US20070074480A1 - Beam and joints for use in screened enclosure and method for designing screened enclosure - Google Patents
Beam and joints for use in screened enclosure and method for designing screened enclosure Download PDFInfo
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- US20070074480A1 US20070074480A1 US11/465,608 US46560806A US2007074480A1 US 20070074480 A1 US20070074480 A1 US 20070074480A1 US 46560806 A US46560806 A US 46560806A US 2007074480 A1 US2007074480 A1 US 2007074480A1
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- extrusion
- screened enclosure
- flange
- piece
- screened
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/18—Tents having plural sectional covers, e.g. pavilions, vaulted tents, marquees, circus tents; Plural tents, e.g. modular
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
- E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H3/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes; Institutions, e.g. infirmaries or prisons
- E04H3/10—Buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes; Institutions, e.g. infirmaries or prisons for meetings, entertainments, or sports
- E04H3/14—Gymnasiums; Other sporting buildings
- E04H3/16—Gymnasiums; Other sporting buildings for swimming
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/24—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal
- E04B1/2403—Connection details of the elongated load-supporting parts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/24—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal
- E04B1/2403—Connection details of the elongated load-supporting parts
- E04B2001/2409—Hooks, dovetails or other interlocking connections
- E04B2001/2412—Keyhole connections
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
- E04B1/24—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal
- E04B1/2403—Connection details of the elongated load-supporting parts
- E04B2001/2415—Brackets, gussets, joining plates
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
- E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
- E04C2003/0404—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects
- E04C2003/0408—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by assembly or the cross-section
- E04C2003/0413—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by assembly or the cross-section being built up from several parts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
- E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
- E04C2003/0404—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects
- E04C2003/0408—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by assembly or the cross-section
- E04C2003/0421—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by assembly or the cross-section comprising one single unitary part
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
- E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
- E04C2003/0404—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects
- E04C2003/0426—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by material distribution in cross section
- E04C2003/0439—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by material distribution in cross section the cross-section comprising open parts and hollow parts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
- E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
- E04C2003/0404—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects
- E04C2003/0443—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by substantial shape of the cross-section
- E04C2003/0465—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal beams, girders, or joists characterised by cross-sectional aspects characterised by substantial shape of the cross-section square- or rectangular-shaped
Abstract
A screened enclosure having aluminum structural members, joints interconnecting the structural members, and screen panels formed by the interconnected structural members. The structural members include two-piece box beams formed by two mating extrusions, wherein flanges of the extrusions continuously engage each other along their length by means of interlocking lips, and one-piece hybrid beams. The joints include rigid joints and hinged joints, wherein the hinged joints allow at least one degree of freedom between the interconnected structural members. A computer-implemented design method determines the reaction loads on the individual structural members and determines compliance with applicable building construction standards.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/709,470, filed Aug. 18, 2005, U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/720,361, filed Sep. 23, 2005, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/775,430, filed Feb. 21, 2006, which are relied on and incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to screened enclosures used to enclose pools, patios, and other outdoor facilities. More particularly, the present invention relates to beams used in constructing such screened enclosures, joints for joining such beams, and a computer-implemented method for designing such screened enclosures.
- Screened enclosures are typically used to enclose pools, patios, and other outdoor facilities. Such screened enclosures are generally constructed of a frame structure of aluminum structural members that are employed as roof beams, rafters, columns, purlins, K-braces, wind braces, chair rails, or eave rails. Screening is stretched over the frame to complete the enclosure. The screened enclosure is constructed in accordance with various local building codes. If the screened enclosure is in compliance those building codes, the screened enclosure is intended to withstand specified wind loading conditions and other forces.
- During recent hurricanes in Florida, USA, many screened enclosures that were purportedly built in accordance with local building codes failed even when wind loading forces did not exceed those specified in the local building codes. Multiple failure mechanisms for such screened enclosures apparently existed. The failure mechanisms included failure of the aluminum structural members that were used in constructing such screened enclosures, failure of the joints connecting the aluminum structural members, and failure of the overall design of the screened enclosures.
- With respect to the failure of the aluminum structural members used in the screened enclosures, a prior art aluminum structural member, such as
beam 10, is shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B , and 2. Theprior art beam 10 consists of two identical extrusions, afirst extrusion 12 and asecond extrusion 14. Each of theextrusions 12 and 14 (FIG. 2 ) consists of afirst flange 18, asecond flange 20, and aweb 16 between theflanges extrusions flanges flanges mated extrusions piece box beam 10. - One reason that the
prior art beam 10 is weaker than previously thought is a phenomenon known as local flange buckling. According to the Aluminum Design Manual (“ADM”) Part IA, section 3.4.15 (which describes how to design structural elements supported on one side), if two C-shaped members are mated together and are loaded, the flange sections between the screws may buckle before the extrusion fails. This, by definition, constitutes a failure.FIG. 1B illustrates a local flange buckling beam failure mode in which theflanges flanges FIG. 1A illustrates another local buckling beam failure mode, namely, web buckling, in which one of thewebs 16 buckles before theextrusion 12 fails. InFIGS. 1A and 1B , the buckled shape of theflanges flanges web 16, respectively, are shown using dotted lines. - Professional trade organizations, such as The Aluminum Association of Florida (“AAF”), publish manuals that specify screened enclosure design. The specified designs are based on the imprecise assumption, however, that the structural member, such as the
beam 10, is a solid tube. The significance of this assumption is that the properties of thebeam 10 are not as strong as the AAF (or other individuals or organizations) assumes them to be, and thebeam 10 often fails before its intended design loading is reached. In addition, the graduation in strength from one beam size to the next beam size is inconsistent, resulting in the metal being used inefficiently. - With respect to the failure of the joints connecting the aluminum structural members, prior art screened enclosures use semi-rigid joints utilizing multiple fasteners to interconnect the structural members of the screened enclosure to each other. Consequently, the prior art joints do not allow for relative movement between the structural members to thereby relieve stresses within the screened enclosure structure.
- With respect to failures based on the overall design of the screened enclosure, those failures appear to have resulted from the lack of a proper analysis of the entire enclosure assembly under loading conditions. Consequently, the prior art design does not accurately predict the loads in both the structural members and joints connecting them.
- A need therefore exists for (1) improved beams for use in constructing screened enclosures, (2) improved joints for joining such beams in screened enclosures, and (3) an improved method for designing screened enclosures that overcome the shortcomings found in the prior art.
- The present invention answers this need by providing (1) a two-piece box beam with interlocking lips and a one-piece hybrid beam for use in constructing a screened enclosure; (2) a rigid joint and a hinged joint for joining the two-piece box beams and the one-piece hybrid beams in the screened enclosure; and (3) a computer-implemented method that uses finite element analysis for designing the screened enclosure. The inventive method involves the proper construction of the two-piece box beams and the one-piece hybrid beams, the proper construction of the rigid joints and the hinged joints for interconnecting the structural members, and an integrated design approach for arriving at the overall design of the screened enclosure.
- Screened enclosures are most efficient when the correct combination of joint flexibility, member stiffness, and bracing arrangements are used. When screened enclosures are constructed properly, the load transfer due to wind from any direction is more evenly distributed throughout the structure. The proper enclosure construction thus depends on joint flexibility, member stiffness, and bracing arrangement.
- Joint Flexibility.
- With respect to joint flexibility, a typical assumption made in modeling screened enclosures is that all the joints are simple hinges except for those that are explicitly rigid, such as beam splices. In reality, all prior art joints have some degree of stiffness (resistance to hinging) due to the use of multiple fasteners. When this rigidity of the joints is captured in three-dimensional frame or finite element analysis, such analysis shows that both the members and joints themselves are subjected to excessive forces and moments. Consequently, rigid joints must be used at some locations and hinged joints must be used at others. These locations are listed below in accordance with the present invention.
- Rigid Joint Locations:
- 1. each connection of a roof beam to another roof beam, i.e., all roof beam splices;
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- 2. each connection of a column to a roof beam or a rafter; and
- 3. each connection of a K-brace to a column.
- Hinged Joint Locations:
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- 1. each connection of an eave rail to a column;
- 2. each connection of a rafter to a side of a roof beam;
- 3. each connection of a purlin to a roof beam;
- 4. each connection of a column to a footing of the screened enclosure;
- 5. each connection of a roof beam to a host structure (e.g., house); and
- 6. each connection of a chair rail to a column.
- Member Stiffness.
- With respect to member stiffness, member stiffniess relates to the size and type of extrusion used in various locations throughout the structure. Prior art designs use large section self-mating beams for “primary members” only. Primary members are defined as roof beams, rafters, and wall columns. All other members in prior art designs, namely, purlins, K-braces, wind braces, chair rails, and eave rails, comprise small box section extrusions (typically 2 in.×2 in.×0.045 in.) and are referred to as “secondary members.” Analysis with three-dimensional frame or finite element analysis reveals that current art member selection is inadequate, largely due to excessive compressive loading (or combination of compression and bending) of many of the secondary members.
- In accordance with the present invention, large-section, two-piece, self-mating, box beams are used for the rafters (defined as the member that connects the top of wall columns to an intermediate point on the side of a roof beam), roof beams and columns. In addition, larger (than the prior art), one-piece, hybrid-shaped, box-section extrusions are used for all secondary members. These larger box-section extrusions may be 3 in.×3 in. in size and could be selected from a variety of wall thicknesses.
- Bracing Arrangement.
- Bracing arrangement refers to the placement of diagonal members across the rectangular panels of the structure to provide lateral rigidity. Current designs typically use a convention that places diagonals on panels adjacent to wall corners. Conventional diagonals run from the bottom of the corner column and alternate directions, in a zigzag pattern, to the top of the wall. Such diagonals are commonly referred to as “K-braces” because the typical wall is divided into two panels and the braces form a “K” with the adjacent wall column. Based on the judgment of the individual designer or engineer, the K-braces may or may not be placed on both sides of the corner columns.
- Bracing in the roof panels (roof bracing) is also left to the discretion of the individual designer or engineer. Often, current designs form a truss on the row of panels adjacent to the edges where the roof meets the walls. The braces may be arranged in a zigzag pattern or such that the left half braces are diagonal in one direction and the right half in the other.
- In accordance with the present invention, K-braces are reversed from current art designs such that the bottom diagonals do not meet at the bottom of the corner column. (Such a design reduces the vertical load at the bottom of the corner columns and distributes the load more evenly into the bottoms of all columns.) In addition, K-braces are used on both sides of all corner columns.
- Further, roof bracing is used to form a truss parallel to all edges where the roof meets the walls. The truss is formed by diagonal braces that alternate directions (zigzag) and is offset from the edge by one panel. Moreover, no load carrying diagonal is used in any corner panel of the roof.
- Structural Member Design.
- Two-Piece Box Beam.
- With respect to the structural member design, the present invention includes a two-piece box beam and a one-piece hybrid beam. The two-piece box beam resists flange buckling, which limits the prior art, thus providing greater loading capacity. The two-piece box beam in accordance with the present invention keeps localized flange buckling from occurring by including an interlocking lip on each flange that engages an end of the other flange so that each of the flanges is supported along its longitudinal edge.
- In one embodiment, when specific applications require greater moment capacity than the strongest two-piece box beam in accordance with the present invention can accommodate, a flange extender can be used to modify the inventive two-piece box beam to make the
flange 3 inches wide, instead of the standard 2 inch width. By using the flange extender, the beam width increases to 3 inches, thus having more strength and efficiency. Because the flange extender converts 2 inch beams to 3 inch beams, there is no need to extrude more shapes than are currently used, and the increased cost ofshipping 3 inch wide extrusions is eliminated. The flange extender significantly increases the strength and the strength to weight ratio of existing 2 inch beams. - B. One-Piece Hybrid Beam.
- Prior art secondary members generally comprise one-piece box, or square, extrusions. Such one-piece square extrusions are primarily designed to resist bending. Secondary members, however, actually experience as much stress in axial compression as in bending. Because axial compression is best resisted by a round-shaped member, as opposed to bending that is best resisted by a rectangular-shaped member, a hybrid-shaped member can better withstand axial compression and be of lighter weight than the square-shaped prior art secondary structural members. Particularly, a secondary structural member of the present invention is a one-piece hybrid beam having a generally square cross section with severely rounded corners.
- The load profiles for secondary members, i.e., purlins, K-braces, wind braces, chair rails, and eave rails, found within the screened enclosure of the present invention, fall into three levels. The chair rails and eave rails experience a relatively low level of loading; the purlins experience a middle level of loading; and the K braces and wind braces experience a relatively high level of loading.
- To accommodate the three levels of loading, in one embodiment of the present invention the one-piece hybrid beam is manufactured in three wall thicknesses. In another embodiment, the one-piece hybrid beam is manufactured in four wall thicknesses. Because the external appearance of the one-piece hybrid beam is the same for all wall thicknesses, an external coding system of grooves on the outside of the one-piece hybrid beam is used so that workers and inspectors can determine the thickness of the one-piece hybrid beam that is installed.
- Joints.
- With respect to the joints constructed in accordance with the present invention, the joints include rigid, or fixed, joints and hinged joints. These joints are arranged strategically about the screened enclosure structure to enable the frame of the structure to move where necessary so that loading on individual structural members is reduced. The hinged joints, in accordance with the present invention, thus allow loading to be distributed within the screened enclosure structure. Because of the hinged joints, the screened enclosure structure can flex, thereby reducing localized loading on specific structural members.
- Method.
- With respect to the overall design of the screened enclosure, the method in accordance with the present invention utilizes a computerized system for deriving an optimum design for the screened enclosure. In one embodiment, the method uses the ANSYS® command language to create a specific screened enclosure structure. (ANSYS® is a registered trademark of SAS Acquisition Corp.) In other embodiments, any suitable finite element analysis software, such as ALGOR, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, or STAAD-Pro, may be used or modified to achieve the results of the inventive method. Consequently, a user with only basic knowledge of screened enclosure design can input dimensions for a proposed screened enclosure.
- The computer-implemented method includes generating a three-dimensional (“3-D”) finite element model of the screened enclosure structure. The resulting model incorporates all of the properties of the screened enclosure structure, including the properties of the structural members, the joints (including fasteners), and the screen panels. Consequently, the model accurately represents a physical screened enclosure structure in accordance with the present invention.
- From a minimal amount of data, the screened enclosure design method of the present invention uses finite element analysis to simulate the entire structure and thereby accurately captures the interactions between the structural members and their end constraints. The design method further models the screen panels so that their reaction loads due to wind loading conditions are accurately represented on the structural load bearing members of the screened enclosure. Therefore, from the finite element analysis, the stress and deflection for each structural member can be determined and compared to the requirements of a local building code.
- It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a two-piece box beam for use in a screened enclosure that efficiently uses materials to improve resistance to flange buckling and other failures.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for extending the width of the two-piece box beam that increases beam strength and does not require manufacture of additional extrusions.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a one-piece hybrid beam for use as secondary structural members in a screened enclosure that provides sufficient resistance to bending and axial compression while minimizing the amount of materials required to construct the beam.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a strategic arrangement of rigid joints and hinged joints in a design of a screened enclosure that results in sufficient rigidity to withstand expected loads and also permits relative movement among structural members to relieve stresses within the screened enclosure.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for designing a screened enclosure that incorporates the properties of the structural members and the joints to generate a finite element model of the screened enclosure.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for designing a screened enclosure that compares a finite element model of the screened enclosure to a construction standard to determine whether the screened enclosure design complies with the construction standard.
- Further objects, features and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawing and the appended claims.
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FIG. 1A is a sectional view of a two-piece box beam for a screened enclosure in accordance with the prior art and illustrating a web buckling failure mode. -
FIG. 1B is a sectional view of a two-piece box beam for a screened enclosure in accordance with the prior art and illustrating a flanged buckling failure mode. -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an extrusion used to form the two-piece box beam illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with the prior art. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a two-piece box beam for a screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a two-piece box beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of yet another embodiment of a two-piece box beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of a two-piece box beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention utilizing a flange extender to create a wider assembled beam. -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a one-piece hybrid beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8A is a side view of (1) a rigid joint between a column and a rafter (or a rafter and a roof beam), and (2) a hinged joint between an eave rail and the column of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8B is a side view, a front view, and a top view of a cleat used in the hinged joint, such as the hinged joint between the eave rail and the column, for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8C is a front view and a side view of a hinged joint between a purlin and the roof beam of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 9A is a side view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and a chair rail for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 9B is a top view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and a chair rail for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 10A is a front view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and an eave rail for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 10B is a top view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and an eave rail for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 11A is a side, sectional view of a hinged joint between a column and a footing for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 11B is a top, sectional view of a hinged joint between a column and a footing for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 12A is a front, perspective view of a hinged joint between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIGS. 12B and 12C are side views of a hinged joint between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 12D is a rear view of a hinged joint between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a screened enclosure subjected to a wind loading condition. -
FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the screened enclosure ofFIG. 14A showing the loading on the structural members when the screened enclosure is subjected to the wind loading condition shown inFIG. 14A . -
FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the screened enclosure ofFIG. 14A showing the deflection of the structural members when the screened enclosure is subjected to the wind loading condition shown inFIG. 14A . -
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a screened enclosure subjected to a second wind loading condition. -
FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the screened enclosure ofFIG. 15A showing the loading on the structural members when the screened enclosure is subjected to the wind loading condition shown inFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the screened enclosure ofFIG. 15A showing the deflection of the structural members when the screened enclosure is subjected to the wind loading condition shown inFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating a finite element model of the screened enclosure and calculating the reaction load on each structural member of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIGS. 17A, 17B , 17C, and 17D together comprise a flow diagram illustrating a method for comparing the reaction loads to a construction standard to determine whether the screened enclosure complies with the construction standard in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating the relative strength of the two-piece box beam in accordance with the prior art, the two-piece box beam in accordance with the present invention having interlocking lips, and the two-piece box beam in accordance with the present invention having interlocking lips and the flange extender. -
FIG. 19 is a side view of a rigid joint between a column and a rafter (or a rafter and a roof beam of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 20A is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the one-piece hybrid beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the second embodiment one-piece hybrid beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 21A is a sectional view of the second embodiment one-piece hybrid beam with bosses added for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the second embodiment one-piece hybrid beam with bosses added for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of (1) a rigid joint between a column and a rafter and (2) a hinged joint between an eave rail and the column of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of (1) a rigid joint between a rafter and a roof beam, and (2) a hinged joint between a purlin and the rafter of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a hinged joint between a purlin and the roof beam of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of hinged joints between rafters and each side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 26 is an outside perspective view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and a chair rail at a corner of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 27 is an inside perspective view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and a chair rail at a corner of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 28 is an outside perspective view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and a chair rail at a side of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 29 is an inside perspective view of a rigid joint between a column, a K brace, and a chair rail at a side of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 30 is an outside perspective view of a rigid joint between a column and a K brace at a foundation of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 31 is an inside perspective view of a rigid joint between a column and a K brace at a foundation of the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 32 is a rear view of a hinged joint using a first connection between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 33 is an outside perspective view of a hinged joint using a first connection between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 34 is an inside perspective view of a hinged joint using a first connection between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 35 is a rear view of a hinged joint using a second connection between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 36 is an outside perspective view of a hinged joint using a second connection between a rafter and a side of a roof beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 37 is a top view of a joint between the chair rail and a column for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 38 is an inside perspective view of the joint between the chair rail and a column for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 39 is a sectional view of a reinforcement plug used in the hinged joint, such as the hinged joint between the eave rail and the column, for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the reinforcement plug used in the hinged joint, such as the hinged joint between the eave rail and the column, for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 41 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a reinforcement plug used in the hinged joint, such as the hinged joint between the eave rail and the column, for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the second embodiment reinforcement plug used in the hinged joint, such as the hinged joint between the eave rail and the column, for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 43 is a sectional view of the reinforcement plug within a one piece hybrid beam for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the reinforcement plug installed at a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 45 is a top view of a hinged joint between a one piece hybrid beam and a two piece box beam using a reinforcement plug for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a hinged joint between a one piece hybrid beam and a two piece box beam using a reinforcement plug for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 47 is a top view of an angled hinged joint between a one piece hybrid beam and a two piece box beam using a reinforcement plug for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 48 is a sectional view of a gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a hinged joint between a rafter and a gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 51 is a top plan view of the hinged joint between the rafter and the gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 52 is a side view of the hinged joint between the rafter and the gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of the hinged joint between the rafter and the gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 54 is a side view of a gutter cleat used in the hinged joint between the rafter and the gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the gutter cleat used in the hinged joint between the rafter and the gutter for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 56 is a side view of a second embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 58 is a side view of a third embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 60 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 62 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the cleat used in a hinged joint for the screened enclosure in accordance with the present invention. - Structural Members.
- A. Two-Piece Beam.
- The first aspect of the present invention relates to aluminum structural members used in constructing a screened enclosure 2 (
FIG. 13 ) in accordance with the present invention. Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,FIG. 3 illustrates an aluminum two-piece box beam 26 in accordance with the present invention. The two-piece box beam 26 is used for primary structural members, i.e.,columns 74,rafters 96, and roof beams 28 (FIG. 13 ). - The two-
piece box beam 26 comprises afirst extrusion 30 and asecond extrusion 46. Thefirst extrusion 30 comprises aweb 32, aright side flange 34, aleft side flange 36, a right outside interlockinglip 38, a left inside interlockinglip 40, a rightside spline groove 42, and a leftside spline groove 43. Similarly, thesecond extrusion 46 comprises aweb 48, aright side flange 50, aleft side flange 52, a right inside interlockinglip 54, a left outside interlockinglip 56, a rightside spline groove 57, and a leftside spline groove 58. The interlockinglips flanges piece box beam 26. Similarly, the interlockinglips flanges piece box beam 26. Theextrusions screws 62 that interconnect theflanges flanges beam 26. Thespline grooves - Because the interlocking
lips flanges lips flanges flanges -
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the beam of the present invention. The shapes of theflanges lips beam 26 where theflanges beam 26 where theflanges flange flanges lips beam 26 shown inFIG. 4 remain unchanged, and the strength of thebeam 26 relies on the continuous support of the ends of theflanges beam 26. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , a two-piece box beam 226 is shown that is similar to the two-piece box beam 26 ofFIG. 3 . As such, the two-piece box beam 226 comprises afirst extrusion 230 and asecond extrusion 246. Thefirst extrusion 230 comprises aweb 232, aright side flange 234, aleft side flange 236, a right outside interlockinglip 238, a left inside interlockinglip 240, a rightside spline groove 242, and a left side spline groove 243. Similarly, thesecond extrusion 246 comprises aweb 248, aright side flange 250, aleft side flange 252, a right inside interlockinglip 254, a left outside interlockinglip 256, a right side spline groove 257, and a left side spline groove 258. - In addition, the two-
piece box beam 226 includesinternal protrusions flanges webs piece box beam 226. Theinternal protrusions box beam 226 to reinforce thebeam webs beam webs column 74 and arafter 96, or for a rigid joint between therafter 96 and the end of aroof beam 28. - In general, and as described in further detail below, such rigid joints are made by inserting a gusset plate 116 (
FIGS. 8A and 19 ) into the channels formed byprotrusion beam 226. A single fastener 124 (FIG. 8A ) or an arrangement of fasteners 124 (FIG. 19 ), located on each side of the joint, connects the gusset plate 116 (FIG. 8A ) to theweb beam 226. Because of theprotrusions FIG. 8A ) are not subjected to bending moment forces. Instead the fasteners 124 (FIG. 8A ) are only required to resist the shear forces associated with separation of the joint between the two-piece box beams 226. The two-piece box beam's 226 and the gusset plate's 116 (FIG. 8A ) engagement with the bottom of the channel resist the bending moment forces. -
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the two-piece box beam 26 that includes aflange extender 666 that is used to connectextrusions beam 26. Theflange extender 666 has atop flange 662 and abottom flange 664 that are connected via amiddle portion 668. Themiddle portion 668 of theflange extender 666 includes atop interlocking lip 667 and abottom interlocking lip 669. In use, the right outside interlockinglip 38 of thefirst extrusion 30 engages an end of thetop flange 662 of theflange extender 666, thetop interlocking lip 667 of theflange extender 666 engages an end of theright side flange 34 of thefirst extrusion 30, thebottom interlocking lip 669 of theflange extender 666 engages an end of theright side flange 50 of thesecond extrusion 46, and the right inside interlockinglip 54 of thesecond extrusion 46 engages an end of thebottom flange 664 of theflange extender 666. Screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners are used to stitch theflanges flange extender 666. A second flange extender 666 (not shown) may be used to similarly interlock theleft side flanges second extrusions - By using the
flange extender 666, the width of thebeam 26 can be extended without the necessity of manufacturing additional extrusions besides theextrusions beam 26 shown inFIG. 6 remain unchanged, and the strength of thebeam 26 relies on theflange extenders 666 providing continuous support for the ends of theflanges beam 26. - Other improvements and advantages of the two-piece box beam in accordance with the present invention include optimizing the thicknesses of the web and flange of the beam, making a uniform strength-graduation curve, and, in one embodiment, changing the alloy and temper of the aluminum used in the construction of the beam to 6005-T5.
- Table 1 below compares the beam sizes and thicknesses between the prior art beam 10 (
FIGS. 1A, 1B , and 2) and the two-piece box beam 26 of the present invention with interlockinglips FIG. 3 ). As used in Table 1, “Ag” is the gross cross sectional area of metal (indicative of weight), “Max” is the allowable bending moment (strength in inch-kips), and “Max/Ag” is a measure of efficiency (how efficiently the metal is used).TABLE 1 Beam Comparison. Prior Art Beam Beam of the Present Invention Area Area Width Depth web thk flg thk (gross) web thk flg thk (gross) b D tw tf Ag Max Max/Ag tw tf Ag Max Max/Ag in. in. in. in. in2 in-k in-k/in2 in. in. in2 in-k in-k/in2 2 4 0.045 0.100 0.750 7.3 9.7 0.045 0.100 0.742 18.4 24.8 2 5 0.050 0.116 0.941 11.7 12.4 0.050 0.200 1.260 42.4 33.7 2 6 0.050 0.120 1.056 14.7 13.9 0.060 0.240 1.622 62.4 38.4 2 7 0.055 0.120 1.224 18.7 15.3 0.070 0.280 2.022 86.8 42.9 2 8 0.072 0.224 1.983 56.7 28.6 0.080 0.320 2.458 115.8 47.1 2 9 0.072 0.224 2.127 64.1 30.1 0.085 0.340 2.774 142.3 51.3 2 10 0.092 0.374 3.198 129.4 40.5 0.092 0.374 3.198 176.9 55.3 - Consequently, the two-
piece box beam 26 in accordance with the present invention has strength properties that are 136% to 464% of those of the prior art beam 10 (an average of 295%) and an efficiency (a measure of weight to strength) that is 136% to 280% of that of theprior art beam 10. While the 2 in.×5 in. two-piece box beam 26 of the present invention weighs 34% more than itsprior art beam 10 counterpart, it is 262% stronger, and the metal used is 172% more efficient. - Moreover, the Max curve of the inventive two-
piece box beam 26 increases more uniformly than theprior art beam 10. Thus, two-piece box beams 26 of the present invention based on the strength requirements) are more efficient because the strength properties graduate logically from one size to another. For example, if a particular application called for a beam to withstand a 70 in-k load, one would have to use a 2 in.×10 in.prior art beam 10, or use a 2 in.×7 in. two-piece box beam 26 in accordance with present invention. - With reference to
FIG. 18 , further advantages of the present invention for providing beam strength are shown.FIG. 18 shows three plots of strength. The three lines represent the industry standard beam strengths using prior art beams 10 (FIGS. 1A, 1B , and 2), the improved beam strengths using the two-piece box beam 26 of the present invention with interlockinglips FIG. 3 ), and the improved beam strengths using the two-piece box beam 26 of the present invention with interlockinglips FIG. 6 ). The results shown inFIG. 18 demonstrate that the present invention significantly increases the strength of beams used for screened enclosures. - Table 2, below, lists the strengths and efficiencies of the two-
piece box beam 26 of the present invention with interlockinglips FIG. 6 ).TABLE 2 Strength and Efficiency of Two-Piece Box Beam with Interlocking Lips and Flange Extender. With Web Thk Flg Thk Area (gross) Flange tw tf Ag Max Max/Ag Extender (in.) (in.) (in2) (in-k) (in-k/in2) 3 × 4 0.045 0.100 0.942 25.6 27.2 3 × 5 0.050 0.200 1.660 62.4 37.6 3 × 6 0.060 0.240 2.102 92.8 44.1 3 × 7 0.070 0.280 2.582 128.6 49.8 3 × 8 0.080 0.320 3.098 170.7 55.1 3 × 9 0.085 0.340 3.454 208.6 60.4 3 × 10 0.092 0.374 3.946 258.3 65.4 - B. One-Piece Hybrid Beam.
- As previously disclosed, secondary structural members are used for
purlins 72, K braces 76, wind braces 77, chair rails 70, and eave rails 94 (FIG. 13 ). In accordance with the present invention, the secondary structural member is a one-piece hybrid beam 100 shown inFIG. 7 . The one-piece hybrid beam 100 comprises an extrudedbody 102, fourflat side sections 104, and fourrounded side sections 106. Thebody 102 may be extruded in three wall thicknesses, 0.125 inch, 0.090 inch, and 0.060 inch. Thebody 102 with the 0.060 inch wall thickness may havebosses 108 located on the inside of the extrudedbody 102. Thebosses 108 accept screws to thereby provide a means for connecting one end of the one-piece hybrid beam 102 to other structural members of the screened enclosure of the present invention. Thebody 102 with wall thicknesses of 0.125 inch and 0.090 inch generally do not have thebosses 108, but instead are connected to the other structural members by means of cleats that are inserted into thebody 102. The joint connections will be described in greater detail below. - In accordance with another embodiment, the secondary structural member is a one-
piece hybrid beam 100 shown inFIGS. 20A, 20B , 21A, and 21B. The one-piece hybrid beam 100 comprises an extrudedbody 102, fourflat side sections 104, and fourrounded side sections 106. Thebody 102 may be extruded in four wall thicknesses, 0.125 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.060 inch, and 0.046 inch. Thebody 102 with wall thicknesses of 0.060 inch and 0.046 inch (FIGS. 21A and 21B) may havebosses 108 located on the inside of the extrudedbody 102. Thebosses 108 accept screws to thereby provide a means for connecting one end of the one-piece hybrid beam 102 to other structural members of the screened enclosure of the present invention. Thebody 102 with wall thicknesses of 0.125 inch and 0.090 inch generally do not have thebosses 108, but instead are connected to the other structural members by means of cleats that are inserted into thebody 102. - The load profiles for the secondary structural members within the screened enclosure 2 (
FIG. 13 ) show that there are three levels of loading experienced by the secondary structural members. The chair rails 70 and the eave rails 94 experience a relatively low level of loading. For the chair rails 70 and eave rails 94, the one-piece hybrid beam 100 is approximately 3 in.×3 in. with a 0.060 inch or 0.046 inch wall thickness. - The
purlins 72 experience a middle level of loading. In particular, thepurlins 72 experience a higher degree of loading than the chair rails 70 due to the fact that they experience axial compression because of truss-action. For thepurlins 72, the one-piece hybrid beam 100 is approximately 3 in.×3 in. with a 0.090 inch wall thickness. - The bracing, both the K braces 76 and the wind braces 77, experience the highest level of loading. For the K braces 76 and the wind braces 77, the one-
piece hybrid beam 100 is approximately 3 in.×3 in. with a 0.125 inch wall thickness. - The external appearance of the one-
piece hybrid beam 100 is generally the same for the four wall thicknesses. Consequently, there must be some way to distinguish those fourbeams 100 with different wall thicknesses from each other for factory workers, construction workers, and building inspectors. In one embodiment, to differentiate the various one-piece hybrid beams 100 a v-groove marking system 110 (FIGS. 7, 20B , and 21B) is extruded on the outside of the one-piece hybrid beams 100 so that abeam 100 with a particular wall thickness can be identified. For example, the v-groove marking system 110 may be simple: no grove for the lightest (0.046 inch) one-piece hybrid beam 100, one groove for the light (0.060 inch) one-piece hybrid beam 100, two grooves for the medium (0.090 inch) one-piece hybrid beam 100, and three grooves for the heavy (0.125 inch) one-piece hybrid beam 100. - Joints.
- The second aspect of the present invention relates to construction and placement of hinged joints and rigid joints used in constructing the screened enclosure 2 (
FIG. 13 ) in accordance with the present invention. The rigid joints depend on their structure for rigidity and not on the joint fasteners. The hinged joints essentially decouple one structural member from the next structural member in at least one degree of freedom. -
FIG. 13 shows the placement of the rigid joints and the hinged joints. A rigid joint 112 is used to connect thecolumns 74 to the rafters 96 (FIGS. 8A and 22 ) and to connect therafters 96 to the roof beams 28 (FIG. 23 ). A rigid joint 134 is used to connect the K braces 76, thecolumns 74, and chair rails 70 at a corner of the screened enclosure 2 (FIGS. 9A, 9B , 26, and 27). A rigid joint 200 is used to connect the K braces 76, thecolumns 74, and chair rails 70 at a side of the screened enclosure 2 (FIGS. 28 and 29 ). A rigid joint 136 is used to connect the K braces 76, thecolumns 74, and eave rails 94 (FIG. 10A and 10B ). A rigid joint 202 is used to connect the K braces 76 andcolumns 74 adjacent the foundation of the screened enclosure (FIGS. 30 and 31 ). A rigid joint 138 is used to connect the wind braces 77, the roof beams 28, and thepurlins 72. - A hinged joint 114 is used to connect the eave rails 94 to the columns 74 (
FIGS. 8A and 22 ) and to connect thepurlins 72 to the rafters 96 (FIG. 23 ). A hinged joint 144 is used to connect therafters 96 to the sides of the roof beams 28 (FIGS. 12A, 12B , 12C, and 12D). A hinged joint 146 is used to connect thepurlins 72 to the roof beams 28 (FIGS. 8C and 24 ). A hinged joint 148 is used to connect thecolumn 74 to the footing of the screened enclosure 2 (FIGS. 11A and 11B ). A joint 142 is used to connect the chair rails 70 to the columns 74 (FIGS. 37 and 38 ). A hinged joint 270 is used to connect therafters 96 to the gutter 290 (FIGS. 50, 51 , 52, and 53). -
FIGS. 8A and 22 show the rigid joint 112 between an end of thecolumn 74 and an end of therafter 96.FIGS. 8A and 22 also show the hinged joint 114 between thecolumn 74 and theeave rail 94. - With respect to the rigid joint 112, one end of a gusset plate 116 (
FIG. 8A ) slides into the channels formed byprotrusions FIG. 5 ), which constitutesrafter 96. The other end of thegusset plate 116 slides into the channels formed byprotrusions FIG. 5 ), which constitutescolumn 74. Thegusset plate 116 is held in place by means offasteners 124. Because the bending moment about 112 is carried by the gusset plate's 116 engagement with the channels formed byprotrusions fasteners 124 do not carry the force created by that bending moment. Instead, thefasteners 124 are only required to resist the shear force tending to separate therafter 96 from the column of 74. - With reference to
FIG. 8A , the hinged joint 114 between thecolumn 74 and theeave rail 94 includes a cleat 118 (FIG. 8B ) attached to theweb 248 of the two-piece box beam 226 (column 74) by means offasteners 122. Theeave rail 94, comprising the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ), slips overlegs 121 thecleat 118. The one-piece hybrid beam 100 (eave rail 94) is attached to thecleat 118 by means of ahinge bolt 120 that passes through thebeam 100 and thecleat 118. There is sufficient tolerance between the outside of thecleat 118 and the inside of the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (eave rail 94) so that thebeam 100 can rotate about the axis of thehinge bolt 120. - It will be appreciated that
cleat 118 may be constructed of various sizes and shapes and remain suitable for use at the hinged joint 114 or other hinged joints hereinafter described. For example, with reference toFIGS. 56-63 , several embodiments of thecleat 118 are shown wherein thecleat 118 comprises abase 119 and at least oneleg 121. -
FIGS. 8C and 24 show the hinged joint 146 between thepurlin 72 and a side of theroof beam 28. The hinged joint 146 includes a cleat 118 (FIG. 8B ) attached to theweb 248 of theroof beam 28, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ). Thecleat 118 is attached to theweb 248 of theroof beam 28 by means offasteners 122. Thepurlin 72, which comprises the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ), slides over thecleat 118 and is anchored to thecleat 118 by means of thehinge bolt 120. The tolerances are such that thepurlin 72 can rotate about the axis of thehinge bolt 120. -
FIGS. 9A, 9B , 26, and 27 show the rigid joint 134 connecting thecolumn 74, K braces 76, and chair rails 70 at a corner of the screenedenclosure 2.Gussets 135 are securely attached tocolumn 74, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ), and the K braces 76 and thechair rail 70, each comprising the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ), are bolted to thegussets 135 to form the rigid joint 134. The rigid joint 138 between the roof beams 28, thepurlins 72, and the wind braces 77 is similarly constructed. -
FIGS. 28 and 29 show the rigid joint 200 connecting thecolumn 74, K braces 76, and chair rails 70 at a side of the screenedenclosure 2.Gussets 201 are securely attached tocolumn 74, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ), and the K braces 76 and thechair rail 70, each comprising the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ), are bolted to thegussets 201 to form the rigid joint 200. -
FIGS. 29 and 30 show the rigid joint 202 connecting thecolumn 74 and K braces 76 at a foundation of the screenedenclosure 2.Gussets 203 are securely attached tocolumn 74, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ), and theK brace 76 comprising the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ) is bolted to thegussets 203 to form the rigid joint 202. Aspline rail 204 may be provided below theK brace 76 that extends between thecolumns 74 and rests on the ground surface. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B show the rigid joint 136 connecting thecolumn 74 and theK brace 76. Agusset 137 is securely attached to thecolumn 74, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ), and theK brace 76, which comprises the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ), to form the rigid joint 136. Theeave rail 94, which comprises the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7 ), is attached to thecolumn 74 by means of acleat 118 andhinge bolt 120 as shown inFIG. 8A . -
FIGS. 11A and 11B show the hinged joint 148 between of thecolumn 74 and the footing of the screenedenclosure 2. The hinged joint 148 includes afooting cleat 126 and afooting bolt 128. Thefooting bolt 128 is inserted into the footing material, generally concrete, to hold thecleat 126 in place. Thecolumn 74, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ), slides over thecleat 126 and is anchored to thecleat 126 by means of thehinge bolt 120. The tolerances are such that thecolumn 74 can rotate about thehinge bolt 120. -
FIGS. 12A, 12B , 12C, and 12D show the hinged joint 144 between therafter 96 and a side of theroof beam 28 of the screenedenclosure 2. The hinged joint 144 includes arafter cleat 130 attached toweb 248 of theroof beam 28, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ). Thecleat 130 is attached to theweb 248 of theroof beam 28 by means offasteners 122. Awasher 132 is located on the inside of theweb 248 to reinforce theweb 248 of theroof beam 28. Therafter 96, which comprises the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ), slides over therafter cleat 130 and is anchored to therafter cleat 130 by means of thehinge bolt 120. The tolerances are such that therafter 96 can rotate about thehinge bolt 120.FIGS. 32, 33 , and 34 show the hinged joint 144 connected using twofasteners 122 and twohinge bolts 120.FIGS. 35 and 36 show another embodiment wherein the hinged joint 144 is connected using asingle fastener 122 and asingle hinge bolt 120.FIG. 25 shows tworafters 96 each connected to a side of aroof beam 28 by the hinged joint 144. -
FIGS. 37 and 38 show the joint 142 between thechair rail 70 and thecolumn 74 of the screenedenclosure 2. Thechair rail 70 is attached to theweb 248 of thecolumn 74 by means ofscrews 143. Thescrews 143 are accepted by thebosses 108 located on the inside of the extrudedbody 102 of the one-piece hybrid beam 100 (FIG. 7, 21A , and 21B) that comprises thechair rail 70. -
FIGS. 50, 51 , 52, and 53 show the hinged joint 270 between therafter 96 and thegutter 290 of the screenedenclosure 2. Thegutter 290 comprises an extrudedbody 292 having afront web 294, atrough 296, and arear web 298. Thegutter 290 may be attached to a host structure, such as a house, by means ofgutter cleats 272. Thetrough 296 receives and carries away rainwater from the surface of the house and the screenedenclosure 2. The hinged joint 270 includes the twogutter cleats 272, each having a base 119 and a plurality of legs 121 (FIGS. 54 and 55 ). The gutter cleats 272 are mated at thelegs 121 and attached by means of ahinge bolt 120. Thegutter cleat 272 and therafter 96 are each attached tofront web 294 of thegutter 290 viagussets 274 and are anchored by means ofhinge bolts 120. The tolerances are such that therafter 96 can rotate about thehinge bolts 120. - Reinforcement Plug.
- With reference to
FIGS. 39, 40 , 41, and 42, in various embodiments of the present invention areinforcement plug 300 is used in the hinged joint, such as hinged joint 114 (connecting the eave rails 94 to thecolumns 74 and thepurlins 72 to the rafters 96); hinged joint 144 (connecting therafters 96 to the sides of the roof beams 28); hinged joint 146 (connecting thepurlins 72 to the roof beams 28); hinged joint 148 (connecting thecolumns 74 to the footing of the screened enclosure); hinged joint 142 (connecting the chair rails 70 to the columns 74); or hinged joint 220 (connecting therafters 96 to the gutter 230) to reinforce the one-piece hybrid beam 100 at the hinged joint. - The
reinforcement plug 300 has a generally square cross section and is sized to fit within the hollow one-piece hybrid beam 100. Thereinforcement plug 300 comprises an extrudedbody 302 having anouter wall 304 and at least oneinner wall 306. Theinner wall 306 and theouter wall 304 define ahollow chamber 308 for receiving a portion of a cleat, such ascleat 118, footingcleat 126, orrafter cleat 130, at the hinged joint 114, 144, 146, 148, or 142, as will be described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, thereinforcement plug 300 has a length equal to about 6 inches. In other embodiments, thereinforcement plug 300 has a length sufficient to extend from the end of the one-piece hybrid beam 100 to about the end of thelegs 121 of the cleat, such as 118 (FIG. 8B ), when installed at the hinged joint, such as 114. - With reference to
FIGS. 39 and 40 , thereinforcement plug 300 shown is sized to fit within the heavy and middle one piece hybrid beams 100 having wall thicknesses of 0.125 inches and 0.090 inches. With reference toFIGS. 41 and 42 , in another embodiment, thereinforcement plug 300 is sized to fit within the light and lightest one piece hybrid beams 100 having wall thicknesses of 0.060 inches and 0.04 inches, wherein theouter wall 304 of thereinforcement plug 300 includeschannels 310 for receiving thebosses 108 located on the inside of the light and lightest one-piece hybrid beams 100 (FIGS. 7, 21A , and 21B). - With reference to
FIG. 43 , thereinforcement plug 300 is shown within the one-piece hybrid beam 100. Thechambers 308 of thereinforcement plug 300 are sized to receivelegs 121 of the cleat, such as 118, at the hinged joint, such as 114. With reference toFIGS. 44, 45 , and 46, the hinged joint, such as 114, is shown with thereinforcement plug 300 installed. Thereinforcement plug 300 is situated within the one-piece hybrid beam 100 and thelegs 121 of the cleat, such at 118, are received and supported within thechambers 308 of the reinforcement plug 300 (FIG. 44 ). The cleat, such as 118, is attached to theweb 248 of the two-piece box beam 226 (FIG. 5 ) by means offasteners 122. The one-piece hybrid beam 100 and thereinforcement plug 300 are anchored to thecleat 118 by means of ahinge bolt 120. The tolerances are such that the one-piece hybrid beam 100 and thereinforcement plug 300 can rotate about thehinge bolt 120. - With reference to
FIG. 47 , a hinged joint 208 is shown with thereinforcement plug 300 installed, wherein the one-piece hybrid beam 100 is connected to the two-piece box beam at an angle, A. The angled hinged joint 208 might be used to create a diagonal brace at a flat portion of theroof 85 of the screened enclosure (FIG. 13 ). - By using the
reinforcement plug 300, the one-piece hybrid beam 100 is significantly strengthened in its ability to resist shear forces. Use of thereinforcement plug 300 provides two additional shear planes at the hinged joint 114, one additional plane on the inside of eachleg 121 of thecleat 118, compared with the hinged joint 114 without thereinforcement plug 300. Further, the operating principles of the hinged joint 114 remain unchanged. - Method.
- The third aspect of the present invention relates to a computer aided design method used in designing the screened enclosure 2 (
FIG. 13 ) in accordance with the present invention. Turning toFIG. 13 , the screenedenclosure 2, with a choice of amansard roof 85, a half mansard roof, a dome roof, a gable roof, or a hip roof comprisesstructural members 4 with screen extending across thestructural members 4 to createscreen panels 6. The screenedenclosure 2 has awidth 86, adepth 88, aheight 90, afront wall 78, aback wall 80, aright side 84, aleft side 82, and aroof 85. Thescreen enclosure 2 may have a floor plan with any number of walls, each perpendicular to its adjacent wall. Thestructural members 4 include chair rails 70,purlins 72,wall columns 74, roof beams 28, K braces 76, wind braces 77,rafters 96, and eave rails 94. In addition, wind braces 77 may be diagonal members or arranged in an “X” configuration. Coordinates X Y Z (92) correspond to thedepth 88, thewidth 86, and theheight 90 of the screenedenclosure 2. -
FIGS. 14A and 15A show outputs of the inventive method that illustrate the screenedenclosure 2 subjected to two separate wind loading conditions, such as two of the multiple wind loading conditions described by the Florida Building Code.FIG. 14A shows an example of the screenedenclosure 2 subjected to a first wind loading condition with wind creating a pressure in the direction of the arrows of approximately 18 lbs. per square foot on the front wall 78 (equal to a wind velocity of approximately 140 m.p.h. directed toward the front wall 78). Under the first wind loading condition, theroof 85 experiences an upward pressure in the direction of the arrows of about 6 lbs. per square foot.FIG. 15A shows the screenedenclosure 2 subjected to a second wind loading condition with wind creating a pressure in the direction of the arrows of approximately 18 lbs. per square foot on the right wall 84 (equal to a wind velocity of approximately 140 m.p.h. directed toward the right wall 84). Under the second wind loading condition, theroof 85 experiences a downward pressure in the direction of the arrows of about 6 lbs. per square foot. - In certain embodiments, the computer-implemented method of the present invention permits the user to select each of the wind loading conditions described in a particular building code, such as Table 2002.4 of the Florida Building Code.
-
FIGS. 14B and 15B show outputs of the inventive method that illustrate the force vectors on thestructural members 4 of the screenedenclosure 2 as a result of the loading conditions illustrated inFIGS. 14A and 15A , respectively.FIGS. 14C and 15C show outputs of the inventive method that illustrate the deflections (greatly exaggerated in the figures) of thestructural members 4 of the screenedenclosure 2 as a result of the loading illustrated in theFIGS. 14A and 15A .FIGS. 14C and 15C show a spectrum of deflections, from lowest value to highest value along eachstructural member 4 of the screenedenclosure 2. - In order to design the screened
enclosure 2 in accordance with the present invention, afirst software method 700 is used to determine the forces to which thestructural members 4 are subjected, and asecond software method 800 is used to evaluate the screenedenclosure 2 and itsstructural members 4 for compliance with the requirements of a construction standard, such as the Aluminum Design Manual (“ADM”). In one embodiment, the software used formethod 700 andmethod 800 is based on ANSYS® finite element analysis software. Particularly, the software for implementing themethod 700 andmethod 800 has been written in the ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL) and uses specific commands and techniques applicable to the ANSYS® finite element analysis software. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any suitable finite element analysis software may be used. - Turning to
FIG. 16 , the method of 700 begins atstep 702. Atstep 702, preliminary data, relating to the screened enclosure that is to be designed and constructed, is compiled. The preliminary data includes geometric data relating to the size of the screenedenclosure 2, data relating to the requirements for wind exposure (based on geographic location), data relating to the size of the structural members to be used, and data relating to the type of structural members to be used (e.g., rafters, columns, roof beams, purlins, K-braces, wind braces, chair rails, and eave rails) in the construction of the screenedenclosure 2. In one embodiment of themethod 700 of the present invention, the preliminary data collected atstep 702 is collected by means of a form provided on a website. Such preliminary data may also include the general dimensions (height, length, and width) of the desired enclosure, the type of roof desired (mansard, half mansard, etc.), the general dimensions of the floor plan, the locations of connection to the host structure, the locations of corners having K braces, the location, orientation, extrusion size, and extrusion type (e.g., AAF or Stronghold) of roof beams, carrier beams, and other structural members. The preliminary data collected atstep 702 is supplied to the computer software for implementingmethod 700 as a file, such as a text file or any suitable file type, atstep 704. - Once the preliminary data relating to the screened enclosure to be built has been input at
step 704, themethod 700 moves to step 706. Atstep 706, themethod 700 defines arrays that include structural member groupings (component) names and a table of wind exposure pressures. Once the arrays had been defined atstep 706, themethod 700 proceeds to step 708. Atstep 708, themethod 700 defines finite element analysis model data that includes screen material properties, structural member material properties, and structural member section properties. Fromstep 708, themethod 700 proceeds to step 710 in which themethod 700 generates a rigid finite element model for thestructural enclosure 2. - Having initialized the
method 700 in steps 706-710, themethod 700 proceeds through steps 720-730. In steps 720-730, themethod 700 solves and stores the reactions of the screenedenclosure 2 to loading based on the constraints of the structural members of other portions of the structure of the screenedenclosure 2. Particularly, themethod 700 captures reaction loads of the screen on each of the structural members so that the reaction loads can be used later in connection with the generation of a hinged finite element model of the screened enclosure, described below. - In steps 720-730, the calculations and reaction load data are based on the assumption that each of the structural members is rigidly connected to its adjacent structural member. Beginning at
step 732, themethod 700 proceeds to refine the analysis by replacing rigid joints with hinged joints in accordance with the locations of hinged joints described above. The hinged joints essentially decouple one structural member from the next structural member in at least one degree of freedom. The screenedenclosure 2 may have a number of hinged joints throughout the structure either by design or due to the flexibility of the joint between the structural members. The initial definition of the screenedenclosure 2 requires that the finite element model be contiguous. As a result, the screenedpanels 6 share all points (nodes) on adjacent edges. Therefore, all structural members (which lie on these edges) share the nodes of the areas and thus must share nodes at their intersections. This arrangement results in a condition where all joints of the structural members are fixed in all degrees of freedom, or act as welded joints. - In order to achieve the desired hinged effects, the structural members to be hinged are duplicated at
step 732 ofmethod 700. (The original hinged members are no longer used and cleared from the model.) Hinged members, separate yet coincident with the original hinged members, are created that are not rigidly attached to thescreen panels 6 oradjacent members 4. Mathematical equations are used to provide the appropriate level of fixity to the adjacent members, thus providing hinging action. These duplicate structural members share no common nodes with thescreen panels 6 or the remaining original structural members of the rigid finite element model. In order to achieve the desired reaction load from thescreen panels 6, the node numbering of the duplicate structural members is managed by defining their nodes using a predefined numbering offset. This offset is used in the transfer from the screen reaction data at the original nodes to the nodes on the duplicate members. - In addition, because the joint locations of the duplicate members share no common nodes with the remaining original structural members, connectivity must be established. Connectivity is achieved at
step 734 by coupling degrees of freedom between the coincident nodes (i.e., both nodes are forced to deflect identically) at the intersections of the original and duplicate structural members. All degrees of freedom are coupled except for the rotation about the axis upon which the hinging action is desired. Atstep 736, themethod 700 retrieves the screen reaction loads calculated atstep 710. Themethod 700 then proceeds to step 738 where the reaction loads on each of the original structural members is transferred taking into account the hinged structural members. Atstep 740, themethod 700 saves the hinged finite element model and reaction load results in files. - Once the screened
enclosure 2 has been analyzed bymethod 700, the design process moves to asecond method 800 in which the screenedenclosure 2 is compared to the ADM standards (or other construction standard) for compliance. Such a comparison may comprise undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the rigorous standards imposed by the Aluminum Design Manual (“ADM”), produced by The Aluminum Association. The ADM standards involve the calculation of multiple allowable forces and stresses. The ADM standards also involve calculating “allowable stresses” for phenomena such as member buckling (collapse) and local buckling (local deformation and loss of structural integrity) of a structural member due to compressive loading or bending loading. In addition, several of the ADM standards are dependent upon the length of the structural member and/or the distribution of loading along the structural member. - Turning to
FIGS. 17A, 17B , 17C, and 17D, thesecond method 800 begins with the collection of the standards data atsteps step 802, the ADM material property required for calculation of allowables is collected. Atstep 804, the section property data for all available structural member styles (i.e., member sizes and cross sections, such as 2×4, 2×5, or 2×6) is collected. Atstep 806, the pre-calculated allowables data for all available structural member styles is collected. The standards data collected insteps method 800 atsteps method 800 enters two nested doloops 813 atstep 814. The nested doloops 813, comprising steps 816-834, determine the length for each structural member of the screenedenclosure 2 based on the ADM standards. The nested doloops 813 update the allowables tables to account for the member lengths where the allowable calculations specified by the ADM standards require updating of the allowables table. - Once each of the structural members has been processed by the nested do
loops 813, themethod 800 moves to step 836 and enters five nested doloops 835. The nested doloops 835, comprising steps 838-882, calculate the reaction loads along the length of each of the structural members of the screenedenclosure 2. The nested doloops 835 loop through a) each load condition result set calculated, b) each component (or member type, such as roof beams), c) each member (one length of material between connections) of that component, d) each element (a subdivision of the geometrical representation of a member) of that member to update load distribution allowables and calculate the interaction ratios. - Once the nested do
loops 835 have completed their calculations of the loading of the structural members, themethod 800 moves to step 884 in which the output data is formatted for producing a text file atsteps step 886 can be used for acquiring construction permits and as a bill of materials for the construction of screenedenclosure 2. - In another embodiment, the computer-implemented method of the present invention may also run an optimization sequence. The optimization sequence will cycle a predetermined number times, changing structural member sizes and quantities (adding more structural members and/or adjusting the spacing) to generate a standards compliant screened enclosure structure with the lightest weight. The same reports described above can then be generated. In addition, the user can choose to see the finished optimized screened enclosure structure perform under the loading cases as described above.
- The present invention improves upon current methods to evaluate ADM compliance by (1) evaluating the finite element modeling results for an entire structure; (2) automatically defining length-based allowable forces and stresses for each structural member; (3) automatically updating the load distribution allowable forces and stresses for each structural member for each load case; (4) automatically calculating the interaction ratios (ratio of actual-to-allowable force or stress) for each load case to determine compliance; (5) completing these evaluations for each finite element (or along the entire length) of each structural member; (6) identifying the limiting structural member for each specific load case for each specific structural member type (e.g., roof beam, column); and (7) providing the results of this evaluation in a report format for documentation and permitting purposes.
- In accordance with the present inventive method, the user can manually specify structural member sizes, and the computer-implemented method will subject the model to various wind load cases. The program will also calculate the reaction load on the individual structural members and compare that reaction load to the values as specified in the ADM standards. Once the analysis is complete, the program will generate a report indicating the locations and values of the stresses experienced by the structural members of the screened enclosure. In the event that a structural member is not adequate to handle the loading, the user then makes the necessary changes to the screened enclosure structure, and the program cycles again to analyze the modified screened enclosure structure. After the screened enclosure structure passes the loading analysis, a final report on the resulting screened enclosure structure is generated. This final report also can be used for cost analysis and for a factory to use as an inventory pull list.
- While this invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that variations and modifications can be affected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and as described in the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A beam for use in a screened enclosure comprising:
a. a first extrusion having flanges; and
b. a second extrusion having flanges;
c. wherein the first and second extrusions are mated together to form the beam;
d. wherein each flange of the first extrusion is engaged at an end and supported along a length by an interlocking lip on the second extrusion; and
e. wherein each flange of the second extrusion is engaged at an end and supported along a length by an interlocking lip on the first extrusion.
2. The beam of claim 1 wherein at least the extrusions includes protrusions extending perpendicular to the flanges of the extrusion for receiving a reinforcing plate.
3. The beam of claim 1 wherein at least one flange of the first extrusion includes an offset to facilitate engagement with the interlocking lip on the second extrusion and wherein at least one flange of the second extrusion includes an offset to facilitate engagement with the interlocking lip on the first extrusion.
4. A beam for use in a screened enclosure comprising:
a. a first extrusion having a first side flange and a second side flange; and
b. a second extrusion having a first side flange and a second side flange;
c. wherein the first side flange of the first extrusion and the first side flange of the second extrusion are each engaged at an end and supported along a length by a first flange extender, the first flange extender being engaged at a first end by an interlocking lip on the first extrusion and at a second end by an interlocking lip on the second extrusion;
d. wherein the second side flange of the first extrusion and the second side flange of the second extrusion are each engaged at an end and supported along a length by a second flange extender, the second flange extender being engaged at a first end by an interlocking lip on the first extrusion and at a second end by an interlocking lip on the second extrusion; and
e. wherein the first and second extrusions are mated together via the first and second flange extenders to form the beam.
5. The beam of claim 4 wherein at least one of the extrusions includes protrusions extending perpendicular to the flanges of the extrusion for receiving a reinforcing plate.
6. A beam for use in a screened enclosure comprising a substantially hollow extrusion, wherein the extrusion has a generally square cross-section and severely rounded corners.
7. The beam of claim 6 , wherein an exterior surface of the beam includes a mark to indicate a wall thickness of the beam.
8. The beam of claim 6 further comprising a reinforcement plug within the substantially hollow extrusion, wherein the reinforcement plug includes at least one chamber.
9. A method of constructing a screened enclosure having a plurality of roof beams, rafters, columns, purlins, K-braces, wind braces, chair rails, and eave rails, the method comprising the steps of:
a. using a rigid joint for
i. each connection of a roof beam to another roof beam;
ii. each connection of a column to a roof beam or a rafter;
iii. each connection of a K-brace to a column;
b. using a hinged joint for
i. each connection of an eave rail to a column;
ii. each connection of a rafter to a side of a roof beam;
iii. each connection of a purlin to a roof beam; and
iv. each connection of a column to a footing of the screened enclosure.
10. A screened enclosure comprising:
a. a plurality of interconnected two-piece beams, wherein each two-piece beam has
i. a first extrusion having flanges; and
ii. a second extrusion having flanges;
b. wherein the first and second extrusions are mated together to form the beam;
c. wherein each flange of the first extrusion is engaged at an end and supported along a length by an interlocking lip on the second extrusion; and
d. wherein each flange of the second extrusion is engaged at an end and supported along a length by an interlocking lip on the first extrusion; and
e. a plurality of one-piece beams connected to at least a portion of the two-piece beams, wherein each one-piece beam has a generally square cross-section and severely rounded corners.
11. The screened enclosure of claim 10 , wherein the one-piece beams comprise a plurality of first one-piece beams having a first wall thickness and a plurality of second one-piece beams having a second wall thickness, and wherein an exterior surface of the one-piece beams include a mark to differentiate the first one-piece beams from the second one-piece beams.
12. A computer-implemented method for designing a screened enclosure comprising the steps of:
a. generating a finite element model of the screened enclosure that includes a plurality of structural members and a plurality of screen panels, wherein the structural members are connected by rigid joints;
b. calculating a first reaction load for each structural member based on at least one loading condition;
c. replacing at least one rigid joint in the finite element model with a hinged joint;
d. calculating a second reaction load for each structural member using the first reaction loads;
e. comparing the second reaction loads with a construction standard to determine whether the screened enclosure complies with the construction standard.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/465,608 US20070074480A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 | 2006-08-18 | Beam and joints for use in screened enclosure and method for designing screened enclosure |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US70947005P | 2005-08-18 | 2005-08-18 | |
US72036105P | 2005-09-23 | 2005-09-23 | |
US77543006P | 2006-02-21 | 2006-02-21 | |
US11/465,608 US20070074480A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 | 2006-08-18 | Beam and joints for use in screened enclosure and method for designing screened enclosure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070074480A1 true US20070074480A1 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
Family
ID=37758514
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/465,608 Abandoned US20070074480A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 | 2006-08-18 | Beam and joints for use in screened enclosure and method for designing screened enclosure |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US20070074480A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007022542A2 (en) |
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WO2007022542A3 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
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