MULTI-ELEMENT CONSTRUCTIONAL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A construction system includes a pair of bi-planar sheets of structural material, each bi-planar sheet having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of the alternating series of vertical segments, the bases of each segment of the series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls; a pair of longitudinal members, defining in, transverse cross-section, a substantially U-shaped geometry, each longitudinal member being open-ended for horizontally enclosing and securing a portion of each bi-planar sheet of the pair of bi-planar sheets; upper horizontal longitudinal members defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a square, each upper longitudinal member vertically disposed between the pair of bi-planar sheets; and second horizontal longitudinal members defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a square.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/116,092, filed Apr. 27, 2005, which is incorporated hereinto in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a constructional element with corrugated central surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Use of light gauge metal is an element in a wall, floor or roof assembly has had only limited use, which has generally been that of end supports or foundation elements in a position transverse to the end of a support beam or the like. The same is reflected in such references as U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,727 (2001) to Butler, entitled Interlocking Corrugated Panel Wall Cast In-Situ.

The present invention recognizes the potential application of so-called light gauge metal, i.e., steel, aluminum or alloy metal having a gauge in a range of about 0.5 to about 8 mm. for the formation of a surface having a repetitive sequence of ridges and grooves, e.g., corrugations. Therein, such elements are employed as a center support means and truss substitute within a larger constructional assembly in the nature of an internal part of a support panel of a larger structure. The prior art does not, to the knowledge of the inventor, suggest such a constructional assembly or the use of corrugated light gauge steel in such a fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A construction system includes a bi-planar sheet of structural material having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of the alternating series of vertical segments, the bases of each segment of the series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls; and a pair of longitudinal members having a first member and a second member, the first member disposed parallel to the second member, securing the bi-planar sheet between.

It is an object of the invention to provide a composite constructional assembly in which a corrugated surface of gauge steel thinner than 0.375 inch is secured between upper and lower elements of a material such as gauge metal and wood.

It is another object to provide a constructional assembly of the above type, said surface of corrugated narrow gauge steel may be provided with a plurality of holes or apertures sufficient to permit passage of utilities such as wires, conduits, and waterlines therethrough.

It is a further object to provide an assembly that can form a wall, panel, or part of a ceiling and floor.

The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention and claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the present construction system.

FIG. 2A is a top assembly view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an exploded top assembly view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a vertical sectional assembly view of the system of FIG. 1 through “A”.

FIG. 4B is a front elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a top assembly view of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B is an exploded top assembly view of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a top assembly view of the system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is an exploded top assembly view of the system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14A is a top assembly view of the system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B is an exploded top assembly view of the system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational assembly view of the system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a top assembly view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are sectional views of FIG. 18 taken along lines A, B, and C thereof respectively.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged detail view of the encircled portion of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the view of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the isometric view of FIG. 1, the construction system includes a bi-planar sheet 105 of structural material having two alternating series of vertical segments 110. Each segment 110 of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defines a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment 110 of the alternating series of vertical segments 110, and the bases of each segment 110 of the series are integrally connected to each other by sidewalls 115. The construction system further includes a pair of longitudinal members having a first member 120 and a second member 125. The first member 120 is disposed parallel to the second member 125 for securing the bi-planar sheet 105 therebetween.

With reference to the top assembly view of FIG. 2A and the exploded assembly view of FIG. 2B, the bi-planar sheet 105 may be seen completely disposed between the first member 120 and the second member 125. In one embodiment, the bi-planar sheet 105 is a metal panel, and the first member 120 and the second member 125 are made of steel.

With reference to the side elevational assembly view of FIG. 3, it may be seen that an upper layer of the bi-planar sheet 105 is continuously welded to the first member 120 of the pair of longitudinal members, and a lower layer of the bi-planar sheet is continuously welded to the second member 125 of the pair of longitudinal members. Furthermore, the horizontal width of a base of a first series of vertical segments may differ from that of bases of the second series of vertical segments. Generally, the sidewalls 115 define planes normal to planes defined by the bases. However, the sidewalls 115 may define planes angulated relative to planes defined by the bases.

With reference to the vertical sectional assembly view of FIG. 4A through “A”, and the front elevational assembly view of FIG. 4B, it may be seen that the thickness of the first member 120 and the second member 125 may be same. However, the thickness of the first member 120 and the second member 125 may be different, depending upon the requirements.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the invention, in which there is provided a construction system including a bi-planar sheet 105 as described previously in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, and multiple longitudinal members 200, defining in, transverse cross-section, a substantially U-shaped geometry.

With reference to the front elevational assembly view of FIG. 6, a first pair (200₁, 200₂) of longitudinal members is secured to horizontal edges of a front surface of the bi-planar sheet 105 and a second pair (200₃, 200₄) of longitudinal members is secured to horizontal edges of a rear surface of the bi-planar sheet 105, via multiple metal fasteners 210, in a manner such that various multiple longitudinal members 200 are parallel placed with respect to each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. It is to be appreciated that more than four longitudinal members, or any combination thereof, may be employed, in other embodiments of the present invention.

With reference to the side elevational assembly view of FIG. 8, it is evident that the horizontal width of a base of a first series of vertical segments may differ from that of bases of the second series of vertical segments.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate various views, described above, of the third embodiment of the invention, in which there is provided a construction system including a bi-planar sheet 105, as described previously in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, multiple longitudinal members, as described previously in the embodiments of FIGS. 5-8, and multiple hollow longitudinal members 300 defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a square. As evident, a portion of each hollow longitudinal member is horizontally disposed inside the longitudinal members 200. It is to be appreciated that the hollow longitudinal members 300 may be fully or partially secured to the inner surface of the longitudinal members 200, via the multiple metal fasteners 210. In other embodiments, the hollow longitudinal members 300, may not be hollow, and may be partially, or fully solid.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate various views, described above, of a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which there is provided a construction system including a bi-planar sheet 105, as described previously in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, multiple hollow longitudinal members 300, as described previously in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-12, and a pair of open-ended longitudinal members, defining in, transverse cross-section, a substantially polygonal geometry. A first longitudinal member 405 horizontally encloses and secures an upper portion of the bi-planar sheet 105, and a second longitudinal member 410 horizontally encloses and secures a lower portion of the bi-planar sheet, via the multiple metal fasteners.

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate various views, as defined in the Brief Description of the drawings above, of a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which there is provided a construction system including two bi-planar sheets 505 and 507 which, individually described above in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. Said fifth embodiment of the invention further includes a hollow longitudinal member 300, described above in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, as well as multiple hollow vertical longitudinal members 500 which are particular to the instant invention. Both hollow members 300 and 500 define, in transverse cross-section, a substantially polygonal geometry, inclusive of a square. An upper longitudinal metal track 520 defines a U-shape on three sides, and holds the horizontal upper ends of bi-planar sheets 505 and 507 when joined, this in the manner shown particularly in FIGS. 18A and 20. As may be noted in the assembly view of FIG. 18 and, particularly, the enlarged region thereof shown in FIG. 19, all surfaces of hollow vertical longitudinal members 500 are enclosed by the bi-planar geometry of sheets 505 and 507 when joined together by upper and lower metal tracks 520 and 525.

As may be noted, horizontal longitudinal member 300 entails a cut-away portion 302 (see also FIGS. 17 and 18A) which permits it to envelope upper metal track 520. Further, as may be noted in views of FIGS. 19-21, screws 509, or equivalent fasteners, secure the respective front and back bi-planar sheet 505 and 507 to vertical tubes 500 and, similarly, are used (see FIGS. 18B and 18C), to secure the bi-planer sheets to the longitudinal tracks 520 and 525. The relationship between vertical tubular members 500, upper U-shaped longitudinal track 520, and bi-planer sheets of 505 and 507 may be seen with reference to vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 18A.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that though in different views of various embodiments, a continuous length of the construction system is illustrated, the actual dimensions of the construction system may vary for various commercial embodiments of the present invention, depending upon various areas of application.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.

Claims

1. A construction system comprising:

(a) A bi-planar sheet of structural material having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of said alternating series of vertical segments, said bases of each segment of said series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls; and

(b) a pair of longitudinal members having a first member and a second member, said first member being disposed parallel to said second member, securing said bi-planar sheet therebetween.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein an upper layer of said bi-planar sheet is continuously welded to said first member of said pair of longitudinal members, and a lower layer of said bi-planar sheet is continuously welded to said second member of said pair of longitudinal members.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, in which a horizontal width of a base of a first series of vertical segments may differ from that of bases of said second series of vertical segments.

4. A construction system comprising:

(a) a bi-planar sheet of structural material having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of said alternating series of vertical segments, said bases of each segment of said series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls; and

(b) a plurality of longitudinal members, defining in, transverse cross-section, a substantially U-shaped geometry having one major base and sidewalls, a first pair of longitudinal members being secured to a front surface of said bi-planar sheet by a major base of one of said longitudinal members and a second pair of longitudinal members being secured to a rear surface of said bi-planar sheet by a major base of one of said longitudinal members.

5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein each longitudinal member of said first pair of longitudinal members of said plurality of longitudinal members is secured to horizontal edges of said front surface of said bi-planar sheet, defining a first plane parallel to planes defined by said bases.

6. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein each longitudinal member of said second pair of longitudinal members of said plurality of longitudinal members is secured to horizontal edges of said rear surface of said bi-planar sheet, defining a second plane parallel to planes defined by said bases.

7. The system as recited in claim 4, further comprising horizontal tubes in which a horizontal insertable into and securable to said longitudinal U-shaped members.

8. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein said first pair of longitudinal members is secured to said front surface of said bi-planar sheet and said second pair of longitudinal members is secured to said rear surface of said bi-planar sheet via a plurality of metal fasteners.

9. A construction system comprising:

(a) a bi-planar sheet of structural material having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of said alternating series of vertical segments, said bases of each segment of said series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls;

(b) a pair of longitudinal members, defining in, transverse cross-section, a substantially polygonal geometry, each longitudinal member being open-ended, for, horizontally enclosing and securing a portion of said bi-planar sheet; and

(c) a plurality of hollow longitudinal members defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a square, a portion of each hollow longitudinal member being horizontally disposed inside at least one longitudinal member of said plurality of longitudinal members.

10. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein a first longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members horizontally encloses and secures an upper portion of said bi-planar sheet.

11. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein a second longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members horizontally encloses and secures a lower portion of said bi-planar sheet.

12. The system as recited in claim 9, comprising each longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members horizontally secured to said portion of said bi-planar sheet via a plurality of metal fasteners.

13. A construction system, comprising:

(a) a pair of bi-planar sheets of structural material, each bi-planar sheet having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of said alternating series of vertical segments, said bases of each segment of said series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls;

(b) a pair of longitudinal members, defining in, transverse cross-section, a substantially U-shaped geometry, each longitudinal member being open-ended, for, horizontally enclosing and securing a portion of each bi-planar sheet of said pair of bi-planar sheets;

(c) a plurality of first longitudinal members defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a square, each first longitudinal member being vertically disposed between said pair of bi-planar sheets; and

(d) a plurality of second longitudinal members defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a square, a portion of each second longitudinal member being horizontally disposed inside at least one longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members.

14. The system as recited in claim 13, in which a first longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members horizontally encloses and secures an upper portion of said bi-planar sheet.

15. The system as recited in claim 13, in which a second longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members horizontally encloses and secures a lower portion of said bi-planar sheet.

16. The system as recited in claim 13, in which a horizontal width of a base of a first series of vertical segments may differ from that of bases of said second series of vertical segments.

17. The system as recited in claim 13, in which at least one longitudinal member of said pair of longitudinal members is horizontally secured to said portion of said bi-planar sheet via a plurality of metal fasteners or welds.

18. The system as recited in claim 13, in which at least a portion of said plurality of hollow longitudinal members is solid.

19. The system as recited in claims 13 comprising a construction system, comprising:

a horizontal longitudinal member defining, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a tube sufficient to partially enclose and secure a portion of upper members of said pair of U-shaped longitudinal members.