Structural members

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an elongate structural member provided with an attachment portion at each end for attachment to other elements. Such members are widely used in buildings and the like as bracing elements, e.g. as structural ties for roof structures, trusses, stanchions and space frames. Such a structural member will hereinafter be referred to as a structural member of the kind specified.

[0002] It also relates to a method for providing such a structural member and a building comprising such members.

[0003] A structural member of the kind specified has hitherto comprised a hot rolled tube provided with an attachment portion at each end. Such members made of hot rolled tube have generally been relatively expensive and heavy. They are made by cutting to length from a stock length of tube of a diameter and wall thickness which approximates as far as possible to that required for the structural strength. However, because the tube is bought in standard sizes, the tube cross-sectional dimensions cannot be tailored to each particular application. In addition, the need to cut to length from a standard length generally leads to a significant amount of waste.

[0004] In addition, the steps of welding on a cap plate to each end of the tube and a T-piece to provide the attachment portions is required followed by shot blasting and painting.

[0005] It is also known to provide an elongate structured member comprising sheet metal components which have been cold formed into the shape required to form a compound member having a generally "I" - shaped cross-section (GB 1476323 cf. the preamble of claim 1).

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a structural member of the kind specified whereby the abovementioned disadvantages are overcome or reduced.

[0007] According to aspect of the present invention we provide an elongate structural member comprising an elongate body part made of sheet metal which has been cold formed into the cross-sectional shape required and provided with an attachment portion at each end, the member being of closed hollow cross-sectional shape and characterised in that at least one attachment portion comprises portions of the member displaced out of their original cross-sectional positions into face-to-face relationship with one another and adjacent to one another, the body part comprising wall portions having edge portions extending lengthwise of the member and lying adjacent to one another, said edge portions being secured to one another by fastening means provided at least at spaced intervals along the members, the attachment portion being adapted to cooperate with fasteners.

[0008] Preferably the body part is of a closed hollow or tubular configuration, e.g. of generally square, rectangular, circular, or other, cross-sectional shape.

[0009] The body part may comprise a unitary member having a pair of side-by-side edge portions which are secured together by said fastening means.

[0010] The side-by-side edge portions may be secured together by fastening means selected from welding, such as spot welding or other local welding; fasteners, such as screw thread fasteners, rivets, clips; crimping; clinching; or adhesive.

[0011] The edge portions may comprise two flanges secured together in side-by-side relation.

[0012] The flanges may extend outwardly relative to the interior of the closed cross-section.

[0013] Where the cross-section of the body part is rectangular, the flanges may be disposed between the ends of one side wall and preferably adjacent the middle thereof and extend outwardly thereof perpendicular to the plane of said wall.

[0014] Alternatively, the body part may be a compound member, i.e. one comprising two or more components secured together, each component affording part of the overall cross-section of the body part.

[0015] The wall portions may be wall portions of the two components.

[0016] Both where the member is a unitary member or a compound member, said fastening means may comprise means mechanically interfitting with at least one edge portion.

[0017] Such fastening means may comprise a weld or clip means interfitting with both edge portions, or a formation or formations on one edge portion interfitting with the other edge portion.

[0018] The edge portions may be provided with inturned lips so that they are each generally of U-shape in cross-section, with the bases of the two U-section portions lying adjacent one another and the limbs of the U-section portions extending away from one another. Then a, generally C-shaped, clip may engage the two edge portions.

[0019] Instead of a C-shaped clip engaging both edge portions where each edge portion has an inturned lip so as to be generally of U-section as above described, a part of its inturned lip or a wall portion adjacent such inturned lip, may be displaced to engage the inturned lip of the edge portion. Thus the requirement for separate clips may be avoided.

[0020] Whether separate clips or parts of one edge portion are used to secure the edge portions together, the security of such fastening means may be enhanced by a pressing or like operation or operations to deform the interfitting parts into a close-fitting relationship. To facilitate the carrying out of such operation or operations, one or more openings may be provided for access of a tool to the interior of the structural member. For example, if a number of fastening means are provided at spaced intervals along the length of the member, an opening may be provided adjacent each fastening means.

[0021] Although such structural members comprising at least one cold formed metal section can support substantial loads, a difficulty is encountered in providing a connection to such a structural member in such a way that loads can be effectively transferred between the member and the thing to which it is connected. Because of the relatively thin gauge of the sheet material of which the member is formed, the use of mechanical fastenings such as bolts connected directly to the member severely limits the loads which can be transferred. For larger loads, an uneconomic and impractical number of such fasteners would have to be used. Welding is undesirable because the heat affects the properties of the material and may reduce the yield stress thereof. A further reason for wishing to avoid welding is because thin gauge cold formed steel sections very often are galvanised to protect against corrosion, and welding on galvanised sections not only damages the galvanised surface but also is a health hazard.

[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structural member whereby the above described disadvantages are overcome or reduced.

[0023] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by displacing portions of the member out of their original cross-sectional position into positions adjacent to one another, sufficient thickness of material can be provided for fastening means such as bolts to cooperate directly with said portions. Thus a structural member according to the invention and provides for satisfactory transfer of forces between the attachment portion and the rest of the member.

[0024] The member is preferably of closed hollow cross-sectional shape, and said portions displaced in said attachment portion from their original cross-sectional positions are portions which lie generally opposite one another in the normal cross-section of the member. Thus, where the cross-sectional shape of the member is rectangular or generally rectangular, the portions deformed into positions adjacent one another are preferably opposed wall portions of the rectangular cross-section.

[0025] Preferably said portions lying adjacent one another are connected to the undeformed part of the member by portions inclined to the length of the member.

[0026] Where the body part is a compound member comprising two or more components secured together, to provide the attachment portion at an end of the structural member, portions of each of said components preferably are displaced out of their original cross-sectional positions, into positions wherein they will lie adjacent to one another, in the member, prior to connection of the components to one another to form the member.

[0027] In the examples of members and methods of manufacture thereof according to the invention described in detail hereafter, the member may be of hollow, generally rectangular, cross-sectional shape and comprise two channel section components connected to one another. Each channel section component comprises, as viewed in cross-section, a generally flat base and two generally flat walls extending from the base substantially parallel to one another, the components being secured to one another along the free edge portions of such walls. The free edge portions of the walls may be provided with inturned lips, and the components may be held together by fastening means such as clips extending lengthwise of the member or provided at spaced intervals along the length of the member, said fastening means engaging said inturned lips. Alternatively the free edges of the walls may have cross-sectional shapes which interfit with one another and which may be pressed, crimped, or otherwise deformed to hold them in engagement with one another. Yet further alternatively the components may be welded to one another continuously or at spaced intervals along abutting free edges of the walls.

[0028] Openings may be provided at spaced intervals along the length of the member to enable access to be gained to the interior thereof for the purpose of introducing and engaging clips or to enable a tool to be entered into the interior of the member for use in a crimping or pressing operation.

[0029] Said portions displaced out of their original cross-sectional positions may comprise portions of the base of each of the channel section components and may also include portions of the walls thereof.

[0030] Parts of the walls of each channel section component may be deformed, at the end of the component, to lie in face-to-face relationship with the base thereof. If the cross-sectional shape of the structural member is rectangular, and the height of each of the walls is thus substantially half the transverse dimension of the base of each channel section component, the parts of the walls when deformed into face-to-face relationship with the base may substantially meet one another along their free edges and afford a portion having a double thickness of material. An end portion of the portions thus formed may be pressed so that the walls lie flattened and close to the base, and the resulting component may then further be deformed so that such flattened portion lies substantially in line with the free edges of the walls of the undeformed component, connected to the base of the undeformed component by an inclined portion. Then, when the two channel section components thus deformed are secured together there is provided an attachment portion which, being constituted by the base and walls of each of the constituent channel section components of the structural member, comprises four thicknesses of the material of the member.

[0031] Alternatively, for each channel section component of the structural member parts of the walls at the end thereof may be removed completely, and the base of each component folded back upon itself about a transverse fold line to provide a double thickness of material. The walls may be cut with inclined edges to extend from such double thickness portion and the component deformed as above described so that the double thickness portion of the base lies substantially in line with the free edges of the walls of the undeformed component. In such deformation of the component, the walls thereof may be provided with inwardly folded portions.

[0032] When the two channel section components thus configured are secured together there is provided an attachment portion which, comprising a double thickness of the base of each of the constituent channel section components, comprises four thicknesses of the material of the member.

[0033] The attachment portion may be provided with an aperture or apertures for receiving fasteners such as bolts, and if required a reinforcement member or members may be provided in the region of such aperture or apertures.

[0034] Closure means may be provided to close an opening in the transverse cross-section of the cold rolled member.

[0035] The closure means may comprise a member extending between the internal wall of the cold rolled member and, when provided, the external surface of the attachment component.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a method of providing an elongate structural member comprising an elongate body part having an attachment portion at each end, comprising the steps of cold forming sheet metal into the cross-sectional shape required for the body part such that the member is of closed hollow cross-sectional shape, characterised in that the method comprises the further steps of displacing portions of the member out of their original cross-sectional positions into face-to-face relationship with one another and adjacent to one another. the elongate member having wall portions having edge portions extending lengthwise of the member and lying adjacent to one another, securing said edge portions and providing means for co-operation of said attachment portion with fasteners.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a building structure comprising two spaced apart elements having a structural member according to the first aspect of the invention, or made according to the second aspect of the invention extending therebetween and connected thereto in bracing relationship.

[0038] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-

Figure 1A and 1B are respectively a perspective view and transverse cross-sectional view of a channel section component to be used in manufacture of a structural member according to the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B, and 3A and 3B, are views as Figure 1 of the channel section component, showing two further operations thereon in manufacture of a structural member according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of the component shown in Figures 3A and 3B;

Figure 5 shows a further operation in production of the member;

Figures 6 and 7 show further stages in the production of the member;

Figures 8A and 8B are views as figures 1A and 1B but showing the production of a furthest embodiment of member according to the invention;

Figures 9A and 9B show the next stage in the production of the embodiment of Figure 8;

Figures 10, 11 and 12 shown further stages in the production of the further embodiment of member;

Figure 13 shows the further embodiment in its final configuration;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the invention;

Figures 15 and 16 show a further modification of the structural member;

Figures 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views showing further structural members to which the invention may be applied;

Figure 19 is a detail of the cross-section of an embodiment of structural member according to the invention;

Figures 20A and 20B are cross-sectional views of part of a further embodiment of structural member according to the invention;

Figure 21 to 23 illustrate, in cross-sectional and lateral views, part of yet a further embodiment of structural member according to the invention;

Figure 24 is a lateral view of part of yet a further structural member according to the invention;

Figures 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views of alternative arrangements of part of the member of Figure 24;

Figure 26 is a diagrammatic elevation of a building embodying the invention showing a portal frame thereof;

[0039] Referring firstly to Figures 1A and 1B, there is shown a component which is a channel section component having a base 10 which is flat and walls 11, 12 extending from the base, parallel to one another. The walls 11, 12 are provided at their free edges with inturned lips 13, 14 respectively. The intention is that two such components should be assembled with their bases parallel and spaced from one another and the edges of their walls 11, 12 abutting to provide a structural member of rectangular hollow, i.e. tubular configuration, the two channel section components being secured together in such position by means to be described hereafter.

[0040] As a first step in the manufacture of the structural member, a coil of sheet metal is decoiled to provide a blank and then, in a pressing operation a desired length of the decoiled sheet metal is severed from the remainder of the coil and cuts or slots are formed, which in the finished member will extend from the free edge of the walls 11, 12 to the base. Such a cut or slot is indicated at 15 in Figure 1A, a predetermined distance, e.g. 300mm, from the free end of the component. The thus form slotted blank is cold rolled, or otherwise cold formed to provide the channel shape shown in Figure 1A.

[0041] Alternatively, if desired, the sheet metal may be decoiled and cold rolled or otherwise cold formed to the desired channel shape shown in Figure 1A on a continuous basis and then cut to length after forming with suitably shaped cutting tools. Thereafter or at the same time, cuts or slots 15 are provided.

[0042] The next step is, as indicated in Figure 2B, that the walls 11, 12, from the free end of the component to the slots as 15 in the walls, are folded to lie in face-to-face proximity to the base 10. Because of the lips 13, 14 on the face edges of the walls, the walls remain slightly spaced from the base.

[0043] The next step is shown in Figure 3A, wherein approximately half the length of the inwardly folded walls and base of the component is subjected to a pressing operation to flatten the lips 13. As shown in Figure 3B, the walls then lie in close face-to-face relationship with the base 10. A side view of the resulting component is shown in Figure 4, wherein the end portion which has been pressed flat is indicated at 16, extending approximately half way from the free end of the component to the part thereof which has not been deformed at all. The relatively greater thickness of the portion, indicated at 17, wherein the walls of the channel section component have been folded in towards one another but not pressed flat, compared with the pressed portion 16, can be clearly seen.

[0044] The next step performed on the component thus provided is indicated at Figure 5. The portions 16, 17 are together bent so that they remain in line with one another but are inclined to the base 10. The boundary between the portions 16, 17 is in line with the edge of the walls 11, 12 of the channel section component.

[0045] The next step in manufacture of the member is shown in Figure 6. The portion 16 is bent relative to the portion 17 so as to be parallel to and in line with the edges of the walls 11, 12 of the channel section component. Holes as indicated at 18 may be drilled in the portion 16 at this stage.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a structural member comprising two components formed as shown in Figure 6 and placed with the edges of their walls as 11, 12 in abutment with one another. The portions 16 lie in close face-to-face relationship with one another. The components may be secured together by tack welding along the line indicated at 19 where the free edges of the walls abut one another, or possibly by the use of clips as described hereafter. The holes as 18 provided in the portions as 16 enable fasteners such as bolts to be passed therethrough to secure the structural member to another member or component where it is to be used. The portions 17 provide effectively for transmission of forces between the portions 16 and the hollow body portion of the structural member.

[0047] The cross-sectional shape of the hollow body part of the structural member is shown in Figure 7A, with the lips at the edges of the walls as 11, 12 abutting one another and welded thereat.

[0048] Referring now to Figures 8A and 8B of the drawings, these figures illustrate a first step in an alternative method of manufacturing a structural member according to the invention from two channel-section components. A channel section component having a base 20 and walls 21, 22 extending therefrom is illustrated, the walls having inturned lips 23, 24 along their free edges. The component is made by cold rolling or other cold forming operation in either the sequences described in connection with the first embodiment. At an end portion of the component the walls 21, 22 are completely cut away from the base 20 for a length of, for example, 300mm and then for a length of, for example, 150mm the walls 21, 22 are cut at an inclination until the uncut edges of the walls are reached. The extreme end portion of the base 20, e.g. for a length of 150mm, is folded back on itself about a fold line 25 extending transversely of the base 20. The result of carrying out this folding step is shown in Figures 9A and 9B in perspective view and transverse cross-section, and in side view in Figure 10. It will be noted that at this stage the channel section component has the portion, indicated at 26, at its free end where the base has been folded back on itself about the transverse fold line 25 and wherein there is a double thickness of the material of the component, followed by a portion indicated at 27 wherein the side walls have been cut to provide an inclined edge extending from the base to the free edges of the uncut side walls having the inturned lips 23, 24.

[0049] The next operation performed on the component is to fold the portions 26, 27 together about a transverse line or region 28 on the base of the component, so that the inclined edge, 29, of each wall 21, 22 remaining in the portion 27 is parallel to the free edge of the uncut walls 21, 22. Adjacent the fold line 28, the material of the side walls is inwardly folded as indicated at 30 to enable this to be done. The resulting component is shown in Figure 11.

[0050] The next operation formed on the component is to reverse bend the portion 26 thereof so that it is generally in line with the free edges of the walls of the channel section component. The portion 26 may then be drilled to provide apertures 31, as shown in Figure 12.

[0051] Two components as shown in Figure 12 are then placed together such that the edges of their walls are in contact with one another and their portions 26 lie in face-to-face relationship with one another. The abutting free edges of the walls of the components may be tack welded at intervals along the length of the components to provide a structural member whose body part cross-sectional shape is a closed rectangle. Fasteners such as bolts may be passed through the apertures as 31 in the facing portions 26 of the two components to secure the structural member to another component in a building structure or the like.

[0052] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the end region of the structural member 13, with an additional optional feature. In Figure 14, the base 20 of each of the channel section components of the structural member is stiffened by two pressed-in grooves 33 which extend lengthwise of the component in the portion 27 thereof and a short distance into the part of the base where the channel section component is not otherwise altered. Stiffening formations of other configurations could be provided, extending longitudinally or transversely of the structural member, and possibly such formations could extend throughout the entire length of the structural member.

[0053] Figures 15 and 16 are perspective views showing a further possible modification of the attachment portion of the structural member. Instead of providing two apertures in the portion 26 of each of the channel section components forming the structural member, necessitating the use of two fasteners such as bolts to secure the structural member in use, an aperture for a single fastener is provided as indicated at 34, flanked by openings 35 for receiving tongues 36 on a reinforcement member 37. Figure 16 shows a fastening bolt 38 passed through the reinforcement member.

[0054] The invention is applicable to structural members whose cross-sectional shape is other than the rectangular shape above described, and to structural members other than those comprising two constituent components secured together. Figure 17 shows in transverse cross-section a structural member comprising two components 40, 41 of substantially semi-circular cross-section, abutting one another along their edges which have inturned lips as 42. The components may be welded or otherwise secured, e.g. by clips, along such edges. At an end of the structural member to provide an attachment portion, opposed portions of the components may be deformed towards one another in manner analogous to that described above.

[0055] Figure 18 shows a substantially square cross-section member, which comprises a single component only. In a succession of cold rolling or other cold forming operations, the component is provided with a base 50, side walls 51, 52, and top walls 53, 54 which terminate in inturned lips 55, 56 which abut one another. Welding or clips may be used at spaced intervals along the line of such abutment to secure the walls 53, 54 together to provide the structural member.

[0056] As above referred to, fastening means such as clips may be used instead of welding to secure two components together to form a structural member, or to secure adjacent edges of a single component together to form a structural member. A possible configuration of one such clip is shown in Figure 19. In this figure, wall portions 60, 61 are shown with inturned lips 62, 63 at their edge portions, which are generally of U-shape in cross-section and of which the bases abut one another. A clip 64 of resilient material comprises a base 65 which extends across the two lips 62, 63, and portions 66, 67 which engage behind the lips 62, 63 to hold the walls 60, 61 together.

[0057] If such clips are used in a structural member, provided at spaced intervals along the length of the member, apertures may be provided in the member to enable access to be gained to the interior thereof for the purpose of fitting such clips.

[0058] Referring now to Figures 20A and 20B, these show a further possible arrangement of clip for securing adjacent edge portions of a single component, or of two components, together to form a structural member. Wall portions 70, 71 of the component or components are illustrated, with inturned lips at their free edge portions such that the edge portions are generally of U-shape in cross-section, with base portions 72, 73 of the U-shapes lying adjacent one another and limbs 74, 75 thereof extending away from one another. A generally C-shaped clip member 76 made of a malleable metallic material engages the limbs 74, 75, and subsequent to such engagement is subjected to a crimping or pressing operation so that it is deformed to the configuration shown in Figure 20B. When thus deformed, the clip member closely embraces the limbs 74, 75 and a portion of the clip member, indicated at 77, extends partially into the region where the limbs 74, 75 diverge from the portions 72, 73. Thus a secure mechanical connection is provided between the adjacent edge portions of the walls 70, 71 of the component or components.

[0059] To enable access to be gained to the clip member 76 for carrying out such deformation thereof, an opening or aperture may be provided in the structural member adjacent the member 76. If fastening members such as 76 are provided at spaced intervals along the structural member, a respective aperture may be provided adjacent each member, to permit a pressing tool to be introduced to the interior of the member.

[0060] Instead of clips such as 64 or 76 being provided at spaced intervals along a structural member, elongate fastening members of similar or analogous cross-sectional shape to such clips could be provided, extending along all or most of the length of the structural member.

[0061] Instead of separate fastening means, such as clips as above described, being used for securing adjacent edge portions of one or more components to one another, a fastening formation or formations may be provided at one edge portion and arranged to engage the other edge portion. One possible such fastening formation is illustrated in Figures 21 to 23. Figure 21 shows wall portions 80, 81 with respective edge portions 82, 83 which are inturned lips so that the edge portions are of U-shape, as previously shown in Figure 20. Adjacent its edge portion, one of the wall portions 80 or 81, in this case the wall portion 80, is provided with a pressed-out tongue portion 84 which extends generally perpendicular to the edge portion, remaining integrally secured to the wall portion at its end 85 nearest the edge portion.

[0062] To secure the two edge portions together, the tongue 84 is bent downwardly as shown in Figure 23A to a generally C-shaped configuration to engage beneath the inturned lip constituting the other edge portion 83. Finally a pressing operation further deforms the tongue 84 and the two edge portions 82, 83, to the configuration shown in Figure 23B to provide a secure connection. Such deformation of the tongue 84 requires the introduction of a tool into the interior of the structural member, either through the aperture left by the pressing-out of the tongue 84 or through another aperture provided in the vicinity thereof.

[0063] An edge portion of a wall may itself be arranged to provide a formation engageable with another edge portion to secure two components or parts of a component together. Figure 24 shows a lateral view of part of a structural member comprising two wall portions 90, 91 of a component or components, with edge portions 92, 93 respectively lying adjacent one another, the two edge portions being of U-shaped configuration as above described. To provide a fastening formation, at two points 94, 95 spaced from one another lengthwise of the member the inturned lip of one edge portion may be sheared through, whilst the inturned lip of the other edge portion is partially cut and removed. Then, as shown in Figure 25A or 25B, the lip 96 on the component 90 between the points 94, 95 is deformed from its original position (shown shaded) to engage the remaining edge portion 97 of the component 91. Such an arrangement may be provided at a number of positions spaced along the length of the structural member.

[0064] Figure 26 illustrates a typical portal frame 140 of a steel frame building provided with a plurality of lugs 130 to each of which pairs of members embodying the invention are bolted as described hereinbefore so as to brace, in a zig-zag manner, the portal frame 140 relative to an adjacent frame disposed within the building. If desired, the bracing may also be provided between stanchions of the portal frame and corresponding stanchions of the next adjacent frame.

[0065] The structural members embodying the invention overcome the disadvantages discussed hereinbefore in connection with previously made hot rolled members in that they are made from material cut to length without waste and avoid the need for extensive welding operations followed by shot blasting and painting since the sections made be made from galvanised steel. In addition, the sections are of lighter weight.

[0066] If desired, in all embodiments a closure member such as a foam plastics/rubber pad may be provided at and to close the open end of the tubular body to prevent the ingress of insects or detritus.

[0067] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. An elongate structural member comprising an elongate body part made of sheet metal which has been cold formed into the cross-sectional shape required and provided with an attachment portion at each end, the member being of closed hollow cross-sectional shape and characterised in that at least one attachment portion comprises portions (16) of the member displaced out of their original cross-sectional positions into face-to-face relationship with one another and adjacent to one another, the body part comprising wall portions (21, 22, 104, 105) having edge portions extending lengthwise of the member and lying adjacent to one another, said edge portions being secured to one another by fastening means provided at least at spaced intervals along the members, the attachment portion being adapted (18) to co-operate with fasteners (38).

2. A member according to Claim 1 wherein the body part comprises a unitary member (100) having a pair of side-by-side edge portions which are secured together by said fastening means.

3. A member according to Claim 2 wherein the edge portions comprise two flanges (106, 107) secured together in side-by-side relation.

4. A member according to Claim 3 wherein the flanges (106, 107) extend outwardly relative to the interior of the closed cross-section (100).

5. A member according to Claim 1 wherein the body part is a compound member, comprising two or more components (10) secured together, each component affording part of the overall cross-section of the body part.

6. A member according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein said fastening means comprises a weld or means mechanically interfitting with at least one edge portion.

7. A member according to Claim 6 wherein said fastening means comprises clip means (76) with both edge portions, or a formation or formations on one edge portion (96) interfitting with the other edge portion (97).

8. A member according to Claim 7 wherein a pressing or like operation or operations is perforates to deform the interfitting parts into a close-fitting relationship.

9. A member according to Claim 1 or any of Claimss 3 to 8 where wherein the body part is a compound member comprising two or more components (10) secured together and, to provide the attachment portion at an end of the structural member, portions (16) of each of said (10) components are displaced out of their original cross-sectional positions into positions wherein they will lie in face-to-face relationship to one another and adjacent to one another in the member, prior to connection of the components to one another to form the member.

10. A method of providing an elongate structural member comprising an elongate body part having an attachment pportion at each end, comprising the steps of cold forming sheet metal into the cross-sectional shape required for the body part such that the member is of closed hollow cross-sectional shape, characterised in that the method comprises the furhter steps of displacing portions of the member out of their original cross-sectional positions into face-to-face relationship with one another and adjacent to one another, two elongate member having wall portions having edge portions according lengthwise of the member and lying adjacent to one another, securing said edge portions and providing means for co-operation of said attachment portion with fasteners.

11. A building structure comprising two spaced apart elements (140) having a structural member according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 or made according to Claim 10.

Ansprüche

1. Ein längliches Bauteil mit einem länglichen Körperteil, das aus Blech hergestellt ist, das durch Kaltformen in die gewünschte Querschnittsform gebracht worden ist und mit einem Befestigungsabschnitt an jedem Ende versehen ist, wobei das Teil eine geschlossene hohle Querschnittsgestalt aufweist und dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß wenigstens ein Befestigungsabschnitt Abschnitte (16) des Teils umfaßt, die aus deren ursprünglichen Querschnittspositionen in einander zugekehrter Beziehung und benachbart zueinander verschoben sind, wobei der Körperteil Wandabschnitte (21, 22, 104, 105) mit Kantenabschnitten umfaßt, die sich in Längsrichtung des Teils erstrecken und benachbart zueinander liegen, wobei die Kantenabschnitte durch Befestigungsmittel aneinander gesichert sind, die zumindest in Intervallabständen entlang der Teile vorgesehen sind, wobei der Befestigungsabschnitt gestaltet (18) ist, um mit Befestigungseinrichtungen (38) zusammenzuwirken.

2. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 1, worin der Körperteil ein Einheitsteil (100) mit einem Paar nebeneinanderliegende Abschnitte umfaßt, die durch die Befestigungsmittel aneinander gesichert sind.

3. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 12, worin die Kantenabschnitte zwei nebeneinanderliegend aneinander gesicherte Flansche (106, 107) umfassen.

4. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 3, worin die Flansche (106, 107) sich in Bezug auf das Innere des geschlossenen Querschnittes (100) nach außen erstrecken.

5. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 1, worin der Körperteil ein zusammengesetztes Teil mit zwei oder mehr aneinander gesicherten Komponenten (10) ist, wobei jede Komponente einen Teil des Gesamtquerschnittes des Körperteils liefert.

6. Ein Teil nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, worin das Befestigungsmittel eine Schweißung oder ein Mittel umfaßt, das mit wenigstens einem Kantenabschnitt mechanisch zusammenpaßt.

7. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 6, worin das Befestigungsmittel Aufsteckminel (76) umfaßt, wobei beide Kantenabschnitte, oder eine Ausbildung oder Ausbildungen auf einem Kantenabschnitt (96) mit dem anderen Kantenabschnitt (97) zusammenpassen/zusammenpaßt.

8. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 7, worin ein Drücken oder ein ähnlicher Vorgang oder Vorgänge zum Verformen der Zusammenpaßteile in eine enge Passung durchgeführt wird/werden.

9. Ein Teil nach Anspruch 1 oder irgendeinem der Ansprüche 3 bis 8, worin der Körperteil ein zusammengesetztes Teil mit zwei oder mehr aneinander gesicherten Komponenten (10) ist und Abschnitte (16) jeder besagten Komponente (10) zum Bereitstellen des Befestigungsabschnittes an einem Ende des Bauteils aus deren ursprünglichen Querschnittspositionen in Positionen verschoben sind, in denen sie in einander zugekehrter Beziehung zueinander und benachbart zueinander in dem Teil vor einem Miteinanderverbinden der Komponenten zum Bilden des Teils liegen werden.

10. Ein Verfahren zur Bereitstellung eines länglichen Bauteils, das einen länglichen Körperteil mit einem Befestigungsabschnitt an jedem Ende umfaßt, das den Schritt umfaßt: Kaltformen von Blech in die für den Körperteil erwünschte Querschnittsform, so daß das Teil eine geschlossene hohle Querschnittsgestalt aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verfahren die weiteren Schritte umfaßt: Verschieben der Abschnitte des Teils aus deren ursprünglichen Querschnittspositionen in einander zugekehrter Beziehung und benachbart zueinander, wobei das längliche Teil Wandabschnitte aufweist, die sich in Längsrichtung des Teils erstrecken und benachbart zueinander liegen, Sichern der Kantenabschnitte und Bereitstellen von Mitteln zum Zusammenwirken des Befestigungsabschnittes mit Befestigungseinrichtungen.

11. Eine Baukonstruktion mit zwei voneinander im Abstand angeordneten Elementen (140), die ein Bauteil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 oder ein gemäß Anspruch 10 hergestelltes Bauteil aufweisen.

Revendications

1. Elément structurel allongé comprenant une partie de corps allongée constituée d'une feuille métallique qui a été formée à froid en une forme de section transversale requise et munie d'une partie de fixation à chaque extrémité, l'élément étant d'une forme de section transversale creuse fermée et caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une partie de fixation comprend des parties (10) de l'élément déplacées hors de leurs positions de section transversale d'origine en relation face à face l'une à l'autre et adjacentes l'une à l'autre, la partie de corps comprenant des parties de paroi (21, 22, 104, 105) comprenant des parties de bord s'étendant dans le sens de la longueur de l'élément et se trouvant adjacentes l'une à l'autre, lesdites parties de bord étant fixées l'une à l'autre par un moyen de fixation prévu au moins au niveau d'intervalles espacés le long des éléments, la partie de fixation étant conçue (18) pour coopérer avec les éléments de fixation (38).

2. Elément selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de corps comprend un élément unitaire (100) comportant une paire de parties de bord côte à côte qui sont fixées ensemble par ledit moyen de fixation.

3. Elément selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les parties de bord comprennent deux rebords (106, 107) fixés ensemble en une relation côte à côte.

4. Elément selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les rebords (106, 107) s'étendent vers l'extérieur par rapport à l'intérieur de la section transversale fermée (100).

5. Elément selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de corps est un élément composé, comprenant deux composants ou plus (10) fixés ensemble, chaque composant constituant une partie de la section transversale globale de la partie de corps.

6. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel ledit moyen de fixation comprend une soudure ou un moyen s'ajustant mécaniquement avec au moins une partie de bord.

7. Fleurent selon la revendication 6, dans lequel ledit moyen de fixation comprend un moyen de clip (76) avec deux parties de bord, ou une formation ou des formations sur une partie de bord (96) s'ajustant à l'autre partie de bord (97).

8. Elément selon la revendication 7, dans lequel une opération ou des opérations de pression ou analogues, est ou sont effectuées pour déformer les parties d'ajustement en une relation d'ajustement serré.

9. Elément selon la revendication 1 ou selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 8, dans lequel la partie de corps est un élément composé comprenant deux composants ou plus (10) fixés ensemble et, afin de procurer la partie de fixation à une extrémité de l'élément structurel, des parties (16) de chacun desdits composants (10) sont déplacées hors de leurs positions de section transversale d'origine vers des positions dans lesquelles elles se trouvent en une relation face à face l'une à l'autre et adjacentes l'une à l'autre dans l'élément, avant connexion des composants l'un à l'autre pour former l'élément.

10. Procédé consistant à procurer un élément structurel allongé comprenant une partie de corps allongée comportant une partie de fixation à chaque extrémité, comprenant les étapes consistant à former à froid une feuille métallique en une forme de section transversale requise pour la partie de corps de sorte que l'élément soit d'une forme de section transversale creuse fermée, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend les étapes supplémentaires consistant à déplacer des parties de l'élément hors de leurs positions de section transversale d'origine en relation face à face l'une à l'autre et adjacentes l'une à l'autre, l'élément allongé comportant des parties de paroi ayant des parties de bord s'étendant dans le sens de la longueur de l'élément et se trouvant adjacentes l'une à l'autre, fixer lesdites parties de bord et procurer un moyen pour la coopération de ladite partie de fixation avec des éléments de fixation.

11. Structure de construction comprenant deux éléments espacés (140) comportant un élément structurel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9 ou fabriqué selon la revendication 10.

Drawing