AU2004100226A4 - Structural member - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant: BOOTHS CORP (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD A.C.N. 096 214 345 Invention Title: STRUCTURAL MEMBER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 STRUCTURAL

MEMBER

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structural member used for heavy duty support in applications such as supporting large walls, precast units, heavy false work, coffer dams, bridge bearing replacements or facade retention. The invention will be primarily described with reference to this context, however, it must be understood that it is not limited to such applications.

Background of the Art Many different types of propping components are known in the prior art which enable the shoring of structures.

Systems have been developed to meet the requirements of the construction industry in various propping applications. One such example is the SLIMSHORE and MEGASHORE systems developed by Rapid Metal Designs (RMD).

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides a structural member comprising an elongate structural section having two spaced apart flanges, and at least one web interconnecting the flanges; and an endplate mounted to at least one end of the elongate structural section, wherein each of the endplate, the at least one web, and at least one of the flanges incorporate a plurality of connection holes therethrough that have a common hole pattern so as to allow the connection of a second member of suitable size with a matching hole pattern to any one of the endplate, web or flange of the structural member.

The matching hole pattern enables structural members to connect together in various configurations. In the prior art, connectivity in various configurations requires the use of additional brackets, adding to the complexity 3 of construction.

In an embodiment of the invention the common hole pattern comprises at least four holes, the at least four hole pattern having at least four different axes of symmetry through a common point.

This symmetry enables the mating of matching hole patterns in various rotational configurations. For example, two members in an end-to-end configuration can be connected in four different configurations. With the holes aligned, the members can rotate around their longitudinal axis through 900 relative to each other and the holes will once again align. This decreases the difficulty of aligning beams when forming a structure from the members.

Another embodiment of the invention has the common hole pattern repeats at regular intervals down the length of the flange(s) or the web.

In further embodiments, the repeating common hole pattern in the flange(s) is aligned with the repeating common hole pattern in the web.

Specific embodiments of the invention have the length of the structural member as an integer multiple of the unit cell length of the repeating common hole pattern.

In a more specific embodiment, the member incorporates a second hole pattern with additional holes, and common holes that overlie the common hole pattern.

The common holes that overlie enable members of different sizes to be connected without the use of a conversion plate. Different sized members include members of different length or width.

In a particular embodiment, the structural member has a hole pattern that comprises at least 9 holes, eight of the at least 9 holes forming a square pattern with the ninth of the at least 9 holes hole positioned at the common point.

In another particular embodiment, the structural member has a hole pattern that comprises at least 13 4 holes, the first of the at least 13 holes positioned at the common point, the second through ninth of the at least 13 holes forming a first square pattern, the tenth through thirteenth of the at least 13 holes forming a second square pattern, the second square pattern being larger that the first.

A further aspect of the invention provides a faceplate on a component having a hole configuration that allows for face place connection to a structural member.

When connected, the hole configuration on the faceplate overlies the common hole pattern of the structural member.

These faceplates can be applied to various components of the system such as jack bases or racking brackets.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other form which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A and 1B respectively show hole-configuration unit cells for a SYSTEM 30 and a SYSTEM 60 structural member according to the invention; Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F respectively show a side elevation, a plan elevation, an end elevation, a first sectional view, a second sectional view and a perspective view of a SYSTEM 30 500 beam according to the invention; Figure 3 shows perspective view of a SYSTEM 30 1000 beam according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 30 racking bracket assembly for use with a structural member according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 30 jack assembly for use with a structural member according to the invention; 5 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 60 500 beam according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 60 250 beam in a end-to-end configuration with a SYSTEM 60 250 beam according to the invention; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 60 250 beam in a end-to-side configuration with a SYSTEM 30 500 beam according to the invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 60 250 beam in a end-to-end configuration with a SYSTEM 30 250 beam according to the invention; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a SYSTEM 60 250 beam in a end-to-end configuration with a SYSTEM 60 racking bracket assembly according to the invention; Modes for Carrying Out the Invention In the drawings, like numbers are used in different figures to indicate like features of separate and assembled components.

Referring now to Figure 1, each of the preferred embodiments illustrated utilise the hole pattern of either Figure 1A or lB. Figure 1A shows a nine hole unit cell configuration 100 in which repeating cells units form an repeating array of nine holes arranged in a pattern that has four axis of symmetry around a common point 101, with consecutive axes spaced 450 apart. The nine holes in the repeating array formed from the nine hole unit cell are arranged in a square configuration, with one hole in the centre of the square configuration, four holes 102 positioned at the interstices of the square and four holes 103 positioned at the midpoint of each of the vertices of the square.

6 In an alternate embodiment the array can be a round configuration with eight holes in a circular pattern, with consecutive holes spaced 450 apart around a common (centre) point and a ninth hole located a the common point of the circular pattern. It should also be appreciated that there are many other hole configurations that can form a suitable repeating patterns.

Figure 1B shows a thirteen hole unit cell configuration 200 for use with larger cross-section beams, in which repeating cells units form a repeating array of thirteen holes arranged in a pattern that has four axes of symmetry, with consecutive axes spaced 450 apart. In the pattern formed by the unit cell configuration 200, the configuration of nine of the holes is common with unit cell configuration 100. However, the unit cell configuration 200 has an additional four holes 204, each positioned on an axis passing from the hole 201 in the centre of the square configuration and through a hole 202 positioned at the interstices of the nine hole square configuration. Further, each additional hole 204 is positioned a common distance beyond the respective holes 202 positioned at the interstices.

Advantageously, because the pattern formed by the unit cell configuration 200 incorporates the cell configuration 100, a beam formed using the unit cell configuration 100 can connect to a beam formed using the unit cell configuration 200. A further advantage, to enable beams comprised of multiple unit cell configurations to connect across multiple cells, each of the unit cell configurations of 100 and 200 have a common unit cell length of 250mm.

Specific embodiments of either the unit cell configuration 100 and 200 will now be described.

7 Referring now to Figure 2, a first structural member embodiment, herein described as the 'SYSTEM 30 500 BEAM' or simply beam 10, comprises two C-shaped channel sections 11 and 12, each C-shaped channel section comprising a web 15 and flanges 16. In addition, each of the flanges 16 has an overturned lip 14 projecting inwards towards an opposing flange, the lip 14 being located in a parallel plane to the web 15. An endplate 13 is welded to each end of the two C-shaped channel sections 11 and 12 to complete the beam. Whilst the beam can be of indefinite length (ie. As required by the application) in Figure 2 a beam of length 500 units (eg 500mm) is shown.

Figure 2C shows each endplate 13 having an array of nine holes arranged in a pattern composed of two half unit cells of configuration 100 that form a square pattern with a hole centred in the middle of the plate.

Figure 2A shows the configuration of holes in the web For example, starting at a first end of the beam the configuration of holes is formed using a half of unit cell 100, followed by a full unit cell 100, with another half cell 100 completing the configuration of holes at the opposite end of the beam. In each instance of use of a half-cell, an appropriate half is selected to form a repeating pattern when beams are joined in an end-to-end configuration. In theory, if the unit cell configuration of holes is strictly followed, there should be holes positioned where the edge of end plates 13 are located, however due to structural constraints, the hole patterns may not be strictly followed, eg. where the provision of a hole would effect the structural integrity of a resulting structure.

Figure 2B shows the configuration of holes in the flanges 16. The same pattern applied to the web 8 described above is applied to the flanges 16, however voids formed by the construction of the beam from C-shaped sections limits the positions where holes can be formed.

Therefore, holes from the application of the unit cell pattern to the beam results in each flange 16 having a single row of holes, repeating at regular intervals down the length of the flange.

The shared configurations of holes between the end plates 13 and the flanges 16 enables two beams to be connected using fastening means such as bolts or pins in an end to end or an end to flange configuration. The shared hole configuration with the web 15 also enables the sharing of common components that also utilise the shared hole configuration.

Referring now to Figure 3, a second structural member embodiment that applies the unit cell configuration 100 is illustrated by the herein described 'SYSTEM 30 1000 BEAM', or simply beam 20. Beam 20 shares the features of the beam 10 previously described. However, beam 20 is longer than beam 10. In this regard, typically each beam length is a multiple of 250mm, being the unit cell lengths of the unit cell configuration 100. In this regard, the longer beam 20 has two more unit cell hole configurations arranged down the length of the beam. In addition, the applicant has developed SYSTEM 30-250, 1500, 2000, 2500 BEAMS and so on. In the longer beam 20, two reinforcing plates 22 are also included in the constructed beam to strengthen the beam and prevent the channel sections bowing.

Referring now to Figure 4, a so-called SYSTEM 30 racking bracket assembly, being a component for use with the SYSTEM 30 beams, comprises an outer racking bracket and an inner racking bracket 40. Each of the brackets 9 and 40 share the same configuration of holes on the endplates 31 and 41. The endplates 31 and 41 have an array of six holes arranged in a pattern composed of two half unit cells of configuration 100, thereby forming a square pattern. However, due to structural constraints introduced by the flanges 32 and 42, three of the holes that theoretically could be positioned on the endplates are not included.

When each face of the end plates 31 and 41 in assembled racking bracket assembly are aligned in parallel, the overall length of the racking bracket assembly is the unit cell length of 250mm.

The racking bracket enables the connection of two SYSTEM components or beams, the relative angular relationship of the components or beams being adjustable by the bracket.

Referring now to Figure 5, the SYSTEM 30 jack assembly, or simply assembly 50, comprises a baseplate 51 and, due to structural constraints, the baseplate has an array of four holes arranged in a pattern composed of two half unit cells of configuration 100, thereby forming a square pattern. The jack assembly enables the relative displacement of SYSTEM components or beams connected by the jack assembly to be adjusted.

Referring now to Figure 6, a further structural member embodiment employing the unit cell configuration 200 is shown as so-called the SYSTEM 60 500 beam or simply beam 60. Beam 60 comprises two C-shaped channel sections 61 and 62, with each C-shaped channel section comprising a web 65 and flanges 66. Each of the flanges 66 has an overturned lip 64 projecting inwards towards an opposing flange, with the lip 64 being located in a parallel plane to the web 65. An endplate 63 is welded to 10 each end of the two C-shaped channel sections 61 and 62 to complete beam 60. The SYSTEM 60 beam is similar in many respects to the SYSTEM 30, but notably, the larger beam profile enables the thirteen hole unit cell configuration 200 to be applied thereto.

Again a SYSTEM 60 beam can comprise lengths of 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 units etc (eg. lengths in mm).

Reference will now be made to the inter-connectivity of beams and components.

The shared configuration (ie. between configuration 100 and 200) of holes between the endplates, flanges and web of the beams enables various connection configurations. In this regard, referring to Figure 7 the common configuration of holes between the endplates of two SYSTEM 60 beams 80 and 81 enables an end-to-end mounting configuration of the beams. The beams, with the holes aligned in the configuration shown, can be connected with various fastening means such as bolts, pins etc. The shaft of a fastening bolt passes through the aligned holes 84, the bolts holding the endplates 82 and 83 of the beams in contact and fixed relation.

Referring now to Figure 8, the common configuration of holes between the endplate 92 of a SYSTEM 60 250 beam and the flanges 93 of a SYSTEM 60 500 beam 91 enables an end-to-side mounting configuration of the beams.

Again, the aligned holes enable the beams to be connected and fixed by fastening means such as bolts etc.

Referring now to Figure 9, the common configuration of holes between the endplates of a SYSTEM 60 250 beam 95 and a SYSTEM 30 250 beam 96 enables an end-to-end mounting configuration of the beams. Once again, the aligned holes enable the beams to be connected fixed by fastening means.

11 The shared configuration (eg. Configuration 100 or 200) of holes between the beams and the components also enables the components 30, 40, 50 to connect to the endplates, flanges or web of the beams. For example, referring to Figure 10, a SYSTEM 60 500 beam 98 is shown connected in an end-to-end mounting configuration with a SYSTEM 60 racking bracket 99.

The components can also connect to different sized beams, for example, a SYSTEM 30 racking bracket can be connected to a SYSTEM 60 beam.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (4)

1. A structural member comprising an elongate structural section having two spaced apart flanges, and at least one web interconnecting the flanges; and an endplate mounted to at least one end of the elongate structural section, wherein each of the endplate, the at least one web, and at least one of the flanges incorporate a plurality of connection holes therethrough that have a common hole pattern so as to allow the connection of a second member of suitable size with a matching hole pattern to any one of the endplate, web or flange of the structural member.

2. A structural member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common hole pattern comprises at least four holes, the at least four hole pattern having at least four different axes of symmetry through a common point.

3. A structural member as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the common hole pattern repeats at regular intervals down the length of the flange(s) or the web.

4. A structural member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the length of the structural member is an integer multiple of the unit cell length of the repeating common hole pattern. A faceplate of a component having a hole configuration that allows for face place connection 13 to a structural member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein, when connected, the hole configuration on the faceplate overlies the common hole pattern of the structural member. Dated this 2 2 n d day of March 2004 BOOTHS CORP (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK