Patent Application
20240026627
The field of the invention relates generally to building foundation support systems including assemblies of coupled structural support shaft components, and more specifically to improved mechanical torque transmitting couplings for foundation support shaft components such as helical piers.
If a building foundation moves or settles in the course of construction, or at any time after construction is completed, such movement or settlement may affect the integrity of the building structure and lead to costly repairs. While much care is taken to construct stable foundations in new building projects, certain soil types or other building site conditions, or certain types of buildings or structures, may present particular concerns that call for additional measures to ensure the stability of building foundations.
Helical piers, also known as anchors, piles or screwpiles, are deep foundation solutions commonly used when standard foundation solutions are problematic. Helical piers are driven into the ground with reduced installation time and little soil disturbance compared to large excavation work that may otherwise be required by standard foundation techniques, and a number of helical piers may be installed at designated locations on a construction site to transfer and distribute the weight of the building structure to load bearing soil to prevent the foundation from moving or shifting. Lifting elements, support brackets or load-bearing caps may be used in combination with the helical piers to construct various types of foundation support systems meeting different needs for both foundation repair and new construction applications.
While known foundation support systems are satisfactory in many aspects, improvements are nonetheless desired.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified.
In order to understand the inventive concepts described herein to their fullest extent, some discussion of the state of the art and certain problems and disadvantages that exist in the art is set forth below, followed by exemplary embodiments of improved foundation support systems and components therefore which overcome such problems and disadvantages in the art.
Primary piles or pipe shafts (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “pile” or “piles”) 104 of appropriate size and dimension may be selected and may be driven into the ground or earth at a location proximate or near the foundation 102 using known methods and techniques. The size of the primary pile 104 and the insertion depth needed to provide the desired support may be determined according to known engineering methodology and analysis of the construction site and the particular structure that is to be supported. The primary piles 104 typically consist of a long shaft 106 that is driven into the ground to the desired depth, and a support element such as a plate or bracket (not shown) or a lifting element such as a lifting assembly 108 may be assembled to the shaft 106 proximate the foundation 102. The shaft 106 of the primary pile 104 may also include one or more lateral projections such as a helical auger 110. Such helical steel piles 104 are available from, for example, Pier Tech Systems (www.piertech.com) of Chesterfield, Missouri.
The helical auger 110 may in some embodiments be separately provided from the piling 104 and attached to the piling 104 by welding to a sleeve 112 including the auger 110 provided as a modular element fitting. As such, the sleeve 112 of the modular fitting may be slidably inserted over an end of the shaft 106 of the piling shaft 104 and secured into place with fasteners such as bolts as shown in
The lifting assembly 108 may be attached to an upper end of the primary pile 104 after being driven into the ground. If the primary pile 104 is not sufficiently long enough to be driven far enough into the ground to provide the necessary support to the foundation 102, one or more extension piles 116 can be added to the primary pile 104 to extend its length in the assembly. The lifting assembly 108 may then be attached to one of the extension piles 116.
As shown in
The bracket body 118 in the example shown includes a generally flat lift plate 130, one or more optional gussets 132, and a generally cylindrical housing 134. The lift plate 130 is inserted under and interacts with the foundation or other structure 102 that is to be lifted or supported. The lift plate 130 includes an opening, with which the cylindrical housing 134 is aligned to accommodate one of the primary pile 104 or an extension pile 116. The housing 134 is generally perpendicular to the surface of lift plate 130 and extends above and below the plane of lift plate 130.
In the example shown, one or more gussets 132 are attached to the bottom surface of the lift plate 130 as well as to the lower portion of the housing 134 to increase the holding strength of the lift plate 130. In one embodiment, the gussets 132 are attached to the housing 134 by welding, although other secure means of attachment are encompassed within this invention.
In the example shown, the bracket clamps 120 include a generally Ω-shaped piece having a center hole at the apex of the “Ω” to accommodate a fastener. The Ω-shaped bracket clamp 120 includes ends 136, extending laterally, that include openings to accommodate fasteners. The fasteners extending through the openings in the ends 136 are attached to the foundation 102, while the fastener extending through the center opening at the apex of the “Ω” extends into an opening in the housing 134. In one embodiment the fastener extending through the center opening in the bracket clamp 120 and into the housing 134 further extends through one of the primary pile 104 or the extension pile 116 and into an opening on the opposite side of the housing 134, and then anchors into the foundation 102. In such cases, however, the fastener is not inserted through one of the primary pile 104 or the extension pile 116 until jacking or lifting has been completed, since bracket body 118 must be able to move relative to pile 104 or 116 in order to effect lifting of the foundation 102.
In one embodiment, the bracket body 118 is raised by tightening a pair of nuts 138 attached to the top ends of the supporting bolts 124. The nuts 138 may be tightened simultaneously, or alternatively, in succession in small increments with each step, so that the tension on the bolts 124 is kept roughly equal throughout the lifting process. In another suitable embodiment, the jack 126 is used to lift the bracket body 118. In this embodiment, longer support bolts 124 are provided and are configured to extend high enough above the slider block 122 to accommodate the jack 126 resting on the slider block 122, the jacking block 128, and the nuts 138.
When all of the components are in place as shown and sufficiently tightened, the jack 126 (of any type, although a hydraulic jack is preferred) is activated so as to lift the jacking plate 128. As the jacking plate 128 is lifted, force is transferred from the jacking plate 128 to the support bolts 124 and in turn to the lift plate 130 of the bracket body 118. When the foundation 102 has been lifted to the desired elevation, the nuts immediately above the slider block 122 (which are raised along with support bolts 124 during jacking) are tightened down, with approximately equal tension placed on each nut. At this point, the jack 126 can then be lowered while the bracket body 118 will be held at the correct elevation by the tightened nuts on the slider block 122. The jacking block 128 can then be removed and reused. The extra support bolt material above the nuts at the slider block 122 can be removed as well, using conventional cutting techniques.
The lifting assembly 108 and related methodology is not required in all implementations of the foundation support system 100. In certain installations, the foundation 102 is desirably supported and held in place but not moved or lifted, and in such installations the lifting assembly shown and described may be replaced by a support plate, support bracket or other element known in the art to hold the foundation 102 in place without lifting it first. Support plates, support brackets, support caps, and or other support components to hold a foundation in place are available from Pier Tech Systems (www.piertech.com) of Chesterfield, Missouri and other providers, any of which may be utilized in other embodiments of the foundation support system.
As mentioned, it is sometimes necessary to extend the length of a piling by connecting one or more shafts which in combination may provide support that extends deeper into the ground than the shafts individually can otherwise reach. For example, a first helical pier component, referred to as a primary pile, may be driven nearly fully into the ground at the desired location, and a connection component such as an extension pile may then be attached to the end of the primary pile in order to drive the primary pile deeper into the ground while supporting the building foundation at an end of the extension pile. More than one extension pile may be required depending on the lengths of the piles available and/or particular soil conditions.
The coupler 250 is formed with a main body 258 defining a central passageway or bore having an inner surface with an inner diameter about equal to, but slightly larger than the outer diameter of a main body 208 of the coupler 200. The coupler 250 includes a circumferential retaining groove 266 formed in its outer surface adjacent a distal end of the coupler, and the annular spring retainer element 270 extends in the retaining groove 266.
The main body 208 of the coupler 200 is formed with a number of outwardly projecting spaced apart and helically extending ribs 212 that are mated with complementary helical grooves 262 formed on an inner surface of the main body 258 of the coupler 250. As the couplers 200, 250 are mated, the ribs 212 deflect the annular spring retainer element 270 to enlarge its diameter until the spring retainer element 270 resiliently snaps back to its original diameter. After snapping back to the original diameter, the spring retainer element 270 extends in a combination of the retaining groove 266 of the coupler 250 and an aligned retaining groove formed in the coupler 200.
By virtue of the snap-action engagement of the couplers 200, 250 the assembly of the couplers to make the desired interconnections of shafts is simplified, and issues associated with conventional separately provided fasteners such as bolts to make the desired interconnections of the shafts through the couplers is avoided. The spring retainer element 270 provides an axial interlock of the engaged couplers 200, 250 while the ribs and grooves simultaneously provide both axial and rotational interlock of the couplers 200, 250. Because the helical ribs 212 and grooves 262 distribute any uplift forces in the mated outer and inner surfaces of the couplers 200, 250, the spring retainer element 270 may be smaller and lighter than it otherwise may need to be if it exclusively bore all of the uplift forces that may be presented.
Further details of the snap-lock coupler system shown in
While the snap-lock couplers 200, 250 solve significant problems presented in conventional foundation support systems and work well in certain installations, the present inventors have realized certain limitations presented in the snap-lock couplers for certain end-use installations. Specifically, the mated helical ribs 212 and helical grooves 262 in the couplers 200, 250 were designed and intended to provide secure rotational interlock to transmit torque in either direction (forward or reverse) to drive a piling deeper into the ground or to partially or completely withdraw it from the ground, without requiring a separately fastener such as a bolt to complete the torque transmitting connection. While the inventors confirm that the mated helical ribs 212 and helical grooves 262 in the couplers 200, 250 do provide secure rotational interlock to transmit torque in a forward direction as a helical pile is being driven into the ground, when the coupler assembly is subjected to reverse rotation a relative rotation of the couplers 200, 250 is possible. That is, the expected rotational interlock of the couplers 200, 250 in reverse rotation is not necessarily present, and relative reverse rotation of the couplers 200, 250 with respect to one another may be problematic in some installations.
The inventors have observed an unexpected result in that the helical ribs 212 exhibit a tendency to back out of the helical grooves 262 when rotated in reverse. In other words, the helical ribs 212 are prone to moving longitudinally in the helical grooves 262 in a manner that the helical ribs 212, if not impeded, would axially withdrawal from the helical grooves 262 and realize separation of the couplers when the coupler assembly is subject to reverse rotation. The spring retainer element 270 operates to inhibit such withdrawal and associated separation of the couplers 200, 250 and instead maintain the ribs 212 fully engaged in the grooves 262. But this imposes an undesirable stress on the spring retainer element 270 that can compromise the connection between the couplers 200, 250 as reverse rotational force (i.e., torque) increases. In certain cases, torsional forces can rise to levels wherein the spring element 270 experiences shear stress to the point of failure, leaving the couplers 200, 250 effectively uncoupled in the axial direction. If uplift forces are also present in this state, the couplers 200, 250 can undesirably separate from one another in a manner that would defeat the integrity of the foundation support system. Considering that this may happen at a below ground location that may be difficult to detect, the building foundation may not be adequately supported despite the presence of the foundation support system.
Additionally, and apart from any reverse rotation that tends to withdraw the helical ribs 212 from the helical grooves 262 and separate the couplers 200, 252, similar dynamics can result when the coupler assembly is subjected to uplift forces that tend to pull the couplers 200, 250 apart. Initially the spring element 270 will operate to oppose the uplift forces and maintain engagement of the ribs 212 and grooves 260, but if uplift forces are sufficiently high, stress imposed on the spring element 270 may cause it to shear and effectively uncouple the couplers with potential to defeat the integrity of the foundation support system.
The coupler assembly 300 in the example shown includes a first or outer coupler 302 provided on a first shaft 304 which may be an extension pile in a foundation support system such as that shown in
The couplers 302, 306 including the features illustrated and described further below may be separately manufactured from the shafts 304, 308 in certain embodiments, and thereafter attached to each shaft 304, 308 in a known manner, including but not necessarily limited to welding. Alternatively, the couplers 302, 306 may be integrally formed on respective ends of the shafts 304, 308 via casting, forging and swaging processes instead of separately provided and attached elements. The couplers 302, 306 and the shafts 304, 308 may each be fabricated from high strength steel or another suitable material according to known techniques.
The shafts 304, 308 connected through the couplers 302, 306 can be hollow or filled with a substance such as concrete, chemical grout, or another known suitable cementitious material or substance familiar to those in the art to enhance the structural strength and capacity of the shafts when used as foundation support pilings or in other end use applications. The pilings defined by the connected shafts 304, 308 may be prefilled with cementitious material in certain contemplated embodiments.
Likewise, in other contemplated embodiments, cementitious material, including but not necessarily limited to grout material familiar to those in the art, may be mixed into the soil around the piles as they are being driven into the ground, creating a column of cementitious material around the pilings for further structural strength and capacity to support a building foundation. Grout and cementitious material may be pumped through the hollow pilings under pressure as the pilings are advanced into the ground, causing the hollow pilings to fill with grout, some of which is released exterior to the pilings to mix with the soil at the installation site. Openings and the like can be formed in the piles to direct a flow of cementitious material through the piles and at selected locations into the surrounding soil.
Unlike the couplers shown in
As seen in the sectional views of
By comparison, the inner and outer diameters of the main body of the coupler 200 shown in
The inner coupler 306 includes a hollow main body 320 and a shaft receiving end 322 in the illustrated example. The main body 320 includes an outer surface 324 having ribs 326 projecting outwardly therefrom. Additionally, the main body 320 is conical in shape for most of its axial length. The main body 320 is axially tapered such that its outer circumference gradually decreases from the shaft receiving end 322 toward its open distal end 328 opposite the shaft receiving end 322. In other words, the outer diameter of outer surface 324 of the main body 320 at the distal end 328 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer surface 324 of the main body 320 adjacent the shaft receiving end 322, with the outer diameter uniformly decreasing from end 322 to 328. The inner circumference of the main body 320 at the distal end 328 is likewise smaller than the inner circumference of the main body 320 adjacent the shaft receiving end 322, with the inner circumference uniformly decreasing from end 322 to 328.
By comparison, the inner and outer diameters of the coupler 250 shown in
The anti-reverse rotation element 330 extends through and between a pair of openings 332 in the coupler 306 as shown in
As also seen in
The conical main body 320 is formed with a number of distinct, outwardly projecting spaced apart and helically extending ribs 326 projecting from outer surface 324. In the example shown, four helical ribs 326 are provided that are spaced about 90° apart from one another on the conical main body 320. The helical ribs 326 each extend spirally upon the outer surface of the main body 320 with a relatively large pitch (i.e., the end-to-end vertical rise of the helical ribs in
In the illustrated example, each rib 326 completes about a quarter turn (i.e., ¼ turn) of a helix on the main body, although more or less than about ¼ turn is possible in alternative embodiments. Because the main body 320 is conical, the helix defined by each rib 326 further has a reduced diameter from end to end of each rib 326. The distinct, helical ribs 326 extend as thread-like members on the outer surface of the main body 320, but are specifically distinguished from a more conventional threaded connection including small pitch helical threads that continuously define multiple turns of a helix. While a specific geometry and a specific number of helical ribs 326 is shown and described, it is appreciated that alternative numbers and/or alternative geometries of ribs 326 is possible in another embodiment.
The main body 310 of the outer coupler 302 also includes a pair of openings 340 that receive the anti-reverse rotation element 330. When installed, the anti-reverse rotation element 330 extends through and between a pair of openings 332 in the coupler 306 and also through and between the openings 340 as shown in
The different shapes of the openings 332 and 340 in combination of couplers 306, 302 allows a limited degree of relative rotation of the couplers 302 and 306 in use, while providing a positive stop when the anti-reverse rotation element 330 reaches the upper end or lower end of the elongated openings 332 as best seen in
In contemplated embodiments the anti-reverse rotation element 330 may be mechanically isolated in the assembly while the coupler assembly is subjected to forward and reverse rotation and/or uplift forces. In contemplated embodiments, rotational and uplift forces may be distributed solely through the ribs 326 and grooves 316 in the couplers while the anti-reverse rotation element 330 secures the axial interlock only. In other embodiments, however, rotational torque transmission may be distributed between a combination of the ribs 326, grooves 316, and the anti-reverse rotation element 330. That is, the anti-reverse rotation element 330 need not be mechanically isolated from torque transmission in certain contemplated embodiments.
Whether or not such mechanical isolation of the anti-reverse rotation element 330 is realized may depend on the relative locations of the elongated openings 332 and the stops provided relative to stops provided in the engagement of the ribs and grooves. In the exemplary embodiments depicted, for example, when the assembly 300 (
In the reverse direction, torque would not be carried through the anti-reverse rotation element 330 when the anti-reverse rotation element has not completed the entire distance needed in the guide paths provided to reach the upper end of the elongated openings 332 in the coupler 306, or when another stop feature prevents the anti-reverse rotation element 330 from reaching the upper end of the elongate openings 332.
Because of such mechanical isolation of the anti-reverse rotation element, and because the force transmission in the forward direction would be greater in the forward direction than in the reverse direction, a single (i.e., only one) anti-reverse rotation element 330 is therefore sufficient in contemplated applications, and multiple anti-reverse rotation elements 330 are not required. A relatively simple and user friendly coupler assembly is therefore possible. In embodiments wherein the anti-reverse rotation element 330 may not be mechanically isolated from torsional forces or uplift forces in the forward or reverse directions, additional anti-reverse rotation elements 330 are possible in alternative embodiments to more effectively distribute rotational forces through the assembly when needed. Of course, multiple anti-reverse rotation elements 330 may be provided in various different embodiments that may or may not be individually mechanically isolated from torsional or uplift forces. Combinations of anti-reverse rotation elements 330 are likewise possible in the assembly 300 wherein some of the anti-reverse rotation elements 330 are mechanically isolated while others are not mechanically isolated.
In use, and referring back to
Once the couplers are engaged, the anti-reverse rotation element 330 is easily inserted through the openings 340 and 332 in the couplers described. The openings 340 and 332 need not be precisely aligned as the elongated openings 332 permit installation of the anti-reverse rotation element 330 within a range of relative rotational positions of the couplers 306 and 302. Once the anti-reverse rotation element 330 is secured (via a nut in the illustrated example), the shaft 304 can be rotated in the forward direction to drive the interconnected shafts 304 and 308 into the ground. More than one coupler assembly 300 may be provided to interconnect another extension pile as needed. If reverse rotation of any shaft is needed during the installation the anti-reverse rotation element 330 and openings 332, 340 described will allow a small, predetermined degree of rotation of the coupler 302 relative to the coupler 306 and thereafter preclude further relative rotation while ensuring that the couplers cannot be separated. Completion of a foundation support assembly may include attachment of a support plate, support bracket, lifting assembly, etc. to support the foundation in the desired manner at the top of the pile adjacent the foundation.
While one exemplary implementation of the couplers 302, 306 are described, variations are of course possible while still realizing similar benefits and advantages. For example, while
In another contemplated variation to the assembly 300 described above, the elongated openings 332 could be provided in the coupler 302 instead of the coupler 306 while the openings 340 could be provided in the coupler 306 instead of the coupler 302. Again, the functional benefits of the engaged couplers and the advantages of the invention would not change in such an arrangement.
In another contemplated variation to the assembly 300 described above, the orientation of ribs and grooves in the couplers 302, 306 could be reversed in another variation of the invention. As such, the ribs 326 could be provided on the inner surface of the coupler 302, while the grooves 316 could be provided on the outer surface of the coupler 306 to realize the same functional benefits and advantages to those described above. Likewise, combinations of ribs and grooves in each coupler 302, 306 are possible while realizing the same benefits and advantages.
In another contemplated variation to the assembly 300 described above, the openings 332 and 340 that provide ease of assembly and the limited, guided path of relative movement of the anti-reverse rotation element 330 with respect to one of the couplers 302, 306 as described above may be implemented in couplers having ribs and grooves that are not helical to provide beneficial, limited degrees of relative rotation of the couplers in reverse and/or to ensure that uplift forces will not separate the couplers in the axial direction. Such contemplated variations would likewise eliminate the use of the spring 270 (
In another contemplated variation to the assembly 300 described above, combinations of the variations described above could be implemented in the assembly without affecting the resultant benefits and advantages of the invention.
Anti-reverse rotation elements 330 besides threaded bolts are contemplated to realize similar benefits to those described above in further variants of the assembly 300. For example, cotter pins and keys and the like may be used in lieu of a threaded bolt and nut as described and illustrated, while still other types of fasteners are possible as well to realize the desired connections with similar effect and advantage. Also, instead of a single anti-reverse rotation element 330 extending completely across and between the mated couplers as shown in
In certain contemplated embodiments, the anti-reverse rotation element described herein may be used in combination with a spring 270 (
It should be appreciated that the couplers 302, 306 described may be more or less universally used to connect shafts of different size and circumference as well as different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the couplers described above may be used to rotationally interlock shafts have round or circular cross-sectional shapes, square or rectangular cross-sectional shapes, or hexagonal cross-sectional shapes as non-limiting examples. The couplers may also be utilized to interconnect shafts having different size and circumferential dimensions and/or shafts having different cross-sectional shapes as desired or as needed.
The benefits and advantages of the inventive concepts described herein are now believed to have been amply illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments disclosed.
An embodiment of a foundation support system has been disclosed that includes a coupled shaft assembly. The coupled shaft assembly includes an inner coupler extending on a first end of a first hollow foundation support shaft, and an outer coupler extending on a second end of a second hollow foundation support shaft. The inner coupler is formed with a first main body having a first sidewall and at least a first opening formed through the first sidewall. The outer coupler is formed with a second main body having a second sidewall and at least a second opening formed through the second sidewall. One of the first opening and the second opening is elongated and the other of the first opening and the second opening is not elongated, and an anti-reverse rotation element is received through the first opening and the second opening when the second main body is received in the first main body. The elongated opening provides a guide path for a limited relative movement of the anti-reverse rotation element relative to one of the first or second main body when one of the inner coupler or the outer coupler is subjected to a reverse rotation or an uplift force.
Optionally, the guide path of the elongated opening may extend angularly in the first or second sidewall. The guide path of the elongated opening may extend helically in the first or second sidewall. Each of the first main body and the second main body may be conical. Each of the first main body and the second main body may be round.
As further options, one of the first main body and the second main body may be formed with at least one rib, and the other of the first man body and the second main body may be formed with at least one groove, wherein when the at least one rib is received in the at least one groove a torque transmitting connection is established between the first man body and the second main body. The anti-reverse rotation element may be mechanically isolated by the at least one rib and the at least one groove when the coupled shaft assembly is subjected to torque in a forward direction or a reverse direction. The at least one rib may extend helically on one of the first man body and the second main body, and the at least one groove may extend helically on the other of the first man body and the second main body. The at least one rib may define only a fractional turn of a helix on one of the first main body and the second main body. The at least one rib may define about ¼ turn of a helix on one of the first main body and the second main body. The at least one groove may be oversized relative to the at least one rib, thereby permitting a limited degree of side-to-side motion of the at least one rib in the at least one groove. The at least one rib may be formed in the inner coupler. The at least one rib may include four ribs and the at least one groove may include four grooves. The four ribs and the four grooves may be equally spaced from another on the first main body or the second main body.
Additionally, the first opening and the second opening may be self-aligning when the at least one rib is received in the at least one groove.
The at least one rib may include first and second ribs spaced from another, and the elongated opening may be located between the first and second rib. The at least one rib may also have a first longitudinal length and the elongated opening may have a second longitudinal length, wherein the second longitudinal length is less than the first longitudinal length. Each of the first and second longitudinal length may extend parallel to one another on the first man body or the second main body. Each of the first and second longitudinal length may extend spirally on the first man body or the second main body.
As still other options, the anti-reverse rotation element may have a circular cross section. The anti-reverse rotation element may be a bolt. One of the first opening and the second opening may be oval-shaped and the other of the one of the first opening and the second opening may be circular. The opening that is not elongated may snugly fit the anti-reverse rotation element in a manner that precludes a relative movement of the anti-reverse rotation element relative to the first or second main body when one of the inner coupler or the outer coupler is subjected to a reverse rotation or an uplift force. The at least a first opening may include a pair of first openings opposite one another in the first main body and the at least a second opening may include a pair of second openings opposite one another in the second main body, wherein the anti-reverse rotation element is extended through and between each of the pair of first openings and each of the pair of second openings.
The pair of first openings may be self-aligning with the pair of second openings when the first main body is engaged to the second main body. The foundation support may further include a cap, a plate, or a lift bracket to support a building foundation in combination with the coupled shaft assembly. The foundation support system may be provided in combination with a grout or cementitious material to enhance a structural strength and capacity of the coupled shaft assembly in the installed foundation support system. The first and second hollow foundation support shafts may be steel shafts. One of the first and second hollow foundation support shafts may include a helical auger. At least one of the inner and outer couplers may be separately fabricated from the first or second hollow foundation support shaft.
Another embodiment of a foundation support system has also been disclosed. The foundation support system includes a coupled shaft assembly including an inner coupler extending on a first end of a first hollow foundation support shaft, and an outer coupler extending on a second end of a second hollow foundation support shaft. The coupled shaft assembly further includes an anti-reverse rotation element securing the outer coupler to the inner coupler when the inner coupler is received in the outer coupler. The anti-reverse rotation element is mounted stationary to one of the inner coupler and the outer coupler, and is movable relative to the other of the inner coupler and the outer coupler along a guide path formed in the other of the inner coupler and the outer coupler when one of the inner coupler or the outer coupler is subjected to a reverse rotation or an uplift force.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/390,320 filed Jul. 19, 2022, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application further relates in part to subject matter disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/174,805 filed Feb. 12, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/976,442 filed Feb. 14, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63390320 | Jul 2022 | US |
