Patent Grant
11859377
The disclosed invention relates to structural members, beams, and support structures. Optionally, the disclosed structural members, beams, and support structures can be used to construct at least a portion of a structural design, such as a building.
Structural members, such as beams, braces, tubes, rods, and columns, can be used as constituents of a structure's frame. The amount of material used in each structural member can reduce the cost of said structural member, but material reduction typically corresponds with a reduction in strength. Accordingly, a strong, inexpensive alternative can be desirable.
Structural members can be attached end-to-end to create columns and frames of structures. Accordingly, it can be desirable to facilitate alignment and coupling between adjacent structural members.
Conventional steel-concrete composite beams typically comprise heavy steel beams that can be expensive and increase weight without substantial added benefit to the beam's strength. Moreover, a lack of engagement between the steel and the concrete can limit the strength of the beam.
Described herein, in various aspects, is a structural member design that can be used in a horizontal fashion to transfer building loads to vertical supports of a building or structure. The design of this horizontal structural member, referred to as a beam, can comprise a unique assembly of C-shaped channel members or “cees” assembled in a way to optimize strength and ease of constructability. The design can comprise shape-specific members that integrate the channel members and concrete into a strong and inexpensive composite beam.
According to a first aspect, a beam can have an upper surface and can comprise a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of steel channel members can cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein. The plurality of steel channel members can comprise a first C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having a base wall, first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from the base wall, and first and second flanges respectively inwardly extending from the first and second side walls. The channel of the first C-shaped channel member can define a portion of the interior volume. The first and second flanges can extend into the interior volume. A plurality of internally projecting members can be spaced along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of internally projecting members can be coupled to the base wall of the first C-shaped channel member and extend into the interior volume. A strap can be secured to the upper surface of the beam and extend across the interior volume so that when the interior volume is filled with concrete, the strap engages the concrete.
The plurality of steel channel members can further comprise a second C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel and a third C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel, wherein the second and third C-channels are disposed so that their respective channels open away from each other. The first C-shaped channel can extend between the second and third C-shaped channels. The channel of the first C-shaped channel member and outer surfaces of the second C-shaped channel member and the third C-shaped channel member can cooperate to define at least a portion of the interior volume.
The plurality of inwardly projecting members can comprise a plurality of shoulder bolts that are bolted to at least one steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members.
The beam can further comprise a generally planar wall that is elongated along the longitudinal axis and attached to the base wall of the first steel channel member. Each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members can comprise a web section extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, the web section having a distal end, and a generally planar tab extending perpendicularly to, and from the distal end of, the web section.
Each generally planar tab can have a distal end. Each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members can further comprise a flange extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of the generally planar tab.
The internally projecting members can be spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.
The beam can further comprise a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps.
The depending internally projecting components can comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions.
At least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components can extend down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam.
Each of the plurality of steel channel members can comprise light gauge steel.
The plurality of internally projecting members can comprise a plurality of C-shaped components that are attached to the first C-shaped channel member.
The beam can further comprise concrete cured within the interior volume, wherein the first and second flanges of first C-shaped channel member, the plurality of internally projecting members, and the strap are engaged with the cured concrete.
A beam can comprise a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of steel channel members cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein, and a reinforcement member disposed within the interior volume and attached to a steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members. The reinforcement member can comprise a generally planar wall extending along the longitudinal axis, a plurality of web sections extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, each web section having a respective distal end, and a plurality of generally planar tabs, each generally planar tab extending from the distal end of a respective web section of the plurality of web sections.
The reinforcement member can further comprise a plurality of flanges, each flange of the plurality of flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of a respective generally planar tab.
The adjacent web sections can be spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.
The beam can have an upper surface and further comprises a plurality of straps secured to the upper surface of the beam and extending across the interior volume.
The beam can further comprise a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps.
The depending internally projecting components can comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions.
At least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components can extend down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam.
Each of the plurality of steel channel members can comprise light gauge steel.
Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention, are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a flange” can refer to one or more of such flanges, and so forth.
All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.
The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, when values are approximated by the use of the antecedent “approximately” “generally,” or “substantially,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects.
It should be understood that references herein to “top,” “bottom,” “above”, and “below” should be understood to be descriptive with respect to components' orientations as shown the Figures. Such references should not be understood to limit the orientations of the components to the embodiments shown. For example, the structural member assemblies can be inverted so that the “top” and “bottom” ends are reversed. Similarly, in various embodiments, the structural member assemblies and support columns can extend horizontally or at any other angle with respect to the ground.
It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.
Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to
The following illustrated cross sections are not drawn to scale and are provided to generally describe cross sectional shapes. The cross sections can be described with reference to a first transverse dimension 144 and a second transverse dimension 145 that is perpendicular to the first transverse dimension.
Referring to
The first and second channels 102A, 102B can be disposed so that the inner surfaces of their respective base walls 106A, 106B oppose each other. The first channel 102A and the second channel 102B can be positioned so that their respective channels 120A, 120B cooperate to define an interior passage 142. According to at least one embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
The first and second outer channel members 202A, 202B can be disposed so that the respective inner surfaces of the base walls and side walls can cooperate to define the respective channels 220A, 220B. The first side walls 208A, 208B can have ends 231A, 231B opposite the respective base wall 206A, 206B, and the second side walls 210A, 210B can have ends 233A, 233B opposite the respective base wall 206A, 206B. As shown in
Referring to
Although the inner member is shown as a channel having a C-shaped profile or a U-shaped profile in the Figures, it should be understood that the inner member can have various other profiles, such as, for example, that of an I-beam, Z-channel, track, threaded rod with mounting plates, cold formed tube steel, or hollow structural tube. Accordingly, although references herein are made specifically to the inner member 104, it should be understood that a U-shaped inner channel member 204, as shown in
Referring to
Offsetting the end(s) can be accomplished, in some embodiments, by providing an inner member having a length that is greater than or less than the lengths of the first and second outer channel members 102A, 102B. In some embodiments, the inner member 104 can have a length 105 that is greater than half of the length 103A of the first outer channel member 102A and the length 103B of the second outer channel member 102B. The length 103A of the first outer channel member 102A can preferably be equal to the length 103B of the second outer channel member 102B, and respective longitudinal ends of the first and second outer channel members 102A, 102B can preferably be aligned. (It should be understood that respective ends of a member in relation to another member of the same structural member assembly can refer to ends on the same longitudinal end of each channel member. For example, the first end 160A of the first outer channel member 102A and the first end 160B of the second outer channel member 102B can be the “respective” ends with respect to the first end 164 of the inner member 104.) However, in optional embodiments, the length 103A of the first outer channel member 102A can be greater than or less than the length 103B of the second outer channel member 102B.
In providing at least one offset between at least one longitudinal end of the inner member and the respective longitudinal ends of the outer channel members, portions of adjacent structural member assemblies 100 can be nested, as disclosed herein. In this way, the plurality of structural member assemblies 100 can easily and efficiently be stacked end-to-end. For example, referring to
Although the steps disclosed herein refer to empty portions of interior passages receiving inner members, it should be understood that, in embodiments consistent with this disclosure, adjacent pairs of inner members can be positioned end-to-end, and the outer channel members can then be positioned around the adjacent pair of inner members and coupled via fasteners to the pair of inner members. Accordingly, stacking of structural member assemblies 100, as disclosed herein, should be understood to describe the arrangement of the coupled structure, rather than the order in which the components are coupled. As disclosed herein, “respective longitudinal ends” of adjacent structures/members should be understood to include opposing ends of adjacent structures/members. For example, referring to
The method of alternatingly attaching outer channel members of one structural member assembly to inner channel members of adjacent structural member assemblies can be repeated to create support columns of various lengths. In some embodiments, support columns 300 may comprise, two, three, four, five, or more structural member assemblies 100. Because the inner members are shorter than the outer channel members, an additional inner member 310 can extend through an empty portion 322″ of an interior passage 142″ of the structural member assembly 100″ so that the collective length 312 of the inner members 104, 104″, 104″′ and the additional inner member 310 is substantially equal to the collective length 316 of the stacked outer channel members. According to some aspects, the ends of structural member assemblies 100 can directly abut respective adjacent structural member assemblies. However, it should be understood that this disclosure include support columns having some longitudinal spacing (e.g., less than one inch, less than two inches, or less than four inches) between adjacent structural member assemblies, or between components of adjacent structural member assemblies. Moreover, it should be understood that structural member assembly components that are separated by spacing components (e.g., spaced by the thickness of the coupling plates 650 or the thickness of the alignment plate 600) should fall within aspects of this disclosure. For example, it should be understood that adjacent ends of adjacent center members 140 that “extend to” each other can include ends of adjacent center members that engage the same alignment plate 600. Moreover, it is contemplated that center members that are spaced from adjacent center members can optionally “extend to” each other if they are longitudinally spaced by no more than one inch, by no more than two inches, or by no more than four inches. Similarly, members that are aligned “end-to-end” should be understood to include members that are abutting each other, spaced by a spacing component such as a coupling plate 650 or an alignment plate 600, or longitudinally spaced by no more than one inch, by no more than two inches, or by no more than four inches.
It should be understood that each inner member need not have the same length as the other inner members in a support column. For example, referring to
In further embodiments, at least one inner member can be longer than its respective first and second outer channel members. For example, referring to
Optionally, with reference to
Referring to
The alignment bracket 600 can have a depending flange 610 that extends downward and generally perpendicularly to the rectangular profile of the alignment bracket. The depending flange 610 can be disposed adjacent a base wall 170 of the inner member 104, and the pair can be coupled with fasteners 150. In this way, the top end of the inner member 104 can be positioned within the interior passage 142.
The alignment bracket 600 can have a circumferential upwardly extending projection 620 that defines a gap 622 on each side for receiving the inner member 104′ therein. For example, the circumferential upwardly extending projection 620 can comprise first edges 624 and second edges 226 that extend in the longitudinal dimension 101 and are spaced from each other in the second transverse dimension 145. The first edge 624 can define a first stop to constrain a back surface (e.g., an outer surface of the base wall 170 (
Although the disclosure refers to the inner member 104 as a unitary body, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the inner member 104 can comprise a plurality of coupled components. For example, referring to
Structural member assemblies 100 and support columns 300, as discussed herein, can provide various improvements over known structural members. According to one aspect, the structural member assemblies 100 can be made partially or entirely of light gauge steel, thereby providing structural support at a low weight and cost. Moreover, the ends of the inner members that are offset from the ends of the outer channel members enable the structural member assemblies 100 to be nested so that adjacent structural member assemblies can easily be stacked to create support columns 300. Additionally, the inner members 104 of the support columns 300 not only provide surface for coupling adjacent structural member assemblies 100; the inner members 104 can provide structural support to the support columns 300. According to some aspects, a plurality of inner members 104 can cooperate to define an inner support that extends along an entire length, or substantially an entire length, of the support column 300. That is, the center supports 104 can provide both surfaces for easy attachment of adjacent structural member assemblies and structural support along the entire length of the support column. Because the structural member assemblies 100 can be stacked as disclosed, the cross sectional profiles of respective structural assemblies, in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, can be the same. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments can be distinguished from conventional assemblies that employ nested members having sequentially smaller cross sections. Optionally, the columns 300 can be used in multi-level construction, such as for multi-level storage structure buildings. The disclosed structural members can have improved load carrying capacity and strength over conventional structural members. Further, the disclosed columns having structural members with offset ends can have greater shear strength than conventional systems. For example, in conventional multi-level storage structure buildings, structural columns have longitudinal ends that terminate at each floor, wherein adjacent columns are coupled at adjoining ends to create unions having weak shear strength. In contrast, the disclosed embodiments can create a single continuous structural column that does not have unions with weak shear strength. Improved shear strength can be particularly critical for providing stability in seismic or earthquake zones.
Referring to
Referring to
In providing the bridge channel member 806 with a C-shaped profile, the bridge channel member 806 can define flanges 812 that extend inwardly into the beam's interior volume 808 and engage the concrete to increase the composite beam's overall strength. Prior to hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the concrete can be positioned both above and below each flange 812 such that the flange is surrounded by or embedded within the concrete. After hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the flange can provide support to the concrete during flexing or other movement of the beam and distribute forces between the concrete and the steel channel members. In some embodiments, the flanges can extend into the interior volume 808 at about one third of the height of the beam. That is, the length of the first and second legs of the bridge channel member 806 can be about one third of the height of the beam. Accordingly, for a six inch tall beam, the flanges can extend inwardly at about two inches from the bottom of the beam.
Additionally, or alternatively, the beam 800 can comprise a plurality of internally projecting members 820 that are spaced along the beam's longitudinal axis 810. The internally projecting members 820 can be configured to engage the concrete to distribute forces between the concrete and the steel channel members. Prior to hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the concrete can be positioned to surround or embed the internally projecting members 820 within the concrete. After hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the projecting members 820 can provide support to the concrete during flexing or other movement of the beam and distribute forces between the concrete and the steel channel members.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Each of the internally projecting members 820, return flanges 838, straps 860, and depending internally projecting components 862 can enhance the engagement between the steel members and the concrete to provide a composite beam having improved strength over conventional beams. Because the transition height, as disclosed above, can vary, based on parameters of the beam, the combination of the internally projecting members 820, return flanges 838, straps 860, and depending internally projecting components 862 provides for composite action along the height of the beam, enabling composite action closest to the transition height, regardless of the position of said transition height along the height of the beam. The disclosed configuration can further be cheaper to manufacture and more simple to assemble, thereby reducing assembly time over conventional framing methods. Many or all of the components of the beam 800 can be off-the-shelf items, thereby providing for low cost and easy procurement. As the beams 800 can be attached to columns in a compound span configuration, the beams can be attached more easily and in a configuration having greater overall strength than conventional simple span beams. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments enable easier field modification than conventional trough designs; because the beam spans across columns rather than fitting between the columns, the beam's steel channel members can be cut in situ. Moreover, conventional beams comprise heavy gauge steel, which can increase cost and weight without substantially enhancing the strength of the beam. Accordingly, the light gauge steel can decrease the cost and the weight of the beam.
Although disclosed as separate and independent components, it is contemplated that any of the beam structures disclosed herein can be used in combination with any of the structural member assemblies disclosed herein to form a support structure for a building or other construction.
In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.
Aspect 1: A beam having an upper surface and comprising: a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of steel channel members cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein, wherein the plurality of steel channel members comprises a first C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having: a base wall; first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from the base wall; and first and second flanges respectively inwardly extending from the first and second side walls, wherein the channel of the first C-shaped channel member defines a portion of the interior volume, and wherein the first and second flanges extend into the interior volume; a plurality of internally projecting members spaced along the longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of internally projecting members are coupled to the base wall of the first C-shaped channel member and extend into the interior volume; and a strap secured to the upper surface of the beam and extending across the interior volume so that when the interior volume is filled with concrete, the strap engages the concrete.
Aspect 2: The beam of aspect 1, wherein the plurality of steel channel members further comprises: a second C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel; and a third C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel, wherein the second and third C-channels are disposed so that their respective channels open away from each other, wherein the first C-shaped channel extends between the second and third C-shaped channels, and wherein the channel of the first C-shaped channel member and outer surfaces of the second C-shaped channel member and the third C-shaped channel member cooperate to define at least a portion of the interior volume.
Aspect 3: The beam of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the plurality of inwardly projecting members comprises a plurality of shoulder bolts that are bolted to at least one steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members.
Aspect 4: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising a generally planar wall that is elongated along the longitudinal axis and attached to the base wall of the first steel channel member, wherein each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members comprises: a web section extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, the web section having a distal end; and a generally planar tab extending perpendicularly to, and from the distal end of, the web section.
Aspect 5: The beam of aspect 4, wherein each generally planar tab has a distal end, and wherein each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members further comprises a flange extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of the generally planar tab.
Aspect 6: The beam of aspect 4 or aspect 5, wherein the internally projecting members are spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.
Aspect 7: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps.
Aspect 8: The beam of aspect 7, wherein the depending internally projecting components comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions.
Aspect 9: The beam of aspect 7 or aspect 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components extends down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam.
Aspect 10: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, wherein each of the plurality of steel channel members comprises light gauge steel.
Aspect 11: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of internally projecting members comprise a plurality of C-shaped components that are attached to the first C-shaped channel member.
Aspect 12: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising concrete cured within the interior volume, wherein the first and second flanges of first C-shaped channel member, the plurality of internally projecting members, and the strap are engaged with the cured concrete.
Aspect 13: A beam comprising: a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of steel channel members cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein; and a reinforcement member disposed within the interior volume and attached to a steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members, the reinforcement member comprising: a generally planar wall extending along the longitudinal axis, a plurality of web sections extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, each web section having a respective distal end; and a plurality of generally planar tabs, each generally planar tab extending from the distal end of a respective web section of the plurality of web sections.
Aspect 14: The beam of aspect 13, wherein the reinforcement member further comprises a plurality of flanges, each flange of the plurality of flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of a respective generally planar tab.
Aspect 15: The beam of aspect 13 or aspect 14, wherein the adjacent web sections are spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.
Aspect 16: The beam of any of aspects 13-15, wherein the beam has an upper surface and further comprises a plurality of straps secured to the upper surface of the beam and extending across the interior volume.
Aspect 17: The beam of aspect 16, further comprising a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps.
Aspect 18: The beam of aspect 17, wherein the depending internally projecting components comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions.
Aspect 19: The beam of aspect 17 or aspect 18, wherein at least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components extends down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam.
Aspect 20: The beam of any of aspects 13-19, wherein each of the plurality of steel channel members comprises light gauge steel.
Aspect A1: A structural member assembly extending in a longitudinal dimension, the structural member assembly comprising: a first channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; a second channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and an inner member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the inner member has a length in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner channels of the first and second channel members cooperate to define an interior passage extending in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the inner member extends through at least a portion of the interior passage and is attached to at least one of the first channel member and the second channel member, wherein at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the inner member is longitudinally spaced from a respective longitudinal end of the first channel member and a respective longitudinal end of the second channel member, wherein the length of the inner member is greater than half of the length of the first channel member and greater than half of the length of the second channel member.
Aspect A2: The structural member assembly of aspect A1, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the center member comprises light gauge steel.
Aspect A3: The structural member assembly of aspect A1, wherein each of the first channel member and the second channel member, in a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, comprises a base wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first side wall extending from the first end of the base wall, a second side wall extending from the second end of the base wall, wherein the base wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall cooperate to define the inner channel, and wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner surface of the base wall of the first channel member opposes the inner surface of the base wall of the second channel member.
Aspect A4: The structural member assembly of aspect A3, wherein each of the first channel member and the second channel member, in the cross sectional plane, further comprises: a first flange extending from a first end of the first side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the second side wall; and a second flange extending from a first end of the second side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the first side wall.
Aspect A5: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A4, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the center member, in the cross sectional plane, have the same shape.
Aspect A6: The structural member assembly of assembly of any one of Aspects A1-A5, wherein the length of the first channel member and the length of the second channel member are substantially equal.
Aspect A7: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A6, wherein said at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the inner member is longitudinally spaced from the respective longitudinal end of the first channel member and the respective longitudinal end of the second channel member by at least twelve inches.
Aspect A8: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A7, wherein the length of the inner member is greater than the length of the first channel member and greater than the length of the second channel member.
Aspect A9: The structural member assembly of aspect A8, wherein the inner member comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the inner member is arranged end-to-end with the second portion of the inner member, wherein the first portion and the second portion are discrete components.
Aspect A10: The structural member assembly of any of aspects A1-A7, wherein the length of the inner member is less than the length of the first channel member and less than the length of the second channel member.
Aspect A11: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A10, wherein the inner member extends from a wall of the first member to an opposing wall of the second member.
Aspect A12: The structural member assembly of aspect A11, wherein the inner member comprises a first parallel wall, a second parallel wall, and a web extending between the first and second parallel walls, wherein the first wall of the inner member abuts and attaches to the wall of the first member, and the second parallel wall of the inner member abuts the opposing wall of the second member.
Aspect A13: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A12, wherein the structural member is a constituent of a multi-story storage structure.
Aspect A14: A support column extending in a longitudinal dimension, the support column comprising: a plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures, each longitudinal structure having a first longitudinal end and an opposing second longitudinal end, and each longitudinal structure having a length in the longitudinal dimension and defining an interior passage extending along the length; and a plurality of inner members, each inner member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end and having a length in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures are aligned end-to-end along a single axis, wherein respective longitudinal ends of each of the outer hollow longitudinal structures are coupled to respective longitudinal ends of each adjacent outer hollow longitudinal structure, wherein the interior passages of the plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures cooperate to define an interior passage of the support column, wherein the plurality of inner members are aligned end-to-end along the single axis within the interior passage of the support column so that the first and second longitudinal ends of each of the inner members extend to respective longitudinal ends of each adjacent inner member, wherein at least one end of at least one inner member is longitudinally offset from every longitudinal end of the plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures.
Aspect A15: The support column of aspect A14, wherein each outer hollow longitudinal structure comprises: a first channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and a second channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and wherein each of the first channel member and the second channel member, in a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, comprises a base wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first side wall extending from the first end of the base wall, a second side wall extending from the second end of the base wall, wherein the base wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall cooperate to define the inner channel, wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner surface of the base wall of the first channel member opposes the inner surface of the base wall of second channel member, and so that the inner channels of the first and second channel members cooperate to define the interior passage extending in the longitudinal dimension.
Aspect A16: The support column of aspect A15, wherein each inner member extends from a wall of the first channel member of at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure to an opposing wall of the respective second channel member of the at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure.
Aspect A17: The support column of aspect A16, wherein each of the inner members comprises a first parallel wall, a second parallel wall, and a web extending between the first and second parallel walls, wherein the first wall of the inner member abuts and attaches to the wall of the first channel member of the at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure, and the second parallel wall of the inner member abuts the opposing wall of the respective second channel member of the at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure.
Aspect A18: The support column of any one of aspects A14-A17, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the center member comprises light gauge steel.
Aspect A19. A structural assembly extending in a longitudinal dimension, the structural assembly comprising: a first channel member, having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; a second channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and an inner member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the inner member has a length in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner channels of the first and second channel members cooperate to define an interior passage extending in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the inner member extends through at least a portion of the interior passage and is attached to at least one of the first channel member and the second channel member, wherein at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the inner member extends beyond a respective longitudinal end of the first channel member and a respective longitudinal end of the second channel member in a first direction, wherein the first direction extends toward the respective longitudinal end of the first channel member from the opposing longitudinal end of the first channel member.
Aspect A20: The structural assembly of aspect A19, wherein each outer hollow longitudinal structure has the same cross sectional profile.
Aspect A21: The structural assembly of aspect A19, wherein each outer hollow longitudinal structure comprises structural tubing.
Aspect A22: A method comprising: coupling a first channel member to a first inner member and a second channel member to the first inner member, wherein the first channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, wherein the second channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, so that the inner channel of the first channel member and the inner channel of the second channel member oppose each other and cooperate to define a first interior passage therein and so that the first end of the first inner member defines a protruding portion that extends beyond the first end of the first channel member and the first end of the second channel member; coupling a third channel member and a fourth channel member to the protruding portion of the first inner member, wherein the third channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the third channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, wherein the fourth channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the fourth channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, so that the inner channel of the third channel member and the inner channel of the fourth channel member oppose each other and cooperate to define a second interior passage therein; coupling a second inner member to the third channel member and the fourth channel member so that the first inner member and the second inner member cooperate to define an inner member assembly that extends through an entire longitudinal length of the second interior passage.
Aspect A23: The method of aspect A22, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, the third channel member, the fourth channel member, the first center member, and the second center member comprises light gauge steel.
Aspect A24: The method of aspect A22 or aspect A23, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, the third channel member, the fourth channel member, in a respective cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, comprises a base wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first side wall extending from the first end of the base wall in a respective direction that is perpendicular to the base wall, a second side wall extending from the second end of the base wall in the respective direction that is perpendicular to the base wall.
Aspect A25: The method of aspect A24, wherein each of the first channel member the second channel member, the third channel member, and the fourth channel member, in the respective cross sectional plane, further comprises: a first flange extending from a first end of the first side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the second side wall; and a second flange extending from a first end of the second side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the first side wall.
Aspect B1: A structural frame for a building, the structural frame comprising: a beam of any one of aspects 1-20; and a support column coupled to the beam.
Aspect B2: The structural frame of aspect B1, wherein the support column is a support column according to any one of aspects A14-A18.
Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/802,050, filed Feb. 26, 2020, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/443,493, filed on Jun. 17, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/400,896, filed on May 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,513,849. Each of the above-identified applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 16443493 | Jun 2019 | US |
| Child | 16802050 | US |
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| Child | 17589187 | US |
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| Parent | 16400896 | May 2019 | US |
| Child | 16443493 | US |
