US20190301157A1

US20190301157A1 - Expandable sustainable member beam with spikes

Info

Publication number: US20190301157A1
Application number: US16/409,719
Authority: US
Inventors: Christine Inez Karstens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-14
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2019-10-03
Also published as: US10501937B2; US20190271158A1; US20190338522A1; US20200102750A1; US20200040579A1; US20190078331A1; US20190301159A1; US20190271159A1

Abstract

A mechanical utility invention that creates an expandable sustainable member beam with spikes with utility in its substantially different shape, mobility, multi-functional capabilities, and sustainability from its conventional counter part. It can be utilized independently, as a utility stand, in plurality, sharing a base(s) and platform(s), as a step, or in conjunction with other expandable sustainable member beams with spikes from which to build. Some embodiments may replace a conventional wood or metal 2″×4″×8′ stud in many applications. Additional utilities include, but not limited to: a post, concrete form, assistive device for mobility challenged individuals, independent balance, self-leveling, varying angular degree manipulation, elevational deployment and retraction capabilities. It can be substantially shortened for transport and deploy to varying longitudinal values to regain its utility upon user demand. Thereafter, it can be uninstalled and used again for like or different utilities, making it largely sustainable.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention was created in the interest of the construction industry and as an alternative embodiment of the expandable sustainable member beam of the parent application U.S. Ser. No. 15/703,993. The embodiment of the current application encompasses many of the same qualities of the member beam of the parent application in that when combined with the self-leveling detachable base of the parent application, it has the following mechanical attributes, such as, but not limited to: segmenting, expandable and retractable capabilities, rigidity, independent balance, elevational deployment, angular and dimensional manipulation. However, the member beam with spikes gains additional attributes in that it redefines the shape and utilities of a 2″×4″×8′ conventional beam; creating a member beam thats shape lends itself to lamination to additional member beams and lamination to other building materials. The mechanical attributes create gains in utilities in the following ways, but not limited to: economy in materials used to fasten a member beam, economy in mobility, economy in accessibility, economy in size, economy in knowledge of the art and science of the construction industry required to create usefulness, economy in force, and or, user effort, economy in tools required to utilize fully, and most importantly, economy in waste; thereby, creating a member beam with sustainability.
A prior art approach is referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,825, which depicts a series of rods rapped around a helix shape. Although, extremely different in form and shape, its basic functionality is similar, insofar as, it is a member beam with mobility capabilities. However, it does not have many of the created utilities set forth in this document and the uses are nearly singular in value. Further more, based on it's complexity, the invention might require a person of similar skill as the person(s) in the publication in order to utilize it fully. Yet, another prior art exists in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,192. In this depiction the art is similar at first glance. However, upon further review, the utility is intended for mostly large industrial applications and requires skilled assemblage at the job site. It is mostly unsustainable and has significantly large mobility requirements. Additionally, it also does not contain many of the created utilities set forth in this document. As referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,825, another similar in utility item is referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,164, this prior art has its limitations, in that, when one side is heated by the sun it causes it to bend. Another prior art approach referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,825 is U.S. Pat. No. 3,474,579; where as, the drawback of the prior art is that considerable force is necessary to roll up the structure. Similarly, there is much prior art involving segmenting and telescopic in nature. However, much of it is for production of singular use items, such as an umbrella or telescope. Many of them have limited capabilities and are not designed for the construction industry. Additionally, of the similar search results found, none possessed the multi-functional utilities as the ones set forth in this document; teaching of lamination to additional member beams and lamination to other construction materials. Furthermore, of the similar search results found, none provided a readily available means for expandable and retractable capabilities, reuse without loss in volumic value, loss in utility, or loss in materials when the use seizes. Thus, exists a great need for an expandable sustainable member beam, such as the one invented and set forth in this document; an expandable sustainable member beam with a self-contained connection system and multi-functional capacities that may be used with ease; to laminate additional member beams, laminate to conventional wood beam, laminate to conventional wood sheeting, drywall and plywood, an invented means of independent balance, expandable and retractable capabilities, self-leveling capabilities, elevational deployment capabilities, and reuse capabilities, rendering it sustainable. Thereby, allowing for the material apparatus to be used again for the same, or different functions, vs the current conventional model of disposing of member beams and construction materials into landfills when a use seizes. Thus, none of the similar searches found art that offered, nor specifically identified, a multi-functional device with a sustainability factor.
Therefore, it is thus promoted in this document that a great need still exists for mechanical utility that solves the problem of a member beam with self-contained lamination capabilities without the use of outside fasteners, sustainability, economy in mobility, economy in the use of tools needed to adapt a member beam for usefulness, the economy of skilled labor that might be required in order to use or assemble a member beam(s), the economy of blunt force, the economy of connectivity with other like member beams or with other building materials.
Furthermore, there are instances in the construction industry when the building of structures, shelters, signs, etc., where by there is limited availability of items necessary to build with a conventional member beam. Such as, limited access to tools, either by location or environment, and or limited number of persons available for labor in erecting a structure. Thus, the need arises for a reusable expandable sustainable member beam that is capable of connectivity by which to attach to additional member beams and other construction materials without the need for a significant number of workers or tools or fastening devices such as nails and metal straps. Additionally, the need arises for a means of achieving independent balance, varying dimensional values, and varying angular values, required in building a structure without the need for cutting, tools, or skilled labor.
Furthermore, there are instances where human beings need to erect a structure that is temporary, and is capable of being built by a single individual with limited skill in the art and science of construction. Therefore, a need arises for a beam that can be easily utilized with self contained building attributes. Such as, pre-assembled, independent balance, self contained stability capabilities, self contained framing capabilities, without the need for tools or blunt force, self-leveling capabilities, and ease in connectivity. Also, in erecting temporary structures, the need arises for beam(s) that may be shortened for transport, than expanded for use, and thereafter, are readily available to be retracted and relocated upon user demand.
Additionally, in construction, there arises a need for mechanical assistance that enhances safety and decreases risky cumbersome labor. Similar to the member beam of the parent application the member beam helps to increase a workers safety, such as, when a worker is on a ladder or roof; often times the worker needs to travel to and from the work elevation to the ground floor elevation in order to retrieve tools or supplies. The created member beam can be deployable from varying work elevations and has mechanical means readily available to manipulate the dimensional values and angular degrees to meet the workers' needs. Thus, reducing the need for a worker to travel to and from to the ground floor elevation. Therefore, eliminating the risks of injury during travel.
It is the object of this invention to create a member beam that has substantially lamination utility to that of a conventional member beam.
Additionally it is the object of this invention to create a member beam that is substantially more transportable through use of segmented sections than its conventional non-expandable and non-sustainable counter part. Thus, solving the problem of economy in mobility and sustainability.
It is also the object of this invention to create a pre-assembled expandable sustainable member beam with inter-changeable components that requires little to no tools in order to regain longitudinal value, rigidity, and utility. Thus, solving the problem of the economy of tools.
It is further the object of this invention to create a member beam which is sustainable in value. By utilizing the expansion, retraction, and connectivity capabilities of set forth in this document; the member beam may be disconnected from additional member beams and building materials and retracted for transport to another location of need, without the loss of material support, volumic value, utility, connectivity or integrity in strength. Rendering the expandable sustainable member beam with spikes a device that regains its full usefulness; thereby, sustainable in value.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A expandable sustainable member beam with spikes that has substantially more utility than that of a conventional metal or wood 2″×4″×8′ beam in one or more of the following attributes: self-laminating capabilities to additional member beams with spikes, self-laminating capabilities to conventional wood beams, self-laminating capabilities to other penetrable construction wood products, sustainability, economy of mobility, economy in multi-functions, independent balance, self-leveling without the use of cutting or tools, expansion and retraction without the use of cutting or tools, sub-surface puncture capabilities, deployment from varying elevations capabilities, segment(s) with a mechanical means for restoring rigidity while allowing for expansion, capabilities of receiving a detachable inter-changeable base, without the use of tools, framing capabilities without the use of cutting or tools, temporary shelter capabilities without the use of cutting or tools. The member beam is formed of segment(s), thus causing it to lose its original dimensional values and original rigid form, and thus becomes segment(s) with diminishing longitudinal values, spikes that compress during deployment, while thereafter expanding to create rigidity, and is fitted with a mechanical means to receive the self-leveling detachable base of the parent application. Therefore, creating the utility of a member beam with the utility of receiving a base for which to erect the beam without the need for other beams or materials required to establish independent balance, capabilities of angular manipulation at varying degrees without the use of cutting or tools, built in sub-surface attachment capabilities, and a mechanical means of receiving other like member beams or materials independently, without the use of outside tools or materials.
The member beams' best embodiment would be derived from a solid sheet of material, such as metal, that is pressed into a three sided shape, with segments diminishing latitudinal values, thus creating segment(s) that will be housed inside one another. Furthermore, the segments having spikes as a rigidity mechanism. Thus, creating a member with substantially more economy of mobility than its conventional metal counter part.
In addition to the recited attributes above the member beam can also be created with convex, void or cut-outs in the lower or upper longitudinal sections of the segment(s) allowing space for portions of the next sequential segment(s) to curve or convex into the available space created by the convex, void or cut-outs. The description of this embodiment will become more apparent when viewing the drawings and reading the section titled, Detailed Description of the Invention, recited forward in this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of the expandable sustainable member beam with spikes 10, the rigidity spike(s) 2, the mounting point 5, the housing segment 11, base segment 12, the holding pin 13, the punched hole 14, the attachment cable 15, the grooves 23, and the puncture rods 24.

FIG.1A shows a partially transparent view of three retracted segments 1, recited in FIG.1, with the rigidity spike(s) 2, and the protruding point 7.

FIG. 1B shows a transparent view of two partially expanded segments 1, recited in FIG. 1A, where as during expansion, the rigidity spike(s) 2 allow subsequent segments 1 to pass; and in brackets, an enlarged view of a rigidity spike 2 allowing a segment 1 to pass uninhibited.

FIG. 1C shows a transparent view of two partially expanded segments 1, where as after expansion, the rigidity spike(s) 2 are prohibiting reverse motion; and an in brackets, an enlarged view of a single spike or key 2 prohibiting reverse motion.

FIG. 1D shows a segment 1 with spikes 2, alternatively manufactured on the exterior walls of the segments 1, as an additional means of connectivity between segment(s) 1; and in brackets, an enlarged view of the exterior spike 2 connecting to the interior spike 2 of a juxtaposed segment 1.

FIG. 1A shows a transparent view of the expandable sustainable member beam with spikes 10, fully expanded, comprised of several individual segments 1 of diminishing latitudinal values, allowing the segment(s) 1 with smaller latitudinal values to be housed inside the segment(s) 1 with larger latitudinal values. Additionally, FIG. 1A shows a housing segment 11 as being of the same characteristics as segment(s) 1 except with the factor of being the largest latitudinal value. Therefore, the housing segment 11 is the outermost segment 1, that here forward will be recited as the housing segment 11. Also, FIG. 1A shows a base segment 12 as being of the same characteristics as segment(s) 1 with the smallest latitudinal value. Therefore, the inner most segment 1, that here forward will be recited as the base segment 12. Additionally, shows the mounting point 5 located in the base segment for which to attach the self-leveling detachable of the parent application 12. Furthermore, FIG. 1A shows plural segment(s) 1, housing segment 11, and the base segment 12 as having downward aiming spike(s) 2 for which to inhibit reverse motion; thereby, causing rigidity between the segments 1, housing segment 11, and the base segment 12. The spike(s) 2, are designed to compress towards the segment(s) 1 walls during expansion, thus allowing forward motion of segment(s) 1 and base segment 12; thereby, allowing segment(s) 1 to pass uninhibited, creating a means of expansion. Additionally, the spike(s) 2 can be manufactured with varying longitudinal and latitudinal values. Hence, longitudinal values would allow for an overall varying longitudinal value of the expandable sustainable member beam 10; while varying latitudinal values would allow for the varying numbers of spike(s) 2 necessary in creating rigidity. Also, shows the punched holes 14 in all segments 1, housing segment 11, and base segment 12, that receives a holding mechanism capable of holding the sum of the segments 1 in the housing segment 11, recited as the connecting pin 13. The connecting pin 13 is attached to the housing segment 11 with an attachment cable 15, such as a wire, but not limited to and having the freedom of any flexible connection; thereby, allowing the connecting pin 13 freedom in movement to engage and disengage from insertion into the punched holes 14 to hold the sum, or any number there of, of the segment(s) 1, and base segment 12 together in the housing segment 11. Additionally, FIG. 1A shows the base segment 12 constructed with grooves 23 in each of the respective corners of the inner walls for which to house ascending puncture rod(s) 24 which may be utilized to puncture a sub-surface when the self-leveling detachable base 3 is not attached. The puncture rod(s) 24 are fitted snuggly into manufactured groove(s) 23 for which the puncture rod(s) 24 press into and remain static by tension until released by user intervention. Furthermore, the groove(s) 23 may be manufactured with indentations or protrusions (not shown) on the inner wall of the groove(s) 23 for which to assist in tension to hold the puncture rod(s) 24 in their housed retracted position, or to assist in stability in there expanded position.
The drawings, descriptions, components, shapes, materials, and forms, set forth in this document, are intended for representational purposes only, and are provided to enhance clarity of the invention and are not to limit the claims. Furthermore, the drawings are not to scale, and in some cases exaggerated or reduced for clarity. Additionally, not all aspects of each component are illustrated in each drawing to allow space for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1B shows a transparent retracted view of three segments 1 of one embodiment that is recited in FIG. 1A. Additionally, FIG. 1B shows the three segments 1 manufactured with a protruding point(s) 7 on one of the side walls to illustrate an embodiment of the wall(s), where as the wall(s) have protruding point(s) 7 to add the utility of segment(s) 1 wall(s) ability to puncture a sub-surface.
FIG. 1C shows a transparent partially retracted view of two segments 1, where as the downward spike(s) 2 on the first segment 1 are allowing the next subsequent segment 1 to pass uninhibited; and in brackets, a transparent enlarged view of a downward single spike 2 as it is being passed by a subsequent segment 1 allowing segment(s) 1 to pass uninhibited during expansion.
a housing segment that holds a plurality of segments that make up the beam wherein the beam is capable of being expanded and retracted along a longitudinal length, level, and positioned at different angles without the use of tools, wherein the plurality of segments diminish in latitudinal values from the housing segment to the innermost segment;
FIG. 1E shows a segment 1 with spike(s) 2 manufactured on the exterior wall of the segment 1 creating an additional means of connectivity between like said expandable sustainable member beams with spikes 10; and in brackets, shows an expanded view of a single exterior spike 2 illustrated for clarity, where as the exterior spike is fitted into a single interior spike 2.
FIG. 1D shows a transparent view of two partially retracted segments 1 of one embodiment recited in FIG. 1A, where as the downward spike(s) 2 on the first segment 1 prohibits the next sequential segment 1 from reverse motion; and in brackets, an expanded view of a single downward spike 2 as it is prohibits reverse motion of the next sequential segment 1 causing rigidity.

Claims

1. An expandable sustainable member beam with spikes for creating a structural frame comprising:

spikes positioned on the segments prohibit reverse motion at various desired longitudinal values, the spikes further being compressed by a passing segment, allowing segments of lesser latitudinal values to pass uninhibited through segments with greater latitudinal values;

wherein the innermost segment is a base segment comprising a mount point, the mount point receiving a threaded rod from a self-leveling detachable base wherein a perforated ball-nut threads on to the threaded rod to attach the base segment to the self-leveling detachable base;

wherein the segments include a rigidity mechanism comprising spikes allowing for spikes of additional expandable sustainable member beams to attach;

further comprising spikes allowing for attaching to penetrable wood products;

the beam capable of being used singularly or as a plurality of the beam to create a stand or work surface;

the beam further including:

a wand that may be extended perpendicularly to the beam for draping a fabric to create

a private space:

protruding points stemming from portions of the segment walls allowing for penetration of the beam to a sub-surface while in a latitudinal position:

a connection system for forming a structural frame with additional beams;

wherein the beam is load bearing and includes expandable rods that provide for varying expansion of segments relative to one another, each rod held by a groove in a respective corners of the inner walls of each segment.

2. The expandable sustainable member beam with spikes of claim 1, wherein the segment walls have cut-outs sections at either the southern or northern perimeter proportionality sized to allow for the sections of subsequent segments to enter the walls of previous segments, wherein having means for varying degrees of curvature.

3. The expandable sustainable member beam with spikes of claim 1, wherein the spikes are formed in the opposite direction allowing for one member beam to be inserted into the spikes of a second member beam.