AU2019204097A1

AU2019204097A1 - Adjustable beam clamp

Info

Publication number: AU2019204097A1
Application number: AU2019204097A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lionel Harald Olaf LARSEN
Original assignee: Amuri Products Ltd
Current assignee: Amuri Products Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-12
Publication date: 2020-01-02

Abstract

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable beam clamp for attaching an object to a beam, the beam clamp including: a) a connection member including at least one aperture for attaching the object to the clamp; and b) spaced apart adjustable first and second jaw members for releasably engaging the beam clamp onto the beam, and c) an adjustment mechanism to set a distance between the first and second jaw members to secure the beam between the first and second jaw members; wherein the adjustable first and second jaw members are in a telescopically slidable relationship with respect to one another and configured to releasably engage the beam therebetween. -4/7 00'50 500 Figure 8 Figure 9

Description

ADJUSTABLE BEAM CLAMP

Field of Invention

The present invention relates in general to the construction field, and more specifically to an 5 adjustable beam clamp for attaching a purlin to a support member.

Background to the Invention

Purlins are commonly used in the construction industry, particularly in the construction of roof framing. Purlins are typically one of several horizontal structural members that span parallel to the building eaves. They are connected to a support beam in a perpendicular arrangement, in 0 order to support roof loads and transfer the load to support beams. Purlins are typically attached to roof support beams by use of purlin cleats.

Purlin cleats are metal clips/brackets used to secure a purlin to its support. They are typically rigid members comprising an integral, single piece angle member consisting of first and second substantially planar plate portions located in orthogonal planes and joined together along a 5 common lateral edge. The cleats comprise a number of holes to attach both the purlin and support beam together on each plate. Typically, a number of purlin cleats will be required to assemble the roof framing depending on the size and nature of the roof to be assembled and in accordance with building rules and regulations. This is a labour intensive and time-consuming process, with each purlin cleat required to be bolted and/or welded to a support member individually first, before being attached to each purlin.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

2019204097 12 Jun 2019

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable purlin cleat for attaching a purlin to a beam, the purlin cleat including:

a) a connection member including at least one aperture for attaching a purlin; and

b) an engaging means for releasably engaging the purlin cleat to the beam,

c) an adjustment mechanism to securely attach the purlin cleat into position on to the beam;

wherein the engaging means includes spaced apart adjustable first and second jaw members configured to releasably engage the support member.

Preferably the first jaw member includes a first jaw body having a substantially hollow interior space.

Preferably the second jaw member includes a second jaw body having a substantially hollow interior space.

Preferably the first jaw member and second jaw members are in a telescopically slidable relationship with respect to one another.

Preferably the hollow interior of first jaw body is configured to receive the second jaw body in the telescopically slidable relationship.

Preferably the adjustable purlin cleat includes a threaded member in communication with the first and second jaw members to allow adjustment of a distance between the first and second 20 jaw members.

Preferably the threaded member includes an elongated body having a helical screw thread in communication with a locking member to lock the position of the first and second jaw members in place.

Preferably the locking member is provided on at least one end of the second jaw member.

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Preferably the locking member is integrally formed on the second jaw member.

Preferably the threaded member comprises two locking members on each end.

Preferably the first jaw body includes at least one substantially enclosed end, having an opening to receive the threaded member.

Preferably the second jaw body includes at least one substantially enclosed end, having an opening to receive the threaded member.

Preferably the connection member comprises a substantially planar plate member.

Preferably the connection member is welded to the first jaw body.

Preferably the connection member is attached to an exterior back wall of the first jaw body.

Preferably the first jaw member and first jaw body are integrally formed.

Preferably the second jaw member and second jaw body are integrally formed.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable beam clamp for securing an object to a support member, the beam clamp including:

a) connection member for securing the object to the beam clamp; and

b) an engaging means for releasably engaging the beam clamp to the support,

c) an adjustment mechanism to securely attach the purlin cleat into position onto the support;

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Preferably the adjustable beam clamp includes a threaded member in communication with the first and second jaw members to allow adjustment of a distance between the jaw members.

Preferably the threaded member includes an elongated body having a helical screw thread in communication with a locking member to lock the position of the first and second jaw members into place.

Preferably the locking member is integrally formed on the second jaw member.

Preferably the threaded member comprises two locking members on each end.

Preferably the connection member includes at least one aperture.

Preferable the connection member is located on the first jaw body.

Preferably the connection member is located on opposing ends of the beam clamp.

Preferably the first jaw member and first jaw body are integrally formed.

Preferably the second jaw member and second jaw body are integrally formed.

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Preferable the object is a structural element of a building.

Preferably the support member is a beam.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus and the telescopic arrangement of the first and second jaw members;

Figure 2

Figure 3:

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8:

Figure 9:

Figure 10:

shows a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus;

shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus in use shows an exploded view of the threaded member of the apparatus;

shows a perspective view of the second jaw member of the apparatus;

shows an exploded view of a further embodiment of the apparatus;

shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus;

shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus in use;

shows a front view of a further embodiment of the apparatus in use;

shows a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 11:

shows a top view of a first alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

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Figure 12:	shows a front view of a first alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 13:	shows a front view of a first alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the

present invention in use;

Figure 14: shows a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in use;

Figure 15: shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 16: shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in use.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figures 1 and 2 shows an adjustable purlin cleat/beam clamp for attaching a purlin to a support member of the invention as generally indicated as (100). The adjustable purlin cleat (100) includes a first jaw member (200) having a first jaw body (210), a second jaw member (300) having a second jaw body (310) and a connection member (400).

It should be noted that reference to the terms 'adjustable purlin cleat' and 'adjustable beam clamp' have been used interchangeably throughout this specification to describe the apparatus of the present invention and should not be seen as limiting, unless the context suggests otherwise.

It will be appreciated that the support member as describe herein is a structural element of a building such as an I-beam or H-beam. Such beams are well known in the art and include flanges on either end of a connecting web having an I or H- shaped cross-section. It would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art that the adjustable beam clamp can therefore be adapted to be attached to support columns having a similar I-beam cross-sections.

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The first and second jaw members (200 and 300) and their respective jaw bodies (210 and 310) are configured to be in a telescopically slidable relationship with respect to one another.

The first jaw body (210) is a rigid member, including an open first end (220) and a substantially enclosed second end (230). The first jaw body includes a substantially hollow interior. An opening (231) is included on the substantially enclosed second end (230) of the first jaw body (210) to receive the threaded member (500).

The second jaw body (310) is a rigid member, including a first end (320) and a substantially enclosed second end (330). The second jaw body includes a substantially hollow interior. An opening (331) is included on the substantially enclosed second end (330) of the second jaw 0 body (210) to receive the threaded member (500).

The first end (320) of the second jaw body (310) may also be substantially enclosed similar to that of the second end (330) and include an opening therein to receive the threaded member (500).

In an embodiment, the first jaw member (200) is integrally formed to the first jaw body (210) and in use, a portion of the jaw member extends below the lower surface of the first jaw body (210). The first jaw member (200) includes a recess portion (201) to receive a portion of the support member, such as an edge of the flange of the support beam, to which the adjustable purlin cleat (100) is configured to be attached to.

In an embodiment, the second jaw member (300) is integrally formed to the second jaw body (310) and in use, a portion of the jaw member extends below the lower surface of the second jaw body (310). The second jaw member (300) includes a recess portion (301) to receive a portion of the support member, such as an edge of the flange of the support beam, to which the adjustable purlin cleat (100) is configured to be attached to.

It will generally be appreciated, the configuration of the first and second jaw members are adapted to engage and wrap around the edge of a flange of the support member, with the first jaw body in communication with and resting on an outer surface of the flange. This

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 configuration allows the adjustable beam clamp to be securely attached to the beam either on the top or bottom flange.

It will be readily understood by the person skilled in the art the that nature of the jaws and the size of recess portion can be adapted as required to suit the support member intended to be secured by the adjustable purlin cleat (100).

Further, it will also be readily understood that the size and length of the first and second jaw body(s) (210 and 310) can modified as required depending on the size of the support member (10) to be secured by the adjustable purlin cleat (100).

The substantially hollow interior of the first jaw body (210) is configured to receive the second 0 jaw body (310) in the slidable telescopic relationship.

It will generally be appreciated that the diameter and length of the first jaw body (210) is larger than that of the second jaw body (310) to enable the telescopic relationship of both bodies.

The first jaw member (200) is located at or near the substantially enclosed second end (230) of the jaw body (210). In a preferred embodiment, the first jaw member (200) is integrally formed 5 at or near the second end (230) of the first jaw body (210) and extends below the first jaw body (210) in use.

The first jaw member (200) includes a recess portion (201) of a size and width to receive a portion of the support member (10) to which the adjustable beam clamp (100) is configured to be attached to.

Similarly, the opposing second jaw member (300) includes a recess portion (301) of a size and width to receive a portion of the support member (10) to which the adjustable beam clamp (100) is configured to be attached to.

The recess portions (201/301) of the first and second jaw members (200/300) are positioned and sized to cooperate with respect to one another and enable the adjustable beam clamp 25 (100) to engage onto a support member (10), for example, the recess portions are configured to accommodate the opposing edges of either a top or bottom flange of a support beam.

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It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the size and width of the recess portions of the present invention can be adapted as required to suit the support member intended to be secured by the adjustable beam clamp.

The first jaw member (200) and second jaw member (300) further include an adjustment mechanism in the form of a threaded connection which allows adjustment or setting of a distance between the first and second jaw members.

The threaded connection includes a threaded member (500) in communication with the first jaw member and second jaw member. The threaded member (500) is a rigid elongated member which is of a length longer than the lengths of both the first jaw body (210) and the second jaw 0 body (310).

With reference to Figure 4, the threaded member (500) includes an external helical thread arrangement (partially shown), and locking members (510) each with an internal thread at each end of the threaded member (500) to secure and lock the position of the first and second jaws members (200 and 300) together to clamp onto the support member therebetween when the adjustable purlin cleat is secured to the support member (10).

In an embodiment, the locking member (510) are in the form of a nut, preferably a hex nut, studded strut nut, true torque nut or tite-end nuts. However, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that different locking members can be used with the present invention.

The adjustable purlin cleat (100) is configured to receive the threaded member (500) through the internal hollow interiors of the first and second jaw bodies (210, 310). The threaded member (500) can be inserted into position of the adjustable beam clamp at either openings (231, 331) of the enclosed ends of the first/second jaw bodies (210/310). Once the threaded member is placed into position, the locking members (510) can then be used to set the distance of the jaw members (200/300) and secure or lock them into place onto the support member.

While the adjustment mechanism has been described in the form of a threaded connection comprising an elongated threaded member together with locking members, it would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art that other adjustment mechanisms or threaded

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 connections can be used. Threaded connections which comprise a bolt or having a detachable handle and operating similar to a vice clamp could be used with the present invention, wherein rotation of the screw handle or bolt will reduce or expand the distance between the jaw members. In such an arrangement, it will be understood that the locking member may be located internally and integrally within at least one or both of the jaw members to enable this movement. With the detachable handle being removed after the jaw members have been locked into position.

A washer (520) can also be included with the threaded member (500), in between the locking member (510) and the jaw member (200/300). Such components are well known in the art.

The connection member (400) is in the form of a plate member is connected to the first jaw body (210) on an exterior back wall. The plate member extends along a first edge of the first jaw body and includes at least one aperture (410) to secure a purlin to the adjustable purlin cleat (100). The connection member (400) is substantially planar, however can be adapted to suit the purlin to be attached.

In use, the connection member (400) extends out on a plane perpendicular to the support member (10) in order to engage a purlin therewith.

It will be appreciated that the size, number and position of apertures can vary with respect to the size or type of purlin to be attached. This is usually defined by building codes or regulations which will be well known by a person skilled in the art and should not be limited to the connection member as described herein.

It will be appreciated that purlin cleats by their function, are required to be strong and durable in order to adequately connect the purlin to the support beam, thereby supporting the roof framing. Therefore, the adjustable purlin cleat of the present invention can be made from durable, rigid metals such as iron, steel, stainless steel, an/or other like materials capable of 25 support high weight loads.

With reference to Figure 3, which shows the adjustable beam clamp (100) in use, the adjustable beam clamp can be secured to the support member (10), such as an I-beam, by resting the

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 lower portion of the first jaw body (210) on the top surface/flange of the support beam (10). The first jaw member (200) and second jaw member (300) can be pre-set to be a distance greater than the width of the support (10) prior to placement and are configured to engage and wrap around opposing edges of the flange of the support beam. When in position, the first jaw member (200) and second jaw member (300) can be secured onto the support by engaging the threaded connection. Tightening the locking members (510) on the threaded member (500) will secure the jaws in place and secure the adjustable beam clamp (100) on to the support member (10). Once in position and secured, the excess length of the threaded member (500) can be removed by cutting. Purlins (not shown) can then be secured to the plate member (400) of the adjustable beam clamp (100) through apertures (410).

It will be appreciated that due to the functional nature of purlin cleats, that certain requirements in relation to tightness of connection/clamping will need to be met in order to ensure the purlin cleats have been secured properly to the support. The adjustable beam clamp of the present invention has been tested to meet such requirements. With upload testing done to at least 20kN, transverse to 15kN and longitudinal to 20kN, all without slippage or significant product failure.

Further, the snap of tite-end nuts/true-torque nuts can be utilised to provide visual inspection from a distance, that the clamping of the jaws is to a verified tightness 74.6Nm.

As it will be appreciated, the adjustable beam clamp of the invention is reusable, quick and easy to secure onto a support member, with no specialist equipment or training needed. The apparatus can be easily attached by a single person with little skill or effort. Further, as no additional holes or openings need to be made or the purlin cleat being welded to position, this greatly reduces the time and effort required over purlin cleats of the prior art.

In addition, if for whatever reason that it was found the purlin cleat of the present invention needed to be removed or repositioned along the support beam (10), then this task can be easily completed by removing the locking member (510) from the threaded connection (provided the purlins have been removed from the apparatus) and moving the beam clamp (100) to the desired location. This is far simpler than the prior art purlin cleats wherein each individual bolt

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 and nut will need to be removed, with new holes (if required) to be drilled, before the purlin cleat can then be remounted to the support beam and purlins. This often requires the use of new or additional purlin cleats.

It would be understood that the threaded member can be provided as a separate component and replaced as required should the user decide to adjust the position of the device of the present invention.

Furthermore, it would be understood that the first jaw member (200) and first jaw body (210) is a 'single piece' component. Preferably this component is integrally formed.

Additionally, it would be understood that the second jaw member (300) and second jaw body 0 (210) is a 'single piece' component. Preferably this component is integrally formed.

It will be appreciated that the connection member as described herein can be welded onto the first jaw body (210) directly, or alternatively it can be integrally formed with the first jaw body (210).

In a further embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention can also be adapted to include 5 the locking member on an internal portion on one end of the second jaw member 310 to receive a threaded member. The locking member can be integrally formed with said jaw member, or alternatively a locking member can be welded into place thereon.

The threaded member will be generally be at least the length of the first jaw member to enable locking and unlocking of the first and second jaw members with respect to one another. The size and length of the threaded member can be adapted to accommodate the size and dimension of the support member to be secured.

This arrangement would simplify the locking and unlocking of the jaw members on the support member and would remove the requirement of the threaded member needing to be cut at each ends once the apparatus is in place.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention can also be adapted to provide an adjustable beam clamp configured to provide support to a structure and/or

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 configured safely mount devices or equipment from a support member or the like. It would be envisaged that the jaw members would engage the support beam on a lower exterior surface / flange of the support member (10), with the connection member extending axially down towards the ground.

With reference to figures 10-16 show alternative embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention adapted to for use as an adjustable beam clamp for attaching an object such as equipment, structural element or devices to a support member.

First Alternate Embodiment

Referring now to Figure 10-14 which shows an alternative embodiment of the adjustable beam 0 clamp apparat us (600) according to an embodiment of the invention.

Aspects of the apparatus (600) as similar to those of apparatus (100) and therefore like references refer to like components.

Figures 10-14 shows the apparatus including alternative configuration of the apertures located on the adjustable beam clamp (600).

In the embodiment of Figures 10-14, the adjustable beam clamp (600) includes a first jaw member (200) having a first jaw body (210), a second jaw member (300) having a second jaw body (310) and apertures (610).

The first jaw member (200) includes a recess portion adapted to receive a portion of the support member (10).

The second jaw member (300) also includes a recess portion adapted to receive a portion of the support member (10).

The first and second jaw members include the same telescopic configuration as previously described above.

The threaded member (500) is in the form of a bolt having a head portion and an elongated portion comprising the thread. The locking member (510) is positioned internally at one end of

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 the second jaw member. The locking member can be integrally formed thereon or welded into place.

It will be appreciated that the threaded member (500) will be of a length greater than the length of the first jaw body (210). The length can be adapted to suit the size of the support 5 member to be secured.

The first and second jaws are locked into position by screwing or rotating the head portion of the threaded member onto the internal locking member located on the second jaw member.

Connection means including apertures (610) are located on opposite ends of the adjustable beam clamp (600), with the apertures providing means for attaching or securing further 0 devices, equipment, rods onto the adjustable beam clamp (600).

The connection member is configured to extend out laterally from the jaw members to provide access the aperture away from the main body of the apparatus.

As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, in use, the adjustable beam clamp (600) functions in much the same way as apparatus (100) described above. The first and second jaws (200, 300) are configured and positioned to engage a support member (10) from a lower face. Aperture (610) provide means to attach or connect further devices or equipment thereon.

As shown in Figure 13, additional support rods (620) can be attached to apertures (610) to provide further support to ceiling member (20). This provides additional advantages over the prior art wherein specialised apparatuses were required, or where the support rods were required to be attached to the support member directly via welding or the like.

It should be noted that different configurations of the connection member can be used with the adjustable beam clamp (600) of this embodiment. For example, while two connection members have been illustrated in Figures 10-14, the apparatus can be configured to include more or less than two connection members.

It will also be appreciated that while the connection members have been illustrated as extending out laterally from the jaw members of the adjustable beam clamp (600) of this

2019204097 12 Jun 2019 embodiment, the connection members can be repositioned to any external surface on the first jaw body (210) as required.

Second Alternate Embodiment

Referring now to Figure 15-16 which shows a second alternate embodiment of the adjustable 5 beam clamp apparatus (700) according to an embodiment of the invention.

Aspects of the apparatus (700) are similar to those of apparatus (100 and 600) described above and therefore like references refer to like components.

Connection member includes a reduced plate member having an aperture (710). The plate member extends out axially from the first jaw body (210) and is substantially planar. The 0 aperture is configured to provide means to attach or connect further devices, equipment, cables or the like thereon.

Experimental

A series of load tests were conducted on the apparatus described herein to test the force loading capability of the apparatus.

The apparatus was securely clamped onto an I-beam and attached to testing equipment comprising:

• Billon 10,OOOkgf calibrated load cell;

• Dial test indicator; and • Hydraulic tele-hoist tractor.

Three different tests were conducted, each test conducted over varying test forces. The three different tests comprising of a 90° upload test (vertical); 45° Oblique load test (transverse); and 90° side load test (longitudinal). The results of testing performed on the purlin cleat apparatus as represented by figures 6-9 are listed below:

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90° upload test (vertical)

Test force - kg (N)	Deflection (mm)
750	0.00
1000	0.10
1250	0.20
1500	0.25
1750	0.35
2000	0.45
2250	0.50
2500	0.50
2750	0.50
3000	0.50

Notes: peak load was tested to 3990kg, no yielding of apparatus was observed, with the apparatus remaining tightly secured on I-beam after testing.

45° oblique test (transverse)

Test force - kg (N)	Deflection (mm)
750	0.60
1000	0.90
1250	1.35
1500	N/A
1750	N/A

Notes: tests were halted at 1720kg due to I-beam flange distortion and rolling. No yielding of apparatus was observed, with the apparatus remaining tightly secured on I-beam after testing.

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90° Side load test (longitudinal)

Test force - kg (N)	Deflection (mm)
500	0.00
1000	0.00
1120	0.10
1300	0.50
1650	1.00
2100	2.00
2000	N/A

Notes: tests were halted at 2100kg due to slipping along I-beam flange. In real world situation, when bolted up to purlins better results would be achieved. This side force would not be expected in any extreme roof loading situation. No yielding of apparatus was observed.

Comments: The Adjustable Beam Clamp in the Purlin connection configuration (of figures 6-9) was easily tested to at least 20kN and produced no yielding in any of the load tests.

After each test the apparatus remained tightly clamped to the I-beam

The critical Upload force was tested to 3990kg, nearly double the 20kN Rated capacity, without 10 any permanent deformation of the product or loss of functionality.

The results of testing performed on the apparatus in the second alternative embodiment (cable and vertical connection configuration) as represented by figures 15-16 are listed below

90° upload test (vertical)

Test force - kg (N)	Deflection (mm)
750	0.50
1000	0.80
1250	1.00

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1500	1.10
1750	1.30
2000	1.40
2250	1.50
2500	1.60
2750	1.80
3000	2.00

Notes: peak load was tested to 4090kg, no yielding of apparatus was observed, with the apparatus remaining tightly secured on I-beam after testing.

45° oblique test (transverse)

Test force - kg (N)	Deflection (mm)
750	0.10
1000	0.50
1250	0.65
1500	0.80
1750	0.90
2000	1.10
2250	1.50
2500	2.00
2750	3.00
3000	4.00

Notes: peak load was tested to 3000kg, no yielding of apparatus was observed, with the apparatus remaining tightly secured on I-beam after testing.

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Comments: The adjustable beam clamp in the cable and vertical connection configuration (of figures 15-16) was easily tested to at least 20kN and produced no yielding in any of the load tests.

After each test the apparatus remained tightly clamped to the I-beam

The critical upload force was tested to 4090kg is nearly double the 20kN rated capacity, without any permanent deformation of the product or loss of functionality.

It will be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the adjustable beam clamps as described above has a number of advantages and can be adapted for a number of uses. For example, the beam clamp has been tested and rated to be suitable for seismic bracing and vertical support locations. Therefore, the beam clamps are ideally suited for use in cable bracing or vertical connections for building services such as electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and the like.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

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It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims

Claims: What l/we claims is:

1. An adjustable beam clamp for attaching an object to a beam, the beam clamp including:

a) a connection member including at least one aperture for attaching the object

2. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first jaw member includes a first jaw body having a substantially hollow interior space.

5

3. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second jaw member includes a second jaw body having a substantially hollow interior space.

4. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hollow interior of first jaw body is configured to receive the second jaw body in the telescopically slidable relationship.

20 5. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the beam clamp is adapted to be secured to a top or bottom flange of an I-beam.

5 body includes at least one substantially enclosed end, having an opening to receive a portion of the adjustment mechanism.

5 includes an elongated body having an external helical screw thread in communication with a locking member to securely lock the position of the first and second jaw members in place.

5 to the clamp; and

b) spaced apart adjustable first and second jaw members for releasably engaging the beam clamp onto the beam, and

c) an adjustment mechanism to set a distance between the first and second jaw members to secure the beam between the first and second jaw members;

0 wherein the adjustable first and second jaw members are in a telescopically slidable relationship with respect to one another and configured to releasably engage the beam therebetween.

6. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to engage and wrap around opposing edges of a flange of an I-beam.

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7. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a threaded member in communication with the first and second jaw members to allow adjustment or to set a distance between the jaw members.

8. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 7, wherein the threaded member

9. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the locking member is provided on the first or second jaw member.

0

10. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the locking member is integrally formed on the first or second jaw member.

11. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 8-10, wherein said locking member is received on each end of the threaded member.

12. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 2-11, wherein the first jaw

13. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 3-12, wherein the second jaw body includes at least one substantially enclosed end, having an opening to receive a portion of the adjustment mechanism.

20

14. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the connection member comprises a substantially planar plate member.

15 spaced apart adjustable first and second jaw members for releasably engaging the beam clamp onto the beam, and an adjustment mechanism to set a distance between the first and second jaw members to secure the beam between the first and second jaw members;

wherein the adjustable first and second jaw members are in a telescopically

15. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 2-14, wherein the connection member is attached to the first jaw body.

16. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 2-15, wherein the connection

25 member is attached to an exterior back wall of the first jaw body.

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17. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 2-16, wherein the first jaw member and first jaw body are integrally formed.

18. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 3-17, wherein the second jaw member and second jaw body are integrally formed.

5

19. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1-18, wherein the adjustable beam clamp is an adjustable purlin cleat.

20. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1-19, wherein the object to be attached is a structural element of a building.

21. An adjustable beam clamp as claimed in claim 20, wherein the structural element is a

0 purlin.

22. A method for attaching a purlin to a beam comprising:

a. providing a beam clamp including:

a connection member including at least one aperture for attaching the purlin to the clamp; and

20 slidable relationship with respect to one another and configured to releasably engage the beam therebetween;

b. placing the beam clamp onto the beam and setting the adjustment mechanism to secure the beam between the first and second jaw members; and

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c. attaching the purlin to the at least one aperture of the connection member on the beam clamp.