Beam (e.g., Girder, Joist, Etc.) Patents (Class 52/650.1)
  • Patent number: 6871469
    Abstract: For a lateral face of the lattice girder, defined by an upper chord and a lower chord, the triangulation comprises compression bars substantially perpendicular to the chords, oblique tension bars of smaller length connecting the top of a compression bar to the lower chord, and other oblique tension bars of greater length, also connecting the top of a compression bar to the lower chord, at a point located further ahead toward the base of the next compression bar. This triangulation is used, in particular, for the jib and counterjib elements of tower cranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventors: Michel Lissandre, Jean-Pierre Gautier
  • Patent number: 6837446
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a sprayer boom and is incorporated in a spraying apparatus which includes a vehicle, a tank, hoses connected to nozzles, and the sprayer boom. The sprayer boom includes a number of wing sections each including at least one single-piece component cut from a sheet of metal to form a web or truss structure which replaces the usual rods and welds support provided to sprayer booms of this nature. Obtaining the single-piece component by cutting it from a sheet of metal rather than constructing the truss-structure by use of many rods reduces material and labor costs. Spaced apart rungs or tabs on the bottom of the sprayer boom provide openings through which sprayer nozzles are aimed while the nozzles, hoses and connectors remain mostly recessed within the boom which provides physical protection from wind and other damage and still allows easy access for repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Sprayer Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn Jesse
  • Patent number: 6837016
    Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Robert J. Simmons, Walid M. Hicham Naja, Constantine J. Shuhaibar
  • Publication number: 20040134160
    Abstract: A metallic stud for use in a framing structure, the stud definable in terms a x, y, z coordinate system. The stud includes the z-axis elongate substantially rectangular integral web within a yz plane and further includes a series of xz plane tabs projecting in an x-axis direction, the tabs alternating in x-axis extent between interdigitating greater and lesser dimensions, in which a z-axis line of dependency exists between a common xz plane of all of the tabs in a first major rectangular base of the yz plane of the web of the stud. The stud further includes a z-axis elongate L-shaped element integrally dependent from a second major rectangular base of the web, the elongate element parallel to the first base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara
  • Patent number: 6755003
    Abstract: A construction beam includes a pair of lateral members and a resilient web extending therebetween, so as to present a cross-sectional profile corresponding to commonly used construction beam members. The resilience of the web helps to attenuate sound transmission through the beam from one lateral member to the other. Ends of the resilient web are fixed to respective ones of the lateral members on opposite sides of an imaginary reference plane passing orthogonally through both of the lateral members. In particular, in a wall frame, the lateral members are mounted at opposite ends thereof to end plates consisting of other construction beams according to the present invention. When used in a frame of a building structure, the lateral members of the end plates on the same side are attached to the surrounding structure, leaving the other side of the frame resiliently free floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph D. McGrath, Frank C. O'Brien-Bernini
  • Patent number: 6735916
    Abstract: An elongate structural member comprising a structural outer shell and at least one arcuate or diagonal reinforcing member within. The structural member is used in structural, semi-structural or cladding applications to carry floor loading, walkway loading, wheeled loading, pressure loading in buildings, bridges and other loading carrying applications. An elongate structural member has an outer shell formed by first and second flanges joined to first and second external webs to have a cross-section in the form of a parallelogram. The first and second external webs are mutually parallel and inclined at an acute angle to the first and second flanges with the flanges being mutually parallel. At least one reinforcing web extends between the first and second flanges within said outer shell. The reinforcing web or webs are inclined to the flanges at the same acute angle as the first and second external webs but in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignees: Mouchel Consulting Limited, Fiberline Composites A/S
    Inventors: Vahigh Peshkam, Polycarp Samuel Fashole-Luke, Michael Brettargh Leeming, Henrik Thorning, Eric Syndergaard Knudsen
  • Patent number: 6698152
    Abstract: An adjustable truss for reinforcing a floor supported atop horizontal joists has a beam which underlies the floor and includes reinforcing members having spaced apart limbs which provide space for the accommodation of utility components such as wiring, pipes, and conduits. The support members are removable from the beam so as to enable any selected support to be uncoupled from the beam and recoupled thereto following movement of the support member in such manner as to enable the utility components to be accommodated in the space between the limbs. The support members are rockable in either of two opposite direction so as to enable the beam to be adjusted in such manner as to maintain bearing engagement with the underside of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bush
  • Patent number: 6691478
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include a plurality of joist attachment tabs integrally formed in the web. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web and form a corresponding opening in the web. The apparatus may include at least two reinforcing ribs between at least two adjacent openings. In another embodiment the apparatus may include joist locator tabs not attached to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph, Edmund L. Ponko
  • Patent number: 6688068
    Abstract: A strut assembly includes a longitudinal member having a wall and at least a first substantially hollow end portion. A first threaded member is slidably mounted within the first end-portion and is capable of movement along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member between a retracted position and an extended position. The wall has at least a first access opening therein for providing access to the first threaded member. At least a first node is provided having at least one internally threaded radial bore therein which is configured to threadably engage the first threaded member in an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell
    Inventor: David A. Osterberg
  • Patent number: 6523318
    Abstract: A carrying track for a building, which includes a building including a plurality of floors, a track extending from a lower floor of the building to a floor above the lower floor, the track structurally forming part of the floors and part of an outside surface of the building, wherein the track includes two vertical halves with a gap formed between, the gap being exposed to the outside surface of the building and extending inwards from the outside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Aviv Carmel Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Aviv Carmel
  • Patent number: 6510663
    Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Jourden, Karl Heinz Mueller, Genevieve Wing
  • Publication number: 20030014928
    Abstract: A componentized, three dimensional, self-aligning, self-engineering building system for homes and similar constructions involving a plurality of individual, separately installable components of predetermined height selectively arranged, positioned and secured to each other in side-by-side relationship along the perimeter of and also secured on a previously prepared flat supporting surface for a home; and modeling blocks representing the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kerney
  • Publication number: 20020194808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight reinforced beam which utilizes a tendon system to provide tension on a rigid panel structural frame made from wood, wood composite, plastic or other material. An alternative embodiment uses a tendon system to provide tension on a precast form made from a castable material such as concrete by post tensioning a shielded tendon. This tendon, made from steel, carbon fiber or similar materials, will resist a load imposed on the reinforced beam and will support a large load relative to the weight of the tendon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Frank W. Ratliff
  • Publication number: 20020184836
    Abstract: The present invention provides a column-and-beam join structure which absorbs energy caused by a large earthquake or the like by split tees surely yielding at a prescribed value, does not cause other members to fracture, and thus makes it possible to replace only the split tees which have become unusable, and, more specifically, a column-and-beam join structure constructed by attaching and connecting, using bolts 9, the ends 8a of both the upper and lower flanges 8 of a steel beam (H-shaped steel beam) 7 between the webs 6 of a pair of upper and lower split tees 4 the flanges 5 of which are connected to a steel column 1 using bolts 3. The upper limit of the yield stress of the steel material used for the split tees 4 is defined to be not more than twice the lower limit thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Toru Takeuchi, Yasushi Maeda, Kazuaki Suzuki, Ken Okada, Satoshi Yamada, Akira Wada
  • Publication number: 20020157337
    Abstract: A draft block joist system for preventing an airflow circulation therethrough. The system comprises a first and second elongated I-beams each having continuous upper and lower flange sections with a panel member disposed therebetween. The upper and lower flange sections of the first elongated I-beam are respectively connected with the upper and lower flange sections of the second elongated I-beam. An air gap is formed between the panel members of the first and second elongated I-beams thereby. By forming the air gap, an insulation member is removably insertable therein for preventing the airflow circulation therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Fred E. Hovenier
  • Publication number: 20020148193
    Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises a lower chord, an upper chord, a plurality of connector members spaced along the joists and extending between the upper and lower chords, a plurality of plates attaching the connector members to the lower and upper chords and a laminated panel structure mounted at each end section of the joist. Each panel structure extends from an opposite end of the upper/lower chords to adjacent a first of the plurality of attachment plates and defines an uninterrupted surface which is formed of a series of elongated vertical planks secured edgewise to one another whereby the joist has opposite ends which are trimmable to provide one of reduced width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: ROMARO 2000 LIMITEE
    Inventors: Robert Veilleux, Mario Labrie
  • Publication number: 20020148192
    Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises an elongated lower chord, an elongated upper chord and an openwork web structure joining the chords and consisting of a series of connector members formed of inclined branches and adhesively secured to the lower and upper chords. Each branch of a connector member is formed of at least two planks having contiguous sides adhesively joined to one another. The connector members define a series of triangular openings in the web structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: ROMARO 2000 LIMITEE
    Inventors: Robert Veilleux, Mario Labrie
  • Patent number: 6418694
    Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include preformed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph, Edmund L. Ponko
  • Patent number: 6408588
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall framework of a wood composite for use in wall construction having an elongated header, spaced apart studs extending perpendicularly from the header, and an elongated sill plate opposite the header in which the studs are integral with the header and sill plate. The framework made from plywood, wood chips or wood particles has application in interior or exterior walls which may be either load bearing or non-load bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Francis Sean Kelly
  • Publication number: 20020053178
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beam structure comprising at least a wing (1, 1′) made of at least a first metal and at least a core (2, 2′) made of at least a second metal, said core being assembled substantially perpendicular to said wing and said core being a sheet material or sheet metal. The invention is characterised in that the first metal has a high or very high yield strength, and associated with a yield strength/tensile strength ratio close to 1, the second metal has a yield strength substantially lower than that of the first metal; the second metal has a yield strength/tensile strength ratio substantially less than 0.9 and less than the value of said ratio exhibited by the first metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Kergen
  • Publication number: 20020023404
    Abstract: A carrying track for a building, which includes a building including a plurality of floors, a track extending from a lower floor of the building to a floor above the lower floor, the track structurally forming part of the floors and part of an outside surface of the building, wherein the track includes two vertical halves with a gap formed between, the gap being exposed to the outside surface of the building and extending inwards from the outside surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Aviv Carmel
  • Publication number: 20020020141
    Abstract: AN OVERALL, STRUCTURAL, MAINLY STEEL SYSTEM DEVELOPED FOR AN EXTERIOR BUILDING LAYOUT. THIS OVERALL STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IS COMPRISED OF VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF INTERIOR CONFIGURATIONS AND CORRESPONDING SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEMS. EACH SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEM CONSIST OF STANDARDIZED STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLAGES AND MEMBERS. FOR EACH SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEM, THE VARIOUS SHAPES OF THESE STANDARDIZED ASSEMBLAGES AND MEMBERS ARE SIMILAR TO ALL OTHER VARIOUS SHAPES OF ASSEMBLAGES AND MEMBERS UTILIZED IN THE OVERALL, STRUCTURAL SYSTEM. THE ASSEMBLAGE COULD BE ERECTED IN A MULTI-STORY FASHION. THROUGH BEAMS ARE UTILIZED EXTENDING THROUGH THE WEBS OF THE ASSEMBLAGE GIRDERS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: William J. Payer
  • Publication number: 20020005021
    Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels bodies for constructions in building industry and a method of construction of structure using the pre-cast panel bodies is disclosed. The pre-cast concrete panels bodies includes pre-cast beams (3) at an upper edge and at least one bore (6) extending longitudinally from one end to the other. The bore is adapted to receive starter bars (16) reinforcement steel bars (19), wires, pipes or concrete. The upper edges of the panel bodies include cornices (4) casted simultaneously with the casting of the panel body. All the pre-cast concrete panels and pre-cast concrete slabs (26) are interlocked together by the introduction of steel bars (28) through links (8) extending from the pre-cast concrete panels, adding wires mesh (38) and top bars (40) on the pre-cast concrete slab and pouring concrete over the steel bars, wire mesh and top bars to provide a sturdy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tian Khoo
  • Publication number: 20010047629
    Abstract: The invention provides sound insulating panels for use in noise screens, the panels being formed from mineral wool of substantially uniform density and average density from about 100 to about 2000 kg/m3 and thickness not more than about 200 mm. These panels may advantageously be used in noise screens comprising one or two upright support members having I-profile cross-section of width greater than the panel thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventors: Claus Voigt Andersen, Leo A. Pulleman
  • Patent number: 6321501
    Abstract: A collapsible three sided truss, in which a rectangular central framework section has outboard framework sections each hinged to one side, which can be swung together to bring interfitting portions together, with locking mechanisms manually operable to connect these portions together and form a rigid three sided truss. When released and swung out, the outboard sections form a flattened array with the central section for easy transport and handling. Slidable pins are included in the locking mechanisms, engaging aligned holes in partial sleeves on cross members of one outboard section fit to elongated member of the other outboard section. The three sided trusses can be connected end-to-end with couplings and locking pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Ignash
  • Publication number: 20010037619
    Abstract: A lightweight decking plank has male and female connecting members formed at its opposite longitudinal edges, at least one component of each connecting member comprising a hollow section, and the connecting members being arranged such that when the male connector of one plank is engaged with the female connector of an adjacent plank, at least parts of the hollow sections of the respective connectors are positioned in vertical alignment with one another and form an essentially rigid load-supporting connection between the upper and lower surfaces of the assembly at the region of inter-connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Terence Hardy
  • Patent number: 6301854
    Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include pre-formed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph, Edmund L. Ponko
  • Patent number: 6260322
    Abstract: The invention is incorporated into a composite floor system for a building structure comprising a plurality of major transverse beams and a minor transverse beam. The major transverse beam has a greater vertical height than the minor transverse beam. The minor transverse beam is interposed between adjacent major transverse beams. A composite panel having an upper sheet member and a lower sheet member is positioned between adjacent major transverse beams with the major transverse beams supporting the upper sheet member and with the interposed minor transverse beam supporting the lower sheet member. A fastener affixes the composite panel to one of the transverse beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Fredrick H. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6237297
    Abstract: A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The shell panels may be made of metal or concrete or combinations thereof, or of other rigid materials having the required physical properties. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels. The arrangement of the wire trusses is such that, in each group of three adjacent wire trusses, the middle one has its bottom apexes also connected to the bottom apexes of the wire truss located on one side of the middle wire truss and has its top apexes also connected to the top apexes of the wire truss located on the other side of the middle wire truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: IBI, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Paroly
  • Patent number: 6216404
    Abstract: An elongated C-shaped structural member for cooperation with the inner wall or partition and ceiling of a structure to confine a fire and prevent its spreading, the C-shaped structural member having an intumescent thermal gasket positioned on its outer vertical web face, and parallel extending flanges on its opposing web face, the upper extending flange having a plurality of finger members formed on its surface, the finger members displaceable to a plane vertical to the upper flange member for extension into the troughs of the underside of the ceiling, the C-shaped structural member secured to the ceiling by the upper flange member such that the intumescent thermal gasket is juxtaposed adjacent the upper outer surface of the interior wall or partition, the C-shaped structural member, upstanding finger members and the troughs associated therewith being encapsulated with a fire retardant cementious composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy Vellrath
  • Patent number: 6167674
    Abstract: A light-gauge truss framing element constitutes a longitudinal constructional beam having a uniform generally T-shaped cross-section, in which a vertical portion of the cross-section defines a web of the beam and a transverse horizontal portion defines a symmetric flange. The beam comprises a material having a thickness in a range of about ten to about twenty-two gauge and having a yield strength in a range of about thirty-six to about fifty-five kips per square inch. The web, in transverse cross-section, resembles a compressed V-shaped element which may be selectably reinforced through the use of rods or stiffening elements internal or external to the apex of the V-shaped web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara