# US 2019/0376244 A1 · Pillar with load-branching nodes and adjustable run-out angle > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0376244 A1 - Document ID: US20190376244A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/477,403 - Filed: 2018-01-16 - Published: 2019-12-12 - Earliest claimed: 2017-01-17 - Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG; thyssenkrupp AG - Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG; thyssenkrupp AG - Inventors: Michael BRÜGGENBROCK; Andreas COTT; Stephan DREWES; Lothar PATBERG; Marcus RAUHUT; Ingo ROGNER; Ralf STEGMEYER; Klaus PLAUMANN - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190376244A1 ## CPC - E01D 19/02: Piers {(E01D19/005 takes precedence; towers for suspension bridges E01D19/14)}; Abutments (foundations E02D ){; Protecting same against drifting ice (against colliding vehicles E01F15/00)} - E01D 4/00: Arch-type bridges - E04C 3/32: of metal (E04C3/36 takes precedence) - E04B 1/24: the supporting parts consisting of metal - E04B 1/58: of bar-shaped building elements {(framework connections E04B1/21, E04B1/2403, E04B1/2604)} - E04B 2001/2406: {Connection nodes} - E04H 12/185: {with identical elements} - E01D: CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, {ELEVATED ROADWAYS} OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES (bridges extending between terminal buildings and aircraft for embarking or disembarking passengers B64F1/305; {tracks for special kinds of railways E01B25/00; culverts E01F5/005}) - E04C: STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS (for bridges E01D; specially designed for insulation or other protection E04B; elements used as building aids E04G; for mining E21; for tunnels E21D; structural elements with broader range of application than for building engineering F16, particularly F16S) - E04B: GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of opening in walls, floors or ceilings E06B1/00; {electromagnetic shielding H05K9/0001}) - E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D) ## Abstract The present invention relates to a free pillar having a shaft, a load-branching node provided at the upper end of the shaft and at least two cantilever arms which are each connected at one end to the load-branching node and at the other end support the superstructure, and is characterized in that the load-bearing node includes a dome surface and a number of cantilever arm connections which corresponds to the number of cantilever arms, and in that the cantilever arm connections are arranged in such a manner that the center axes of the cantilever arm connections and of the shaft meet at a common point of intersection. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A free pillar having a shaft, a load-branching node provided at the upper end of the shaft and at least two cantilever arms which are each connected at one end to the load-branching node and at the other end support the superstructure, wherein the load-branching node includes a dome surface and a number of cantilever arm connections which corresponds to the number of cantilever arms, and in that the cantilever arm connections are arranged in such a manner that the center axes of the cantilever arm connections and of the shaft meet at a common point of intersection. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The pillar as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dome surface comprises a form which is at least symmetrical to a plane of symmetry running through the center axis of the shaft or rotationally symmetrical to the center axis of the shaft. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The pillar as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the dome surface is realized substantially in the form of a spherical segment, and in that the cantilever arm connections are connected to the dome surface via circular surfaces, as a result of which the common point of intersection of the center axes lies in the center of the spherical segment. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The pillar as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cantilever arms are connected to the cantilever arm connections by means of screw flanges. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The pillar as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cantilever arm connections are realized in one piece with the cantilever arms. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The pillar as claimed in claim 5, wherein the load-branching node includes a transition, wherein the dome surface is connected to the shaft by means of the transition, and wherein the transition compensates for at least one of different diameters and cross-sectional forms of the shaft and of the dome surface. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The pillar as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transition comprises at least one of a continually changing diameter and cross section. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The pillar as claimed in claim 7 wherein the parts of the load-branching node are welded together. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The pillar as claimed in claim 8 wherein bulkhead plates are provided in the load-branching node. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The pillar as claimed in claim 9 wherein the cantilever arms are realized as tubing with one of a constant and conical cross section. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The pillar as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cantilever arms are one of curved and molded in 3D. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The pillar as claimed in claim 11 wherein the shaft is realized as a spirally welded tube.