US3363388A - Prefabricated units - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 16, 1968 I. HINZ 3,363,388

PREFABRICATED UNITS Filed June 28, 1965 3 4 Sheets-Sheet l a IQIQIENQII-ZNQ INVE NT OR. IRENE HINZ BY A TTORNEY.

.Jan. 16, 1968 PREFABRICATED UNITS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 28, 1965 Rf M x E w N Nm R EH 0 J n N A E R I Jan. 16, 1968 I. HINZ 3,363,388

PREFABRI CATED UNITS Filed June 28, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 7

INVENTOR.

IRENE HINZ mTORNEY;

Jan. 16, 1968 l. HlNZ PREFABRICATED UNITS 4 Sheets-Sheet Filed June 28, 1965 INVENTOR.

v IRENE HINZ kw? ATTORNE United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Material cast as a slab contains reinforcement strips. These strips are formed with depressions and are thereby locked into the cast structure. The strips are made of nailable and screwable material and are situated at the edges of the slab thereby exposing areas of easy mountmg capability.

The present invention concerns a prefabricated unit in tile shape of a plate or sla-b made from castable maerr Units of this kind, made for example from plastics, and in particular plastic foams, from vegetable fibres (straw, textile fibres or the like) in a bonding paste, chip boards, concrete and similar materials, are frequently employed for heat and sound-proofing. As a rule, these units are produced by casting plates or slabs of the required size in suitably shaped moulds.

A disadvantage is that when cast the material crumbles rather easily at the edges of the plates, with the result that the required insulation effect is jeopardised and the plates frequently possess insufiici-ent mechanical strength.

According to the present invention, this unsatisfactory state of affairs can be remedied in a surprisingly simple manner, by means of strip-shaped edge and/or central layer reinforcements moulded into the product and held firmly in the cast material.

In brief summary, the invention comprises a slab of cast material and reinforcement strips embedded in the edges of the slab in such a manner that they lie completely W thin the faces of the edges and are flush therewith. The rernforcement strips have depressions recurring over their length on two opposite faces, the depressions on one face regrsterrng with those on the opposite face. These depressrons are interconnected by holes through the strips. Transverse slots are furthermore provided. The strips are made of a nailable and screwable material. Central reinforcement strips are provided in the slab and these are doubles of the edge reinforcements, so that the slab can be divided at these central reinforcements to yield separate slabs each having its own edge reinforcement at the locatron of division.

When the strips have been cast in the slab, they are securely held and provide stiffening of the slab material and a mounting location on the edge of the slab.

The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments by way of example and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view with part broken away of a prefabricated unit in the form of a plate or slab having an inset edge and a central-layer reinforcement in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a section of the edge reinforcing strip of the unit shown in FIGS. 1 and FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a section of th 3,353,388 Patented Jan. 16, 1968 Too central-layer reinforcing strip of the unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing a modified form of the central-layer reinforcing strip;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of curved section of an edge reinforcing strip of the type shown in FIG. 5 but of larger width;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a further modification of an edge-reinforcing strip;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of a prefabricated unit in accordance with a further modification in which the reinforcing strip lies flush with the cast material on the side edge of the plate;

FIG. 9 is a section taken on the line 99 in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a section similar to FIG. 9, through a pre fabricated unit of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 but in which the reinforcing strip projects beyond both sides of the cast material to form a flange.

Referring to the drawings, the prefabricated unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is generaly designated 1 and is in the form of a rectangular slab or plate made fromcast material 2, for example concrete, plastics foam or similar material. Embedded flushly in the peripheral face of thecast material 2 are two longitudinaledge reinforcing strips 3, 4, and two transverse edge-reinforcingstrips 5, 6 arranged along the ends of the plate. A central layer-reinforcingstrip 7 lies completely embedded within the cast material. In FIG. .1, a portion of thecast material 2 has been broken away to show more clearly the formation and arrangement of the reinforcing strips.

The prefabricated units can be manufactured as single plates or in larger or even endless strips, using flexible material, for example plastics. Flexible plates can be rolled for transport and storage and can be employed on the site according to requirements in flat or suitably curved form. Where the units are produced in larger lengths, the longitudinallydivisible reinforcing strips 7 are situated at right-angles to the direction of the material. When dividing the material along these reinforcing strips, single plates can be produced which, in turn, are bordered by reinforcing strips. The intervals between the divisible reinforcing strips can best be related to a standard measurement, for example to conform to a construction unit in the prefabricated housing range contemplated. Naturally, in certain circumstances either instead of or in addition to, the divisible reinforcing strips inserted at intervals at right-angles to the lengthwise direction of the material, it is also possible to provide longitudinally divisible reinforcing strips running lengthwise of the material, making it possible to divide the unit into strips of suitable width in the lengthwise direction of the material. The reinforcing strips, which are longitudinally divisible, (central-layer reinforcements) are twice the width of the outeredge reinforcing strips 3 to 6 so that, after separation, a uniformly strong edge reinforcement or nailable surface is obtained on all sides. To facilitate subsequent separation, the central-layer reinforcing strips may be suitably weakened along the predetermined dividing point for example, by longitudinally located notches, grooves, bore-holes, or similar means.

The reinforcing strips are somewhat thinner than the cast material and the cast material covers the reinforcing strips on both sides with the interfaces of the strips and cast material in parallel relation as indicated in FIG. 2. As may be seen from FIG. 1 and still more clearly from FIG. 3, each of the edge-reinforcingstrips 3, 4, 5 and 6 is provided with a series of alternateelongated holes 10 and slit-like slots 11. Theelongated holes 10 are arranged in the central part of the strips and extend in 3 the longitudinal direction of the strip. Theslots 11 extend at right-angles to the longitudinal direction of the strip and divide the strip into a series of connectedsections 12 which are integrally joined by means of comparativelynarrow webs 13 and 14. Between each successive pair ofslots 11 shell-shaped depressions 15 are formed on both faces of the edge-reinforcing strips par-' allel to the broad faces of the slab of cast material and the elongated holes and theslots 11 lead into these depressions. The depressions terminate a short distance from thelongitudinal edges 16 and 17 of the reinforcing strips.

As is evident in FIGS. 1 and 4 theholes 10 anddepressions 15 are duplicated in thecentral reinforcing strip 7.

When manufacturing units in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2, the edge and central layer-reinforcingstrips 3 to 7 are first inserted into a casting mould of suitable dimensions. For this purpose, pieces of the reinforcing strip of required length can be taken from the main supply, for example, long bars of reinforcing strip or, if the strip is made from a flexible material, from coiled rolls of reinforcing strip, by breaking them off along the line ofslots 11 which serve as points of weakness. By the use of appropriate spacing units or other means, the reinforcing strips can be arranged at the required distance from the base of the casting mould so that they will subsequently lie centrally in theunit 1 as shown in FIG. 2. Thecast material 2 is then poured into the mould. It passes into the shell-shaped depressions 15 on either side of the reinforcing strips and percolates through theholes 10 and theslots 11. As a result, the reinforcing strips and the cast material become mutually connected. Thus, a thorough joint is formed with the reinforcing strips firmly fixed in position. The shell-shaped depressions not only receive a portion of cast material, but also facilitate penetration of the cast material into theslots 11 and, in particular, into theelongated holes 10. This ensures an effective grip even where the consistency of the cast material is pasty or not such as to ensure an easy flow.

After thecast material 2 has set, the finishedunit 1 can be removed from the mould. Where necessary, the unit can be divided along the central layer reinforcing strip so as to obtain two smaller units which are completely bordered by edge-reinforcing strips.

The reinforcing strips should preferably be made from a material which can be nailed and/or screwed, for example, wood, plastics, a wood flour-plastics mixture or similar material, and will have greater mechanical strength than thecast material 2. In this manner, the units are provided with a firmness and an effective protection along their edges. At the same time, assembly surfaces are obtained which ensure simplicity of attachment of the prefabricated units where they are required to be used. Thus, the units can, for example, be nailed, screwed, or glued along the free side edges of the reinforcing strips.

In certain circumstances, it may be suflicient to provide reinforcing strips only at the corners or at locations coinciding with the desired assembly surfaces.

In the modified reinforcing strips shown in FIG. 5 (center-layer reinforcement) and FIG. 6 (edge reinforcement) theslots 11 are replaced bycylindrical boreholes 20 which are aligned with the elongated holes 10.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment having bore-holes 20 in a similar edge reinforcing strip and having further bore-holes 21 and 22 located one at each side of thehole 20. The bore-holes 21 and 22 compared with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, facilitate division of the reinforcing strip and, at the same time combine to support the anchoring of the strip in the cast material.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a unit in the form of a plate in which reinforcingstrips 25 and 26 have the same thickness as that of the layer of cast material, i.e. in which the reinforcing strips are flush with the cast material on both sides of the unit.

In order to hold the reinforcing'strips firmly in the cast material, thestrips 25 and 26 are provided with a series ofnotches 28 extending into the plate from thelongitudinal edge 29 or 30 of the reinforcing strips facing the centre of the plate. Thenotches 28 are circular and increase in width thereby ensuring that the strips are firmly hooked into the cast material. To prevent any mutual movement between the cast material and the rein forcing strip vertically to the plane of the plate, thenotches 28 extend inwardly from both sides of the reinforcing strips a distance suflicient to leave aweb 31 in the centre, which web is sandwiched by the cast material, see FIG. 9.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is similar to FIGS. 8 and 9 with the exception that the reinforcingstrip 33 projects beyond both sides of the layer ofcast material 27 so as to provide a flange which in certain circumstances, facilitates assembly of the unit.

Naturally, provision can also be made in the embodiments according to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 for central-layer reinforcements which can be divided lengthwise, whereby larger plates can be subdivided into smaller units.

Units in accordance with the invention are particularly suitable for sound and heat-proofing. At the same time, they can be employed as dividing walls, for facing and for numerous other purposes.

The choice of material for casting and for the reinforcing strips is largely dependent upon the purpose for which the units are intended. Any material which is capable of being cast can, generally speaking, be employed. Usually, the requirements as to the strength of the cast material are not of critical importance, since in any event the reinforcing strips can serve as the supporting framework for the unit.

While I have disclosed the form of mechanism presently preferred by me for carrying the inventioninto practice, numerous modifications, alterations and substitutions of equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art, after a study of the foregoing specification. Hence the disclosure should be taken in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense; and it is my desire and intention to reserve all modifications and substitutions of equivalents within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having now fully disclosed the invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: V V

1. A prefabricated building unit comprising a slab of cast material, and a reinforcement strip embedded in and extending flushly along a peripheral face of said slab; said strip being exposed externally of the slab only within said peripheral face; said strip having a multiplicity of depressions in both those faces parallel to the broad faces of said slab, each depression of one of said strip faces being in registration with a depression of the opposite of said strip faces, the registered depressions forming pairs; there being a multiplicity of holes through.

said strip, each said hole placing a respective pair of depressions in communication; said cast material extending into said depressions and said holes to unite said cast material and said reinforcing strip; said strip being made of nailable and screwable material having greater mechanical strength than said cast material.

2. A prefabricated building unit as claimed inclaim 1, there also being a multiplicity of slots through and transversely across the strips, each said slot lying between and intersecting the ends of two contiguous pairs of depressions and terminating short of the edge of the strip.

3. The unit ofclaim 1, and an internal reinforcement strip embedded in said slab away from its side edges, said internal strip comprising a double row of laterally spaced depressions and holes, each as aforesaid, said slab being divisible along and between said rows.

4. A reinforcing strip for embedding into a building slab of castable material, said strip being essentially ribbon-like and having generally oval depressions in oppo site faces thereof, spaced therealong, each said depression in one face being in registration with a depression in the opposite face, the registered depressions forming pairs; there being a multiplicity of holes through said strip, each said hole placing the deepest locations of a respective pair of depressions in communication; said strip being made of nailable and screWa-ble material, there being apertures in and extending through said strip, each said aperture lying between and in communication with each of two successive pairs of recesses.

5. The reinforcing strip as claimed inclaim 4, said apertures being in the form of slots extending transversely of the strip and terminating short of the respective edges thereof, said holes being elongated longitudinally of the strip and being symmetrically disposed, each between a successive pair of slots.

6. The strip as claimed inclaim 5, said strip including a double row of said recesses, slots and holes, as aforesaid, in parallel laterally-spaced side-by-side rows, said strip being separable between said rows.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,098,792 6/1914, Ficklen 52-601 X 2,360,978 11/1920 Steude 52601 X 1,399,088 12/1921 Seymour 52601 X 1,445,813 2/1923 Armstrong 52-601 X 1,473,320 6/1923 Ripper 52620 1,637,215 7/1927 Coppock 52601 1,989,798 2/1935 Foster 52-601 2,083,055 6/1937 Coddington 52601 X 2,184,146 12/1939 Leguillon 52-601 X 2,478,821 8/1949 Gunnison 526l5 2,825,999 3/ 1958 Dompieri 52624 3,107,377 10/1963 Nathan 52396 X 3,124,501 3/1964 Wise H 52624 X 3,233,379 3/1964 Zagray 52-396 DAVID it. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

20 DENNIS L. TAYLOR, Examiner.

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