Modular structural purlin

Abstract

The invention relates to a metallic purlin destined to be preferably used in roofs and façades of industrial buildings and other spaces, such as sports pavilions, or covered infrastructures which require beams covering large spans. Having in general a "Z" configuration, the purlin (1) comes from the union, in a single purlin, of two parts of purlins placed in opposite orientation: the purlin in sigma ("Z") and the purlin in C ("[") . The front flap(1-a), equipped with a front edge (1-c), is slightly larger than the back flap (1-b) provided with a back edge (1-d), which allows the flap of one purlin to hermetically fit in the flap of the other. The purlin (1) is provided with holes (2) distributed longitudinally, wherein the screws are tightened (3). The present purlin (1) can be coupled to another equal one, in opposition, giving rise to a tubular configuration and allowing the rotation thereof and successive fittings.

Description

Technical Domain

[0001] This relates to a metallic structure destined to be preferably used in roofs and façades of industrial buildings and other spaces, such as sports pavilions, or covered infrastructures requiring beams covering large spans.State of the Art

[0002] There exists in the market a great number of structural purlins with variable configuration, but which however go from the most elementary "[", passing through the common omega shape ("Ω") more or less open, until the more complex forms such as "Σ".

[0003] Already known is the metallic purlin of the applicant, shown in the document corresponding to Utility Model 10888 (D1).

[0004] D1 represents a modular purlin in open "Q". It also comprises longitudinal holes (in this case, on the back, sides, and flanges). Constructed with the purpose of overcoming large spans, it allows overlap through the coupling of two equal purlins and, further, allows obtaining a pillar through the placing, in opposition, of two equal purlins (which provide the desired tubular configuration).

[0005] However, the invention comprises a non-obvious improvement relative to D1: this purlin, contrary to the purlin of the invention, does not allow overlap according to the so-called weak axis (horizontal axis).

[0006] Another purlin is known from US 5 079 884 A.

[0007] Thus, two purlins (equal to the object of the invention which will be claimed) placed in opposition, can run successively between each other and the hermetical coupling between the two is successively obtained.Technical Problem

[0008] The need to overcome large spans in different structures led the manufacturers of structural metallic purlins to develop purlins capable of overcoming this challenge.Solution of the Problem

[0009] The solution presented led to creating light, resistant metallic purlins, provided with longitudinal holes and capable of being overlapped.

[0010] The invention is defined in claim 1 and results from a set of parts in metal or another material having equivalent rigidity, having the possibility of overlapping by means of successive coupling, which grants a resistance to lateral instability in specific areas, by means of the tubular shape, whereby the immobilization and rigidity are assured by the hole points which, by existing throughout the segment, allow a variable juxtaposition and, consequently, the creation of spans of variable dimensions. In this manner, only the pillars and the support beams will constitute rigid structural elements. Despite the fact that they are indirectly screwed to the pillars through stirrups and clips they can overlap or crisscross due to the holes.

[0011] In the proposed product, the parts are constantly sectioned, only varying the overlapping, producing a tubular shape, which does not make the size of the structures depend on the dimension of the area to be covered. Thus, while the conventional solutions always assume the same lateral resistance, this solution allows greater lateral stability where necessary and the modules can be superimposed on each other.Advantageous effects of the Invention

[0012] Speed of execution, flexibility of solutions and reduction of raw material and labor costs are significant added value of the invention.

[0013] The purlin that is the object of the invention allows overcoming large spans as a result of the configuration thereof - which allows the overlapping of two similar purlins - and the fact of having holes placed on the web of said purlins along the entire longitudinal length thereof.

[0014] By oppositely placing two equal purlins, a tubular configuration is obtained, particularly important in structures which require particularly high structural strength, as is the case of long purlins, subject to phenomena of lateral instability of pillars, and façades of industrial installations, or others.

[0015] The particular configuration of the modular structural purlin that is the object of the invention (approximately in "Z") originated from the fusion, in a single purlin, of two segments of entirely different purlins and which, currently, are largely available in the market: the sigma purlin ("Σ") and the C purlin ("["). As from the cut of a segment of a "Z" shape purlin and another segment of a "["purlin, and joining the two in opposition, the creator obtained the purlin that is the object of the invention.

[0016] The entirely different configuration of the purlin thus obtained allows solutions not reached by the purlins already existing in the market, apart from the possibility of overlapping and opposite placing when obtaining the pillars.

[0017] By coupling two purlins such as the object of the invention, there is obtained a tubular purlin, which allows an increase in rigidity when it is a matter of overcoming large spans.Brief Description of the Figures

[0018] Fig.1 [Fig.1] represents, in perspective, a modular structural purlin (1) object of the invention, evidencing the front flange (1-a), the back flange (1-b), the front edge (1-c) and the back edge (1-d), as well as the holes (2). Fig.2 [Fig.2] represents the modular structural purlin (1) arranged in inverted overlap on another identical purlin, obtaining the tubular configuration and evidencing the front flange (1-a), the back flange (1-b), the front edge (1-c) and the back edge (1-d), as well as the holes (2) and respective screws (3); Fig.3 [Fig.3] represents, in section, the profile of the modular structural purlin (1) arranged in inverted overlap on another identical purlin, evidencing the front flange (1-a), the back flange (1-b), the front edge (1-c) and the back edge (1-d), as well as the screws (3) placed on the holes, the difference in size between the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b) of each one of the opposite purlins being particularly noticeable. Description of the Embodiments

[0019] The modular structural purlin that is the object of the invention originates, in its essence, from the junction, in a single purlin, of two existing purlin segments: a sigma-shaped purlin "Σ" and a "[" shaped purlin.

[0020] Sectioning a segment (more than half, spanning the back) of a "Σ" purlin and another segment (less than half) of a "[" purlin and joining with the ends (the front and the back flanges) in opposite orientation essentially results in the purlin that is the object of the invention.

[0021] The front and the back flanges form, indicatively, a 90° angle relative to the axis of the purlin.

[0022] Thus, the purlin obtained presents, the front and the back flanges in opposite orientation (Fig. 1), which results in a non-obvious configuration and appears to be in conflict with its shape-function.

[0023] The next step is to determine the absolutely exact dimension of the front and the back flanges, the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b). If both front and the back flanges had the same dimension, it would be entirely impossible to fit in inverted juxtaposition.

[0024] Thus, the front flange (1-a) is slightly larger than the back flange (1-b), as is particularly visible in Fig. 3. It is this difference that allows the back flange (1-b) of a smaller purlin to hermetically fit in the front flange (1-a), larger, of another purlin, when two purlins are placed in overlap with opposite orientation.

[0025] From the above, the difference in dimension between the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b) must be indicatively, twice the thickness of a purlin.

[0026] Placed in inverted overlap, the two purlins allow obtaining the overlap and the symmetric tubular cavity configuration (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3), wherein the plane of symmetry is orthogonal to the front and the back flanges (1-a and 1-b).

[0027] The holes (2) existing throughout the entire central area (the web) of the purlin allow its effective fixation overlapping through the placing of the screw (3).

[0028] As is evidenced by Fig.1 to Fig. 3, the front flange (1-a) is provided with a front edge (1-c) larger than the back edge (1-d) belonging to the back flange (1-b). Said circumstance is related to constructive questions - and, not structural - that attach with the greatest overlapping ease two purlins, one over the other.

[0029] The edge of each of the front and the back flanges forms, with those, an indicative angle of 90°.

[0030] It results from Fig. 3, that a purlin can be rotated over the other and continuously obtain the initial effect, given that the front flange (1-a) of one will couple on the back flange (1-b) of the other. The horizontal shift accompanied by a rotation (phenomena known as lateral instability or bending) is reduced due to the configuration of the purlin.

[0031] Therefore, there results an increase in functionality in obtaining this type of constructive structural elements results, making the coupling of two or more purlins more simple and efficient.List of Reference Indications

[0032] 1 - purlin flanges 1-a - front flange 1-b - back flange 1-c - front edge 1-d - back edge 2 - holes 3 - screws List of Citations Patent Literature

[0033] patcit1: Utility Model 10888 patcit2: US 5 079 884 A

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]The modular structural purlin that is the object of the invention originates, in its essence, from the junction, in a single purlin, of two existing purlin segments: a sigma-shaped purlin "Σ" and a "[" shaped purlin.

[0020]Sectioning a segment (more than half, spanning the back) of a "Σ" purlin and another segment (less than half) of a "[" purlin and joining with the ends (the front and the back flanges) in opposite orientation essentially results in the purlin that is the object of the invention.

[0021]The front and the back flanges form, indicatively, a 90° angle relative to the axis of the purlin.

[0022]Thus, the purlin obtained presents, the front and the back flanges in opposite orientation (Fig. 1), which results in a non-obvious configuration and appears to be in conflict with its shape-function.

[0023]The next step is to determine the absolutely exact dimension of the front and the back flanges, the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b). If both front and the back f...

Technical Domain

[0001] This relates to a metallic structure destined to be preferably used in roofs and façades of industrial buildings and other spaces, such as sports pavilions, or covered infrastructures requiring beams covering large spans.State of the Art

[0002] There exists in the market a great number of structural purlins with variable configuration, but which however go from the most elementary "[", passing through the common omega shape ("Ω") more or less open, until the more complex forms such as "Σ".

[0003] Already known is the metallic purlin of the applicant, shown in the document corresponding to Utility Model 10888 (D1).

[0004] D1 represents a modular purlin in open "Q". It also comprises longitudinal holes (in this case, on the back, sides, and flanges). Constructed with the purpose of overcoming large spans, it allows overlap through the coupling of two equal purlins and, further, allows obtaining a pillar through the placing, in opposition, of two equal purlins (which provide the desired tubular configuration).

[0005] However, the invention comprises a non-obvious improvement relative to D1: this purlin, contrary to the purlin of the invention, does not allow overlap according to the so-called weak axis (horizontal axis).

[0006] Another purlin is known from US 5 079 884 A.

[0007] Thus, two purlins (equal to the object of the invention which will be claimed) placed in opposition, can run successively between each other and the hermetical coupling between the two is successively obtained.Technical Problem

[0008] The need to overcome large spans in different structures led the manufacturers of structural metallic purlins to develop purlins capable of overcoming this challenge.Solution of the Problem

[0009] The solution presented led to creating light, resistant metallic purlins, provided with longitudinal holes and capable of being overlapped.

[0010] The invention is defined in claim 1 and results from a set of parts in metal or another material having equivalent rigidity, having the possibility of overlapping by means of successive coupling, which grants a resistance to lateral instability in specific areas, by means of the tubular shape, whereby the immobilization and rigidity are assured by the hole points which, by existing throughout the segment, allow a variable juxtaposition and, consequently, the creation of spans of variable dimensions. In this manner, only the pillars and the support beams will constitute rigid structural elements. Despite the fact that they are indirectly screwed to the pillars through stirrups and clips they can overlap or crisscross due to the holes.

[0011] In the proposed product, the parts are constantly sectioned, only varying the overlapping, producing a tubular shape, which does not make the size of the structures depend on the dimension of the area to be covered. Thus, while the conventional solutions always assume the same lateral resistance, this solution allows greater lateral stability where necessary and the modules can be superimposed on each other.Advantageous effects of the Invention

[0012] Speed of execution, flexibility of solutions and reduction of raw material and labor costs are significant added value of the invention.

[0013] The purlin that is the object of the invention allows overcoming large spans as a result of the configuration thereof - which allows the overlapping of two similar purlins - and the fact of having holes placed on the web of said purlins along the entire longitudinal length thereof.

[0014] By oppositely placing two equal purlins, a tubular configuration is obtained, particularly important in structures which require particularly high structural strength, as is the case of long purlins, subject to phenomena of lateral instability of pillars, and façades of industrial installations, or others.

[0015] The particular configuration of the modular structural purlin that is the object of the invention (approximately in "Z") originated from the fusion, in a single purlin, of two segments of entirely different purlins and which, currently, are largely available in the market: the sigma purlin ("Σ") and the C purlin ("["). As from the cut of a segment of a "Z" shape purlin and another segment of a "["purlin, and joining the two in opposition, the creator obtained the purlin that is the object of the invention.

[0016] The entirely different configuration of the purlin thus obtained allows solutions not reached by the purlins already existing in the market, apart from the possibility of overlapping and opposite placing when obtaining the pillars.

[0017] By coupling two purlins such as the object of the invention, there is obtained a tubular purlin, which allows an increase in rigidity when it is a matter of overcoming large spans.Brief Description of the Figures

[0018] Fig.1 [Fig.1] represents, in perspective, a modular structural purlin (1) object of the invention, evidencing the front flange (1-a), the back flange (1-b), the front edge (1-c) and the back edge (1-d), as well as the holes (2). Fig.2 [Fig.2] represents the modular structural purlin (1) arranged in inverted overlap on another identical purlin, obtaining the tubular configuration and evidencing the front flange (1-a), the back flange (1-b), the front edge (1-c) and the back edge (1-d), as well as the holes (2) and respective screws (3); Fig.3 [Fig.3] represents, in section, the profile of the modular structural purlin (1) arranged in inverted overlap on another identical purlin, evidencing the front flange (1-a), the back flange (1-b), the front edge (1-c) and the back edge (1-d), as well as the screws (3) placed on the holes, the difference in size between the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b) of each one of the opposite purlins being particularly noticeable. Description of the Embodiments

[0019] The modular structural purlin that is the object of the invention originates, in its essence, from the junction, in a single purlin, of two existing purlin segments: a sigma-shaped purlin "Σ" and a "[" shaped purlin.

[0020] Sectioning a segment (more than half, spanning the back) of a "Σ" purlin and another segment (less than half) of a "[" purlin and joining with the ends (the front and the back flanges) in opposite orientation essentially results in the purlin that is the object of the invention.

[0021] The front and the back flanges form, indicatively, a 90° angle relative to the axis of the purlin.

[0022] Thus, the purlin obtained presents, the front and the back flanges in opposite orientation (Fig. 1), which results in a non-obvious configuration and appears to be in conflict with its shape-function.

[0023] The next step is to determine the absolutely exact dimension of the front and the back flanges, the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b). If both front and the back flanges had the same dimension, it would be entirely impossible to fit in inverted juxtaposition.

[0024] Thus, the front flange (1-a) is slightly larger than the back flange (1-b), as is particularly visible in Fig. 3. It is this difference that allows the back flange (1-b) of a smaller purlin to hermetically fit in the front flange (1-a), larger, of another purlin, when two purlins are placed in overlap with opposite orientation.

[0025] From the above, the difference in dimension between the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b) must be indicatively, twice the thickness of a purlin.

[0026] Placed in inverted overlap, the two purlins allow obtaining the overlap and the symmetric tubular cavity configuration (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3), wherein the plane of symmetry is orthogonal to the front and the back flanges (1-a and 1-b).

[0027] The holes (2) existing throughout the entire central area (the web) of the purlin allow its effective fixation overlapping through the placing of the screw (3).

[0028] As is evidenced by Fig.1 to Fig. 3, the front flange (1-a) is provided with a front edge (1-c) larger than the back edge (1-d) belonging to the back flange (1-b). Said circumstance is related to constructive questions - and, not structural - that attach with the greatest overlapping ease two purlins, one over the other.

[0029] The edge of each of the front and the back flanges forms, with those, an indicative angle of 90°.

[0030] It results from Fig. 3, that a purlin can be rotated over the other and continuously obtain the initial effect, given that the front flange (1-a) of one will couple on the back flange (1-b) of the other. The horizontal shift accompanied by a rotation (phenomena known as lateral instability or bending) is reduced due to the configuration of the purlin.

[0031] Therefore, there results an increase in functionality in obtaining this type of constructive structural elements results, making the coupling of two or more purlins more simple and efficient.List of Reference Indications

[0032] 1 - purlin flanges 1-a - front flange 1-b - back flange 1-c - front edge 1-d - back edge 2 - holes 3 - screws List of Citations Patent Literature

[0033] patcit1: Utility Model 10888 patcit2: US 5 079 884 A

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]The modular structural purlin that is the object of the invention originates, in its essence, from the junction, in a single purlin, of two existing purlin segments: a sigma-shaped purlin "Σ" and a "[" shaped purlin.

[0020]Sectioning a segment (more than half, spanning the back) of a "Σ" purlin and another segment (less than half) of a "[" purlin and joining with the ends (the front and the back flanges) in opposite orientation essentially results in the purlin that is the object of the invention.

[0021]The front and the back flanges form, indicatively, a 90° angle relative to the axis of the purlin.

[0022]Thus, the purlin obtained presents, the front and the back flanges in opposite orientation (Fig. 1), which results in a non-obvious configuration and appears to be in conflict with its shape-function.

[0023]The next step is to determine the absolutely exact dimension of the front and the back flanges, the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b). If both front and the back f...

Claims

1. A modular structural purlin comprising a configuration approximately in "Z" as a result of the junction of two segments of two purlins, a smaller segment in "[" configuration and another larger segment, having a "Σ" configuration, the modular purlin comprising a web, a front flange (1-a) and a back flange (1-b), whereby the front and the back flanges (1-a and 1-b) of the purlin (1) are in opposite orientation, with the front flange (1-a) having larger dimension than the back flange (1-b), characterized in that the purlin comprises holes (2) provided on its web along its longitudinal direction; in that the modular purlin can be overlapped with another identical modular purlin such as to form a symmetric tubular cavity between the webs of the purlins placed back to back; and in that the plane of symmetry being orthogonal to the front and the back flanges (1-a and 1-b).

2. The modular structural purlin, according to the previous claim, characterized by each of the front and the back flanges forming, indicatively, a 90° angle relative to the axis of the purlin (1).

3. The modular structural purlin, according to the previous claim, characterized by the difference in dimension between the front flange (1-a) and the back flange (1-b) being, indicatively, twice the thickness of the purlin (1).

4. The modular structural purlin, according to the previous claims, characterized by both front and the back flanges comprising edges having indicative 90° angle relative to the surface of said front and the back flanges, whereby the front edge (1-c) has a larger dimension than the back edge (1-d).

5. The modular structural purlin, according to the previous claims, characterized by comprising tightening and fastening screws (3) throughout the holes (2).

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