Sigler-roman bridge bracket
This utility patent invention is for a high capacity bridge overhang bracket which utilizes a timber diagonal member and a threaded rod vertical member for maximum geometric adjustability. The hanger assembly for this bracket consists of rotational connection to the body of the bracket and is supported by a single bolt through the bridge girder web. This support consists of an over-sized hole which is slotted above for erection and disassembly over a loosened bolt in order to minimize the time and people involved. The bracket is designed for the use of either a 4×4 or 4×6 timber diagonal members and ½ inch coil rod vertical members.
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIXNot Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONBridge overhang brackets are a common tool in bridge construction. Two of the most commonly used are the Waco Bridge Overhang Bracket and Dayton-Richmond C49 or C89 Overhang Brackets. Recently, however, changes in bridge designs and an ever-competitive construction market have produced the need for a new bridge overhang bracket. On recent bridges for WSDOT, overhangs have increased in size and the use of steel tub girders has grown.
Historically, WACO Bridge overhang brackets have been the preferred overhang bracket due to its lightweight, its adjustability (screw-jacks) and its sufficient capacity (4,000 LBS/EA). However, with the increasing overhang widths, these brackets have insufficient capacity and in the case of tub girders, their fixed square geometry does not work with steel tub girders.
The alternative to the WACO Bracket is the Dayton-Richmond Bracket. These brackets have a higher capacity, and an adjustable geometry, but these features come at a cost. The brackets are not adjustable (for finish grades) and they are very heavy (and very expensive). The combination of high purchase or rental costs, and high installation costs make these an uninviting alternative. In addition, the larger bracket is designed to be supported by clamping around the outside of the top flange of the bridge girders, a detail that is not allowed by some owners.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe Sigler-Roman Bridge Bracket is intended to fill the current void in the construction market for an economical, high capacity, adjustable, and efficient bridge over-hang bracket. It has a high capacity (8,000 LB EA), with a relatively light weight. It exceeds the efficiency of the WACO Bracket and the adjustability of the Dayton-Richmond Bracket.
The light weight, adjustability, and low production cost come from the replacement of fixed steel shapes for the vertical and diagonal bracket members with coil rod and 4×4 timbers respectively. These are both common construction materials (though uncommonly used with bridge overhang brackets).
The Sigler-Roman Bridge Bracket also has a screw jack for final grade adjustment, similar to the WACO Bracket (unlike the Dayton-Richmond Bracket); however, the higher and wider capacity means fewer brackets are required for a given situation, and the slotted hanger assembly allows for faster erection and disassembly of the unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING There are three pages of drawings included with this patent applications. Page 1 of the drawings depicts the complete bracket assembly with views from the Top, Front, and Side. Five detail drawings are called out on the page 1 drawing. These details are labeled
Page 2 of the drawings depicts
Page 3 of the drawings depicts
The Sigler-Roman Bridge Bracket is designed for maximum capacity and adjustability. The bracket is primarily for the construction of bride concrete overhangs.
The hanger assembly (
The body (
The swivel bucket assembly (
The support angle captures the vertical load component of the diagonal timber member and transfers it up to the hanger assembly. The angle is intended to rest directly against the base of the bridge girder to impart the horizontal component of the diagonal timber member into the most desirable location. The length of the angle is designed to capture either a 4×4 or 4×6 timber between the vertical support rods.
The swivel head screw jack (
All together the bracket is designed to have a high capacity and be geometrically adaptable to any exterior bridge beam or other configurations which may arise in the construction of bridge overhangs.
Claims
1. The invention claim is the combined use of a timber diagonal member and a threaded rod vertical member on a bridge overhang bracket for maximum geometric adjustability.
- The specific design for the hanger assembly as illustrated in FIG. 1 (page 2) of the attached drawing and as described in paragraph 0002 of the section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION is key design of this utility patent claim.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 31, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2007
Inventors: David Sigler (Bozeman, MT), Anthony Roman (Puyallup, WA)
Application Number: 11/214,593
International Classification: E04D 13/072 (20060101);