flooring panels and connectors

Abstract

A structural sandwich plate member particularly adapted for use as a floor panel comprises a structural sandwich panel ( 10 a, 10 b ) comprising first and second outer metal plates ( 11, 12 ), an edge member ( 20 ) fixed between the outer metal plates ( 11,12 ) in an edge of the panel ( 10 a, 10 b ) and a core ( 13 ) bonded to the outer metal plates ( 11, 12 ) and arranged to transfer shear forces therebetween, wherein the edge member ( 20 ) comprises: an inner part fixed between the outer metal plates ( 11, 12 ); and an outer part projecting beyond the outer metal plates ( 11, 12 ) and having a plurality of through-holes ( 22 ) therein arranged to receive respective bolts ( 34 ) to fix the panel ( 10 a, 10 b ) to another structure ( 40 ).

1 . A structural sandwich panel comprising first and second outer metal plates, an edge member fixed between the outer metal plates in an edge of the panel and a core bonded to the outer metal plates and arranged to transfer shear forces therebetween, wherein the edge member comprises:
 an inner part fixed between the outer metal plates; and   an outer part projecting beyond the outer metal plates and having a plurality of through-holes therein arranged to receive respective bolts to fix the panel to another structure.   
     
     
         2 . A panel according to  claim 1  wherein the outer part of the edge member has a first surface substantially flush with an outer surface of a first one of said outer metal plates. 
     
     
         3 . A panel according to  claim 2  wherein the outer part of the edge member has a second surface substantially flush with an outer surface of a second one of said outer metal plates. 
     
     
         4 . A member according to  claim 1  wherein one surface of the outer part of the edge member lies substantially on a plane parallel to the panel that bisects the edge member. 
     
     
         5 . A panel according to  claim 1  wherein the outer part of the edge member has a recess around each through-hole, the recess being sized to receive the head of a bolt and a tool required to tighten the bolt. 
     
     
         6 . A panel according to  claim 1  that is rectangular in places and has edge members as defined in the short sides thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A structural sandwich panel comprising first and second outer metal plates and a core bonded to the outer metal plates and arranged to transfer shear forces therebetween, the panel further comprising:
 an insert fitted between the outer metal plates and having a through-hole arranged to accommodate a bolt to fix the panel to another structure and a recess arranged to accommodate a head of the bolt and a tool required to tighten the bolt.   
     
     
         8 . A panel according to  claim 7  wherein the insert is welded to the outer metal plates. 
     
     
         9 . A panel according to  claim 1  wherein the core comprises a main core layer of plastics or polymer material, preferably a compact thermoset elastomer such as polyurethane. 
     
     
         10 . A panel according to  claim 9  wherein the main core layer occupies substantially the entire space between the outer metal plates. 
     
     
         11 . A panel according to  claim 9  wherein the core further comprises a plurality of forms having a density less than the main core layer. 
     
     
         12 . A panel according to  claim 9  wherein the forms are hollow. 
     
     
         13 . A panel according to  claim 12  wherein the forms do not tessellate and have principal dimensions in the range of from 20 to 200% of the distance between the outer metal plates. 
     
     
         14 . A member according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the outer metal plates is shaped to define a recess, groove or trench. 
     
     
         15 . A member according to  claim 1  provided with at least one passageway extending through the member. 
     
     
         16 . A panel according to  claim 1  that is adapted to bear a load in the range of from 1.4 kPa to 7.2 kPa. 
     
     
         17 . A method of manufacturing a structural sandwich panel, comprising the steps of:
 providing first and second metal plates in a spaced apart relationship with at least one edge member between an edge of the first and second metal plates so as to define a cavity;   filling said cavity with uncured plastics or polymer material; and   allowing or causing said plastics or polymer material to cure to form a core that bonds to said outer plates with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween; wherein the edge member comprises:   a structural sandwich panel comprising first and second outer metal plates, an edge member fixed between the outer metal plates in an edge of the panel and a core bonded to the outer metal plates and arranged to transfer shear forces therebetween, wherein the edge member comprises:   an inner part fixed between the outer metal plates; and   an outer part projecting beyond the outer metal plates and having a plurality of through-holes therein arranged to receive respective bolts to fix the panel to another structure.   
     
     
         18 . A method of constructing a building or off-shore structure, the method comprising:
 manufacturing a panel according to the method of  claim 17 ;   constructing a framework; and   bolting the panel to the framework.