Dimple stiffener for grain bin

Abstract

A stiffener is provided for use in grain bin walls which have a plurality of wall sheets. The stiffener comprises an elongated, generally U-shaped member having two opposite side members adjacent to a middle portion. The stiffener also includes side flanges formed in the sides of the U-shaped member. The side flanges include a bent over side edge, which increases the strength of the stiffener. The stiffener further comprises an elongated dimple running longitudinally along the center of the middle portion of the U-shaped member, significantly increasing the load-carrying capacity. Two offset rows of bolt holes straddle the dimple for attaching the stiffener to the wall sheets to strengthen the connection between the stiffener and the grain bin walls.

1 . A stiffener for use in grain bin walls which have a plurality of wall sheets, the stiffener comprising: 
 an elongated, generally U-shaped member having two opposite side members adjacent to a middle portion;    side flanges formed in the sides of the U-shaped member; and    an elongated dimple running longitudinally along the center of the middle portion of the U-shaped member.    
   
   
       2 . The stiffener of  claim 1  further comprising two rows of bolt holes running longitudinally along the middle portion of the U-shaped member on opposite sides of the dimple wherein one row of bolt holes is generally offset from the other row of bolt holes.  
   
   
       3 . The stiffener of  claim 1  further comprising a bent over side edge on each flange.  
   
   
       4 . The stiffener of  claim 1  wherein the stiffener is of one-piece construction.  
   
   
       5 . The stiffener of  claim 2  wherein the stiffener is of one-piece construction.  
   
   
       6 . The stiffener of  claim 3  wherein the stiffener is of one-piece construction.  
   
   
       7 . The stiffener of  claim 1  wherein the stiffener is symmetrical about its center.  
   
   
       8 . The stiffener of  claim 2  wherein two pairs of oppositely located holes are located in a central portion of the stiffener to accommodate adjacent edges of adjacent wall sheets.