Patent ID: 8756900
Filing Date: 2014-06-24
Classification: E04C

Abstract:
1. A system of constructing screen enclosures for outdoor facilities, said system comprising: a plurality of beams each having two identical extruded parts and opposing ends, each said extruded part having a generally U-shaped configuration with a planar central member and two side pieces each depending in substantially perpendicular orientation from said planar central member to form two opposed interior L-shaped corners, each said extruded part also having an interior-facing gusset-retaining slot formed in the L-shape of the corner, said gusset-retaining slots on each said extruded part further being paired slots that are positioned in opposed relation to one another, said gusset-retaining slots in each said paired slot also each having a width dimension substantially similar to the other, each said extruded part also having two exterior spline grooves each on a different one of said side pieces and which are also distanced from the adjacent most one of said interior L-shaped corners by an amount substantially equivalent to said width dimension of said gusset-retaining slots; a plurality of elongated gusset plates each having opposing lateral edges and opposed ends, each said gusset plate also having a width dimension allowing said opposing lateral edges to become inserted within each of said gusset-retaining slots in one of said paired slots, each said gusset plate further having a thickness dimension allowing said gusset plate to become tight-fitting within said paired slots while also allowing said gusset plate to slide easily and promptly into a position of use between said paired slots; and a plurality of fasteners each having a length dimension extending through one of said planar central members and also through one of said gusset plates, said fasteners providing a secure connection between said extrusions and said gusset plates that become fastened to one another, wherein when two said gusset plates are partially inserted into a first selected one of said beams with said opposing lateral edges both inserted into a different pair of said opposed slots in tight-fitting relation, and said two gusset plates are secured with fasteners to said first selected one of said beams, and furthermore when a second selected one of said beams is placed in end-to-end relation with said first selected one of said beams so that the remaining portion of said two gusset plates attached thereto become completely inserted into said second selected one of said beams with said opposing lateral edges of said gusset plates both inserted into a different pair of said opposed slots in said second selected one of said beams in tight-fitting relation, and then when said two gusset plates are also secured with fasteners to said second selected one of said beams, precise and strong structural joints are formed that allow accurate and efficient construction of strong screen enclosures, reduced construction error, and consistent graduation in strength from one said beam to another that is better able to withstand high winds and better resist impact from external forces.