Title: BR113GE QVERHANG BRACKET
Field of the invention [0001] This invention relates to shoring devices, for example, brackets used for bridge overhangs.
Background of the invention [0002] Bridges typically have decks that extend laterally outwardly beyond structures that support the decks. To construct such overhanging portions of the deck, a bridge overhang bracket is provided, having bracket members for transferring Toad from the deck overhang portion to the supporting structures.
[0003] Bridge overhang brackets may have three primary members, namely, a top (generally horizontal) member, a side (generally vertical) member, and a diagonal member. Tile three members (also referred to as legs) are bolted together near their ends to form a rigid triangle. The horizontal member is fitted with a bolt holder at a point in between the ends of the horizontal member. To use the bracket, it is placed against a beam, column or other part of the structure of a bridge being built. A bolt is placed through the bolt holder and attached to a hanger on the beam or column to hold the bracket up. The horizontal member extends generally horizontally from a proximal end abutting the beam or column to a distal end. The iiertical member extends downwards from an upper end, attached to the proximal end of the horizontal member to a lower end xhat abuts against a lower part of the beam or column. The diagonal member is attached to and spans between the distal end of the horizontal member and the lower end of the vertical member.
After several such brackets are placed along a beam or series of columns, joists or parts of formwork are laid across the horizontal members to provide a shored surface, such as a form for pouring a cantilevered portion, or overhang, of a concrete bridge deck.
Summary of the invention [0004] It is an object of the invention to improve on the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide a bridge overhang bracket and elements of a bridge support system. These and other objects are provided by the features described in the claims. The following summary provides an introduction to the invention which may reside in a combination or sub-combination of features provided in this summary or in other parts of this document.
[0005] The invention provides a bridge overhang bracket that comprises a horizontal member, a diagonal member and a vertical member.
The horizontal member has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be fitted with an abutment for bearing against a column, beam or other supporting structure. A bolt holder is attached to the horizontal member between its ends for attachment to a bolt or rod running to a hanger or other part of the supporting structure. The diagonal member is attached at one end, for example pivotably, to the distal end of the vertical member. A second end of the diagonal member may be fitted with another abutment for bearing against another part of the supporting structure. The vertical member is attached, for example pivotably, to the proximal end of the ha~rzontal member and the second end of the diagonal member.
[bODB] In one of its aspects, the invention provides a bracket in which a member, such as the vertical member, has a length between its points of attachment to the horizontal and diagonal members that is infinitely adjustable. Being infinitely adjustable, the length of the vertical member between its points of attachment can be tailored to a large variety of supporting structures, can accommodate for inconsistencies in the shape of the supporting structure, or to angle the horizontal member such that, when loaded, the horizontal member corresponds to a desired angle. In another aspect, the invention provides a bracket with a member, such as the vertical member, with a length between attachment points that can be altered without disassembling the bracket. In this way, the bracket may be more easily adjusted after it is installed against a supporting structure. In another aspect, the invention provides a bracket with a member, such as the vertical member, with a length between points of attachment that may be adjusted at or above the vertical member, for example by rotating the verkical member or by adjusting the attachment between the vertical and horizontal members. In this way, adjustments made after a bracket is installed against a supporting structure may be made from the top of the supporting structure. In another aspect, the invention provides a bracket with a vertical member that may slide in one of its paints of attachment, for example its attachment with the vertical member. In this way, the bracket may be made foldable without requiring disassembly of the bracket.
[0007] Twd or more of the aspects described above may be combined in various embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, to be described in detail, all of these aspects are combined. In that embodiment, the vertical member is a threaded rod. The horizontal and diagonal members are fitted with pins that can pivot in holes in the horizontal and diagonal members. The vertical member passes through these holes. The ends of the vertical member extend beyond the pins and have nuts threaded onto them. When the horizontal and diagonal members are spread apart, the nuts on the vertical member bear against the pins so that the vertical member may be loaded in tension. Turning either of the nuts changes the length of the vertical member between the pins, allowing the bracket to be adjusted. The bracket can be folded by pivoting the horizontal and diagonal members together which causes the vertical member to slide through one or both pins.
[0008] Although the words "vertical" and "horizontalp are used in this document, the various members of the bracket may depart significantly from a strictly vertical or horizontal orientation. For example, the horizontal member may be angled upwards or downwards to comply with a sloping bottom surtace of a bridge overhang. The vertical member may be angled towards or away from a beam or column as required to account for the shape of the beam or column or various locations of its attachment with the vertical member. Further, while each member has been described in the singular, each member may be made up of two or mare individual pieces connected together. For example, a member may be made of two or more nesting channels or telescoping rods or tubes that may be bolted together to provide members having a set of possible lengths. Further, one or more of the members may be fitted with a series of holes such that other members or components can be attached to it at a variety of locations. Additional features may also be added to the bracket. For example, the distal end of the horizontal member may be fitted with a bracket to hold a guardrail or the vertical member may have channels to accept the heads of T-bolts or other fasteners.
Brief description of the drawings [0009] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanying drawings that show embodiments of the present invention, and in which:
[0010] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a plurality of bridge overhang brackets 100 according to the present invention shown in combination with a bridge support structure;
r0011] Figure 3 is a side view of one of the brackets of Figure 1;
[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bracket of Figure 3;
r0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bracket of Figure 4 taken along the lines 5-5;
[0014] Figure B is another perspective view of the bracket of Figure 3;
[0015] Figure 7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of the bracket of Figure 6;
[0016] Figure $ is a front view of the portion of the bracket of Figure 7;
[0017] Figure 9 is an alternate embodiment of a portion of the bracket of Figure 7;
[0018] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the hanger element of the bracket of Figure 3;
j0018~ Figure 11 is a perspective view of the diagonal member of the bracket of Figure 3;
[0020] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the member of Figure 11;
[0021] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an end element for attachment to the member of Figure 11; and [0022] Figure 14 is a side sectional view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the present invention Detailed description of the invention [oo2s] A bridge overhang bracket according to the present invention is shown generally at 100 in Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 1 and 2, about five brackets 100 are shown in combination with a concrete beam 102 for supporting a bridge deck 104.
[0024] Referring now to Figure 3, the bracket 100 has three members, namely, a generally horizontal top member 112, a generally vertical side member 114, and a diagonal member 116 extending between the top and side members. The terms top, side, and diagonal are used to assist in describing the invention, and are not intended to be limiting. The top and side members may depart significantly from the horizontal and vertical, respectively.
[0025] The top member 112 has an inner end 112a and an outer end 112b. The diagonal member 11B also has inner and outer ends 116a and 116b, respectively. In use, (Figures 1 and 2) the inner ends 112a and 11Ba are nearest the beam 102 or other supporting structure, while the outer ends _g_ 112b and llfib are the outboard ends of the respective members 112 and 116, furkhest from the beam 102.
[0026] A pivot joint 118 is provided adjacent the outer ends 112b and 116b for pivotally connecting together the top and diagonal members 1'12 and 118. As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, in the embodiment illustrated, the top member 112 comprises a pair of spaced-apart C-channel members 120 secured together by bolts 122. Aligned holes 124 are provided in the . members 122. Nested lengths of C-channels 120 can be provided to form a telescoping top member 112 that can be lengthened or shortened as desired.
T-bolt sub-channels 128 can be provided along the upper and lower surfaces of the C-channels 120 to facilitate connection to other scaffolding elements.
The outer end 112b of the top member can be provided with a railing post receptacle 181 to support a railing 162 (Figures 4 and 2).
[0027] As best seen in Figures 3, 11, and 12, the diagonal member 116 95 comprises a length of square channel 117, and a hole 126 is provided adjacent the outer end 116b of the member 116. The holes 126 can be aligned with a set of opposing holes 124 to receive a pivot pin 119 and thereby provide the pivot joint 118. Cotter pins 12$ can be used to secure the pivot pin 119 (Figure 5). An array of holes 124 can be provided a~tong the length of the top member 112 adjacent the outer end 112b, so that the position of the pivot joint 11$ can be incrementally adjusted along the length of the member 112 (Figure 3). The lower surface of the diagonal member 116 can be provided a T-bolt sub-channel 129. An end cap 115 can be affnced to the inner end 116a of the diagonal member 1'16 to provide a sliding contact against the support structure 102 (Figures 4, 13, and 2).
[0028] Referring to Figure 6, the side member 11~L has upper and lower ends 114a and 1141, respectively, and extends between the top member 112 and the diagonal member 118. More specifically, pivot Joints '130 are provided adjacent the inner ends 112a and 116a of the top and diagonal members 712 and 116, respectively, and the side member 114 extends between the pivot joints 130. In the embodiment illustrated, the side member 114 comprises a length of threaded rod.
[0029] According to the present invention, at least one of the pivot joints 130 comprises an 2~djustable pivot connector i 32. The adjustable pivot connector 132 provides both a pivoting connection and an adjustable axi2,l engagement mechanism 133 for adjusting, with infinite adjustability, the operative position of the connector 132 along the length of the side member 114. The term operative position is used because the side member 114 will generally be in tension when in use to support an overhanging portion of a bridge deck. In other words, the inner ends 112a and 116a of the upper and diegonal members 112 and 116 are urged apart from each other when under normal loads, as indicated by arrows 134. Accordingly, the position of the pivot joints 130, relative to the length of the side member 114, will be urged towards the distal upper and lower ends 114a, 114b of the side member 114.
The adjustable axial engagement mechanism 133 need only restr2~in the connector 132 from moving outwardly relative to end of the side member 114.
[oa~a] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, further details of an embodiment of the connector 132 will be described. The connector 132 comprises a pivot pin 136 that extends between generally horizontal, aligned holes 138 in opposed walls of the diagonal member '116, at a position adjacent the inner end 116a. The pivot pin 136 can be retained in position across the member 116 by cotter pins 140. The same structure can be used for providing the connector 132 at the upper pivot joint 130 in the top member 112.
[003'1] The pivot pin 136 has a cross bore 142 that is directed generally perpendicular to the axis of the pin 136, and positioned intermediately along the length of the pin 136. The cross bore 142 is sized to receive the side member 114 in sliding fit. An elongate slot 143 is provided in the upper and lower walls of the diagonal member '! 16 to accommodate the side member 114 and permit it to freely pivot about the pin 136. An adjustable axial engagement mechanism 133 in the form of a retaining nut 144 is threaded on _g_ to the threaded rod (side member) 114, between the pin 136 and the distal end (the lower end 114b in Figures 7 and 8) of the side member 114. An optional spacer 146 can be provided between the pin 136 and the retaining nut 144 to improve the bearing surface between the pin 136 and the nut 144, if desired. As seen in Figure 9, the spacer 146 can be omitted so that the nut 144 abuts the outer surface of the pin 136. The slot 143 can be enlarged to permit access to the nut 144 with a gripping tool for turning the nut 144.
r~032] In use, the bracket 100 can be assembled on the ground, using construction drawings to assemble the bracket 100 to an approximate shape.
The bracket can then be hung from the support structure 102 by passing tie rods 150 extending from the structure 102 through a hanger 152 attached to the top member 112 (Figure 2). As best seen in Figures 6 and 10, in the embodiment illustrated, the hanger 152 has a pair of spaced apart angle brackets 154 which are bolted to the underside of the top member 112, adjacent the inner end 112a. A connection bracket 156 is welded across the underside of the brackets 156. The connection bracket mounted to form a v-shape, and has an aperture 158 for receiving the tie rod 150.
X0033] Additional bridge ovefiang brackets 100 cyan be hung from the support structure 102 along the length of the bridge as required. Once the required number of brackets 100 have been hung, adjustments can be made to the connectors 132 to accommodate any variations encountered in the shape of the support structure or in the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of elements within the bracket 10D or any elements to which it is attached. The weight of the brackets 100, plus any formwork or railings that may be supported by the brackets 100 will generally urge the diagonal member 116 towards the distal (lower) end 114b of the side member 114.
Accordingly, the pin 138 is urged towards the retaining nut 144. By turning the retaining nut 144, the (operative) position of the adjustable pivot connector 132 relative to the side member can be adjusted, without the need for partial di$assembly of any of the brackets 100, _9_ [Q034~ Referring again to Figure 5, the nut 144 is provided only on the lower (outward) side of the pin 136, thereby restricting the pin 136 from moving outward, past the nut 144. The sliding fit between the side member 114 and the cross aperture 142 of the pin 13fi can allow a pre-assembled bracket 100 to be conveniently collapsed at least to a certain degree by sliding the inner ends 112a and 1lfia towards each other (particularly in cases where both the upper and lower pivot joints 130 comprises the connectors 132). An optional nut 145 {shown In phantom in Figure 7) can be provided above the pin 136 (opposite the nut 144), spaced apart from the pin 13E prior to installation of the bracket 100. The nut 145 can be tightened against the pin 136 after adjustment of the nut 144, so that the bracket 1 DO can withstand some Ilght compression forces prior to pouring the bridge deck, such as from wind loads, which may Otherwise cause some undesired movement of the bracket members.
[00351 . Referring now to Figure 14, another embodiment of an overhang brack~t 200 is shown. The overhang bracket 200 is similar to the bracket 100, and like elements are identified by like reference characters incremented by 100. Like elements of overhang bracket 200 not shown in Figure 14 are the same as for bracket 100. The overhang bracket 200 is provided with an adjustable pivot connector 232 for connecting the side member 214 to the diagonal member 218. The adjustable pivot Connector 232 provides both a pivoting connection and an adjustable axial eng2~gement mechanism 233 for adjusting, with infinite adjustability, the position of the connector 232 along the length of the side member 214.
[0036] The connector 232 includes a generally cylindrical lower pivot pin 238' that extends generally horizontally between opposed sidewalls of the diagonal member 216, at a position adjacent the inner end 216a. The pivot pin 236' is mounted within the diagonal member 216 to be freely rotatable about the axis of the pin 236'.
riJ03Tj The pivot pin 23B' is provided with a cross bore 242'. The cross bore 242' has internal threads 244 to engage a threaded portion of the side member 214, and thereby provide the Connector 232 with a lower thread engaging member of the adjdstable axial engagement mechanism 233. in the embodiment illustrated, side member 214 is a threaded rod allowing engagement of the pivot pin 23B' anywhere along the length of the side member 214_ [0038] Adjacent the upper end 214a of the side member 214, a pivot joint 230 is included for providing a pivoting connection between the top member 21 Z and the side member 214. The pivot Joint 230 has an upper pivot pin 236 that is mounted in the top member 212 so as to be freely rotatable about its generally horizontally aligned axis. The pivot pin 236 has a cross bore 242 that extends through the pivot pin 236, generally perpendicularly to the axis Of the pin 236. The Cross bore 242 is sized to receive the side member 214 in sliding fit.
[0039] An upper portion 4f the side member 214 projects upwardly from the cross bore 242 of the pin 236 and is provided with an engagement element 247. The engagement element 247 restricts axial movement of the side member 214 through the cross bore 242 of the pin 238. Further, in the embodiment illustratad, the engagement element 247 provides a grip surtace 249 that can be used to rotate the side member 214 to effect axial displacement of the side member 214 with respect to the adjustable connector 232. In the embodiment illustrated, the engagement element 247 and grip surface 249 are provided in the form of a nut 245a securely fixed to the side member 214 (such as by welding) to prevent relative rotation between the side member 214 and the nut 245x.
[0040 A spacer 246a can optionally be provided between the engagement element 247 and the pin 238 of the pivot connection 230. The spacer 24Ba can have an axial extent such that the engagement element 247 is disposed at or above (i.e. clear of) the upper surface of the top member 212. This can facilitate access to the engagement element 247 (i.e. the grip surtace 24S) far adjusting the bracket 200, for example by a wrench or other tool. The spacer 246a may also place the engagement element 247 such that, while the engagement element 247 is disposed above the upper surface of the top member 212 and easily accessed by a tool, it is not disposed so far above the tap member 212 to interfere with the bottom of a mold placed on joists in beams running perpendicular to the top members 212 between adjacent overhang brackets 200. Turning .the engagement element 247 Causes the portion of the Lower pivot pin 238' to move relative to the lower end 214b of side member 214. During the adjustment, the engagement element 247 remains in its initial position vertically, optimally a position in which it is clear of the upper member 212 but below the mold for a bridge deck 104. The lower end 214b and side member 214 may protrude to varying lengths beyond the diagonal member 216, but such protrusion rarely interferes with other structures. It such protrusion does interfere with another structure, a shorter side, member 214 may be used.
[0041] In use, the bracket 200 can be pre-assembled to an estimated size andlor,configuratian, and can then be mounted in place on the side of a bridge support Structure such as a concrete beam 102 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When so mounted, the side member 214 will generally be in tension (i.e. the diagonal member 216 exerts a downward force, when viewed as in Figure 14). 'The engagement element 247 bears against the upper surface of the pin 236 (through the Spacer 246a, when provided) to counteract this downward force. Fine adjustment of the bracket 200 can be made by gripping the grip 'surface 249 and applying a torque to rotate the $ide member 214.
Rotating the grip surface 249 (and hence side member 214) in one direction (e.g. clockwise) can dr2~w the diagonal member 216 upwards, while rotating in the opposite direction can lower the diagonal member 216. A cotter pin 251, optimally placed through a hole in a second nut 252, ar another structure providing an abutment can be provided at the lower end 214b of the side member 214 to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the side member 214 from the pin 236' when lowering the diagonal member 296. Having the grip surface 249 exposed above the upper surface of the top member 212 can facilitate locating, gripping, and rotating the grip surface 249, and can provide adjustment capability from atpp the bridge support structure. Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated, the grip surtacs 249 is located proximate the innetw end of the top member 212, being positioned generally in axial alignment with the side member 214. This position of the grip surface 249 can facilitate adjustment of the axial engagement member by a person positioned on or near the support structure (102 in Figures 1 and 2) from which the bracket 200 is hung.
[0042] Once the ftne adjustment has been completed, unexpected upward movement of the diagonal member 21S with respect to the fop member 2'i2, for example, by wind before the bracket 200 is loaded, can be inhibited by tightening a retaining element such as a third nut 245b along the side member 214 and again$t the lower surface of the pin 238. A spacer 246b can be provided between the lower surtace of the pin 235 and the third nut 245b, to keep the third nut 245b below the lower surFace (i.e. clear) of the top member 212 and thereby facilitate access to the third nut 245b.
95 [0043] . , While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it is to be understood that this description is by way of example, only, and is not intended to be limiting. The full scope of the invention is to be determined by reference to the appended claims.