U.S. patent application number 09/898268 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for prestressed hollowcore concrete plank leveler device.
Invention is credited to Collavino, Loris.
Application Number | 20030005661 09/898268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25409185 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030005661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collavino, Loris |
January 9, 2003 |
Prestressed hollowcore concrete plank leveler device
Abstract
A device for leveling or aligning adjacent prestressed
hollowcore concrete planks includes an insert member that is
received between the planks at a grout joint. One end of the insert
member supports a first alignment member that is received against
one side of the planks. The other end of the insert member
cooperates with a second alignment member that is received against
an opposite side of the planks. An adjustment member adjusts the
spacing between the first and second alignment members to provide a
desired alignment between the planks.
Inventors: |
Collavino, Loris;
(Amherstburg, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
SUITE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
25409185 |
Appl. No.: |
09/898268 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/749.13 ;
52/126.1; 52/745.05; 52/747.12; 52/749.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 5/02 20130101; E04B
5/38 20130101; E04B 5/043 20130101; E04G 21/1841 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/749.13 ;
52/126.1; 52/745.05; 52/747.12; 52/749.1 |
International
Class: |
E04G 021/18 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for aligning adjacent prestressed hollowcore concrete
planks, comprising: an insert member that is adapted to be received
between the concrete planks, the insert member having a thickness
and a width that is greater than the thickness; a first alignment
member supported by the insert member that is adapted to be
received against a first side of the planks; a second alignment
member supported by the insert member that is adapted to be
received against a second side of the planks; and a jacking member
that adjusts a spacing between the first and second alignment
members such that the planks are drawn into a desired
alignment.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the insert member includes a
threaded portion and the jacking member comprises a nut that is
received on the threaded portion and rotated to adjust the spacing
between the alignment members.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first alignment member is
slidably received at least partially within a corresponding
receiver portion on the insert member.
4. The device of claim 3, including a plurality of receiver
portions on the insert member.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the receiver portions each
comprise an opening through the insert member.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the first alignment member
comprises a rod having at least one generally flat surface portion
that is adapted to be received against the concrete planks.
7. The device of claim 6, including a handle that is selectively
received over a portion of the rod to slide the rod into a selected
position relative to the receiver portion of the insert member and
the planks.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second alignment member
comprises a steel plate.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the insert member includes a
threaded end that is received through an opening in the steel plate
and the adjustment member comprises a nut that is received over the
threaded end, the nut being rotated to adjust the spacing between
the alignment members.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the insert member comprises a
generally flat plate having a length that is greater than a
thickness of the concrete planks, the plate having at least one
opening at one end for at least partially receiving the first
alignment member and a threaded portion at an opposite end that
cooperates with the adjustment member.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the threaded portion is rounded
at a distal end and tapered on two sides into a configuration that
corresponds to a thickness of the generally flat plate.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the insert member thickness is
about 1/8 the width.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the thickness is approximately
1/4 inch and the width is approximately 2 inches.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the insert member includes at
least one set of notches and the second alignment member includes
arm portions that are received at least partially within the
notches.
15. A method of aligning adjacent concrete planks comprising the
steps of: inserting an insert member between the two planks at the
interface of the planks; positioning a first alignment member near
one end of the insert member such that the first alignment member
is positioned against one side of the planks; sliding a second
alignment member in a direction that is generally perpendicular to
the insert member until the second alignment member is supported on
the insert member and the second alignment member is positioned
near an opposite side of the planks; and adjusting a spacing
between the alignment members to provide a desired alignment of the
planks.
16. A device for aligning adjacent concrete planks, comprising: a
first member that is adapted to be inserted between adjacent
concrete planks; a second member that cooperates with the first
member and is received against one side of the planks; a third
member that is slidably received at least partially within a
receiver portion on the first member and that cooperates with the
first member and is received against a second side of the planks;
and an adjuster that adjusts a position of the third member
relative to the second member to provide a desired alignment
between the planks.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first member has a
thickness and a width that is much greater than the thickness.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the width is approximately
eight times greater than the thickness.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the third member comprises a
rod having a first segment that is adapted to be received against
the planks and a second segment that extends generally
perpendicular from the first segment.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein the third member includes a
generally flat body portion and a dowel extension that extends
generally perpendicularly away from the flat body portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to a device for aligning or
leveling adjacent prestressed hollowcore concrete planks.
[0002] Prestressed hollowcore concrete planks have been used for
many years in constructing various types of structures such as
apartment buildings, schools, motels, etc. A variety of challenges
are presented to those assembling such structures. One particular
challenge is to properly align or level adjacent planks. This is
particularly important at the interface between the planks to
achieve a consistent elevation or surface profile across an entire
level.
[0003] Prestressed hollowcore concrete planks are well known. Each
plank includes a plurality of prestressed cables running the length
of the plank. A plurality of cavities or openings run parallel to
the prestressed cables. The nature of the concrete material and the
presence of the prestressed cables creates the possibility for
there to be camber variations in different planks. The amount of
camber in a plank typically depends on the size of the plank, the
length of the plank and the amount of exposure to natural elements
during storage. This presents a problem when assembling structures
because varying amounts of camber in the planks causes variations
in the floor elevation on the top of the planks and corresponding
variations in the ceiling surface of the lower side of the planks.
It is necessary to bring adjacent planks into alignment to assure a
consistent profile along the surfaces of the planks. This problem
is particularly apparent in situations where planks of different
lengths are necessary to accommodate a building design. Longer
planks tend to have larger amounts of camber than smaller
planks.
[0004] One attempt at compensating for variations in plank camber
has been to use an elongated bolt that is positioned between
adjacent planks. In a conventional arrangement metal plates
typically are placed against the planks and nuts are placed on the
opposite ends of the bolt. Adjusting the positions of the nuts
assists in drawing the planks into alignment with each other.
[0005] One drawback associated with the elongated bolt technique is
that the spacing between the planks must be set wide enough to
accommodate the bolt. This introduces variations along the surface
provided by the planks because adjacent planks that do not need
camber adjustment have a very small gap (on the order of
one-quarter of an inch) while adjacent planks that require
adjustment have a much wider gap (on the order of one inch). Such
variations in the gap size between adjacent planks does not provide
a consistent surface appearance, which is undesirable.
[0006] Another drawback associated with the elongated bolt
technique is that a worker typically needs to climb a ladder at the
position of each bolt in order to be able to secure the nut on the
end of the bolt that extends down from a lower side of one of the
levels of planks. This introduces additional labor, safety concerns
and expense into a job.
[0007] There is a need for a plank leveler device that facilitates
more economically aligning adjacent planks to accommodate
variations in camber. Additionally, there is a need for a device
that permits more consistent spacing between adjacent planks so
that a better overall surface profile is achieved. This invention
meets those needs while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of
prior devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In general terms, this invention is a device for aligning
adjacent prestressed hollowcore concrete planks. A novel insert
member is configured to readily fit between adjacent planks. A
first alignment member is supported by the insert member and is
adapted to be received against a first side of the planks. A second
alignment member is supported by the insert member and adapted to
be received against a second side of the planks. A jacking member
allows a worker to adjust a spacing between the first and second
alignment members such that the surfaces of the adjacent planks are
drawn into alignment with each other.
[0009] In one example, the insert member includes a threaded
portion on one end that extends beyond the planks and an opposite
end that includes at least one opening. One of the alignment
members is received within the opening on one side of the planks
while the other alignment member is received over the threaded
portion. By adjusting a nut over the threaded portion, the spacing
between the alignment members is adjusted and the planks are drawn
into a desired position.
[0010] This invention is particularly well suited for use in
aligning adjacent prestressed hollowcore concrete planks. The
various features and advantages of this invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings
that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a device designed
according to this invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of an insert member designed
according to this invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the insert member of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example alignment member designed
according to this invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates another example alignment member designed
according to this invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative insert member.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates another alignment member, which is
intended to be used with the example of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] A system 20 includes a device 22 for aligning adjacent
prestressed hollowcore concrete planks 24 and 26. The planks
include tensioned cables 28 and openings 29 that extend the length
of the planks as known in the art. An insert member 30 is
positioned between the two planks preferably by inserting one end
32 through the grout joint between the planks 24 and 26. The first
end 32 preferably includes at least one receiver portion. The
illustrated example of FIGS. 1-3 includes three openings 34, 36 and
38, each of which is adapted to receive an alignment member 40.
Multiple openings are shown in the illustrated embodiment to
accommodate different plank thicknesses.
[0019] A significant advantage provided by this invention is that
the insert member 30 allows for consistent spacing between adjacent
planks regardless of whether camber adjustment is necessary. The
insert member preferably has a thickness t that is small enough to
permit tight spacing between adjacent planks so that the spacing is
consistent across an entire surface. The preferred arrangement
includes a thickness on the order of approximately 1/4 inch. In one
example, the thickness t is {fraction (5/16)} inch.
[0020] The insert member 30 preferably also includes a width w that
is approximately eight times as great as the thickness t. In one
example, the width w is two inches. The larger width permits the
thickness t to be small enough to accommodate tight spacing between
adjacent planks while still providing enough strength in the insert
member to withstand the forces necessary for jacking the adjacent
planks into alignment.
[0021] The insert member 30 preferably is made from a steel
material. The preferred embodiment includes a high strength leaf
spring steel. One such steel is sold under the trade name Viking
100 High Strength Steel by Nelson Steel Company.
[0022] A first alignment member 40 preferably is received within
one of the receiver portions 34, 36 or 38. The example first
alignment member 40 of FIGS. 1 and 4 is made from a piece of
reinforcing bar that is bent into a generally L-shape
configuration. One edge 42 of the bar preferably is ground flat and
adapted to be received against one side of the concrete planks 24
and 26. In one example, the length of the surface 42 on the
alignment member 40 is approximately six inches.
[0023] In the illustrated example, the first alignment member 40 is
received against the underside (according to the drawings) of the
planks 24 and 26. One portion 44 of the alignment member 40
preferably extends away from the planks so that a worker 45 can use
a handle 46 to maneuver the alignment member 40 into position as
needed. The alignment member 40 preferably is centered relative to
the insert member 30 and the planks 24 and 26 for accuracy and
stability.
[0024] The insert member 30 preferably includes a threaded end 50
opposite from the end 32. The illustrated example includes a
threaded rod that preferably is welded at 52 onto the insert member
30. In one example, the insert member includes a punched hole in a
body portion of the insert member 30 into which a corresponding
portion of the threaded member is received prior to being welded in
place.
[0025] Another example insert member is formed from a single
stamping. In this example, the body of the insert member and the
threaded rod portion are formed as one piece and no welding is
necessary.
[0026] The illustrated example includes a tapered portion 54 on the
threaded rod 50 that preferably tapers down to a thickness
consistent with the body portion of the insert member 30 (i.e.,
approximately 1/4 inch).
[0027] A second alignment member 60 is a generally flat metal plate
in the illustrated example. A jacking member or nut 62 preferably
is threaded onto the threaded end 50 after the plate 60, which
includes a hole 64, is received over the threaded end of the rod
50. The spacing between the first alignment member 40 and the
second alignment member 60 can be readily adjusted by turning the
nut 62 about the threaded portion of the rod 50. The shape of the
insert member prevents the insert member from spinning while
adjusting the nut 62. Adjusting the spacing between the alignment
members jacks the planks 24 and 26 into an aligned position as
needed and secures them in place.
[0028] A preferred way of using the illustrated example includes
positioning the plate 60 and nut 62 onto the threaded end 50. The
insert member 30 is then inserted into the grout joint between the
planks 24 and 26. The worker 45 then slides the second alignment
member 40 into one of the receiver openings in the end 32 of the
insert member 30. The jacking member 62 is then adjusted until the
planks 24 and 26 are aligned as desired. It is preferred to utilize
the adjustment of the jacking member 62 to bring the planks as
close as possible into a level and aligned position without
over-tightening or causing damage to the planks. Then, the planks
are ready for a conventional application of concrete grout. It is
preferred to leave the leveling device 22 in position for at least
two days after the grout is applied before removing the leveling
device. Those with experience in the field will realize how many
devices 22 are required along an interface between planks to
achieve a desired result.
[0029] The device 22 may be used to assist in aligning the planks
by adjusting the spacing between the alignment members.
Alternatively, the device 22 may be used to maintain an alignment
of the planks that is established independent of the device 22.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an insert
member 70. In this example, a plurality of notches 72, 74 and 76
are formed in one end 78 of the insert member body. The main
difference between the example of FIG. 6 and that of FIGS. 2 and 3
is the nature of the receiving portions. In the example of FIG. 6,
a plurality of notches are used while in the example of FIGS. 2 and
3 a plurality of openings through the insert member are used.
[0031] A modified alignment member 80 is illustrated in FIG. 7.
This example includes a generally flat portion having arms 82 and
84 extending in the same direction parallel to each other. A
spacing between the arms 82 and 84 is set so that the alignment
member 80 is slidably received onto the insert member 70.
Specifically, the arm portions 82 and 84 are received within a
chosen set of notches on the end 78 of the insert member 70.
[0032] A dowel portion 86 preferably extends away from one side of
the body of the alignment member 80 so that the handle 46 is useful
for selectively positioning the alignment member 80 into the
receiver portions on the insert member 70.
[0033] The example of FIG. 7 includes reinforcing portions 88 that
extend generally perpendicularly from the body portion of the
alignment member 80. Having the reinforcing portions provides
greater stiffness to the alignment member 80, which is beneficial
for maintaining a desired alignment between adjacent planks without
deforming the alignment member 80.
[0034] One advantage to an alignment member as illustrated in FIG.
7 compared to the one illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 is that the
contact surface area between the alignment member and the surface
of the concrete planks is increased. Greater surface area contact
better distributes the forces associated with jacking the adjacent
planks into a desired alignment. This lessens the possibility for
causing any cracking or other damage to the planks in the area
where adjustment is being made.
[0035] This invention provides an efficient and economical
arrangement for aligning and leveling adjacent prestressed
hollowcore concrete planks. The description provided here is
exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and
modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to
those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the
essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to
this invention can only be determined by studying the following
claims.
* * * * *