US3397494A - Building apparatus and method of making same - Google Patents

Description

J. C. WARING Aug. 20, 1968 BUILDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 4, 1966 JAMES c. WARING HIS ATTORNEYS Aug. 1968 J. c. WARING 3,397,494

I BUILDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed April 4, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 wwvv INVENTOR JAMES C. WARING HIS ATTORNEYS A 1968 J. c. WARING 3,397,494

BUILDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed April 4, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR JAMES C. WARING 43 BY HIS ATTORNEYS Aug. 0, 1968 J. c. WARING 3,397,494

BUILDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed April 4, 1966 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I I.

INVENTOR. JAMES C. WARING BY "224.9 A7% 4 HIS ATTORIQEYS United States Patent 3,397,494 BUILDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME James C. Waring, Richmond, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed A r. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 539,997 5 Claims. (Cl. 52--122) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a building construction and method of making same in which prefabricated wall panels are supported on generally Z-shaped beam supports. Each beam support is precisely adjusted to position a top straight edge thereof for use as a screed used in leveling a poured floor formed within the outline of the beam supports while simultaneously positioning a supporting surface for such prefabricated panels.

This invention pertains to building construction and more particularly to an improved apparatus and method for supporting prefabricated wall means of a building relative to associated floor means.

Many of the present buildings which are constructed using prefabricated vertical wall panels have no provision for easily and economically adjusting the apparatus supporting such wall panels so as to precisely position them with respect to an associated supporting floor. Such present buildings usually require that the wall panels be provided with special slots or openings therein for receiving fastening rods therethrough. The fastening rods generally extend through such slots for the full length of the panels and cooperate with additional special plates which are placed along the top of the vertical wall panels. The vertical wall panels are usually fastened between such plates and a support for the vertical wall panels through the use of the fastening rods. A building using wall panels of this type with such top plates and vertical rods is not only expensive because of the additional components but is also expensive due to the excessive time required for assembly thereof while providing a structure of diminished strength.

In using prefabricated wall panels such as panels of honeycomb construction, for example, the provision of any opening or slot therein reduces the effective crosssectional area and thus the structural strength of these panels. Furthermore, it is especially important that the supporting structure for prefabricated wall panels support such panels in precise alignment with respect to each and their associated floor.

Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide a building apparatus of simple and economical construction which uses a minimum of structural parts and provides a structure of high strength.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a building apparatus which enables construction of poured floor means having maximum surface flatness.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a supporting apparatus for wall means which is also used as a form for poured floor means while using a top straight edge thereof as a screed for leveling the top-surface of such poured floor means. 1

Another feature of this invention is to provide a building apparatus for supporting vertical wall means/associated therewith by fastening to the lower end portion of such wall means while keeping such lower end portion structurally intact and thus of maximum structural strength.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a building apparatus which is used as a support for prefabricated "Ice wall panels and which includes means for adjustingsuch apparatus to thus adjust the relative position of such panels with floor means associated therewith.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a building apparatus using a double-faced adhesive strip which is clamped between such apparatus and thelower end portion of prefabricated wall panels to adhesively fasten such panels to an associated supporting structure.

Another feature of this invention is to provide such a building apparatus which uses a generally U-shaped channel to support prefabricated wall panels. of honeycomb construction and having thin metallic outside surfaces wherein such panels are rigidly fixed at'their lower end tosuch U-shaped channel without cutting holes or slots in such panels to thereby provide a structure of maximum strength. j

Another feature of this invention is to provide a building method in which floor and wall means of a building are efficiently and economically constructed.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a method for adjusting supporting apparatus for prefabricated wall means to permit fastening such wall means normally to a supporting floor therefor and to permit aligning such supporting apparatus to enable simple assembly of a plurality of adjoining wall means.

Another feature of this invintion is to provide a method for fastening prefabricated wall means to form a building structure without weakening the wall means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for laying out and building a high strength structure inexpensively and in a minimum of time by utilizing prefabricated corner units in association with straight sections of varying lengths as determined by the desired lengths of the walls of a building being constructed.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus and method having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide improvedv structural devices adapted to be used in building construction or the like to provide structures of maximum strength.

Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing the supporting apparatus of this invention arranged to define a building unit of generally rectangular outline and particularly showing means for supporting and adjusting the vertical position of such supporting apparatus.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged p1anview illustrating a corner'of the supporting apparatus of FIGURE 1 and also showing the arrangement or a corner brace.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view with parts broken away showing in'fulllines one of the vertically arranged threaded rods which carries the supporting apparatus of FIGURE 1 and showing means for adjusting such apparatus along such rod enabling it to be precisely positioned therealong for use "as a screed and as a support for prefabricated wall panel means.

FIGURE 4 is a'sectional view illustrating poured concrete floor means in which the supportingappar'atus is being used as a screed for a leveling member being used to level such concrete floor and'also illustrating such supporting apparatus being used as concrete form means cooperating with a wooden form at the'peripheral edges of such floor.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view illustrating prefabricated wall means supported on the supporting apparatus of FIGURE 1 and showing fastening means associating only with the lower end portion of such prefabricated wall means to thereby hold such wall means in position.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the supporting apparatus of FIGURE 1 and of the lower end portion of a prefabricated wall means to be supported thereon particularly illustrating fastening means for such wall means including a pair of doublefaced adhesive strips.

FIGURE 7 is a plan view illustrating a preformed corner assembly of a supporting apparatus and its stabilizing brace and also illustrating the manner of attaching such preformed assembly to associated straight sections of supporting apparatus.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view illustrating major components of the supporting apparatus of this invention used with a wood floor and showing the use of a wooden baseboard therewith.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view illustrating the supporting apparatus of FIGURE 8 modified to eliminate the wooden baseboard.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable for providing an improved apparatus and method for forming poured floor means and supporting prefabricated wall means such as prefabricated wall panels of honeycomb construction or the like, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination thereof to provide an apparatus and method for forming other types of floors and supporting other types -of associated wall means.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate examples of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

The improved building apparatus and method of this invention for supporting prefabricated wall means and for providing screed means for associateed poured floor means enables use of simple devices to provide economical and eflicient construction while providing maximum structural strength. The exemplary supporting apparatus as illustrated in the drawings includes an elongated generally Z-shaped metallic support for supporting the prefabricated wall panel means and has a horizontal central portion and a pair of flanges extending vertically in opposite directions therefrom with the upwardly extending flange having a controlled straight edge and the downwardly extending flange having means for attaching plate means thereto. The generally Z-shaped support is carried on vertically arranged supporting rods each having one of their ends firmly secured and their opposite end provided with means for engaging and adjusting such Z-shaped member therealong. This adjustment positions the previously mentioned straight edge so that it may be used as a screed for' leveling the poured floor means as well as simultaneously and precisely adjusting the position of the prefabiicated wall means to be carried thereon relative to the poured floor means. In addition, the Z-shaped member serves as form means for the poured floor means. The above mentioned plate means is generally elongated in shape corresponding to the length of the Z-shaped device and has a width wider than the downwardly extending flange. The plate means is bolted to the downwardly extending flange of the Z-shaped member so that a portion thereof extends above the horizontal portion of said Z-shaped member and parallel to the other leg of the Z-shaped member to define a U-shaped channel. A terminal end portion of the prefabricated wall panel means is received within the U-shaped channel and adhesively fastened to the U-sha-ped channel by doublefa-ced adhesive means which is inserted between one or both of the outwardly extending legs of the U-shaped channel and the terminal end portion of the prefabricated wall means. Upon lbolting the plate means to the downwardly extending leg of the Z-shaped member only the outside surface of the terminal end portion of the prefabricated wall panel means is firmly engaged within the U-shaped channel and rigidly adhesively fastened thereto by the adhesive means without damage to the prefabricated wall panel. This assures that the prefabricated panel will have maximum structural integrity while providing a combined structure of maximum strength.

A structural building apparatus is illustrated in FIG- URE l for supporting prefabricated wall means and providing screed and form means for poured floor means.

-Such apparatus includes an elongated metallic support or Z-shaped metal member or beam 20 arranged to outline a building unit of a building.

Z-shaped beam 20 is formed as by extruding and is preferably made of a relatively lightweight metal such as aluminum or an alloy containing aluminum. As shown particularly in FIGURE 3, beam 20 has a central portion 21 which is arranged horizontally in this example and a pair of outwardly extending flanges 22 and 23 arranged generally normal to the central portion 21 and projecting from the terminal sides of central portion 21 in opposite directions. The top surface of the central portion 21 provides bearing means or a bearing surface, illustrated at 25, for supporting thereon the prefabricated wall means.

A plurality of beams 20 are shown in the example illustrated in FIGURE 1 and such beams are suitably fastened together and arranged in a rectangular outline to define the peripheral outer edges of poured floor means, illustrated as a concrete floor 24 in FIGURE 4 of this exemplary embodiment, to be poured therewithin. Beams 20 are precisely supported and adjusted to provide screed means for precisely forming the surface of such floor means as well as providing the supporting structure at the peripheral edges of the rectangular outline for supporting prefabricated wall means to be carried thereon as will be preseritly described.

Supporting member means shown as a plurality of vertically extending threadedrods 26 are provided to support the generally Z-shaped beam 20 along its length. Only a representative one on each side of the rectangular outline structure of FIGURE 1 has been designated with the numeral 26.

As shown particularly in FIGURES 3 and 4, each of the elongated threaded rods 26 is held at its lower end on a bearing plate 27 placed on a firm support such as the ground surface or a suitable bearing surface. A nut 28 is threaded on such lower end of rod 26 and engages plate 27 to thereby hold each rod 26 in supporting relation on its bearing plate 27.

The upper end of each rod 26 includes means for adjusting the position of each Z-shaped supporting beam 20 and thereby position the top vertical edge 31 thereof so that it may be used as a screed for the poured concrete floor means 24 while simultaneously adjusting such beam to position the bearing means 25 thereof for precise support of prefabricated wall means or panels to be supported thereon. A plurality of spaced apart holes designated by the numeral 29 are provided in central portion 21 of beam 20. The upper end of each rod 26 extends through a couperating hole 29 and the amount of extension therethrough is determined by the adjusting means. The adjusting means comprises a nut 32 threaded on the upper end portion of rod 26 and a slotted washer 33 carried on nut 32 and arranged between the central portion 21 of beam 20 and nut 32. The vertical position of beam 20 is adjusted by threading nut 32 and its washer 33 up and down on rod 26 and once the correct position of such beam has been established a bearing washer 34 is placed on top of the central portion 21 and a nut 35 is threaded on the upper end portion of rod 26 'with beam 20 fastened between nuts 32 and 35 and their associated washers 33 and 34. The correct position of beam 20 is determined by using a leveling instrument or the like to provide a level surface or one with a controlled inclination and is more readily determined by using slotted washer 33. 1

It will be appreciated that such a slotted washer, although shown having only one thickness, could be of different thickness and one or more of such washers could 5 be used as shims to achieve the desired position of beam 20 without requiring that both nuts 32 and 35 on each rod be turned in each instance. Each slotted washer is of course held in position by its asociated nut and adjoining portion of beam 20. However, with a poured concrete floor 1 construction as illustrated in the embodiment of the invention of FIGURES 1-6, each washer 33 and nut 32 is embedded in position in the concrete once such concrete hardens.

As will be apparent from FIGURES 3 and 4 the total define the peripheral vertical wall surrounding the concrete floor as well as provide the supporting member for supporting the prefabricated wall means or panels, one of which is illustrated at 37 in FIGURES 5 and 6.

Unique fastening means is provided for fastening each prefabricated panel 37 to the portion of supporting memher or beam 20 associated therewith. The fastening means only associates wtih a terminal end portion shown in this example as the lower end portion of the prefabricated wall panels 37. Each prefabricated panel 37 is placed on bearing surface 25 of beam 20 after having adjusted such beam and bearing surface as desired and each panel 37 is fastened to beam 20 without requiring holes or slots through such panel or disrupting the structural integrity of the panel in any way. The fastening means engages only the outside vertical surfaces at the lower end portion of each panel 37 to thereby fix each panel 37 to beam 20 and provide a structural apparatus having maximum structural strength and rigidity.

The perspective view of FIGURE 6 illustrates elongated Z-shaped beam 20 with the lower end portion of prefabricated wall panel 37 positioned immediately above such beam and also illustrates a plate 40 used in clamping the lower end portion of panel 37 to Z-shaped beam 20 to provide the fastening action. Plate 40 corresponds in length to beam 20 and has a width wider than lower flange 23 of beam 20.

Attaching means is provided to attach plate 40 to beam 20 and comprises a plurality of threaded bolts 41 each threaded into cooperating threaded holes 39 in beam 20'.

Plate 40 is located on beam 20 by projecting ridge means shown as a ridge 42 extending along the terminal end portion of the plate 40. Ridge 42 cooperates with groove means shown as an elongated groove 43 in flange 23 of beam 20. Groove 43 extends along the terminal end of flange 23. It will be seen that plate 40 is located so that it extends upwardly beyond the central portion 21 and parallel to flange 22 of beam 20 to define a generally U-shapcd channel.

Thus, it is seen that the terminal end portion of each prefabricated wall panel 37 is placed within the U-shaped channel with its terminal end resting on bearing surface 25. Plate 40 is then fastened by bolts 41 to beam 20 thereby slightly compressing the lower end portion of panel 37 within the U-shaped channel. While this compression provides some holding action it is generally not suflicient for structural purposes and each panel 37 is preferably adhesively fixed to beam 20. The spacing across the U-shaped channel is closely controlled to cooperate with the thickness of each panel 37.

The apparatus and method of this invention is particularly adaptable for supporting and transferring loads from prefabricated panels having a honeycomb construction in which the outer 'surfaces are normally very thin and particularly in transferring loads from paper honeycomb panels having thin metal faces. A structure of much greater strength is provided by fastening such honeycomb panels without cutting'or slotting any part thereof and merely fastening by engaging only their outside surfaces.

As shown particularly in FIGURE 6 the fastening means includes double-faced adhesive strip means shown as apair of double-faced adhesive strips 44 and 45.

Adhesive strips 44 and 45 are sandwiched between flange 22 .and one side of prefabricated wall panel 37 while adhesive strip 45 is sandwiched between the opposite side of the prefabricated wall panel 37 and plate 40. Thus, upon placing the lower end of each prefabricated Wall panel 37 on the bearing surface 25, the lower end portion of panel 37 is sandwiched with adhesive strips 44 and 45 on opposite sides and within the U-shaped channel such that upon tightening bolts 41 each panel 37 is fixed to its associated portion of Z-shaped beam 20 to provide a high strength structure.

As will be apparent from FIGURES 3 and 4, flange 22 of beam 20 extends outwardly and downwardly at its terminal end to define a lip 46 extending below the terminal end illustrated at 47. Lip 46 extends generally parallel to the main portion of the flange 22. It will be seen that lip 46 provides a hooking end which is filled with poured concrete which sets to provide a mechanical interlock between the upper end of beam 20 and the formed concrete floor. The extension of the terminal end of flange 22 generally transverse the vertical portion of such flange prior to hooking downwardly to define lip 46 provides a Wide surface area and hence a better metallic screed element having greater strength. It will be appreciated that such metallic screed can also be more precisely controlled to provide a straight edge superior to wood or other types of screed elements.

As particularly illustrated in FIGURE 4 the arrangement of the plate 27, nut 28, slotted washer 33, and nut 32 on rod 26 Within the concrete floor provides a tie or a reinforcing rod for the concrete structure. Of course, such arrangement also provides a more stable tie for beam 20 about the peripheral edge of the floor defined thereby.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a preformed corner assembly 50, shown in this example as a right angle corner, in which a pair of elongated Z-shaped beams 20 are arranged to define such corner. The details of each beam 20 were described previously. By using preformed corners such as 50 which have the desired angles for the building to be constructed such building is laid out efliciently and in a minimum of time. Each corner assembly 50 associates at its terminal ends with cooperating straight sections of beam 20 to define the peripheral outline of a complete building or of a building unit within such building.

Preformed corner 50 is attached to straight sections of beam 20 by a pair of plates 51 and 52 arranged one at each free end of corner 50. Each plate 51 and 52 is suitably fastened as by bolts to assembly 50 and to its associated straight section to provide a structural tie therebetween.

Each corner assembly 50 has a reinforcing bar 53, arranged in this ninety degree angle corner at a 45 degree angle to a straight side, which accurately fixes the included angle. Bar 53 assures that the angle of assembly 50 is not inadvertantly changed during building construction.

The exemplary embodiment of the invention of FIG- URES 8 and 9 shows a structural device of: this invention adapted to be used with a floor which has been preformed prior to assembling thereon the supporting apparatus for the prefabricated wall panels 37. In this embodiment Z-shaped beam 20 is shown attached to a preformed wood floor indicated in both FIGURES 8 and 9 by the numeral 54. Identical parts in this latter embodiment will be designated by the same numeral as in the previous embodiment and where the function and operation is the'same as in the previous embodiment the full description will not be repeated.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated by sectional view in FIGURE 8 each Z-shaped beam 20 is fastened to the preformed wood floor 54 by a plurality of wood screws each indicated by thenurneral 55. The prefabricated panel 37 is held in position between flange 22 and plate 40 by bolts 41 and is adhesively fixed in position by adhesive strips 44 and 45 arranged respectively between flange 22 and plate 40 and associated outer surfaces of panel 37.

The downwardly extending lip 46 is utilized to hold a baseboard 56 in position. Baseboard 56 has a groove and projection at its upper end which cooperates with lip 46.

The modification of the invention illustrated in FIG- URE 9 is basically similar to the embodiment of FIG- URE 8 and thus will not be described in detail. In this modification a generally Z-shaped beam is illustrated which is identical to beam 20 with the exception that the terminal end of its upwardly projecting flange indicated by the numeral 22A is straight and does not have the downwardly hooking end or lip 46 shown in the previous embodiments. For this reason the generally Z-shaped beam of FIGURE 9 will still be designated by the numeral 20 and all associated components will likewise be designated by the same numeral as in the embodiment of FIGURE 8. Furthermore, because the description for this latter embodiment is basically identical to the description presented in FIGURE 8 it will not be repeated here.

To use the apparatus of this invention the method steps as described hereinafter can be used. A surface is suitably prepared for the formation of a poured floor means such as a poured concrete floor or the like. In the case of a foundation and a ground level floor structure, the ground is suitably prepared to receive the poured concrete. A generally Z-shaped metal beam 20 is suitably arranged to outline the floor and vertical walls of a building. FIGURE 1, for example, illustrates beam 20 arranged to define a rectangular floor and wall supporting apparatus. Although not shown in FIGURE 1, four preformed corner units such as the one illustrated in FIG- URE 7 could be suitably attached to associated straight sections to define the rectangular structure.

As previously described Z-sha'ped beam 20 has a central portion 21 which has a bearing surface 25 which is arranged generally horizontally and a pair of outwardly extending flanges 22 and 23 which are arranged generally normal to central portion 21. Flange 22 projects vertically upwardly and has a terminal straight edge 47 at the top thereof while also having a booking end with a lip 46 parallel to the main portion of flange 22 which will be used as will be apparent later. Flange 23 projects vertically downwardly and has a locating groove 43 for attaching a cooperating plate 40 thereto as will be later described.

The plurality of supporting members or threaded rods 26 of generally equal length are each next adjustably' fastened to beam 20 at one end while placing the opposite end in the firm supporting ground. The lower end of rods 26 are each kept from sinking into the ground by use of a lower bearing plate 27 and nut 28. The upper end of each rod 26- is fastened to beam 26 by passing through an associated hole in such beam. A nut 32 and slotted washer 33 adjusts the vertical position of beam 20 while a washer 34 and nut 35 holds such beam in position.

Beam 20 is adjusted along its length to position it and the metal straight edge 47 to define the desired surface flatness or inclination of the floor to be formed. A suitable leveling instrument may be used to help position such straight edge.

With beam 20' properly set a wooden form member 36 is placed (see FIGURE 4) to cooperate between it and the ground to define the vertical supporting wall for the concrete floor. A plurality of stakes 60 are driven along form 36 to keep it from moving out of position.

The concrete floor 24 is poured next and straight edge 47 provides a precision screed upon which a leveling member 61 rests to level the concrete prior to troweling and floating. It will be appreciated that the concrete flows around rod 26 and its associated components prior to setting to provide a reinforcing rod for the concrete once it ha'rdens. Also lip 46 is bonded into the concrete to mechanically lock the upper end of beam 20 into the concrete.

Plate 40 is loosely fastened to beam 20 by bolts 41 and prefabricated wall panel 37 is placed with its terminal end on bearing surface 25. Adhesive strips 44 and 45 are then inserted adjacent the outer lower end surfaces of wall 37 and plate 40 is tightened by bolts 41 to beam 20 to thereby adhesively fix prefabricated wall panel 20 in position. It will be appreciated of course, that this method fixes each wall 37 in the optimum desired relation with respect to floor 24 and other adjoining prefabricated panels.

Thus, it is seen that a building apparatus has been provided which is of simple and economical construction and which enables efiicient construction of high strength floor and associated prefabricated wall means by clamping and adhesively fixing such wall means in position merely by engaging only the outside surface thereof while keeping such prefabricated wall means structurally intact.

Further, this invention provides an improved building method for constructing buildings using prefabricated walls which is efiicient and inexpensive yet does not compromise structural quality and strength.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming Within the scope of the claimed subject matter which follows.

What is claimed is:

1. A building construction comprising, an elongated metallic support for supporting a vertical wall, straight edge means defining a top edge on said support, a bearing surface on said support for supporting a terminal end portion of said vertical wall, adjustable support means for securing said elongated support and precisely adjusting the position thereof to position said straight edge means so that it may be used as a screed in forming associated poured floor means while simultaneously adjusting the position of said bearing surface and hence the location of said vertical wall to be supported thereon, and a fastening plate for clamping said terminal end portion of said vertical Wall to said support to provide a structure having maximum structural strength, said elongated metallic support comprising an elongated generally Z-shaped metal member having a horizontally disposed central portion and a pair of oppositely extending flanges arranged generally normal to said central portion, said fastening plate corresponding in length to said generally Z-shaped member and having a width wider than the extent of one of said pair of flanges, and attaching screws attaching said plate to said one flange so that said plate is supported solely by said one flange with part of said plate extending beyond said central portion and cooperating therewith and with the other of said pair of flanges to define a generally U-shaped channel receiving the terminal lower end portion of said vertical wall therein whereby said lower end portion of said vertical wall is clamped within said U-shaped channel to thereby rigidly attach said vertical wall to said generally Z-shaped metal member.

2. A building construction as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a double-faced adhesive strip sandwiched between an outwardly extending leg of said U-shaped channel and an associated outer surface of said vertical wall whereby said lower end portion of said vertical wall in said U-shaped channel is adhesively fixed to said Z-shaped member thereby providing said high strength structure while keeping said vertical wall structurally intact.

3. A building construction comprising, an elongated metallic device formed to define the perimeter of a building unit and arranged to support prefabricated wall panels and provide a screed for a poured floor formed therewithin, said elongated metallic device comprising, an elongated generally Z-shaped metal member having a central portion providing a horizontal bearing surface for a terminal lower end of said wall panels and a pair of oppositely extending flanges arranged generally normal to said central portion, a groove extending along one of said flanges adjacent its bottom edge, a plate corresponding in length to said Z-shaped member and having a width wider than the extent of said one flange, a projecting ridge extending along said plate adjacent one edge thereof, said ridge being seated within said groove to locate said plate on said Z-shaped metal member, said plate extending beyond said central portion and parallel to the other of said flanges to define a generally U-shaped channel, and a mechanical interlock on said other flange, said mechanical interlock comprisin a further flange at the remote end of said other flange and extending outwardly and downwardly from the top edge of said other flange to define a lip extending below said top edge, said top edge providing a controlled straight edge, supporting member means for supporting said elongated metallic device on a base, means for precisely adjusting said elongated metallic device to position said controlled straight edge for use as said screed for said poured floor while simultaneously adjusting the position of said bearing surface and hence the location of said prefabricated wall panels whereby said mechanical interlock mechanically ties the upper end portion of said elongated metallic device to said floor, a double-faced adhesive strip sandwiched between an outwardly extending leg of said U-shaped channel and a lower end portion of said prefabricated wall panels, and attaching means attaching said plate to said one flange and thereby clamping said lower end portion of said prefabricated wall panels within said U-shaped channel and thereby adhesively fixing said prefabricated wall panels to said elongated metallic device in correct relation to said floor while keeping said wall panels structurally intact.

4. An elongated metallic structural device comprising, an elongated generally Z-shaped metal member having a central portion and a pair of outwardly and oppositely extending flanges arranged generally normal to said central portion, said flanges extending from opposite edges of said central portion, a groove extending along one of said flanges adjacent its terminal edge, a plate corresponding in length to said Z-shaped member and having a width wider than the outward extension of said one flange, a projecting ridge extending along said plate adjacent an edge thereof, said ridge being seated in said groove and locating said plate on said member so that it extends beyond said central portion and parallel to the other of said flanges to define a generally U-shaped channel therewith,

attaching means fastening said plate to said Z-shaped metal member so that it is carried solely thereby, and a mechanical interlock on said other flange, said mechanical interlock comprising a further flange at the remote end of said other flange and extending outwardly and downwardly from the top edge of said other flange to define a lip extending below said top edge, said top edge providing a controlled straight edge for said device.

5. A fixed angle corner member used in a building construction comprising, a pair of elongated metallic members, means fixing one end of said elongated members together at a desired angle to form said corner member, connecting means adjoining the opposite terminal end portions of said elongated members with similar members associating therewith, each of said pair of elongated members and each of said similar members comprising, an elongated metallic structural device comprising, an elongated generally Z-shaped metal member having a central portion and a pair of oppositely extending flanges arranged generally normal to said central portion, a groove extending along one of said flanges adjacent its terminal end, a plate corresponding to the length of said Z-shaped member and having a width wider than the extent of said one flange, a projecting ridge extending along said plate adjacent one edge thereof, said ridge being seated within said groove to locate said plate on said Z-shaped metal member, said plate extending upwardly beyond said central portion and parallel to the other of said flanges to define a generally U-shaped channel, attaching means attaching said plate to said Z-shaped metal member so that it is carried solely thereby, and a mechanical interlock on said other flange, said mechanical interlock comprising a further flange at the remote end of said other flange and extending outwardly and downwardly from the top edge of said other flange to define a lip extending below said top edge, said top edge providing a controlled straight edge for said device whereby through the use of said fixed angle corner member a more eflicient and accurate building construction is made possible.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,266,235 12/ 1941 Mollard 52-627 2,373,284 4/ 1945 Autrey 52-678 2,760,238 8/1956 Lane 52-263 2,883,852 4/1959 Midby 52-274 3,274,739 9/1966 Gregoire 52169 3,300,936 1/ 1967 Travaglia 52169 HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

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