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Patent 2603394 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2603394
(54) English Title: SHEAR CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING AT LEAST TWO COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM OF INTERCONNECTED COMPONENTS
(54) French Title: CLAVETTE POUR RELIER AU MOINS DEUX ELEMENTS DE CONSTRUCTION, ET SYSTEME D'ELEMENTS DE CONSTRUCTION RELIES LES UNS AUX AUTRES
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • E04B 1/26 (2006.01)
  • E04C 3/14 (2006.01)
  • E04C 3/18 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • VON MORZE-REICHARTZ, SIGRUN (Germany)
(73) Owners :
  • INDUO GESELLSCHAFT ZUR VERWERTUNG VON SCHUTZRECHTEN MBH & CO. KG (Germany)
(71) Applicants :
  • INDUO GESELLSCHAFT ZUR VERWERTUNG VON SCHUTZRECHTEN MBH & CO. KG (Germany)
(74) Agent: CRAIG WILSON AND COMPANY
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2006-03-25
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2006-10-05
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP2006/002747
(87) International Publication Number: WO2006/103033
(85) National Entry: 2007-09-28

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
10 2005 014 900.6 Germany 2005-04-01

Abstracts

English Abstract




The invention relates to a shear connector (4) for connecting at least two
components (1, 2, 3), said connector having a number of pins (6). The shear
connector (4) is embedded at least partially and preferably completely in one
of the components (2, 3) and the pins (6) of the shear connector (4) engage in
corresponding cavities in the component (2, 3) that carries the shear
connector (4). To improve the ease of assembly, the shear connector (4) is
configured in at least two sections and is provided with elements (10) or co-
operates with elements that are used to interconnect the two or more sections
(4a, 4b) of the shear connector (4). The invention also relates to a system of
interconnected components.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne une clavette (4) servant à relier au moins deux éléments de construction (1, 2, 3) et comprenant une pluralité de goujons (6). Selon l'invention, cette clavette (4) est introduite au moins partiellement, de préférence entièrement, dans un des éléments de construction (2, 3). De plus, les goujons (6) de ladite clavette (4) s'engagent dans des évidements correspondants ménagés dans l'élément de construction (2, 3) portant la clavette (4). Pour que ladite clavette (4) soit plus facile à monter, celle-ci est constituée d'au moins deux pièces et comporte des moyens (10) ou coopère avec des moyens (10) servant à relier les deux pièces (4a, 4b) constitutives de la clavette (4). La présente invention se rapporte en outre à un système d'éléments de construction reliés les uns aux autres.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



19

CLAIMS:


1. A shear connector (4) adapted for interconnecting at least two structural
components (1, 2,
3), which connector has a number of mandrels (6) and is embedded at least
partially, but
preferably completely in one of said components, the mandrels (6) of the shear
connector (4)
engaging corresponding recesses in said component (1, 2, 3),

characterized in

that said shear connector (4) is formed of at least two parts and is equipped
with means (10,
18, 19, 20) or is able to co-operate with the latter, by which means the at
least two parts (4a,
4b) can be interconnected.


2. A shear connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the
interconnecting means
(10) are adapted for bringing about a positive and/or non-positive joint.


3. A shear connector according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the
shear connector (4)
is separated along a plane comprising its longitudinal axis (L).


4. A shear connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in
that the
interconnecting means (10) are formed as a groove and tongue system (11, 12)
having at least
one undercut, wherein each part of the shear connector (4a, 4b) has one part
of the groove and
tongue system (11, 12).


5. A shear connector according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove
and tongue
system (10, 11) is composed of at least one dovetail-shaped groove (11) and a
correspondingly
shaped tongue (12).


6. A shear connector according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the
groove and tongue
system (11, 12) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the
shear connector (4).

7. A shear connector as claimed 6, characterized in that one single groove and
tongue
system (11, 12) is arranged on the parts (4a, 4b) of the shear connector (4).


20

8. A shear connector according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the
groove and tongue
system (11, 12) extends in a direction (Q) transverse to the longitudinal axis
(L) of the shear
connector (4).


9. A shear connector according to claim 8, characterized in that at least two
groove and
tongue systems (11, 12) are arranged on the parts (4a, 4b) of the shear
connector (4).


10. A shear connector according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in
that the groove
and tongue system (11, 12) has a width altering in the direction of insertion
(E).


11. A shear connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the groove
and tongue
system (11, 12) extends conically in the direction of insertion (E) of the
tongue (12) into the
groove (11).


12. A shear connector according to claim 11, characterized in that the angle
of the cone (.alpha.) is
between 0,5° and 5°, preferably between 1° and 3°.


13. A shear connector according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in
that the
groove (11) and/or the tongue (12) of the groove and tongue system (11, 12)
has/have an
insertion bevelling (13, 14) in one end region thereof.


14. A shear connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in
that the
interconnecting means (10) have at least one pin-shaped interconnecting
element (18, 19, 20)
which is adapted to be inserted into one bore (15, 16, 17), each, in each one
of the parts (4a,
4b) of the shear connector (4), wherein the axis of the bore (15, 16, 17)
includes an angle with
the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4).


15. A shear connector according to claim 14, characterized in that the angle
between the axis
of the bore and the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4) is
15° to 80°, preferably
30° to 60°.


21

16. A shear connector according to claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the
pin-shaped
interconnecting element (18, 19, 20) is formed as a conical pin and that the
bores (15, 16, 17)
have a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the pin.


17. A shear connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in
that each part
(4a, 4b) of the shear connector (4) has, when seen in a section perpendicular
to the
longitudinal axis (L) of the shear connector (4), a triangular outer contour.


18. A shear connector adapted for interconnecting at least two structural
components (1, 2, 3),
which connector has a number of mandrels (6) and is embedded at least
partially, but
preferably completely in one of said structural components (1, 2, 3), wherein
the mandrels (6)
of the shear connector (4) engage corresponding recesses in the structural
component (1, 2, 3)
and wherein the shear connector (4) has a bore (23) passing therethrough along
its
longitudinal axis (L), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 17,

characterized in

that the bore (23) is provided with a thread (24) in one of its end regions.


19. A shear connector according to claim 18, characterized in that the core
diameter of the
thread (24) is smaller than the diameter of the bore (23).


20. A shear connector according to claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the
thread (24)
extends over at most 50% of the total length of the shear connector (4).


21. A shear connector according to claim 20, characterized in that the thread
(24) extends
over at most 33%, preferably over at most 25% of the total length of the shear
connector (4).

22. A shear connector adapted for interconnecting at least two structural
components (1, 2, 3),
which connector has a number of mandrels (6) and is embedded in one of the
structural
components (1, 2, 3), preferably only partially, wherein the mandrels (6) of
the shear
connector (4) engage corresponding recesses in the structural component (1, 2,
3), in
particular according to any one of claims 1 to 21,


22

characterized in


that at least one retaining section (25, 27) of plane-shape is arranged on the
shear connector
(4).


23. A shear connector according to claim 22, characterized in that at least
one retaining
section (25), each, of plane-shape is arranged on both sides of the
longitudinal axis (L) of the
shear connector (4).


24. A shear connector according to claim 23, charaterized in that the at least
two retaining
sections (25) of plane-shape lie in a common plane.


25. A shear connector according to claim 24, characterized in that mandrels
(6) are only
arranged on the shear connector (4) in a partial space confined by the plane.


26. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized
in that the
plane-shaped retaining section (27) is arranged on the shear connector (4)
such that the normal
(N) of its surface extends parallely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the shear
connector (4) or
includes an angle of less than 45° therewith.


27. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized
in that the
plane-shaped retaining section (27) is arranged in an axial end region of the
shear connector
(4).


28. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized
in that the
plane-shaped retaining section (27) is arranged on the shear connector (4)
adapted to be
adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) thereof.


29. A shear connector according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized
in that
mandrels (6) are only arranged on one side of the plane of symmetry of the
shear connector
(4).


23

30. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 29, characterized
in that the shear
connector (4), when seen in a section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis
(L), has a
triangular outer contour.


31. A shear connector according to claim 30, characterized in that mandrels
(6) preferably
extending parallely to each other, are only provided on the two smaller
lateral surfaces of the
shear connector (4).


32. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized
in that the at
least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) and the shear connector (4)
are moulded in
one piece.


33. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized
in that the at
least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is welded to the shear
connector (4).


34. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized
in that the at
least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is soldered to the shear
connector (4).


35. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized
in that the at
least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is screwed-on to the shear
connector (4).


36. A shear connector according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized
in that the at
least one plane-shaped retaining section (25, 27) is glued to the shear
connector (4).


37. A system of structural components (1, 2, 3) interconnected with each
other, in particular a
supporting framework system, having a first structural component (2) in which
at least one
shear connector (4) provided with mandrels (6) is embedded, wherein the
mandrels (6) engage
in the first structural element (2), and having at least one further
structural component (3),
characterized in

that the shear connector (4) has a bore (23) passing therethrough along its
longitudinal axis
(L), in which bore a pole-shaped fastening element (30), in particular a tube
is inserted, which



74


element is adapted to be fixed in the direction of its longitudinal axis
relatively to the shear
connector (4) and relatively to the further structural element (3) and/or to a
further shear
connector (4).

38. A system according to claim 37, characterized in that the axial fixing of
the pole-shaped
fastening element (30) occurs relatively to the shear connector (4) and/or
relatively to the
further structural element (2) and/or relatively to a further shear connector
(4), by means of at
least one fastening pin (31) which passes at least partially through the
structural component
(2) and/or the pole-shaped fastening element (30) and/or the shear connector
(4) and/or the
further structural element (1, 2).

39. A system according to claim 38, characterized in that the fastening pin
(31) passes
through the structural component (2) and/or the pole-shaped fastening element
(30) and/or the
shear connector (4) and/or the further structural component (1, 2)
perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis of the pole-shaped fastening element (30).
40. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that
one shear

connector (4), each, is arranged in one structural component (2, 3), each,
wherein a further
structural component (1) is arranged between said two structural components
(2, 3) and
wherein the pole-shaped fastening element (30) passes through both shear
connectors (4) and
said further structural component (1) (Fig. 22, 23).

41. A system according to claim 40, characterized in that the pole-shaped
fastening element
(30) projects axially beyond the shear connector (4).

42. A system according to claim 41, characterized in that one fastening pin
(31), each, is
arranged directly on the outwardly extending end of each shear connector (4).

43. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 42, characterized in that
the fastening pin
(31) is a steel pin.



25


44. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 43, characterized in that
each fastening
pin (31) has a diameter of between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably a diameter of
between 5 mm
and 7 mm.

45. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 44, characterized in that
each fastening
pin (31), at one axial end thereof, is equipped with a chamfer or a point.

46. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 45, characterized in that at
least two
structural components (1, 2, 3) are arranged in one plane.

47. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 46, characterized in that at
least one of the
structural components (1, 2, 3) is a cross beam.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02603394 2007-09-28

Shear connector for interconnecting at least two structural elements and
system of
interconnected structural elements"

1 Prior Art

The invention concerns a shear connector adapted for interconnecting at least
two structural
components, which connector has a number of mandrels and is embedded at least
partially,
but preferably completely in one of the structural components, wherein the
mandrel of the
shear connector engages corresponding recesses in the structural components.
Furthermore the
invention concerns a system of structural components interconnected with each
other.

A shear connector of this type, which is used for producing for example a
supporting
framework structure, as well as a system of interconnected structural
components are known
from DE 197 01458 Cl.

Frameworks produced in this manner are appropriate for various fields of use.
They are used
in the construction of buildings as well as in exposition and stage
construction or for example
in the construction of roller coasters. The system comprised of shear
connectors and the co-
operating structural components is designed such that the static and dynamic
loads affecting
the framework can be absorbed. Apart from the stability of the individual
beams, girders and
supports it is particularly important that the occurring forces can be
transmitted securely at the
nodal points of interconnected beams or supports.

A further aspect of such systems concerns their economic efficiency, which
means that they
may be produced and assembled in a simple and cost-saving manner. In many
cases it is also
desirable that the interconnecting system imparts an agreeable aesthetic
impression.

A typical example of the presently concerned constructions is wooden
structural engineering
wherein beams or simular supporting components or elements are interconnected
to form
stable wall, floor and/or roof frameworks. In this context various material
combinations are
used, i.e. the material wood may be combined with concrete, for example as
filling material,
but also with plastics or metal components. Regarding the material wood solid
wood glulams


2
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

and other wooden materials may be concerned with the solid woods being
particularly
designed in the form of logwoods, beams, square-shaped timber, shelves and
crossbeams,
which in relation to the sizes of their cross sections are able to absorb and
to transmit
relatively high forces. As aõcrossbeam" a beam is to be understood which is
formed by
longitudinally partitioning one or several tree trunks and turning the
partitioned pieces about
their longitudinal axis as well as by subsequently interconnecting these parts
to form a new
beam, wherein an opening extending essentially centrally along the crossbeam
results from the
arched faces then lying on the inside and originally forming the outer
portions of the tree or
trees, respectively.

Interconnecting facilities have been developed in manifold manner and
introduced in practice,
in particular in the region of the ends of these structural elements. Purely
by way of example
some known facilities should be mentioned, for example dowels combined with
bolts and
additional screw nails, driven-in transversely to the longitudinal axis of the
beam in the region
of groove and tongue connections, or nail attachments with butt or cover
plates, or studs with
transversely extending hardwood dowels or embedded T-steel with rod-shaped
dowels, or
pegs, in particular shearing pegs etc. It is known that frontal connections
may well also be
obtained by a so-called beam joint, wherein the beam sides are provided with
support
elements for transmitting forces on both sides in the region of their ends by
means of
transversely extending dowels of particular structure.

From the already mentioned DE 197 01 458 Cl a wood-construction
interconnecting facility
is known for frontal joining of a crossbeam. This includes a shear connector
which is
embedded in at least one region of an opening extending within the cross beam
over its total
length in such manner that it is offset backwardly with its outer end with
respect to the frontal
face of the beam. The shear connector has a rod-shaped core with mandrels
sticking out, and
an attachment facility on at least one of the core ends.

With this wood joint it is possible to provide an optically appealing frontal
joint of a cross
beam with another structural component involving a minimum number of
structural elements,
only, at low assembling effort. However, it is not immediately possible to
erect a complete
framework with this known wood joint because this is primarily designed for
the frontal side
application in a cross beam.


3
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

From DE 100 29 343 C2 a similar interconnection system is known for beam-
shaped
structural components, wherein provision is made that the shear connector is
equipped with a
continuous opening adapted to receive a joining means to extend there through
in a manner to
be freely movable in the longitudinal direction, and engages a counterpart
which has been
embedded in a structural component. Thereby it is accomplished to mount the
beam provided
with a shear connector on any connecting components or elements in a simple
and thus also
cost-efficient manner.

DE 203 06 942 U1 also applies shear connectors of the species concerned for
producing an
interconnection of several structural components. In order to be able to
manufacture a
plurality of varying nodal points with few parts, only, at the same time
aiming at a simple
assembling facility, provision is made herein that the shear connector has,
apart from the
interconnecting option for the first structural component, at least an
interconnecting option for
a further structural component which is aligned in a direction oblique or
transverse to the first
structural component and co-operates with an interconnecting option of the
other structural
component via an opening in the first structural component.

Even though simple and optically appealing interconnections of structural
components or
elements can be achieved with the already known solutions cases of application
have become
known in which, while using the mentioned shear connectors, it is desirable
that the
assembling effort be further reduced. Furthermore it appears to be
advantageous in some cases
of application to be able to enhance the ability of transmitting forces.
Moreover it appears to
be desirable to amplify the spectrum of application of the interconnecting
system beyond the
known structural elements and thus to make it suitable for other structural
elements.

2 Solution according to the invention

The invention is thus based on the problem to develop further a shear
connector of the type
initially mentioned and a system of interconnected structural components,
respectively, such
that an amplified spectrum of application results and/or enhanced application
options may be
obtained. In particular, the assembly is to be simplified and higher forces
are to be transmitted


4
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

through the connection of the structural components. Furthermore, the system
should be
adapted to be distinguished by an appealing optical appearance.

This problem is solved by way of a shear connector having the features of
claim 1, and by a
system having the features of claim 37. Through the design according to the
invention
particularly simplified assembling options will result.

According to a further development the connecting means are appropriate for
forming a
positive and/or non-positive joint. Therein, the shear connector is preferably
partitioned along
a plane containing its longitudinal axis.

A groove and tongue system having an undercut may be provided as means for
connecting the
at least two parts of the shear connector, wherein each part of the shear
connector comprises
one part of the groove and tongue system. In this context a groove of dovetail-
shape and a
correspondingly shaped tongue have proved of value as the groove and tongue
system. The
groove and tongue system may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis
of the shear
connector. In this case preferably only one single groove and tongue system
may be arranged
on the parts of the shear connector. However, it is also an option that the
groove and tongue
system should extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
shear connector.
In this case particularly two groove and tongue systems on the parts of each
shear connector
have proved to be advantageous.

The groove and tongue system may, when seen in the direction of insertion of
the tongue into
the groove, have an altering width. In particular, it is contemplated in this
context that the
groove and tongue system has, when seen in the direction of insertion of the
tongue into the
groove, a tapering extension. The angle of tapering may advantageously be
between 0,5 and
, and it is of particular advantage if it is between 1 and 3 .

The insertion of the one part of the groove and tongue system into the other
one may be
simplified in that the groove and/or the tongue has/have a chamfer of
insertion in one of their
end regions.


5
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

The connecting means may, according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention, have a
pin-shaped connecting element which is adapted to be inserted into one bore,
each, in each
one of the parts of the shear connector, wherein the axis of the bore forms an
angle with the
longitudinal axis of the shear connector. The angle between the axis of the
bore and the
longitudinal axis of the shear connector preferably is between 15 and 80 , in
particular
between 30 to 60 . It is also impossible to align the bores transversely to
the longitudinal axis
of the shear connector.

The pin-shaped connecting element may be designed as a conical pin, and the
bores within the
parts of the shear connector may have a shape corresponding to the outer
contour of the pin.
Each part of the shear connector may have, when seen in a section
perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the shear connector, a triangularly-shaped outer contour
such that two
composed parts result in a shear connector which has a square or lozenge-
shaped cross-
sectional face.

An alternative embodiment of the invention aims at a shear connector which has
a bore
passing therethrough along its longitudinal axis. It is possible to obtain a
more stable and solid
connection between the shear connector and the structural components to be
connected if the
bore is provided with a thread in one of its end regions.

In this context the core diameter of the thread may preferably be smaller than
the diameter of
the bore. The length of the thread in the direction of the longitudinal axis
of the shear
connector preferably extends over no more than 50 % of the total length of the
shear
connector; most preferably the longitudinal extension of the thread will be
only up to
maximally 33 %, in particular up to 25 % at the maximum of the total length of
the shear
connector.

In order to obtain an enhanced facility of fixing the shear connector or the
structural
component there is provided, according to a further alternative embodiment, a
shear connector
on which there is arranged at least one plane-shaped retaining section.


6
At least one plane-shaped retaining section may be arranged on both sides of
the longitudinal
axis of the shear connector. It is also possible that the at least two plane-
shaped retaining
sections lie within a mutual plane.

In context with such design of the shear connector it is made possible to do
without a
complete embedding of the shear connector within the structural component. In
fact, the
mandrels may only project in one direction into corresponding recesses within
the structural
component and the shear connector may be fixed by means of the plane-shaped
retaining
sections, for example by means of screws on one outside of the structural
component, with the
screws passing through bores in the plane-shaped retaining sections.
Therefore, a preferred
embodiment of the invention provides that mandrels are only arranged on the
shear connector
within a partial space confined by the aforementioned plane.

Another embodiment provides that the plane-shaped retaining section is
arranged on the shear
connector such that its normal of the surface extends parallely of the
longitudinal axis of the
shear connector or that it includes an angle of less than 45 therewith.

In particular, the plane-shaped retaining section can be arranged in an axial
end region of the
shear connector, and according to an alternative embodiment thereof it may
well be arranged
thereon adapted to be adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the shear
connector. Also in this case provision may be made that the mandrels are only
arranged on
one side of the shear connector.

Regarding the cross sectional shape of this one-piece shear connector there is
preferably
provided that it has, when seen in a section perpendicular to its longitudinal
axis, a triangular
outer contour, wherein the parallely extending mandrels are expediently only
provided on both
of the smaller lateral faces of the shear connector.

The at least one plane-shaped retaining section and the shear connector may be
moulded in
one piece. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the at least one
plane-shaped
retaining section is welded, soldered, screwed and/or glued to the shear
connector.

CA 02603394 2007-09-28


7
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

The system of interconnected structural components according to the invention,
i.e. the
supporting framework system, comprises a first structural component in which
the at least one
shear connector provided with mandrels is embedded, wherein the mandrels
engage the first
structural component as well as at least one further structural component. The
proposal
according to the invention aims at the shear connector having a bore passing
therethrough
along its longitudinal axis, in which bore a pole- or rod-shaped retaining
element, in particular
a tube can be inserted, wherein the pole- or rod-shaped retaining element can
be fixed in the
direction of its longitudinal axis with respect to the shear connector and
relative to the further
structural component and/or to a further shear connector.

According to an embodiment it is provided that the axial fixing of the pole-
shaped retaining
element occurs relatively to the shear connector and/or relatively to the
further structural
component and/or relatively to a further shear connector by means of at least
one retaining pin
which passes at least partially through the structural component and/or the
pole-shaped
retaining element and/or the shear connector and/or the further structural
component.

Therein the retaining pin preferably passes through the structural component
and/or the pole-
shaped retaining element and/or the shear connector and/or the further
structural component in
a perpendicular direction regarding the longitudinal axis of the pole-shaped
retaining element.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment one shear connector, each,
is arranged
in one structural component, each, wherein a further structural component is
arranged between
both structural elements, and the pole-shaped retaining element passes through
both shear
connectors and the further structural component.

The pole-shaped retaining element may project axially beyond the shear
connector.
Furthermore, one retaining pin each may be arranged directly on the shear
connector's axial
end facing away from the other shear connector.

The retaining pin may be a pin made from steel and have a diameter of between
3 mm and 10
mm, preferably a diameter of between 5 mm and 7 mm. Furthermore the assembling
of the
system may be facilitated if the retaining pin has a chamfer or point at one
of its axial ends.


8
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

There may be at least two structural components arranged in a mutual plane.
Furthermore, at
least one of the structural elements may be a cross beam.

In terms of the invention structural components are particularly elements of a
supporting
framework which can be loaded or stressed with regard to deflection, torsion,
tension or
pressure, such as for example props, poles, posts, beams, cross bars or rods,
but also elements
to be connected to a support or a framework as in particular brackets for
objects or
apparatusses to be fixed to a carrier.

In particular, the suggestion according to the invention may be applied to a
wind resistant
bracing connection (design of the roof beams of a roof structure).

Regarding the known solutions the suggestion according to the invention has
various
advantages:

It is easier and simpler to perform the assembling of the system when applying
a partitioned
shear connector. In some cases of application the assembly may thus be
simplified quite
remarkably, and it is possible to create new options of assembling.

Torques and forces may be transmitted to a larger degree between the
structural component
and the shear connector. The material stress is reduced particularly regarding
the shear
connector, and it is also possible to reduce stress peaks.

Pure steel-steel joints are made possible which brings about high-tensile
connecting facilities.
The expenditure for producing the required structural components (by milling,
drilling, saw-
cutting etc.) becomes smaller, and thus the system is made more cost-
efficient.

Steel components, which have hitherto been applied in wood constructions from
time to time,
may be dispensed with.

Also, the expenditure for static and constructional calculations is reduced
remarkably,
whereby advantages in the field of design are accomplished.


9
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following referring
to the drawings,
which in each case show preferred examples of embodiment of the suggestions
according to
the invention. There is shown in:

Fig.l a perspective representation of three structural components
interconnected by means of two shear connectors;

Fi .g 2a, 2b perspective representations of the two parts of a shear connector
having
a groove and tongue system for interconnecting the two parts;

Fi . 3g a, 3b perspective representations of both parts of a shear connector
having a
groove and tongue system for interconnecting the two parts in an
alternative manner regarding Fig. 2;
Fig= 4 a perspective view of the two parts of a shear connector in a state in
which they are not yet interconnected;

Fig_5 a representation of interconnected shear connector parts analogous to
Fig. 4;
F~. 6 a side view of one of the parts of the shear connector;
F=~ a side view of the other part of the shear connector;
F~ 8 a front view regarding Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 a front view regarding Fig. 7;
Fig. 10 a perspective view of the two parts of the shear connector not yet
interconnected, and of connecting pins;
Fig. 11 a perspective view of a shear connector having a through boring
including a female thread;
Fig. 12 a sectional side view of the shear connector according to Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 a perspective view of a shear connector having plane-shaped connecting
sections;
Fig. 14 a front view of the shear connector of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 a plan view of the shear connector of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 another perspective view of the shear connector according to Fig. 13;
Fig. 17 a perspective view of a shear connector having a plane-shaped
connecting section arranged frontally;


10
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

Fig. 18 the shear connector according to Fig. 17 when viewed from another
direction;

Fig. 19 a perspective view of a shear connector forming an alternative
embodiment with respect to Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 a perspective view of the shear connector according to Fig. 17 in an
assembling state;

Fig. 21 an exploded view of three structural components and of the members
provided for their interconnection;

Fig_22 a perspective view of the arrangement of Fig. 21 in a state already
assembled to a large extent;

Fig. 23 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in relation to Fig. 22
in
a state of completed assembly.

Fig. 1 represents a structure comprising three structural components or
elements 1, 2, 3, which
are firmly interconnected via a shear connector system. The structural
component 1 is a one-
piece wooden beam having a transverse bore. The other two structural
components 2 and 3
are, however, designed as beams separated by a longitudinal cut, i.e. they are
comprised of
partial components 2a, 2b and 3a, 3b, respectively.

In each partial component 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b recesses have been incorporated so
that a shear
connector 4, 5, respectively, may be received. Each shear connector 4, 5 has
mandrels 6 which
engage bores in the partial components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the structural
components 2, 3. After
the shear connector 4, 5 has been introduced into the recesses in the partial
component 2a, 3a,
respectively, the partial components 2a, 2b and 3a, 3b, respectively, are
interconnected, for
example stuck or glued to each other so that the shear connector 4, 5 is
firmly arranged within
the structural components 2, 3.

In the present case both shear connectors 4, 5 are provided with a
longitudinal bore. Before
interconnecting the partial components 2a and 2b a fastening screw 7 has been
inserted. With
its head 8 this screw abuts the axial end of the shear connector 4 and passes
through the shear
connector 4 as well as through the structural component 1 and the shear
connector 5 in order
to engage a thread (not shown) within the shear connector 5.


11
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

If the screw 7 is then tightened via an opening 9 by means of an angular tool
a firm connection
is produced between the three structural components 1, 2, 3.

This structural principle is principally known in prior art.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, however, it is new that the shear
connector 4
represented in the left hand portion of the figure has a standard design
whereas the shear
connector 5 represented in the right hand portion has a bore which has been
partially provided
with an inside thread (see below).

The structural concept drafted in Fig. 1 may be used in structural elements of
any type. It may,
for example, be used with cross beams or in a cross bracing connection and in
other manifold
embodiments.

In order to facilitate the assembling of the system there is an advantageous
solution as has
been drafted in Fig. 2a and 2b. As may be taken therefrom a shear connector 4,
formed by two
pieces, is provided, i.e. the shear connector 4 is comprised by a part or
component 4a and a
part or component 4b. It has been indicated how the mandrels 6 engage recesses
in two partial
components 2a and 2b. On their sides facing each other in the assembled state,
the two parts
4a, 4b of the shear connector 4 are provided with a means 10 for positive and
non-positive
interconnecting of the two parts with each other, namely with one component
each of a groove
and tongue system, respectively.

The one component of means 10 is formed by a dovetail-shaped groove 11, the
other
component by a correspondingly shaped tongue 12. The two components 11 and 12
may be
made to abut each other and then to be fitted into each other in an insertion
direction E. In
other words, the dovetail groove 11 forms an undercut for the tongue 12, so
that both
components become unmovable perpendicularly to the direction of insertion E.
One
recognizes a small insertion bevelling 13 on the end of tongue 12; in a quite
similar manner an
insertion bevelling 14 has been provided on the insertion opening of groove 11
in order to
facilitate the assembling procedure, i.e. the push-fitting insertion of tongue
12 into groove 11.


12
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

An embodiment similar to Fig. 2a and 2b has been shown in Fig. 3a and 3b.
Basically the
same principle has been realised as has been shown in Fig. 2a, 2b. However,
there has been
provided an alignment of the groove and tongue system 10 which is oriented
transversely to
the longitudinal axis L of the shear connector 4. Furthermore, there have been
provided two
groove and tongue systems 10 spaced with respect to each other. In this case
the two
components 4a and 4b of the shear connector 4 may be pushed into one another
in an insertion
direction E which is transverse to of the longitudinal axis L of the shear
connector 4.

Herein, the groove 11 and the tongue 12 may be provided with a small tapering
angle a in
respect of the insertion direction E, as has been exemplified in Fig. 3a,
which provision has
been made in order to be able also to bring about, upon reaching the
corresponding end
position, a force-fit interconnection apart from a positive connection.

The two components 4a, 4b of the shear connector may be interconnected with
each other
firmly in a simple manner by means of the dovetail groove and tongue
connection after the
insertion thereof into the structural components. The fitting-in of the two
shear connector
components 4a and 4b into the structural components 2a, 2b, respectively, may
be performed
in a simple manner by fixing the respective connector components by means of
screws on the
structural components 2a and 2b. To this end, the two connector components 4a
and 4b have
two non-designated bores.

The shear connectors 4 of the type explained may be used for transmitting
transverse and
shearing forces and loads, and they will facilitate the production of
prefabricated wooden
structural components (rod-shaped or plane-shaped), which may then be
assembled or pushed
together positively and/or non-positively in situ with remarkable ease of
assembling.

In Figures 4 through 10 another embodiment of the concept according to the
invention has
been illustrated. As already indicated in Figures 2 and 3 the shear connector
4, in this case, has
also been formed two-part, i.e. it comprises both components 4a and 4b with
the plane of
partition of the connector 4 running along the longitudinal axis L (see Fig.
4) and including
the same.


13
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

As may be best seen from Figures 6 through 9 the two components 4a and 4b of
the connector
4 are in each case penetrated by bores 15, 16 and 17.

The bore 15 penetrates both components 4a, 4b of the shear connector 4
approximately
centrally at an angle of 45 with respect to the longitudinal axis L (see Fig.
6 and 7).

However, the bores 16 and 17 cross the two components 4a, 4b under 45 as
well, but with
respect direction Q transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Therein, the bore
16 arranged in one
end area of the shear connector 4 is located inversely arranged with regard to
another bore 17
which is provided in the other end area of the shear connector 4.

As may best be seen in Fig. 10, pin-shaped connecting elements 18, 19, 20 are
placed through
the two composed components 4a and 4b of the shear connector 4 in order to
interconnect
both components 4a, 4b firmly with each other. Therein, the connecting pin 18
is introduced
into the bore 15, while the pins 19 and 20 are introduced into the bores 16
and 17,
respectively. By arranging the bores 15, 16, 17 at an angle a firm joint
between components 4a
and 4b will result.

It may also be recognized in Fig. 10 that further pins 21 and 22 may be
introduced into
corresponding bores which extend at an angle of 90 with respect to the
longitudinal axis L.
The shear connector 4 which has been shown by way of perspective
representation in Fig. 11
and by way of sectional representation in Fig. 12 is formed in one piece and
has a through
boring 23 which extends along the longitudinal axis L of the shear connector
4. The shear
connector 4 is characterized in that it has an inside (female) screw thread 24
whose core
diameter is smaller than the diameter of through boring 23. Thereby, the
possibility is brought
about to allow a screw bolt to enter from the right hand side of Fig. 11 and
12 into the through
bore 23 and to screw the thread thereof into the female thread 24.

Thereby, bending moments may be absorbed in an enhanced manner. The reason is
that two
points of support result for the screw bolt which lies in bore 23, i.e. one
point in the region of
the thread and one at the region of exit of the screw bolt at the end of the
shear connector. By
spacing the two points of support, moments may be absorbed in a much better
way than is


14
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

possible with the hitherto known solutions. By passing the screw bolt through
the hollow
shear connector and by screwing the bolt into the female thread 24 at the end
aõchange of
criteria" is brought about leading towards aõcarrier on two supports". By
means of supporting
the introduced screw bolt at its entering and exiting sides the occurring
forces will be
absorbed in an improved manner through the spacing existing between the points
of support
so that higher forces and moments may thus be transmitted than is common in
the case of the
hitherto known solutions.

In extending the female thread 24 it is possible - as in the case of a
rearwardly screw-
attachable shear connector - to create a connection with a counterpiece. Thus
the variety of
application is increased considerably by the proposed embodiment. The shear
connector may,
in selecting the thread correspondingly with regard to its length, offer
connecting facilities at
both sides.

The solutions represented in Figures 13 through 20 concern further embodiments
of the shear
connector in which the latter is provided with at least one plane-shaped
connecting section.

In Fig. 13 a shear connector 4 may be seen which laterally has two plane-
shaped connecting
sections 25. In this context the connecting sections 25 have been moulded
simultaneously
with the shear connector 4, so that a one - piece interconnection is
accomplished.

Each connecting section 25 has at least one bore 26 by means of which it is
possible to screw-
attach the shear connector on the surface of a structural component. Then the
mandrels will
only protrude into the corresponding recesses of the structural component in
one direction.
Therefore, the shear connector 4 shown in Figures 13 through 20 has only been
provided with
mandrels 6 which extend in one direction away from the basic body of the shear
connector.
From Figures 15 and 16 it may moreover be taken that in this context the
through boring 23
has been provided as well, which merges one-sidedly with the thread 24.

Figures 17 through 19 show the shear connector 4 by way of an alternative
embodiment. In
this case, only one single plane-shaped retaining section 27 has been
provided, which is


15
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

aligned such that the normal N of its surface extends parallelly to the
longitudinal axis L of
the shear connector 4.

The solution according to Fig. 19 combines such a retaining section 27 with
the retaining
sections 25 which may be seen in Figures 13 through 17. The shear connector 4
may be
provided without (s. Fig. 17, 18) as well as with a through bore 23, which may
be designed
with or without thread 24 (s. Fig. 19).

Fig. 20 shows an example of application in which the shear connector 4
according to Fig. 17
and 18, respectively, is used in order to interconnect two structural
components 1, 2. The
retaining section 27 forms a solid support on the structural component 1 in
order to fix the
structural component 2 in relation thereto. The fixing of the retaining
section 27 is brought
about by screws which are screwed through bores 28.

From Fig. 20 it can be taken that it is possible with the presently proposed
shear connector to
interconnect, in particular, a wooden auxiliary carrier to a wooden major
carrier in a non-
visible manner. The recesses for the mandrels are intruduced into the frontal
face of the
auxiliary carrier by means of a template in a known manner. The shear
connector is then fixed
frontally to the auxiliary carrier by means of wood screws which are either
introduced directly
through the body of the shear connector or through the lateral retaining
sections. The thus
completed auxiliary carrier is then mounted on the major carrier by means of
the frontside
retaining section 27 and, there again, is fastened by means of wood screws.
Thus, a non-
visible connection is accomplished.

In turning the shear connector by 180 so that the retaining section 27 is,
for example, placed
on a concrete floor, there is the possibility to connect wooden stems
effectively and
favourably regarding the assembling, for example, with the concrete surface
and/or to
interconnect them therewith. Instead of using wood screws, this may also be
achieved by
means of dowels which are passed through the one-piece-moulded or separate
retaining
section, respectively. This type of a shear connector may be incorporated in
individual stems
for the purpose of high prefabrication in the plant of production, or in stems
which are
incorporated in already finished wall surfaces, which leads to the result that
even complete


16
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

wall surfaces may already carry, in a non-visible manner, such bottom or foot
parts which for
example my be joined with concrete faces.

The embodiments proposed according to Fig. 13 through 20 are particularly
advantageously
and preferably adapted for restoring wooden frameworks.

In such solutions it is of particular advantage that it becomes possible to
fix the shear
connector laterally on a wooden carrier, i.e. an integrated conception as for
example in the
case of Fig. 1 will not be realised. The assembling state of the shear
connector õonly from the
outside" will enable the attachment of the connector on a one-piece wood
element in a very
simple manner. To this end the mandrels are provided to extend in one
direction, only.

Thus, with the shear connector 4 according to Figures 13 through 20 the
decisive advantage
will be achieved that an attachment of the connector to a one-piece carrier
becomes possible,
and that may be performed from the outside.

In Figures 21 through 23 it is shown how a system of structural components 1,
2 and 3 can be
interconnected in a simple manner by means of two shear connectors 4. To this
end, the
structural component 1(support) has a transverse bore 29 through which a tube
30 (preferably
a steel tube) may be inserted. Both shear connectors 4 are equipped with a
through boring
along their longitudinal axes. The tube 30 will be selected to be sufficiently
long so that both
shear connectors 4 may be penetrated completely and that, moreover, some
portion may even
project axially.

Fig. 21 shows that the shear connectors 4 are tied in the structural
components 2 or 3 (waler)
in a manner as explained in context with Fig. 1. In Fig. 22 a pre-assembled
installation
situation is represented in which the tube 30 has been pushed through the bore
29 in the
structural component 1 and in which the two structural components 2 and 3 have
been added
laterally such that the tube 30 penetrates both shear connectors 4.

In this case, the fixing of the interconnection is performed by means of steel
pins 31 which are
driven-in in the shown manner after the pre-assembly represented in Fig. 22.


17
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

As may best be taken from Fig. 23 a preferably tapered steel pin 31 is driven-
in such that it
passes through the structural component 1 including the tube 30; thus, the
tube 30 is fixed in
relation to structural component 1.

The two other steel pins 31 are driven through the structural components 2 and
3 transversely
such that the tube 30 is penetrated immediately in the axial end region of the
shear connector
4. Thus, the tube 30 is also fixed in relation to the respective shear
connector 4 so that
altogether a firm interconnection between the three structural components 1,
2, 3 has been
brought about.

Corresponding bores for the steel pins 31 may be installed in advance in the
structural
components 1, 2 or 3 and, if necessary, as well in the tube in order to
facilitate assembling.
For example, the bores may be pre-drilled with a diameter of 5 mm, and
subsequently the steel
pins having a diameter of 6 mm may be driven-in. Finally the entrance bores of
the steel pins
may be closed by means of wooden plugs.

The proposal according to Figures 21 through 23 enables a pure steel-steel-
connection, in
which for example the internal hole pressure of the shear connector in the
wood is no longer
decisive. This leads to increased force absorbing abilities and, in contrary
to pure wood-wood-
joints, to the advantages of pure steel-steel-connections which are manifold.

The shear connector may be provided with moulding bevellings of e.g. 2 and
have radii
which, for example, amount to at least 2 mm. The radii of the mandrels are
designed such, in
relation to the basic body of the shear connector that no embossments result
and that the shear
connector fits solidly and snugly in milled-out portions having been provided
for the purpose
of its reception. The shear connector may be provided with a layer of zinc,
with typical
thicknesses of the layers amounting to between 5 and 8 m.

The geometrical dimensions of the shear connector as well as of the possibly
existing bores
therein depend on the respective case of application. For example in the case
of a cross-
bracing-connection wood screws having a diameter of 12 mm may be applied
leading to
corresponding dimensions of the shear connector. Also the length of the shear
connector is
selected in accordance with the forces to be transmitted.


18
CA 02603394 2007-09-28

Equally, the proposal according to the invention is appropiate for connecting
stem-shaped or
plane-shaped structural elements. For instance, examples of application are to
be seen in
attachments of wall boards in wood structure components.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2006-03-25
(87) PCT Publication Date 2006-10-05
(85) National Entry 2007-09-28
Dead Application 2012-03-26

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2011-03-25 FAILURE TO REQUEST EXAMINATION
2011-03-25 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2007-09-28
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2008-03-14
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2008-03-25 $100.00 2008-03-14
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2009-03-25 $100.00 2009-03-12
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2010-03-25 $100.00 2010-03-12
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
INDUO GESELLSCHAFT ZUR VERWERTUNG VON SCHUTZRECHTEN MBH & CO. KG
Past Owners on Record
VON MORZE-REICHARTZ, SIGRUN
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2007-09-28 1 21
Claims 2007-09-28 7 259
Drawings 2007-09-28 13 249
Description 2007-09-28 18 851
Representative Drawing 2007-12-19 1 8
Cover Page 2007-12-20 2 48
PCT 2007-09-28 5 215
Assignment 2007-09-28 2 91
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-09-28 41 1,487
Correspondence 2007-12-18 1 28
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-01-11 1 28
PCT 2007-09-29 16 430
Assignment 2008-03-14 3 102
Fees 2010-03-12 1 201
Fees 2008-03-14 1 33