WO2023165892A1

WO2023165892A1 - System and method for suspending a framework structure on a load bearing structure of a building and use of such suspension system

Info

Publication number: WO2023165892A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/054559
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik WÄRME; Magnus Gunnarsson; Ulf Johansson
Original assignee: Balco Group Ab
Priority date: 2022-03-03
Filing date: 2023-02-23
Publication date: 2023-09-07
Also published as: SE2250286A1; SE546038C2

Abstract

A suspension system (300) and a method (400) for suspending a framework structure (500) are provided. The suspension system (300) comprises a first support (100) configured to be mounted on a load bearing structure (20) of a building. The first support (100), in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprises a first end plate (112) having a first set of through-going bolt holes (113a, 113b). The suspension system (300) further comprises a second support (200) configured to suspend a framework structure (500). The second support (200), in a free end (210) thereof configured to face towards the load bearing structure (20), comprises a second end plate (212) having a second set of through-going bolt holes (213a,213b). The suspension system (300) further comprises a spacer (150) configured to form a gap between opposing major surfaces (115, 215) of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUSPENDING A FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE ON A LOAD BEARING STRUCTURE OF A BUILDING AND USE OF SUCH SUSPENSION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure belongs to a system and a method for suspending a framework structure on a load bearing structure of a building.

BACKGROUND

Mounting a framework structure, such as a framework structure of a balcony, on a load bearing structure, e.g., an exterior wall, of a building is a non-trivial and precise task. In the event the framework structure being a framework structure of a balcony, the balcony may either be integrally formed with the building or be provided as a pre-formed balcony module being mounted to the exterior wall structure of the building. The latter may be made by providing the exterior wall structure of the building with a plurality of beams projecting out from the wall structure and further providing a framework structure comprising a plurality of apertures to be aligned with the longitudinal extension of the respective beam. The framework structure is mounted to the beams by inserting the beams into their respective apertures in the framework structure. Hence, in other words, the framework structure is slid onto the beams. Thus, in the resulting installation, the weight of the balcony and any normal load thereon such as persons, furnishings, etc., will be supported by the beams.

Since a balcony is arranged in an elevated position in view of the ground it is important that the work of suspending the framework structure as such may be made as easy as possible. Any angular misalignment of the beams, even a small one as measured close to the wall structure, will cause a substantial horizontal and/or vertical misalignment at the free ends of the beams. Such a misalignment may cause a so-called drawer effect which makes it considerably more difficult to insert the beams into corresponding openings in a framework module. The suspension work is made by one or more cranes, requiring highly skilled personnel due to the overall small tolerances, heights, and weights. Installation of a balcony also involves a substantial cost in terms of machinery since at least one crane must be allocated. Thus, it is important that the installation time may be reduced.

Further, it is important that the subsequent levelling of the suspended framework module may be made in an easy manner. Hence, there is a need for a suspension system that allows a simplified mounting of a framework structure on a building.

SUMMARY

The main object of the invention is to provide a system allowing an easy suspension of a framework structure on a building.

Another object is to provide a system that allows an easy suspension and levelling of a framework structure, and especially a framework structure of a balcony.

Yet another object is that the suspension system should be applicable no matter if it is a mounting that is made during a new construction of a building or as a retrofit.

These and other objects are met by a suspension system for suspending a framework structure on a building, the suspension system comprising:

- a first support configured to be mounted on a load bearing structure of a building, the first support, in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprising a first end plate having a first set of through-going bolt holes;

- a second support configured to suspend a framework structure, said second support, in a free end thereof configured to face towards the exterior wall, comprising a second end plate having a second set of through-going bolt holes; and

- a spacer; wherein the second support is configured to be bolted to the first support by a set of bolts being arranged to extend through the holes in the first and second sets of through-going bolt holes, and wherein the spacer is configured to form a gap between opposing major surfaces of the first and the second end plates.

The suspension system above is hereinafter referred to as the first aspect of the inventive concept. The load bearing structure of the building may be a framework, a body, an exterior wall, etc., of the building. To simplify the context below, it is assumed that the load bearing structure is an exterior wall of the building. The “exterior wall” may be denoted “wall” below. The first support may be directly or indirectly casted into the wall. The second end plate is fastened to the first end plate by bolts and bolt locking means, e.g., nuts, or threaded holes in at least one of the first and the second end plates. The spacer may facilitate adjustment of the second support vertically and/or laterally, which may facilitate a convenient alignment procedure. As appreciated by the skilled person, the term spacer generally refers to a device or an element that is used to maintain a distance/separation and/or an angle between two components or two parts. The spacer may thus have any suitable design for spacing apart, adjust, and/or align the second support in relation to the first support. Upon a plurality of first and second support plates have been mounted, the framework structure may be is slidingly fitted onto the plurality of first supports, further facilitating mounting and reducing mounting time without compromising on security. Thus, by the present specification, a simplified and faster suspension process is provided for. Further, an overall safer working environment is provided for since the amount of manual hands-on work may be reduced. This applies no matter if the suspension is made during the erection of a new building or as a retrofitting to an existing building. Further, the length of the first support may be in the range of 0.1-0.5 m. The division of the suspension system into the first and the second support facilitates scaffolding since the first support typically can be substantially shorter than the second support, which second support can be mounted in connection to the installation of the framework structure.

The gap may be configured to receive a sealing cement.

The sealing cement may be any sealing compound configured to be at least partially cured, and more preferred fully cured in the gap. The sealing cement may be any suitable compound for injection to thereby at least partially fill the gap. For instance, the sealing cement may be a sealant, a sealing mortar, an injection mortar, or the like. Preferably, the gap is configured to receive the sealing cement after the second support has been fastened to the first support. At this stage in the mounting process, adjustment of the direction of the second support, and hence levelling thereof, may already have been done. Alternatively, the direction of the second support, and hence levelling thereof, may be done after the gap has received sealing cement but before the sealing cement has been cured. The sealing cement preferably has the property of, when cured, withstanding pressure. That is, when the sealing cement has cured, less flexibility in the second support relative to the first support may be expected. Hence, the sealing cement may provide a more robust suspension of the framework structure, as the sealing cement may provide a more uniform load distribution between the first end plate and the second end plate. Hence, at least after curing, the sealing cement may reduce load on other possibly point-like load carrying contact portions of the suspension system. By way of example, the load on the spacer may be reduced by its surrounding cured sealing cement. Further, vibrations and possible resonances in the second support may be reduced.

At least one of the first and the second end plates may comprise a through- going hole configured to allow injection of the sealing cement into the gap.

The sealing cement may thereby be evenly injected in the gap with minimal waste. The second and/or the first end plate may comprise a plurality of such through-going holes for further facilitating an even injection of the sealing cement into the gap.

The spacer may be centrally arranged on a major surface of either the first or the second endplate.

This may facilitate adjusting the direction of the second support relative to the first support.

Center points of the spacer and the through-going bolt holes in the first and second sets of through-going bolt holes respectively may together form a pattern having a non-linear extension.

Hence, the pattern may be a three-point support. Preferably, this three-point support may be formed by the spacer and two through-going bolt holes being located vertically above the spacer. This may allow a temporary suspension of the second support by two bolts (and nuts) through the through-going bolt holes vertically above the spacer such that the contact point/surface between the spacer and the first support plate acts as a pivot point. Adjustment of the direction of the second support may then be done by tighten or loosen either of the bolts. Adjustment of the direction of the second support may thereby be done in any direction, i.e., vertically and/or horizontally. Thereby an easy levelling is provided for.

The spacer may have a geometry configured to provide a point-like contact with one of the major surfaces of either the first or the second end plate.

The spacer may have a dome shaped geometry and be formed by a dome shaped nut head or bolt head, or having any other geometry providing a substantially point-like contact per the above. In practice, the spacer may be temporarily attached to one of the end plates, thereby forming the point-like contact with the remaining end plate to facilitate adjustment of the direction of the second support. In principle, however, the spacer may be freely moving relative to the end plates prior to mounting. Alternatively, the spacer may form an integral part of the relevant end plate, such as being a premanufactured protrusion of the end plate, or the like. The first end plate may comprise a projection, and the second end plate may comprise an opening configured to receive the projection, thereby allowing a suspension of the framework structure; or wherein the second end plate comprises a projection, and the first end plate comprises an opening configured to receive the projection, thereby allowing a suspension of the framework structure.

By temporarily suspending the second support in this manner, assembling and/or levelling of the second support may be facilitated, thereby reducing mounting time and manpower. Adjustment of the second support may still be as set out above. When the second support is finally suspended, i.e., after the bolts are tightened, the temporary suspension by the projection and the opening, the projection/opening may lack any function from a strength point of view. Then, the bolts attaching the first and the second end plate substantially may alone provide the strength for suspending the second support relative to the first support.

The opening may comprise an insertion portion merging with a locking portion, wherein the insertion portion has a first width, and the locking portion has a second width, the first width exceeding the second width.

The projection may thereby have a geometry such that the projection is lockingly received in the opening. For instance, the projection, in a free end thereof, may comprise a head portion, the head portion having a width being smaller than the first width of the insertion portion and exceeding the second width of the locking portion. Hence, the temporary suspension may be of so-called keyhole type.

The framework structure may be a part of a balcony, a roof or a pergola.

According to a second aspect of the inventive concept there is provided a method for suspending a framework structure on a load bearing structure of a building. The method comprises: mounting a plurality of first supports on the load bearing structure of the building, each first support of the plurality of first supports, in a free end thereof facing away from the building, comprising a first end plate having a first set of through-going bolt holes; providing a plurality of second supports, each second support of the plurality of second supports in a free end thereof configured to face towards the building, comprising a second end plate having a second set of through-going bolt holes; moving each second support of the plurality of second supports towards each first support into a position where the first set of through-going bolt holes in the first end plate are aligned with the second set of through-going bolt holes in the second end plate; inserting bolts into the respectively aligned through-going bolt holes, and tightening the bolts by using locking members to form a point-like contact between a spacer supported by a major surface of one of the first and second end plates, thereby forming a gap between opposing major surfaces of the first and the second end plates; and

- filling the gap with a sealing cement and allowing the sealing cement to at least partially cure.

The above-mentioned features and advantages of the suspension system for suspending a framework structure, i.e. , the first aspect of the inventive concept, when applicable, apply to this second aspect as well. To avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

The method may further comprise levelling each second support by tensioning at least two bolts.

The wording “tensioning” is to be understood being tensioning to any adequate torque.

The levelling may thereby be facilitated by a three-point support between the first and the second supports, as set out above. This may facilitate obtaining a desired direction of the second support relative to the first support by one or more of the at least two bolts, preferably by two bolts located vertically above the spacer. Alternatively, the levelling of each second support may be done by at least partially tensioning more than two bolts.

The method may further comprise pre-loading the bolts by the locking members.

Hence, account may be taken in the event the sealing cement contracts after curing such that the bolts may be further tightened. Hence, a firmer fit between the first and the second supports may be provided.

The act of filling the gap with the sealing cement may comprise injecting the sealing cement into the gap through a through-going hole arranged in at least one of the first and the second end plates.

The act of moving each second support of the plurality of second supports towards each first support may comprise moving each second support linearly along a first direction allowing a projection on one of the first and the second end plates to be received in an opening of the other of the first and the second end plates, and moving each second support linearly along a second direction different from the first direction, thereby allowing the projection to be lockingly received in the opening, thereby suspending the second supports by the first supports.

According to a third aspect, the invention refers to the use of a suspension system according to the first aspect for mounting a balcony, a roof or a pergola on a building.

The above-mentioned features and advantages of the suspension system for suspending a framework system, when applicable, apply to this third aspect as well. To avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

A further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Hence, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or acts of the methods described as such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", “including”, “containing” and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and nonlimiting detailed description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an overall design of a balcony as mounted to a wall structure of a building. Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a framework of a balcony as being suspended to a building.

Fig. 3A shows a suspension system for suspending a balcony mounted on an exterior wall of a building.

Fig. 3B shows an exploded view of the suspension system.

Figs 4A-4C show further details of end plates in connection with the suspension system.

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for mounting a balcony on an exterior wall of a building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

The invention will in the following be described in the context of the framework structure being a framework structure of a balcony. The suspension system 300 is equally applicable to other framework structures such as a roof, a pergola, or the like.

In connection with Fig. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an example of a balcony 1000 suspended by a plurality of suspension systems 300 mounted on a highly schematic wall section 20 of a building. As set out above, the wall 20 is an example of a load bearing structure of a building. The wall section 20 may by way of example be a casted concrete element. It is to be understood that the plurality of suspension systems 300 may be arranged to other structural elements of a building with remained function. Only a first support 100 of respective suspension system 300 is shown in the perspective view in Fig. 1 , since respective second support 200 is hidden by the balcony floor. Henceforth it is implicit that the balcony is suspended by a plurality of suspension systems 300. The plurality suspension systems 300 are preferably structurally similar between themselves. However, the plurality of suspension systems 300 may structurally differ between themselves in, e.g., dimensions, manufacturing material, etc., without departing from the scope of the claims. Generally, a single suspension system 300 will be discussed below. In connection with Fig. 2, there is shown a schematic cross section of a framework 500 of a balcony as being suspended to the wall structure 20 of the building. The cross section is taken along a longitudinal extension of one suspension system 300.

The suspension system 300 comprises a first support 100 and a second support 200 for suspending the balcony 1000. Hence, as set out above, the term suspension system 300 generally refers to a system comprising a single first support 100 and a single second support 200 to facilitate readability, and which should be unambiguously appreciated by the skilled person. The first support 100 has a longitudinal extension and is configured to be directly or indirectly mounted to the wall structure 20 of the building.

The framework 500 of the balcony 1000 may comprise a plurality of guiding rails 501 to simplify slidingly mounting the framework of the balcony onto the suspension systems 300. The framework 500 is configured to be mounted to the plurality of second supports 200 by longitudinally moving the framework 500 such that a respective second support 200 of the plurality of second supports 200 is received in a respective opening 525 of the plurality of guiding rails 501. Hence, in other words, the framework is configured to be slid onto the plurality of second supports. The framework 500 of the balcony may be configured to be levelled in view of the plurality of first supports 100 by a plurality of bolts 250a (not shown in Fig. 2), further discussed in connection with Fig. 3B below. As will be described below, such a levelling is preferably done prior to sliding the framework 500 onto the suspension systems 300.

As is best seen in Figs 1 and 2, a top wall 503 of the framework 500 may be configured to be covered by a plurality of tiles 1010 forming a flooring of the balcony 1000. The tiles 1010 may be laid either before or after the framework 500 has been suspended and properly levelled. Other types of floorings are equally applicable. A peripheral outer edge 504 of the framework 500 is covered by protective covering plates 505. Further, the peripheral outer edge 504 of the framework 500 of the balcony is surrounded by a protective side wall forming a balcony railing 1020. The skilled person realizes that the overall design of the balcony with rails, protective side walls, tiles etc. may be designed in a number of ways without influencing the invention.

Now turning to the description and the drawings more directed to the appended claims. The framework structure 500 will be exemplified as a framework structure of a balcony 1000. The principle is equally applicable to other structures such as roofs and pergolas.

In connection to Figs 3A and 3B there is shown a suspension system 300 for a balcony 1000, and an exploded view thereof. The following description aims to describe a single suspension system 300 although it is, as set out above, understood that at least two suspension systems 300 are needed for properly suspending a balcony 1000. As exemplified in Fig. 1 , five such suspension systems 300 are demonstrated in this non-limiting case. The skilled person appreciates that the number of suspension systems 300 depends on, e.g., the dimensions and the weight of a balcony to be mounted and also expected load during ordinary use.

The suspension system 300 comprises a first support 100 configured to be mounted on a load bearing structure 20 of a building. The load bearing structure 20 will henceforth be exemplified as an exterior wall 20 of the building. The first support 100, in a free end 110 thereof facing away from the building, comprises a first end plate 112 having a first set of through-going bolt holes 113a, 113b. The first end plate 112 has a first and a second major surface being, in use, substantially mutually vertically aligned. Henceforth, when referring to a major surface 115 of the first support plate 112, it is understood that reference is made to the major surface 115 having a surface normal pointing away from the exterior wall 20. This major surface 115 is shown in Fig. 3B. The suspension system 300 further comprises a second support 200 configured to suspend a framework structure 500 of a balcony 1000. The second support 200, in a free end 210 thereof configured to face towards the exterior wall 20, comprises a second end plate 212 having a second set of through- going bolt holes 213a, 213b. The second end plate 212 has a first and a second major surface being, in use, substantially mutually vertically aligned. Henceforth, when referring to a major surface 215 of the second end plate 212, it is understood that reference is made to the major surface 215 having a surface normal pointing towards the exterior wall 20, and thereby towards the major surface 115 of the first end plate 112. Upon mounting the second support 200 to the first support 100, the bolt holes 113a, 113b of the first end plate 112 are aligned with the bolt holes 213a, 213b of the second end plate 210 such that the first 112 and the second 212 end plates can be mutually fastened by bolts 250a, 250b.

The suspension system 300 further comprises a spacer 150. The spacer 150 is configured to form a gap between opposing major surfaces 115, 215 of the first 112 and the second 212 end plates. Hence, when the second support 200 is bolted to the first support 100 by a set of bolts 250a, 250b being arranged to extend through the holes 113a, 113b, 213a, 213b in the first 113a, 113b and second 213a, 213b sets of through-going bolt holes, the gap is formed by the intermediately located spacer 150.

The gap may be configured to receive a sealing cement 180 (see Fig. 4C). Hence, when the first 100 and the second 200 supports are mutually bolted per the above, the sealing cement 180 may be injected between the first 112 and the second 212 end plates, i.e. , into the gap. Before the gap has received the sealing cement 180, at least a subset of the bolts 250a, 250b, preferably the vertically highest located pair of bolts 250a, are tightened such that a desired direction of the second support 200 is achieved. After the gap has received the sealing cement 180, the sealing cement 180 may connect the opposing major surfaces 115, 215 of the first 112 and the second 212 end plates. The gap may receive the sealing cement 180 to any adequate extent. For instance, the gap may receive the sealing cement 180 to an extent in a range corresponding to 20-100% of the volume of the gap, more preferably, 50-100%, and even more preferably, 80-100%. The gap may receive the sealing cement 180 such that the sealing cement 180 forms a plurality of mutually isolated sealing cement portions in the gap. In such a situation, the plurality of mutually isolated sealing cement portions may form a non-linear extension. By way of example, the plurality of mutually isolated sealing cement portions may comprise four sealing cement portions, where a region close to a respective corner of the gap receive one sealing cement portion such that a four-point support is formed. Alternatively, the gap may receive sealing cement 180 in a circumferential region being arranged along the edge of the gap such that an empty region remains in a central portion of the gap. Based on at least the above, the skilled person appreciates that there are many alternatives regarding receiving sealing cement 180 in the gap.

At least one of the first 112 and the second 212 end plate may comprise a through-going hole 230 configured to allow injection of the sealing cement 180 into the gap. In the present example, Fig. 3B, the second end plate 212 is shown having five such through-going holes 230 for this purpose. However, the number of through- going holes 230 may vary within the scope of the claims, as well as which end plate 112, 212 having such holes. That is, the through-going holes 230 may alternatively be located on the first end plate 112 with remained function. Another option may be that respective end plate of the first 112 and the second 212 end plates comprises a set of such through-going holes for allowing injection of the sealing cement 180 into the gap. In such a situation, the through-going holes 230 may, for practical and/or obvious reasons, be unaligned while the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 212 are mutually attached to each other. The number of through-going holes 230 may depend on the size and the geometry of the respective end plates 112, 212. Hence, a specific end plate 112, 212 having a relatively small major surface 115, 215 may comprise a relatively low number of through-going holes 230, e.g., one to three through-going holes 230. Conversely, a specific end plate 112, 212 having a relatively large major surface 115, 215 may comprise a relatively large number of through-going holes 230, e.g., five to ten through-going holes 230. Herein, the first 112 and the second 212 end plates are shown having a quadrangular geometry. However, any other adequate geometry of the end plates 112, 212 may be possible. Further, the geometry of the first end plate 112 may differ from the geometry of the second end plate 212. Additionally, or alternatively, the size of the first end plate 112 may be different from the size of the second end plate 210. This happens to be the case in the present example, where the first end plate 112 is larger than the second end plate 210; see Figs 4A-C. Further, the thickness of the first end plate 112 may be different from the thickness of the second end plate 212. The skilled person appreciates that many variations in this respect may be possible within the scope of the claims.

The first support 100 may comprise a mounting plate 130. The mounting plate 130 may attach directly or indirectly to the wall 20 of the building while the suspension system 300 is mounted to the wall 20. The first support 100 may comprise a beam 160. The mounting plate 130 and the first end plate 112 may be directly or indirectly attached to respective end of the beam 160. The beam 160 may have any adequate cross-sectional profile, e.g., an H-shaped, an l-shaped, or a T- shaped cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, the first support 100 may be a hollow extruded profile having a quadrangular cross section profile as seen in a geometrical plane transverse to the extension of the beam 160. The beam 160 may be manufactured from any durable material. The beam 160 may be manufactured by steel, aluminum, or any adequate durable alloy. This applies also for other parts described above and below. That is, if not explicitly stated otherwise, at least some of the involved parts of the suspension system 300 are made of a durable material, such as steel, aluminum, or any adequate durable alloy. The beam 160 may have a length between 0.1 and 0.5 meters. The first support 100 may have a longitudinal extension forming an angle to a major surface of the exterior wall 20 of the building. This angle may be approximately zero degrees such that the first support 100 extends substantially perpendicular from the wall 20. Alternatively, the angle may deviate from a surface normal of the exterior wall 20. The angle may then be such that at least a portion of the free end 110 of the first support 100 is located on a lower vertical level than the mounting plate 130 of the first support 100. This may be advantageous for achieving a vertical alignment between a balcony floor level and a floor level of a space inside the building in the event a vertical mounting space on the wall 20 be relatively small. The angle may be any angle between -40 and +40 degrees. The angle may hence, alternatively, be such that at least a portion of the free end 110 of the first support 100 is located on a higher vertical level than the support end plate 130 of the first support 100 when mounted to the exterior wall 20.

Reference will now temporarily be made to Figs 4A and 4B, showing, in isolation, the first 112 and the second 212 end plates, and other details in connection thereto. The spacer 150 may be centrally arranged on a major surface of either the first 112 or the second 212 end plate. This is shown in Fig. 4A. The spacer 150 is herein exemplified by being a bolt- or screw-shaped device having a dome-shaped head portion 150. The dome-shaped head portion 150 may have a surface geometry being a substantially spherical segment. The spacer 150 may further comprise an elongated portion 152 extending substantially radially relative to the dome-shaped head portion 150. The elongated portion 152 may be received in a through-going opening on the second end plate 212. This for providing a temporary allocation of the spacer in a centered position between the first 112 and the second 212 end plate. The elongated portion 152 may alternatively be received in a recess on the second end plate 212. Alternatively, the elongated portion may be received in a recess or through-going opening of the first end plate 112. Alternatively, the spacer 150 may form an integral part of the relevant end plate 112, 212. Hence, the spacer 150 may be seen as a portion for spatially separating the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 212. Center points P1 , P2, P3 of the spacer and the through-going bolt holes in the first and second sets of through-going bolt holes respectively form a pattern having a non-linear extension. The center points P1, P2, P3 are thereby to be understood as geometrical points. In the examples of Figs 3 and 4, the upper bolt mountings 113a, 213a, 250a and the location of the spacer 150 forms a three-point support at least in an initial phase of the mounting of the second support 200 to the first support 100. Preferably the three-point support forms an isosceles triangle in the plane of a major surface 115, 215 of the first 112/second 212 end plate wherein the base of the isosceles triangle extends along a straight line between the upper bolt mountings 113a, 213a, 250a. This may temporarily allow suspending the second support 200 by two bolts (and nuts) arranged through the through-going bolt holes 113a, 213a vertically above the spacer 150 such that the contact point/surface, i.e. , a first center point P1 , between the spacer 150 and the first support plate 112 may function as a pivot point P1. Other adequate geometries of the three-point support may however be possible, as appreciated by the skilled person.

The spacer 150 may have any geometry configured to provide a point-like contact P1 with one of the major surfaces 115, 215 of either the first 110 or the second 212 end plate. Herein, the point-like contact is a contacting point P1 (or, more realistically, a small contacting surface) between the spacer 150 and the first end plate 112. The point-like contact P1 may be achieved by the dome-shaped head portion as described above. Alternatively, the point-like contact P1 may be achieved by a pyramidal shaped head portion, a ball, a dome nut, or the like. Regardless of its geometry, the spacer 150 may be arranged as describe above. Alternatively, the spacer 150 may be attached by attaching means, such as by gluing or welding to either the first 110 or the second 212 end plate. Hence, the spacer 150 may, with remained function, lack its elongated portion 152. The spacer 150 may have a temporary control function in that the direction of second support 200 can be controlled laterally or vertically or both laterally and vertically. Hence a simple alignment of the second support 200 may be facilitated.

The first end plate 112 may comprise a projection 114, and the second end plate 212 may comprise an opening 214 configured to receive the projection 114. This may at least temporarily allow a suspension of the second support 200 to the first support 100. This may facilitate fastening of the load carrying bolts 250a, 250b and nuts 251 described above. However, the above discussed bolts 250a, 250b and nuts 251 alone may provide for suspension of the framework structure. The projection 114 and opening 214 may facilitate a temporary suspension of the second support 200 while mounting the second support 200 to the first support 100. Alternatively, the second end plate 212 may comprise a projection, and the first end plate 212 may comprise an opening configured to receive the projection, thereby at least temporarily allowing a suspension of the framework structure 500. The projection 114 may be configured to, at least temporarily, withstand a vertical and horizontal load of the second support 200. The projection 114, in a free end thereof, may comprise a head portion 114a. The opening 214 may comprise an insertion portion 214a merging with a locking portion 214b, wherein the insertion portion 214a has a first width W1 , and the locking portion 214b has a second width W2, the first width W1 exceeding the second width W2. The head portion 114a has a width being smaller than the first width W1 of the insertion portion 214a and exceeding the second width W2 of a locking portion 214b of the second end plate 212. The projection 114 may be a bolt 114. The head portion 114a of the bolt is thereby a bolt head 114a. At least a portion of a remaining portion 114b of the bolt 114 may be threadingly received in the first end plate 112 of the first support 100 and tightened by a tightening nut (not shown) on a front side 120 and/or a back side (not shown) of the first end plate 112. Alternatively, or additionally, the bolt 114 may be welded firmly or attached by other fastening means onto the first support 100 to ensure a secure fastening of the second support 200 onto the first support 100. The projection 114 is arranged along a longitudinal center line L3 of the end plate 112 of the first support 100. The term longitudinal center line L3 is to be understood being a substantially vertically aligned geometrical line intersecting in a vicinity of a center of mass of the end plate 112 while the end plate 112 is in its use position. Hence, it is readily appreciated that the longitudinal center line can have other extensions while the end plate 112 is not in its use position, e.g., prior to mounting of the suspension system 300 or the like. The skilled person appreciates that the projection 114 may have other geometries with remained function, i.e. for temporarily suspending the second support 200 while mounting. By way of example, an adequately shaped hook may serve the purpose of the projection 114 and the opening 214. The through- going opening 214 may comprise an additional through-going opening portion for receiving the optional elongated portion 152 of the spacer 150, wherein the additional through-going opening portion merges with the through-going opening 214. The additional through-going opening portion, if present, may however be separated from the through-going opening 214.

In connection to Fig. 5, there is shown a flowchart for a method 400 for suspending a balcony 1000 on a load bearing structure, such as an exterior wall 20 of a building.

The method 400 comprises mounting 410 a plurality of first supports 100 on an exterior wall 20 of a building, each first support 100 of the plurality of first supports 100, in a free end 110 thereof facing away from the building, comprising a first end plate 112 having a first set of through-going bolt holes 113a, 113b. The method further comprises providing 420 a plurality of second supports 200, each second support 200 of the plurality of second supports 200 in a free end 210 thereof configured to face towards the building, comprising a second end plate 212 having a second set of through-going bolt holes 213a, 213b.

The method 400 further comprises moving 430 each second support 200 of the plurality of second supports 200 towards each first support 100 into a position where the first set of through-going bolt holes 113a, 113b in the first end plate 112 are aligned with the second set of through-going bolt holes 213a, 213b in the second end plate 212. The act of moving the second support 200 may be done along a first direction D1 (see Fig. 3A) and along a direction transverse to the first direction D1 such that alignment of the through-going bolt holes 113a, 113b, 213a, 213b of the first 112 and the second 212 end plate is achieved.

The act of moving 430 each second support 200 of the plurality of second supports 200 towards each first support 100 may comprise moving each second support linearly along a first direction D1 allowing a projection 114 on one of the first 112 and the second 212 end plate to be received in an insertion portion 214 of the other of the first 112 and the second 212 end plate, and moving each second support 200 linearly along a second direction D2 different from the first direction, thereby allowing the projection 114 to be lockingly received in the insertion portion 214, thereby suspending the second supports 200 by the first supports 100.

The method 400 further comprises inserting 440 bolts 250a into the respectively aligned through-going bolt holes and tightening the bolts 250a by using locking members to form a point-like contact between a spacer 150 supported by a major surface 115, 215 of one of the first and second end plates 112, 212, thereby forming a gap between opposing major surfaces 115, 215 of the first 112 and the second 212 end plates.

The bolts 250a are the bolts 250a located vertically above the location of the spacer 150 while mounting. Per the above, the torque generated by the second support 200 while mounting, the spacer 150 and the bolts 250a form a three-point support between the first support 100 and the second support 200. Upon tensioning the bolts 250a the direction of the second support 200 relative to the first support 100 may be adjusted. Preferably but not necessarily, also the bolts 250b located vertically below the location of the spacer 150 while mounting are tensioned to a certain extent. That is, at least some of the bolts 250a, 250b are tightened such that the second support 200 achieves a desired direction. Put on other words, the method 400 may further comprise levelling 445 each second support by tensioning at least two bolts.

The method 400 further comprises filling 450, at least partially, the gap with a sealing cement and allowing the sealing cement to at least partially cure. The act of filling is preferably, but not necessarily, done after tightening of at least some of the bolts 250a, 250b.

The method 400 may further comprise pre-loading 470 the bolts by the locking members. The act of pre-loading may be done by a conventional torque wrench, or the like. Before the pre-loading step 470, the bottom bolts 250b may be relatively untensioned relative to the top bolts 250a. The locking members may be nuts 251 (see Fig. 4A) disposed on a rear side of the first end plate, the rear side being the side facing the wall 20 of the building. Again, the opposite may be possible, i.e., the bolt heads of the bolts 250a, 250b may be tightened from an opposite direction, thereby resulting in the locking members being located on a rear side of the second end plate 212, the rear side being the side facing away from the wall 20 of the building. Yet another option may be that some of the bolts 250a, 250b may be inserted and tightened from one side, and the remaining bolts 250a, 250b may be inserted and tightened from the opposing side. Alternatively, the locking members may be the through-going bolt holes 113a, 113b of the first end plate 112, provided these bolt holes 113a, 113b are threaded.

The act of filling 450 the gap with sealing cement 180 may comprise injecting the sealing cement into the gap through a through-going hole arranged in at least one of the first 112 and the second 212 end plates.

Accordingly, and in summary, a suspension system 300 for suspending a framework system 500 has been disclosed. Although a preferred use of the suspension system 300 has been directed towards balconies throughout, it is understood that other uses may be applicable for suspending other types of structures on buildings such as roofs, pergolas, or the like. The suspension system 300 is divided into two sections: the first support 100 and the second support 200. The first support 100 is configured to be fixedly mounted to the building and the second support 200 is configured to be adjustably mounted to the first support 100. By dividing the suspension system 300 in two sections, the mounting of the suspension system 300 to the building will be substantially facilitated. Since the suspension system 300 is typically mounted to the building by means of casting concrete it is easier to handle a smaller sub-element, both in terms of volume and weight. This facilitates a proper alignment of the first support 100 in view of the building wall 20 before mounting the second support 200 to the first support 100. The longitudinal extensions of the second supports 200 of the plurality of suspension systems 300 may be adjusted so that all suspension systems 300 extend in parallel to each other prior to suspending a framework structure 500 the suspension systems 300. This “bi-directional” adjustment of the suspension system 300 may allow a reduction or even an elimination of any possibly occurring drawer effect in the event the framework structure 500 is of a type that is configured to be slidingly mounted to the suspension systems 300.

As has been mentioned throughout the above description, the suspension system, and in particular the parts in connection with the first 112 and second 212 end plates are not limited in that a specific part belongs to or forms part of a specific end plate 112, 212. For instance, bolts may be inserted from either direction through holes in respective end plate to mutually attach the end plates. Different bolts may be inserted from different directions. The spacer 150 may form a point-like contact to the first 112 or the second 212 end plate. Should the spacer for instance be a ball, a point-like contact between the spacer and an end plate is present on both end plates. Many other options are feasible in this respect, as appreciated by the skilled person. The framework structure has above been exemplified as being configured to be slid onto a plurality of suspension systems 300. It is to be understood that other, non-disclosed, designs of the framework structure are equally applicable. The framework structure may by way of example be configured to be arranged on top of a plurality of suspension systems and to be fixed thereto by way of example bolting or welding.

Hence, the person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suspension system (300) for suspending a framework structure (500) on a building, the suspension system (300) comprising:

- a first support (100) configured to be mounted on a load bearing structure (20) of a building, the first support (100), in a free end (110) thereof facing away from the building, comprising a first end plate (112) having a first set of through-going bolt holes (113a, 113b);

- a second support (200) configured to suspend a framework structure (500), said second support (200), in a free end (210) thereof configured to face towards the load bearing structure (20), comprising a second end plate (212) having a second set of through-going bolt holes (213a, 213b); and

- a spacer (150); wherein the second support (200) is configured to be bolted to the first support (100) by a set of bolts (250a, 250b) being arranged to extend through the holes (113a, 113b, 213a, 213b) in the first and second sets of through-going bolt holes, and wherein the spacer (150) is configured to form a gap between opposing major surfaces (115, 215) of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates.

2. The suspension system (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the gap is configured to receive a sealing cement (180).

3. The suspension system (300) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates comprises a through-going hole (230) configured to allow injection of the sealing cement (180) into the gap.

4. The suspension system (300) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the spacer (150) is centrally arranged on a major surface (115, 215) of either the first (112) or the second endplate (212).

5. The suspension system (300) according to claim 1 , wherein center points (P1 , P2, P3) of the spacer (150) and the through-going bolt holes (113a, 213a) in the first and second sets of through-going bolt holes respectively together form a pattern having a non-linear extension.

6. The suspension system (300) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the spacer (150) has a geometry configured to provide a point-like contact with one of the major surfaces (115, 215) of either the first (112) or the second (212) end plate.

7. The suspension system (300) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the first end plate (112) comprises a projection (114), and the second end plate (212) comprises an opening (214) configured to receive the projection (114), thereby allowing a suspension of the framework structure (500); or wherein the second end plate (212) comprises a projection (114), and the first end plate (112) comprises an opening (214) configured to receive the projection (114), thereby allowing a suspension of the framework structure (500).

8. The suspension system (300) according to claim 7, wherein the opening (214) comprises an insertion portion (214a) merging with a locking portion (214b), wherein the insertion portion (214a) has a first width (W1), and the locking portion (214b) has a second width (W2), the first width (W1) exceeding the second width (W2).

9. The suspension system (300) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the framework structure is part of a balcony (1000), a roof or a pergola.

10. A method (400) for suspending a framework structure (500) on a load bearing structure (20) of a building, the method (400) comprising: mounting (410) a plurality of first supports (100) on the load bearing structure (20) of the building, each first support (100) of the plurality of first supports (100), in a free end (110) thereof facing away from the building, comprising a first end plate (112) having a first set of through-going bolt holes (113a, 113b); providing (420) a plurality of second supports (200), each second support (200) of the plurality of second supports (200 in a free end (210) thereof configured to face towards the building, comprising a second end plate (212) having a second set of through-going bolt holes (213a, 213b); moving (430) each second support (200) of the plurality of second supports (200) towards each first support (100) into a position where the first set of through-going bolt holes (113a, 113b) in the first end plate (112) are aligned with the second set of through-going bolt holes (213a, 213b) in the second end plate (212); inserting (440) bolts (250a) into the respectively aligned through-going bolt holes (113a, 213a) and tightening the bolts by using locking members (251) to form a point-like contact between a spacer (150) supported by a major surface (115, 215) of one of the first and second end plates (112; 212), thereby forming a gap between opposing major surfaces (115, 215) of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates; and

- filling (450) the gap with a sealing cement (180) and allowing the sealing cement (180) to at least partially cure.

11. The method (400) according to claim 10, further comprising levelling (445) each second support (200) by tensioning at least two bolts (250a).

12. The method (400) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising pre-loading (460) the bolts (250a) by the locking members (251).

13. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the act of filling (450) the gap with the sealing cement (180) comprises: injecting the sealing cement (180) into the gap through a through-going hole (230) arranged in at least one of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates.

14. The method (400) according to claim 10, wherein the act of moving (430) each second support (200) of the plurality of second supports (200) towards each first support (100) comprises: moving each second support (200) linearly along a first direction (D1) allowing a projection (114) on one of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates to be received in an opening (214) of the other of the first (112) and the second (212) end plates, and moving each second support (200) linearly along a second direction (D2) different from the first direction (D1), thereby allowing the projection (114) to be lockingly received in the opening (214), thereby suspending the second supports (200) by the first supports (100).

15. Use of a suspension system (300) according to any one of claims 1-9 for mounting a balcony (1000), a roof or a pergola on a building.