Patent AU-2018101002-A4 (AU)
Title: Fixing Brackets for Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Composite Cladding for Curtain Wall as Building Element and Methods of Making & Using same.
Inventor: MAXFIELD LAM PO LUI JEFFREY
IPC: E04B2/96
Filed: 2018-07-18
Granted: 2018-08-23
Abstract: Front Page Patent Act 1990 PROVISIONAL APPLICATION & PATENT APPLICATION FIXING BRACKETS For GLASS FIBER REINFROCED CONCRETE COMPOSITE CLADDING FOR CURTAIN WALL BUILDING ELEMENT METHODS OF MAKING & USING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me. A new design fixing brackets for high strength lightweight glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) composite building element in the shape of a panel, to allow the panel to be fixed onto a secondary wood, metal or concrete framework or as a stand-alone panel to be secured to the building to form a curtain wall or facade. The design allowed the glass fiber reinforced concrete panel to freely expand without causing stress and distortion to the panel when subject to heat and moisture movement. The GRC panel can be flat or any shape with any texture, pattern, design and colors. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is in the design of a flexible anchors and an angular metal frame that is secure to the glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) that allow the concrete panel and the metal frame to move freely during expansion. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION References Cited US Patent Documents 9,988,820 06/2018 Komatsu 15/301,788 E04F 13/08(2006.01) 8,615,938 12/2013 Arbour 13/006,395 E04D 13/18(2660.01) 4,223,502 09/1980 Robinson 884,437 E04B 1/38;EO4C 1/40 4,453,359 06/1984 Robinson 375,813 E04C 2/22 4,531,338 07/1985 Donatt 504,390 E04B 2/28 9,441,359 09/2016 Hsieh 14/935,723 E04H 1/00 (2006.01) 8,806,839 08/2014 Zhou et al. 13/759,010 E04C 2/26 7,096,629 08/2006 Cox 10/122,862 E04H 1/00 (2006.01) Australian Patent 199922519 10/2000 Charles Harry Woodbury E04B 002/96 Field of Search E04B, E04C, E04D, E04F, Glass fiber reinforced concrete panels conventionally is secured via two common methods, 4 points fixing and fixed to support frame via flex and gravity anchors. These methods are however pose a problem when fixing to present day curtain wall system with glass and aluminum. Normal curtain wall panels are too large for 4 points fixing to secure the panel properly. The use of flex anchors and gravity anchor also pose a problem that the panels, in case of damage, cannot be replaced with ease, which is specify in standard of curtain wall fixing. To allow proper fixing of glass fiber reinforced concrete panels to be secure to an aluminum support frame a new design is needed. The design must be durable, easy to manufacture and assemble, and allow free expansion movement of frame and cladding. TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE COMPOSITE BUILDING ELEMENT The objective of the building element is to a. allow glass fiber reinforced concrete panels to be secured to aluminum frame using conventional method; b. provision of independent expansion of both panel and primary and secondary support frame when subject to heat and moisture variation; c. provide a durable and long-lasting fixing to last the life of the building design; d. do not interfere with the normal production of glassfiber reinforced concrete making; e. do not alter the normal assembly of aluminum curtain wall cladding; f. do not impose any restriction on material use for the glassfiber reinforced concrete; g. do not limit to one specific type of metal as long as the material used comply with building code approved; h. no complicated tools or skill is required for assembly; i. individual element can be adjusted in sizes to suit different panel dimension, weight, area of application and specification required; The building element is combine an angular metal with slots at regular interval on one side only. This distance and sizes of the slot will be adjusted according to the strength required by the support to withstand the load(s) the panel is subject to. A metal rod with a riveted head on one end will be inserted through the slot until it is secure at the riveted end. The slots allow the distance required during expansion and contraction of both the material and the glassfiber reinforced concrete (GRC) to move independently during thermal and moisture expansion. The side with slots and rivet insert will be imbed into the GRC during production of the GRC. The side of the angle metal without slots will be facing upward and later will be the face to fixed to the aluminum cladding frame via conventional adhesive adhesion method. The metal rod insert can be deformed to have a more secure fixing into the GRC. During making, the slot must be protected to ensure dried concrete will not interfere with the movement of the metal rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs. 1 Rivets designs; Figs. 2 Rivet inserted into metal angle showing imbed in glassfiber reinforced concrete; Figs. 3 Side view showing slot design allowing pin to move freely; Figs. 4 Isometric view of building element; >- 0" o 0 70 o 2E0 0 OL: M M4)C L LQ) a) M' .- U) 0 0) _C: 0 , Dn~.c >uoo > Zc a R R cu c U)-