Curved structural member
A structural member is disclosed and which includes a first portion which is defined by a first peripheral edge; and a plurality of tabs are made integral with the first portion and which are disposed in spaced relation along the first peripheral edge, and wherein the respective tabs are oriented in angulated relation relative to the first portion.
The present invention relates to a structural member for use in construction, and more specifically to a curved metal structural member which is useful in making various architectural features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn the construction of various styles of buildings such as light commercial, and other types of construction, architects, as well as municipal building codes sometime require the use of metal framing studs for portions of the construction. These metal framing studs are well known, and are formed into a generally channel-shaped member which may have, at various locations, apertures formed therethrough which allows for the passage of pipes, or other electrical conduits therethrough. These metal framing studs are typically formed into predetermined lengths, and are thereafter cut to length and fastened one, to the other, by means of various fasteners such as screws, rivets or the like.
While these prior art metal structural members or studs have been utilized with a great deal of success, they have limited utilization in a number of different environments. For example, in view of the fact that the strength of such members is a result of the channel like structure, the use of such metal studs is often limited when it is employed in some angulated orientations, or when a portion of one or both the sidewalls of the metal stud are removed.
In addition to the foregoing limitations, prior art metal studs have not been useful, as a general matter, in forming curved surfaces which might find usefulness in forming arched doorways, curved walls, domed ceilings or the like.
A curved structural member which addresses the shortcomings attendant with the prior art is the subject matter of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention relates to a structural member which includes a first portion which is defined by a first peripheral edge; and a plurality of tabs are made integral with the first portion, and which are disposed in spaced relation along the first peripheral edge, and wherein the respective tabs are oriented in angulated relation relative to the first portion.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a structural member and which includes a first portion and which is defined by a first curved peripheral edge; and a second portion having a peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are disposed in angularly spaced relation along the peripheral edge of the second portion, and wherein at least one of the tabs is fastened to the first portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs permit the second portion to be positioned, at least in part, along the first curved peripheral edge and deformed into a shape having a curvature which is substantially similar to the curved first peripheral edge of the first portion.
Yet a further aspect of the present invention relates to a structural member which includes first, second and third portions which are joined together, and which define a channel, and wherein at least one of the first, second or third portions have a peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are made integral with the peripheral edge, and are disposed in spaced relation along the peripheral edge, and wherein at least one of the plurality of tabs is affixed to an adjacent portion.
Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a structural member having a curved shape and which includes a first, centrally disposed web portion, and which has opposite, first and second peripheral edges, and wherein the first centrally disposed web portion has a longitudinal axis, and is deformable substantially along the longitudinal axis into a curved shape; a plurality of tabs made integral with the each of the first and second peripheral edges of the first web portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs are disposed in spaced relation along each of the first and second peripheral edges and extend angularly outwardly relative to the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein the respective tabs permit the first, centrally disposed web portion to be deformed substantially along the longitudinal axis into the curved shape; a second portion having a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first, centrally disposed web, and wherein at least some of tabs disposed along the first peripheral edge are affixed to the second portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs positions the second portion in angulated spaced relation relative to the first centrally disposed web; and a third portion having a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein at least some of tabs disposed along the second peripheral edge are affixed to the third portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs positions the third portion in angulated spaced relation relative to the first centrally disposed web portion.
Moreover, another aspect of the present invention relates to a structural member having a curved shape and which includes a first, centrally disposed web portion, and which has opposite first and second peripheral edges and which has a curved shape; a second and a third portion each having opposite first and second peripheral edges, and a longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the second and third portions are deformable substantially along their respective longitudinal axes into a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first centrally disposed web portion; and a plurality of tabs made integral with each of the first peripheral edges of the respective second and third portions, and wherein the respective tabs are disposed in spaced relation along each of the first peripheral edges of the second and third portions and extend angularly outwardly relative thereto, and wherein at least some of the tabs disposed along the first peripheral edge of the second portion are affixed to the first centrally disposed web, and which positions the second portion in angulated juxtaposed relation relative to the first peripheral edge of the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein at least some of the tabs disposed along the first peripheral edge of the third portion are affixed to the first centrally disposed web, and which positions the second portion in angulated juxtaposed relation relative to the second peripheral edge of the first, centrally disposed web portion.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
A first form of a structural member 10 of the present invention is shown in
The first form of the present invention 10 further includes a second portion which is generally indicated by the numeral 20, and which includes opposite first and second peripheral edges 21 and 22, respectively. The second portion further has an outside facing surface 23 and an inside facing surface 24. The second portion 20 is defined by a longitudinal axis which is generally indicated by the line labeled 25. The second portion 20 is deformable substantially along the longitudinal axis 25 into a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first peripheral edge 13 of the first, centrally disposed web portion 11. As seen in
As seen in
Referring now to
A plurality of tabs 80 are made integral with each of the first and second peripheral edges 54 and 55 of the first centrally disposed web portion 51. The plurality of tabs 80 are disposed in spaced relation along each of the first an second peripheral edges, and extend angularly outwardly relative to the first centrally disposed web portion 51. The respective tabs 80 allow the second and third portions 60 and 70 to be disposed in angulated, spaced relation relative to the first centrally disposed web portion 51. At least one of the tabs 80 is fastened to the respective second and third portions by means of a screw, rivet or the like 81, thereby orienting the second and third portions in juxtaposed angulated relation relative to the first centrally disposed web portion 51. A plurality of spaces 82 are defined between the respective tabs, and which permits the first web portion 51 to be formed into the curved shape.
With respect to the first and second forms of the invention 10 and 50 respectively, it should be understood that while the peripheral edges of the respective portions 11, 20, 30, 51, 60 and 70 are illustrated herein as having peripheral edges which are substantially parallel, it is not necessary that these edges be in this relationship in order for the invention to function in an appropriate manner. Still further, and as earlier discussed, while the respective plurality of tabs 40 and 80 as discussed with respect to the first and second forms of the invention 10 and 50 are shown as being of substantially equal dimensions and are disposed in equally spaced relation one relative to the other, other sizes and spacings for the respective tabs may be selected based upon the desired curvature (including complex curves) for the first and second forms of the invention 10 and 50, respectively. As seen in the drawings, each form of the invention defines a curved channel 90. For purposes of the present application and the appended claims, a substantially similar curvature will be defined as one wherein the curvature as measured in feet/radii is within less that about 30%.
OPERATIONThe operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.
In its broadest aspect the present invention relates to a structural member 50 which is defined by a first peripheral edge 54, and wherein a plurality of tabs 80 are disposed in spaced relation along the first peripheral edge. The respective tabs 80 are oriented in angulated relation relative to the first portion.
More specifically, the present invention includes a structural member 10 which includes a first portion 11 which is defined by a first curved peripheral edge 13. The structural member 10 further includes a second portion 20 having a peripheral edge 21, and wherein a plurality of tabs 40 are disposed in angularly spaced relation along the peripheral edge 21 of the second portion 20. At least one of the tabs 40 is fastened to the first portion 11, and wherein the plurality of tabs 40 permit the second portion 20 to be positioned, at least in part, along the first curved peripheral edge 13 and deformed into a shape having a curvature which is substantially similar to the curved first peripheral edge 13 of the first portion 11.
In addition to the foregoing, the present invention relates to structural members having a first form 10 and a second form 50. In the first form of the invention as seen in
In the second form of the invention which is generally indicated by the numeral 50, and which is seen in
Therefore it will be seen that the present structural member 10 and 50 provides many advantages over the prior art metal studs utilized heretofore and permits a builder to fabricate various curved surfaces in a fashion not possible heretofore. Still further, in view of the nature of the invention, a wide variety of curvatures (including complex curves) can be readily fabricated thereby allowing structural members of various shapes to be formed for a wide variety of novel structures.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims
1. A structural member, comprising:
- a first portion which is defined by a first peripheral edge; and
- a plurality of tabs are made integral with the first portion and which are disposed in spaced relation along the first peripheral edge, and wherein the respective tabs are oriented in angulated relation relative to the first portion.
2. A structural member as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the structural member is fabricated from a deformable material, and further has a longitudinal line of reference which defines a longitudinal dimension for the first portion, and a transverse dimension which is normal relative to the longitudinal line of reference, and wherein the first peripheral edge is substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension, and wherein the deformable material permits the structural member to be formed into a curved shape along the longitudinal dimension.
3. A structural member as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the first portion has a second peripheral edge which is substantially parallel relative to the first peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are made integral with the first portion and which are disposed in spaced relation along the first and second peripheral edges, and wherein the respective tabs are oriented in angulated relation relative to the first portion, and wherein the first portion forms a substantially centrally disposed and deformable web.
4. A structural member as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the respective tabs positioned in spaced relation along the first and second peripheral edges of the first portion each have a length and width dimension which are selected to permit the first portion to be formed into the curved shape.
5. A structural member as claimed in claim 3, and wherein a plurality of spaces are defined between the respective tabs, and wherein the respective spaces have dimensions which are substantially equal.
6. A structural member as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the respective tabs positioned in spaced relation along the first and second peripheral edges of the first portion each have respective length and width dimensions which are substantially equal.
7. A structural member as claimed in claim 3, and further comprising:
- a second and a third portion, and wherein the second portion is fastened to at least one of the tabs which is made integral with the first peripheral edge of the first portion, and which defines the substantially centrally disposed web, and the third portion is fastened to at least one of the tabs which are made integral with the second peripheral edge of the first portion.
8. A structural member as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the second and third portions have a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curvature of the first portion.
9. A structural member, comprising:
- a first portion which is defined by a first curved peripheral edge; and
- a second portion having a peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are disposed in angularly spaced relation along the peripheral edge of the second portion, and wherein at least one of the tabs is fastened to the first portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs permit the second portion to be positioned, at least in part, along the first curved peripheral edge and deformed into a shape having a curvature which is substantially similar to the curved first peripheral edge of the first portion.
10. A structural member as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the respective tabs are oriented in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the second portion.
11. A structural member as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the first portion defines a substantially centrally disposed web, and wherein the first portion is further defined by a second curved peripheral edge which is substantially parallel to the first curved peripheral edge.
12. A structural member as claimed in claim 11, and further comprising:
- a third portion having a peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are disposed in angularly spaced relation along the peripheral edge of the third portion, and wherein at least one of the tabs of the third portion is fastened to the first portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs permits the third portion to be positioned, at least in part, along the second curved peripheral edge of the first portion and deformed into a shape having a curvature which is substantially similar to the second curved peripheral edge.
13. A structural member which has a curved shape, comprising:
- first, second and third portions which are joined together, and which define a channel, and wherein at least one of the first, second or third portions has a peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are made integral with the peripheral edge, and are disposed in spaced relation along the peripheral edge, and wherein at least one of the plurality of tabs is affixed to an adjacent portion.
14. A structural member as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the plurality of tabs are spaced a predetermined distance apart, and wherein the respective tabs permit the portion having the tabs to be deformed into a curved shape.
15. A structural member as claimed in claim 13, and wherein at least two of the first, second and third portions each have a peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are made integral with each of the peripheral edges, and are disposed in spaced relation along the respective peripheral edges, and wherein at least one of the plurality of tabs of each of the at least two portions are affixed to the remaining portion, and wherein the respective tabs permit the portions, having the tabs, to be deformed into a curved shape.
16. A structural member as claimed in claim 13, and wherein at least one of the first, second or third portions has a second peripheral edge which is spaced from the first peripheral edge, and wherein a plurality of tabs are made integral with second peripheral edge, and are disposed in spaced relation along the second peripheral edge, and wherein at least one of the tabs which are made integral with each of peripheral edges is affixed to the adjacent portion.
17. A structural member as claimed in claim 13, and wherein at least one of the first, second or third portions is oriented in substantially perpendicular relation relative to an adjacent portion.
18. A structural member as claimed in claim 13, and wherein at least one of the first, second or third portions is oriented in a non perpendicular relationship relative to an adjacent portion.
19. A structural member having a curved shape, comprising:
- a first, centrally disposed web portion, and which has opposite, first and second peripheral edges, and wherein the first centrally disposed web portion has a longitudinal axis, and is deformable substantially along the longitudinal axis into a curved shape;
- a plurality of tabs made integral with the each of the first and second peripheral edges of the first web portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs are disposed in spaced relation along each of the first and second peripheral edges and extend angularly outwardly relative to the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein the respective tabs permit the first, centrally disposed web portion to be deformed substantially along the longitudinal axis into the curved shape;
- a second portion having a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein at least some of tabs disposed along the first peripheral edge are affixed to the second portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs positions the second portion in angulated spaced relation relative to the first centrally disposed web portion; and
- a third portion having a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein at least some of tabs disposed along the second peripheral edge are affixed to the third portion, and wherein the plurality of tabs positions the third portion in angulated spaced relation relative to the first centrally disposed web portion.
20. A structural member having a curved shape, comprising:
- a first, centrally disposed web portion, and which has opposite first and second peripheral edges and which has a curved shape;
- a second and a third portion each having opposite first and second peripheral edges, and a longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the second and third portions are deformable substantially along their respective longitudinal axes into a curved shape which is substantially similar to the curved shape of the first centrally disposed web portion; and
- a plurality of tabs made integral with each of the first peripheral edges of the respective second and third portions, and wherein the respective tabs are disposed in spaced relation along each of the first peripheral edges of the second and third portions and extend angularly outwardly relative thereto, and wherein at least some of the tabs disposed along the first peripheral edge of the second portion are affixed to the first centrally disposed web, and which positions the second portion in angulated juxtaposed relation relative to the first peripheral edge of the first, centrally disposed web portion, and wherein at least some of the tabs disposed along the first peripheral edge of the third portion are affixed to the first centrally disposed web, and which positions the second portion in angulated juxtaposed relation relative to the second peripheral edge of the first, centrally disposed web portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 1, 2003
Publication Date: Jun 2, 2005
Inventors: Lawrence Stone (Spokane Valley, WA), Joaquin Tormo (Spokane, WA)
Application Number: 10/726,323