U.S. patent application number 13/531532 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for bracing system for reinforcing beams.
Invention is credited to James Forero.
Application Number | 20120324827 13/531532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47360493 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20120324827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forero; James |
December 27, 2012 |
BRACING SYSTEM FOR REINFORCING BEAMS
Abstract
A bracing system and method of its installation are provided.
The bracing system includes a set of support panels and a set of
crossover panels. The support panels may comprise connection
members at their both ends such that these panels may be connected
to each other in a line. The support panels are designed to be
fixed in such lines to a beam. The beam should be provided with two
parallel lines of interconnected support panels. The crossover
panels are designed to link the support panels. The bracing system
allows adding tremendous strength to wood beams in existing
buildings.
Inventors: |
Forero; James; (Paramus,
NJ) |
Family ID: |
47360493 |
Appl. No.: |
13/531532 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61501182 |
Jun 25, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/834 ;
52/741.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 3/28 20130101; E04C
3/18 20130101; E04C 3/185 20130101; E04C 5/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/834 ;
52/741.3 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/92 20060101
E04B001/92; E04C 5/00 20060101 E04C005/00 |
Claims
1. A bracing system for reinforcing of a beam, the system
comprising: a set of support panels for abutting to the one of
external surfaces of the beam, wherein both ends of each support
panel comprises connection means to join the support panels to each
other in the form of a line; and a set of crossover panels for
connecting at least two support panels disposed in parallel to each
other.
2. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein each support panel of the
set of support panels and each crossover panel of the set of
crossover panels have an oblong shape.
3. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein the connection means
comprising a rack rod.
4. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein the connection means
comprises a set of ribs and corresponding empties between them,
wherein the ribs are oriented along the axis of any support panel
of the set of support panels.
5. The bracing system of claim 4, wherein the set of ribs and
empties are disposed in a hollow of each one of the set of support
panels.
6. The bracing system of claim 5, wherein the hollow has a
square-like shape.
7. The bracing system of claim 5, wherein the ribs of two opposite
connection means, related to the single support panel, are oriented
towards the opposite surfaces of the same support panel.
8. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein each support panel of the
set of support panels further comprising one or more through holes
for connecting to the beam with the help of one or more of bolts,
screws, studs, anchors, and/or wire nails.
9. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein each support panel of the
set of support panels further comprising one or more recesses to
receive the crossover panels.
10. The bracing system of claim 9, wherein each support panel of
the set of support panels comprises two recesses to receive two
crossover panels, wherein each of said two recesses is inclined
towards the side surface of the support panel.
11. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein each crossover panel of
the set of crossover panels comprising one or more recesses.
12. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein each crossover panel of
the set of crossover panels further comprising two or more through
holes for connecting the crossover panel to the beam with the help
of one or more of: bolts, screws, studs, anchors, and/or wire
nails.
13. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein each crossover panel of
the set of crossover panels further comprising a through hole
located in the center for connecting two crossover panels to each
other with the help of one or more of: bolts, screws, studs,
anchors, and/or wire nails.
14. The bracing system of claim 1, wherein the set of support
panels and the set of crossover panels are made of one or more of
the following: metal, plastic, synthetic and semi-synthetic
materials.
15. A method of reinforcing a beam, comprising: fixing a first set
of support panels according to claim 1 in a line to the surface of
the beam; fixing a second set of support panels according to claim
1 in a line to the surface of the beam, wherein the first set of
support panels and the second set of support panels are disposed in
parallel to each other; and fixing a set of crossover panels to the
first and the second sets of support panels such that each
crossover panel links one support panel of the first set of support
panels and one support panel from the second set of support
panels.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second sets of
support panels are fixed to the same plane surface of the beam on
the distance of 0.5-5 inches from the opposites edges,
accordingly.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second sets of
support panels are fixed to the beam with the help of one or more
of the following: bolts, screws, studs, anchors, and wire
nails.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the set of crossover panels are
fixed to the first and the second sets of support panels with the
help of one or more of the following: bolts, screws, studs,
anchors, and wire nails.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein crossed crossover panels are
fixed to each other with the help of one or more of the following:
bolts, screws, studs, anchors, and wire nails.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein each crossover panel of the set
of crossover panels are placed in a recess of the corresponding
support panel.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to reinforce
structures, and more specifically, to bracing systems for
strengthening beams.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] The approaches described in this section could be pursued
but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously
conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it
should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this
section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in
this section.
[0003] Traditionally, beams are used in foundation constructions
for buildings, and especially used in low storey houses. The beams
are typically wooden, and used to support such building elements as
walls, floor structures, roof structures, and so forth.
[0004] Reinstatement or strengthening of beams in existing
buildings is an important problem. In many instances, beams may
require strengthening during a reconstruction process, e.g. when an
additional floor is to be added to the building, or when the
foundation was damaged by a flood. In addition, the wooden beams
are most vulnerable to rot, decay or similar degradation, and thus
may require strengthening. If a utility beam should fail during
reconstruction process or when the beam is weaken, there may be a
serious damage to the building. Further, the sudden failure of a
beam in the building is a danger to life and health of the building
habitants.
[0005] In view of the above reasons wooden beams may require
reinforcement during reparation or reconstruction processes.
However, today's technology is directed either to adding new beams
or substitution of the existing ones, or, alternatively, to
reinforcing the beams in existing buildings with bulky support
members. Such members are usually made of metal and typically
represent heavy profile elements like flat panels or L-, T- or
H-section railings. The problem with such support members is that
it's very difficult to install them. They are bulky and heavy, and
property holders or workers may experience problems with their
installation, especially when they work alone. Moreover, the
discussed support members have to be of a fixed length to fit
specific conditions of the existing buildings, which also add
problems with their manufacturing.
[0006] Accordingly there exists a need for a reinforcing system
which can be easily mounted to any beam in the existing building to
strength it.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more
embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader
of such embodiments. This summary is provided to introduce a
selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further
described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in
determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] In accordance with one or more embodiments and the
corresponding disclosure thereof, various aspects are described
herein in connection with a bracing system and a method of its
installation.
[0009] The bracing system is a set of support panels and a set of
crossover panels. The both panels may have an oblong square-like
shape. The support panels comprise connection members at their both
ends such that these panels may be connected to each other, and
form a line. The connection members may be made out as a few ribs
at the panel, where the ribs are oriented in the direction of the
support panel axis. The ribs may be formed in a square-like hollow
existing at both ends of the support panel. Accordingly, each two
support panels may be connected/interlocked to each other by
joining the ribs of one support panel with corresponding empties
between ribs of the other support panel. Hence, the support panels
may be connected to each other to form a line.
[0010] The support panels are designed to be fixed to a wooden
beam. The beam should be provided with two parallel lines of
interconnected support panels. Such lines may be fixed on the same
flat side of the beam in proximity to its opposite edges. In one
example, the lines of the support panels may be fixed at the
distance 0.5-5 inches from the edge.
[0011] The supporting panels may be fixed to the beam with the help
of bolts, screws, studs, anchors (e.g., mechanical anchors, bonded
anchors, etc.), wire nails, and so forth. The supporting panels may
also comprise through holes necessary for driving the bolts/screws
through them.
[0012] The crossover panels are designed to link the support panels
related to the opposite lines. In other words, each one of the
crossover panels is designed to be connected to both support panels
of both parallel lines.
[0013] According to various embodiments, the crossover panels may
be crossed to provide better rigidity of the system. In the place
where two crossover panels are crossed, they may be connected to
each other with the help of a bolt, a screw, and the like.
[0014] Further, the crossover panels may be received in
corresponding recesses arranged in the support panels, and be
connected to the support panels (and the beam) with the help of
bolts, screws, studs, nails, and so forth.
[0015] All panels can be made of metal, plastic, synthetic,
semi-synthetic, or other materials, or any combination thereof.
[0016] Thus, the bracing system allows adding tremendous strength
to wood beams in existing buildings. The bracing system can be
installed by a single person without using machines to lift heavy
steel panels or support members. It also does not require welding,
and thus it is very easy to install. Further, the bracing system
can be made of any length, and that's make it more profitable and
applicable to reinforce any building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not
limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which
like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0018] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a support panel including a top view,
different cross sections, and an axial section, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a crossover panel including a top
view, different cross sections, and an axial section, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a process of installing the bracing
system to the beam, according to an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the assembled bracing
system fixed to the beam, according to an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Various aspects are now described with reference to the
drawings. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be
evident, however, that such aspects may be practiced without these
specific details.
[0023] Aspects are disclosed in the following description and
related drawings directed to specific embodiments. Alternate
embodiments may be devised without departing from the disclosed
scope. Additionally, well-known elements will not be described in
detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant
details.
[0024] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In
this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive
"or," such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and
"A and B," unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all
publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this
document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as
though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of
inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so
incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated
reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this
document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this
document controls.
[0025] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the
term "embodiments" does not require that all embodiments include
the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0026] As used herein, the term "beam" refers to a structural
element that is capable of withstanding load primarily by resisting
bending which can be induced as a result of the external loads,
forces, own weight, span and external reactions to these loads. The
beams are typically used in a building to support building elements
such as walls, floor structures, roof structures, and so forth. In
terms of this document, the beam may also refer to a timber or a
pole.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a
support panel 100, its corresponding cross sections and its an
axial section, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0028] In general, the support panel 100 has an oblong square-like
shape. The support panel 100 comprises two connection means 102,
104 at both ends. The connection members comprise a number of ribs
and corresponding empties between them (or, alternatively, a rack
rod of any suitable design). These ribs may be formed in a hollow
of the support panel 100.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1B, the first connection means 102
comprises two square-like ribs 106 oriented along the axis of the
support panel. There three empties are arranged between the ribs
106. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1E, the second connection means
104 comprises three square-like ribs 106, and two empties 108.
[0030] In the shown example, ribs are designed on different and
opposite sides of the support panel 100 such that two support
panels 100 may be connected to each other by joining ribs 106 of
the first connection means with the empties 108 of the second
connection means, and vice versa.
[0031] The support panel 100 comprises several through holes 110A,
110B which are designed to connect the support panel 100 to the
beam. The connection can be performed with the help of bolts,
screws, studs, anchors, wire nails, and so forth. The through holes
110A, 110B may be of different diameter. Some holes 110 may also be
designed to connect the support panel 100 with the beam and/or one
or more crossover panels, which will be discussed further with
reference to FIG. 2.
[0032] The support panel 100 further comprises recesses 112 to
receive endings of the crossover panels. The recess 112 may
optionally replicate the shape of the crossover panels.
[0033] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a top view of a crossover panel 200
and also its corresponding cross sections, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0034] In general, the crossover panel 200 has an oblong
square-like shape. The endings of the crossover panels may be
oblique.
[0035] As shown in the figures, the crossover panel 200 may
comprise two recesses 202 at both ends. These recesses 202 are
designed to be joined with recesses 112 arranged in the support
panels 100.
[0036] The crossover panel 200 may also comprise a recess 204
arranged in the middle of the panel. The recess 204 is designed in
such a way that two crossover panels 200 may be crosswise connected
to each other by joining (and possibly interlocking) their
corresponding recesses 204.
[0037] The crossover panel 200 may also comprise through holes 206
to connect two crossover panels 200 to each other (a centrally
located hole) and/or to connect the crossover panel 200 to the
support panel 100 and/or the beam. The connection can be performed
with the help of bolts, screws, studs, anchors, wire nails, and so
forth.
[0038] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a process of installing the bracing
system to the beam, according to an example embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 3A shows the beam 300 which requires to be reinforced.
A fixing person (i.e. a user) may first mark two chalk lines 302
one inch inside to the edge of the beam 300. Then, two support
panels 100 are placed to the beam 300 aligned to the chalk lines
302 and hammered to the beam using two nail wires via the through
holes 110A. The user then drills the beam through four holes 110B
in each support panel 100.
[0040] At the next step, as shown in FIG. 3B, the user places the
next two support panels 100 to the already fixed support panels
100. The connection is made through the connection means 102 of
both panels such that ribs 106 of one panel are inserted into the
empties 108 of the other panel.
[0041] The user fixes the new support panels 100 to the beam 300
and also drills the beam 300 via the holes as described above. The
user then places two bolts to the holes 304, and connects the
support panels 100 to the beam 300.
[0042] At the next step, as shown in FIG. 3C, the user places the
first crossover panel 200 such that it is connected with two
support panels 100 which are located at opposite sides. The user
then places two bolts to the previously drilled holes 306 and
tights them.
[0043] Further, the user places the second crossover panel 200, as
shown in FIG. 3D, such that the first and the second crossover
panels 200 are crossed. The user places bolts to the holes 308 that
are previously drilled, and tighten them.
[0044] The user may optionally connect the first and the second
crossover panels 200 in the place of their crossing. The connection
can be made with the help of a bolt or the like means.
[0045] The same procedure is followed and the user fixes the
required number of support panels 100 and the crossover panels 200
symmetrically at both sides from the beam centre. The endings may
be accomplished with any suitable supporting element. In one
example, there may be provided a half length support panels 100
(not shown). Alternatively, any railing, or a profile element can
be used.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the assembled bracing
system 400 fixed to the beam 300, according to an example
embodiment. Although it is shown that the bracing system 400 is
attached to one side of the beam 300, it should be apparent that
bracing system 400 can be attached to two sides, or even all of
them.
[0047] As shown, the beam 300 has substantially a square-like form.
However, the beam 300 may be of any other form, for example, it may
have a circular cross section. In this case, the crossover panels
200 may be designed curved (e.g. a semi-circular, and the like).
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that any suitable form of
the crossover panels 200 may be used.
[0048] Thus, a novel bracing system and method of reinforcing a
beam are provided. It was shown that the bracing system adds
tremendous strength to the wood beams, and prevents from fail when
a load to the beam is increased, or when the beam is weakened. In
particular, it was demonstrated that a braced beam's load carrying
capacity may be increased by over 450% by installing the bracing
system as described in this document.
[0049] Although embodiments have been described with reference to
specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various
modifications and changes can be made to these example embodiments
without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present
application. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *