Self-aligning beam joint suited for use in modular construction
US5412913A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/1616
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved joinder method and system which allow either individual vertical columns or prefabricated module assemblies which incorporate a plurality of said vertical columns to be quickly and accurately lowered into position on top of one or more similarly configured underlying columns. In one preferred embodiment the uppermost ends of the underlying columns comprise a portion of a similar previously installed module located immediately below the particular module being lifted into place. The improved columnar joint of the present invention can be utilized to automatically guide the prefabricated modules into proper location onto the uppermost ends of the underlying columns such that when the lowermost ends of the vertical columns being installed come to rest upon the uppermost ends of the underlying columns, the opposed ends of the vertical columns are sufficiently aligned with one another that they will readily support the weight of the module without any risk of shifting when the lifting tension is relieved. Self-aligning column joints of the present invention are also utilized to rigidly and permanently secure the vertically aligned column or columns to one another without the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.