TECHNICAL FIELD

The various aspects relate to coupling devices and connecting devices as modules for connecting beams for building a construction.

BACKGROUND

A Bailey bridge is a well known steel structure that can be built in a modular fashion. Bridges of this type comprise a rectangular steel construction as a basic element. Providing such elements was considered a revolution in the early forties of the twentieth century, however the process of construction with such modular elements is not efficient anymore. An important reason for this is that, in view of labour legislation in force in many European countries, the basic elements may not be carried by one or two people as they are too heavy.

EP 1673542 Discloses an interconnection device for coupling beams for providing a bridge construction. The device is arranged to receive up to four beams. At the interconnection, ends of the beams are enclosed in the device. The beams are connected in one plane, with adjacent beams radially spaced apart by 90°.

SUMMARY

It is preferred to provide improved devices for connecting beams for providing a construction.

A first aspect provides a coupling device for coupling a beam to a connecting device. The coupling device comprises a beam coupling member for coupling the coupling device to a beam. The coupling device further comprises a device coupling member connected to the beam coupling member for coupling the coupling device to the connecting device, the device coupling member comprising a mating member of a first type provided on at least a fist side the device coupling member arranged to engage with a mating member of a second type provided at the connecting device.

In the coupling device, the beam coupling member and the device coupling member are connected to one another such that the coupling member is provided substantially in extension of a longitudinal axis of the beam when the beam is connected to the beam coupling member.

Also, the mating member of the first type comprises at least one of a protrusion and a recess having a sidewall substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam, when connected to the beam coupling member.

Such device provides a strong and rigid coupling between a beam and the connecting device, via the coupling device. The mating members provide alignment between the connecting device and the coupling device. And the mating members support forces that would normally have to be supported only by securing devices connecting the connecting device and the coupling device.

In an embodiment of the coupling device, the device coupling member has a substantially planar shape having a main plane; and the device coupling member is connected to the beam connecting member such that the main plane of the device coupling member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam when the beam is connected to the beam coupling member.

This embodiment enables a coupling provided by means of the connecting device and the coupling device to be relatively thin - and preferably thinner than a beam that may be connected to the coupling device.

In another embodiment of the coupling device, the beam coupling member has a substantially rectangular shape in a direction perpendicular to the main plane and the main plane is provided substantially parallel to a diagonal of the rectangular shape.

Also this embodiment enables a coupling provided by means of the connecting device and the coupling device to be relatively thin - and preferably thinner than a beam that may be connected to the coupling device. Furthermore, this allows a wider device coupling member. This allows larger mating members that may be able to support larger forces to be supported by the connection between the coupling device and the connecting device.

Yet another embodiment of the coupling device comprises a further mating member of the first type on a second side of the device coupling member opposite to the first side.

This embodiment allows the coupling device to be sandwiched between two connecting devices. This provides an improved connection between the coupling device and the connecting devices. This allows the connecting devices to be secured to one another and allows implementation of the coupling device not having a securing element.

In a further embodiment of the coupling device, the sidewalls have an angle between 1 degree and 4 degrees relative to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam, when connected to the beam coupling member..

Whereas sidewalls substantially parallel to the plane

perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam - when connected to the beam coupling member - are possible, this embodiment is preferred. A reason for this is that a tighter fit between mating members may be achieved. This, in turn, improves distribution of forces over the whole of the mating members or at least a substantial part thereof.

A second aspect provides a connecting device for connecting a coupling device to a further device. The connecting device comprises a first connecting member having a substantially flat shape and provided with a mating member of a second type provided on at least a first side of the first connecting member and a securing element and a second connecting member connected to the first connecting member for connecting the further device to the connecting device.

In the connecting device, the mating member of the second type is arranged to mate with a mating member of a first type provided at the coupling device, the mating member of the second type being arranged such that when the mating member of the second type and the mating member of the first type mate, the securing element allows for securing the connecting device to the coupling device.

Such device provides a strong and rigid coupling between a beam and the connecting device, via the coupling device. The mating members provide enhanced alignment between the connecting device and the coupling device. And the mating members support forces that would normally have to be supported by securing devices connecting the connecting device and the coupling device.

An embodiment of the connecting device is substantially mirror symmetrical and has a plane of symmetry between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

Such device provides flexibility in connecting various beams provided with the coupling device that may be connected to the connecting device.

In a further embodiment of the connecting device, wherein the mating member comprises as least a first section complementary to at least a second section of the coupling device according to the first aspect.

Such device provides enhanced mating between the connecting device and the coupling device.

A third aspect provides a construction beam for use in a

construction. The construction beam comprises an elongated structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end provided at the longitudinal axis of the structure; and a coupling device according to the first aspect provided at the first end.

A fourth aspect provides a construction comprising at least a first construction beam according to the third aspect connected to a second construction beam according to the third aspect via a connecting device according to the second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects and embodiments thereof will now be discussed in further detail in conjunction with Figures. In the Figures,

Figure 1: shows a coupling system;

Figure 2: shows a coupling device;

Figure 3 A: shows a connecting device;

Figure 3 B: shows a connecting device;

Figure 4 A: shows a first multilink device;

Figure 4 B: shows a second multilink device;

Figure 5: shows another coupling system;

Figure 6: shows another coupling device;

Figure 7: shows another connecting device;

Figure 8 A: shows a further coupling system;

Figure 8 B: shows another view of the further coupling system;

Figure 9 A: shows a first construction beam;

Figure 9 B: shows a second construction beam;

Figure 9 C: shows a third construction beam;

Figure 10: shows a part of a construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a coupling system 100. The coupling system 100 comprises coupling devices 200 at left and right sides. The coupling devices 200 are partially provided between a connecting device 300 and a first multilink device 390. To the first multilink device 390, a first swivel coupling device 410 and a second swivel coupling device 420 are connected.

In normal use, the various components of the coupling system 100 are connected by means of bolts provided in the various holes of the components and locked by means of nuts. However, for the enhancement of visibility and intelligibility of Figure 1, these bolts have been omitted. It is noted that instead of holes, bolts and nuts, also other securing elements may be used. Such securing elements may be an integral part of either the connecting devices 200 or the connecting devices 300 - or both. In such case, some or all of the holes may be omitted. Yet, the mating members aid in aligning alternative or additional securing elements.

Figure 2 shows the coupling device 200 in further detail. The coupling device 200 comprises a beam connecting member 260 having a rectangular and in particular a square circumference for coupling a beam to the coupling device 200. To the coupling device 200 having a square beam connecting member 260, a beam having a square cross-section may be connected.

The beam may connected with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the square main plane of the beam connecting member 260. The sides of the cross-section of the beam may be welded to the circumference of the beam connecting member 260. For this purpose, the outer circumference of the beam connecting member 260 preferably corresponds to a cross-section of the beam, viewed over the longitudinal axis of the beam. In this embodiment, the beam connecting member 260 is provided as a plate and a square plate in particular. In another embodiment, the beam connecting member 260 has a larger length and can at least partially be inserted in the beam as a plug. In such embodiment, the beam connecting member 260 has at least partially an outer perimeter substantially corresponding to an inner perimeter of the beam it is to be inserted in. With a squarely shaped beam that would be square, with a cylindrical beam, that would be circular. The beam connecting member 260 is connected to a device coupling member 210 for connecting the coupling device 200 to the connecting device 300, the multilink device 390 and other devices. The device coupling member 210 is connected to the beam coupling member 260 in the middle of the beam coupling member. Reinforcement ribs 270 are provided for connecting the beam connecting member 260 to the device coupling member 210. In this embodiment the device coupling member 210 is symmetrical, with a main plane of the planar device coupling member 240 as a plane of symmetry.

The device coupling member 210 has a substantially planar shape.

The device coupling member 210 is connected to the beam coupling member 260 such that when a beam is connected to the beam coupling member 260, the main plane of the device coupling member 240 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the beam. The main plane of the device coupling member 210 is substantially parallel to a side of the square beam connecting member 260.

The device coupling member 210 is provided with a through hole 220 as a securing element. The through hole 220 is arranged to receive a bolt as a further securing element. Alternatively or additionally, other securing elements may be integrated in the device coupling member. And example may be a threaded rod that may fit a through hole provided in the connecting device 300. The hole 220 is surrounded by a first recess 230, which is in turn surrounded by a protrusion 240. The protrusion 240 comprises four substantially straight sections: a first protrusion section 242, a second protrusion section 244, a third protrusion section 246 and a fourth protrusion section 248. Opposite from the beam connecting member 210, a second recess 250 is provided. With a beam connected to the beam

connecting member 260, the third protrusion section 246 and the fourth protrusion section 248 are provided perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Additionally or alternatively, further protrusions and/or recesses having an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the beam may be provided on the device coupling member 210. In such embodiment, an angle between 30° and 60° is preferred and an angle between 40° and 50° is even more preferred. An angle of 45° is particularly preferred. Preferably, the protrusions or recesses are provided in pairs, of which a first protrusion or recess deviates from the longitudinal axis of the beam with substantially the same amount as a second protrusion or recess, but in an opposite direction. Visually speaking, the first and second protrusion form in this embodiment an arrow. The point of the arrow may point towards the beam or away from the beam. The preference for such pairing decreases with the angle nearing 90°; with an angle of

approximately 8 10 ² °, such pairing may not be preferred anymore.

The recesses and protrusions provided in the device coupling member 210 have in this embodiment substantially straight sidewalls. This means that the sidewalls are substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the device coupling member 210. Viewed differently, the sidewalls of the recess and protrusions are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a beam, with such beam being connected to the beam coupling member 260 as discussed above. From yet another perspective, this means that angles of the sidewalls slightly deviate from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a beam connected to the beam coupling member - with substantially the same angles as discussed directly above.

Preferably, the sidewalls deviate from a normal of the main plane of the device coupling member 210 by an angle between 1 and 4°, with preferably a value of 2°. The deviation is chosen such that recesses are at the bottom smaller than at the top an protrusions are at the top narrower than at the bottom.

The deviation is chosen such that recesses are at the bottom smaller than at the top an protrusions are at the top narrower than at the bottom. The deviation may be increased to 6°, 8°, 10° or even 12°. An angle too large is not preferred, as with larger angles, less force may be supported by the sidewalls. The deviation may also be smaller, up to the sidewalls being parallel to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Within the context of this description, the sidewalls being

substantially parallel to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam means the sidewalls being parallel or deviating therefrom by an angle as indicated above.

Figure 3 A and Figure 3 B show the connecting device 300 in further detail. The connecting device comprises a first connecting member 312 and a second connecting member 314. In this embodiment, the connecting device 300 is symmetrical - the second connecting member 314 is a mirrored version of the first connecting member 312. A plane of symmetry is indicated by the dash-dot line 302. In other embodiments, the first connecting member 312 and the second connecting member 314 may be different.

As the connecting device 300 as shown by Figure 3 A and Figure 3 B is symmetrical, only the first connecting member 312 will be discussed. The first connecting member 312 is provided with a through hole 320.

Directly around the hole 320, a protrusion 330 is provided. The dimensions of the protrusion 330 of the first connecting member 312 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the recess 230 of the device coupling member 210 as shown in Figure 2.

Around the protrusion 330, a recess 340 is provided, the recess 340 comprises four sections; a first recess section 342, a second recess section 344, a third recess section 346 and a fourth recess section 348. The dimensions of the recess 340 of the first connecting member 312 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the protrusion 240 of the device coupling member 210 as shown in Figure 2. Adjacent to the third recess section 346, a further protrusion 350 is provided. The dimensions of the further protrusion 350 of the first connecting member 312 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the second recess 250 device coupling member 210 as shown in Figure 2. At an outer edge of the first connecting member 312, an indentation 360 is provided for accommodating a middle of the reinforcement ribs 260 (Figure 2).

The recesses and protrusions provided in the first connecting member 312 have in this embodiment substantially straight sidewalls. Furthermore, in the embodiment depicted by Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the sidewalls deviate from a normal of the main plane of the device coupling member by an angle between 1° and 4°, with preferably a value between 1,5° and 2,5°, with an angle of 2° being preferred most. However, larger or smaller angles may be envisaged as well. Viewed from another angle, this means that angles of the sidewalls slightly deviate from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a beam connected to the beam coupling member - with substantially the same angles as discussed directly above.

The deviation is chosen such that recesses are at the bottom smaller than at the top an protrusions are at the top narrower than at the bottom. The deviation may be increased to 6°, 8°, 10° or even 12°. An angle too large is not preferred, as with larger angles, less force may be supported by the sidewalls.

With the recesses of the first connecting member 312 having substantially the same dimensions as those of the protrusions of the device coupling member 210 and with the protrusions of the first connecting member 312 having substantially the same dimensions as those of the recesses of the device coupling member 210, mating members are provided at both the first connecting member 312 and the device coupling member 210. The mating members are provided such that when corresponding mating members are engaged, holes or other securing elements of the first connecting member 312 and the device coupling member 210 are aligned. And with the coupling device 200 being implemented symmetrically as indicated by Figure 2, the coupling device 200 may be sandwiched between two connecting devices 300. The sandwiched structure is subsequently securing using securing elements as discussed above, or by alternative or additional measures like clips. In such embodiment, securing of the two connecting devices 300 around the coupling device 200 is the most

important. If this is well arranged, the coupling device 200 is secured between the two connecting devices 300 and may not need securing elements provided on the coupling device.

In this embodiment, mating members of a first type are provided as protrusions and mating members of a second type are provided as recesses. The mating members may be provided at only one side on the holes, at two opposite sides, all around the holes, in another constellation of a

combination thereof. In one embodiment, mating members of only one type are provided on each of the first connecting member 312 and the device coupling member 210. In such embodiment, mating members on the first connecting member 312 are of a type different than that of mating members on the device coupling member 210 such that they are able to mate.

In an advantageous embodiment with sidewalls slightly deviating as discussed above, the corresponding dimensions of the corresponding mating members in the first connecting member 312 and the device coupling member 210 that with the mating members being fully engaged, tops of protrusions barely or almost touch bottoms of recesses. In such case, in particular sidewalls of corresponding mating members are engaged and touch to a substantially maximum extent. This is preferred, as this allows a good transfer of forces and inner forces in particular from coupling devices to connecting devices - without putting too much strain on bolts provided through the holes. The forces are transferred by means of the mating members, rather than by means of the connecting bolts. This is achieved in particular with mating member being provided under an angle with the longitudinal axis of a beam, with the beam connected to the beam

connecting member 260 as discussed above.

Figure 3 B shows a side of the connecting device 300 opposite to the side shown by Figure 3 A. In figure 3 B, the ole 320 and the indentation 360 may be seen. Furthermore, Figure 3 B also shows various recesses corresponding to protrusions shown by Figure 3 A. By providing these recesses at the opposite side of the connecting device 300, each point or at least the vast majority of points in the body of the connecting device 300 is less than a pre-determined distance away from the surface of the connecting device 300. The preferred distance is 2 centimetres, where 1 centimetre is particularly preferred. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the connecting device 300 is provided in cast iron. By keeping the connecting device 300 relatively thin, a risk of inclusion of carbon particles is

significantly reduced. This, in turn, results in better quality of the

connecting device 300. This applies to the coupling device 200 as well.

Figure 4 A shows the first multilink device 390. The first multilink device comprises all relevant elements of the coupling device 300 as discussed above in conjunction with Figure 3. Furthermore, The first multilink device 390 comprises a first multilink coupling member 392 comprising holes 394. Each hole 394 is surrounded by protrusion 396.

Around a hole in the first swivel coupling device 410 (Figure 1) and around a hole in the second swivel coupling device 420 (Figure 1), a recess is provided corresponding to the protrusion 396. These recesses and

protrusions function as mating members. If corresponding mating members are engaged, holes in the first swivel coupling device 410 and the second swivel coupling device 420 are aligned.

The first multilink device 390 comprises three holes. Figure 4 B shows a second multilink device 399. The second multilink device 399 comprises all relevant elements of the coupling device 300 as discussed above in conjunction with Figure 3. Furthermore, The second multilink device 399 comprises a second multihnk coupling member 398 comprising a single hole 394. Around a hole in the first swivel coupling device 410 and around a hole in the second swivel coupling device 420, a corresponding recess is provided. These recesses and protrusions function as mating members. If corresponding mating members are engaged, holes in the first swivel coupling device 410 and the second swivel couphng device 420 are aligned.

With the second multihnk coupling member 398 comprising only one hole as shown in Figure 4 B, the second multihnk device 399 is not fully symmetrical anymore. However, the part shared with the coupling device 300 still is symmetrical - so from a coupling function point of view, the second multilink coupling member 398 may be considered as being symmetrical.

Figure 5 shows another coupling system 500. The coupling system 500 comprises further coupling devices 600 at left and right sides. The coupling devices 600 are partially provided between another connecting device 700 visible at the front side of the coupling system 500 and a further substantially identical connecting device 700 at the back side of the coupling system 500. At the top of the coupling system 500, a multihnk device 750 is provided. To the multilink device 750, the first swivel coupling device 410 and the second swivel coupling device 420 are connected.

In normal use, the various components of the coupling system 500 are connected by means of bolts provided in the various holes of the components and locked by means of nuts. However, for the enhancement of visibility and intelligibility of Figure 5, these bolts have been omitted. It is noted that instead of holes, bolts and nuts, also other securing elements may be used. Such securing elements may be an integral part of either the connecting devices 700 or the coupling devices 600 - or both. In such case, some or all of the holes may be omitted. The mating members aid in aligning alternative or additional securing elements.

Figure 6 shows the coupling device 600 in further detail. The coupling device 600 comprises a beam connecting member 660 having a rectangular and in particular a square circumference for coupling a beam to the coupling device 600. To the coupling device 600 having a square beam connecting member 660, a beam having a square cross-section may be connected. The beam may connected with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the square main plane of the beam connecting member 660. The sides of the cross-section of the beam may be welded to the circumference of the beam connecting member 660.

The beam connecting member 610 is connected to a device coupling member 610 for connecting the coupling device 600 to the connecting device 700, the multilink device 750 and other devices. The device coupling member 610 is connected to the beam couphng member 660 in the middle of the beam coupling member A reinforcement rib 670 is provided for connecting the beam connecting member 660 to the device coupling member 610. In this embodiment, the device coupling member 610 is symmetrical, with a main plane of the planar device coupling member 610 as a plane of symmetry.

The device coupling member 610 has a substantially planar shape. The device coupling member 610 is connected to the beam coupling member 660 such that when a beam is connected to the beam coupling member 660, a main plane of the device coupling member 610 coincides with a diagonal of the squarely shaped beam coupling member 660. The main plane of the device coupling member 610 is substantially parallel to a diagonal of the square beam connecting member 610.

The device coupling member 640 is provided with a first through hole 622 and a second through hole 624. The first through hole 622 and the second through hole 624 are surrounded by a first recess 630, which is in turn surrounded by a protrusion 640. The protrusion 640 comprises four substantially straight sections: a first protrusion section 642, a second protrusion section 644, a third protrusion section 646 and a fourth

protrusion section 648. Opposite from the beam connecting member 610, a second recess 650 is provided. With a beam connected to the beam

connecting member 260, the third protrusion section 246 and the fourth protrusion section 248 are provided perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam.

Additionally or alternatively, further protrusions and/or recesses having an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the beam may be provided on the device coupling member 210. In such embodiment, an angle between 30° and 60° is preferred and an angle between 40° and 50° is even more preferred. An angle of 45° is particularly preferred. Preferably, the protrusions or recesses are provided in pairs, of which a first protrusion or recess deviates from the longitudinal axis of the beam with substantially the same amount as a second protrusion or recess, but in an opposite direction. Visually speaking, the first and second protrusion form in this embodiment an arrow. The point of the arrow may point towards the beam or away from the beam.

The recesses and protrusions provided in the device coupling member 610 have in this embodiment substantially straight sidewalls.

Furthermore, the sidewalls deviate from a normal of the main plane of the device coupling member by an angle between 1° and 4°, with preferably a value of 2°. The deviation is chosen such that recesses are at the bottom smaller than at the top an protrusions are at the top narrower than at the bottom.

Figure 7 shows the connecting device 700 in further detail. The connecting device comprises a first connecting member 712 and a second connecting member 714. In this embodiment, the connecting device 700 is symmetrical - the second connecting member 712 is a mirrored version of the first connecting member. A plane of symmetry is indicated by the dash- dot line 702. In other embodiments, the first connecting member 712 and the second connecting member 714 may be different.

As the connecting device 700 as shown by Figure 7 is symmetrical, only the first connecting member 712 will be discussed. The first connecting member 712 is provided with a first through hole 722 and a second through hole 724. Directly around the holes, a protrusion 730 is provided. The dimensions of the protrusion 730 of the first connecting member 712 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the recess 630 of the device coupling member 610 as shown in Figure 6.

Around the protrusion 730, a first recess section 746 and a second recess section 748 are provided. The dimensions of the recesses of the first connecting member 712 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the third protrusion section 646 and a fourth protrusion section 648 of the device coupling member 610 as shown in Figure 6.

Adjacent to the third recess section 746, a further protrusion 750 is provided. The dimensions of the further protrusion 750 of the first connecting member 712 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the second recess 650 device coupling member 610 as shown in Figure 6. At an outer edge of the first connecting member 712, an indentation 760 is provided for accommodating the reinforcement rib 670 (Figure 6).

The recesses and protrusions provided in the first connecting member 612 have in this embodiment substantially straight sidewalls. This means that the sidewalls are substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the device coupling member 210. Also, the sidewalls of the recess and protrusions are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a beam, with such beam being connected to the beam coupling member 260 as discussed above. Preferably, the sidewalls deviate from a normal of the main plane of the device coupling member by an angle between 1° and 4°, with preferably a value of 2°. The deviation is chosen such that recesses are at the bottom smaller than at the top an protrusions are at the top narrower than at the bottom.

With the recesses of the first connecting member 712 having substantially the same dimensions as those of the protrusions of the device coupling member 610 and with the protrusions of the first connecting member 712 having substantially the same dimensions as those of the recesses of the device coupling member 610, mating members are provided at both the first connecting member 712 and the device coupling member 610. The mating members are provided such that when corresponding mating members are engaged, holes of the first connecting member 712 and the device coupling member 610 are aligned. And with the coupling device 600 being implemented symmetrically as indicated in Figure 6, the coupling device 600 may be sandwiched between two connecting devices 700. This may be done in a way discussed above in conjunction with Figure 3 A and Figure 3 B.

Mating members of a first type are provided as protrusions and mating members of a second type are provided as recesses. The mating members may be provided at only one side of the holes, at two opposite sides, all around the holes, in another constellation of a combination thereof. In one embodiment, mating members of only one type are provided on each of the first connecting member 712 and the device coupling member 610.

In an advantageous embodiment with sidewalls slightly deviating as discussed above, the corresponding dimensions of the corresponding mating members in the first connecting member 712 and the device coupling member 610 that with the mating members being fully engaged, tops of protrusions barely or almost touch bottoms of recesses. In such case, in particular sidewalls of corresponding mating members are engaged and touch to a substantially maximum extent. This is preferred, as this allows a good transfer of forces from coupling devices to connecting devices - without putting too much strain on bolts provided through the holes. The forces are transferred by means of the mating members, rather than by means of the connecting bolts.

Figure 8 A shows a further coupling system 800. The coupling system 800 comprising the coupling system 500 as shown by Figure 5, without the multilink device 750. The coupling system 800 further comprises a transversal coupling device 850 connected to the coupling system 500. The transversal coupling device 850 comprises a diagonally placed coupling member 852 and an optional reinforcement member 854. The diagonally placed coupling member 852 is arranged to engage with a further connecting device 700 as indicated in Figure 8 A, at the left. Figure 8 A furthermore shows, at the left, a further coupling device 600 with a left side engaged with the further connecting device 700. Preferably, at the other side of the diagonally placed coupling member 852, yet another connecting device 700 may be provided.

Figure 8 B shows the further coupling system 800 without the further coupling device 600 and the further connecting device 700 at the left. This provides a more detailed view on the transversal coupling device 850.

The transversal coupling device 850 may be used for providing a rigid coupling between beams connected to the coupling devices 600 of the coupling system 500 and a beam connected to the coupling devices 600 connected to the transversal coupling device 850.

Figure 9 A shows a first beam 910 connected to the coupling device 200 as shown by Figure 2. The beam connecting member 260 of the coupling device 200 is welded to the first beam 910. The outer perimeter of the square section of the beam connecting member 260 corresponds to an outer perimeter of the cross-section of the first beam 910. In this way, the coupling system 100 as shown by Figure 1 will, viewed along the

longitudinal axis of the first beam 910, not extend beyond the outer perimeter of the first beam 910. The first beam may have a squarely shaped cross -section with sides of 10" ¹ m.

Figure 9 B shows a second beam 920 connected to the coupling device 600 as shown by Figure 6. The beam connecting member 660 of the coupling device 600 is welded to the second beam 920. The outer perimeter of the square section of the beam connecting member 660 corresponds to an outer perimeter of the cross-section of the second beam 920. In this way, the coupling system 500 as shown by Figure 5 will, viewed along the

longitudinal axis of the first beam 910, not extend beyond the outer perimeter of the second beam 920. The second beam may have a squarely shaped cross-section with sides of 10 ¹ m.

Figure 9 C shows a third beam 930 connected to the first swivel coupling device 410 as shown by Figure 1. A beam coupling member of he beam first swivel coupling device 410 is welded to the third beam 920. The outer perimeter of the square section of the beam connecting member corresponds to an outer perimeter of the cross-section of the third beam 930.

The third beam may have a squarely shaped cross-section with sides of 7 10-

² m or 6 10 ² m.

The first swivel coupling device 410 is preferably used with beams having a smaller cross-section than beams used with the coupling device 200 as shown by Figure 2 or the coupling device 600 as shown by Figure 6. Beams for providing strong support in structure are preferably provided with the coupling device 200 as shown by Figure 2 or the coupling device 600 as shown by Figure 6. Beams used in constructions for ensuring rigidity of the construction may usually have a smaller cross-section and are provided with first swivel coupling devices 410 at both end.

Figure 10 thus shows a construction element 1000 as part of - for example - a building or a bridge. First beams 910 of the type as shown by Figure 9 A are used for straight connections between coupling systems 100. Third beams of the type as shown by Figure 9 C are used for diagonal connections between coupling systems 100. Alternatively to the first beams 910 and the couplings 100 (Figure 1), second beams 920 and the couplings 500 of Figure 5 may be used.

Thus far, the various aspects and embodiments thereof have been discussed in conjunction with beams having a square cross-section.

Depending on the type of construction to be built, beams having different cross -sections may be envisaged, having rectangular, circular, elliptical or differently shaped cross-sections.

With respect to materials, it is preferred to used rolled steel and in particular cold rolled steel for the beams. Particularly preferred are beams having a 10 centimetres by 10 centimetres square cross-section and a specified maximum pull force of 60 tonnes. For the coupling devices and connecting devices, cast iron is preferred. Experiments have shown that with proper welding between the beams and the coupling devices, the coupling systems can carry a pull force load of 60 tonnes or more.

In summary, the invention relates to a coupling system for connecting two or more steel beams is provided. The beams are provided with a coupling device. The coupling device is provided with mating members. The mating members have sidewalls. The sidewalls are

substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the beam, when the beam is connected to the coupling device. The mating members are arranged to mate with corresponding mating members of a connecting device.

Preferably, the coupling device is clamped between two connecting devices on either side. The connecting devices are secured to one another by means of securing elements, thus securing the coupling device to and between them. By providing a further coupling device between the two connecting devices, a further beam may be connected in the coupling system. On at least three side of the coupling system, the coupling system does not extend beyond the circumference of the beams. Expressions such as "comprise", "include", "incorporate", "contain", "is" and "have" are to be construed in a non-exclusive manner when interpreting the description and its associated claims, namely construed to allow for other items or components which are not explicitly defined also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed in be a reference to the plural and vice versa.

In the description above, it will be understood that when an element such as layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "onto" another element, the element is either directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present.

Furthermore, the invention may also be embodied with less components than provided in the embodiments described here, wherein one component carries out multiple functions. Just as well may the invention be embodied using more elements than depicted in the Figures, wherein functions carried out by one component in the embodiment provided are distributed over multiple components.

A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various parameters disclosed in the description may be modified and that various embodiments disclosed and/or claimed may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.