U.S. patent application number 12/629649 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for two-way architectural structural system and modular support member.
Invention is credited to David Hovey, JR..
Application Number | 20100132286 12/629649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34960596 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100132286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hovey, JR.; David |
June 3, 2010 |
Two-Way Architectural Structural System and Modular Support
Member
Abstract
An architectural structural system comprises a structural beam
and a structural connector. The structural beam includes a first
c-beam and a second c-beam adjacently disposed one in parallel to
the other. Each of the c-beams has opposed first and second ends.
The structural connector has a plurality of transverse blades with
opposed faces, one of the plurality of blades being connectedly
disposed between the first and second c-beams.
Inventors: |
Hovey, JR.; David;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNGARETTI & HARRIS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP - PATENTS
70 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3500
CHICAGO
IL
60602-4224
US
|
Family ID: |
34960596 |
Appl. No.: |
12/629649 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11900184 |
Sep 10, 2007 |
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12629649 |
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10840440 |
May 6, 2004 |
7310920 |
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11900184 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/299 ;
52/653.1; 52/655.1; 52/698 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/2463 20130101;
E04B 2001/2484 20130101; E04B 2001/2472 20130101; E04B 2001/2448
20130101; E04B 2001/2415 20130101; E04B 2001/2457 20130101; E04B
1/24 20130101; E04B 2001/2496 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/299 ;
52/653.1; 52/655.1; 52/698 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/30 20060101
E04C003/30; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38; E02D 27/42 20060101
E02D027/42; E04B 1/41 20060101 E04B001/41 |
Claims
1. A structural connector comprising: a first transverse blade
projecting outwardly from a juncture to a distal end and configured
to connect to a first horizontal beam; a second transverse blade
projecting outwardly from the juncture to a distal end and
configured to connect to a second horizontal beam; a first lower
vertical blade integrally connected to and extending downward from
at least a lower portion of the first transverse blade and
configured to connect to a first lower column member; and, a first
upper vertical blade integrally connected to and extending upward
from at least an upper portion of the first transverse blade and
configured to connect to a first upper column member.
2. The structural connector of claim 1 wherein the first vertical
blade is coplanar with the first transverse blade.
3. The structural connector of claim 2 further comprising: a second
lower vertical blade integrally connected to and extending downward
from a least a lower portion of the second transverse blade and
configured to connect to a second lower column member.
4. The structural connector of claim 3 wherein the second vertical
blade is coplanar with the second transverse blade.
5. The structural connector of claim 4 further comprising: a third
transverse blade projecting outwardly from the juncture orthogonal
to the first transverse blade to a distal end and configured to
connect to a third horizontal beam.
6. The structural connector of claim 5 further comprising: a third
lower vertical blade integrally connected to and extending downward
from at least a lower portion of the third transverse blade and
configured to connect to a third lower column member.
7. The structural connector of claim 6 wherein the third vertical
blade is coplanar with the third transverse blade.
8. The structural connector of claim 7 further comprising: a fourth
transverse blade projecting outwardly from the juncture orthogonal
to the first transverse blade in a direction opposing the third
transverse blade to a distal end and configured to connect to a
fourth horizontal beam.
9. The structural connector of claim 8 further comprising: a fourth
lower vertical blade integrally connected to and extending downward
from at least a lower portion of the fourth transverse blade and
configured to connect to a fourth lower column member.
10. The structural connector of claim 9 wherein the fourth lower
vertical blade is coplanar with the fourth transverse blade.
11. A structural connector for connecting both horizontal beams and
vertical columns in an architectural structural system comprising:
first and second horizontal transverse blades projecting radially
outward from a juncture, having opposed faces, and being
connectable to horizontal beams; first and second lower vertical
columnar blades having opposed faces with each lower vertical
columnar blade being coplanar with the first and second horizontal
transverses blade and extending perpendicularly and vertically from
a lower edge of a corresponding horizontal transverse blade; and,
first and second upper vertical columnar blades having opposed
faces with each upper vertical columnar blade being coplanar with
the first and second horizontal transverses blade and extending
perpendicularly and vertically from an upper edge of a
corresponding horizontal transverse blade.
12. The structural connector of claim 11 further comprising: a
third horizontal transverse blade projecting radially outward from
the juncture orthogonal to the first and second horizontal
transverse blades to form a T-configuration.
13. The structural connector of claim 12 further comprising: a
third lower vertical columnar blade being coplanar with the third
horizontal transverse blade and extending perpendicularly and
vertically from a lower edge of the third transverse blade; and a
third upper vertical columnar blade being coplanar with the third
horizontal transverse blade and extending perpendicularly and
vertically from an upper edge of the third transverse blade.
14. The structural connector of claim 13 further comprising: a
fourth horizontal transverse blade projecting radially outward from
the juncture orthogonal to the first and second horizontal
transverse blades and coplanar to the third horizontal blade to
form an X-configuration.
15. The structural connector of claim 14 further comprising: a
fourth lower columnar blade being coplanar with the fourth
horizontal transverse blade and extending perpendicularly and
vertically from a lower edge of the fourth transverse blade; and a
fourth upper columnar blade being coplanar with the fourth
horizontal transverse blade and extending perpendicularly and
vertically from an upper edge of the fourth transverse blade.
16. The structural connector of claim 11 wherein the first and
second horizontal transverse blades each have a rectangular cross
section.
17. A structural connector for connecting both horizontal beams and
vertical columns in an architectural structural system comprising:
first, second and third horizontal transverse blades extending from
a common juncture with each blade configured to connect to a
horizontal beam; and, a first lower columnar blade coplanar with
and extending from a lower edge of the first horizontal transverse
blade and configured to connect to a lower column member; and, a
first upper columnar blade coplanar with and extending from an
upper edge of the first horizontal transverse blade and configured
to connect to an upper column member.
18. The structural connector of claim 17 wherein the first, second
and third horizontal transverse blades form a T-configuration.
19. The structural connector of claim 18 further comprising: a
fourth horizontal transverse blade extending from the common
juncture and configured to connect to a horizontal beam.
20. The structural connector of claim 19 wherein the first, second,
third and fourth horizontal transverse blades form an
X-configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/900,184 filed Sep. 10, 2007, which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,440 filed May 6, 2004, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,920 issued on Dec. 25, 2007, both of which are
herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to a modular architectural
structural system and prefabricated modular building system. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a repeatable
structural system that offers two-way directional strength and
support for an architectural structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Steel frame architectural structures such as buildings and
the like have been constructed using either welded connections or
bolted fittings between beams and columns to achieve an assembly
capable of bracing structures against lateral loads. In such
structures, steel beams and columns are arranged and fastened
together using known engineering principles and practices to form
the skeletal backbone of the structure.
[0004] The arrangement of the beams and columns is critical
ensuring that the framework of beams and columns can support the
stresses, strains and loads contemplated for the intended use of
the structure. It is equally important to determine the manner in
which such stresses, strains and loads are transferred from beam to
beam, beam to column and column to foundation throughout the
structure. Accordingly, much attention must also be given to the
means by which beams and columns are connected in an architectural
structure.
[0005] Many traditional connectors used in structural systems are
"one-way" connectors, meaning that the connectors result in the
structural components bearing or transferring loads only in a
single direction. While such structures have enjoyed a great deal
of success, the one-way systems do not facilitate maximum strength
and support of the structure.
[0006] The present invention is provided to solve these and other
problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by
prior architectural structural systems of this type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides an architectural structural
system and an overall prefabricated modular building system. The
architectural structural system comprises a structural beam and a
structural connector. The structural beam comprises a first c-beam
and second c-beam adjacently disposed one in parallel to the
other.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
first and second c-beams are adjacently disposed one in parallel to
the other, and are securably connected one to the other to create
an I-beam. A slot is provided between the first and second c-beams
to receive a connector therein.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
structural connector for an architectural structural system is
provided. The structural connector comprises a blade having opposed
first and second ends and opposed faces. Alternatively, the
connector comprises a plurality of transverse blades having opposed
faces. One of the blades is connectedly disposed between the first
and second c-beams. According to both aspects, the blades are
provided to be connectedly disposed between the first and second
c-beams.
[0010] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
another embodiment of a structural connector for an architectural
structural system is provided. According to this aspect, the
structural connector further includes a column adaptor. The column
adaptor comprises a plurality of blades extending perpendicularly
to the transverse blades proximate the juncture of the transverse
blades.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
repeatable framework for an architectural structural system is
provided. The repeatable framework comprises a plurality of
connectors, a plurality of structural beams and a plurality of
structural columns. According to this aspect of the invention each
of the connectors comprises a beam adaptor and at least one column
adaptor. The beam adaptor comprises a plurality of transverse
blades having opposed faces. The column adaptors comprise a
plurality of blades extending perpendicularly from the beam adaptor
proximate the juncture of the transverse blades. Each of the
structural beams comprises a pair of adjacently disposed c-beams
connected at opposed ends by one the connectors. Each structural
beam is in turn connected to another of the structural beams by
another of the plurality of blades of a common structural
connector. The columns each comprise a plurality of adjacently
disposed elongated angled plates. Each column is connected at
opposed ends to two of the plurality of structural beams by common
connectors.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
repeatable framework can be assembled in a variety of ways to
achieve the completed architectural structure. Structural members
many be separately brought to a site and assembled. Alternatively,
structural members may be remotely assembled in modules and
subsequently transported to a desired site for construction of the
architectural structure.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
repeatable framework includes a plurality of apertures in the
c-beams. The apertures provide raceways for HVAC, electrical and
plumbing.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, floor
and roof plates are attached to the top of the beams to provide a
structural walking surface as well as concealing and, or sealing
the area within the beams. Sub-floor or sub-roof plates may be
attached to the beams to provide concealing and, or sealing the
area within the beam.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
the repeatable modules may be sealed to create an area for forced
air to be used as a plenum box. Roof fascia may be provided to edge
and conceal roofing material as well as any utilities/HVAC located
on roof
[0016] These and other objects, advantages and aspects will be made
apparent from the following description of the drawings and
detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a repeatable structural bay
constructed according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an end view of a beam according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a beam according to the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a beam to
beam connector according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a roof
or floor beam to beam connector according to the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a roof
or floor beam to beam connector according to the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector and beam
assembly according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8a is a top view of one embodiment of a roof beam to
column connector according to the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a roof
beam to column connector according to the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9a is a top view of another embodiment of a roof beam
to column connector according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 9b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
roof beam to column connector according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 10a is a top view of another embodiment of a roof beam
to column connector according to the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
roof beam to column connector according to the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an end plan view of a structural column according
to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floor
beam to upper and lower columnar connector according to the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a beam
and column assembly according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foundational connector
according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an architectural structure
according to the present invention showing vertical cross
bracing;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a foundational connector
according to the present invention with cross bracing
attachment;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an architectural structure
according to the present invention showing horizontal cross
bracing;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an elbow according to
the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an elbow according to the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the roof plate according
to the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the roof plate according to
the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the floor plate
according to the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the floor plate according
to the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the sub-floor plate
according to the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of the roof with
fascia according to the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of the fascia
according to the present invention; and,
[0046] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an exemplary illustration
of two adjacent floors of the architectural structure of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0047] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will
herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the
invention. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is to
be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the
invention. This disclosure is not intended to limit the broad
aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
[0048] The present architectural structural system results in an
efficient two-way, continuous structural action of the floor and
the roof framing, and consequent two-way system for prefabricated
roof and floor decks. These benefits arise as a result of utilizing
structural modules that are inherently adaptable to cantilevers in
at least two directions with no additional material, and which are
adaptable to changes in surface elevations (e.g., to conform to
site topography. The present invention is generally directed to an
architectural structural system defined by a repeatable modular
framework. Because a repeatable system is employed, a modular
structural bay 9 can be brought to a predetermined site, and the
structure can be fully assembled using prefabricated modules.
Alternatively, the building may be fully assembled off-site with
the same prefabricated modules and subsequently transported to a
desired location.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the repeatable framework of the present
invention is a structural bay 9 comprised of a plurality of
structural beams 10, columns 22 and connectors 16, 16', 16''.
Although the structural bay according to the present invention is
preferably a 21'.times.21' module, a bay of any size may be
employed without departing from the present invention. The
structural bay 9 becomes repeatable by securably connecting a
plurality of like structural bays 9 using a series connectors 16,
16', 16'' that uniformly transfer loads throughout the structure
from structural beams 10 to adjacent beams 10, columns 22 and
eventually to the foundation 8. The components architectural
structural system of the present invention will now will be
described in detail.
[0050] As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the structural beam 10 used
in connection with the present invention is comprised of a first
c-beam 12 and second c-beam 14, each c-beam 12, 14 having opposed
first and second ends. As shown in FIG. 7, the first and second
c-beams 12, 14 are adjacently disposed one parallel to the other,
and securably connected one to the other by sandwiching the c-beams
12, 14 around a structural connector 16, 16', 16''. The c-beams 12,
14 are preferably 12'' deep, 1/8'' thick steel plate press formed
into "C" shapes, and when assembled according to the present
invention, are fastened back to back to create an I-beam
configuration. According to the present invention, a slot 18 is
provided between the first and second c-beams 12, 14 to receive a
connector 16, 16', 16'' therein. The slot 18 provides a cantilever
receptacle for receiving a portion of connector 16, 16', 16'' as
described herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
slot 18 may be provided by disposing a spacer 20 between the first
and second c-beams 12, 14. It is contemplated that the spacer 20
may be made from steel, a polymeric material or any other material
suitable to maintain sufficient spacing between the c-beams 12, 14
proximate their first and second ends so that a portion of a
connector 16, 16' may be received there between.
[0051] According to the present invention, all or parts of the
building system can be pre-wired, plumbed, and set up for HVAC with
minimal connections to be attached to infrastructure framework as a
"plug in" building. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 apertures are located
in the web of the structural beams to allow for air flow, and/or
raceways for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. As discussed below,
these apertures may also be uses to provide mounting points for
floor plates 66 or roof plates 68.
[0052] The structural columns 22 of the present invention are
depicted in FIGS. 8-16. According to the present invention, each
column comprises a plurality of adjacently disposed, elongated and
angled plates 24. In one preferred embodiment, each column is
comprised of four 3/16'' thick steel plates 24 press formed into
angles and connected together by a series of fasteners 36 to form a
cruciform shape. These structural columns 22 provide a pathway for
loads to be transferred from the roof and floor modules of the
structural system and from the columns 22 to the foundation 8 upon
which the structural system is ultimately connected. According to
the present invention, spacers 20 or "packer plates" are also
disposed between the plates 24 forming the columns 22 to provide a
constant gap which enables a portion of the connectors 16 to be
received by, and fastened to, the columns 22. The height of the
columns 22 is preferably designed on a 2' 6'' module, ranging from
2' 6'' to 15'. However, it is contemplated that the columns 22 be
of any suitable length without departing from the present
invention.
[0053] As discussed above, the structural beams 10 and columns 22
of the overall structural framework are secured one to the other by
a plurality of connectors 16, 16'. The connectors 16, 16' not only
provide means to attach the structural components (i.e., beams to
beams, beams to columns and columns to foundation), but also
facilitate the transfer of loads between beams 10, from beams 10 to
columns 22, from above floor columns 22 to below floor columns (not
shown), and from below floor columns 22 to the foundation 8.
Accordingly, the connectors 16, 16' provide structural integrity to
the overall structural system by providing a pathway for loads to
travel from component to component. Various embodiments of
connectors 16, 16' suitable for use with the present invention now
will be described.
[0054] In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4,
the structural connector 16 comprises a blade 26 having opposed
first and second ends 26a, 26b and opposed faces 32. According to
the present invention, a pair of c-beams 12, 14 (as described)
above are connected one to the other on opposed faces 32 of the
first end 26a of the blade 26. Another pair of the c-beams 12, 14
are securably attached to opposed faces 32 of the second end of the
blade 26. Alternatively, the structural connector may be configured
to connect more than two beams 10 in a structure. In this case, the
structural connector 16 comprises a plurality of transverse blades
26. Each of the plurality of blades provided to connect a pair of
c-beams 12, 14 one to the other on opposed faces 32 of each the
blades 26.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, the blades 26
includes apertures disposed proximate the marginal edge 38 of the
blades 26. The apertures are provided to receive fasteners 36. The
fastener 36 may be bolts, pins, studs or any other fastener
suitable for securably connecting the c-beams 12, 14 to the
connector 16. It is also contemplated that the apertures be detents
in the surface of the marginal edge 38 of the blade 26. In such a
configuration, it is contemplated that the c-beams 12, 14 include
corresponding protrusions that cooperatively engage the detents to
securably attach each c-beams 12, 14 to the connector 16.
Alternatively, the c-beams 12, 14 may be securably attached to the
connectors 16 by welding.
[0056] The blade 26 of the connector 16 may be configured to
accommodate connection of c-beams 12, 14 in either an orthogonal or
non-orthogonal architectural structural system. For example, it is
contemplated that the blade 26 be formed to an angle other than
90.degree. (e.g., 60.degree. or 45.degree.) to accommodate a
non-orthogonal architectural structural system (e.g., a triangle),
or to 90.degree. or 180.degree. to accommodate an orthogonal
structure. Generally, the connectors 16 are made from steel having
a thickness of 0.50 inches to 2.0 inches. However, it is
contemplated that the connectors 16 be made from any material and
of varying thickness suitable for application of a particular
structural system.
[0057] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8-10 (and FIG. 12),
the structural connector 16' further includes a beam adaptor 42 and
at least one column adaptor 44. The beam adaptor 42 comprises a
plurality of transverse columnar blades 46 having opposed faces 32.
Each of the columnar blades 46 of the beam adaptor 42 may be
connected to a separate structural beam 10. The column adaptor 44
also comprises a plurality of columnar blades 46. The columnar
blades 46 of the column adaptor 44 extend perpendicularly from the
beam adaptor 42 proximate the juncture 48 of the transverse blades
26'. The column adaptor 44 for connection structural columns 22 to
structural beams 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the structural connector
16' may include column adaptors 44 that perpendicularly extend from
the beam adaptor 42 in either or both of an upward or downward as
direction as dictated by the need to connect upwardly or downwardly
extending columns 22.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 14, the columns 22 also attach to the
foundational surface 8 in similar fashion as described above. The
connector 16'' for attaching structural columns 22 to the
foundation 8 comprises a base member 50 having a top surface 52 and
a plurality of transverse blades 54, extending perpendicularly from
the top surface 52. The base member 50 may be bolted to the
foundational surface 8 by conventional means.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the repeatable modular framework
may further be stabilized using horizontal and vertical cross
bracings 56. Specifically, the cross bracings 56 provide structural
stability to resist wind loads. According to the present invention,
the vertical and horizontal cross bracings 56 each comprise tension
rods 58 having opposed first and second ends. The first and second
ends of the tension rods 58 of both the vertical horizontal are
securably connected to one of the plurality of structural
connectors 16, 16', 16'' at the roof line and floor line of
adjacent structural columns 22 of the structure in an "X"
configuration. According to one embodiment, the structural
connectors 16, 16', 16'' each include a flange 60 disposed between
each of plurality of transverse blades 26' to accommodate
connection of the cross bracings 56. The tension (or compression)
of the cross bracings 56 may be adjusted by a cleavis 62 disposed
at the ends of each of the tension rods 58.
[0060] The present invention may be used in connection with
architectural structures being constructed at varying elevations.
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a structural elbow 64 may be employed
to accommodate two-way transfer of loads transfers throughout the
structure where there is a change in floor elevation that is not on
the column line. According to the present invention the elbow 64
has opposed first and second ends that may be securably attached to
a perpendicularly extending columnar blade 46 of a connector 16'
having a column adaptor. The fastener may be bolts, pins, studs or
any other fastener suitable for securably connecting the elbow to
the connector 16'.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 20-23 floor plates 66 and roof plates 68
are provided to accommodate applicable loads. According to one
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floor and roof
plates 66, 68 are fabricated with 9 approx. 2'-3''.times.2'-3''
press formed panels (roof 12 gauge and floor 10 gauge). However, it
is contemplated that the floor and roof plates 66, 68 may be formed
from any number of press formed panels of any dimension without
departing from the present invention. Furthermore, the floor and
roof plates 66, 68 are designed to be attached in any appropriate
manner to the c-beams. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 a press formed
roof fascia 70 is also provided. The roof fascia 70 is provided to
edge and conceal roofing material as well as any utilities or HVAC
components located on the roof of the architectural structure.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 24 sub-floor plates 72 are provided to
accommodate applicable loads and seal the slots 18 between c-beams
12, 14 from under the floor of the architectural structure.
According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
sub-floor plates 72 are fabricated from four press formed panels
(16 gauge) and are attached to the top of the lower flange of the
c-beams 12, 14. The sub-floor plates 72 may be formed from any
number of press formed panels, and of any suitable gauge without
departing from the present invention.
[0063] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications are possible without departing
from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is
only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *