A brace for releasably attaching a component to a structure and a method of using such a brace

Abstract

A brace (1) for releasably attaching a component (2) to a structure (3), said brace (1) comprising a first leg (4), pivotable around a first pivot axis (P1), and a second leg (5), pivotable around a second pivot axis (P2), said first and second legs (4, 5) being interconnected by a bridge (13). An elongate crossbar assembly (6), having a variable length (L), extends between said first and second legs (4, 5). A change in said length (L) generates pivoting movement of said first leg (4) and said second leg (5). At least two gripping assemblies (7) are configured to releasably engage a surface of said structure (3), each gripping assembly (7) being attached to said first leg (4), said second leg (5), or said crossbar assembly (6). A carrier bolt (8), configured to support said component (2), extends between said bridge (13) and said crossbar assembly (6).

Description

[0001] A BRACE FOR RELEASABLY ATTACHING A COMPONENT TO A STRUCTURE AND A METHOD OF USING SUCH A BRACE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to a brace for attaching a component to a structure and a method of using such a brace.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In building and construction, there is often a need for placing and maintaining components at a specific location in space, for example, while casting concrete around utility installations such as piping and junction boxes. The components need to be, firstly, held in place in open space and, secondly, to be maintained securely in the same place as concrete fills up the previously open space. This is usually achieved by attaching the components to the reinforcement structure (rebar) or to the casting mold, which significantly limits the possible placements. A further labor- and timeintensive option is to install all utilities after the concrete has set, requiring cutting or chiseling into the concrete .

[0006] In another example, construction work such as the construction of buildings, tunnels, quays, bridges, or cofferdams often requires the use of earth or water retaining structures, at least temporarily. The retaining structures are built to withstand the pressure applied by large amounts of water or excavated earth. The retaining structure may be constructed with reinforced concrete, however, it is usually advantageous to instead build a structure comprising beams and sheet piling. Sheet piling retaining walls can be erected significantly faster than concrete walls, are relatively narrow, do not require a foundation to be built, and are reusable. Furthermore, steel sheet piling provides maximum strength and durability at the lowest possible weight. A variety of closely fitting joints and sheet profiling allow the most suitable retaining wall, under specific geological and financial conditions, to be built.

[0007] Sheet piling retaining walls may be built by driving several vertical universal H-type beams into the ground, at a center- to-center distance of around 50 cm. The distance between the universal beams may vary depending on the type of ground.

[0008] Sheet pile retaining walls are commonly constructed by driving a series of interlocked steel sheets— such as U-piles or Z- piles— into the ground at typical center-to-center distances ranging from approximately 40 to 75 cm. This spacing may vary depending on several factors, including the type of sheet piles used and the characteristics of the soil. The resulting sheet pile wall is not flat but has a corrugated profile, with each pile's cross-sectional shape projecting slightly from the primary wall alignment. In horizontal cross-section, the wall exhibits a zig-zag pattern, and when viewed from one side, it presents regularly spaced, vertically extending grooves .

[0009] To support the sheet pile wall and prevent excessive def lection— especially around an excavation such as a building pit, a horizontal guiding or support beam may be secured to the wall, often by welding. This support member may be a universal H-beam or similar structural profile. The purpose of such a beam is to counteract inward collapse by distributing soil pressure evenly along the wall. Once the excavation phase is complete and the cavity is backfilled with earth or similar material, these horizontal support beams are no longer required and are typically removed by destructive methods, such as flame cutting or grinding. However, these procedures are time-consuming, hazardous, and relatively costly. Consequently, horizontal beams in such applications serve as temporary structural supports during construction projects involving deep excavations, such as those for basements or underground parking facilities.

[0010] To avoid the drawbacks associated with welding and flame cutting, prior art suggests using a clamp or a clip for interconnecting two orthogonally extending universal beams. Such clamps or clips usually have specific dimensions that limit their use to specific beam configurations and dimensions, and that require the orthogonal beams to be positioned correctly before mounting the clamp or clip.

[0011] KR 20090119501 A shows a brace for releasably attaching corrugated plate to a rib, the brace comprising a bolt configured to extend between a hook type base plate and a valley of the corrugated plate.

[0012] Hence, there is a need for an improved solution for quick and reliable attachment of a building component to a structure.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] It is an object to provide an improved device for, and method of, assembling a retaining wall. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0015] According to a first aspect, there is provided a brace for releasably attaching a component to a structure, the brace comprising : a first leg and a second leg, a first end of the first leg and a first end of the second leg being interconnected by a bridge ) , the first leg being pivotable relative to the bridge around a first pivot axis, and the second leg being pivotable relative to the bridge (13) around a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis (P2) are parallel, an elongate crossbar assembly extending between the first leg and the second leg, the crossbar assembly having a variable length along a crossbar center axis, change of the length causing pivoting movement of the first leg and the second leg, at least two gripping assemblies, each gripping assembly being configured to releasably engage a surface of the structure, each gripping assembly being attached to one of the first leg, the second leg, or the crossbar assembly; and an elongated force transfer member extends from said bridge in a direction along a center axis of said elongated force transfer member: towards said crossbar assembly for pulling said component towards said structure, or away from said crossbar assembly for pushing said brace away from said structure.

[0016] This allows a reusable device for assembling or mounting components on structures, in particular vertical building structures, which is easy to mount and fully releasable without requiring welding and flame cutting, or other semipermanent methods. The device is adaptable to differently sized and configured structures and can be attached to a structure by one person and without specific tools.

[0017] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the elongated force transfer member is a carrier bolt extending at least between the bridge and the crossbar assembly, along a bolt center axis, wherein the carrier bolt is configured to support the component.

[0018] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the brace is substantially triangular in shape, the bridge and / or the first end of the first leg and the first end of the second leg forming an apex of the triangular shape and the crossbar forming a base of the triangular shape. This allows the device to fit into a groove in a structure, such as the corrugation of a sheet pile retaining wall.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first leg and the second leg are configured to pivot in opposite directions, allowing the length of the crossbar assembly to be varied while maintaining the symmetry of the device and of the forces the device applies onto the structure . In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a first end of the crossbar assembly is pivotably connected to a second end of the first leg and a second end of the crossbar assembly is pivotably connected to a second end of the second leg.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the elongated force transfer member is configured to apply a force onto the bridge and / or the crossbar, along the bolt center axis, the force generating and / or limiting a change in length of the crossbar assembly.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bolt center axis extends perpendicular to the first pivot axis, the second pivot axis, and the crossbar center axis,

[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the brace is configured for use for attaching a beam to a sheet pile retaining wall, preferably with one gripping assembly engaging a first wall of the sheet piling associated with a vertically extending groove in the sheet pile retaining wall, and / or the gripping assembly engaging a second wall associated with the same vertically extending groove, the second web preferably being arranged at an oblique angle to the first web.

[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the brace is used for attaching a beam to a sheet pile retaining wall. This allows simple, secure and releasable assembly of sheet pile retaining walls. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the elongated force transfer member is configured to receive and maintain a beam in a horizontal position against one or several sections of vertically extending sheet pile.

[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis extend at opposite sides of the bolt center axis.

[0025] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each gripping assembly comprises two parallel gripping elements, the parallel gripping elements being pivotable around a third pivot axis and a fourth pivot axis, the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis extending in parallel with the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis. This allows the gripping assembly to self-adapt to non-planar or uneven surfaces.

[0026] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least one grip surface of the gripping assembly comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably four, spikes configured to penetrate the surface of the structure. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, one of the gripping assemblies is attached to the second end of the first leg and the other of the second gripping assemblies is attached to the second end of the second leg, and / or one of the gripping assemblies is attached to a first end of the crossbar assembly and the other of the gripping assemblies is attached to a second end of the crossbar assembly. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the spikes are distributed evenly across the grip surface.

[0027] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each spike has a surface area hardness that is equal to or harder than the surface area hardness of the structure, allowing the brace to engage the structure reliably with limited impact on the structure.

[0028] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each gripping element is a substantially triangular plate, one side of the triangular plate comprising the grip surface.

[0029] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each gripping element is a monolithic, single-piece element, the spikes being hardened sections of the gripping element.

[0030] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the spikes are discrete elements attached to a surface of the gripping element, the spikes comprising a material that is harder than, or equally hard as, the remainder of the gripping element .

[0031] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the gripping assembly comprises a three-dimensional monolithic structure.

[0032] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the crossbar assembly comprises a crossbar and two connection pieces, the connection pieces being arranged at opposite ends of the crossbar such that the length of the crossbar assembly is varied by means of displacement of the connection pieces relative the crossbar along the crossbar center axis.

[0033] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the crossbar is a hollow tube, each connection piece comprising a rod, extending into a lumen of the crossbar, and a head, configured to be rotatably connected to one of the first leg and the second leg.

[0034] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the crossbar comprises a thoroughgoing opening configured to receive the elongated force transfer member is a carrier bolt, and the carrier bolt comprises a nut configured to lock the component onto the carrier bolt.

[0035] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the crossbar assembly forms a turnbuckle, the operation of the turnbuckle resulting in an adjustment of the distance between the second end of the first leg and the second end of the second leg by moving the connection pieces by identical distances in opposite directions along the crossbar center axis .

[0036] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the head of one of the connection pieces is connected to the first leg and the head of the other of the connection pieces is connected to the second leg such that movement of the connection pieces along the crossbar center axis generates pivoting movement of the first leg and the second leg in a plane comprising the crossbar center axis and the bolt center axis .

[0037] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the head comprises a ball joint allowing three-dimensional rotation of the first leg and the second leg relative the crossbar .

[0038] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the crossbar is rotatable around the crossbar center axis, rotation of the crossbar around the crossbar center axis generating movement of the connection pieces along the crossbar center axis. This allows the brace to be mounted easily onto the structure.

[0039] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each end of the crossbar comprises an elongated recess having a length, a longitudinal axis of the recess extending in parallel with the crossbar center axis, each connection piece comprising a protrusion configured to engage the recess such that the length of the crossbar assembly is variable within a tolerance range of ±2 x the length of the recess.

[0040] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the brace further comprises two bushings, the bushings being arranged at opposite ends of the crossbar, each bushing being slideable relative to the crossbar along the crossbar center axis . In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each bushing extends into the lumen of the crossbar, and each bushing is configured to receive one of the connection pieces.

[0041] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each bushing is in threaded engagement with the connection piece such that rotation of the bushings around the crossbar center axis generates movement of the connection pieces along the crossbar center axis. This allows reliable, continuous, and even length adjustment.

[0042] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bushings are form-fitted within the lumen of the crossbar such that each bushing is slideable along the crossbar center axis relative to the crossbar but not rotatable around the crossbar center axis relative to the crossbar.

[0043] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, one of the bushings and the rod of one of the connection pieces comprises a right-hand screw thread, and the other of the bushings and the rod of the other of the connection pieces comprises a left-hand screw thread.

[0044] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the lumen of the crossbar and the cross-section of the bushing are rectangular.

[0045] According to a second aspect, there is provided a brace assembly comprising the brace according to the above and at least one further crossbar, wherein lengths of the crossbars are individually different, and wherein the crossbar and the further crossbar are interchangeable. This allows a reusable device for assembling or mounting components on structures, which is easy to mount and fully releasable without requiring welding and flame cutting. The device is adaptable to differently sized and configured structures, and can be attached to a structure by one person and without specific tools.

[0046] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of attaching a component to a structure, comprising the steps of placing a brace , within a groove of the structure adjusting a dimension of the brace across a width of the groove such that gripping elements of the brace engage opposite sides of the groove; attaching the component to the brace.

[0047] This method allows assembly or mounting of components on structures, in an easily mounted and fully releasable way without welding and flame cutting. The method is adaptable to differently sized and configured structures, and can be used by one person and without specific tools.

[0048] In a further possible implementation form of the third aspect, the method comprises the steps of arranging at least one section of sheet pile such that the corrugation ( s ) of the section (s) of sheet pile extend(s) vertically; placing a brace within a corrugation groove of the section (s) of sheet pile; adjusting a dimension of the brace across a width of the groove such that gripping elements of the brace engage opposite sides of the groove; attaching the beam to the brace such that the beam abuts the section (s) of sheet pile. In a further possible implementation form of the third aspect, the step of adjusting the dimension of the brace across the width of the groove comprises adjusting the length of the crossbar assembly such that the first leg and the second leg pivot in opposite directions towards the opposite sides of the groove.

[0049] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0052] Fig. 1 shows an illustration of a brace in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 2 shows an illustration of a brace in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, the brace being attached to sheet piling;

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a brace in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0055] Fig. 4 shows an illustration of a brace in accordance with another example of the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present invention relates to a brace 1 for releasably attaching a component 2 to a structure 3, for example, attaching an HEB beam 2 to a sheet pile retaining wall 3 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The brace 1 could, nevertheless, be used to attach any type of component to any type of structure, for example, the brace 1 could be used for attaching a junction box to a rebar cage prior to filling the rebar cage with concrete. Hence, the present invention is not limited to use together with components such as HEB beams. The illustrations provided merely constitute examples of the use of the present invention. The structure 3 may be any type of structure, in particular a building structure. The structure 3 may for example be a vertically extending structure such as a wall.

[0058] The brace 1 comprises a first leg 4 and a second leg 5, a first end 4a of the first leg 4 and a first end 5a of the second leg being interconnected by a bridge 13. An elongate crossbar assembly 6 extends between a second end 4b of the first leg 4 and a second end 5b of the second leg 5. Each leg is operably connected to a gripping assembly 7 configured to releasably engage a surface of the structure 3. A carrier bolt 8 or other elongate force transfer member, e.g. a rod, extends at least between the bridge 13 and the crossbar assembly 6 and is configured to support component 2.

[0059] The brace 1 may have a substantially triangular shape, the bridge 13 and / or the first end 4a of the first leg 4 and the first end 5a of the second leg 5 forming an apex of the triangular shape and the crossbar 10 forming a base of the triangular shape. The linked structure forms four-bar trapezoidal linkage. The crossbar 10 may comprise a thoroughgoing opening configured to receive the carrier bolt

[0060] As mentioned, the first end 4a of the first leg 4 and the first end 5a of the second leg 5 are interconnected by bridge 13. The first leg 4 is configured to pivot, relative to the bridge 13, around a first pivot axis Pl, and the second leg 5 is configured to pivot, relative to the bridge 13, around a second pivot axis P2. The first pivot axis Pl and the second pivot axis P2 extend in parallel as shown in Fig. 3. The first leg 4 and the second leg 5 may be configured to pivot in opposite directions.

[0061] As also mentioned, the elongate crossbar assembly 6 extends between the second end 4b of the first leg 4 and the second end 5b of the second leg 5. The length L of the crossbar assembly 6 is variable along the crossbar center axis Cl, and a change in the length L generates pivoting movement of the first leg 4 and the second leg 5.

[0062] The first end 6a of the crossbar assembly 6 may be pivotably connected to the second end 4b of the first leg 4 and the second end 6b of the crossbar assembly 6 may be pivotably connected to a second end 5b of the second leg 5.

[0063] The brace 1 comprises at least two gripping assemblies 7, each gripping assembly 7 being configured to releasably engage a surface of the structure 3 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. Each gripping assembly 7 is attached to the first leg 4, the second leg 5, and / or the crossbar assembly 6. For example, fig 3 shows one gripping assembly 7 attached to the first leg 4 as well as the first end 6a of the crossbar assembly 6, and another gripping assembly 7 attached to the second leg 5 as well as the second end 6b of the crossbar assembly 6. Furthermore, one of the gripping assemblies 7 may be attached to the second end 4b of the first leg 4 and the other of the second gripping assemblies 7 may be attached to the second end 5b of the second leg 5, or one of the gripping assemblies 7 may be attached to a first end 6a of the crossbar assembly 6 and the other of the gripping assemblies 7 may be attached to a second end 6b of the crossbar assembly 6.

[0064] Each gripping assembly 7 may comprise two parallel gripping elements 7a, 7b, and the parallel gripping elements 7a, 7b may pivotable around a third pivot axis P3 and a fourth pivot axis P4 as shown in Fig. 3. The third pivot axis P3 and the fourth pivot axis P4 extend in parallel with the first pivot axis Pl and the second pivot axis P2. Each gripping element 7a, 7b may be a substantially triangular plate, one side of the triangular plate comprising the grip surface. The gripping assembly 7 may also comprise a three-dimensional monolithic structure, for example, comprising two plate-shaped legs.

[0065] As also shown in Fig. 3, at least one grip surface of the gripping assembly 7 comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably four, spikes 9 configured to penetrate the surface of the structure 3. The surface of the structure 3 is penetrated due to the force applied, by the spikes 9 onto the surface, by means of an increase in the length L of the crossbar assembly 6. Correspondingly, the force applied onto the surface is reduced as the length L of the crossbar assembly 6 is reduced, eventually allowing the spikes 9 to release the previous engagement with the surface of the structure 3.

[0066] The spikes 9 may be distributed evenly across the grip surface. The spikes may also be distributed unevenly across the grip surface. Each spike 9 may have a surface area hardness that is equal to or higher than the surface area hardness of the structure 3, the hardness e.g. being measured using the Rockwell hardness test. The spikes may have identical or different shapes and heights.

[0067] In an embodiment wherein each gripping element 7a, 7b is a monolithic, single-piece element, the spikes 9 may be hardened sections of the gripping element 7a, 7b. In an embodiment wherein the spikes 9 are discrete elements attached to a surface of the gripping element 7a, 7b, the spikes 9 may comprise a material that is harder than, or equally hard as, the remainder of the gripping element 7a, 7b.

[0068] The carrier bolt 8 is configured to extend at least between the bridge 13 and the crossbar assembly 6, along the bolt center axis C2. The carrier bolt 8 is configured to support the component 2, either directly or by means of a clamp 18. The bolt center axis C2 may extend perpendicular to the first pivot axis Pl, the second pivot axis P2, and the crossbar center axis Cl. The first pivot axis Pl and the second pivot axis P2 may extend at opposite sides of the bolt center axis C2.

[0069] The carrier bolt 8 may be configured to receive and maintain a component such as a beam 2 in a horizontal position against one or several sections of vertically extending sheet pile. Thus, the carrier bolt 8 pulls the beam 2 onto the sheet pile wall 3, thereby securing the beam 2.

[0070] The carrier bolt 8 may comprise a nut configured to lock the component 2 onto the carrier bolt 8, or to generate a force onto the bridge 13 and crossbar 10, which in turn propagates via connection pieces 11, arranged at opposite ends of the crossbar 10, to the gripping assembly 7. The carrier bolt 8 pulls the beam 2 toward the sheet pile wall 3.

[0071] The crossbar assembly 6 may comprise a crossbar 10 and two connection pieces 11, the connection pieces 11 being arranged at opposite ends of the crossbar 10 such that the length L of the crossbar assembly 6 is varied by means of displacement of the connection pieces 11 relative the crossbar 10 along the crossbar center axis Cl.

[0072] The crossbar 10 may be a hollow tube, and each connection piece 11 may comprise a rod 11a, extending into a lumen of the crossbar 10, and a head lib, configured to be rotatably connected to one of the first leg 4 and the second leg 5 as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0073] The head lib of one of the connection pieces 11 may be connected to the first leg 4 and the head lib of the other of the connection pieces 11 may be connected to the second leg 5 such that movement of the connection pieces 11 along the crossbar center axis Cl generates pivoting movement of the first leg 4 and the second leg 5 in a plane comprising the crossbar center axis Cl and the bolt center axis C2. The head lib may comprise a ball joint allowing 3-dimensional rotation of the first leg 4 and the second leg 5 relative the crossbar

[0074] 10.

[0075] The crossbar 10 may be rotatable around the crossbar center axis Cl, the rotation of the crossbar 10 around the crossbar center axis Cl generating movement of the connection pieces 11 along the crossbar center axis Cl. In other words, the crossbar assembly 6 may form a turnbuckle, the operation of the turnbuckle adjusting the distance between the second end 4b of the first leg 4 and the second end 5b of the second leg 5 by moving the connection pieces 11 by identical distances in opposite directions along the crossbar center axis Cl.

[0076] Each end of the crossbar 10 may comprise an elongated recess 19 having a recess length L4, a longitudinal axis of the recess 19 extending in parallel with the crossbar center axis Cl, each connection piece 11 comprising a corresponding protrusion 20 configured to engage the recess 19 such that the length L of the crossbar assembly 6 is variable within a tolerance range of ±2 x recess length L4.

[0077] The brace 1 may instead comprise two bushings 12, the bushings 12 being arranged at opposite ends of the crossbar 10, each bushing 12 being slideable relative the crossbar 10 along the crossbar center axis Cl. Each bushing 12 may extend into the lumen of the crossbar 10, and each bushing 12 may be configured to receive one of the connection pieces 11, as shown in Fig. 3. The bushings 12 may be form-fitted within the lumen of the crossbar such that each bushing 12 is slideable along the crossbar center axis Cl relative the crossbar 10 but not rotatable around the crossbar center axis Cl relative the crossbar 10. In other words, the bushings 12 and the lumen of the crossbar 10 may be shaped identically. As an example, the lumen of the crossbar and the cross-section of the bushing 12 may be rectangular such that sliding motion of the bushing 12 relative to the lumen of the crossbar 10 may be allowed, yet rotation of the bushing 12 relative to the lumen of the crossbar 10 prevented.

[0078] Each bushing 12 may be in threaded engagement with the connection piece 11 such that rotation of the bushings 12 around the crossbar center axis Cl generates movement of the connection pieces 11 along the crossbar center axis Cl. One of the bushings 12 and the rod 11a of one of the connection pieces 11 may comprise a right-hand screw thread, and the other of the bushings 12 and the rod 11a of the other of the connection pieces 11 may comprise a left-hand screw thread.

[0079] The bushing 12 may be provided with a thread on either its outer surface or on its inner surface, i.e. the surface delimiting the lumen of the bushing 12. A corresponding thread would be provided on the connection piece 11 or the crossbar 10, depending on configuration.

[0080] Correspondingly, the crossbar 10 may be solid and each connection piece 11 may comprise a hollow rod 11a, such that each end of the crossbar 10 extends into the lumen of one of the hollow rods 11a (not shown) . Each connection piece 11 may also be configured to receive one of the bushings 12, while each bushing 12 may be configured to receive one end of the crossbar 10, i.e. the ends of the crossbar 10 may be form- fitted within the lumen of the bushings 12. In other words, each bushing 12 may be arranged between the crossbar 10 and a connection piece 11 in various configurations such that the crossbar 10 or the connection piece 11 form the outermost piece while the other of the crossbar 10 and the connection piece 11 form the innermost piece which is enclosed by the outermost piece and, optionally, the bushing 12.

[0081] The crossbar assembly 6 may also comprise a coil 21 extending between the first leg 4 and the second leg 5, the coil 21 forcing the first and second legs 4, 5 towards each other.

[0082] The present invention also relates to a brace assembly 14 comprising the brace 1 as described above, and at least one further crossbar 15 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The lengths L2, L3 of the crossbars 10, 15 are individually different, and the crossbar 10 and the further crossbar (s) 15 are interchangeable. In other words, crossbar 10 may have a length L2 while a further crossbar has a length L3 which is either longer or shorter than length L2. This allows substantially the same brace to be used for a variety of structures, such as sheet piling having different width and / or shape corrugations or grooves, by simply exchanging the crossbar. The crossbar can, e.g. , be exchanged by simply pulling the slidable bushings 12 out from the lumen of the original crossbar 10 and replacing the original crossbar 10 with a further crossbar 15.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a component 2 to a structure 3, the method comprising the steps of placing the brace 1 within a groove 17 of the structure 3, adjusting a dimension of the brace 1 across a width W of the groove 17 such that gripping elements 7 of the brace 1 engage opposite sides of the groove 17, and attaching the component 2 to the brace 1.

[0084] As described above, the brace 1 comprises a first leg 4 configured to pivot in around a first pivot axis Pl; a second leg 5 configured to pivot around a second pivot axis P2, the first leg 4 and the second leg being interconnected by a bridge 13; an elongate crossbar assembly 6 extending between the first leg 4 and the second leg 5, a length L of the crossbar assembly 6 being variable along a crossbar center axis Cl of the crossbar assembly 6, a change in the length L generating pivoting movement of the first leg 4 and the second leg 5; at least two gripping assemblies 7, the gripping assemblies 7 being attached to the first leg 4 and the second leg 5, respectively; and a carrier bolt 8 extending at least between the bridge 13 and the crossbar assembly 6, the carrier bolt 8 being configured to support the component 2. The step of adjusting the dimension of the brace 1 across the width W of the groove 17 may comprise adjusting the length L of the crossbar assembly 6 such that the first leg 4 and the second leg 5 pivot in opposite directions towards the opposite sides of the groove 17.

[0085] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a beam 2 to a sheet pile retaining wall 3. The sheet pile retaining wall 3 may comprise one or several sections 16 of sheet pile, individual sections of sheet pile being interconnected along longitudinal edges by different types of mutually engaging joints. The method comprising a number of steps, firstly to arrange at least one section 16 of sheet pile such that the corrugations, i.e. the grooves and ridges, of the section (s) 16 of sheet pile extend vertically. Subsequently, the above-described brace 1 is placed within a corrugation groove 17 of the section 16 of sheet pile. Any suitable number of braces 1 may be used to ensure the beam 2 can be held securely in place. However, only one brace 1 is used per beam 2 and corrugation groove 17. The dimension of the brace 1 across the width W of the groove 17 is adjusted such that gripping elements 7 of the brace 1 eventually engage opposite sides of the groove 17, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. Lastly, the beam 2 is attached to the brace 1 such that the beam 2 abuts the sections 16 of sheet pile as illustrated in Fig. 2. The beam 2 may be attached to the brace 1 by sliding it onto a carrier bolt 8, the beam 2 comprising a corresponding throughgoing opening and the beam being locked into place by a nut, or a similar stopping element, the nut being screwed onto the carrier bolt 8. The beam 2 may also be attached to the brace 1 by means of a clamp unit, the clamp unit having a configuration that allows the beam 2 to be held securely by the clamp unit. The carrier bolt 8 extends below or above the beam 2, while the clamp unit is slid onto the carrier bolt 8 and, after the beam 2 has been arranged on / in the clamp unit, the clamp unit is locked into place on the carrier bolt 8 by means of a nut screwed onto the carrier bolt 8. When a pulling force is applied to the carrier bolt 8 it is transmitted to the bridge 13 and the second ends (4a, 5a) of the first and second legs 4,5 are urged to pivot away from one another, thereby pressing the gripping elements 7 into the opposing walls of the groove 17. Fig. 4. shows another embodiment of the brace 1. In this embodiment, structures, and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described or shown herein are denoted by the same reference numeral as previously used for simplicity. In this embodiment, the carrier bolt 8 extends from the bridge 13 towards the sheet pile wall 3 to exert a pushing force that pushes the brace 1 away from the sheet pile wall 3, thereby pushing the gripping elements 7 into the walls of the groove 17 and securing the brace 1 in the groove 17. The brace 1 according to this embodiment can be used to suspend an object, such as a traffic sign, or a traffic light or any other object to the sheet pile wall 3, without needing to pull the object onto the sheet pile wall 3 as in the embodiment above.

[0086] The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage .

[0087] The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g. , cross-hatching arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc. ) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g. , "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc. ) , simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A brace (1) for releasably attaching a component (2) to a structure (3) , said brace (1) comprising: a first leg (4) and a second leg (5) , a first end (4a) of said first leg (4) and a first end (5a) of said second leg being interconnected by a bridge (13) , said first leg (4) being pivotable relative to said bridge(13) around a first pivot axis (Pl) , and said second leg (5) being pivotable relative to said bridge(13) around a second pivot axis (P2) , wherein said first pivot axis (Pl) and said second pivot axis (P2) are parallel, an elongate crossbar assembly (6) extending between said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) , said crossbar assembly (6) having a variable length (L) along a crossbar center axis (Cl) , change of said length (L) causing pivoting movement of said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) , at least two gripping assemblies (7) , each gripping assembly (7) being configured to releasably engage a surface of said structure ( 3 ) , each gripping assembly (7) being attached to one of said first leg (4) , said second leg (5) , or said crossbar assembly (6) ; and an elongated force transfer member (8) extends from said bridge (13) in a direction along a center axis (C2) of said elongated force transfer member (8) : towards said crossbar assembly for pulling said component (2) towards said structure (3) , or away from said crossbar assembly (6) for pushing said brace 81) away from said structure (3) .

2. The brace (1) according to claim 1, wherein said brace (1) is substantially triangular in shape, said bridge (13) and / or said first end (4a) of said first leg (4) and said first end (5a) of said second leg (5) forming an apex of said triangular shape and said crossbar assembly (10) forming a base of said triangular shape.

3. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) are configured to pivot in opposite directions when a force is applied by said elongated force transfer member (8) to said bridge (13) , preferably such that the first leg (4) and the second leg (5) pivot away from one another to urge the gripping assemblies (7) apart in response to a force directed from the bridge (13) toward the crossbar assembly (6) .

4. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a first end (6a) of said crossbar assembly (6) is pivotably connected to a said first leg (4) preferably at a second end (4b) of said first leg (4) and wherein a second end (6b) of said crossbar assembly (6) is pivotably connected to a said second leg (5) preferably at a second end (5b) of said second leg (5) .

5. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said bolt center axis (C2) extends perpendicular to said first pivot axis (Pl) , said second pivot axis (P2) , and said crossbar center axis (Cl) .

6. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the brace (1) is configured for use for attaching a beam (2) to a sheet pile retaining wall (3) , preferably with one gripping assembly (7) engaging a first wall of the sheet piling associated with a vertically extending groove (17) in the sheet pile retaining wall (3) , and the other gripping assembly (7) engaging a second wall associated with the same vertically extending groove (17) , the second web preferably being arranged at an oblique angle to the first web.

7. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said elongated force transfer member (8) is configured to receive and maintain a beam (2) in a horizontal position against one or several sections of vertically extending sheet pile ( 3 ) .

8. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first pivot axis (Pl) and said second pivot axis (P2) extend at opposite sides of said bolt center axis (C2) .

9. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein one of said gripping assemblies (7) is attached to the first leg (4) at or near a second end (4b) of said first leg (4) and the other of said second gripping assemblies (7) is attached to the second leg (5) at or near a second end (5b) of said second leg (5) , and / or one of said gripping assemblies (7) is attached to a first end (6a) of said crossbar assembly (6) and the other of said gripping assemblies (7) is attached to a second end (6b) of said crossbar assembly (6) .

10. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one grip surface of said gripping assembly (7) comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably four, spikes (9) configured to penetrate said surface of said structure (3) .

11. The brace (1) according to claim 10, wherein said spikes(9) are distributed evenly across said grip surface.

12. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said gripping assembly (7) comprises a threedimensional monolithic structure.

13. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each gripping assembly (7) comprises two parallel gripping elements (7a, 7b) , said parallel gripping elements (7a, 7b) being pivotable around a third pivot axis (P3) and a fourth pivot axis (P4) , said third pivot axis (P3) and said fourth pivot axis (P4) extending in parallel with said first pivot axis (Pl) and said second pivot axis (P2) .

14. The brace (1) according to claim 13, wherein each gripping element (7a, 7b) is a substantially triangular plate, one side of said triangular plate comprising said grip surface.

15. The brace (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each gripping element (7a, 7b) is a monolithic, single-piece element, said spikes (9) being hardened sections of said gripping element (7a, 7b) .

16. The brace (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said spikes (9) are discrete elements attached to a surface of said gripping element (7a, 7b) , said spikes (9) comprising a material which is harder than, or equally hard as, the remainder of said gripping element (7a, 7b) .

17. The brace (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said crossbar assembly (6) comprises a crossbar (10) and two connection pieces (11) , said connection pieces (11) being arranged at opposite ends of said crossbar (10) such that said length (L) of said crossbar assembly (6) is varied by means of displacement of said connection pieces (11) relative said crossbar (10) along said crossbar center axis (Cl) .

18. The brace (1) according to claim 17, wherein said crossbar (10) comprises a hollow tube, each connection piece (11) comprising a rod (11a) , extending into a lumen of said crossbar (10) , and a head (lib) , configured to be rotatably connected to one of said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) .

19. The brace (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said crossbar (10) comprises a thoroughgoing opening configured to receive said elongated force transfer member (8) , and wherein said elongated force transfer member is a carrier bolt (8) and comprises a nut configured to lock said component (2) onto said carrier bolt (8) .

20. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said crossbar assembly (6) forms a turnbuckle,operation of said turnbuckle adjusting the length (L) of the crossbar assembly (6) and thereby the distance between the second end (4b) of said first leg (4) and the second end (5b) of said second leg (5) by moving said connection pieces (11) by identical distances in opposite directions along said crossbar center axis (Cl) .

21. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the head (lib) of one of the connection pieces (11) is connected to said first leg (4) and the head (lib) of the other of said connection pieces (11) is connected to said second leg (5) such that movement of said connection pieces (11) along said crossbar center axis (Cl) generates pivoting movement of said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) in a plane comprising said crossbar center axis (Cl) and said bolt center axis (C2 ) .

22. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein said head (lib) comprises a ball joint allowing three- dimensional rotation of said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) relative said crossbar (10) .

23. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein said crossbar (10) is rotatable around said crossbar center axis (Cl) , rotation of said crossbar (10) around said crossbar center axis (Cl) generating movement of said connection pieces (11) along said crossbar center axis (Cl) .

24. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein each end of said crossbar (10) comprises an elongated recess (19) having a recess length (L4) , a longitudinal axisof said recess (19) extending in parallel with said crossbar center axis (Cl) , each connection piece (11) comprising a protrusion (20) configured to engage said recess (19) such that the length (L) of the crossbar assembly (6) is variable within a tolerance range of ± 2 x recess length (L4) .

25. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising two bushings (12) , said bushings (12) being arranged at opposite ends of said crossbar (10) , each bushing (12) being slideable relative said crossbar (10) along said crossbar center axis (Cl) .

26. The brace (1) according to claim 25, wherein each bushing (12) extends into said lumen of said crossbar (10) , and each bushing (12) is configured to receive one of said connection pieces ( 11 ) .

27. The brace (1) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein each bushing (12) is in threaded engagement with said connection piece (11) such that rotation of said bushings (12) around said crossbar center axis (Cl) generates movement of said connection pieces (11) along said crossbar center axis (Cl) .

28. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein said bushings (12) are form-fitted within said lumen of said crossbar such that each bushing (12) is slideable along said crossbar center axis (Cl) relative said crossbar (10) but not rotatable around said crossbar center axis (Cl) relative said crossbar (10) .

29. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein one of said bushings (12) and the rod (11a) of one of said connection pieces (11) comprises a right-hand screw thread, and the other of said bushings (12) and the rod (11a) of the other of said connection pieces (11) comprises a lefthand screw thread.

30. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the lumen of said crossbar (10) and the cross-section of said bushing (12) are rectangular.

31. The brace (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein said elongated force transfer member (8) is configured to apply a force onto said bridge (13) and / or said crossbar (10) , along said bolt center axis (C2) , said force generating and / or limiting a change in the length (L) of said crossbar assembly ( 6 ) .

32. A brace assembly (14) comprising the brace (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 31 and at least one further crossbar (15) , wherein lengths (L2, L3) of the crossbars (10, 15) are individually different and interchangeable.

33. Method of attaching a component (2) to a structure (3) having a groove (17) , comprising the steps of:-placing a brace (1) within the groove (17) of said structure (3) ;- said brace (1) comprising a first leg (4) and a second leg (5) , a first end (4a) of said first leg (4) and a first end (5a) of said secondleg being pivotable relative to said bridge (13) around a first pivot axis (Pl) , and said second leg (5) being pivotable relative to said bridge (13) around a second pivot axis (P2) , wherein said first pivot axis (Pl) and said second pivot axis (P2) are parallel, an elongate crossbar assembly (6) extending between said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) , said crossbar assembly (6) having a variable length (L) along a crossbar center axis (Cl) , change of said length (L) causing pivoting movement of said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) ; at least two gripping assemblies (7) , each gripping assembly (7) being configured to releasably engage a surface of said structure (3) , each gripping assembly (7) being attached to one of said first leg (4) , said second leg (5) , or said crossbar assembly (6) ; and an elongated carrier element (8) extending at least between said bridge (13) and said crossbar assembly (6) , the method comprising: -adjusting a dimension of said brace (1) across a width (W) of said groove (17) such that gripping elements (7) of said brace (1) engage opposite sides of said groove (17) ; and -attaching said component (2) to said elongated carrier element ( 8 ) .

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein said component (2) is a beam and said structure (3) is a sheet pile retaining wall (3) , comprising the steps of:-arranging at least one section (16) of sheet pile such that groove (s) (17) of said section(s) (16) of sheet pile extend(s) vertically;-placing said brace (1) within one groove (17) of said section(s) (16) of sheet pile;-adjusting a dimension of said brace (1) across a width (W) of said groove (17) such that gripping elements (7) of said brace (1) engage opposite sides of said groove (17) ;-attaching said beam (2) to elongated carrier element (8) such that said beam (2) abuts said section(s) (16) of sheet pile .

35. Method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein said step of adjusting the dimension of said brace (1) across the width (W) of said groove (17) comprises adjusting said length (L) of said crossbar assembly (6) such that said first leg (4) and said second leg (5) pivot in opposite directions towards said opposite sides of said groove (17) .

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