Wall of a building with lightweight structure comprising an improved socle

Abstract

Wall (100) of a building comprising a socle (1) having a longitudinal axis (Y) and comprising a body (1a) suitable for being fixed to a foundation slab (2) or to a floor slab and comprising a flat lower surface (1b) suitable for abutting against the foundation slab (2) or the floor slab, and a flat upper surface (1c); the wall has at least one panel (3) resting onto the flat upper surface (1c) of the body (1a); the peculiarity of the wall (100) according to the invention is that said socle (1) comprises a longitudinal partition (1d) rising centrally from the flat upper surface (1c) of the body (1) and suitable for being inserted into a longitudinal notch (30) of the panel (3) in such a way that said panel (3) is firmly supported in upright position on the socle (1).

Description

[0001] WALL OF A BUILDING WITH LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE COMPRISING AN IMPROVED SOCLE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a wall of a building with lightweight structure comprising an improved socle.

[0004] In particular, the present invention is suitable for being used in the construction of lightweight or prefabricated buildings in which the walls of the building comprise a plurality of panels made of wood, steel, or other lightweight material arranged side by side.

[0005] In the field relative to the construction of temporary or lightweight buildings, a concrete foundation slab is made and then the walls of the building, which consist of a plurality of panels arranged side by side, are mounted onto the foundation slab.

[0006] The lower parts of the panels (which are closer to the foundation slab) are the weakest points of the panels, as they are more heavily exposed than other parts of the building to the rainwater that hits the foundations and they are also subject to the humidity that rises from below. For such a reason, the panels are mounted on special plinths or socles in order to raise the panels from the underlying foundation so that the lower edge is not in contact with the underlying foundation.

[0007] The panels are fixed to the socles or to the foundation slab by means of flat brackets (to connect the panels to the socle) or L-brackets (to connect the panels to the foundation slab) and similar hardware.

[0008] An example of such a wall, in which brackets or similar hardware are used to connect the panels to the socle or to the foundation slab, is shown in WO2014076526A1.

[0009] The use of brackets and hardware to secure the panels to the socle or to the foundation slab makes the installation of the panels extremely complicated and time-consuming for operators. Furthermore, the use of brackets and hardware obviously increases the installation costs of the panels.

[0010] Moreover, it should be noted that the brackets and the hardware are positioned in front of the faces of the panels, resulting in an obstacle and hindrance for the installation of cladding, insulation, sheathing, and finishes on the faces of the panels.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by devising a new wall comprising an improved socle that does not require the use of brackets or hardware to fix the panels to the socle.

[0012] A further purpose of the present invention is to devise a wall that is quick and easy to install.

[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to devise a wall comprising a socle that allows for installing technical systems between the interior and exterior of the building in a quick and functional way.

[0014] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the characteristics listed in the attached independent claim 1 .

[0015] Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

[0016] The wall according to the invention is defined by claim 1 .

[0017] For greater clarity, the description of the wall according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting, wherein:

[0018] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of a portion of a wall according to the invention fixed to a foundation slab;

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a socle of the wall according to the invention ;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the wall of Fig. 1 taken along a vertical transverse plane;

[0021] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of only the socle of the wall according to the invention;

[0022] Fig. 5 is the same as Fig. 2, with the addition of means for adjusting the height of the socle.

[0023] With reference to the attached figures, a wall according to the invention, which is generally indicated with reference numeral “100,” is described.

[0024] The wall (100) according to the invention comprises a socle (1 ) having a longitudinal axis (Y) and comprising a body (1 a) suitable for being fixed to a concrete foundation slab (2) or to a floor slab. The body (1 a) has a flat lower surface (1 b) suitable for abutting against the foundation slab (2) or against the floor slab, and a flat upper surface (1c).

[0025] The wall (100) also comprises at least one panel (3), in particular several panels (3) arranged side by side and resting onto the flat upper surface (1c) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ). Although Fig. 1 shows only one panel (3) arranged on the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ), a set of panels (3) arranged side by side can be disposed on the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ).

[0026] Each panel (3) has a lower edge (3a) that abuts against the flat upper surface (1c) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ).

[0027] Each panel (3) is made of a wooden material and may be, for example, made of multilayer wood, laminated wood, chipboard, blockboard, plywood, etc. The socle (1 ) is entirely made of a metallic material, preferably steel.

[0028] The socle (1 ) comprises a longitudinal partition (1d) that rises centrally from the flat upper surface (1 c) of the body (1 ). Preferably, the longitudinal partition (1 d) extends along the entire length of the socle (1 ).

[0029] Each panel (3) comprises a longitudinal notch (30) formed in the lower edge (3a) and suitable for accommodating said longitudinal partition (1 d) in such a way that said panel (3) is firmly supported in upright position on the socle (1 ). Preferably, the longitudinal notch (30) extends along the entire length of the lower edge (3a).

[0030] Therefore, due to the provision of the longitudinal partition (1d) on the socle (1 ) and of the longitudinal notch (30) on the panel (3), the panel (3) can be firmly mounted on the socle (1 ) in a simple and quick manner without having to use brackets or similar hardware positioned on the sides of the panel (3) and of the socle (1 ) or on opposite faces (3x) of the panel.

[0031] With reference to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the peculiar configuration of the socle (1 ) of the wall (100) according to the invention is described below.

[0032] The socle (1 ) is symmetrical with respect to a vertical median plane of symmetry (V-V) and the longitudinal partition (1d) lies exactly on said vertical median plane of symmetry (V-V).

[0033] Advantageously, the socle (1 ) has a width (L) equal to or lower than the thickness (S) of the at least one panel (3) in such a way that said socle (1 ) does not protrude with respect to opposite faces (3x) of the panel (3).

[0034] In particular, the flat lower surface (1 b) and the flat upper surface (1c) of the socle have a width (L) equal to the thickness (S) of the at least one panel (3). However, said flat surfaces (1 b and 1c) may also have a width (L) lower than the panel (3).

[0035] Preferably, the flat upper surface (1c) and the flat lower surface (1 b) have the same width. However, the flat upper surface (1 c) and the flat lower surface may have different widths, provided that they are equal to or lower than the thickness of the panel (3).

[0036] It should be noted that the absence of brackets or hardware, as well as the fact that the body (1 a) does not protrude from the faces (3x) of the panel (3), allows the faces (3x) of the panel (3) to be clean and smooth, with the possibility to install coatings, insulation, sheathing, and finishes without any hindrance.

[0037] Still with reference to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, when seen in cross-section, the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ) is substantially shaped like a letter H rotated by 90°, wherein the following parts are provided:

[0038] - a horizontal lower wing (1 1 ) comprising said flat lower surface (1 b);

[0039] - a horizontal upper wing (12) comprising said flat upper surface (1c) and from which said longitudinal partition (1 d) protrudes centrally;

[0040] - a central vertical wing (13) that connects the horizontal lower wing (11 ) and the horizontal upper wing (12) and is coplanar with said longitudinal partition (1d).

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the socle (1 ) is made of two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and one central metal plate (16) that are welded together. The C- shaped metal profiles (15) and the central metal plate (16) are preferably made of cold-formed steel.

[0042] The body (1 a) is shaped like a letter H rotated by 90° and defines two channels (U) located on the sides of the central vertical wing (13) and open towards the outside.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said channels (U) are filled with cementitious material, such as cement and similar materials.

[0044] In particular, formwork is applied to the sides of the socle (1 ) and said cementitious material is poured into the channels.

[0045] The socle (1 ) comprises:

[0046] - two identical C-shaped metal profiles (15) facing in opposite directions, each one comprising a horizontal lower section (151 ), a horizontal upper section (152), and a vertical section (150) connecting the two horizontal sections (151 , 152); and

[0047] - a central metal plate (16) having a lower section (161 ) interposed and welded between the two vertical sections (150) of the two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and an upper section (162) that protrudes superiorly with respect to said horizontal upper sections (152) of the two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and defines the longitudinal partition (1 d) of the socle (1 ).

[0048] With reference to Fig. 4, it is noted that:

[0049] - the two lower sections (151 ) of the C-shaped metal profiles (15) are coplanar and define said horizontal lower wing (11 ) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 );

[0050] - the two horizontal upper sections (152) of the C-shaped metal profiles are coplanar and define said horizontal upper wing (12) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 );

[0051] - the vertical sections (150) of the two metal C-profiles (15) and the lower section (161 ) of the central metal plate (16) define the central vertical wing (13) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ); and

[0052] - the upper section (162) of the central metal plate (16) defines the longitudinal partition (1 d) of the socle (1 ).

[0053] The longitudinal partition of the socle protrudes upwards by a variable amount, depending on the mechanical stress coming from the wooden wall.

[0054] It should be noted that, although the attached figures always show the socle (1 ) as consisting of two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and one central metal plate (16) welded together, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the socle (1 ) may consist of one long metal profile made by extrusion. In such a case, for example, the long metal profile may be made of aluminum.

[0055] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, slots (19) are provided on the horizontal lower wing (11 ) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ), on both sides relative to the central vertical wing (13) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ), said slots (19) being suitable for being crossed by metal bars (4) drowned in the foundation slab (2) and protruding from the foundation slab (2).

[0056] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, holes (9) are provided on the horizontal upper wing (12) of the socle (1 a), on both sides relative to the central vertical wing (13) of the socle (1 ), said holes (9) being suitable for being used for fixing the metal bars (4) drowned in the foundation slab (2) and protruding from the foundation slab (2).

[0057] With reference to Fig. 5, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, adjustment means (R) may be applied to the socle (1 ) and configured in such a way as to adjust the height of the socle (1 ) relative to the foundation slab.

[0058] Said adjustment means (R) comprise: - threaded bushings (R1 ) fixed to the horizontal lower wing (11 ), in correspondence with the slots (19) or other holes provided on the horizontal lower wing (1 1 ); and

[0059] - adjustment screws (R2) suitable for being coupled to the threaded bushings (R1 ) and having end tips suitable for abutting against the foundation slab (2) below.

[0060] Evidently, the screwing of the adjustment screw (R2) into the respective bushing (R1 ) corresponds to the proportional raising of the socle (1 ) in the area where the adjustment screw is applied.

[0061] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 1 , a plurality of holes (F) are made in the central vertical wing (13) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ) for the passage of pipes (T) or electrical cables. The holes (F) are delimited perimetrically by a circular edge. It should be noted that the holes (F) may have a shape other than circular.

[0062] Following the description, the advantages provided by the present invention are now evident:

[0063] - it greatly facilitates and speeds up the installation of the wall (100);

[0064] - it allows the faces (3x) of the panels (3) to be completely smooth and clean, thus facilitating the installation of sheathing, cladding, and finishes on the faces (3x);

[0065] - it insulates the lower part of the panel from the foundation slab below;

[0066] - the inverted-H configuration of the body, which comprises only a central vertical wing (13) that connects the horizontal lower wing (11 ) and the horizontal upper wing (12) to each other, makes the socle (1 ) suitable for having windows or openings or holes for the passage of pipes and other elements that enter and exit from the building;

[0067] - furthermore, the H-shaped configuration with the two channels (U) open to the outside allows for applying cementitious material, thus increasing the solidity and stability of the socle; and

[0068] - the provision of the adjustment means (R) allows the height of the socle to be adjusted with respect to the foundation slab (2), compensating for any irregularities in the foundation slab (2).

[0069] Numerous variations and detailed modifications can be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, however falling within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Wall (100) of a building comprising:- a socle (1 ) having a longitudinal axis (Y) and comprising a body (1 a) suitable for being fixed to a foundation slab (2) or to a floor slab and comprising a flat lower surface (1 b) suitable for abutting against the foundation slab (2) or against the floor slab, and a flat upper surface (1 c);- at least one panel (3) resting onto the flat upper surface (1 c) of the body (1 a); wherein said at least one panel (3) comprises a lower edge (3a) that abuts against the flat upper surface (1 c) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ); characterized by the fact that said socle (1 ) comprises a longitudinal partition (1 d) that rises centrally from the flat upper surface (1c) of the body (1 ); wherein said at least one panel (3) comprises a longitudinal notch (30) formed in the lower edge (3a) to accommodate said longitudinal partition (1d) in such a way that said panel (3) is firmly supported in upright position on the socle (1 ); wherein said socle (1 ) has a length (L) equal to or lower than the thickness (S) of the at least one panel (3) in such a way that said socle (1 ) does not protrude relative to opposite sides (3x) of the panel (3).

2. The wall (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said longitudinal partition (1d) extends for the entire length of the socle (1 ); wherein said longitudinal notch (30) extends for the entire length of the lower edge (3a) of the panel (3).

3. The wall (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said socle (1 ) is symmetrical with respect to a vertical median plane of symmetry (V-V) and the longitudinal partition (1 d) lies exactly on said vertical median plane of symmetry (V-V).

4. The wall (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when seen in cross-section, said body (1 a) of the socle (1 ) is substantially shaped like a letter H rotated by 90°, wherein the following parts are provided:- a horizontal lower wing (1 1 ) comprising said flat lower surface (1 b);- a horizontal upper wing (12) comprising said flat upper surface (1c) and from which said longitudinal partition (1 d) protrudes centrally;- a central vertical wing (13) that connects the horizontal lower wing (11 ) and the horizontal upper wing (12) and is coplanar with said longitudinal partition (1 d).

85. The wall (100) according to claim 4, wherein said body (1 a) of the socle (1 ) comprises:- two identical C-shaped metal profiles (15) facing in opposite directions, each one comprising a horizontal lower section (151 ), a horizontal upper section (152) and a vertical section (150) joining the two horizontal sections (151 , 152); and- a central metal plate (16) having a lower section (161 ) interposed and welded between the two vertical sections (150) of the two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and an upper section (162) projecting superiorly relative to said horizontal upper sections (152) of the two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and defining said longitudinal partition (1 d) of the socle (1 ); wherein the two lower sections (151 ) of the C-shaped metal profiles (15) are coplanar and define said horizontal lower wing (1 1) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ); wherein the two horizontal upper sections (152) of the C-shaped metal profiles are coplanar and define said horizontal upper wing (12) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ); wherein said vertical sections (150) of the two C-shaped metal profiles (15) and said lower section (161 ) of the central metal plate (16) define said central vertical wing (13) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ).

6. The wall (100) according to claim 4, wherein said socle is realized by means of an extruded section.

7. The wall (100) according to claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein holes or slots (19) are provided on the lower horizontal wing (1 1 ) of the body (1 a) on both sides relative to the central vertical wing (13) and suitable for being crossed by bars (4) drowned in the foundation slab (2) and protruding from the foundation slab (2).

8. The wall (100) according to claim 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, wherein a plurality of holes (F) are provided on the central vertical wing (13) of the body (1 a), said holes (F) being suitable for being crossed by pipes (T) or electrical cables.

9. The wall (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the socle (1 ) is made of metal material.

10. The wall (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one panel (3) is made of wooden material.

911. The wall (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said wall (100) comprises a plurality of panels (3) arranged side-by-side and resting on the flat upper surface (1 c) of the body (1 a) of the socle (1 ).

12. The wall (100) according to any of claims 4 to 1 1 , wherein said body (1 a) of the socle (1 ) having the shape of a letter H rotated by 90° comprises two channels (U) located on the sides of the central vertical wing (13) and open towards the outside; wherein said channels (U) are filled with cementitious material.

13. The wall (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising adjustment means shaped so as to adjust the height of the socle (1 ) relative to the foundation slab.

14. The wall (100) according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein said adjustment means (R) comprise:- threaded bushings (R1 ) fixed to the horizontal lower wing (11 ) in correspondence with slots (19) or holes provided on the horizontal lower wing; and- adjustment screws (R2) suitable for being coupled to the threaded bushings and having end tips suitable for abutting against the foundation slab (2) below.

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