KR20080057278A - A support member assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A support member system (100) is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the system (100) comprises an elongate support member (102, 103) having an effective length, an elongate member engagement portion (130, 135) arranged to engage with one end of the elongate support member (102, 103) to extend the member's effective length, and a base portion (110) for engaging with a support structure (8, 9). The base portion (110) including connection means (114, 116) for releasably connecting the base portion (110) selectively to the elongate member engagement portion (130, 135) or to the elongate support member (102, 103).

Description

Support member assembly {A SUPPORT MEMBER ASSEMBLY}

The present invention relates to a support member assembly and in particular to a support member assembly for at least partially supporting a wall.

Walls constructed from bricks and other building or structural blocks such as concrete blocks have a maximum length and height that can be constructed without the need for additional support to prevent the collapse of the walls. In the past, brick walls have been supported by erecting concrete supports at intervals along the brick wall in both horizontal and vertical directions to support the walls. If the brick needs to be mechanically fixed to the concrete support, it is conventionally carried out using a metal rod, which is fixed to the mortar joint of the brick wall and to the concrete support to fix the brick wall to the concrete support.

However, one of the disadvantages of this conventional method is that the construction and use of the concrete support consumes time and wastes labor. In order to form the concrete support, it is necessary to build shuttering for closing the volume in which the concrete is poured. Shuttering is typically constructed from wooden boards and requires carpenter's effort to construct the shuttering. In addition, during the construction of the shuttering, a metal rod, which is used to fix the brick wall to the concrete support, is inserted through the sidewall of the shuttering so that the metal rod is out of the shuttering and into the interior volume of the shuttering in which concrete is poured. It needs to be extended. This requires the effort of the person to bend the iron to bend and install the metal rod when needed.

After the shuttering is completed and the metal rod is inserted, the concrete must be poured into the shuttering next and harden before the shuttering is removed. When the shuttering is removed, the metal rod is bonded to the concrete and the brick wall is fixed to the concrete support by the metal rod.

Thus, the conventional method of supporting a brick wall using a concrete support is time consuming, labor-intensive, and adds three different skilled workers (carpenters, benders and concrete builders) in addition to the brick layer to build the wall itself. Requires hard work,

It is an object of the present invention to provide a support member assembly which alleviates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art and / or provides useful options for the general public.

According to the present invention, in a support member assembly, an elongate support member having an effective length, an elongate member engagement portion arranged to engage with one end of the elongate support member to extend the effective length of the support member, an elongate member engagement portion or A support member assembly is provided that includes a base portion that includes a coupling means for removably coupling to an elongate support member.

An advantage of the embodiment described above is that the parts of the assembly, e.g., the elongate support member, the elongate member engagement portion and the base portion, can be manufactured separately and can be assembled in the field to increase productivity. In addition, each part can be packaged with similar parts, reducing space and making it easier to transport. In the field, the user can determine according to the design requirements whether the base portion will be directly connected to the elongate member engagement portion or to the elongate support member.

Preferably, the joining means is configured to be engageable only with the elongate member engaging portion.

The elongate member and the elongate engaging portion may each have sidewalls configured to be positioned adjacent the end of the wall to be supported in use. Each side wall includes a plurality of engagement means for allowing a tie member to be mounted to the side wall, the tie member having a portion projecting from the side wall to engage the wall to be supported. Preferably, the plurality of engagement means is provided at separate positions along the sidewalls of the elongate member and the elongate member engagement portion, whereby the position of the tie member is adjustable.

Engaging means are provided on opposite sides of the elongate member and / or the elongate member engaging portion. Optionally, the engagement means are provided on all four sides of the elongate member and / or the elongate member engagement portion.

The engagement means comprises a slot, the slot is long and the slot comprises an opening extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot. Preferably, the opening in each slot allows the tie member to be mounted on the side wall, the tie member having a portion projecting from the side wall to engage the wall to be supported.

The slots are arranged along at least two substantially parallel axes along the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member and the elongate support member engaging portion, the openings of the slots along one axis being directed in a direction opposite to the openings of the slots along the other axis, both The direction of the opening is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member and the elongate support member engagement portion.

Preferably, each slot comprises two recesses extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the opening of the slot. Optionally, the two recesses are configured to extend along the same direction as the opening of one of the slots.

Preferably, the slots along one axis are offset from adjacent slots along the other axis so that the openings of the slots are not aligned with each other.

Preferably, the recess in one slot is aligned with the recess in the adjacent slot despite the offset.

Preferably, the position of each slot is used as a guide for selectively cutting the elongate member or the elongate member engagement portion to the required length. In this way, when the elongate member or the elongate member engaging portion is cut along the cutting guide, the aligned recesses of adjacent slots are arranged to be engageable by the connecting means of the base portion.

Preferably, the engagement means comprises a protrusion arranged to selectively engage at least one of the recesses in the slot. Optionally, the engagement means comprise projections arranged to engage with each aligned recess.

The projections are usually angled to form L-shaped projections. Preferably, there are two pairs of protrusions, one of which is longer than the other. One pair of protrusions is arranged to engage one side of the elongate support member and the other pair of protrusions is arranged to engage the opposite side of the elongate support member.

One pair of protrusions is arranged to engage with one side of the elongate member engagement portion, and the other pair of protrusions is arranged to engage with the opposite side of the elongate member engagement portion.

Preferably, the base portion comprises a stopper arranged to contact the side of the elongate support member or the elongate member engagement portion to limit movement along one direction.

The base portion is arranged to engage the support structure. Depending on the application, the base portion includes curved edges.

The base portion is arranged to engage the elongate support member. In this application, the base portion has an attachment section for attaching to the sidewall of one of the elongate members.

Preferably, the support member engagement portion is engageable with both ends of the elongate member.

An example of a support member system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a brick wall supported by a support member system having vertical and horizontal stiffeners in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the support member system of FIG. 1 without a wall portion. FIG.

3 shows an enlarged exploded view of the region A of FIG. 2, showing the structure of the engagement means of the vertical stiffener.

4 is an enlarged exploded view of the base plate used in the support member system of FIG. 2.

5A-5D show how the base plate of FIG. 4 is connected to the vertical stiffener of FIG. 2.

6 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating how the base plate of FIG. 4 is detachably connectable to the vertical stiffener of FIG.

7 is an enlarged exploded view of the side base plate for use in the horizontal stiffener of FIG. 2.

8 is a perspective view of the support member system of the present invention used to support another wall structure.

9 is a view of a corner base plate for use in a vertical stiffener for special specifications.

10 is a rear perspective view of the tie member of FIG. 1.

11 is a view showing a modification of the side base plate of FIG.

12 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the side base plate modification of FIG. 11.

It is explanatory drawing of the modification of the tie member shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another application example of the side base plate modification of FIG. 11.

1 shows a section of a wall 1 supported by a support member system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The support member system 100 includes a plurality of elongated members 101, and in this embodiment, the plurality of elongated members 101 is a vertical stiffener 102 (only one shown) and this vertical stiffener. It is arranged as a horizontal stiffener 103 which interconnects 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical stiffener 102 supports three portions 4, 5, 6 of the wall 1 and is adjacent to the vertical stiffener 102 and the horizontal stiffener 103, respectively. The vertical and horizontal edges of the portions 4, 5, 6 are provided with a number of ties 7 (only one tie member in FIG. 1) engageable with the engagement means 120 formed on the sides of the stiffeners 102, 103. (7) is shown, and the wall portion engaging the tie member has been removed to clearly show the tie member] is mechanically connected to the respective stiffeners 102 and 103.

Each of the upper and lower ends of the vertical stiffeners 102 is connected by the connector 110 to the upper support 8 and to the lower support 9, respectively. Further, each end of the horizontal stiffener 103 is connected to the side of the vertical stiffener 102 by the connector 111.

The support member system 100 also includes an elongate member engagement portion in the form of a sleeve member 130, 135 for engaging the ends of the stiffeners 102, 103 to extend the effective length of the stiffener.

The support member system 100 also includes a base portion, which in this embodiment is in the case of the upper support 8 or the lower support 9 of FIG. 1, or in the case of the side base plate 111. It is in the form of base plates (110, 111) arranged to engage a vertical stiffener (102) used as a horizontal stiffener (103).

A mechanical fastener is inserted through the base plate 110 to attach the plate 110 to the lower side of the upper support surface 8 and the upper side of the lower support surface 9. Preferably, the mechanical fastener is a powder actuated fastener, but may optionally be any suitable fastener in any form, such as nails, racking nails or anchor bolts. If it is desired that the fastener is not powder-actuated, the hole for the fastener is drilled into the base plate 110 in advance.

In this embodiment, each of the vertical and horizontal stiffeners 102 and 103 is manufactured by roll-forming of sheets of pre-galvnaized steel and laser welded to the edge of the steel sheet. Form a hollow box section. In this way, it helps to shorten the manufacturing time than when the stiffeners are formed from two separate injection molded articles. In addition, the stiffeners 102 and 103 are generally the same, and thus the user can freely use the stiffeners 102 and 103 in either direction.

FIG. 2 shows the system of FIG. 1 in more detail because the walls 1 and the supporting surfaces 8, 9 are not shown. As shown, each stiffener has four sides, and in this embodiment two of the opposing sides 102a, 102b, 103a, 103b of each stiffener 102, 103 have a plurality of engagement means. In this embodiment, the engagement means is in the form of an elongated slot 120, which elongate slot 120 is arranged along two substantially parallel axes, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the stiffeners 102, 103. Extend in the direction. Each slot 120 includes an opening 121 formed near the center of the slot 120, and first and second recesses disposed on both sides of the opening 121 and extending in opposite directions to the opening 121. 122, 123).

In order to extend the effective length of the vertical or horizontal stiffeners, sleeve members 130 and 135 are used, which sleeve members 130 and 135 are also pre-hot-dipped galvanized in the same way as stiffeners 102 and 103. It is made of steel. Both sleeve members 130 and 135 are identical, and thus only describe what relates to the vertical stiffener 102. The sleeve member 130 also includes engagement means in the form of a slot 131 having an opening 132 and recesses 133 and 134 that are similar in shape and structure to the slot 120 of the elongated member 102. do. In addition, like the stiffener 102, the sleeve 130 of this embodiment has a slot formed on two opposing side surfaces 130a, 130b (103b only shown). Accordingly, the cross-section circumference of the sleeve member 130 is smaller than the cross-section circumference of the stiffener 102, so that the sleeve member 130 is slidably housed in the stiffener (at both ends), except that the sleeve member 130 ) Is generally similar in structure to the stiffener 102. Next, the effective length of the stripper 102 is extended by sliding the sleeve member 130, so that the required effective length is reached.

The structure of the slots 120, 131 will now be described using FIG. 3, which is an enlarged exploded view of region A of FIG. 2. For simplicity, the description will be made with reference to the slot 120 of the vertical stiffener as an example, but it will be understood that this applies to the slot 131 of the sleeve member 130. 3 and 2, each of the slots 130 of the stiffener 102 along the same resin direction is spaced from each other in a predefined manner. However, each slot 120 along one axis is offset from adjacent slots 120 ', 120 "along another axis that is substantially parallel, resulting in first and second recesses 122, 123 is aligned with one recess in each adjacent slot 120, 120 ″. In particular, the first recess 122 is aligned with the second recess 123 'of the adjacent slot 120' to form the first recess pair 126 as shown in FIG. In the same way, the second recess 123 of the slot 120 is also aligned in the same way as the first recess 122 ″ of the slot 120 ″ to form the second recess pair 128. The location of the recesses 122 and 123 along the slot 120 and the length of the slot are strategically chosen, as will be explained later.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the tie 7 comprising a planar section 20 with two lugs 21 formed thereon. As shown the lugs 21 extend both in the back direction and to the sides of the planar section 20. Lug 21 is arranged to be inserted through openings 121, 121 ′ that engage slots 120, 120 ′ in the sidewall of stiffener 102 to attach tie 7 to stiffener 102. . The length of the slots 120, 120 ′ is greater than the length of the lug 21 to allow movement of the tie 7 and thus adjustment of the position of the tie 7 relative to the stiffener 102. The planar section 20 of the tie 7 is connected to the ribbed section 23. The ribbed section 23 has a rib formation 25. The ribbed section 23 forms an angle of approximately 90 ° with the planar section 20, so that when the lug 21 is inserted into the slots 120, 120 ′, the ribbed section of the tie 7 ( 23 extends substantially perpendicular to the sidewall of stiffener 102.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of different angles showing a variant of the tie member 7 '. In addition, the tie member 7 'is generally L-shaped with the planar section 20 connected to the extended section 23'. The tie member 7 ′ also has a lug 21 ′ for engaging the slot 120 of the stiffeners 102, 103. However, unlike the example shown in FIG. 10, the extended section 23 ′ does not have rib formation 25. Instead, a penetrating portion 27 is formed on the extended section 23 ', in which the penetrating portion 27 is formed with the word Stiflex® in another figure (see FIG. 13A in FIG. 13). do. The tie member 7 ′ of this variant is particularly useful when the joint between the layers of bricks becomes thinner than the height of the rib formation 25, for example when another adhesive is used instead of cement mortar. The presence of this through portion 27 allows the adhesive to adhere more easily to the tie member 7 ', so that the tie member 7' can be better bonded to the wall.

Referring back to base plate 110, an enlarged exploded view (spring in different directions as indicated by FIGS. A, B and C) is shown in FIG. Now a description of how the base plate 110 is connected to the stiffener 102 is described.

In this example, the base plate 110 is press-formed from pre-hot-dip galvanized steel, connecting means in the form of a generally flat member 112 and substantially two pairs of L-shaped angled protrusions 114, 116. Each pair is of different length and spaced apart along the width of the stiffeners 102, 103 and the sleeve members 130, 135. In addition, the base plate 110 includes stoppers 118a, 118b, 119a, and 119b, each stopper is disposed at one end of each angled protrusion 114 and 116, and the stopper includes two pairs of protrusions 114, 116 is disposed between the ends. Each pair of protrusions 114, 116 is inwardly directed to each recess of a recess pair 126 (or 128) of adjacent slots formed on each side 102a, 102b of the stiffeners 102, 103. Opposing lugs 114a, 114b, 116a, 116b arranged to be received. In this regard, FIGS. 5A-5D show how one base plate 110 is coupled with the end of one stiffener 102 (for the purpose of describing the connection process simply, although not necessary in use). Shown at an angle).

Using the drawing of FIG. 3 as a reference and as shown in FIG. 5A, the stiffener 102 is selectively cut in the field or at the factory, and the distance of the recess pair 128 from the edge 102e is a pair of protrusions 114. , 116). 5A-5D show only one side 102a and recessed pairs of adjacent slots 120 on the other side 102b are also arranged in the same way as the side 102a shown in the figure. . First, the base plate 110 is maintained at an acute angle with respect to the edge of the stiffener and toward the protrusions 114, 116 facing the stiffener 102 as shown in FIG. 5A, the base plate 110 being in the direction X. The lugs 116a, 116b of the longer angled protrusion 116 are moved toward the stiffener 102, resulting in a pair of recesses from the inner surface of the other side 102b of the stiffener 102 as shown in FIG. 5B. And slide into the corresponding recess of 128b (the subscript “b” has been added to the invisible recess pair).

When the lugs 116a and 116b are slidably engaged with the recess pair 128b, the movement of the plate 110 along the direction X also places the side 102b at the end of the longer protrusion 116. It is guided by the sliding engagement until it comes in contact with the stoppers 119a and 119b which have been made. The plate 110 then comes into full contact with the edge of the stiffener 102 as shown in FIG. 5C. In this regard, the side 102a passes through the engagement lugs 114a and 114b of the shorter protrusion 114, thus sliding the plate in the direction of the arrow Y so that the pair of recesses of the sides 102a and 102b ( All lugs 114a, 114b, 116a, and 116b are accommodated in 128a and 128b. In this regard, the plate 110 is suitably coupled to the stiffener 102 as shown in FIG. 5D. FIG. 6 is a view from the direction AA of FIG. 5D showing more clearly how the projections 114, 116 engage with each recess pair 128a, 128b. In this position, all lateral slide movement along the axis Z parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base plate 110 does not separate the plate 110 from the stiffener 102, but only the plate 110 lifts out of the stiffener. It will be appreciated that the plate slides so that the side 102a passes through the shorter protrusion 114 as shown in FIG. 5C. Thus, if the steps shown in FIGS. 5A-5D are reversed, the plate 110 is separated from the stiffener.

A feature of the preferred embodiment is that the base plate 110 is detachably selectively connectable to the stiffener 102 or to the sleeve member 130 as described above. Since the base plate 110 may be connected to either the sleeve member 130 or the stiffener 102, the user who assembles the support member system 100 may have the base plate 110, for example, at the bottom of FIG. 1. When connected to stiffener 102, such as when secured to a lower support structure such as support 9, it may be determined that base plate 110 may be directly connected to the lower end of vertical stiffener 102. Thus, this direct connection reduces the number of sleeve members 130 required. On the other hand, when the effective length of the vertical stiffener needs to extend toward an upper support structure such as the upper support 8 of FIG. 1, the base plate 110 is connected to the sleeve member 130, and the sleeve member ( 130 is inserted into the upper end of the vertical stiffener 102. This gives the end user greater flexibility. When the base plate 110 is separated from the sleeve member 130, it is particularly advantageous from a manufacturing point of view, since each part can be manufactured in pieces and thus improves manufacturability. With regard to logistics, each part can be packaged separately for transportation, saving space.

Selecting whether to connect the base plate 110 to the stiffener 102 or to the sleeve member 130 also applies when the stiffener is used in the horizontal orientation in the case of the horizontal stiffener 103 of FIG. 2. Instead of ordering different lengths of stiffeners, the system provides the flexibility of ordering stiffeners of a common length (and therefore easier to handle), and the effective length of each stiffener can be extended using sleeve members 130 if necessary. do. Thus, if the horizontal stiffener 103 is not long enough (as shown in FIG. 2), the sleeve member 135 is inserted therein to extend the effective length of the stiffener. The structure of the horizontal sleeve member 135 is the same as that of the " vertical " sleeve member 130, and for ease of explanation the reference numerals are different. Typically, using the horizontal sleeve member 135 is only needed at one end of the stiffener, so that the other end of the stiffener can be directly connected to the base plate 110. If base plate 110 is mounted to an adjacent vertical stiffener, a side base plate 111 is required, which is a variation of base plate 110, which is shown in FIG. 7 with a different view of the base plate variant.

Generally, the side base plate 111 comprises a rear attachment section in the form of four rear lugs 117 in which the side base plate 111 is arranged according to the position of the opening 121 of the slot 120 on the stiffener. The design is similar to the base plate 110 except that similar parts are indicated by like reference numerals with a prime ('). Lug 117 is formed by punching four sections of plate 111 ′, forming lug 117 extending rearward behind plate 111 ′. This is because the rear face of the plate 111 'is positioned relative to the side of the stiffener 102 and the lugs 117 are inserted through each opening 121 to engage the respective slots 120, so that the plate 111' (And thus sleeve member 135) is attached to vertical stiffener 102, thereby coupling horizontal stiffener 103 to vertical stiffener 102.

It should be pointed out that in this embodiment, the vertical base plate 111 is preferably used only in one direction, i.e., the shorter protrusion 114 'is on top. In this direction, the side face 135a of the sleeve member 135 (see FIG. 2) is in contact with the stoppers 118a 'and 118b', while the other side 135b of the sleeve member 135 is longer. The length of the projection 116 ′ in length keeps in engagement with each recess on the other side 135b. Thus, the base plate 111 is slidably coupled with the sleeve member 135 and maintained. If the direction is reversed (ie, longer projection 116 'is on top), side 135b will slide past shorter projection 114', and this is undesirable.

As described above, the length of the stiffeners 102, 103 (and also the sleeve members 130, 135) is optionally cut so that the stiffeners or sleeve members can be engaged with the projections of the base plates 110, 1110. . As can be appreciated from the slots shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the arrangement of the slots 120, 131 of the stiffeners 102, 103 and the sleeve member 130 are strategically offset from each other, resulting in adjacent slots 120. The two opposing recesses from) are aligned with each other as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the slots 120 along the same vertical axis is 100 mm and the length of each slot is such that the stiffeners 102, 103 or the sleeve members 130, 135 are the base plates 110, 111. Is selected to be used as a guide for cutting the stiffeners 102 and 103 or the sleeve members 130 and 135 to be suitable for connection. As can be appreciated from FIG. 6, each end of the slot 120, indicated using arrows BB, CC, acts as an indicator for cutting the sleeve members 130, 135 and from the cutting edge when cut. The distance of the recess pair 128 will be suitable to engage the protrusions 114, 116, 114 ′, 116 ′ of the base plates 110, 111. This provides a significant advantage since longer sleeve members (or even stiffeners) can be ordered and the user cuts the sleeve members to size according to the application. If the ordered stiffener is too short to support the wall (or if the stiffener is incorrectly ordered), the user can cut the longer sleeve member to size according to the particular project. This provides greater flexibility for the user of the support member system.

In use, the stiffeners 102 and 103 are installed by first installing the vertical stiffeners 102. Vertical stiffeners 102 are installed by inserting base plate 110 into stiffeners 102, 103 or sleeve members 130, 135. Depending on the height of the wall to be supported, the length of the vertical stiffener 102 is typically chosen to be nominally cut above the height of the vertical gap into which the stiffener is fitted, the difference being compensated by the sleeve member 130 It is ensured that the combination of the sleeve member 130 and the stiffener 102 extends from the lower support surface 9 to the upper support surface 8 (see FIG. 1 as an example).

First, base plate 110 is first connected to one end of sleeve member 130 in the manner described above. Second, the sleeve member 130 to which the upper base plate 110 is connected is inserted into the upper end of the hollow vertical stiffener 102. The bottom end of the vertical stiffener 102 is then directly connected to the lower base plate 110 in the manner described above. In the case where the stiffener 102 is upright in the calibration position, the fastener is moved through a hole (not shown) in the lower plate 110 to move the plate 110 (and the lower end of the vertical stiffener 102). It is fixed to the lower support (9). According to the gap, the sleeve member 130 is retracted from the vertical stiffener until the upper base plate 110 contacts the upper support 8. The length of the sleeve member 130 is selected such that a portion of the sleeve member 130 remains inserted into the stiffener 102 when the upper base plate 110 contacts the upper support 8. Again, fasteners are used to securely attach the upper base plate 110 to the upper support 8 to hold the vertical stiffener 102 in the calibration position.

After the vertical stiffeners 102 are installed, the wall 1 is constructed, and the tie members 7 are mounted at appropriate intervals (typically every 300 to 400 mm in the vertical direction) so that they are on the side of the vertical stiffeners 102. Engaging with the slot 120, the ribbed section 23 is thus mechanically fixed to the wall 1 by a ribbed section 23 which is located between the layers of brick and is held by cement mortar between the layers. If the lower portions 4, 5 are constructed at the height at which the horizontal stiffener 103 is required, the final layer of brick is completed except for the two end bricks adjacent to the vertical stiffener 102. The side plate 111 is inserted at one end of the horizontal stiffener 103 to be connected to the vertical stiffener 102, while the other end is inserted into the base plate 110, because the other end is like a column. Because it is connected to the side support structure. The base plate 110 is likewise fastened to the column as described above, while the lugs 117 in the side plate 111 are inserted into the slots 120 of the adjacent vertical stiffeners 102, thereby providing a horizontal stiffener 103. ) Is mounted on the final layer of bricks. Next, each end brick is laminated. Building the wall 1 on the horizontal stiffener 103 then continues by building the wall portion 6 on the horizontal stiffener 103, and / or the sides 102a, 102b of the stiffener 102 and / or Alternatively, the ties 7 are inserted at appropriate intervals along the sides 130a and 130b of the sleeve member 130 to engage the adjacent layers of brick to secure the wall portion 6 to the vertical stiffener 102.

As will be appreciated, the tie member 7 is similarly coupled to the slot 120 on the side 103a of the horizontal stiffener 103 (and sleeve member 135), so that when the wall portion 6 is constructed It is combined between adjacent layers of bricks.

As will be understood from the above examples, the sleeve members 130, 135 are used to extend the effective length of the stiffeners 102, 103. Sleeve members 130, 135 need not be fully inserted into each stiffener 102, 103, which allows the stiffeners 102, 103 to support wall portions longer / shorter than the length of the stiffeners 102, 103. It is obvious. This is only necessary to keep a portion of the sleeve member 130, 135 in the stiffeners 102, 103, and the minimum engagement required for each stiffener assembly is calculated taking into account geometric and load considerations.

Thus, the preferred embodiment has the advantage of providing a support member system in which the lengths of the stiffeners 102 and 103 need not be specially manufactured for each application.

8 illustrates the flexibility of the support member system 100 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention for supporting different racking wall structures 150 with concrete pillars 160. It should be understood that the system 100 is shown briefly without the slot 120, base plate 100, or sleeve member 130 to facilitate the flexibility of the system.

It is also to be understood that the stiffeners 102 and 103 may have different shapes than the rectangular box structure as shown by the obtuse angle stiffener 152. When the stiffeners 102 are installed as one end or as the joint stiffeners 153, it is preferable to use the corner base plate 154, which is a variation of the base plate 110, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 9 includes views from different angles. The protrusions 155 and 156 may be the same size, but the protrusions 155 and 156 are similar in shape and structure to the protrusions 114 and 116 of the base plate 110. Also, although there is no need to use a stopper, the plate 154 is bent at the end 157 as shown in FIG. 9 which functions like a stopper. The corner base plate 154 is used when the end stiffener 153 is installed to support the wall section 158, so that the bent end 157 is stiffener as indicated by arrow DD in FIG. Make contact with the free side of 153.

11 is a plan view of a modification 160 of the side plate 111. The deformable side plate 160 has protrusions 161 and 162 and stoppers 163 and 164 similar in structure to the protrusions 114 'and 116' of the side plate 111 and the stoppers 118 'and 119'. In addition, the modified side plate 160 has a lug 165 formed at the rear to provide the same function as the lug 117 of the side plate 111. However, as can be appreciated (by comparing between FIG. 11 and FIG. 7C), the difference is that the projections 161, 162 are off at the center of the plate 160 in the deformation plate 160. . This variant is particularly useful when supporting an unaligned wall section, an example of which is shown in FIG. 12 (stiffeners 102 and 103 are shown in simplified form for ease of explanation). As shown, one side of the vertical stiffener 102 is used to support the first wall sense 170 and the other side of the vertical stiffener 102 is the second wall section (horizontal stiffener 103). It is arranged to support (not shown to show). However, the first and second wall sections are offset from each other so that plate 160 can be used to connect the horizontal stiffener 103 to the vertical stiffener 102 and also support the second wall section. Perform the function. It should be understood that the relative positions of the protrusions 161, 162 and lugs 165 may be configured to suit different applications.

14 illustrates another application of the modified side plate 160. As shown in plan view, one side 102f of the vertical stiffener 102 " is used to support the first wall section 170 ', and the other side 102g of the vertical stiffener 102 " It is arranged to support the second wall section (not shown to show the horizontal stiffener 103 "). However, the width of the side surfaces 102g is equal to that of the horizontal stiffener 103". Does not coincide with the width, so that the horizontal stiffener 103 " is mounted to the vertical stiffener 102 " by the side base plate 111 of FIG. Does not coincide with the side 102h of the vertical stiffener 102 ". Thus, the deflection side plate 160 is used to mitigate the above-mentioned problems, so that after joining, the horizontal stiffener 103 "is offset from the central axis of the vertical stiffener 102 while the side 103h is vertical. Coincide with the side 102h of the stiffener 102 ".

The above embodiments are not intended to be limiting. For example, in the preferred embodiment only two of the four sides of the stiffeners 102 and 103 and the sleeve members 130 and 135 have a slot 120. This does not necessarily need to be so, and also the other two sides have a slot 120, which can be used to support the wall depending on the application. The size and dimensions of the vertical and horizontal stiffeners 102 and 103 are shown in the embodiments described above but need not be the same. Depending on the walls to be supported, the size and dimensions of the stiffeners 102, 103 can vary as can be appreciated from FIG. 8. Thus, while the embodiment described above shows slots arranged along two parallel axes, more slots arranged along additional axes (not necessarily parallel) may be provided depending on the size of the side of the stiffener or sleeve member. have.

While the preferred embodiment shows a horizontal stiffener 103 mounted to the side 102a of the vertical stiffener 102, the horizontal stiffener 103 may also be mounted to the sleeve member 130, since Although the horizontal stiffener 103 is more similarly mounted to the vertical stiffener 102 than the sleeve 130, the sleeve member 130 is coupled to the rear lug 117 of the side base plate 111. 120 is provided.

In the preferred embodiment, the base plate 110 is selectively coupleable to the stiffeners 102, 103 or to the sleeve members 130, 135, while the base plate 110 is only separated from the sleeve members 130, 135. It may be configured to be possible to combine. This offers the advantage of faster manufacturing since each part can be manufactured separately, but does not provide the flexibility to be directly coupled to the stiffener. If a stiffener is used for the vertical orientation, the lower end may be undesirable but may be coupled to a conventional base plate. In addition, the sleeve member 130 may be configured to be insertable only at one end of the vertical and / or horizontal stiffeners 102 and 103, although it is preferable to selectively insert the sleeve member at both ends.

Of course, the base plate 110 may be configured to be connectable only to the stiffener.

Preferred embodiments show sleeve members 130 and 135 insertable and receivable within stiffeners 102 and 103. However, this is not essential and other detachable attachment mechanisms are constructed (for example the stiffener is receivable in the sleeve member).

In addition, the base plate 110 has two short and two long protrusions, but may only be configured so that each one is sufficient, although the engagement of the stiffener or sleeve member with the recess may not be as good as when a pair of protrusions are used. . The alignment of the aligned recess pairs 126, 128 of the slots 120, 120 ', 120 "is directed inwardly towards each other. However, the recess pairs may face outwards (in the same direction as the opening of the slot). Although it is apparent that the lugs of the protrusion pairs 114 and 116 need to be modified, in addition, in the above-described embodiment, the recess pairs 126 and 128 are shown to be aligned, but this is not necessary. This is because the recess pairs 126, 128 can also be offset from one another and can be configured such that the protrusions 114, 116 are deformed (ie, one set of protrusions is higher than the other).

Four lugs 117 are shown on the side plates 111, 160, but this is to the dimensions of the side of the vertical stiffener 102 (and the structure of the slot 120) to which the side plates 111, 160 are attached. It should be understood that more / less lugs may be provided accordingly.

After the base plate 110 is connected to the sleeve members 130, 135 or the stiffeners 102, 103, the base plate 110 is connected to the sleeve members 130, 135 or the stiffeners 102, 103 by any suitable means. Can be fixedly connected.

Having fully described the present invention, those skilled in the art can understand that many changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (32)

A support member assembly, A long support member having an effective length, An elongate member engagement portion arranged to engage one end of the elongate support member to extend the effective length of the support member; A base portion comprising a engagement means for releasably coupling to the elongate member engagement portion or the elongate support member. Support member assembly. The method of claim 1, The engaging means is configured to be engageable only in the elongate member engaging portion. Support member assembly. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The elongate member and the elongate engaging portion each have sidewalls configured to be positioned adjacent to an end of the wall to be supported in use. Support member assembly. The method of claim 3, wherein Each sidewall includes a plurality of engagement means for allowing a tie member to be mounted to the sidewall, the tie member having a portion protruding from the sidewall to engage a wall to be supported. Support member assembly. The method of claim 4, wherein The plurality of engagement means are provided at separate locations along sidewalls of the elongate member and the elongate member engagement portion, whereby the position of the tie member is adjustable. Support member assembly. The method according to claim 4 or 5, The engagement means is provided on opposite sides of the elongate member. Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, The engagement means is provided on opposite sides of the elongate member engagement portion. Support member assembly. The method according to claim 4 or 5, The engagement means are provided on all four sides of the elongate member. Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 4, 5 or 8, The engagement means are provided on all four sides of the elongate member engagement portion. Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, The engagement means comprises a slot Support member assembly. The method of claim 10, The slot is long and includes an opening extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot. Support member assembly. The method of claim 11, An opening in each slot allows a tie member to be mounted on the sidewall, the tie member having a portion protruding from the sidewall to engage a wall to be supported. Support member assembly. The method according to claim 11 or 12, The slot is arranged along at least two substantially parallel axes along the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member and the elongate support member engagement portion, wherein the opening of the slot along one axis is opposite to the opening of the slot along the other axis. And the direction of both openings is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member and the elongate support member engagement portion. Support member assembly. The method of claim 13, The slot includes two recesses extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the opening of the slot. Support member assembly. The method according to claim 13 or 14, The slots along one axis are offset from adjacent slots along the other axis so that the openings in the slots are not aligned with each other. Support member assembly. The method of claim 15, The recess in the slot is aligned with the recess in the adjacent slot despite the offset Support member assembly. The method of claim 16, The position of each slot is used as a guide for selectively cutting the elongate member or the elongate member engagement portion to the required length. Support member assembly. The method of claim 17, When the elongate member or the elongate member engaging portion is cut along the cutting guide, aligned recesses of adjacent slots are arranged to be engageable by connecting means of the base portion. Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, The engaging means comprise protrusions arranged to selectively engage at least one of the recesses in the slot. Support member assembly. The method of claim 18, The engaging means each comprise a projection arranged to engage an aligned recess. Support member assembly. The method of claim 19 or 20, The projections are angled to form generally L-shaped projections. Support member assembly. The method of claim 20 or 21, The protrusions comprise two pairs of protrusions, one of which is longer than the other Support member assembly. The method of claim 22, One pair of protrusions is arranged to engage with one side of the elongate support member and the other pair of protrusions is arranged to engage with the opposite side of the elongate support member. Support member assembly. The method of claim 23, One pair of protrusions is arranged to engage with one side of the elongate member engagement portion, and the other pair of protrusions is arranged to engage with the opposite side of the elongate member engagement portion. Support member assembly. The method of claim 23 or 24, The base portion includes a stopper arranged to contact a side of the elongate support member or the elongate member engagement portion to limit movement along one direction. Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, The base portion is arranged to engage the support structure Support member assembly. The method of claim 26, The base portion includes a curved edge Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, The base portion is arranged to engage the elongate support member. Support member assembly. The method of claim 28, The base portion has an attachment section for attaching to the sidewall of one of the elongate members. Support member assembly. The method of claim 29, The attachment section includes a lug Support member assembly. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, The support member engagement portion is engageable with both ends of the elongate member. Support member assembly. The method of claim 13, The slot includes two recesses extending in the same direction as the opening of the slot. Support member assembly.

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