(19)
(11) EP 1 031 670 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
11.05.2005 Bulletin 2005/19

(21) Application number: 00650012.8

(22) Date of filing: 24.02.2000
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7E04B 1/58, F16B 37/04

(54)

Elongate structural member and member for entrapping a bolt or a nut

Längliches Trageelement und Element zum Einschliessen eines Bolzens oder einer Mutter

Elément porteur allongé et élément pour enfermer un boulon ou un écrou


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

(30) Priority: 26.02.1999 GB 9904317

(43) Date of publication of application:
30.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/35

(73) Proprietor: KINGSPAN METL-CON LIMITED
Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8PQ (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • Davies, David Anthony
    Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 8NT (GB)

(74) Representative: O'Brien, John Augustine et al
John A. O'Brien & Associates, Third Floor, Duncairn House, 14 Carysfort Avenue
Blackrock, Co Dublin
Blackrock, Co Dublin (IE)


(56) References cited: : 
GB-A- 2 169 678
US-A- 3 783 922
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Introduction



    [0001] The invention relates to an elongate structural member for extending between frame parts in a building construction to reinforce the construction by adding rigidity and preventing bowing. The invention also relates to an entrapping member for insertion in such an elongate structural member for holding a nut a bolt captive. The building constructions in which such elongate structural members are used include a wall or roof which generally comprise a plurality of frame parts which extend side by side in spaced parallel relation with an elongate member extending between an adjacent pair of frame parts. Cladding or roofing panels are generally secured to the frame parts.

    [0002] Elongate structural members for extending between frame parts in such building constructions are known. UK - A - 2169678 describes such an elongate member with entrapping members at each end for a threaded insert. The threaded insert may be a bolt or a nut.

    [0003] There is, however, a need for an improved structural member of this type which has fewer parts and which facilitates automated manufacturing techniques. This invention is directed towards providing such an improved structural member.

    [0004] US-A-3783922 describes an entrapping member for holding a nut or bolt captive.

    Statements of Invention



    [0005] According to the invention there is provided an elongate structural member comprising: -

    an elongate member having an opening in each of the opposite ends thereof;

    an entrapping member in each end opening; and

    a threaded insert member held by the entrapping member;

    wherein each entrapping member is a single part having retaining means formed therein for holding a threaded insert captive in the entrapping member, and wherein each entrapping member comprises a circumferentially extending groove into which the elongate member is deformed for mounting the entrapping member to the elongate member.

    [0006] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the elongate member is a rolled seam tube. Preferably each entrapping member has a slot to accommodate the seam of the rolled seam tube.

    [0007] Preferably each entrapping member has a locating means for aligning the entrapping member with the elongate member for assembly of the entrapping member with the elongate member.

    [0008] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises projection means which extends radially inwardly to retain a threaded insert it the entrapping member. Ideally, the projection means is an inwardly extending annular ring over which a threaded insert is fitted.

    [0009] In another embodiment of the invention the entrapping member comprises a shank having a number of cut-out slots to define circumferentially spaced-apart shank elements at an insertion end of the entrapping member.

    [0010] In one embodiment of the invention the entrapping member includes engagement projection means which extends radially outwardly for engagement with the interior of the elongate member.

    [0011] Preferably the engagement projection means comprises a number of separate circumferentially spaced-apart bumps.

    [0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the entrapping member comprises a head part for location externally of an end of the elongate member opening and an integral shank extending into the elongate member from the head part, the threaded insert member being housed within the shank.

    [0013] Preferably the entrapping member includes a circumferentially extending groove into which the elongate member is deformed is formed at a transition between the shank and the head part.

    [0014] Preferably a locating means is provided in the head part for aligning the entrapping member with the elongate member.

    [0015] In another aspect the invention provides an entrapping member for insertion into an end opening in an elongate member to form a structural member of the invention, wherein the entrapping member is a single part having retaining means formed therein for holding a threaded insert captive in the entrapping member, the entrapping member having a circumferentially extending groove for receiving a deformation of an elongate member on mounting of the entrapping member to the elongate member.

    [0016] Preferably the entrapping member has having an elongate slot to accommodate the seam of a rolled seam tube.

    [0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the entrapping has a locating means for aligning the entrapping member with an elongate member for assembly of the entrapping member with the elongate member.

    [0018] In one embodiment the retaining means comprises projection means which extends radially inwardly to retain a threaded insert in the entrapping member. The projection means is preferably an inwardly extending annular ring over which a threaded insert is fitted.

    [0019] In a preferred embodiment the entrapping member comprises a shank having a number of cut-out slots to define circumferentially spaced-apart shank elements at an insertion end of the entrapping member.

    [0020] Preferably the shank includes engagement projection means which extends radially outwardly of the shank. Typically, the engagement projection means comprises a number of separate circumferentially spaced-apart bumps on the shank.

    [0021] Preferably the entrapping member comprises a head part for location externally of an end of an elongate member opening and an integral shank extending into the elongate member from the head part, a threaded insert member being housed within the shank. Most preferably, a circumferentially extending groove into which an elongate member is deformed at a transition between the shank and the head part.

    [0022] Ideally a locating means is provided in the head part for aligning the entrapping member with an elongate member.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0023] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

    Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an elongate structural member according to the invention;

    Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the structural member of Fig. 1;

    Fig. 3 is a longitudinal partially cross sectional view of the structural member of Fig. 1;

    Fig. 4 is an end view of an entrapping member according to the invention and forming part of the structural member of Figs. 1 to 3;

    Fig. 5 is a side view of the entrapping member of Fig. 4 with a threaded insert omitted;

    Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view along the line VI - VI of Fig. 4;

    Fig. 7 is the other end view of the entrapping member of Fig. 4;

    Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view along the line VIII - VIII of Fig. 7;

    Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a tube part of the structural member of Fig. 1 prior to assembly;

    Fig. 10 is a transverse cross sectional view of the tube part of Fig. 9;

    Fig. 11 is an elevational, partially cross sectional view of the structural member, in use;

    Fig. 12 is an exploded view of part of the assembly of Fig. 11;

    Figs. 13(a) to 13(c) are views of typical arrangements of the structural members, in use; and

    Fig. 14 is a longitudinal partially cross sectional view of the structural member, in use.


    Detailed Description



    [0024] Referring to the drawings there is illustrated an elongate structural member 1 according to the invention. The structural member 1 is in this case for joining frame parts such as support beams 2 of a construction such as a wall or roof cladding system.

    [0025] The structural member 1 comprises an elongate member, in this case in the form of a rolled tube 3 having an axially extending seam 4 and a continuous opening extending the length thereof defining opposite ends openings 6, 7. An entrapping member 10 is inserted into each end opening 6, 7 and a threaded insert is held captive in each entrapping member 10. In this case the threaded insert at the end opening 6 is provided by a nut 11 and the threaded insert at the end opening 7 is provided by a bolt 12.

    [0026] The entrapping members 10 are injection moulded of a plastics material in a single part from the same tool. Each entrapping member 10 comprises a head part 15 which is external of the tube 3 and a shank 16 which is inserted into the tube 3. The head part 15 has a through hole 18. At a transition between the head 15 and the shank 16 a circumferentially extending groove 17 is formed to receive a swaged part 19 of the tube 3 on assembly as illustrated particularly in Fig. 3. The shank 16 of the entrapping member 10 defines an hexagonal-shaped recess for receiving a nut 11 or the head of a bolt 12. The hexagonal shape of the recess prevents relative rotation of the nut 11 or bolt 12, in use.

    [0027] The shank 16 of the entrapping member 10 has a slot 25 to accommodate the seam 4 of the tube 3. To retain the nut 11 or bolt 12 from pulling out of the entrapping member 10 the shank 16 also has a projection in the form of an annular ring 30 which extends radially inwardly. The ring 30 is sized and shaped to allow a nut 11 or bolt 12 to be push fitted into position while capturing the nut 11 or bolt 12 and preventing axial dislocation of the insert.

    [0028] The shank 16 has three circumferentially spaced-apart slots 31 formed therein to define four shank elements 16(a) at an insertion end of the entrapping member 10 to facilitate insertion of the shank 16 into the elongate tube 3. Upon insertion of a threaded insert into the entrapping member 10 and upon insertion of the entrapping member 10 into a tube 3 the elements 16(a) flex slightly to engage the inside surface of the tube 3. To further engage and retain the entrapping member 10 in position in the tube 3 the shank 16 is formed with engagement projections in the form of small bumps 32 which extend radially outwardly to engage with the inner surface of the tube 3.

    [0029] Locating means for aligning the entrapping member 10 with the tube 3 for assembly is in this case provided by a locating hole 35 in the head 15 of the entrapping member 10. The locating hole 35 is provided at a pre-set position relative to the slot 25 for aligning the slot 25 with the seam 4 of the tube 3 for assembly. This arrangement greatly facilitates automated assembly of the tube 3 with the entrapping members 10.

    [0030] In use, the threaded inserts 11, 12 are first inserted into entrapping members 10. This assembly may be readily automated. Once the inserts 11, 12 are in position they are held in place by the shape of the recess and the annular projections 30. The appropriate entrapping member 10 and insert assembly is inserted into the rolled tube 3 and the tube 3 is swaged to deform into the groove 17 of the entrapping member 10. Depending on the desired application the elongate structural member 1 may be provided with a nut 11 at one end and a bolt 12 at the other end, as illustrated, or may be fitted with two bolts or two nuts. One typical arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 11 to 13. In this case a spacer 40 is also provided to conform with the shape of the engaged part of the support beam 2.

    [0031] The invention provides an elongate structural member and entrapping member which are extremely efficient in use and are cost effective to produce because minimum parts are utilised and the assembly is readily automated.

    [0032] Many variations on the specific embodiments of the invention described will be readily apparent and accordingly the invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail without departing of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.


    Claims

    1. An elongate structural member (1) comprising: -

    an elongate member having an opening (6), (7) in each of the opposite ends thereof;

    an entrapping member (10) in each end opening (6), (7); and

    a threaded insert member held by the entrapping member (10);

    wherein each entrapping member (10) is a single part having retaining means (30) formed therein for holding a threaded insert captive in the entrapping member(10), and wherein each entrapping member (10) comprises a circumferentially extending groove (17) into which the elongate member is deformed for mounting the entrapping member (10) to the elongate member.
     
    2. A structural member as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate member is a rolled seam tube (3).
     
    3. A structural member as claimed in claim 2 wherein each entrapping member (10) has a slot (25) to accommodate the seam (4) of the rolled seam tube (3).
     
    4. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each entrapping member comprises a locating means for aligning the entrapping member (10) with the elongate member for assembly of the entrapping member (10) with the elongate member.
     
    5. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retaining means comprises projection means which extends radially inwardly to retain a threaded insert in the entrapping member (10)
     
    6. A structural member as claimed in claim 5 wherein the projection means is an inwardly extending annular ring (30) over which a threaded insert is fitted.
     
    7. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the entrapping member (10) comprises a shank (16) having a number of cut-out slots (31) to define circumferentially spaced-apart shank elements (16(a)) at an insertion end of the entrapping member (10).
     
    8. A structural member as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shank (16) includes engagement projection means which extends radially outwardly of the shank (16) for engagement with the interior of the elongate member.
     
    9. A structural member as claimed in claim 8 wherein the engagement projection means comprises a number of separate circumferentially spaced-apart bumps (32).
     
    10. A structural member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the entrapping member (10) comprises a head part (15) for location externally of an end of the elongate member opening (6), (7) and an integral shank (16) extending into the elongate member from the head part (15), the threaded insert member being housed within the shank (16)
     
    11. A structural member as claimed in claim 10 wherein the circumferentially extending groove (17) into which the elongate member is deformed is formed at a transition between the shank (16) and the head part (15).
     
    12. A structural member as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein a locating means is provided in the head part (15) for aligning the entrapping member (10) with the elongate member.
     
    13. An entrapping member (10) for insertion into an end opening (6), (7) in an elongate member to form a structural member (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the entrapping member (10) is a single part having retaining means formed therein for holding a threaded insert captive in the entrapping member (10), the entrapping member comprising a circumferentially extending groove (17) for receiving a deformation of an elongate member on mounting of the entrapping member (10) to the elongate member.
     
    14. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 13 having an elongate slot (25) to accommodate the seam (4) of a rolled seam tube (3).
     
    15. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 13 or 14 having a locating means for aligning the entrapping member (10) with an elongate member for assembly of the entrapping member (10) with the elongate member.
     
    16. An entrapping member as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the retaining means comprises projection means which extends radially inwardly to retain a threaded insert in the entrapping member (10).
     
    17. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 16 wherein the projection means is an inwardly extending annular ring (30) over which a threaded insert is fitted.
     
    18. An entrapping member as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17 comprising a shank (16) having a number of cut-out slots (31) to define circumferentially spaced-apart shank elements (16(a)) at an insertion end of the entrapping member (10).
     
    19. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 18 wherein the shank (16) includes engagement projection means which extends radially outwardly of the shank (16).
     
    20. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the engagement projection means comprises a number of separate circumferentially spaced-apart bumps (32) on the shank (16).
     
    21. An entrapping member as claimed in any of claims 13 to 20 comprising a head part (15) for location externally of an end of an elongate member opening (6), (7) and an integral shank (16) extending into the elongate member from the head part (15), a threaded insert member being housed within the shank (16).
     
    22. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 21 wherein a circumferentially extending groove (17) into which an elongate member is deformed is formed at a transition between the shank (16) and the head part (15).
     
    23. An entrapping member as claimed in claim 21 or 22 wherein a locating means is provided in the head part (15) for aligning the entrapping member (10) with an elongate member.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Längliches Strukturelement (1), umfassend:

    ein längliches Element mit einer Öffnung (6), (7) in jedem der entgegengesetzten Enden desselben;

    ein Fangelement (10) in jeder Endöffnung (6), (7); und

    ein Gewindeeinsatzelement, das durch das Fangelement (10) gehalten wird;

    wobei jedes Fangelement (10) ein Einzelteil ist, in dem ein Halteelement (30) zum Halten eines Gewindeeinsatzes eingefangen in dem Fangelement (10) ausgebildet ist, und wobei jedes Fangelement (10) eine am Umfang verlaufende Nut (17) aufweist, in die das längliche Element zum Anbringen des Fangelements (10) an dem länglichen Element verformt wird.
     
    2. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 1, bei dem das längliche Element ein Walznahtrohr (3) ist.
     
    3. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 2, bei dem jedes Fangelement (10) einen Schlitz (25) zum Aufnehmen der Naht (4) des Walznahtrohrs (3) aufweist.
     
    4. Strukturelement nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei dem jedes Fangelement ein Positionierungsmittel zum Ausrichten des Fangelements (10) mit dem länglichen Element zum Zusammenbau des Fangelements (10) mit dem länglichen Element aufweist.
     
    5. Strukturelement nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei dem das Haltemittel ein Vorsprungsmittel aufweist, das sich radial nach innen zum Festhalten eines Gewindeeinsatzes in dem Fangelement (10) erstreckt.
     
    6. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 5, bei dem das Vorsprungsmittel ein sich nach innen erstreckender Kreisring (30) ist, über dem ein Gewindeeinsatz befestigt wird.
     
    7. Strukturelement nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei dem das Fangelement (10) einen Schaft (16) mit einer Anzahl ausgeschnittener Schlitze (31) aufweist, um am Umfang voneinander beabstandete Schaftelemente (16(a)) an einem Einführungsende des Fangelements (10) zu begrenzen.
     
    8. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 7, bei dem der Schaft (16) ein Eingriffsvorsprungsmittel einschließt, das sich radial nach außen von dem Schaft (16) zum Eingriff mit der Innenseite des länglichen Elements erstreckt.
     
    9. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 8, bei dem das Eingriffsvorsprungsmittel eine Anzahl getrennter; am Umfang voneinander beabstandete Höcker (32) aufweist.
     
    10. Strukturelement nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei dem das Fangelement (10) einen Kopfteil (15) zur Anordnung außerhalb eines Endes der Öffnung (6), (7) des länglichen Elements und einen integrierten Schaft (16) aufweist, der sich in das längliche Element von dem Kopfteil (15) erstreckt, wobei das Gewindeeinsatzelement in dem Schaft (16) untergebracht ist.
     
    11. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 10, bei dem die sich am Umfang erstreckende Nut (17), in die das längliche Element verformt wird, an einem Übergang zwischen dem Schaft (16) und dem Kopfteil (15) ausgebildet ist.
     
    12. Strukturelement nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, bei dem ein Positionierungsmittel im Kopfteil (15) zum Ausrichten des Fangmittels (10) mit dem länglichen Element vorgesehen ist.
     
    13. Fangelement (10) zur Einführung in eine Endöffnung (6), (7) in einem länglichen Element zum Bilden eines Strukturelements (1) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Fangelement (10) ein Einzelteil mit einem darin ausgebildeten Haltemittel zum Halten eines Gewindeeinsatzes eingefangen in dem Fangelement (10) ist, und das Fangelement eine am Umfang verlaufende Nut (17) zum Aufnehmen einer Verformung eines länglichen Elements beim Anbringen des Fangelements (10) an dem länglichen Element aufweist.
     
    14. Fangelement nach Anspruch 13, das einen länglichen Schlitz (25) zum Aufnehmen der Naht (4) eines Walznahtrohrs (3) aufweist.
     
    15. Fangelement nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, das ein Positionierungsmittel zum Ausrichten des Fangelements (10) mit einem länglichen Element zum Zusammenbau des Fangelements (10) mit dem länglichen Element aufweist.
     
    16. Fangelement nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 15, bei dem das Haltemittel ein Vorsprungsmittel aufweist, das sich zum Halten eines Gewindeeinsatzes in dem Fangelement (10) radial nach innen erstreckt.
     
    17. Fangelement nach Anspruch 16, bei dem das Vorsprungsmittel ein sich nach innen erstreckender Kreisring (30) ist, über dem ein Gewindeeinsatz befestigt wird.
     
    18. Fangelement nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 17, das einen Schaft (16) mit einer Anzahl ausgeschnittener Schlitze (31) umfasst, um am Umfang voneinander beabstandete Schaftelemente (16(a)) an einem Einführungsende des Fangelements (10) zu begrenzen.
     
    19. Fangelement nach Anspruch 18, bei dem der Schaft (16) ein Eingriffsvorsprungsmittel einschließt, das sich radial nach außen von dem Schaft (16) erstreckt.
     
    20. Fangelement nach Anspruch 19, bei dem das Eingriffsvorsprungsmittel eine Anzahl getrennter, am Umfang voneinander beabstandeter Höcker (32) auf dem Schaft (16) aufweist.
     
    21. Fangelement nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 20, das einen Kopfteil (15) zur Anordnung außerhalb eines Endes einer Öffnung (6), (7) des länglichen Elements und einen integrierten Schaft (16) aufweist, der sich in das längliche Element von dem Kopfteil (15) erstreckt, wobei ein Gewindeeinsatz in dem Schaft (16) untergebracht ist.
     
    22. Fangelement nach Anspruch 21, bei dem eine am Umfang verlaufende Nut (17), in die ein längliches Element verformt wird, an einem Übergang zwischen dem Schaft (16) und dem Kopfteil (15) ausgebildet ist.
     
    23. Fangelement nach Anspruch 21 oder 22, bei dem ein Positionierungsmittel im Kopfteil (15) zum Ausrichten des Fangelements (10) mit einem länglichen Element vorgesehen ist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Élément de structure allongé (1) comprenant :-

    un élément allongé ayant une ouverture (6), (7) dans chacune des extrémités opposées de celui-ci ;

    un élément d'immobilisation (10) dans chaque ouverture d'extrémité (6), (7) ; et

    un élément rapporté fileté maintenu par l'élément d'immobilisation (10) ;

    dans lequel chaque élément d'immobilisation (10) est une pièce unique ayant un moyen de retenue (30) formé à l'intérieur pour maintenir une pièce rapportée filetée prisonnière dans l'élément d'immobilisation (10), et dans lequel chaque élément d'immobilisation (10) comprend une gorge disposée circonférentiellement (17) dans lequel l'élément allongé est déformé pour monter l'élément d'immobilisation (10) sur l'élément allongé.
     
    2. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément allongé est un tube roulé à couture (3):
     
    3. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 2, dans lequel chaque élément d'immobilisation (10) a une encoche (25) pour y loger la couture (4) du tube roulé à couture (3).
     
    4. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chaque élément d'immobilisation comprend un moyen de positionnement pour aligner l'élément d'immobilisation (10) avec l'élément allongé pour l'assemblage de l'élément d'immobilisation (10) avec l'élément allongé.
     
    5. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le moyen de retenue comprend un moyen de saillie qui s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur afin de retenir une pièce rapportée filetée dans l'élément d'immobilisation (10).
     
    6. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 5, dans lequel le moyen de saillie est une bague annulaire (30) s'étendant vers l'intérieur, au-dessus de laquelle une pièce rapportée filetée est montée.
     
    7. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'immobilisation (10) comprend une tige (16) ayant un certain nombre d'encoches découpées (31) pour définir des éléments de tige espacés circonférentiellement (16(a)) à une extrémité d'insertion de l'élément d'immobilisation (10).
     
    8. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 7 dans lequel la tige (16) comprend un moyen de saillie d'engagement qui s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur de la tige (16) pour l'engagement avec l'intérieur de l'élément allongé.
     
    9. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 8, dans lequel le moyen de saillie d'engagement comprend un certain nombre de proéminences séparées espacées circonférentiellement (32).
     
    10. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'immobilisation (10) comprend une partie tête (15) pour le positionnement à l'extérieur d'une extrémité de l'ouverture de l'élément allongé (6), (7) et une tige solidaire (16) s'étendant dans l'élément allongé depuis la partie tête (15), l'élément rapporté fileté étant logé à l'intérieur de cette tige (16).
     
    11. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 10, dans lequel la gorge disposée circonférentiellement (17) dans laquelle l'élément allongé est déformé est formée à une transition entre la tige (16) et la partie tête (15).
     
    12. Élément de structure tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel un moyen de positionnement est prévu dans la partie tête (15) pour aligner l'élément d'immobilisation (10) avec l'élément allongé.
     
    13. Élément d'immobilisation (10) pour l'insertion dans une ouverture d'extrémité (6), (7) dans un élément allongé pour former un élément de structure (1) tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'immobilisation (10) est une pièce unique ayant un moyen de retenue formé à l'intérieur pour maintenir une pièce rapportée filetée prisonnière dans l'élément d'immobilisation (10), l'élément d'immobilisation comprenant une gorge disposée circonférentiellement (17) pour recevoir une déformation d'un élément allongé lors du montage de l'élément d'immobilisation (10) sur l'élément allongé.
     
    14. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 13, ayant une encoche allongée (25) pour recevoir la couture (4) d'un tube roulé à couture (3).
     
    15. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 13 ou 14, ayant un moyen de positionnement pour aligner l'élément d'immobilisation (10) avec un élément allongé pour l'assemblage de l'élément d'immobilisation (10) avec l'élément allongé.
     
    16. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 15, dans lequel le moyen de retenue comprend un moyen de saillie qui s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur pour retenir une pièce rapportée filetée dans l'élément d'immobilisation (10).
     
    17. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 16, dans lequel le moyen de saillie est une bague annulaire (30) s'étendant vers l'intérieur, au-dessus de laquelle une pièce rapportée filetée est montée.
     
    18. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 17, comprenant une tige (16) ayant un certain nombre d'encoches découpées (31) pour définir des éléments de tige espacés circonférentiellement (16(a)) à une extrémité d'insertion de l'élément d'immobilisation (10).
     
    19. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 18, dans lequel la tige (16) comprend un moyen de saillie d'engagement qui s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur de la tige (16).
     
    20. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 19, dans lequel le moyen de saillie d'engagement comprend un certain nombre de proéminences séparées espacées circonférentiellement (32) sur la tige (16).
     
    21. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 20 comprenant une partie tête (15) pour le positionnement à l'extérieur d'une extrémité d'une ouverture de l'élément allongé (6), (7) et une tige solidaire (16) s'étendant dans l'élément allongé depuis la partie tête (15), un élément rapporté fileté étant logé à l'intérieur de la tige (16).
     
    22. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 21, dans lequel une gorge disposée circonférentiellement (17) dans laquelle un élément allongé est déformé est formée à une transition entre la tige (16) et la partie tête (15).
     
    23. Élément d'immobilisation tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 21 ou 22, dans lequel un moyen de positionnement est prévu dans la partie tête (15) pour aligner l'élément d'immobilisation (10) avec un élément allongé.
     




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