Structural beam

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural beam for use in a building, the structural beam comprising a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; at least two spaced apart wall members each wall member extending parallel with the longitudinal axis, abase member spanning between the at least two spaced apart wall members, wherein the base member and each wall member cooperate to form a trough for receiving cement, wherein each wall member includes: a first ledge extending outwardly away from the trough and; a second ledge extending outwardly away from the trough; wherein the first ledge and second ledge cooperate to form a channel dimensioned for receiving a part of an insulation member.

Claims

1. A system for use in a building, the system comprising: a structural beam for use in the building, the structural beam comprising a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending there-between; at least two spaced apart wall members, each wall member extending parallel with the longitudinal axis; and a base member spanning between the at least two spaced apart wall members, wherein the base member and each wall member cooperate to form a trough for receiving concrete, wherein each wall member includes: a first ledge extending outwardly away from the trough; and a second ledge extending outwardly away from the trough, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge cooperate to form a channel dimensioned for receiving a part of an insulation member, wherein the first ledge is in the same plane as the base member, wherein the structural beam comprises a fiber reinforced polymer having continuous fibers extending longitudinally between the first end and second end, and includes a camber between the first end and the second end to compensate for the weight of the concrete within the trough when the beam is in situ, and wherein the structural beam is a floor beam; and the insulation member, at least part of which is retained within the channel formed by the cooperation of the first and second ledge of at least the first wall member.

2. The system according to claim 1, in which a first insulation member is retained within the channel formed by the cooperation of the first and second ledge of the first wall member and a second insulation member is retained within the channel formed by the cooperation of the first and second ledge of the second wall member.

3. The system according to claim 1, in which the insulation member is bonded to at least part of the channel.

4. The system according to claim 1, in which the insulation member is a polystyrene.

5. The system according to claim 4, in which the polystyrene is an expanded polystyrene (EPS).

6. A floor constructed using a plurality of structural beams, wherein each structural beam comprises: a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending there-between; at least two spaced apart wall members, each wall member extending parallel with the longitudinal axis; and a base member spanning between the at least two spaced apart wall members, wherein the base member and each wall member cooperate to form a trough for receiving concrete, wherein each wall member includes: a first ledge extending outwardly away from the trough; and a second ledge extending outwardly away from the trough, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge cooperate to form a channel dimensioned for receiving a part of an insulation member, wherein the first ledge is in the same plane as the base member, wherein each structural beam comprises a fiber reinforced polymer having continuous fibers extending longitudinally between the first end and second end, and includes a camber between the first end and the second end to compensate for the weight of the concrete within the trough when the beam is in situ, and wherein each structural beam is a floor beam.

7. A kit comprising: a structural beam for use in a building, the structural beam comprising a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending there-between; at least two spaced apart wall members, each wall member extending parallel with the longitudinal axis; and a base member spanning between the at least two spaced apart wall members, wherein the base member and each wall member cooperate to form a trough for receiving concrete, wherein each wall member includes: a first ledge extending outwardly away from the trough; and a second ledge extending outwardly away from the trough, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge cooperate to form a channel dimensioned for receiving a part of an insulation member, wherein the first ledge is in the same plane as the base member, wherein the structural beam comprises a fiber reinforced polymer having continuous fibers extending longitudinally between the first end and second end, and includes a camber between the first end and the second end to compensate for the weight of the concrete within the trough when the beam is in situ, and wherein the structural beam is a floor beam; and the insulation member.

8. A method of installing a floor system within a building, the method comprising the steps of: (a) installing a structural beam for use in the building, the structural beam comprising a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending there-between; at least two spaced apart wall members, each wall member extending parallel with the longitudinal axis; and a base member spanning between the at least two spaced apart wall members, wherein the base member and each wall member cooperate to form a trough for receiving concrete, wherein each wall member includes: a first ledge extending outwardly away from the trough; and a second ledge extending outwardly away from the trough, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge cooperate to form a channel dimensioned for receiving a part of an insulation member, wherein the first ledge is in the same plane as the base member, wherein the structural beam comprises a fiber reinforced polymer having continuous fibers extending longitudinally between the first end and second end, and includes a camber between the first end and the second end to compensate for the weight of the concrete within the trough when the beam is in situ, and wherein the structural beam is a floor beam; and (b) installing the at least part of the insulation member into the channel formed by the cooperation of the first ledge and the second ledge of at least the first wall member or the second wall member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a cross section of a structural beam according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a floor system using the structural beam according to the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a first unit consisting of a structural beam according to the present invention preassembled with an insulation member;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a second unit consisting of an assembly of two structural beams according to the present invention which are preassembled with an insulation member sandwiched therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(6) Although particular constructions of the invention have been described, it will be appreciated that many modifications/additions and/or substitutions may be made within the scope of the claimed invention.

(7) FIG. 1 shows an example of the structural beam 10 of the present invention. This structural beam is shown as a floor beam. The floor beam 10 includes a first wall member 12 which is spaced apart from the second wall member 14. Each wall member extends parallel with a longitudinal axis that extends along the length of the beam from a first end to a second end. A base member 16 spans between the first wall member and the second wall member. The base member 16 cooperates with the first wall member 12 and the second wall member 14 to form a trough 18 for receiving cement.

(8) The first wall member 12 includes a first ledge 20a extending outwardly away from the trough 18. As shown in this construction, the first ledge 20a extends outwardly from the wall member at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the wall member. The first ledge extends outwardly in line with the base member 16.

(9) The first wall member 12 also includes a second ledge 22a extending outwardly away from the trough 18. As shown in this construction, the second ledge 22a extends outwardly from the wall member at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the wall member. The second ledge extends outwardly from the top end 24 of the beam.

(10) The first ledge 20a and the second ledge 22a on the first wall member 12 cooperate to form a channel 26 for receiving a part of an insulation member.

(11) The second wall member 14 includes a first ledge 20b extending outwardly away from the trough 18. As shown in this construction, the first ledge 20b extends outwardly from the wall member at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the wall member. The first ledge extends outwardly in line with the base member 16.

(12) The second wall member 14 also includes a second ledge 22b extending outwardly away from the trough 18. As shown in this construction, the second ledge 22b extends outwardly from the wall member at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the wall member. The second ledge extends outwardly from the top end 24 of the beam.

(13) The first ledge 20b and the second ledge 22b on the second wall member 14 cooperate to form a channel 28 for receiving a part of an insulation member.

(14) FIG. 2 shows a floor system 100 constructed using the structural beam 10 according to the present invention. A region of a first insulation member 200 is received and retained within channel 26 of the beam. A region of a second insulation member 300 is received and retained within channel 28 of the beam. A concrete screed 400 is poured into the trough 18 and over the upper surface of the beam 10, the first insulation member 200 and the second insulation member 300.

(15) The structural beam of the invention may be delivered to the construction site as a standalone unit. Optionally, the structural beam may be delivered as a preassembled unit with an insulation member 200.

(16) FIG. 3 shows a unit that consists of a structural beam 10 of the present invention preassembled with an insulation member 200. In this construction the insulation member is retained within the channel associated with the first wall member. It is also envisaged that in the alternative, the insulation member is retained within the channel associated with the second wall member.

(17) FIG. 4 shows a unit that consists of two structural beams 10 of the present invention preassembled with an insulation member 200 sandwiched inbetween.

(18) Although particular constructions of the invention have been described, it will be appreciated that many modifications/additions and/or substitutions may be made within the scope of the claimed invention.