Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6374750
-
Patent Number
6,374,750
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, November 16, 199924 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, April 23, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 052 49
- 052 56
- 052 82
- 052 7831
- 052 78414
- 052 78416
- 052 7931
- 052 79911
- 052 630
- 410 47
- 428 98
- 428 99
- 428 100
- 428 101
- 428 116
- 428 119
- 428 131
- 428 132
- 428 133
- 428 139
- 428 140
- 428 221
- 244 119
- 244 123
- 244 120
- 114 84
- 114 85
- 114 76
- 114 79 R
- 105 2381
- 105 411
- 105 355
- 105 422
- 105 37701
- 105 37705
- 105 397
- 105 404
- 105 400
- 105 409
- 105 401
- 296 187
- 296 188
- 296 191
- 296 193
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A panel system includes a first skin, a second skin, a web core constructed from sheet material for securing the skins together in a spaced, sandwich relationship, and a connecting means for affixing the web core within the skins. The web core includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein. The web core further includes a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse cross members each having spaced slots therein receiving the longitudinal members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between the first and second skins. The grid is connected to the skins utilizing the projections, which extend through slits in the skins in one embodiment to facilitate welding or otherwise bonding the components. In a second embodiment the projections present mounting ears that receive fasteners that extend through the skins.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a multi-purpose panel system which is assembled from precision-made components and has superior mechanical properties. More specifically, the panel system is lightweight and very stiff or self-supporting, utilizes components formed from sheet material and has a low cost of assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of sandwich construction panel systems are known. However, these typically employ relatively heavy internal frame components such as channel members and the like that are bent or otherwise formed to the required shape. Also, such systems may be adapted or have been developed for use only in a specific application, such as for aircraft fuselage paneling.
Sandwich flooring systems in present use may have other disadvantages. For instance, they may require a structural underframe to provide sufficient support, depending upon the load to be carried or supported. Other sandwich configurations may have adequate stiffness or rigidity for floor or wall system applications, but they are typically relatively heavy and difficult to assemble.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a primary object of the subject invention is to provide a lightweight and strong structural panel system including a first skin, a second skin and a web core constructed from sheet material that secures the skins together in a spaced relationship and provides an interlocked grid work between the skins.
Another important object of the subject invention is to provide a panel system having a web core that includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal and transverse members which are precision formed of either metal or rigid plastic to fit easily together and thereby present a stiff, rigid, self-supporting structure.
Another important object is to provide such a panel system which, in addition to superior strength and rigidity, has good insulation properties and provides an interior core space that can be used as a duct for fluid flow, evacuated to provide a partial vacuum, or filled with a liquid, particulate material or other fluid as desired for a particular system application.
Another object is to provide such a panel system in which the components thereof may be assembled and produced with close tolerances utilizing simple tooling, thereby assuring that panel sections will be uniform so that they can be readily joined together to present a composite structure of the desired physical size.
Another object of the subject invention is to provide a panel system that is usable in a variety of applications, such as in the construction of any type of cargo carrier (e.g., railroad cars, aircraft and ships), general purpose enclosures and structures, storage tanks and the like.
Still another object is to provide a panel system usable for a variety of purposes, such as wall paneling, flooring, and applications requiring structural reinforcement, superior insulation properties and/or ductwork provided within the panels themselves.
Still another object of the subject invention is to provide a paneling system that when used as flooring does not require a structural underframe.
Still another object is to provide a structural system composed of panel sections which are relatively small and easy to handle, and which are readily connected together to provide a final structure of the desired size and configuration.
Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an embodiment of such a paneling system that is strong, rigid, lightweight and easy to assemble as aforesaid, and which does not require the use of mechanical connectors.
These objects are attained by providing a paneling system comprising a first skin, a second skin, a web core of sheet material construction for supporting the skins in a spaced relationship, and means for securing the panel components together. The web core includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members having longitudinally spaced projections or ears extending therefrom and transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein, and further includes a plurality of spaced apart, transverse cross members of similar configuration each having spaced slots therein receiving the longitudinal members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between the first and second skins. The projections or ears on the members provide a means to join the core and skins together, either by spot welds or fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a fragmentary, perspective view of a railroad coil car with the coil cover constructed using the panel system of the present invention and with an end broken away to show the coil thereunder.
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of one panel section of the coil car cover of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
is an exploded perspective view of the top skin and the web core of the left half of a first embodiment of a panel section in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4
is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational view of a portion of a transverse cross member of the web core of FIG.
3
.
FIG. 5
is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational view of a portion of a longitudinal member of the web core of FIG.
3
.
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of the left half illustrated in
FIG. 3
, showing the top skin being secured by wedge members to the web core thereof.
FIG. 7
is a partial exploded perspective view of the left half of
FIG. 3
as inverted to show the bottom skin and the web core thereof.
FIG. 8
is a partial perspective view of the left half of
FIG. 3
as inverted to show the bottom skin being secured to the web core.
FIG. 9
is a detail view in perspective of a wedge member securing the top skin to the web core, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10
is a detail view in perspective illustrating the removal of a web core tab and completion of welding, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11
is a partial perspective of the left half of
FIG. 3
showing the panel section assembled.
FIG. 12
is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational view of a portion of a modified form of the transverse cross member of
FIG. 4
, in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 13-16
are enlarged elevational views of alternative joints for securing left and right panel halves of the present invention together to form a panel section.
FIG. 17
is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational view of a portion of a transverse cross member in a second embodiment of a panel section of the present invention.
FIG. 18
is a fragmentary, exploded view showing the junction of the cross member of
FIG. 17 and a
longitudinal member of the web core of the second embodiment.
FIG. 19
is a partial perspective view of the panel section of the second embodiment, showing the panel under fabrication with no top skin as yet installed.
FIG. 20
is an enlarged elevational view of one corner of the panel of
FIG. 19
with all components installed.
FIG. 21
is a partial elevational view of an alternative three skin configuration of the panel system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 22
is a partial elevational view showing the paneling of the present invention having a progressively varying width.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in
FIG. 1
, a railroad coil car
10
includes a coil cover
12
thereover, constructed using the structural panel system of the present invention. Although each figure depicts the panel system as forming such a coil cover
12
, it should be understood that the panel system has many applications and uses in structures of various types, as discussed above.
The coil cover
12
is formed of a plurality of end-to-end sections
14
and end panels
16
(only one shown) secured together. Adjacent sections
14
are secured at their end surfaces to form transverse seams
17
. Each section
14
includes two halves, a left and right half
18
and
20
, joined together along its top surface to form a central longitudinal seam
22
. Left halves
18
are constructed virtually identically to right halves
20
, the only difference being that left halves
18
are made as mirror images of right halves
20
.
FIG. 2
shows a single panel section
14
constructed accordingly.
As shown in
FIG. 1
, each half
18
and
20
is secured along its bottom surface to the longitudinal side members
21
and
23
of the coil car
10
. End panels
16
(only one shown) are secured over the open ends of the first and last panel sections
14
and are preferably constructed to include a stacking ledge
24
. Upon removal of the coil cover
12
at lifting cage
26
from over the coil
28
, covers may be vertically stacked for efficient storage thereof. An advantage of the cover
12
of the present invention is that its rigidity, particularly its longitudinal stiffness, permits cover
12
to be lifted by a hoist coupled thereto at cage
26
, stacked and reused repeatedly without damage or deformation of the cover
12
.
FIGS.
3
and
6
-
11
depict the construction steps employed in forming a panel section half
30
of the type described above with respect to halves
18
and
20
of each section
14
. Half
30
in a first embodiment of the present invention includes a top skin or plate
40
, a web core member
42
and a bottom skin or plate
44
. Top and bottom skins
40
and
44
are thin, flexible metal sheets with rows of evenly spaced rectangular slits
46
therethrough, except that every fifth row of slits
46
is cross-shaped. The web core
42
is an interlocked grid work formed of evenly spaced longitudinal or primary members
48
and transverse cross members
50
preferably laser cut or punched from sheet stock using cutting or punching equipment with computer controls. The sheet material may be steel having a thickness of {fraction (1/16)}th inch, or thinner or thicker depending upon the properties desired.
As shown in detail in
FIG. 5
, each longitudinal member
48
has circular openings
52
therein to reduce its weight, and pairs of opposed projections or tabs
54
that extend upwardly and downwardly from the member
48
at regularly spaced intervals. Every fifth upwardly extending tab
54
a
has an open slot
56
for insertion of a transverse cross member
50
. The slots
56
extend through the center of the corresponding tab
54
a
into the longitudinal member
48
. The projections
54
and
54
a
also preferably have rectangular openings
58
therein for easier removal thereof.
As shown in detail in
FIG. 4
, each transverse cross member
50
also has circular openings
60
therein to reduce its weight and pairs of opposed projections or tabs
62
that extend upwardly and downwardly from the member
50
at regularly spaced intervals. Every downwardly extending projection
62
has an open slot
64
for insertion of a longitudinal member
48
. The slots
64
extend through the center of the corresponding projection
62
into the transverse cross member
50
. The projections
62
have rectangular openings
66
therein to facilitate assembly of panel half
30
. The projections
54
and
62
of longitudinal and transverse members
48
and
50
are spaced an equal distance apart.
In addition to weight reduction, it should be appreciated that the openings
52
and
60
in the members
48
and
50
also intercommunicate the core spaces defined by the grid to provide an open interior within the panel. This interior space may be advantageously utilized to provide a duct or channel in the panel, a continuous space for electrical or mechanical runs and/or insulation or other fillers as required by a particular application, or an interior chamber that may be pressurized or evacuated or used for other purposes as desired.
To assemble the web core
42
, the desired number of longitudinal members
48
are evenly spaced parallel to one another in their desired configuration with projections
54
a
having slots
56
formed therein being aligned. Longitudinal members
48
may be held in position by a simple jig such as dowels
70
secured by clamps
72
to a table
74
or other surface. See
FIGS. 3 and 6
. Transverse cross members
50
are then inserted at their slots
64
into the slots
56
of the longitudinal members
48
. Thus, the longitudinal members
48
present rows and the transverse cross members
50
present columns of the web core
42
. Together they form a grid much in the same manner as partitions of egg crates or boxes for bottled goods.
The top and bottom skins
40
and
44
are mounted to the web core
42
with projections
54
and
62
and their corresponding openings
58
and
66
extending through the slits
46
of the skins. In this regard,
FIGS. 6 and 8
show the top and bottom skins
40
and
44
being mounted to the web core
42
.
As shown in detail in
FIGS. 9 and 10
, the skins
40
and
44
are secured to the web core
42
by securing wedges
80
which have a leg
82
that fits snugly within the rectangular openings
58
and
66
of the projections
54
and
62
. The projections
54
and
62
are secured at their corners to the corresponding skin
40
or
44
by tack or spot welds
84
. The wedges
80
may then be removed, the projections
54
(shown in detail) and
62
(not shown in detail) broken off, see broken projection
54
a
in
FIG. 10
, and the weld line
86
completed. Bonding methods other than welding may also be used, such as sufficiently strong adhesives. Alternatively, wedges
80
may be placed within the openings
58
and
66
, then clamps, such as clamps
72
, may be tightened around the skins
40
and
44
, the wedges
80
may be removed and the projections
54
and
62
may be welded or otherwise bonded to the skins
40
and
44
.
Projections, such as projections
54
and
62
, may be used with securing members other than wedges
80
, and rectangular slots
58
and
66
therein are not required. For example, wedges
80
may be replaced with a metal strapping system or other sufficiently strong clamping systems.
FIG. 12
shows a modified form of a transverse cross member
90
. It is similar to the transverse cross member
50
but includes differently formed projections
92
. Each projection
92
has a pair of opposed twist-off slots
94
extending therein near the base of the corresponding projection
92
.
Twist-off slots
94
facilitate the removal of the projections
92
from the transverse cross member
90
and eliminate the need for securing wedges
80
. Thus, as shown, the projections
92
do not include slots, such as rectangular slots
58
or
66
of longitudinal and transverse cross members
48
and
50
. In use, the twist-off slots
94
allow the projections
92
to be rotated or twisted 90° into a locking position, securing the web core to the plates. After welding or otherwise bonding the projections
92
to the corresponding skin, the projections
92
can be rotated further until they fail and break off. Of course, projections extending from longitudinal members
48
may be similarly configured.
The web core with projections or tabs as discussed above provides the ability to attach the web core to full skins (i.e., skins without securement access holes) from the panel's exterior and yet assemble panels that could be otherwise inaccessible from the edges given their small width.
Although it is possible to build very large single panels using metal skins directly from the supply coil up to about 10′ wide (e.g., a single 10′×100′ panel), it is more likely to be preferable to construct several panels and connect them together as desired. For example, twenty 5′×10′ panels could be connected together to make a larger panel of the required size. Thus, the panel-to-panel connection system for factory or on-site assembly is important to the overall system.
Now referring back to the drawings in this regard, two panel section halves, one being similar to half
30
and the other a mirror image thereof
30
a,
may be joined or secured together as in
FIGS. 13-16
. The longitudinal seam
22
of
FIG. 1
represents these joints.
As shown in
FIG. 13
, the joint between the longitudinal members
48
of halves
30
and
30
a
is formed by backing strips
100
secured by welding or another bonding method in tapered notches
102
above and below the protruding tapered free ends
104
of the longitudinal members
48
. As in
FIG. 14
, the joint is formed by bonding, such as by welding, abutting longitudinal member edges
106
together with tapered protruding guides
108
from the longitudinal members
48
engaging one another to further secure the panel halves
30
and
30
a
together.
Another joint between panel halves
30
and
30
a
is shown in FIG.
15
. Here, a rectangular tube
110
is set between the longitudinal members
48
, with one half of the tube
110
extending into each panel half
30
and
30
a.
Abutting longitudinal member edges
112
are bonded together above and below the tube
110
.
Yet another joint construction is shown in FIG.
16
. This joint includes longitudinal members
48
having tapered protruding ends
114
with circular apertures
116
therethrough. Apertures
116
are purposely misaligned. Rotation of rectangular tube
118
within misaligned apertures
116
in the clockwise direction shown cams the halves
30
and
30
a
into a secured locking relationship.
Referring to
FIGS. 17-20
, details of the web core construction of a second embodiment of a panel section of the present invention are shown. A transverse cross member
130
of the web core is similar to the cross member
50
of the first embodiment in that it comprises an elongated strip of sheet material configured to interfit with a longitudinal or primary member
132
as illustrated in
FIG. 18
where a junction of the two core members at a corner of the panel is shown. An open slot
134
in the lower half of cross member
130
(in the orientation of the components seen in
FIGS. 17 and 18
) is inserted into a corresponding slot
136
in the upper half of longitudinal member
132
to assemble the core. As in the first embodiment, the slots
134
and
136
are repeated at regular intervals as desired to form a grid core having the desired spacing between the longitudinal and transverse members. Two such slots
134
for cross member
130
are illustrated in FIG.
17
.
Initially before combining members
130
and
132
, the cross member
130
has the configuration shown in
FIG. 17
where it may be seen that a series of spaced projections in the form of rectangular ears
138
extend from the upper longitudinal edge of member
130
essentially in the same plane as the body of the member, and a series of opposing projections or ears
140
project from the lower longitudinal edge thereof. Each pair of opposing ears
138
,
140
is offset such that, as viewed in
FIG. 17
, the right edge of ear
138
is in substantial alignment with the left edge of opposing ear
140
. Thus, at each slot
134
, the ears
138
and
140
are on the left and right sides thereof as viewed in FIG.
17
. As in the first embodiment, longitudinally spaced circular openings
142
reduce the weight of member
130
.
The longitudinal members
132
of the grid core have the same configuration as the cross members
130
, except that the slots
136
therein extend from the upper edge of each member
132
to approximately the center of the material, as is apparent in FIG.
18
. Accordingly, each longitudinal member
132
likewise has a row of outwardly projecting ears
144
on one longitudinal edge thereof, and a row of outwardly projecting ears
146
on the opposite longitudinal edge thereof, with opposing ears
144
,
146
being offset. It should also be noted that notches
148
at the base of each ear
138
or
140
of member
130
, and notches
150
at the base of each ear
144
or
146
of member
132
, enable each of the ears to be readily bent to a position at right angles to the plane of the member as illustrated in
FIG. 18
to provide a means for mounting the top and bottom skins
152
and
154
thereto as illustrated in
FIGS. 19 and 20
.
In
FIG. 19
a panel section
156
is shown in a partial view during assembly. The bottom skin
154
has regularly spaced openings
158
therein corresponding to the grid pattern, i.e., rows and columns of the web core that will be provided by the longitudinal members
132
and the transverse cross members
130
. These openings
158
(and similarly arranged openings
160
in top skin
152
) are aligned with corresponding openings
162
in the ears
138
,
140
,
144
and
146
of the core members.
FIG. 19
illustrates the stage of assembly at one corner of the panel section
156
before the addition of the top skin
152
. Fasteners
164
are shown installed through respective openings
158
in bottom skin
154
and the openings
162
in ears
140
and
146
to connect the grid with the bottom skin
154
. It should be appreciated that, for clarity, the other longitudinal and cross members that would be inserted at slots
134
and
136
are omitted in FIG.
19
. Fasteners
164
of any suitable type may be used, such as the Huck C6L/C120L fastening system.
FIG. 20
is an enlarged elevational view showing the corner of panel section
156
seen in
FIG. 19
, upon installation of the top skin
152
and completion of fabrication. It will be appreciated that the interior of panel section
156
is not accessible at this last step of fabrication when top skin
152
is placed over the upper ears
138
and
144
with holes
160
in skin
152
and holes
162
in ears
138
and
144
in register. Therefore, blind fasteners
166
are installed from the top side of the panel section and extend through holes
160
and
162
as seen in
FIG. 20
to join the top skin
152
with the grid. A suitable fastener for this purpose is a Huck MS20600 blind rivet.
FIGS. 21 and 22
show alternative configurations of the paneling system. The panel
170
of
FIG. 21
provides a double wall of protection (such as against leakage in fluid storage tanks) and includes three skins
172
,
174
and
176
secured together by two web cores
178
and
180
as previously described herein. The panel
190
of
FIG. 22
is very similar to panel half
30
but has its skins
192
and
194
secured together by a web core
196
of a progressive decreasing width as viewed from left to right. Thus, these figures further illustrate the panel system's adaptability for a variety of applications.
Claims
- 1. A structural panel comprising:a first skin, a second skin, a web core securing said skins together in a spaced relationship, including a plurality of spaced-apart elongated primary members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein extending through corresponding projections, said web core further including a plurality of spaced-apart cross members each having spaced slots therein receiving said primary members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between said first and second skins, and means cooperating with said projections for connecting said primary members to the respective skins to provide a rigid panel structure.
- 2. The structural panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said primary and cross members is composed of a sheet material of desired thickness.
- 3. The structural panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes welds or adhesive bonds at said projections.
- 4. The structural panel as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for connecting a plurality of said panels together.
- 5. The structural panel as claimed in claim 4 wherein the last mentioned means for connecting includes strip members bonded to free ends of adjacent panels.
- 6. A structural panel system comprising:a plurality of panel members; means for coupling said panel members together; each said panel member having: a first skin; a second skin; and a web core member securing said skins together in a spaced relationship and including a plurality of spaced-apart primary members and spaced-apart cross members, each of said primary members including spaced projections extending from opposed sides thereof through respective skins, at least some of said projections having a first slot extending therethrough and into the associated primary member, each of said cross members mounted to said primary members of a corresponding panel at a plurality of spaced-apart second slots extending partially through said cross member, one said second slot being received within one said first slot, said members thereby presenting said web core, and means for bonding said projections to the respective skins to provide a rigid panel structure.
- 7. The structural panel system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said means for bonding includes welds at said projections.
- 8. The structural panel system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said cross members include spaced projections extending therefrom through said first and second skins.
- 9. The structural panel system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said spaced slots of said cross members extend through corresponding projections thereof.
- 10. The structural panel system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said means for coupling includes strip members bonded to free ends of adjacent panel members.
- 11. A structural panel comprising:a first skin, a second skin, a web core securing said skins together in a spaced relationship, including a plurality of spaced-apart elongated primary members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein, said web core further including a plurality of spaced-apart cross members having spaced projections extending therefrom and further having spaced slots therein extending through corresponding projections and receiving said primary members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between said first and second skins, and means cooperating with said projections for connecting said primary and cross members to the respective skins to provide a rigid panel structure.
- 12. A lightweight structural panel comprising:a first skin, a second skin, a web core sandwiched between said skins to maintain the skins in a fixed, spaced relationship, including a plurality of elongated, relatively thin, spaced-apart primary members having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein, said web core further including a plurality of elongated, relatively thin, spaced-apart cross members having longitudinally spaced slots therein receiving said primary members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between said first and second skins, said first and second skins spanning said grid work to present opposed faces of said panel, and means for securing said web core and skins together, comprising longitudinally spaced mounting ears on said primary and cross members positioned generally parallel to respective skins, and a plurality of fasteners securing said skins to said ears to present a rigid panel structure.
- 13. A lightweight structural panel comprising:a first skin, a second skin, a web core sandwiched between said skins to maintain the skins in a fixed, spaced relationship, including a plurality of elongated, relatively thin, spaced-apart primary members having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein, said web core further including a plurality of elongated, relatively thin, spaced-apart cross members having longitudinally spaced slots therein receiving said primary members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between said first and second skins, said first and second skins spanning said grid work to present opposed faces of said panel, and means for securing said web core and skins together, comprising longitudinally spaced projections extending from said primary and cross members in opposed directions through respective skins, and welds or adhesive bonds at said projections joining said primary and cross members to the respective skins at each projection to present a rigid panel structure.
- 14. A structural panel system for a railroad car comprising:a plurality of panel members adapted to provide an enclosure over a load carried by a railroad car; means for joining said panel members together to present said enclosure; and each of said panel members having: a first skin, a second skin, a web core sandwiched between said skins to maintain the skins in a fixed, spaced relationship, including a plurality of elongated, relatively thin, spaced-apart primary members having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein, said web core further including a plurality of elongated, relatively thin, spaced-apart cross members having longitudinally spaced slots therein receiving said primary members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between said first and second skins, said first and second skins spanning said grid work to present opposed faces of said panel, and means for securing said web core and skins together, comprising longitudinally spaced projections extending from said primary and cross members in opposed directions through respective skins, and welds or adhesive bonds at said projections joining said primary and cross members to the respective skins at each projection to present a rigid panel structure.
US Referenced Citations (40)