AU2014262245A1 - Waster Plate - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention provides a washer plate (15) comprising a first end portion (17) and a second end portion (19). The second end portion (19) is movable relative to the first end portion 917) from a first bent position to a second flat position. The washer plate (15) also comprises a receiving means (21) for receiving a flexible material (13). When the flexible material (13) is received in the receiving means, the second end portion can be caused to move towards the second position, retaining the flexible material in a taut condition. ---- --- ---- --- --- -- 3 ---------- ---- -------- Ix "V ~ ------ - --------

Description

1 Washer Plate TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]The present invention generally relates to a washer plate for use in the construction of lightweight structures. BACKGROUND ART [0002] When designing a structure, various loads need to be taken into account to ensure the structure is able to withstand extreme conditions. These loads include loads created by wind/storms as well as those created by snow resting on the structure. [0003] Further design considerations relate to the ease and cost of construction. Designers are constantly striving to provide a cost effective structure which is relatively simple, yet sufficiently robust to withstand the conditions at the site the structure is erected. [0004] In the construction of lightweight structures such as a shed, a steel framework is typically erected first before cladding is secured thereto. While the cladding provides some strength to the structure, the structure is primarily reliant on the framework to provide the required strength. In designing a lightweight structure it is desirable to minimise the cost of the structure without compromising strength. In order to achieve this outcome other means to strengthen the structure are developed, enabling a designer to design a structure which uses less material. This typically results in a framework made of less beams/columns, and/or beams/columns of reduced weight. One such way of achieving this is to use bracing between beams/columns to provide strength to the structure. [0005] One current type of bracing comes in the form of a flexible bracing strap. These straps are provided in a roll. When the construction installer requires bracing, the installer can measure the distance between bracing and positions, cut the required length of bracing strap from the roll and install the strap using fasteners. To assist with 2 installation, the bracing strap is provided with a series of preformed apertures through which the installer may insert fasteners to secure the ends of the strap to the structure. [0006] Typically with this form of bracing, one or more tensioning clips are also required in order to provide the installed brace with sufficient rigidity to achieve the required strength. [0007] A problem with this type of bracing strap is that the bracing strap needs to be suitably thick to compensate for the loss of strength due to the presence of the preformed apertures. [0008] A further disadvantage is that each end of the strap is typically bent around the beam/column before it is secured thereto. This is relatively simple when securing the end to the upper beam as it is exposed. However, when installing the lower end, the end may need to be threaded under the beam which may prove impossible or difficult at best due to various obstacles. [0009] Another problem is that it is largely left to the installer to determine whether tensioning clips are required. This often results in insufficient tensioning clips being installed. [0010]The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0011] It is an object of this invention to provide a washer plate to ameliorate, mitigate or overcome, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice. [0012] The present invention provides a washer plate comprising: 3 a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being movable relative to the first end portion from a first position to a second position; a receiving means for receiving a flexible material; wherein in use the flexible material is received in the receiving means, whereby when the second end portion moves to the second position, the flexible material is retained in a taut condition. [0013] The present invention provides a washer plate comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being movable relative to the first end portion from a first position to a second position; a receiving means for receiving a flexible material; whereupon the flexible material being received in the receiving means, the second end portion is caused to move towards the second position to retain the flexible material in a taut condition. [0014] The first end portion may be adapted to be secured to a structure before the flexible material is received in the receiving means. The first end portion may have a plurality of holes through which a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, may pass for securing the first end portion to the structure. [0015] The second end portion may be adapted to be secured to a structure after the flexible material is received in the receiving means. The second end portion may have a plurality of holes through which a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, may pass for securing the second end portion to the structure. [0016] Preferably the first end portion and second end portion are integrally formed from a flat bar. [0017] In the first position, the second end portion may be angularly spaced from the first end portion.

4 [0018] In the second position, the second end portion may lie substantially in the same plane as the first end portion. [0019] The receiving means may comprise a slot formed in the second end portion. [0020] The present invention provides a washer plate for securing brace straps to the framework of a structure, the washer plate comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being movable relative to the first end portion from a first position to a second position; a receiving means for receiving a brace strap; such that in use the brace strap is received in the receiving means, upon the second end portion moving to a second position the brace strap becomes taut. [0021] The present invention provides a method of tightening a brace strap used in the construction of a structure, the method comprises: securing a first end portion of a washer plate to a structure; threading a flexible brace strap through a receiving means in a second end portion of the washer plate; securing the second end portion to the structure whereupon the second end portion moves to a substantially flat position whereupon the brace strap is retained in a taut condition. [0022] Preferably the second end portion is secured using a plurality of threaded fasteners, wherein the fasteners pierce the brace strap to retain the brace strap in position. [0023] The present invention provides a washer plate moveable from a bent position to a substantially flat position, the washer plate comprises a first fastening means for securing the washer plate to a structure when in the bent position, a receiving means for 5 receiving a flexible material, and a second fastening means whereupon fastening the second fastening means causes the washer plate to move to the flat position, wherein in use, the flexible material is received in the receiving means when the washer plate is in the bent position, and is retained in a taut condition when the washer plate is in the flat position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a frame of a typical lightweight structure showing brace straps installed in three sections; Figure 2 is a plan view of a washer plate according to an embodiment of the present invention when a second end portion is in a first position; Figure 3 is a side cross sectional view of the washer plate shown in figure 2 when secured to a structure and having a brace strap received therein; Figure 4 is a plan view of figure 3 without the fasteners; Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 3 wherein the second end portion is in a second position; Figure 6 is a front view of a cross brace arrangement using two washer plates according to an embodiment of the invention; [0025] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

6 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0026] A typical frame 11 for a lightweight structure, such as a shed, is shown in figure 1. The frame 11 has been erected on a concrete pad and is ready for the installation of external cladding to form the walls and roof. As can be noted in three of the panels, bracing straps 13 have been installed to increase the load capacity of the structure. As is typical, the bracing 13 is installed in a cross configuration. However, it may also be installed as a single diagonal only, or other similar arrangements. Regardless of the configuration, each end of a brace needs to be secured to the structure in a manner whereby the brace is held in a taut condition. If a brace is not sufficiently tight, the brace would be ineffectual in strengthening the structure. It is therefore critical that the installed brace is taut, and that it remains substantially taut throughout its service life. [0027] The present invention provides a means to secure at least one end or both ends of a bracing strap to the structure such that after installation the brace is taut, and will remain taut throughout its service life. [0028] Referring to figures 2 and 6, the invention according to a first embodiment is in the form of a washer plate 15. The washer plate 15 has a first end portion 17 and a second end portion 19. The washer plate 15 also incorporates a receiving means in the form of a slot 21, for reasons which will be discussed below. [0029] The first end portion 17 provides a first fastening means in the form of a first set of apertures 23. The first set of apertures 23 are each adapted to receive a fastener such as a bolt 24. [0030] The second end portion 19 provides a second fastening means in the form of a second set of apertures 25. The second set of apertures 25 are each adapted to receive a fastener such as a bolt 26. [0031] Prior to installation the second end portion 19 is provided in a first position whereby the second end portion 19 is angularly spaced from the first end portion 17. When first installed the washer plate 15 is in this bent position.

7 [0032] During installation, the washer plate 15 is first secured to the structure 10 using bolts 24, which pass through the first set of apertures 23 into the structure 10. The washer plate 15 is designed to be secured to an exposed surface of the structure, negating the need for the installer to wrap the strap around a part of the structure before fastening the strap. It also allows the bracing to be added after the frame has been erected. [0033] If not already completed, an upper end of the bracing strap 13 is attached to another part of the structure 10. This may be attached by using a separate washer plate 15, or by current known means. The other unattached end of the bracing strap can then be passed through the slot 21 of the washer plate 15. [0034] When passing the bracing strap 13 through the slot 21 it is important that the bracing strap 13 first passes between the second end portion 19 and the portion of the structure the washer plate 15 is secured. The bracing strap 13 can then be threaded through the slot 21. The bracing strap 13 is then tensioned by pulling the strap through the slot 21. As this occurs, the bracing strap 13 engages a first surface 27 of the second end portion 17. Based on the orientation of the washer plate 15 in the drawings, the first surface 27 is the bottom surface of the first end portion 19. [0035] By threading the bracing strap 13 through the slot 21 as described above, the frictional forces will assist in retaining the bracing strap 13 in position and will reduce the required tension in the strap. Furthermore, in this arrangement the frictional forces are greater than if the bracing strap 13 was threaded in the opposite manner. The increase in frictional forces assists to retain the bracing strap 13 in a taut condition once installed. [0036] After the bracing strap 13 has been correctly installed and held relatively taut, fasteners 26 are used to secure the second end portion 19 to the structure. As best shown in figure 3, before the fasteners 26 can be installed, the bracing strap 13 is folded back to lie adjacent a second surface 29 of the second end portion 19. Each fastener 26 can then pass through the bracing strap adjacent the second surface 29, into and through the aperture 25, before passing through the bracing strap 13 which is adjacent the first surface 27. Each fastener 26 then enters the structure. As each 8 fastener 26 is further tightened the second end portion 19 is forced to move towards a second position until the washer plate 15 is substantially flat, as best shown in figure 5. [0037] As a result of the fasteners 26 passing through two layers of the bracing strap 13, the bracing strap 13 is retained in place relative to the second end portion 10 of the washer plate 15. As the second end portion 19 moves towards the second position the bracing strap 13 is caused to become tighter and tighter. As a result the bracing strap 13 becomes taut during installation of the washer plate 15 and is retained in a taut condition during its service life. [0038] The bracing strap 13 is in the form of a flexible material such as a metal strap which may be supplied in a roll, allowing an installer to measure and cut off required lengths of bracing straps as required. [0039] As there is no need for the strap to have preformed holes incorporated therein, the thickness of the strap may be reduced when utilising the present invention. The present invention also negates the need for tensioning clips, as is required with the prior art. [0040] The present embodiment of the invention is described in relation to an application to a lightweight shed. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention includes applications in other structures and fields. [0041] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. [0042] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

9 [0043] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (13)

1. A washer plate comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being movable relative to the first end portion from a first position to a second position; a receiving means for receiving a flexible material; whereupon the flexible material being received in the receiving means, the second end portion is caused to move towards the second position to retain the flexible material in a taut condition.

2. The washer plate according to claim 1 wherein the first end portion is adapted to be secured to a structure before the flexible material is received in the receiving means.

3. The washer plate according to claim 2 wherein the first end portion has a plurality of holes through which a fastener may pass for securing the first end portion to the structure.

4. The washer plate according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the second end portion is adapted to be secured to a structure after the flexible material is received in the receiving means.

5. The washer plate according to claim 4 wherein the second end portion has a plurality of holes through which a fastener may pass for securing the second end portion to the structure.

6. The washer plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are integrally formed from a flat bar.

7. The washer plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second end portion is angularly spaced from the first end portion when the washer plate is in the first position. 11

8. The washer plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second end portion lies substantially in the same plane as the first end portion when the washer plate is in the second position.

9. The washer plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving means comprises a slot formed in the second end portion.

10. A washer plate for securing brace straps to the framework of a structure, the washer plate comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being movable relative to the first end portion from a first position to a second position; a receiving means for receiving a brace strap; such that in use the brace strap is received in the receiving means, where upon the second end portion moving to a second position the brace strap becomes taut.

11. A method of tightening a brace strap used in the construction of a structure, the method comprises: securing a first end portion of a washer plate to a structure; threading a flexible brace strap through a receiving means in a second end portion of the washer plate; securing the second end portion to the structure whereupon the second end portion moves to a substantially flat position whereupon the brace strap is retained in a taut condition.

12. The method according to claim 11 comprising securing the second end portion to the structure using a plurality of threaded fasteners, wherein the fasteners pierce the brace strap to retain the brace strap in position. 12

13. A washer plate moveable from a bent position towards a substantially flat position, the washer plate comprises a first fastening means for securing the washer plate to a structure when in the bent position, a receiving means for receiving a flexible material, and a second fastening means whereupon fastening the second fastening means causes the washer plate to move towards the flat position, such that in use, the flexible material received in the receiving means when the washer plate is in the bent position, is tensioned and retained in a taut condition when the washer plate is in the flat position.