GB1600655A

GB1600655A - Wall panels

Info

Publication number: GB1600655A
Application number: GB3854/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Lagesse & Neymarc Ets
Current assignee: Lagesse & Neymarc Ets
Priority date: 1977-02-02
Filing date: 1978-01-31
Publication date: 1981-10-21
Also published as: IT7867195A0; IT1107023B; ES239389U; ES239389Y; FR2379664B1; GB1600656A; FR2379664A1; ES466547A1

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO WALL PANELS (71) We, ETABLISSEMENTS LAGESSE ET NEYMARC, a Societe Anonyme organised under the laws of France, of 8 rue Rouvet, 75019 Paris, France, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to prefabricated panels.

A known method of sealing vertical joints between prefabricated comprises providing, in the vertical edges of each panel, a female channel member forming a down pipe for trapped water and intended for receiving, through its opening, a male joining member, this male joining member extending in the gap which separates two panels arranged as a mutual horizontal extension one of the other.

A known method for sealing horizontal joints comprises providing, in the upper horizontal edge of each panel, a female sectional member forming a gutter for the escape of trapped water and intended for receiving, through its opening, a male part of a sealing member shaped as a water-tlght cover flap.

In order that the incorporation of female channel members in concrete is always satisfactory and reliable, standards currently in force in the building industry require a minimum distance of each channel member relative to the closest face of the corresponding panel.

Now the tendency is to reduce the thickness of panels. Hitherto, this thickness was sufficient in order that, whilst observing the aforesaid minimum distance, the horizontal channel member was able to extend parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the vertical channel members and as far as the vertical edges of the corresponding panel, without any risk of its edges touching those of the vertical channel members in the corners of this panel.

Now, on account of the very slight thickness of the panels, this relative arrangement of the incorporated channel members can no longer be achieved if one wishes to observe the aforesaid standards.

Despite these apparently insurmountable constraints, it is an object of the present invention to provide panels which may be assembled with joining devices and sealing members to produce a wall in which vertical and horizontal joints are sealed, particularly in the upper corners of each panel.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a prefabricated concrete panel for use in constructing, with at least one other like panel, a wall in which each vertical joint between the panels is sealed and joints at the upper horizontal edges of the panels are also sealed, the panel comprising first outwardly opening channel members in each of its edges which will be vertical in use, the first channel members forming downpipes and being intended to receive through their openings a joining member for joining two adjacent panels, and a second outwardly opening channel member in the edge of the panel which will form the upper horizontal edge in use, the second channel member defining an inner gutter and being intended to receive a male part of a sealing member for sealing the upper edges of the panels, wherein each first channel member is located as close as possible to that face of the panel which in use thereof is the inner face of the panel, the length of the second channel member is limited to the free distance existing within the concrete, between the first channel members of the panel, and there is provided in the concrete, as close as possible to the first channel members, passages opening out in the said edges of the panel which will be vertical and extending, with the same section, as an extension of the inner gutter defined by the second channel member, the distance from the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the second channel member to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of symmetry of the first channel members thus being minimised and the male part of said sealing member thus being able to fit as easily in said passages as in the second channel member.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a panel as defined above wherein the second channel member has an inwardly directed lip along at least one of its edges defining the opening of the channel member.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view taken on line I-I of figure 2, Figure 2 is a plan view of two aligned panels, in accordance with the invention and provided with male members at their joints, Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2, but illustrating a single panel solely with its female channel members.

The reference numerals 1.1 and 1.2 designate two pre-fabricated concrete panels stuck on their inner face to thick sheets 2.1 and 2.2 respectively of plastics material foam, for example polystyrene.

The panels 1.1 and 1.2 are aligned and separated by a free space 3.

The reference numeral 1.3 designates a panel which is similar to panels 1.1 and 1.2 and is located above the panel 1.1, whilst being separated from the latter by a free space 4.

Incorporated in each panel 1 are vertical first channel members 5 and 6 which are identical but are arranged symmetrically in order to open out by their openings 7 on the edges 8 and 9 respectively of the panel in question, as close as possible to the rear side 10 of the panel in accordance with standards currently in force.

Each channel member 5 or 6 comprises a hollow body 11 forming a down pipe and having a rectangular channel cross section.

The sides of this body are extended by inwardly directed flanges 12, 13 flush with the corresponding edge 8 or 9 and defining the opening 7. Furthermore, the body 11 has integral lateral projecting ribs 14 and a rear rib 15 facilitating the anchorage of the channel member in the concrete.

The channel members 5 and 6 extend over the entire height of the panels and those which border the same free space 3 (Fig. 2) are connected by a male joining member 16. The member 16 has at least one V-shaped bend 17 or any other equivalent means making it possible to compensate for variations in the distance between and the alignment of the panels 1.1, 1.2. The ends of the member 16 are intended to penetrate the opening 7 of the channel members 5, 6 and are integral with small bars 18 cooperating with the flanges 12, 13 in order to form baffles across the possible path of the water and to retain this joining member in position.

Also incorporated in each panel 1 is a horizontal channel member 19 flush with the upper edge 20 of this panel and opening out in this edge in an opening 21. This member 19 comprises a hollow body 22 forming a gutter for the escape of water and having a section with sides converging one with respect to the other in the direction of the aforesaid opening 21 which they define.

Furthermore, said body 22 is integral with projecting ribs 23 facilitating the anchorage of the member 19 in the concrete. Outer ribs 23a also reinforce the free edge of the sides of this channel member 19 in order to increase the rigidity of said sides and to guarantee perfect accuracy as well as uniformity of the width of the opening 21.

These outer ribs 23a are extended by inner flanges 23b co-operating with the notches of a male part 24 of a sealing member 25 (described in more detail later) in order to oppose the extraction of the latter, after it has been fitted in the body 22.

It is important to note that the horizontal channel member 19 extends between the two vertical sectional members 5, 6 but terminates close to these members. The ends of the channel member 19 therefore do not lead to the edges 8, 9 of the panel 1, since in that case they would overlap, in the corners of the panel 1 with the ends of the vertical channel members 5 and 6. In fact, the distance between the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the horizontal channel member 19 and the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of symmetry of the vertical channel members 5, 6 is less than half the sum of the widths of a horizontal channel member 19 and a vertical channel member 5 or 6.

However, the gutter 22 defined by the channel member 19 is not blocked up at its ends. On the contrary, it is extended by passages 26 of the same section, provided in the concrete by virtue of mouth pieces fitted in this channel member 19 and placed in the shuttenng at the same time as the latter.

Said passages extend as close as possible to the channel members 5, 6 and open out in the edges 8, 9 of the panel 1. Although the horizontal channel member 19 does not occupy the entire length of the panel 1, the passages 26 make it possible to provide an uninterrupted gutter for positioning the sealing member 25, including positioning the latter across the free spaces 3.

The horizontal sealing member 25 comprises a flap 27 inclined slightly upwardly away from the outer surface of panel 1.1 and bearing, by its outer edge, on the upper edge 20 of the corresponding panel or panels 1. The aforesaid projecting male port 24 of the sealing member 25 extends along the flap 27 and has a U-shaped cross section (figure 1). The outer side 28 of the male part 24 is integral with the underneath of the flap whereas its inner side 29 is free and separated from the latter by a gap 30. The sides 28, 29 are notched in order to facilitate their attachment in the inner gutter 22 of the channel member 19 and possibly in the terminal passages 26. Said sides may also be deformed elastically by tending to separate them one from the other in order to facilitate the engagement of the port 24 in said gutter.These sides are thus separated by a gap 31 and cling by their notches to the inner flanges 23b of the channel member 19.

The flap 27 is connected by a rounded portion to a vertical strip 32 constituting, substantially as an extension of the inner side 10 of the panel, a barrier opposing the passage of water towards the rear, which could pass through the gap 4 and flow over said flap.

The strip 32 is integral, slightly below its free upper edge 33, with a downwardly inclined arm 34 which can be resiliently deformed and which is intended to bear by its bent free lower edge 35 against the skirt 36 of the lower surface of the panel 1.3.

Thus, the edge 35 of the arm 34 opposes the infiltration of water along said upper panel 1.3 and thus ensures the seal of the joint. A lip 34a preventing the passage of drops of water, projecting inside the arm 34, reinforces this seal.

In general, parts of the sealing member 25 have a length substantially equal to that of the panels 1. They are connected at their adjacent ends by a cover plate 37 preferably extending across a free space 3 and consequently, above the vertical channel members 5, 6, and above joining member 16.

The cover plate 37 is an angle iron whose sides 38, 39 bear internally, respectively against the strip 32 and the flap of the sealing member 25. The substantially horizontal side 39 of this cover plate is extended by a flange 40 housed in the opening 31 which separates the two notched sides 28, 29 of the male part 24, the flange having previously been passed through the aforesaid aperture 30 in order to locate in position.

The vertical side 38 of said cover plate has a downwardly turned lip 41 covering the free upper edge 33 of the vertical strip 32 of the sealing member 25.

Thus, it is sufficient to engage the joining member 16 in the channel members 5, 6, by sliding the latter downwards for example, in order to ensure the water-tight vertical connection of two adjacent panels. Furthermore, it is sufficient to connect two sealing members 25 by a cover plate 37 and jointly, or in succession, to fit the male part 24 of each of the sealing members 25 in the gutter 21 ot the channel member 19 of the corresponding panel in order to ensure the watertight horizontal connection of the panels.

The method which is the subject of the invention can be applied to the vertical and horizontal water-tight joining of prefabricated concrete panels when they are put in place for constructing a building.

The sealing member 25 is described and claimed in our copending application No. 1 600 656.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A prefabricated concrete panel for use in constructing, with at least one other like panel, a wall in which each vertical joint between the panels is sealed and joints at the upper horizontal edges of the panels are also sealed, the panel comprising first outwardly opening channel members in each of its edges which will be vertical in use, the first channel members forming downpipes and being intended to receive through their openings a joining member for joining two adjacent panels, and a second outwardly opening channel member in the edge of the panel which will form the upper horizontal edge in use, the second channel member defining an inner gutter and being intended to receive a male part of a sealing member for sealing the upper edges of the panels, wherein each first channel member is located as close as possible to that face of the panel which in use thereof is the inner face of the panel, the length of the second channel member is limited to the free distance existing within the concrete, between the first channel members of the panel, and there Is provided m the concrete, as close as possible to the first channel members, passages opening out in the said edges of the panel which will be vertical and extending, with the same section, as an extension of the inner gutter defined by the second channel member, the distance from the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the second channel member to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of symmetry of the first channel members thus being minimised and the male part of said sealing member thus being able to fit as easily in said passages as in the second channel member.

2. A panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second channel member has an inwardly directed lip along at least one of its edges defining the opening of the channel member.

3. A method of erecting a wall of a building from panels as claimed in claim 1 or 2, the method comprising connecting two panels in adjacent relationship by means of a joining member engaging in a first channel member of each of said panels and serving to seal the vertical joint between the panels, and providing sealing members along the upper horizontal edges of said panels the sealing members having male parts engaging in the respective second channel members

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. separated from the latter by a gap 30. The sides 28, 29 are notched in order to facilitate their attachment in the inner gutter 22 of the channel member 19 and possibly in the terminal passages 26. Said sides may also be deformed elastically by tending to separate them one from the other in order to facilitate the engagement of the port 24 in said gutter. These sides are thus separated by a gap 31 and cling by their notches to the inner flanges 23b of the channel member 19. The flap 27 is connected by a rounded portion to a vertical strip 32 constituting, substantially as an extension of the inner side 10 of the panel, a barrier opposing the passage of water towards the rear, which could pass through the gap 4 and flow over said flap. The strip 32 is integral, slightly below its free upper edge 33, with a downwardly inclined arm 34 which can be resiliently deformed and which is intended to bear by its bent free lower edge 35 against the skirt 36 of the lower surface of the panel 1.3. Thus, the edge 35 of the arm 34 opposes the infiltration of water along said upper panel 1.3 and thus ensures the seal of the joint. A lip 34a preventing the passage of drops of water, projecting inside the arm 34, reinforces this seal. In general, parts of the sealing member 25 have a length substantially equal to that of the panels 1. They are connected at their adjacent ends by a cover plate 37 preferably extending across a free space 3 and consequently, above the vertical channel members 5, 6, and above joining member 16. The cover plate 37 is an angle iron whose sides 38, 39 bear internally, respectively against the strip 32 and the flap of the sealing member 25. The substantially horizontal side 39 of this cover plate is extended by a flange 40 housed in the opening 31 which separates the two notched sides 28, 29 of the male part 24, the flange having previously been passed through the aforesaid aperture 30 in order to locate in position. The vertical side 38 of said cover plate has a downwardly turned lip 41 covering the free upper edge 33 of the vertical strip 32 of the sealing member 25. Thus, it is sufficient to engage the joining member 16 in the channel members 5, 6, by sliding the latter downwards for example, in order to ensure the water-tight vertical connection of two adjacent panels. Furthermore, it is sufficient to connect two sealing members 25 by a cover plate 37 and jointly, or in succession, to fit the male part 24 of each of the sealing members 25 in the gutter 21 ot the channel member 19 of the corresponding panel in order to ensure the watertight horizontal connection of the panels. The method which is the subject of the invention can be applied to the vertical and horizontal water-tight joining of prefabricated concrete panels when they are put in place for constructing a building. The sealing member 25 is described and claimed in our copending application No. 1 600 656. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A prefabricated concrete panel for use in constructing, with at least one other like panel, a wall in which each vertical joint between the panels is sealed and joints at the upper horizontal edges of the panels are also sealed, the panel comprising first outwardly opening channel members in each of its edges which will be vertical in use, the first channel members forming downpipes and being intended to receive through their openings a joining member for joining two adjacent panels, and a second outwardly opening channel member in the edge of the panel which will form the upper horizontal edge in use, the second channel member defining an inner gutter and being intended to receive a male part of a sealing member for sealing the upper edges of the panels, wherein each first channel member is located as close as possible to that face of the panel which in use thereof is the inner face of the panel, the length of the second channel member is limited to the free distance existing within the concrete, between the first channel members of the panel, and there Is provided m the concrete, as close as possible to the first channel members, passages opening out in the said edges of the panel which will be vertical and extending, with the same section, as an extension of the inner gutter defined by the second channel member, the distance from the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the second channel member to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of symmetry of the first channel members thus being minimised and the male part of said sealing member thus being able to fit as easily in said passages as in the second channel member.

to locate the sealing member in position, and said sealing members being connected by a cover plate overlying the vertical joint between the panels.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the joining member is a V-shaped strip having terminal flanges engaging behind inwardly directed flanges of the first channel members.

5. A prefabricated concrete panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A method of erecting a wall of a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.