Structural support beam

Abstract

A structural support beam for use in buildings, bridges, mechanical frames and the like to resist bending due to gravitational and external forces comprising a top substantially flat flange disposed in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange by an interconnecting web and a lower stabilizing brace disposed to engage the opposite end portions of the bottom substantially concave flange and the opposite end portions of the interconnecting web to reinforce the interconnection therebetween.

Claims

1. A structural support beam configured to resist bending due to gravitational forces and external loads comprising a top substantially flat flange held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange by an interconnecting web including a concave lower surface having substantially the same radius of curvature as said bottom substantially concave flange and a lower stabilizer comprising a substantially flat brace including an upper surface disposed in substantially parallel relation relative to said top substantially flat flange and a separate retainer member secured to each end portion of said substantially flat brace, each said separate retainer member including an inner surface and an outer surface disposed substantially perpendicular to said top substantially flat flange and said bottom substantially concave flange disposed to engage a corresponding end surface of said bottom substantially concave flange, a corresponding end surface of said substantially flat interconnecting web and a corresponding end surface of said top substantially flat flange to secure said top substantially flat flange, said bottom substantially concave flange and said interconnecting web together and limit longitudinal expansion thereof.

2. The structural support beam of claim 1 further including a reinforcing rib extending outwardly from each said retainer member.

3. The structural support beam of claim 1 further including a reinforcing rib extending downwardly from opposite side portions of said lower stabilizer.

4. A structural support beam configured to resist bending due to gravitational forces and external loads comprising a top substantially flat flange having a substantially flat end surface formed on each end thereof held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom flange including a substantially concave upper surface and having a substantially flat end surface formed on each end thereof by an interconnecting web including a lower concave lower surface with substantially the same radius of curvature as said bottom flange and having a substantially flat end surface formed on each end thereof, and a lower stabilizer comprising a substantially flat brace including an upper surface disposed in substantially parallel relation relative to said top substantially flat flange and having a retainer member disposed on each end of said substantially flat brace, each said retainer member including an inner surface disposed substantially perpendicular to said substantially flat brace, said top substantially flat flange, said interconnecting web and said bottom flange wherein said inner surface of each said retainer member is disposed to engage a corresponding end surface of said bottom flange, a corresponding end surface of said substantially flat interconnecting web and a corresponding end surface of said top substantially flat flange to secure said top substantially flat flange, said bottom flange and said interconnecting web together and limit longitudinal expansion thereof.

5. The structural support beam of claim 4 further including a reinforcing rib extending outwardly from each said retainer member.

6. The structural support beam of claim 4 further including a reinforcing rib extending downwardly from opposite side portions of said lower stabilizer.

7. A structural support beam configured to resist bending due to gravitational forces and external loads comprising a top substantially flat flange held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange by an interconnecting web including a concave lower surface having substantially the same radius of curvature as said bottom substantially concave flange and a lower stabilizer comprising a pair of retainer members operatively coupled together by an intermediate longitudinally disposed brace by a corresponding pair of coupling devices, each said retainer member including an inner surface disposed substantially perpendicular to said top substantially flat flange and said bottom substantially concave flange disposed to engage a corresponding end surface of said bottom substantially concave flange, a corresponding end surface of said substantially flat interconnecting web and a corresponding end surface of said top substantially flat flange to secure said top substantially flat flange, said bottom substantially concave flange and said interconnecting web together and limit longitudinal expansion thereof.

8. The structural support beam of claim 7 wherein said intermediate longitudinally disposed brace comprises a flexible element drawn tight or taut by said pair of coupling devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional end view of a T-shaped support beam of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional end view of a T-shaped support beam of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional end view of an I-shaped support beam of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional end view of a triangular shaped support bias of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional end view of a triangular shaped support beam of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional end view of a C or U shaped beam of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 2 is a side view of an I-beam under stress supported on pilings or pillars.

(9) FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the structural support beam of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the structural support beam of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of the structural support beam of the present invention taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

(12) FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of an alternate embodiment of the structural support beam of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 7 is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the structural support beam of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 8 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the structural support beam of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the structural support beam of the present invention taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

(16) FIG. 10 is a top view of still another alternate embodiment of the structural support beam of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 11 is a side view of the structural support beam of the present invention with an alternate embodiment of the lower stabilizer or retainer.

(18) Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(19) Numerous shapes and configurations of support beam structures are exemplified in FIGS. 1A through 1F. Generally, these configurations are selected for specific application and strength. To provide additional strength different materials are employed. In addition, the gauge or thickness of the material used is varied to meet specific stress and strength requirement.

(20) FIG. 2 illustrates the compression and tension forces exerted on a load bearing support I-beam.

(21) These designs have inherent limitations due to the geometry of the beams in dealing with forces depicted in FIG. 2.

(22) The purpose of the present invention is to create a new geometry design that will provide greater strength while reducing weight in a single member unit to be used in load carrying applications similar to a beam.

(23) Its function is to redirect the downward forces of gravity in such a manner as to cause the forces into compression on the load carrying top section thus causing the forces to be lateral or horizontal and then to transfer the forces to the ends where the connection will be made. The bottom section will not be connected except on the ends where connections will be made, and the downward forces will transfer. It should be noted the upper section and lower section are not connected except on the ends and thus remove the shear effect from the upper section and remove the deflection effects from the lower section and allow effects to be altered needed.

(24) FIGS. 3 through 5 depict the structural support beam of the present invention generally indicated as 10. The structural support beams described below may be constructed from a variety of materials such as metals including steel, aluminum or magnesium, fiberglass, concrete, wood, carbon fiber or generally used construction materials.

(25) The structural support beam 10 comprises a top substantially flat flange 12 held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange 14 by a substantially flat interconnecting web 16 including a lower concave surface 18 having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the bottom substantially concave flange 14 such that when assembled the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 form an integral structural beam as best shown in FIG. 4.

(26) As depicted in FIG. 5, the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 is substantially perpendicular to the top substantially flat flange 12 and the bottom substantially concave flange 14.

(27) It has been observed that excessive tension forces exerted on opposite ends each generally indicated as 20 of the structural support beam 10 may cause the bottom substantially concave flange 14 to separate from the substantially flat interconnecting web 16. A lower stabilizer or retainer generally indicated as 24 is secured to the structural support beam 10 to prevent the bottom substantially concave flange 14 and the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 from separating or substantially deflecting. Specifically, the lower stabilizer or retainer 24 comprises a substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26 having a substantially flat retainer member 28 formed at each end thereof. The substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26 is substantially parallel to the top substantially flat flange 12; while, the retainer members 28 are substantially perpendicular to the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16.

(28) Thus, when the structural support beam 10 and lower stabilizer or retainer 24 are affixed together as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 30 of each retainer member 28 engages the corresponding end surface 32 of the bottom substantially concave flange 14, the corresponding end surface 34 of the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 and the corresponding end surface 36 of the top substantially flat flange 12 to secure the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14, and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 together.

(29) FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the structural support beam.

(30) Specifically, the structural support beam 10 comprised a top substantially flat flange 12 held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange 14 by a substantially flat interconnecting web 16 including a lower concave surface 18 having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the substantially concave flange 14 such that when assembled, the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 for an integral structural beam 10 similar to that best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(31) In addition, a substantially flat retainer member 28 is formed on each end of the substantially concave bottom flange 14. The substantially flat retainer members 28 are substantially perpendicular to the top substantially flat flange beam 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 such that when the structural support beam 10 is fully assembled the inner surface 30 of each substantially flat retainer member 28 engage the corresponding end surface 34 of the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 and corresponding end surface 36 of the top substantially flat flange 12 to secure the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 together as an integrated unit by welding or similar method.

(32) FIG. 7 shows another alternate embodiment of the structural support beam 10. Specifically, the structural support beam 10 comprises a top substantially flat flange 12 held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange 14 by a substantially flat interconnecting web 16 including a lower concave surface 18 having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the substantially concave flange equal to the radius of curvature of the substantially concave flange 14 such that when assembled, the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 form an integral structural beam 10 similar to that shown in FIG. 4. Each end portion of the bottom substantially concave flange 14 comprises a flat end portion 15.

(33) As depicted in FIG. 7, the substantially flat interconnecting web is substantially perpendicular to the top substantially flat flange 12 and the bottom substantially concave flange 14.

(34) A lower stabilizer or retainer generally indicated as 24 is secured to the structural support beam 10 to prevent the bottom substantially concave beam 18 and the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 from separating or substantially deflecting. Specifically, the lower stabilizer or retainer 24 comprises a substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26 having a substantially flat retainer member 28 formed at each end thereof. The substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26 is substantially parallel to the top substantially flat flange 12; while, the retainer members 28 are substantially perpendicular to the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16.

(35) Thus, when the structural support flange 10 and lower stabilizer or retainer 24 are affixed together as shown in FIG. 7, the inner surface 30 of each retainer member 28 engages the corresponding end surface 30 of the bottom substantially concave flange 14, the corresponding end surface 34 of the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 and the corresponding end surface 36 of the top substantially flat flange 12 to secure the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14, and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 together. In addition, each flat end portion 15 is welded or otherwise affixed to the upper surface at each end of the substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26.

(36) FIGS. 8 and 9 depict yet another alternative embodiment of the structural support beam 10 similar to the structural support beam 10 shown in FIGS. 3 through 5.

(37) Specifically, the structural support beam 10 comprised a top substantially flat flange 12 held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange 14 by a substantially flat interconnecting web 16 including a lower concave surface 18 having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the substantially concave flange 14 such that when assembled, the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 for an integral structural beam 10 similar to that best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(38) In addition, a substantially flat reinforcing rib 38 is formed on and substantially perpendicular to each side portion 40 of the substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26 and each side portion 42 of each substantially flat retainer member 28.

(39) FIG. 10 depicts still another alternative embodiment of the structural support beam.

(40) Specifically, the structural support beam 10 comprised a top substantially flat flange 12 held in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange 14 by a substantially flat interconnecting web 16 including a lower concave surface 18 having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the substantially concave flange 14 such that when assembled, the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 for an integral structural beam 10 similar to that best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(41) In addition, a substantially flat reinforcing rib 44 is formed on and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally mid portion 46 of the substantially flat longitudinally disposed brace 26 and the mid portion 48 of each substantially flat retainer member 28.

(42) FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the lower stabilizer or retainer 24. Specifically, the lower stabilizer or retainer 24 comprises a pair of retainer members each generally indicated as 28 operatively coupled together by an intermediate longitudinally disposed brace 29 by a corresponding pair of coupling devices each generally indicated as 35.

(43) Each retainer member 28 comprises a first retainer leg 31 substantially parallel to the top substantially flat flange and a second retainer leg 33 disposed substantially perpendicular to the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14 and substantially flat interconnecting web 16.

(44) The intermediate longitudinally disposed brace 29 comprises a flexible member such as a cable or chain drawn tight or taut by the coupling devices each generally indicated as 35 such as a turn-buckle or the like.

(45) When the structural support beam 10 and lower stabilizer or retainer 24 are affixed together, the inner surface 30 of each second retainer leg 33 engages the corresponding end surface 32 of the bottom substantially concave flange 14, the corresponding end surface 34 of the substantially flat interconnecting web 16 and the corresponding end surface 36 of the top substantially flat flange 12 to secure the top substantially flat flange 12, bottom substantially concave flange 14, and substantially flat interconnecting web 16 together.

(46) Of course, each of the structural elements are welded or otherwise affixed together.

(47) It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

(48) It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

(49) Now that the invention has been described,