Structural arrangement for generally planar devices

Abstract

A system and method for simplified construction and erection of planar devices such as walls comprises two types of steel channel members twisted together at right angles to form a tight, weldless and fastener-less connection. Slots in one member mate with flange elements of the other member to form the tight connection. Both steel members may be cold rolled from flat steel stock, the mating slots being cut into the flat steel stock prior to rolling. Though the resulting connections rely upon the strength of the steel itself instead of fasteners or welds, auxiliary screws or other fasteners optionally may be employed to prevent untwisting of the members after installation.

1 . In the construction industry, the art of achieving a load-bearing relationship between two pieces of sheet metal, comprising the steps of:
 a bending a first piece of sheet metal so that it forms a generally C-shaped channel, and the outer edges of the channel defining linear lips;   b. positioning a second piece of sheet metal such that one of its two ends can be inserted into the channel of the first piece of sheet metal;   c, placing a pair of slots into the second piece of sheet metal near that end that has been inserted into the channel; and   d, twisting the second piece of sheet metal so that the slots in the second piece of sheet metal envelope the linear lips of the first piece of sheet metal.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the first and second pieces of sheet metal each have a thickness of about 14 gauge. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the slots that are cut into the second piece of sheet metal are about 2 and ¼ inch long. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the slots are located about 1 and ¼ inch from the first end of the second piece of sheet metal. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the slots are cut in the second piece of sheet metal while the sheet metal is still flat and before the sheet metal is bent into its channeled shape. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the metal is shaped into a C shape by virtue of roll forming. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the second piece of sheet metal is rotated by an angle of approximately 90 degrees about it's longitudinal axis in order to secure engagement with the first piece of sheet metal. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the first piece of sheet metal has a central web that extends longitudinally, and 
 said central web has a transverse width of about 3 and ¾ inches. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 a pair of sheet metal screws are inserted horizontally into the joint between the 
 first and the second sheet metal screws, 
 
       whereby relative movement between the two pieces is prohibited.