JP2011516754A - Railway arched lining and mezzanine - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for lining an arch structure, in particular a railway arch structure (1), providing a plurality of elongated flexible frame elements (70), each protected by a flexible shield (149), Is coupled to the curved lower surface (5) by a hoop stress applied to the curved lower surface (5), preferably by a set of installation tools (300) mounted on the post (40). Each tool includes a rotating ratchet that allows the flexible frame element (70) to be shaped into an arcuate shape on the ground and then raised to a vertical plane prior to installation. Each frame element (70) can include a single “top hat” type profile with a deformable hinge, each hinge having an associated deforming structure that evenly distributes the bending force when installed. The frame element (70) is fixed to the column (40) for support at both ends in the installed position and provides a free-standing arched frame that relies on the underside (5) of the masonry for shape and stability. . Alternatively, each frame element can include a joint that is remotely fixed to the installation location, allowing the frame element to be detached from the lower surface, the frame is mounted from the ground surface, and the strut is a modular connection panel Supports a temporary mezzanine made from, which provides access to the underside to install cooperating flat lining panels, each panel being adjustable with downward channels and corners A foamed plastic body having interlocking upper and lower ends that cooperate to form a secure joint. The column mounting assembly includes a base element (1050) adapted for mounting on an upwardly facing support surface (7 ') of a concrete slab (7) and having a mounting structure for supporting the column (1000). The basic element can form a cantilever protruding from the end of the support surface, and a portion of the vertical load is transferred from the column to a flat plate (1070) located on the ground (16 ') under the mounting structure. . The mounting structure can include a central support (1064 '', 1068) on which the column is pivotally balanced, which can be adjusted vertically to adjust the overall height of the column, A plurality of independently adjustable side wall retainers (1065 ″, 1069, 1069 ′, 1066 ″, 1069, 1069 ′) are arranged around to support the column in the direction. Conveniently, the mounting structure includes a set of screw rods (1064, 1065, 1066) that are advanced downward through the protrusions (1057) to transfer vertical loads from the pillars to the plates. The assembly can be used in supporting a column above the drainage hole (10 ″) of the rail arch. Also disclosed and claimed are roll-formed struts that are generally “top hat” shaped and that define a reinforcing tubular portion.
Independent claims are included for systems, methods, flexible frame elements, posts, shields, panels, modular flooring elements, and installation tools.
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for lining arch structures and attaching mezzanine floors, particularly in railway arch structures.

  Rail arched structure is the space defined between adjacent piers in an arched overpass that supports the track and is generally light industrial, storage, retail, office, and other commercial Adapted to provide a space for activities. In addition, the arch structure is also used for tunnels, storage rooms, and the like.

  An overpass includes a plurality of spaced, normally parallel piers, each of which has a masonry structure that crosses the width of the overpass and extends upward from the foundation, known as a barrel. Arched masonry structures are supported between each adjacent pair of piers. Accordingly, the lower surface or inner ring (downward curved surface) is not necessarily visually identifiable, but usually contacts each pier along a horizontal line. This contact point is known as the starting point.

  Thus, the width of the arch is defined as the horizontal distance in the transverse direction of the arch between each pier, typically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the overpass, and the length of the arch is the longitudinal length of the arch It is defined as the length of the pier and corresponds to the width of the overpass.

  The total height of the arch is the vertical distance between the arch floor or ground and the top, the top being an imaginary line that extends along the length of the arch at the highest part of the bottom surface, typically It is located equidistant from each pier.

  Thus, the face facing the inside of the pier (ie, the face facing the inside of the arch) generally defines the longitudinal side of the arch, and the two ends of the arch are often the front entrance and the necessary And is closed by a self-supporting wall that defines the window. If the arch height allows, an additional floor (referred to herein as the mezzanine floor) can be provided at a higher position. Railway arch structures are usually damp and dirty, and are often greatly affected by rainwater that penetrates stone structures and drips continuously from the bottom. Thus, the entire internal surface of the arch (piers and undersides) is blocked by water, typically in narrow drainage holes formed between the foundations of each pier and the adjacent end of the concrete floor slab, and / or It is necessary to apply a lining to change the course of the starting point or the groove arranged below the starting point.

  Rail arched structures vary greatly in size and shape on the bottom surface, for example, even if they are ellipsoids that match the column surface, or that the road top is flat, or that the road top has a small radius. Good. The height of the starting point can range from a position below the ground surface to tens of meters above the ground surface, but in most commercially available arches, it is about 1 to 15 meters from the ground surface. Let's go.

  To maximize the available space in the arch, the lining should be continuously dropped down to carry water from the top of the road to the ground, as closely as possible to the underside and pier face. It is important to promote, conventionally, in lining, corrugated plastic sheets are stacked and fixed with screws or nails to a horizontal batten fixed to the lower surface and the pier at regular intervals. Each fixture that passes through the corrugated plate must be sealed to prevent water from entering.

  To ensure their structural integrity, railway arch structures need to undergo periodic inspections, and in the UK, major inspections are typically performed every 10 years. This inspection requires the seat, batten, and internal structure to be completely removed so that the masonry can be inspected and repaired or replaced as needed. The arch is then re-lined with new material. Over the years, many fasteners are inserted into the bottom and piers, and the masonry breaks due to repeated drilling, and at the same time the fasteners corrode and create gaps, which softens the barrel. Water penetration is promoted.

  When lining the underside, serious work problems often arise due to the size and shape of the rail arch. For example, an average lining arch may have a width of 6 meters, a road top height of 7 meters, and a raised point height of 4 meters. Since the lower surface is curved at both ends, a normal ladder cannot be supported to safely reach the top of the road. In addition, the scaffold tower is inconvenient because it has a small work area and needs to move repeatedly as the work progresses. Drilling multiple fixing holes on the underside of the head and aligning the fixture with the batten hole is time consuming and difficult, masonry is a heterogeneous material, bricks and mortars of various hardness It includes not only joints, but also old eroded fasteners and local spaces. Thus, the position of the drill may deviate or may need to be changed to avoid local obstructions.

  In Patent Document 1, an arch lining system including a plurality of overlapping tiles supported on a frame is disclosed. This framework includes a central galvanized steel water diverter, which is secured along the top and spaced frame elements of the arch, each of which is made of outer galvanized steel. And a pair of aluminum extrusions, which are arranged in pairs so as to extend downward along the curve of the lower surface in the opposite direction from the central water diversion plate on both sides of the road top . The water diversion plate is fixed to the lower surface by adjusting bolts. Once the frame is in place, the tiles are fixed in rows between the aluminum extrusions, so that the middle part of the lower end of each tile extends downward behind the upper end of the lower tile. The end of each tile is sealed against the aluminum molding by a neoprene gasket, and the water that falls into the area above the end of the tile is galvanized steel. The water diversion board changes the course to the middle part of the tiles on both sides.

  In the system of Patent Document 1, there is an advantage that a part of the brick can be inspected by selectively removing the tile. However, this system damages the waterproof seal between the tile and the extruded portion made of aluminum. It is not clear whether it is possible to adapt to changes in curvature on the lower surface.

  Disadvantageously, individual bricks may come off the barrel because the point load is applied inward so that the adjustment bolts are separated from the lower surface. In addition, since the system of US Pat. No. 6,057,059 relies on gaskets to seal the penetration of the adjustment bolts through the water diverter, the integrity of the waterproof lining depends on the waterproof seal provided by the individual gasket. Will do.

UK Patent Application No. 2 383 804 British Patent Application No. 0719407.9

  It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved system and corresponding method and apparatus that can be used in installing linings and / or lofts in arch structures, particularly railway arch structures.

  Thus, in aspects, the present invention provides a system and corresponding methods and apparatus as variously defined in the claims.

  As used herein, a lining can include a waterproof inner cover (sheets, panels, etc.) and / or a framework that supports lighting or other installation equipment.

  This new framework, which includes multiple elongated flexible frame elements, can be supported by struts on both sides of the arch and easily installed in the arch structure without inserting fasteners on the underside or pier, Problems associated with intrusion and structural damage are completely avoided. In addition, the flexible frame element is adapted to cut or rejoin the length as required and automatically adapts to the shape of the arch to which the frame element is attached. Thus, each installation can be accomplished using standard, replaceable and mostly reusable components, and no complex measurements or custom-made parts are required.

  The present invention recognizes that it is possible to provide a completely self-supporting framework. In other words, a self-supporting framework can transfer the load imposed by the lining panels, lighting fixtures, etc., in addition to its own weight, to the ground, but in order to provide rigidity and stability, A framework that relies on contact with structure. Alternatively, each flexible frame element may include a fixed joint that provides sufficient intrinsic rigidity so that the frame element is mechanically disconnected from the lower surface in the installed position. This can be advantageous to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

  Each flexible frame element does not need to provide the inherent stiffness and resistance to wind and other external loads required for an independent, self-supporting structure, so it has a stunning profile compared to its load carrying capacity Since it can be made long and small, it can be manufactured relatively lightly and inexpensively. Use of lining arches as the entire lining can be accommodated within the range of the inner surface of the arch, for example 50 mm to 75 mm or less, by fixing each flexible frame element against the lower surface during installation. The possible space can be maximized.

  Long and narrow flexible frame elements are preferably provided in pairs to form an easily transportable and rigid assembly, with new installation tools that can perform most installation tasks on the ground surface, Easy installation without the equipment used by professionals. Once installed, the new frame can be used to support a maintenance work floor or mezzanine that provides an easy means for attaching a lining sheet or panel under the lower surface. After installation, the frame elements and panels can provide conduits and attachment points such as wiring, small diameter pipes, lighting and power installations.

  Other specific objects and other features and advantages have been described by way of example of some of the various element embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings will be understood with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 shows successive steps for installing the first embodiment of the new system in a railway arched structure, in which FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A show a flexible joint with a fixed joint; It is a figure which shows the modification in the method according to other embodiment containing a frame element.

It is a front view, a top view, and a side view, respectively, of the first bottom plate.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a first strut, a first unitary frame element incorporating a first plastic deformation element, and a first frame element attached to the first strut, respectively.

FIG. 5 is an end view of two strapped first frame elements supplied for transport.

It is a front view of a part of 1st support | pillar.

FIG. 6 is a rear view and a side view of one end of the first frame element, respectively.

It is a side view of a part of the first support column.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of a second single frame element incorporating a second plastically deformable element that is coupled to a second strut to slide.

FIG. 16B is a rear view and a side view of one hinge part of the first frame element in FIG. 16A, respectively, showing the first plastic deformation element after the first stage of deformation.

It is a figure corresponding to Drawing 19A and Drawing 19B, and showing the 1st frame element after the 2nd stage of modification.

FIG. 19 is a view corresponding to the elements of FIGS. 19A-19D of the second frame element of FIG. 18 after the first and second deformations, respectively.

In front view, rear view, side view, first end view, and second end view, respectively, of one rigid portion of a third articulated frame element incorporating a third elastically deforming element prior to assembly; is there.

FIG. 10 is a side view and an end view of the spacer of the third frame element, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a side view and an end view of the pivot of the third frame element, respectively.

FIG. 7 is a rear view, a front view, and a side view of one hinge part of the third frame element after assembly, and shows a third elastic deformation element.

It is a figure corresponding to Drawing 24C and showing the 3rd frame element at the time of installation.

FIG. 6 is a front and side view of a joining bar used to join two short frame elements to form a longer frame element, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a side view and an end view of a second joining bar having a cable tray, respectively.

It is sectional drawing of the 1st preferable shield after extrusion and before rolling.

It is a perspective view of the 1st shield after rolling.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one of the vertical water guiding structures of the central attachment portion and the first shield, respectively.

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of the first shield attached to the preferred strut of FIG. 80 and the preferred frame element of FIG. 85, respectively.

They are a front view and an end view of one end of a road top lining sheet, respectively.

They are a front view and an end view of the stay pillar, respectively.

It is the side view and front view of the attachment metal fitting which are used with a holding pillar, respectively.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative elastic deformation element for use with an articulated frame element.

It is a rear view of a 1st panel, and the center part is cut off in order to show both ends.

FIG. 34B is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line BB in the first panel of FIG. 34A.

FIG. 34B is a bottom end view of the first panel shown in FIG. 34A.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the lower end of the first panel shown in FIGS. 34A to 34C, respectively.

It is an enlarged view of the upper end of the 1st panel shown to FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cooperating upper and lower ends of two first panels after installation on a post near a road top, near a spring line, and on a pier of a railway arched structure, respectively.

It is a figure which shows the rear part water-repellent surface of the panel of other embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view and an end view of a part of a replacement mounting flange for mounting to the cut-off end of the first panel, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a lining attached to the top of a railway arched structure, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arch.

A cross-section of another lining attached under the lower surface of another rail arch-type structure, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arch.

It is a figure which shows the 1st releasable attachment mechanism of the 1st installation tool before and behind the attachment to a 3rd support | pillar, respectively.

FIG. 41B is a plan view and a cutaway side view, respectively, of the first releasable attachment mechanism in the release position shown in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 41B is a cross-sectional view of X43-X43 of FIG. 41B showing the lower end of the first releasable attachment mechanism in the coupled position.

It is a front view of the 1st operation mechanism of the 1st tool which removed the front cover, and is a figure showing the drive claw of the ratchet in a release position.

44 is a longitudinal cross-section of X45-X45 and X45′-X45 ′ of the first motion mechanism of FIG. 44, showing the first tool with the front cover attached and mounted on the third strut of FIG. 41B. FIG.

It is a figure which shows the right hand ratchet mechanism of FIG. 45 which has a drive nail | claw in a coupling | bonding position.

It is the front view and side view of a right-hand drive nail | claw of a 1st operation | movement mechanism, respectively.

It is the front view and side view of a right-hand nail operation lever of a 1st operation mechanism, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a front view and a side view of the intermediate cluster gear assembly of the first operating mechanism, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a front view and a side view of the left-hand ratchet wheel of the first operating mechanism, respectively (both ratchet wheels are the same).

They are a front view and an inclined end view of the right-hand drive lever of the first operating mechanism, respectively.

It is a front view which shows the frame element attachment mechanism of the 1st tool at the time of use, the 1st tool is attached to the 1st support | pillar of FIG. 15, and the 1st frame element of FIG. 16A is attached to a tool. The detent mechanism is in the locked position.

FIG. 52 shows the view of FIG. 52 with the front casing of the first tool cut away and the detent mechanism shown in the partial view in the locked position.

FIG. 53 is a side view of the first tool in use shown in FIG. 52 and showing the detent mechanism in the locked position.

FIG. 55 is an enlarged side view of a detent mechanism and a ratchet mechanism of the first tool shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the detent mechanism of the first tool in the actuated (release) position and the release position, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the first tool attached to the first strut, with the detent mechanism in the actuated (released) position, and the pivot assembly partially rotated prior to installation of the first frame element. .

FIG. 58 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 57, in which the pivot assembly is fully rotated, the detent mechanism is returned to the release position, and the first frame element is attached to the tool before being raised to the vertical position shown in FIG.

FIG. 55 is an enlarged side view of the frame element attachment mechanism shown in FIG. 54, wherein the pivot mechanism and the first frame element are in a vertical position.

FIG. 55 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 54, showing the first tool after actuating the separation adjustment mechanism, with the first frame element fully coupled to the first strut.

It is a notch side view which shows the frame element attachment mechanism which removed most components, and the detent case is cut | disconnected by the cutting line AA of FIG. 61C.

FIG. 61B is a sectional view taken along line BB of the detent case of FIG. 61A.

FIG. 61B is a top view of the detent case of FIG. 61A.

FIG. 61B is a front view corresponding to FIG. 61A, where the front casing is cut away to expose the pivot frame assembly and the detent mechanism is shown in a partial view.

FIG. 63 shows the pivot frame assembly of FIG. 62 with the front protection plate removed.

FIG. 6 shows a rear mounting plate of the pivot frame assembly case of the first tool.

FIGS. 65A, 65B, and 65C show a side view, a top view, and a front end view of the detent bolt, respectively, illustrating various components of the detent mechanism, ratchet mechanism, and separation adjustment mechanism of the first tool. It is. 66A and 66B are a side view and an end view of the roll pin, respectively. 67A to 67C are a front view, a side view, and a top view of the wedge-shaped member, respectively. 68A to 68C are a front view, a top view, and an end view of the slide key, respectively. FIG. 69A is a front view of a left hand nail assembly. FIG. 69B is a side view of the left hand nail assembly and its pivot pin and spacer. 70A to 70C are a front view, an opening view, and a top view, respectively, of the retaining clip of the left hand nail assembly. 71A and 71B are a front view and a side view, respectively, of the left hand nail operation lever and its washer. FIG. 72A is a front view of a right hand nail assembly. FIG. 72B is a side view of the right hand nail assembly and its pivot pin and spacer. FIG. 72C is an end view of the pivot pin and spacer of FIG. 72B. 73A to 73C are a front view, an opening view, and a top view of the retaining clip of the right hand nail assembly, respectively. 74A and 74B are a front view and a side view of the right-hand nail operation lever and its washer, respectively.

It is a figure which shows other embodiment which electrically used the tool. Here, FIG. 75 is a diagram showing a remote control unit. FIG. 76 is a diagram showing a control system operating in cooperation with the remote control unit.

It is a top view of the horizontal direction adjustment mechanism at the time of use.

FIG. 78 is a side view of the horizontal adjustment mechanism of FIG. 77.

FIG. 79 is a top view of a rotary cam of the horizontal direction adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 77 and 78.

FIG. 4 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the strut and frame element for use with the first shield. Here, FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the support column. FIG. 81 is a view showing a mounting bracket assembly for attaching a retaining column to a support column. FIG. 82 is a view showing the mounting bracket assembly attached to the support column. FIG. 83 is a diagram showing a second mounting bracket assembly used when a joist is attached to a support column. FIG. 84 is a diagram showing a second mounting bracket assembly in use. FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the frame element. FIG. 86 is a diagram showing the frame element coupled to the support column.

It is sectional drawing of the other support | pillar which has the tread plate welded to the lower end.

FIG. 87B is a cross-sectional view of the first and second components of the strut of FIG. 87A, respectively.

It is sectional drawing of the other alternative support | pillar which has the step board welded to the lower end.

FIG. 2 is a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the basic elements of a column mounting assembly.

FIG. 90A, FIG. 91A, and FIG. 92A are plan views, and FIG. 90B, FIG. 91B, and FIG. 92B are corresponding side views, respectively, showing the steps in installing a pole mounting assembly on a railway arched structure. is there.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a first strut mounted on a column mounting assembly.

FIG. 4 is a plan view and a side view of a pressure plate for use with a column mounting assembly, respectively.

It is a figure showing a modular temporary flooring system. 95, 96, and 97 are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the first modular flooring element. 98 and 99 are an enlarged side view and an enlarged bottom view, respectively, of one corner of the first modular flooring element. FIGS. 100 and 101 are bottom and top views, respectively, of a modular floor formed from a plurality of connecting modular flooring elements.

  102 to 113 are deleted.

FIG. 6 is a side view, a rear view, and a front view of one rigid portion of a fourth frame element having a fixed joint before assembly.

It is a figure which shows the 1st edge part of the rigid site | part of a 4th frame element.

It is a figure which shows the 2nd edge part of the rigid site | part of a 4th frame element.

FIG. 116B is a cutaway view, a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the opposite side wall of the second end shown in FIG. 116A.

It is a figure which shows the remaining component of the rigid site | part of a 4th frame element. 118A to 118E are a right side view, a left side view, a top view, a bottom view, and an end view, respectively, of the cartridge frame before injection molding. 119A to 119E correspond to FIGS. 118A to 118E and show the cartridge frame after injection molding. 120A and 120B are an end view and a side view, respectively, of the torsion spring. 121A and 121B are an end view and a side view of the spacer, respectively. FIG. 122 shows a rivet. 123A and 123B are a side view and an end view, respectively, of one locking pin. FIG. 124 is a view showing a bias spring of one locking pin. 125A to 125D are a front view, a rear view, a left side view, and a bottom view of the cartridge holding clip, respectively. 126A and 126B are a left side view and a front view, respectively, of a complete cartridge with a retaining clip attached.

It is sectional drawing of the 4th frame element after attaching to a support | pillar.

It is a left view of the 4th frame element couple | bonded with the support | pillar so that it may slide.

It is a cutaway view of one hinge part of the fourth frame element after assembly.

It is a figure which shows the hinge part of the 4th frame element in the installation position under a lower surface, and shows the remote operation of a joint lock mechanism.

They are a side view and a front view of the first end of one rigid part of the fifth frame element each having a fixed joint before assembly.

It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 131A to FIG. 131B of the 2nd edge part of the rigid site | part of a 5th frame element.

It is a figure which shows the remaining component of the rigid site | part of a 5th frame element. Here, FIG. 133 and FIG. 134 are views showing the first and second cluster gears, respectively. FIG. 135 shows a tension spring. 136A to 136C are a left side view, a top view, and an end view of the latch frame, respectively. 137A and 137B are a top view and an end view of the latch plate, respectively. FIG. 138 shows a bias spring of the latch. FIG. 139 shows a rivet. 140A and 140B are an end view and a side view, respectively, of the spacer. FIG. 141 shows a split pin.

It is a notch figure of one hinge part of the 5th frame element after an assembly.

FIG. 9 is a side view, a rear view, and a front view of one rigid portion of the sixth frame element having a weldable joint before assembly.

It is a figure which shows the remaining component of the rigid site | part of a 6th frame element. 144A to 144D are a top view, a front view, an end view, and a cross-sectional view of DD, respectively, of the upper insulator block. 145A and 145B are a side view and an end view, respectively, of the torsion spring. 146A and 146B are an end view and a side view, respectively, of one insulator bushing. 147A and 147B are an end view and a side view of the spacer, respectively. FIG. 148 shows a rivet. 149A and 149B are a front view and a side view, respectively, of one Belleville washer.

It is a figure which shows one hinge part of the 6th frame element after an assembly.

FIG. 10 is a side view and a front view, respectively, of an insulating shroud for use with a sixth frame element.

FIG. 61B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 61A and showing an adaptation of the frame element attachment mechanism of the first tool used with the sixth frame element.

FIG. 157 shows the adapted tool of FIG. 152 using a sixth frame element.

154 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth frame element and an insulating shroud slidably coupled to the strut of FIG. 153; FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a flexible joining bar used to provide a permanently flexible joint in the center of the sixth frame element.

154 illustrates another adaptation of the installation tool of FIGS. 152-153 for use with a flexible joining bar. FIG.

  Note that small and repetitive details such as mounting apertures and hinge components are not shown in FIGS. 1-12 and are referred to in the individual structural diagrams where these details are drawn for the sake of full understanding. I want to be.

  Corresponding parts are indicated using the same reference numerals in the figures.

  Please refer to FIG. A brick railway arched structure 1 includes a barrel 2 supported by two parallel piers 3 and 3 ', the vertical surfaces 4 and 4' facing inwardly facing each pier, Arranged in the transverse (width) direction W of the arch with a spacing of about 5.5 meters to define the two faces of the arch. The lower surface of the barrel forms an arched lower surface 5 that intersects the arch sides 4 and 4 ', and two horizontal spring lines 6 and 6' at a height of about 3.5 meters on the arch floor 7. Is specified.

  The lower surface is curved upward and inward as shown in the figure from the spring line on both sides of the arch toward the imaginary horizontal top line 8 at the top, and longitudinally along the arch and parallel to the pier And equidistant from the two sides 4 and 4 'to a height of about 6 meters from the floor. The arch extends about 11 meters in length L to the rear free-standing wall 9 and the front is open so that the condition can be confirmed (usually the front is the corresponding wall or Closed with shutter).

  Floor 7 includes a concrete slab that is spaced from each pier by narrow drain holes 10 and 10 '.

Overview

  Each flexible frame element may be a top hat steel section with a single length, and the central U-shaped channel is divided into multiple parts by a cut line, thereby forming a deformable hinge section The flange is not damaged. Alternatively, the element can include a plurality of individual top hat portions that are pivotally secured.

  The struts also include a top hat portion, preferably having a tubular reinforcement, and are arranged in pairs facing each other on the opposite sides of the arch, one every two meters. A molded polyethylene shield is located between the rear wall of each column (facing the brickwork) and the pier. The tool is then attached to each post at floor height and the top of the tool is released by releasing the ratchet until the mounting base is tilted slightly down from the horizontal toward one end of the arch on the axis. The mount rotates about an axis (perpendicular to the pier face). One end of the flexible frame element is releasably attached to the mounting base. Preferably, each flexible frame element is two separate parts and the corresponding end of the other part is attached to another tool on the opposite strut. These two parts are then typically collected manually in a horizontal plane and joined by a joining bar in the center of the arch floor. Thereby, the frame element forms an arch shape supported at its joint by a spring or a plastic deformation element. One of the flexible shields is attached to the central web of the flexible frame element. These tools are then simultaneously moved up the strut until they are raised to a vertical plane, supported by a ratchet, and then joined so that the frame element (with the shield) is pressed against the lower surface. The mount can also be moved axially along the pivot axis to couple the frame element (top hat portion) to the column so that it slides telescopically with the flange and flange together. By continuously moving the tool upward, a hoop stress that flexibly adapts the frame element to the shape of the lower surface is generated, and then the frame element is fixed to the column with bolts.

  In this way, the arch is lined with a series of hoops, each hoop including a flexible frame element that is pressed against the curved lower surface between the spring lines at both ends and supported by a set of vertical struts. Is done. In development, the joint can be secured (eg, sequentially or simultaneously in sequential projection welding, etc.) and then the tool can be lowered slightly to release the hoop stress from the underside. A panel is then applied between the hoops to form a completely water-repellent lining, and a flexible shield is overlaid to define a dry zone that covers the post and frame elements.

  Once installed, it can support a temporary maintenance work floor or mezzanine floor that can be easily accessed for mounting the panel underneath the bottom using posts, and the hoop can be wired, small diameter pipes, Provide conduits and attachment points for lighting and power installations, etc.

  Simple bottom plate

  According to the first embodiment, when installing, a series of mounting bases are first spaced apart, which in the simplest form are flat mounting plates on the floor along the foundation of each pier. Or the bottom plate 20 is included. The bottom plates are arranged at intervals corresponding to the sum of the panel length and strut width so that one set is aligned in the transverse direction of the arch, one set on each side of the arch. Details are described below. These components are conveniently sized such that the bottom plate is positioned with a distance that can be easily measured, in this example the distance is 2 meters. Since the first set of bottom plates is located adjacent to the front of the arch and the last (seventh) set is located adjacent to the rear wall 9, the spacing between the last two bottom plates on both sides is Shortened to accommodate the length of the arch.

  Please refer to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C. Each bottom plate 20 includes a flat steel plate 21 that curves upward and forms an angular portion 22 at the rear end. As will be described in detail below, a hole 23 is formed at each corner of the inclined portion for attaching a tension wire. The short fitting 24 is welded to the plate 21 so that the rear wall 25 extends slightly beyond the ramp 22 and its two side walls 26 are provided with fixing holes 27 and slots 28, which are struts 40. It corresponds to the rear opening 47 and the front fixing hole 48, respectively. Details are described below.

  The plate 21 is provided with fixing holes 29, each plate being bolted to the floor slab 7 by two small adjusting bolts inserted into holes drilled in the floor (preferably via a central pair of fixing holes 29). Fixed. Thereby, the rear wall 25 is arranged at a distance of about 5 mm from the inner surfaces 4 and 4 ′ of the respective piers and protrudes from the drain holes 10 and 10 ′. The plate requires enough fixtures to install the foundation of each post adjacent to the pier and support the post in an upright position during installation. This is described below. Once the framework is in place, the fixture does not play a supporting role.

  The first fixing of the bottom plate is the only step where drilling is necessary and the only step where the arch needs to be measured to accurately place the component. That is, all subsequent steps in installation depend on the position of the bottom plate. Since all the main measurements and drilling are done on the floor, it is a very simple task compared to the traditional lining method where most of the work is done in a high place under the lower surface.

  Once the bottom plate is attached, support means are attached to the bottom plate along both sides of the arch to support the flexible frame element. Of course, each of the struts can alternatively include a suitable bottom plate so that it is secured directly to the floor slab without the need for a separate mounting base.

  Simple support

  Reference is made to FIGS. 14A to 17. The support means includes a plurality of first roll-formed steel struts 40, each formed from a single mild steel plate forming a long "top hat" type profile, with a pair of opposed side-by-side sets. A central U-shaped portion having a flange 41 is included. In this specification, strut is synonymous with column, post, or pillar.

With particular reference to FIG. Each flange 41 is perforated by side-by-side panel fixing holes 42 and 42 ', which receive self-tapping fixing screws for attaching the lining panel 200 to the column. Details are described below. Panel fixing holes 42 are arranged in groups, the groups are arranged only at intervals in the vertical (longitudinal) direction of the strut a distance d _1. Corresponding groups of fixing holes 208 and slots 209 in the panel flange 205 are spaced vertically apart by a repeat distance d ₂ (FIG. 36A). Here, d ₂ = (d ₁ − (d ₁ / n)), and n is an integer. This allows the vertical position of each panel to be incremented by one match (providing a set of aligned fixing holes) at a distance (d ₂ .n), ie for each (n−1) group of holes 42. A fixing system is provided which can be finely adjusted according to the principle of a vernier scale at (d ₁ / n).

The four fixing holes 42 in each group are arranged at a slight interval in the horizontal or transverse direction of the support column 40 and in the vertical or vertical direction. This is not a factor increment (d 1 _{/ n)} in the vertical direction, at the position of the panel 200 between the increment (d 1 _{/ n),} to provide a finer vertical and horizontal adjustment. Thus, each panel can be fixed in the required vertical position.

  In addition to the panel fixing holes, each flange 41 has a series of regularly spaced rectangular openings 43 and a series of regularly spaced series having rounded ends. It has an elongated opening 44.

  The rectangular opening 43 receives the protruding teeth 471 of the drive pinion 470 of the first installation tool 300 and forms a rack (details will be described later). On the other hand, the flange 41 provides an installation tool attachment structure that receives the installation tool attachment mechanism 301 in order to releasably attach the installation tool so that the support column 40 can slide up and down. The rack can also be used to support a shelf or pallet rack located on the side of the arch.

When the window of the elongated opening 44 is attached to the first strut 40 (as shown in FIG. 14C), the corresponding flange 71 of the first frame element 70 (shown in FIG. 16A and described below). Are dimensioned and positioned so that at least one of the diagonal sets of panel fixation holes 78 coincides with either the rectangular opening 43 or the adjacent elongated opening 44. Longitudinal distance d ₃ between every other panel fixing holes 78 of the first frame element, also corresponds to the spacing between the fixing holes of the panels flange in accordance with the principles of Vernier. For this reason, this arrangement allows all of the respective matches between the corresponding fixing holes in the frame element flange and the panel flange to attach the panel to the frame element when the frame element is attached to the column as shown in FIG. 14C. Can be used. At this time, the fixing screw passes through the corresponding opening 43 or 44 of the column.

  With particular reference to FIG. The central U-shaped portion of the first strut includes a rear wall 45 and two side walls 46, each side wall adjacent to a series of rear openings 47 adjacent to the rear wall 45 and respective flanges 41. A frame element mounting or attachment means is provided which includes a series of two front fixing holes 48 and 49.

  The rear opening 47 provides a mounting position for attaching tension lines and retaining posts and for attaching the struts to the bottom plate. This will be described later. These are arranged away from the flange 41 by a sufficient horizontal (transverse) distance, so that when inserted into the column, the corresponding U-shaped part of the first frame element can be avoided. This can be seen most clearly in FIG.

Each series of front fixing holes 48 and 49 are spaced apart in the vertical (longitudinal) direction by a distance d ₄ and correspond to the corresponding two of the respective corresponding side walls 76 (FIG. 16B) of the first frame element 70. corresponding longitudinally spacing d ₅ of a series of fixing holes 79. Here, d ₄ = (d _5- (d ₅ / n)), and n is an integer.

This provides another fastening system according to the Vernier principle and defines a range of position adjustment between the frame element and the column. At this time, each of the fixing holes of each of the series 48 and 49 is continuously aligned with the corresponding fixing hole of the fixing hole 79 of the first frame element 70, and each pair of the continuously aligned holes makes the frame element A through-hole for receiving a bolt 50 (FIG. 14C) is defined to attach the to the post. The first frame element 70 is moved axially along the first strut 40 through an incremental distance (d ₅ / n).

For example, when d ₅ = 35.0 mm, n = 10, and d ₄ = 31.5 mm, with an incremental axial displacement of 3.5 mm or less from a predetermined axial position of the frame element with respect to the column (d ₄ .n) = (d _5. (N−1)) = Provides one match every 315 mm.

Two corresponding rows of openings 79 in each side wall 76 of the first frame element 70 are aligned in parallel, but the first and second series of corresponding front openings 48 and 49 of the first struts are longitudinal (vertical) distance _{d 6 = (d 5/2} ) only interval emptied. As a result, the number of repeated matches between the corresponding openings of the first frame element 70 and the first support column 40 is doubled, and all ((n−1) / 2) of the first frame elements 70 are obtained. For the fixing hole 79, one match is provided alternately in the first series 48 and the second series 49 of the front fixing holes. That is, a distance ((d ₄ .n) / 2) is spaced from a predetermined incrementally moved position of the first frame element 70.

Of course, the relative distances d ₄ and d ₅ can be reversed.

  In a simple form, the two cooperating elements are provided with a series of first and second openings, respectively, spaced by a distance x and a distance (x ± y), respectively. Thus, the corresponding openings in the first and second series are successively aligned through the incremental distance y by the relative axial displacement of the two elements. However, y = (x / n), where n is an integer, and a number of repeated matches (possibly several times n) with very small and consistent increments can be represented by the aforementioned Vernier principle. Preferably over the entire range of axial movement.

  Simple support installation

  Please refer to FIG. Each strut 40 is cut to a required length by using an angle grinder or the like so as to extend right below the spring lines 6 and 6 ′ at the installation position. Next, one shield material 149 (details will be described later) is attached to the rear wall 45 of the support so as to extend from the lower part of the support to about 0.5 meters above the upper part of the support. The struts are then placed on the mounting brackets 24 of the respective bottom plate 20 (adapted to slide between the side walls 46) and fixed holes 27 by bolts passing through the rear openings 47 and the front fixing holes 48, respectively. And is attached via a slot 28. After being attached to the bottom plate, the rear wall of the post extends into a small gap between the rear wall 25 of the mounting bracket and the inner surface of the pier. Thus, the column is supported in a vertical position directly above the upward rear end 22 of the mounting bracket, the flange 41 faces the inside of the arch, and the shield is sandwiched between the rear wall 45 and the pier. As a result, water flows between the pier inner surfaces 4 and 4 ′ and the shield 149, and flows into the drain holes 10 and 10 ′ through the rear end 22 of the mounting bracket.

  After placement, each strut (other than the front and rear of the arch) is secured against rotational movement about the foundation parallel to the surface of the pier (ie, prevented from wobbling in the longitudinal direction of the arch). This is done with two small galvanized steel tension cables 67, one on each side of the column, each of which has a lower end adjacent to one of the rear openings 47 whose upper end is close to the upper part of the column. Is attached to a galvanized turnbuckle 68 secured to one of the holes 23 in the bottom plate. The turnbuckle is tightened to pin both cables and the verticality of the struts is checked by swinging down, or conveniently by a spirit level with a vertical vial. The water flowing down the cable dripping from the turnbuckle into the foundation drainage hole.

  Reference is also made to FIGS. 32A to 33B. The front and rear struts on either side of the arch are secured to their respective adjacent struts by horizontal retaining posts 60 and 60 '. Each stay post includes a tubular body 61 having a long internal thread 62 at each end, and the rear stay post 60 'has a shorter body. A series of outer collars 63 are spaced near each end to prevent water from flowing horizontally along the post at the front of the shield. One end of the post 60 is loosely attached to the upper end of the post 40 by a bolt that passes through one of the rear openings 47 and couples to the thread 62. The other end of the post is attached to an elongate stud 64, which is welded to a fitting 65 having an elongate fixing slot 66, which can be adjacent to the adjacent post at any axial position along the post. Dimensions are determined so that they can be bolted to any adjacent pair of rear openings 47. When the mounting bracket is attached and the thread 62 is coupled to the stud 64, the body 61 rotates and advances along the stud to adjust the spacing between the two struts. Further, when the end column is upright, the bolt at the other end of the column is tightened.

  After the lining panel is installed as described later, the panel also supports the column in the vertical direction.

  Thereby, the support | pillar 40 is restrained in the vertical direction L by a tension line and a support | pillar, and is restrained in the width direction W by a bridge pier toward the outside. For this reason, the only freedom of movement is that which is directed inward in the width direction W from the pier toward the arch by the rotation of the upper end of the column. This movement is resisted before the flexible frame element is installed by a small adjustment bolt at the base of each column. As described later, after fixing the flexible frame elements to the column and in the process of attaching them, their loads (including hoop stress applied during installation and loads applied after installation by lining, lighting equipment, etc.) ) To fix the upper end of the support column 40 outward in the width direction W toward the pier. This ensures that the entire frame is always stable and robust without being attached to the arch stonework. Also, if the components are of adequate strength, the framework will not collapse due to load.

  Preferred struts and frame elements

  The top hat configuration of the struts advantageously provides a rack for sliding / rotating coupling by tools, and the flange provides a mounting location for the panel. The body of the panel also extends behind the flange so that the flange defines an approximate surface of the interior surface of the finished arch lining. The central U-shaped recess receives the frame element and functions as a cable channel. However, the top hat portion may be vulnerable to buckling at higher aspect ratios. Accordingly, it is an object of one aspect of the present invention to support axial compression compared to a simple top hat portion, while being a post that provides two horizontally opposed flanges located on the sides of a central recess. The object is to provide a strut with improved load bearing capacity.

  80 to 86 will be referred to. A preferred strut 600 (FIG. 80) is roll formed from a steel strip and has a pair of opposed lateral flanges 602 to form an elongated profile defining a central recess 601 with the ends of the strips at joints 603. Are continuously welded. The central recess includes two rear walls 604 and 605 spaced apart, and two side walls 606 disposed between the rear wall and the flange. Each of the flanges defines a respective tubular portion 607 (meaning a closed section) and the rear wall defines a third tubular portion 608. Advantageously, each of the side walls 606 includes two layers of steel, which can be stiffened by spot welding and mounting holes 609 for mounting flexible frame elements penetrate both layers. is doing. Tubular flange 602 and tubular rear wall 608 are used when supporting the mezzanine to resist local buckling, strengthen the section and greatly increase the axial load carrying capacity. Suitable for

  The rear tubular portion is penetrated by spaced openings 610 that receive the curved end 620 of the first bracket element 621 (FIG. 81). A cooperating second bracket element 622 having a stud 624 is inserted into the aligned opening 611 of the tubular flange 602 and the two bracket elements are bolted together (screw holes 623 in the first bracket element 621). To the mounting hole 609, thereby securing the stud 624 to the post as shown in FIG. 82, and the stud may be attached to the retaining post 60 or cable 67 as required. Used for mounting.

  A joist (not shown) can be attached to the column using a set of mounting brackets 630 (FIG. 83), each of which has a fixed stud 631 and a threaded hole 632 arranged vertically. Then, the stud 631 is inserted into the mounting hole 609 of the double-thickness side wall 606, whereby two studs inserted into the corresponding adjacent screw holes 632 of the mounting bracket through the adjacent mounting holes 609. Quickly provide sufficient shear joints that are secured only with bolts. A vertical web of joist (not shown) is received between the two mounting brackets, and a central recess 601 in the strut remains available to the cable 629 as shown in FIG. The mounting bracket 630 is constricted at 633 so that the flange 602 can receive the panel mounting and can accommodate lateral changes in post spacing.

  The rear tubular portion 608 includes two grooves 612, and receives the rib 155 of the attachment portion of the first shield 150 in a snap manner as shown in FIG. 29 (FIG. 28A).

  FIG. 85 shows a preferred integral flexible frame element 640 having a generally top-hat configuration with a corresponding groove 641. Similarly, the groove 641 receives the rib 155 of the shield 150 and maintains the snap-type relationship as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 86, a hole 642 for attaching to a preferred post is formed through a groove 641 and is cut out to receive a rectangular nut 643 (or a bolt with a rectangular head) and the frame element is the interior of the post 600. Nest the flange and flange together.

  Alternative struts and footboards

  Refer to FIG. 87A. The alternative strut 1000 includes a front surface 1001 having a central recess 1002 with two opposing lateral flanges 1003 located on the sides, and tubular portions 1004 and 1016 defining a back portion opposite the front surface, the back portion being between the side walls. Each side wall includes a plurality of layers of steel strips 1011, 1024, and 1022 from which struts are constructed, each flange also includes a tubular portion 1025, and each of the tubular portions 1016 and 1025 comprises a single steel material. It is formed by bending and spot welding.

  Refer to FIG. 87B and FIG. 87C. The strut 1000 includes a first component 1010 and a second component 1020, both extending longitudinally in a parallel nested relationship, with a tubular portion 1004 defined between the first and second components. The

  The first component 1010 is roll-formed from a strip, has a thickness on the order of 1 mm to 4 mm, is bent and doubled extending from the back 1012 wider in the lateral direction (ie wider in the direction parallel to the flange). Two opposite side walls 1011 parallel to each other are defined. The spring plate inside each side wall extends to form a wall 1013 and is bent near the free edge to form a flange 1014 before the two components 1010 and 1020 are assembled before the first weld. In step, it is spot welded to the rear wall 1015. Accordingly, the tubular portion 1016 is formed between each of the walls 1013 and the end wall 1017 of each adjacent side of the back portion 1012.

  The second component 1020 is also roll-formed from a steel strip and defines a central U-shaped portion defining a recess 1002 and a top hat portion including opposing lateral flanges 1003. The central U-shaped portion includes a central web 1021 and two parallel opposing inner side walls 1022, each of the flanges 1003 being bent at an acute angle on itself to form the rear flange wall 1023 and the respective An outer sidewall 1024 is defined that is parallel to the inner sidewall 1022.

  Of course, a press or other convenient technique may be used instead of roll forming. Assembling the struts involves inserting the second component into the first component in a nested relationship and then welding the outer layer such that the side walls are welded, such as by spot welding (optionally only through the inner layer). Through the openings formed in the Advantageously, the flanges of the assembled struts both define a tubular portion, and the two free edges of the steel strip forming each of the two components (which are susceptible to deformation if not supported) are: Fixed to the adjacent wall, thereby eliminating the unsupported free edge in the finished column and all parts of the column have maximum resistance to buckling.

  The tread plate 1030 is welded to the bottom end 1000 'of the assembled post and serves to attach the post to the basic elements of the post mounting assembly. Details are described below. The tread includes a rigid and flat steel plate that is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post and has a mounting portion that includes a circular hole that forms a central opening 1031 leading to the central recess 1002 of the post. The center of gravity C of the column, that is, the center of the assembly when viewed in a cross-sectional view, is preferably located within the center hole 1031 as shown, and most preferably coincides with the center of the hole, thereby Can be balanced in a rotatable manner with a central support received in the hole 1031. Details are described below. The footboard also has an array of three smaller openings, including holes 1032 and 1033, located near and spaced from the center hole 1031 to receive the side wall retaining studs, and the footboard is vertically oriented. The column is fixed to the stud by a nut that is adjusted to restrain the column from tilting.

  In other embodiments where the column is constructed from a universal column, i.e. having a central web, a portion of the column can be cut out to accommodate the central support. Alternatively, the central support can be coupled to the tread at a hole that is off the center of gravity but is preferably located as close to the center of gravity as possible without clogging the web. Instead of a hole, a recess or any other configuration suitable for mounting the footboard to the central support can be provided. The opening may include a slot or the like instead of the hole.

  It should also be understood that the illustrated footboard is particularly adapted for use in railway arched structures, and that the struts are positioned close to the vertical brickwork of the overpass pier. Therefore, the tread has only three holes 1032 and 1033 arranged so as to partially surround the central holes on the three side surfaces, and the two holes 1032 extend along the longitudinal direction in the arched structure of the railway. Aligned with the central hole 1031 along the first axis extending for use (ie parallel to the pier), the third hole 1033 is located in front of the strut facing away from the brickwork, Align with the central hole 1031 along an axis extending transversely across the arch perpendicular to one axis. In other embodiments for more general use, for example, a square tread is provided, with four holes arranged one at each corner of the tread, regularly intersecting around the central support The four corresponding side wall retaining studs arranged in the pattern are received and joined to the central hole of the plate. In such an embodiment, for example, the side wall retaining stud can be welded to each corner of a basic element that includes a flat square steel plate and has a central support in the center. A similar arrangement is adopted at each end of the beam that lies laterally across the floor of the railway arched structure, supporting the suspended ground floor, with the basic elements in each case, the end of the beam Can be secured to an upwardly facing support surface. The beam is then placed on a concrete floor slab and connected to the adjacent beam, and the suspended ground floor and its supporting beams are placed on the floor slab without necessarily being fixed.

  Refer to FIG. Furthermore, the alternative strut 1040 has a general cross-sectional shape similar to the first strut and includes a “top hat” section that includes a front face 1041 having a central recess 1042 with two opposing lateral flanges 1043 located on the sides. Is specified. The second strut is roll-formed from a single bent and spot welded steel strip and defines two opposing side walls 1044 extending from a wider back 1045 that are two times thick and parallel. The two tubular sections 1046 stiffen the flanges to resist local buckling and improve the load carrying capacity of the struts at higher aspect ratios, and the single thickness rear wall 1047 is provided by a recessed rib 1048. Strengthened. Similar to the first strut, the multiple thickness side walls 1044 are perforated to provide a secure securing location for the bolts acting on shear, and the flat end walls 1049 of the flange 1043 and the back 1045 are secured to the fasteners. And is drilled to provide a rack for each of the flanges that support the installation tool as it is coupled with the flanges and travels up the column. A footplate 1030 'similar to the footboard 1030 already described is welded at a right angle to the lower end of the column.

  Adjustable pole mounting assembly

  Each strut is manufactured to standard dimensions, so the mezzanine is mounted on a completely horizontal arch by placing all struts at the same height and attaching supporting mounting brackets to the same location on each strut It is possible. Easily identifiable reference holes (not shown) are placed on the struts, for example with a spacing of about 250 mm, to eliminate the need for measurement when fitting the mounting bracket to the corresponding mounting hole on the adjacent strut Also good.

  However, railway arch structures often have concrete floor slabs with a slight drop towards the sides or the center and / or one end of the arch to facilitate surface water drainage. Moreover, it may have a non-flat surface. In such a case, it may be inconvenient to insert a shim or grout under each simple bottom plate to equalize the column heights. It may also be difficult to make the struts completely vertical.

  Accordingly, it is an object of another aspect of the present invention that support surfaces such as floor slabs deviate from the horizontal, particularly when mounting the same column of columns, such as to support a mezzanine or lining in a railway arched structure. It is to provide a column mounting method that is more adapted to compensate.

  In addition, it is desirable to place the struts as close as possible to the piers of the arch above the drainage holes on both sides of the arch. This can be a problem when the drain hole is wide.

  Therefore, the purpose of yet another aspect of the present invention is beyond the end of a support surface, such as a floor slab, particularly over the drainage hole between the pier of the railway arched structure and the end of the floor slab. It is to provide a mounting method adapted to support the column.

  By pivotally attaching the columns to a vertically adjustable central support, the total height of each column is determined in advance in the first stage before installing the columns, resulting from the overall head of the floor slab etc. By compensating for the height difference between the support surfaces for each column position, all column heights are equalized, and after each column is mounted, the column is adjusted vertically and in the subsequent second stage, Support against tilt without changing the height. Thus, the column rows can be arranged vertically with equal heights more easily than using a device according to the prior art. In prior art devices, the total height of each column can only be adjusted while the column is tilted, which has a more difficult and repetitive adjustment procedure where column height and verticality depend on each other. Needed.

  Moreover, it is also possible to attach a column beyond the end of the floor slab and suppress horizontal movement and / or inclination. At this time, it is not necessary to submerge the column into the ground, nor is it necessary to provide cantilever support of sufficient dimensions to transfer the entire load to the floor slab. To achieve this, transfer all or part of the column's vertical load to an element connected to the ground (such as a flat plate or block that is simply placed on the ground directly below the column) Transfer vertical force from the pillar to the floor slab. Thereby, the floor slab can firmly fix the lower end of the column to prevent horizontal movement and / or tilting. This essentially does not disturb the floor, since the basic element does not have to transfer the entire vertical load from the pillar to the floor slab and can have a relatively low vertical distribution.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, both of the last mentioned aspects of the invention are provided in combination by the same structural elements and are particularly adapted for use in attaching columns of columns along the sides of a railway arched structure. A column mounting assembly is provided.

  The column mounting assembly enables the following:

i) Arrange the basic elements for the same column of columns and fix them to the floor slab. The inclination of the slab is irrelevant and no grout or shim need be used. And then
ii) Use the laser level to match the center support and adjust the height of each center support to compensate for the overall head drop of the floor slab. And then, this ensures that all struts are equal in height when they are attached to the horizontal plane. And then
iii) Attach each strut to its center support. At this time, the vertical load is transferred, in whole or in part, to the floor slab or (where the strut is located over the wide drain hole) to the drain hole filler. And then
iv) Adjust the direction of the column (that is, the verticality) and support it vertically. At this time, the floor slab is used to prevent it from tilting. There is no need to change the overall height.

  It will be appreciated that in other embodiments it is not necessary to combine the two aspects mentioned at the end of the invention.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 89A and 89B. The post mounting assembly includes a base element 1050 and an upper element, which, as described above, is a footboard 1030 (or 1030 ') that is attached to the lower end 1000' of the post 1000 (or 1040), and will be described below. Includes elements that connect to the ground.

Base element 1050 is a single cast iron component that defines a flat bottom plate 1051 having a plurality of ribs 1052 and protrusions 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056 extending upward from the bottom plate. The ribs reinforce the basic elements and function as cantilevers so that (in whole or in part) vertical loads on the columns and non-vertical (such as horizontal and rotational) forces imposed on the protrusions 1057 can be fixed to their fixed portions 1058. To the floor slab to which it is attached. Since the basic element length L ₁ and width W ₁ are several times larger than the height H ₁ (for example, about several centimeters), it has a relatively low vertical distribution, and the ribs 1052 are fixed as shown. It will be appreciated that it can be secured to the floor without forming any obstructions as it becomes progressively thinner toward the portion 1058. The bottom plate 1051 is perforated in the area of the fixing portion 1058 to define a plurality of small fixing holes 1059 and a large fixing hole 1060.

  Each of the protrusions defines a screw hole extending through the bottom plate. The largest protrusion 1053 is located at the tip of the protrusion, and the two protrusions 1054 having a medium diameter are arranged at intervals on both sides. A third projection 1055 of medium diameter is placed away from the largest projection and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the base element, and the three projections 1053 and 1054 are aligned laterally of the longitudinal axis. Thus, the protrusions 1053, 1054, and 1055 are aligned with the holes 1031, 1032, and 1033 of the tread plate 1030, respectively. Accordingly, the medium diameter protrusions 1054 and 1055 are spaced around the largest and central protrusion 1053, ie, surrounded at three locations. The four small protrusions 1056 are arranged between the fixed part and the protruding part.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 90A and 90B. Draw a small area within the arched structure of the railway. Here, the end 7 '' of the floor (upward supporting surface 7 'of the concrete floor slab 7) is a vertical surface of the pier 3 (which defines one side of the arch) by a relatively wide drainage hole 10 ". 4 is separated. The upper layer of the ground 16 in the drain hole contains angular filler such as coarse ground aggregate or railroad gravel, and the ground 16 'is adjacent to the support surface 7'. In this application, a square filler is preferred over the commonly used round pebbles. The reason is that it has high stability while having the same permeability and tends to bond together and transfer the compressive load to the lower layer of the underlying ground 16 ″.

The element 1070 leading to the ground includes a precast flat concrete slab, and a steel plate 1071 is placed on its upper surface to distribute point loads from the load transmitting element. The slab 1070 is placed on or in the ground 16 of the drain hole and a small amount of filler is removed as needed, so that the slab is located slightly below the floor level as shown. . It can be seen that not only the length L ₂ (maximum horizontal dimension) of the slab 1070 but also its width W ₂ is several times larger than its maximum vertical dimension (ie height H ₂ ). Therefore, the slab can be easily installed simply by placing it horizontally on the ground, ie it cannot resist non-vertical forces (rotation or translation), but it can be applied by transferring the vertical load to the lower filler. Can be supported.

  Next, the anchoring portion 1058 of the base element 1050 is simply bolted directly (regardless of tilt) directly to the floor slab face 7 'using a conventional adjusting bolt 1061 or other convenient securing system. . Thereby, the protrusion 1057 extends directly beyond the end 7 ″ of the support surface 7 ′ onto the ground 16 ′ and the element 1070 that leads to the ground shown. The basic elements can be easily installed not only because no grout or shim is required, but the extra large fixing hole 1060 provides a large margin for error in drilling the first hole in the floor slab, This is because the bolt 1061 is attached using an oversized washer 1062 having a fixing hole off the center. Once the first bolt is installed, the base element 1050 is adjusted to the correct position and then the bolt is tightened so that it is secured in place by the washer 1062. The smaller fixing hole 1059 can then be used to more accurately guide the cutting edge of the drill and the remaining bolts 1061 can be placed.

Refer to FIG. 91A and FIG. 91B. Based on the width W ₂ of width and slab 1070 of the drainage holes, slab may extend to a pair or under both sets of small projections 1056, a small supporting screw 1063 in that case, the edge of the slab Inserted into the pair closest to the part. The screw is then advanced downward through the basic element until it contacts the slab, supporting the slab on the side closest to the support surface 7 'and preventing tilting due to the load applied by the load transmitting element.

  Next, a central screw 1064 having a driving portion 1067 at its upper end is inserted into the screw hole of the central protrusion 1053 and advanced downward until its lower end contacts the plate 1071 (in this specification, “screw” "Means any element with a thread). A wrench is then coupled to the drive and torque is applied to the screw. Thereby, the lower part forms a load transmitting element 1064 ′ extending between the protrusion and the element connected to the ground, and is compressed to urge the element connected to the ground downward to move away from the protrusion. Function. The basic element 1050 functions as a cantilever and reacts an acting force (via the bolt 1061) to the mass of the floor slab 7. By using a torque wrench (ie a wrench with equipment to measure the applied torque), a known guaranteed load can be applied to the elements thus connected to the ground, and the applied torque (the design of the strut) Corresponds to the downward force applied to the element leading to the ground (selected as a known percentage of the applied load) and thus indicates the load bearing capacity of the filler and the underlying ground. The central screw 1064 can then be pulled down until it contacts the element 1070 that leads to the ground. Alternatively, it is possible to maintain a completely or partially torqued state. In that case, the upward load on the basic element can eventually be released or reversed as the filler is consolidated by the load applied from the struts.

  Using the front screw 1066 inserted into the front protrusion 1055, two side screws 1065 are then inserted into the protrusion 1054, and all three screws are coupled to the plate 1071 in a manner similar to the center screw. Proceed downwards until In this way, the lower portion 1064 ', 1065', 1066 'of each screw 1064, 1065, 1066 serves to transfer the vertical load on the column (partially or all) from the protrusion to the element leading to the ground, in the axial direction An adjustable load transfer element. To the extent that the vertical load is not completely transferred to the element 1070 connected to the ground, the basic element 1050 functions as a cantilever and uses the bolt 1061 acting on the tension to restrain the fixing portion 1058, and the rest of the load is floored. Move to slab 7. If desired, only the center screw may be coupled to the element leading to the ground, or the side and / or front screws may be used as load transmitting elements instead of the center screw. However, it is convenient to apply the initial torque using the center screw and then connect the remaining screws to the slab using a light torque that is light enough to disperse the applied load.

  After installation, the upper portions 1064 ″, 1065 ″, 1066 ″ of each screw 1064, 1065, 1066 form a threaded weld stud that protrudes upward from the protrusion 1057, and the threaded weld stud is the tread plate 1030. And an attachment structure for attaching the lower end 1000 ′ of the post to the protrusion, and connecting the post in a fixed relationship to the basic element and the support surface 7 ′. The upper portion 1064 '' of the central screw forms a central support 1064 '', a fixed portion of 1068 that is placed under the column in use, and preferably at least partially within the area occupied by the column (ie, the projection of the column). In the cross section, i.e. in the line connecting the outermost points of the projecting section, such as in the projecting region of the central recess), and most preferably in axial alignment with its center of gravity. In contrast, the upper portions 1065 "and 1066" of the three screws 1065 and 1066 form respective axially adjustable side wall holding fixtures. As shown in FIG. 93, these are generally arranged outside the occupation area of the support column and spaced from the center support.

  The drive portion 1067 of each screw 1064, 1065, 1066 is contained within the perimeter of the screw bottom so that it can be hex nut or other cooperating after being fixedly attached to the base element as described above. An element with a female thread can be passed through the top of the screw.

  As mentioned above, once all mounting assemblies are mounted aligned down each side of the rail arch, the central support 1064 '' and each mounting assembly 1068 are vertically positioned as described below. To adjust the overall vertical height of each strut so that after installation, all strut heights are equal.

  Refer to FIGS. 92A and 92B. A large female threaded central nut 1068 defining a partially spherical and upward mounting surface 1068 'is initially received at the central thread upper portion 1064 "of each mounting assembly. A laser level (not shown) is set up at one end of the rail arch, adjusted to emit a horizontal laser beam parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arch, and each true of the aligned central supports. Pass through the top (or you can set up a rotating level in the center of the floor to make the reference plane protrude above the entire floor).

  A short cylindrical tube (not shown) has a length approximately equal to the upper portion 1064 ″ of the central screw, for example 100 mm or 150 mm, and an inner diameter slightly larger than its outer diameter. This short cylindrical tube is positioned on the upper portion 1064 ″ of the first central thread of the mounting assembly, thereby locating on the mounting surface 1068 ′ of the central nut 1068. Next, the central nut is adjusted up and down. That is, the upward mounting surface is arranged at a variable distance from the basic element so that the upper end of the tube coincides with the laser beam. It is then convenient to use a half nut (not shown) below the central nut and secure the central nut in that position. The tube is then removed and replaced at the next mounting assembly and the procedure is repeated (without interfering with the laser level) until all the central nuts are aligned to the same horizontal level. The beams are then realigned to transfer the level to the corresponding mounting assembly on the opposite side of the arch, and the procedure is repeated until all the central nuts on either side of the arch are aligned to a common horizontal plane. As long as all the struts are identical and have fixing holes in exactly the same position, this quick and simple procedure guarantees that all the struts are located in exactly the same vertical height after installation. This makes it possible to attach the mezzanine of the exact same height without having to make any further measurements or adjustments by simply fixing the heel in place on the column.

  With the central nut 1068 in the correct position of the central screw, the lower nut 1069 is threaded through the three smaller screws 1065 and 1066 and is below the height of the central nut as best seen in FIG. 92B. . The mounting assembly is now ready to receive the strut 1000 or 1040.

  Refer to FIG. The strut tread plate 1030 is pivotally attached to the central support so that the central screw upper portion 1064 ″ is received in the central hole 1031 and extends into the central recess of the strut. At this time, the inclined lower end portion of the center hole is rotatably supported on the upward mounting surface 1068 ', and the studs 1065' 'and 1066' 'are received by the hole portions 1032 and 1033, respectively. The tread is thus balanced on the central nut so that the weight of the entire strut is essentially supported by the large center screw 1064 so that the strut is easily within angular adjustment with respect to the vertical position. Can be tilted.

  The upper nut 1069 'is then passed through the upper ends of each of the three smaller studs 1065 "and 1066". Using a spirit level with vertical vials, down swings, etc., and using the brick vertical surface 4 of the abutment 3 as a reference surface, the column is then adjusted to the vertical position and the upper nut 1069 ' It is screwed in until it joins to the upper surface of the footboard 1030. Since there are only three side wall retainers, the lower nut 1069 of the front stud 1066 '' is also screwed together to join the lower surface of the tread. When all three upper nuts 1069 'and the lower nut 1069 are located on the front stud, the footboard is thus held in a horizontal plane to restrain the column from tilting vertically. , Non-vertical forces (such as the horizontal movement of the column or the tendency of the column to tilt relative to the foundation) are transferred by the basic element to the support surface 7 ′ and react to the mass of the floor slab 7.

  Throughout this procedure, the footboard is mounted on the mounting surface 1068 'so that the overall vertical height of the column remains essentially constant. Advantageously, by adjusting the two corresponding lateral side wall retentions, the column is tilted in the longitudinal (lateral) direction of the arch (each side wall retention is a stud 1065 '' and a corresponding set of nuts 1069 and 1069). And then in another step, tilt front to back to be parallel to face 4 by adjusting the front side wall retention (including stud 1066 '' and nuts 1069, 1069 ') Is done. In this way, the column can be tilted by loosening one upper nut and tightening the other nut until the correct vertical direction is achieved.

  Next, the remaining lower nut 1069 is raised to join the lower surface of the footplate 1030, securing each side wall retainer to the footboard between the opposing upper and lower nuts. In other embodiments having four or more side wall retainers, the columns can be adjusted in both orthogonal planes by using a corresponding set of upper nuts, one on each of the columns. Thus, the lower nut is only needed to secure the upper nut in position. Washers can be provided between the footboard and the central nut and / or between the upper and lower nuts. This can also include conical or rounded end surfaces and / or nylon or other securing inserts or formations and can provide additional lock nuts.

  The column is supported on the ground 16 ′ beyond the end 7 ″ of the support surface 7 ′ and most of the load is between the central support 1064 ″ and the top element 1030 and the base element protrusion 1057. Supported by 1068 extending therebetween.

  The basic element is preferably made of cast iron having flexibility or impact resistance, such as spheroidal gray cast iron, so that it does not break even under impact load. In other embodiments, it can be forged, pressed, or fabricated from steel, and can also be molded from a plastic material with suitable high strength, which can have threads. Even when the rate of load transferred to the floor slab varies, it is preferable to be stiff enough to avoid significant deformation under the load imposed by the column. If necessary, the base element anchoring portion 1058 can be hidden after installation by a pressed steel or molded plastic cover (not shown) having an edge that smoothly and gradually narrows to contact the support surface. Alternatively, it may be concealed by a layer of mortar with thinly splayed edges. Alternatively, it may be concealed in a floor covering so that the wheel traffic can be passed without being obstructed. Rather than a flat bottom plate with ribs, the basic element can include a thick solid plate with a thinly-scored end and a recess for receiving a fixture, thereby providing an essentially complete top surface. .

  It is also possible to place a network of closely spaced ribs on the lower surface of the basic element, the upper surface comprising a flat plate with gradually narrowing edges to contact the support surface. , Have a recessed fixed place. Thereby, the surface which inclined after installation is provided, and a vehicle or a pedestrian can pass easily on it. In this case, the basic element is molded from a plastic material with a steel insert extending between the threaded protrusion and the fixing hole of the fixing part, providing the necessary strength and rigidity, the steel insert is Preferably, the thread is defined and the plastic molding preferably defines a smooth and sloped upper surface. The fixation location can then be finished with a flat fixture, a press-in cap that hides the bolt head.

  Instead of a concrete slab 1070 with the required steel slab 1071, ordinary concrete building blocks, heavy steel channels or angles, suitable permanent timber, or other convenient objects as elements connected to the ground Can be used. The material used is preferably rigid and resistant to corrosion under the wet conditions of the drain holes when attached to the railway arch as shown.

  If the column is attached to the end of the drainage hole at the tip of the railway arch structure, it may protrude equally on both sides because there is not enough room to put concrete blocks etc. under the basic element. Therefore, an element connected to a short ground such as a building block may be inclined when the load is not uniform. In such a situation, elements connected to the ground may be arranged to extend between the foundations of two adjacent struts so that each load transfer element applies pressure to each end. Common concrete lintels (such as 50 mm or 80 mm thick) may be used for this purpose, such as those used to support brickwork over wide windows in a house. The lintel is preferably placed upside down from the normal direction, and the tensile rebar wire is close to the upper surface.

  94A and 94B are referred to. The pressure plate 1072 is made of cast iron or other suitable material and has a flat platform 1073 with a network of upwardly extending ribs 1074. The pressure plate can be placed on a common concrete block or slab that is used as an element connected to the ground, thereby distributing the point load from the load transfer elements 1064 ', 1065', 1066 '. Since these are respectively connected by the cell defined between the ribs upward, the plate 1072 is not inclined and cannot be controlled due to the load.

  In summary, in a preferred embodiment, the last-mentioned aspect of the invention comprises a basic element (1050) adapted for attachment to an upwardly facing support surface (7 ') of a concrete slab (7), and a column A column mounting assembly having a mounting structure for supporting (1000) is provided. The basic element can form a cantilever protruding from the end of the support surface, and a portion of the vertical load is transferred from the column to a flat plate (1070) located on the ground (16 ') under the mounting structure. The mounting structure can include a central support (1064 ″, 1068) that is vertically adjustable to balance the column pivotably at the top and adjust the overall height of the column, and can be independently Adjustable side wall retainers (1065 ″, 1069, 1069 ′, 1066 ″, 1069, 1069 ′) are arranged around to support the column vertically. The mounting structure includes a set of threaded rods (1064, 1065, 1066) that are advanced downward through the protrusion (1057), and it is convenient to transfer vertical loads from the column to the plate. The assembly can be used to support the column over the drainage hole (10 ") of the rail arch.

  In the illustrated embodiment, each load transfer element is a single rigid element placed in compression between the protrusion and the element that leads to the ground. In other embodiments, this load transmission element or each load transmission element can include one or more portions, such as a lever, articulated mechanism, etc., which need not function in a compressed state.

  After mounting the pillar, it is possible to adjust the load transfer element in the loaded state, for example to compensate for slight movement of the ground. This load transfer element or each load transfer element can include or cooperate with a resilient element that resiliently transfers the column load to the ground. In one embodiment, the load transfer element is a screw extending between the protrusion and the element leading to the ground, but only for a portion of the distance between them, so both parts are Do not join directly. A resilient compression element (such as a steel leaf spring, coil spring, or block of elastomeric material) is placed between the lower end of the screw and the element leading to the ground and is loaded by advancing the screw downwards, Thereby, after installation, the resilient element expands to compensate for the gradual consolidation of the filler or the settlement of the ground below the element leading to the ground. Alternatively, the element itself connected to the ground can include a leaf spring or the like. By incorporating a resilient element, the relative movement between the basic element and the element connected to the ground can be corrected to keep the load on the basic element almost constant and effectively separate the column from small ground movements. it can.

  In yet other embodiments, the column can be attached to the protrusion by a conventional attachment structure (such as a bolt), and a portion of the load is provided by a load transfer element that does not need to form part of the attachment structure, It can be moved to an element connected to the ground. In addition, attach a hinge etc. to the basic element, for example, to transfer the horizontal force to the floor slab (so that the foundation of the column is fixed in translation) and not react the rotational force (so that the column can tilt freely) Thus, the columns are reinforced by individual horizontal members, beams, tension wires, or the like. In yet another embodiment, instead of providing a load transfer element, the mounting structure includes a collar arranged, for example, as a protrusion welded to the base element, and the column is received in the collar to slide. Will place the bottom of the pillar directly on the element connected to the ground. Alternatively, for example, a pillar can be attached to an element connected to the ground to provide a mounting bracket that joins the basic elements, allowing non-vertical forces to react to the floor slab via the basic elements.

  Instead of welding to the post as shown, the top element can include a plate or other body adapted to pivotably attach to the central support, and the lower end of the post can be bolted It can have mounting hardware. If desired, the side wall retention can be adapted to join separate parts from the upper element or to join the struts directly. Of course, any of the various struts disclosed herein may be used with the mounting assembly.

  When mounting the mounting assembly of the first embodiment to a railway arch structure with narrow drain holes, the basic element 1050 is used as a pure cantilever to transfer the entire vertical load from the column to the floor slab, thereby It is possible to eliminate the need for elements that lead to Alternatively, the drain hole may be absent. In that case, the flat bottom plate 1051 of the protrusion is placed directly on the floor slab, transferring the vertical load vertically downward to the top surface 7 '.

  In still other embodiments, the basic element need not include a cantilever with a protrusion, but may be a flat steel base plate with a central support and side wall retention, the column being disposed on the base plate, and the base plate supporting upward Fixed directly on the surface. The support surface need not be adjacent to the ground, for example, the upper surface of the floor slab (ground surface, below or above it), concrete pile, bridge, beam, balcony, platform, chest wall, or other stable Includes support or foundation. Instead of attaching a female threaded component to the stud or screw so that the stud or screw penetrates, the center support or a male that is adjustably attached to the corresponding female or male thread on the base plate Or a component with a female thread, where the upper axial end face of the component is round, conical, or similar that is received in the corresponding structure, such as a recess in the lower surface of the upper element An attachment surface can be formed. This is particularly preferred if the central support is not intended to protrude downward from the base element and / or the column's center of gravity includes a central web (such as a general purpose column) This is the case when it is desirable to place the center support at the center of gravity without clipping. In such an embodiment, the central support does not penetrate the top element, so no hole is required.

  The novel mounting assembly is particularly suitable for use with light or moderately loaded columns, such as supporting loads on the order of less than about 25 metric tons. However, of course, heavier pillars designed for much higher loads can also be used. Other than the use of attaching linings or mezzanine floors to railway arched structures, the present invention is desirable, for example, in the construction of steel-framed buildings and temporary buildings, and where it is desired to attach columns of columns to equal heights. Or in other situations where it is desired to place the column legs adjacent to the upwardly facing support surface. It can also be used to install masts, rails, protective walls, light poles, etc. The term “post” as used herein includes these generally vertically supporting elements that support other structures. Other adaptations within the scope of the corresponding claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Flexible frame element

  Each flexible frame element can include a continuous flexible metal or plastic portion or profile, such as an I-beam, top hat, square, or rectangular cavity (ie, an elongated element having a constant cross-section). . It has sufficient resistance to axial compression and can be bent to accommodate the curvature of the lower surface without collapsing axially due to load. Alternatively, the flexible frame element can include a plurality of rigid non-compressible portions coupled in series by hinge portions. The latter arrangement is preferred because each hinge part can be arranged to prevent the formation of a dominance angle on the inside of the frame element, i.e. on the side facing the interior space of the arch. When using an outer shape such as flexible plastic, it must be flexible enough to bend outwards to accommodate the curvature of the bottom surface with a minimum radius, in other arches with much larger radii If the same profile is used, there is a risk of local buckling due to its flexibility, after which the arch lining collapses inward, such as going down vertically at the top of the road As long as the hinged frame element (ie, including the rigid portion joined by the hinge portion) is arranged so that the hinge essentially prevents the formation of a dominant angle Can be used in both arches).

  The rigid part and the hinge part can include an integral part of a single material, in which case the frame element can be manufactured at a relatively low cost (conveniently with mild steel by laser cutting) Therefore, it is also suitable for one-time installation or reuse multiple times by care. Alternatively, fully reusable elements can be assembled from individual combined parts. Long frame elements can be cut to make short elements, or short elements can be joined to make long elements.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 14B to 17. The first flexible frame element 70 includes a single roll-formed mild steel “top hat” portion and has a central U-shaped recess with a pair of opposing lateral flanges 71, where The central U-shaped portion defines a series of flexible rigid portions 72 that are split by a laser beam cutter and joined end to end by flanges 71, which are left as they are. Artificially deformable hinge portions 73 are formed adjacent to the cut (each rigid portion is “rigid” in the sense that it resists buckling under axial compression, but more closely if necessary. There may be some room for deformation in order to adapt to the curvature of the lower surface, and each rigid portion may be slightly curved rather than straight as shown).

  Since the laser beam cutting machine creates a cut line with a minimum thickness, the adjacent cutting surfaces 74 that define the ends of each set of rigid portions remain essentially adjacent to each other at the axis at each hinge portion 73. The range of motion is limited, and a maximum angle θ of about 180 ° is defined between each adjacent rigid portion on the inside of the frame element, that is, the side facing away from the bottom surface. This essentially prevents the formation of a declining angle inside the frame element, so that the arcuate configuration of the frame element does not fail due to local buckling inward and downward from the bottom surface. Is guaranteed. With a maximum angle θ of 180 °, the two frame elements 70 can form a rigid linear configuration when the flanges are joined together for shipping from the factory. For this reason, handling before installation becomes easy. Further, adjacent rigid portions 72 can be vertically aligned along each post below the spring line at the installation location.

  Of course, the frame elements can be manufactured by conventional cutting methods or drawing / compression molding rather than laser cutting. In order to bring the cutting surface 74 closer together, the rear wall 75 or part of the side wall 76 including the central U-shaped portion is pressed or stretched to form a slight ridge on each kerf before cutting. Then, it may be pressed again, or a local portion of the cut surface may be pressed after cutting. It is also possible to define a maximum angle θ of less than 180 ° by pressing the local regions of adjacent rigid portions together.

  During assembly, the U-shaped recess in the center of the frame element is adapted to be received to slide into the U-shaped recess in the center of the first support column 40, and when the frame element 70 arrives at the installation position. For at least a portion, preferably most or all of the frame elements, the rear wall 75 is coupled to press against the lower surface (adjacent to each hinge portion), as shown in FIG. It can be directly bolted to the top of the column 40 and the flange 71 is positioned relative to the flange 41 of the column.

  Each set of adjacent rigid portions 72 can be pivoted through a range of motion that is preferably limited outwardly by the adjacent cut surface 74 with respect to the respective hinge portion 73 during installation, as described in detail below. Furthermore, it is preferable that both are restrained and restricted inward by the plastic deformation element. This allows the frame element 70 to be raised to the installation position under the lower surface 5 thanks to this permanent flexibility, which defines an obtuse angle θ between them inside the frame element. For this reason, contact with the lower surface is urged against the lower surface to accommodate upward and inward curvatures to define a self-supporting arch configuration, whereby the loading of the frame element is at the first and second ends, respectively. Transferred to section 77 and then supported by respective struts 40 extending upward from the ground on both sides of the arch. After reaching the installation position, the frame element 70 does not need to be supported at any part other than the respective end portions 77. However, it is possible to increase the rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the arch and stabilize it by attaching a retaining post and / or panel between adjacent frame elements. Details are described below.

  Since the rigid portions 72 are independent of each other, it is possible to adopt different angles in the respective hinge portions 73. Regardless of the shape of the rigid portions 72, the frame element 70 can adapt to the curvature of the lower surface, and the spring line away from the column. A sharper acute angle can be adopted.

  Since each flexible frame element 70 according to the first embodiment is stabilized and increased in rigidity by compressive hoop stress and frictional contact with the lower surface, each of the rigid portions 72 is fixed to a fixed angle or adjacent to each other. It is unnecessary and inadequate to provide a means for locking in a rotating relationship. This permanent flexibility simplifies the frame elements and not only makes them easy to remove and reuse, but also allows them to adapt to the curvature of the lower surface when installed. The frame elements of the first embodiment are only suitable for applications that contact the underside of an existing arch shape and do not provide the rigidity required for a self-supporting structure independent of the existing arch or tunnel.

  In other embodiments described under the heading “Fitting Joints”, the following means are provided. That is, after the frame element is urged to press against the lower surface to flexibly adapt to the curvature of the lower surface as described above, the hinge portion can be fixed, after which the frame element is arched While maintaining the configuration, it can be lowered slightly so as to be mechanically separated from the lower surface.

  The flange 71 forms the inside of the first frame element 70 facing away from the lower surface at the installation position, and each flange includes a panel mounting structure (panel mounting means) including two rows of panel fixing holes 78, which are Adapted to receive a tapping screw, arranged in a pair of diagonals as shown, and cooperates with a corresponding fixing hole in the panel flange according to Vernier's principle, as described above with respect to the first strut.

  Each rigid portion includes support mounting means (post mounting structure) including two columns of column fixing holes 79 in each of the side walls 76, which form an adjustable mounting structure according to the Vernier principle as described above. It is adapted to cooperate with corresponding front fixing holes 48 and 49 of the first strut. This allows the first and second ends 77 to be adjusted to slide in very small increments with respect to the column during installation, thereby adjoining the wall 75 against the lower surface, Next, it attaches to the support | pillar 40 so that the frame element 70 may be supported in an installation position.

  Since the column fixing hole 79 is provided not only at the end portion 77 but also at each rigid portion, the frame element 70 is divided by cutting with an angle grinder or the like to form two short frame elements, and then each frame The separated end of the element can be attached to the support means.

  Cutting (and joining of short elements as described below) is preferably done at the center of the rigid part, and for reliability, the hinge part is preferably always formed at the factory, not by the user. Indicia 80 are provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 75 of each rigid portion 72 to indicate an accurate score line.

  The rear wall 75 of each rigid portion 72 is provided with means for releasably attaching the frame element to the installation tool and includes two opposing sets of keyhole slots 81 and 81 '. When the rigid portion is cut by the user, a set of slots 81 or 81 'is left in each cut half to form the end 77 of the frame element for attachment to the tool. In the example of FIG. 16A, the end 77 of the frame element terminates at a position corresponding to one of the cut lines, providing a rigid portion 72 'with the other half of the length, attached to the tool during installation, Since the framing elements are provided from the factory with such a half-length end rigid portion 72 'at each end, the framing elements can also be cut or provided in length. It can also be used in the state.

  It is important that each hinge part 73 is bent when the frame element is joined to the lower surface in order to avoid a straight line portion that is separated from the curvature of the lower surface.

  One way to achieve this is to resiliently bias each set of adjacent rigid portions away from the linear structure, ie, biasing into an internally bent structure. However, for ease of handling and transportation, it is desirable that each frame element be biased (or provided) into a linear configuration in the rest position.

  To achieve both of these objectives, each hinge portion easily allows a first small bend towards the interior of the arch, but essentially no further torque is applied to the joint. It is preferable to have means that does not bend. In other words, when the frame element is bent gradually so that it has the structure after attachment (for example, when attached to an installation tool), each hinge part reaches the first limit of bending, and torque is transferred to the rigid parts on both sides. As a result, all hinge portions are bent to the first small limit, and then the applied torque is increased to the limit necessary to further bend the hinge portion. In this way, since all the hinge parts are arranged in the first bent structure when contacting the lower surface, it is more easily bent to the limit necessary for the ends of all the rigid parts to be adjacent to the lower surface. .

  Of course, it is not essential that all rigid parts come into contact with the lower surface after installation. The reason is that the load on the frame causes each frame element to gradually touch the lower surface at the outer edge, thereby being stable even when slightly flattened at the top of the road to accommodate slight settling or movement after installation. It is to do.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 19A to 19D. Rather than completely severing the central U-shaped portion of each hinge portion, the cut is interrupted to define a plastic deformation element 87 in the rear wall 75 that forms the outside of the first frame element 70 in the installed position. Preferably, each end is attached to each rigid portion 72 and is spaced adjacent to each hinge portion 73.

(To avoid doubt, in this specification, the term “plastically deformable element” means “artificially deformable element” and not “deformed element made of plastic material”. (In contrast, the term “plastic” or “plastic material” refers to a polymeric material. The plastically deformable element is preferably made in one piece from a frame element such as mild steel.)

  In the first frame element 70, the plastic deformation element 87 is a cut similar to the pattern used when forming a diamond-shaped steel mesh, commonly known as "expanded metal" or "expamet". Includes pattern (convenient to make with laser beam cutting machine).

  Each plastic deformation element is gradually artificially deformed by extending at the time of installation as the obtuse angle θ between the respective adjacent rigid portions becomes smaller. The cut lines in the center of the plastic deformation element are closer to each other than the cut lines at the ends, and by applying a relatively small torque to the respective hinge parts, the first small line as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19B. Define a weaker initial deformation site 88 that is deformed to the limit. The remainder of the plastically deformable element is deformed to the second relatively large limit only as shown in FIGS. 19C to 19D by applying a relatively larger torque.

  In the fully deformed state (possibly slightly beyond the position shown in FIGS. 19C and 19D), the plastic deformation element 87 prevents further bending and defines a minimum limiting angle θ. After deformation, the plastic deformation element 87 tends to hold the flexible frame element in an arched structure because it provides some resistance to bending in the opposite direction, and without this fatigue the hinge. It is easy to remove and reinstall.

Reference is made to FIGS. 18 and 20A to 20D. The second single flexible frame element 90 is formed in the same manner as the first frame element 70 from a single mild steel “top hat” section. Each flange 91 has two rows of panel fixing holes 98, which are arranged at a distance d ₇ (which is different from the first element 70), which is a coefficient of the length of each rigid portion 92. A continuous pattern is formed from the rigid portion 92 to the next rigid portion 92. As noted above, the distance d ₇ is related to the spacing d ₂ between adjacent fixing holes in the corresponding flange of the panel 200, forming a panel mounting structure that can be adjusted based on Vernier's principle.

FIG. 18 shows a second frame element 90 having a central U-shaped portion that is slidably coupled to a corresponding central U-shaped portion of the second post 100. Each flange 101 of the second strut has a series of rectangular openings 102 only spaced apart a distance d _8, they are adapted to be coupled by the operation mechanism of the second alternative installation tool The Details are described below. Each flange 101, the columns in the column and the inner fixing holes 104 of the outer fixing holes 103 also have, each column holes are spaced apart by the same distance d ₇ between the panel fixing holes 98 of the second frame element This receives a tapping screw for attaching the panel to the column.

  Since the second frame element 90 is narrower than the second support column 100, when the second frame element 90 is attached to the illustrated position of the second support column 100, the fixing holes 103 outside the flanges of the support column are exposed. The In this way, the vertical panel can be fixed to the outer row of the fixing holes 103 at this portion and the outer fixing holes 103 or the inner fixing holes 104 with respect to the rest of the columns.

  The second plastic deformation element 94 is disposed adjacent to each hinge portion 93 of the second frame element 90 and functions in the same manner as that of the first frame element. As shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, the application of the first small torque causes this element to be continuous with the outer wall 95 defining a relatively smaller weaker center 96 that deforms to the first small limit. Formed by combined cutting. In contrast, the rest of the deforming element 94 is relatively larger and is essentially deformed to the second greater limit only by the application of an inherently greater torque, as shown in FIGS. 20C-20D. The deformation increases in proportion to the acting force.

  In other embodiments, the plastic deformation elements can be arranged as wrinkles that are compressed as the angle θ decreases. Also, for example, an individual element that wraps around the pivot pin of each individual rigid portion of the articulated and reusable flexible frame element. One such embodiment is described next.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 21A to 24D. A third fully reusable flexible frame element 110 includes an articulated assembly of individual rigid portions 112 joined end to end by a pivot 113.

  As with the first and second flexible frame elements, each rigid portion 112 is galvanized or passivated galvanized to form an elongated “top hat” portion that includes a rear wall 115 and two opposing side walls 116. A short mild steel, which forms a central U-shaped part and two opposing transverse flanges 111. The rear wall 115 forms the outside of the frame element that couples to the bottom surface, and the flange 111 forms the inside of the frame element that faces away from the bottom surface when in use. The end walls 114 of each rigid portion cooperate to form an adjacent surface that limits the obtuse angle θ formed between each pair of adjacent rigid portions inside the frame element to a maximum of 180 ° as shown in FIG. 24C. Work.

  Since the panel fixing holes 118 are provided in each of the flanges 111 and the column fixing holes 119 are provided in each side wall 116, the frame element can be attached to one of the columns 40 as described above. Two opposing sets of keyhole slots 121 and 121 'are provided on each rear wall, and the indicia 120 may be cut through the rigid portion 112 to define two separate half-length ends. The exact position is indicated and each can then be attached to the first installation tool and then attached to one strut 40 as one end of a separate frame element. Like the first and second frame elements, each third frame element 110 is provided with two half-length distal rigid portions (not shown) and is ready for use.

  The side wall 116 of each rigid portion 112 is bent inward to form the outer set of the hinge fitting 122 at one end of the rigid portion and the inner set of the hinge fitting 123 to the other end. The rigid parts are assembled at the factory by steel rivets 124 that pass through respective outer and inner hinge fittings to form a pivot pin on which the two parts can pivot. The pivot pin 124 passes through a spacer 125 (made from a plastic material or the like) that maintains the separation between the inner sets of mounting hardware 123 and stiffens the resulting pivot or hinge portion 113.

  After assembly, as shown, the end of the pivot pin or rivet 124 is flat or slightly inward with respect to the sidewall 116, and the assembled frame elements are the first and second frames already described. It can be slidably coupled to the column 40 in the same manner as the element.

  The rear wall 115 of each rigid portion 112 is cut at each end to define a fitting 126 that bends inward toward the flange 111. An elastically deforming element including a helical steel tension spring 127 is attached between each pair of adjacent fittings 126 and extends between two adjacent rigid portions 112 spaced from a hinge 113. . Since the spring is housed in the rear wall by a notch 128, it can be located as far away from the hinge 113 as possible.

  Since the adjacent rigid portion 112 rotates with respect to the hinge 113 during installation (FIG. 24D), the spring 127 extends in proportion to the applied torque. Torque is transferred from one rigid part to the next, whereby each hinge part is angled during installation.

  As shown in FIG. 24C, the spring 127 is preferably arranged so that the coil is almost or completely closed and lightly coupled to the mounting bracket 126 when the respective hinge portion is 180 ° or stationary. . This means that relatively small torque is required to rotate the rigid portion 112 to the first small limit, and the spring is more strongly resistant to deformation until a larger torque is applied in nature. To do. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24C, each elastic deformation element 127 urges the third frame element to have a slightly linear structure in a stationary state.

  The tension spring 127 or hinge portion 113 or rigid portion 112 defines a minimum limit angle θ to prevent an excessive extension of the spring (eg, a short steel cable or bar inside the spring, or a sleeve around the spring). Or an arm or the like extending from one rigid portion to the other rigid portion. Instead of a tension spring, the elastic deformation element may include a compression coil spring disposed between two butted surfaces of each adjacent rigid portion 112. For example, between the rear wall of one rigid part and the protruding arm of the other rigid part. In that case, the compression spring uses a resilient rubber or plastic spring instead of or in addition to the coil spring which defines the minimum limiting angle θ where the coil is completely closed. be able to. Alternatively, the elastic deformation element may include other types of springs, such as leaf springs or torsion springs arranged around pivot pins or spacers, whereby the protruding ends are coupled to the respective rigid portions 112. . Of course, the articulated third frame element 110 can be made without a resilient deformation.

  Instead of elastically deformable or plastically deformable portions, each individual pivot or integral hinge portion can include other means for providing a reaction force or resistance to axial motion. For example, a friction device disposed on a pivot.

  Refer to FIG. 33C and FIG. 33D. Each elastic deformation element can be formed by a plastic or rubber block instead of a spring. FIG. 33C shows an elastic deformation element 770 cut out from an extruded profile of a resilient material such as rubber. It has a central hole 771 that receives the pivot, two wings 772 that join the respective rigid portions of the frame element, and a stem 773 that supports a compressible top cap 774 that extends between the frame element and the lower surface. To cushion the adjacent end of the rigid portion against small movements of the lower surface. The stem extends between the ends of the rigid part of the frame element with a recess to accommodate it, and in use it is resiliently biased separately to initiate a change in angle between the two parts can do.

  FIG. 33D shows an alternative elastic deformation element 780 molded from a resilient plastic material, with an insert 781 for insertion into the opening in the central wall of the U-shaped part of each rigid part, angle at the joint It has a wavy and elastic expandable portion 782 that resists changes, and a stem 783 that can be used to separately urge the rigid portion when installed or to insulate if welding is intended.

  Of course, if necessary, the pivot 113 can be arranged so that the user can divide the frame element and reconnect it with each hinge. However, since the hinge is permanent and is made in the factory to avoid the risk of incorrect assembly, if necessary, the frame element can be divided by separating the rigid part (120) of the indicated part. Is preferred.

  The pivot 113 allows the third frame element to be attached, removed, and reattached as many times as necessary so that it can be reused each time the frame is removed for arch repair.

  On the other hand, when the first and second single frame elements are made of mild steel, aluminum, or the like, it is necessary to handle with care so as not to repeatedly stress the single hinge portion. . This is because metal fatigue may occur and eventually the hinge may break down. The relatively large length and small profile of each frame element can make it difficult to install without repeated bending. However, this difficulty is remedied by the presence of deformation elements that limit angular displacement at each joint and are preferably overcome by using a novel installation tool described below.

  In frequently inspected arches, articulated frame elements (assembled from separate parts) are preferred for long-term use, whereas unhindered one-time installation or economy is more important Under these circumstances, it is assumed that a single frame element is preferable (for example, it can be manufactured at a low cost by reworking the top hat portion that has been roll-formed or pressed with a production laser cutting machine).

  Also, those who regularly use a novel system are expected to maintain a stock of frame elements and split and recombine as needed for each job.

  Please refer to FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B. The joining bar 130 includes a rigid U-shaped portion having a rear wall 131 and two side walls 132, each side wall having a fixing hole in the side wall of each rigid portion of the first, second and third frame elements. It has a series of holes 133 corresponding to (79 and 119). The two frame elements are joined end-to-end by placing a joining bar 130 within the central U-shaped portion of the rigid portion at the end of each of the two shorter frame elements half the length. Thus, a longer frame element can be formed, whereby the two frame elements can each be bolted to the joining bar via cooperating holes in contact with the center of the joining bar.

  shield

  Reference is made to FIGS. The first preferred shield 150 includes elongate sides molded from, for example, high density polyethylene. The central mounting portion 151 extends along the longitudinal axis L, and two horizontal water repellent portions 152 are located on the side surfaces, each facing the front surface 153 facing away from the lower surface when in use and on the lower surface when used. With the opposite back side 154 facing.

  The attachment 151 forms a resilient clip structure with ribs 155 that couple to the corresponding grooves of the post and frame element, and the shield is on the back of the post (FIG. 29) or outside the frame element (FIG. 30). Once attached, this keeps the shield in place when the frame element is raised to the installation position below the lower surface. The clip also defines a groove 156 to receive the second shield rib 155. Since the clip structure is elastically deformed, the two shields can be kept in a nested relationship, such as at a common portion directly above each column.

  Each front surface 153 of the water repellent portion 152 includes an outer section 162 having a plurality of water-conducting structures 157 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L, which in use face the rear water repellent surface of the adjacent panel. . Each structure includes a group of fins having a narrow tip 158. The fin extends away from the surface 153 and curves slightly away from the attachment to define the inner curve 159 and the plurality of cracks 160. It all tends to catch water droplets to urge the water droplets to travel longitudinally along the water guiding structure, preventing the water droplets from moving laterally across the front surface 153 toward the attachment.

  The outer edge portion 161 of the water repellent portion bends toward the lower surface, whereby the outer area 162 moves away from the lower surface and contacts the back surface of the panel. Since the fins are most effective near the top of the road where the shield is approximately horizontal, water droplets that flow to the lower front surface of the shield will flow or drip from the narrow tip 158 of the fin to the back of the panel, causing the panel to ground. Is directed downwards.

  A set of first and second inner sections 163 and 164 are disposed between each outer section and the attachment. As shown in FIG. 27A, the inner sections 163 and 164 are flat after extrusion. The extrusion is then passed between a pair of paired heating rollers to imprint the pattern of corrugations 165 and 166 to form a diagonal water-conducting structure in each inner area. In the first inner section 163, as shown, the corrugation 165 extends downwardly and outwardly away from the attachment, whereas in the second inner section 164, as illustrated. The waveform 166 is reversed so as to extend inclined upward and outward.

  The diagonal waveform becomes increasingly effective as the shield becomes increasingly steeper in the vertical direction. In the position shown, the water droplets that reach the first inner section 163 are guided outwardly away from the attachment by the corrugations 165. The two shields are preferably both arranged in the direction shown and have a short gap at the top of the arch covered by a short capping extrusion (not shown). The short capping extrusion may be a thin extrusion having a downwardly extending end. This makes it easy to remove and re-install the frame elements without disturbing the cables arranged like the spinal cord that run along the top of the road between adjacent frame elements, and the capping extrusion is located at the top of the cable Left behind. However, if necessary, one shield can be applied along the entire length of the frame element. Next, the other end of the shield is turned upside down as shown in the figure, so that the directions of the waveforms 165 and 166 are reversed. The corrugation 166 of the second inner section 164 effectively guides the water droplets reaching that area outwardly away from the attachment.

  The central wall of the attachment has a thick corrugation 168 that forms a compressible structure 167, which is placed between the flexible frame element and the lower surface in use. The underside of the railway arch structure shows very little movement (on the order of 1 mm to 2 mm) as the train passes over it. The corrugations can be folded to provide lost motion to cushion the frame element while providing sufficient rigidity to react to hoop stress on the lower surface, and mechanically decouple from small movements on the lower surface. Instead of corrugations, inherently compressible materials such as foam plastic materials, elastomers, etc. can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 40, when the frame element 70 is raised to the installation position below the lower surface 5, the shield mounting portion is thus positioned between the rear wall and the lower surface of the frame element. The compressible structure cushions the frame element 70 against the lower surface 5 so that the end of each rigid portion of the frame element is pushed upward and outward relative to the lower surface so that the shield is not damaged. The horizontal water-repellent part is spread on each side during the installation of the panel 200, thereby encouraging it to be elastically bonded to the back side of the panel, as shown, under the shield. Provide a dry zone.

(For the avoidance of doubt, in this specification, when reference is made to a frame element that is coupled to or touches the lower surface, this includes the arrangement in which the shield is placed between the frame element and the lower surface.)

  The shield material is preferably provided in a large diameter roll, which, when unfolded, results in a naturally curved structure, which helps to accommodate the curvature of the frame element.

  Shields and panels do not rely on compressive seals for efficiency, and rely on downward and outward water transfer surfaces, respectively, to prevent water from moving laterally toward the frame element You will understand. This provides a large tolerance between the various system components so that the effectiveness of the system is maintained regardless of installation accuracy or underside curvature. Of course, a compressive seal or the like can be provided if necessary. It is also possible to assemble the water repellent surface in an ultra-small size, thereby defining an energy barrier for droplets that move laterally. For example, a transition between the Wenzel state and the Cassie-Baxter state.

  Alternative shield elements 149 and 140 are each a flexible plastic or elastomeric extrusion with a horizontal water repellent portion having a longitudinal water convection 143 and adhesive strips 145 and frame elements for attachment to the frame element And a central attachment including a compressible structure 147 for absorbing movement between the lower surface and the lower surface. These are shown in FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 at the installation position of the top of the arch. In other embodiments, the shield can be made from other plastic materials such as polyester or from thin galvanized steel, aluminum, and the like. In yet other embodiments, the central attachment can have a round outer surface that tends to deflect the frame element and shield away from the old fixture protruding from the lower surface when the frame element is raised into position. And resiliently fastened in the central recess of the frame element to cushion it against the lower surface. An elastic cap made of galvanized steel or hard plastics material can also be fastened to the back of the shield and deflected away from the old fixture protruding from the bottom. This is preferably removed before installation.

  Installation of flexible frame elements

The nominal required length L ₁ of each flexible frame element can be roughly calculated according to the formula L ₁ = ((πW) / 2) +2 m based on the width W of the arch. This is L ₁ = (1.57 W) +2 m. This provides an accurate length that extends to the bottom surface of the semi-cylindrical shape with a 1 m common part for fixing at each end.

  Alternatively or in addition, a table is provided and the top column lists the characteristics of the arch structure (eg, oval, cylindrical, flat, etc.), the rows correspond to the width of the arch, and the body of the table is required for each combination Flexible frame elements can be described.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 1-12, each single flexible frame element 70 is about 10 m long, about 50 mm deep (between the rear wall and the flange), and about 110 mm wide (between the outer ends of the flanges). is there. It is relatively rigid in the width direction, but quite flexible in the depth direction due to its length. This can make it difficult to avoid uncontrolled movements that can cause unnecessary flexing and weakening of the integral hinge when transporting and lifting to a few meters above the ground. is there.

  Reference is made to FIG. 14D. This problem is avoided prior to installation by providing a pair of flexible frame elements 70 that are joined together with front faces (flange) and fastened with plastic fasteners 178. Each frame element is preferably constrained to form a maximum angle of 180 ° inner surface (opposite from the lower surface in use) at each joint, so both elements are easy to handle and break The result is an essentially rigid linear assembly that can be transported to the point of use.

  Please refer to FIG. 3 to FIG. Next, each frame element 70 is preferably attached by a set of first installation tools 300, by which means each frame element 70 can be easily lifted so as to be pressed against the lower surface and joined to the installation position. While fixing, it is possible to avoid unnecessary deflection of the essential joint.

  With particular reference to FIG. 3, each first installation tool 300 includes a releasable attachment mechanism 301 for attaching a tool that controls movement toward the underside, and a releasable attachment of one end of a flexible frame element 70 to the tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable attachment mechanism 301 includes a tool element attachment mechanism (302 in FIG. 5) and an operating mechanism 303 for controlling the vertical movement of the tool toward or away from the lower surface. Is adapted to releasably attach to slidably couple with one flange 41 of the strut 40, while the motion mechanism 303 provides a mechanism for manually raising and lowering the tool relative to the strut. Including.

  In addition, each tool 300 is controlled by a separate adjustment mechanism 304 for moving the respective ends of the attached frame element 70 toward and away from the respective struts 40 and a releasable ratchet mechanism. Pivot mechanism 305 preferably includes a frame element 70 that moves downwardly while attached to the tool while allowing frame element 70 to be lifted from essentially horizontal to essentially vertical. To suppress.

  Various features of the first tool 300 will be described in more detail later.

  Once all the struts 40 have been placed and the spade column 60 and the spatula 67 have been attached, each of the two installation tools 300 is attached to the respective foundation of the first set of struts 40 on the opposite side of the arch, and the ratchet Is released by pulling the detent ring 423, and the pivot mechanism 305 rotates in a direction that provides more room, so that each frame element attachment mechanism 302 extends horizontally, or Preferably, it extends slightly downward toward the floor of the arch. The separation adjustment mechanism 304 is adjusted by a detachable handle 396 to provide a gap between each end of the frame element and the respective strut 40, as will be described below, when the frame element is raised, the end of the shield 149. House part.

  The first set of frame elements 70 is then placed on the ground and separated by cutting the fasteners 178. Next, one frame element 70 has a first end of its end 77 attached to one attachment mechanism 302 of the tool, thereby extending away from the respective strut 40 along the ground. (Figure 3).

  The installer then walks toward the second tool with the second end 77 of the frame element within a wide arc, which results in the frame element having an arcuate structure, as shown in FIG. The bending of each hinge portion, which is placed on the ground at the same time as being gradually bent and attaches the second end 77 to the attachment mechanism 302 of the second tool 300, is caused by the respective plastic deformation element as described above. Be controlled.

  When the two end portions 77 of the frame element 70 are attached to the two tools 300, the intermediate portion of the frame element is lifted from the ground by a short distance and supported by the building block 11 or the like. The shield 149 is then cut from the roll and fitted to the outer (ie, bonded to the lower) surface of the frame element 70, thereby along the entire length of the curved frame element between the two ends. It extends (FIG. 4).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the frame element 70 is raised essentially in a vertical plane and the attachment mechanism 302 of each tool rotates relative to the pivot mechanism 305. The ratchet mechanism cooperates with the pivot mechanism 305 to allow upward movement, prevents the frame element from falling downward in either direction, and cooperates with the safety detent bolt 421 (detailed below) to provide the frame element 70. Automatically locks the pivot mechanism 305 of each tool when it reaches the vertical position.

  This makes it relatively easy for two people to lift the flexible frame element by pushing upwards in charge of one end of the flexible frame element, or even if one person raises it, It is easy to push as close to the center as possible at first, and then support it with two ratchets when it reaches a position near the upright position rather than near one end. An angle θ of up to 180 ° between adjacent rigid portions 72 prevents the frame element 70 from bending outwards and coming into contact with the strut 40, so that a stable, fairly uniform arcuate shape as shown in FIG. The structure is fixed and it is safely supported on a vertical plane with no support.

  Alternatively, for the installation by one person, the middle part of the frame element 70 can first be raised as high as possible from the ground and supported by a short self-supporting ladder. Next, the rope or swing cord 12 is passed through the two central keyhole slots 81 and 81 ′ of the rear wall 75 of one rigid part 72 closest to the middle of the frame element 70, and the rope or By pulling the cord 12, the frame element is raised to a vertical position. This can also be done by passing the rope 12 through a block fixed between the upper ends of two separate struts, or using two ropes that pass through two blocks that are respectively fixed to the upper ends of the two separate struts Can be easily achieved.

  Of course, if necessary, the applied torque is increased, but each tool can be adapted to provide an interlocking mechanism or the like for raising the frame element to an upright position.

  Once the frame element is secured in a vertical position by detent bolts, the shield 149 has a threaded inner and outer end hole with the shield 149 extending down between the frame element and the post at each end. A handle 550 containing a short steel lance is screwed to the left hand (upward) drive socket 522 ′ of the operating mechanism 303 of each tool. In the illustrated example, since the short cord 13 is also attached to the hole at the outer end of each handle, the handle can be operated from the ground against the restoring force of the expansion spring 535 ′ (details will be described later) (FIG. 5).

  Next, the two handles 550 (shielded by two people simultaneously or alternately by one person) by pulling the cord 13 to raise each tool 300 carrying the frame element 70 onto the two struts 40 (shield Operate until the outer surface of the rear wall 75 of the frame element (buffered by 149) contacts the lower surface 5.

  In this manner, the end portion of the shield material 149 attached to the frame element 70 is gradually removed from the gap between the frame element and the column by the upward movement of the tool. These are then removed as necessary, and as shown, the upper end of the shield 149 previously captured behind each post 40 is guided under the shield 149 of the frame element 70, thereby The two overlap to provide a water-repellent joint (FIG. 6).

  Next, by operating the removable handle 396 of each separation adjustment mechanism 304 and moving each frame element attachment mechanism 302 carrying each end 77 of the frame element 70 outward, each frame element The central U-shaped part of the end is slidably coupled to the central U-shaped part of the corresponding column 40, and the flange 71 of the frame element contacts the flange 41 of the column as shown in FIG. .

  If necessary, each frame element 70 can now be adjusted in verticality by means of a downward swing 14 suspended on a cord 12 attached to the midpoint of the frame element. The second cord 15 is stretched between the respective support pillars 40 under the frame element. The position of the frame element is adjusted by pulling the swing cord 12 in the required arch heel direction until the swing swing 14 is aligned with the lower cord 15 (FIG. 6).

  Next, the handle 550 is operated again to raise the tool 300 and the frame element 70 upward with respect to the support column 40 and to force the frame element upward and outward to press against the lower surface 50. Move to reach the final installation position. This upward movement causes a compressive hoop stress between the end portions 77 of the frame element, forcing each rigid portion 72 of the frame element to move outward relative to the lower surface 5, so that the frame moves along the entire length. While holding the shield 149 between the element and the lower surface, the upper end of the column is urged outward with respect to the pier.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, each end 77 of the frame element 70 is attached to the upper end of the post 40 on the tool by bolts 50, so that the remaining hoop stress is maintained by the post acting in compression. With the adjustable mounting structure already described, based on Vernier's principle, the frame element 70 can be mounted in virtually any vertical position on the column 40 and the degree of intersection is not important, so the system measures Or very tolerant of errors in calculations (FIG. 7).

  If the swing cord 12 is looped through the keyhole slot of the frame element, it can be recovered here by pulling one end so that it can be reattached to the next frame element. Alternatively, collection is simplified by looping through a small wire or plastic part (not shown) attached to the keyhole slot.

  Next, the frame element attachment mechanism 302 of each tool is separated from the frame elements, and the handle 550 is coupled to the right hand (downward) drive socket and operated to lower the tool back against the post 40. The attachment mechanism 301 is then released and the tool is removed from the post, and the remaining frame element 70 is then installed in the same manner. In the installed position, each of the frame elements 70 is thus fixed with respect to the lower brick, so that it flexibly adapts to the curvature of the lower surface 5 and is supported only by the two struts 40 on the opposite surface of the arch. While forming a self-supporting arch-shaped structure, it increases rigidity and is restrained against longitudinal movement of the arch by frictional contact with the lower surface (FIG. 8).

  By using a novel tool, the flexible frame element can be handled and attached in this simple and efficient manner, and unnecessary deflection of the joint can be avoided. In addition, there is little need to work above the ground when setting up the framework. What is needed is a relatively short to work against the top of each column to repair the poles and cables, overlay the shield, bolt the frame element to the column, and operate the tool It is preferable that it is only a ladder and can be operated almost from the ground as already described. Thus (except for a few bolts and spanners), it is not necessary to carry tools or materials up and down the ladder.

  Of course, the tool is equally suitable for use in attaching the articulated frame element 110.

  Road top joint element

  Referring to FIGS. 26A and 26B, the second joining element 650 functions similarly to the joining bar 130 (FIGS. 25A to 25B), for which the side wall of the preferred flexible frame element 640 (FIG. 85), A mounting portion 651 for mounting to an additional fixing hole (not shown) disposed between the flange and the mounting hole 642 is included. The attachment is disposed within the frame element and is spaced to define a space in communication with the notch 652. The lifted wing 653 extends outwardly from the flat central coupling plate 654 in the longitudinal direction of the arch in use and functions in the same way as the strut 60 but with a cable running along the top of the arch. A mounting flange 661 of the cable tray 660 that passes through a luminaire that supports and hangs from the plate 654 and the tray is received. The cable can branch off, pass through the notch 652, and pass through the recess of the frame element like the spinal nervous system. The cable can also pass across the top of the road along the frame element, in which case it passes under the raised wings 653 to the bendable fingers 662 of the cable tray. Supported.

  Advantageously, the cable may be removed from the central recess of the frame element and hung from the frame elements on both sides, after which the cable tray is separated and the frame is placed (with the joining element 650 in place). Element can be lowered. The cable passing through the center plate 654 is left in place and hangs from the top of the arch between two adjacent frame elements. It is preferable that two shields are arranged with a short gap on the road top and are covered with a road top shield extending on a wiring arranged like a spinal cord. As a result, the frame elements can be removed and replaced one by one without cutting the wiring.

  Preferably, each frame element is divided into two equal parts, one attached to each tool, and joined together at the joining element 650 at the center of the floor. This makes handling easier and halves the space required to bend. As described below, the two tools can be synchronized to align all of the joining elements 650 at the top of the road.

  Also, the bendable finger portion is cut from the frame element adjacent to each hinge portion, which is spaced apart and extends part way across the central recess, thereby maintaining the cable in place and the finger portion. It is desirable to be able to insert the cable by twisting in between.

  Joist

  Posts may be used to support horizontal joists and provide mezzanine floors, in which case the struts will be sized and the joists and floors appropriately dimensioned before attaching the lining panels. Is attached. This floor thus provides a maintenance work floor that provides easy access to the entire lower surface to the top of the road.

  Alternatively, if you are not intending to install the mezzanine floor, use a smaller support column to temporarily attach a lightweight temporary joist 181 to the support column so that you can access the lower surface. Can support the floor.

  Please refer to FIG. For installation of the floor or maintenance work floor, it is preferable to first fix the mounting bracket 180 to the upper end of each support column 40 with a bolt. Each mounting bracket 180 can include a flat plate that is inserted into the central U-shaped portion of the frame element 70 in the post 40 and can be bolted through corresponding holes in two adjacent side walls 76 and 46. It is fixed (FIG. 14C). This may be attached at the same time that the frame element 70 is bolted to the column, so that all three elements are fixed together by the bolt 50 at the same time. The mounting bracket 180 can provide an adjustable mounting hole for both the bolt 50 mounting and the joist 181 mounting so that the mounting bracket 180 is adjustably positioned on the strut 40 and Alternatively, the joist 181 can be adjustably disposed on the mounting bracket 180. Alternatively, a two-part mounting bracket that allows adjustment of the position between the parts can be used.

  Conveniently, each temporary joist 181 includes a telescoping assembly including two holes, a box section, or an aluminum end 182 with an inverted U-section or top hat section, and the aluminum central section 183 is nested. Received in the ceremony. The central portion 183 has a slot 184 and the three parts are held in a slidable and adjustable relationship by bolts 185 passing through the slot. Each end 182 has a fixing hole 186 at its outer end at a position closer to the foundation than the upper (horizontal) wall.

  Each temporary joist 181 is first received at one end, sliding over one of the fittings 180 and received between the side walls of the joist. As a result, the upper wall of the joist is positioned on the mounting bracket and is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket by the bolt via the fixing hole 186 (FIG. 9).

  The other end of the joist is then raised from the ground (either directly or by a modification to the installation tool) and the second end is attached to the corresponding mounting bracket 180 at the upper end of the opposite strut 40. It is done. The assembly telescopically accommodates varying joist lengths. By securing two or three joists side by side and then placing boards or planks across them, a stable maintenance work floor or floor 187 is quickly created and easily accessible across the bottom surface to the top of the road (FIG. 10).

  The framework (including primarily flexible frame element 70 and strut 40) can be used to support the panel 200 or slats to form a waterproof lining, with or without a lining element or shield element. It can also be used to support lighting fixtures, pipes, racks, etc.

  Modular flooring elements

  Refer to FIG. 95 to FIG. In another aspect of the present invention, the temporary floor or maintenance work floor is quickly placed on regularly spaced parallel joists 181 by connecting a plurality of modular flooring elements 720. can do. Each element includes a generally planar load bearing surface 721 formed, for example, from a sheet of aluminum plate 722 or molded from a glass reinforced plastic material or other strong, rigid and lightweight material. A plurality of parallel reinforcing struts 723 are molded or attached to the underside of the load bearing surface and are formed or attached along a first horizontal axis X1 that intersects a joist between the respective continuous inner horizontal walls 724. Extend. Two ends 725 are defined between the outer surface 726 of each horizontal wall 724 and the opposite inner surface 727 of the respective second discontinuous horizontal wall 728 where the load bearing surface terminates, both horizontal Walls 724 and 728 extend away from the plane of the load bearing surface and below the horizontal portion L1 of the upper surface 181 ′ of each joist 181 to interpose a channel 729 that receives the support joist during use. Stipulate.

  The end 725 of each element 720 is supported by the respective first and second joists 180. Each end includes two recesses 730, one full width support 731 and two half width supports 732, extending in use to cover the respective joist 180 and supported by the top surface 181 '. Is done. Corresponding half-width supports 732 of each adjacent set of elements 720 are received in the recesses 730 of the adjacent elements 720, as shown, between the respective supports 731 and 732 of that element. Come to be located. Accordingly, the support portions 731 and 732 of that element are adjacent to the corresponding half-width support portions 732 of the aforementioned adjacent set of elements 720 disposed therebetween, thereby aligning adjacently as shown. Adjacent sets of the above-mentioned elements that are in a relation are restrained against movement of the load bearing surface. By staggering the elements 720, each element secures two adjacent elements together so that they cannot be opened unexpectedly and each element 720 can be lifted and replaced individually for continuous and safe operation Form a work surface. This element is thin and can be advantageously stacked so that for an element of about 2 m in length, about 1 m in width, and about 40 mm in total depth, it is only about 1.2 m. For example, it is assumed that a temporary floor is formed in a useful area of 6 m × 10 m. This makes it very easy to attach the panel underneath the bottom surface after placing the columns and joists. Of course, the novel element can be used in a variety of other situations.

  Each recess 730 extends along a first (length) axis X1 and defines an opening 733 in the load bearing surface 721 in use. An opening is defined between the inner end 734 of the recess (defined by the surface 726) and one respective opposing side surface 181 '' of the adjacent first and second joists. Each of the corresponding walls 728 of the corresponding support of the adjacent element 720 is received in the opening 733 as shown so that the first in the plane of the load bearing surface by the adjacent of the wall 728 to the respective joist. Each flooring element is restrained against movement along its axis.

  In development, the wall 728 can be removed. In this case, element 720 is restrained against movement along axis X1 by the adjoining of wall 724 to the joist. Only one recess or more than one recess can be provided.

  Stub support

  After the joists and floors are installed, the flanges of each column are separated from the floor to the spring line, so that the panel can be mounted up to the top of the column regardless of whether the beam and floor are positioned. The beam is preferably mounted at least about 1.5 m below the spring line (ie, the line whose curved lower surface contacts the vertical pier). This means that if you plan to install a mezzanine, there are two options after the column is first installed.

i) First attach the flexible frame element using the tool, then install the mezzanine.

ii) Install the mezzanine first, then attach the tool to the part of the column that projects above the floor level, place the frame element on the mezzanine and attach it to the tool as before, in the vertical position And install it in the same way as before. The exception is that the tool moves a short distance before the flexible frame element joins the lower surface.

  In any case, the flexible frame element can be removed again in the same way without disturbing the mezzanine.

  If you plan to install a mezzanine higher than the critical level, approximately 1.5m below the spring line, an alternative procedure can be used.

  As before, install the columns and mezzanine. Next, a short vertical stub post is attached to each end of each beam with mounting hardware. The stub post is at least about 1.5 m high and extends vertically upward from the beam and contacts the lower surface at its upper end. For this reason, each stub post is moved horizontally away from the pier by a distance determined by the angle of the lower surface, the height of the mezzanine floor, and the height of the stub post. The tool is then attached to the stub post, and the flexible frame element is attached as before, and the flexible frame element forms an arcuate structure when placed on the mezzanine. Thus, the lower surface aligns with the upper set of panels attached to the flexible frame elements and flanges of the stub posts, so that this upper set of panels is adjacent to the mezzanine to define the lower side wall Terminate at the lower end. The piers can be terminated with their upper ends at the upper end of the main set of columns adjacent to the lower side, along with the lower set of panels attached behind the floor. Similar stub struts can be set from the edge of the floor to line the arch with the lower surface extending upward from the floor height.

  A corrugated plate is placed to block water falling from the underside in the area behind the stub post and to guide it down behind a low set of panels. The water flowing down the top set of panels is a groove supported by the beam just behind the stub post (the groove is inclined to extend between adjacent stub posts to block the water falling from the lower end of each panel With an edge) or a corrugated plate that faces down behind the upper end of a lower set of panels.

  When inspecting and maintaining the arch, the panel can be removed while the mezzanine is still in place. Each panel can be individually removed from any location on the arch, with the mezzanine providing a maintenance work floor to repair the brickwork behind. While removing the panel, the wiring remains in the U-shaped channel provided by the frame elements and posts (as well as sockets and light fixtures attached to the flange), which is handy to the brick behind As long as it is not necessary to touch, it is preferable to keep it in an arranged state. This makes it much easier to perform periodic inspections to prevent internal placement of the arch. If necessary, the flexible frame element attached to the stub post can be removed without removing the mezzanine (can be reattached later) by reversing the installation procedure.

  Finishing the road

  If a lining material is to be installed, a road top shield 190 is placed between the frame elements 70 along the road top line, with its ends positioned under the shield 149 on the flange 71 of the frame elements, It is preferable to block the water falling from the top of the road and guide it downward on the panels 200 on both sides.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 31A to 31B. The top shield 190 includes a corrugated plastic sheet, and the corrugations are arranged to run in the transverse (width) direction of the arch, thereby guiding water downward along the curve on the bottom surface.

  Further, it is preferable that the stay pillars 60 or 60 ′ are arranged between each pair of adjacent frame elements 70 at the top of the road, thereby further stabilizing the frame element in the longitudinal direction of the arch (the panel will be attached to the frame element). In this case, the panel also provides stability). Each stay post 60 is mounted along the top line so as to support the center of the top shield, directly below the top shield 190, and as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. Under the protective shield 149, it is optionally attached to the standoff post by a cable tie 191 that passes through a hole in its end.

  In development, the stanchion can be adapted to define cable channels for holding cables, pipes, etc. that run between adjacent frame elements at the top of the line, in which case the adjacent vertical The directional panel edges can be spaced along the top line, leaving space in the cable and finished with a longitudinal cover strip.

  panel

  Reference is made to FIGS. 34A to 37C. The first panel 200 includes a body portion 201 made of a waterproof and rigid closed cell foamed plastic material (eg, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, or expanded polystyrene) with beveled top and bottom longitudinal ends. Joined to the essentially flat, planar front plate 202 by edges 203 and 222, the essentially flat front surface 204 faces the arch inwardly in the installed position. The board 202 may be cemented material, calcium silicate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other sufficiently rigid plastic material, fiberglass, powder coated sheet steel, compressed cellulose or mineral particles, or sufficient strength and moisture. It can be made from a sufficiently rigid material that provides resistance and an acceptable inner surface 204.

Two steel flanges 205 are joined, one at each end of the panel, between the body portion 201 and the front plate 202, thereby providing a longitudinal edge 210 at the top of the panel and a longitudinal edge 222 at the bottom of the front plate 202. Each of the flanges extending in the transverse direction of the panel between and spaced from the lower longitudinal edge 211 of the panel, with the ends 210, 211 and 222 being generally horizontal in the installed position portion extending outwardly of the 205 forms an attachment portion 206 which is perforated with a diagonal pattern of fixing holes 208 and slots 209, which are spaced apart in the transverse direction of the distance d ₂ panel, In this way, in accordance with the above-mentioned Vernier principle, a fixing system which can be adjusted in position by cooperating with the corresponding fixing hole of the respective flange of the column 40 or the frame element 70 I will provide a. The flange attachments 206 are wide enough in the longitudinal direction of the panel to allow for significant changes in the spacing between the struts 40 and the frame elements 70, so that each panel is shown as an example in FIGS. 39 and 40. Larger or lesser can overlap the respective flange of the frame element or strut.

  The inwardly extending portion 207 of each flange can be provided with a second perforation so that the front plate 202 can be formed prior to forming the body portion 201 by pouring a premixed plastic compound into the mold. And all the flanges 205 can be placed in a mold. This expands through the second perforation to join the front plate 202 and the flange 205 together.

  The water repellent surface 212 at the rear of the main body 201 is divided into a plurality of channels 213 extending in parallel to the transverse direction of the panel, so that water falling on the panel from the lower surface 5 or the shield 149 is directed downward from the upper end 210. Thus, it is prevented from moving under the shield 149 in the horizontal direction while guiding to the lower end portion 211. The foundation of each channel 213 (forming a part of the water repellent surface 212 at the rear) faces outward from the front surface 204 as shown and toward the lower end 211 of the panel in the installed position. Branching, now turning inward toward the arch and toward the front surface 204, forming a water repellent surface 214 on the outside of the lower wall 215, and the (inward) opposite surface 216 is also Bending inward (distant from the lower surface) at the installation position, an elongated recess 221 is defined between the lower end 211 of the panel and the lower end 222 of the front plate 202.

  When the lower wall 215 is arranged in this way, both the outer surface 214 and the inner surface 216 are inclined downward regardless of the inclination angle of the panel at the installation position. This can be seen by comparing the relative position of the lower wall 215 in the installation position near the top of the arch (FIG. 37A) and in the vertical direction adjacent to one of the piers (FIG. 37C).

  Thereby, the water flowing down the water repellent surface 212 of the channel 213 always flows vertically downward from the tip 217 of the lower wall 215. In order to prevent water from flowing laterally along the bottom wall tip 217 in the longitudinal direction of the panel, each of the lands 218 separating the channels 213 extends around the bottom wall tip 217 and the bottom wall 215. A nose 219 is provided that is always located at the lowest point (see FIGS. 37A and 37C).

  The depth dimension of the panel between each of the flanges 205 and the back surface 220 of each of the land portions 218 is slightly smaller than the depth of the frame element 70 between the flange 71 and the rear wall 75, so that the body portion 201 is 70 can be accommodated adjacent to the lower surface 5 of the space between 70 (which, of course, depends on the angular position of each panel relative to the frame element), and only the relatively thin front plate 202 is the top of the panel and It extends outwardly of the flange 71 of the frame element at the bottom. This allows the entire lining to be placed in close proximity to the arch stonework, maximizing the internal available parts.

  The rear water repellent surface 212 of each channel 213 terminates in a shallow recess 223 that extends longitudinally with respect to the total length of the panel near the upper end 210 and generally horizontally at the installation position. Each land 218 tapers gradually at the top and contacts a shallow faceted hump 224 that divides the floor of the recess 223 between each pair of adjacent channels 213. Thus, the water that falls into the recess 223 does not move laterally along it, but flows to one or the other of each hump 224 and is thereby directed to the nearest channel 213 (hump 224 ′ at the end of the panel). Facing towards the center of the panel).

  The top wall 225 of the recess 223 generally extends outwardly toward the lower surface (ie, outwardly toward the lower surface rather than inwardly toward the arch) at the panel installation position (channel 213). , Lands 218, and recesses 223) defining elongated projections 226 that form an integral part of the molded body 201.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 37A to 37C. The mounting portion 206 is attached to the flanges of two adjacent struts or two adjacent flexible frame elements by tapping screws, respectively, so that the panel is installed at an installation position inclined downward from the upper end portion 210 to the lower end portion 211. As shown by way of example in FIG. 40, the rear water repellent surface 212 faces outwardly toward the lower surface 5 or the adjacent piers 3 and 3 ′.

Installation is preferably started from the bottom panel. Each panel is attached to the framework above the next lower panel so that each panel's flange 205 can be attached to the upper or lower beveled longitudinal edges 203 and 222 of the front plate 202 adjacent to the struts or Based on the angle θ ₂ defined between the face 204 adjacent to the frame element flange and facing the inside of the two panels 200, the ends are wide grooves (FIGS. 37A and 37C) or narrow gaps. (FIG. 37B) or adjacent to each other to define intermediate width grooves.

  The back surface 220 ′ of each land portion 218 of the panel lower end 211 is radiused with respect to the axis defined by the bottom edge 221 of the flange 205, thereby rotating each upper end 210 toward the lower surface to the installation position. Before the second panel can be attached by inserting a lower end 211 behind the upper end 210 of the lower panel, thanks to the radiused surface, the space at the lower end of the lower surface when rotating. Can do. Next, the front panel 202 of the upper panel is placed on the front panel 202 of the lower panel, so that the upper panel can be easily supported during installation, and the two fasteners can be placed at a medium height if necessary. Alternatively, it can be fixed by using one at each end near the upper end.

Refer to FIG. 37A. The two panels 200 are in an installed position near the wide arched top 8 with a slightly curved and flat bottom surface, each front surface 204 being essentially aligned and each rear water repellent surface 212 being either Is inclined downward at a shallow angle θ ₃ of 2 ° smaller than the nominal horizon H.

(In FIGS. 37A to 37C, to identify the relative position, the upper panel 200 is indicated by reference number 200 'and the lower panel 200 is indicated by reference number 200 ").

  The upper and lower walls 225 and 215 of each of the two panels are connected to flow water from the back surface 212 of the upper panel 200 'to the back surface 212 of the lower panel 200' 'in this position (as already described). Thus, the back surfaces 212 of each of the two panels effectively form a continuous water repellent surface, and the protrusions 226 of the upper wall 225 and the lower panel 200 ″ are received in the corresponding recesses 221 of the upper panel 200 ′. The lower wall 215 of the upper panel 200 ′ is configured to extend downward into the recess 223 of the lower panel 200 ″ as shown. In this configuration, water cannot move upwards off the coupling joint thus created between the panels.

  Refer to FIG. 37B. The two panels can be attached at any point adjacent to the bottom surface or pier, so that they are inclined downwards at different inclination angles, as shown, with the respective upper and lower walls 225 and 215. Cooperate to flow water from the back surface 212 of the upper panel 200 ′ to the back surface 212 of the lower panel 200 ″.

In the position shown in FIG. 37B, the rear water-repellent surface 212 of the upper panel 200 ′ is inclined downward at a relatively shallow angle θ ₃ of 5 ° smaller than the nominal horizon H to indicate the position of the upper panel (the lower surface is exceptional) The lower wall 215 of the upper panel 200 'is vertically disposed above and behind the rear water-repellent surface 212 of the lower panel 200''when attached directly above the arch spring line that deviates from the spring line at a shallow angle. Thus, even in this extreme position, the water flowing down from the lower wall 215 falls down behind the protrusions 226, the upper wall 225, and the rear water repellent surface 212 of the lower panel so that the two panels are effective again. A continuous water repellent surface is formed.

In the position shown in FIG. 37B, the obtuse angle θ ₂ between the upper and lower panels is about 102 °, whereas in the example of FIG. 37A, the corresponding angle θ ₂ is about 177 °, which is the illustrated 2 There is a range of angular variation of about 75 ° between the two positions.

The upper and lower walls 225 and 215 of each panel are preferably configured such that the obtuse angle θ ₂ varies by at least 15 ° to form a continuous water repellent surface between the two panels. Depending on the degree of this variation, the panel can be adapted for use at most locations on the bottom surface that are reasonably evenly curved.

More preferably, the obtuse angle θ ₂ can vary by at least 70 °, as shown, and most preferably, the rear water repellent surface of the top panel is relatively shallow, just a few degrees below the horizontal, as shown. Even when located at an angle, the aforementioned angular variation is possible, and regardless of the shape, each set of panels can be mounted at virtually any location on the inner surface of virtually any arch.

  Reference is made to FIG. 37C. The upper and lower walls 225 and 215 have two panels mounted one above the other on a post adjacent to the pier on one side of the arch, and their back faces are the inner side 4 or 4 'of the pier as shown and respectively Facing vertically to the front surface 204 of the device to form a vertical wall. In this position, the lower wall 215 is received in the recess 223, its tip 217 is located directly above the shallow hump 224 (this is why it is shallow), and the protrusion 226 is received by the recess 221, so that both Each back surface 212 of the panel cooperates to effectively form a continuous water repellent surface.

  In front of each panel to facilitate the installation of the panels to the struts adjacent to each pier to form a vertical wall and to the frame elements around the bottom surface to form a curved ceiling The part surface 204 is preferably flat and planar as shown, and of course, if desired, each panel can be curved only when used underneath. Foamed plastic body 201 and lands 218 provide a lightweight, rigid structure that thermally insulates the front surface 204, thereby reducing condensation.

  Instead of guiding water to the drain hole at the floor height, the panel may be arranged so that water is discharged into the groove at the rising point. Panel 200 can be attached to any support framework and is not limited to use with a novel flexible frame element. Instead of tapping screws, each flange may be adapted to receive special fasteners as needed and designed to require only a quarter turn for installation and opening. Such adaptation would be within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

  In other embodiments, the front plate 202 may simply be a thin layer or coating applied to the body portion 201. It is also possible to make a panel with a single part without using a flange or front plate. The two flanges can be combined to form a single built-in support structure or integrated with the front plate so that the panel is foamable with a mounting and integrated metal front skin The main body can be included. Panels can be from one structure or using inserts or using individual front surface materials, by reaction injection molding of structures, by reaction injection molding, by blow molding, by double sheet thermoforming, or It can be formed by other suitable processes.

  The channel can be defined not by a deep groove formed on the back surface of the main body as shown, but by a shallow rib formed on the rear water-repellent surface. The body and attachment of the panel can be made, for example, as a single plastic molding or from a single piece of steel bent at the top and bottom edges to form the top and bottom walls.

  Of course, the rear water-repellent surface of the panel can be formed without a channel.

  Reference is made to FIG. 37D. In other embodiments, the panel flank 750 adjacent to the attachment 751 is formed from a channel 752 that is angled to run downward from the outer edge 753 of the panel toward the lower end 754. The slanted channel diverts off-road drops away from the dry zone under the shield. In the panel body, a narrower land 755 is formed from a chevron pattern of channels 756 that slopes downward and runs from the center line 757 of the land 755 towards larger channels 758 on both sides. . The parallel channels 758 are aligned with the outer edge 753 of the panel, which (as in the previous embodiment) advantageously allows the panel to be virtually any along the transverse (top to bottom) direction between the flank 750. It can be cut to the required length to fit between the final pair of post or frame elements. Water that falls on the land is diverted towards the closest main channel, which prevents it from flowing sideways.

  Each of the channels 752 and 756 may be relatively shallow at the upper ends 752 'and 756' and may be relatively deeper at the lower ends 752 '' and 756 '' so that water is directed toward the lower end even when the panel is substantially horizontal. Function to divert.

  In this embodiment, the attachment portion 751 is discontinuous, includes a set of tabs 751 at the lower end of the panel, and includes a pair corresponding to the upper end (not shown). Thereby, since a space is created between the flanges in the flange of the support column or the frame element, an electric box or the like can be directly attached to the flange between adjacent panels. A surface cover (not shown) that covers the gap between adjacent vertical sides of the panel is selectively provided with an opening that matches the box.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 38A to 38B. The replacement mounting flange 230 is formed from one bent sheet of mild steel or spring steel and includes the cut end of the panel 200 so that each panel 200 can be cut to length along the left and right sides as required. Having a mounting portion 231 similar to that of the panel 200 extending from a set of resiliently spaced walls 232 and 233, the front wall 232 being on the front surface 204 The rear wall 233 is located on the back surface 220 of the land portion 218, so that the double-thickness attachment portion 231 is located at the same position as the original flange 205 cut from the panel.

  After cutting the panel 200, a thin scrap steel plate (not shown) is first placed against the back surface 220 of the land portion 218 along the panel cut. Next, the front wall 232 and the rear wall 233 are elastically pulled apart (assisted by the bisection separation of the bent mounting portion 231), force is applied through the panel cuts, and the scrap steel plate is When the aligned end walls 234 and 235 protecting the back side are adjacent to the panel's cut edge, the scrap steel plate is pulled out and the rear wall 233 is lightly struck with a hammer, thereby forming a single piece with the rear wall 233. The sharply bent tip 236 penetrates the back surface 220 of the land 218 and fixes the flange to the panel. Small screw holes (not shown) can also be provided to screw the front wall 232 to the front plate 202 for increased safety.

  Lining finish

  Please refer to FIG. 11 to FIG. The panel 200 starts from the floor and continuously progresses between the joists toward the top of the road, and is attached to the flanges of the support column 40 and the frame element 70 to connect each panel to the next lower panel. As described above, the last set of panels is cut and aligned with the replacement flange and then placed between the back of the posts on both sides of the arch and the frame elements.

  When the last row of complete panels is placed on both sides of the top, the remaining vertical gap at the top can be filled by a row of panels cut to fit along the longitudinal axis, or the top It is also possible to use two rows of cutting panels that satisfy the above conditions, where the lands are cut as necessary to accommodate the studs. Alternatively, a gap can be left to accommodate cables and the like. In that case, it is preferable to cover with a removable surface cover strip (not shown). Once the luminaire and other fixtures are installed, the temporary joist can be removed.

  After installation, each frame element 70 is kept dry by the shield 149, so that water falling to the area above the frame element is diverted downward along the shield or sideways and the rear panel of the overlap panel 200 is repelled. The channel 213 falls on the water surface 212 and prevents water from flowing back under the protective shield. The shield 149 extends around the end struts to cover the corners of the rear wall 9 (and the front wall not shown), and the front and rear walls are screwed in a conventional manner or to the wall. Alternatively, the vertical top hat mounting bracket with the top end attached to the last frame element 70 can be finished with another set of panels 200 supported as needed to provide a complete waterproof lining. it can.

  By providing upper and lower fasteners attached to the respective flanges 71 of the frame elements 70 on both sides of each panel 200, each panel 200 moves in its longitudinal direction of the arch. Acts as a reinforcing element or cross brace to prevent Once all the panels are in place, the lining forms a very stable structure. Panels can be removed one at a time for masonry inspection and maintenance, and when large inspections are required, the installation procedure can be reversed to remove the entire lining and framework and return it to its original location.

  If desired, the gaps or grooves between the longitudinal edges of the panels can be filled with mastic or compressible rubber or foam, but this is unnecessary as long as they are placed in close proximity. Such an arrangement is made possible by the adjustable mounting structure described above.

  Advantageously, a continuous U-shaped channel defined by nested frame elements and struts and protected by a shield is a flexible, small wire and diameter around the interior of the arch used as a conduit. Through the pipe, the flanges, posts and panels of the frame element can provide a mounting location for sockets, luminaires and the like. The gap between adjacent panels of each frame element is preferably covered by a surface plastic or metal cover strip (not shown) that provides access to the underlying cable, the cover strip being elastic The outer ends are pressed outwardly against the inner surface 204 of the panel, and each joint is preferably finished evenly to cover the variation in space between the columns, the frame elements, and the panel. Of course, if necessary, the panels can be arranged so that the longitudinal joints are adjacent to each other.

  If desired, the novel framework can be aligned with a regular corrugated plate or other suitable sheet or panel instead of the panel 200. In that case, each end of the corrugated plate or panel is placed on the flange of the frame element or strut and forms a mounting that can be drilled or screwed to secure it in place.

  Releasable mounting mechanism

  Reference is made to FIGS. 41A to 43. The releasable attachment mechanism 301 of the first installation tool 300 is adapted for attaching the tool to the flange of the post, as shown, and the protrusion of the drive pinion 470 of the tool 300 as shown in FIGS. 41B and 43. Attached to a third strut 40 ′, similar to the first strut 40, having a flange 41 ′ with regularly spaced rectangular openings 43 ′ adapted to receive the teeth 471. It is done.

  The mechanism 301 includes two sets of waist-shaped rollers 310 and 310 ′ attached to bearings 311 at the ends of the pivoting arms 312 and 312 ′, the two arms being arranged at the lower and upper ends of the tool 300, respectively. This allows expansion and contraction through the side walls 351 and 352 and the opening 313 of the back plate 306 of the tool body.

  The corresponding arms of each pair are connected by a bar 314 so that both sets of rollers are simultaneously pulled from the release position (FIG. 41A) to the combined position (FIGS. 41B, 43) by a screw mechanism at the lower end of the tool. The tool is coupled with the flange of the column. In the coupled position, the back plate 306 of the tool body is spaced from the post by a fixed roller 315 that extends through the back plate opening 316 so that the outer surface slightly exceeds the back plate.

  The screw mechanism includes a screw 317 rotatably mounted between a lower wall 318 and an inner wall 319 of the tool body parallel to the fixed guide bar 320. The screw 317 is rotated by the handwheel 321 to advance the traveler 322 and includes a block having a screw hole for receiving the screw and a flat hole for slidably receiving the guide bar toward the foundation of the tool. A link 323 pivotally connected between the traveler 322 and the lower arm 312 pulls together each pair of arms 312 and 312 ′ so that the rollers 310 and 310 ′ gather behind the flange 41 ′; This raises the waist-shaped surface over the flange and pulls the back plate 306 toward the post 40 ', thereby coupling the fixed roller 315 to the outer surface of the flange as shown (FIG. 41B). And FIG. 43). Since the tool 300 is thus captured by the support column 40 ', it can move up and down, but cannot rotate or separate. The handwheel 321 rotates in the opposite direction to disassemble the tool.

  The telescoping roller accommodates struts of different widths, so the tool can be attached to a large strut that will support the mezzanine or a small strut that will only be fitted with a lining.

  77 to 79 are referred to. A horizontal adjustment mechanism 340 can be provided to couple the side wall 106 'of the post 100', thereby actively positioning the tool and depending on the force applied by the rollers 310 and 310 '. Can be prevented from bending to the inside (especially when using lightweight struts). A set of pivotally mounted adjustable arms 341 protrude from the central opening 342 of the back plate 306 so that each guide roller 343 is positioned between the side walls 106 'of the column. The arms 341 can be moved separately by a rotary cam 345 that is resiliently biased together by a spring 344 and resists a cam follower 346 on each arm. The cam is rotated by a set of spur gears 347 and 347 ', connected to a corresponding set of arms (not shown) by a shaft 348 at the upper end of the tool and driven by a handwheel 349 via a worm gear 350. . In use, the handwheel 349 is rotated to urge the guide roller 343 outward so that it is adjacent to the column sidewall 106 '.

  An alternative releasable attachment mechanism is disclosed in commonly-assigned US Pat.

  Frame element mounting mechanism

  The frame element attachment mechanism 302, the separation adjusting mechanism 304, and the pivot mechanism 305 that together form the upper part of the first tool 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 52 to 74B.

  Reference is first made to FIGS. 52 to 54, 59, and 61A. The frame element attachment mechanism 302 includes a rigid upright parallelepiped attachment base 360 having a rectangular side and a relatively narrow front as seen in FIGS. 52 and 53, which is a frame element between the side walls 76. The flat rear wall 361 of the mounting base 360 is adjacent to the rear wall 75 of the frame element because it is adapted to be received by the central U-shaped portion of 70. The mounting base 360 is narrow enough to receive with variously sized frame elements selected according to the dimensions of the arch and the load to be supported.

  A set of threaded shafts 362 having a knob 363 at the front extends through a threaded hole in the mounting base 360 and terminates behind the rear wall 361 with a circular mushroom-shaped retaining stud 364. A stationary stud 365 is attached to the rear wall 361 at a distance from each retaining stud.

  Reference is made to FIG. 16A. The retaining stud 364 and the fixing stud 365 are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance between each set of keyhole slots 81 and 81 '.

  In use, the separation adjustment mechanism 304 is operated by rotating the handle 396 to determine the position of the mounting base 360 spaced from the column 40, releasing the ratchet mechanism (discussed below), and the mounting base As shown in FIG. 57, the knob 363 is rotated so that the holding stud 364 is rotated outward toward the first downwardly inclined position and is moved away from the rear wall 361.

  Next, the distal rigid portion 72 ′, half the length of the frame element 70, is placed through the mounting base so that the retaining stud is a circular opening 82 or 82 in the keyhole slot of the rear wall 75. Pass through each '.

  The frame element then slides toward the bottom of the mounting base so that the keyhole slot neck 83 or 83 ′ holds the retaining stud until the circular opening 82 or 82 ′ is aligned with the fixed stud 365. 364 is captured below. Next, as is apparent from FIG. 59, the retaining stud is tightened by the knob 363 so that the keyhole slot neck 83 or 83 ′ is fastened to the rear wall 361 of the mounting base, and the fixing stud 365 has a circular opening. Extending through section 82 or 82 ', the frame element is securely positioned. After the frame element is securely attached to the attachment base 360, it is raised to a vertical position as shown in FIG.

  When the frame element 70 is attached to the column 40, the retaining stud 364 is loosened and the mounting base 360 is contracted by operation of the separation adjustment mechanism 304, thereby causing the circular opening 82 or 82 in the keyhole slot. The fixed stud 365 is retracted from '. The tool is then lowered a short distance until the retaining stud 364 is aligned with the circular opening, after which the mounting base is contracted again to retract from the frame element 70, and the retaining stud is opened in the opening 82. Or go out through 82 '. The tool can then be removed by moving down the column.

Refer to FIG. 16A and FIG. It can be seen that the neck 83 or 83 ′ of each keyhole slot is slightly longer by a distance d ₉ than the distance between the corresponding retaining stud 364 and fixed stud 365. This allows the attachment mechanism to be used instead in the second tool having the second alternative operating mechanism, as will be described later. This is because the upper or lower claw of the second operating mechanism (described below) from the coupling with the corresponding opening 102 of the second post 100 before the second tool can descend down the post. By responding to the short upward movement required to release Since the first operating mechanism of the first tool (discussed below) does not require an initial upward movement before descending the struts, the necks 83 and 83 ′ have a distance d ₉ for use with this tool. As short as possible, which makes it slightly easier to place the studs in the correct position.

  Pivot mechanism and separation adjustment mechanism

  With particular reference to FIG. An attachment base 360 is attached to the pivot mechanism 305 for axial movement, which is attached for axial movement with respect to a screw shaft 390 that forms part of the separation adjustment mechanism 304.

  Shaft 390 is mounted at a fixed axial position between small rear bearing 391 and front bearing 392 for rotation. The front bearing 392 is pressed against a housing 393 extending from the back of the front casing 308 of the tool and is held by an internal washer 394 installed in the annular groove of the front casing 308. A shaft fluted distal end 395 receives a removable rotary handle 396 extending from the front of the tool.

  The pivot mechanism 305 includes a pivot frame 380 that is controlled by a combined detent and ratchet mechanism 400 (described below), which includes a set of front and rear ratchet plates 401 and 402, and a front guard plate 403. Including, all three plates are stacked and secured to the front of the pivot frame 380 to form a single assembly (see FIGS. 62 and 63). The assembled pivot frame 380, plates 401, 402, 403 are pivotally attached to the shaft 390 on the rear shaft bearing 391 and secured to the end plate 384 behind the pivot frame 380 and the front bearing 382. Pressed against the annular housing 383, the front bearing 382 is pressed against the axial holes in the front plates 401, 402, 403.

  The outer surface of the annular housing 383 is mounted in turn in a large rear bearing 381 which is received in a recess in the rear mounting plate 307 (FIG. 64), which is screwed to the upper end of the tool body back plate 306. Shaft 390 is thus attached to the rear of two concentric inner and outer bearings 391 and 381, and to the front of two coaxially spaced bearings 392 and 382, and pivot frame Allow 380 and shaft 390 to rotate coaxially independently of each other.

  In practice, the shaft 390 is likely to be provided with a smaller pitch thread as shown, which minimizes the small axial movement of the mounting base that may occur when the pivot mechanism rotates. become.

  You will see that the shaft diameter gradually decreases towards the rear. This allows the various components to be assembled by first pressing the small rear bearing 391 against the annular housing 383 of the pivot frame 380 and then pressing the annular housing 383, the large rear bearing 381 and the rear mounting plate 307 together. . The assembled components are then inserted together into the tool body and the mounting plate is screwed to the back plate 306. The shaft is then inserted axially from the front of the tool into the rear bearing 391 (rotated as necessary to join the threaded holes in the mounting base 360), then the front bearing 382 and finally 392. Can be pressed axially alternately around the shaft separated by the washer.

  The assembly is disassembled by pushing the shaft in the opposite direction and an opening 309 is provided in the back plate 306 for this purpose. Front bearings 382 and 392 are installed in front of the shaft shoulder, thereby holding the shaft axially (after removal of the washer 394) and being pushed out with the shaft. Finally, the rear mounting plate 307 is unscrewed from the back plate 306, allowing it to be removed with the pivot frame 380 from between the back plate 306 and the front casing 308, after which the mounting plate 307 and the pivot frame 380 are separated. can do.

  With particular reference to FIG. The guide groove 366 extends along each side of the mounting base 360 and receives a slide key 367 (FIGS. 68A-68C) screwed to the upper end of the pivot frame 380. The rear wall 361 of the mounting base is cut directly under the guide groove, so that the top of the mounting base forms a protrusion at its rear, as shown in FIG. 60, which extends axially from the pivot frame. Thus, it can be coupled to the column so as to slide the attached frame element beyond the upper part of the rear mounting plate 307. The total length of the protruding portion of the mounting base 360 is sufficient for use with various depths of frame elements and struts, leaving enough clearance between the struts and frame elements in the fully retracted retracted position (FIG. 54). Provide and house the end of the shield 149 during installation.

  The pivot frame 380 defines a slide channel that is received to slide the rear support 368 of the mounting base 360 and is held to slide in the channel by the lower key 369 in addition to the upper slide key 367 and is added by the frame element Forms a rigid assembly that resists twisting forces. The screw shaft 390 is coupled to a base thread 370 of the support 368 where the lower key 369 is screwed so that the mounting base 360 is pivoted by the rotation of the handle 396 and the shaft 390 in the pivot frame 380. Driven in the axial direction.

  Detent and ratchet mechanism

  With particular reference to FIGS. 55 and 61A-61C. The front casing 308 is extended to form a detent case 410 having front and rear walls 411 and 412, the rear wall 412 having a guide block 413 secured to the back surface, both the wall and guide block being axial Square openings 414 aligned with each other are provided.

  The detent case also has upper and lower horizontal walls 415 and 416, each having longitudinal guide slots 417 and 418. The lower wall 416 also has a set of transverse guide slots 419 that define an adjacent surface 420 at the inner end.

  Reference is also made to FIGS. 65A to 67C. The detent assembly has a stem 427 with a chamfered rear 422 and front ring 423, a square bolt 421 with a transverse opening 424 intersected by a round hole 425, and a corresponding transverse hole 428 near the tip. A wedge-shaped member 426 is included.

  During assembly of the tool, the compression spring 429 is initially placed in the housing 410. The bolt 421 is then inserted into the spring through the square opening in the front wall 411 and the wedge stem 427 is passed through the lower guide slot 418 behind the compression spring and through the bolt opening 424. Thus, the upper end is received in the upper guide slot 417. The roll pin 430 is then inserted through the aligned holes 425 and 428, thereby protruding from both sides of the bolt. The roll pin 430 and the stem 427 cooperate to form the adjacent point of the spring 429 and bias against the bolt chamfer 422 to couple with the protective plate 403 and the corresponding opening 404 of the ratchet plates 401 and 402; The pivot frame 380 is fixed in the vertical position.

  Refer to FIG. 61A and particularly FIG. The end portion of the front ratchet plate 401 defines an arcuate ratchet 405 extending from the top end A to about 105 ° clockwise from the bottom dead center position B from 180 ° or bottom dead center position B. A smooth arcuate surface 406 is defined that extends approximately 105 ° counterclockwise and extends to the upper end C. The ends of the rear ratchet plate 402 define opposing arched ratchets 407 extending from B to C and smooth arched surfaces 408 extending from B to A (FIG. 63).

  Reference is now made to FIGS. The front ratchet 405 is coupled by a claw 441 of the right hand claw assembly 440, which is a pivot pin 459 extending through corresponding front and rear openings formed in the front casing 308 and inner wall 431, respectively. Attached behind the front casing 308 between the front and rear spacers 457 and 458 (rear opening 433 is shown in FIG. 62). The rear ratchet 407 is coupled by a corresponding claw 441 ′ of a corresponding left hand claw assembly 440 ′, which is the front and rear spacers 457 ′ and 458 ′ of the pivot pins 459 ′ of the corresponding openings 432 ′ and 433 ′. (Shown in FIGS. 61A and 62).

  Each claw assembly is controlled by a respective right or left hand claw operating lever 460 and 460 'attached to a fixed pivot 434 and 434' extending from the back of the front casing 308, respectively.

  Reference is also made to FIGS. 69A-74B. The right hand nail assembly 440 includes a flat plate 442 that is firmly fixed at a distance from the nail 441 by a short spacer 443 so that the nail 441 is coupled to the front ratchet 405. The corresponding claw 441 ′ and flat plate 442 ′ of the left hand nail assembly 440 ′ are joined by a long spacer 443 ′ so that the left hand claw 441 ′ is joined to the rear ratchet 407.

  Each flat plate 442 and 442 ′ defines a thin arcuate guide arm 444 and 444 ′ whose distal ends 445 and 445 ′ are separated from the body of the plate, such as by laser cutting, and is held by friction in sockets 446 and 446. Specify '. During assembly, the guide arm is bent laterally from the face of the plate to provide the same two compression coil springs 447, 448 (447 ', 448'), after which the spring steel retaining clips 456 and 456 ' Continue. Next, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 55, the distal end of the guide arm is pushed back into the socket, and the clips 456 and 456 'are pressed against the plate to secure the joint.

  Each operating lever 460 and 460 ′ includes an arcuate lower protrusion 461 and 461 ′ extending around the front bearing housing 393, with two springs on the respective guide arms 444 and 444 ′ at the lower end. It has flat plates 462 and 462 ′ with slots 463 and 463 ′ arranged between them, so that the guide arm passes to slide through the slots.

  Since the upper end of each operating lever is cranked, the tab 464 extends forward through the window 435 of the front casing 308 and extends upward through the respective guide slot 419 in the lower wall of the detent case. And terminate at 464 '.

  As shown in FIG. 53, the tension spring 465 is disposed between the upper ends of the guide arms, and biases the two tabs toward the adjacent stationary positions with respect to the adjacent surfaces 420, respectively. In this position, the compression force applied to the plate 462 or 462 'by each of the springs 447 and 448 (447' and 448 ') of the corresponding pair of pawl assemblies respectively corresponds to the respective pawl 441 or 441'. Equal to urge to join with ratchet.

  The ratchet mechanism is released by pulling the ring 423 in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 56A, which causes the bolt 421 to contract from the opening 404 and advance the wedge-shaped member 426, as shown in FIG. , Tabs 464 and 464 'are prompted to separate. Accordingly, the plates 462 and 462 ′ are urged inward to urge the claws 441 and 441 ′ so as to be adjacent to the stop pins 436 and 436 ′ fixed to the inner wall 431 from the coupling position with the ratchet (internal The springs 447 and 447 ′ provide a lost motion that allows the release of the pawl from the ratchet to be delayed). The mounting base 360 can then be tilted downwards toward the ground to make an angle and rotate in either direction until ready to receive the frame element as shown in FIG.

  Next, since the ring 423 is released, the chamfered tip 422 of the bolt is urged against the front surface of the protective plate 403 (FIG. 56B). If there is a bolt in this position, the wedge-shaped member 426 is released from between the tabs 464 and 464 ', so that the tab returns to the resting position shown in FIG. 58 and the pawl is again urged to engage the ratchet. .

  As the mounting base 360 rotates upwardly toward the vertical position, the chamfered tip of the bolt slides along the front of the protective plate 403 and one of the two claws is against the diagonal surface of the corresponding ratchet tooth. Being deflected, the other nail slides along the corresponding smooth surface 406 or 408. When the mounting base reaches a vertical position (FIG. 53), each of the pawls is adjacent to the radial surface of the last tooth of the respective ratchet and prevents rotational movement in either direction, and the bolt 421 has an opening 404. To provide additional safety measures to prevent inadvertent release.

  Upon disassembly of the framework, the cord may be tied between the respective bolt rings 423 of the two corresponding installation tools located on opposite surfaces of the arch, so pulling the cord will cause both pivot mechanisms to The frame elements attached between the tools can be released down to the ground. This is preferably controlled by a rope attached to the top end.

  First operating mechanism

  Reference is made to FIGS. 44 to 51B. The operating mechanism 303 of the first installation tool 300 includes a drive pinion 470 having round teeth 471 extending through slots 357 in the tool body back plate 306, and the first strut 40 or third strut 40 '. To the right-hand flange rectangular opening 43 or 43 'to form a rack-and-pinion mechanism (both struts are symmetric to the corresponding opening in each flange, so cut the length, Can be installed regardless of the top and bottom).

  For clarity, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 45 is the mechanism cut at X45 in FIG. 44, but X45 'in FIG. 44 is the corresponding opening in the back plate and post.

  The drive pinion 470 provides a clear, infinitely adjustable reversible drive, both above and below the column, and is driven by a worm 480 coupled to a worm gear 472. The worm prevents the tool from sliding down the post until it is driven in the opposite direction. The drive pinion 470 and worm gear 472 are formed as a single component or solid assembly and are mounted coaxially to the bearing 473, which is between the spacers 474 and 474 'and on the tool body side walls 351 and 352. Attached to the supported first shaft 475.

  Sidewalls 351 and 352 extend to form arcuate portions 353 and 353 ', and front cover 490 includes a flat web 491 and two laterally forward projecting arcuate flanges (right hand flange 492 is As shown in FIG. 45, a slot is defined between each flange and the corresponding arcuate portion of the side wall, so as to be screwed to the front casing 308 of the tool between the side wall arches 353 and 353 ′.

  The worm 480 is fixed (or integrally formed) to the second shaft 481 and is attached to the rear bearing 482 for rotation, and the rear bearing is pressed against the housing 483 of the back plate 306 so that the housing is on the right Cut at the lower end to house the pinion teeth. The front end of the worm shaft 481 supports a small spur gear 484 (fixed to the shaft 481 or cut integrally) and is supported at the end of the bearing 485, which is the housing 493 of the flat web 491 of the front cover. And is held by a plate 494.

  The third shaft 476 is mounted in parallel with the first shaft 475 between the side walls 351 and 352 and, together with a set of ratchet wheels 500 and 500 ′, a right hand (downward) drive lever 520 and a left hand (upward) drive lever. Supporting 520 ′, each component is attached to a bearing for rotation with respect to shaft 476, and the left hand component is held axially by spacer 477.

  Each ratchet wheel is a single component or solid assembly that includes annular ratchets 501 and 501 ′ and bevel gears 502 and 502 ′, both parts being coaxially disposed on respective bearings 503 and 503 ′. Both ratchets 501 and 501 'are arranged so that the teeth face upwards in front of the tool.

  In an intermediate cluster gear assembly 504 that includes a spur gear 505 and a bevel gear 506, both gears are formed as a single component or are tightly assembled and rotate with respect to the bearing 507 of the fourth shaft 508. So that the spur gear 505 is coupled to the small spur gear 484 on the worm shaft 481, and the bevel gear 506 is connected to the inner side of the two ratchet wheels 500 and 500 ′ and the bevel gear 502 and Combined to 502 ', both rotate in opposite directions. The fourth shaft 508 is mounted so that it cannot rotate in parallel with the worm shaft 481 between the mounting block 510 of the back plate 306 and the corresponding mounting block 495 of the flat web 491 of the front cover, with a transverse opening in the center. The third shaft 476 functions as a spacer therethrough to separate the bearings of the two ratchet wheels.

  Each drive lever 520 and 520 ′ includes a flat, generally triangular plate 521 and 521 ′, which is one of the flanges 492 on the front cover and the corresponding arcuate portions 353 and 353 ′ on the side wall of the tool body. Extending through respective slots defined therebetween, a second curved cover plate (not shown) is arranged to cover the gap between the left wall and the drive lever. Each plate 521 and 521 'has a drive socket 522 and 522' at one corner, a spool and bearing assemblies 530 and 530 'at a second corner, and a ratchet assembly 540 and 540' at a third corner.

  Next, the right hand drive lever 520 will be described in detail. Corresponding parts of the left handle lever 520 'are similar. With particular reference to FIGS. 51A to 51B. The drive socket has an internal thread 523 at the base, which is adapted to receive a corresponding male thread at the inner end of the tubular drive handle 550 (FIGS. 5-7). This allows the drive handle to be screwed to the socket so that it can be safely operated from the ground surface by the cord 13 tied through the hole at the outer end.

  The spool and bearing assembly includes a narrow spool 531 having a beveled retaining flange 532 disposed coaxially with a bearing 533 that receives a shaft 476. Reference is made to FIG. A small steel cord 534 (534 ') is attached to a tension spring 535 (535') whose upper end is attached to the spool and whose lower end is fixed to the tool body under tension. When the respective lever is pushed down to the full starting position (shown by the dotted line 520 ″ in FIG. 45), the steel cord 534 (534 ′) is wound around the spool, and the spring 535 (535 ′) is pinched to each stroke. Later, the handle is returned to the stationary position shown in FIGS. The downward movement of the lever is limited by the proximity of the front casing 308 with the upper end 354.

  The drive lever plate 521 includes a set of fixed pivot pins 524 and 525, a small stop pin 526, and a large stop pin 527. The ratchet assembly 540 includes a drive pawl 541 (541 ′) having a short tab 542 extending from the proximal end that is attached to the pivot 524 and by a pawl operating lever 543 attached to the second pivot 525. , Is biased into contact with the corresponding annular ratchet 501 (501 ′). The claw control lever 543 has an elongated protrusion having a hole at the distal end 544 and a short crank protrusion 545 defining an adjacent surface 546 extending radially from the pivot shaft. The tension spring 547 is disposed between the hole of the claw operating lever centrifugal end 544 and the corresponding hole of the drive claw tab 542.

  As shown in FIG. 46, the elongated protrusion of the claw operation lever is biased by the torsion spring 548 so as to be adjacent to the small stop pin 526, and when the drive lever 520 is pushed down, the elongated protrusion of the claw operation lever 543 is ratchet. Moving away from 501, the tension spring 547 prompts the drive pawl 541 to couple with the ratchet.

  The expansion spring 535 provides a heavier spring force than the tension spring 547 and the torsion spring 548 of the ratchet assembly. When the drive lever 520 is returned to the rest position by the telescopic spring 535, the adjacent surface 546 of the claw operation lever contacts the fixed web 355 extending from the back plate 306, and the short protrusion 545 is moved until it is adjacent to the large stop pin 527. Rotate to define the rest position of the drive lever. As shown in FIG. 45, in this position, the tension spring 547 prompts the drive pawl 541 to be disconnected from the coupling with the ratchet 501. The tension spring 547 provides lost motion and allows the release of the drive pawl 541 from the ratchet to be delayed.

  The assembly of the mechanism involves first attaching the drive pinion 470 by passing the first shaft 475 through the side wall of the tool body, and then inserting the second and fourth shafts 481 and 508, with the respective components. By transporting each to the rear attachment of the back plate. The ratchet wheels 500 and 500 ′ and drive levers 520 and 520 ′ are then attached by passing the attachment shaft 476 through the side wall of the tool body and the central tubular structure 509 of the fourth shaft, after which the front cover 490 is fixed in a drip position, and the front ends of the second and fourth shafts 481 and 508 are received by the housing 493 and the mounting block 495, respectively.

  The bearing 485 is then pressed into the annular space between the front end of the worm shaft 481 and the housing 493 and the retaining plate 494 is screwed to the housing. Finally, a second curved cover plate (not shown) is secured in the gap between the left hand side wall 352 and the left handle lever plate 521 '.

  To disassemble the assembly, the front cover 490 with the bearing 485 is pulled away from the tool body.

  To drive the tool 300 onto the column, the handle 550 is inserted into the left hand (upward) drive socket 522 'and repeatedly pulled down by pumping against the restoring force of the tension spring 535'. Since the corresponding right-hand drive lever 520 is biased to the stationary position by the expansion spring 535, the drive claw 541 is held in the release position (FIG. 45) so that the left-hand ratchet wheel 500 ′ is rotated by the corresponding left-hand ratchet mechanism. The right hand ratchet wheel can rotate in the opposite direction. The gear transmits drive force from the drive lever to the pinion wheel and provides upward movement through approximately one of the strut openings 43 and 43 'each time the handle is moved downward. The operation of lowering the support tool is performed by inserting a handle into the right hand (downward) drive socket 522 and operating the right hand drive lever in the same manner.

In the illustrated example, the openings 43 ′ of the third support column 40 ′ are arranged with a pitch d ₁₀ of about 33 mm. In practice, it may be preferable to adapt the gear ratio to provide faster movement and smaller force magnification.

  In other embodiments, the manually operated gear train can be replaced with a reversible electric motor arranged to rotate the drive pinion through a suitable reduction gear and incorporates a worm gear to inadvertently It is also possible to always safely support the tool against downward movement. Such adaptation would be within the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art with the relevant technology.

  In places where there is no main power supply, these two power tools may be powered by a small portable generator that provides power to drills, angle grinders, and circular saws that cut panels. .

  The motors of both tools are adapted to be controlled from a common control box via extension cords or radio transceivers, allowing the operator to move both tools up or down simultaneously on each post on either side of the arch. It is preferable that the operation can be observed from a convenient position.

  The operating mechanism of the tool can be any mechanism suitable for controlling the movement of the tool up and down toward and away from the lower surface, and need not be adapted to drive the tool up and down. The releasable attachment mechanism of the tool may be any mechanism suitable for releasably attaching a tool that controls movement toward the underside.

  For example, instead of adapting to attach to the struts that form part of the finished framework, to attach the tool to a tunnel structure lining (eg concrete or cast iron segment) or to a rack attached to the structure lining It may be adapted. Alternatively, the motion mechanism may incorporate a straight or curved rack that is releasably attached to the side of the arch or tunnel by a releasable attachment mechanism, thereby allowing the tool to move the rack up and down. .

  The frame element installation tool attachment means need not include an opening in the frame element, and the frame element attachment mechanism of the tool can include any means suitable for attaching one end of the flexible frame element to the tool. . For example, the flexible frame element can be grasped externally or an opening can be provided for inserting the end of the flexible frame element.

  An alternative operating mechanism is disclosed in commonly assigned US Pat.

  Electric operation mechanism

  Reference is made to FIGS. In other embodiments, the tool is generally formed as described above, but worm 480 and pinion 470 are driven by electric motor 670 via sliding clutch 671 and gear train 672 instead of a manual operating mechanism. Electric power is supplied to the motor via a multi-core cable from a hub unit 680 provided from a power source 690 (such as a small portable generator). The power source communicates wirelessly with the portable remote control unit 700.

  Accumulating tachometer 673 is arranged to sense the position of the pinion and transmit a value corresponding to registers 680 and 680 '. One register corresponds to each tool. Two sensors S1 and S2 are arranged to sense the presence or absence of a rectangular opening in the rack, and the data is compared with the output from the integrating tachometer to determine if a fault condition exists (ie pinion With respect to the rotational position, the state where the opening is not correctly positioned) is determined. A fault condition may indicate that the tool has reached the top or bottom of the rack. The bottom of the rack is preferably emptied to provide a pre-defined reference point that is sensed by S1.

  Button 701 goes down until S1 registers an error, stops and instructs both tools to clear registers 680 and 680 '. Illumination 702 indicates that the register is cleared. Buttons 703 and 704 instruct to raise or lower both tools simultaneously. During this process, registers 680 and 680 'are continuously increasing or decreasing and are continuously compared. If one register contains a value that exceeds the threshold and exceeds the other register, the corresponding tool is stopped until the other register is sufficiently increased, ie, the other tool “catch up”. Both tools thus move horizontally, thereby ensuring that the top junction elements of each frame element are perfectly aligned at the top (if both start from the same horizontal position).

  Button 705 is speed control. The remainder of the remote control unit is divided into a red half 706 and a blue half 707 corresponding to the red tool 708 and blue tool 709 identified in the same way. Each half has up / down buttons 710 and 711 to move the tool independently of the other tool, and (optionally) in / out buttons 712 and 713 to control the separation adjustment mechanism. This may also be motorized. Lights 714 and 715 indicate a fault condition.

  Fixing the joint

  In some installations, it may be preferable to mechanically decouple each flexible frame element from the lower surface of the installation location, especially when it is necessary to comply with regulations that prohibit the application of pressure to the masonry structure. In order to achieve this, a lock structure (fixing means) is provided for each hinge portion. This may be a convenient arrangement for the interconnection of the mechanical parts and can be triggered when the frame element is in the installed position below the lower surface in order to fix the angle between each set of adjacent rigid parts. It is preferable that the fixing means for all the hinge portions can be remotely operated from the ground surface by one operation.

  Regardless of the mechanism used, the frame elements with fixed joints remain flexible during installation and are thus urged against the lower surface in the same way as the permanently flexible frame elements described above. It is important that each hinge part adapts to the correct angle regardless of the others when contacting the lower surface. When the frame element flexibly matches the curvature of the lower surface, the joint is secured to the arcuate structure. Once the joint locking mechanism is activated, the frame element can be slightly lowered (eg, 1 or 2 centimeters) and separated from the lower surface and then attached to the column (the term “installation position” is this small final It is intended to encompass position adjustments, in which the frame element has already been adopted and is in the form of an arched structure).

  The securing means essentially secures each joint in the installed position so that no further movement is possible almost or completely. As a result, the frame is prevented from being deformed by receiving a load, and the state away from the lower surface can be maintained. If each joint needs to move a small angle of rotation to connect the locking mechanism, the fixing means can be triggered by the end of the frame element located inside the column. Thus, when the separation adjustment mechanism is operated to move the end of the frame element outward to couple with the column, the outward movement is sufficient to stiffen the fixed joint. Similar techniques are employed in weldable embodiments (which are essentially free of angular motion after the joint is secured), which allows the frame elements to be pre-stressed prior to attaching the lining panel. From experience, the optimal procedure will be determined based on the size and shape of the arch and the type of frame element selected.

  Where the mezzanine is installed, the joist acts on the tension to constrain the end of each frame element, ensuring that the column is not leaned outward against the pier. Alternatively, the upper ends of the struts can be connected by stiffened girder beams that extend along the length of the arch at each spring line (not shown; provide a groove to receive water released by the upper lining panel can do). These two girder are connected by extension elements at each end of the arch. Alternatively, the extension element can be placed as a band across each arcuate frame element at a position slightly beyond the height of the spring and connect the ends. Even if these arrangements are not adopted, the frame element remains in the vertical state with the struts (if present) under load when the dimensions and material of the frame element are selected and the joint is secured to the arched structure It has sufficient rigidity to do so, essentially no pressure is imposed on the masonry, and the entire framework can stand independently of the masonry structure.

  Fourth frame element

  Reference is made to FIGS. 114A to 130B. The fourth frame element 850 includes a series of flexible rigid portions 820 that are end-coupled by a hinge portion 821. Each rigid body has a single galvanized steel “top hat” type profile, strut fixing, defining a rear wall 115 having opposing keyhole slots 121 and 121 ′ and indicia 120 indicating a score line. Including left and right side walls 116 and 116 ′ with holes 119 and a lateral flange 111 with panel fixing holes 118, all of which are characterized by the third frame element 110 described above, and the fifth and sixth frames described below. Since elements are common (considering individual differences), this is not described further.

The side walls 116 and 116 ′ are bent inwardly, take a radius with respect to the first pivot hole 824 at the first end of each rigid portion (FIG. 115), and are pressed against the corresponding opening in the rear wall 115. Supported by Each side wall is perforated to define an array of a number of radial slots 823 that are radiused about 180 degrees of rotation with respect to the first pivot hole 824, each spaced apart from the next by a rotation angle of θ ₄ degrees. It is vacated.

At the second end of each rigid body 820 (FIGS. 116A-116C and 117), the side walls 116 and 116 'are also bent inwardly, each side wall being perforated and having a radius with respect to the second pivot hole 826. An array of fifteen apertures 825 and 825 'defined is defined, each spaced a neighbor and a rotation angle of θ ₅ degrees. Each array is arranged in two arcs such that one is radially inside the other, and each radial centerline of the inner arc opening is radial to two adjacent openings in the outer arc. The angle θ ₅ between the centerlines is bisected and both arcs are within the radial extent of the slot 823. 116B and FIG. 117 are compared. It can be seen that the openings 825 in the left-hand side wall 116 are mid-aligned between the corresponding openings 825 'in the right-hand side wall 116' because the two arrays are at different angles.

  The radiused outer edges 827 and 827 ′ of each side wall are divided into a plurality of tabs (eg, by pressing against a recessed tool), which are radiated with respect to the second pivot hole 826, the wave Changed to form a struck edge and covers openings 825 and 825 '.

  Two hooks 828 are pressed from the rear wall 115 and a recess 829 is formed at the lower end of the left-hand side wall 116 to accommodate the end of the torsion spring. A corresponding recess 829 'is formed at the lower end of the left hand side wall of the first end of the body.

  118A to 118E are taken into consideration. The cartridge frame 830 is press-formed from steel and defines two side walls 831 and 831 ′, each having a pivot hole 832 and joined by a top wall 833 having two slots 834. The spring junction 838 is pressed from the right hand side wall 831 'to receive one end of the torsion spring, and the recess 839 is formed at the lower end of the left hand side wall 831 to accommodate the other end of the torsion spring.

Each side wall is perforated with an array of 15 round holes 835 and 835 'arranged in two arcs at an angular interval of rotation of ₅ degrees with respect to the pivot hole 832 in exactly the same pattern as the openings 825 and 825'. , The corresponding holes 835 and 835 ′ of each sidewall are mid-aligned between the other holes.

  As shown in FIGS. 119A to 119E, in addition to the round holes 835 and 835 ′, each side wall 831 and 831 ′ was filled with a plastic material in an injection molding process to match the plastic molding 837 to the frame 830. Ten small holes 836 are provided. Mold 837 is formed with a tool having 30 round pins that extend through holes 835 and 835 'in the inserted frame. Thus, when the pin is withdrawn and the frame is removed from the tool, the finished mold defines 30 holes, each communicating with one of the holes 835 and 835 'at one end and opposing sidewalls 831 and 831'. Is closed at the opposite end.

  After molding, the cartridge frame 830 containing the plastic molding 837 is inserted to slide into the receiving channel of the filling machine (not shown) and each of the thirty holes 835 and 835 'align with the corresponding holes in the machine. Continue along the channel until you do. Each hole in the machine includes a piston with a flat end and communicates with two filling channels, one containing a magazine of hardened steel locking pins 840 and the other containing a magazine of bias springs 842. Each piston advances through the corresponding hole 835 or 835 'and pushes one bias spring 842 and then one locking pin 840 into the corresponding hole in the mold 837. The piston stops at a flat end face that is flush with the wall of the receiving channel, the chamfered outer end 841 of the locking pin 840 is adjacent to the piston, and the bias spring 842 is the inner end of the locking pin as well as the opposing sidewalls. Compressed between 831 and 831 ′.

  Refer to FIGS. 125A to 125D. The cartridge retaining clip 843 includes a curved and pressed steel or molded plastic shell with two parallel side walls 844 and one opening 845 at the lower end. The retaining clip is inserted into the recess of the receiving channel of the filling machine, and the inner surface of the side wall 844 is flush with the inner wall of the receiving channel.

  The cartridge frame 830 now includes a locking pin and a compressed locking spring in each of the 30 holes, and then slides along the receiving channel until the side walls 831 and 831 ′ pass between the clip side walls 844. Proceed to This is an interference fit of the cartridge frame. 126A-126B, with the clip 843 attached, the complete frame 830 is then removed from the filling machine, and the clip is positioned in the hole 30 against the outward biasing force of the bias spring 842. Suppress all locking pins 840. The clip sidewall 844 can further be provided with a recess (not shown) that resiliently couples to a corresponding opening in the cartridge frame to assist in holding the clip in position.

  To assemble the fourth frame element, first, the side wall of the first end of the first rigid part 820 is inserted between the side walls of the second end of the second rigid part 820. This aligns the pivot holes 824 and 826 of the two parts.

  Next, the pre-assembled cartridge frame 830 with the retaining clip 843 attached is inserted between the side walls 116 and 116 ′ of the two rigid parts 820 so that one body hook 828 is placed on the top wall 833. Pass through the slot 834. The cartridge frame 830 is then moved to slide so that the protruding end of each hook 828 joins under the top wall 833 and the pivot hole 832 of the cartridge frame 830 is aligned with the aligned pivots of the side walls 116 and 116 '. Move to align with holes 824 and 826.

  Next, the tubular spacer 849 is inserted into the center of the torsion spring 846, after which both components are inserted together between the side walls 831 and 831 'of the cartridge frame 830. The first end 847 of the torsion spring is received under the adjacent portion 838 of the right-hand side wall 831 ′ of the cartridge frame, and the second hooked end 847 ′ is provided by the aligned recesses 839, 829 ′, and 829. Be contained.

  Only minimal preloading of the torsion spring is required to align the spacer 849 with the pivot holes 832, 824, and 826, and the assembled hinge portion 821 (as in the previous embodiment) has an initial small rotation. Provides little resistance, but increases in proportion to further rotation because the spring is gradually deflected by adjoining the upper end of the recess 829 '. Therefore, in order to prevent the formation of an angle of inclination in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, the aligned pivot holes 832, 824, and 826 are arranged using two rigid portions in a linear arrangement with the rear wall 115 adjacent to each other. As well as inserting the rivet 848 through the spacer 849 is relatively simple.

  The rivets are then closed to secure all the components so that the cartridge frame is firmly secured to the second end of each rigid portion 820 by hooks 828 and rivets 848, each hole 835 and 835 'and corresponding holes include locking pins 840, and bias springs 842 are aligned with corresponding openings 825 and 825' in adjacent sidewalls 116 and 116 '.

  After assembly, the end of the rivet is accommodated at the depth of the recess formed by the bent outer portions of the side walls 116 and 116 ', so that it can be fixed in the same way as the third frame element in the installed position. The entire frame element can be attached to the installation tool and accommodated in the support post 40 '' to slide (this is essentially the same as the first support post 40) (FIGS. 127 and 128).

  The first end inside the side walls 116 and 116 ′ of one rigid part 820 is located outside the side wall 844 (located on the cartridge frame 830) of the retaining clip and the side walls 116 and 116 ′ of the adjacent rigid part 820. Because it is received between the second ends, slot 823 is located between locking pin 840 (restrained by clip 843) and openings 825 and 825 ′ (FIG. 129).

  The angular spacing of the aligned holes 835 and 835 ', the locking pin 840, and the openings 825 and 825' is related to the angular spacing of the slot 823 by the following formula, according to the above-mentioned Vernier principle.

θ ₅ = θ ₄ − (θ ₄ / n)

  Here, n is an integer, and the number of openings 825 and 825 'in each array is preferably n or (n-1).

In the example shown, θ4 = 4.5 °, n = 15, and θ5 = 4.2 °, and for each increment of (θ ₄ /n)=0.3°, each of the 15 locking pins 840 , And a match between each of the 21 slots 823 of the two arrays of hinge portions 821. Each of the two arrays of fifteen locking pins thus provides 300 individual equally spaced angular locking positions, in the range of 90 ° relative rotation of the two rigid parts with respect to the pivot.

  To align one locking pin 840 of each array of 15 locking pins with a corresponding one of the openings 823, with respect to a predetermined angular position of the two rigid portions 820, the two rigid portions 820 are either It is necessary to rotate in the direction at an angle between 0 ° and 0.3 °.

  This elastically biased locking mechanism not only provides excellent angular adjustment according to Wernier's principle, but also provides multiple redundancy and great reliability, in practice (especially based on manufacturing tolerances) It will be appreciated that multiple locking pins can be coupled simultaneously per array. In the example shown, slots 823 on both sidewalls 116 and 116 'are coincident so that two locking pins (one in each array) can be coupled simultaneously.

Alternatively, the two arrays of slots 823 can stagger each other by a rotation of ((θ ₄ /n)/2)=0.15°, providing a total of 600 locked positions throughout the 90 ° range. . Each is defined by a single locking pin. Each joint can then move to the locked position between the two rigid parts 820 by an average rotational displacement of (0.15 / 2) = 0.075 ° (half the angle increment), thereby moving completely Without this, each joint is essentially fixed in the installed position with respect to the lower surface. Of course, only one arrangement of adjacent elements can be provided and can be arranged in the appropriate number and angular relationship.

  Installation of the fourth frame element 850 is done by first cutting to the required length (and / or combining two or more lengths using similar joining bars of FIGS. 25A-25B). By attaching to both ends of the tool 300, this can be accomplished in the same manner as described above for the first, second, and third frame elements. A thin flexible cord 851 (eg, a thin reusable steel cord) passes through each opening 845 of the cartridge retaining clip 843 and reaches the floor when the frame element is raised to the installed position. A sufficient length is left at each end (FIGS. 1-3, 4A). Conveniently, the cords can be adapted at the factory before fitting the flanges together and lacing each frame element to the corresponding frame element for transport. Alternatively, the user can attach the cord. The cord can be temporarily attached to the frame element at both ends with insulating tape or the like during installation. Of course, there may be a separate code for each clip if desired.

  The frame element is then raised to a vertical position (FIG. 5A), after which the two tools 300 are raised up the strut 40 ″ so that the frame element 850 and the shield 149 are in contact with the lower surface 5 and against the lower surface. A hoop stress is generated that urges the frame element to be pressed along the entire length. Regardless of size and shape, the fourth frame element flexibly matches the curvature of the lower surface 5 in this way and defines an arched structure at the installation position (FIG. 130A).

  Based on the installation procedure found to be most effective from experience, the separation adjustment mechanism of each tool can be adjusted to separate the end of the frame element from the post 40 '' by a predetermined distance. At this time, the end portion of the cord 851 is suddenly pulled downward, and each of the cartridge holding clips 843 is pulled out from the frame element. Each of the clips 843 slides down the cord 851 to reach the floor and is then discarded (FIGS. 6A and 130B).

  When the retaining clip is removed, the 30 locking pins of each cartridge are urged outward by a bias spring against the perforated side wall of the corresponding rigid body 820. The separation adjustment mechanism is operated to move each end of the frame element to couple with the post, and at least one of the locking pins 840 of each joint moves to align with a corresponding one of the slots 823. , The outer end 841 is adjacent to the inner surface of the wavy edges 827 and 827 ′ and passes through the slot and corresponding openings 825 and 825 ′ until the joint is secured. Because of the outward movement of the end of the fixed frame element, it is slightly flat at the top of the road, leaving a small distance from the lower surface along the whole or most of the length, releasing hoop stress from the lower surface To do. As described above, the frame element 850 is slightly stressed in advance and can be mechanically separated from the lower surface and fixed to the support column at the installation position (FIG. 7). Here it acts as an essentially rigid curved beam without touching the lower surface, transferring the applied load through the column to the floor. Alternatively, the joint can be secured at the end of the frame element that is fully coupled to the column. And / or the frame element can be lowered slightly before the fastener bolt 50 is inserted.

  Instead of individually biased pins 840 contained in a pre-assembled cartridge, adjacent elements are spaced by x degrees of rotation and function to couple each of a plurality of cooperating adjacent surfaces. Any suitable individual component or part of the same component can be included. Adjacent surfaces (provided in the embodiment illustrated by the end of slot 823) are spaced apart by (x ± y) degrees of rotation, so that corresponding portions of adjacent elements and adjacent surfaces are rigid portions. A plurality of angular lock positions are defined that are continuously aligned upon rotation and spaced by a rotation of y degrees. y (x / n) is preferred. Where n is an integer, and only n adjacent elements have a large number of repeated matches with very small and consistent increments over the angular range of the mechanism according to the aforementioned Vernier principle (may be several times n) ) Is necessary to provide.

  Since the lock mechanism of each hinge part is biased toward a state where it is elastically fixed, it is preferable that it can be operated remotely by starting the release mechanism as shown in the above-described embodiment.

  5th frame element

  131A to 142 will be referred to. The fifth frame element 860 has a “top hat” type outer shape and includes a plurality of rigid body portions 861 joined by hinge portions 862. The side walls 116 and 116 ′ of each part are bent inward at the first end of the part (FIGS. 131A-131B) and drilled to define a first pivot hole 863 and a second pivot hole 864. The end of each side wall defines two arcuate portions, each of which is radiused with respect to the first pivot hole 863 and is joined by a radial abutment surface 865. A spring mounting tab 866 is provided adjacent the end 867 of the rear wall 115.

  At the second end of each rigid body 861 (FIGS. 132A-132B), the side walls 116 and 116 'are also bent inward and perforated to define pivot holes 868 and slots 869, with one end of the slot on the side wall It extends to some extent through the slanted (bent) part. The end of each side wall is geared to define an arcuate rack 870 that is radiused with respect to the pivot hole 868 and includes an outwardly bent adjacent tab 871. A spring mounting tab 872 extends from the rear wall 115 and a spring receiving opening 873 is disposed between the tab and the rear wall end 874. As in the previous embodiment, the respective ends 867 and 874 of the rear walls of each adjacent set of rigid portions 861 cooperate to provide a 180 degree limit between adjacent portions of the frame element at rest. Define the adjacent surface to be defined.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 136A-138. The latch assembly includes a frame 880 having an end wall 881 having a slot 882, two side walls 883 each having a slot 884 that terminates in a pivot hole 885, and two outwardly extending flanges 886. A hardened steel latch plate 890 includes a stem 891 with first and second holes 892 and 893, an intermediate portion 894 defining two shoulders 895, and an opposite stem extending between two wing portions 897. An end 896 is defined.

  The latch plate 890 is initially inserted into the frame at an angle through one of the slots 884, the stem 891 is disposed between the two sidewalls 883, and the two wings 897 extend into the two slots 884, respectively. . The compression spring 898 is then adapted to slide the end of the stem 891 until adjacent the shoulder 895, after which the stem advances through the slot 882 until it protrudes from the end wall of the frame, and the end wall 881 and The spring between the shoulders 895 is compressed.

  The split pin 887 is then inserted through the first hole 892 in the protruding stem of the latch plate and slightly expanded to hold it in position. The latch plate is then released so that the spring 898 biases the end 896 toward the pivot hole 885 so that the latch plate is adjacent to the end wall 881 of the frame, as shown in FIG. The split pin 887 is restrained in the contracted state.

  The first cluster gear 900 includes a notched wheel 901 that is coaxially fixed between two small spur gears 902, the end face of which is arranged to fit between the side walls 883 of the latch frame 880. The cluster gear 900 has a central pivot hole 903.

  The second cluster gear 905 includes a set of large spur gears 906 that are spaced apart by a narrow gap (accommodating the end of a notched wheel 901 after assembly) between a set of small spur gears 907. It is fixed in the coaxial direction and has a central pivot hole 908. The inner spur gear 906 is adapted to couple to the two small spur gears 902 of the first cluster gear in the assembled position (FIG. 142) and the outer spur gear 907 extends in the axial direction. Coupled to two arcuate racks 870 on side walls 116 and 116 '.

  Advantageously, both cluster gears are cast, stamped or molded as part of a suitable metal or plastic material.

  As shown in FIG. 142, the fifth frame element is assembled, at this time, the two flanges 886 of the pre-assembled latch frame 880 are inserted into the slots 869 of one body portion 861, after which the rivets 875 are aligned. Pivot holes 863, 868, and 885, the first cluster gear 900, and spacers 876 disposed between the frame 880 and the side walls 116 and 116 ', thereby allowing the latch frame to be 2 is fixed to the end.

  The second cluster gear is attached to the second rivet 875 between the pivot holes 864 such that when the two rigid body portions 861 rotate with respect to the joint, the second cluster gear is driven to rotate by the rack 870. Then, the first cluster gear 900 is driven. The maximum range of rotation away from the rest position is limited by the proximity of the tab 871 to the radial abutment surface 865. In contrast, the tension spring 877 is received in the opening 873 between the tabs 866 and 872, and serves to transmit torque between the parts of the frame element during assembly as described above.

  In use, the code is passed through each eye 888 of each split pin 887 in the same manner as described above for the fourth frame element. Thus, all the split pins can be pulled out after the frame element is joined to the lower surface at the installation position. As each split pin is removed, the bias spring 898 urges the latch plate 890 toward the knurled wheel 901 so that when the wheel 901 rotates, the end 896 couples with one of the notches (the gear train 900 , 905, and 870) and the rotation of the two body portions 861 relative to the hinge portion 862 is fixed. The gear ratio (and the number of cluster gears, possibly 2 or more) is selected to obtain the required number of angular lock positions for the joint.

  As with the fourth frame element, the coupling of the latch plate 890 and the gear train can be achieved by outward movement of the end of the frame element in the installed position.

  When removing the frame element (eg for arch maintenance), it is retrieved by reattaching the tool and lowered to the floor, after which each hinge part joins a small hooked tool (if necessary) The lock can be released by inserting it into the second hole 893 of the stem of the latch plate (which extends beyond the end wall 881 of the latch frame in the position) and pulling the latch plate back out of the connection. A new split pin can then be inserted into the first hole 892 and then the attachment procedure can be repeated at the same location or in a future installation of a different arch. The fifth frame element can thus be reused indefinitely.

  The foregoing embodiments are advantageous because they can provide a high degree of safety against inadvertent release of any of the fixed latch plates. If desired, a mechanism for securing and releasing all the latch plates simultaneously may be provided. For example, each latch plate can be controlled by a spring-loaded lever with a distal end that defines an opening located in a stationary position. This ensures that the two fixed openings formed in the tabs extending inwardly from the rear wall of each rigid part are equidistant but not aligned. Thus, the light steel cord is passed through the rigid elements and then through the non-aligned openings for the entire length of the frame element. Thereby, it advances while bending to the opening of each lever. By pulling the cord at one or both ends, each annulus can be straightened, urging the distal end of each lever to align with the fixed openings on both sides, and applying torque to each lever. This releases either the respective latch plate from coupling with the knurled wheel or releases the biasing force of the second spring that overwhelms the bias spring of the latch plate that normally holds the latch plate in the release position. The latch plate can be arranged to reconnect to the locked position.

  6th frame element

  Reference is made to FIGS. 143A to 156. The sixth frame element 910 is similar to the previous embodiment and is joined by a plurality of rigid mild steel “top hat” types joined by a hinge portion 912 adapted to be secured in place by simultaneous resistance welding. A body portion 911 having the following shape.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 143A to 150B. The side walls 116 and 116 ′ of each body are bent inwardly at the first end of the section to define two flat inner plates 913 and 913 ′, each plate having an end with respect to the enlarged pivot hole 914. And is rigidly supported by a tab 915 that is pressed against the opening in the rear wall 115. A recess 916 is formed at the lower end of the right hand inner plate 913 to accommodate the hooked end of the torsion spring, and two adjacent tabs 917 bend downward at the first end 924 of the rear wall 115.

  Sidewalls 116 and 116 ′ are also bent inward at the second end of the section to define two flat skins 918 and 918 ′ that are spaced from the inner plate 913 of adjacent body portion 911. A pivot hole 919 having a smaller diameter than the disposed and enlarged pivot hole 914 is provided. The ends of each skin 918 and 918 'are radiused with respect to the pivot hole 919 and cut at the bottom, so that after assembly, the right hand skin 918 is the key for the torsion spring in the 180 ° (stationary) position (FIG. 150A). There is a gap from the attached end.

  Each of the outer plates 918 and 918 ′ includes a pair of inwardly extending indentations 920 that are spaced a slightly shorter distance than the corresponding outer surfaces of the inner plates 913 and 913 ′. Are placed in a face-to-face relationship with each faced inner surface 920 ′ spaced apart to provide an interference fit to the assembly. The inner end surface 920 ′ of each indentation thus provides an electrical contact that slides between two adjacent body portions 911, with all four indentations exceeding 90 ° between the two body portions. In the rotation range, the inner plates 913 and 913 ′ are in sliding contact and compression contact.

  A set of mounting tabs 921 having a rectangular hole 922 is pressed from the rear wall 115 slightly inward from the second end 923, and that end is slightly separated from the centerline of the corresponding pivot hole, As best seen in FIG. 150A, after assembly, the end 923 is spaced from the first end 924 of the rear wall of the adjacent body at a 180 ° (stationary) position.

  A plastic insulator block 930 is molded to define a raised rectangular portion 931 on the upper surface between the two vertical slots 932, each slot extending inwardly from the block end wall 934, at an oblique angle. It has an internal locking tab 933 with an attached top end. The raised portions 931 are adapted to fit into the recesses defined in the rear wall 115 of the respective body portion 911 by pressed mounting tabs 921, which are respectively received in the slots 932 of the block. When the block 930 is pushed into position, the beveled upper end of the locking tab 933 couples to the lower end of the mounting tab 921, which causes the end wall 934 to be bent outwardly and the locking tab 933. Can enter the rectangular hole 922 of the mounting tab 921, thereby securing the block to the body.

  A tubular spacer 935 (which can be made from a metal or plastic material) is inserted through the center of a steel torsion spring 940 and both components have an enlarged pivot hole 914 between the inner plates 913 and 913 ′. Because of the alignment, the spring hooked end 941 is received in the recess 916.

  An insulating plastic bushing 936 is then inserted inwardly through each of the enlarged pivot holes 914 so that the inner end extends a short distance to each end of the spacer 935 and the collar 937 is adjacent to the outer surface of each inner plate 913 and 913 '.

  When the insulator block 930, the spacer 935, the spring 940, and the bushing 936 are disposed, the frame element moves the inner plates 913 and 913 ′ of the main body portion 911 between the outer plates 918 and 918 ′ of the adjacent main body portion 911. As a result of being slid, the collar 937 is loosely received in the gap between the inner and outer plates 913 and 918 and 913 ′ and 918 ′, respectively, so that the two body portions 911 are connected to each other only by the recess 920. Adjacent.

  Similar to the previously described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 150A, the torsion spring is a second backside back of the insulator block 930 that electrically isolates the spring from the body portion to which the insulator block 930 is attached. Only minimal preload is required to join the ends 942.

  Each pivot hole 914 and 919 is aligned, and then a steel rivet 938 is passed through the Belleville washer 939, and the pivot hole 919 and bushing 936, whereby the rivets and skins 918 and 918 '(which is in electrical contact with each other) is insulated from the inner plates 913 and 913' (which are in electrical contact with the torsion springs) of the other respective body part. The second Belleville washer is passed over the tubular end of the rivet before it is closed, pressing both washers against the skins 918 and 918 '.

  In the rest position (FIG. 150A), the electrically insulating plastic block 930 is adjacent to the tab 917 and defines a maximum (180 °) angle between the two body portions.

  The two main body portions 911 are thus electrically separated from each other except for the indented portion 920, and each defines a local electrical path between the respective adjacent rigid portions, whereby one end to the other. By passing current through the entire frame element, all adjacent sets of rigid parts can be welded together in succession at each indentation, and the magnitude and duration of the current is determined according to the known laws of resistance welding Is done. The two Belleville washers 939 encourage the two outer plates 918 and 918 ′ together to provide a constant compressive force between the inner surface 920 ′ and the inner plates 913 and 913 ′ of the four indentations 920 throughout the welding operation. provide.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 151A-151B, 153, and 154. The insulating shroud 950 has a “top hat” type profile with symmetrical longitudinal and transverse axes, and the side walls 116 and 116 ′ of the body portion 911 of the sixth frame element overlap the shroud flange 952. Includes a short plastic molding that is dimensioned to fit snugly between the side walls 951 with flanges 111. The side walls 951 are provided with a group of barbed tabs 954 that are flexible enough to facilitate attachment to the frame elements and that are resilient and project inwardly. When the shroud is fitted to the two ends adjacent to the central score line 120 via one body portion 911, each group of barbed tabs is coupled to a respective one of the column fixing holes 119. As best seen in FIG. 154, tab 954 holds the shroud firmly in position.

  The symmetric dual axis allows the shroud to be attached to the end facing in one direction, and the panel fixing hole 118 (having a symmetric corresponding axis) of the body portion flange 111 has a flange 952. The remaining column fixing holes 119 are exposed through the openings 956 and 957 in the side wall 951. When the body portions are joined by the installation tool, the opening 958 in the shroud rear wall 953 provides a clearance so that the studs 364 and 365 are inserted through the keyhole slots 121 and 121 '.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 152 and 153. The frame element attachment mechanism 302 'of the installation tool 300 preferably provides a convenient attachment point for the welding cable 946 while being adapted to electrically isolate the frame element 910 attached to the tool.

  The mounting base 360 ′ is covered by a heat insulating jacket 960, and the rear wall 361 ′ (also insulated by the jacket 960) is fitted to accommodate a heavy brass plate 961. The plate 961 is integral with the fixed stud 365 and is fixed to the mounting base by two bolts 962 having a thermal insulation jacket 963, which extend from the stud 365 through the mounting base 360 ′ and uses an insulating washer 965. It is fixed by a fitted nut 964. A heavy conductor 966 with a thermal insulation jacket 967 also extends from the plate 961 through the mounting base and has a thread at the exposed end to form a stud 968. A heavy brass retaining plate 969 is screwed onto the stud and insulated from the mounting base by a jacket 960. The stud 968 is adapted to receive a round terminal 947 at the end of the welding cable 946 and is captured by a threaded knob 970.

  Each of the screw shafts 362 is coupled to a threaded sleeve 971 received in a non-circular hole insulation jacket in the mounting base, and the front of the shaft 362 adjacent to the plastic knob 363 is covered with an insulation jacket; The rear with the retaining stud 364 extends through the hole in the plate 961. When the stud is coupled to the terminal body 911 ′ whose frame element 910 is half length, the body 911 ′ is electrically connected to the stud 968 via the plate 961, which is rigidly attached to the rear wall 115. But is electrically isolated from the rest of the tool. Each holding stud 364 contacts the main body 911 ', but is separated from the rest of the tool, so that no current flows during the welding operation, and the risk of damage to the screw shaft is avoided.

  The shroud 950 is adapted to fit within the strut 40 "". This strut is essentially the same as the first strut 40. In use, the struts are first assembled as described above with respect to FIGS. Prior to attaching each end of the frame element 910 to one of the tools 300, the shroud 950 is first fastened to the half-length terminal body portion 911 ', and the two shrouds are (To any one of 120) end-to-end and fastened to each of the last two or three full length body portions 911 that overlap the post 40 '' 'in the installed position.

  Next, in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, the terminal body portion 911 ′ is joined by the frame element attachment mechanism ‘302, and the shield material 149 ′ is attached. The shield 149 'is electrically nonconductive (or has a nonconductive and heat resistant inner surface such as a layer of glass cloth) and is resistant to the instantaneous local heat of the welding operation. This can be made, for example, from a heat-resistant plastic material. The frame element 910 is then raised to a vertical position until it presses against the lower surface, and the separation adjustment mechanism of each tool is operated to fully connect the frame element to the strut, from which the shroud 950 is operated. The tool applies a hoop stress, thereby flexibly matching the curvature of the lower surface and defining the final arcuate structure (FIGS. 3-6).

  When placed, a resistance welding current source 945 is connected between the two tool studs 968 via a cable 946, current passes through the entire frame element, and each set of body portions is welded in succession at the indentation 920. (FIGS. 7A and 153). The current source can be adapted to regulate voltage and other welding parameters (manually or automatically under the control of resistance sensing means) according to the number of joints in the frame element.

  After welding, the frame element can be lowered very slightly to relieve hoop stress from the lower surface before bolting to the column with the shroud in place. The bolt passes through the opening in the shroud sidewall. In practice, the frame elements are welded with their ends away from the struts and stiffened by pre-pressing the frame elements as the two ends move outward toward the final fixed position. Therefore, it is preferable to operate the separation adjusting mechanism. If this technique is employed, it may not be necessary to use a shroud.

  Removal and re-installation

  Please refer to FIG. 155 and FIG. Located at the top of the arch at the installation position to facilitate later removal or re-installation of permanently stiffened frame elements (eg, fourth frame element or sixth frame element) A flexible joining bar 980 can be used to join two frame elements of equal length so as to form a permanently flexible joint.

  The joining bar 980 includes two rigid U-shaped portions 981 joined by a central pivot 984. The parallel side wall 982 of each rigid part has a fixing hole 983 that coincides with the column fixing hole 119 on the side wall of the frame element, so that the end of the joining bar is fixed to the two of the frame elements that are bolted to the joining bar. One can be inserted into each of the central pivots 984 into the central U-shaped part of the rigid part with half the end length.

  In the embodiment described above, the pivot 984 is insulated and the angle of up to 180 ° between the two rigid parts in the rest position (which may be less than 180 ° if necessary) is similar to the corresponding element of the sixth frame element. Which is defined by an adjacent block 930 of insulating plastic that receives one end of a torsion spring 985 and an insulated flexible braided conductor 986 bridges the two rigid portions 981. The joining bar is therefore suitable for use with the sixth frame element, and the welding current passes through the conductor 986, not the pivot, so that the pivot remains permanently flexible and does not break during welding.

  The joining bar allows the permanently fixed frame element to bend in the middle, making it easy to remove and reattach, such as when disassembling the arch for inspection, Since this is the only hinge of the frame element, it does not allow the frame element to move in contact with the lower surface even under load. The frame element is easily adopted by adjoining two rigid portions 981 at a position of up to 180 ° (the joining bar is easily placed on the road top where the arched structure tends to flatten) and It can be further stiffened in use by support provided by mezzanine or other means of restraining the upper end of the column against outward movement.

As the fixed frame element separates from the column and begins to bend at pivot 984, it becomes in the form of a Gothic arch as the end moves inward from the pier. In order to facilitate this movement and make it easier to remove the fixed frame element, the frame element attachment mechanism 302 '' of the installation tool 300 has an attachment base 360 '' as shown in FIG. Further adaptation may be achieved by arranging as half 990 and lower half 991. These are joined by two pins 992 and 993. When the front pin 993 is removed, the upper half 990 and the attached frame element can be rotated by a small angle θ _{6 with} respect to the rear pin 992. Accordingly, when the separation adjusting mechanism is operated so as to pull out the frame element from the support column, the frame element is bent, and the end of the frame element can adopt a slight upward and outward inclination.

  Since the rear pin 992 is also removable, the entire upper half 990 of the frame element attachment mechanism can be separated from the rest of the tool. This may be convenient when reattaching the frame element attachment mechanism to the attached frame element in preparation for removing the frame element. Here the upper half 990 is first coupled to the frame element and then the rest of the tool is placed, after which the pin 992 is inserted to secure the upper and lower halves 990 and 991 together. The Similarly, by separating the two halves 990 and 991 first, and then separating the upper half 990 from the frame element, it is easy to separate the tool from the frame element after installation.

  Of course, the adapted tool is equally suitable for use with the previously disclosed non-fixed embodiments.

  Fixed frame elements (such as the fourth, fifth, and sixth frame elements described above) are winds that need to be used to create a structural framework in certain freestanding applications, independent of existing arch structures. And sufficient strength to withstand other external loads. In that case, for example, an arched structure can be formed by shaping (in a flexible state) a frame element on the ground before fixing the joint. Appropriate framing elements intended for use in such alternative applications (eg, greenhouses, specimen plant greenhouses, eaves, temporary containment facilities, exhibition stands, and support for more permanent structures) are also claimed. It is considered to be included in the range of. The fixed joint having an angle as described above can be applied to other mechanical fields unrelated to the present invention.

  wrap up

  In summary, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of elongated flexible frame elements are provided, each protected by a flexible waterproof shield, preferably hoop stress applied at both ends by a set of installation tools attached to the struts. To the curved lower surface by friction. Each tool preferably includes a rotating ratchet that allows the flexible frame element to be arched on the ground and raised to a vertical plane prior to installation. Each frame element can include a single “top hat” type profile with a deformable hinge, each hinge having an associated deforming structure that evenly distributes the bending force when installed. The frame element can be secured to the column for support at both ends in the installed position, providing a free-standing arched frame that relies on the underside of the masonry for shape and stability. Alternatively, each frame element can include a joint that is fixed remotely at the installation location, allowing the frame element to be detached from the lower surface. The framework can be installed without professional access equipment, and the struts are temporary made from modular connection panels that provide access to the underside to install cooperating flat lining panels. Each panel can be used to support a typical mezzanine floor, each panel being a foam with a downward channel and connecting upper and lower ends that cooperate to form an adjustable joint at an angle It preferably includes a plastic body.

  Instead of the bottom plate described at the beginning, it is possible to fix a single steel beam or the like horizontally along the foundation of each pier and attach each column to the beam at the foundation. Alternatively, each set of struts can be attached one at each end of a beam placed across the floor of the arch, thereby placing the suspended floor across the beam. In that case, it is not necessary to bolt the beam and column to the floor. All of the installation work can be accomplished without using a drill or an automatic nailer.

  Instead of using shield material, or in addition to using shield material, each frame element and / or each pillar is an integral shield part that diverts water down to the ground and / or to the panels on both sides Can be made using. In the frame element, the shield part forms an integral artificially deformable hinge part and can be arranged outside the frame element. For example, each frame element includes a lithographic steel, aluminum, or plastic material that is positioned adjacent to the lower surface, and a series of short rigid box sections from the inward facing surface (in one piece. Or in a fixed relationship). The box portion may be flanged and may provide attachment means (eg, screw holes or channels) for receiving the lining sheet or panel. This may have a flange as shown. Alternatively, for example, it may simply be put in the channel. The ends of the box portions can be spaced a distance sufficient to be adjacent to define a minimum obtuse angle at each hinge portion. The entire frame element (or just the strip) can be galvanized, and the strip can be bent along each end inwardly towards the arch and / or outwardly towards the bottom surface. This prevents water from flowing back along the inner surface. Such an integral frame element made from aluminum or plastic material may be light weight, based on the length and design of the flexible frame element and the availability of access equipment, a novel installation tool It may be preferable to attach a flexible frame element to a low arch or tunnel without using the. Alternatively, the element can be attached to one end and then bonded to the lower surface using only one tool at the other end.

  Of course, if a frame is used without panels, or if the arch is essentially (but not usually) dry, a shield is not necessary.

  The present invention may be applied to a low arch whose bottom surface is curved upward from the ground or a short distance from the ground, and in addition, the bottom surface and the side of the structure form a continuous curve, and the width of the floor is The present invention can be applied to a round egg-shaped or horseshoe-shaped tunnel having a horizontal diameter less than the width of the tunnel. In such a case, the support element (support means) is simply a steel plate bolted to the floor, or two ends of a beam placed across the floor, or the inner surface or structure of the tunnel above the floor level. And so on, so that the flexible element can extend from side to side of the tunnel halfway around the lower surface, or extend completely around the curved surface of the tunnel The support element, which can be terminated with, can comprise an integral part of a permanent tunnel lining, which can form a rack or the like to receive the installation tool.

  All of these support means are screwed or other adjusting mechanism to force the edges of the frame element to align or move away (based on how far the frame element extends around the tunnel) Can be incorporated or housed thereby causing a compressive hoop stress that urges the installation position outwardly relative to the inner surface of the tunnel. Further, the two frame elements can be joined to each other by an expander that causes hoop stress. Such an arrangement may be suitable for use, for example, in attaching waterproof internal linings to subway tunnels and station platforms.

  The novel framework can also be attached to inclined tunnels, such as subway station escalator tunnels, in which case the struts and frame elements are stepwise or perpendicular to the tunnel axis. And can be further supported against downward movement by attachment to the structural lining of the tunnel and / or by additional retaining posts. Also, the frame element can include a shaft coupling so that the frame element at one end of the arch can be angled so that the arch follows the end of the lower surface that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the overpass.

  Whenever a means for performing a function is disclosed herein, that means can include any arrangement capable of performing the functions of the essential aspects defined by the claims, and the specific means described. It is not limited to.

  The locking structure can include any suitable arrangement to secure the adjacent rigid portion of the frame element at a selected angular position.

  As the support element (support means), any arrangement that reliably supports the end of the frame element at the installation position can be used.

  In very simple installations, such as a low arch where the floor includes a flexible ground, each of the support means is flexible to the ground or (supported in the installation position relative to the bottom surface) before filling the hole with concrete. It can simply include a steel column that is driven into a hole in the ground that encloses each end of the element. If necessary, the flexible element may be attached at one or both ends to a mounting bracket that is bolted or directly fixed to the lining of the structure that forms the inner surface of the tunnel, or to the pier or underside stonework Can do. In that case, when the lining and framework are removed for structural maintenance, the mounting bracket can be left in place permanently. The post or rack can be secured to one or both adjacent fittings to receive the installation tool during installation of the flexible element.

  The strut frame element mounting structure and the cooperating mounting or mounting structure of the frame element use any suitable means such as holes, flanges, slots, protrusions, struts or portions of the frame element, or other features Can facilitate the work of attaching the frame element to the column or other support means, regardless of whether it is limited to that function or provides other necessary or unnecessary functions in addition to that function. it can. The attachment means preferably allows the frame element to be adjusted vertically with respect to the post or support means during and prior to installation.

  The strut panel mounting structure may use any means suitable for attaching the panel and need not include cooperating holes to receive screws or other fasteners, for example, each frame element A channel into which the end of a panel or wavy lining sheet can be inserted can be provided. Alternatively, the frame element can be adapted so that the panel is hooked without the use of fasteners.

Claims (98)

A system for lining an arch structure,
The structure has a floor and a bottom surface,
The lower surface curves upward and inward from the first and second side surfaces of the structure facing toward the top line,
The system includes a framework for installation within the structure;
The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame elements and a plurality of support elements;
Each frame element is characterized by having first and second ends,
Each frame element includes a plurality of rigid portions coupled in series by hinge portions,
First and second support elements are provided on the first and second sides of the structure, respectively;
The frame element and the first and second support elements cooperate to define a range of alignment between the frame element and the first and second support elements;
The frame element can be attached to the first and second support elements, respectively, at adjacent positions of the first and second ends at selectable positions within the range of position adjustment.
For this purpose, the frame element can be raised to the installation position to press against the lower surface,
The frame element conforms flexibly to the curvature of the lower surface so as to form a self-supporting arched structure;
A system, characterized in that it is attached to a support element to support it in an installed position. The support element includes first and second struts;
The system of claim 1, wherein the struts extend upward from the floor at the first and second sides of the structure, respectively. Each strut and each rigid portion includes an elongated profile with a central recess having opposing lateral flanges;
To this end, the central recess of the rigid part is adapted to be received in the central recess of the strut. Each frame element comprises a first series of first openings,
Each strut includes a second series of second openings,
The series of openings are spaced apart by a distance x,
The other series of openings are spaced apart by a distance (x ± y);
For this purpose, when the frame element is moved axially along the strut through the incremental distance y, the corresponding portions of the first and second openings are continuously aligned so that the frame element The system according to claim 2, wherein a fixing hole for attachment is defined in the support column. At least one installation tool is provided for attaching the frame element;
The tool includes a strut coupling mechanism for releasably attaching the tool to slidably couple with the one strut;
A frame element attachment mechanism for attaching one end of the frame element to the tool;
An operating mechanism for controlling the vertical movement of the tool with respect to the respective struts;
The system of claim 2, comprising: 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the tool includes a pivot mechanism that allows the frame element to be raised from an essentially horizontal direction to an essentially vertical direction after being attached to the tool. . 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the tool includes a separation adjustment mechanism for moving each end of the frame element toward and away from the respective column. A flexible elongated waterproof shield is provided,
Since the shield is adapted for attachment to the frame element,
The system of claim 1, wherein after installation, the shield extends between the frame element and the lower surface. Multiple panels are provided,
Each panel has a front surface and an opposing rear water repellent surface,
The panel is adapted for attachment to the frame element;
Thereby, the panel is supported at the installation position, and in this installation position, each panel is inclined downward from the upper end portion of the panel toward the lower end portion of the panel,
Moreover, the back surface of each panel faces outward toward the lower surface,
The front surface faces inwardly away from the lower surface;
The system of claim 1, wherein each back surface of the panel cooperates to effectively form a continuous water repellent surface. The support element includes first and second struts;
The struts extend upward from the floor on first and second sides of the structure, respectively.
The panel is adapted for attachment to the post;
This supports the panel at the installation position where the back surface of each panel faces outwardly toward the adjacent inner vertical surface of the arch structure,
The front surface of each panel faces inward from the vertical surface inside the arch structure,
This ensures that the front surface of each of the panels is essentially vertically aligned,
The system of claim 9, wherein each back surface cooperates to effectively form a continuous water repellent surface. An elongated frame element for installation at an installation position below the lower surface of the arch structure,
The lower surface curves upward and inward from the first and second side surfaces of the structure facing toward the top line,
The frame element includes first and second ends;
An outer side facing the lower surface at the installation position;
An inner side facing away from the lower surface at the installation position;
A panel mounting structure for supporting a plurality of panels;
Including
The frame element includes a mounting structure;
The attachment structure is adapted to attach adjacent first and second ends of the frame element to respective support elements;
This supports the frame element at the installation position,
The frame element includes a plurality of rigid portions coupled in series by hinge portions,
Each rigid part can be rotated at the time of installation through a limited movement range with respect to the respective hinge part independently of the other rigid parts,
This defines an obtuse angle for each adjacent rigid part inside the frame element,
Thereby, the said rigid part can form a different angle in each hinge part in the said installation position,
Accordingly, the frame element can be raised to an installation position below the lower surface, and can match the curvature when contacting the lower surface. The range of axial movement of each hinge portion is limited to prevent a dominant angle from being formed between each adjacent rigid portion inside the frame element. An elongated frame element. The range of axial movement of each hinge portion is limited to define 180 ° which is the maximum angle between each adjacent rigid portion inside the frame element. Elongate frame element. 12. An elongated frame element according to claim 11, wherein each rigid portion includes an elongated profile with a central recess having opposing lateral flanges. The rigid portion is defined in at least one single material;
12. The elongated frame element according to claim 11, wherein each hinge portion includes an artificially deformable material region. Plastic deformation elements are arranged adjacent to each hinge part,
Each plastic deformation element is disposed at a distance from the respective hinge portion,
The elongated frame element according to claim 15, wherein the plastic deformation element is gradually artificially deformed at the time of installation while an obtuse angle between the respective adjacent rigid portions is reduced. 12. An elongated frame element according to claim 11, wherein the frame element is assembled from a plurality of individual rigid parts joined by a pivot. Elastic deformation points are arranged adjacent to each hinge part,
18. The elongated frame according to claim 17, wherein each elastic deformation element is configured such that the respective adjacent rigid portions rotate with respect to the respective hinge portions and are gradually elastically deformed during installation. element. The elongated frame element according to claim 11, wherein each hinge portion is formed inside the frame element. The frame element includes installation tool attachment means for releasably attaching the first and second ends of the frame element to the first and second installation tools, respectively.
Thereby, in order to raise the frame element to the installation position so as to press against the lower surface,
12. An elongated frame element according to claim 11, wherein the elongated frame element can be attached to the installation tool. Each rigid portion includes installation tool attachment means,
Thus, the frame element can be divided by cutting to define two separate ends, and each of the separate ends can then be attached to an installation tool. Item 21. The elongated frame element according to Item 20. Each rigid part has a mounting structure,
Thereby, the frame element can be divided by cutting to define two separated ends, each of the separated ends can then be attached to the support element. Item 12. The elongated frame element according to Item 11. The hinge structure according to claim 11, wherein each hinge portion includes a lock structure, and the lock structure is operable at the installation position to fix an angle between the respective adjacent rigid portions. Elongate frame element. The elongated frame element according to claim 23, wherein the locking structure of each of the hinge portions is remotely operable. The elongated frame element according to claim 23, wherein the locking structure of each hinge portion includes a mechanism that is elastically biased. The locking structure of each hinge portion includes a plurality of adjacent elements spaced apart by x degrees of rotation;
And a plurality of cooperating adjacent surfaces spaced by a rotation of (x ± y) degrees,
This causes the respective adjacent rigid portions to rotate with respect to the respective hinge portions, and the adjacent elements and corresponding portions of the adjacent surfaces are continuously aligned,
24. The elongate frame element of claim 23, thereby defining a plurality of angle lock positions spaced by a rotation of y degrees. The locking structure of each hinge portion includes at least one electrical contact defining a local electrical path between the respective adjacent rigid portions;
24. The elongate frame element of claim 23, wherein each adjacent rigid portion can be welded at the contact by passing an electric current through the frame element. A roll-formed steel strut comprising an elongated profile defining a central recess having a pair of opposing transverse flanges,
The central recess includes a rear wall;
Including two sidewalls disposed between the rear wall and the respective flange;
The strut includes at least one tubular portion,
Prop characterized by that. 29. A strut according to claim 28, wherein the flange defines two respective tubular portions. The rear wall defines a tubular portion;
29. A strut according to claim 28, wherein each of the side walls comprises at least two layers of steel. A panel used when lining an arch structure using an internal framework,
The structure has a floor and a bottom surface,
The lower surface curves upward and inward from the first and second side surfaces of the structure facing toward the top line,
The framework is mounted within the structure and extends below the lower surface;
The panel includes a front surface;
An opposing rear water repellent surface;
Having at least one attachment part,
The attachment portion is adapted for attachment to the frame, whereby the panel is inclined downwardly from an upper end portion of the panel to a lower end portion of the panel;
The back surface faces outward toward the bottom surface,
The front surface supports the panel at an installation position facing inward from the lower surface,
The panel includes an upper wall and a lower wall;
The upper wall extends generally outwardly near the upper end of the panel;
The lower wall extends generally inward near the lower end of the panel;
This allows the first panel to be attached to the framework on the second panel,
In order to define an obtuse angle between the first and second panels, the first panel and the second panel are inclined downward at different inclination angles;
The obtuse angle is variable within an angular range;
Thereby, the lower wall of the first panel cooperates with the upper wall of the second panel to allow water to flow from the back surface of the first panel to the back surface of the second panel,
Thereby, each back surface of the said 1st and 2nd panel forms the continuous water-repellent surface effectively over the said whole angle range, The panel characterized by the above-mentioned. The front surface is essentially flat,
The upper and lower walls are configured such that the first and second panels are mounted one above the other so that each front surface is essentially vertically aligned;
32. The panel according to claim 31, wherein the back surfaces of the first and second panels thereby effectively form a continuous water repellent surface. The upper wall and the lower wall are configured to be coupled to flow water from a back surface of the first panel to a back surface of the second panel;
This attaches the first and second panels so that the respective front surfaces are essentially aligned,
If both backs are inclined downward by 2 ° from the horizontal,
32. The panel of claim 31, wherein the back surfaces of the first and second panels each effectively form a continuous water repellent surface. 32. The panel of claim 31, wherein the obtuse angle can vary at least 15 degrees. 32. The panel according to claim 31, wherein the back surface branches downward from the front surface toward the lower end of the panel at an installation position. An elongated recess is formed adjacent to the lower wall;
32. The panel according to claim 31, wherein the upper wall of the second panel can be received in the recess of the first panel. The panel according to claim 31, wherein the back surface is divided into a plurality of channels. 32. The panel of claim 31, wherein the panel includes a body made from a rigid foam plastic material. The panel according to claim 38, wherein the back surface is divided into a plurality of channels, and the channels are formed in the main body. A flexible waterproof shield and internal framework for installation in an arch structure,
The structure has a floor and a bottom surface,
The lower surface curves upward and inward from the first and second side surfaces of the structure facing toward the top line,
The framework includes a plurality of elongated flexible frame elements;
The shield has a longitudinal axis and an elongated profile defining a central attachment;
Including two horizontal water repellent parts,
Each of the water repellent parts has a front surface facing away from the lower surface during use;
With the opposite back side facing the bottom when in use,
The attachment is adapted for attachment to the flexible frame element;
A flexible waterproof shield for installation in an arch structure and an internal framework, whereby when the frame element is raised to an installation position below the lower surface, the shield is held outside the frame element. 41. The shield of claim 40, wherein the shield is molded from a plastic material. Each of the water repellent parts includes a plurality of water guiding structures,
41. The shield of claim 40, wherein the water conduit structure extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each of the water-repellent portions includes a plurality of inclined water conveyance structures, and the inclined water conveyance structure includes:
41. The shield of claim 40, wherein the shield extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each of the water repellent parts includes a plurality of water guiding structures,
The water guide structure is disposed on the front surface;
41. A shield according to claim 40, thereby facing the rear water repellent surface of the panel cooperating during use. The attachment includes a compressible structure;
The compressible structure is disposed between the flexible frame element and the lower surface in use;
41. The shield according to claim 40, wherein the frame element is buffered against a small movement of the lower surface. An installation tool used when installing a frame in an arch structure,
The structure has a floor and a bottom surface,
The lower surface curves upward and inward from the first and second side surfaces of the structure facing toward the top line,
The framework includes a plurality of elongated flexible frame elements;
Each frame element has first and second ends,
The tool includes a releasable attachment mechanism for attaching the tool to control movement toward the bottom surface;
A frame element attachment mechanism for attaching one end of a flexible frame element to the tool;
An operating mechanism for controlling the movement of the tool up and down to and away from the lower surface;
The installation tool characterized by including. The releasable attachment mechanism includes a strut coupling mechanism for releasably attaching the tool to slidably couple with the strut;
47. The installation tool according to claim 46, wherein the struts are adapted to support respective ends of the flexible frame element in an installation position. 48. The installation tool of claim 47, wherein the post coupling mechanism is adapted to couple a pair of opposing lateral flanges of the post. The installation tool according to claim 46, wherein the tool includes a separation adjusting mechanism for moving each end of the frame element toward and away from the respective support column. The installation of claim 46, wherein the tool includes a pivot mechanism that allows the frame element to be raised from an essentially horizontal direction to an essentially vertical direction after being attached to the tool. Tools. The installation tool according to claim 46, wherein the tool is adapted to electrically isolate the frame element attached to the tool. A first modular flooring element used in building a temporary floor,
The temporary floor is supported on a plurality of regularly spaced parallel joists;
The first flooring element comprises a generally planar load bearing surface;
The load bearing surfaces each extend along a first horizontal axis that intersects a joyst between the first and second ends;
The ends are supported by respective first and second joists;
Each of the ends includes at least one recess and at least two first supports;
The first support at each end extends to cover the respective first or second joist;
At least one corresponding support of the corresponding second flooring element and at least one corresponding support of the corresponding third flooring element are:
Can be received between the first supports of the first end of the first flooring element;
Thereby, the corresponding support portions of the second and third flooring elements are supported on the first joist,
By adjoining the corresponding support to the first support at the first end of the first flooring element,
The first modular flooring element is characterized in that the second and third flooring elements are constrained in an adjacent side-by-side relationship to the movement of the load bearing surface. The first and second joists each have opposite sides;
Each support ends with a wall,
The wall extends farther away from the surface of the load bearing surface and below the horizontal portion of the upper surface of each of the joists;
In order to define an opening in the load bearing surface in use, each recess of the first modular flooring element extends along the first axis, and the opening is an end of the recess. And a portion of each of the first and second joists adjacent to each other on opposite sides,
Each of the corresponding walls of the corresponding support of the second and third flooring elements is received in the opening;
Accordingly, the respective flooring elements are suppressed against movement along the first axis of the surface of the load supporting surface by causing the respective walls to be adjacent to the respective joists. 53. A modular flooring element according to claim 52. A method of attaching a framework within an arch structure,
The structure has a floor and a bottom surface,
The lower surface curves upward and inward from the first and second side surfaces of the structure facing toward the top line,
A) providing a plurality of flexible elongated frame elements, each frame element having first and second ends;
B) providing a support element;
C) Raise each frame element to an installation position where the frame elements are joined so as to press against the lower surface,
The frame element flexibly matching the curvature of the lower surface;
D) attaching the first and second ends of the frame element to the support element;
Supporting the frame element at the installation position;
A method comprising the steps of: 55. The step of claim 54, wherein step B) includes attaching a plurality of first and second struts to the floor spaced apart from the first and second sides of the structure, respectively. Method. A drain hole is defined between each of the floor and the first and second sides of the structure;
Step B)
Bi) attaching a plurality of mounting assemblies to the floor, each spaced apart from the first and second sides of the structure;
Bv) attaching the plurality of first and second struts to the mounting assembly to support struts on the respective drain holes;
55. The method of claim 54, comprising: Step Bi)
Bia) placing each element leading to the ground of the drainage hole under each of said mounting assemblies;
Bib) adjusting the load transmitting elements of each mounting assembly to transfer vertical loads from the respective struts to elements that at least partially connect to the respective ground;
57. The method of claim 56, comprising: Step B)
Bi) attaching a plurality of mounting assemblies to the floor, each spaced apart from the first and second sides of the structure;
Bii) adjusting the support of each mounting assembly so that each support coincides with a common horizontal plane;
Biii) attaching a plurality of first and second struts, one to each support;
Biv) adjusting each post to vertically support the mounting assembly;
55. The method of claim 54, comprising: Ai) providing a plurality of flexible elongated waterproof shields;
Aii) When the frame element is raised to the installation position in step C), each shield is attached to the frame element to hold the shield outside the frame element;
When the frame element is coupled to press against the lower surface, the shield extends between the frame element and the lower surface;
55. The method of claim 54, comprising: as an additional step. Step A)
Ai) providing a set of said frame elements, said frame elements being separably tied to form a rigid assembly for transport;
Aii) separating the frame elements before installation;
55. The method of claim 54, comprising: Step C)
Ci) providing a set of installation tools, each installation tool comprising:
A releasable attachment mechanism for attaching the tool to control movement toward the lower surface;
A frame element attachment mechanism for attaching one end of the frame element to the tool;
An operating mechanism for controlling the movement of the tool up and down to and away from the lower surface;
Including steps,
Cii) attaching a tool to each of the first and second sides of the structure to control movement toward the bottom surface;
Ciii) attaching each end of the frame element to each of the tools;
Civ) raising the tool toward the lower surface until the frame element is in the installation position;
55. The method of claim 54, comprising: The support means includes a plurality of first and second struts respectively disposed on the first and second sides of the structure;
62. The method of claim 61, wherein in step Cii), the tool is attached to corresponding first and second struts, respectively. Each installation tool includes a pivot mechanism that allows the frame element to be raised from an essentially horizontal direction to an essentially vertical direction after being attached to the tool;
Step Ciii)
Ciii) attaching the first end of the frame element to the first of the tool;
Ciib) attaching the second end of the frame element to the other one of the tools;
Ciiic) raising the frame element essentially vertically;
62. The method of claim 61, comprising: Each installation tool includes a separation adjustment mechanism for moving the respective ends of the frame elements toward and away from the respective struts,
Step Civ)
63. The method of claim 62, comprising the step of: Civa) moving each end of the frame element to couple with the respective post. The support means includes a plurality of first and second struts respectively disposed on the first and second sides of the structure;
Ei) providing a plurality of joists;
Eii) supporting each of the joists between corresponding first and second struts;
Eiii) supporting a floor on the joist;
55. The method of claim 54, comprising: as an additional step. Each frame element includes a plurality of rigid portions whose ends are joined by hinge portions, each hinge portion has a lock structure,
Cv) A step of remotely operating the lock structure of each hinge portion is included as an additional step in order to fix each adjacent pair of rigid portions to form an angle at the installation position. 54. The method according to 54. Step Cv)
68. The method of claim 66, comprising passing an electric current through the frame element to fix each adjacent set of rigid portions by welding. 67. The method of claim 66, further comprising the step of separating the frame element from the lower surface to release pressure from the lower surface at the installed position. F) In order to support the panel at the installation position, the step of attaching the plurality of panels to the frame element is included as an additional step, and in this installation position, each panel extends from the upper end of the panel to the lower end of the panel. Tilt down to
The back surface of each panel faces outwardly toward the bottom surface,
The opposing front surface faces inwardly away from the lower surface,
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the respective back surfaces of the panels cooperate to effectively form a continuous water repellent surface. A device for fixing a column to an upwardly supporting surface,
An upper element adapted to be attached to the column;
Basic elements adapted for attachment to the support surface;
A central support extending between the upper element and the basic element,
The central support is located under the pillar;
The upper element is a support pivotably attached to the central support;
A plurality of adjustable sidewall retainers spaced from and spaced from the central support;
The central support is vertically adjustable to adjust the overall height of the pillar;
The side wall holding is a side wall holding arranged to support the column in the vertical direction and prevent it from tilting;
The apparatus characterized by including. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the central support includes a threaded component mounted on the basic element. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein each sidewall retainer includes a threaded weld stud or screw secured to the base element and the upper element. A column has a lower end, and the upper element of the device is attached to the lower end of the column;
The upper element includes a first attachment;
71. A column for use with the apparatus of claim 70, wherein the first attachment is adapted to pivotally attach to the central support. The first attachment portion includes a first opening,
74. A pillar according to claim 73, wherein the first opening is adapted to receive the central support. The pillar of claim 74, wherein the pillar defines a center of gravity, and the center of gravity is located within the first opening. 74. A pillar according to claim 73, wherein the upper element includes an array of second openings, the second openings being disposed around the pillar to receive the sidewall retention. . The basic element includes a foundation adapted for attachment to the upwardly facing support surface;
The central support is attached to the foundation;
The plurality of adjustable sidewall retainers are affixed to a foundation and spaced from and spaced from the central support;
The central support defines an upward mounting surface;
The upward mounting surface is adapted to pivotally support the upper element;
71. A basic element for use in the apparatus of claim 70, wherein the central support is adjustable to position the upward mounting surface at a variable distance from the foundation. The central support includes a threaded weld stud attached to the foundation;
78. A basic element according to claim 77, wherein the upward mounting surface is formed on a component having cooperating female threads received on the stud. A device for supporting a column on the ground beyond the end of an upwardly supporting surface,
The support surface is disposed adjacent to the ground;
A basic element having a fixing part adapted for attachment to the support surface;
An element connected to the ground arranged on or in the ground;
An attachment structure for connecting the lower end of the pillar to the device,
The element connected to the ground is adapted to transfer at least part of the vertical load from the pillar to the ground;
The device is characterized in that the basic element is adapted to transfer non-vertical forces from the column to the support surface. 80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the basic element is adapted to support the column in a vertical direction and to prevent it from tilting. 80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the element leading to the ground has a maximum horizontal dimension and a maximum vertical dimension, wherein the horizontal dimension is greater than the vertical dimension. The basic element includes a protrusion,
The securing portion is adapted for attachment to the support surface;
80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the protrusion extends above the ground beyond the end of the support surface. The attachment structure is adapted to attach the post to the protrusion;
The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the basic element is adapted to transfer at least a portion of the vertical load from the column to the support surface. The attachment structure is adapted to attach the post to the protrusion;
At least one load transfer element is provided, the load transfer element extending between the protrusion and the element leading to the ground;
In order to transfer at least a part of the vertical load from the protrusion to the element connected to the ground,
83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the load transfer element is adjustable.   85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the load transfer element includes a screw.   The apparatus of claim 85, wherein the mounting structure includes an upper portion of the screw. The device includes a top element adapted for attachment to the post;
The mounting structure comprises a central support,
A plurality of adjustable side wall retainers spaced from and spaced from the central support;
The central support is located under the pillar;
The upper element is pivotally attached to the central support;
The central support is vertically adjustable to adjust the overall height of the pillar;
80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the side wall retainer is arranged to support the column in a vertical direction and prevent it from tilting. The basic element includes a protrusion,
The securing portion is adapted for attachment to the support surface;
Thereby, the protrusion extends on the ground beyond the end of the support surface,
The attachment structure is adapted to attach the post to the protrusion;
The central support includes a screw;
The lower part of the screw extends between the protrusion and the element leading to the ground;
In order to transfer at least a part of the vertical load from the protrusion to the element connected to the ground,
88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the screw is adjustable with respect to the protrusion.   A device for securing a column to an upwardly facing support surface as essentially described or illustrated.   A device for supporting a column on the ground beyond the end of an upwardly facing support surface as essentially described or illustrated.   A system essentially described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   An elongated flexible frame element essentially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   A strut essentially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   A panel essentially described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   A flexible waterproof shield essentially as described with reference to the attached drawings.   Installation tool essentially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   A method essentially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   Modular flooring element essentially described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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