US3633855A

US3633855A - Support structure

Info

Publication number: US3633855A
Application number: US811146A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Alfred Nell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-03-30
Filing date: 1969-03-27
Publication date: 1972-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 1989-01-11
Also published as: DE1759108B2; AT317974B; DE1759108C3; DE1759108A1

Abstract

A support structure includes a base element and a supported element which is supported on the base element. Support means is interposed between the elements and includes at least one loadcentering first support member carried by the base element and at least one second support member overlying the first support member at least coextensively therewith. The second support member supports the supported element and is unconnected with the first support member so as to have slight freedom of movement relative thereto but transmitting loads originating from the supported element into the first member in all positions relative thereto.

Description

Unite States Patent Hans Alfred Nell Klippe 17, 5602 Langenberg, Germany [21] Appl. No. 811,146

[22] Filed Mar. 27, 1969 [72] Inventor [45] Patented Jan. 11, 1972 [32] Priority Mar. 30, 1968 [33] Germany [54] SUPPORT STRUCTURE 21 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Chancellor E. Harris Attorney-Michael S. Striker ABSTRACT: A support structure includes a base element and a supported element which is supported on the base element. Support means is interposed between the elements and includes at least one load-centering first support member carried by the base element and at least one second support member overlying the first support member at least coextensively therewith. The second support member supports the supported element and is unconnected with the first support member so as to have slight freedom of movement relative thereto but transmitting loads originating from the supported element into the first member in all positions relative thereto.

SUPPORT STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a support structure in general, and more particularly to a support structure wherein a supported element is to be supported on a base element.

Still more particularly the invention relates to support means for supporting, on a base element, a supported element whose load stresses, as well as stresses resulting from shifting and/or twisting of the supported element relative to the base element, are to be transmitted into the latter.

The invention attempts to provide a plate-shaped supporting arrangement which absorbs and vertically transmits into the base element vertical loads originating from the supported element, which at the same time absorbs horizontal shifting of the supported element relative to the base element with lowest possible horizontal forces, and which permits twisting of the supported element with respect to the base element with simultaneous centering of the loads and reduces the edge stresses significantly so as to permit optimum transmission of the outer loading forces into the base element.

In accordance with the invention this problem is solved by providing a load-centering support member and a sliding support member which are coextensive and superposed. It is advantageous if the two support members are independently superimposed. This provides the advantage that the support structure provides a sliding function which is operative in each type of loading condition and which reduces the friction of the sliding contact faces significantly over the entire area of the support structure, all of this being independent of twisting forcesand load-centering function. The danger of a possible separation of the sliding layers from parts of the load-centering member is avoided. A change of shape due to horizontal forces transmitted by the load-centering member is being avoided, while horizontal forces at the same time are made a minimum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one feature of my invention a structure of the type in question includes, briefly stated, a base element and a supported element which is supported on the base element. Support means is interposed between the elements and includes at least one load-centering first support member connected to the base element and at least one second support member overlying the first support member at least coextensively therewith. The second support member supports the supported element and is unconnected with the first support member so as to have slight freedom of movement relative thereto while transmitting loads originating from the support element into the first member in all positions which it assumes relative to the first member.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic vertical section through a structure according to the present invention n one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating one half of the same embodiment but with some additional elements included;

FIG. 2a shows another half of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 with concrete pervading a lower layer;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention in a view similar to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a connection between two separate structures according to the present invention; shown in plan view.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating a different type of connection than that of FIG. 5; also shown in plan view;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic fragmentary illustration showing a further aspect of the invention; in plan view;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but showing a modification; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevation illustrating diagrammatically still another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing the drawing in detail, and firstly the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that reference numeral 1 identifies a base element, such as a portion of a concrete wall structure or floor structure or beam or the like. Connected to this base element 1 via a layer 2 of adhesive material is a plateshaped support arrangement 3, carrying the supported superstructure 41 in FIG. 2 and 2a. This consists in the illustrated embodiment of a load-centering support member 4 consisting of a chloroprene-polymerisate and is surrounded by a foam-type filler material 5 consisting of synthetic plastic material or a paper-based material. The load-centering support member 4 may be strip shaped in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base element 1. However, there may be two or more load-centering support members 4 arranged spaced from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base element 1. The load-centering support member 4 is preferably of round plate shape but may also consist of a rectangular plate-shaped member.

To increase the load-carrying ability and safety of the loadcentering support member 4 the latter is provided at its circumference with a reinforcement 6 which may extend all along the circumference of the support member 4, or only over part of the circumference. Preferably the reinforcement consists of continuous, elastic and-if desired-corrugated members of metallic or plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 the reinforcement is located within the load-centering support member 4 proximal to the margin thereof, but it could also be arranged exteriorly about the edge face of the load-centering support member 4.

A glide member 7 completely overlies the load-centering support member 4 and filler material 5 and consists of two

coextensive glide layers

8 and 9 of plastic material, preferably polytetrafluorethylene. The

layers

8 and 9 define with one another an interface 10.

The load-centering support member 4 and the glide member or second member 7 are reinforced and sealed at their common circumference by adhesive strips 11 which may be fiber-reinforced if desired, so that when concrete is poured over the base element and the support arrangement, for instance to provide the supported element 41, it cannot enter between the individual components of the support arrangement.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 2a show the construction of FIG. 1 but show different auxiliary elements in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 the glide member 7 consisting of the

layers

8 and 9 is protected against entry of flowable concrete into the interface 10 between the

layers

8 and 9. This is accomplished by providing an adhesive strip 12 which surrounds the edge portions of the

layers

8 and 9 and closes the interface in the manner illustrated. Adhered to the adhesive layer 2 at the underside of the support means or support arrangement 3 is a hard layer 13 consisting of opencelled foam material. This makes it possible to press the structure 3 into a finishing layer 14 of cement which has been applied to the base element 15, here illustrated as a wall or floor structure. The cement 14 will adhere to both the base element 15 and enter into the open cells of the layer 13, thereby bonding the structure 3 reliably to the base element 15.

A concrete form 16 engages the edge face of the layer 13 in such a manner that the upper edge of the form 16 is located substantially on the same level as the upper side of the layer 13.

A distancing or spacing member 18 is provided on its underside with a self-adhesive layer 19 which may originally be provided with a release foil for protective purposes, it being understood that the release foil will be peeled or drawn off before the member 18 is used. One marginal portion of the member 18 is adhesively secured to the upper side of the structure 3 extending along the circumferential edge of the latter, and the other marginal portion of the member 18 is similarly secured to the form 16. The intermediate portion connecting the two marginal portions bridges the space between the form 16 and the upper side of the structure 3 to prevent the intrusion of concrete poured over this arrangement. To facilitate bending of the marginal portions with respect to the intermediate portion the upper side of the member 18 is provided with a weakened portion, such as a score line or the like, identified with reference numeral 20 and extending along between the one marginal portion and the intermediate portion, whereas the lower side of the member 18 is provided with a similar end portion 21 extending along between the intermediate portion and the other marginal portion.

The member 18 consists of a plastically deformable material, for instance a hard foam material with closed cells or pores. It prevents the penetration of concreteprior to hardening of the sameinto contact with the circumferential edge of the structure 3, and/or layers l3, l4, and 15, so that'the supported element which is obtained when the poured concrete has hardened, can be so supported on the base element 15 via the structure 3 that shifting or twisting of the supported element originating through the absorption of loads, through temperature fluctuations and the like, can be absorbed by the structure 3.

A somewhat different embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2a where the layer 13 of open-celled foam material is pressed into smooth flowable concrete or mortar 17 which has been applied to the base element. This provides evening and smoothing of the flowable concrete or mortar 17 and tight bonding of the layer 13 and thereby the structure 3 to the base element. This makes it possible to securely bond even large sliding surfaces with the layer 17, an advantage which is particularly important in the construction of concrete roadways or runways using prestressed concrete. It also makes it possible to produce exposed concrete surfaces without special subsequent finishing steps by disposing a synthetic plastic foil on the form surfaces and subsequent pouring of concrete into the form. In place of the foam it is also possible to use other materials with irregularly configurated surfaces.

It is also possible to make the layer 13 of elastic material if it is only desired to compensate for evennesses in the support surface of the base element in the sense of maintaining the possibility of small shifting of the shiftable members of the structure 3 relative to one another. In this case the layer 13 may consist of polystyrene, polyethylene or polyurethane or rubberlike material. It is advantageous if the thickness of the layer 13 is between 2 and 30 mm. It should also be mentioned that the layer 13 could consist of natural fibers, such as felt, or of synthetic fibers.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 utilizes a load-centering member which here consists of a base layer 22 of neoprene on which there is supported a plate 23 consisting of high-grade steel. The upper side of the plate 23 is polished, chrome plated or bright annealed and slidably supports a plate 24 of polytetrafluorethylene which extends into a depression 25 of a cap member 26, for instance of steel. The outer circumferential wall of the steel cap member 26 is located upwardly spaced from the upper surface of the plate 23 so as to be capable of following any twisting movements of the supported element. The spaces between the outer circumferential wall of the steel cap member 26 and the upper surface of the plate 23 are advantageously filled with an elastically deformable material 27, such as foam material, keeping plate 23, and plate 24, and cap 26 during storage, handling, and casting in proper relative position.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4 there are provided adhesive layers 28 which are located downwardly of the filler material 5. Although it is possible that the layers 28 by themselves could serve for securing the structure 3 to the base element, FIG. 4 additionally provides an adhesive carrier 29 at both longitudinal sides of the structure 3 which is covered by a common protective release foil 30, which is of course removed before the structure 3 is secured to the base element (which is not illustrated in FIG. 4). In this embodiment, also, the load-centering member 4 is surrounded laterally by the filler material 5. 9

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate folded connections between adjacent platelike support arrangements according to the present invention. Reference numeral 31 identifies an adhesive foil which extends over the entire width of two platelike support arrangements 3 and connects the same.

FIG. 6 illustrates an adhesive foil 32 which is narrower than the width of two adjacent platelike supporting structures 3.

According to FIG. 7 at least one material layer, for example in FIG. 1 layer 8 and/or 9, of two adjacent support structures 3which material layer is common to both of themis provided at one side with an incision 33 in such a manner that the remaining nonincised portion 33a makes it possible to effect folding relative to one another of the adjacent portions of this layer, each of which portions is associated with one of the two adjacent support structures 3.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 7, there is again at least one layer of material provided which is common to two adjacent support structures 3. Here, however, this layer is incised from two opposite sides with

incisions

34, 34a with a nonincised portion 35 remaining which is so narrow that the two support structures 3 connected by the respective portions of the thus-incised layerwhich latter is common to both of the support structures 3can be readily folded into positions in which they are parallel to one another.

FIG. 9, finally, illustrates platelike support structures 3 which are partially folded for storage and handling purposes only relative to one another. Reference numeral 36 identifies an adhesive connection of the type shown either in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Reference numerals

37 and 38 identify respective layers of material whereas reference numeral 39 identifies a filler material and reference numeral 40 a layer of adhesive material provided with a release foil. The layer 40 extends over the entire length of the composite support structure consisting of the individual structures 3. The adjacent structures 3 can be folded relative to one another in the manner illustrated so that they will finally be located in parallelism with one another. It is advantageous if such folding is in zigzag shape as shown in FIG. 9, or in harmonica shape.

The incisions 33 in FIG. 7 and 34, 34a in FIG. 8 on the one hand make it possible to smoothly arrange

corrugated layers

37, 38, 39 of material (FIG. 9) without necessitating a complete severing thereof, and on the other hand they make it possible to fold the entire structure in such a manner as to avoid undesired kinking caused by foils manufactured not quite plain of unequal thickness etc. which would result in difficulties in the installation due to concrete bridges" between supporting and supported member. The incisions as described will prevent such bridges. The bending areas at the

portions

33a or 35, respectively, constitute only a small fraction of the entire width of the structure.

Since the change of longitude or elongation between supporting and supported members normally varies in one or more direction, it is practical and advantageous in many cases to separate the two members. At the same time there normally is a change of angle, twisting, of the supported member relative to the supporting member around one or more axes. An artificial joint properly executed between the supporting and supported member allows consequently the translatory and rotating movement relative between the two members.

Since the supporting member 4 may be of elastomer or rubberlike material the supported member is free to rotate along with the upper surface of member 4.'Further the filler material 5 allows easily a compression to a fraction of the original volume, which results in there being no obstacles to the intended rotation. This also means, that the load is almost completely carried by the load-centering support member 4, which is located centered on the supporting member. Thus, the load is carried down into the center of the supporting member.

The foam-type filler material actually serves the purpose of establishing a compressible space or volume during casting of the concrete in order to avoid stressing or overstressing the outer edges of the supporting member.

Independent superposition of the load-centering member and the glide member means that two independent members covering an area of equal shape and magnitude are superimposed upon each other, each acting for itself, the one allowing translatory movement, the other rotatory movement and centering of load to the middle axis of supporting member.

By the way, the elastically deformable material 27 also serves the purpose of keeping steel cap member 26 in proper position during casting of concrete.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a support structure, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing inany way from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A load-bearing support structure for supporting on a base element in a building structure a structural element carried by said base element and tending to shift and twist with reference to the same, said support structure comprising a base element; a supported structural element supported on said base element; and support means interposed between said elements and including at least one load-centering first support member carried by said base element, a filler layer of compressible filler material surrounding said first member circumferentially thereof intermediate said elements and having a height at most corresponding to that of said first member, and at least one discrete second support member overlying and supported on said first support member and said layer, said second support member supporting said supported structural element unconnected with said first support member and having slight freedom of sliding and twisting movement relative thereto and to said layer while transmitting loads originating from said supported structural element into said first member in all positions which it assumes relative to said first member.

2. A structure as defined in claim 1, said base element being elongated in a predetermined direction, and said first support member also being elongated in said direction.

3. A structure as defined in claim 1, said base element being elongated in a predetermined direction, and said support means including at least one additional first support member spaced from said one first support member in said direction.

4. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said first support member is of one-piece construction.

5. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said first support member consists of an elastically deformable material.

6. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said first support member is reinforced.

7. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said first support member comprises at least two superimposed glide layers having limited freedom of sliding movement relative to one another.

8. A structure as defined in claim 7, said two glide layers including a bottom layer connected to said base element, a top layer slidably superimposed on said bottom layer and having an upward projection, and said first support member further including a downwardly open steel cap member having a cavity tightly receiving said projection and a circumferential wall which is slightly upwardly s aced from said bottom la er.

9. A structure as define in claim 8, wherein sai circumferential wall defines with said bottom layer a free gap; and further comprising compressible material received in and filling said free gap.

10. A structure as defined in claim 7, said two layers including a top layer of polytetrafluorethylene and a bottom layer supporting said top layer and consisting of steel; and further comprising a base layer of plastically deformable material interposed between said bottom layer and said base element.

11. A structure as defined in claim 1, said second support member including two layers of synthetic plastic material.

12. A structure as defined in claim 1, said support means comprising at least an additional one of one of said support members arranged spaced from the first-mentioned one of said one support member, and wherein the other one of said support members is at least coextensive with both of said one support member and at least partly severed into two sections each of which is associated with one of said one support members.

13. A structure as defined in claim 1, said support means including at least one additional first support member spaced from said one first support member, and at least one additional second support member overlying said additional first support member; and further comprising flexible adhesive means bridging the gap between said one and said additional support members.

14. A structure as defined in claim 1, further comprising an intermediate layer interposed between said first support member and said base element and having a side facing the latter, and wherein said side is provided with projections and/or depressions.

15. A structure as defined in claim 14, wherein said inter-' mediate layer consists of elastic material.

16. A structure as defined in claim 1, each of said support members having an exposed surface juxtaposed with the respectively associated element; and further comprising a selfadhesive layer on at least one of said exposed surfaces, and a release foil on said self-adhesive layer for protection of the same prior to use of said support means in said structure.

17. A structure as defined in claim 16, said members being elongated, and said self-adhesive layer extending over the entire length of said one exposed surface.

18. A structure as defined in claim 1, said support means having an upper circumferential edge; and further comprising distancing means secured to and extending along said upper circumferential edge and bridging the space between the same and said base element but without interfering with the freedom of relative movement of said support members.

19. A structure as defined in claim 18, said distancing means being an elongated strip-shaped member having a first elongated marginal portion secured to said circumferential edge, a second elongated marginal portion secured to said base element and an intermediate elongated portion connecting said elongated marginal portions and bridging the space between said circumferential edge and said base element.

20. A structure as defined in claim 19, said strip-shaped member having an upwardly facing side provided with a first elongated weakened line extending along between said first marginal portion and said intermediate portion, and a downwardly facing side provided with a second elongated weakened line extending along between said second marginal portion and said intermediate portion, said weakened lines facilitating bending of said marginal portions at angles relative to said intermediate portion.

21. A structure as defined in claim 20, said downwardly facing side being provided with a self-adhesive layer for connecting said strip-shaped member to said circumferential edge and said base element, respectively, and a release foil releasably adhered to said self-adhesive layer prior to use of said stripshaped member so as to protect said self-adhesive layer.

Claims

8. A structure as defined in claim 7, said two glide layers including a bottom layer connected to said base element, a top layer slidably superimposed on said bottom layer and having an upward projection, and said first support member further including a downwardly open steel cap member having a cavity tightly receiving said projection and a circumferential wall which is slightly upwardly spaced from said bottom layer.

9. A structure as defined in claim 8, wherein said circumferential wall defines with said bottom layer a free gap; and further comprising compressible material received in and filling said free gap.

15. A structure as defined in claim 14, wherein said intermedIate layer consists of elastic material.

16. A structure as defined in claim 1, each of said support members having an exposed surface juxtaposed with the respectively associated element; and further comprising a self-adhesive layer on at least one of said exposed surfaces, and a release foil on said self-adhesive layer for protection of the same prior to use of said support means in said structure.

19. A structure as defined in claim 18, said distancing means being an elongated strip-shaped member having a first elongated marginal portion secured to said circumferential edge, a second elongated marginal portion secured to said base element, and an intermediate elongated portion connecting said elongated marginal portions and bridging the space between said circumferential edge and said base element.

21. A structure as defined in claim 20, said downwardly facing side being provided with a self-adhesive layer for connecting said strip-shaped member to said circumferential edge and said base element, respectively, and a release foil releasably adhered to said self-adhesive layer prior to use of said strip-shaped member so as to protect said self-adhesive layer.