MOVEMENT CONNECTOR

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/708,152, which was filed on Oct. 16, 2024, titled “JOINT CLIP”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Building strain due to settling or other forces is often transferred to the facade of the building. When building components, such as floors, shift due to natural settling, thermal expansion, or forces of nature (such as wind), strain is transferred to the walls and subsequently passed throughout the wall assembly to the cladding. Cladding often provides many functional benefits, such as weather protection, thermal insulation, noise reduction, and fire resistance. In addition to these functional advantages, cladding is also designed to be ascetically pleasing, enhancing the visual appeal of a building and accenting the architectural beauty. Added strain on the cladding can cause cracks or breaks, reducing functional and ascetic benefits, and leading to costly repairs.

Due to these and other issues, traditional technology requires cladding to be segmented at each floor level of a building. Such technology attempts to facilitate the movement of the building without damaging the facade. However, these efforts not only interrupt the visual continuity of the facade but also limit architects, designers, and engineers in their creative and structural choices. As an example, continuous cladding sections that would create an uninterrupted, ascetically pleasing exterior, while maintaining desired functional needs, are not available options under these constraints. Further, builders often must limit their material choices when segmenting cladding at each floor level.

It is desirable to identify a building solution that expands the choices available in creative and structural aspects of building construction to allow for more cladding options while maintaining structural integrity. More options when choosing material choices allows for greater liberties in design and lower costs of construction materials. Further, continuous, uninterrupted cladding would allow designers to create more visually pleasing and innovative design concepts for building facades.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the technologies described below have been developed. Also, although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the introduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the foregoing introduction and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the innovative technologies as claimed. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the innovative technologies described herein.

The technology generally relates to reducing strain on the facade of a building. Aspects of the technology relate to a movement connector that may be installed as part of a wall assembly. Various examples of the movement connector may be employed with different wall assembly components. The movement connector is configured so that strain from building settling, wind, thermal expansion, or other forces may not be transferred to the facade of the building.

It will be appreciated that while an element is referred to herein as a movement connector, the term movement does not imply the element need be moving or that the element is part of a structure and/or assembly that is moving. Movement of the element or of a structure/assembly comprising the element need not be present in all embodiments. The term encompasses embodiments in which elements, structures, and/or assemblies may be fixed, moveable, or otherwise configured to perform described functions. Movement connector may encompass an element that allows movement but should not be construed as requiring movement.

Aspects of the technology include a wall assembly. In examples, the wall assembly includes a second wall assembly component having a raised edge extending orthogonally from at least one side and a movement connector. In examples, the movement connector comprises a first portion including a surface extending from a second portion, wherein the first portion is coupled to an exterior aspect of a first wall assembly component using one or more fastening members. In examples of the technology, the second portion has a concave side opposite a convex side, wherein at least a portion of the raised edge is slotted into the concave side.

In aspects of the technology, a force normal to the length of the first wall assembly component is applied to the second wall assembly component. In examples, a force perpendicular to the first wall assembly component is applied to the second wall assembly component. In examples, a force perpendicular to the ground is applied to the first wall assembly component and is not applied to the second wall assembly component.

In aspects of the technology, the first wall assembly component is fastened to a wall stud. In examples, the first wall assembly component is a horizontal girt.

In aspects of the technology, the movement connector is comprised of one or more of steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material.

In aspects of the technology, the second wall assembly component is a vertical rail. In examples, the second wall assembly component is comprised of at least one of steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. In examples, cladding is fastened to the second wall assembly component. In examples of the technology, the second wall assembly component is exterior to the first wall assembly component and oriented perpendicular to the first wall assembly component.

In examples, the movement connector is comprised of one or more structural reinforcements or support structures, wherein the one or more support structures may be a gusset, a divot, and/or an emboss.

In aspects of the technology, the first wall assembly component is interior to the second wall assembly component and oriented perpendicular to the first wall assembly component.

Aspects of the technology include a system. In examples, the system includes a first wall assembly component, a movement connector, and a second wall assembly component, wherein the movement connector is fastened to the first wall assembly component.

In examples of the technology, the first wall assembly component is a horizontal girt. In examples, the first wall assembly component is a wall stud. In examples, the first wall assembly component is fastened to a wall structure.

In aspects of the technology, the system is configured such that a force applied to the first wall assembly component in a direction parallel to the length of the second wall assembly component is not applied to the second wall assembly component.

In examples, a force applied in a direction normal to the length of the first wall assembly component is applied to the second wall assembly component.

In aspects of the technology, a force applied in a direction perpendicular to the first wall assembly component is applied to the second wall assembly component.

Aspects of the technology include a movement connector, wherein the movement connector includes a first portion that may be fastened to a first wall assembly component and a second portion that is shaped such that a force applied normal to the first wall assembly component and parallel to the length of the second wall assembly component will not be applied to a second wall assembly component. In examples, the movement connector is further comprised of one or more of steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. In examples, the first portion has at least one opening for receiving a fastener. In examples, the shape of the second portion is selected from the group consisting of C-shaped, L-shaped, Z-shaped, and flat-shaped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wall assembly with an example movement connector.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example movement connector.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an example movement connector.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of an example movement connector.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of an example movement connector and rail.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of an example movement connector and rail.

FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of an example movement connector and rail

FIG. 4A illustrates a first example movement connector and rail.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second example movement connector and rail.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third example movement connector and rail.

FIG. 4D illustrates a fourth example movement connector and rail.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an example movement connector

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of an example movement connector

FIG. 5C illustrates a top view of an example movement connector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references, and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of this description.

“Cladding”, in examples, may be the external layer or covering applied to the facade or building structure that may serve as a protective layer and/or add ascetic benefits to the building envelope.

“Substantially” is used to convey that an attribute is largely or mainly true within a variance or approximation. For example, “substantially flat” conveys that the surface is mostly flat although not necessarily perfectly flat; or appearing flat to a significant degree, if not perfectly flat.

As used herein, “interior” and “exterior” refer to the inside and outside of a building, respectively. For example, a wall stud is interior to the facade of the same building. The facade of a building is exterior to a wall stud of the same building.

As used herein, “upward” and “downward” are directions perpendicular to the ground, where “upward” is moving away from the ground and “downward” is moving towards the ground.

As used herein, “length” is the longest dimension of a component or element, and “width” is the second longest dimension perpendicular to the “length.” It will be appreciated that in some contexts, length is equal to width, and the example referring to specific lengths and widths should not be construed as limiting to the broader technology.

FIG. 1 illustrates example environment 100 in which one example of the movement connector disclosed may be employed. As illustrated, environment 100 includes cladding 102, which is fastened to vertical rail 104. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that cladding 102 may be comprised of glass, timber, stone, metal, brick, fibre cement, composite material, clay, vinyl, aluminum or any other material that is typical of the desired functionality and ascetic benefits of cladding. Cladding 102 may be fastened to vertical rail 104 using any method known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, clips, brackets, screws, bolts, hook-on systems, rivets, adhesives, and slotted connections.

Vertical rail 104 may be comprised of aluminum, steel, wood, or any other material with the appropriate physical properties appropriate for the use and may have a shape chosen from the group including, but not limited to, C channel, U channel, Z channel, hat channel, C girt, Z girt, hat girt, Z-profile girt, T girt, and L girt. Vertical rail 104 may be any structural element of a wall assembly typically used to attach cladding. In examples, 104 may have a width between 1.5 and 4 inches, may have a height spanning the height of one floor of the building, and is oriented such that the length dimension is perpendicular to floor 112.

Movement connector 106 is fastened to horizontal girt 108. Movement connector 106 may be fastened to horizontal girt 108 using one or more fasteners, including but not limited to screws, bolts, nails, brackets, clips, and adhesives. Movement connector 106 is comprised of a first portion adapted to be fastened to horizontal girt 108 and a second portion that extends away from the first portion to vertical rail 104. The second portion, in examples, is not fastened to vertical rail 104. Movement connector 106 may be fastened to horizontal girt 108 and oriented such that a force applied normal to the length of horizontal girt 108 is applied to vertical rail 104. Movement connector 106 may be comprised of at least one material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. Movement connector 106 is further described in FIGS. 2A-C, FIGS. 3A-C, and FIGS. 4A-D.

Horizontal girt 108 is fastened to wall stud 110 using one or more fasteners, including, but not limited to screws, bolts, nails, brackets, clips, anchors, and adhesives.

Horizontal girt 108 may be any structural element commonly fastened to studs in building structures including but not limited to C channel, U channel, Z channel, hat channel, C girt, Z girt, hat girt, Z-profile girt, T girt, and L girt, and may be comprised of aluminum, steel, wood, or any other material with physical properties appropriate for the structure. In examples, 108 may have a width between 1.5 and 4 inches and is oriented such that the length dimension is parallel to floor 112.

Wall stud 110 may be one of a metal stud, wood stud, composite material stud, concrete block, or any commonly used element with the physical properties to promote structural strength. In certain examples, wall stud 110 may have a length between 8 and 12 feet, a width between 1.5 and 2.5 inches and be oriented such that the length dimension is perpendicular to floor 112.

As illustrated, wall stud 110 is attached to interior wall 114. Interior wall 114 marks the interior of the building and may be comprised of one or more of gypsum board, fiber glass, plaster, plywood, wood paneling, metal panels, or any material commonly used.

The illustrated floor 112 may be a stable, horizontal surface to support occupants, furniture, and equipment on the interior of a building. In examples, floor 112 may be comprised of structural elements such as beams, joists, and trusses, decking, insulation, and a finish layer. Floor 112 may be anchored to vertical supports such as walls or columns.

Directions 122 includes direction 116 (normal to the surface of floor 112, upward), direction 117 (parallel to the surface of floor 112 toward the exterior), direction 118 (normal to the surface of floor 112, downward), direction 119 (parallel to the surface of floor 112 towards the interior), direction 120 (parallel to the length dimension of horizontal girt 108), and direction 121 (parallel to the length dimension of horizontal girt 108).

Floor 112 interacts with interior wall 114 such that some or all of a downward force applied to floor 112 is applied or transferred to interior wall 114. That is interior wall 114, wall stud 110, horizontal girt 108, and movement connector 106 (collectively System 100) interact such that some or all of a downward force applied to one or more elements of System 100 may be transferred to all elements of System 100.

Movement connector 106 is not robustly fastened to vertical rail 104. This allows, for example, the movement connector 106 to slide upward/downward along vertical rail 104 when an upward/downward force is applied to the movement connector 106. This may occur, for example, when a force is applied to the floor 112. In this manner, a force applied to movement connector 106 may or may not be applied to vertical rail 104. Vertical rail 104 and cladding 102 are fastened such that a downward force applied to vertical rail 104 may be applied to cladding 102, and a downward force applied to cladding 102 may be applied to vertical rail 104. However, movement connector 106 may interact with vertical rail 104 such that some or all of a force parallel to the ground and/or floor surface and applied to the cladding 102 and/or rail 104 is transferred to the movement connector 106 and/or the System 100. In this way, the System 100 is capable of moving upward or downward relative to the cladding 102 and/or the vertical rail 104 while the interaction between the movement connector 106 and vertical rail 104 promotes System 100 remaining in a relatively fixed horizontal position with respect to the cladding 102 and/or the vertical rail 104.

In one example, a force applied to floor 112 in direction 118 is applied to interior wall 114. The force applied to interior wall 114 is applied to wall stud 110. The force applied to wall stud 110 is applied to horizontal girt 108. The force applied to horizontal girt 108 is applied to movement connector 106. Movement connector 106 moves along vertical rail 104 in direction 118 such that the some or all of the force in direction 118 is not applied to vertical rail 104 or cladding 102. In a second example, a force applied to interior wall 114 in direction 117 is applied to each additional element of System 100. Movement connector 106 is configured such that the force is applied to vertical rail 104 and cladding 102. In another example, a force applied to interior wall 114 in direction 121 is applied to each additional element of System 100.

Movement connector 106 is configured such that movement connector 106 may move in direction 121 until the force is applied to vertical rail 104.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate various views of one example of the movement connector disclosed. As illustrated, movement connector 200 is comprised of a first portion 208 and a second portion 202. Movement connector 200 may be comprised of at least one material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material.

In the illustrated example, first portion 208 extends from second portion 202, and is adapted to allow coupling to a first wall assembly component. First portion 208 is comprised of at least one opening 210 and surface 212. Opening 210 may be capable of receiving a fastener such as one or more selected from the group of screws, bolts, and nails. In certain examples, opening 210 may be absent. In some examples, one or more of brackets, clamps, and adhesives may be used to fasten first portion 208 to the first wall assembly component. The first wall assembly component may be, in examples, one of a wall support structure or component fastened to a wall support structure, such as a wall stud or a horizontal girt. In certain examples the first wall assembly component has a substantially flat exterior surface such that surface 212 overlays the exterior surface aligned along the same plane. In certain examples, surface 212 has a width that is substantially equal to the width of the first wall assembly surface. In other examples, the first wall assembly is not substantially flat and thus a surface of first portion 208 is adapted to align with the surface of the first wall assembly. For example, the exterior surface of the first wall assembly may have a raised edge, where the surface of first portion 208 is adapted to accommodate the raised edge by having an opening to allow the raised edge to bisect the surface of first portion 208. In other examples, the surface of first portion 208 has a lip such that the raised edge is slotted within the concave side of the lip. It will be appreciated that the top and/or bottom of surface of surface 212 may be substantially flat, a unitary body, and/or ribbed.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C, second portion 202 is comprised of lip 214, convex side 204, concave side 206, and second lip 216. Second portion 202 is adapted such that at least a portion of a raised edge of a second wall assembly component may be slotted into concave side 206. It will be appreciated that concave side 206, the concave side of lip 214, and/or the concave side of second lip 216 may be substantially smooth, a unitary body, and/or ribbed.

Lip 214 extends away from first portion 208. As illustrated, lip 214 is comprised of an angular transition from surface 212 followed by a substantially flat surface. In certain examples, the angular transition may be 90° such that the flat surface of 214 is perpendicular to surface 212. In other examples, the angular transition may be an acute angle, such as one of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°. In other examples, such as the illustrated example, the angular transition may be an obtuse angle, such as one of 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, and 165°. In certain examples, the angular transition may be 180°. In certain examples, lip 214 may be comprised of alternating angular transitions creating a zigzag or Z-shape, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, consisting of at least one successive straight segment connected by angular transitions to accommodate a non-linear path from the first wall assembly component to a raised edge of the second wall assembly component. In certain examples, lip 214 is substantially the same length as lip 216.

Convex side 204, as illustrated, is comprised of an angular transition extending from lip 214 to lip 216. In certain examples, convex side 204 is comprised of an angular transition and at least one successive straight segment connected to another angular transition. In other examples, convex side 204 is comprised of one angular transition and one successive straight segment, as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

Lip 216, as illustrated, is comprised of a substantially flat segment extending away from convex side 204. In certain examples, lip 216 is substantially the same length as lip 214. In certain examples, lip 216 is less than half the length of lip 214. In other examples, lip 216 may be absent, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

Concave side 206 is adapted such that at least a portion of the raised edge of the second wall assembly component may be slotted into concave side 206. In examples, the at least a portion of the raised edge of the second wall assembly component is slotted into concave side 206 between lip 214 and lip 216 such that the raised edge of the second wall assembly component is perpendicular to surface 212. In certain examples, such as FIG. 4D, the second wall assembly component lacks the raised edge, concave side 206 is a substantially flat surface, and at least a portion of the second wall assembly component is aligned along the same plane as concave side 206.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate perspective views of wall assembly 300. Wall assembly 300 is comprised of first wall assembly component 302, second wall assembly component 304 having a raised edge 306, and movement connector 200.

As illustrated, first wall assembly component 302 is a horizontal girt aligned perpendicular to second wall assembly component 304 and parallel to a floor of the building.

First wall assembly component 302 is positioned interior to second wall assembly component 304. In examples, first wall assembly component may be any structural element commonly fastened to studs in building structures including but not limited to C channel, U channel, Z channel, hat channel, C girt, Z girt, hat girt, Z-profile girt, T girt, and L girt, and may be comprised of aluminum, steel, wood, or any other material with the appropriate physical properties to promote structural strength. In examples, first wall assembly component 302 may be a horizontal girt having a width between 1.5 and 4 inches, and may have a height spanning the height of at least one floor of the building. In certain examples, first wall assembly component 302 may be one of a wall support structure such as a metal stud, a wood stud, a composite material stud, or a concrete block.

As illustrated, second wall assembly component 304 is a vertical rail aligned perpendicular to first wall assembly component 302 and perpendicular to the floor of the building. Second wall assembly component 304 is positioned exterior to first wall assembly component 302. In certain examples, second wall assembly 304 component may be any structural element commonly fastened to cladding in building structures including but not limited to C channel, U channel, Z channel, hat channel, C girt, Z girt, hat girt, Z-profile girt, T girt, and L girt, and may be comprised of aluminum, steel, wood, or any other material with the appropriate physical properties to promote structural strength. In the illustrated example, second wall assembly component 304 is comprised of raised edge 306. In examples, raised edge 306 may be absent from vertical rail 304, as illustrated in FIG. 4D. In other examples, raised edge 306 may be positioned towards the center of vertical rail 304 relative to the illustrated example, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. In examples, vertical rail 304 is fastened to cladding. In examples, second wall assembly component 304 is not fastened to first wall assembly component 302 or movement connector 200.

As illustrated, raised edge 306 is perpendicular to first wall assembly component 302 and surface 212. A portion of raised edge 306 is slotted into concave side 206, and positioned such that a force applied normal to first wall assembly component 302 is applied to raised edge 306.

Movement connector 200 is comprised of first portion 208 and second portion 202. Movement connector 200 may be comprised of at least one material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. As illustrated, movement connector 200 is positioned such that first portion 208 is parallel to first wall assembly component 302 and perpendicular to raised edge 306, and raised edge 306 is slotted into concave side 206 of second portion 202.

First portion 208 is comprised of surface 212 and at least one opening 210. As illustrated, surface 212 is substantially flat and aligned parallel to first wall assembly component 302, and oriented such that raised edge 306 is slotted into concave side 206 of second portion 202. In certain examples, surface 212 has a width that is substantially equal to the width of first wall assembly 302. In other examples, first wall assembly 302 is not substantially flat and thus surface 212 of first portion 208 is adapted to align with the surface of the first wall assembly. For example, the exterior surface of first wall assembly 302 may have a raised edge, where surface 212 is adapted to accommodate the raised edge by having an opening to allow the raised edge to bisect surface 212. In other examples, surface 212 has an angular transition separating two substantially flat segments such that the raised edge is slotted within the concave side surface 212.

Opening 210 may be adapted to receive a fastener such as one selected from the group of screws, bolts, and nails. In certain examples, opening 210 may be absent. In examples, first portion 208 is comprised of at least one opening 210. In some examples, one or more of brackets, clamps, and adhesives may be used to fasten first portion 208 to first wall assembly component 302. In specific examples, movement connector 200 is fastened to first wall assembly 302 via a fastener extending through opening 210, such that surface 212 is parallel to first wall assembly component 302, raised edge 306 is slotted into concave side 206, and surface 212 is perpendicular to slotted edge 306.

Second portion 202 is comprised of lip 214, convex side 204, lip 216 and concave side 206. As illustrated, second portion 202 is adapted such that at least a portion of raised edge 306 of second wall assembly component 304 may be slotted into concave side 206. As illustrated, second portion 202 is not mechanically fastened to second wall assembly component 304. However, some or all of a force parallel to a floor and in the direction of the exterior wall will be transferred from the first wall assembly component 302 to the second wall assembly component 304 via the movement connector 200.

Lip 214 extends away from first portion 208. As illustrated, lip 214 is comprised of an angular transition from surface 212 followed by a substantially flat surface, adapted such that first portion 208 may be fastened to first wall assembly component 302 and oriented perpendicular to raised edge 306, where at least a portion of the raised edge 306 may be slotted into concave side 206. In certain examples, lip 214 may be comprised of alternating angular transitions creating a zigzag or Z-shape, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, that includes at least one successive straight segment connected by angular transitions. In other examples, lip 214 may include a substantially flat segment. In certain examples, lip 214 has a length that is substantially the same length as lip 216. In other examples, lip 214 may have a length that is less than the length of lip 216. In alternative examples, lip 214 may have a length that is greater than the length of lip 216.

As illustrated, convex side 204 is comprised of an angular transition extending from lip 214 to lip 216. The angular transition is adapted such that raised edge 306 may be slotted into concave side 206. In certain examples, convex side 204 is comprised of an angular transition and at least one successive straight segment connected to another angular transition. In other examples, convex side 204 is comprised of one successive straight segment, as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

As illustrated, lip 216 is comprised of a substantially flat segment extending away from convex side 204 and adapted such that at least a portion of raised edge 306 may be slotted into concave side 206. In certain examples, lip 216 has a length that is substantially the same length as lip 214. In certain examples, lip 216 has a length that is less than the length of lip 214. In other examples, lip 216 may be absent, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

As illustrated, concave side 206 is formed from lip 214, convex side 204 and lip 216 such that at least a portion of raised edge 306 may be slotted into concave side 206, between lip 214 and lip 216. Concave side 206 is adapted such that first portion 208 may be fastened perpendicular to raised edge 306 and raised edge 306 is slotted into concave side 206. In certain examples, such as FIG. 4D, second wall assembly component 304 lacks raised edge 306, concave side 206 is a substantially flat surface and at least a portion of second wall assembly component 304 is aligned along the same plane as concave side 206.

Directions 320 includes direction 308 (parallel to raised edge 306, upward), direction 310 (parallel to raised edge 306, downward), direction 312 (perpendicular to raised edge 306, away from second wall assembly component 304), and direction 314 (perpendicular to raised edge 306, toward the center of second wall assembly component 304). In an example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 302 in one of direction 308 and direction 310 is applied to movement connector 200 but not second wall assembly component 304, as the configuration of second portion 202 allows movement connector 200 to move along raised edge 306 in direction 308 and direction 310. It will be appreciated that a force applied to movement connector 200 in one of direction 308 and direction 310 is not applied to second wall assembly component 304, as the configuration of second portion 202 allows movement connector 200 to move along raised edge 306 in direction 308 and direction 310. In another example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 302 in one of direction 312 and direction 314 is applied to movement connector 200. Movement connector 200 may move in direction 312 and direction 314 until the force is substantially applied to one or more of second wall assembly component 304 and raised edge 306. It will be appreciated that concave side 206, the concave side of lip 214, and/or the concave side of second lip 216 may be substantially smooth, a unitary body, and/or ribbed. In certain aspects of the technology, one or more of concave side 206, the concave side of lip 214, and/or the concave side of second lip 216 may be ribbed such that additional friction is applied when movement connector 200 moves in direction 312 and/or direction 314.

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate top views of various examples of movement connectors. The example wall assemblies are comprised of first wall assembly component 412A-D, second wall assembly component 414A-D, movement connector 420A-D, and, in the case of FIGS. 4A-C, raised edge 416A-C. Each of the example movement connectors 420A-D is comprised of first portion 428A-D, lip 434A-D, and second portion 422A-D, respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D, first wall assembly components 412A-D may be a horizontal girt aligned parallel to second wall assembly component 414A-D. First wall assembly components 412A-D are positioned interior to second wall assembly component 414A-D. In examples, first wall assembly component 412A-D may be any structural element commonly fastened to studs in building structures including but not limited to C channel, U channel, Z channel, hat channel, C girt, Z girt, hat girt, Z-profile girt, T girt, and L girt, and may be comprised of aluminum, steel, wood, or any other material with appropriate physical properties to promote structural strength. In examples, first wall assembly component may be a horizontal girt having a width between 1.5 and 4 inches, and may have a height spanning the height of at least one floor of the building. In certain examples, first wall assembly component 412A-D may be one of a wall support structure such as a metal stud, a wood stud, a composite material stud, or a concrete block. First wall assembly component is not fastened to second wall assembly component 414A-D.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D, second wall assembly component 414A-D may be a vertical rail aligned parallel to first wall assembly component 412A-D. Second wall assembly component 414A-D is positioned exterior to first wall assembly component 412A-D. In certain examples, second wall assembly component 414A-D may be any structural element commonly fastened to cladding in building structures including but not limited to C channel, U channel, Z channel, hat channel, C girt, Z girt, hat girt, Z-profile girt, T girt, and L girt, and may be comprised of aluminum, steel, wood, or any other material with appropriate physical properties to promote structural strength.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C, second wall assembly component 414A-Cis comprised of raised edge 416A-C, respectively. In examples, raised edge 416A-C may be absent from vertical rail 414A-D, as illustrated in FIG. 4D. In other examples, raised edge 416A-C may be positioned towards the center of vertical rail 414A-D relative to the illustrated example, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. In examples, vertical rail 414A-D may be fastened to cladding. In examples, second wall assembly component 414A-D is not fastened to first wall assembly component 412A-D or movement connector 420A-D.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C, raised edge 416A-C extends perpendicular to the length of first wall assembly component 412A-C and second portion 428A-C. A portion of raised edge 416A-C is slotted into the concave side of 422A-C, and positioned such that a force applied normal to the length of first wall assembly component 412A-C is applied to raised edge 416A-C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D, movement connectors 420A-D are comprised of first portion 428A-D and second portion 422A-D, respectively. Movement connectors 420A-D may be comprised of at least one material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C, movement connectors 420A-C are positioned such that first portion 428A-C are parallel to the lengths of first wall assembly components 422A-C and perpendicular to raised edges 416A-C, and raised edges 416A-C are slotted into second portions 422A-C. As illustrated in FIG. 4D, movement connector 420D is positioned such that the surface of first portion 428D is parallel to the length of first wall assembly component 412D and at least a portion of second wall assembly component 414D is aligned parallel to the surface of second portion 502D. First portions 428A-D are fastened to first wall assembly components 412A-D. First portions 428A-D may be fastened to first wall assembly components 412A-D via one or more fastening options chosen from the group comprising nails, screws, bolts, clamps, brackets, and adhesives.

Directions 400 is comprised of direction 402 (perpendicular to the lengths of first wall assembly components 412A-D towards the interior), direction 404 (perpendicular to the lengths of first wall assembly components 412A-D towards the exterior), direction 406 (parallel to the lengths of first wall assembly components 412A-D away from the center of second wall assembly components 414A-D), and direction 408 (parallel to the lengths of first wall assembly components 412A-D toward the center of second wall assembly components 414A-D).

Turning to FIG. 4A, a top view of an example wall assembly, raised edge 416A is slotted in second portion 422A such that the surface of first portion 428A is parallel to the length of first wall assembly component 412A and perpendicular to raised edge 416A. The illustrated second portion 422A is C-shaped. In one example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412A in direction 402 is applied to movement connector 420A and second wall assembly component 414A. In a second example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412A in direction 404 is applied to movement connector 420A and second wall assembly component 414A. In another example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412A in direction 406 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420A. It will be appreciated that movement connector 420A may move in direction 406 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414A and/or raised edge 416A. In an additional example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412A in direction 408 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420A. Movement connector 420A may move in direction 408 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414A and/or raised edge 416A.

FIG. 4B illustrates an additional example movement connector, 420B, where movement connector 420B comprises first portion 428B and second portion 422B. As illustrated, second portion 422B is comprised of lip 434B having a convex side. The illustrated second portion 422B is L-shaped. In one example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412B in direction 402 is applied to movement connector 420B and second wall assembly component 414B. In a second example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412B in direction 404 is applied to movement connector 420B and second wall assembly component 414B. In another example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412B in direction 406 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420B. It will be appreciated that movement connector 420B may move in direction 406 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414B and/or raised edge 416B. In an additional example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412B in direction 408 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420B. Movement connector 420B may move in direction 408 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414B and/or raised edge 416B.

FIG. 4C illustrates an additional example wall assembly and movement connector 420C in which raised edge 416C may be positioned closer to the center of second wall assembly 414C relative to raised edges 416A of FIGS. 4A and 416B of FIG. 4B. In examples, lip 434C is comprised of two angular transitions separated by a substantially flat segment, creating a zigzag or Z-shape. The illustrated second portion 422C is Z-shaped. In certain examples, lip 434C is comprised of at least one angular transition and one substantially flat segment. In one example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412C in direction 402 is applied to movement connector 420C and second wall assembly component 414C. In a second example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412C in direction 404 is applied to movement connector 420C and second wall assembly component 414C. In another example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412C in direction 406 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420C. It will be appreciated that movement connector 420C may move in direction 406 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414C and/or raised edge 416C. In an additional example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412C in direction 408 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420C. Movement connector 420C may move in direction 408 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414C and/or raised edge 416C.

FIG. 4D illustrates an additional example of a wall assembly and movement connector 420D. Second portion 422D is comprised of a substantially flat surface aligned parallel with second wall assembly component 414D. The illustrated second portion 422D is flat-shaped. In one example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412D in direction 402 is applied to movement connector 420D and second wall assembly component 414D. In a second example, a force applied to first wall assembly component 412D in direction 404 is applied to movement connector 420D and second wall assembly component 414D. In another example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412D in direction 406 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420D. It will be appreciated that movement connector 420D may move in direction 406 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414D. In an additional example, a force may be applied to first wall assembly component 412D in direction 408 and the force will be applied to movement connector 420D.

Movement connector 420D may move in direction 408 until the force is applied to second wall assembly component 414D.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate various views of one example of the movement connector disclosed. As illustrated, movement connector 500 is comprised of a first portion 208, a second portion 202, gusset 502, emboss 504, and gusset 506. Movement connector 500 may be comprised of at least one material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material.

In the illustrated examples, first portion 208 extends from second portion 202, and is adapted to allow coupling to a first wall assembly component. First portion 208 is comprised of at least one opening 210 and surface 212. Opening 210 may be capable of receiving a fastener such as one or more selected from the group of screws, bolts, and nails. In certain examples, opening 210 may be absent. In some examples, one or more of brackets, clamps, and adhesives may be used to fasten first portion 208 to the first wall assembly component. The first wall assembly component may be, in examples, one of a wall support structure or component fastened to a wall support structure, such as a wall stud or a horizontal girt. In certain examples the first wall assembly component has a substantially flat exterior surface such that surface 212 overlays the exterior surface aligned along the same plane. In certain examples, surface 212 has a width that is substantially equal to the width of the first wall assembly surface. In other examples, the first wall assembly is not substantially flat and thus a surface of first portion 208 is adapted to align with the surface of the first wall assembly. For example, the exterior surface of the first wall assembly may have a raised edge, where the surface of first portion 208 is adapted to accommodate the raised edge by having an opening to allow the raised edge to bisect the surface of first portion 208. In other examples, the surface of first portion 208 has a lip such that the raised edge is slotted within the concave side of the lip. It will be appreciated that the top and/or bottom of surface of surface 212 may be substantially flat, a unitary body, and/or ribbed.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A-C, second portion 202 is comprised of lip 214, convex side 204, concave side 206, and second lip 216. Second portion 202 is adapted such that at least a portion of a raised edge of a second wall assembly component may be slotted into concave side 206. It will be appreciated that concave side 206, the concave side of lip 214, and/or the concave side of second lip 216 may be substantially smooth, a unitary body, and/or ribbed.

Lip 214 extends away from first portion 208. As illustrated, lip 214 is comprised of an angular transition from surface 212 followed by a substantially flat surface. In certain examples, the angular transition may be 90° such that the flat surface of 214 is perpendicular to surface 212. In other examples, the angular transition may be an acute angle, such as one of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°. In other examples, such as the illustrated example, the angular transition may be an obtuse angle, such as one of 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, and 165°. In certain examples, the angular transition may be 180°. In certain examples, lip 214 may be comprised of alternating angular transitions creating a zigzag or Z-shape, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, consisting of at least one successive straight segment connected by angular transitions to accommodate a non-linear path from the first wall assembly component to a raised edge of the second wall assembly component. In certain examples, lip 214 is substantially the same length as lip 216.

Convex side 204, as illustrated, is comprised of an angular transition extending from lip 214 to lip 216. In certain examples, convex side 204 is comprised of an angular transition and at least one successive straight segment connected to another angular transition. In other examples, convex side 204 is comprised of one angular transition and one successive straight segment, as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

Lip 216, as illustrated, is comprised of a substantially flat segment extending away from convex side 204. In certain examples, lip 216 is substantially the same length as lip 214. In certain examples, lip 216 is less than half the length of lip 214. In other examples, lip 216 may be absent, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

Concave side 206 is adapted such that at least a portion of the raised edge of the second wall assembly component may be slotted into concave side 206. In examples, the at least a portion of the raised edge of the second wall assembly component is slotted into concave side 206 between lip 214 and lip 216 such that the raised edge of the second wall assembly component is perpendicular to surface 212. In certain examples, such as FIG. 4D, the second wall assembly component lacks the raised edge, concave side 206 is a substantially flat surface, and at least a portion of the second wall assembly component is aligned along the same plane as concave side 206.

As illustrated, movement connector 500 may include one or more structural reinforcement, such as gusset 502, emboss 504, and gusset 506. Such structural reinforcements may be, but are not limited to, a gusset, a divot, or an emboss. Gusset 502 and gusset 506 may be, in examples, a flat plate wherein said flat plate overlaps with at least a portion of first portion 208 and/or second portion 202. As illustrated, at least a portion of gusset 502 and/or gusset 506 may be positioned at a corner where first portion 208 and second portion 202 meet. Gusset 502 and/or gusset 506 may be comprised of at least one material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. In aspects of the technology, gusset 502 and/or gusset 506 may be a reinforcement divot. In certain aspects, a reinforcement divot may be a dent or depression in the material of first portion 208 and/or second portion 202. Gusset 502 and/or gusset 506 may have a flat, triangular shape or flat, rectangular shape. Gusset 502 and/or gusset 506 may be bolted, riveted, and/or welded to first portion 208 and/or second portion 202. In certain aspects of the technology, either of gusset 502 and gusset 506 may be absent from movement connector 500.

As illustrated, emboss 504 may be, in examples, a raised area and/or protrusion formed from the material of first portion 208 and/or second portion 202. Emboss 504 may be comprised of at least one material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, composite material, and polymeric material. In certain examples, emboss 504 may be comprised of a raised bubble and/or line pattern. In aspects of the technology, emboss 504 may be a gusset, wherein the gusset spans at least a portion of first portion 208 and at least a portion of second portion 202. In certain aspects, emboss 504 may be a gusset, wherein said gusset may be bolted, riveted and/or welded to first portion 208 and/or second portion 202. In additional aspects, emboss 504 may be positioned such that at least a portion of emboss 504 is disposed in a corner where first portion 208 and second portion 202 meet. In certain aspects of the technology, emboss 504 and gusset 504 may be absent from movement connector 500.

It will be appreciated that while gussets 502 and 506 are illustrated as affixed or welded gussets, other configurations are contemplated. For example, a sheet-metal blank may be folded, pinched, stamped, or otherwise formed during manufacture of the movement connector to define an integral structural reinforcement. Additional structural reinforcements are likewise contemplated, including embossed ribs, corrugations, flanges, folded edge returns, bent tabs, and localized thickened portions configured to increase stiffness, distribute load, or resist deformation in selected regions of the connector.

While various examples and examples have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope of the disclosed methods. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.