FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to embedments for reinforcement of structural interconnections and attachment of external components for telescopic structural elements. More so, the present invention relates to a telescoping barrier system that provides unique method of constructing multiple barriers arranged in a telescoping configuration to form a barrier subsystem with tight tolerances and specifications; whereby the barriers are comprised by a plurality of deployable modules and each module is configured to telescopically move in and out of an adjacent module; whereby the modules are mainly referred as modules which constituent material is a concrete-like material; whereby a concrete-like material is mainly referred as a material that flows inside a mold system and solidifies to achieve the geometry needed of the modules; whereby the modules are equipped with a plurality of parts and assemblies that are embedded into the modules, hence the plurality of parts and assemblies will be generally referred as “embedments”; whereby the embedments have anchors that allow the embedment to be securely embedded into the modules; whereby stronger telescoping barriers are achieved when modules have embedments at the interconnection level; whereby external mechanisms and parts can be attached to the modules at the areas where the embedments are located; and whereby the telescoping barrier with embedments increases its ability to incorporate new mechanisms and parts, or relocate existing mechanisms and parts. The present invention may be used with a telescoping barrier assembly such as the assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,739,048 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything, stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, flooding occurs when runoff surface water from sustained and heavy rain, or overspill from streams or rivers, overwhelms water drainage, removal systems, and flood containment plains. In some areas, flooding is compounded by incoming high tides backing up the river water and occurring in sequence with higher raised levels of the body of water, such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and the like. This causes overspill onto the surrounding land.
There are different types of flood barriers, including those which prevent localized flooding and prevent the ingress of water into premises; diversion barriers direct water away from premises, habitation, or restrict tidal flow. The majority of diversion barriers are permanent solid-state wall barriers constructed from stone or brick etc. In some cases, earth mounds can be formed on riverbanks to divert water away from premises and habitation. In some instances, dumping solid-state material to raise land levels can also be used to form sea barriers.
It is known that telescoping is the movement of one part sliding out from another, lengthening an object from its rest state. Telescopic structures are designed with a series of rectangular members or tubes of progressively smaller diameters nested within each other. The largest diameter sleeve is called the main or barrel. The smaller inner sleeves are called the stages.
Other proposals have involved flood barriers. The problem with these is that they do not telescopically collapse to fit in with the environment, and then extend to an operational position. Also, they do not have sufficient sealing members to prevent leakage between components of the barrier. Even though the above-cited flood barriers and walls meet some of the needs of the market, a telescoping barrier assembly that telescopically extends to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and retracts to a collapsed position, and comprising of a nested configuration of interlocking modules coupled together to slide vertically with respect to the other, and further a lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to move between the operational and collapsed position, and a pair of spring-biased lateral support members work to interlock the modules in the deployed position, and a pulley system is operational with a pair of spring-biased lateral support members to displace the modules to the collapsed position, and an inner and outer seal that inhibits liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies is still desired.
SUMMARY
The present invention generally relates to embedments for reinforcement of structural interconnections and attachment of external components for telescopic structural elements. This invention will mainly be described by its use on a Telescopic Structure but shall not be limited to that. In other words, this can be used in another type of structure that is not necessarily a telescopic structure.
This invention may be described as used inside of material or constituent material. This refers to the material of the structure or element for which this invention is intended to. The material shall not be limited to concrete, given that the telescopic structural elements may be made out of different materials. Furthermore, this invention cannot be taken as of exclusive use of concrete elements.
When the term “concrete” or “concrete-like material” is used, it refers to all materials that are cast into a mold and therefore are “liquid”, thus, such materials can surround the embedments and then solidify around the embedment. Or, it can surround the parts of the embedments by means of an additive manufacturing process such as 3D printing.
The term flood control is used with the intention to describe one of the potential uses of the telescopic structures. This related to this invention, given that several features of this invention relate to the passage of water. However, it shall not be limited to the use as a flood control structure given that other non-flood yet water-related uses may be considered for this invention.
A couple of terms that become important to understand the embedments are the Receiver Hole and Guider Hole. They have also mentioned as guider cutout or receiver cavity.
The block is mentioned here as the component that interconnects two consecutive telescopic elements for the telescopic structural systems.
Also, the word “box” is used in relation with the boxes of the telescopic structural systems. However, the term box only provides an example, but whatever reference is made to the boxes, it shall not be limited to a box shape only.
One functionality of the embedments is found in reinforcing and therefore strengthening the cutouts of the telescopic structures. Without the embedments, the cutouts of the guiders or receivers are made directly on the constituent material only.
Another main functionality of the embedment is found in strengthening the cutouts of the telescopic structure, and in increasing the energy absorption of the telescopic structural interconnection.
The embedments may need to be flush with at least one of the telescopic elements' faces to allow the sliding between the elements that compromise a telescopic structure. To that purpose, and to avoid any protrusion that will affect the sliding motion, the connecting holes may be countersunk, threaded, though blind or counterbore, or a combination of all.
The embedments can be machined after their installation within the constituent material. This is important in order to account for unforeseen functional needs that otherwise would require the retrofitting or remake of the telescopic elements that use no embedments.
An advantage of using the embedments is that it allows dividing the embedment into a part that stays embedded into the constituent material and another part that can be installed on or remove from the embedment. This particular concept is referred as “demountable embedment”.
The embedments are used not only for localized improvements of the interconnection but for creating hybrid solutions where another material or a separate part partially or wholly continues a concrete-material element by connecting to the embedment used.
When not used as flood protection, the telescopic systems may be used as a barrier that needs to provide the ability to see through without compromising its structural strength severely. For those cases, the hybrid solution may include a translucid insert that connects to the fixed embedment left inside the concrete part.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described, by way of example, as a subterranean flood barrier, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embedment installed a plurality of times on an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a sectioned view of exemplary embodiments of failure types characterized by the crack propagation trajectories, where FIG. 2A shows an exemplary crack propagation trajectory that corresponds to an exemplary shear failure type, and FIG. 2B shows an exemplary crack propagation trajectory that corresponds to an exemplary pull-out failure type, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embedment connected to mold panels in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of embedment with an exemplary embodiment of hardware in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E illustrate a sectioned side view of exemplary embodiments of anchors that extend from the body, where FIG. 5A illustrates an anchor with a T-Shaped end terminal and a square fillet, where FIG. 5B illustrates an anchor with an L-Shaped end terminal and a square fillet, where FIG. 5C illustrates an anchor with a rounded end terminal and a square fillet, where FIG. 5D illustrates an anchor with a non-90 degree L-Shaped end terminal and a rounded fillet, where FIG. 5E illustrates an corrugated anchor and a rounded fillet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 7A, 7B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment embedded into exemplary modules that are part of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
where FIG. 7A illustrates the perspective view of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly and exemplary modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7C illustrates the perspective view of section A-A of FIG. 7B, showing embedment embedded into panels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an embedment that is embedded into the sides of a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary assembly with a demountable body and an embedment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 11A, 11B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly, showing a discontinuity of panel with a frame that connect the embedments that are embedded into the panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 14A, 14B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary partially discontinuous panel with an exemplary u-shape embedment embedded into a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D illustrate a perspective view of connectors embedded in a panel to connect a plurality of plates that are used to provide a telescoping barrier assembly with water-tightness capabilities, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D illustrate a perspective view of exemplary connectors embedded in an exemplary base module to connect a plurality of mechanisms that are used in an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embedment with a cutout area, at least one stepped area, a plurality of mold-connecting holes and a plurality of connecting holes with threaded inserts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of embedment where a plurality of bodies that are joined together to create the entire embedment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an embedment where a plurality of plate-like anchors are used to enhanced the strength of the connection between the embedment and the concrete-like surrounding material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary of the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
An apparatus 100 for a modular telescoping barrier 1000 is referenced in FIGS. 1-17. The apparatus 100 provides a unique method for reinforcing the interconnection and for attaching external mechanisms to a plurality of deployable modules 111 and a base module 120 of an exemplary telescoping barrier 1000.
In a preferred non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the apparatus 100 is embedded into the constituent material to which modules 111 and 120 are made up of, hence the name “embedments”.
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embedment 100 installed a plurality of times on an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000. FIG. 1A illustrates the perspective view of the front side of the embedment 100, and FIG. 1B illustrates the perspective view of the back side of the embedment 100. FIGS. 1A and 1B are showing the body 130, the shape 130a of the body, a cavity 102, the anchors 108, a fillet 103 between the anchor and the body, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 104a and a plurality of connecting holes 104b. FIG. 1C illustrates the perspective view of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000, a plurality of deployable modules 111 and a base module 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In one embodiment of the embedments 100, body 130 is solid with a plurality of connecting holes 104a, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 104b, a cavity 102 and a plurality of anchors 108 that extend from the body 130. Mold-connecting holes 104a connect the embedment 100 to the molds where the material that surrounds the embedment is going to be poured in. In a preferred embodiment of embedment 100, the mold-connecting holes 104a are blind holes and are located on the front side of the embedment 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1n the back side of the embedment 100 as shown in FIG. 1B. Connecting holes 104b allow for external mechanisms to be connected to the element where the embedment 100 is embedded into. In a preferred embodiment of embedment 100, connecting holes 104b pass through the body 130, with the end of the hole 104b on the front side of the embedment 100 ending in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 1A and the end of the hole 104b on the back side of the embedment 100 ending in a countersunk shape as shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment of embedment 100, a plurality of anchors 108 extend from the body 130 to anchor the embedment to the surrounding material. In a preferred method of manufacturing, the body 130 is machined in order for the anchors 108 to be monolithic with the body 130, where the preferred embodiment of the edge 103 left between the anchor 108 and the body 130 is filleted to be rounded to allow for a smooth transition of stresses between the anchors and the body.
In one non-limiting embodiment of embedment 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shape 130a of the body 130 is rectangular with rounded corners. In one non-limiting embodiment 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the body 130 has a cavity 102 that will transfer the force between modules 111 or between modules 111 and 120 when the embedments 100 are used in the exemplary assembly 1000 of the telescoping barrier shown in FIG. 1C.
One of the main functionalities of the embedment 100 is found in reinforcing and therefore strengthening the interconnection between deployable modules 111 and between deployable modules 111 and base module 120 of exemplary telescoping barriers 1000. Without the embedments, the modules 111 or 120 have openings 102c needed to pass the connecting block 702.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a sectioned view of exemplary embodiments 200 of failure types characterized by the crack propagation trajectories 210.
FIG. 2A shows an exemplary crack propagation trajectory 210 that corresponds to an exemplary shear failure type that occurs when loads are acting on the surfaces of the cavity 102c when cavity 102c is made directly onto the panel 111 and no embedment 100 is used. FIG. 2B shows an exemplary crack propagation trajectory 210 that corresponds to an exemplary pull-out failure type that occurs when loads are acting on the surfaces of the cavity 102 when cavity 102 is made onto the embedment 100 and embedment 100 is embedded into the panel 111, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
One of the preferred constitutive materials of the modules 111 or 120 is a concrete-like material. When using the openings 102c to transfer forces between exemplary modules 111 made of a concrete-like material, the failure mechanism is through shear and it is characterized by the trajectory 210 of the crack that starts on the corners of the openings and propagates towards the end of the element to which the cutout belongs to, and since the preferred locations of the openings are near the top end or bottom end of modules 111 or 120, the length of trajectory 210 is short and consequently, the strength of the interconnection is low. In an exemplary use of embedments 100 shown in FIG. 2B, the failure mechanism shifts from a shear-type shown in FIG. 2A to a pull-out type where a plurality of exemplary crack's trajectories 210 start at the end of the anchors 108 and extend to create wedge-like trajectories around the anchors, hence, a larger number of longer trajectories 210 are created, which in turn increases the strength of the interconnection. In fact, experimental results from tests conducted on the exemplary assemblies 200 have yielded an increase of the strength of the interconnection in about 124% when using exemplary embedments 100 as shown in FIG. 2B.
In a preferred embodiment, embedments 100 are used as a reinforcement of modules 111 or 120 that are made up of concrete-like materials. Concrete-like materials are referred to materials that are initially fluid and solidify around the embedments 100.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embedment 100 connected to mold panels 106a and 106b using a fastener 105a that screws into mold-connecting holes 104a and the panel 111 surrounding the embedment 100 upon the constitutive material of the panel 111 being poured into mold panels 106a and 106b and solidifying around embedment 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Shown in FIG. 3 is an exemplary assembly of a module 111 made up of a concrete-like material that need at least two mold panels 106a and 106b for the concrete-like material to take the shape desired. In a preferred method of leaving the embedments 100 embedded into the modules 111, the embedments are connected to the mold panels 106a and 106b via a plurality of fasteners 105a that screw into a plurality of mold-connecting holes 104a, and thereby securing the embedments 100 to the mold panels 106a and 106b and allowing the concrete-like material to flow and solidify around the embedment 100. Yet, another functionality provided by using embedments 100 is to clamp mold panels 106a and 106b, thereby helping to prevent bulging of the mold panels when the concrete-like material is poured into the molds, and thereby helping the modules 111 and 120 achieve a higher dimensional accuracy and higher uniformity of their thickness, and thereby helping the sliding motion needed between the deployable modules 111 when extending or retracting when used in an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of embedment 100 with an exemplary embodiment of hardware 107 connected via fasteners 105b that screw into connecting holes 104b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of embedment 100 when used in a telescoping barrier assembly 1000 that is used as a flood control structure, mold-connecting holes 104a are blind, and thereby preventing passage of water or any other substance through the embedment 100 from the outside to the inside of exemplary modules 111 and 120.
Yet, in another embodiment of embedment 100, mold-connecting holes are through holes that are filled after removal of mold panels 106a and 106b to prevent the water or any other substance to go from the outside to the inside of exemplary modules 111 and 120.
Yet, in another embodiment of embedment 100, when embedment 100 is not thick enough to allow for the mold-connecting holes 104a to be blind, the mold-connecting holes 104a located on the front side of the embedment 100 shown in FIG. 1A are not collinear with the mold-connecting holes 104a located on the back side of the embedment 100 as shown in FIG. 1B.
In a preferred embodiment of embedment 100, connecting holes 104b allow for parts or mechanisms to be connected to the modules 111 or 120. FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a part 107 being connected to embedment 100 via fasteners 105b. Part 107 is merely shown as an exemplary part of a wide range of parts or mechanisms that can now be connected to the modules 111 or 120 such as, but not limited to, mechanisms that control the extension and retraction of the interconnecting blocks that pass through cavity 102, sensors that measure the height of each interconnection, mechanisms that control the motion of flap panels 812 as shown in FIG. 8B, among others. Different types of functionalities of the telescoping barrier assembly 1000 will require a different set of mechanisms and parts that need to be connected to the modules 111 and 120. In one embodiment of modules 111 or 120 made up of a concrete-like material and with no embedments, the holes needed to connect the plurality of mechanisms would need to be drilled into the concrete-like material, which is not a desired practice. Yet, another use of the embedment 100 when embedded into the modules 111 or 120 made up of concrete-like material is the repositioning of the mechanisms or parts that are connected to the modules 111 or 120, by machining as needed the embedment 100 after the concrete-like material is solidified around the embedment. Exemplary machining processes that can be done on the embedments 100 are dependent on the material to which the embedment is made up of, and are, but no limited to, welding, drilling, gluing, tapping,
In another embodiment of embedment 100, the number and size of connecting holes 104b is determined by the design of the mechanism or part that needs to be connected to embedment 100.
In a preferred embodiment of embedment 100, connecting holes 104b are countersunk on the back face of the embedment 100 as shown in FIG. 1B, and thereby the back side of the embedment is flush with the outer side of the exemplary modules 111 or 120 to avoid protrusions that prevent or limit the sliding motion between exemplary molds 111 or 120. Yet, in another embodiment of embedment 100, connecting holes 104b are tapped in order for the fasteners 105b that connect exemplary parts 107 not to protrude to the side of the embedment that needs to be flush with the outer side of the exemplary modules 111 or 120. Yet, in another embodiment of embedment 100, connecting holes 104b are counterbore in order for the fasteners 105b that connect exemplary parts 107 not to protrude to the side of the embedment that needs to be flush with the outer side of the exemplary modules 111 or 120.
In some embodiments of embedment 100, the shape 130a of the body 130 is rectangular with rounded corners. Yet, in other embodiments of embedment 100, the shape 130a may acquire but will not be limited to circular, oval, and square shapes. The ability of the embedment to acquire different shapes brings the advantage of enhancing the bond between the embedment 100 and its surrounding material, especially in the areas of the embedment where there is no anchor 108. In one embodiment of the embedment 100, a body 130 with rounded corners is used to reduce the stress concentration of the surrounding material, and thereby reduce the potential cracking of the surrounding material.
In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of embedments 100 is equal to the thickness of the module 111 or 120 to which the embedment belongs to. The thickness will be at least but not limited to the thickness of the telescopic structural element. Yet in another embodiment, the thickness of embedments 100 is less than the thickness of the module 111 or 120 to which the embedment belongs to.
The body 130 of the embedment 100 is not solid and it is configured to be an exemplary waffle-like or honeycomb-like body to reduce weight and material usage of the embedment without compromising their strength and functionality. In the embodiment of the embedment 100 with exemplary waffle-like or honeycomb-like body 130, the depth of the cutouts or cavities that correspond to the exemplary waffle-like or honeycomb-like body is smaller or equal than the thickness of the body 130.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E illustrate a sectioned side view of exemplary embodiments of anchors 108 that extend from the body 130.
FIG. 5A illustrates an anchor 108a with a T-Shaped end terminal and a square fillet 103.
FIG. 5B illustrates an anchor 108b with a L-Shaped end terminal and a square fillet 103.
FIG. 5C illustrates an anchor 108b with a rounded end terminal and a square fillet 103.
FIG. 5D illustrates an anchor 108d with a non-90 degree L-Shaped end terminal and a rounded fillet 103.
FIG. 5E illustrates an anchor 108e corrugated, partially or completely, throughout its length, and a rounded fillet 103, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Embedments 100 have at least one anchor 108 extending from the body 130 of the embedment 100. The anchor 108 is used to securely connect the body of the embedment 100 to the concrete-like material where the embedment 100 is embedded into. Anchors 108 are used to transfer the force from the body 130 to the concrete-like material that surrounds the embedment 130, or vice versa. In order to have a smooth transition of the stresses generated by the forces being transferred between the anchor 108 and the body 130, the anchors 108 are preferred to extend from the body 130 with a rounded fillet 103.
FIGS. 5A to 5E show non-limiting exemplary anchors 108a to 108e. In a non-limiting embodiment of anchor 108 shown in FIG. 5A, anchor 108a has a T-shaped hook end. Yet in another embodiment of anchor 108 shown in FIG. 5B, anchor 108b has a 90-degree L-shaped hook end. Yet in another exemplary embodiment of anchor 108 shown in FIG. 5C, anchor 108c has a non-limiting rounded end. Yet in another exemplary embodiment of anchor 108 shown in FIG. 5D, anchor 108d has a non-90-degree L-shaped end. Yet in another exemplary embodiment of anchor 108, anchor 108e does not have an end with a distinctive shape, and thereby the transfer of forces between the body 130 and the surrounding concrete-like material occurs given that the exemplary anchor 108e has been machined to have a corrugated shape, and thereby increase the bonding between the anchor 108e and the surrounding material.
In another exemplary embodiment of embedment 100, the anchor 108 is treated with coatings to chemically increase the bonding between the anchor 108 and the surrounding concrete-like material.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of embedment 600 with a plurality of screws 601 connected to holes 603 located on the body 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In a non-limiting embodiment 600, the transfer of forces between the body 130 and the surrounding concrete-like material to which the embedment is embedded via the use of screw-like anchors 601. FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 600 where a plurality of screw-like anchors 601 connect to the body 130 via a plurality of tapped holes 603.
In a preferred embodiment of embedment 600, the exemplary anchors 601 are flat-head screws threaded all throughout their length and screwed into tapped holes 603. Yet in another embodiment of embedded 600, anchors 601 are fasteners with any non-limiting options of head type such as rounded-head or hex-head. Yet in another embodiment of embedded 600, the plurality of screw-like anchors 601 include a washer that is securely connected to the screw-like anchor 601 using a nut. An exemplary embodiment of the screw-like anchor 601 that is composed of a fastener, a washer and a nut, is used to increase the pull-out strength of the screw-like anchor 601.
Shown in FIG. 1A is an exemplary embedment 100 with anchors 108 extending perpendicular to the body 130. In embedments 100, the anchors 103 extend from the body 130 at an inclined angle, thereby increasing the bonding between the anchor 103 and the concrete-like material that surrounds the embedment 100.
Shown in FIG. 6 is an exemplary embedment 600 with screw-like anchors 601 extending perpendicular to the body 130. In another embodiment of an exemplary embedment 600, the screw-like anchors 601 extend from the body 130 at an inclined angle, thereby increasing the bonding between the screw-like anchors 103 and the concrete-like material that surrounds the embedment 600.
Shown in FIG. 1A is an exemplary embedment 100 with the anchors 108 having a thickness that is smaller than the thickness of the body 130. In another embodiment of embedment 100, the thickness of anchors 108 is equal to the thickness of the body 130, thereby lowering the manufacturing complexity of the embedment 100 by eliminating the need of milling out the material on the anchor 108.
Shown in FIG. 1A is embedment 100 with the anchors 108 being centered with respect to the body 130. A preferred non-limiting exemplary manufacturing process of the embedment 100, the embedment 100 is laid flat in a CNC routing table, then the material of the anchor 108 is milled out in one side of the anchor 108, and then the embedment 100 has to be flipped around to mill out the other side of the anchor 108 in order to achieve its centered configuration as shown in FIG. 1A. Manipulating the embedment 100 to achieve the centered configuration of the anchor 108 adds manufacturing time and it may cause defects on the part if the embedment is not positioned correctly in its flipped position. In another embodiment of an exemplary embedment 100, the anchor 108 is non-centered with respect to the body 130, and thereby one of the sides of anchor 108 is flush with the body 130, and thereby it avoids the need of flipping around the embedment 100 while being manufactured.
Shown in FIG. 1A is an exemplary embedment 100 with the anchors 108 being monolithic with body 130. In another embodiment of an exemplary embedment 100, the body 130 is manufactured with no anchors 108 and then exemplary anchors 108 are later joined to the body 130 by methods that include, but not limited to, welding, Snap-On and fastening.
In another embodiment of exemplary embedment 600, the embedment 600 does not have screw-like anchors 601 and the bonding between the body 130 and the surrounding concrete-like material is via a plurality of holes 603 that are filled with the concrete-like material, and thereby minimizing the appearance of cracks along the interface between the perimeter of the embedment 600 and the surrounding concrete-like material. Yet in another embodiment, the embedment 600 has a plurality of holes 603 that are left to be filled with the surrounding concrete-like material and a plurality of holes 603 that are used to connect screw-like anchors 601.
In an exemplary embodiment, the embedment 100 has a plurality of anchors 108 and a plurality of holes 603, and thereby minimizing the appearance of cracks along the interface between the perimeter of the embedment 100 and the surrounding concrete-like material.
FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of embedment 100 embedded into exemplary modules 111a and 111b that are part of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000.
FIG. 7A illustrates the perspective view of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000 and the exemplary modules 111a and 111b.
FIG. 7B illustrates a detailed sectioned perspective view of an interconnection between exemplary modules 111a and 111b, the embedment 100 embedded into the panel 111b and anchors 108 surrounded by the material that panel 111b is made up of, and a block 702 that passes through a cutout hole 102a.
FIG. 7C illustrates the perspective view of section A-A of FIG. 7B, showing embedment 100 embedded into panels 111a and panels 111b and the block 702 passing through a cutout hole 102a and stopping in a cavity 102b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In one exemplary embodiment of the telescopic barrier 1000, the exemplary modules 111b and 111a are interconnected as shown in FIG. 7B. A non-limiting method of transfer of forces between modules 111b and 111a will be now described in an exemplary fashion to further explain the role of an exemplary embedment 100 in the interconnection between exemplary modules 111b and 111a. When the barrier 1000 is in use, the forces that the exemplary inner module 111b is subjected to travel throughout the module 111b and are transferred to the embedment 100 that is embedded into module 111b, the forces are then transferred to the interlocking block 702, and then transferred to the embedment 100 that is embedded into the outer module 111a, and then transferred to the module 111a.
The embedment 100 embedded into the inner module 111b has an exemplary cutout hole 102 that fits tight around the interlocking block 702. The interlocking block 702 passes through the cutout hole 102a and reaches the cavity 102b of the embedment 100 that is embedded into the exemplary outer module 111a, and thereby interconnecting modules 111a and 111b. In an exemplary embodiment of the telescopic barrier 1000, the exemplary modules 111b and 111a without exemplary embedments 100 transfer the forces to each other, and thereby creating the exemplary failure type shown in FIG. 2A on modules 111b and 111c.
Yet, in another embodiment of the telescopic barrier 1000, the exemplary modules 111b and 111a with embedments 100 transfer the forces to each other, and thereby creating the exemplary failure type shown in FIG. 2B on modules 111b and 111c. It requires more force to create a failure type shown in FIG. 2B than the force required to create a failure type shown in FIG. 2A, hence, an exemplary telescopic barrier 1000 that has exemplary modules 111a and 111b with exemplary embedments 100, is stronger than an exemplary telescopic barrier assembly 1000 that has exemplary modules 111a and 111b without exemplary embedments 100.
In telescopic barrier 1000, the module 111a has a plurality of embedments 100 and module 111b does not have any embedment. Yet in another embodiment of the exemplary telescopic barrier 1000, the module 111b has a plurality of embedments 100 and module 111a does not have any embedment.
Looking at FIG. 7B, the interlocking block 702 slides in and out through the cutout hole 102a. In a preferred embodiment of an embedment 100, the shape of the cutout hole 102a is of the same shape of the block 702 and it has tight tolerances with respect to the dimensions of the block 702, and thereby allowing for a smooth linear in and out sliding motion of the block 702, and thereby contributing to a secure interconnection between modules 111b and 111a.
Looking at FIG. 7C, the interlocking block 702 slides in and out through the cutout hole 102a and fits within and stops at cavity 102b. In a preferred embodiment of an embedment 100, the shape of the cutout hole 102b is of the same shape of the block 702 and it has, but not limited to, standard tolerances with respect to the dimensions of the block 702, and thereby allowing for the block 702 to fit inside and to be stopped at cavity 102b, and thereby contributing to a secure interconnection between modules 111b and 111a.
FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of embedment 800 that is embedded into the sides of the panel 111a and it is used to transfer the force from the flap panel 812.
FIG. 8A illustrates the perspective view of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000 and the exemplary modules 111a and 111b and the flap panel 812.
FIG. 8B illustrates a detailed sectioned perspective view of the side of exemplary modules 111a and 111b and a flap panel 812 that ejects from 111b and stops by means of impacting and exerting a force onto the inner side of the exemplary embedment 800 embedded into panel 111a.
FIG. 8C shows embedment 800 with a u-shape body to create the cutout 802 needed on the side of panel 111a for the flap to eject from 111b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In order to provide stronger interconnection between exemplary modules 111a and 111b, different embodiments of embedment 100 are embedded in other areas throughout the exemplary modules 111a or 111b to create geometric discontinuities needed on the modules 111a and 111b.
FIG. 8A illustrates a telescopic barrier 1000 with exemplary modules 111a and 111b and with exemplary side plates 812 used to close the gap created between the sides of modules 111b and 111a created when two consecutive telescopic barriers 1000 are connected with each other. In a preferred embodiment of the side plates 812 shown in FIG. 8B, the side plate 812 is installed on the side of the module 111b, and it swings towards the module 111a, passing through opening 802 at the side of module 111a.
Embedment 800 is embedded into the side of module 111a to create the opening 802 needed for the side plate 812 to open towards module 111a. As the side plate opens and is stopped at one of the sides of opening 802 as shown in FIG. 8B, the side plate 812 creates an impacting force on the side of module 111a. In an exemplary embodiment of module 111a without embedment 800, the side plate 812 impacts directly onto the concrete-like material that the module 111a is made up of. This impacting force from the side plate 812 has the tendency to damage the module 111a upon repeating opening motions of side plate 812, and thereby minimizing the lifespan of the module 111a. In order to prevent that type of damage on the side of module 111a, an embedment 800 is embedded into the side of the module 111a.
In a preferred embodiment, embedment 800 has an opening 802, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 804a and a plurality of anchors 801.
In embedment 100, the body 130 is used as a machinable area to accommodate changes in external parts that are connected to the exemplary modules 111a and 111b. FIG. 4 illustrates the need of having an embedment with a machinable area to accommodate changes of external parts attached to the embedments. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary external part 107 connected to the embedment 100 using two fasteners 105b that pass through connecting holes 104b located on the body 130. In a different embodiment, part 107 needs two additional connecting fasteners 105b due to new requirements in the design, in which case, the two additional connecting holes 104b can be drilled on body 130. In the exemplary embodiment where part 107 is connected directly on the concrete-like material, drilling any additional holes to accommodate a change on the part 107 is not a desired practice given that it may induce additional cracking around the holes being drilled, and thereby weakening the area of the exemplary part 107 with two additional holes needs to connect. In one exemplary embodiment of the process needed to have the new holes on the exemplary modules 111a and 111b with no embedments 100, the exemplary modules 111a and 111b are remade to incorporate the two additional holes needed, which is not a desired practice.
An embedment with a machinable area is shown in FIG. 7B, where a new exemplary block 702 with larger dimensions is needed, and thereby the body 130 of the embedment 100 where the cutout hole 102a belongs to and the body 130 of the embedment 100 where the cavity 102b belongs to need to be machined to change the dimensions of cutout 102a and the cavity 102b to accommodate to the new dimensions of the new block 702.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary assembly 950 with a demountable body 915 and an embedment 900, where FIG. 9A is the assembly 950 with the demountable body 915 installed onto embedment 900, where FIG. 9B shows the demountable insert 915 shaped accordingly to the shape of the cutout 913a and the stepped areas 913 in such way that the outer and inner surface of the demountable body 915 is flush with embedment 900 and the holes 904c align with holes 904b to connect 915 to 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Assembly 950 is shown in FIG. 9A, whereby the non-limiting exemplary assembly 950 is mainly comprised by an embedment 900 and demountable body 915, whereby the body 915 is mounted on and demounted from embedment 900, hence the body 915 is referred as “demountable body” 915. The demountable body 915 has two main components, the insert 915a and the lips 915b, whereby the insert 915a is thicker than the lips 915b. Upon body 915 is installed onto embedment 900, the insert 915a fits within cavity 913a and lips 915b are pressed against steps 913.
In a preferred embodiment, the demountable body 915 has a plurality of counterbore holes 904c that align with the corresponding connecting holes 904b located on the steps 913 of the embedment 900, whereby the demountable body 915 is fastened to the embedment 900. The demountable body 915 is flush with the back and the front of the embedment 900, and thereby the holes 904b are countersunk holes on the back side of the step 913, and thereby holes 904c are counterbore in order to have room for the nut that secure the fasteners that connect the demountable body 915 and the embedment 900. Yet in another embodiment, holes 904c are countersunk and connecting holes 904b are counterbore on the back side of step 913. Yet in another embodiment of embedment 900, the connecting holes 904b are tapped holes. Yet in another embodiment of demountable body 915, the holes 954c are tapped holes. Yet in another embodiment of embedment 900, the demountable body 915 is securely connected to the embedment 900 using lock-nuts or conventional nuts and lock-washers in the counterbore holes 904c.
One of the non-limiting applications of the exemplary embedment 900 is when the demountable body 915 is designed as a fuse element. In the fuse concept design, only the fuse gets damaged and prevents the surrounding elements from being damaged. Afterward, the fuse can be replaced, and the whole system gets back to functional. In an embodiment of embedment 900, the demountable body 915 is designed to the be the part that gets damaged after the telescopic barrier 1000 is subjected to forces that are designed to, and thereby allowing for a rapid replacement of the damaged demountable body 915, without the need of remaking the entirely the exemplary modules 111a and 111b of the telescopic barrier 1000.
Yet in another embodiment of embedment 900, the fastening system does not need to use screws solely but also quick release pins, pins, Snap-On fasteners, and similar commercially available hardware that allows a secured connection between the embodiment 900 and the demountable body 915.
In another embodiment of embedment 900, the outer perimeter of the insert 915a fits tightly within the inner perimeter of the cavity 913a of the demountable embedment 900. The dimensions of the demountable body are such that there is a gap around the demountable body 915 when installed onto the embedment 900. This gap is in accordance with conventional standards of tolerance of the dimensions of the part. Yet in one exemplary embodiment, a rubber-like seal strip is attached to the outer perimeter of the demountable body 915 to create a water-tight seal upon demountable body 915 is installed onto the embedment 900.
Yet in another embodiment, a rubber-like seal strip is attached to the inner perimeter of the embedment 900 to create a water-tight seal upon demountable body 915 is installed onto the embedment 900. Yet in another exemplary embodiment, the rubber-like seal strip is attached to the outer perimeter of the demountable body 915 and another rubber-like seal strip is attached to the inner perimeter of the embedment 900 to create a water-tight seal upon demountable body 915 is installed onto the embedment 900. Yet in another embodiment, the rubber-like seal strip is attached to the outer perimeter of the insert 915a and another rubber-like seal strip is attached to the inner perimeter of the cavity 913a to create a water-tight seal upon demountable body 915 is installed onto the embedment 900.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of panel 916 made up of a material to which the cutout area 913a, the stepped area 913 and a plurality of holes 904b are machined such that the insert 915 connects flush with panel 916, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the sectioned panel 916 is an exemplary section of the modules 111a or 111b that comprise a telescopic barrier 1000. Exemplary panel 916 is made up of a non-concrete-like material, and whereby cavity 916a, a plurality of steps 916b and a plurality of connecting holes 904b are machined directly on the exemplary panel 916. A non-limiting exemplary use of the exemplary panel 916 is found when the modules 111a and 111b of the telescopic barrier 1000 are made up of plastics or metal, and whereby the material can be machined using conventional methods to create the geometry of the cavity 916b, the steps 916a and the plurality of connecting holes 904b.
One of the non-limiting uses of exemplary telescopic barriers 1000 is as a crowd control barrier, whereby modules 111a and 111b need to be strong and yet need to allow the users on the protected side see through and assess the hazard situation on the hazard side of the barrier. In order for the exemplary telescopic barrier 1000 to be used as a crowd control barrier, exemplary modules 111a have exemplary embodiments 901 or 902 that create a large discontinuity on the concrete-like material that the exemplary module 111a is made up of.
A non-limiting exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11A to 13, where exemplary embedments 901 are embedded into module 111a, and whereby exemplary embedment 901 has a step 913, a plurality of anchors 108 with exemplary rounded fillets 103, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 904a and a plurality of holes 904b. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 400, two embedments 901 are embedded into module 111a and an exemplary panel 916 is connected to both embedments 901.
FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly 400, showing a discontinuity of panel 111a with an exemplary panel 916 that connects the exemplary embedments 901 that are embedded into the exemplary panel 111a and which height is equal to the height of the exemplary panel 111a. Also, FIG. 11B shows the main components of an exemplary embedment 901, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Looking at FIG. 11A, the panel 916 has a plurality of counterbore holes 904c that align with the plurality of holes 904b on the embedments 901, and thereby panel 916 is fastened to the module 111a. In exemplary non-limiting embodiments, panel 916 is made up of the preferred material that serves the purpose of seeing through the barrier, however this is not limited to acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, etc.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly 401, showing a discontinuity of panel 111a with an exemplary plurality of rods 419 that connect the exemplary embedments 901 that are embedded into the exemplary panel 111a and which height is equal to the height of the exemplary panel 111a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In another exemplary embodiment 401, a plurality of exemplary rods 419 are connected to the embedments 901 to give the continuity needed for the module 111a and provide sight through the barrier and passage of wind.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly 402, showing a discontinuity of panel 111a with an exemplary frame 420 that connect the exemplary embedments 901 that are embedded into the exemplary panel 111a and which height is equal to the height of the exemplary panel 111a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Yet in another exemplary embodiment 402, an exemplary pre-assembled frame 420 is connected to the embedments 901 to give the continuity needed for the module 111a and provide sight through the barrier and passage of wind.
FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary partially discontinuous panel with an exemplary u-shape embedment 902 embedded into panel 111a. Also, FIG. 14B shows an exemplary embedment 902 with a stepped area 913, a plurality of anchors 108, a plurality of connecting holes 904b and a plurality of mold-connecting holes 904a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14A, shows an embodiment of embedment 902, where the discontinuity on module 111a is partial and not throughout the entire height of module 111a. Also, FIG. 14B shows the exemplary embedment 902 with at least one step area 913, a plurality of anchors 108 with exemplary rounded fillets 103, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 904a and a plurality of holes 904b.
Other non-limiting exemplary embodiments of embedments are shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D illustrate a perspective view of exemplary connectors 203a and 203b embedded in an exemplary panel 111a to connect a plurality of exemplary plates 150 that are used to provide an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000 with water-tightness capabilities.
FIG. 15A shows the perspective view of a telescoping barrier assembly 1000 with a plurality of water-tightness plates 150 connected to exemplary modules 111a.
FIG. 15B shows a close-up view of an exemplary method of connecting water-tightness plates 150 to the module 111a using a plurality of connectors 203a and 203b embedded in the module 111a.
FIG. 15C shows a close-up view of an exemplary double connector 203a with a plurality of holes 122a and an exemplary flat-head screw 121 connected to 203a.
FIG. 15D shows a close-up view of an exemplary single connector 203b with a plurality of holes 122a and an exemplary flat-head screw 121 connected to 203b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The exemplary telescopic barrier 1000 is composed of a plurality of modules 111a, whereby an exemplary module 111a has external plates 150 that provide the telescopic barrier 1000 with water-tightness capabilities when it is in its extended configuration shown in FIG. 15A.
In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, plates 150 are attached onto the module 111a by fastening the plates 150 to a plurality of exemplary embedments 203a and 203b. In one exemplary embodiment, embedment 203a has a plurality of tapped holes 122a and at least one screw-like anchor 121, whereby the screw-like anchor 121 is surrounded by the concrete-like material where the embedment 203a is embedded into, and thereby securing the embedment 203a to module 111a upon the concrete-lie material solidifying around the screw-like anchor 121. In another embodiment, embedment 203a has a plurality of tapped holes 122a where external parts such as the exemplary plates 150 are connected to.
Yet in another exemplary embodiment, embedment 203a is machined in such a way that exemplary parts 150 can be attached to the module 111a without using fasteners and instead, other exemplary non-limiting connecting methods such as spot welding, Snap-On, gluing, etc. Yet in another embodiment, embedment 203b has at least one connecting hole 122a and at least one screw-like anchor 121.
FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D illustrate a perspective view of exemplary connectors 203c and 203d embedded in an exemplary base module 120 to connect a plurality of mechanisms that are used in an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000. FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of an exemplary telescoping barrier assembly 1000 with a base module 120.
FIG. 16B shows a close-up view of the exemplary base module 120 with a plurality of exemplary connectors 203c to connect the sides of two consecutive base modules together, and a plurality of connectors 203c to connect a plurality of mechanisms at the bottom of the base module 120.
FIG. 16C shows a close-up view of an exemplary side base connector 203c with a plurality of holes 122a and 122b and an exemplary flat-head screw 121 connected to 203c.
FIG. 16D shows a close-up view of an exemplary bottom base connector 203d with a plurality of holes 122a and 122c and an exemplary flat-head screw 121 connected to 203d, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The telescopic barrier 1000 is comprised by a plurality of modules 111a and a base module 120, whereby multiple telescopic barriers 1000 are connected to each other by connecting their respective base modules 120, whereby base modules 120 have a plurality of embedments 203c, also referred as side base connectors, with a through hole 122b that allows passage of a fastener from one base module 120 to the adjacent base module 120, and thereby fastening the two consecutive base modules 120 in an exemplary method of connecting two base modules 120 together. A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an embedment 203c is shown in FIG. 16c, where embedment 203c has a through hole 122b that is counterbore in one of the sides of the embedment 203c, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 122a and a plurality of screw-like anchors 121. In another exemplary embodiment, embedment 203d, also referred as bottom base connector, has a plurality of screw-like anchors 121, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 122a, and a plurality of connecting tapped holes 122c. In a non-limiting exemplary use of embedment 203d, a plurality of embedments 203d are embedded into the bottom slab of the bae module 120, whereby an exemplary use of the embedments 203d located inside of the cavity is to connect external mechanisms such as the lifter used for the telescopic barrier 1000 to achieve the extended configuration shown in FIG. 16A, whereby an exemplary use of the embedments 203d located outside the cavity is to connect structural elements that are used to connect the telescopic barrier 1000 to the ground.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of embedment 910 with a cutout area 913a, at least one stepped area 913, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 104d and a plurality of connecting holes 904c with threaded inserts 121 inserted into holes 104d and 904c, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 17, embedment 910 is made up of a material where a tapped hole is impractical to machine or the machined tapped hole has soft threads and does not provide a secure anchoring point, whereby embedment 910 has a plurality of holes 904c where threaded inserts 121 can be inserted into, and a plurality of holes 104d where threaded inserts 121 can be inserted into. In an exemplary embodiment, embedment 910 has a plurality of anchors 108 with exemplary rounded fillets 103, at least one stepped are 913, a plurality of connecting holes 904c, a plurality of mold-connecting holes 104d and a cutout 913a. In an exemplary use of embedment 910, exemplary demountable body 915 is connected to the embedment 910 by fastening it to the threaded inserts 121 inserted into connecting holes 904c. In the exemplary process of inserting and securing threaded inserts 121 into connecting holes 904c or mold-connecting holes 104d are, but not limited to, heat-set, press-fit, key locking, hammer in, helical and thread locking.
In a non-limiting exemplary method of manufacturing and fabrication, embedments can be made up of different layers as depicted in FIG. 18, whereby an exemplary embedment 920 is shown with a plurality of bodies 140 that are manufactured independently and then joined together to create the entire embedment 920. This exemplary method of fabrication and manufacturing of the embedment 920 is particularly useful for telescopic barriers 1000 with exemplary modules 111a, 111b or 120 which thickness is such that making the embedments machined out of one single piece of is considered impractical or expensive, and thereby fabricating individual bodies 140 of a smaller and more commercially available thickness is a preferred solution. In an exemplary embodiment of embedment 920, some of the bodies 140 have a plurality of anchors 108 with exemplary rounded fillets 103, and other bodies 140 are fabricated with no anchors 108, whereby at least one body 140 has a plurality of connecting holes 104b, whereby at least one body 140 has a plurality of mold-connecting holes 104a, whereby at least one body 140 has a cavity 102, whereby at least one body 140 has joining holes 104c. One non-limiting method of joining the plurality of bodies 140 is by welding, whereby bodies 140 have a plurality of joining holes 104c, whereby joining holes 104c are not aligned with each other, and thereby welding can fill the hole 104c and join the two consecutive bodies 140 together. Yet in another exemplary method of joining bodies 140, welding is applied in the perimeter of bodies 140 joining them all together.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of embedment 930 where a plurality of plate-like anchors 118 are used to enhanced the strength of the connection between the embedment 930 and the concrete-like surrounding material when the embedment 930 is mainly subjected to out of plane forces, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The method of anchoring the embedment 930 shown in FIG. 19, is not by using anchors 108 as shown in FIG. 1A, instead plate-like anchors 118 are machined such that plate-like anchors 118 have a reduced thickness as compared to the thickness of the body 130, whereby the plate-like anchors have a plurality of holes 118a that are filled with the concrete-like material that surrounds the plate-like anchor 118, and thereby securing the embedment 930 to the element. Further, embedment 930 configured with plate-like anchors are useful when the main forces that the embedment 930 is subjected to are perpendicular to the plane of the embedment, whereby the increased area of contact between the plate-like anchor 118 and the surrounding material is what provides the increased strength against out plane forces acting on the embedment 930. Yet in another embodiment, plate-like anchors 118 do not extend throughout the entire height of the embedment 930.
Yet in another embodiment, plate-like anchors 118 do not have holes 118a. Yet in another embodiment, plate-like anchors 118 have a plurality of cutouts 118a with shapes different than circular such as, but not limited to, oval, slotted, rectangular, etc. Yet in another embodiment, plate-like anchor 118 have a plurality of screw-type anchors that are fastened to the holes 118a to increase the strength of the connection of the plate-like anchor 118 to the surrounding concrete-like material.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specifications, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims ad their legal equivalence.
Patent Application
20220220683
