Beam Structure

Abstract

A beam structure of the present disclosure includes a baffle plate. A plurality of lap strips are attached around outer edges of the baffle plate. An adhesive layer is applied to outer surfaces of the lap strips. A plurality of sidewalls are assembled together around the adhesive layer, the lap strips and the baffle plate, thereby forming the beam structure. In an embodiment, the beam structure may be used as a boom assembly for a machine, such as an excavator machine.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A beam comprising:
 a baffle plate;   a first set of lap strips attached around outer edges of the baffle plate;   an adhesive layer applied to outer surfaces of the lap strips; and   a plurality of sidewalls assembled together around the adhesive layer, the first set of lap strips, and the baffle plate.   
     
     
         2 . The beam of  claim 1 , wherein the baffle plate, the first set of lap strips, or the plurality of sidewalls include iron. 
     
     
         3 . The beam of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of lap strips are attached to the baffle plate at an angle substantially perpendicular to the baffle plate. 
     
     
         4 . The beam of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of lap strips are welded to the baffle plate. 
     
     
         5 . The beam of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sidewalls are welded together. 
     
     
         6 . The beam of  claim 1 , wherein the baffle plate is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of the sidewalls. 
     
     
         7 . The beam of  claim 1  further comprising a second set of lap strips attached between the baffle plate and the plurality of sidewalls. 
     
     
         8 . A baffle plate, comprising:
 lap strips having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface attached around end surfaces of the baffle plate, and the second surface is attached to an inner surface of a sidewall of a beam; and   an adhesive layer applied to the first and second surfaces of the lap strips.   
     
     
         9 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the baffle plate and the lap strips include iron or steel. 
     
     
         10 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the lap strips are welded to the baffle plate. 
     
     
         11 . The baffle plate of  claim 10 , wherein the lap strips are welded in a low stress portion of the beam. 
     
     
         12 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer is configured to withstand temperatures from −60 to 160° F. 
     
     
         13 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer is an epoxy. 
     
     
         14 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer is cured by heating. 
     
     
         15 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the end surfaces are four end surfaces. 
     
     
         16 . The baffle plate of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer is moisture, grease or oil resistant. 
     
     
         17 . A method of forming a baffle plate for use in a beam, comprising the steps of:
 coupling a first surface of a lap strip with end surfaces of the baffle plate;   applying a layer of adhesive to a second surface of the lap strip;   coupling the second surface of the lap strip with an inner surface of a sidewall of the beam with the adhesive layer; and   welding the first surface of the lap strip to the inner surface of the sidewall of the beam.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the coupling the second surface of the lap strip is through adhesively bonding the second surface of the lap strip with the inner surface of the sidewall. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising applying the layer of adhesive to the inner surface of the sidewall. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising pressing the second surface of the lap strip with the inner surface of the side wall.