U.S. patent application number 09/898182 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for structural members.
Invention is credited to Vahey, Michael J..
Application Number | 20020026765 09/898182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26912372 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020026765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vahey, Michael J. |
March 7, 2002 |
Structural members
Abstract
In construction, there currently exist few basic structural
members, and few developments of metal load-bearing structures
having structural connections with no welding or drilling. The
present invention is a new innovative approach to the making of
metal structural supports that is more economical, is more time
efficient, and provides more strength and rigidity. The recommended
design can be used in areas where strong rigid structural members
are needed and comes in a variety of sizes, strengths, and weights.
It is most suitable for construction purposes but has application
in many manufacturing areas where weight, strength, and ease of
assembly are desired.
Inventors: |
Vahey, Michael J.; (Medford,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael J. Vahey
19 Norwood Court
Medford
NJ
08055
US
|
Family ID: |
26912372 |
Appl. No.: |
09/898182 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60217906 |
Jul 13, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/843 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 3/29 20130101; E04C
2003/0413 20130101; E04C 2003/0447 20130101; E04C 2003/0421
20130101; E04C 2003/0434 20130101; E04C 3/07 20130101; E04C
2003/043 20130101; E04C 2003/0469 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/732.1 ;
52/737.6 |
International
Class: |
E04C 003/30 |
Claims
What is claimed
1. The design calls for a structural metal member to be formed from
triangular structures, made up of four elongated rectangular
sheets. Each of the sheets has a long side and a short side. The
triangular members are formed from a single folded elongated planar
member. The two centrally joined elongated rectangular planar
sheets have multiple semi-ellipsoidal indentations on each sheet.
These indentations make contact with the two outside pre-formed
sheets when the sheets are folded into the elongated triangular
member, including three cavities extending through the member.
2. In the structural member of claim 1, the two folded in, curved,
outside elongated rectangular sheets,when joined, become an
internal flexible support of the structural member and may support
one or two additional sheets. The structural member of claim 1 is
to be made of high tensile strength 10 steel.
3. In the structural member of claim 2, these sheets are retrained
with a solid rod extending through the center of the said elongated
triangular member. This rod may be replaced by two formed elongated
rectangular sheets, constituted in the said sheets as a convex and
concave mating form.
4. The structural member of claim 1 should include an inscription
to protect the public from misuse of this product. The inventor is
recommending an etched red color Identification bar code to be
applied at the initial stage of production. The bar code should be
located on the left hand side of the short side of the elongated
triangular structural member and on all said joining clamps.
5. A structural member is comprised of two elongated triangular
members, made from four elongated rectangular sheets. The
triangular members are formed from two folded elongated rectangular
planar sheets, each sheet having a long side and a short side. The
two centrally joined elongated rectangular planar sheets have
multiple semi-ellipsoid indentations, running parallel to and
equally spaced along the longer axis.
6. The structural member of claim 5 has the semi-ellipsoidal
indentations on one planar sheet, offset from those on the second
sheet. They lay in a plane, perpendicular to the long axis, by one
half the distance between the ellipsoidal centers. The center of
the first ellipsoid starts and ends on the short edge of the sheet
(FIG. 3).
7. The semi-ellipsoidal indentations on the structural member of
claim 6 are defined by a rotation of 35.degree.16' ellipsis around
their long axes, and these said ellipses may have an embossed
surface where the internal support sheets contact the tangent
point.
8. We have an elongated triangular structure member comprised of
four elongated sheets. Each sheet has a long edge and a short edge
and is joined by its long edge to another sheet. The two joined
center planar sheets have numerous semi-ellipsoidal indentations,
formed parallel to its long axis. The two outside sheets have a
pre-formed curved surface formed parallel to its long axis. The
four rectangular sheets when folded in along the long edge form an
elongated triangular structural member. The four said sheets are
retained in this triangular form by a stabilizing rod, extending
through the member and located in the center of the said structural
member.
9. The structural member of claim 8 is comprised of three
stabilizing rods extending through the structural member. They are
located at the apexes of and inside of the said triangular
member.
10. The stabilizing rods in the structural member of claim 9 are
comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of high
tensile strength steel, graphite fiber, fiberglass, or a resin
composite.
11. In this same structural member of claim 9, the rods may be
pre-stressed with the structural member and crimped in place to
reinforce the pre-stressed or preformed structural member.
12. The structural member of claim 8 includes a different way of
joining the longitudinal flanges of a triangular structural member
10 to the longitudinal flanges of two planar wall members at each
juncture (See FIG. 9). Various other modifications may be used to
create innovative low cost truss assemblies, outside and inside
wall panels,and double and triple wall containment vessels. This
ball lance design gives us the ability to manually disengage the
surface contact of the ball lance and flanges of the planar
members.
13. The triangular joining clamp has many semi-ellipsoid
indentations extending into the said triangle. The location and the
depth of the semi-ellipsoidal indentations are used to position the
clamp on the structural member 10 and provide for the expansion and
the contraction of the assembly.
14. The triangular joining clamp of claim 13 may have a convex or
ball shaped form. This form constrains a threaded steel ball, which
is used to attach two or more support braces.
15. The triangular joining clamp of claim 13 may have alternative
configurations with possible angular forms from zero to three
hundred sixty degrees. It may be utilized in space structures of
intricate lattice members, built up in box shaped modules.
16. In design 48, the inside dimension of the cylinder inspection
and joining clamp 42 is twenty over a thousand times larger than
two times the dimension of the distance between the apex and the
true center of a triangular structural member 10. The minimum
outside dimension of cylinder 42 is three times the dimension of
the distance between the apex and the true center of the triangular
structural member. The minimum length of cylinder 42 is five times
the distance between the centers of the ellipsoidal indentations 38
and 39 of the structural member 10. The inside dimension of
cylinder 43 is ten over a thousand times larger that the outside
dimension of cylinder 42. The minimum outside dimension of cylinder
43 is four times the minimum inside dimension of the between the
apex and the true center of a triangular structural member 10.
17. The cylinder joining clamp of claim 18 may be modified to a two
size reduction clamp. You may also replace the steel retainers
(item 44) with hardened steel balls (Item 55), joined together by a
suitable steel wire cable.
18. The design affords an alternative way of joining together two
structural members 10. The ellipsoidal indentation (38) on the end
of the structural member 10 has been modified to allow for an
internal end joining locking assembly (Adapter 49).
19. An alternative triangular cylinder safety support and rescue
clamp 60 is made up of an internal cylinder 50 with a centrally
located triangular form. The triangular form is thirty over a
thousand times larger than the outside dimension of the apexes of
the alternative safety structural member 10. The minimum outside
dimension of cylinder 50 is four times the dimension of the
distance between the apex and the true center of the triangular
structure member 10. The said structural member 10 is supported
within the triangular form by pin bearings 52. Nine or more pin
bearings are required for each cylinder. The pin bearings are
located at right angles to the apexes of the internal triangular
form and require predetermined placements. The apexes of the
triangular structure member 10 slide effortless along pin bearings
52. The minimum length of cylinder 50 is five times the distance
between the centers of ellipsoidal indentations 38 and 39. The
inside dimension of cylinder 59 is ten over a thousand times larger
than the outside dimension of cylinder 50. The minimum outside
dimension of cylinder 59 is six times the distance between the apex
and the true center of the triangular structure member 10.
20. The steel retaining balls are connected by a suitable wire
cable. The clearance distance for the steel retaining balls shall
be a minimum of fifteen over a thousand times larger than the
outside diameter of the steel balls and wire cables 55. The
internal linear cam 54 is centrally located on the inside wall of
cylinder 59. The center distance of the said cams shall be equal to
the distance between the centers of the ellipsoidal indentations 38
and 39 in the triangular structural safety member 10. The linear
distance the cam travels to engage the ball retainers in both
directions shall be no greater than one half inch in any direction,
for a total of one inch overall travel.
21. The dead man release switch 56 unlocks the outside cylinder 59.
A light circular manual force is needed to overcome the spring
return forces of the ball wire cable assembly 55 as seen in claim
20. The length of the ring wire cable 57 shall be a minimum length
so as not to be a hazard to the occupant or user. The safety ball
wire cable brake 58 and the handle are centrally located. Cylinders
50 and 59 may be made of molded fiberglass, resin composites, cast
bronze, or brass.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to metal structural members,
particularly beams and other similar members used in construction.
The structural member can be used in areas where strong rigid
structural members are needed. The structural member may be made in
a variety of sizes, strengths, and weights. In construction, there
exist few basic structural members, and few developments of metal
load-bearing structures having structural connections with no
welding or drilling.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present design relates to U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,567.
Finite computer programs have determined a technical problem
involving the calculations for strength, in regard to density of
the folded elongated triangular columnar member. The inventor is
attempting to correct this problem, as strengthening is primarily
achieved through precipitation strengthening in the material
compound. The desire is to achieve maximum strength while allowing
formability and to increase structural integrity with innovative
structural supports, braces, joining clamps of varied designs.
Precipitation strengthening will negate any welding or
drilling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The structural member is comprised of four elongated
rectangular sheets, each sheet having a long edge and a short edge,
and joined by its long edge to the three other sheets. The two
joined center sheets have a series of semi-ellipsoid indentations
formed parallel to its long axis. The said sheets when folded form
an elongated triangular columnar member with the semi ellipsoid
indentations extending into the triangular member. The two outside
elongated rectangular sheets are preformed before folding into the
triangular columnar. Said sheets are restrained by a solid rod
extending at the center, through the member. The semi-ellipsoid
indentations also support and restrain the member. The resulting
structural member has rigidity in a direction perpendicular or
parallel to its long axis, but has torsional flexibility around its
axis. The member may also include three stabilizing rods extending
axially through the member.
[0004] The structural member is comprised of four elongated
rectangular sheets, each sheet having a long edge and a short edge,
and joined by its long edge to the three other sheets. The two
joined center sheets have a series of semi-ellipsoid indentations
extending into the triangular member, wherein some said
semi-ellipsoid indentations are omitted, and incorporated therein a
lance restraining device. The two outside elongated rectangular
sheets are preformed before folding into the triangular columnar,
said sheets are restrained by a solid rod extending at the center
through the member. The semi-ellipsoid indentations also support
and restrain the member. The resulting structural member has
rigidity in a direction perpendicular or parallel to its long axis,
but has torsional flexibility around its axis. The member may also
include three stabilizing rods extending axially through the
member. Wherein said rods comprise a material selected from the
group consisting of graphite fiber and high tensile strength steel.
Wherein said structural member is made of high tensile strength
steel or graphite composite material. The structural members are
assembled with a no weld clamping system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure member after
forming according to the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a structure member in a
partially unfolded position according to the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a structure member in a fully
unfolded position according to the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is an end view of a structural member according to
the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectioned view taken along the
line 5-5 in FIG. 3 of a structural member according to the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectioned view taken along the line 6-6 in
FIG. 2, when the present invention is in a fully folded position
according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in
FIG. 2, of an alternative embodiment of a structural member
according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectioned folded view taken along the line
6-6 in FIG. 2, of an alternative embodiment showing three
stabilizing rods, with internal inserts crimped into structural
member 10, in a prestressed condition according to the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 is an end view of a folded alternative embodiment
showing three stabilizing rods with attached internal inserts
crimped into structural member 10, and said structural member is
designed to assemble one or two sheets therein and be supported in
place by the preformed rolled in rectangular sheets 12, 18. Said
structural assembly to be restrained by a joining clamp designed to
facilitate the said assembly (is not shown).
[0014] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a right hand joining clamp in a
fully unfolded position according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a left hand joining clamp in a
fully unfolded position according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a side view of two structural members 10 joined,
within a fully assembled joining clamp according to the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a top view of a left and right hand joining clamp
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 14 is an end view of a folded alternative embodiment of
a structural member 10 retained and supported by a joining clamp,
designed for non weld assembly, and a concentrated stud contained
therein used to attach braces thereto.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative cylinder
clamp in a partial assembled position according to the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a view of an alternate position of a structural
member 10, in a completely assembled position, view along line
45-45 of FIG. 15.
[0021] FIG. 17 is an alternative embodiment of structural member
10. Wherein two support members are joined with an internal
insert.
[0022] FIG. 18 are views of a cylinder rescue, safety support
assembly in an unlocked position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring now to the figures, structural member 10,
comprises four elongated rectangular sides 12, 14, 16, 18. Planar
sides 14, 16, each includes a series of semi-ellipsoidal
indentations 38, 39, in an arrangement which can be seen from FIG.
3. Indentations 38, 39, form an ellipse where it meets the surface
of sides 14, 16. The cross-section of semi-ellipsoidal indentation
39, taken in a plane perpendicular to the long axis 34 of the
structural member 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. However, the size
of the indentations 38, 39, and the size of the structural member
10 dictates the size and shape of the cross-section of indentations
38, 39. The outside tangent point of the semi-ellipsoidal
indentations 38, 39, may have an embossed surface. The design
purpose is to restrict torsional flexibility of the rolled in sides
12, 18, of the structural member 10, and aid the insertion of the
center stabilizing rod 36, as seen in FIG. 6.
[0024] Structural member 10 may be made in an open configuration as
shown in FIG. 3, prior to roll forming sides 12, 14, 16, 18, along
crease lines 13, 15, 17, to form a triangular structural member 10.
The ellipsoidal indentations 38, 39, as viewed in FIG. 3 are
arranged along a single line 34, running parallel to the length of
the structural member 10. The ellipsoidal indentations 38 are
offset in a plane perpendicular along the axis of left hand sheet
16, by one half the center distance of ellipsoidal indentations 39
as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the center of the first formed
ellipsoid of side 16 begins and ends on the outside edge of the
said structural member 10 as viewed in FIG. 3. The ellipsoidal
indentations 38, 39, also lend rigidity to sides 14, 16 by
interrupting the planar face of the sheet as viewed in FIG. 3.
[0025] The structural member 10 may be manufactured in several
different ways. Die stamping a continuous sheet of metal with the
semi ellipsoid indentations 38, 39, can be used to form sheets as
viewed in FIG. 3, which can then be rolled on form lines 13, 15,
17, to form a triangular structural member 10. Desired manufactured
process of continual sheets as viewed in FIG. 3, are formed by
spray depositing droplets of steel onto a moving ceramic form, the
sheets are formed to the thickness required and rolled formed into
a triangular structural member 10. Alternative configurations of
structure member 10 are viewed in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 17. The
stabilizing rods 36 add stiffness and strength to the structure
member 10. And the rods may be made of steel or carbon fiber. They
may be crimped or clamped in place, after stress bending of the
structure member 10 as viewed in FIGS. 6, 8, 9. A fully folded
alternative structural member 10 is shown in FIG. 7. This
cross-sectioned view taken along line 6-6 FIG. 3, demonstrates the
embossed tangent point of the semi-ellipsoidal indentation 38, 39
restraining the folded in sheets 12 and 18, wherein said sheets
demonstrate an alternative convex, concave restraining design. The
structural member 10, as viewed in FIG. 9 wherein the two outside
sheets may have the elongated preformed curved surfaces 12, 18
shortened and said sheets have a ball shape embossed long edge. The
design of a locking ball lance at the junctures of the
prefabricated section 50, containing said members under compression
between ellipsoids 38, 39 and outside curved sheets 12, 18 and said
design restricts four way movement of prefabricated section 50.
[0026] Referring now to the elongated triangular joining clamp FIG.
14, the cylinder clamp and inspection assembly FIG. 15, the safety
support and rescue clamp assembly FIG. 17. The said referred to
ergonomic designs 14, 15, 17 provide a safe method of construction,
as welding structure will result in dangerous stress fractures.
[0027] An elongated triangular joining clamp FIG. 14, comprised of
two elongated rectangular planar sheets as viewed in FIGS. 10, 11,
each sheet having a long edge and a short edge. The said sheets
when fully folded comprise an elongated triangular clamp. The said
sheets are referred to as left hand FIG. 11 and right hand FIG. 10
joining clamp members. The two said sheets are comprised of three
elongated rectangular sheets [20, 22, 23] [24, 25, 26] each sheet
having a long edge and a short edge as viewed in FIGS. 10, 11.
[0028] The long edges of the top elongated rectangular sheets 23,
24, formed to a sixty degree triangle have a plurality of cylinder
forms, said forms are positioned to mate, when the short edges are
aligned. The cylinder design 28, 29 allows a locking pin 41 to be
inserted. Thus restricting forces attempting to separate the
joining clamp. The two said sheets 23, 24 have a plurality of
semi-ellipsoid indentations extending into said triangle FIG. 14.
The location and depth of said indentations 30, 40, are used to
position the joining clamp FIG. 14 on the structural member 10.
Thus the left and right hang joining clamps cannot be reversed. The
two joined parallel elongated rectangular sheets 20, 27 contain a
ball shaped form 21, 26; centerly located with a thru hole 37, as
viewed in FIGS. 10, 11, 14. This ball shaped form and thru hole
retain a locking pin 37, as viewed in FIG. 14.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, these clamp members may be made
in an open configuration in a progressive die, or a straight-line
die operations. The planar sides 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 are formed
along crease lines 35. The semi-ellipsoidal indentations 30 FIG. 10
and 40 FIG. 11 orientate the structural members 10 to be joined.
The depth of the indentations 30, 40 and matching shapes 38, 39,
are designed to control expansion and contraction of the joined
structural members 10. The clamp assembly as viewed in FIGS. 12,
13, 14 may be located at predetermined locations on the structural
members 10 and support braces can be attached to the ball shaped
embossed surfaces 21, 16. Two or more braces may be locked in place
by the extended stud 37. Thru holes 36, are to orientate the braces
at various angles to the structural members 10. Many alternative
configurations of this clamp design are possible with angles from
0.degree. to 360.degree., thus intricate lattice members may be
formed in a space structure, which is built up over box-shaped
modules. And said indentations 30, 40, may be a convex ball shaped
in form to facilitate a threaded ball insert. The design purposes
is added braces in the space structure.
[0030] Referring now to the cylinder clamp and inspection assembly
48 FIG. 15. The design may be used a hand held quality control
inspection tool. Refer to FIG. 16, note center line locations. The
tool will measure the outside diameter or apexes, straightness of
structural member 10, depth and center location of the
semi-ellipsoid indentations 38, 39. A structural member 10 is
oriented as to the same side, inserted in cylinder 42, two or more
steel retainers 44 are installed in the elongated rectangular slots
46, and cylinder 43, is advanced, locking steel retainers, and
structural member 10 in place as viewed in FIG. 16. Cylinder 43 is
aligned and rotated to a desired location. Cylinders 42, 43 outside
edges are aligned and locked in place. The steel retainer 44 has an
eccentric thru hole, the diameter of this hole designates the
outside dimension of steel retainer 44. These varied outside
dimensions allow the structural member 10 to expand or contract
within cylinder member 42. Standard outside dimensions to be
determined by testing in extreme environmental conditions. Said
cylinder clamp assembly as viewed in FIG. 15 is also designed to
rotate within a (connecting clamps collar assembly not shown) on
the ball item 47 as viewed in FIG. 15. The cylinder clamp assembly
may be manufactured by cold extrusion, and provides for end joining
designs, when structural integrity of large structural members is
required. The cylinder clamp design provides a method of erecting
structural trusses, in an unfolded form, to be raised in place, as
a fully formed truss; in various designs, with movable assembly
angle braces. The cylinder clamp assembly may be hardened.
[0031] Referring now to the triangular cylinder safety support and
rescue clamp 60, FIG. 18 and the triangular structural rescue
assembly 10, FIG. 17. May it be noted FIG. 17 is presented as an
alternate design to demonstrate a synonymous system design. There
exists little virtual prior art of a single device, adaptable to
irregular objects and terrain, for use in emergency rescue
conditions. Accordingly, the object of this alternative structural
member 10 and the triangular cylinder support and rescue assembly,
is to provide a single light weight, easily erected, trustworthy
tool. A rescue device to ascend or descend, with supporting hand
and foot mechanism. May operate in a normal step, hand, alternating
motion. Designed for alternative uses including extreme rescue
operations wherein a friction brace utilizing a design for rapid or
controlled descent or ascent along the alternative triangular
structure member 10. A brake may be occupant-operated, 58 FIG.
* * * * *