Clamp for Securing Together Multiple Support Panels for a Structure System

Currently there are structures that are used for many purposes, like running tracks, stadium seating, and the like. These structures have many components and building the system can be labor intensive, cumbersome and take a long time.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp and structure combination system which allows for assembling large structures in an efficient, quick and seamless manner.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a system for building an indoor track system. The system includes a clamp that includes two brackets and a fastener system configured to bring the brackets to each other to squeeze two end beams of two different frames towards each other. The array of frames are then connected to each other in a side-by-side arrangement and are configured to support a structure thereon, such as an indoor running track.

In some embodiments, a system for building an indoor track system includes a series of frames arranged horizontally. Each frame comprises end beams, and the series of frames comprises at least a first frame and a second frame laid side by side. The system further includes a connection system to connect the series of frames together in a horizontal manner. The connection system comprises: a first bracket having a first receiving portion and configured to apply a first force to a first end beam of the first frame towards a first direction towards a second end beam of the second frame; a second bracket having a second receiving portion and configured to apply a second force to the second end beam of the second frame towards a second direction towards the first end beam, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; and a fastener system configured to bring the first bracket towards the second bracket to squeeze the first end beam towards the second end beam. The system further includes a support system to support the connection system and the series of frames so that the series of frames are securely connected together and to allow flooring to be laid on the securely connected series of frames.

In some embodiments, provided is a method for building an indoor track system comprising a series of frames, a connection system and a support system. The method comprises: disposing a first end beam of a first frame beside of second end beam of a second frame so that the first and second frames are side by side horizontally; applying, via a first bracket, a first force to a first end beam of a first frame towards a first direction towards a second end beam of a second frame; applying, via a second bracket, a second force to a second end beam of the second frame towards a second direction towards the first end beam, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; and bringing, via tightening of a fastener system, the first bracket towards the second bracket to squeeze the first end beam towards the second end beam.

In some embodiments, a system for building an indoor track system includes: a foundation support; and a connection system that is supported by the foundation support and that is configured to connect a series of frames together in a horizontal manner, each frame comprising end beams. The connection system comprises: a first bracket having a first receiving portion and configured to apply a first force to a first end beam of a first frame towards a first direction towards a second end beam of the second frame; a second bracket having a second receiving portion and configured to apply a second force to the second end beam of a second frame towards a second direction towards the first end beam, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; and a system configured to bring the first bracket towards the second bracket to force the first end beam towards the second end beam.

Embodiments of the present invention may have various features and provide various advantages. Any of the features and advantages of the present invention may be desired, but, are not necessarily required to practice the present invention.

The present application is directed to a clamping system for clamping various structures, such as support structures. These support structures that couple be constructed with the use of the clamping systems of the present application may include: indoor running tracks, bleacher seating, other tracks, and any other system where multiple portions are attached in an array. As will be discussed herein, the clamping system can be used to install or assemble an indoor running track. Thus, while the clamping system is described herein using the exemplary indoor running track, it should be understood that the clamping system of the present application can be employed for other applications and the present invention should not be limited to indoor running tracks.

The present clamp system will now be described using the indoor running track application embodiment. To start,illustrates a diagram of a running track, according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the indoor running trackis composed of a series or an array of frames that are each joined together or placed side-by-side. Once the frames are all installed using a plurality of the clamping systems, items may then be installed on top of the frames. For the indoor running track application, plywood (or some other flat surface items) may be placed on and secured to respective frames. In this regard, the frames are used as support for the track placed on top of the frames.

Each of the frames and the clamping of the frames together will now be described.illustrates a first portionof the running trackof, according to an embodiment, andillustrates a frameof the first portionof the running track of, according to an embodiment.

As shown in, the indoor running trackincludes multiple frames,′,″,′″ that are placed side-by-side and connected using the clamp system. As shown in, each frame includes a first end beam, a second end beam, and cross beams. As shown in, when placing the frames side-by-side, a first end beamof a first frameis placed next to a second end beamof a second frame′. The assembly of the frames are discussed in more depth later herein.

illustrates a second portionof the running trackof, according to an embodiment. The second portionis a portion that is around a bend of the indoor running track. As shown in, there are trussesandwhich are used to support the frames. Also,illustrates a central supporting trussextending longitudinally and being in the same direction as beamsand. The central support trussis where the clamp systemis anchored. As shown, there are multiple clamp systemsused for each of the frames. For example, there may be a clamp systemson a first framein each corner area of the first frameso that there are four clamp systems, in some embodiments.

illustrates a diagram of a clamp systemfor a structural support system, according to an embodiment. As shown, the clamp systemincludes left and right brackets, and a fastener systemthat connects a protrusionextending from each of the first and second end beams,.

One protrusionis located on a side of the first end beamthat is towards an interior area of the first frameand on the same side of the first end beamthat is closest to the first bracket. Likewise, another protrusionis located on a side of the second end beamthat is towards an interior area of the second frameand on the same side of the second end beamthat is closest to the second bracket.

The protrusionmay be an integral part of the end beam,but is part of the end beam that fits within a groove of the bracket, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the protrusionmay be a piece of stock metal that is attached to the end beam using any method, such as welding, fastener attachment, magnetic attachment, or the like. In one embodiment, the protrusion could be a fastener or other part that extends from the end beam,(such as if a bolt extends through the end beam).

Regardless, the protrusionis configured to fit into a corresponding receiving portionof the bracket, such as a groove, curved portion, angled portion, or the like of the bracketso that when the bracket is attached, the protrusionmates the the receiving portion so that the bracket is securely attached to the end beam,by use of the protrusionand receiving portionconfiguration.

The fastener systemmay be any type of fastener or other device which is configured to apply a force to the bracketto squeeze the end beam(s). As shown in, the fastener systemcould be a bolt and nut system that includes a boltwith a head, where the bolthas threads that receives the nut. When the nutis screwed onto the bolt, the bracketsboth apply pressure toward each other so that the first end beam and second end beam are pushed toward each other.

It should be noted that multiple fastener systems could be used instead of just a single fastener system. For example, there could be one fastener system on one endof the clamp systemand another fastener system on the other endof the clamp system.

The fastener systemis attached through the central supporting trusswhere the first and send end beams,will be disposed on. The central supporting trussruns under all of the frames and is a central supporting truss for the whole indoor track (or a large part of the track).

In some embodiments, the first end beam and second end beam are spaced from each other using a spacerso that the first and second end beams are not on the very edge of the structures placed on top of the frames. However, this arrangement is not a requirement for the invention to work. Nonetheless, if a spaceris used, the spacer may be a portion of the first or second end beams or may be an item attached to the end beams,so that when the frames are installed, the spacersare already present. It is noted that if a spacer is used, the spacershould be placed close to the central supporting truss, as shown in.

The clamping systemworks on both flat systems or elevated systems,illustrates a picture of an elevated indoor running track using the clamp systemaccording to an embodiment, andillustrates the picture ofin greater detail according to an embodiment. As shown the clamp systemis disposed on the central supporting trusswhere a fastener systemis tightened to squeeze the first and second end beams,of first and second frames,′. The central supporting trussis supported by trusseswhich have different heights to make the system an elevated running track. Also, shown inis that the frameshave plywood placed thereon which can be attached to the first and second end beams,to secure the running trackto the system.

illustrates a method of installing a clamp system, according to an embodiment. In block, a first section/frameand a second section/frame′ are placed side-by-side on top of a center beam (center supporting truss). As mentioned above, a spacermay optionally be placed in between the first and second frames,. Also, a piece of stock is placed on each of the first end beamand the second end beam.

As shown in block, a fastener systemis then connected through the central supporting trussand two bracketswhich are on positioned such that the first end beamand the second end beamare disposed in between the two brackets.

A receiving portionof each of the bracketsis positioned to align with the protrusionor a piece of stock, as provided in block.

In block, the fastener systemis then tightened thereby applying opposing forces to the first and second end beams,, respectively, so that the first and second end beams,are squeezed toward each other. These forces then create a tight connection between the frames because the friction between the end beams/keeps the end beams from moving in a direction perpendicular from the clampand away from the central supporting beam.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.