SK122095A3 - Lightweight metal truss and frame system - Google Patents

Abstract

The lightweight metal construction system begins with a beam (2) formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel or other sheet metal which is bent lengthwise along four lines to form a triangular cross section with two wings (4, 6), side-by-side, extending from its apex. The ends of the beams may be modified to form joints which are used to connect two beams together or to connect the beam to another construction material. Brackets (20) formed from strips of sheet steel or other metal are bent to conform to outer surfaces of the beams or other construction materials are used to attach the beams to other beams or other construction materials. Fasteners (40) are used to firmly attach the joints and brackets to the beams and construction materials.

Description

Lightweight metal construction, frame and lattice system

He filled the techniques

The invention relates to a metal frame and truss system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the price of timber has increased significantly due to restrictions on timber harvesting in order to preserve the environment. In just a few years, the price of wood more than doubled. The price increase had a major impact on the price of new residential buildings, which made it difficult to build and sell new residential houses at affordable prices. This in turn led to a decline in the start of construction of new buildings and an increase in unemployment in the construction industry.

In addition to the increased expenditure resulting from the high cost of timber, there are other reasons why it is necessary to find a real alternative for timber in a significant part of the bearing structures of new constructions. These are due to the vulnerability of wood with respect to the risk of insect and rot damage and the weight of the wood.

Prefabricated roof and ceiling lattice constructions are well known in residential and light civil buildings. The lattice structures are generally formed of rods (studs, components) twice four interconnected by steel interfaces, the frame and skeleton segments often being smashed together. The prefabricated roof truss structures are lifted and attached to the top of the structural skeleton so that the roof construction material can be deposited thereon. Prefabricated floor and ceiling lattice structures are attached to the foundation or bottom of the carcass of the building so that it is possible to store and attach plywood and floor covering. Prefabricated construction elements bring substantial time savings in building production, which are critical if the climate in some areas allows only a limited period of time suitable for construction. In general, time savings lead to cost savings. However, a significant increase in the price of wood also makes these prefabricated lattice, frame and skeleton constructions expensive, so an alternative is sought.

PCT Patent Application WO 91/17328 discloses a lightweight steel bar element. This structural bar has a cross-section of the letter I of a four-part structure, where the two supporting parts (upper and lower) have a C-shaped cross-section, the web and flange being composed of two sheet metal parts welded at their centers and bent towards out to form triangular flanges. This bar element is shown in cross-section for comparison in FIG. 1. The flanges of the triangles are then welded to the interior of the C-shaped support parts to form a C-shaped bar element. The two bar elements are joined together by flat or curved interface pieces that are bolted or welded to the outer surface of the web.

Although this solution provides improvements over conventional steel bar elements, since it is more than 50% lighter and can be used relatively easily in the construction of structures, it is not easy to manufacture. Each bar element consists of four parts that must be bent and welded skillfully along the length of the bar element, resulting in a manufacturing process that requires a number of specialized machinery and is time consuming. Furthermore, the joints between the two bar elements may be subjected to additional transverse tension, since the joints only connect the outer portion of the web without providing any reinforcement of the joint by the bar elements themselves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a lightweight metal construction system comprising a plurality of rod elements each formed of one piece of sheet bent longitudinally along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section having a base and two sides and two flanges, one flange corresponding to each side and extending from a top of said triangular cross-section, said rod element having an inner surface of the rod element and an outer surface of the rod element, and further comprising a plurality of connecting means for attaching at least one rod element of said plurality of rods to the construction material; a piece of sheet adapted to abut said at least one bar element, and a plurality of fasteners for fastening said fastener to said construction material.

The invention further provides a lightweight metal frame and lattice system comprising a plurality of rod elements formed of one piece of sheet bent longitudinally along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section having a base and two sides and two flanges, one flange corresponding to each side and extending from the top of said triangular cross-section, said rod element having a rod length, an inner surface of the rod element and an outer surface of the rod element, and further comprising a plurality of end connections comprising each piece of sheet formed at the end of the first rod element; elements with at least one longitudinal slot for forming a connection opening adapted to at least a portion of the outer surface of the first structural material, said end connection abutting said outer surface of said such that said portion of said outer surface of said structural material is at least partially housed in said attachment opening than the length of said structural material, a plurality of connecting members for attaching at least one of said rods to the other structural material, each connecting member comprising a sheet of metal having at least one transverse fold formed therein to accommodate said sheet of at least a portion of said outer surface of the bar member and at least one extension for abutting a portion of the outer surface of said structural material, a plurality of contact pieces, having a plurality of edges, at least one edge being interposed between the two flanges of said rod element, and a plurality of fasteners for fastening said end connectors, said and connecting parts to said construction material and said rod elements.

It is an advantage of the invention to provide a versatile lightweight steel beam system that can be used to insert wooden components into the structure. A further advantage is that it provides a system for making the roof, ceiling or other types of truss, frame and skeleton structures in which the steel rod elements can be easily assembled in any number of different shapes and angles. The invention provides a versatile lightweight structural beam system, which is an alternative to both wood and traditional building materials.

In an exemplary embodiment, the roof, ceiling and other types of truss, frame, and skeleton construction begins with a single piece of cold-formed steel sheet that is bent longitudinally about four lines to form a triangular cross-section with two flanges adjacent and protruding from its top. The flanges are not attached to each other by the fastening means themselves, but remain detachable from each other until the bar element is attached to the second bar element or other type of building material.

In order to reinforce the long bar element, it is possible to make cuts in the flanges, allowing the flange segments to fold over one another. For attaching one bar element to another at any angle, fasteners that are constructed similarly to bar elements can be used with triangular cross-section inserts or sleeves that can be fitted or mounted on the bar element, depending on the relative dimensions of the fastener triangle and triangle bar element. In one embodiment, the fasteners have a single triangle with a protruding flange forming a contact piece that is inserted between the flanges of one of the rods to be joined and fastened by screws, bolts or other fasteners. The triangular portion of the connecting piece is inserted into or is inserted through the end of the second bar element according to the relationship of their profiles.

In another embodiment, the connecting parts have a triangle formed at two or more edges, wherein a single flange is formed between the triangles. The triangles are inserted or slid relative to each other with the ends of the bar elements to be joined and fixed. A telescopic fitting consisting of a triangle with outside dimensions which is slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the triangle of the rod elements is used to connect the two rod elements end to end by sliding the telescopic connector into the end of each of the two rod elements to be joined; by inserting the fasteners over the bar elements and the telescopic connector. Similarly, it is possible to use a triangle of slightly larger dimensions as a connector, which is slid over the ends of the rods to be joined.

Assembly procedure, t. j. cutting, calibrating and cutting are the same as in standard wooden lattice or frame structures, except that oblique cuts at the ends of the rod elements are not required to assemble the steel lattice structures of the invention. The angled cuts at the ends of the rod elements are avoided by using the connectors with built-in angles. The rod elements and connectors may also be shaped for use as wall posts for frame construction, door and window lintels, and truss structures for mobile residential units.

Variations of the base bar element may be used to form a series of different connecting parts when joining a plurality of bar elements to each other, to attach the bar elements to the timber components, or to provide means for suspending other bar elements, posts, components or slabs of carrier materials. construction of a lightweight metal construction system.

The sheet metal of which the rods and connecting parts are formed can be chosen according to the weight requirements for each structure, using steel sheet in the most common construction applications ranging from 24 gauge to 8 gauge. Other materials, such as other metals (e.g. aluminum or titanium) or high strength plastics, may also be used for purposes of construction. The sheet material or plywood can be nailed or screwed to the base of the triangle, which is comparable to the width of the side of the profile twice four. Wood, plastic or other materials may also be inserted into the bar element between the flanges to facilitate attachment to other construction materials. The flanges of the bar element and of the connecting parts can be pre-drilled, so that the fastening element must only be inserted into suitable holes to achieve the desired joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 3 is a perspective view, FIG. 4 side

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art lightweight steel rod element; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a lightweight steel bar element according to the invention, a view of a first embodiment of the joint view of the joint of FIG. 3 connecting two rod elements, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connector, FIG. 6 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 5 connecting two rod elements, FIG. 7 is a view of a connecting piece for connecting three rod elements, FIG. Fig. 8 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a connecting piece for connecting two rod elements end-to-end; 9 is a perspective view of a section of a bar element for connecting a wooden component, FIG. 11 shows a side view of a connecting piece connecting two rod elements side by side, FIG. 12 shows a front view of a connecting piece connecting two bar elements one above another, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bar element modified to provide additional reinforcement; FIG. 14 is a side view of a connector for hanging a component from a bar element; FIG. 15 is a front view of a fastener for supporting the structural material above the bar element; FIG. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a coupling for joining two rod elements parallel to each other; Fig. 18 is a side view of a second joint for connecting one rod element to the other in a mutually perpendicular configuration; 19 is a front view of a second joint, FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a frame structure; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the bar element with alternative reinforcing means; FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforced bar element; and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a wooden component replacement assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted at the outset that in the elements of a light metal construction system where the upper, lower and sides are mentioned in the description, this is merely an example. These designations do not mean that the structural system is limited to such orientation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the basic lightweight steel bar element 2 has a triangular cross-sectional shape with a pair of flanges 4 and 6 extending from the apex 8 of the triangle 10. The triangle 10 is formed by bending the cold-formed steel sheet at four points, at the lower corners 12 and 14 16 and 18 so that the flanges 4 and 6 are substantially straight. The triangle 10 is symmetrical about a line extending from the apex 8 perpendicular to the base. The lower corners 12 and 14 are easily rounded to avoid weakening of the metal at the bending points. No welding or other fastening procedures are performed on the rod element 2 so that the flanges 4 and 6 are not connected to each other. Holes may be pre-drilled into the bar element to facilitate insertion of fasteners to join the bar elements together.

The first type of fasteners for joining the bar elements together is formed by a process similar to that used to manufacture the bar elements. As shown in FIG. 3 and 5, the coupling parts 20 and 30 are formed by bending a cold formed steel sheet to form a triangle at at least one edge of the sheet. As for the connector 20, the edges 22 and 24 of the connector are bent inwardly so that they terminate at the top 26 or 27 of the triangle without forming the second flange portion as with the rod elements. The sheet is cut so that the edges have the necessary angles. In this example, the steel sheet has a trapezoidal shape.

The sizes of the triangles of the connecting part are preferably slightly smaller than the dimensions of the bar element so that they fit snugly into the triangle of the bar element. Alternatively, the triangles of the connector may be larger than the triangles of the bar element. A single web section 25 extends between the two triangles 21 and 23 differently from the two flanges formed in the manufacture of the rod elements. This allows the fasteners to be formed from a single piece of sheet metal with as few bends as possible, making their manufacture simple and economical. No joining of the fastener itself is required. The only fasteners are fitted when the bar elements and the fasteners are assembled together.

The assembly of the connector 20 with the two bar elements 2 and 2 is shown in FIG. 4. The fasteners 40 are shown as sheet metal screws, but may also be welds, rivets, or nuts.

In FIG. 5 shows a connecting piece 30 for forming a roof top or similar angled structure by joining two rod elements 2 and 2). Although the angle shown is relatively large, the connector 30 may be formed for any angle required. As described above for the connector 20, the cold formed steel sheet is cut to the desired shape, in this case, a hexagon. A notch 33 is formed on top 35 which allows the triangles to be formed independently of one another. The triangles 31 and 31 are formed by three folds extending parallel to the edges 32 and 34 cut at the desired angle so that they lie at the top

35. The triangles 31 and 311 have sides slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the triangle of the rod element. Alternatively, the dimensions of the triangles 31 and 311 may be larger than the outer dimensions of the rods such that the connector is fitted over the outside of the end of the rod to be joined.

The connecting piece 30 and the rod elements 2 and 2) are connected as shown in FIG. 6, wherein the fastening elements are guided through the flanges of the corresponding rod elements and a simple flange 36 of the connecting part defining an angle. Alternatively, as in other connections, the parts may be welded together. The holes for the required fasteners may be pre-drilled.

The rod elements may be joined together using a connector of the shape shown in FIG. 7. The sheet edges 42 and 44 are cut at the desired angles and then folded inward to form triangles 43 and 45. The edge 46 also folds inward to form a triangle 47. As in the connecting piece 30, cut-out slits are separated between the triangles. The ends of the rods to be joined are slid over the corresponding triangle and fastened as above. The angles can be varied at the desired rate by suitable cutting from sheet metal.

The two bar elements may be connected to each other at the ends either by inserting a telescopic-type connector into the ends of each bar element 2 and 2) or by inserting the ends of the bar elements into the telescopic connector. In FIG. 8 shows a coupling of the first type. The telescopic connector 62 consists of a triangular tube formed by bending a single piece of steel sheet along three lines to dimensions slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the rod-shaped triangle 10.

Alternatively, the dimensions of the triangular tube may be larger than the outer dimensions of the rod-shaped triangle 10 so that the connecting piece is slid over the ends of the rod-shaped elements to be joined. The connector 62 should be tightly inserted into the triangle to provide optimal support. Fasteners 50 or welds are then used for the connections 10 of each bar element 2 and 2) to the connector. As shown, the fasteners are guided over the corresponding coupling flanges and rod elements. Where the ends of the rods are inserted into the telescopic coupling, the coupling triangle has dimensions slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the rods.

The connector or end connector shown in FIG. 9 provides a means for directly attaching the bar element to the wooden component (or other structural material). The triangular portion 63 may be either a rod element itself or a connector that is telescopically connected to the rod element, similar to the embodiment of FIG. In both cases, the triangular portion 63 is formed in the same manner as the bar element of FIG. Near the end of the bar element, a portion of the triangle is cut off by forming a longitudinal slot, leaving only the base of the triangle. This produces an extension 64 that is substantially flat (except for the curvature at the edges 66 corresponding to the lower corners of the triangle). For the 2 x 4 part, the end of the extension 64 is bent up to form a 50 mm gap between the cut-out point 66 and the upward bent end 68. The 2 x 4 part is then fitted into this space and the rod is fastened to it with nails or wood screws. . The extension 64 provides additional support and stability to the composite structure formed from the rod elements and other construction material, such as the wooden components in this case. The space may be adapted to accommodate any structural material by adapting the position of the cutout 66 and the bend 67.

An alternative embodiment of the end connector of FIG. 9 is shown in FIG. 10. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 9 in that the triangular portion 72 is formed after the extensions have been defined. The stainless steel sheet is cut with two end portions 73 and 74 of width L1 and a middle portion of width L2 equal to the width L1 plus the outer width of the triangular portion 72 (shown in dotted line in the folded state).

A longitudinal section is formed from the ends along the line that will be the first corner 75 of the triangular portion 72, leaving an extension 76 and 77 of width L3. The sheet metal blank is then folded along the length to form the first edge 75. The central portion is folded along the length again to form the edge 78 and bend again at the edge 79 to form the flange 80. The end flange faces 81 and 82 bend inwardly against at the end of the triangular portion 72 to increase strength and provide means for attachment to one side of the 2x4 component or other structural materials. By way of example, an end flange surface 82 with wood screws inserted for fastening to the timber component 84 (shown in phantom) is shown.

The component 84 fits into the space between the flange surface 82 and the extension end 86 that is bent up parallel to the flange surface 82. Outside the end 86, fasteners may be introduced into the component 84 (as in other elements, holes may be pre-drilled into the metal ease of assembly). The extension 76 is shown without the upwardly bent end. In this arrangement, the connection to the wooden component (not shown) may be made by introducing the fasteners upwardly through the extension 76 and outwardly through the flange surface 81. By not bending the end, it is possible to make a connection to a large beam or other large-dimensioned structure, for example to the edge of the concrete block. The combination of the flange surface 81 and the extension 76 can also be bent to form a curved contact surface for connection to pipes or other rounded surfaces. The end connector formed in FIG. 10 retains the advantages of great strength and simple manufacturing of a triangular rod element while allowing great versatility to adapt to other building surfaces.

The connector 90 shown in FIG. 11 is formed from a sheet of steel sheet and can be of any length to be used to join two adjacent rod elements. At each end of the connector 90, the metal is bent to the side so as to conform to the outer shape and dimensions of the rods to be joined. Here, the two bar elements 92 and 94 are oriented in the same direction with the bases 96 and 97 facing downwards. The ends of the connector 90 are bent to conform to the sides of the bar elements 92 and 93 and are bent down to surround the flanges 98 and 99 of the bar elements. The fastening elements here are screws 100 introduced through the connecting piece and the flanges of each bar element. It is possible to join a plurality of rod elements such that the extension 93 of the connector 90 continues for any length as necessary, the connector being bent to accommodate the upper profiles of the rod elements for each of the rod elements to be joined. For example, if a third bar element were connected between the bar elements 92 and 94, three lateral bends would be formed at the center of the extension 90 to accommodate the flanges and sides of the third bar element.

The connector 102 shown in FIG. 12, it is used to join two rod elements having their flanges 104 facing each other (only one rod element is shown). Similar to the previous fasteners, the fastener 102 is formed by side folds in a steel sheet strip. Each of the ends 106 and 107 of the connector 102 surrounds the side 108 and the base 109 of the bar member 103 with the flange 110 extending partially upwardly through the side 111 so that each end 106 and 107 surrounds the bar member. The fastening element 112, which is a sheet metal screw, can be inserted through the connecting piece 102 and the flanges 104 to fix the relative positions. The section 105 between the two triangular elements may have any length required to span the two rod elements.

In FIG. 13, means for reinforcing a long rod element are shown. If the bar element is several meters long without a support or joint in its center, the forces at the ends may cause the bar element to open in the middle. This opening can be prevented by cutting the section 112 in one flange 114 and folding it over the other flange 116, thereby providing means for holding the flanges together without the need for additional fasteners. As shown in FIG. 13, the flange 114 is longer than the flange 116 to facilitate this stiffening process. Alternatively, recesses may be formed in the flange 116, allowing the section 112 to be bent when the flanges 114, 116 have the same length.

Other means for reinforcing the long rod element are shown in FIG. 22 and 23. A U-shaped cutout 204 is formed in the two flange members 200 and 201, thereby forming a tongue 202. The tongues 202 of each flange are pressed together by both cutouts and folded back around the outer side of the flange, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the inner tongue (as shown, the tongue on the right flange) may be cut out and the remaining tongue bent over the cut-out. The shape of the cut-out is not limited to the shape of the letter U, but may be any cut that forms a tongue-like projection in one flange, which may be bent over the cut-out in an adjacent flange to hold the two flanges together.

A third means for longitudinally reinforcing the bar element is shown in FIG. 24. Here, grooves 210 are formed in the sides 212 and in the base 214 of the triangle to provide additional bending or opening stiffness by pressing or bending the metal surfaces. To simplify production, the grooves are formed before the triangle itself is formed. Thus, large sheets can be formed from sheet metal provided with a trough-shaped profiling, which is then cut and shaped into triangular rod elements.

Fig. 14 shows a fastener 118 for hanging a timber structural member 120 or a structural member of other structural material, including other rods, from a rod member 122. The fastener 118 is formed of a sheet of steel sheet that is bent five times to the side to form a generally triangular cross-section. at its upper part, including the open slot 124, in which the flanges 126 of the bar element 122 fit. The two extensions 128 of the connector 122 may be as long or short as necessary to allow the necessary spacing between the component 120 and the bar element 122. of the component 120 in the connector 118, screws 130 or other fasteners 14 are used. The component 120 need not only be hinged from the bar element 122, but can only be supported at its upper end by the bar element 122 and the connector 118.

The connector 132 shown in FIG. 15, is used to attach construction materials (not shown) in space 134 to a bar (not shown) whose upper portion fits into a substantially triangular cross-section 136 in a similar relationship to that of the bar and the connector of FIG. 14. The connector 132 is formed in the same manner as the other connectors. The space 134 may be expanded to receive a wooden component or other material, wherein a fastener (not shown) may be introduced by extensions 138 for attaching the material to the connector 132 similar to the connector of FIG. 14th

The terminal 140 shown in FIG. 16 may be formed as a separate connector or may be a modified end of a solid bar element that allows one bar element to be directly connected perpendicular to the other bar element. Here, this part is shown as a separate connecting part. The end connection 140 has the same construction as the basic bar element (FIG. 2). Longitudinal cuts are formed along the lower edges 142 and 143 of the triangle and the flange portions above the triangle are removed. The formed side flaps 144, 145 are bent from the elongate base 146 at the same angle as the side of the bar element. The dotted bar element 148 shown here shows the relationship between the bent side flaps and the side of the bar element to which the end connector 140 is attached. The elongate base 146 supports the bottom portion (base) of the bar member 148 while the side flaps 144 and 145 are in contact with the side 150 of the bar member 148. Fasteners for attaching to the bar member 148 may be introduced through the base 146 and the side flaps 144 and 145. the end connector 140 perpendicular to the side of the bar element 148. At the opposite end of the end connector 140 no bar element is shown, but the flaps 144) and 145) and the base extension 146 are ready to be connected to another bar element which will be parallel to the bar 148th

The end connection of FIG. 17 may be formed either in a separate connecting piece or at the end of the rod element. Shown here is a connector formed at the end of the bar member 152 to be connected perpendicular to the bar member 154. To form the connector, the base bar member is provided with a longitudinal slot 158 in the center of the base 156 at a distance approximately equal to the height of the bar member 154. at the bottom of the cutout, the corners 157 are bent away from the base 156 to form a triangular opening corresponding to the cross-section of the bar element 154, with flaps 153 abutting the sides 161 of the bar element 154.

The second section 159 is formed laterally through both flanges 160 and the lower corners 162 are bent outwardly to form a triangular opening corresponding to the transverse profile of the bar member 154 with flaps 163 abutting the sides 161 of the bar member 154. The bar member 152 is mounted downwardly over the bar element 154, thereby ensuring that the flanges 164 fully fit into the recess 158. Through the flaps 153 and 163, fasteners 165 can be inserted into the sides 161.

Fig. 18 and 19 show an alternative joint for attaching the end of one bar element. The joint differs from that of FIG. elements.

to the top of the second bar element. 17 in that the flanges of the two bars instead of the flanges of the bar element to which the bar element 170 is to be connected are inserted into the slots 174. The slots 174 are formed by longitudinally cutting from the end of the bar element at sides 170 and bending the corners of the slot 174 back to form flaps 176 and 178. The flaps 176 and 178 are bent back to form a triangular opening with dimensions corresponding to the triangular cross-section of the base bar element as shown in FIG. 2. Once the joint is fitted over the bar element to which the bar element 170 is to be attached, fasteners may be introduced to the sides of the adjacent bar element through flaps 176 and 178 to provide a firm connection between the bar elements.

Fig. 20 and 21 illustrate support reinforcements that can be used to increase the strength of a structure with increased rod lengths. The reinforcement 180 is a metal strip with L-shaped ends 182 that surround the rods 184 and 186 and are fastened to corresponding of the rods, approximately halfway between the ends of the rods. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a frame in which the bar elements of the invention consist of vertically extending portions (bar elements 184 and 186) connected to the wood component 188 at the base by the end connector 192 of the connector type of FIG. 9. At the upper ends of the bar elements, a third metal bar element 190 is connected, connected using a connector 194 as in FIG. 17th

In preferred embodiments, the width of the base of the triangle 10 of the bar, the element is comparable to the width of the component two times four, so that any element that may require edge support such as a wall cladding, plywood or roofing material will likewise be supported by the bar. where the specialized attachment parts described above for use with wooden components are described above, the wooden components may be replaced by the rod elements of the invention. Wedges or other fasteners for attaching the material to be supported may be introduced through either side of the triangle 2. Other construction materials may also be inserted between the flanges 4 and 6 and the bar element. For example, the component may be inserted twice by four expanding the triangle with wedges to form a wooden surface. Similarly, plastics or composite building materials can also be inserted into the bar element. Where appropriate, rod elements of different dimensions, e.g. j. larger or smaller than typical 2x4 dimensions.

The combination of the bar elements according to FIG. 25 is an alternative to a 2x4 timber component (or other standard timber structural beam) having features that allow direct attachment of other structural materials. This 2 x 4 metal element is formed from two symmetrically bent triangular rods 220 and 222 having wounded 221 and 223 protruding from the tops to form a flat surface 266 comparable to the 50 millimeter sides of the 2x4 wooden component into which the fasteners may be inserted. elements for supporting construction material. The two rods 220 and 222 are connected to each other by a substantially L-shaped connector 228, which is connected to the inner flange 230 of each rod by welding or any other fastening means (unspecified welds not shown). To connect the construction materials to the wider side of the bar element, attachment elements may be introduced via the bases 232 and 234 of both triangles. As an example of the use of this 2 x 4 metal element, it may be a replacement of the wood component 84 in FIG. 10. The arm 221 of the 2x4 metal element is in this case connected by fasteners to the extension 77 and a screw can be introduced into the base 232 via the end flange plate 82.

The material of the beams and the individual connecting parts can be adapted to the requirements of the construction project. Cold formed steel sheets of 24 to 8 gauge (24-8 gauge) as well as sheets of metals other than aluminum, titanium and a range of steel alloys may be used. For most construction purposes, steel will be a suitable material.

The described attachment parts allow the formation of any angle required for construction or construction without the need to trim to the required angle at the ends of the rod elements. This is particularly important where the level of training of construction personnel is such that cutting angles is a frequent source of error.

The bar elements of the invention, the attachment parts and the mounting methods can replace the traditional four-by-two frame components, door and window lintels, and a variety of other components traditionally used in wooden frame construction. By joining two rod elements along their entire length using a long nipple, I-profiles can be formed, so that the system according to the invention can also be used as a replacement for traditional metal frame structures. The lightweight construction system of the elements made up of the aforementioned rod elements is inexpensive to manufacture and can be assembled and handled as easily as with traditional wooden structures. The use of steel beams as an alternative to wood is a starting point that has a significant impact on the construction industry and delivers high quality and environmentally safe material. In addition, the steel rod elements are resistant to a number of problems in wooden structures because they are not susceptible to insect attack and wood rot.

It is understood that other embodiments, not shown above, are possible and are included within the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description and drawings are provided by way of example only and the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims (25)

PATENT CLAIMS A lightweight metal construction system compatible with wood members, comprising a plurality of rod members, each rod member of the plurality having a first length, an inner surface and an outer surface, further comprising a plurality of connecting means for connecting at least one rod member of said rod member. a plurality of rod members to a construction material to be carried by the rod member at a non-zero angle to each other, each fastener comprising one piece of sheet adapted to abut on at least one of said inner surface and an outer surface of said at least one rod member; has a second length considerably less than said first length, such that the joint point between said at least one bar element and said construction material has a joint length considerably less than said first length; a length and a plurality of fasteners for fastening said fastener to said construction material, wherein each bar member is formed from one piece of sheet bent longitudinally along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section having a base and two sides and two a flange, one flange corresponding to each side and extending from the top of said triangular cross-section, said bar element remaining openable between said two flanges until said plurality of fasteners are fixed to fix said connection point. The lightweight structural system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of connecting means comprises a plurality of end connections formed at each end of said first bar member of said plurality of rods with at least one longitudinal slot for forming a port opening adapted to at least a portion an outer surface of said construction material, said end connection abutting said outer surface of said construction material such that said portion. said outer surface of said construction material being at least partially housed in said opening of the connection. The lightweight metal structural metal system of claim 2, wherein said structural material is a second bar element of said plurality of bar elements and said end connection comprises a longitudinal slot formed in the base of said first bar element, with said two sides and said two flanges bent outwardly from said apex for accommodating a first portion of said outer surface of said second rod element, said first portion comprising said two sides and corresponding two flanges of said second rod element. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 2, wherein said construction material is a second bar element of said plurality of bar elements and said end connection comprises a longitudinal section formed along each corner between said base and said two sides of said first bar element with said two sides bent outwardly from said apex to accommodate a first portion of said outer surface of said second rod element, said first portion comprising said base and one of said two sides of said second rod element. A lightweight metal construction system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said construction material is a second bar element and said end connection comprises a longitudinal slot formed in each of two sides of said first bar element with said two sides bent outwardly from said longitudinal slot for adapting said first portion of said outer surface of said second rod element, said first portion comprising said two sides and their respective two flanges of said second rod element. 6. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 2, wherein said construction material comprises a wood component and said end connection comprises a longitudinal section along each corner between said base and said two sides and a cross section transverse to said two sides and said two. flanges of said first bar element for playing a section of each side and their corresponding two flanges of said first bar element. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 6, wherein said base is bent in a transverse direction at an angle of 90 ° from said cross-section substantially in accordance with the dimension of said wooden component. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 1, wherein said construction material comprises a 50 x 100 mm metal piece formed by joining a pair of asymmetrically shaped rods to an L-shaped connector and said end connection comprises a longitudinal section along each corner between said corner. a base and said two sides, and a cross-section across said two sides and said two flanges of said first bar element for removing a section of each side and corresponding two flanges of said first bar element. The lightweight metal structural system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of fasteners for attaching at least one of said rods to the construction material, each fastener being formed from a sheet metal strip having at least one transverse member. a fold for adapting said strip to at least a portion of said outer surface of the bar member and at least one extension to abut a portion of the outer surface of said structural material. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of fasteners, each fastener having one transverse fold at each end of said strip. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of fasteners, each fastener having three transverse folds to accommodate said strip of said portion of said outer surface of the bar element. The lightweight metal structural system of claim 11, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of fasteners, each fastener further having two longitudinal extensions extending therebetween to span the width of said structural material. 13. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of interface members, each interface portion comprising a sheet metal sheet having multiple edges, at least one edge being inserted between said two flanges of said flange. rod element. 14. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of connecting means comprises a plurality of triangular telescopic couplings, each triangular telescopic coupling for connecting two rod elements of said plurality of rod elements with their ends to each other. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 14, wherein said triangular telescopic connector is angled. 16. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 1, further comprising reinforcing means for large lengths of said rod elements, said reinforcing means comprising a pair of transverse cuts across one of the flanges to form a flange section folded over the other of said flanges. 17. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 1, further comprising reinforcing means for long lengths of said bar elements, said reinforcing means comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped cuts in each of the flanges to form a tongue in one of said bars. a flange which is pushed through a U-shaped cutout in the second flange and bent over the outer surface of the second flange. The lightweight metal construction system of claim 1, further comprising reinforcing means for long lengths of said bar elements, said reinforcing means comprising a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed in the base and sides of the triangular cross-section. 19. A lightweight metal frame and lattice system comprising a plurality of rod elements, each rod element having a first length, an inner surface and an outer surface, further comprising a plurality of end connections to form a first connection point having a width substantially smaller than the length of said structural a plurality of fasteners for attaching at least one of said rods to the second structural material at a second joint point such that the second joint point has a second length much less than the length of said rod element, further greater a number of contact pieces, each contact piece comprising a flat metal sheet having a plurality of edges and a third length much less than the length of said bar element to form a third connection point and a plurality of fasteners at the fastening said end connectors, said connecting members and said interface members to said construction material and said rod elements, wherein each rod element is formed from one piece of sheet bent longitudinally along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section having a base and two sides and two flanges, one flange corresponding to each side and extending from the top of said triangular cross-section, said bar element being openable between said two flanges, each end connection being formed of one piece of sheet formed at the end of the first bar element of said plurality of bar elements with at least one longitudinal slot for forming an opening adapted to at least a portion of the outer surface of the first structural material, said end connection abutting said an external surface of said structural material, such that said portion of said outer surface of said structural material is at least partially housed in said connection opening, each fastener being formed of a sheet metal strip having at least one transverse fold to accommodate said strip at least a portion of said outer surface and at least one an extension for abutting a portion of an outer surface of said structural material, each contact portion having at least one longitudinal edge interposed between said two flanges of said rod element, and wherein said rod element and said structural material are joined together at said first, second and third connection points that there is a gap between said bar element and said construction material, except at the locations of said connection points. The lightweight metal frame and lattice system of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of triangular telescopic couplings, wherein each triangular telescopic coupler is intended to connect two rod elements of said plurality of rod elements with their ends to each other. The lightweight metal frame and lattice system of claim 20, wherein said triangular telescopic connector is angled. 22. The lightweight metal frame and lattice system of claim 19, further comprising stiffening means for long rod lengths, said stiffening means comprising a pair of transverse cuts across one of said flanges to form a flange section folded over the other of said flanges. . 23. The lightweight metal frame and lattice system of claim 19, further comprising reinforcing means for long lengths of said bar elements, said reinforcing means comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped cuts in each of the flanges to form a tongue in one. of said flanges, which is pushed through a U-shaped cutout in the second of the flanges and bent over the outer surface of the second of said flanges. 24. The lightweight metal frame and lattice system of claim 19, further comprising reinforcing means for long lengths of said bar elements, said reinforcing means comprising a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed in the base and sides of said triangular cross-section. 25. A timber member compatible with a timber member compatible metal structure, characterized in that it is formed from one piece of sheet having a length bent longitudinally along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section having a base and two sides and each side having a flange extending therefrom at the top of said triangular cross-section, each side and its corresponding flange being unconnected to the other side and the flange so that said bar element is openable by separating said flanges from each other.