CA2093392A1 - Column assembly ii - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A column assembly having a plurality of floor-height columns which are erected vertically, one on top of the other, to define the floors of the building structure to be constructed. Each column comprises a plurality of reinforcement rods which are embedded in the column and extend outwardly from the ends thereof.
The rods are cut at precisely equal lengths to extend precisely equal distances from each end of the column. Each rod is threaded in a precise manner with the thread beginning at the same orientation for each rod such that when the columns are stacked end-to-end, the rods are in perfect axial alignment with the thread of one rod continuously leading into the thread of the contiguous rod to which it is aligned. A threaded sleeve is threaded onto the rods extending from the lower end of the upper column and, after stacking of the upper column end-to-end onto a lower column, the threaded sleeve may be threaded onto the axially aligned and contiguous rods extending from the lower column. A rigid mechanical connection is therefore made between adjacent columns sufficient to support the columns vertically without additional shoring.

Description

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COLUMN ASSEMBLY II

CROSS-REFERENCE TO R~LATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. pa~ent application, Serlal Number 07/642,069, filsd Januar~ 16, 1991, to ~e issued on June 23, 1392 as U~S. Pat~nt 5,123,220.
BAC~GROUND OF THE INVEN~ION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to column assem~lies used in the construction o~ building structures. More particularly, thi~
~Q~ invention relates to column assemblies having reinforcement rod~
imbedded within columns and extending from the ends thereof to _ ~ Co~Jv~cr~
facilita ~ of the columns, end to end, during ere~tion~
Description~of the Back~round~Art Presently there exists many varieties of construction techniques that employ vertically disposed, floor-height column~
which support bearing beams interconnecti~g adjacent colu~ns, with the bearing beams providing support for the floor a~ove constructed of precast floor labs, poured-in-place, or the combination of the two.
It i~ always desirable to erect the column assemblies a-Q
precisely vertic 1 as possible while minimizing shoxing. In this regard, one technique ~or min~mizing shoring is to ext~nd the reinforcement rods of e~ch column to protrude from the~r ends and then provide means f or aligning the ends via the prot.ruding rods as the C:OlU~III19 are stac3ced vertically one on top of another. In .. . ., :
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~ome techniques, the protruding rei~orcement rods are aligned by means of an intermediate plate, in o~hers, by slip fitting the rods together. Illustra~ive exa~ple~ of such techniques are described in U.S. Patent 976,182, U.S. Patent 1,6~7,197, U.S.
Patent 2,724,261, U.S. Paten~ 3,613,325, U.S~ Patent 3,733,757, U.S. Patent 3,867,805, U.S. Patent 4~081,935, U.S. Patent 4,330,970, U.S. Patent 4,583,336, French Patent 2,387,325 and British Patent 1,04S,331.
Of all the above-referenced patents, only U.S. Patent 976,182 employ~ the use of turnbuc~les which threadably engage the aligned ends of the protruding rein~orcement rods of column~
positioned end to end. Unlike slip-fit sleeves and the other interconnection mean~ shown in the other patent~, the turnbuc~le kaught by U.S. Patent 976,182 provide a means for mechanically interconnecting the rods of adjacent columns stacked one on top of the other. However, the use of turnbuckle for such interconnectlon require~ that the turn~uc~le~ be individually ad~u~ted until the upper column is positione~ vertically.
Con~idering the weight of the column, leveling adjustment of the turnbuc~le~ durin~ erection would appear to be di~ficult since khe column would have to remai~ suspended by a crane as the turnbuckles were ~hr~aded onto~the rod3. Al~o the total weight o the ~tructure above will ha~e to ~e carried by the thr~ads of the buckles.
It is an ob~ect of thi~ invention to provide an apparatu3 : ' 2~3~

which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides an improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement ~ the column assembly art.
Another objec~ o~ this invention is ~o pro~ide a column as~embly, compri~ing in combination a first column having a first end and a second end, at least one first thr~aded rod extending from the second end of qaid firs~ column~ a second column having a ~irst end and a second end, at least one second threaded rod extending from the first end of the second column in axial and contiguous alignment with the first threaded rod defining a ~pace between the second end of said fir~ column and the first end o~
the second column, and a threaded sleeve threadably interconnecting the first threaded rod and the second threaded rod.
Another o~ject o~ this invention is to provide a column assembly de~cribed hereinabove, wherein a plurality o~ the ~irst threaded rods extend from the second end of the first column~
wherein a corresponding plurality of the second threaded rod e~tend ~rom the first end o~ the second colu~n in axial and contiguous alignment with respective first threaded rods, and wherein a corresponding pluxality of khe threaded sleeves threada~ly in~erconnect respe~tive the first threaded rods and the ~econd threaded rods.
Another object of this invention i~ to provide a column assembly descri~ed hereina~o~e, wherein the first threaded rods : ' ` ' : '` ' -, - . .

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extend from the second end of the ~irst column equal distancesand wherein the _e~ond threaded rodc extend from the fir3t end of the ~econd column equal distanc~s.
Another object o~ this invention is to provide a column assembly descxibed herei~above, wherein the threaded slee~e~
comprise a length less th~n the distance the first threaded rods extend from the second end of the first column or the distance that the sec~nd threaded rods extend from the first end of the second column, thereby allowing said threaded sleeves to be threaded fully onto the fir t threaded rods or the second rods prior to the rods being positioned in axial and contiguou~
alignment.
Another object of this invention is to provide a column assembly described hereinabove, further comprising grout means filling the space between the second end of the first column and the first end of the second column.
Another object of this i~vention is to provide a column assembly described he~einahove, wherein the first column further comprises a capital positioned at the second end of the first colu~n, the capital having a ~urface area greater than the cros~-~ectional area of the ~irst column defining a ledge for ~upporting a bearing beam when the columns are positioned vertically.
Another obje~t of thi~ invention i~ to provide a column assembly described hereinabove, whexein the ~irst column furthex .: :
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~omprises a plurality of beam anchors cast-in-place at the seco~d end of the fir~t column and a corresponding plurality of ~rac~t3 which xemo~ably engage the anchors to protrude from th~ side o~
the econd end of ~he fir~t column and provide a ~upport f or either preca~t beams or steal joists.
~ he ~oregoing has outlined so~e of the more pertinent o~ject~ of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illu~trative of ~ome o~ ~h~ more prominent ~eat~lre~ and application~ o~ the intended i~ventio~. Many o~her beneficial results can be obtai~ed by applying the disclosed in~Pntion in a di~ferent manner o~ modifying the inven~ion within the scope of the disclosure. Accordinsly, other objects and a ~uller understanding of the inve~tion may ~e had by re~erring to the summary of the in~e~tion and the detailed description of the preferred em~odiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claLms taken in conjunction with the ac~ompanying drawing~.

UE.YPRESSMAI'~B~ NO.. ~
,i:;':`I'CRTIr-~THATrHISPAP~RISBEINGDEPOSITEDWIT~THE
UNi . ..;J S rAT~S POSTAl SERVICE "EXPRESS MAII. POST OFFICc TO
ADCr:~.SSEE" SERYICE UNDER ~7 CFR 1-10 IN AN ENVEEOPE ADDRESSED
TO: COMMISSIOIIIER OF PATNTS AND TR."~EMARKS, WASHINGTI:IN, O.C.
20231, ON TIIIS DATE THE COMMISSIONER IS HERE3Y AUTHORIED Tû
CHA~RGEANY FEES ARISING HEK I~ROM AT ANY TIME TO OEPOSITACCOUNT

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-2~9~2 SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
For the purpose of sl~mmarizing this invention, this invention comprises a column assembly having a plurality o~
floor-height columnq which are erected vertically, one on top of the other, to define the floors of the building structure to be constructed~ In one embodiment, the upper end o~ each column compri~eq a capital for supporting bearing beams which extend rom one column assembly to an adjacent column assembly. In another embodimant, the upper end o~ each column comprises a plurality of anchors cast-in-place and a corresponding plurality o~ brac~ets which removably engage into the anchors and provide support for th~ bearing beams. The bearing beams provide support or a precast slab ~loor or a cast-in-~lace ~loor~
A prLmary feature of the invention is the manner in which the columns of each column assembly are interconnected.
Specifically, each column compxises a plurality of reinforcement rods which are embedded in ~he column a~d extend outwardly from the e~d~ thereof. The rods ~-a~t~at prc~i~el-~ ~y~=o~_~y~ou extend precisely equal distances from each end of the columnO
Each rod is thre ded in a precise manner with the thread beginning at the same orie~tation for each rod such that when khe column~ are 3tacked end-to-end, the rod~ are in perfect axial alignm~nt with the thread of one rod continuously leading into the thread o the contiguous rod to whi~h it is aligned.
The preci~e cuttin~ and threading of the rods extending ~rom 2 ~

the ends of the columns allow a thr~aded sleeve to be threaded onto the rods extending from ~he lower end of the upper column and, after ~tacking of the uppe~ column end-to-end onto a low~r column, the threaded ~leeve may be threaded onto the axially aligned and contiguous rods extending from the lower column.
rigid mechanical connection is therefore made between adjacent cOlUmn3 sufficient to support the columns vertically without additional ~horing, ~ost Lmpor~antly, the preciseness of the .
length o~ the rods as~ure~ that a precisely, vertically aligned column assembly is achieved. Leveling ad~ustmeni is therefore not neces~ary or minLmlzed.
Another feature of the column assembly of the invention in one em~odLment i5 the use as a capital at the upper end of a lower column for supporting bearing beams which straddle adjacent colum~ assem~lies ~o a~ to provide supp~rt for the laying o~
precast floor slabs or, alternatively, to provide support for pouring a cast~in-place floor. In another em~odiment, a plurality of anchoxs are cast~in-placa into ths upper end of the lower column. A correæponding plurality of brackets removably engage into the anchors to protrude outwardly from the sides of the upper end o the column. The brackets therefore provide B~, ~: O -.s. J' _ -support or the LY~9rC~ precast~ff~een--~h~e~-~r, alternatively, to provide support ~or pouring a cast-in-place ~loor. The bracketY may comprise either a removable U-shaped member having an upstanding end which hooks into a corre~ponding slot in the , . ' ~ . .
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anchor or a threaded member which threadably en~ages into a threaded hole in the anchor.
A ~till additional feature'of the column assembly of the invention is the ability to interconnect the adjacent column through the bearing beams so as to provide a stronger structure.
LiXewise, the space created between adj acent columns in a column assembly may be filled with grout or other solidi~yin material ~ 0 S'r~ 'r4~ eD~v~v.Fcr~
to pro~ide added suppo ~ , interconn~ct column Finally, the cast-i~-place floor or the precast floor slabs may be tied to the lower end o~ the upper column ~o as to provide more rigid support.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and Lmportant features of the present in~ention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood 50 that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the in~ention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claim~ o~
the i~ention. It ~hould be appreciated by tho~e skilled in the art that the conception and the speci~ic embodLment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis ~or modifying or designiny other st~uctures for car~ying out the same purposes of the present in~ention. It ~hould also ~e-realized by tho~e skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope o~ the invention as set forth in the appended cla~ms .

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3~ 2 BR ~ OF T~E DRAWING5 For a fuller unders~anding of the nature and objects o~ the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying dxawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a ~ront view of the column assem~ly of the inY~ntion;
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column assembly o~ the invention employing a precast capital on which i8 ~eated bearing beams which support a precast slab floor;
Fig. 2A is a plan view of Fig. 2 taken along lines 2A-2A
illustrating the ide su~port precasts;
Fig. 3 i~ a longitudinal cross-~ectional view of the column assembly of the invention employing a~ integral capital on which is seated bearing beams whi~h support a cast-in-place floor;
Fig. 4 is a front view of two column assemblies of the invention ~upporting a bearing ~eam;
Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column assembly of the invention wherein a plurality of anchors are cast-in-placa i~ the upper end of the column permitting a plurality of U-shaped brackets to removably engage therein to ~urther ~upport a precast bearing ~eam;
Fi~. 6 i~ a top cross-sectional view of the column assembly of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along lines 7-7 of FigO 6;

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Fig. a is a longitudinal c:roR~i-sectional view ~f the colums a~sem~ly of the invention employing a plu~ality of anchorR cast~
in-place in the upper end o:E the. columrl for threadably r~ceivin~
a plurality of threaded brackets to provide support f or a ~teel j oi~3t bearing ~eam; and Fig. ~ i~ a top crosR-~ectional view o~ Fi~. 8.
5i~1ar ref erenc~ cha:racter~ :ref er to ~imilar part~
; throughout the several ~iews of the drawings .

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~tPRESS MAII~ lAsa NO.: ~2 I HERE~Y CERTiFY THAT THIS P~PFR IS BEIN13 DEPOSITED WIT~I THE
UNITED STATES POSTAL SE~VICE "~PRESS MAIL POST QFFICE TO
AD~RESSEE" SERVIC~ UNDER 37 CFR 1 10 IN AN ENVELûPE ADDRESSED
TO: COMMISSIONER OF PA~; AND ~ EMARKS, WAS~llNl~ON, D.C
20231, ON 7HIS DAlE lHE ~IER 1~; H13~1 AUT~RIZED 1~3 CHAROEANY fEESARlSlN~;~ll~AN'(~l~E~DEPOSlF~UNl 19~175 ~5 DAT~

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referrins to Fig. 1, the column assemhly 10 of the inventio~
~omprise~ a plurality of columns 12 each having an upper end 12U
and a lower end 12~ A plurality o~ reinforcement rod~ 14 (e.g.

4) are imhedded in each column 12 throughout the length thereo and extand from the upper end 12U and the lower end 12~. ~ach reinforcement rod 14 is of equal length such that their upper ends 14U extend ~rom the upper end 12U of each column 12 by equal di~tances and uch that ~heir lower end~ 14~ extend from the lower end 12~ of the column 12 by equal distances. Both the upper and lower end~ 14U and 14~ of the reinforcement rods 14 are threaded with the same threadO The beginning of the thread o~
the upper end 14U of each reinforcement rod 14 o~ a column 12 i aligned with tha beginning of the thread of the lower end 14L
of the corresponding reinforcement rod 14 of an adjacent column 12 ~o that when the respecti~e e~ds 14U and 14L of the reinfor~ement rods 14 are positioned in axial and contiguous alignment, the threads of the ends 14U and 14h form a continuous, uninterrupted thread allowing a threaded sleeve 18 ~o threadably interconnect the upper end 14U of the reinforcement rods 14 extending from the upper end 12U of the column 1~ with the lower end 14~ of the reinforcPment rods 14 extending from the lower end 12L of an upper column 12. In this regard, the length of threaded sle~ve la i3 prefera~ly le~s than the di~tance that the end lAU or 14L of the reinforc~ment rods 14 extend from the .. . : , :' ' ... , . : ..
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ends 14U and 14~ of the column 12 thereby allowing the threaded slee~e 18 to be threaded onto the end 14u or 14L prior to positioning the respective end3 ~4U and 14~ of the reinforcement rods 14 o the adjacent column~ 12 in axial and contiguous alig~ment.
During assembly, a lowermost floor-height column 12 is positioned vertically and embedded or otherwise rigidly supported by foundation 20~ A threaded sleeve 18 i~ threaded all the way onto the lower end 14L o~ e~ch reinforcement rod 14 that extends from the lower end 12L of the columns 12 to ~e erected. A column 12 is hoisted, such as by means of a crane, above the lowermost column 12 an~ then lowered such that the lower ends 14L of th~
reinforcement rod~ 14 extending ~rom the lower end 12L of the column 12 are in axial alignment with and resting on the upper ends 14U o~ the reinforcement rods 14 ex~ending from the upper end 12U of the lowermost column 12. A space 19 between the upper end 12U of the lowermo~t column 12 and the lower end 12L of the adjacent column 12 is created. The threaded slee~es 18 are then threaded downwardly ~o as to secure the axially and contiguously aligned end~ 14U and 14~ of the reinforcemPnt rods 14, thereby rigidly ~curing the rods 14 together and forming a mechanically ~ound connection between the t~o adjace~t columns 1~ separate~ by the space 19. The threaded sle~ves 18 May be tack-welded to the rods 14 to preclude any further threaded movement along eithe.r end~ 14U or 14L of the reinforcement rods 140 AS described - 12 _ - . .
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below, Rpace 19 ~mr~ be srouted to provide a more solid suppoxt.
Additional floor-height columns 12 may ~e rigidly connected in series ~o as to extend the c~lumn assembly 12 upwardly to the desired height defining the floors o~ the stru~ture to be constructed. It should be appre~iated that the column assembly 12 as thu~ constructed comprises a self-supporting, rigid structure that does not re~uire shoring of each added column 12 during as~embly.
As shown in Fig~. 2 and 3, the upper end 12U of each column 12 may be provided with a capital, generally indicated by numeral 22, for supporting bearing beam~, generally indicated by numeral 24, which straddle adjacen~ column assemblie3 10 aligned in a row. Additional bearing beams 24 may be provided for straddli~g adjacent rows of column assemblies 10. The bearins beams 24 provide support for a precast floor slab (see Fig. 2).
Alternatively~ the bearing beams 2~ allow, with appropriate shoring, the pouring o~ a cast-in-place floor supported by the bearing beams 24 (see Fig. 3).
More paxticularly, referriny to Fig~ 2, in one embodLment, capital 22 comprises a precast capital 26 having a metal top plate ~8. Apertures 30 are ~o~med through the precas~ capital 26 so as to allow the upper ends .14U of the reinforcement rods 14 to exte~d therethxough. The precast capital 26 comprises a surfacs area greater than the cross-~ectional area o~ the column 12 so as to ove~-hang the column 12 and de~ine four ledges 32 around the ~ 13 -- . . ..
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2 ~ ~ e~ ~ ~ 2 four sides of the column 12 ~or supporting the bearing beams 24.
During assembly, the low~most column 12 i~ positioned vertically as hereinabove descri~ed~ The precast capital 2~ i5 lowered onto the upper end 12U o~ the lowermost column 12 so that the upper ends 14U of the reinforcement rods 14 extend through apertures 30 in the pre~ast capital 26. Another column 12 (with threaded sleeve~ 18 installed) i~ lowered into place with its lawer ends 14L of the rein~oroement rods 14 extending from its lower end 12L positioned in axial and contiguous alignment with t.he upper end~ 14U of the rein~orcement rods 14 ~xtending through aperture~ 30 from the upper end 12U of the lowermo~t column 12~
The threaded sleeves 18 are then threaded onto the upper ends 14U
of the reinforcement rods 14 so as to rigidly interco~ect the column~ 12. ~otably, the thickness of the precast capital 26 is dimensioned relative to the distance by which the upper ends 14~
o~ the reinforcement rod3 14 extend from the upper end 12U of the lowexmo~t coIumn 12 such tha-t the threaded sleeves 18 additionally functio~ to rigidly secure the precast capital 26 to the upper ent 12U o~ the column 12 as the threaded ~leeves 18 a~e thr~aded onto the upper ends 14U o~ the rein~orcement rods 14.
Without departlng from the ~pirit and scope o~ this i~ention, it i~ noted that the precast capital 26 may compxise ~imply th~ metal top plate 28 without precast. In such e~ent, the thic~neRs o~ the capital 22 would be appreciably le~s than th~ di~tance by which the upper end~ 14U o~ the rein~orcement .. .. . . .
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rods 14 extend from the upper end 12u of the column 12. The reinforcement rods 14U should be correspondingly dimensioned ~horter to allow the threaded sleeve 18 to rigidly secure the metal top plate 28 to the upper end 12U of column 12.
As shown in ~ig. 2, the e~ds of the bearing b~ams 24 are seated o~ the respective ledge~ 32 of capital 22~ ~eans are provided for rigidly ecuring the bearing beams 24 to the ledges 32 of the capital 22. More particularly, the edges of the bearing beam~ 24 are rigidly secured to th~ ledges 32 of the capital 22 by means of a threaded fastener 34 which extends through hole 36 in the end of each bearing beam 24 and through a~
aligned hole 38 iA ledge 32. As shown, the threaded fastener 34 may ~omprise a rod 40 threaded at both ends for receiving a washer 42 and nut 44 at both endsO A reces~ ~6 may be foxmed i~
the lower surfacs of the ledye 32 for receiving the washer and nut 42 and 44 at the rod's 40 lower end. It is noted that a neoprene ~haet 48 may be positioned between the ends of the bearing heams 24 and the ledges 32. Also, a dense plastic foam ~pacer 50 may be provided between the end of the bearing beams 24 and the lower end 12L of the uppex column 12.
As mentioned earlier, the bearing beams 24 provide suppoxt ~or a precast floor slahr( ee ~ig. 2~ or, alternatively, khe bearing beams 24 allow, with appropriate shoring, the youring of a cast-in-plac~ floor supported by the bearing ~eams 24 (~ee Fig.
3).

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More specifically, the bearing beams 24 are rigidly connected to opposing ledges 32 ~ormed on opposing sides of the upper 12u of each column 12. As shown in Fig. 2A, a 3ide support precast, generally indicated by ~umer~l 52, is positioned on the two other ledge~ 32 of the capital 2~ to function as a form for pouring grout into the space 19 between the upper end 12U of the lower column 12 and the lower e~d 12L o~ the upper column 12.
The side ~upport precast~ 52 are connected to each other by means o threaded fasteners 54 which pass through space 19 and extend horizontally through holes 56 formed in both the side support precast~ 52. Upon tighte~ing, faste~ers 5~ draw the side support preca~t~ 52 together thereby rigidly clamping the side support preca~ts 52 about the ends of the bearing beams 24.
The side ~upport precast 52 each comprises at least one pour hole 58 poYitioned on its ~uperior surface allowing grout 60 (see Fig. 2) to be poured into the space 19 after the side support preca~t 52 are ~ecured into position. Grout 60 functions to provide added support for the column assembly 10.
A~ter the grout 60 i3 poured, a plurality o~ precast floor slabs 62 are position~d on the bearing beams 24 as is conventio~al in the trade ~or construc~ing a floor.
As ~hown in Fig. 3, in an~ther embodiment of the capital 22, the capital 22 is integrally ormed at the upper e~d 12U o~ the column 12 to define the four ledges 32 for supporting the bearing beam~ 24. The end~ o~ the bearing beams 24 are rigidly 3ecured ~ 16 ~

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together on opposing ~ides of the upper column 12 by means of an elo~lgated meml:~er 64 which passes th~ough space 19 a~d extends through angled ~lot~ 66 formed through the end~ o~ ~he bearing beams 24. The elongated member ~4 preferably comprises a ~tranded cable which, after pa~sing through space 19 and anyled slots 54, extends along the upper surface of the bearing beams 24.
As illu~trated, bearing beam~ 24 are constructed with pro~ruding anchor~ 68. Once appropriate ~horing is erected, a cast-in-place floor can then be poured as i5 conventional in the trade. During pouring, the stranded cable 64 and the protrudi~g anchors 68 of the bearing beams 24 are imbedded thereby rigiAly securing the bearing beams 24 on opposing sides of ~he colum~l3 12. ~owever, for added strength, another elongated mem~er 70, such a~ a ~tranded cable, may be positioned through a horizontal hole 72 in the lcwer end 12L of the upper column 12 to extend along the upper sur~ace of the bear~ng beams 24 to also be imbedded during pouring of the cast-in-place ~loor. :
Without departing ~rom the spirit and ~cope of this invention, the cast-in-place floor as described hereinabove may alternatively be u3ed i~ lieu of the precast floor ~labs 62 de~cribed in connection with the preca~t capital 26. Finally, it is ~cted that when employi~g ~our bearing beam~ 24 eated on the four ledge~ 32 of the capital 22 ~ninety degrse~ ~rom each other) of the column 12, the side support preca~ts 52 are not neededO

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~owever, in order to fill the space 19 with grout for added ~upport, a pour hole 74 must be formed an~ularly within the lower end 12~ of the column 12 allowing gxout to be poured therethrough to fill thè ~pace lg or grouted by mean~ of a pre~sure pump.
Referring now to Fig. 4, a plurality of column assemblies 10of the invention may be po~itioned in a row ~or suppor~ing a bearing beam 80 having holes 82 positioned transversely therethrough in alignment with the upper ends 14U of the reinforcement rods 14 which extend from the upper end 12U o~ the column~ 12. ~ol~s 82 may b~ formed over-size to facilitate as~emhly on top of the upper end 12U of the column 12. A~ter a~mbly, holes ~2 may be grouted. A washer plate (not shown) ~ay theQ be installed over the ends 14U of the rods 14, to provide a base for the threaded sleeves 18. SLmilar to the ab~e description in regard to capital 22, the length of the upper ends 14U of the rods 14 may be dime~sioned such that the threaded sleevas 18 can ~e tightened onto the upper ends 14U so as to rigidly secure the bearing beam 80 to the upper end 12U of the column 12. Thi~ embodiment of bearing beams 80 may be used to ~upport the floor above, or can be used in combination with the column3 12 and capitals 22 described hereinabove.
Referring now to Figs. 5-9~ the column assembly 10 o~ the invention may include a plurality o~ column anchors 110 which are embedded in the ~ides o~ the upper end 12U o~ each o~ the columns 12. A corresponding plurality of brac~ets 112 are provided for .
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removably enyaging the column anchors 110. ~he brackets 112 extend outwardly from the sides of the column to be engaged by corresponding beam anchors 114 of precast bearing beam~ 2~ or ~teel joists 116. Thus, it should be appreciated that the~e column and beam anchors 110 and 114 and interconnecting ~rac~ets 112 function as a substitute for the capital 2~.
More partie~larly, in one em~odLment as shown in Figs, 5~7, the column anchors 110 comprise a xight angle member 118 having one side 120 positioned flush with the side of the column 12 and it~ other side 122 positioned horizontally. A pair of steel side members 124 and 126 are positioned in a spaced-apart manner and welded to the horizontal side 122 of the angle mem~er 118 i~ an upstanding spaced apart manner thereby providing a space 128 there~etween. A steel bar 130, equal in width to the space 128 between the side members 124 and 126, is positioned in the uppermost area of the side members 124 and 126 and rigidly welded into po~ition. The bar 130 include a substantially re~tangular notch 132 in its lower ~urface 134. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the bar 130 preferably extends across the width of the column 12 to thereby inte~connect the column anchor 110 on one side o~ the column 12 with the column anchor 110 on the opposing side of the column 12. Also pref~rably/ two column anchors 110 are po~itioned on each side of the column 12 with the angle member 118 extending across the side width of the column 12 therehy rigidly interconnecting the two col~ anchors 110/ Without -19 ~

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departing from the spirit and sc~pe of this invention, it ~hould be appreciated that the column anchors 110 may be positioned o~
all four sid~s of the column 12 with the bars 130 rigidly connected to each other and the a~gle members 118 rigidly connected to each other. As illustrated, the entire as~em~ly o~
angle memb0rs 118, bars 130 and ~ide mem~ers 124 and 126, is cast-in-place in the upper end 12U of the column 12 when the column 12 i~ b~ing cast; however, the space 128 below the notch 132 in the bar 1~0 and above the horizontal slde 122 of the angle me~her 118 i~ kept free of concrete duri~g casting so as to define the ~pace 128 bound on its bottom by the hori70ntal ~urface 122 of th~ angle member 118, on its 8ides by the ~ide members 124 and 126, and at its rear by concrete wall sur~ace 136 ~see Fig. 5).
As noted above, a bracket 112 is provided ~or removable engagement with each of the column anchors 110 embedded within the upp~r end 12U o~ the colu~n 12. As shown in Fig. 5, the bracket 112 comprises a double-hook configuration formed in a ~-shape 1~8. More ~pecifically, the U-shaped brack~t 138 comprise~
a horizontal portion 140 and a pair o~ upstanding end portions 14~ and 144 ~xtending from opposing en~ of horizontal portion 140. The ~hic~ness of the ~-shaped bracket 1~8 is apprecia~ly le~ tha~ the di~tance between the side member~ 124 and 126 3~
the column anchor 110 so that the end portion 142 may slidably fit within the space 128 betwe~n the side members 124 and 126.

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The tip of the upstanding end portion 142 is pre~erably squared off and dLmensioned to easily fit in~o the notch 132 in the bar 130. During assemhly, the brac~e~ 13~ may be canted relati~e to the column anchor 110 and its upstanding end portion 142 in~erted into the space 128 between the side members 124 and 126 and then pivoted upwardly 50 that its tlp firmly seats or "hooks" into the notch 132 in the bar 130~ A spacer 146 i5 provided for positioning between the underside of the U-shaped bracket 138 and the horizontal surface 122 of the angle member 118 o as to ~e~p the tip of the upstanding end me~ber 142 in engagement of the notch 132 of the bar 130. Once installed in this manner, the other upstanding end portion 14~ of the U-shaped bracket 138 protrude~ outwardly and upwardly ~rom the ~ide o~ the column 12 Yo as to "hook" the be~m anchor 114 cast~in-place in a precast bearing beam 24O
~ he beam anchor 114 comprise~ a transversely po~itioned bar 148 ha~ing a widt~ apprecia~ly les8 than the distance by which the U-shaped brac~et 112 extend~ from the side of the column 12.
A pai~ of longitu~inal side members 150 and 152 are rigidly welded to bar 148 in a spaced-apart manner to define a space 154 ~or receiving ~he upstanding end portion 144 of the bracket 112 therebetween ~see Fig. 7). As best shown in Fig. 6, two beam an~hors 114 may be ca~t-in-place i~ the end o~ the beam 24 and the bar 148 may extend across the width o~ the bearing beam 24 as to connect one beam anchor 114 with the other. Similarly, 2~.

'':' ~ ' ' ; ' 2~933~

each of the paired side mem~ers 150 and 152 may be rigidly in~erconne~ted by mean~ of transversely extending rein~oxcement rods 156 or the like. The entire assembly is cast-in-place within the end of the bearing beam 24; however, the space 154 below the bar 148 and the ~ide members 150 and 152 is kept free o~ concrete so as to provide room for the upstanding end poxtion 144 of the U-shaped bracket 112 to be inserted therein and "hook"
undex the bar 148~
During assem~ly, the column 12 are erected in the manner de~cribed hereinabove. ~e brac~ets are installed into the column anchors 110 of each of the columns. The beams 24 are then lowered into position so that the brackets 112 hook onto the bax 148 embedded within the beam ~4. In thi~ regard, it is noted that the casting o the column anchors 110 in the colu~n 12 and ~ y B~
the casting of the beam anchors 114 in the beam 24 ~5~ such ~hat, when assembled, the top o~ the column 12 is flush with the top of the beam 24 so a~ to provide a flat surface permitting a floor to be poured into place.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, in another embodiment, a column anchor 110 is provided which comprises a generally hollow cylindrical member 150 having internal thread lS2 which is rigidly welded to angle mem~er 118O The column anchors 110 may be positio~ed, as shown, one on each of the four ~ides o the column 12. All o~ the column anchors 110 are cast-in-place within the uppex end 12U o~ the column 12.
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A threaded bracket 154 is provided having a threaded boss 156 for threadably engagi~g into the thread 1S2 of the cylindrical member 150 and having a flat portion 158 extending r _ ~u~,lq/o~7 ~ -from the ~ides o~ the column 12. A hole~l60 i~ provided in the flat portion 158.
A bQam anchor 114 is rigidly welded to the end of a steel truss 162. The ~eam an~hor 114 comprises paired side members 164 and 166 with aligned holes 168. A removable bearing pin 170 i~
provided ~or removably engaging through the holes 168 in th~
opposing side mem~ers 164 and 166 of the ~eam anchor 114 and the hole 160 in the flat portion 158 of the bracket 154.
During as~embly, the steel joists 116, ha~ing the beam anchors 114 welded to the ends there~f, are positioned between opposing COlUmn5 12 a~d aligned in such a manner that the flat portion 158 of the brac~et 154 engages between the side members 164 an~ 166 of the beam anchor 114. The bearing pin 170 i5 then inserted through the holes 168 and 160 so a to rigidly secure ~he steel joi~t 116 to the column 112. It is noted that a bearing plate 172 may be cast-in-place in the column 12 in ali~nment with the bottom member 174 o~ the steel truss 11~ to provide additional support or the truss 116. It is also notPd that thi~ bottom member 174 may be made slightly telescopic via adjustment ~crews 176 ~o that it bears directly agai~st the bearin~ plate 172.
Once the stPel joist 116 i~ con~ected to the column~ 12 via 23 ~

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the brac~et~ 154, a plywood floor 178 may ~ laid on top of the joists 116 level with the top of the column 12. A concrete floor may then be poured into plac~ on top of t~e floor 178 and in the ~paca l9 formed betwe~ th~ ends o~ the column~ 12~
The pre~2n~ disclosure includes that contained in the appended claLms, as well as that of th~ foregoing description.
Although thi~ in~ention has been described in its preferred form with a cer~ain degree of particularity, it is under~tood that the pre~ent disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way o~ example a~d that numerous changes in th~ details of construction and the combination and arra~gemen~ o~ parts may be resorted to without departi~g ~rom the spirit and scope of the invention.
Now that the invention has been described, WEAT IS CL~I~ED IS:

~tPRESS MAIL ' I A8Q NQ~
I HERE3Y CERTIFY THAT THIS PAP~R IS BEING DEP~SrTE~ Wlll~ THE
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE "EXPRESS MAIL POST OFFICE TO
ADORESSEE" SERVIDE UNDER 37 CFR 1-10 IN AN ENYEIOP ADDRESSE~
TO: COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TR^~ RKS, WASHINGTON, D.C
20231, ON THIS DATE THE ~MMISSIONER IS ItERE3r Al3THOiRlZED ro CHARGE ANY FEES ARISING HEREF~M A7 ANY TIME TO OEPOSIT ACCOUNT
~:7 ~ =

DATE SIGNAT~E

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Claims (12)

1. A column assembly, comprising in combination:
a first column having a first end and a second end;
at least one first threaded rod extending from said second end of said first column;
a second column having a first end and a second end;
at least one second threaded rod extending from said first end of said second column in axial and contiguous alignment with said first threaded rod defining a space between said second end of said first column and said first end of said second column;
a threaded sleeve threadably interconnecting said first threaded rod and said second threaded rod;
a column anchor positioned in a side of said first column adjacent to said second end of said first column;
beam means;
a beam anchor connected relative to said beam means;
and a bracket for interconnecting said column anchor and said beam anchor.

2. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein a plurality of said first threaded rods extend from said second end of said first column, wherein a corresponding plurality of said second threaded rods extend from said first end of said second column in axial and contiguous alignment with respective said first threaded rods, and wherein a corresponding plurality of said threaded sleeves threadably interconnect respective said first threaded rods and said second threaded rods.

3. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said first threaded rods extend from said second end of said first column equal distances and wherein said second threaded rods extend from said first end of said second column equal distances.

4. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said threaded sleeves comprise a length less than said distance said first threaded rods extend from said second end of said first column or said distance that said second threaded rods extend from said first end of said second column, thereby allowing said threaded sleeves to be threaded fully onto said first threaded rods or said second rods prior to said rods being positioned in axial and contiguous alignment.

5. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 4, further comprising grout means filling said space between said second end of said first column and said first end of said second column.

6. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 4, wherein a plurality of column assemblies are positioned in a row with said beam means interconnecting adjacent said column assemblies and wherein a plurality of said rows of interconnected column assemblies are positioned so as to define an elevated floor support.

7. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said beam means comprises a precast beam and wherein said beam anchor is cast-in-place with said precast beam.

8. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 7, wherein said column anchor comprises a pair of side members and a bar which define a space and wherein said bracket includes an upstanding end which removably engages said bar.

9. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said beam anchor comprises said column anchor comprises a pair of side members and a bar which define a space and wherein said bracket includes another upstanding end which removably engages said bar in said precast beam.

10. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said beam means comprises a truss beam and wherein said beam anchor is rigidly connected to said truss beam.

11. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 10, wherein said column anchor comprises a threaded member including a thread and wherein said bracket includes a threaded end which threadably engages said thread of said column anchor.

12. The column assembly as set forth in Claim 11, wherein said beam anchor comprises a pair of side members and a bar which define a space and wherein said bracket includes another end which removably engages said bar in said truss beam.