Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Lazy tong extension unit
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-19
2001-05-01
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Lazy tong extension unit
C052S645000, C052S655100, C074S521000, C135S131000, C135S145000, C248S277100, C403S217000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223482
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a portable, easily composable supporting skeleton which serves preferably as a supporting structure of buildings composable in situ and their components, especially roof tosses of provisionally erected buildings, tents, sports facilities, exhibition grounds, scenographies and even bridges and/or similar structures.
According to the International Patent Classification (IPC
6
) the inventions of this kind are classified into the field of three dimensional framework structures (E 04 B 1/19) or into the field of construction elements consisting of bar-shaped building elements (E 04 B 1/58) or also in the field of connections between individual parts of skeletons used in construction (E 04 G 7/00).
The invention is based on the problem how to conceive the simplest possible skeleton of interconnected bar-shaped elements, in which as many skeleton components as possible remain interconnected also when in a partly disassembled state, foreseen, for example, for transport or storage, which will result in the smallest possible volume required by the skeleton when transported or stored; on the other hand the skeleton should be quickly and easily composable in situ, without any special accessories and in the shortest possible time.
In the DE 38 00 547 A1 the so called set of building elements for framework structures is described, which consists essentially of cylindrical node elements with longitudinal running grooves arranged uniformly over their circumference. The grooves are intended for the insertion of preferably pipe-like supporting rods with adequately reinforced ends. Such a set represents no doubt a relatively simply composable supporting structure which can be erected stepwise into a rod assembly or a suitable skeleton, and then also disassembled, always in situ. From an overall viewpoint the individual component parts require during transport and storage relatively small room with respect to the dimensions of the entire skeleton. However, this type of structure is deficient, among other reasons also because of the possibility that individual component parts easily get lost or are mislaid during the disassemblage and assemblage, which often causes delays in fulfilling obligations, or leads even to improvisations, which, as a rule, mean a substantial reduction of the bearing capacity of the entire skeleton. Besides, it shall be added, that the stepwise assemblage of a skeleton is a time-consuming job. Each individual rod shall be screwed one by one into the adequate joint elements. Besides, the screwing has to be performed in different positions, at different angles and even in high positions. It often happens, that the rods with the male thread are damaged during transportation, the threads are namely smashed, which can essentially render difficult and extend the assemblage of the structure. Similarly, e.g. due to dirt, especially in assembling in the field, e.g. in situ, some of female threads in the node element can be damaged, too. This kind of inconvenience is extremely difficult to eliminate, for cleaning of inner threads is a complicated procedure; therefore, it often occurs in practice, that rods are screwed forcibly in inadequately cleaned openings. Such procedures almost surely lead to the destruction of at least one thread in the node element, which means in general, that the node element as a universal unit is no longer usable.
A similarly conceived solution is known also from PCT/HU90/00015, in which the node element shaped like an octahedron, icosahedron or similar multiangular solid is enclosed with a sort of envelope by means of which the screw heads are tightened to the node element; then it is possible to screw the rods with thread openings at their ends on the screw stems. The problems arisings with this invention are very similar to those occuring with the invention according to the before mentioned solution described in the DE 38 00 547 A1.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable, easily composable supporting skeleton which is, in general, embodied as a space rod assembly, composable, or decomposable in situ and consisting of interconnected crosswise tie-pieces.
The skeleton according to the invention comprises in general at least one pipe-like spacer, to the ends of which two dismountable node plates having a centrally placed openings can be fixed, each by itself, by means of a clamping assembly. In addition, each of the plates is equipped also with eyes, each of which has a through-hole. To the eyes on both node plates of the same spacer, one joint assembly consisting of crosswise tie-pieces interconnected pivotably can be preferably added.
The said clamping assembly of the skeleton according to the invention consists of a bolt, inserted through the spacer and through the central through-holes of the pertaining node plates. On the thread ends of the bolt two nuts are screwed, if necessary, by which the node plates are clamped to the spacer. In the alternative embodiment of the skeleton according to the invention the clamping assembly consists of thread triggers placed in the interior of the pipe-like spacer, embodied in this case with two transverse holes. Each of said thread triggers has a spring and also a transversely running locking pin which in the adequate position can be catched by means of the appropriate spring in the belonging transverse hole of the spacer.
Furthermore, the skeleton according to the invention can comprise also additional reinforcing longitudinal tie-pieces, each of which is placed over the belonging node plates and which can be clamped to the spacer by means of in any case foreseen nuts together with the node plates.
In addition to that, the node plate with the central through-hole being the part of the skeleton according to the invention, is preferably embodied in such a way, that it comprises pairs of eyes uniformly arranged over its circumference. Each of the eyes has one circular through-hole, in which the through-holes of both eyes of each pair of eyes are co-axial. By the most preferable embodiment of the invention, the node plate comprises four pairs of eyes which are arranged in such a way, that the axes of their through-holes form a square. In general, the node plate can be equipped, besides with the eyes, also with hinges.
As said before, the skeleton according to the invention is characterized by that, that the joint assembly consists of two pivotably interconnected, crosswise placed tie-pieces, and is thus in fact shears-like embodied; said tie-pieces are entirely connected each to another, however, the angle between them can be optionally changeable, i.e adjustable. Hereby, each of the said tie-pieces has on each of its ends at least one through-hole, which is placed in such a position, that the fastening of the tie-piece to each belonging eye of the node plate is enabled, namely in such a way, that a screw or, if necessary, also some other appropriate fastening element can be placed through each hole of the tie-piece, and on the other hand also through each of the belonging eyes of the node plate.
Although the joint assembly of the skeleton according to the invention can, in general, consist of homogeneus, pivotably interconnected and crosswise arranged tie-pices, however, in certain cases, even in preferable examples, at least one of the tie-pices can be embodied also as a non-homogeneus one, i.e. consisting of more parts. In one of the preferable embodiments of the skeleton according to the invention, the joint assembly is made of a homogeneus tie-pice which is enclosed with one part of the double tie-piece on each side. In this case both parts of the double tie-piece are in essence at least parallel to each other and placed crosswise with the said homogeneus tie-piece.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3375624 (1968-04-01), Mikulin
patent: 3381923 (1968-05-01), Berry
patent: 4161088 (1979-07-01), Gugliotta et al.
patent: 4322176 (1982-03-01), Johnson, Jr.
patent: 4512097 (1985-04-01), Zeigler
patent: 4580375 (1986-04-01), Nodskov et al.
patent:
Factor & Partners LLC
Friedman Carl D.
Wilkens Kevin D.
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