GB2522363A

GB2522363A - Coupling for lifting structural members

Info

Publication number: GB2522363A
Application number: GB1507684.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Hewitt; Richard Struthers
Original assignee: BHC Ltd
Current assignee: BHC Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-05
Filing date: 2015-05-05
Publication date: 2015-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-05
Also published as: GB201507684D0; GB2522363B

Abstract

A coupling 1 for lifting a structural beam 30 includes a pair of brackets 2a, 2b and locating means 13, 20, each bracket 2a, 2b in the form of a substantially flat plate 3 with an aperture 10 through its thickness and a leg 14 extending along one side edge 6 of the plate 3 and depending therefrom, each leg 14 having a foot 15 extending at an angle but parallel to the plane of the plate 3, the foot 15 of each bracket 2a, 2b is inserted, in use, into a respective lifting hole 34a in a structural beam 30 with each bracket 2a, 2b being pivoted to an orientation in which the apertures 10 of each bracket 2a, 2b are aligned for receiving a lifting element to lift the coupling with the feet 15 supporting the beam. The locating means may be a retaining collar 20 or a a locating tab 13 on each bracket 2a, 2b and will at least partially retain the brackets relative to one another with the apertures substantially aligned. Each bracket 2a, 2b may include a bead 12 on one of its faces 5. In the aligned condition the locating tabs 13 engage an edge 7 of the plate 3 opposite the side edge 6 with the locating tab 13 and leg 14 to locate the brackets 2a, 2b relative to one another. The retaining collar 20 includes an aperture 22 that receives the aligned brackets 2a, 2b to retain them in the aligned condition, while the beads 12 project outwardly to keep the retaining collar 20 in an engaged position. A lifting element such as a hook may engage the apertures 10 and a safety line 40 may be connected to the lifting element.

Description

COUPLING FOR LIFTING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

This invention relates generally to a coupling for use in the lifting of structural members.

More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a coupling for use in the lifting of structural beams.

Structural beams are commonly manufactured from steel and may take a variety of profiled forms, for example I-beams and T-beams. They find use as component members in the construction of structures such as houses, offices, factories, and the like.

Each beam may have a weight of several tons and, due to the nature of their use, may require movement from a ground level to a height within a structure under construction.

Commonly this movement is achieved using cranes, which lift and move the beams by chains attached to the beams by hooks. The means of attaching the hooks to the beams is is of primary importance to the safety of workers within such a construction area, as an unexpected failure of the attachment might result in the beams being dropped, from a height, onto a working area. The attachment means should therefore be capable of supporting the weight of the beam whilst also withstanding any torsional forces generated due to the crane moving the beam.

W02008/022368 describes an attachment assembly for attaching hooks to an I-beam, in which two right angled brackets are installed under the uppermost flanges of an I-beam, with the brackets being subsequentlyjoined together by a shackle pinned to arms projecting from the upright walls of the brackets, with a positioning pin/hole arrangement on the arms.

The hook of a crane can then be attached to the coupling by way of the shackle. Although supported, the I-beam is not fixed relative to the assembly, and is able to twist. In addition the size of the brackets must be varied to accommodate I-beams of different sizes.

GB2465489, filed by the present applicants, describes an opposed pair of brackets with bent legs depending from eyelets. The free ends of the legs are inserted into holes in the uppermost surface of a structural beam, and the brackets are aligned to align the eyelets, thus providing an aperture for a lifting hook to engage through. Whilst this arrangement functions very well, the applicants have realised that the stability of the brackets could be improved, particularly in terms of safety.

It is therefore a first non-exclusive object of the invention to provide such an arrangement that provides enhanced safety in the lifting of structural beams. It is a further, more general non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a coupling for lifting structural beams in which assembly of the couplijng may be achieved more easily, rapidly and safely.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a coupling, e.g. for lifting structural beams, the coupling comprising a pair of brackets and locating means for locating the brackets relative to one another, each bracket including a substantially flat plate with an aperture through its thickness and a leg extending along one side or side edge of the plate io and depending therefrom, each leg comprising a foot extending therefrom at an angle relative thereto and parallel to the plate, e.g. the plane of the plate, wherein the foot and/or leg of each bracket is or are insertable, in use, into a respective lifting hole in a structural beam with each bracket being pivotable and/or rotatable to an orientation in which the apertures of each bracket are aligned for receiving a lifting element, e.g. to lift the coupling is with the feet supporting the beam, the locating means being configured to at least partially retain the brackets relative to one another with the apertures substantially aligned.

The locating means may comprise a flange that may extend from a first side or side edge of the plate of a first of the brackets and/or may extend orthogonally or at an angle relative to the plate or the plane of the plate, e.g. for engagement with a second side or side edge of the plate of a second of the brackets. The leg of the first bracket may extend along a second side or side edge of the plate thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the locating means may further comprise a flange that may extend from a first side or side edge of the plate of the second of the brackets and/or may extend orthogonally or at an angle relative to the plate or the plane of the plate, e.g. for engagement with a second side or side edge of the plate of the first of the brackets. The leg of the second bracket may extend along a second side or side edge of the plate thereof. In embodiments, the locating means comprises a flange extending from a first side or side edge of the plate of each bracket for engagement with a second side or side edge of the other bracket, e.g. to locate and/or at least partially retain the brackets relative to one another.

The provision of a flange extending orthogonally from a first side of the plate of a first of the brackets and/or a flange extending orthogonally from a second side of the plate of the second of the brackets enables enhanced alignment, in use, of the first bracket relative to the second bracket.

The brackets may have a similar, for example substantially the same, e.g. an identical, design and/or shape and/or size and/or dimensions. Preferably, each bracket is substantially planar, for example wherein the plate, leg and foot of each bracket are parallel to one another, but the leg and foot may be offset relative to the plate, e.g. to enable the brackets or the plates thereof to be brought together and/or aligned and/or to align the apertures thereof.

The locating means may further comprise a retaining collar that may be configured to at io least partially surround the brackets, e.g. when they are in the aligned condition. The retaining collar may further comprise an aperture, e.g. for receiving the aligned brackets.

The retaining collar may be configured to retain, in use, the brackets substantially parallel to and/or in abutment with one another. The retaining collar may comprise a plate, e.g. with an aperture through its thickness.

Additionally or alternatively, the locating means may further comprise a projection, which may be on a major surface of the plate of at least one of the brackets. The major surface having or carrying the projection may be outermost and/or exposed, for example when the brackets are in the aligned condition. The projection may be configured to support the retaining collar, e.g. in a retaining position.

The projection of at least one of the brackets may engage and/or support a surface of the retaining collar, for example thereby retaining the collar in a retaining position and/or preventing the collar from further movement, e.g. towards the structural beam to be lifted.

The retaining collar may further comprise a safety line, e.g. a chain or cable, which may be configured for connection to a lifting element. The lifting element may comprise one or more cranes and/or pulleys and/or winch.

In embodiments, the feet of the legs may extend outwardly and/or away from the plate, for example from the side or side edge thereof, e.g. the first and/or second side thereof, for example when the brackets are in the aligned condition.

At least one of the legs may be offset from or with respect to the plane and/or first side of the plate, e.g. in a direction transverse to the major surface of the flat plate.

In embodiments, at least one of the feet may projects from its leg at an angle, for example an angle of between about 800 and about 110° or between about 85° and about 105°, e.g. between about 900 and about 1000, preferably at an angle of about 95°.

The legs and/or feet may comprise a substantially round or square or elliptical or ovular cross-section or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.

Another aspect of the invention provides a lifting assembly which may comprise a coupling, e.g. as previously described. The assembly may further comprise a lifting hook or loop or tie, e.g. for engaging, in use, the apertures of the brackets. Additionally or alternatively, the assembly may comprise a chain and/or hoist and/or chord e.g. connected to the hook.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of making a coupling, e.g. a coupling as described above. The method may comprise deforming a block or sheet of material, and/or introducing a molten material into a mould. The method may comprise die forging and/or extruding one or more component parts of the coupling. The method may further comprise joining, for example permanently joining, e.g. welding, the one or more components together. The method may still further comprise removing a portion of one or more of the components, for example to produce one or more apertures, which removal may comprise, e.g. punching and/or stamping. The method may yet further comprise embossing a portion of the components of the coupling.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of using a coupling, for example a coupling as described above. The method may comprise, for example, inserting feet and/or legs of first and second brackets into respective lifting holes in e.g. a structural beam. The method may further comprise pivoting or rotating or turning the brackets e.g. to orientations in which apertures of the brackets are aligned and/or causing the locating means to at least partially retain the brackets, e.g. relative to one another.

The method may comprise abutting or engaging a flange extending from a first side or side edge of the plate of a first of the brackets with a second side or side edge of the plate of a second of the brackets. The method may comprise abutting or engaging a flange extending from a first side or side edge of the plate of a second of the brackets with a second side or side edge of the plate of a first of the brackets.

The method may further comprise installing e.g. over and/or around the brackets a retaining collar such that an aperture thereof e.g. receives and/or surrounds at least a portion of both plates of the brackets. The method may comprise installing the retaining collar such that a surface, e.g. a lower surface and/or a minor surface, thereof the retaining collar is supported and/or abuts against one or more projections, e.g. on the outermost and/or exposed surfaces of the plates of one or each of the brackets.

The method may comprise engaging and/or installing a lifting hook or loop or tie with the io apertures of the brackets. The method may further comprise lifting or raising or vertically actuating the beam such that e.g. the feet of the brackets support the beam. The hook or loop or tie may be attached or connected or joined to a chain or hoist or chord, so that actuation or pulling or raising of the chain or hoist or chord may lift the structural beam, the feet of the brackets supporting the structural beam.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the second bracket may comprise any one or more features of the first bracket relevant to the coupling and/or the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the brackets or the retaining collar.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of the coupling of the invention installed in an I-beam; Figure 2 is a side view of a first bracket according to the invention; Figure 3 is a side view of a second bracket according to the invention; Figure 4 is an end view of the first bracket according to the invention; Figure 5 is an end view of the first and second bracket abutted together, according to the invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of the retaining collar according to the invention; LCD Figure 7 is an end view of an I-beam for use with the coupling of the invention; and Figure 8 is a plan view of an I-beam for use with the coupling of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a coupling 1 according to one embodiment of the invention installed in an I-beam 30. The coupling 1 in this embodiment includes first and second aligned brackets 2a, 2b each having substantially the same design, a retaining collar 20 for retaining the brackets 2a, 2b in an aligned condition and a safety system 40.

As shown more clearly in Figures 2 to 5, each bracket 2a, 2b includes a flat plate 3 in the form of a connecting head 3 having inner and outer major surfaces 4, 5 which are substantially flat and parallel to one another. Each bracket 2a, 2b also has an engaging side 6 and a free side 7. When the brackets 2a, 2b are in an aligned condition, the outer surfaces 5 are exposed and the inner surfaces 4 abut one another. The heads 3 each have connecting ends 8 which are rounded in plan and are opposed to attachment ends 9, each head 3 tapering from the free side 7 of the head 3 towards the attachment end 9.

Each head 3 also includes an oval connecting aperture 10 through its thickness located adjacent to the connecting end 8 of the head 3 and equidistant the engagement side 6 and free side 7 of the head 3. A bevelled perimeter 11 is provided around pad of the edges of each connecting aperture 10, adjacent the connecting end 8 of the head 3, which provides a smooth engaging edge to prevent the brackets 2a, 2b from damaging and wearing a hook (not shown) inserted, during use, into the apertures 10.

Each bracket 2a, 2b also includes a bead 12, a locating tab 13 and a leg 14 with a foot 15 extending therefrom. Each bead 12 has a circular shape in plan, projects from the outer surface 5 of the head 3 and is located between the connecting aperture 10 and the attachment end 9 of the head 3. Each locating tab 13, extends orthogonally from the engagement side 6 of the head 3, projects perpendicularly away from the outer surface 5 of the head 3 and has an inner surface 1 3a which extends parallel to, and in alignment with, the engagement side 6 of the head 3. The tab 13 of each bracket 2a, 2b is configured to engage with the free side 7 of the head 3 of the other bracket 2b, 2a when the brackets 2a, 2b are in an aligned condition. Each head 3 including the locating tabs 13 has an outer width Xl.

Each leg 14 is in the form of an elongate cylindrical member in this embodiment, is connected to and extends along the engagement side 6 of the head 3, adjacent to the engagement end 9 thereof. The leg 14 extends from the head 3 such that a major axis through the leg 14 is parallel to and offset transversely from the plane of the plate or head 3 and runs substantially along the join between the inner surface 4 and the engagement side 6 of the head 3. Each foot 15 projects from the free end of the leg 14, away from the head 3, but parallel to the plane thereof. Thus, the head 3, leg 14 and foot 15 of each bracket 2a, 2b are all parallel to one another, albeit offset, such that each bracket 2a, 2b forms a substantially planar bracket 2a, 2b. Each foot 15 is preferably formed integrally with the leg 14, whereby the feet 15 are bent end portions of the elongate cylindrical member that forms the leg 14. The legs 14 and feet 15 preferably have a circular cross-section, but may alternatively have a square or oval cross-section, or any other cross-section suitable for use in this invention.

Each bracket 2a, 2b may include one or more steel components formed by die forging and/or extrusion and/or moulding. Where the brackets 2a, 2b are formed in two or more components, the components may be subsequently welded together into a single unitary structure. The brackets 2a, 2b are preferably manufactured utilizing a die forging method according to BS EN10243-1 and are subsequently heat treated in order to harden and temper the steel to a tensile strength of 620-770 N/mm2.

Referring now to Figure 5, the brackets 2a, 2b are shown in an aligned configuration, where the inner surface 4 of the head 3 of the first bracket 2a abuts the inner surface 4 of the head 3 of the second bracket 2b. The inner surface of the tab 13 of the first bracket 2a abuts the free side 7 of the second bracket 2b and the inner surface of the tab 13 of the second bracket 2b abuts the free side 7 of the first bracket 2a, such that the brackets 2a, 2b are io inhibited from sliding laterally relative to one another in one direction, thereby locating the brackets 2a, 2b relative to one another. In this aligned condition, the connecting apertures of the first and second brackets 2a, 2b are aligned (shown in Figure 1). When the brackets 2a, 2b are in this aligned condition the offset of the legs 14 with respect to the plane of the inner surfaces 4 results in the legs 14 being located in a parallel and opposed orientation relative to one another at the centre of the aligned brackets 2a, 2b with the heads 3 having a combined thickness T. Referring now to Figure 6, the retaining collar 20 is in the form of a flat rectangular plate with rounded corners with major surfaces 21. An elongate oval retaining aperture 22, having a width Wand a height H in plan, is located centrally through the thickness of the retaining collar 20. The width W of the retaining aperture 22 is greater than the width Xl of the heads 3. The height H of the retaining aperture 22 is only slightly greater than the combined thickness T of the aligned heads 3 of the first and second brackets 2a, 2b, but less than the effective thickness of the combined thickness T with the beads 12. Thus, the retaining collar 20 rests on the beads 12 when placed over the aligned brackets, thereby retaining the brackets 2a, 2b in an aligned condition. A circular safety aperture 23 extends through the thickness of the retaining collar 20 and is located adjacent one of its corners.

The I-beam 30 is shown more clearly in Figures 7 and 8. The I-beam 30 has an upper flange 3° 31 and a lower flange 32 parallel to the upper flange 31 and joined thereto by a central connecting web 33. The upper and lower flanges 31, 32 of the I-beam 30 each include respective pairs of circular lifting holes 34a, 34b disposed on either side of the central connecting web 33 and spaced in such pairs along the length of the upper and lower flanges 31, 32.

In use and as shown more clearly in Figure 1, the first bracket 2a is oriented to enable the foot 15 thereof to be inserted into a first lifting hole 34a in an I-beam flange 31 until such point that the bracket 2a is able to be rotated to an orientation perpendicular to the surface of the I-beam flange 31. The foot 15 of the second bracket 2b is similarly inserted into a second lifting hole 34b in the I-beam flange 31, adjacent and opposite the first lifting hole 34a, with the second bracket 2b also subsequently rotated into a perpendicular orientation with respect to the surface of the I-beam flange 31 until it is brought into alignment with the first bracket 2a as described above.

io In this aligned orientation the inner surface 4 of the head 3 of the first bracket 2a abuts the inner surface 4 of the head 3 of the second bracket 2b. In addition, the inner surface of the tab 13 of the head 3 of the first bracket 2a abuts the free side 7 of the head 3 of the second bracket 2b and the inner surface of the tab 13 of the head 3 of the second bracket 2b abuts the free side 7 of the head 3 of the first bracket 2a. It will be appreciated that, in this configuration, the brackets 2a, 2b are located relative to one another transversely.

The retaining collar 20 is then installed over the brackets 2a, 2b such that the aperture 22 of the collar 20 receives and/or surrounds the abutted and aligned brackets 2a, 2b. One of the major surfaces 21 of the collar 20 rests on, and is supported by, the beads 12, thereby retaining the collar 20 from vertical movement towards the I-beam 30. In this embodiment, the safety system 40 includes a chain 40, which depends from a hoist and/or crane (not shown) and connects to the retaining collar 20 to the hoist or crane (not shown) via a clasp 41 which is engaged through holding aperture 23.

A crane hook (not shown) may then be attached through the aligned apertures 10 in the brackets 2a, 2b, to lift the coupling 1 and I-beam 30. The feet 15 of the brackets 2a, 2b engage with and support the I-beam 30 against the lower suiface of its upper flange 31 as the coupling 1 is lifted. In use, a lifting apparatus may incorporate plural couplings 1 of the type described above, for the lifting of a single I-beam 30, thereby providing enhanced support and/or weight distribution of the I-beam 30.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the connecting apertures 10 of the brackets 2a, 2b may be any shape suitable for connection to a lifting hook, for example, circular, rectangular with rounded corners etc. in plan. Although the beads 12 are shown as circular in plan they need not be and may be any shape suited to support and/or engage a retaining collar 20, for example square, rectangular, ovular shape. Additionally or alternatively the bead 12 may be omitted from one of the brackets 2a, 2b or there may be plural beads 12 projecting from the outer surfaces 5 of one or each bracket2a, 2b, where the shape of each bead 12 may be similar or may differ. Two or more beads 12 may project by a different distance from the outer surfaces 5. Additionally or alternatively the retaining collar 20 may include a recess which may be located in its lower surface and may be configured to at least partially engage on or with one or each of the beads 12.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupling for lifting structural beams, the connector comprising a pair of brackets and locating means for locating the brackets relative to one another, each bracket including a substantially flat plate with an aperture through its thickness and a leg extending along one side edge of the plate and depending therefrom, each leg comprising a foot extending therefrom at an angle relative thereto and parallel to the plane of the plate, wherein the foot of each bracket is insertable, in use, into a respective lifting hole in a structural beam with each bracket being pivotable to an io orientation in which the apertures of each bracket are aligned for receiving a lifting element to lift the coupling with the feet supporting the beam, the locating means being configured to at least partially retain the brackets relative to one another with the apertures substantially aligned.
2. Coupling according to claim 1, wherein the locating means comprises a flange extending orthogonally from a first side of the plate of a first of the brackets for engagement with a second side of the plate of a second of the brackets.
3. Coupling according to claim 2, wherein the locating means comprises a flange extending from a first side of the plate of the second of the brackets for engagement with a second side of the plate of the first of the brackets.
4. Coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the brackets have substantially the same design.
5. Coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the locating means comprises a retaining collar that at least partially surrounds the brackets when they are in the aligned condition.
6. Coupling according to claim 5, wherein the retaining collar comprises an aperture for receiving the aligned brackets thereby to retain, in use, the brackets substantially parallel to and/or in abutment with one another.
7. Coupling according to claim 6, wherein the retaining collar comprises a plate with an aperture through its thickness.
8. Coupling according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the locating means further comprises a projection on a major surface of the plate of at least one of the brackets that is outermost and/or exposed when the brackets are in the aligned condition, the projection being configured to support the retaining collar in a retaining position.
9. Coupling according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the retaining collar comprises a safety line for a connection to a lifting element.
10. Coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the feet of the legs extend outwardly and/or away from the plate when the brackets are in the aligned condition.
11. Coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the legs is offset from or with respect to the plane and/or first side of the plate in a direction transverse to a major surface of the flat plate.
12. Coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the feet projects from its leg at an angle of between about 90° and about 1000.
13. A lifting assembly comprising a coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly further comprises a lifting hook, for engaging, in use, the apertures of the brackets.
14. A method of using a coupling according to any preceding claim, the method comprising inserting the feet of each of the first and second of the brackets into respective lifting holes in a structural beam, pivoting the brackets to orientations in which the apertures of the brackets are aligned and causing the locating means to at least partially retains the brackets relative to one another.
15. Method according to claim 14 comprising abutting or engaging a flange extending from a first side edge of the plate of a first of the brackets with a second side edge of the plate of a second of the brackets.
16. Method according to claim 15 comprising abutting or engaging a flange extending from a first side edge of the plate of a second of the brackets with a second side edge of the plate of a first of the brackets.
17. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 further comprising installing over the brackets a retaining collar such that an aperture thereof receives and/or surrounds at least a portion of both plates of the brackets.
18. Method according to claim 17 wherein the retaining collar is supported against io projections on the outermost and/or exposed major surface of the plates of each of the brackets.
19. Method according to any of claims 14 to 18, further comprising engaging a lifting hook with the apertures of the brackets, and lifting the beam such that the feet of the brackets support the beam.
20. A coupling for lifting structural beams substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.