Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-20
2001-03-06
Chilcot, Richard (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S582100, C052S749100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195953
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a beam, that is rectangular in cress-section and in particular is made from a hollow section of an extruded light metal alloy, having at least one undercut groove running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extruded section in at least one outer face to accommodate an element for connecting a further hollow section. The related cross-sectional faces bearing the longitudinal grooves for the connecting element of a pair of beams are of approximately the same cross-sectional dimensions. Also within the scope of the invention is a construction unit made up of such beams.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Known e.g. from EP 0 589 380—for the purpose of arm-like or frame-like beams for installation in machines of all kinds—are hollow sections having a quadratic cross-section and cylindrical opening along the central axis and, parallel to this axis, undercut grooves in each of the outer faces. Hollow sections of this design may be joined together e.g. by means of screws introduced transverse to their longitudinal axis and also to other items such as plates or similar flat elements. These screws are situated towards the ends in a block that can be inserted in the undercut groove. It is also possible to fit together in parallel two of the same hollow sections of quadratic cross-section, thus forming a post or the like construction unit to manufacture display stands for industrial fairs or similar constructions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of this state of the art, the object of the present invention is to extend the range of application of beams of the kind mentioned above and to make it possible to fit these beams together to make a variety of construction units.
In accordance with the invention the beams are hollow sections with rectangular cross-section with different cross-sectional length and cross-sectional breadth, the cross-sectional length of one hollow section corresponding approximately to the cross-sectional breadth of the other related hollow section. It is possible therefore for combinations of interlocking sections to be formed from a plurality of hollow sections having the dimensions specified by the invention; it is therefore possible to fit together a large number of hollow sections with matching cross-sectional faces. It has been found particularly favourable to select a ratio of cross-sectional length to cross-sectional breadth in each of the hollow sections such that this lies between 1.2 and 2.5, preferred is to be close to the square root of 2 viz., approximately 1.414.
Instead of a cylindrical opening in the above mentioned hollow section of quadratic cross-section the hollow section according to the invention features an elongated rectangular central space where the ratio of cross-sectional length to cross-sectional breadth lies between 1.4 and 2.5.
It has been found favourable for each of at least two of facing section sides to exhibit a pair of undercut longitudinal grooves and for each longitudinal groove to neighbour onto a channel-shaped space at each corner. The pair of undercut longitudinal grooves and the channel-shaped space running between them form a corner region that is the same shape and size in all hollow sections according to the invention; this favours the possibility of joining together hollow sections of different dimensions.
As a result, the middle line of each of the longitudinal grooves close to the corner of the hollow section is the same distance from the corner of the section.
A further feature of the invention is that the narrow side of one hollow section exhibits an undercut longitudinal groove at about the middle, and a pair of undercut longitudinal grooves is provided in the broad side of the section, in each case one of which neighbours onto the one of the corners delimiting the broad faces.
Preferred are two different cross-sectional shapes; in one case a channel which is closed in cross-section runs in the corner, as a hollow space in the section, between the two undercut longitudinal grooves on both sides of a section corner. In another design the channel-shaped space in the section is provided in the corner region between the undercut grooves of the hollow section and opens onto a section face in the form of an undercut edge groove; such an edge groove extending out from the hollow space in the section is to be provided in each narrow face and longitudinal face of the hollow section.
Also within the scope of the invention is a construction unit comprising at least two hollow sections of the above mentioned shape; in each case section faces of the same shape are paired together, the cross-sectional length of one hollow section face being matched with the cross-sectional breadth of the other hollow section. Thereby the middle line of at least one longitudinal groove in the face of one hollow section is preferably in line with the middle line of a longitudinal groove in the other hollow section, and both longitudinal grooves should accommodate a common element for joining the hollow sections together by interlocking.
In another construction unit according to the invention, on one face of a hollow section, two faces of a pair of hollow sections are arranged such that the middle line of a longitudinal groove in each of these neighbouring hollow sections is in line with the middle lines of both longitudinal grooves in one face of the first mentioned hollow section. As a result, the smallest in cross-section of the hollow sections may be employed in duplicate.
In all cases interlocking connecting elements are according to the invention inserted in the aligned longitudinal grooves; these are e.g. I-shaped push-fit elements that fill the cross-section of a pair of undercut longitudinal grooves.
Further advantages, features and details of the invention are revealed in the following description of preferred exemplified embodiments and with the aid of the drawings.
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Fellhauer Andreas
Gitter Reinhold
Alusisse Technology & Management Ltd.
Chilcot Richard
Cohen & Pontani, Lieberman & Pavane
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