Construction using a barrel and threaded stepped pin

Abstract

This application relates to construction using a bundle and threaded step pin. A system and method for creating a column for construction using a bundle is provided. The column has a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. Each portion is made up of a bundle of individual struts, including a center strut, a plurality of corner struts, and a plurality of middle struts. Starting from the bottom portion of the column, additional struts can be secured on top of the struts of the bottom portion, thereby forming the middle portion and the top portion of the column. Each strut can be secured to another component using a threaded step pin, which includes a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, where the perimeter of each section is progressively smaller than the previous section. At least one middle section of the threaded step pin further includes a thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on January 26, 2021, with application number 202180011098.9 and invention title "Construction using a bundle and a threaded stepped pin".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 966,405 (titled “Improved Apparatus And Method For Assembly Of Construction Components”), filed January 27, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 057,399 (titled “Construction Using Bundled Tube And Threaded Stepped Dowels”), filed July 28, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0004] Invention Summary

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to the use of bundled tubes to form columns and beams for construction. The invention also relates to threaded stepped dowels for reinforcing the connection between adjacent construction components, and a method for assembling bundled tubes using threaded stepped dowels to form a desired configuration. Background of the Invention

[0006] Wood has been used as a building material for over a thousand years. For example, Horyuji Temple in Japan is considered the oldest wooden building in the world, built more than 1,300 years ago.

[0007] However, for much of the 20th century, building construction relied primarily on reinforced concrete, such as post-tensioned concrete. In contrast, relatively few buildings were constructed using timber or engineered wood during this period. This began to change with the development of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the early 1990s.

[0008] CLT is a multi-layer solid wood panel, often referred to as thick wood or cross-laminated wood. This type of CLT panel forms a solid wood panel that can be used for construction. CLT typically consists of multiple flat, stacked layers, unlike glued laminated timber (GLLP), where the layers are arranged longitudinally with the fibers.

[0009] CLT panel construction represents a higher level of construction quality and speed. Wall, floor, and canopy components manufactured in climate-controlled facilities and transported to the construction site for rapid assembly significantly improve quality control throughout the construction process.

[0010] Today, CLT is widely used in residential and light engineering structures where large beam depths are required (such as large span openings in houses). However, using CLT to construct skyscrapers and other megastructures remains difficult to achieve in industry.

[0011] There are several common construction methods. The first is known as platform construction or internal skeleton construction. Platform construction is the primary method used in the United States. Essentially, floor joists rest on a sill plate or on top of the post walls. The wall frame of the next level rests on top of the fully covered floor joists.

[0012] While platform construction can be used for smaller structures, it is not ideal for building taller structures. Specifically, in platform construction, each additional layer rests on top of the layer below, meaning the lower floor bears the weight of the higher floor.

[0013] Unlike vertical posts and supports, floor and ceiling panels are generally made of side-grained wood, which has a shatter strength of only about 500 pounds per square inch (psi). Vertical supports, on the other hand, are primarily made of end-grained wood, which has a shatter strength of about 5,000 to 7,000 psi for most wood species.

[0014] Another issue with platform construction is the potential for compression. The mismatch between the floor and ceiling panels, which are primarily composed of lateral grain timber, and the supports, which are primarily composed of end grain timber, allows for a wider margin of compression, which could potentially damage the structure.

[0015] In contrast, the second method is known as balloon construction or exoskeleton construction. While once popular in the United States, this construction method is now more prevalent in Europe. Unlike platform construction, the wall posts rest on the base slab, with edge beams on the inside, followed by floor beams. The post walls are continuous from the base slab to the top slab. At the second floor junction, beams rest on crossbeams and are then nailed face-to-face to the posts. Therefore, continuous columns or posts need to be created, high enough to support the superstructure.

[0016] One problem with constructing skyscrapers from timber is the need for large supporting columns, also made of timber. Creating columns capable of supporting the weight of tall buildings is an engineering challenge. Therefore, there is a need for columns made of timber that can be used to construct larger wooden buildings.

[0017] Similarly, connecting timber construction components remains an ongoing challenge in industry. Conventionally, metal fasteners (such as screws, nails, or rods) have been used to join adjacent timber components together. However, the material properties of metal are fundamentally different from those of timber. This problem is further exacerbated when attempting to connect large construction components such as walls, canopies, beams, and columns. Therefore, a mechanism for connecting timber construction materials using wooden fasteners is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0018] This application relates to the following aspects:

[0019] 1) A column device, comprising:

[0020] The bottom portion and the middle portion each include a central pillar, a plurality of corner pillars and a plurality of intermediate pillars;

[0021] The central pillar of the bottom portion is attached to the central pillar of the middle portion;

[0022] The plurality of corner supports of the bottom portion are respectively attached to the plurality of corner supports of the middle portion; and

[0023] The plurality of intermediate pillars of the bottom portion are respectively attached to the plurality of intermediate pillars of the middle portion.

[0024] 2) The column device according to 1) further includes:

[0025] The top portion includes a central pillar, multiple corner pillars, and multiple intermediate pillars;

[0026] The central pillar of the middle portion is also attached to the central pillar of the top portion;

[0027] The plurality of corner pillars in the middle portion are also respectively attached to the plurality of corner pillars in the top portion; and

[0028] The plurality of intermediate pillars of the middle portion are also respectively attached to the plurality of intermediate pillars of the top portion.

[0029] 3) The column device according to 1):

[0030] The bottom portion also includes a base, to which the central pillar, the plurality of corner pillars and the plurality of intermediate pillars of the bottom portion are fixed.

[0031] 4) The column assembly according to 3), wherein the base is configured to receive a first section of a plurality of threaded stepped pins;

[0032] The plurality of corner supports in the bottom portion each include holes on their respective bottom surfaces for receiving the plurality of threaded stepped pins in a second section.

[0033] 5) The column device according to 3):

[0034] The central pillar of the bottom portion has a first length, the plurality of corner pillars of the bottom portion have a second length, and the plurality of intermediate pillars of the bottom portion have a third length.

[0035] The first length, the second length, and the third length are different from each other.

[0036] 6) The column assembly according to 3), wherein the central column of the bottom portion is longer than the plurality of corner columns of the bottom portion, and the plurality of corner columns of the bottom portion are longer than the plurality of intermediate columns of the bottom portion.

[0037] 7) The column assembly according to 3), wherein the central column of the intermediate portion, the plurality of corner columns of the intermediate portion, and the plurality of intermediate columns of the intermediate portion have the same length.

[0038] 8) The column device according to 3):

[0039] The plurality of corner supports in the bottom portion each include a first hole on their respective top surface, the first hole for receiving a first section of a threaded stepped pin; and

[0040] Each of the plurality of corner supports in the intermediate portion includes a second hole on its respective bottom surface, the second hole for receiving a second section of the threaded stepped pin.

[0041] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of corner pillars in the middle portion is fixed to each of the plurality of corner pillars in the bottom portion by means of the threaded stepped pin.

[0042] 9) The column assembly according to 8), wherein the threaded stepped pin is made of the same material as the plurality of corner posts of the bottom portion and the plurality of corner posts of the middle portion.

[0043] 10) The column assembly according to 1), wherein each of the central pillars of each of the bottom portion, the middle portion and the top portion, the plurality of corner pillars and the plurality of intermediate pillars is made of wood.

[0044] 11) A method of constructing a column, comprising:

[0045] The bottom portion is formed using the following steps:

[0046] Provide the base;

[0047] Secure the central support of the bottom portion to the base;

[0048] The first corner support, second corner support, third corner support and fourth corner support of the bottom portion are fixed to the base;

[0049] The first intermediate support, the second intermediate support, the third intermediate support, and the fourth intermediate support of the bottom portion are fixed to the base.

[0050] The intermediate part is formed through the following steps:

[0051] The central pillar of the middle section is fixed to the top of the central pillar of the bottom section;

[0052] The first, second, third, and fourth corner pillars of the middle section are fixed to the top of the corresponding corner pillars of the bottom section;

[0053] The first, second, third, and fourth intermediate pillars of the intermediate section are fixed to the top of the corresponding intermediate pillars of the bottom section.

[0054] The top section is formed using the following steps:

[0055] The central pillar of the top portion is fixed to the top of the central pillar of the middle portion;

[0056] The first, second, third, and fourth corner posts of the top portion are fixed to the tops of the corresponding corner posts of the middle portion; and

[0057] The first, second, third, and fourth intermediate pillars of the top portion are fixed to the top of the corresponding intermediate pillars of the middle portion.

[0058] 12) According to the method of 11), wherein the first corner post, the second corner post, the third corner post and the fourth corner post of the bottom portion are secured to the base by screwing the corner post onto a threaded stepped pin protruding from the base.

[0059] 13) The method according to 11), wherein the corner posts of each of the bottom portion, the middle portion and the top portion are secured together by using a plurality of threaded step pins.

[0060] 14) According to the method of 12), wherein forming the base portion includes: after the first corner post, the second corner post, the third corner post and the fourth corner post of the bottom portion have been screwed into place, fixing the first intermediate post, the second intermediate post, the third intermediate post and the fourth intermediate post of the bottom portion to the base, thereby locking all the posts of the bottom portion into place.

[0061] 15) The method according to 11), wherein each of the central pillars of each of the bottom portion, the middle portion and the top portion, the plurality of corner pillars and the plurality of intermediate pillars is made of wood.

[0062] 16) According to the method of 11), wherein the central pillar, the plurality of corner pillars and the plurality of intermediate pillars of each of the bottom portion, the middle portion and the top portion together form a three-by-three pillar grid.

[0063] 17) The method according to 13), wherein the plurality of threaded stepped pins are made of wood.

[0064] 18) A wooden threaded step pin, comprising:

[0065] A cylindrical base section having a first periphery;

[0066] At least one cylindrical intermediate segment having a second perimeter smaller than the first perimeter; and

[0067] A cylindrical end segment, said end segment having a third perimeter smaller than the second perimeter.

[0068] The at least one cylindrical intermediate section includes a thread that spirals around the outer surface of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section.

[0069] 19) The threaded stepped wooden pin according to 18), wherein the at least one cylindrical intermediate section further comprises a plurality of cylindrical sections, each subsequent section having a perimeter smaller than that of the previous section; and

[0070] Each of the plurality of cylindrical segments includes a thread that coils around the outer surface of each of the plurality of cylindrical segments.

[0071] 20) The wooden threaded stepped pin according to 18), wherein the at least one cylindrical intermediate section, together with the thread coiled around the outer surface of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section, comprises a generally sinusoidal profile when viewed from the side of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1 A perspective view of a bundle tube according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0073] Figure 2 Another perspective view of the bundle tube according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0074] Figure 3 A top view of a bundle tube according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0075] Figure 4 A side view of a bundle tube according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0076] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A perspective view of a threaded stepped pin according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0077] Figure 6A A side view of a threaded stepped pin according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0078] Figure 6B A side view of a threaded stepped pin according to another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0079] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a first component is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment, of a threaded stepped pin to be used being fixed to a second component.

[0080] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A side view of an alternative design for a threaded stepped pin according to another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0081] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a pillar according to another embodiment is shown.

[0082] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view is shown of two components attached with threaded stepped pins according to an embodiment.

[0083] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the specific arrangement shown, as other embodiments are possible. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation. Detailed description

[0084] While the invention allows for many different forms of embodiments, specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein, wherein it should be understood that this disclosure is an example of the principles of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to these specifically illustrated embodiments. The features of the invention disclosed herein in this specification, drawings, and claims can be significant for the operation of the invention in its various embodiments, whether individually or in any desired combination. Features from one embodiment may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

[0085] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure include a threaded stepped pin and a post formed by a bundle of tubes.

[0086] To construct taller buildings and larger structures using engineered timber (such as CLT), especially where lightweight construction is preferred, new methods for forming larger columns or pillars are necessary. This is partly due to the difficulty of transporting a large prefabricated column from a prefabrication plant, but also due to the difficulty of creating columns large enough to support the superstructure off-site.

[0087] Figure 1 This paper demonstrates a novel method for constructing columns using bundled tubes. Instead of a single massive column made of wood, a larger column 100 is created by combining multiple smaller columns of varying lengths together to form the larger column 100. Depending on the needs of a specific building, the column 100 can range in height from a few feet to hundreds of feet. That is, using the principles disclosed herein, the length of the column 100 can be varied to suit its purpose. The column 100 may include a base portion 200, a middle portion 300, and a top portion 400.

[0088] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base portion 200 of column 100 is formed by at least nine independent columns in a three-by-three arrangement. A base plate or base 202 is located at the very bottom of the building. The base portion 200 is constructed from this point using nine columns.

[0089] First, fix the central support 210 to the base 202 at the center of the 3x3 grid, i.e. Figure 3Position 5 is shown. The central support 210 is an elongated support having a top surface and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, the central support 210 may be made of engineered wood (e.g., CLT). In another embodiment, the central support 210 may be made of natural wood.

[0090] A first hole is located at the center of the bottom surface of the central support 210, and a second hole is located at the center of the top surface of the central support 210. The first and second holes are used to receive fasteners, so that the central support 210 can be fixed to the top of the base 202, and another central support can be fixed to the top of the central support 210.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first hole and the second hole can be separate and distinct, meaning they do not extend through the entire central support 210. In another embodiment, the first hole and the second hole can be connected, forming a continuous hole through the central support 210. The internal shapes of the first hole and the second hole vary depending on the type of fastener used. That is, the shapes of the first hole and the second hole need to be identical.

[0092] The center post 210 can be secured to the base 202 by various means. In one embodiment, the center post 210 is secured to the base 202 by a stepped pin, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,871,681 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In another embodiment, the center post 210 can be screwed onto the base 202 using a threaded stepped pin (which will be described in more detail below). Other fasteners, such as metal posts or rods known in the art, can also be used.

[0093] Fasteners are secured to the base 202 by any suitable means. Thereafter, fasteners protruding from the base 202 are received in a first hole located on the bottom surface of the central support 210.

[0094] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from above, the central support 210 is octagonal in shape to provide space for the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 to be screwed into place. In another embodiment, the central support 210 may be cylindrical. In yet another embodiment where the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 do not need to be screwed into place, for example, where the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 are instead lowered into place, the central support 210 may be rectangular. Other shapes are also possible depending on the specific circumstances.

[0095] Once the central support pillar 210 is secured to the base 202, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 are subsequently secured to the base 202. Similar to the central support pillar 210, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 are elongated supports with corresponding top and bottom surfaces. When viewed from above, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 are generally rectangular in shape. In this embodiment, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 are shorter than the central support pillar 210, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In another embodiment, corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 may be longer than the central support 210. In yet another embodiment, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 may be the same length as the central support 210. Preferably, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 have the same length as each other, but each individual corner support may have a different length if desired.

[0096] Similar to the central support 210, each corner support 220, 230, 240, 250 has a first hole on its respective bottom surface and a second hole on its respective top surface, each hole extending inward from its respective surface. These holes are used to secure the corner supports 220, 230, 240, 250 to the base 202 from the bottom and to secure additional corner supports to the top of the corner supports 220, 230, 240, 250.

[0097] In this embodiment, threaded stepped pins can be used to secure the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 to the base 202, see reference. Figure 3 They are respectively fixed to positions 7, 9, 3, and 1. When using threaded stepped pins, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 can be screwed onto the base 202 during installation, thereby securing the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 to the base 202. To accommodate the screwing movement during installation, it is preferred that the center support 210 be octagonal (as described above), although the center support 210 can also be cylindrical or other suitable shapes.

[0098] In another embodiment, the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 may be lowered onto fasteners protruding from the base 202, rather than being screwed onto the base 202. In this embodiment, threadless stepped pins, as well as other types of conventional fasteners known in the art, may be used.

[0099] In addition to the central support pillar 210, once the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 are secured to the base 202, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 are then secured to the base 202. Like the other supports, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 are elongated supports, each having a top surface and a bottom surface. The intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 are generally rectangular in shape, but may also be other shapes.

[0100] Similarly, each intermediate support 260, 270, 280, 290 has a first hole on its respective bottom surface and a second hole on its respective top surface, each hole extending inward from its respective surface. These holes are used to secure the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, 290 to the base 202 from the bottom and to secure additional intermediate supports to the top of the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, 290.

[0101] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 are shorter than the central support 210 and also shorter than the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250. In another embodiment, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 may be longer than the central support 210 or the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250, or both. In yet another embodiment, the lengths of the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 may be the same as the central support 210 or the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250, or both. Preferably, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 have the same length as each other, but each individual intermediate support may have a different length if desired.

[0102] During installation, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 were lowered to the reference level respectively. Figure 3 The fasteners protruding from the base 202 at positions 8, 6, 2, and 4 are used. According to the embodiment, the central support 210 can be secured to the base 210 first, followed by the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250, and then the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290. This completes the construction of the bottom portion 200. Because the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 are installed last, they serve to lock the remaining supports into place. That is, once the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 are successfully installed, all nine supports are fixed in place and cannot be removed.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first length of the central support 210 differs from the second length of the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250, and the second length also differs from the third length of the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290. Therefore, viewed from the side, as... Figure 2 As shown, the supports are staggered at different heights. The bundled tube configuration allows the resulting column 100 to have higher structural integrity. In another embodiment, all three types of supports can be the same length. In yet another embodiment, two types of supports can be the same length, but different from the third type. For example, the length of the central support 210 can be the same as the lengths of the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250, but different from the lengths of the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290.

[0104] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 Once the bottom portion 200 is constructed, additional supports can be fixed to the top of the supports of the bottom portion 200, thereby forming the middle portion 300 of the column 100.

[0105] The installation of the middle section 300 is similar to that of the bottom section 200. That is, first, the central support of the middle section 300 is fixed to the central support 210 of the bottom section 200. Then, the corner supports of the middle section 300 are fixed to the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 of the bottom section 200, respectively. Finally, the middle supports of the middle section 300 are then lowered to the middle supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 of the bottom section 200, respectively.

[0106] However, unlike the pillars of the bottom portion 200, in this embodiment, all pillars of the middle portion 300 can have the same length. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. However, the pillars of the middle portion 300 can have varying lengths when appropriate.

[0107] In this embodiment, the corner supports of the intermediate portion 300 are screwed onto the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 of the bottom portion 200 using threaded step pins (described in more detail below). The center support of the intermediate portion 300 can be screwed onto the center support of the bottom portion 200 using threaded step pins, or it can be lowered onto a conventional pin or fastener protruding from the center support 210 of the bottom portion 200. Similarly, the intermediate supports of the intermediate portion 300 are lowered onto pins or fasteners protruding from the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 of the bottom portion 200.

[0108] To facilitate the embodiment where the additional corner support is screwed onto the lower corner support, the corresponding center support can be octagonal in shape. Alternatively, the corresponding center support can be cylindrical. However, in the embodiment where the additional corner support descends onto the lower corner support, the corresponding center support can be rectangular in shape, since no additional space is needed to allow for the screwing movement.

[0109] Because the supports of the bottom section 200 are staggered in height, placing additional supports of the same length on top of the supports of the bottom section 200 will also cause the height of the middle section 300 to be staggered, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Similarly, the staggered configuration provides better structural integrity for the resulting column 100, but a non-staggered configuration can also be used to save on manufacturing costs.

[0110] although Figure 1 and Figure 4 The diagram shows that each pillar in the bottom section 200 has only one additional pillar on top, but more than one additional pillar can be stacked on top to form a longer intermediate section 300. That is, by attaching additional central pillars, corner pillars, and intermediate pillars to the top of the pillars below, the intermediate section 300 can have the desired height. This is particularly useful in lightweight constructions where columns extend continuously from the base plate to the top plate.

[0111] Once the middle section 300 is at the desired height, the top section 400 can then cover the middle section 300, thus completing the construction of the column 100. The top section 400 can cover the middle section 300 in various ways. For example, the top section 400 can simply be the opposite of the bottom section 200, which includes a central pillar, multiple corner pillars, and multiple intermediate pillars, wherein each pillar is fixed to a corresponding pillar of the lower middle section 300.

[0112] by Figure 2 For example, using the corner supports 220, 230, 240, and 250 of the bottom portion 200 as reference points, if the center support 210 of the bottom portion 200 is longer than the corner supports, then the center support of the top portion 400 can be shorter than the corner supports to compensate for the length difference of the center support in the bottom portion. Similarly, if the middle support of the bottom portion is shorter than the corner supports, then the middle support of the top portion 400 can be longer to compensate for the length difference, thus giving the constructed column a flat top surface that can be fixed to other structural elements. However, it should be understood that the top surface of the column does not necessarily have to be flat, and the column length of the top portion 400 can vary depending on specific construction needs.

[0113] Once each section of column 100 is constructed, each individual column can be further reinforced from the side by lateral fasteners (such as additional pins, nails, screws, etc.). Lateral reinforcements may also be metal rods or collars surrounding the perimeter of column 100.

[0114] In this embodiment, the individual pillars can also be fastened to each other using side fasteners. For example, see reference... Figure 3 The corner support 220 can be laterally secured to the intermediate support 260 using pins, step pins, threaded step pins, or other fasteners (such as nails, beveled nails, screws, etc.). In this embodiment, the corner support 220 can be secured to the intermediate support 260, the corner support 230 can be secured to the intermediate support 270, the corner support 240 can be secured to the intermediate support 280, and the corner support 250 can be secured to the intermediate support 290. Furthermore, the intermediate supports 260, 270, 280, and 290 can also be laterally secured to the central support 210 using suitable means (such as pins). When using pins to laterally secure adjacent supports together, each support can be pre-drilled for the pins to allow for easy on-site installation.

[0115] The threaded stepped pin is described in more detail below. (See reference...) Figures 5A to 6B According to an embodiment, the threaded stepped pin 500 can be made of multiple segments, with a base segment 510 having the largest perimeter or circumference, and each subsequent intermediate segment 520, 530, 540 having a smaller perimeter or circumference than the preceding segment, followed by an end segment 550. When viewed in outline, such a pin has a stepped or terraced shape, wherein the base segment 510 is wider or larger than its opposite end segment 550.

[0116] Although the accompanying drawings show three intermediate sections, the threaded stepped pin 500 may include fewer or more intermediate sections. That is, the number of intermediate sections can range from one to the required number. The threaded stepped pin 500 may be made of wood or engineered wood. Preferably, the threaded stepped pin 500 is made of the same material as the individual supports of the bundle. The threaded stepped pin 500 described herein is suitable for fastening components made of wood or engineered wood (e.g., CLT or glued laminated wood). Of course, the threaded stepped pin 500 can also be used to fasten components not made of wood. In one embodiment, the threaded stepped pin 500 may be unidirectionally threaded. In yet another embodiment, the threaded stepped pin 500 may be bidirectionally threaded.

[0117] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 6AAs shown, segments 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550 are generally cylindrical in shape, with the perimeter decreasing from one segment to another. Each intermediate segment 520, 530, and 540 also includes grooves or threads 522, 532, and 542 along the surface of these segments. The threads 522, 532, and 542 spiral around each segment in their respective segments, thereby forming a continuous thread in each segment.

[0118] According to another embodiment, such as Figure 6B As shown, the intermediate sections 520, 530, and 540, together with the threads 522, 532, and 542, form a roughly sinusoidal profile. That is, when viewed from the side, each groove or thread bends inward toward the central axis of the threaded stepped pin 500A, while the sections between each thread bend outward away from the central axis of the threaded stepped pin 500A. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The difference between the designs lies in, for example, in Figure 6B The additional curvature shown in the embodiment allows for greater exposure of the end-grained wood, thus allowing the threaded stepped pin 500A to absorb more moisture, as in... Figure 6A The flat profile of the threaded stepped pin 500 shown exposes more of the lateral grain of the wood, thus absorbing less moisture. Nevertheless, both designs are suitable for the purpose of constructing bundles as discussed earlier.

[0119] In the embodiment, threads 522, 532, and 542 form a single-start threadform relative to the corresponding intermediate segments 520, 530, and 540. Single-start means that for every 360° rotation of the corresponding intermediate segment, the intermediate segment advances axially by one ridge. However, when the threaded stepped pin 500 comprises multiple intermediate segments, each with its own thread, the threaded stepped pin 500 as a whole can be multi-start. For example, when the threaded stepped pin 500 comprises three intermediate segments 520, 530, and 540, and each intermediate segment has a corresponding thread 522, 532, and 542, although each intermediate segment 520, 530, and 540 is single-start, the threaded stepped pin 500 as a whole is three-start. That is, when the threaded stepped pin 500 rotates a full circle (360°), the threaded stepped pin 500 advances three ridges (one ridge per intermediate segment). It should be understood that the stepped design of the threaded stepped pin 500 increases the combined thread strength per turn, that is, each turn engages with multiple additional ridges instead of each turn engaging with one additional ridge.

[0120] Reference Figure 7Unlike conventional pins, the threaded stepped pin 500 allows the first component 600 to be screwed onto the second component 700, thus creating a more secure connection between the two components. Unlike conventional pins, where the two components can be pulled apart by opposing forces, components secured by the threaded stepped pin 500 can only be separated by reverse screwing, making the secured components more difficult to separate from each other.

[0121] In practice, the base section 510 of the threaded stepped pin 500 is secured to the second component 700. For example, the second component 700 may include a hole 710 on its top surface, the hole 710 corresponding to the size of the base section 510, such that the base section 510 can be inserted into or onto the second component 700. Adhesive or other adhesives may also be applied to further secure the base section 510 within the hole 710 of the second component 700.

[0122] On the flip side, the first component 600 may include a hole 610 on its bottom surface, the hole 610 reflecting the shape of the threaded stepped pin 500. That is, the hole 610 defines a cavity having a shape that is substantially the same as the profile of the threaded stepped pin 500, thereby allowing the first component 600 to be screwed onto the threaded stepped pin 500.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, the first component 600 can be one of the supports of the column 100 as described above, and the second component 700 can be the base 202 as described above. However, the same mechanism can also be used to connect one support to another. For example, the first component 600 may also include a hole 620 on its top surface, which can be used to engage with another threaded stepped pin, which then engages with the other support on top.

[0124] refer to Figure 8A As discussed earlier, an alternative design to the threaded stepped pin 500 could be a double-sided threaded stepped pin 800. Mechanically, this alternative design is largely similar to the threaded stepped pin 500.

[0125] In this embodiment, the base section 810 is positioned towards the center of the double-sided threaded stepped pin 800, and intermediate sections extend outward from the base section. Similar to the threaded stepped pin 500, the perimeter of each subsequent section of the double-sided threaded stepped pin 800 decreases, with the end sections 880, 890 having the smallest perimeter of all sections. Similarly, each intermediate section 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870 is provided with threads or grooves spiraling around the outer surface of each section. Similar to the threaded stepped pin 500, the double-sided threaded stepped pin 800 can have any number of intermediate sections. Furthermore, the number of intermediate sections on one side of the double-sided threaded stepped pin 800 need not be the same as the number of intermediate sections on the other side. In yet another embodiment, the base section 810 can be completely omitted, as... Figure 8B As shown.

[0126] Figure 9 Another embodiment of a strut used as a support in the bundle tube during the formation of the column 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the strut 900 may include holes 910, 920 on its top and bottom surfaces. Holes 910, 920 each define a cavity to receive a threaded stepped pin. As previously discussed, the strut 900 can be used as a corner strut, particularly in the intermediate portion 300 of the column 100. Alternatively, the strut 900 can be octagonal or cylindrical in shape, thus serving as a central strut among central struts.

[0127] Figure 10 An example is shown of how threaded step pins can be used when platform construction is required. The base section of the threaded step pin 1010 can be mounted onto a first component 1020. The first component 1020 can be various panels typically found in constructed buildings, such as floor panels, ceiling panels, or wall panels. In one embodiment, only the base section of the threaded step pin 1010 is included within the first component 1020. In another embodiment, the base section, along with one or more intermediate sections of the threaded step pin 1010, can be included within the first component 1020. For example, in... Figure 10 In this configuration, the base section, together with an intermediate section, is contained within the first component 1020. Therefore, it can be understood that as long as sufficient (one or more) intermediate sections of the threaded stepped pin 1010 remain available for mating with the second component, the exact configuration can be adjusted as needed.

[0128] As previously described, the second component 1030 can be secured to the first component 1020 by screwing the second component 1030 onto the threaded stepped pin 1010. Specifically, the second component 1030 may include a corresponding hole 1040 that mates with the threaded stepped pin 1010. The second component 1030 may be a column, beam, support, or pillar. It should be understood that the threaded stepped pin 1010 may be mounted on the second component 1030 in place of or in addition to the first component 1020. For example, the threaded stepped pin may be mounted on a beam or column, and a panel may be secured to the beam from the pin.

[0129] Of course, in platform construction, more than one support can be attached to the panel. In a typical construction, approximately 25 supports can be used per floor. These 25 supports can all be secured to the floor panel using threaded step pins. For example, assuming the threaded step pins are 4.5 inches in diameter, these threaded step pins will be able to withstand approximately 80,000 pounds (2.25 lbs). 2 The crushing weight is approximately 80,000 pounds (π * 5000 ≈ 80,000). Therefore, when using 25 of these threaded step pins, the crushing weight they can withstand is approximately 2 million pounds, which is sufficient for a typical building.

[0130] Specific embodiments of the column formed by the bundle and threaded stepped pins according to the invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating how the invention can be made and used. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the invention and its different aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Features described in one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments. It should be understood that this disclosure covers the invention and any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the basic principles disclosed and claimed herein.

Claims

1. A wooden threaded step pin, comprising: A cylindrical base section having a first periphery; At least one cylindrical intermediate segment having a second perimeter smaller than the first perimeter; and A cylindrical end segment, said end segment having a third perimeter smaller than the second perimeter. Wherein, the at least one cylindrical intermediate section includes a threaded outer surface; The at least one cylindrical intermediate segment further includes multiple cylindrical segments, each subsequent segment having a perimeter smaller than that of the previous segment; and The continuous spiral coils around the outer surface of each of the plurality of cylindrical sections.

2. The threaded stepped wooden pin according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one cylindrical intermediate section, together with the continuous thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section, comprises a generally sinusoidal profile when viewed from the side of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section.

3. The threaded stepped wooden pin according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one cylindrical intermediate section includes a generally parallel side when viewed from the side of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section, except for the portion of the at least one cylindrical intermediate section that includes the continuous thread.

4. The threaded stepped wooden pin according to claim 1, wherein, The continuous thread is a single-start thread.

5. The threaded stepped wooden pin according to claim 1, wherein, The continuous thread is a multi-start thread.

6. A threaded stepped pin, comprising: The middle section of the first cylinder has a first perimeter; The middle section of the second cylinder has a second perimeter; The end section of the first cylinder is adjacent to the middle section of the first cylinder, and the end section of the first cylinder has a perimeter smaller than the first perimeter. and The end section of the second cylinder, which is adjacent to the middle section of the second cylinder, has a perimeter smaller than that of the second perimeter. The first cylindrical middle section includes a first thread spiraling around the outer surface of the first cylindrical middle section; and The middle section of the second cylinder includes a second thread that spirals around the outer surface of the middle section of the second cylinder. The first cylindrical intermediate section further includes a plurality of cylindrical sections, each subsequent section having a perimeter smaller than that of the previous section; and each of the plurality of cylindrical sections includes a thread spiraling around the outer surface of each of the plurality of cylindrical sections; and The second cylindrical intermediate section further includes a second plurality of cylindrical sections, each subsequent section having a perimeter smaller than that of the previous section; and each of the second plurality of cylindrical sections includes a thread coiled around the outer surface of each of the second plurality of cylindrical sections.

7. The threaded stepped pin according to claim 6, wherein, The first perimeter is the same as the second perimeter.

8. The threaded stepped pin according to claim 6, wherein, The middle section of the first cylinder is adjacent to the middle section of the second cylinder to form a continuous middle section.

9. The threaded stepped pin according to claim 6, further comprising: A cylindrical base section having a third perimeter that is larger than the first perimeter and the second perimeter, wherein a first end of the cylindrical base section is adjacent to the middle section of the first cylinder, and a second end of the cylindrical base section is adjacent to the middle section of the second cylinder.

10. The threaded stepped pin according to claim 6, wherein, The first thread is a single-threaded thread.

11. The threaded stepped pin according to claim 6, wherein, The threads of each of the first plurality of cylindrical segments together form a multi-start thread.

12. The threaded stepped pin according to claim 6, wherein, The threaded stepped pin is made of wood.

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