EP4330479A1

EP4330479A1 - Suspension system for a framework structure, a method for suspending a framework structure on an exterior wall structure of a building and the use of such suspension system

Info

Publication number: EP4330479A1
Application number: EP22725425.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Magnus Gunnarsson; Erik WÄRME
Original assignee: Balco Group AB
Current assignee: Balco Group AB
Priority date: 2021-04-28
Filing date: 2022-04-25
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Also published as: SE2150533A1; WO2022229075A1; SE544321C2

Abstract

A suspension system (1000) for a framework structure is provided. The suspension system comprises a plurality of beams (100) and a framework (200). Each beam (100) is configured to be directly or indirectly mounted on an exterior wall structure (500) of a building. The framework (200) comprises a plurality of guiding rails (201), wherein the framework (200) is configured to be mounted to the plurality of beams (100) by longitudinally inserting the plurality of beams (100) into a respective guiding rail (201). Each beam (100) has an outer beam width (WB), and wherein one specific guiding rail (201a) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) has a first inner guiding rail width (WG1), and the remaining guiding rails (201b-e) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) have a second inner guiding rail width (WG2). The first inner guiding rail width (WG1) is smaller than the second inner guiding rail width (WG2) and larger than the outer beam width (WB). Further, a method for suspending a framework (200) on an exterior wall structure (500) of a building is provided.

Description

SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE. A METHOD

FOR SUSPENDING A FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE ON AN EXTERIOR

WALL STRUCTURE OF A BUILDING AND THE USE OF SUCH

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a suspension system for a framework structure, a method for suspending a framework structure on an exterior wall structure of a building and the use of such suspension system.

Background Art

It is well known in the art to provide buildings with a framework structure such as a balcony, a roof or a pergola. The framework structures may either be integrally formed with the building or be provided as pre-formed modules that are mounted to the exterior wall structure of the building. The latter may be made by providing the exterior wall structure of the building with a plurality of beams that project out from the wall structure and further providing a framework module which comprises a plurality of apertures to be aligned with the longitudinal extension of the respective beams. The framework module is mounted to the beams by inserting the beams into their respective apertures in the framework module. Hence, in other words, the framework module is slid onto the beams. In the resulting installation, the weight of the framework structure will be supported by the beams.

Since the installation is arranged in an elevated position in view of the ground it is essential that the work of suspending the framework module as such may be made as easy as possible. Any angular misalignment of the beams, even a small one as measured close to the wall structure, will cause a substantial angular misalignment as seen at the free ends of the beams. Such angular misalignment may cause a so-called drawer effect which makes it more difficult to insert the beams into corresponding openings in a framework module. The suspension work is made by one or more cranes, which requires a highly skilled personnel due to the overall small tolerances, heights and weights. An installation of this type typically also involves a substantial cost in terms of machinery since at least one crane must be allocated. Thus, it is essential that the installation time may be reduced.

Further, it is essential that the following levelling of the suspended framework module may be made in an easy manner to ensure that e.g. a flooring of a finished balcony will be horizontal. Further, since the overall visual appearance of the building with the framework structures is of essence, there is a strive towards framework structures where beams, fastening elements etc. are concealed to as large extent as possible.

There is hence a need for a framework structure, no matter if it is part of or is a balcony, a roof or a pergola, that allows a simplified mounting.

Summary of the Invention

The main object of the invention is to provide a system allowing an easy suspension of a framework structure to a building.

Another object is to provide a system that allows an easy suspension and levelling of a framework structure.

Yet another object is that the suspension system should be applicable no matter if it is a mounting that is made during a new construction of a building or as a retrofit.

These and other objects are met by a suspension system for a framework structure comprising: a plurality of beams having a longitudinal extension, each beam being configured to be directly or indirectly mounted on an exterior wall structure of a building; and a framework, the framework comprising a plurality of guiding rails, wherein the framework is configured to be mounted to the plurality of beams by longitudinally inserting the plurality of beams into a respective guiding rail; wherein each beam has an outer beam width, and wherein one specific guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails has a first inner guiding rail width, and the remaining guiding rails of the plurality of guiding rails have a second inner guiding rail width, the first inner guiding rail width being smaller than the second inner guiding rail width and larger than the outer beam width.

Accordingly, a suspension system for a framework structure is provided where a framework is provided which comprises a plurality of guiding rails, each guiding rail being configured to receive a beam to be inserted into the guiding rail. Hence, the framework module is slid onto the beams. One specific guiding rail has an inner width that is smaller than inner width of the other guiding rails but larger than the outer width of plurality of beams. Thereby, when inserting the plurality of beams into the plurality of guiding rails, the specific guiding rail with the smaller inner width will act as a guide that linearly controls the relative displacement between the complete framework and the plurality of beams while at the same time reducing or even preventing any drawer effect i.e. any misalignment between the beams and the inner walls of the guiding rails, which may cause an unwanted frictional locking engagement. Thus, by the present invention, a simplified and faster suspension process is provided for and also an overall safer working environment is provided for since the amount of manual hands-on work may be reduced. This applies no matter if the suspension is made during the erection of a new building or as a retrofitting to an existing building.

Each guiding rail may comprise a top wall and two opposing side walls, the top wall and the side walls having a longitudinal extension configured to coincide with the longitudinal extension of a respective beam, said top wall having a continuous or discontinuous extension as seen transverse to the longitudinal extension.

The guiding rail may be provided by two extruded longitudinally extending profiles, each having a L-shaped cross-section. In an alternative design, the guiding rail may be provided by an extruded longitudinally extending profile having a U- shaped cross section. Two L-shaped profiles may even be preferred as compared to a single U-shaped profile since the weight of the guiding rails and hence the overall weight of the framework may be reduced.

The top wall of each guiding rail may comprise at least two adjusting bolts, each bolt having a free end configured to abut a top wall of a respective beam, thereby allowing levelling of the framework by adjusting the at least two adjusting bolts.

Thus, by adjusting the bolts in their respective axial direction, the framework will be either lifted or lowered in view of the beams which as such are fixedly mounted to the building. Thereby the framework, and hence any flooring to be arranged thereon, may be horizontally levelled.

The plurality of guiding rails may be ordered in a parallel relationship in view of each other, such that the specific guiding rail is centrally located among the plurality of guiding rails.

At least one guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails may comprise two profiles, each profile having an L-shaped cross-section. The two profiles may be connected by a plurality of transversally extending coupling members. One or more of said coupling members may be provided with a through-going hole configured to threadingly receive an adjusting bolt.

At least one guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails may in one embodiment comprise a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The web of said U-shaped cross-sectional profile may be provided with at least two through-going holes, each hole being configured to threadingly receive an adjusting bolt.

At least one guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails may have a straight longitudinal extension or a tapered longitudinal extension. A tapered longitudinal extension facilitates guiding of the framework in view of the beams.

At least one guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails may in one embodiment comprise a hollow quadrangular cross-sectional profile. A top wall of said hollow quadrangular cross-sectional profile may be provided with at least two through-going holes, each hole being configured to threadingly receive an adjusting bolt.

The plurality of guiding rails may comprise a combination of an L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile and a hollow quadrangular cross-sectional profile.

The at least two adjusting bolts, no matter form of the guiding rails, may be threadingly received in a respective member forming part of the framework.

The suspension system may further comprise at least one bracket configured to clamp the framework into a firm engagement with the plurality of beams.

Each beam may in one embodiment comprise: a first support being configured to be mounted on the exterior wall structure of the building, said first support, in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprising an end plate supporting a projection, and a second support being configured to be mounted to the framework, said second support comprising a rear end configured to face the exterior wall structure of the building and a front end configured to be longitudinally inserted in a respective guiding rail of the framework, and the rear end of the second support comprises a locking plate, said locking plate comprising an opening configured to receive the projection of the end plate of the first support, thereby lockingly engaging the first and the second supports.

In an alternative embodiment, each beam comprises: a first support being configured to be mounted on wall structure of the building, said first support, in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprising an end plate comprising an opening, and a second support being configured to be mounted to the framework, said second support comprising a rear end configured to face the exterior wall structure of the building and a front end configured to be longitudinally inserted in a respective guiding rail of the framework, and wherein the rear end of the second support comprises a locking plate, said locking plate comprising projection configured to be inserted into the opening of the end plate of the first support, thereby lockingly engaging the first and the second supports.

Accordingly, the respective beam may be divided into two sections - the first support and the second support. The first support is configured to be fixedly mounted to the exterior wall structure of the building. The second support is configured to be mounted to the first support by the locking plate of the second support directly, or indirectly lockingly engaging the end plate of the first support. The second support will thereby constitute the beam which is configured to be inserted into a guiding rail of the framework.

By dividing the beam in two sections, the mounting of the beam to the building will be substantially facilitated. Since the beam is typically mounted to the building by means of casting concrete in the event of a new construction, by bolting, or by inserting rebars in drilled holes in an existing wall structure, it is easier to handle a smaller sub-element, i.e. the first support, during fixation of the beam to the wall structure as such, both in terms of volume and weight. When the first support is properly fixated to the wall structure, the second support may be mounted to the first support to thereby form the beam to which the framework is to be suspended. The division of the beam into two sections facilitates a proper alignment of the first support in the horizontal and vertical direction in view of the wall structure before fixation and before mounting the second support thereto. Further, the division of the beam into two supports facilitates scaffolding since the first support typically can be substantially shorter than the second support, which second support can be mounted in connection to the installation of the framework.

Further, by dividing the beam into two sections, any remaining angular errors between the extension of the first support in view of the wall structure may be compensated for by adjusting the second support in view of the first support before mounting the framework to the resulting beam. The adjustment of the second support in view of the first support may be made by one or more adjusting bolts which may be arranged to act between the end plate of the first support and the locking plate of the second support. Accordingly, the division of the beam into two supports will allow improved possibilities of correction of angular errors which may cause problems during suspension of the framework when the plurality of beams should be inserted into the plurality of guiding rails of the framework.

One of the first and second supports comprises a male member in the form of a projection and the other of the first and second supports comprises an opening. Thereby a keyed engaging between the two supports is allowed. The locking plate may comprise a first adjusting bolt and a second adjusting bolt, said adjusting bolts being arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal center line of the locking plate, wherein said bolts are threadingly received by threading in through-going bores in the locking plate, and wherein a free end of the respective adjusting bolt is configured to abut the end plate of the first support in a condition when the second support is connected to the first support. As the two adjusting bolts can be independently adjusted, the adjusting bolts may allow adjusting a direction of the second support in the horizontal plane and in the vertical plane prior to mounting the framework to the resulting beam. The adjustment is made in order to ensure that the top surface of the framework will be levelled, i.e. have a horizontal extension. Further, since the framework is configured to be suspended by a plurality of beams, it is essential that all beams are properly arranged in a parallel relationship. This adjustment may as well be made by the two adjusting bolts of each beam. Accordingly, by providing the locking plate with two adjusting bolts, an effect corresponding to a ball joint may be achieved.

According to another aspect, a method for suspending a framework on an exterior wall structure of a building is provided. The method comprises the following steps: mounting a plurality of beams, directly or indirectly, to an exterior wall structure of a building, each beam having a longitudinal extension, and each beam having an outer beam width; providing a framework, the framework comprising a plurality of guiding rails, each guiding rail comprising a top wall and two opposing side walls, the top wall and the side walls having a longitudinal extension coinciding with the longitudinal extension of a respective beam, and one specific guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails having a first inner guiding rail width, and the remaining guiding rails of the plurality of guiding rails having a second inner guiding rail width, the first inner guiding rail width being smaller than the second inner guiding rail width and being larger than the outer beam width; and longitudinally inserting the plurality of beams into a respective guiding rail of the framework.

The advantages with a suspension system using such combination of beams and framework have been thoroughly discussed above. The advantages are equally applicable to a method which involves the use of such suspension system. In short, when inserting the plurality of beams into the plurality of guiding rails, the specific guiding rail with the smaller inner width will act as a guide that linearly controls the relative displacement between the complete framework and the plurality of beams while at the same time reducing or even preventing any drawer effect i.e. any misalignment between the beams and the inner walls of the guiding rails, which may cause an unwanted frictional locking engagement. Thus, by the present invention, a simplified and faster suspension process is provided for, and also an overall safer working environment is provided for since the amount of manual hands-on work may be reduced. This applies no matter if the suspension is made during the erection of a new building or as a retrofitting to an existing building.

The method may further comprise levelling of the framework by adjusting at least two adjusting bolts, said at least two adjusting bolts being arranged in the top wall of each guiding rail, and each adjusting bolt having a free end configured to abut a top wall of a respective beam.

According to yet another aspect, the invention refers to the use of a suspension system according to any one of claims 1-10 for mounting a framework of a balcony, a roof or a pergola on a building. The suspension system and its advantages have been thoroughly described above. These advantages are equally applicable to the use of such suspension system. Hence to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the sections above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 discloses the overall design of a framework structure exemplified as a balcony as mounted to a wall structure of a building.

Fig. 2 schematically discloses a schematic cross section of a framework of a balcony as being suspended to a building.

Figs. 3a-3b disclose one embodiment of a beam and its assembling.

Fig. 4 schematically discloses a perspective view of a framework of a balcony.

Fig. 5 schematically discloses a front view of a portion of a framework of a balcony.

Fig. 6 discloses an initial step of mounting a framework of a balcony to a wall section of a building.

Fig. 7 discloses an intermediate step during mounting of a framework of a balcony to a wall section of a building.

Fig. 8 discloses an intermediate step during mounting of a framework of a balcony to a wall section of a building.

Figs. 9a-9b disclose the levelling of the framework of the balcony. Figs. 10a-10b disclose the fixation of the framework of the balcony to the beams.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Turning to Fig. 1 one example of a suspension system 1000 for a balcony as mounted to a highly schematically wall structure 500 of a building is disclosed. Although the invention will be described below as being applied to a balcony, the skilled person realizes that the very same principle is equally applicable to other frameworks to be mounted to a building, such as a roof or a pergola

The wall structure 500 may by way of example be a casted concrete element. It is to be understood that the suspension system 1000 may be arranged to other structural elements of a building with remained function.

Turning to Fig. 2, a schematic cross section of a framework 200 of a balcony as being suspended to the wall structure 500 of the building is disclosed. The cross section is taken along the longitudinal extension of one beam.

The suspension system 1000 comprises a plurality of beams 100 and a framework 200 of a balcony. Each beam 100 has a longitudinal extension and each beam 100 is configured to be directly or indirectly mounted to the wall structure 500 of the building.

The framework 200 comprises a plurality of guiding rails 201. The framework 200 is configured to be mounted to the plurality of beams 100 by longitudinally inserting the plurality of beams 100 into an opening of 225 of the respective guiding rail 201. Hence, in other words, the framework is configured to be slid onto the plurality of beams. The framework 200 is configured to be levelled in view of the plurality of beams 100 by a plurality of adjusting bolts 202.

As is best seen in Figs. 1 and 2, a top wall 203 of the framework 200 is configured to be covered by a plurality of tiles 400 forming a flooring. The tiles 400 are preferably laid when the framework 200 has been suspended and properly levelled. A peripheral outer edge 204 of the framework 200 is covered by protective covering plates 205. Further, the peripheral outer edge 204 of the framework 200 of the balcony is surrounded by a protective side wall forming a balcony railing 206.

Now turning to Figs. 3a-3b, one embodiment of the beam 100 is disclosed. The suspension system 1000 comprises a plurality of beams 100. All beams 100 are preferably identical.

The beam 100 is divided into two sub-sections - a first support 101 and a second support 102. The first and second supports 101, 102 are preferably made as hollow extruded steel profiles. The cross sections are disclosed as being quadrangular, however it is to be understood that other cross sections with remained function may be used. The cross section of at least the second support 102 should be complementary to the respective guiding rail 201 in the framework 200 to be discussed below.

A longitudinal centerline L1 of the first section 101 forms an angle a to the horizontal plane. The angle may be positive or negative. This may reduce a vertical mounting space of the first support on the building, hence providing a vertical alignment of the balcony floor with respect to a floor level of a room in connection with the balcony.

The first support 101 comprises a rear end 103 which is configured to be mounted on the wall structure 500 of the building and a front end 104 which is configured to lockingly engage the second support 102. The rear end 103 of the first support 101 comprises a plurality of optional projecting rebars 105. The rebars 105 are connected to the first support 101 via a rear end plate 106. The skilled person realizes that the number of rebars 105 and their design should be adapted to the type of the structural design of the wall structure and also the dimensional load of the balcony. The rebars may even be omitted. Hence, the design of the first support 101 may be varied within the scope of the invention. Also, the skilled person realizes that the first support 101, within the scope of the invention, may be connected to the wall structure 500 of the building by other means than rebars. The first support 101 may by way of example be bolted to the floor of the building.

The first support 101 further comprises, in a free end thereof configured to face away from the building, a front end plate 107. The front end plate 107 supports a projection 108, see Fig. 3b. The projection 108 is in the disclosed embodiment provided with a waist portion 109 having a first width w1 and a head portion 110 having a second width w2, the second width w2 being larger than the first width w1.

The second support 102 comprises a rear end 111 configured to face the exterior wall structure 500 of the building and a front end 112 configured to be longitudinally inserted in the respective guiding rail 201 of the framework 200 of the balcony. The rear end 111 of the second support 102 comprises a locking plate 113. The locking plate 113 comprises an opening 114 which is configured to receive the head portion 110 of the projection 108 of the front end plate 107 of the first support 101, thereby lockingly engaging the first and the second supports 101, 102.

The opening 114 in the locking plate 113 may by way of example have a key hole shape having an insertion portion 115 and a locking portion 116. Thereby the second support 102 may be mounted to the first support 101 by a linear movement where the head portion 110 of the projection 108 of the first support is linearly inserted into the insertion portion 115 of the locking plate 113 and then lowering the second support 102 whereby the projection 108 will be lockingly received in the locking portion 116. In the lowered position the first and second supports 101, 102 will be prevented from being linearly separated.

The skilled person realises that the very same functionality may be achieved if instead the end plate 107 of the first support 101 comprises an opening 114 of the type described above and the locking plate 113 of the second support 102 comprises a projection 108 of the type described above. The first and second supports are in such embodiment configured to be interconnected by the projection of the second support being inserted into the opening of the first support. Although not illustrated, this is a straightforward substitution obvious to the skilled person when studying the description and especially Figs. 3a and 3b.

The locking plate 113, see Figs. 3b and 3c comprises a first adjusting bolt 117a and a second adjusting bolt 117b, said bolts being arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal centreline of the locking plate 113. The adjusting bolts 117a, 117b are threadingly received in through-going bores in the locking plate 113. A free end of the respective adjusting bolt 117a, 117b is configured to abut the front end plate 107 of the first support 101 in a condition when the framework 200 is suspended by the beam 100.

As the two adjusting bolts 117a, 117b are independently adjustable in view of each other, the second support 102 may be adjusted to be horizontally aligned. Also, the first and second supports 101, 102 may be aligned to extend in a common vertical plane. Thereby, all beams 100 may be arranged to extend in a common horizontal plane and also to extend in parallel with each other prior to mounting the framework 200 of the balcony to the beams 100 as will be discussed below. Thereby it may be ensured that the top surface of the framework 200 of the balcony will have a horizontal extension in a mounted condition.

The skilled person realizes that the very same functionality may be achieved if instead the adjusting bolts 117a, 117b are supported by the end plate 107 of the first support 101. Although not illustrated, this is a straightforward substitution obvious to the skilled person when studying the description and especially Figs. 3a and 3b.

Now turning to Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of the framework 200 of the balcony is disclosed. The framework 200 has a length L which is configured to extend in parallel with the wall structure of the building in a condition when the balcony is mounted to the building. Correspondingly, the framework 200 has a width W which is configured to extend perpendicular to the wall structure in a condition when the balcony is mounted to the building.

The disclosed embodiment of the framework 200 comprises five guiding rails 201, each having an extension in the width direction. The five guiding rails 201 are interconnected by three connecting beams 207 having an extension in the length direction L. Further, the framework 200 comprises two side beams 208 which interconnect the two outermost connecting beams 207. Thereby, the disclosed framework 200 has an overall rectangular shape. The skilled person realizes that the number of guiding rails 201 and connecting beams 207 may vary depending on the size of the balcony to be formed. Also, the skilled person understands that the framework may have other shapes than a rectangular shape.

The side beams 208 and the connecting beams 207 are formed by hollow extruded beams having a substantially quadrangular cross section. The side beams 208 and the connecting beams 207 may be interconnected by e.g. welding and/or bolting.

Each connecting beam 207 comprises a plurality of through-going openings 209. The connecting beams 207 are configured to be arranged in a parallel relationship with the openings 209 being aligned along the width W of the framework 200. A guiding rail 201 is thereby allowed to extend through the thus aligned openings 209. The number of through-going openings 209 in each connecting beam 207 corresponds to the number or guiding rails 201.

Each guiding rail 201 comprises a top wall 210 and two opposing side walls 211. The top wall 210 and the side walls 211 have a longitudinal extension configured to coincide with the longitudinal extension of a respective beam 100.

Each guiding rail 201 is in the disclosed embodiment formed by two L-shaped profiles 212 which are inserted through the aligned through-going openings 209 in the connecting beams 207. The two L-shaped profiles 212 do together form a longitudinally extending and downwardly facing sliding and support surface 213. The two L-shaped profiles 212 are arranged with an intermediate, longitudinally extending gap 214. This gap 214 may be omitted in the event the guiding rail 201 instead is formed by a U-shaped profile. In the event of a U-shaped profile, the longitudinally extending and downwardly facing sliding and support surface will be formed by the waist portion of the U-shaped profile.

As is best seen in Fig. 5, the framework 200 of the balcony comprises a plurality of adjusting bolts 202. The adjusting bolts 202 are threadingly received in an interface between a guiding rail 201 and a respective connecting beam 207. In the event the guiding rail 201 is formed by two L-shaped profiles 212, it is preferred that a bridging coupling member 215 is arranged in the interface between the guiding rail 201 and the respective connecting beam 207. The coupling member 215 is arranged to bridge the gap 214 between the two L-shaped profiles 212. The coupling member 215 comprises a threaded hole 216 forming an engagement portion for the adjusting bolt 202. A free end 217 of the respective adjusting bolt 202 is configured to act against a top wall 118 of the beam 100 in a condition when the beams 100 are inserted into their respective guiding rails 201 in the framework 200 of the balcony. This will be further discussed below.

As is best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, one specific guiding rail 201a of the plurality of guiding rails 201 has a first inner guiding rail width WG1 , and the remaining guiding rails 201b-201e of the plurality of guiding rails 201 have a second inner guiding rail width WG2, the first inner guiding rail width WG1 being smaller than the second inner guiding rail width WG2 and larger than the outer beam width WB. The specific guiding rail 201a is centrally located among the plurality of guiding rails 201. It is understood that the specific guiding rail 201a may have another position in view of the remaining guiding rails 201b-201e.

Now turning to Figs. 3a-3c, 6-8, the method mounting of the framework of the balcony to the plurality of beams will be discussed. Starting with Figs. 3a-3c and 6, a plurality of beams 100 are mounted to the wall structure 500 of a building. This may be made by embedding the rebars 105 (see Fig. 3a) of the first support 101 of the beam 100 into the wall structure 500. In an alternative, not disclosed embodiment, the first support 101 may be bolted to the floor of the building. In the event of a new construction, this may be made while casting the wall structure 500. In the event of a retrofitting it may be made by drilling holes (not shown) into the wall structure 500, inserting the rebars 105 and filling any remaining gaps with concrete. In a condition when the first supports 101 are fixedly mounted to the wall structure 500, the second supports 102 are mounted to their respective first supports 101. This is made by, see Fig. 3b, linearly displacing the second support 102 in the horizontal direction towards the front end plate 107 of the first support 101 so that the head portion 110 of the projection 108 is linearly inserted into the insertion portion 115 in the locking plate 113 of the second support 102. Then, the second support 102 is lowered in the vertical direction so that the projection 108 is received in the locking portion 116 in the locking plate 113. In this position, the second support 102 will be kept in position in view of the first support 101 by gravity and is prevented from being linearly displaced in the horizontal direction.

In order to align the second supports 102 into a parallel relationship, see Fig. 3c, and to allow a horizontal extension of the top surface of the framework 200 of a balcony to be mounted thereto, the first and second adjusting bolts 117a, 117b which are arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal centreline of the locking plate 113 are used. As given above, the adjusting bolts 117a, 117b are threadingly received in through-going holes in the locking plate 113, and a free end of the respective adjusting bolt 117a, 117b is configured to abut the front end plate 107 of the first support 101 in a condition when the second support 102 is mounted to the first support 101. Since the two adjusting bolts 117a, 117b can be independently adjusted, the adjusting bolts 117a, 117b may allow adjusting a direction of the second support 102 in the horizontal plane and in the vertical plane prior to slidingly mounting the framework of the balcony to the resulting beam 100 by inserting the free ends of the respective beams 100 into the respective guiding rails 201 of the framework 200. By adjusting all beams 100, it is made sure that all beams 100 are arranged in parallel.

Now turning to Figs. 7 and 8, the framework 200 of the balcony is elevated by a non-disclosed crane. The framework 200 is moved into a position where the respective guiding rails 201 are aligned with the respective beams 100. The framework 200 is then slid onto the beams 100 by inserting the free ends of the respective beams 100 into the respective guiding rails 201 of the framework 200.

As discussed above in view of Fig. 5, each beam 100 has an outer beam width WB, and one specific guiding rail 201a of the plurality of guiding rails 201 has a first inner guiding rail width WG1, and the remaining guiding rails 201b-201e of the plurality of guiding rails have a second inner guiding rail width WG2. The first inner guiding rail width WG1 is smaller than the second inner guiding rail width WG2 and larger than the outer beam width WB. By one specific guiding rail 201a having a smaller inner width WG1 than the other guiding rails 201b-201e, any drawer effect i.e. any misalignment between the beams 100 and the inner walls of the guiding rails 201 causing a frictional locking engagement, may be effectively reduced or even avoided.

Now turning to Fig. 9a, a schematic cross section of the framework 200 of the balcony is disclosed as in a condition when the beams 100 are fully inserted into the guiding rails. The framework 200 rests on the beams 100 by an inner top wall portion 224 of the respective guiding rails 201 abutting an outer top wall 118 of the respective beam 100.

The next step, see Fig. 9b, is to level the framework 200 in the horizontal direction. This is made by setting the plurality of adjusting bolts 202 which are supported by the plurality guiding rails 201. By setting, i.e. by screwing, the individual adjusting bolts 202, the free end 217 of the respective adjusting bolt 202 will engage the outer top wall 118 of the respective beam 100 and thereby either lift or lower the framework 200 until a complete levelling in the horizontal direction is achieved.

In order of maintaining this levelled position, the framework 200 of the balcony may be provided with at least one bracket 218 that is configured to clamp the framework 200 into a firm engagement with the beams 100. One embodiment of such bracket 218 is disclosed in Figs. 10a and 10b. The bracket 218 has a U-shape with a web 219 which interconnects two legs 220. Each leg 220 comprises a vertically extending groove 221 with a fixed nut 222. The bracket 218 straddles the lower side of the beam 100. The bracket 218 is supported by a lower side of the connecting beam 207 of the framework 200 of the balcony by two bolts 223 on opposite sides of the beam 100. The two bolts 223 threadingly engage a respective nut 222 of the bracket 218. By setting the bolts 223, the bracket 218 will move upwardly, see Fig. 10b, into a position where the web 219 of the bracket 218 forces the beam 100 upwardly in the vertical direction into a firm engagement with the free end 218 of the adjusting bolt 202. Thereby, the framework 200 will be effectively locked to the beams 100 and hence indirectly to the wall structure 500 of the building. The skilled person realizes that the corresponding locking function may be provided for in a number of ways within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiment of the bracket 218 is one of many possible. Further, the number of brackets 218 may be one or more.

In this mounted position the top wall 203 of the framework 200 may be provided with a suitable flooring such as tiles 400 or boards, see Fig. 1 , Also, if not already mounted thereto, the framework 200 should preferably be provided with any covering plates 205 and also, the peripheral outer edge of the framework 200 of the balcony should be provided with a protective a balcony railing 206.

Accordingly and in summary, in the embodiment discussed above, the respective beam 100 is divided into two sections - the first support 101 and the second support 102. The first support 101 is configured to be fixedly mounted to the wall structure 500 of the building and the second support 102 is configured to be adjustably mounted to the first support 101. By dividing the beam 100 in two sections, the mounting of the beam 100 to the building will be substantially facilitated. Since the beam 100 is typically mounted to the building by means of casting concrete it is easier to handle a smaller sub-element, both in terms of volume and weight. This facilitate a proper alignment of the first support 101 in view of the building wall before mounting the second support 102 to the first support 101.

Further, any angular errors between the extension of the first support 101 in view of the building may be compensated for by adjusting the second support 102 in view of the first support 101 by using the adjusting bolts 117a, 117b. This may be made for each beam 100 before mounting the framework 200 to the beams 100. Also, the longitudinal extensions of the second supports 102 of the plurality of beams 100 may be adjusted so that all second supports 102 extend in parallel to each other before mounting the framework 200 to the beams 100. Thus, the division of the beam in two supports allows a “bi-directional” adjustment of the beam which contributes to a reduction or even elimination of any drawer effect during mounting of the framework 200 to the beams 100.

Further, the framework 200 is configured to be mounted to the beams by inserting the plurality of beams into the corresponding plurality of guiding rails in the framework 200. This is made by a sliding movement. Since one specific guiding rail 201a has a smaller inner width WG1 than the other guiding rails 201b-201e, any drawer effect i.e. any misalignment between the beams 100 and the inner walls of the guiding rails 201 causing a frictional locking engagement, may be effectively reduced or even avoided. Thus, by the present invention, a simplified and faster suspension process is provided for and also an overall safer working environment is provided for since the amount of manual hands-on work may be reduced. This applies no matter if the suspension is made during the erection of a new building or as a retrofitting to an existing building.

The guiding rails have been illustrated as being formed by two longitudinally extending L-shaped profiles. The skilled person realizes that other designs are possible within the scope of the invention. One or more of the guiding rails may be formed by a longitudinally extending extruded profile having a U-shaped cross- section or a hollow quadrangular cross-section. In the event the guiding rail is formed by a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, the web of such U-shaped cross-sectional profile may be provided with a plurality of through-going holes, each hole being configured to threadingly receive an adjusting bolt. Correspondingly, in the event the guiding rail is formed by a quadrangular cross-sectional profile, the top wall of such profile may be provided with a plurality of through-going holes, each hole being configured to threadingly receive an adjusting bolt.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of guiding rails may comprise a combination of an L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile and a quadrangular profile.

No matter design of the guiding rail, at least one guiding rail of the plurality of guiding rails may have a straight longitudinal extension or a tapered longitudinal extension.

Although the openings of the respective guiding rails have been illustrated as being aligned with each other and aligned with a rear end surface of the framework, it is to be understood that they may be mutually displaced in view of each other and/or be longitudinally displaced in the width direction in view of the rear end surface of the framework of the balcony.

Finally, although the invention has been exemplified in the context of the framework structure being a balcony, the very same principle is equally applicable to other installations to be mounted to a building, such as a roof or a pergola.

Claims

1. A suspension system (1000) for a framework structure comprising a plurality of beams (100) having a longitudinal extension, each beam (100) being configured to be directly or indirectly mounted on an exterior wall structure (500) of a building; and a framework (200), the framework (200) comprising a plurality of guiding rails (201), wherein the framework (200) is configured to be mounted to the plurality of beams (100) by longitudinally inserting the plurality of beams (100) into a respective guiding rail (201); wherein each beam (100) has an outer beam width (WB), and wherein one specific guiding rail (201a) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) has a first inner guiding rail width (WG1), and the remaining guiding rails (201b-201e) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) have a second inner guiding rail width (WG2), the first inner guiding rail width (WG1) being smaller than the second inner guiding rail width (WG2) and larger than the outer beam width (WB).

2. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein each guiding rail (201) comprises a top wall (210) and two opposing side walls (211), the top wall (210) and the side walls (211) having a longitudinal extension configured to coincide with the longitudinal extension of a respective beam (100), said top wall (210) having a continuous or discontinuous extension as seen transverse to the longitudinal extension.

3. The suspension system according to claim 2, wherein the top wall (210) of each guiding rail (201) comprises at least two adjusting bolts (202), each adjusting bolt (202) having a free end (217) configured to abut a top wall (118) of a respective beam (100), thereby allowing levelling of the framework (200) by adjusting the at least two adjusting bolts (202).

4. The suspension system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of guiding rails (201) are ordered in a parallel relationship in view of each other, such that the specific guiding rail (201a) is centrally located among the plurality of guiding rails (201).

5. The suspension system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one guiding rail (201) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) comprises two profiles (212), each profile (212) having an L-shaped cross-section, the two profiles (212) being connected by a plurality of transversally extending coupling members (215).

6. The suspension system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one guiding rail (201) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) comprises a U-shaped cross- sectional profile.

7. The suspension system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one guiding rail (201) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) comprises a hollow quadrangular cross-sectional profile.

8. The suspension system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the plurality guiding rails (201) comprises a combination of an L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile and a hollow quadrangular cross-sectional profile.

9. The suspension system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one bracket (218) configured to clamp the framework (200) into a firm engagement with the plurality of beams (100).

10. The suspension system according to any of claims 1-9, wherein each beam (100) comprises: a first support (101) being configured to be mounted on wall structure (500) of the building, said first support (101), in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprising an end plate (107) supporting a projection (108), and a second support (102) being configured to be mounted to the framework (200), said second support (102) comprising a rear end (111) configured to face the exterior wall structure (500) of the building and a front end (112) configured to be longitudinally inserted in a respective guiding rail (201) of the framework (200), and wherein the rear end (111) of the second support (102) comprises a locking plate (113), said locking plate (113) comprising an opening (114) configured to receive the projection (108) of the end plate (107) of the first support (101), thereby lockingly engaging the first and the second supports (101, 102).

11. The suspension system according to any of claims 1-9, wherein each beam (100) comprises: a first support (101) being configured to be mounted on wall structure (500) of the building, said first support (101), in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprising an end plate (107) comprising an opening (114), and a second support (102) being configured to be mounted to the framework (200), said second support (102) comprising a rear end (111) configured to face the exterior wall structure (500) of the building and a front end (112) configured to be longitudinally inserted in a respective guiding rail (201) of the framework (200), and wherein the rear end (111) of the second support (102) comprises a locking plate (113), said locking plate (113) comprising projection (108) configured to be inserted into the opening (114) of the end plate (107) of the first support (101), thereby lockingly engaging the first and the second supports (101, 102).

12. Method for suspending a framework (200) on an exterior wall structure (500) of a building, the method comprising: mounting a plurality of beams (100), directly or indirectly, to an exterior wall structure (500) of a building, each beam (100) having a longitudinal extension, and each beam (100) having an outer beam width (WB); providing a framework (200), the framework (200) comprising a plurality of guiding rails (201), each guiding rail (201) comprising a top wall (210) and two opposing side walls (211), the top wall (210) and the side walls (211) having a longitudinal extension coinciding with the longitudinal extension of a respective beam (100), and one specific guiding rail (201a) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) having a first inner guiding rail width (WG1), and the remaining guiding rails (201b-201e) of the plurality of guiding rails (201) having a second inner guiding rail width (WG2), the first inner guiding rail width (WG1) being smaller than the second inner guiding rail width (WG2) and being larger than the outer beam width (WB); and longitudinally inserting the plurality of beams (100) into a respective guiding rail (201) of the framework (200)..

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising levelling the framework (200) by adjusting at least two adjusting bolts (202), said at least two adjusting bolts (202) being arranged in the top wall (210) of each guiding rail (201), and each adjusting bolt (202) having a free end configured to abut a top wall (118) of a respective beam (100).

14. Use of a suspension system according to any one of claims 1-11 for mounting a framework (200) of a balcony, a roof or a pergola on a building.