AU2014202885B2

AU2014202885B2 - A connection device for connecting structural members, a method and a connection arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2014202885B2
Application number: AU2014202885A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Richard Bugh; Christopher Lee Healy
Original assignee: Stramit Corp Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Stramit Corp Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-03
Filing date: 2014-05-28
Publication date: 2018-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-28
Also published as: AU2014202885A1

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a connection device for use in a connection arrangement between first and second structural members, a connection arrangement between first and second structural members and a method of connecting first and second structural members. The present invention is suitable for use in a connection arrangement between a purlin or girt in the form of an elongated Z section or top-hat section and another purlin or rafter in the form of an elongated single C section. In one form, the connection device is adapted for use in a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member. The connection device includes first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween. The first segment is adapted for connection to a web of the second structural member and the second segment being adapted for connection to a web of the first structural member. The first segment including an opening being adapted for receiving a connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the connection device relative to the web of the second structural member. N' N K> N "N' N ' N 'N N NNN, N 'N "'N N N 'N" N "' N ""N N N', N N "N N',~, N N~ N' N '~ N \ N 'N N N N N,, N"~' ~ N '~ N N "N,' N".'. N NN 'N N N.'. N N N N ' N "'N N,"" 'N 'N "N' "'-N,

Description

The present invention relates to a connection device for use in a connection arrangement between first and second structural members, a connection arrangement between first and second structural members and a method of connecting first and second structural members. The present invention is suitable for use in a connection arrangement between a purlin or girt in the form of an elongated Z section or top-hat section and another purlin or rafter in the form of an elongated single C section. In one form, the connection device is adapted for use in a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member. The connection device includes first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween. The first segment is adapted for connection to a web of the second structural member and the second segment being adapted for connection to a web of the first structural member. The first segment including an opening being adapted for receiving a connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the connection device relative to the web of the second structural member.

2014202885 28 May 2014

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2014202885 13 Mar 2018

A CONNECTION DEVICE FOR CONNECTING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS, A

METHOD AND A CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a connection device for use in a connection arrangement between first and second structural members, a connection arrangement between first and second structural members and a method of connecting first and second structural members. The present invention is suitable for use in a connection arrangement between a purlin or girt in the form of an elongated Z section or top-hat section and another purlin or rafter in the form of an elongated single C section.

Background of the Invention

Roof and wall structures can be subjected to substantial dynamic loads due to the incidence of wind on the exterior surface, or cladding, of the roof or wall structure. The incidence of wind on the exterior surface of the roof or wall structure results in a pressure difference between the air within the structure and the air outside the structure. In the case of a roof structure, the incidence of wind on the exterior surface of the roof structure can result the air above the exterior surface being at a lower pressure than the air below the exterior surface such that a resultant force acts on the exterior surface of the roof structure is the upwards direction. An upwardly directed force which seeks to lift the exterior surface of the roof structure from the underlying structure beneath, typically due to the incidence of wind, is known as “uplift”.

Commercial, industrial and rural structures are often constructed using a combination of cost-effective lightweight cold-formed steel sections both as the primary members, such as purlins or girts to which cladding is usually connected, and secondary members, such as columns, beams or rafters to which the primary members are connected and upon which they are supported. Cold-formed steel sections used for the primary members typically include a single C or Z section or a top-hat section. Cold-formed steel sections used for the secondary members typically include single C sections. The exterior surface of the wall or roof structure is formed out of the cladding connected to the primary members.

2014202885 10 Apr 2018

Connections between primary and secondary members can be made by screwing members together using self-drilling and tapping screws. However, due to the thinness of the steel used for the C, Z and top-hat sections used as the primary and secondary members, their resistance to plastic deformation can be limited. Bending moments may be applied to the shank or the head of the screws which may in turn lead to tearing of the edges of openings formed by the screws in the structural members or may result in breakage of the screws themselves. Hence the uplift performance of connections between the primary and secondary members can be unacceptably low and substantially below the failure point of the screws or below a level that could be achieved in an arrangement less prone to local deformation of the structural members.

The present invention seeks to improve the resistance to failure of connections between primary and secondary members, particularly where the primary members are comprised of cold-formed Z and top hat sections and the secondary members are comprised of a single C section.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a connection device when used in a connection between a first structural member, wherein each of the structural members includes a web and at least one flange, and the first and second structural members are positioned in a stacking arrangement so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other, the connection device including: first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being adapted for connection to the web of the second structural member and the second segment being adapted for connection to the web of the first structural member; and the first segment including an opening being adapted for receiving a connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the connection device relative to the web of the second structural member.

2014202885 13 Mar 2018

The first segment can include a second opening adapted for receiving another connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance about the connector to fix the position of the device relative to the web of the second structural member.

The first one of the openings can have a larger diameter than the second one of the openings.

In some embodiments, a third opening is formed in the first segment, wherein a midpoint between the first and third openings is adapted for alignment with an interface between the first and the second structural members for positioning a connector extending through and into the web of the second structural member closely adjacent to the interface.

The first and third openings can be spaced apart by a minimum of double an external radii of a bend between the web and a flange of the second structural member.

In some embodiments, the second segment is adapted for facing the web of the first structural member and is adapted for one or more connectors to extend through the second segment into the web of the first structural member.

At least one of the first and second segments can include a chamfer remote from the junction between the first and second segments and lengthwise of the segment.

In some embodiments, the first segment can include a transverse end edge and a longitudinal side edge and the chamfer extends at an angle between the end edge and the side edge of the first segment.

In some embodiments, the first segment includes a pair of the chamfers at opposite ends thereof.

The second segment can include a transverse end edge and a longitudinal side edge and the chamfer can extend at an angle between the end edge and the side

2014202885 11 Apr 2018 edge of the second segment.

The second segment can include a pair of the chamfers at opposite ends thereof.

The body can be formed from a sheet of metal and the junction between the first and second segments can be formed by providing a bend in the sheet.

The first segment can include a lip along an edge of the first segment located distally from the junction and extending in the longitudinal direction.

The first and second segments can be connected at the junction along substantially the entire longitudinal lengths thereof.

In some embodiments, the angle at which the first and second segments extend to each other is substantially 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the first structural member is in the form of a top hat section including a pair of webs and the second structural member includes a single web.

In some embodiments, the first structural member is in the form of a Z section including a single web and the second structural member also includes a single web.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting first and second structural members, the first structural member including a web and at least one flange and the second structural member including a web and at least one flange, and the first and second structural members are positioned in a stacking arrangement so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other, the method including: providing a connection device including first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, connecting the first segment to the web of the second structural member and connecting the second segment to the web of the first structural member, and wherein the step of connecting the first segment to the web of the second structural member includes providing a connector that extends through an opening in the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance

2014202885 10 Apr 2018 between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the connection device relative to the web of the second structural member.

The step of connecting the first segment to the web of the second structural member can include providing another connector that extends through a second opening in the first segment and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance between the opening and the connector to fix the position of the device relative to the web of the second structural member.

In some embodiments, the method further includes aligning a midpoint between the first opening and a third opening in the first segment with an interface between the first and the second structural members.

The step of connecting the second segment to the web of the first structural member can include providing another connector that extends through the second segment and into the web of the first structural member.

In some embodiments, the first structural member is in the form of a top hat section including a pair of webs and the method further includes providing a second one of the connection devices and connecting the first segment of the second device to the web of the second structural member and connecting the second segment of the second device to the other one of the webs of the first structural member, wherein the step of connecting the first segment to the web of the second device to the second structural member includes providing a connector that extends through an opening in the first segment of the second device and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the second device relative to the web of the second structural member.

The step of connecting the first segment of the second device to the web of the second structural member can include providing another connector that extends through a second opening in the first segment of the second device and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance between the opening and the

2014202885 13 Mar 2018 connector to fix the position of the second device relative to the web of the second structural member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a connection arrangement between first and second structural members, the connection arrangement including: a first structural member in the form of a top hat section including a pair of webs and a pair of flanges, each flange adjoining a respective one of the webs of the first structural member, and a second structural member including a single web and at least one flange adjoining the web of the second structural member; the first and second structural members being positioned in a stacking arrangement so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other; and a connection device including first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being connected to the web of the second structural member, and the second segment being connected to one of the webs of the first structural member.

The first segment can include an opening receiving a connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector.

The first segment can include a second opening receiving another connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance about the connector.

In some embodiments, the first one of the openings has a larger diameter than the second one of the openings.

In some embodiments, a third opening is formed in the first segment adjacent to the first opening, wherein a midpoint between the openings is substantially aligned with an interface between the first and the second structural members.

In some embodiments, the second segment faces one of the webs of the first structural member and one or more connectors extend through the second segment into the web of the first structural member.

2014202885 28 May 2014

The connection arrangement can include two of the connection devices, the first segment of the second connection device being connected to the web of the second structural member and the second segment of the second connection device being connected to the other one of the webs of the first structural member.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second segments of each of the devices includes a chamfer remote from the junction between the first and second segments and lengthwise of the segment, wherein a chamfer of one of the devices is positioned immediately adjacent to a chamfer of the other one of the devices.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which at least some illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a connection device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein the device is shown in isolation;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a connection arrangement in which two of the devices of Figure 1 are adapted for connecting a first structural member in the form of top-hat section to a second structural member in the form of a C section;

Figure 3A illustrates a perspective view of a connection arrangement including the device of Figure 1 used in conjunction with connectors for connecting a first structural member to a second structural member; and

Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of the connection arrangement of Figure 3A wherein the device and the first and second structural members are rotated approximately 90 degrees about a vertical axis to illustrate connectors directly connecting the first and second structural members to each other.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the Figures.

2014202885 28 May 2014

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1, a connection device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The connection device 10 can be employed in connection arrangements between a first structural member 80a and a second structural member 90 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2 in which two such connection devices 10, 110 are employed. The device 10 is particularly suitable for use in relation to connections between first structural members 80 in the form of purlins or girts and second structural members 90 forming an underlying supporting structure. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the first structural member 80a is comprised of an elongated top-hat section including a pair of webs 82a, 82b that are interconnected by an upper flange 83a such that the pair of webs 82a, 82b extend and diverge from the upper flange 83a to respective lower flanges 81a, 81b. The second structural member 90 is comprised of an elongated single C section 90 having a web 92, a lower flange 91 and an upper flange 93. Such first and second structural members may typically be cold formed from thin gauge steel which may also be galvanised or otherwise coated.

The connection device 10 of Figure 1 includes a body 12 comprising first and second elongated segments 20, 40 extending at an angle to each other to form a junction 30 therebetween. Figure 2 illustrates a connection arrangement including a first one of the connection devices 10 and an identical second one of the connection devices 110. Each one of the connection devices 10, 110 is adapted for connection to each of the first and second structural members 80a, 90 by connectors 100 extending through the first and second segments 20, 40 into the first and second structural members 80a, 90. In particular, the first segment 20 of each device 10, 110 is adapted for facing the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second segments 40 of the devices 10, 110 are adapted for facing the webs 82a, 82b of the first structural member 80a. The connectors 100 illustrated in the Figures are selfdrilling and tapping screws having a threaded shank 102 and a head 103, however, any suitable connector may be used.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device 10 in detail. The body 12 of the device 10 is comprised of a single piece of sheet metal, such as steel, that is cut to

2014202885 28 May 2014 size and formed, such as by cold forming, pressing or by any other suitable method, to form the device 10 illustrated in Figure 1. The body 12 of the device 10 is comprised of the first segment 20 and the second segment 40, wherein the first and second segments 20, 40 extend to each other at an angle θ and meet at the junction 30 therebetween. The first and second segments 20 each have a respective length L|, l_2 and width W_1; W₂ and are elongated in their length directions (i.e. longitudinal directions).

In the embodiment of the device illustrated in Figure 1, the first segment 20 and the second segment 40 are integrally formed and the junction or connection between the first segment 20 and the second segment 40 is comprised of a bend 15 in the sheet metal from which the body 12 is formed. Thus, the first and second segments 20, 30 are interconnected at lateral edges 22, 42 of the first and second segments 20, 30 along substantially the entire lengths of the edges 22, 42 in the directions of the lengths L_1; L₂ of the segments 20, 40 (i.e. in the longitudinal directions). The bend 15 is such that the first and second segments 20, 40 are substantially transverse to each other such that the angle θ is substantially 90 degrees. Thus, the first and second segments 20, 40 of the device 10 have a substantially L shaped profile. However, in other embodiments, not illustrated in the Figures, the angle θ may be any angle less than or greater than 90 degrees such as 70, 75, 80, 85, 95, 100, 105, 110 degrees or any increment therebetween.

The first segment 20 further includes a lip 26 which is arranged along a second lateral edge 24 of the first segment 20 opposite from, and extending in the same direction as, the interconnected first lateral edge 22 thereof. The lip 26 is integrally formed with the first segment 20 and is connected to the first segment 20 by a connection 17 in the form of a bend extending along the second lateral edge 24 of the first segment 20 in the direction of the length Li. Thus, the device 10 is a section having a profile similar to the Greek letter gamma (Γ).

The first segment 20 is comprised of a first sheet portion 25 having a substantially planar first surface 28 and an opposite substantially planar second surface 29 wherein the first and second surfaces 28, 29 meet along the lateral edge 22 of the first segment 20. Similarly, the second segment 40 comprises a second sheet portion 45 having a substantially planar first surface 48 and an opposite substantially

2014202885 28 May 2014 planar second surface 49, wherein the first and second surfaces 48, 49 meet along the lateral edge 42 of the second segment 40. In the embodiments of the device 10 illustrated in the Figures, the sheet portions 25, 45 are substantially planar and sheet-like in form but this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the sheet portions 25, 45 may have removed portions (not shown) to save weight or to save material. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2 segments 20, 40 of the device 10 are adapted for connection to each of the first and second structural members 80a, 90 by connectors extending through at least one of the first and second segments 20, 40 and into the first and second structural members 80a, 90.

The first and second segments 20, 40 are chamfered at opposite ends thereof. Accordingly, as can be seen in Figure 1, in particular, the first segment 10 includes first and second chamfers 20a, 20b at opposite ends along the length Li thereof and the second segment also includes first and second chamfers 40a, 40b at opposite ends along the length l_2 thereof. The purpose of the chamfers 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b is to provide clearance for the use of a second one of the devices 110 as will become apparent in the description below, particularly with reference to the connection arrangement embodiment illustrated in Figure 2.

In the embodiments of the device 10 illustrated in the Figures, the first segment 20 is provided with connector positioning means in the form of a plurality of openings 1,2, 3, 4 formed into the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20. Each of the openings 1,2,3,4 extends between and to the first and second surfaces 28, 29 to provide apertures through the first sheet portion 25. The embodiment of the device 10 illustrated in the Figures includes four of the openings 1,2, 3, 4, however, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments the device 10 may a different number of openings or may be provided with connector positioning means in a form other than openings. Similarly, although the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are formed into the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 they may be formed, or additional openings (not shown) may be formed, into the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40. Alternatively, the device 10 could be provided with no openings in either the first sheet portion 25 or the second sheet portion 45. The openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are positioned at predetermined locations along the length Li of the first segment 20.

2014202885 28 May 2014

The openings 1,2,3,4 are also positioned at predetermined locations across the transverse width W-ι of the first segment 20 and, in embodiments, a minimal distance apart from the lateral edge 22 of the first segment 20 and the junction 30 between the first and second segments 20, 40 that would accommodate a connector 100. The openings 1,2,3,4 are grouped in two pairs that are spaced apart and preferably equidistant from a midpoint along the length Li of the segment 20. Thus, the pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are separated by a space S. The space S may be any suitable size but is preferably determined in a manner discussed below.

Each pair of the openings 1,2, 3, 4 includes a relatively larger diameter opening 2, 3 located proximally to the midpoint of the segment 20 and a relatively smaller diameter opening 1,4 located distally from the midpoint of the segment 20. Thus, the space S is defined by the distance between the relatively larger diameter openings 2,

3. The openings 1,2,3,4 are provided in the first sheet portion 25 for the purpose of enabling one or more connectors to be inserted therethrough and to position such connectors in a predetermined location along the length Li and/or the width W-ι of the first segment 20, and the first sheet portion 25 thereof for a purpose that will become apparent below.

As mentioned above, Figure 2 illustrates a connection arrangement involving a connection between the first structural member 80a, in the form of an elongated tophat section, and the second structural member 90, in the form of an elongated C section. The lower flanges 81a, 81b of the first structural member each have an upturned reinforcing lip 86a, 86b extending longitudinally and located distally from the webs 82a, 82b. In the connection arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, the lower flanges 81a, 81b rest upon the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 and a pair of the devices 10, 110 are used in a connection between the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90 in a manner which will now be described.

In use, the device 10 is operable for being positioned such that the first segment 20 faces the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second segment 40 faces one of the webs 82a of the first structural member 80a. Thus, one pair of the openings 3, 4 overlaps the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the device 10. The device 10 is also operable for being positioned such that a midpoint

2014202885 28 May 2014 between the larger diameter openings 2, 3 is substantially aligned with an interface between the first and the second structural members 80a, 90. The interface is defined as the point of contact between the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 and one or both of the lower flanges 81a, 81b of the first structural member 81a. One of the connectors 100 may first be positioned within, and driven through, the larger opening 3 of the pair of openings 3, 4 and into the web 92 of the second structural member 90 to provisionally connect the device 10 to the second structural member 90 and provide clearance around the shank 102 of the connector 100 to enable some movement of the device 10. Providing for some movement of the device 10 after positioning of the connector enables the device 10 to be manipulated to a position in which the second segment 40 of the device 10 can be positioned so as to be aligned with the inwardly surface 84a of one of the webs 82a of the first structural member 80a. Another connector is then inserted into the smaller opening 4 of the pair of openings 3, 4 and is driven through the web 92 of the second structural member 90 to fix the device 10 in position relative to the second structural member 90. Two more of the connectors 100 are then driven through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 and through the web 82a of the first structural member 80a faced by the second segment 40 of the device 10. Because the midpoint between the larger diameter openings 2, 3 is substantially aligned with an interface between the first and the second structural members 80a, 90 the connector 100 extending through one of the openings 2, 3 nearest the midpoint and into the web 92 of the second structural member 90 is positioned closely adjacent to the interface and, by implication, to the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90.

In the connection arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, a pair of the devices 10, 110 are used in the connection of the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90. The second one of the device 110 is operable for being connected to the first and second structural members 80a, 90 in a similar but reverse fashion to the first device 10. The second device 110 is operable for being positioned such that the first segment 20 faces the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second segment 40 faces one of the webs 82b of the first structural member 80a. Thus, one pair of the openings 1, 2 overlaps the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the device 10. Because the second device 110 is in a reverse

2014202885 28 May 2014 orientation to the first device 10, the openings 1, 2 of the second device 110 overlapping the web 92 are not the same pair of the openings 3, 4 of the first device 10 overlapping the web 92. The second device 110 is also operable for being positioned such that a midpoint between the larger diameter openings 2, 3 is substantially aligned with an interface between the first and the second structural members 80a, 90. One of the connectors 100 may first be positioned within, and driven through, the larger opening 3 of the pair of openings 3, 4 and into the web 92 of the second structural member 90 to provisionally connect the second device 110 to the second structural member 90 and provide clearance around the shank 102 of the connector 100 to enable some movement of the second device 110. Providing for some movement of the device 110 after positioning of the connector enables the device 110 to be manipulated to a position in which the second segment 40 of the device 10 can be positioned so as to be aligned with the inwardly surface 84b of one of the webs 82b of the first structural member 80a. Another connector is then inserted into the smaller opening 4 of the pair of openings 3, 4 and is driven through the web 92 of the second structural member 90 to fix the second device 110 in position relative to the second structural member 90. Two more of the connectors 100 are then driven through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 and through the web 82b of the first structural member 80a faced by the second segment 40 of the device 10. Because the midpoint between the larger diameter openings 2, 3 is substantially aligned with an interface between the first and the second structural members 80a, 90 the connector 100 extending through one of the openings 2, 3 nearest the midpoint and into the web 92 of the second structural member 90 is positioned closely adjacent to the interface and, by implication, to the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 2, the pair of the devices 10, 110 are adapted to tie the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90.

As can be seen in Figure 2, because the webs 82a, 82b of the first structural member 80a are canted towards each other and the second segments 40 of the devices 10, 110 are aligned therewith and connected thereto, the devices 10, 110 are also similarly canted towards each other. The first and second chamfers 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b of the first and second segments 20, 40, in particular the chamfers

2014202885 28 May 2014

20a, 20b associated with the first segment 20, provide clearance for the use and positioning of the first and second devices 10, 110 and, in particular, to allow for the canting of the first and second devices 10, 110 towards each other. The chamfers 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b also allow for the devices 10, 110 to be inserted further into a cavity 88 defined by the webs 82a, 82b and closer to the upper flange 83a of the first structural member 80a.

Although not illustrated in Figure 2, additional connectors 100 may also be driven through the flanges 81a, 81b of the first structural member 80a and through the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 to thereby directly connect the lower flanges 81 a, 81 b of the top-hat section first structural member 80a to the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a connection arrangement A involving a connection between a first structural member 80 and a second structural member 90 wherein the first structural member 80 is an elongated Z section and the second structural member 90 is an elongated C section. The first structural member 80 includes a web portion 82 between a pair of flanges 81, 83. In Figures 3A and 3B, the web 82 is arranged upright, and a lower one of the flanges 81 extends transversely from a bottom edge 85 of the web 82 and an upper one of the flanges 83 extends transversely from an upper edge 87 of the web 82. The second structural member 90 is an elongated C section including a web portion 92 between a pair of flanges 91, 92. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the web 92 is arranged upright, and a lower one of the flanges 91 extends transversely from a bottom edge 95 of the web 92 and an upper one of the flanges 93 extends transversely from an upper edge 97 of the web 92. The Z section forming the first structural member 80 and the C section forming the second structural member 90 that are illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B are commonly referred to as purlins and are typically cold formed from thin gauge steel sheet.

As can be seen in Figure 3A, the first structural member 80 is placed upon the second structural member 90 such that the lower one of the flanges 81 of the first structural member 80 rests directly upon the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90. The device 10 is connected to the web 82 of the first

2014202885 28 May 2014 structural member 80 and the web 92 of the second structural member 90 by way of the connectors 100. To form the connection illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the device 10 is positioned such that the second surface 29 of the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 is in face to face contact with the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second surface 49 of the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 is in face to face contact with the web 82 of the first structural member 80.

Thus, the first segment 20 faces the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second segment 40 faces the web 82 of the first structural member 80. As will be described in more detail below, the connector positioning means, which in this embodiment is in the form of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, adapted for positioning the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the web 92 of the second structural member 90 closely adjacent to the flange 93 of the second structural member 90. In this regard, the device 10 is positioned so that a midpoint between the central openings 2, 3 is substantially aligned with the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 or, for that matter, with the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80. Thus, one pair of the openings 3, 4 overlaps the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the device 10 is fastened to the webs 82, 92 by inserting a connector 100 into each of the openings 3, 4 overlapping the web 92 and driving the connectors 100 through the web 92 with a screw driving device. A connector may first be positioned within, and driven through, the larger opening 3 of the pair of openings 3, 4 to provide clearance around the shank 102 of the connector 100 to enable some movement of the device 10. Another connector is then inserted into the smaller opening 4 of the pair of openings 3, 4 and is driven through the web 92 to fix the device 210 in position relative to the second structural member 90. Two more of the connectors 100 are then driven through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 and through the web 82 of the first structural member 80.

As can been seen in Figure 3B, two more connectors 100, or optionally one connector 100 or more than two connectors 100, are driven through the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80 and the upper flange 92 of the second structural member 90 to directly connect the first structural member 80 to the second structural member 90. The driving of connectors 100 through the lower flange 81 and the

2014202885 28 May 2014 upper flange 92 may be carried out prior to the aforementioned connection of the device 10 to the first and second structural members 80, 90 or after connection of the device 10 to the first and second structural members 80, 90.

The device 10 is adapted in the connection arrangement illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B and described above to supplement a direct connection 105, which has already been provided by connectors 100, between the lower flange 81 and the upper flange 92. Thus, the device 10 is adapted to tie the web 82 of the first structural member 80 to the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and provide additional resistance to lifting of the web 82, in particular a portion of the web 82 directly adjacent to the lower flange 81, away from the upper flange 92 of the second structural member 90. Thus, the device 10 is adapted to substantially increase the strength of the connection between the first and second structural members 80, 90 particularly to resist a force tending to pull apart the first structural member 80 from the second structural member 90.

In the device 10, 110 of the embodiments illustrated in the Figures, a spacing S between the openings 2, 3 proximal to the midpoint therebetween is predetermined such that the connectors 100 passing through the openings 2, 3 and driven into the web 82, 82a, 82b of the first structural member 80, 80a and the web 92 of the second structural member 90 are positioned as close as practical to the lower one of the flanges 81,81a, 81b of the first structural member 80, 80a and/or the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90 respectively when the midpoint is substantially aligned with the lower one of the flanges 81, 81a, 81b of the first structural member 80, 80a and/or the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90. The openings 1,2, 3, 4 within each pair are located a distance apart so as to enable adjacent pairs of connectors 100 positioned within each pair of the openings 1,2 and 3, 4 to be located either as close as practical to each other or substantially further apart.

In an embodiment in which the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 within each pair are located as close as practical to each other the spacing between openings 1,2, 3, 4 within each pair is such as to maximise load sharing between the adjacent pairs of connectors 100 positioned within adjacent pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 and passing through

2014202885 28 May 2014 the first and second structural members 80, 80a, 90. Within each pair of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, the distance between centres thereof should lie between, a minimum of the diameter of an integral or a non-integral washer or the head 105 of the connectors 100 and up to that distance plus 5 millimetres. Ideally, within each pair of the openings 1,2,3, 4, the distance between centres thereof the distances should be as close as practical to achieve optimal load sharing between each pair of connectors 100.

In other embodiments of which some may not be illustrated in the Figures, the openings 1,2,3,4 within each pair can be located substantially further apart from each other in comparison the aforementioned embodiments. In such other embodiments, the openings 1,2,3,4 within each pair can be located a distance apart from each other greater than a minimum of the diameter of an integral or a non-integral washer or the head 105 of the connectors 100 and greater than that distance plus 5 millimetres to each other. In an embodiment, one of the openings 1, 4 of one or both pairs of the openings 1, 2 and 3, 4 could be located at any point between a minimum distance from the other opening 2, 3 of the pair and immediately adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the first segment 20. In an embodiment, one of the openings 1,4 of one or both pairs of the openings 1,2 and 3, 4 could be located closer to the longitudinal ends of the first segment 20 than to the other one of the openings 2, 3 of the pair.

In each of the arrangements described above and illustrated in the Figures, the device 10, 110 is adapted to provide a stronger connection between first and second structural members than can be achieved with the use of the connectors 100 only. Where the first structural member is a purlin or girt and the second structural member is an underlying structural member, such as a purlin or a rafter, the connector positioning means of the device 10, 110 is adapted to position connectors close to the flanges of such structural members. Furthermore, the devices 10, 110 are operable for providing a connection between the first and second structural members 80, 80a, 90 in which the connectors 100, including the shanks 102 and heads 3 thereof, are oriented transversely to the web(s) 80, 80a, 80b of the first structural members 80, 80a and also transversely to the web 92 of the second structural member 90. Thus, forces tending to pull apart the first and second

2014202885 13 Mar 2018 structural members 80, 80a, 90 apply a shearing force to the connectors 100 and, as such, substantially reduces the extent of deflection of the webs or flanges of the structural members and helps to reduce the extent of bending moments that may be applied to the threaded shank 102 and/or the head 103 of the connectors 100 and any tearing forces applied to the edges of openings formed by the connectors 100 flange or flanges of the second structural member.

It is envisaged that the device 10 of the invention is particularly suited for providing a stronger connection between purlins, girts and underlying purlins or rafters to provide increased performance against wind uplift where cladding material is connected to the purlins, girts. It has been found that in connections between elongated Z section and elongated top-hat section structural members to underlining structural members, such as elongated single C section structural members, that the abovementioned arrangements of the device 10, or devices 10, 110, in such connections substantially increases the wind uplift performance of the connections than with the use of connectors on their own to effect the connection.

It is to be appreciated that the terms “upon”, “upright”, “upper” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relative position of the components described with the assistance of such terms with reference to their representation in the Figures. It is to be further appreciated that the entire arrangement of the first and second structural members 80, 80a, 90 may be reoriented in any manner. Thus, for example, the upright web portions 82, 82a, 82b, 92 may be oriented vertically or horizontally or at any orientation between the vertical and horizontal. The upright web portions 82, 82a, 82b, 92 may also be inverted in which case the lower flanges 81, 81a, 81b, 91 and the upper flanges 83, 83a, 93 would be reversed. The terms “upon”, “upright”, “upper” and “lower” as used throughout this specification in relation to the various assemblies of the first and second structural members 80, 80a, 90 and the webs and flanges thereof are to be understood in as being used in a relative sense and not necessarily as suggesting a limitation as to the orientation of such features.

Where the terms comprise, comprises, comprised or comprising are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding

18a

2014202885 13 Mar 2018 the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

2014202885 10 Apr 2018

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A connection device when used in a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member, wherein each of the structural members includes a web and at least one flange, and the first and second structural members are positioned in a stacking arrangement so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other, the connection device including:

first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being adapted for connection to the web of the second structural member and the second segment being adapted for connection to the web of the first structural member; and the first segment including an opening being adapted for receiving a connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the connection device relative to the web of the second structural member.
2. The connection device of claim 1, wherein the first segment includes a second opening adapted for receiving another connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance about the connector to fix the position of the device relative to the web of the second structural member.
3. The connection device of claim 2, wherein the first one of the openings has a larger diameter than the second one of the openings.
4. The connection device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a third opening is formed in the first segment, wherein a midpoint between the first and third openings is adapted for alignment with an interface between the first and the second structural members for positioning a connector extending through and into the web of the second structural member closely adjacent to the interface.

2014202885 10 Apr 2018
5. The connection device of claim 4, wherein the first and third openings are spaced apart by a minimum of double an external radii of a bend between the web and a flange of the second structural member.
6. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second segment is adapted for facing the web of the first structural member and is adapted for one or more connectors to extend through the second segment into the web of the first structural member.
7. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second segments includes a chamfer remote from the junction between the first and second segments and lengthwise of the segment.
8. The connection device of claim 7, wherein the first segment includes a transverse end edge and a longitudinal side edge and the chamfer extends at an angle between the end edge and the side edge of the first segment.
9. The connection device of claim 8, wherein the first segment includes a pair of the chamfers at opposite ends thereof.
10. The connection device of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second segment includes a transverse end edge and a longitudinal side edge and the chamfer extends at an angle between the end edge and the side edge of the second segment.
11. The connection device of claim 10, wherein the second segment includes a pair of the chamfers at opposite ends thereof.
12. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed from a sheet of metal and the junction between the first and second segments is formed by providing a bend in the sheet.

2014202885 11 Apr 2018
13. The connection device of claim 8, wherein the first segment includes a lip along the longitudinal side edge of the first segment and extending in the longitudinal direction.
14. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second segments are connected at the junction along substantially the entire longitudinal lengths thereof.
15. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle at which the first and second segments extend to each other is substantially 90 degrees.
16. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first structural member is in the form of a top hat section including a pair of webs and the second structural member includes a single web.
17. The connection device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first structural member is in the form of a Z section including a single web and the second structural member also includes a single web.
18. A method of connecting first and second structural members, the first structural member including a web and at least one flange and the second structural member including a web and at least one flange, and the first and second structural members are positioned in a stacking arrangement so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other, the method including:

providing a connection device including first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween; and connecting the first segment to the web of the second structural member and connecting the second segment to the web of the first structural member;

wherein the step of connecting the first segment to the web of the second structural member includes providing a connector that extends

2014202885 10 Apr 2018 through an opening in the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the connection device relative to the web of the second structural member.
19.The method of claim 18, wherein the step of connecting the first segment to the web of the second structural member includes providing another connector that extends through a second opening in the first segment and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance between the opening and the connector to fix the position of the device relative to the web of the second structural member.
20.The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further including aligning a midpoint between the first opening and a third opening in the first segment with an interface between the first and the second structural members.
21 .The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the step of connecting the second segment to the web of the first structural member includes providing another connector that extends through the second segment and into the web of the first structural member.
22.The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first structural member is in the form of a top hat section including a pair of webs and the method further includes providing a second one of the connection devices and connecting the first segment of the second device to the web of the second structural member and connecting the second segment of the second device to the other one of the webs of the first structural member, wherein the step of connecting the first segment to the web of the second device to the second structural member includes providing a connector that extends through an opening in the first segment of the second device and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector to facilitate adjustment of the position of the second device relative to the web of the second structural member.

2014202885 10 Apr 2018
23.The method of claim 22, wherein the step of connecting the first segment of the second device to the web of the second structural member includes providing another connector that extends through a second opening in the first segment of the second device and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance between the opening and the connector to fix the position of the second device relative to the web of the second structural member.
24. A connection arrangement between first and second structural members, the connection arrangement including:

a first structural member in the form of a top hat section including a pair of webs and a pair of flanges, each flange adjoining a respective one of the webs of the first structural member, and a second structural member including a single web and at least one flange adjoining the web of the second structural member;

the first and second structural members being positioned in a stacking arrangement so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other; and a connection device including first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being connected to the web of the second structural member, and the second segment being connected to one of the webs of the first structural member.
25. The connection arrangement of claim 24, wherein the first segment includes an opening receiving a connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member with a clearance between the opening and the connector.
26. The connection arrangement of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the first segment includes a second opening receiving another connector extending through the first segment and into the web of the second structural member without a clearance about the connector.

2014202885 10 Apr 2018
27. The connection arrangement of claim 26, wherein the first one of the openings has a larger diameter than the second one of the openings.
28. The connection arrangement of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein a third opening is formed in the first segment adjacent to the first opening, wherein a midpoint between the openings is substantially aligned with an interface between the first and the second structural members.
29. The connection arrangement of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the second segment faces one of the webs of the first structural member and one or more connectors extend through the second segment into the web of the first structural member.
30.The connection arrangement of any one of claims 24 to 29, including two of the connection devices, the first segment of the second connection device being connected to the web of the second structural member and the second segment of the second connection device being connected to the other one of the webs of the first structural member.
31 .The connection arrangement of claim 30, wherein at least one of the first and second segments of each of the devices includes a chamfer remote from the junction between the first and second segments and lengthwise of the segment, wherein a chamfer of one of the devices is positioned immediately adjacent to a chamfer of the other one of the devices.

2014202885 28 May 2014

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