Patent Grant
10660439
The innovation relates to bracket mechanisms that can be used in connection with forming structures that may be utilized in connection with a work space such as, for example, a workspace defined by partitions, pre-fabricated office enclosures, and cubicle arrangements. The innovation also relates to methods of using such bracket mechanisms.
Enclosures for office space often utilize walls and structure defined in or attached to a wall. Other enclosures may be free standing within a room of a building defined by internal and external walls of the building. The enclosures may include structures that are used to support a ceiling of the enclosure or support structures that may be mounted to a wall of the enclosure such as a chalkboard, whiteboard, display device or picture frame. Such structures occasionally support elements that can be suspended over the work space defined within the enclosure. Such elements can sag as they span over a work space and/or due to the weight of objects attached to such elements. For instance, a long beam structure that extends over a work surface can sag as it extends above a work space from one side of the work space to another side of the work space. This can create an undesired aesthetic effect for the work space, create the appearance of a safety issue due to this sagging, and can make attachment of other structures in a desired orientation to the long beam structure problematic (ensuring a level alignment, etc.).
A new bracket mechanism, a kit that provides the bracket mechanism, and method of using the bracket mechanism and/or kit are provided herein. In some embodiments, the bracket mechanism, kit, and/or method can help ensure that a suspended beam element is able to help keep beam members more rigid as they span over a workspace so that the beam members do not sink or bow downwards.
Embodiments of a method of using a bracket mechanism can include providing a first reinforcing member that is resiliently moveable from a curved orientation at which the first reinforcing member is curved along a length of the first reinforcing member to a linear orientation at which the first reinforcing member extends linearly and is no longer curved. The method can also include positioning the first reinforcing member in at least one of (i) a first opening of a first beam member and (ii) a first opening of a second beam member while the first reinforcing member is in the curved orientation and fastening the first reinforcing member to at least one of the first beam member and the second beam member so that the first reinforcing member is maintained in the linear orientation while also being fastened to at least one of the first beam member and the second beam member.
In some embodiments, the first reinforcing member can be positioned in the first opening of the first beam member and the first opening of the second beam member. In other embodiments, there may only be a single first beam member and the first reinforcing member can be positioned in a middle portion (e.g. a central section) of the first beam member. For such embodiments, the first reinforcing member can have a length that is about 40%-60% of the length of the first beam member (e.g. the first reinforcing member may be 2.45 meters long when the first beam member is 4.9 meters long, etc.).
The method can also include other steps. For instance, the method can include abutting a first end of the first beam member to a first end of the second beam member. The positioning of the first reinforcing member in the first opening of the first beam member and the first opening of the second beam member can occur while the first end of the first beam member abuts the first end of the second beam member.
As another example, the method can also include positioning clamping devices to engage the first reinforcing member when the first reinforcing member is positioned in the first opening of the first beam member and the first opening of the second beam member and moving the first reinforcing member from the curved orientation into the linear orientation via the clamping devices prior to the fastening of the first reinforcing member to the first beam member and the second beam member. When the clamping devices engage the first reinforcing member, a portion of each clamping device can contact the first reinforcing member and move to drive movement of the first reinforcing member toward its linear orientation. Another portion of each clamping device can engage the first beam member or the second beam member. The first reinforcing member can be positioned so that the first reinforcing member extends from adjacent the first end of the first beam member to adjacent to the second end of the second beam member when the first reinforcing member is moved into the linear orientation via the clamping devices.
An elongated element can be formed via the fastening of the first reinforcing member to the first beam member and the second beam member. Embodiments of the method can include steps that involve such an elongated element. For instance, embodiments of the method can include attaching the elongated element to different wall elements that are spaced apart from each other and at least partially define a workspace so that a portion of the elongated element is positioned above the workspace.
Embodiments of the method can also include use of bracket rails or other elements in addition to use of at least a first reinforcing member. For instance, embodiments of the method can include positioning a first bracket rail in the first beam member and the second beam member such that a first end of the first bracket rail is positioned in a first bracket rail opening of the first beam member and a second end of the first bracket rail is positioned in a second bracket rail opening of the second beam member. Embodiments of the method can also include positioning a second bracket rail in the first beam member and the second beam member such that a first end of the second bracket rail is positioned in a second bracket rail opening of the first beam member and a second end of the second bracket rail is positioned in a second bracket rail opening of the second beam member. The first bracket rail opening of the first beam member can be spaced apart from the second bracket rail opening of the first beam member and the first opening of the first beam member can be positioned between the first bracket rail opening of the first beam member and the second bracket rail opening of the first beam member. The first bracket rail opening of the second beam member can also be spaced apart from the second bracket rail opening of the second beam member and the first opening of the second beam member can be positioned between the first bracket rail opening of the second beam member and the second bracket rail opening of the second beam member. Such positioning of these openings can result in the first reinforcing member being in a central region of the first and second beam members and the first and second bracket rails being positioned along and/or adjacent respective sides (e.g. left and right sides) of the first reinforcing member. Such positioning of these openings can also result in the first bracket rail being positioned along and/or adjacent a side of the first and second beam members (e.g. left side or right side, front side or rear side, etc.) and the second bracket rail member being positioned along and/or adjacent the opposite side of the first and second beam members (e.g. left side if first bracket rail member is adjacent the right side, front side of the first bracket rail member is adjacent the rear side, etc.).
In some embodiments, the first bracket rail can extend from adjacent the first end of the first beam remember to adjacent the first end of the second beam member and the second bracket rail can extends from adjacent the first end of the first beam remember to adjacent the first end of the second beam member. Such positioning of the first and second bracket rails can allow for a middle portion of each bracket rail to extend over a joint defined at a location at which the first beam member contacts the second beam member when the first end of the first beam member abuts the first end of the second beam member.
In some embodiments, there may be more than one reinforcing member. For instance, the first reinforcing member can be a first bracket rail and the method can also include providing a second reinforcing member that is resiliently moveable from a curved orientation at which the second reinforcing member is curved along a length of the second reinforcing member to a linear orientation, positioning the second reinforcing member in a second opening of the first beam member and a second opening of a second beam member, and fastening the second reinforcing member to the first beam member and the second beam member so that the second reinforcing member is maintained in the linear orientation while also being fastened to the first beam member and the second beam member. In such embodiments, the second reinforcing member can be a second bracket rail. The first bracket rail can be spaced apart from the second bracket rail via a third opening of the first beam member and a third opening of the second beam member. These third openings may be centrally positioned in the first and second beams.
The first bracket rail can be positioned so that the first bracket rail extends from adjacent the first end of the first beam member to adjacent to the second end of the second beam member when the first bracket rail is moved into the linear orientation and the second bracket rail can be positioned so that the second bracket rail extends from adjacent the first end of the first beam member to adjacent to the second end of the second beam member when the second bracket rail is moved into the linear orientation. For such embodiments, the first and second bracket rails can be positioned so an intermediate section of each bracket rail extends over a joint defined at a location at which the first end of the first beam member contacts the first end of the second beam member when these beam members abut each other.
In some embodiments, the third opening of the first beam member can be at least partially defined by a sidewall of the first beam member that defines the first opening of the first beam member and a sidewall of the first beam member that defines the second opening of the first beam member. The third opening of the second beam member can be at least partially defined by a sidewall of the second beam member that defines the first opening of the second beam member and a sidewall of the second beam member that defines the second opening of the second beam member.
In some embodiments of the method, the first reinforcing member can be positioned in the first opening of the first beam member at a middle portion of the first beam member and the first reinforcing member can be fastened to the first beam member so that the first reinforcing member is maintained in a linear orientation while also being fastened to the first beam member while the first reinforcing member extends along a central section of the first beam member. The length of first reinforcing member when the first reinforcing member is moved into the linear orientation can be 40%-60% of a length of the first beam member. A first end of the first reinforcing member can be spaced apart from a first end of the first beam member and a second end of the first reinforcing member can be spaced apart from a second end of the first beam member.
An elongated element can be formed via the fastening of the first reinforcing member to the first beam member. Embodiments of the method can utilize such a formed elongated element. For instance, embodiments of the method can include attaching the elongated element to different wall elements that are spaced apart from each other and at least partially define a workspace so that a portion of the elongated element that includes the entirety of the first reinforcing member that is maintained in the linear orientation is positioned above the workspace. As another example, embodiments of the method can include attaching a first end of the first beam member to a first wall element and attaching a second end of the second beam member to a second wall element such that the first beam member extends between the first and second wall elements over a work space. The attaching of the first beam member can be performed before or after the first reinforcing member is fastened to the middle portion of the first beam member.
A kit for improving rigidity of an elongated element formed when a first beam member is attached to a second beam member is also provided. Embodiments of the kit can be configured to allow an elongated element to extend as it spans over a workspace so that it does not sink or bow downwards. Such a kit can include a first reinforcing member that is resiliently moveable between a curved orientation and a linear orientation, the first reinforcing member sized and configured to be positioned in (i) a first opening of the first beam member and (ii) a first opening of the second beam member. Embodiments of such a kit can also include a first bracket rail positionable in the first beam member and the second beam member such that a first end of the first bracket rail is positionable in a first bracket rail opening of the first beam member and a second end of the first bracket rail is positionable in a second bracket rail opening of the second beam member. Embodiments of such a kit can also include a second bracket rail positionable in the first beam member and the second beam member such that a first end of the second bracket rail is positionable in a second bracket rail opening of the first beam member and a second end of the second bracket rail is positionable in a second bracket rail opening of the second beam member. Embodiments of the kit can also include other elements, such as written instructions, fasteners, or mechanical tools.
In some embodiments of the kit, there may be a single first beam member that is positionable with an elongated larger beam element (e.g. an elongated element that is longer than the first beam member) that may be positionable for extending a number of meters from a first wall to a second wall over a work space (e.g. 2-5 meters, etc.). The single first beam member can be configured to be bowed, or arced over its length. The single first beam member can be positionable in a middle section of the elongated larger beam element via an upper opening in that elongated larger beam element so that the bowed or arced orientation of the single first beam member is changed to a linear orientation so that the single first beam member extends linearly when attached to the elongated larger beam element. Such an attachment of the single first beam member can help improve the rigidity of the elongated larger beam element so that this element does not sag or bow downwards when it is positioned to extend over a work space about a substantial part of its length (e.g. extends 2-5 meters between opposed walls, opposed partition walls etc.).
A bracket mechanism is also provided. Embodiments of the bracket mechanism can include one or more elements of the kit.
It should be appreciated that the linear orientation of a reinforcing member and the curved orientation for a reinforcing member can have different characteristics. A curved orientation can include the reinforcing member extending along a length (e.g. the largest dimension of the member as the member extends from a first end to an opposite second end) along a curve. Such an orientation can result in the reinforcing member appearing to be bowed or have an arc-like shape. The linear orientation can be an orientation in which the reinforcing member extends straight along its length (e.g. there is no curvature as the reinforcing member extends straightly from its first end to its second end along its length).
Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof and certain exemplary methods of practicing the same proceeds.
Exemplary embodiments of a bracket mechanism and kit are shown in the accompanying drawings and certain exemplary methods of making and practicing the same are also illustrated therein. It should be appreciated that like reference numbers used in the drawings may identify like components.
Referring to
The formed elongated element 15 may be configured as a portion of a long beam-like structure or may be such a beam-like structure that extends from one side of a workspace to an opposite side of the workspace. The elongated element 15 can be configured to be positioned over a work surface so that a substantial portion of its length extends over a floor or other work surface of a work space. The entirety of the reinforcing member can be positioned over the work space via its position in the elongated element.
The beam members 3 can include a first beam member 3a and a second beam member 3b. Each beam member can have a first end 3n and a second opposite end 3f. An upper opening 3g can be defined in the beam member and extend from the first end 3n to the second end 3f. Each beam member 3 can also define bracket rail receiving openings that may extend along a length of the beam member. For instance, each beam member 3 can be structured to define or form a first bracket rail opening 3o and a second bracket rail opening 3p. Each bracket rail opening can be sized and configured to receive a bracket rail 4 therein or a portion of a bracket rail 4 therein. In each beam member 3, a sidewall that helps define the first bracket rail opening 3o can also define the upper opening 3g and a sidewall that helps define the second bracket rail openings 3p can also define the upper opening 3g (e.g. these sidewalls that extend above the bottom of the beam member 3 can define sides of the upper opening 3g above the bottom of the beam member 3).
For example, a first bracket rail 4a can be configured for being received within the first bracket rail openings 3o of first and second beam members 3a and 3b for facilitating the first and second beam members 3a and 3b being attached together so that the first end 3n of the first beam member 3a abuts the first end 3n of the second beam member 3b. A second bracket rail 4b can also be configured for being received within the second bracket rail openings 3p of first and second beam members 3a and 3b for facilitating the first and second beam members 3a and 3b being attached together so that the first end 3n of the first beam member 3a abuts the first end 3n of the second beam member 3b.
When positioned within the first and second beam members 3a and 3b, the first end 4c of the first bracket rail 4a can be positioned within the first bracket rail opening 3o of the first beam member 3a and the second end 4d of the first bracket rail 4a can be positioned within the first bracket rail opening 3o of the second beam member 3b. When positioned within the first and second beam members 3a and 3b, the first end 4c of the second bracket rail 4b can be positioned within the second bracket rail opening 3p of the first beam member 3a and the second end 4d of the second bracket rail 4b can be positioned within the second bracket rail opening 3p of the second beam member 3b.
Each bracket rail member 4 can define an elongated opening 4e that faces toward an external wall of the beam member 3 that defines the bracket rail opening in which that bracket rail member is positioned. A flat wall element 4f of the bracket rail member 4 that at least partially defines the elongated opening 4e can be positioned adjacent to the upper opening 3g formed in the beam member 3 adjacent the bracket rail opening in which the bracket rail member is positioned.
In other embodiments, each bracket rail member 4 may not include the slit that defines the elongated opening 4e that has a mouth or slit therein. Instead, those bracket rail members may have an elongated channel that is fully enclosed by the outer peripheral structure of the bracket rail member to define an elongated channel of a tubular body that is circular, oval, polygonal, or rectangular in cross sectional profile. For such embodiments, the bracket rail member 4 may have one or more peripheral wall elements 4f that are integrally connected together to define the inner elongated channel within the bracket rail member 4. An example of such an alternative embodiment of the bracket rail members 4 is shown in
The upper opening 3g of the first and second beam members 3a and 3b can be aligned when the first and second beam members' first ends 3n abut each other. The reinforcing member 2 can be positioned within the aligned upper openings 3g of the first and second beam members 3a and 3b as may be appreciated from
Embodiments of the reinforcing member 2 can be structured to have an upper opening 2d defined by spaced apart first and second sidewalls 2e and 2f that extend from the first end 2a to the second end 2b of the body of the reinforcing member 2. The reinforcing member can also have a bottom 2c that extends from the first end 2a to the second end 2b of the body of the reinforcing member between the first and second sidewalls 2e and 2f The bottom 2c and the first and second sidewalls 2e and 2f may define the upper opening 2d. The upper opening 2d can define a top opening that is able to receive cabling or wiring (e.g. data wiring, power wiring, etc.) so that wiring can be positioned in the upper opening 2d and routed through the reinforcing member 2.
As can be appreciated from
Once the reinforcing member 2 is positioned in the first and second beam members 3a and 3b between the first and second bracket rail members 4a and 4b as shown in
Once the fasteners attach the reinforcing member 2 in its location, the clamping devices 11 may be removed. The elongated member 15 formed via the attachment of the first and second beam members may then be positioned to extend over a workspace as an overhead beam or may have its opposite ends attached to other beam members via use of other bracket mechanisms 1. For example, as shown in
The reinforcing member 2 can be composed of a resilient metal or other material that can facilitate the adjustment in orientation from a curved orientation to a linear or substantially more linear orientation. The structure and resiliency of the reinforcing member 2 can help provide a biasing force at the junction 10, or joint, at which the first ends 3n of the first and second beam members 3a and 3b abut each other to help provide a force that helps keep the beam members 3 more rigid as they span over a workspace so that the beam members 3 do not sink or bow downwards. Use of the reinforcing member 2 can also help ensure the alignment and abutment of the first ends 3n of the beam members 3 are effectively maintained.
In other embodiments, the reinforcing member 2 may not be utilized. For such embodiments, it is contemplated that the bracket rail members 4 can be structured as reinforcing members that are resiliently moveable from an initial curved orientation at which the member is curved as it extends along its length to a linear orientation at which each member extends linearly from its first end to its second end. When the bracket rail members 4 have such a configuration, they can be considered reinforcing members (e.g. first bracket rail member 4a can be considered a first reinforcing member and second bracket rail 4b member can be considered a second reinforcing member, etc.). Such bracket rail members can provide the anti-sagging functionality provided by reinforcing member 2 while also helping to keep a middle channel of the beam members 3 open (e.g. third central openings of the first and second beam members, such as upper opening 3g, etc.) for routing and/or positioning of cables, wiring, or other elements. For such embodiments, the curvature of each of the bracket rail members may be removed upon the fastening of the bracket rail member to a beam member via fasteners such that the resiliency of the material of the bracket rail member provides a force to help prevent sagging of the beam members 3 to which it is fastened. Clamping devices or other type of device can also be used to help move the middle portion of such bracket rail members 4 into their linear orientation prior to fastening the members to the beam members to maintain those bracket rail members 4 in their linear orientation. It should be understood that the first and second bracket rail openings 3o and 3p can be sized to accommodate the curvature of the bracket rail members for receiving those members. Formed elongated element 15 shown in
It should be appreciated that the linear orientation of a reinforcing member and the curved orientation of the reinforcing member can have different characteristics (for any type of member configured as a reinforcing member such as a bracket rail member 4 configured as a reinforcing member or a reinforcing member 2, etc.). A curved orientation can include the reinforcing member extending along a length (e.g. the largest dimension of the member as the member extends from a first end to an opposite second end) along a curve. Such an orientation can result in the reinforcing member appearing to be bowed or have an arc-like shape. The linear orientation can be an orientation in which the reinforcing member extends straight along its length (e.g. there is no curvature as the reinforcing member extends straightly from its first end to its second end along its length). In some embodiments, the degree of curvature may be relatively slight for the curved orientation. The linear orientation will also result in the reinforcing member's curvature as it extends along its length being eliminated or at least significantly and substantially eliminated (e.g. there may be very slight undulations due to manufacturing tolerance issues in a member, but the member will extend linearly along its length and be straight as it extends along its length from its first end to its opposite second end).
In yet other embodiments, a single integral beam member 3 may be configured as a continuous beam that linearly extends from its first end to its opposite second end between different wall-like elements 18 (e.g. walls, columns, etc.). A single reinforcing member 2 can be attached within a central open channel defined in that integral beam member to help prevent that beam member from sagging as shown in
In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 2 may be about half the length of the long integral beam member (which can be configured as a continuous beam member) to which it is fastened. For instance, the length of the reinforcing member 2 may be half the length of the integral beam member or may be 40-60% of the length of the integral beam member that extends from a first wall-like element to a second wall-like element (e.g. a wall, column, partition, etc.).
It should be understood that embodiments of the bracket mechanism and kit may be configured to meet different design criteria. For instance, the material composition, length, degree of curvature, and particular geometric structure of a reinforcing member, bracket rail, or beam member can be changed to meet a particular set of design criteria. As another example, the size, shape, or location of an elongated element over a work surface can be any of a number of suitable locations (e.g. suspended over a work space in an office or residential building, etc.). As yet another example, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein can therefore be combined to provide further embodiments. Therefore, while certain exemplary embodiments of bracket mechanisms and kit and methods of making and using the same have been discussed and illustrated herein, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
The present application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 15/979,921, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/507,311, filed on May 17, 2017.
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| Parent | 15979921 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 16522880 | US |
