US3593468A

US3593468A - Interlocking channel sections for use in the construction of floors, ceilings, walls and the like

Info

Publication number: US3593468A
Application number: US773395A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leopold Bustin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-11-05
Filing date: 1968-11-05
Publication date: 1971-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 1988-07-20

Abstract

The present invention is directed to interlocking channel sections having means for matingly engaging one another in interlocking relationship to form a floor, ceiling or wall assembly and, more particularly, to channel sections having longitudinally extending flanges and recesses wherein the flanges in one section are adapted to become hingedly engaged in the recesses in an adjacent section to form an interlock therebetween. The invention also contemplates the use of auxiliary closure members in combination with the interlocking channel sections whereby the channel sections may also be employed to provide ventilating, heating, cooling ducts and the like.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Leopold Bustin 194 Emmon Road, Flanders, NJ. 07801 [2 1] Appl. No. 773,395 {22] Filed Nov. 5, 1968 [45] Patented July 20, 1971 [54] INTERLOCKING CHANNEL SECTIONS FOR USE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLOORS, CEILINGS, WALLS AND THE LIKE 7 Claims, 15 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 52/27, 52/221, 52/588 [51] Int. Cl E04b 2/18, E04c 2/08 [50] Field of Search 52/588. 220, 221, 326, 332, 327, 496, 305, 27; 138/92, 162

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,100,556 8/1963 DeRidder 52/588 3,368,315 2/1968 Thumau 52/588 3,403,220 9/1968 Riedel 138/162 3,043,407 7/1962 Marryatt 52/588 3,076,293 2/ 1963 Baudonx 52/220 Primary Examiner-Henry C. Sutherland Attorney-Burton L, Lilling ABSTRACT: The present invention is directed to interlocking channel sections having means for matingly engaging one another in interlocking relationship to form a floor, ceiling or wall assembly and, more particularly, to channel sections having longitudinally extending flanges and recesses wherein the flanges in one section are adapted to become hingedly engaged in the recesses in an adjacent section to form an interlock therebetween. The invention also contemplates the use of auxiliary closure members in combination with the interlocking channel sections whereby the channel sections may also be employed to provide ventilating, heating, cooling ducts and the like.

PATENTED JUL2O 197:

SHEET 1 OF 4 LEOPOLD BUSTIN ATTORNEY ATENIEU JULZUISYI SHEET 2 BF 4 INVENTUR.

LEOPOLD BUSTIN ATTORHE f PATENTEUJULZOISTI 3,593,468

SHEET 3 OF 4 INVILVI'UR. 204 LEOPOLD BUSTIN V BY 2 ATTORNEY PATENTEnJumnsn SHEU u m 3,593,468

/4 2 FIG. /2

INVEN'I'UK LEOPOLD BUST IN ATTORNEY INTERLOCKING CHANNEL SECTIONS FOR USE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLOORS, CEILINGS, WALLS AND THE LIKE The present invention pertains to interlocking channel sections adapted to matingly engage one another in hinged interlocking relationship to form floor, ceiling and wall assemblies and contemplates the utilization of auxiliary closure members in hinged locking and snap engagement therewith to form ducts for use as heating, cooling and ventilating ducts and also for use as electrical conduits and the like, the ducts being formed concomitantly with the formation of the floor, ceiling or wall assemblies.

The present invention provides interlocking channel sections for forming floor, ceiling and wall assemblies without necessitating the use of drilling or welding operations, as is the case with the present day floor and ceiling assemblies.

The interlocking channel sections may be made in any desired size, for example, they may be made in lengths of 20 or 6", and in widths of IO or 3".

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide new and novel interlocking channel sections for forming floor, ceiling and wall assemblies.

It is another object ofthe present invention to provide interlocking channel sections which are strong, light weight, noncorrosive, nonsparking, fireproof and soundproof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide interlocking channel sections of the aforementioned type wherein the channels are formed with longitudinally extending flange members and recesses, wherein the flange of one of said channel sections is adapted to become hingedly engaged within the recess in another.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide auxiliary closure members for use in conjunction with said channel sections, wherein the channel sections define ducts therewithin and said auxiliary members seal the ducts from undesirable environmental conditions by hinged and snap engagement with said channel sections, and said channel sections are interlockedly engaged to form floor, ceiling or wall assemblies.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide channel sections and auxiliary closure members of the aforementioned type wherein there is included a locking member for engagement with said channel sections and said auxiliary closure members to prevent accidental dislodgement of said closure members.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a top view of a plurality of channel sections in in terlocking engagement to form a floor assembly in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and depicting the plurality of channel sections and auxiliary closure members;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing the interlocking engagement of two adjacent channel sections;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the manner of engagement of an auxiliary closure member with a channel section;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 wherein the channel sections and closure members form a ceiling assembly;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view depicting another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view depicting a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing another fonn of the invention;

of the invention;

FIG. I3 is a sectional view depicting a yet further embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. I4 is a top view of a pair of channel sections securely positioned in abutting engagement by other channel sections secured to each side of the abutting channel sections; and

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a pair of channel sections posi tioned in abutting engagement and secured therein by an auxiliary closure member interlockedly engaged with the terminations of the sidewalls of each of said channel sections.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIGS. I and 2 thereof, there is shown a plurality of individual channel sections, designated generally by the reference nu meral 10, in interlocking engagement, in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter.

The channel sections 10 comprise a top wall I2 and sidewalls I4 and 16 disposed perpendicularly thereto and formed integrally therewith. The top wall 12 has a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs 18 on the exterior surface thereof which render the top surface nonslip and nonskid.

The sidewall 24 has an upwardly extending arcuate flange member 20 disposed on the upper portion thereof and extending longitudinally therefrom, while the sidewall 16 is formed having a recess 22 disposed on the upper portion thereof and extending longitudinally therewith. However, it will be seen that the flange 20 defines a recess 24 disposed between it and the sidewall 16. Similarly, the recess 22 defines a lip member 26 which is coextensive with the top wall 12.

When it is desired to form, for example, a floor assembly, or a part thereof, two channel sections 10 are placed in hinged interlocking engagement in a manner now to be described with particular reference to FIG. 3.

As clearly seen in FIG. 3, the recess 22 is formed having a radius of curvature which is greater than that of the recess 24. Similarly, the radius of curvature of the flange 20 is greater than that of the lip 26.

To form the floor assembly, the right channel section 10 (as seen in FIG. 3) is placed at an upwardly inclined angle of about 30 with respect to the left channel section 10 (as seen in FIG. 3), which position is shown by dotted lines, with the flange 20 inserted into the recess 22. The right channel section is then pivoted about its longitudinal axis causing the flange 20 to be seated within the recess 22 and, concomitantly therewith, causing the lip 26 to extend into and be seated within the recess 24. The pivotal movement of the right channel section continues until the

walls

14 and 16 are in faced abutting engagement with one another. When this occurs, the right and left channel members are positioned in hinged interlocking engagement with one another by virtue of the mating of the flange 20 and lip 26 with the

recesses

22 and 24, respectively.

It is to be noted that the interlocking relationship of the channel sections hereinbefore described results in the abutment of the

walls

14 and 16 along their entire length, whereby they are substantially coextensive with one another. Thus, any possibility of longitudinal movement of the right channel section with respect to the left channel section is extremely limited. Moreover, any load or weight applied to the top member 12 results in bending movement forces being applied to the walls I4 and 16 in opposite directions; thus, increasing the frictional engagement of the walls 14 and I6, and their

mating portions

20, 22, 24 and 26, so as to render any longitudinal movement of the adjacent interlocking channel sections, highly improbable, if not impossible.

Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the channel sections 10 may include a centrally disposed partition member 28 which is formed integrally therewith. The partition 28 has a substantially T-shaped bottom portion 30 defining two

arcuate flange members

32 and 34, which in turn define two

recesses

36 and 38, respectively. It is tobe noted that the partitions lend additional strength and rigidity to the channel sections.

The sidewalls I4 and 16 have substantially

U-shaped bottom portions

40 and 42, respectively, which define inward lon git'udinally extending

flange members

44 and 46, respectively. The

flanges

44 and 46 define

recesses

48 and 50, respectively.

The partition 28, as illustrated herein divides the channel section I0, in conjunction with the sidewalls l4 and I6, into two equal chambers or ducts S2 and 53. The ducts, as will be explained more fully hereinafter, may serve as electrical conduits, ventilating ducts, mail chutes and the like.

There is also provided for use in conjunction with the channel section an auxiliary closure member 54 adapted to be secured to the bottom portion of the channel section 10, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter to close offor seal the ducts S2 and 53 from water, dirt and other undesirable environmental elements.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the closure member 54 has integrally formed

arcuate flange members

56 and 58 which define

recesses

60 and 62, respectively. The bottom surface of the member 54 preferably has a plurality of serrations 64 formed thereon to provide a nonslip, nonskid surface. It is herein to be specifically noted that flange 56 is more arcuate than flange 58, while the radius of curvature of recess 60 is smaller than that of recess 62. I

When it is desired to close-off the

ducts

52 and 53, the closure member is secured to the bottom portion thereof in a manner which will be described with particular reference to duct 53, and as specifically illustrated by FIG. 4.

To seal the duct 53, the closure member 54 is disposed at an upwardly inclined angle of about 30 with respect to the T- shaped bottom portion 30 of the partition 28, as shown in the dotted position of FIG. 4, and the arcuate flange 56 is inserted into the recess 38 and pivoted about its longitudinal axis in the manner of a hinge, until the flange 58 is in abutment with the flange 46 of the bottom portion 42 of the sidewall 16. The member 54 is then moved further downward (as seen in FIG. 4) to cause the flange 58 to snap into the recess 50 where it is seated in abutting engagement with flange 46. It will be appreciated that the edges of the flanges (56,58) are provided with beads corresponding to beads formed on the edges of the inward longitudinally extending flange members (34,46) as best show in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this position the

flanges

56 and 34 are in hinged interlocked mating engagement within the

recesses

38 and 60, respectively, in a manner the same as the channel sections 10, as discussed hereinbefore, while the

flanges

58 and 46 are disposed in snap engagement within the

recesses

50 and 62, respectively.

As discussed previously the channel sections 10 and auxiliary closure members 54 may also be employed to form ceiling assemblies, one example of which is depicted in FIG. 5. In this instance, it is desired to secure a hanger bracket 66 or any other type of suspended member from the ceiling assembly. To accomplish this, a hole 68 is drilled in the closure member 54 at the desired position along a notch 70 formed therein for this purpose and a bolt 72 is placed in the hole 68 with the head 74 of the bolt in engagement with a pair of

shoulders

76 and 78 formed in the closure member (see FIG. 4) for the purpose now to be discussed; the closure member is also formed having a second pair of

shoulders

80 and 82.

When the hanger 66 is to be secured with respect to the closure member 54, the bolt 72 is placed into the hole 68 with its head 74 in engagement with the

shoulders

76 and 78. The hanger 66 is then secured by means of a threaded orifice therein (not shown) threadedly engaging bolt 72 or by securing a nut (not shown) to the bolt. In either case, the

shoulders

76 and 78 bear on the head 74 and act as a "wrench" to positionally secure the bolt and prevent any rotational movement, whereby the hanger 66 may be secured to the closure member by use of a single tool, e.g., a wrench. It is to be noted that ifa larger bolt, having a larger head, is required, then the head would bear against the

shoulders

80 and 82 which also would act as a wrench" to prevent any rotational movement of the bolt.

The member 54, having the hanger 66 affixed thereto. is secured between the

members

30 and 42, in the manner previ ously described in conjunction with FIG. 4.

When it is necessary to remove the closure member 54 to gain access to duct 53, all that is required is a single tool, such as a screwdriver 84 (FIG. 5), being placed on the underside of the arcuate flange 58 to disengage the snap engagement of flange 58 with flange 46.

Another embodiment ofthe present invention is depicted in FIG. 6, wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In this embodiment the arms or

flanges

32a and 34a ofthe T-shaped bottom portion 30a ofthe channel section are formed having a completely arcuate configuration as opposed to the flattened portions of T-shaped portion 30. II has been found that this completely arcuate configuration results in a channel section having improved compressive load strength in that the compressive load is distributed along the

entire flange members

32a and 34a rather than at the particular oint in vertical alignment with the impact point ofcompressive force.

The auxiliary closure member 54a is provided with a keyway 86 which is adapted to receive a key 88 in sliding engagement. The key 88 is formed as an integral part of a locking plate member 90. The locking plate member includes an arcuate protruding tip 92 which is adapted to abuttingly engage the inner bottom portion of flange 34a when key 88 is inserted into keyway 86. Thus, the locking plate member fix edly positions the auxiliary closure member 54a, so as to prevent any undesired or accidental dislodgement thereof from its engaged position. However, when it is desired to remove the closure member 540 from its seal position, so as to gain access to the corresponding duct, all that need be done is to remove locking plate member 90 by sliding key 88 outwardly from keyway 86, whereupon the closure member will be removed in the manner previously described.

The flange 56a of closure member 54a is formed with an inwardly disposed shoulder 94 having a slot 96 therein. Slidably disposed within slot 96 is an adjustable closure member 98 whose purpose will be explained more fully hereinafter.

A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 7, wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals.

This embodiment depicts interlocking channel sections 106, wherein the walls 14b and 16b each have outwardly extending

flange members

20b and 26b, respectively, at the top portion thereof and T-shaped members 40b and 42b, respectively, at the bottom portions thereof. The members 40b and 42b define

flange members

44b, 100 and 46b, 102, respectively.

A closure member 54b is interconnected between the

flanges

100 and 102 in a manner described previously, so as to close of? duct 104. However, in this embodiment, it is also desired to have access to the duct 104 from the top thereof. Thus, a cover plate 106, similar in construction to closure member 54b, is hingedly connected at one end with flange 26b and is engageable with flange 20b at its other end by means of a snapon engagement. The cover plate 106 may be easily removed by simply placing a screwdriver in the groove 108. If desired, a wedge (not shown) may be inserted within the groove to more securely position the cover plate.

The sidewalls 14b and 16b are fonned with internal bosses I12 and 114, respectively, within which there are formed

slots

116 and 118, respectively. Slidably disposed within the

slots

116 and 118 is an adjustable closure member 98b which is in abutting slidable engagement with the top wall member 12b.

Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 8, wherein similar pans are denoted by similar reference numerals. In this embodiment, the sidewalls 14c and 16c have flat surfaces and are adapted to engage adjacent sidewalls in flush relationship. Adjacent channel sections 100 are adapted to be placed in interlocking engagement by means ofa closure member 54c having a flange 560 which hingedly engages flange 440 in interlocking engagement and also by an arcuately protruding tip 120 of the closure member which snap engages the flange 46c to maintain sidewalls 14c and in flush engagement.

The channel sections 100 may also be provided with ad justable closure members 980.

ln PK]. 9, there is depicted another form of the present invention wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In this form of the invention, the channel section d is formed with the bottom portion of the sidewall 16d having a T-shaped member 42d. The closure member 54d is secured to the member 42d both by hinged interlocking engagement and by snapon engagement of the protruding arcu ate tip 120d with member 42d.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals.

in this embodiment a channel section Me has a partition 28c defining two ducts 52e and 53e. The duct 52e may be used, for example, as a ventilating duct and has a variable occluded opening 122 in communication therewith; the opening 122 being defined by the space between the auxiliary closure member 54c and another auxiliary closure member 124.

The closure member 54c includes a longitudinal slot 126 formed therein. An adjustable closure member 98c is adapted to variably occlude the opening 122 ro selectively place the duct 52e in air flow communication with the outside air, as will now be described.

The member 9842 is attached to a knob 128 in any desired manner, such as by having an intermediate member (not shown) interconnected thereto by riveting, threaded engagement or other suitable engagement. The intermediate member is slidably positioned within the slot 126 between the ends thereof. The adjustable closure member 98a is positioned in abutting slidable engagement with the closure members 54e and 124 in a manner described hereinbefore. Thus, movement of the knob 128 will cause slidable movement of the adjustable closure member 98c causing the same to variably occlude the opening 122, thereby selectively opening the duct 52e to the outside in dependence upon the movement of knob 128.

The other duct 53a is utilized as an electrical conduit and has a junction box 130 positioned therewithin between two

auxiliary closure members

132 and 134. An electrical wire 136 leads into the junction box and is connected thereto, while an electrical wire 138 is connected thereto and leads outwardly therefrom.

it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the ducts may be utilized for a multitude of purposes in addition to electrical conduits, such as conduit pipe, water conduits, etc.

A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 11, where similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In this embodiment, a channel section 10]" is formed having a lateral opening 140 extending completely therethrough. The lateral opening provides for an entire assembly to be placed within the channel section secured thereto, whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable to do so.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown by FIG. 12, where again, similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals. In this embodiment a channel section 10g may extend longitudinally in a horizontal plane for use, for example, as a baseboard of a room. Another channel section, denoted generally by the reference numeral 142 but being essentially of the same structure as channel section 10g, is connected to the channel section 103 by means of a transitional member 144. The channel section 142 extends longitudinally in a vertical plane and forms a part of a wall assembly. The transitional member comprises a base 146 and

sidewalls

148 and 150 which together define a recessed slot 152. The exterior surface of the base has a recess 154 formed therein, which pivotally engages the flange g in hinged engagement, in a manner described previously hereinbefore. The sidewall 150 is provided with a protruding arcuate tip 156 which is snapon engaged with the member 40g of channel section 10g. The channel section 142 is then secured with respect to the member 144 by being positioned in nesting relationship within the recessed slot 152.

Another embodiment of the invention is depicted by FIG. 13. ln this embodiment a plurality of cover members 158 are used to form a decorative wall assembly. The cover member- 158 includes a concave longitudinal flange 160 and a convex longitudinal flange 162. The

flanges

160 and 162, in conjunction with the central body portion 164 of the member 158, defining

recesses

166 and 168, respectively.

In the fabrication of the wall assembly, a fastening means 170, such as a nail, is used to secure the flange 160 to the wall 172. The next adjacent cover member is secured to the first by snapon engagement wherein the flange 160 is seated within the recess 168 and the flange 162 is seated within recess 166, with the

flanges

160, 162 being in interlocking engagement. The above procedure is then repeated until the wall assembly is completed.

in some applications, it may be necessary to utilize the channels in areas having extremely long lengths. In this case, it may be necessary to longitudinally connect two or more channels together. One manner of accomplishing the above is depicted by FIG. 14, wherein

channel sections

174 and 176 are disposed in longitudinal abutting engagement with the ends 178 and 180, respectively, thereof in juxtaposed position. Another channel section 182 is then placed in hinged interlocking engagement with

sidewalls

184 and 186 of the

channel sections

174 and 176, respectively, while another channel section 188 is placed in hinged interlocking engagement with the

sidewalls

190 and 192 of the

channel sections

174 and 176, respectively, in the manner described in detail hereinbefore.

Another method of interconnecting two channel sections disposed in abutting end-to-end engagement, is depicted in FIG. 15, wherein

channel sections

194 and 196 are disposed in longitudinal abutting engagement with the ends 198 and 200, respectively, thereof in juxtaposed position. The

channel sections

194 and 196 are then secured together by means of an auxiliary closure member 202 which engages the

partition terminations

204, 206 and the

sidewall terminations

208, 210 of the

channel sections

194 and 196, respectively, in the manner described in detail hereinbefore.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the channel sections of the present invention have been described as having provision for the connection of auxiliary closure members, it is within the scope of the invention, and in fact, in some applications, it may be desirable to fabricate the channel sections as tubular members having a base portion which is integrally formed with and disposed between the sidewalls thereof. Additionally, it will be apparent that although the channel sections have been specifically described as having a single partition to form two ducts disposed within the channel sections, they may be fabricated having a plurality of partitions to thereby form multiduct channel sections or tubular interlocking channel sections.

It is also to be noted that any of the auxiliary closure members or cover plate members may be more firmly secured with respect to the channel sections by the use of a wedge, as was discussed previously hereinbefore.

Another feature of the present invention resides in the fact that although in some embodiments the closure plate members have been shown and described as being disposed within the channel sections in their securement thereto, they may also be disposed externally thereof while still being secured thereto. in this regard, the closure members would be placed over the sidewall and partition terminals and secured thereto in a suitable manner.

One exceedingly useful application of the present invention would be for use in the construction of aircraft landing strips, especially in remote areas exhibiting -extremely bad weather conditions. In this application the channel sections could be used to contract the landing strip and the ducts within the channel sections could have hot air, hot water or radiating heating elements therein to prevent the landing strip from freezing or from permitting a heavy accumulation of snow to form thereon.

It is herein to be noted that the basic channel section can be modified to provide for specialized situations. ln one instance it may be desirable to utilize a standard channel section as an end section ofa floor, ceiling or wall assembly, To accomplish this result, all that need be done is to cut off the longitudinal flange member extending outwardly from the sidewall, whereby the sidewall becomes planar with no projections extending laterally therefrom.

Therefore, while I have shown and described several preferred embodiments of my invention, there are many changes, modifications, and improvements which may be made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

lclaim:

l. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall and first and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said sidewalls having flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be adapted to be engaged in the recess ofanother channel section thereby providing for the pivotal movement of said flange along its longitudinal axis within said recess so as to form a hinged interlocking engagement therewith, an auxiliary closure member having a longitudinally extending keyway formed therein and arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, the other of the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, said closure member being disposed between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, whereby said channel section and said auxiliary closure member form a closed duct disposed within said channel section, and a locking plate having a longitudinally extending key formed thereon and at least one arcuate protruding tip extending laterally therefrom, said locking plate being operable to securely position said closure member with respect to said channel section to prevent accidental dislodgment therefrom by slidably positioning said key within said keyway with said arcuate protruding tip in slidable abutting engagement with one of said U-shaped terminations of one of said sidewalls.

2. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending flange of said one channel section being adapted to be interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations; a pair of auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members having arcuate flange members at both of the ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between said partition member and said first and second sidewalls and being secured to said channel section by engagement of its arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said sidewalls and with the arms of said T- shaped termination of said partition member, such that said channel section and said closure members define first and second closed ducts disposed within said channel section; at least one of said closure members having a longitudinally extending keyway formed therein, and at least one locking plate, said locking plate having a longitudinally extending key formed thereon and at least one arcuate protruding tip extending laterally therefrom, said locking plate being operable to securely position said closure member with respect to said channel section to prevent accidental dislodgement therefrom by slidably positioning said key within said keyway with said arcuate protruding tip in slidable abutting engagement with one ofsaid arms of said T'shapcd termination ofsaid partition member.

3. A channel secton for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall and first and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said sidewalls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section thereby providing for the pivotal movement of said flange along its longitudinal axis within said recess so as to form a hinged interlocking engagement therewith, an auxiliary closure member having arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, the other of the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially Ushaped terminations, said closure member being disposed between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, whereby said channel section and said auxiliary closure member form a closed duct disposed within said channel section, one of said arcuate flange mcmbers of said closure member and one of said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls being in interlocking engagement with one another, the other of said arcuate flange members and the other of said U-shaped terminations being in snap-em gagement with one another; said one of said arcuate flange members being pivotally movable about its longitudinal axis within said one of said U-shaped terminations so as to form a hinged interlocking engagement therewith; said closure member including a longitudinally extending boss formed on the inner surface thereof, said boss having a step ed inner portion defining at least one pair of shoulders and a notch, and hole formed in said notch adapted to receive a bolt having a head, said bolt head being positioned between said pair of shoulders and held against rotational movement thereby.

4. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitu dinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending flange of said one channel section being adapted to be interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations; a pair of auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members having arcuate flange members at both of the ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between said partition member and said first and second sidewalls and being secured to said channel section by engagement of its arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said sidewalls and with the arms of said T- shaped termination of said partition member, such that said channel section andsaid closure member define first and second closed ducts disposed within said channel section; at least one of said closure members having a longitudinally extending boss formed on the inner surface thereof, said boss having a stepped inner portion defining at least one pair of shoulders and a notch, a hole formed in said notch and adapted to receive a bolt having a head, and said bolt head being positioned between said pair of shoulders and being held against rotational movement thereby.

5. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall and fist and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said sidewalls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section thereby forming an interlock between said channel sections; first and second auxiliary closure members, the other of the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, each of said closure members including arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, said closure members'being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said channel section and said auxiliary closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel section, the side edges of one of said closure members having internal bosses formed thereon, each of said bosses having a groove formed therein, an adjustable closing member slidably disposed within said grooves in juxtaposition with respect to said one auxiliary closure member, said one closure member having a longitudinal slot formed therein, and sliding means disposed within said longitudinal slot and secured to said adjustable closing member, whereby said sliding means is operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening to thereby selectively open and close said duct.

6. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending flange of said one channel section being adapted to be interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, and including at least first and second auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members including arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between said first sidewall and said partition and secured thereto by engagement of said arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said fist sidewall and with one of the arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition, said closure members being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said first sidewall, said partition and said auxiliary closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel section, the side edges of one of said closure members having internal bosses formed thereon, each of said bosses having a groove formed therein; an adjustable closing member slidably disposed within said grooves in juxtaposition with respect to said one auxiliary closure member, said one auxiliary closure member having a longitudinal slot formed therein, and sltdmg means disposed wt in said longitudinal slot and secured to said adjustable closing member, whereby said sliding means is operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening to thereby selectively open and close said duct.

7. A channel section in accordance with claim 6, and including third and fourth auxiliary closure members, said third and fourth closure members including arcuate flange members at the ends thereof, said third and fourth closure members being disposed between said second sidewall and said partition and secured thereto by engagement of said arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said second sidewall and with the other of the arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition, said closure members being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said second sidewall, said partition and said third and fourth closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel section, and an electrical junction box positioned within said opening to close said duct which serves as an electrical conduit

Claims

1. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall and first and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said sidewalls having flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to Be adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section thereby providing for the pivotal movement of said flange along its longitudinal axis within said recess so as to form a hinged interlocking engagement therewith, an auxiliary closure member having a longitudinally extending keyway formed therein and arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, the other of the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, said closure member being disposed between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, whereby said channel section and said auxiliary closure member form a closed duct disposed within said channel section, and a locking plate having a longitudinally extending key formed thereon and at least one arcuate protruding tip extending laterally therefrom, said locking plate being operable to securely position said closure member with respect to said channel section to prevent accidental dislodgment therefrom by slidably positioning said key within said keyway with said arcuate protruding tip in slidable abutting engagement with one of said U-shaped terminations of one of said sidewalls.

2. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending flange of said one channel section being adapted to be interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations; a pair of auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members having arcuate flange members at both of the ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between said partition member and said first and second sidewalls and being secured to said channel section by engagement of its arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said sidewalls and with the arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition member, such that said channel section and said closure members define first and second closed ducts disposed within said channel section; at least one of said closure members having a longitudinally extending keyway formed therein, and at least one locking plate, said locking plate having a longitudinally extending key formed thereon and at least one arcuate protruding tip extending laterally therefrom, said locking plate being operable to securely position said closure member with respect to said channel section to prevent accidental dislodgement therefrom by slidably positioning said key within said keyway with said arcuate protruding tip in slidable abutting engagement with one of said arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition member.

3. A channel secton for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall and first and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said sidewalls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, said flange and recess have Arcuate substantially complementary configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section thereby providing for the pivotal movement of said flange along its longitudinal axis within said recess so as to form a hinged interlocking engagement therewith, an auxiliary closure member having arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, the other of the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, said closure member being disposed between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, whereby said channel section and said auxiliary closure member form a closed duct disposed within said channel section, one of said arcuate flange members of said closure member and one of said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls being in interlocking engagement with one another, the other of said arcuate flange members and the other of said U-shaped terminations being in snap-engagement with one another; said one of said arcuate flange members being pivotally movable about its longitudinal axis within said one of said U-shaped terminations so as to form a hinged interlocking engagement therewith; said closure member including a longitudinally extending boss formed on the inner surface thereof, said boss having a stepped inner portion defining at least one pair of shoulders and a notch, and hole formed in said notch adapted to receive a bolt having a head, said bolt head being positioned between said pair of shoulders and held against rotational movement thereby.

4. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending flange of said one channel section being adapted to be interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations; a pair of auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members having arcuate flange members at both of the ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between said partition member and said first and second sidewalls and being secured to said channel section by engagement of its arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said sidewalls and with the arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition member, such that said channel section and said closure member define first and second closed ducts disposed within said channel section; at least one of said closure members having a longitudinally extending boss formed on the inner surface thereof, said boss having a stepped inner portion defining at least one pair of shoulders and a notch, a hole formed in said notch and adapted to receive a bolt having a head, and said bolt head being positioned between said pair of shoulders and being held against rotational movement thereby.

5. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall and fist and second sidewalls, said sidewalls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect thereto, one of said sidewalls having a flange exTending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, said flange and recess have arcuate substantially complementary configurations which permit the flange of one channel section to be adapted to be engaged in the recess of another channel section thereby forming an interlock between said channel sections; first and second auxiliary closure members, the other of the ends of said sidewalls having inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, each of said closure members including arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between the sidewalls of said channel section and secured thereto by engagement of the arcuate flange members of said closure member with said U-shaped terminations of said sidewalls, said closure members being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said channel section and said auxiliary closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel section, the side edges of one of said closure members having internal bosses formed thereon, each of said bosses having a groove formed therein, an adjustable closing member slidably disposed within said grooves in juxtaposition with respect to said one auxiliary closure member, said one closure member having a longitudinal slot formed therein, and sliding means disposed within said longitudinal slot and secured to said adjustable closing member, whereby said sliding means is operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening to thereby selectively open and close said duct.

6. A channel section for use in the fabrication of floor, ceiling, wall assemblies and the like, said channel section comprising a top wall, first and second sidewalls and a partition wall member therebetween, all of said walls having one of the ends thereof secured to said top wall and being disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said top wall, said partition member having a substantially T-shaped termination with arms having an arcuate configuration; one of said walls having a flange extending laterally outward therefrom and longitudinally thereof, the other of said sidewalls having a recess extending laterally inward therefrom and longitudinally thereof; said outwardly extending flange of said one channel section being adapted to be interlockedly engaged in the recess formed in the sidewall of another channel section to thereby form an interlock between said channel sections; the other of the ends of said sidewalls have inward extending substantially U-shaped terminations, and including at least first and second auxiliary closure members, each of said closure members including arcuate flange members at both ends thereof, said closure members being disposed between said first sidewall and said partition and secured thereto by engagement of said arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said fist sidewall and with one of the arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition, said closure members being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said first sidewall, said partition and said auxiliary closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel section, the side edges of one of said closure members having internal bosses formed thereon, each of said bosses having a groove formed therein; an adjustable closing member slidably disposed within said grooves in juxtaposition with respect to said one auxiliary closure member, said one auxiliary closure member having a longitudinal slot formed therein, and sliding means disposed within said longitudinal slot and secured to said adjustable closing member, whereby said sliding means is operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening to thereby selectively open and close said duct.

7. A channel section in accordance with claim 6, and including third and fourth auxiliary closure members, said third and fourth closure members including arcuate flange members at the ends thereof, said third and fourth closure members being disposed between said second sidewall and said partition and secured thereto by engagement of said arcuate flange members with said U-shaped termination of said second sidewall and with the other of the arms of said T-shaped termination of said partition, said closure members being disposed in spaced apart relationship and forming an opening therebetween, said second sidewall, said partition and said third and fourth closure members forming an open duct disposed within said channel section, and an electrical junction box positioned within said opening to close said duct which serves as an electrical conduit.