U.S. patent application number 15/238351 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for connectors and methods of fabricating the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bull Moose Tube Company. Invention is credited to Mark Scott Abernathy, Jeffrey A Packer, Marlon Edwin Robinson.
Application Number | 20170233996 15/238351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58261708 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170233996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abernathy; Mark Scott ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
CONNECTORS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME
Abstract
A connector for coupling a first column segment having a first
inner surface and a first end surface to a second column segment
having a second inner surface and a second end surface such that
the end surfaces are adjacent one another is provided. The
connector includes a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of
plates each having a front face, a rear face, and a plurality of
fastener apertures extending from the front face toward the rear
face. Each of the fastener apertures is sized to receive one of the
fasteners when coupling the first column segment to the second
column segment such that the plates are spaced apart from one
another. Each of the front faces is contoured to seat flush against
the first inner surface and the second inner surface when the
plates span the adjacent end surfaces of the coupled-together
column segments.
Inventors: |
Abernathy; Mark Scott;
(Ballwin, MO) ; Robinson; Marlon Edwin; (Lake
Saint Louis, MO) ; Packer; Jeffrey A; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bull Moose Tube Company |
Chesterfield |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58261708 |
Appl. No.: |
15/238351 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15044910 |
Feb 16, 2016 |
|
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15238351 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/698 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 7/0446 20130101;
E04B 1/40 20130101; E04B 2001/2451 20130101; F16B 7/182 20130101;
F16B 7/0433 20130101; E04B 2001/246 20130101; E04B 2001/2418
20130101; E04B 2103/06 20130101; E04B 1/2403 20130101; E04B
2001/5856 20130101; E04B 2001/2415 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/24 20060101
E04B001/24; E04B 1/41 20060101 E04B001/41 |
Claims
1. A connector for coupling a first column segment having a first
inner surface and a first end surface to a second column segment
having a second inner surface and a second end surface such that
the end surfaces are adjacent one another, said connector
comprising: a plurality of fasteners; and a plurality of plates
each comprising a front face, a rear face, and a plurality of
fastener apertures extending from said front face toward said rear
face, wherein each of said fastener apertures is sized to receive
one of said fasteners when coupling the first column segment to the
second column segment such that said plates are spaced apart from
one another, and wherein each of said front faces is contoured to
seat flush against said first inner surface and said second inner
surface when said plates span the adjacent end surfaces of the
coupled-together column segments.
2. A connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said connector
is a moment-resisting connector.
3. A connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said front face
and said rear face of each plate has a substantially rectangular
planform shape.
4. A connector in accordance with claim 3, wherein each of said
plates is a substantially flat body.
5. A connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plates are
substantially identical.
6. A connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plurality
of plates comprises at least four plates.
7. A method of fabricating a connector for coupling a first column
segment having a first inner surface and a first end surface to a
second column segment having a second inner surface and a second
end surface such that the end surfaces are adjacent one another,
said method comprising: forming a plurality of plates each with a
front face, a rear face, and a plurality of fastener apertures
extending from the front face toward the rear face, wherein each of
the fastener apertures is sized to receive a fastener when coupling
the first column segment to the second column segment such that the
plates are spaced apart from one another; and forming each of the
front faces with a contour that seats flush against the first inner
surface and the second inner surface when the plates span the
adjacent end surfaces of the coupled-together column segments.
8. A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising forming
the connector as a moment-resisting connector.
9. A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising forming
the front face and the rear face of each plate to have a
substantially rectangular planform shape.
10. A method in accordance with claim 9, further comprising forming
each of the plates as a substantially flat body.
11. A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising forming
the plates to be substantially identical.
12. A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising forming
at least four plates.
13. A column for a moment-resisting frame, said column comprising:
a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment comprising a
first inner surface and a first end surface; a second HSS column
segment comprising a second inner surface and a second end surface;
and a connector coupling said first HSS column segment to said
second HSS column segment such that said end surfaces are adjacent
one another, wherein said connector comprises: a plurality of
fasteners; and a plurality of plates each comprising a front face,
a rear face, and a plurality of fastener apertures extending from
said front face toward said rear face, wherein each of said
fastener apertures is sized to receive one of said fasteners when
coupling said first HSS column segment to said second HSS column
segment such that said plates are spaced apart from one another,
and wherein each of said front faces is contoured to seat flush
against said first inner surface and said second inner surface when
said plates span said adjacent end surfaces of said
coupled-together HSS column segments.
14. A column in accordance with claim 13, wherein said connector is
a moment-resisting connector.
15. A column in accordance with claim 13, wherein said front face
and said rear face of each plate has a substantially rectangular
planform shape.
16. A column in accordance with claim 15, wherein each of said
plates is a substantially flat body.
17. A column in accordance with claim 13, wherein said plates are
substantially identical.
18. A column in accordance with claim 13, wherein said plurality of
plates comprises at least four plates.
19. A column in accordance with claim 13, wherein each of said
first HSS column segment and said second HSS column segment is
fabricated from structural steel.
20. A column in accordance with claim 19, wherein said connector is
coupled to said first column segment and said second column segment
without welding said connector to said first column segment or said
second column segment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 15/044,910 filed on Feb. 16, 2016, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The field of this disclosure relates generally to connectors
and, more particularly, to a connector for use in coupling together
tubular support members in a building frame.
[0003] Many known building structures have a frame that includes a
plurality of beams and a plurality of columns. When erecting a
taller (e.g., multistory) building, it is necessary to include
columns that extend from the ground upwards for multiple stories.
However, it can be difficult to transport full-length columns to
the building site, and rather typically such columns are
transported in segments that are ultimately welded together at the
building site. However, depending on the completed height of the
building structure, it may be difficult to assemble such columns at
the building site. Moreover, assembling such columns at the
building site by welding together the column segments can be time
consuming and costly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In one aspect, a connector for coupling a first column
segment having a first inner surface and a first end surface to a
second column segment having a second inner surface and a second
end surface such that the end surfaces are adjacent one another is
provided. The connector includes a plurality of fasteners and a
plurality of plates each having a front face, a rear face, and a
plurality of fastener apertures extending from the front face
toward the rear face. Each of the fastener apertures is sized to
receive one of the fasteners when coupling the first column segment
to the second column segment such that the plates are spaced apart
from one another. Each of the front faces is contoured to seat
flush against the first inner surface and the second inner surface
when the plates span the adjacent end surfaces of the
coupled-together column segments.
[0005] In another aspect, a method of fabricating a connector for
coupling a first column segment having a first inner surface and a
first end surface to a second column segment having a second inner
surface and a second end surface such that the end surfaces are
adjacent one another is provided. The method includes forming a
plurality of plates each with a front face, a rear face, and a
plurality of fastener apertures extending from the front face
toward the rear face. Each of the fastener apertures is sized to
receive a fastener when coupling the first column segment to the
second column segment such that the plates are spaced apart from
one another. The method further includes forming each of the front
faces with a contour that seats flush against the first inner
surface and the second inner surface when the plates span the
adjacent end surfaces of the coupled-together column segments.
[0006] In another aspect, a column for a moment-resisting frame is
provided. The column includes a first hollow structural section
(HSS) column segment having a first inner surface and a first end
surface. The column also includes a second HSS column segment
having a second inner surface and a second end surface. The column
further includes a connector coupling the first HSS column segment
to the second HSS column segment such that the end surfaces are
adjacent one another. The connector includes a plurality of
fasteners and a plurality of plates each having a front face, a
rear face, and a plurality of fastener apertures extending from the
front face toward the rear face. Each of the fastener apertures is
sized to receive one of the fasteners when coupling the first HSS
column segment to the second HSS column segment such that the
plates are spaced apart from one another. Each of the front faces
is contoured to seat flush against the first inner surface and the
second inner surface when the plates span the adjacent end surfaces
of the coupled-together HSS column segments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a site at which an
exemplary building frame is being erected;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary column that may
be used in the frame shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the column shown in FIG. 2
during a first stage of assembly;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the column shown in FIG. 2
during a second stage of assembly;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another exemplary column that
may be used in the frame shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the column shown in FIG. 5
after assembly; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled
column shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following detailed description illustrates connectors
and methods of fabricating the same by way of example and not by
way of limitation. The description should enable one of ordinary
skill in the art to make and use the connectors, and the
description describes several embodiments of connectors, including
what is presently believed to be the best modes of making and using
the connectors. An exemplary connector is described herein as being
used to couple together support members in a building frame.
However, it is contemplated that the connector has general
application to a broad range of systems in a variety of fields
other than frames of buildings.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a site 100 at which an
exemplary building frame 102 is being erected. In the exemplary
embodiment, building frame 102 is a moment-resisting frame (e.g., a
special moment frame or an intermediate moment frame) that includes
a plurality of columns 104 and a plurality of beams 106. In some
embodiments, columns 104 and beams 106 are fabricated from
structural steel. In other embodiments, columns 104 and beams 106
may be fabricated from any other suitable material that facilitates
enabling frame 102 to function as described herein.
[0016] In the exemplary embodiment, at least one column 104 of
frame 102 includes a first column segment 108 and a second column
segment 110 that are coupled together via a connector 112. More
specifically, first column segment 108 has a first end 114 and a
second end 116, and second column segment 110 similarly has a first
end 118 and a second end 120. Column 104 is assembled onsite by
coupling its associated first column segment 108 to its associated
second column segment 110 at first end 114 and second end 120,
respectively, using connector 112. Although first column segment
108 is illustrated as being coupled to a foundation 122 in the
exemplary embodiment, first column segment 108 may not be coupled
to foundation 122 in other embodiments (i.e., first column segment
108 may have any suitable position within frame 102, including a
position that is elevated above foundation 122). Moreover, although
second column segment 110 is illustrated as being lifted onto first
column segment 108 using a crane 124 in the exemplary embodiment,
second column segment 110 may be lifted onto first column segment
108 using any suitable method.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary column 200 that
may be used in frame 102. Column 200 includes a first column
segment 202, a second column segment 204, and a connector 206 for
use in coupling first column segment 202 to second column segment
204. In the exemplary embodiment, each first column segment 202 and
second column segment 204 is a hollow structural section (HSS).
Alternatively, in some embodiments, first column segment 202 and/or
second column segment 204 may be any suitable tubular column
segment (e.g., at least one of first column segment 202 and second
column segment 204 may not be a hollow structural section (HSS)).
Moreover, in other embodiments, segments 202 and 204 may not be
column segments, but may instead be another suitable type of
tubular support member that is coupleable using connector 206, as
described herein.
[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, first column segment 202 is
defined by a pair of first side walls 208 and a pair of first end
walls 210, each of which includes at least one first bolt hole 212
defined therein. First side walls 208 and first end walls 210
collectively define a first end surface 214 and a first inner
surface 216 of first column segment 202. First inner surface 216
has a substantially rectangular cross-section at first end surface
214 (i.e., first inner surface 216 has four first inner corners 218
at first end surface 214, each first inner corner 218 being defined
at the junction of a first side wall 208 and a first end wall 210).
Likewise, in the exemplary embodiment, second column segment 204
has a pair of second side walls 220 and a pair of second end walls
222, each of which includes at least one second bolt hole 224
defined therein. Second side walls 220 and second end walls 222
collectively define a second end surface 226 and a second inner
surface 228 of second column segment 204. Second inner surface 228
has a substantially rectangular cross-section at second end surface
226 (i.e., second inner surface 228 has four second inner corners
230 at second end surface 226, each second inner corner 230 being
defined at the junction of a second side wall 220 and a second end
wall 222). Notably, the substantially rectangular cross-section of
first inner surface 216 at first end surface 214 is substantially
the same size as the substantially rectangular cross-section of
second inner surface 228 at second end surface 226. Although inner
surfaces 216 and 228 of column segments 202 and 204, respectively,
have cross-sections that are substantially rectangular and
substantially the same size in the exemplary embodiment, inner
surfaces 216 and 228 may have any suitable cross-sections in other
embodiments. For example, at least one inner surface 216 and/or 228
may have a substantially square cross-section or a substantially
circular cross-section, and/or inner surfaces 216 and 228 may not
have cross-sections that are substantially the same size.
[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, connector 206 is a
moment-resisting connector that includes a base (e.g., a flange
232), an insert 234, an actuator 236, and a housing 238 (shown in
FIG. 4). Flange 232 has a pair of side segments 240 and a pair of
end segments 242 that collectively define a top surface 243, a
bottom surface 244, an inner surface 246, and an outer surface 248.
Inner surface 246 forms a substantially rectangular central opening
250 (i.e., inner surface 246 has four inner corners 252, each inner
corner 252 being defined at the junction of a side segment 240 and
an end segment 242). Notably, opening 250 is substantially the same
size as the substantially rectangular cross-section of first inner
surface 216 of first column segment 202 and the substantially
rectangular cross-section of second inner surface 228 of second
column segment 204. Moreover, top surface 243 and bottom surface
244 extend outwardly from inner surface 246 to outer surface 248
such that outer surface 248 forms a substantially rectangular
periphery of flange 232 (i.e., outer surface 248 has four outer
corners 254, each outer corner 254 being defined at the junction of
a side segment 240 and an end segment 242). In other embodiments,
flange 232 and opening 250 may have any suitable shapes that
facilitate enabling connector 206 to function as described herein
(e.g., flange 232 and/or opening 250 may be substantially square or
substantially circular in other embodiments). Alternatively, the
base of connector 206 may not be in the form of flange 232, but may
instead have any suitable shape that facilitates enabling connector
206 to function as described herein.
[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, insert 234 has a first plate
256 and a second plate 258 that, when positioned within opening 250
of flange 232, extend through opening 250 along a longitudinal axis
260 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to flange 232. As
such, first plate 256 and second plate 258 define a pair of axial
seams, namely a first seam 262 and a second seam 264. In other
embodiments, insert 234 may have any suitable number of plates
defining any suitable number of seams that facilitates enabling
connector 206 to function as described herein (e.g., insert 234 may
have four plates and four associated seams in other
embodiments).
[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, first plate 256 includes a
first side member 266 and a first end member 268 that are oriented
substantially perpendicular to one another and adjoin one another
at a first outer corner 270 such that first plate 256 has a
substantially L-shaped cross-section. Notably, first side member
266 extends from first outer corner 270 to a first side edge 272,
and first end member 268 extends from first outer corner 270 to a
first end edge 274 such that first outer corner 270, first side
edge 272, and first end edge 274 extend substantially parallel to
axis 260. Moreover, first side member 266 has a plurality of first
side bolt holes (e.g., an upper first side bolt hole 276 and a
lower first side bolt hole 278), and first end member 268 has a
plurality of first end bolt holes (e.g., an upper first end bolt
hole 280 and a lower first end bolt hole 282). Likewise, second
plate 258 includes a second side member 284 and a second end member
286 that are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another
and adjoin one another at a second outer corner 288 such that
second plate 258 has a substantially L-shaped cross-section.
Notably, second side member 284 extends from second outer corner
288 to a second side edge 290, and second end member 286 extends
from second outer corner 288 to a second end edge 292 such that
second outer corner 288, second side edge 290, and second end edge
292 extend substantially parallel to axis 260. Moreover, second
side member 284 has a plurality of second side bolt holes (e.g., an
upper second side bolt hole 294 and a lower second side bolt hole
296), and second end member 286 has a plurality of second end bolt
holes (e.g., an upper second end bolt hole 298 and a lower second
end bolt hole 300). In other embodiments, first plate 256 and
second plate 258 may have any suitable cross-sectional shapes that
facilitate enabling connector 206 to function as described herein.
For example, first plate 256 and second plate 258 may have an
arcuate cross-section such that first plate 256 does not have first
outer corner 270 and such that second plate 258 does not have
second outer corner 288.
[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, first plate 256 and second
plate 258 are substantially the same size and shape (e.g., first
side member 266 is substantially the same size and shape as second
side member 284, and first end member 268 is substantially the same
size and shape as second end member 286). Moreover, first plate 256
and second plate 258 are oriented relative to one another such that
first plate 256 and second plate 258 define a passage 302 along
axis 260. More specifically, first plate 256 and second plate 258
are oriented such that first side member 266 opposes second side
member 284, such that first end member 268 opposes second end
member 286, and such that first outer corner 270 points away from
second outer corner 288. Thus, first plate 256 and second plate 258
are spaced apart at seams 262 and 264 such that passage 302 has a
substantially rectangular shape when viewed along axis 260. In
other embodiments, plates 256 and 258 may have any suitable
orientation relative to one another, and passage 302 may have any
suitable shape that facilitates enabling connector 206 to function
as described herein.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, plates 256 and 258 are
positionable within opening 250 of flange 232 such that upper bolt
holes 276, 280, 294, and 298 are above flange 232, and such that
lower bolt holes 278, 282, 296, and 300 are below flange 232.
Moreover, plates 256 and 258 are adjustably coupled to flange 232
by actuator 236 such that plates 256 and 258 are movable toward and
away from axis 260 (and, therefore, one another) within opening 250
by operating actuator 236. Actuator 236 is a pin-type actuator
(e.g., a threaded bolt or set screw) in the exemplary embodiment,
and actuator 236 is extendable through an unthreaded bore 304 of
flange 232, through a threaded bore 305 of first plate 256 at outer
corner 270, across passage 302, through a threaded bore 307 of
second plate 258 at outer corner 288, and into an unthreaded pivot
slot 306 of flange 232 such that a grip 308 of actuator 236 (e.g.,
a bolt head) is accessible on the exterior of (or is external to)
flange 232 at bore 304. Additionally, actuator 236 has a set of
first threads 310 that engage first plate 256 at threaded bore 305
and are oriented in a first direction (i.e., right-handed threads),
and actuator 236 also has a set of second threads 312 that engage
second plate 258 at threaded bore 307 and are oriented in a second
direction opposite the first direction (i.e., left-handed threads).
Notably, actuator 236 is not threaded inside bore 304 or pivot slot
306, such that when grip 308 is turned clockwise, plates 256 and
258 move away from one another along actuator 236 such that seams
262 and 264 become wider and passage 302 becomes larger.
Conversely, when grip 308 is turned counterclockwise, plates 256
and 258 move toward one another along actuator 236 such that seams
262 and 264 become narrower and passage 302 becomes smaller. In
other embodiments, connector 206 may have any suitable type of
actuator 236 that facilitates adjusting the position of plates 256
and 258 within opening 250 in the manner described herein.
[0024] In the exemplary embodiment, housing 238 (shown in FIG. 4)
includes a first housing portion 314 and a second housing portion
316 that are sized to substantially enclose flange 232, actuator
236, and at least part of each plate 256 and 258 after plates 256
and 258 have been coupled to column segments 202 and 204, as set
forth in more detail below. First housing portion 314 has a first
tab 318 defining a plurality of first fastener apertures 320, and
second housing portion 316 has a second tab 322 defining a
plurality of second fastener apertures 324. First tab 318 and
second tab 322 are oriented to seat against one another when first
housing portion 314 is coupled to second housing portion 316.
Moreover, first fastener apertures 320 are sized and spaced to
align with second fastener apertures 324 when first tab 318 is
seated against second tab 322, such that a plurality of fasteners
328 (e.g., bolts) can be inserted through aligned pairs of first
and second fastener apertures 320 and 324 to fasten first housing
portion 314 to second housing portion 316 via a plurality of
associated nuts 329. In other embodiments, housing 238 may have any
suitable number of portions that are coupled together in any
suitable manner that facilitates enabling connector 206 to function
as described herein.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of column 200 during a first
stage of assembly, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of column 200
during a second stage of assembly. To assemble column 200 onsite
when erecting frame 102, first column segment 202 is coupled to a
suitable structure (e.g., foundation 122 or another support member
of frame 102). Connector 206 is then seated on first column segment
202 by seating bottom surface 244 of flange 232 on first end
surface 214 of first column segment 202, such that first plate 256
and second plate 258 of insert 234 are inserted into first column
segment 202. More specifically, first plate 256 is inserted into
first column segment 202 such that first side member 266 of first
plate 256 is oriented substantially parallel with a first side wall
208 of first column segment 202 in spaced relation thereto, and
such that first end member 268 of first plate 256 is oriented
substantially parallel with a first end wall 210 of first column
segment 202 in spaced relation thereto. Similarly, second plate 258
is inserted into first column segment 202 such that second side
member 284 of second plate 258 is oriented substantially parallel
with the other first side wall 208 of first column segment 202 in
spaced relation thereto, and such that second end member 286 of
second plate 258 is oriented substantially parallel with the other
first end wall 210 of first column segment 202 in spaced relation
thereto. Thus, lower first side bolt hole 278 and lower first end
bolt hole 282 are each aligned with the first bolt hole 212 of its
associated first side wall 208 and the first bolt hole 212 of its
associated first end wall 210, respectively. Similarly, lower
second side bolt hole 296 and lower second end bolt hole 300 are
each aligned with the first bolt hole 212 of its associated first
side wall 208 and the first bolt hole 212 of its associated first
end wall 210, respectively.
[0026] After connector 206 is seated on first column segment 202,
second column segment 204 is then lowered onto connector 206 using
crane 124 such that first plate 256 and second plate 258 are
inserted into second column segment 204 and such that second end
surface 226 of second column segment 204 is seated on top surface
243 of flange 232. More specifically, first plate 256 is inserted
into second column segment 204 such that first side member 266 of
first plate 256 is oriented substantially parallel with a second
side wall 220 of second column segment 204 in spaced relation
thereto, and such that first end member 268 of first plate 256 is
oriented substantially parallel with a second end wall 222 of
second column segment 204 in spaced relation thereto. Similarly,
second plate 258 is inserted into second column segment 204 such
that second side member 284 of second plate 258 is oriented
substantially parallel with the other second side wall 220 of
second column segment 204 in spaced relation thereto, and such that
second end member 286 of second plate 258 is oriented substantially
parallel with the other second end wall 222 of second column
segment 204 in spaced relation thereto. Thus, upper first side bolt
hole 276 and upper first end bolt hole 280 are each aligned with
the second bolt hole 224 of its associated second side wall 220 and
the second bolt hole 224 of its associated second end wall 222,
respectively. Similarly, upper second side bolt hole 294 and upper
second end bolt hole 298 are each aligned with the second bolt hole
224 of its associated second side wall 220 and the second bolt hole
224 of its associated second end wall 222, respectively.
[0027] With second column segment 204 seated on connector 206, grip
308 of actuator 236 is then turned clockwise (e.g., via a wrench or
suitable power tool) such that first threads 310 drive first plate
256 away from second plate 258 to seat first side member 266 and
first end member 268 of first plate 256 against first column
segment 202 and second column segment 204. Conversely, second
threads 312 drive second plate 258 away from first plate 256 to
seat second side member 284 and second end member 286 of second
plate 258 against first column segment 202 and second column
segment 204. A plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts 330 such as, for
example, blind bolts) are then inserted into first bolt holes 212
to engage first plate 256 via bolt holes 278 and 282, and to engage
second plate 258 via bolt holes 296 and 300. A plurality of bolts
330 are then inserted into second bolt holes 224 to engage first
plate 256 via bolt holes 276 and 280, and to engage second plate
258 via bolt holes 294 and 298. Upon tightening bolts 330, first
plate 256 and second plate 258 are prevented from moving along
actuator 236 (even though plates 256 and 258 are movably coupled to
actuator 236), and axial movement of first column segment 202
relative to second column segment 204 is also prevented. After
bolts 330 are tightened, first housing portion 314 and second
housing portion 316 are then seated on flange 232 such that first
tab 318 and second tab 322 are seated against one another.
Fasteners 328 are then inserted into the aligned first fastener
apertures 320 and second fastener apertures 324 to couple with nuts
329 and fasten first housing portion 314 to second housing portion
316 such that housing 238 completely encloses flange 232, actuator
236, and bolts 330.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another exemplary column 400
that may be used in frame 102. In the exemplary embodiment, column
400 includes a first column segment 402, a second column segment
404, and a connector 406 for coupling first column segment 402 to
second column segment 404. Although each first column segment 402
and second column segment 404 is a hollow structural section (HSS)
in the exemplary embodiment, column segments 402 and/or 404 may be
any suitable tubular column segment (e.g., column segments 402
and/or 404 may not be a hollow structural sections (HSS)).
Alternatively, segments 402 and 404 may be any suitable type of
tubular support member between which connector 406 is useful.
[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, first column segment 402 has
first side walls 408 and first end walls 410, and each wall 408 and
410 has at least one first bolt hole 412. Walls 408 and 410
collectively define a first end surface 414 and a first inner
surface 416 of first column segment 402. In that regard, first
inner surface 416 has a substantially rectangular cross-section at
first end surface 414. More specifically, first inner surface 416
has four first inner corners 418 at first end surface 414, and each
first inner corner 418 is defined at the junction of a first side
wall 408 and a first end wall 410. In other embodiments, first
column segment 402 may have any suitable number of walls oriented
in any suitable manner such that first inner surface 416 has any
suitable cross-sectional shape at first end surface 414. For
example, first column segment 402 may be shaped such that first
inner surface 416 has a substantially square or round (e.g.,
substantially circular) cross-sectional shape at first end surface
414.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, second column segment 404 has a
pair of second side walls 420 and a pair of second end walls 422,
and each wall 420 and 422 has at least one second bolt hole 424.
Walls 420 and 422 collectively define a second end surface 426 and
a second inner surface 428 (shown in FIG. 7) of second column
segment 404. In that regard, second inner surface 428 has a
substantially rectangular cross-section at second end surface 426.
More specifically, second inner surface 428 has four second inner
corners (not shown) at second end surface 426, and each second
inner corner is defined at the junction of a second side wall 420
and a second end wall 422. The substantially rectangular
cross-section of second inner surface 428 at second end surface 426
is substantially the same as the substantially rectangular
cross-section of first inner surface 416 at first end surface 414.
In other embodiments, second column segment 404 may have any
suitable number of walls oriented in any suitable manner such that
second inner surface 428 has any suitable cross-sectional shape at
second end surface 426. For example, second column segment 404 may
be shaped such that second inner surface 428 has a substantially
square or round (e.g., substantially circular) cross-sectional
shape at second end surface 426.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, connector 406 is a
moment-resisting connector that includes an insert 434 having a
plurality of plates, namely a first plate 456, a second plate 458,
a third plate 460, and a fourth plate 462. In other embodiments,
insert 434 may have any suitable number of plates that facilitates
enabling connector 406 to function as described herein (e.g.,
insert 434 may have only two or three plates in some embodiments,
or insert 434 may have five or six plates in other embodiments). In
the exemplary embodiment, each plate 456, 458, 460, and 462 has a
front face 461, a rear face 463, top edge 464, a bottom edge 466,
and a pair of side edges 468 (i.e., a first side edge 469 and a
second side edge 471) that are longer than edges 464 and 466, such
that front face 461 and rear face 463 have a substantially
rectangular planform shape. In other embodiments, each plate 456,
458, 460, and 462 may have any suitable shape (e.g., faces 461
and/or 463 may have a square shape, a triangular shape, an
elliptical shape, or an amorphous planform shape). As such, each
plate 456, 458, 460, and 462 may have any suitable number of edges
arranged in any suitable manner in other embodiments.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, each respective plate 456, 458,
460, and 462 is a substantially flat body. More specifically, in
the exemplary embodiment, each respective plate 456, 458, 460, and
462 has an end profile 465 and a side profile 467 that are
substantially linear (i.e., profiles 465 and 467 are not bent or
otherwise curved in the exemplary embodiment). In other
embodiments, profiles 465 and/or 467 of plates 456, 458, 460, and
462 may have any suitable curvature that facilitates enabling
plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 to function as described herein
(e.g., end profile 465 of plates 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 may not
be substantially linear but, rather, may be at least in part bent
or otherwise curved). For example, if first column segment 402
and/or second column segment 404 has a round cross-section, then
end profile 465 of at least one plate 456, 458, 460, and 462 may
have a curvature that substantially mirrors the curvature of first
column segment 402 and/or second column segment 404 to facilitate
seating plate(s) 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 flush against inner
surfaces 416 and/or 428 of first column segment 402 and/or second
column segment 404, respectively, as set forth in more detail
below.
[0033] Although plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 are substantially
identical to one another (e.g., have substantially identical
shapes) in the exemplary embodiment, at least two plates 456, 458,
460, and/or 462 may not be substantially identical in other
embodiments (e.g., at least two plates 456, 458, 460 and/or 462 may
have different side profiles 467 and/or end profiles 465 in some
embodiments). For example, in one embodiment, at least one plate
456, 458, 460, and/or 462 may have a rectangular planform shape,
while at least one other plate 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 may have
an elliptical planform shape. Alternatively, in another embodiment,
at least one plate 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 may have a profile 465
and/or 467 that is linear, while another plate 456, 458, 460,
and/or 462 may have a profile 465 and/or 467 that is at least in
part curved. Moreover, although plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 are
separate from one another (i.e., are not integrally formed together
or coupled together) in the exemplary embodiment, at least a pair
of plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 may be integrally formed together
in some embodiments, or may be formed separately from one another
(and suitably coupled together) in other embodiments.
[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, each plate 456, 458, 460, and
462 has an upper region 470, a lower region 472, and an
intermediate region 474 between upper region 470 and lower region
472. Intermediate region 474 extends from first side edge 469 to
second side edge 471 between upper region 470 and lower region 472.
Upper region 470 has at least one upper bolt hole 475, lower region
472 has at least one lower bolt hole 477, and intermediate region
474 does not have any bolt holes. Although upper region 470 and
lower region 472 are illustrated as each having four bolt holes
arranged in a square-shaped formation, upper region 470 and lower
region 472 may have any suitable number of holes arranged in any
suitable manner and sized to receive any suitable type of fastener.
Although intermediate region 474 is illustrated as not having any
bolt holes, intermediate region 474 may have at least one bolt hole
(not shown) (or other suitable fastener aperture) in other
embodiments. Moreover, although plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 are
illustrated as all having the same number of bolt holes 475 and 477
arranged in the same square-shaped formation in the exemplary
embodiment, at least two plates 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 may have
a comparatively different number and/or arrangement of bolt holes
475 and/or 477 in other embodiments.
[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, column 400 is assembled by
initially coupling plates 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 to first column
segment 402. More specifically, first plate 456 is inserted into
first column segment 402 adjacent one of the side walls 408 such
that lower bolt holes 477 of first plate 456 are aligned with first
bolt holes 412 of the first side wall 408. A bolt 478 is then
inserted through each first bolt hole 412 and into the lower bolt
hole 477 aligned therewith, such that the first plate 456 engages
bolts 478 at lower bolt holes 477. When bolts 478 are rotated,
first plate 456 functions as a nut for each bolt 478, such that
bolts 478 pull first plate 456 toward the side wall 408 until first
plate 456 is seated firmly and flush against first inner surface
416. Second, third, and fourth plates 458, 460, and 462 are coupled
to the other first side wall 408 and the first end walls 410,
respectively, in a similar manner (i.e., firmly and flush against
first inner surface 416) using bolts 478. In some embodiments,
plates 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 may not function as nuts that
engage their respective bolts 478 but, rather, each such bolt 478
may be provided with its own separate nut (not shown), such that
plates 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 do not engage their respective
bolts 478. In other embodiments, bolts 478 may not need to be
rotated to pull plates 456, 458, 460, and/or 462 into contact with
walls 408 and 410 but, rather, plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 may
instead be seated against their respective walls 408 and 410 with
bolt holes 412 and 477 aligned, and a suitable fastener (e.g., a
blind bolt) may then be inserted through each aligned pair of holes
412 and 477 to retain plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 in contact with
walls 408 and 410.
[0036] With plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 coupled to first column
segment 402 in the manner set forth above, intermediate regions 474
of plates are aligned with first end surface 414 of first column
segment 402 along a longitudinal axis 401 (shown in FIG. 7) of
first column segment 402, such that upper regions 470 of plates
456, 458, 460, and 462 project from first end surface 414 in
spaced-apart relation. More specifically, second side edge 471 of
first plate 456 projects from first end surface 414 and is spaced
apart from, and oriented substantially parallel with, first side
edge 469 of second plate 458. Second side edge 471 of second plate
458 projects from first end surface 414 and is spaced apart from,
and oriented substantially parallel with, first side edge 469 of
third plate 460. Second side edge 471 of third plate 460 projects
from first end surface 414 and is spaced apart from, and oriented
substantially parallel with, first side edge 469 of fourth plate
462. Second side edge 471 of fourth plate 462 projects from first
end surface 414 and is spaced apart from, and oriented
substantially parallel with, first side edge 469 of first plate
456. As such, top edges 464 of plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 are
oriented along a substantially common plane (not shown) (i.e., are
substantially coplanar) and are spaced apart from first end surface
414 along longitudinal axis 401 of first column segment 402.
[0037] In other embodiments, plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 may have
any suitable orientation and spacing relative to one another that
facilitates enabling connector 406 to function as described herein.
For example, in one embodiment, second side edge 471 of first plate
456, and first side edge 469 of second plate 458, may be either
integrally formed together, or suitably coupled together, such that
first plate 456 and second plate 458 are oriented substantially
perpendicular to one another to collectively define a first
substantially L-shaped plate (not shown), much like plate 256
above, that seats against first inner surface 416. Likewise, in
another embodiment, second side edge 471 of third plate 460 and
first side edge 469 of fourth plate 462 may be either integrally
formed together, or suitably coupled together, such that third
plate 460 and fourth plate 462 are oriented substantially
perpendicular to one another to collectively define a second
substantially L-shaped plate (not shown), much like plate 258
above, that also seats against first inner surface 416. In such an
embodiment, second side edge 471 of fourth plate 462 is spaced
apart from, and oriented substantially parallel with, first side
edge 469 of first plate 456, and second side edge 471 of second
plate 458 is spaced apart from, and oriented substantially parallel
with, first side edge 469 of third plate 460. Other arrangements
and combinations of plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 are also
contemplated without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0038] After plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 have been coupled to
first column segment 402 in the manner set forth above, plates 456,
458, 460, and 462 are then inserted into second column segment 404
such that second end surface 426 is adjacent (e.g., abuts) first
end surface 414. With upper bolt holes 475 aligned with the second
bolt holes 424 of their respective walls 420 and 422, bolts 478 are
then inserted into aligned pairs of holes 424 and 475 to couple
plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 to second column segment 404 such
that plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 are seated firmly and flush
against second inner surface 428. In this manner, plates 456, 458,
460, and 462 are seated firmly and flush against first column
segment 402 and second column segment 404 as they span first end
surface 414 and second end surface 426. FIG. 6 is a perspective
view of column 400 in its assembled configuration (with only first
plate 456 and fourth plate 462 being visible in hidden lines), and
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of column 400 in its
assembled configuration (with only first plate 456 and third plate
460 visible). In other embodiments, connector 406 may have at least
one plate (or other suitable housing structure) (not shown) that is
coupled external to first column segment 402 and second column 404
firmly and flush across first end surface 414 and second end
surface 426 in lieu of, or in addition to, plates 456, 458, 460,
and 462 being coupled internal to first column segment 402 and
second column segment 404 firmly and flush across first end surface
414 and second end surface 426.
[0039] Notably, in the exemplary embodiment, connector 406 provides
a strictly mechanical connection of first column segment 402 to
second column segment 404 (i.e., connector 406 does not have a
welded joint, or otherwise does not require welding in the field in
order to couple first column segment 402 to second column segment
404). Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, no structure(s) other
than plates 456, 458, 460, and 462 and bolts 478 are used to couple
first column segment 402 to second column segment 404. In other
embodiments, connector 406 may have a welded joint, and/or may
require welding in the field in order to couple first column
segment 402 to second column segment 404).
[0040] The methods and systems described herein facilitate erecting
a moment-resisting frame at a building site. More specifically, the
methods and systems facilitate coupling HSS column segments
together onsite using a connector that is not welded to the HSS
column segments. The methods and systems thereby facilitate
eliminating the time that would otherwise be required to weld
column segments to one another and/or to the connector. As such,
the methods and systems facilitate transporting longer columns to a
building site in segments and assembling the columns at the
building site by coupling the associated column segments together
using a moment-resisting connector that is strictly mechanical in
nature. As such, the methods and systems facilitate reducing the
time and cost associated with erecting a multistory,
moment-resisting frame at a building site.
[0041] Exemplary embodiments of connectors and methods of
fabricating the same are described above in detail. The methods and
systems described herein are not limited to the specific
embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the methods
and systems may be utilized independently and separately from other
components described herein. For example, the methods and systems
described herein may have other applications not limited to
practice with frames of buildings, as described herein. Rather, the
methods and systems described herein can be implemented and
utilized in connection with various other industries.
[0042] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
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