CONNECTION OF LIKE C-SECTION MEMBERS

Abstract: A method of connecting like C-section members, the method including swaging the flanges (16) of one C-section member together adjacent the end of the one C-section member so as to reduce the web dimension of the one C-section adjacent the end, inserting the one C-section member end into the other C-section member so that the end flanges of the one C-section member are closely received within the flanges (20) of the other C-section member. In an alternative embodiment the other C-section member has its flanges swaged such that the said one C-section member flanges overlaps the flanges of said other C-section member upon assembly.

Description: "CONNECTION OF LIKE C-SECTION MEMBERS" TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a method of connecting like C-section members, to an assembly of like C-section members, and to the C-section members themselves. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application in the construction of rolled steel wall frames comprised of studs, noggings and top and bottom plates. The invention can also be applied to floor frames, for example. BACKGROUND ART It is known to use rolled steel members in the manufacture of wall frames. Particularly, it is known to use C-section members of different dimensions in the manufacture of wall frames. A problem associated with known systems resides in the inability of known systems to present a perfectly planer surface to which wall sheeting can be fixed due to the fact that the wall frame is composed of members of different dimensions. A further drawback with known systems is the need, at a manufacturing level, to roll members of different dimensions. The need to change the rolling machinery represents a significant inefficiency. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect the invention resides in a method of connecting like C-section members, the method including:- crushing the flanges of one C-section member together adjacent the end of the one C-section member so as to reduce the web dimension of the one C- section adjacent its end; aligning the one C-section member substantially orthogonally with respect to another C-section member and inserting the end of one C-section member into the other C-section member so that the crushed flanges of the one C-section member are closely received within the flanges of the other C-section member; and fixing the one C-section member to the other C-section member. In the preferred embodiment the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and the method further includes removing sections of the returns of the other C-section member so as to facilitate reception of the end of the one C-section member in the other C-section member. Preferably, each to the flanges of the one C-section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange, so that the crushed flanges of the one C-section member abut the flanges of the other C-section member when the crushed flanges of the one C- section member are received in the flanges of the other C-section member. In another aspect the invention resides in a method of connecting like C- section members, the method including:- removing a section of the web of one C-section member adjacent the end of the one C-section member to define a cavity adapted to receive the flanges of another like C-section member; crushing the flanges of the other C-section member together so as to reduce the effective web dimension of the other C-section; aligning the one C-section member substantially orthogonally with respect to the other C-section member and closely straddling the flanges of the one C- section member over the crushed flanges of the other C-section member; and fixing the one C-section member to the other C-section member. In the preferred embodiment the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein the method further includes removing end sections of the returns of the one C-section member so as to facilitate straddling of the flanges of the one C-section member over the crushed flanges of the other C-section member. Preferably, each to the flanges of the other C-section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange so that the flanges of the one C-section member abut the crushed flanges of the other C-section member when the flanges of the one C-section member straddle the crushed flanges of the other C-section member. In another aspect the invention resides in an assembly of like C-section members, the assembly including:- a first C-section member having its flanges crushed together adjacent its end so as to reduce the effective web dimension of the first C-section adjacent its end; a second C-section member aligned substantially orthogonally with respect to the first C-section member and fixed thereto, wherein the crushed flanges of the first C-section member are inserted into the second C-section member so that the crushed flanges of the first C-section member are closely received within the flanges of the second C-section member. In the preferred embodiment the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein sections of the returns of the second C-section member are removed so as to facilitate reception of the first C- section member in the second C-section member. Preferably, each of the flanges of the first C-section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange so that the crushed flanges of the first C-section member abut the flanges of the second C-section member. In another aspect the invention resides in an assembly of like C-section members, the assembly including:- a first C-section member having a section of its web removed adjacent its end to thereby define a cavity adapted to receive the flanges of a second C- shaped section; a second C-section member aligned substantially orthogonally with respect to the first C-section member and fixed thereto, wherein the flanges of the second C-section member are crushed together whereby the flanges of the first C-section member closely straddle the crushed flanges of the second C- section member. In the preferred embodiment the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein sections of the returns of the first C-section member adjacent the end of the first C-shaped member are removed so as to facilitate straddling of the flanges of the first C-section member over the crushed flanges of the second C-section member. Preferably, each of the flanges of the second C-section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange so that the flanges of the first C-section member abut the crushed flanges of the second C-section member. In another aspect the invention resides in a C-section member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- a crushed section adjacent its end whereby the flanges of the C-section member are urged together to thereby reduce the effective web dimension of the C-section member adjacent its end whereby the end of the C-section member can be inserted into a substantially orthogonally disposed like C-section member. In the preferred embodiment each of the flanges of the C-section member are crushed together by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flanges whereby the crushed flanges of the C-section member will abut the flanges of the like C-section member. Preferably, the length of the crushed section corresponds to the length of the flanges of the like C-section member. In another aspect the invention resides in a C-section member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- returns located at the distal ends of the flanges, wherein sections of the returns are removed to facilitate reception of the end of a like C-section member which has had its flanges crushed together adjacent its end. In the preferred embodiment the removed sections of the returns correspond in length to the length of the crushed flanges. In another aspect the invention resides in a C-section member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- a section of the web of the C-section member being removed adjacent the end of the C-section member whereby the ends of the flanges of the C-shaped member can closely straddle the flanges of a like C-shaped member which has had its flanges inwardly crushed. In the preferred embodiment the length of the section of the web which is removed corresponds to the length of the flanges of the like C-shaped member. Preferably, the C-section member includes returns located at the distal ends of its flanges and wherein the returns are removed adjacent the end of the C-section member. Preferably, the length of the removed returns corresponds to the length of the flanges of the like C-shaped member. In another aspect the invention resides in a C-shaped member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- a portion of the C-shaped member having its flanges crushed together to thereby reduce the effective web dimension of the C-shaped member, said portion adapted to be closely straddled by the flanges of a like C-shaped member having a portion of its web removed adjacent its end to facilitate said straddling. In the preferred embodiment the crushed portion corresponds in length to the length of the flanges of the like C-section member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Reference will now be made to the accompanying Figures which illustrate preferred embodiment(s) of the invention and in which:- FIG 1 is a series of three view of a first embodiment of the invention; FIG 2 is a series of three views of a second embodiment of the invention; and FIG 3 is a series of two views showing both embodiments being employed in a wall frame. BEST MODE With reference firstly to FIG 1 there is shown a first embodiment of the invention in which a pair of like C-section members are connected. A first C-section member 10 has the end portions 14 of its flanges crushed together such that the effective web dimension adjacent the end of the C-section member is reduced. Each end portion 14 of the flange is crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material making up the flange. Each end portion 14 of the flange includes a drill hole 16 for receiving a fixing element as will be described later. Referring now to the second C-section member 12, it will be noted that each flange of the C-section member 12 includes a return extending from the distal end of the flange and a portion of each return is cut away at 18. Again, drill holes 20 are provided to receive a fixing element as will be described later. As shown in FIG 1 (B) the crushed end portions 14 of the flanges of C- section member 10 are inserted through the cutaway portions 18 of the returns of the second C-section member 12. Thereafter, as shown in FIG 1 (C) a fixing element, such as a rivet 22, can be inserted to fix the C-section members 10, 12 together. Referring now to FIG 2, there is shown a second embodiment of the present invention in which like C-section members 30, 32 are fixed together. In this second embodiment a first C-section member 30 has an end portion of its web cut away such that the end portions 34 of the flanges extend beyond the termination of the web. Likewise, the end portions of the returns are cut away so that the extending end portions 34 of the flanges are spaced and parallel. Each of the end portions 34 is drilled at 36 to receive a fixing element as will be described later. A second C-section member 32 has its flanges crushed together at 38 to define a region of lesser effective web dimension. Again, the crushed flanges 38 are drilled at 40 to receive a fixing element as will be described later. As shown in FIG 2(B) the projecting and spaced flanges 34 of the first C- section member 30 closely straddle the crushed flanges 38 of the second C- section member 32. A fixing element, such as rivet 42, can thereafter be located in place. Referring to FIG 3 there is shown a conventional wall frame assembly consisting of top plate 50, stud 52, nogging 54 and bottom plate 56. As will be noted, the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG 1 , is utilised in connecting the stud to the top plate and to the bottom plate, respectively. The second embodiment, as shown in FIG 2, is used in connecting the nogging to the stud. The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide significant advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the manufacturer can roll a single sized C- section member. This is a significant advantage as the rolling machinery need never be reset to produce C-section members of different dimensions. Subsequent to rolling into the C-section shape, each member can be cut away, crushed and/or drilled as necessary. The present invention provides a wall frame or floor frame assembly, for example, in which the bottom plate, stud, nogging and top plate present an even planer surface for attachment of wall sheeting or the like. This is contrast to the prior art where, due to the fact that the various C-section members were of different dimensions, the flange of one C-section member would necessarily stand proud of the flange of an adjacent C-section member therefore providing an uneven or irregular surface to which wall sheeting would be attached. It will, of course, be realised that the above has been given by way of illustrative example(s) of the invention. Any variations, modifications, or omissions, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope of this invention.

Claims: THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:- 1. A method of connecting like C-section members, the method including:- crushing the flanges of one C-section member together adjacent the end of the one C-section member so as to reduce the web dimension of the one C- section adjacent its end; aligning the one C-section member substantially orthogonally with respect to another C-section member and inserting the end of one C-section member into the other C-section member so that the crushed flanges of the one C-section member are closely received within the flanges of the other C-section member; and fixing the one C-section member to the other C-section member. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein the method further includes removing sections of the returns of the other C-section member so as to facilitate reception of the end of the one C-section member in the other C-section member. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each to the flanges of the one C- section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange, so that the crushed flanges of the one C-section member abut the flanges of the other C-section member when the crushed flanges of the one C-section member are received in the flanges of the other C-section member. 4. A method of connecting like C-section members, the method including:- removing a section of the web of one C-section member adjacent the end of the one C-section member to define a cavity adapted to receive the flanges of another like C-section member; crushing the flanges of the other C-section member together so as to reduce the effective web dimension of the other C-section; aligning the one C-section member substantially orthogonally with respect to the other C-section member and closely straddling the flanges of the one C- section member over the crushed flanges of the other C-section member; and fixing the one C-section member to the other C-section member. 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein the method further includes removing end sections of the returns of the one C-section member so as to facilitate straddling of the flanges of the one C-section member over the crushed flanges of the other C-section member. 6. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein each to the flanges of the other C- section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange so that the flanges of the one C- section member abut the crushed flanges of the other C-section member when the flanges of the one C-section member straddle the crushed flanges of the other C-section member. 7. An assembly of like C-section members, the assembly including:- a first C-section member having its flanges crushed together adjacent its end so as to reduce the effective web dimension of the first C-section adjacent its end; a second C-section member aligned substantially orthogonally with respect to the first C-section member and fixed thereto, wherein the crushed flanges of the first C-section member are inserted into the second C-section member so that the crushed flanges of the first C-section member are closely received within the flanges of the second C-section member. 8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein sections of the returns of the second C-section member are removed so as to facilitate reception of the first C-section member in the second C-section member. 9. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the flanges of the first C- section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange so that the crushed flanges of the first C-section member abut the flanges of the second C-section member. 10. An assembly of like C-section members, the assembly including:- a first C-section member having a section of its web removed adjacent its end to thereby define a cavity adapted to receive the flanges of a second C- shaped section; a second C-section member aligned substantially orthogonally with respect to the first C-section member and fixed thereto, wherein the flanges of the second C-section member are crushed together whereby the flanges of the first C-section member closely straddle the crushed flanges of the second C- section member. 1 1. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the C-section members each include returns at the distal ends of their flanges and wherein sections of the returns of the first C-section member adjacent the end of the first C-shaped member are removed so as to facilitate straddling of the flanges of the first C- section member over the crushed flanges of the second C-section member. 12. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of the flanges of the second C-section member are crushed inwardly by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flange so that the flanges of the first C- section member abut the crushed flanges of the second C-section member. 13. A C-section member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- a crushed section adjacent its end whereby the flanges of the C-section member are urged together to thereby reduce the effective web dimension of the C-section member adjacent its end whereby the end of the C-section member can be inserted into a substantially orthogonally disposed like C-section member. 14. A C-section member as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the flanges of the C-section member are crushed together by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the material forming the flanges whereby the crushed flanges of the C-section member will abut the flanges of the like C-section member. 15. A C-section member as claimed in claim 13, wherein the length of the crushed section corresponds to the length of the flanges of the like C-section member. 16. A C-section member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- returns located at the distal ends of the flanges, wherein sections of the returns are removed to facilitate reception of the end of a like C-section member which has had its flanges crushed together adjacent its end. 17. A C-section member as claimed in claim 15, wherein the removed sections of the returns correspond in length to the length of the crushed flanges. 18. A C-section member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- a section of the web of the C-section member being removed adjacent the end of the C-section member whereby the ends of the flanges of the C-shaped member can closely straddle the flanges of a like C-shaped member which has had its flanges inwardly crushed. 19. A C-section as claimed in claim 18, wherein the length of the section of the web which is removed corresponds to the length of the flanges of the like C- shaped member. 20. A C-section as claimed in claim 18, wherein the C-section member includes returns located at the distal ends of its flanges and wherein the returns are removed adjacent the end of the C-section member. 21 . A C-section member as claimed in claim 20, wherein the length of the removed returns corresponds to the length of the flanges of the like C-shaped member. 22. A C-shaped member adapted to be connected to a like C-section member and including:- a portion of the C-shaped member having its flanges crushed together to thereby reduce the effective web dimension of the C-shaped member, said portion adapted to be closely straddled by the flanges of a like C-shaped member having a portion of its web removed adjacent its end to facilitate said straddling. 23. A C-shaped member as claimed in claim 22, wherein the crushed portion corresponds in length to the length of the flanges of the like C-section member.

Inventors: WEEKS KEVIN WILLIAM, WEEKS, KEVIN, WILLIAM
Applicants: WEEKS KEVIN WILLIAM, WEEKS PEACOCK QUALITY HOMES, WEEKS PEACOCK QUALITY HOMES PTY. LTD., WEEKS, KEVIN, WILLIAM
Application year: 2000
Main classification: E04B2
IPC codes: E04B2, E04B9, E04C3