Extruded Structural Beam

Abstract

An extruded structural beam having a first member comprising rigid webbing interposed between a top flange and bottom flange. The top and bottom flanges of the first member each have a groove formed thereon for receiving a spline to secure screening material. Similarly, a second member having rigid webbing interposed between a top flange and bottom flange have a groove formed on the flanges for receiving a spline to secure screening material. The top and bottom flanges of both the first member and second member each further comprise opposing longitudinal channels for coupling the flanges so that a rectangular structural beam is formed. The outer surfaces of the flanges each further comprise a longitudinal slot so that a plurality of fasteners can be installed, through the longitudinal slots and flanges to secure the first member and second member together.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to structural beams, and more specifically to using a novel means of assembly and flange design to increase the strength, of a structural beam.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]It is common for lightweight aluminum alloy beams to be used to construct the framework for a screened pool enclosure. The beams are typically assembled in the field from two separate members to form a hollow box beam. The distance that the aluminum beam can span over an open space without additional support is determined by the thickness, or gauge, of the aluminum. Another factor is dimensions of the beam. Although a beam with a larger cross section provides additional, strength and can span larger distances, a disadvantage to a larger beam is that it is not aesthetically pleasing, is heavy in weight making it more difficult to work with in the field and more expensive.[0005]There have been attemp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The improved structural beam provides increased strength of the beam through a novel means of assembly and flange design that when assembled has three overlying flange layers. The invention allows for greater spans to be bridged by the new beam using the assembly of two separate members with the new flange configuration that can be easily cut and joined together in the field thereby improving ease of installation and reducing costs. The trademark name for this invention is suggested to be the “Triple Flange Beam.”

[0017]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved structural beam that has interlocking flanges to increase the strength of the beam.

[0018]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved structural beam with two separate members that act as one unit and to decrease the likelihood of local buckling under design loads.

[0019]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved structural beam that increases span distances over the standard legacy beam shape in the industry.

[0020]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved structural beam that is lightweight and easy to assemble in the field.

Problems solved by technology

Although a beam with a larger cross section provides additional, strength and can span larger distances, a disadvantage to a larger beam is that it is not aesthetically pleasing, is heavy in weight making it more difficult to work with in the field and more expensive.

Therefore, a weakness of the prior art beams is that the fasteners securing the flanges of the two members together are subject to high tension, which may cause the beam to fell under load.

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