Tensile apparatus for a structure and method of use

Abstract

Described is an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from a structure. The apparatus comprises a first connector for connecting to a first end of a tie rod and to a first connection point in a structure, the first connector comprising two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other. Each connector half comprises a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the first end of the tie rod therethrough, the opening formed by a concavity in the metal, a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the first connection point, and a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion. For each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.1 times a lateral component of this same distance.

Description

TENSILE APPARATUS FOR A STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF USEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for receiving tensile force from a structure and a method of reinforcing a structure with such an apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0002] In construction, there is a need to brace structures to resist, restrict, or control their movement. Bracing can be achieved in a number of ways.

[0003] One way to brace a structure is by adding a tensile apparatus such as a tension tie. A tension tie is a tie that is tensioned between two points in a structure. For example, a tension tie may be tensioned between a wall and a roof, between two walls, or between two members of a building frame. When an external force is applied to the structure in a direction that increases the tensile stress within the tension tie, the resultant, opposite force from the tension tie can mitigate movement of the structure.

[0004] In some instances, multiple tension ties may be used to brace a structure against movement in multiple directions. For example, two ties may extend between two vertical members (or walls). The first tie may extend from the top of the first vertical member to the bottom of the second vertical member and the second tie may extend from the bottom of the first vertical member to the top of the second vertical member, so that the two ties extend in substantially the same plane. In this way, the ties can brace the vertical members against any external force with a directional component parallel to the plane of extension.

[0005] One form of tension tie comprises a tie rod made of steel and connectors that connect each end of the tie rod to the structure to be braced. This form of tension tie can be tensioned once in place in order to form a pre-tension.

[0006] The design of existing connectors can result in tension ties with limited usability. In particular, the dimensions of the connectors can result in tension ties that may need to be connected to very specific parts of the structure - specifically corners of flat plates. This limitation can complicate the process of fitting these tension ties to a structure, as appropriately shaped flat plates may first need to be welded in place.

[0007] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, provide an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from a structure, provide a method of reinforcing a structure with an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from the structure, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure may provide an apparatus, for receiving a tensile force from a structure, comprising a first connector for connecting to a first end of a tie rod and to a first connection point in a structure, the first connector comprising two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other, each connector half comprising a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the first end of the tie rod therethrough, the opening formed by a concavity in the metal, a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the first connection point, and, a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein, for each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.1 times a lateral component of this same distance.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present disclosure describes an apparatus, for receiving a tensile force from a structure, comprising a first connector for connecting to a first end of a tie rod and to a first connection point in a structure, the first connector comprising: two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other, each connector half comprising: a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the first end of the tie rod therethrough, the opening formed by a concavity in the metal, a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the first connection point, and, a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, wherein for each connector half, a length of the connector half is at most 2.7 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of reinforcing a structure with an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from the structure, comprising assembling the apparatus byproviding a tie rod with a first end comprising a first thread and a second end comprising a second thread, connecting first and second substantially identical connectors to the respective first and second ends of the tie rod, each connector comprising two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other, each connector half comprising a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the corresponding end of the tie rod therethrough, a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the corresponding connection point in the structure, a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, and an outer force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being furthest from a centre of the tie rod, wherein, for each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.1 times a lateral component of the same distance, and threading first and second anchor nuts onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective outer force surfaces of the first and second connectors, relative to the centre of the tie rod, such that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod and the first and second connectors via the respective first and second anchor nuts and the corresponding outer force surfaces, and connecting the apparatus to the structure by inserting connection fasteners through the connection holes in the first and second connectors and through structure holes in corresponding first and second connection points in the structure.

[0011] According to another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method of reinforcing a structure with an apparatus, for receiving a tensile force from the structure, comprising assembling the apparatus by providing a tie rod with a first end comprising a first thread and a second end comprising a second thread, connecting first and second substantially identical connectors to the respective first and second ends of the tie rod, each connector comprising two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other, each connector half comprising a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the corresponding end of the tie rod therethrough,a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the corresponding connection point in the structure, a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, and an outer force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being furthest from a centre of the tie rod, wherein, for each connector half, a length of the connector half is at most 2.7 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half, threading first and second anchor nuts onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective outer force surfaces of the first and second connectors, relative to the centre of the tie rod, such that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod and the first and second connectors via the respective first and second anchor nuts and the corresponding outer force surfaces, connecting the apparatus to the structure by inserting connection fasteners through the connection holes in the first and second connectors and through structure holes in corresponding first and second connection points in the structure.

[0012] The following configurations may apply to one or more of the aspects above.

[0013] In one configuration, for each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion may be 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 times a lateral component of this same distance, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values.

[0014] In one configuration, for each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion may be more than 1.1 times a lateral component of this same distance.

[0015] In one configuration, for each connector half, the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole to the point at which the second portion meets the transition portion may be more than 1.3 times the lateral component of this same distance.

[0016] In one configuration, for each connector half, the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole to the point at which the second portion meets the transition portion may be more than 1.7 times the lateral component of this same distance.

[0017] In one configuration, for each connector half, the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole to the point at which the second portion meets the transition portion may be more than 2.1 times the lateral component of this same distance.

[0018] In one configuration, for each connector half, a length of the connector half may be at most 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 or 2.7 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values.

[0019] In one configuration, for each connector half, a length of the connector half may be at most 2.7 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

[0020] In one configuration, for each connector half, a length of the connector half may be at most 2.5 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

[0021] In one configuration, for each connector half, a length of the connector half may be at most 2 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

[0022] In one configuration, for each connector half, the length of the connector half may be at most 1.8 times the length of the second portion in the direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

[0023] In one configuration, the apparatus may further comprise: the tie rod further comprising a second end, wherein the first end comprises a first thread and the second end comprises a second thread, and a second connector for connecting to a second end of the tie rod and to a second connection point in the structure, wherein the second connector is substantially identical to the first connector, so that the apparatus is a tension tie.

[0024] In one configuration, each connector half may comprise an outer force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being furthest from a centre of the tie rod.

[0025] In one configuration the apparatus may further comprise a first anchor nut and a second anchor nut, wherein the first and second anchor nuts are configured for being threaded onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective outer force surfaces of the first and second connectors, relative to the centre of the tie rod, such that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod and the first and second connectors via the respective first and second anchor nuts and the corresponding outer force surfaces.

[0026] In one configuration, the apparatus may further comprise one or more of:i) first and second securing nuts configured for being threaded onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective first and second anchor nuts, relative to the centre of the tie rod, and so they apply a compressive force to the respective first and second anchor nuts, and ii) first and second spring washers configured for being positioned between the respective first and second anchor nuts and the respective first and second securing nuts, provided the respective first and second securing nuts are present.

[0027] In one configuration, each connector half may comprise an inner force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being closest to a centre of the tie rod, and the apparatus may further comprise one or more of: i) third and fourth securing nuts configured for being threaded onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned inwards of the respective inner force surfaces of the respective first and second connectors, relative to a centre of the tie rod, and so that they apply a compressive force to the respective first and second connectors via the respective inner force surfaces, and ii) third and fourth spring washers configured for being positioned between the respective third and fourth securing nuts and the respective inner force surfaces of each of the first and second connectors, provided the respective third and fourth securing nuts are present.

[0028] In one configuration, the tie rod may comprise a coupler configured for connecting a first sub-part and a second sub-part of the tie rod, the coupler may comprise one or more coupler threads for receiving corresponding threaded inner ends of the first and second sub-parts at opposite first and second coupler ends.

[0029] In one configuration, the apparatus may further comprise one or more of: i) fifth and sixth securing nuts configured for being threaded onto the respective threaded inner ends of the first and second sub-parts so that they apply a compressive force to the respective first and second coupler ends, and ii) fifth and sixth spring washers configured for being positioned between the respective fifth and sixth securing nuts and the respective first and second coupler ends, provided the first and sixth securing nuts are present.

[0030] In one configuration, each connector half may define an access aperture that passes through the connector half for providing access to the corresponding anchor nut.

[0031] In one configuration, a first maximum extension Ml of the access aperture in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half and a second maximum extension M2 of theaccess aperture in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector half may have a ratio in the range of 2 < M1 / M2 < 3.

[0032] In one configuration, each connector may comprise at least one securing hole that extends through each of the corresponding connector halves, and at least one corresponding securing fastener configured for extending through the at least one securing hole for securing the corresponding connector halves together.

[0033] In one configuration, the apparatus may further comprise at least one connection fastener configured for extending through the connection holes in each respective connector half and through a structure hole in the corresponding connection point in the structure.

[0034] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0035] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0036] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0037] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or" or both.

[0038] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0039] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a top view of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a top view of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5 shows a view of two tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6 shows a top view of a coupler of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a top view of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a tensile apparatus according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Described is an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from a structure. The apparatus comprises a first connector for connecting to a first end of a tie rod and to a first connection point in a structure. The first connector comprises two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other. Each connector half comprises a substantially annular piece of metal. Each connector half also comprises a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the first end of the tie rod therethrough. The opening is formed by a concavity in the metal. Each connector half also comprises a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion. The second portion defines a connection hole for connecting to the first connection point. Each connector half also comprises a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion.

[0049] Also described is a method of reinforcing a structure with an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from the structure. The method comprises assembling the apparatus by providing a tie rod with a first end comprising a first thread and a second end comprising a second thread, and connecting first and second substantially identical connectors to the respective first and second ends of the tie rod. Each connector comprises two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other. Each connector half comprises a substantially annular piece of metal. Each connector half also comprises a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the corresponding end of the tie rod therethrough. Each connector half also comprises a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion. The second portion defines a connection hole forconnecting to the corresponding connection point in the structure. Each connector half also comprises a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, and an outer force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being furthest from a centre of the tie rod.

[0050] The method further comprises assembling the apparatus by threading first and second anchor nuts onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective outer force surfaces of the first and second connectors, relative to the centre of the tie rod. In this way, the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod and the first and second connectors via the respective first and second anchor nuts and the corresponding outer force surfaces.

[0051] The method further comprises connecting the apparatus to the structure by inserting connection fasteners through the connection holes in the first and second connectors and through structure holes in corresponding first and second connection points in the structure.

[0052] Described is an apparatus for receiving a tensile force from a structure (i.e. a tensile apparatus). A benefit of the design of this apparatus is that it can be connected to a structure at a more acute angle than other, existing tension tie apparatus. This in turn provides a benefit in which an apparatus as described can be connected to a variety of points on the structure, not just corners of flat plates. Therefore, the described apparatus may represent a more usable and widely applicable tensile apparatus relative to existing apparatus. Furthermore, because of its proportions, the described apparatus may achieve this greater usability and applicability without requiring an uneconomical and / or impractical amount of expensive material such as steel.

[0053] Described is an apparatus 10. A use for the apparatus is receiving a tensile force from a structure 1. For example, a structure under cyclic loading (e.g. earthquake loading).

[0054] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the apparatus comprises a first connector 30. The first connector 30 is configured for connecting to a first end 22 of a tie rod 20 and to a first connection point 2 in the structure 1. The first connector 30 comprises two substantially identical (e.g. identical) connector halves 31. The two connector halves are configured for contacting each other.

[0055] Each connector half 31 comprises a substantially annular piece of metal such as steel. The metal may have a thickness of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 mm, and useful ranges or values may be selected between any of these values (for example, between 5 mm and 13 mm, 6.4 mm, 7.9 mm, 9.5 mm, or 12.7 mm.)

[0056] Each connector half 31 comprises a first portion 310. The first portion 310 comprises an opening 32. The opening 32 is formed by a concavity in the metal of the first portion 310. The opening 32 is configured for receiving the first end 22 of the tie rod 20 therethrough.

[0057] Each connector half 31 comprises a second portion 312. The second portion 312 is offset from the first portion 310. This offset means that, when two connector halves 31 are placed in contact with one another (i.e. assembled together) with the two first portions 310 contacting each other, there is a gap between the two second portions 312. This gap is configured for accommodating the first connection point 2 of the structure 1.

[0058] The second portion 312 defines a connection hole 100. The connection hole 100 may be positioned in a lateral centre of the connector half 31. The connection hole 100 is configured for receiving a connection fastener 110. The connection fastener 110 may comprise a bolt that also extends through a first structure hole 3 in the first connection point 2 of the structure 1. In this way, the connection fastener may connect the first connector 30 to the first connection point 2.Alternatively, the connection fastener 110 may comprise one or more protrusions that protrude from the first connection point 2 and through the connection holes 31 of the first connector 30. In this way, the connection fastener may connect the first connector 30 to the first connection point 2. The connection fastener 110 may be secured by one or more nuts.

[0059] Each connector half 31 comprises a transition portion 311. The transition portion 311 forms a transition between the first portion 310 and the second portion 312. The transition portion 311 links the first portion 310 and the second portion 312. The transition portion 311 may take the form of, for example, a linear ramp.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, for each connector half 31, a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole 100 to a point at which the second portion 312 meets the transition portion 311 can be represented by the hypotenuse dHof a right-angled triangle. This triangle has a longitudinal component dxand a lateral component dy. The longitudinal component is parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31. The lateral component is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31.

[0061] For each connector half, the longitudinal component dxof the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole 100 to a point at which the second portion 312 meets the transition portion 311 may be more than 1.1 times the lateral component dyof this same distance. For example, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 1.2 times the lateral component dy. For example, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 1.3 times the lateral component dy. For example, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 1.5 times the lateral component dy. For example, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 1.7 times the lateral component dy. For example, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 1.9 times the lateral component dy. Forexample, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 2.1 times the lateral component dy. For example, the longitudinal component dxmay be more than 2.15 times the lateral component dy.

[0062] The larger the ratio of dxto dy, the more acute the angle y at which the apparatus 10 can be connected to the structure 1. And the more acute this angle, the easier it is to connect the apparatus 10 to the structure 1. That is, the more acute this angle, the more choice a user has in where they connect the apparatus 10 to the structure 1 as, for example, they no longer need to connect the apparatus to a corner portion of the structure 1.

[0063] The angle y is the minimum possible angle between the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31 and a limiting (e.g. closest) edge 4 of the structure 1 that can be achieved in use. This angle is limited by contact between the transition portion 311 and the limiting edge 4 of the structure 1.

[0064] The influence of the ratio of dxto dyon the angle y will now be described with reference to Figure 3. The angle y is equal to 6 + 62. The angles 6 and 62can be found with Eq. 1 and Eq. 2:where dxis the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole 100 to a point at which the second portion 312 meets the transition portion 311, dyis the lateral component of this same distance, and d is the perpendicular distance from the limiting edge 4 of the structure 1 to the centre of the connection hole 100.

[0065] Using Eq. 1 and Eq. 2, the angle y can then be found with Eq. 3, which shows the influence of the ratio of dxto dyon the angle y for a given value of d:Equation 3 shows that for any distance d, the larger the ratio of dxto dy, the more acute the angle y at which the apparatus 10 can be connected to the structure 1.

[0066] Despite the benefit of a connector half 31 with a small angle y, designing a connector half with a particularly small angle y can require the second portion 312 to be long, which can increase the amount of metal required to form the connector half 31, and therefore the cost of the connector half 31. Furthermore, there is little incentive to design a connector half 31 with a particularly small angle y as this can result in little support to the structure 1 in use. For example, a minimum anglerecommended to be used on buildings is approximately 27°, however use of such an angle is relatively uncommon.

[0067] The inventors have found that an appropriate balance between ease of use, effective support of the structure 1, and material economy can be found when consideration is given to both the ratio of dxto dyand the ratio between the length of the connector half 31 to the length of the second portion 312 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31. This ratio reflects the proportion of the connector half material that is able to contribute to achieving the angle y, as opposed to the material that has substantially no influence on y (i.e. that of the first portion 310 and the transition portion 311).

[0068] For each connector half 31, the length of the connector half 31 is at most 2.7 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 2.5 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 2.3 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 2 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 1.9 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 1.8 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 1.75 times the length of the second portion 312. For example, the length of the connector half 31 may be at most 1.5 times the length of the second portion 312.

[0069] The length of the connector half 31 is represented by L4 in Figure 4. The width of the connector half 31 is represented by W. The length of the second portion 312 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31 is represented by L3. The lengths of the first portion 310 and the transition portion 311 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31 are represented by LI and L2 respectively.

[0070] The connector half 31 may have a length in the range of 290 mm to 390 mm. For example, in the range of 294 mm to 383 mm. For example, in the range of 300 mm to 360 mm. The connector half 31 may have a length of approximately 294 mm, 314 mm, 360 mm, or 383 mm.

[0071] The first portion 310 may have a length, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31, in the range of 70 mm to 150 mm. For example, in the range of 120 mm to 135 mm. The first portion 310 may have a length, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31, of approximately 73 mm, 127 mm, 133 mm, or 143 mm.

[0072] The second portion 312 may have a length, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31, in the range of 90 mm to 180 mm. For example, in the range of 120 mm to150 mm. The second portion 312 may have a length, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31, of approximately 102 mm, 133 mm, 140 mm, or 170 mm.

[0073] The transition portion 311 may have a length, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31, in the range of 40 mm to 110 mm. For example, in the range of 80 mm to 100 mm. The transition portion 311 may have a length, in a direction parallel to the length of the connector half 31, of approximately 51 mm, 86 mm, 94 mm, or 100 mm.

[0074] The connector half 31 may have a width in the range of 110 mm to 180 mm. For example, in the range of 120 mm to 170 mm. For example, in the range of 130 mm to 155 mm. the connector half 31 may have a width of approximately 121 mm, 130 mm, 154 mm, or 165 mm. The width of the connector half 31 may equal to the width of the second portion 312. The width of the second portion 312 may be equal to two times dy.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, along with the first connector 30, the apparatus 10 may further comprise the tie rod 20 to which the first connector 30 is configured for connecting. Along with the first end 22, the tie rod 20 also comprises a second end 26 at its opposite end. The first end 22 may comprise a first thread. The second end 26 may comprise a second thread.

[0076] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a second connector 35. The second connector 35 is configured for connecting to the second end 26 of the tie rod 20 and to a second connection point 5 in the structure 1, optionally via a second structure hole and a connection fastener 110 (as with the first connector 30). The second connector 35 may be substantially identical to the first connector 30.

[0077] When the apparatus 10 comprises, at least, the first connector 30, the second connector 35, and the tie rod 20, the apparatus 10 is a tension tie.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, each connector half 31 may comprise an outer force surface 33. The outer force surface 33 is on a periphery of the opening 32 that is configured for being furthest from the centre of the tie rod 20. In other words, the outer force surface 33 is on a periphery of the opening 32 that is closest to the corresponding second portion 312.

[0079] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a first anchor nut 40. The first anchor nut 40 is configured for being threaded onto the first thread so that it is positioned outwards of the outer force surfaces 33 of the first connector 30, relative to a centre of the tie rod 20. This positioning means that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod 20 and the first connector 30 via the first anchor nut 40 and the outer force surfaces 33 of the first connector 30. This positioning also means that the first anchor nut 40 is configured for preventing the first connector 30 from separating from the tie rod 20 via the first end 22.

[0080] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a second anchor nut 41. The second anchor nut 41 is configured for being threaded onto the second thread so that it is positioned outwards of the outer force surfaces 33 of the second connector 35, relative to the centre of the tie rod 20. This positioning means that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod 20 and the second connector 35 via the second anchor nut 41 and the outer force surfaces 33 of the second connector 35. This positioning also means that the second anchor nut 41 is configured for preventing the second connector 35 from separating from the tie rod 20 via the second end 26.

[0081] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a first securing nut 50. The first securing nut 50 is configured for being threaded onto the first thread so that it is positioned outwards of the first anchor nut 40, relative to the centre of the tie rod 20. This positioning means that the first securing nut 50 can apply a compressive force to the first anchor nut 40 to help prevent the first anchor nut40 from moving.

[0082] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a second securing nut. The second securing nut is configured for being threaded onto the second thread so that it is positioned outwards of the second anchor nut 41, relative to the centre of the tie rod 20. This positioning means that the second securing nut can apply a compressive force to the second anchor nut 41 to help prevent the second anchor 41 nut from moving.

[0083] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a first spring washer 60. The first spring washer 60 is configured for being positioned between the first anchor nut 40 and the first securing nut 50. This positioning means that the first spring washer 60 can contact both the first anchor nut 40 and the first securing nut 50 and help to maintain the compressive force on the first anchor nut 40 from the first securing nut 50.

[0084] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a second spring washer. The second spring washer is configured for being positioned between the second anchor nut 41 and the second securing nut.This positioning means that the second spring washer can contact both the second anchor nut 41 and the second securing nut and help to maintain the compressive force on the second anchor nut41 from the second securing nut.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, each connector half 31 may comprise an inner force surface 34. The inner force surface 34 is on a periphery of the opening 32 that is configured for being closest to the centre of the tie rod 20. In other words, the inner force surface 34 is on a periphery of the opening 32 that is furthest from the corresponding second portion 312.

[0086] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a third securing nut 70. The third securing nut 70 is configured for being threaded onto the first thread so that it is positioned inwards of the inner force surfaces 34 of the first connector 30, relative to the centre of the tie rod 20. This positioning meansthat the third securing nut 70 can apply a compressive force to the first connector 30 to help prevent the first connector 30 from moving.

[0087] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a fourth securing nut. The fourth securing nut is configured for being threaded onto the second thread so that it is positioned inwards of the inner force surfaces 34 of the second connector 35, relative to the centre of the tie rod 20. This positioning means that the fourth securing nut can apply a compressive force to the second connector 35 to help prevent the second connector 35 from moving.

[0088] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a third spring washer 80. The third spring washer 80 is configured for being positioned between the third securing nut 70 and the inner force surfaces 34 of the first connector 30. This positioning means that the third spring washer 80 can contact both the third securing nut 70 and the inner force surfaces 34 of the first connector 30 to help to maintain the compressive force on the first connector 30 from the third securing nut 70.

[0089] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a fourth spring washer. The fourth spring washer is configured for being positioned between the fourth securing nut and the inner force surfaces 34 of the second connector 35. This positioning means that the fourth spring washer can contact both the fourth securing nut and the inner force surfaces 34 of the second connector 35 to help maintain the compressive force on the second connector 35 from the fourth securing nut.

[0090] As shown in Figure 6, the tie rod 20 may comprise a first sub-part 201 and a second sub-part 202. The tie rod 20 may also comprise a coupler 210 configured for connecting the first sub-part 201 to the second sub-part 202. Each of the sub-parts may comprise a threaded inner end. The coupler 210 may comprise a first coupler end 211 and a second coupler end 212. The coupler 210 may comprise one or more coupler threads at the first coupler end 211 and the second coupler end 212. The coupler threads are configured for receiving the corresponding sub-part threaded inner ends.

[0091] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a fifth securing nut 90. The fifth securing nut 90 is configured for being threaded onto the threaded inner end of the first sub-part 201. This positioning means that the fifth securing 90 nut can apply a compressive force to the first coupler end 211 to help prevent the coupler 210 from moving.

[0092] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a sixth securing nut 91. The sixth securing nut 91 is configured for being threaded onto the treaded inner end of the second sub-part 202. This positioning means that the sixth securing nut 91 can apply a compressive force to the second coupler end 212 to help prevent the coupler 210 from moving.

[0093] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a fifth spring washer 95. The fifth spring washer 95 is configured for being positioned between the fifth securing nut 90 and the first coupler end 211.This positioning means that the fifth spring washer 95 can contact both the fifth securing nut 90 and the first coupler end 211 to help maintain the compressive force on the first coupler end 211 from the fifth securing nut 90.

[0094] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a sixth spring washer 96. The sixth spring washer 96 is configured for being positioned between the sixth securing nut 91 and the second coupler end 212. This positioning means that the sixth spring washer 96 can contact both the sixth securing nut 91 and the second coupler end 212 to help maintain the compressive force on the second coupler end 212 from the sixth securing nut 91.

[0095] Each connector half 31 may define an access aperture 37. The access aperture 37 passes through the entire thickness of the connector half 31. The access aperture 37 provides access to the corresponding first anchor nut 40 or second anchor nut 41.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7 , the access aperture 37 may be defined by two dimensions: a first maximum extension Ml and a second maximum extension M2. The first maximum extension Ml lies in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31. The second maximum extension M2 lies in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 313 of the connector half 31. The first maximum extension Ml and the second maximum extension M2 may have a ratio in the range of 2 < M1 / M2 < 3. For example, in the range of 2.4 < M1 / M2 < 2.75.

[0097] As shown in Figure 1, each connector (i.e. the first connector 30 and, if present, the second connector 35) may comprise at least one securing hole 38. Each securing hole 38 extends through the corresponding connector halves 31 of the connector. Each connector may further comprise a securing fastener 39 for each securing hole 38. Each securing fastener 39 is configured for extending through its respective securing hole 38 in order to secure the corresponding connector halves 31 together. Each securing fastener 39 may comprise, for example, a nut and a bolt.

[0098] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 10 in which the connector halves 31 of the connector 30 are flat. In other words, the connector halves do not comprise distinct first 310, second 312, and transition 311 portions.

[0099] In this embodiment, the connector halves are separated by one or more spacers 120. As shown in Figure 8, the one or more spacers 120 allow for an acute angle y as the connector 30 can rotate until the one or more spacers 120 contact the limiting edge 4 of the structure 1.

[0100] Described is a method for reinforcing a structure 1 with the apparatus 10 described above.

[0101] The method comprises assembling the apparatus 10, including, at least, assembling the first connector 30 and the first anchor nut 40 to the first end 22 of the tie rod 20, and the second connector 35 and the second anchor nut 41 to the second end 26 of the tie rod 20.

[0102] The method further comprises connecting the apparatus 10 to the structure 1 by, for example, inserting a connection fastener 110 through the connection hole 100 in the first connector 30 and through the first structure hole 3 in the first connection point 2 of the structure 1, and inserting a connection fastener 110 through the connection hole 100 in the second connector 35 and through the second structure hole in the second connection point 5 of the structure 1.

[0103] The method further comprises tensioning the apparatus 10 by, for example, tightening one or more of the first anchor nut 40 and the second anchor nut 41 on the corresponding first and second threads. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 10 may be tensioned by rotating the coupler 210 on the corresponding threads of the first sub-part 201 and / or the second sub-part 202.

[0104] The method may further comprise assembling any of the other components of the apparatus 10 described above to the apparatus 10.

[0105] The method may further comprise repeating the above method steps to further reinforce the structure 1 with one or more additional apparatus like the apparatus 10. In this case, each additional apparatus would be connected to additional connection points in the structure 1 (as shown in Figure 5 for example).

[0106] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0108] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Claims

WE CLAIM1. An apparatus for receiving a tensile force from a structure, comprising a first connector for connecting to a first end of a tie rod and to a first connection point in a structure, the first connector comprising two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other, each connector half comprising a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the first end of the tie rod therethrough, the opening formed by a concavity in the metal, a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the first connection point, and, a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, wherein, for each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.1 times a lateral component of this same distance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for each connector half, the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole to the point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.3 times the lateral component of this same distance.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for each connector half, the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole to the point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.7 times the lateral component of this same distance.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for each connector half, the longitudinal component of the furthest distance from the centre of the connection hole to the point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 2.1 times the lateral component of this same distance.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein for each connector half, a length of the connector half is at most 2.7 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein for each connector half, a length of the connector half is at most 2.5 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein for each connector half, a length of the connector half is at most 2 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein for each connector half, the length of the connector half is at most 1.8 times the length of the second portion in the direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising the tie rod further comprising a second end, wherein the first end comprises a first thread and the second end comprises a second thread, and a second connector for connecting to a second end of the tie rod and to a second connection point in the structure, wherein the second connector is substantially identical to the first connector, so that the apparatus is a tension tie.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each connector half comprises an outer force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being furthest from a centre of the tie rod, the apparatus further comprising a first anchor nut and a second anchor nut, wherein the first and second anchor nuts are configured for being threaded onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective outer force surfaces of the first and second connectors, relative to the centre of the tie rod, such that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod and the first and second connectors via the respective first and second anchor nuts and the corresponding outer force surfaces.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising one or more of i) first and second securing nuts configured for being threaded onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective first and second anchor nuts, relative to the centre of the tie rod, and so they apply a compressive force to the respective first and second anchor nuts, and ii) first and second spring washers configured for being positioned between the respective first and second anchor nuts and the respective first and second securing nuts, provided the respective first and second securing nuts are present.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 11, each connector half comprising an inner force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being closest to a centre of the tie rod, and the apparatus further comprising one or more of i) third and fourth securing nuts configured for being threaded onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned inwards of the respective inner force surfaces of the respective first and second connectors, relative to a centre ofthe tie rod, and so that they apply a compressive force to the respective first and second connectors via the respective inner force surfaces, and ii) third and fourth spring washers configured for being positioned between the respective third and fourth securing nuts and the respective inner force surfaces of each of the first and second connectors, provided the respective third and fourth securing nuts are present.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 12, the tie rod comprising a coupler configured for connecting a first sub-part and a second sub-part of the tie rod, the coupler comprising one or more coupler threads for receiving corresponding threaded inner ends of the first and second sub-parts at opposite first and second coupler ends.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising one or more of i) fifth and sixth securing nuts configured for being threaded onto the respective threaded inner ends of the first and second sub-parts so that they apply a compressive force to the respective first and second coupler ends, and ii) fifth and sixth spring washers configured for being positioned between the respective fifth and sixth securing nuts and the respective first and second coupler ends, provided the first and sixth securing nuts are present.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein each connector half defines an access aperture that passes through the connector half for providing access to the corresponding anchor nut.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a first maximum extension Ml of the access aperture in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half and a second maximum extension M2 of the access aperture in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector half have a ratio in the range of 2 < M1 / M2 < 3.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, each connector comprising at least one securing hole that extends through each of the corresponding connector halves, and at least one corresponding securing fastener configured for extending through the at least one securing hole for securing the corresponding connector halves together.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising at least one connection fastener configured for extending through the connection holes in each respective connector half and through a structure hole in the corresponding connection point in the structure.

19. A method of reinforcing a structure with an apparatus, for receiving a tensile force from the structure, comprising assembling the apparatus byproviding a tie rod with a first end comprising a first thread and a second end comprising a second thread, connecting first and second substantially identical connectors to the respective first and second ends of the tie rod, each connector comprising two substantially identical connector halves configured for contacting each other, each connector half comprising a substantially annular piece of metal, a first portion comprising an opening for receiving the corresponding end of the tie rod therethrough, a second portion offset from and substantially parallel to the first portion, and defining a connection hole for connecting to the corresponding connection point in the structure, a transition portion forming a transition between the first portion and the second portion, and an outer force surface on a periphery of the opening that is configured for being furthest from a centre of the tie rod, wherein, for each connector half, a longitudinal component of a furthest distance from a centre of the connection hole to a point at which the second portion meets the transition portion is more than 1.1 times a lateral component of the same distance, and threading first and second anchor nuts onto the respective first and second threads so that they are positioned outwards of the respective outer force surfaces of the first and second connectors, relative to the centre of the tie rod, such that the tensile force can be transferred between the tie rod and the first and second connectors via the respective first and second anchor nuts and the corresponding outer force surfaces, and connecting the apparatus to the structure by inserting connection fasteners through the connection holes in the first and second connectors and through structure holes in corresponding first and second connection points in the structure.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein for each connector half, a length of the connector half is at most 2.7 times a length of the second portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector half.

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