US1591215A - Braced element - Google Patents

Description

G. S. JACOBS BRAGED ELEMENT l July 6,1926. 1,591,215

' Filed April 23 1925 Patented July 6, 17926. I

UNITED STAT GEORGE S. JACOBS, 0F PONTI'AQVMIHIGAN.

BRACED ELEMENT.

Application led April 23, 1923. Serial No. 633,977.

' This invention relates to systems of bracing, and is particularly useful in connection with vehicle structures having spaced frame members which are liable to distortion.

More specifically, this invention relates' to a system of bracing wherein spaced frame members are connected by a bracing struc.- ture engaging the frame members at four separated. points approximately in the same plane, the bracing structure comprising means for connecting the separated points of connection bya plurality of arches meeting at points separated from each other on a line substantially perpendicular to the plane of the four point-s of connection, the connecting members being adapted to withstand stresses either of tension or of compression.

The object of the invention is to provide a simple, strong, durable and inexpensive system of bracing spaced frame members which will hold these frame members rigidly against distortion indifferent directions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bracing structure capable of easy modification to suit varying conditions, and readily adaptable for use with spaced frame members used for any purpose where rigid.- ity is desired'.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in 'connection with the following description,Y reference being had to the drawing forming a part of the specification, lin which- Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; i

Fig. 2 is a vertical elevation of half of the structure shown in Fig. 1, the central connecting elements being in section on the line II-II of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a modified form of the invention, and v Fig. 4 is an end elevation thereof, the side spaced frame members being shown in sec-v tion.

While the structures illustrated vin the accompanying drawing are particularly intended for use with vehicle frames, especial ly automobile chassis for closed bodies, as a means for preventing distortion, it will be understoodthat similar bracing structures may) advantageously vbe used with lmany other structures where it is desired to brace parallel or substantially .parallel members to prevent distortion. v v

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the frame members l andZ may consist of chap,-

nel bars, and the brace members 3 may also consist of channel bars split longitudinally of the web for almost their entire length, an end of the web being left solid to form an attaching portion 4 which may be secured to the web'5 of the channel members 1 or 2 as by rivets 6 or other suitable securing means. For many structures, spot welding may conveniently be used. The split por` tions'of the members 2 are bent apart angularly as shown in Fig. 2 tol form diver ent arms. The free ends of vall four mem ers forming a bracing unit, are arranged between the members 1 and 2 so that the diagonally extendingA arms lie in two intersecting planes, each substantially at right angles .to the plane of the four points' of connection of the braces with the frame members. Any suitable means may be used tohold the oposed ends of the bracejmembers in fixed reation to leach other. `As shown in Figs.-

1 and 2, the webs vand flanges of the brace members are bent adjacent to their free ends. and a connecting late 7 is rigidly secured to each member ci) each oup of four adjacent ends, the plates ying on opposite sides of the plane passing through the four points of connection of the braces to the members 1 and 2.

While the plates 7 are shown as substanlially equally distant from the plane passingr through the median line of the webs of the frame members 1 and 2, it is evident that either the upper or lower plate may lie nearer to this plane, in which case the divergent armsof the brace members will not be bent at equal angles to the terminal attaching ortions 4. In all cases however, the plates or their equivalent means for lrigidly uniting the meeting ends of the brace members should lie on opposite sides of the plane passing through the four points of connection of the braces with the frame members.

Additional rigidity and strength may be secured by the luse of plates or other connecting means such as indicated at 8, the form shown in Fig. 2consisting of flat metallic sheets cut to fit the tapering space between the anges of the braces 3, and secured in place by rivets or other suitable means.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 sind 1, suitable castings or forgin 9 are secured to the frame members 10 an 11 these mem bers 9 having divergiag cyiinrical armi-v nals 12 adapted to receive tubular brace members 13 which are joined to thecentral connecting pieces 14 upon similar cylindrical terminal portions 15. The tubing may be secured to the members 9 or 14 by brazing, welding, or in any other suitable Inanner as is common inthe construction of bicycle frames.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that many changes maybe made in the size, form, proportion, 'and details of construction of my bracing system without de parting from its principles 0r sacrificing any of its advantages. The system is therefore claimed in any of its embodiments within the full and Valid scope of the appended claim.

I claim z- In motor vehicle construction, a pair of 'horizontally disposed spaced frame members, a bracing structure connected to the frame members at four points approximately in a `horizontal plane, the bracing structure having two disconnected points separated from eachother on a line approximately perpendicular to the plane of the four points, the bracing structure comprising split channel bars having attaching portions forthe frame members and diverging split portions extending towards the separate points on 'the line approximately perpendicular to the plane of said frame members, a plate connecting the ends of the channel bars above the plane of said frame members, and a., plate connecting the ends of the channell bars below the plane of Asaid frame members.

In testimony whereof I ailix my signature.

GEORGE S. JACOBS.

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