AN ADJUSTABLE LOAD-BEARING COLUMN

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a column with adjustable length for use as a load-bearing element in connection with the construction of buildings, and to a method of supporting a construction.

Background of the invention

[0002] In connection with the erecting of buildings it is commonly known how to employ steel columns as load-bearing elements. Such steel columns are most often designed as steel tubes, which are closed off by an anchor plate at both ends for attachment of the steel column to the floor and ceiling construction, respectively. Normally, these steel columns are immured in hollow walls so that they are not visible when the building has been completed.

[0003] It is a known problem in the construction industry when the calculated length of such steel columns often does not match up with the actual dimensions in the building structure, for example, due to shrinkage of the concrete. In these cases, the steel column has to be replaced by another steel column which fits the actual dimensions, this being both time-consuming and more costly to the building process.

[0004] US20060207210A1 describes a column according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Description of the invention

[0005] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved column.

[0006] It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a column which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the known solutions in the industry.

[0007] It is an even further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a method of supporting a construction.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a column with adjustable length for use as a load-bearing element in connection with the construction of buildings, which column comprises an outer tube, which is closed at one end, and at the other end there is introduced one end of an inner tube, whose outer diameter is less than the inner diameter of the outer tube, and an adjustment and fixation mechanism for controlling how much the inner tube can be introduced into the outer tube, and thus the overall length of the column, the adjustment mechanism comprising one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings, which are arranged in the outer tube before the inner tube is introduced therein, wherein the one or more spacers and/or rings lay against the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube.

[0009] Such a column with adjustable length is advantageous because it can be adapted to the actual dimensions on site, so that the situation of having to employ time and money to produce a new column on the construction site instead of one that does not fit may be entirely avoided.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, the term 'tube' should be understood as an elongated element having a cross-section of an arbitrary shape, where the cross-section is a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated tube. In one embodiment, the tube may have a circular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the cross-section may be oval, square-shaped, triangular, or of any other shape.

[0011] At least a part of the outer tube is hollow to allow at least a part of the inner tube to be inserted into the outer tube along the longitudinal direction of the tubes. It should however, be understood, that both the inner tube and the outer tube may be hollow elongated elements.

[0012] The outer diameter of the inner tube may be marginally less than the inner diameter of the outer tube whereby the outer tube may fixate the inner tube when inserted into the outer tube. Thus, the fixation mechanism may be at least partly constituted by the inner and outer tubes when inserting the inner tube into the outer tube whereby the inner and outer tubes overlap each other along a part of their length in the longitudinal direction of the tubes.

[0013] By 'marginally less' should be understood, that the inner tube can be inserted into the outer tube and can be kept in place without falling during use.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the term 'diameter' should be understood as the largest dimension of the cross-section of the tube. Typically, the diameter is a straight line passing through the centre of the cross-section of the tube and whose endpoints lie on the outer circumference of the tube.

[0015] When positioning the column in an upright position in which it can support a construction part or construction parts, it may be an advantage if the outer tube is used as the upper tube and the inner tube is used as the lower tube, as this eliminates or at least considerably reduces the risk of water, such as rain or condensed water, flowing into the tube. If the inner tube is used as the upper tube, water may flow along the outer surface of the inner tube and into the outer tube along the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the term 'spacers and/or rings' should be understood as elements configured to be inserted into the outer tube to thereby keep the upper end of the upper tube at the required distance from the upper end of the lower tube.

[0017] By filling up the outer tube with spacers or rings and optionally a plug, which lies against the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube, respectively, the length of the column can be adjusted corresponding to the height of the spacers and/or rings, as the spacers and/or rings will keep the upper end of the upper tube at the required distance from the upper end of the lower tube. Furthermore, the load bearing ability of the column may be increased significantly. If the column comprises a plug, the height of the plug will add to the distance between upper end of the upper tube and the upper end of the lower tube.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the term 'height' of the spacers, rings, and plug should be understood the dimension of the spacers, rings, and plug in the longitudinal direction of the tubes.

[0019] By varying the number and/or size of the spacers/rings in the outer tube it may be possible to vary the height of the column, and thereby adjust the height to the required dimension in the longitudinal direction of the column.

[0020] Thus, it should be understood that the height of the column may be adjusted by varying the number of spacers/rings; i.e. by use of one or more spacers/rings and/or the use of spacers/rings of different height.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the term 'circular spacers and/or rings' should be understood as elements having a cross-sectional shape being circular, square-shaped, oval, triangular, or any other shape. The spacers may be solid elements, whereas the rings may be elements forming a through hole.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the term 'closed end' should be understood as an end which may comprise an opening. Thus, the 'closed end' comprises an obstruction ensuring that the spacers and/or rings can be retained in the outer tube when arranged inside the outer tube. The obstruction may as an example be a plate being arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tube. The plate may comprise one or more openings, e.g. one or more circular openings, oval openings, or openings of any arbitrary shape. It should be understood, that there may be openings of different shapes. In an alternative embodiment, the 'closed end' may comprise an obstruction in the form of a cross, one or more bars, such as bars of different size or shape, etc.

[0023] The column may comprise a plug for closing the one end of the inner tube which is to be inserted into the outer tube. Thus, the overall height of the spacers/rings and the plug may correspond to the space between the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube configured for insertion into the outer tube thereby adjusting the column to the desired length.

[0024] The plug may comprise a first plug part allowing at least a part of the plug to be inserted into the inner tube. To facilitate handling of the column, the size and shape of the first plug part may correspond to the inner size and shape of an inner tube being at least partly hollow. Furthermore, the plug may comprise a second plug part of a size and shape allowing the second plug part to be supported on the circumference of the inner tube.

[0025] It should however be understood, that the shape of the plug and the shape of the inner tube may be different. Thus, in one embodiment, the inner tube may be square-shaped while the plug has a cross-sectional shape being circular or the opposite. Other combinations are also possible.

[0026] The plug may be made in one piece. Alternatively, a first and a second plug part may be formed separately. Subsequently, the first and second plug part may be the joined, e.g. by welding or adhesively bonded together.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two ends of the outer and the inner tube constituting the two ends of the column is provided with an anchor plate for attachment of the column to the floor and/or ceiling construction in the erected building.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment and fixation mechanism comprises at least two clamping flanges, which are fastened respectively to the outer and the inner tube, and at least two bolts or threaded rods with corresponding nuts and washers for coupling together and locking of the two clamping flanges - and thus the outer and the inner tube - in relation to each other. A flange may be attached to the outer surface of each of the inner and outer tube along the outer circumference of the tube. In one embodiment, the at least two flanges may be attached to the outer surface by welding.

[0029] The at least two flanges may each comprise at least one through hole through which a bolt or rod may be inserted. By fastening a nut to both ends of a rod or to the free end of a bolt extending though a though hole in flanges attached to the inner and outer tube, the inner and outer tube may be hold together, and thus fixed to each other.

[0030] The use of flanges and nuts or threaded rods is a safe and reliable method of adjustment and fixation of the two tubes in relation to each other. This may ensure that the inner and outer tube are not separated during use, e.g. when carrying the column at the construction site or due to wind pressure.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the column furthermore comprises one or more spacers which are arranged about the outer and the inner tube between the two clamping flanges on the outer and the inner tube, respectively, which are closest to each other, and whose overall height corresponds to the space between the two clamping flanges when the column is adjusted to the desired length.

[0032] When the spacers are placed between the clamping flanges it is not necessary to select the correct combination of spacers before the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube, and place the column where it needs to be used. On the other hand, this embodiment places somewhat greater demands on the strength of the clamping flanges and their attachment to the inner and the outer tube, respectively.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment and fixation mechanism comprises an internal thread in the outer tube and an external thread on the inner tube, so that the inner tube can be screwed into the outer tube. This inner and outer thread may be combined with at least one of the spacers/rings and the flanges and bolts.

[0034] By using an inner and outer thread on the two tubes for adjustment and fixation of the two tubes in relation to each other, there is no need to mount clamping flanges on the two tubes, and the outer dimensions of the column transversely to the length direction are reduced.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the outer tube, the inner tube, as well as any anchor plates, clamping flanges and plugs for closure of the inner tube are made of steel or another metallic material. It should be understood, that the outer and inner tube and/or other elements forming the column may alternatively be made of a plastic material, such as POM. Furthermore, it should be understood, that some elements may be made of metal, whereas other elements may be made of plastic, or of another material, whereby the adjustable column may comprise elements of different materials.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the spacers and/or the rings are made of a strong plastic material, such as POM, steel, another metal, or a similar hard material which can withstand significant pressure.

[0037] This choice of material is well suited to the purpose, primarily because these materials have the necessary compressive strength in order to support a construction part, and thus satisfy the purpose of the invention.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the outer diameter of the outer tube is between 3 and 12 cm, preferably between 6 and 8 cm.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall thickness of the outer tube and the inner tube is between 2 and 15 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 5 mm.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the length of the column is adjustable at least in the interval of 500-5000 mm, preferably within the interval of 750-4500 mm.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the column is dimensioned to have a load bearing ability of at least 2 tons, preferably at least 5.5 tons.

[0042] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of supporting a construction; the method comprising the steps of; providing a column with adjustable length, the column comprising an outer tube and an inner tube having a size allowing the inner tube to be inserted into one end of the outer tube, providing an adjustment and fixation mechanism configured to control the insertion of the inner tube into the outer tube, where the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings, arranging the spacers and/or rings in the outer tube, and inserting the inner tube into the outer tube so that the one or more spacers and/or rings lay against the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube.

[0043] It should be understood, that a skilled person would readily recognise that any feature described in combination with the first aspect of the invention could also be combined with the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0044] The column according to the first aspect of the invention is very suitable for performing the method steps according to the second aspect of the invention. The remarks set forth above in relation to the column are therefore equally applicable in relation to the method.

[0045] The method may comprise a step of arranging the column below a construction part after inserting the inner tube into the outer tube.

[0046] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a kit of elements for assembling a column according to the first aspect of the invention, the kit comprising an outer tube, an inner tube, and an adjustment and fixation mechanism for controlling how much the inner tube can be introduced into the outer tube, and thus the overall length of the column, the adjustment mechanism comprising one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings.

[0047] The kit may comprises spacers and/or rings of different height, whereby is may be possible to assemble columns of different height by the elements of one kit. When varying the number and/or height of the spacers/rings in the outer tube, it may be possible to vary the height of the column, and thereby adjust the height to the required dimension in the longitudinal direction of the column.

[0048] In embodiments where the kit comprises a single spacer/ring, the height of the column may be varied by adjusting the height of the spacer/ring before arranging the spacer/ring in the outer tube, and thereby adjust the height to the required dimension in the longitudinal direction of the column. The height of the spacer/ring may as an example be adjusted by cutting the spacer/ring into required height. This may be done at the construction site.

[0049] It should be understood, that a skilled person would readily recognise that any feature described in combination with the first and second aspects of the invention could also be combined with the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa. The remarks set forth above in relation to the column and the method are therefore equally applicable in relation to the kit.

[0050] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a construction comprising a support surface, an upper construction part, and a column according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the column is arranged between the support surface and the construction part to carry at least a part of the weight of the construction part.

[0051] It should be understood, that a skilled person would readily recognise that any feature described in combination with the first, second, and third aspects of the invention could also be combined with the fourth aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0052] The column according to the first aspect of the invention, the method according to the second aspect of the invention, and the kit according to the third aspect of the invention are very suitable in relation the construction according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The remarks set forth above in relation to the column, the method, and the kit, are therefore equally applicable in relation to the construction.

[0053] According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a column with adjustable length for use as a load-bearing element in connection with the construction of buildings, which column comprises an outer tube, which is closed at one end, and at the other end there is introduced one end of an inner tube, whose outer diameter is marginally less than the inner diameter of the outer tube, an adjustment and fixation mechanism for controlling how much the inner tube in introduced into the outer tube, and thus the overall length of the column, one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings, which are arranged in the outer tube before the inner tube is introduced therein, and optionally a plug for closing off the one end of the inner tube facing into the outer tube, wherein the overall height of the spacers and the plugs, if any, corresponds to the space between the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube when the column is adjusted to the desired length.

[0054] It should be understood, that a skilled person would readily recognise that any feature described in combination with the first, second, third, and fourth aspects of the invention could also be combined with the fifth aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

Brief description of the drawings

[0055] Embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an adjustable column according to one embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the column illustrated in Fig. 1,

Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate different view of the column illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2,

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an adjustable column according to the invention, and

Figs. 5a and 5b illustrates different views of the column illustrated in Fig. 4.

Detailed description of the drawings

[0056] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0057] Figs. 1, 2, 3a and 3b illustrate an adjustable steel column 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The column 1 comprises an outer tube 2 with welded-on anchor plate 4 and clamping flange 6, and an inner tube 3, similarly with welded-on anchor plate 5 and clamping flange 7. The anchor plates 4, 5 are provided with a number of holes 14 through which bolts for attachment of the column 1 to a building structure can be inserted. Likewise, the clamping flanges 6, 7 are provided with similar holes 15, through which bolts or threaded rods 8 for fixation of the two clamping flanges 6, 7 in relation to each other can be inserted.

[0058] The two clamping flanges 6, 7 and thus the two tubes 2, 3 are held together by four threaded rods 8 with corresponding nuts 9 and washers 10. In other embodiments, the threaded rods 8 and the nuts 9 can be replaced by bolts in one end of the threaded rods 8. The flanges 6, 7 and the rods 8 with nuts 9 ensures that the inner tube 3 and outer tube 2 are not separated during use, e.g. when carrying the column 1 at the construction site or due to wind pressure when supporting a construction part (not shown).

[0059] A cross section of the same column 1 is shown in Fig. 2. This shows where the end of the inner tube 3 which is inserted into the outer tube 2 is closed off by a steel plug 12, and how a thick 12 and a thin 13 spacer are put in place, so as adjust the height of the column by filling the space between this steel plug 11 and the closed end of the outer tube 2.

[0060] The upper end of the outer tube 2 is closed by the anchor plate 4 to ensure that the spacers 12, 13 are retained in the outer tube 2 when arranged herein. It should be understood, that the anchor plate 4 may comprise at least one opening while still retaining the spacers in the outer tube. The at least one opening may as an example facilitate galvanisation of the outer tube 2.

[0061] The anchor plate 5 at the inner tube 3 comprises an opening 16 (see Fig. 2). The opening 16 may as an example facilitate galvanisation of the inner tube 3. Furthermore, the opening 16 may facilitate draining of the inner tube 3, as water in the inner tube 3 can be drained out of the inner tube 3 through the opening 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 16 is centrally arranged at the anchor plate 5. It should be understood, that it in an alternative embodiment may be arranged at another position. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the anchor plate 5 may be provided without an opening.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, it is thus the spacers 12, 13 which hold the two tubes 2, 3 apart from each other and thereby adjust the height of the column 1, and the threaded rods 8 with nuts 9 which hold them together, so that the tubes 2, 3 cannot move in relation to each other in either the one or the other lengthwise direction. If there is a suitable assortment of spacers 12, 13 available in various thicknesses/heights, one can thus achieve the desired length of the column 1 by selecting a number of spacers 12, 13 whose overall height corresponds to the distance between the closed end of the outer tube 2 and the plug 11 which closes off the inner tube 1 when the column 1 has the desired overall length. After the spacers 12, 13 have been placed in the outer tube and the inner tube 3 has been inserted into the outer tube 2, the two tubes can thus be clamped together with the help of the threaded rods 8 and the nuts 9.

[0063] In other embodiments (not shown), the spacers 12, 13 can be replaced by spacers which are placed outside the tubes 2, 3 between the clamping flanges 6, 7. This provides a more flexible solution, since the spacers can be put in place after the two tubes 2, 3 are put together, and the column has been placed where it is supposed to be used, making it easier to adjust the overall height of the spacers.

[0064] In yet other embodiments (not shown), the spacers can be replaced by nuts 9 and washers 10 on the threaded rods 8 or the bolts between the two clamping flanges 6, 7, so that there are threaded rods 8 (or corresponding bolts) and corresponding nuts 9 and washers 10 on both sides of each of the two clamping flanges 6, 7 which hold together the two tubes 2, 3 in relation to each other in both lengthwise directions. This provides an even more flexible solution, since the height adjustment becomes continuous and with no limitation of the combination possibilities which can be accomplished by means of the available spacers.

[0065] The price for the increased flexibility which is accomplished in the latter embodiments is that somewhat greater demands are placed on the strength of the clamping flanges 6, 7 and their attachment to the two tubes 2, 3 when this column 1 is bearing loads.

[0066] Figs. 4, 5a and 5b illustrate an alternative embodiment of an adjustable column 101 according to the invention.

[0067] The column 101 comprises an outer tube 102 and an inner tube 103 which is inserted into the outer tube 102 along a part of its length.

[0068] The column 101 further comprises an adjustment and fixation mechanism for controlling how much the inner tube 103 can be inserted into the outer tube 102, and thus being configured for controlling the overall length of the column 101. The adjustment mechanism comprises two spacers 112, 113, which are arranged in the outer tube 102 before the inner tube 103 is inserted therein.

[0069] Furthermore, the column 101 comprises a plug 111 for closing off the one end of the inner tube 103 inserted into the outer tube 102.

[0070] Thereby the length of the column 101 can be adjusted corresponding to the height of the spacers 112, 113 and the plug 111, as the spacers 112, 113 and the plug 111 keep the upper end of the upper tube 102 at the required distance from the upper end of the lower tube 103.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner and outer tubes 103, 102 are kept together by due to the outer diameter of the inner tube 103 being only marginally less than the inner diameter of the outer tube 102.

[0072] The outer tube 102 comprises an anchor plate 104 provided with a number of holes 114 through which bolts (not shown) can be inserted for attachment of the column 101 to a building structure (not shown). The inner tube 103 comprises a similar anchor plate 105 with holes 115.

[0073] The upper end of the outer tube 102 is closed by the anchor plate 4 to ensure that the spacers 112, 113 are retained in the outer tube 102 when arranged herein. It should be understood, that the anchor plate 104 may comprise at least one opening while still retaining the spacers in the outer tube. The at least one opening may as an example facilitate galvanisation of the outer tube 102.

[0074] The anchor plate 105 at the inner tube 3 may likewise comprises an opening. This opening may as an example facilitate galvanisation of the inner tube 103. Furthermore, the opening may facilitate draining of the inner tube 103.

Reference numbers

[0075] 

1. Adjustable column

2. Outer tube

3. Inner tube

4. Anchor plate on outer tube

5. Anchor plate on inner tube

6. Clamping flange on outer tube

7. Clamping flange on inner tube

8. Threaded rod

9. Nut

10. Washer

11. Plug for inner tube

12. Thick spacer

13. Thin spacer

Claims

1. A column with adjustable length for use as a load-bearing element in connection with the construction of buildings, which column comprises
an outer tube, which is closed at one end, and at the other end there is introduced one end of an inner tube, whose outer diameter is less than the inner diameter of the outer tube, and
an adjustment and fixation mechanism for controlling how much the inner tube can be introduced into the outer tube, and thus the overall length of the column, the adjustment mechanism comprising
one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings, which are arranged in the outer tube before the inner tube is introduced therein, characterized in that the one or more spacers and/or rings lay against the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube.

2. A column according to claim 1, further comprising a plug for closing off the one end of the inner tube facing into the outer tube, wherein the overall height of the spacers and the plug corresponds to the space between the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube when the column is adjusted to the desired length.

3. A column according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the two ends of the outer and the inner tube constituting the two ends of the column is provided with an anchor plate for attachment of the column to a floor and/or a ceiling construction in the building.

4. A column according to any of the preceding claims, the adjustment and fixation mechanism comprising at least two clamping flanges, which are fastened respectively to the outer and the inner tube, and at least two bolts or threaded rods with corresponding nuts and washers for coupling together and locking of the two clamping flanges, and thus the outer and the inner tube, in relation to each other.

5. A column according to claim 4, further comprising one or more spacers which are arranged about the outer and the inner tube between the two clamping flanges on the outer and the inner tube, respectively, which are closest to each other, and whose overall height corresponds to the space between the two clamping flanges when the column is adjusted to the desired length.

6. A column according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment and fixation mechanism comprises an internal thread in the outer tube and an external thread on the inner tube, so that the inner tube can be screwed into the outer tube.

7. A column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer tube, the inner tube, as well as any anchor plates, clamping flanges and plugs for closure of the inner tube are made of steel or another metallic material or of a plastic material.

8. A column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacers and/or the rings are made of a plastic material, such as POM, steel, another metal material, or a similar hard material which can withstand significant pressure.

9. A column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer diameter of the outer tube is between 3 and 12 cm, preferably between 6 and 8 cm.

10. A column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall thickness of the outer tube and the inner tube is between 2 and 15 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 5 mm.

11. A column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the column is configured to have a load bearing ability of at least 2 tons, preferably at least 5.5 tons.

12. A method of supporting a construction, the method comprising the steps of;

- providing a column with adjustable length according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the column comprising an outer tube and an inner tube having a size allowing the inner tube to be inserted into one end of the outer tube,

- providing an adjustment and fixation mechanism configured to control the insertion of the inner tube into the outer tube, where the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings,

- arranging the spacers and/or rings in the outer tube, and

- inserting the inner tube into the outer tube so that the one or more spacers and/or rings lay against the closed end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube.

13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising a step of arranging the column below a construction part after inserting the inner tube into the outer tube.

14. A kit of elements for assembling a column according to any of claims 1-11, the kit comprising an outer tube, an inner tube, and an adjustment and fixation mechanism for controlling how much the inner tube can be introduced into the outer tube, and thus the overall length of the column, the adjustment mechanism comprising one or more cylindrical spacers and/or rings.

15. A construction comprising a support surface, a upper construction part, and a column according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the column is arranged between the support surface and the construction part to carry at least a part of the weight of the construction part.

Ansprüche

1. Stütze mit justierbarer Länge zur Verwendung als ein lasttragendes Element in Verbindung mit dem Bau von Gebäuden, wobei die Stütze umfasst:

ein äußeres Rohr, welches an einem Ende geschlossen ist und an dessen anderen Ende ein Ende eines inneren Rohrs eingeführt ist, dessen Außendurchmesser weniger als der Innendurchmesser des äußeren Rohrs beträgt, und

einen Justier- und Befestigungsmechanismus zum Steuern, wie weit das innere Rohr in das äußere Rohr eingeführt werden kann, und somit der Gesamtlänge der Stütze, wobei der Justiermechanismus umfasst:

einen oder mehrere zylindrische Abstandshalter und/oder Ringe, welche in dem äußeren Rohr angeordnet werden, bevor das innere Rohr dort eingeführt wird,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

der eine oder die mehreren Abstandshalter und/oder Ringe an dem geschlossenen Ende des äußeren Rohrs und dem Ende des inneren Rohrs anliegen.

2. Stütze nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend einen Stopfen zum Abschließen des einen Endes des inneren Rohrs, das in das äußere Rohr zeigt, wobei die Gesamthöhe der Abstandshalter und des Stopfens dem Raum zwischen dem geschlossenen Ende des äußeren Rohrs und dem Ende des inneren Rohrs entspricht, wenn die Stütze auf die gewünschte Länge justiert ist.

3. Stütze nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei mindestens eines der zwei Enden des äußeren und des inneren Rohrs, die die zwei Enden der Stütze darstellen, mit einer Verankerungsplatte zur Befestigung der Stütze an einer Boden- und/oder einer Deckenkonstruktion in dem Gebäude versehen ist.

4. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Justier- und Befestigungsmechanismus mindestens zwei Spannflansche umfasst, welche jeweils an dem äußeren und dem inneren Rohr befestigt werden, und mindestens zwei Bolzen oder Gewindestangen mit entsprechenden Muttern und Unterlegscheiben zum Verbinden und Verriegeln der zwei Spannflansche und somit des äußeren und des inneren Rohrs in Bezug zueinander.

5. Stütze nach Anspruch 4, ferner umfassend einen oder mehrere Abstandshalter, die um das äußere und das innere Rohr zwischen den zwei Spannflanschen jeweils am äußeren und am inneren Rohr, die einander am nächsten sind, angeordnet sind und deren Gesamthöhe dem Raum zwischen den Spannflanschen entspricht, wenn die Stütze auf die gewünschte Länge justiert ist.

6. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Justier- und Befestigungsmechanismus ein Innengewinde in dem äußeren Rohr und ein Außengewinde an dem inneren Rohr umfasst, so dass das innere Rohr auf das äußere Rohr geschraubt werden kann.

7. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das äußere Rohr, das innere Rohr sowie jegliche Verankerungsplatten, Spannflansche und Stopfen zum Verschließen des inneren Rohrs aus Stahl oder einem anderen metallischen Material oder aus einem Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt sind.

8. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abstandshalter und/oder die Ringe aus einem Kunststoffmaterial, wie POM, Stahl, einem anderen metallischen Material, oder aus einem ähnlichen harten Material hergestellt ist, das einem erheblichen Druck standhalten kann.

9. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Außendurchmesser des äußeren Rohrs zwischen 3 und 12 cm, vorzugsweise 6 und 8 cm beträgt.

10. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Wanddicke des äußeren Rohrs und des inneren Rohrs zwischen 2 und 15 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 2,5 mm und 5 mm beträgt.

11. Stütze nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Stütze ausgelegt ist, um eine Belastbarkeitsfähigkeit von mindestens 2 Tonnen, vorzugsweise mindestens 5,5 Tonnen aufzuweisen.

12. Verfahren zum Tragen einer Konstruktion, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Bereitstellen einer Stütze mit justierbarer Länge nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, wobei die Stütze ein äußeres Rohr und ein inneres Rohr mit einer Größe umfasst, die gestattet, dass das innere Rohr in ein Ende des äußeren Rohrs eingeführt wird,

- Bereitstellen eines Justier- und Befestigungsmechanismus, der ausgelegt ist, um das Einführen des inneren Rohrs in das äußere Rohr zu steuern, wobei der Justiermechanismus einen oder mehrere zylindrische Abstandshalter und/oder Ringe umfasst,

- Anordnen der Abstandshalter und/oder Ringe in dem äußeren Rohr, und

- Einführen des inneren Rohrs in das äußere Rohr, so dass der eine oder die mehreren Abstandshalter und/oder Ringe an dem geschlossenen Ende des äußeren Rohrs und dem Ende des inneren Rohrs anliegen.

13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend einen Schritt des Anordnens der Stütze unterhalb eines Konstruktionsteils nach dem Einführen des inneren Rohrs in das äußere Rohr.

14. Kit von Elementen zum Zusammenbauen einer Stütze nach einem der Ansprüche 1-11, wobei das Kit ein äußeres Rohr, ein inneres Rohr und einen Justier- und Befestigungsmechanismus zum Steuern, wie weit das innere Rohr in das äußere Rohr eingeführt werden kann, und somit der Gesamtlänge der Stütze umfasst, wobei der Justiermechanismus einen oder mehrere zylindrische Abstandshalter und/oder Ringe umfasst.

15. Konstruktion, umfassend eine Trägerfläche, ein oberes Konstruktionsteil und eine Stütze nach einem der Ansprüche 1-11, wobei die Stütze zwischen der Trägerfläche und dem Konstruktionsteil angeordnet ist, um mindestens einen Teil des Gewichts des Konstruktionsteils zu tragen.

Revendications

1. Colonne de longueur réglable, destinée à être utilisée comme élément de support de charge, dans le domaine de la construction de bâtiments, ladite colonne comprenant :

un tube extérieur fermé à une extrémité, une extrémité d'un tube intérieur étant introduite dans l'autre extrémité de celui-ci, dont le diamètre extérieur est inférieur au diamètre intérieur du tube extérieur, et

un mécanisme de réglage et de fixation, destiné à commander la distance sur laquelle le tube intérieur peut être introduit dans le tube extérieur, et donc la longueur globale de la colonne, le mécanisme de réglage comprenant

un ou plusieurs espaceurs cylindriques et/ou anneaux, disposés dans le tube extérieur avant l'introduction du tube intérieur dans celui-ci,

caractérisée en ce que

les un ou plusieurs espaceurs et/ou anneaux reposent contre l'extrémité fermée du tube extérieur et l'extrémité du tube intérieur.

2. Colonne selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un bouchon fermant l'extrémité du tube intérieur tournée vers le tube extérieur, dans laquelle la hauteur globale des espaceurs et du bouchon correspond à l'espace entre l'extrémité fermée du tube extérieur et l'extrémité du tube intérieur lorsque la colonne est réglée à la longueur souhaitée.

3. Colonne selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle l'une au moins des deux extrémités du tube extérieur et du tube intérieur constituant les deux extrémités de la colonne est dotée d'une plaque d'ancrage pour la fixation de la colonne à une construction de sol et/ou de plafond dans le bâtiment.

4. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le mécanisme de réglage et de fixation comprend au moins deux rebords de serrage, lesquels sont fixés respectivement aux tubes extérieur et intérieur, et au moins deux boulons ou tiges filetées avec des écrous et des rondelles correspondants pour l'accouplement et le verrouillage des deux rebords de serrage entre eux, et donc des tubes extérieur et intérieur, l'un par rapport à l'autre.

5. Colonne selon la revendication 4, comprenant en outre un ou plusieurs espaceurs disposés autour des tubes extérieur et intérieur entre les deux rebords de serrage sur les tubes extérieur et intérieur, respectivement, lesquels sont les plus proches l'un de l'autre, et dont la hauteur globale correspond à l'espace entre les deux rebords de serrage lorsque la colonne est réglée à la longueur souhaitée.

6. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le mécanisme de réglage et de fixation comprend un filetage interne dans le tube extérieur et un filetage externe sur le tube intérieur, de sorte que le tube intérieur peut être vissé dans le tube extérieur.

7. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le tube extérieur, le tube intérieur, ainsi que les plaques d'ancrage, les rebords de serrage et les bouchons de fermeture du tube intérieur sont constitués d'acier ou d'un autre matériau métallique ou d'une matière plastique.

8. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les espaceurs et/ou les anneaux sont constitués d'une matière plastique, telle que le POM, d'acier, d'un autre matériau métallique, ou d'un matériau dur similaire capable de résister à une pression significative.

9. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le diamètre extérieur du tube extérieur est compris entre 3 et 12 cm, de préférence entre 6 et 8 cm.

10. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'épaisseur de paroi du tube extérieur et du tube intérieur est comprise entre 2 et 14 mm, de préférence entre 2,5 et 5 mm.

11. Colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la colonne est configurée de manière à présenter une capacité de support de charge d'au moins 2 tonnes, de préférence d'au moins 5,5 tonnes.

12. Procédé de support d'une construction, le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :

- la mise à disposition d'une colonne avec une longueur réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, la colonne comprenant un tube extérieur et un tube intérieur présentant une taille permettant au tube intérieur d'être inséré dans une extrémité du tube extérieur,

- la mise à disposition d'un mécanisme de réglage et de fixation configuré pour commander l'insertion du tube intérieur dans le tube extérieur, le mécanisme de réglage comprenant un ou plusieurs espaceurs cylindriques et/ou anneaux,

- la disposition des espaceurs et/ou anneaux dans le tube extérieur, et

- l'insertion du tube intérieur dans le tube extérieur de telle façon que les un ou plusieurs espaceurs et/ou anneaux reposent contre l'extrémité fermée du tube extérieur et l'extrémité du tube intérieur.

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, comprenant en outre une étape de disposition de la colonne sous une partie de construction après l'insertion du tube intérieur dans le tube extérieur.

14. Kit d'éléments pour l'assemblage d'une colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, le kit comprenant un tube extérieur, un tube intérieur et un mécanisme de réglage et de fixation destiné à commander la distance sur laquelle le tube intérieur peut être introduit dans le tube extérieur, et donc la longueur globale de la colonne, le mécanisme de réglage comprenant un ou plusieurs espaceurs cylindriques et/ou anneaux.

15. Construction comprenant une surface de support, une partie de construction supérieure et une colonne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, dans laquelle la colonne est disposée entre la surface de support et la partie de construction pour porter au moins une partie du poids de la partie de construction.

Drawing