A SUPPORTING DEVICE

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting a number of surface forming elements, for example a floor board or floor panel, in spaced apart relationship from a substrate, for example a bearing floor structure, while permitting air flow in the space between the element and the substrate, characterized in that a beam profile (2) displays one web (3) substantially parallel with the element and the substrate, and interconnecting two webs (4, 5) directed towards the substrate, that said two webs (4, 5) display perforations or through holes (10) for permitting air flow between the element and the substrate transversely of the beam profile (2), and that the ends of said two webs (4, 5) are anchored on and/or in the substrate (1) with the aid of loading forces and/or anchorage means.

Description: A SUPPORTING DEVICE The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of appended Claim 1. Above all in recent years, a growing need has developed for an auxiliary aid for a new flooring structure which may also be employed in many other contexts than flooring structures. Naturally, it is of particular importance if this auxiliary aid can be used for the purpose of improving the dwelling environment by permitting, for example, the cleansing of so-called sick buildings, in which it is desirable to improve the removal of damp, by better air circulation between bearing and surface covering structures. The task forming the basis of the present invention is to satisfy the above- outlined needs. This task is solved according to the present invention in the device disclosed by way of introduction in that this device has been given the characterizing features as set forth in appended Claim 1. A device according to the present invention realises a structural element which, at reasonable cost, permits the replacement of existing floors, irrespective of the bearing flooring structure, by means of a floor structure which permits the provision of floor heating in an economical manner. A floor structure embodying a device according to the present invention permits the circulation of relatively large air volumes both longitudinally and transversely of the beam profiles. Thanks to the beam profiles according to the present invention, for suitable heating of the space above the floor structure, the air need not be at a particularly high temperature, because the structure permits the circulation of heated air. It has proved to be sufficient employing as low air temperatures as approximately 40°C for achieving the desired room temperature. This is a major advantage, since such a temperature is ideal in the production of the heating air using an air heater pump. Given that the profile is manufactured in accordance with the expanded metal principle, the device according to the present invention will be an extremely economical aid which will be attractive for use in, for example, the cleansing of sick buildings. One embodiment of the present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying Drawing. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side elevation of one embodiment of the device according to the present invention. Fig. 2 shows an end elevation of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The prototype of a device according to the present invention shown on the Drawing is intended for employment in a wooden floor structure with wooden beams 1 upstanding on edge. A profile beam 2 is placed on the wooden flooring beams 1, and this profile beam 2 may be manufactured by a profile rolling of sheet metal. The profile beam 2 displays one web 3 parallel with the upper side of the flooring beam 1, and two webs 4 and 5 extending out from the longitudinal edges thereof, these webs 4 and 5 being directed towards the upwardly facing edge surface of the wooden beam 1. The angle between the interconnecting web 3 and the webs 4 and 5 is less than 90°. In one prototype, it has proved to be suitable to employ an angle of approximately 45°. However, it should be emphasised most strenuously that the angle between the web 3 and the webs 4 and 5 may be of any given figure which is less than 90°. However, it is deemed advantageous if the angle is equal to or greater than 45°. The longitudinal edges of the webs 4 and 5 are bent outwardly from the longitudinal centre plane of the profile beam 2 for the formation of foot portions 6 and 7. The width of the foot portions 6 and 7 will, of course, depend upon the other dimensions of the profile beam and the thickness of the wooden flooring beam 1 in those cases when the profile beam 2 is to be employed in the manner shown on the Drawing. In this case, the longitudinal edge of the foot portions 6 and 7 is bent at an angle of 90° to the foot portions 6 and 7, for forming edge portions 8 and 9. On loading of the profile beam 3 with loads directed from above towards the wooden flooring beams 1, the edge portions 8 and 9 will be urged in towards the wooden flooring beams 1, whereby no specific anchorage will be required, nor any specific devices for anchoring the profile beam 2 on the wooden flooring beam 1. However, there is nothing to prevent the profile beam 2 from being fixed onto the wooden beam 1 by means of, for example screws or nails through the foot portions 6 and 7 and/ or the edge portions 8 and 9. In those cases when the angle between the web 3 and the webs 4 and 5 is relatively slight, the anchorage forces will be so great that no specific anchorage device is required. In such cases, the parts 8 and 9 may also be made relatively short. The length of the parts 8 and 9 is naturally dependant upon the requisite or desired method of anchorage. When the bearing floor structure on which the profile beams 2 are to be placed consists of concrete, it is not necessary to provide any specific anchorage devices if the profile beams 2 are pressed down into the concrete while this is still in a fresh state permitting the downward pressing of the edge portions 8 and 9 into the concrete. Anchorage into a concrete floor structure may be improved if holes or perforations are provided in the edge portions 8 and 9. The obliquely inclined webs 4 and 5 display a number of perforations or through holes which, in Fig. 1, are illustrated by means of a hatched panel 10. These through holes or perforations 10 serve to permit air circulation transversely of the profile beams. One or more such or similar panels 10 may also be provided in the web 3. The profile 2 may suitably be manufactured from sheet metal in an expanded metal machine, which makes possible the employment of relatively thin material without any reduction in the desired mechanical strength and carrying capacity. The profile beam 2 according to the present invention will obviously be capable of replacing per se known conventional floor joists and thereby permit air circulation without any restrictions whatever. The costs may moreover be minimised in that the profile beam 2 according to the present invention is manufactured in the form of an expanded metal construction, since, in such an event, it is possible to minimise material consumption without in any way needing to reduce mechanical strength and other similar properties. Many modifications of the embodiment of the present invention as described in the foregoing are naturally possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept as defined in the appended Claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for supporting a number of surface forming elements, for example floor boards or floor panels, in spaced apart relationship from a substrate, for example a bearing floor structure, while permitting air flow in the space between the element and the substrate, characterized in t h a t a beam profile (2) displays one web (3) substantially parallel with the element and the substrate, and interconnecting two webs (4, 5) directed towards the substrate, said two webs (4, 5) displaying perforations or through holes (10) for permitting air flow between the element and the substrate transversely of the beam profile (2); and that the ends of the two webs (4, 5) are anchored on and/ or in the substrate (1) with the aid of loading forces and/ or anchorage means. 2. The device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said two webs (4, 5) make an angle of less than 90° with the web (3) which interconnects them and which is substantially parallel with the element and the substrate. 3. The device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ends of said two webs (4, 5) display a foot portion (6, 7), which extend parallel with the interconnecting web (3) and in a direction from one another out from the longitudinal centre plane of the profile (2). 4. The device as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that the foot portions display an angle of substantially 90° to the edge portion (8, 9) extending to the interconnecting web. 5. The device as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, characterized in t h a t the perforations or through holes (10) are of the same type as in expanded metal. 6. The device as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the interconnecting web (3) displays weakened portions, perforations and / or through holes. 7. The device as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the beam profile (2) is manufactured in a machine for the manufacture of expanded metal.

Inventors: HELLSTEN MIKAEL, HELLSTEN, MIKAEL
Applicants: HELLSTEN MIKAEL, HELLSTEN, MIKAEL
Application year: 1996
Main classification: E04B5
IPC codes: E04B5, E04C3, F24D5