, or serves to absorb mechanical shock and vibration in response to movement of concrete partition 10, the stationary partition element remaining stationary relative to partition 10 within limits defined in this case by the radius of holes 17 and the type, configuration, thickness, and other factors of materials used in the components and partition, and the amount of force still tolerated when deflection occurs. The fasteners may move up and down within hanger 18.

[0014] Track 12, in this case, includes groove 19, and hanger member 18, an elongated, resilient body of a general figure-eight or bead-like shape, adapted to slidably fit into groove 19 between side walls 20, 21, forming cooperating walls within the groove, with the figure-eight fitting tangentially to each wall. Hanger member 18 has a central hole 22 for receiving fastener 16 and a narrow central region 23 between lobes 24, 25. Lobe width "x" is slightly larger than the inter-wall spacing between walls 20, 21 for tight sliding between walls 20, 21, with slotted compression zones 26 present in each lobe using angled slots 27 to holes 38 in this case. This arrangement helps position the hanger member within the track groove before inverting and lifting the track; therefore, this frictional retention aids in applying screw fasteners to the concrete partition. The lobes effectively fill the grooves and help keep the partition vertical.

[0015] The hanger members are made from a material that can slide and bend in response to the movement of the fasteners within the holes 17. The fasteners move in conjunction with the partition 10 with respect to their major components of movement, so that initially they slide up and down for up and down movements on the hanger, bend for lateral components, slide in any axial direction within the plane of the partition, and for smaller components of movement, including torsional and tilting movements, they also accommodate these movements because they are not connected to the track. Thus, any possible movement of the fasteners 16 is accommodated and the track 12 remains stationary.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, an optional return spring 28 returns the hanger member 18 to its seated position in the groove. The fingered metal plate 28 with opposing fingers 29 is an optional failsafe in the event of a fire in which the hanger member 18 may burn out, in which case the fingers 29 will impact the rear wall 30 of the track 12, ensuring that the track remains suspended. The fingers also serve to maintain alignment of the metal plate, as they protrude into V-shaped holes 39 in the hanger member to prevent rotation of the metal plate.

[0017] It will be appreciated that the hanger members serve to both suspend, clamp, and hold the partition in a vertical position. In Figures 1-7, the hanger members clamp the rear wall 30 of the track 12 against the flexible material 14.

[0018] 6-9 show an embodiment using hanger member 18 and fastener 16, where spacer 14 is omitted and sleeve 31 is used to set the distance from underside 13 of divider 10 to rear wall 30. Like numbers refer to like features.

[0019] 10 shows a hanger member, where like numbers refer to like features. In this case, there is no slotted compression zone; instead, compression zone 33 within lobe 34 is provided by a branch defining opposing ends 35 and 36 connected by a bridge 37 outside crescent-shaped opening 38, which can be slightly compressed to facilitate positioning within said groove and to fill the space between the walls of the groove. V-shaped opening 39 and holes 22 serve the same purpose as in the previous embodiment.

[0020] The capacity of the secondary component depends on the type, configuration, thickness, and other factors of the material used in the secondary component, its interaction with the partition elements, and the amount of force that the structural partition can handle in its deflection. The design of materials, configurations, and thicknesses is highly variable, and optimization is primarily achieved through conventional trial and error experiments.

[0021] Generally, if the track 12 is completely rigid, the hanger members will have some flexibility. If the track 12 is made of a material that is somewhat resilient and self-restoring, the hanger members will be less flexible and have greater absorption and recovery capabilities.

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

[0023] A compression zone is not always necessary. The material may be very hard and the relative tolerances of the track and hanger ends may allow for a sliding fit with close friction. Compression may occur only in the contact area where the second component contacts the partition element.

[0024] If narrowed regions 23 are used, the resistance to bending provided by the narrowed regions 23 will again depend on the material selection and mechanical arrangements that allow bending. For example, there may be a slot instead of a narrow arcuate central region.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will understand, without inventing, how to create many different variations that achieve the same function. For example, while the drawings herein show an elegant "best practice," a second component may include a simple rectangular elastic plug filler between walls 20 and 21, which passes through hole 17 and functions with a central fastener 16 that is not connected to track 12. The fastener in this case may have a sleeve and washer, and the filler slides, compresses, and recovers in the same manner as generally described.

[0026] Similarly, the fittings change as the partition elements change. Different track profiles have different arrangements, and the fittings may fit inside slots, between ribs, etc. Examples of cross sections such as U- and T-shapes are given above. In the case of a T-shape, the second component may be designed to slide endwise into the crossbar area of ​​the T-shape profile. This can result in a tight but slidable "locating" fit in two directions, relying on the vertical movement of the fastener up and down rather than the vertical movement of the second component.

[0027] In another variation, the track 12 and holes 17 may be incorporated into a universal track configuration with selectable holes at set intervals to accommodate various track and fastener requirements and multiple spacings within a single track. For example, FIG. 11 shows in phantom a track 40 having a back or mesh area 41 and side walls 42 and 43, which are variable to allow for a variable track cross-sectional shape, with holes 17 spaced at single-stud and double-stud intervals along the track 40, indicating that fasteners can be used alternately or, for example, every fourth stud in the double-stud case, depending on local requirements and building regulations. This allowance is not at the expense of weakening the track; the thickness of the metal can be increased if additional strength is needed. Another example is shown in FIG. 12, where the track has a back 45 with alternating holes 17 and slots 4. In this case, the slots are used to secure the exterior wall, and movement in the plane of the wall is taken up up and down and back and forth along the slots, while the same "universal" track may be used to accommodate partitions and dividers with holes 17, as shown in Figure 1, so that only one inventory of track is required to handle both instances.

[0028] In another variation, Figures 8 and 10 show a phantom recess that, when installed, spaces the hanger member from the back of the track, providing a clearance that allows the hanger to lift and flex. In Figure 8, this clearance is approximately 4 mm for a 15 mm thick hanger. Figure 10 shows this cutout extending between dashed lines 49 and 52. The tracks in Figures 11 and 12 may have slots, shown in phantom at 53, partially along side walls 42 and 43, to allow for further adjustment and movement. Figure 13 shows one form of cutout for forming hole 17. Thus, hole 17 may be provided with a 7 mm cutout quadrant 54 and a 3 mm wide joint 55, or with a 10 mm hole 56 to mark the required center on the upper slab while holding the track in place. The track is then lowered, and metal area 57 at the joint is cut and removed. Once assembled within the truck, the hanger and fasteners are self-retaining due to the frictional engagement between the hanger and truck. It is then a simple matter of securing the truck with the fasteners.

[0029] 14-17, a further embodiment is shown in which the second component comprises a hanger assembly 58, with a track 59 of the type that uses the technique and configuration of FIG. 14 to define the hole 17. The hanger 58 has the shape shown in plan view in FIG. 10 and includes an upwardly facing notch 60, as previously described in connection with dashed lines 42-52 in FIG. 10. This notch allows the hanger 58 to resiliently flex in response to movement of the structure 10. This flexing is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. Note that in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17, the side walls 61 and 62 of the track 59 include inwardly facing ribs 63 and 64 that help retain the hanger 58 in its use position. Because the hanger is flexible, it simply collapses into place, and these ribs are formed to protrude sufficiently to allow for secure insertion. It will be understood that frictional retention, as in the previous embodiment, is also applicable. However, any track configuration or housing configuration that achieves the purpose of relative movement may be used. The simple groove example is not limiting, and more complex configurations may also be achieved. For example, there may be a housing with a downward protrusion on which a smaller second component is positioned that does not reach the outer walls 61 and 62 but has a similar effect indirectly through the intermediate portion. The upper wall 64 has a stepped portion that forms an internal groove into which the hanger fits, and the wall components 65 and 66 fit into the main groove.

[0030] The invention applies generally to relative movement with respect to any partition, and while the above relates to vertical partitions or walls, the following example relates to horizontal partitions, including ceilings, where the tracks that house the hangers are essentially replaced by circular housings for the hangers.

[0031] 18, an embodiment 67 is shown, in this example shown for use with a bracket 68 and hook 69 for a suspended ceiling (not shown). A screw fastener 70 is equivalent to fastener 16 insofar as it secures a housing 71 to structure 10, with 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 with flexible resilient wings 74 which respond to movement of the structure 10 in the same manner as, in principle, when using hangers 18 and respond to the same movements.

[0033] The assembly also includes a washer 75, a threaded socket 76, and a bolt 77. Hole 72 in Figure 17 is approximately 30mm in diameter and bolt 17 is an 8mm bolt. Hole 78 in Figure 18 may be selected to suit the expected range of movement, so alternative hole sizes are shown in phantom at 79.

[0034] The housing 71 has an inner wall 80, and the ends 81 of the wings abut against this wall and move elastically within the housing. The housing screw 70, and therefore the housing 71, moves in conjunction with the structure 10, similar to the fastener 16 of the previous embodiment, and the operating principle is the same as in the previous embodiment, in that the bending of the hanger wings is promoted by the movement of the structure.

[0035] FIG. 24 shows that during a fire, the hanger 73 collapses, causing the washer 75 to outgrow the hole 78 and retain its integrity in the structure 10 .

[0036] Although the foregoing has been presented as an illustrative example, many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad scope and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A limited range of motion mounting device for attaching a stationary partition element to a structural partition, comprising: a first component adapted to be joined or connected to the structural partition; a second component adapted to be joined or connected between the first component and the stationary partition element, the second component adapted to firstly assist in the available positioning of the stationary partition element, and secondly provide an effective amount of isolation and damage protection to the stationary partition element from movement of the structural partition in any direction within a predetermined range of movement of the structural partition; A fixture that can move freely within a limited range.

2. The available positioning aids for the stationary partition element include a relationship between a second element and the stationary partition element, the relationship serving to maintain the associated partition in a generally vertical or horizontal position; 2. The limited range motion fixture of claim 1.

3. the first component is adapted to move in conjunction with the structural partition and includes at least one fastener that fits directly into the structural partition; 3. The limited range flexible mounting fixture of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second component is adapted to normally hold the partition element in a standard available position, but responds to movement of the structural partition indirectly through the first component without the movement or forces resulting from that movement being transmitted to the stationary partition element.

4. 4. A fixture that can move freely within a limited range as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component acts by absorbing and / or responding to relative movement between the second component and the stationary partition element, the response being to follow the first component and assist in returning the fixture to a starting position.

5. 5. A limited range of motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second component is flexible and may be deformed, but tends to return to its original shape following the first component.

6. 6. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second component is freestanding and not connected to any partition element.

7. 7. A limited range flexible mounting fixture as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second component is free standing and not connected to any partition element but when it relates to a vertical partition the second component is arranged to support and maintain the partition element in a vertical position in the associated partition by cooperation between parts of the second component and the partition element to hold the partition element in a vertical position.

8. 8. The limited range flexible mounting fixture of claim 7, wherein the partition element has a portion that aligns with the second component and provides laterally spaced engagement with the second component for vertical alignment of a vertical partition.

9. the second component includes a filler of a material that flexes or bends between portions of the partition element in response to movement of the structural partition; The second component housing further includes a wall track into which the second component fits.

9. A limited range movable mounting device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. the second component has a curved section that just contacts the track of the partition element; the second component acts resiliently relative to the housing, which may or may not move with the structural partition; 10. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. the second component is housed within a housing; the housing moves in conjunction with the structural partition; The partition is a ceiling.

11. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the housing is circular and fixed to the structural partition, the second component is directly or indirectly attached to the ceiling and is flexibly contained within the housing so as to bend in response to movement while the ceiling remains substantially stationary; 12. The limited range motion fixture of claim 11.

13. the housing is fixed relative to the partition such that the second component moves with the structural partition within the housing; the housing is an elongated wall track; 11. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. a limited range of motion fixture joined or connected to a stationary partition element adapted to cooperate with said first and second components; the stationary partition element comprises one or more housings providing spaced apart holes; each hole adapted to allow free passage of a respective first component of a fixture free to move within a respective limited range for accessible movement of the first component within the respective hole; 14. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the second component housing includes a rail; the rail has symmetrical portions that cooperate with the second component to help keep the partition element vertical; The second component fits inside the rail and extends axially along the rail.

15. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. the second component is located within a housing; the housing is a rail; the rail is a groove or upper track of a wall assembly; the track has an upper inner surface aligned with the second component; the second component has a middle notch that forms a gap between the second component and the upper inner surface; The second component may bend upwardly against the upper inner surface of the track.

16. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. the holes in the stationary partition element are provided with cutouts that are selectively removed to form the holes at selected locations along an elongated rail that provides a housing for the second component.

17. A limited range motion fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. 18. A limited range motion mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the second component comprises a resilient damper element.

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