U.S. patent application number 10/141274 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for erection anchor for concrete panel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dayton Superior Corporation. Invention is credited to Francies, Sidney E. III, Lancelot, Harry B. III.
Application Number | 20030208968 10/141274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29399618 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030208968 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lancelot, Harry B. III ; et
al. |
November 13, 2003 |
ERECTION ANCHOR FOR CONCRETE PANEL
Abstract
An erection anchor having a forged unitary body that includes a
substantially cylindrical shank with one end embedable in a
concrete panel and an opposite end extending into a recess in an
end of the concrete panel. The forged unitary body also has a
substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed with the one end
of the shank and a shackle-engageable, planar head integrally
formed with the opposite end of the shank. The planar head has
first and second opposed substantially planar surfaces and a boss
integrally formed with the planar head and extending outward from
the first planar surface. The boss provides bearing surfaces that
interlock the erection anchor with the concrete panel.
Inventors: |
Lancelot, Harry B. III;
(Centerville, OH) ; Francies, Sidney E. III;
(Springboro, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
Dayton Superior Corporation
|
Family ID: |
29399618 |
Appl. No.: |
10/141274 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/125.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/142
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/125.4 |
International
Class: |
E04H 012/34; E04G
021/14; E02D 035/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An erection anchor for use in a concrete panel having
substantially parallel major surfaces and a recess in an end of the
concrete panel, the erection anchor comprising: a forged unitary
body comprising a substantially cylindrical shank with one end
adapted to be embedable in the end of the concrete panel, and an
opposite end adapted to extend into the recess in the end of the
concrete panel; a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed
with the one end of the shank and adapted to be embedable in the
concrete panel, the foot having a diameter greater than a diameter
of the cylindrical shaft; a shackle-engageable, planar head
integrally formed with the opposite end of the shank and adapted to
be disposed in the recess in the end of the concrete panel, the
planar head having first and second opposed substantially planar
surfaces; and a first boss integrally formed with the planar head
and extending outward from the first planar surface, the first boss
forming a first plurality of bearing surfaces adapted to interlock
the erection anchor with the concrete panel.
2. The erection anchor of claim 1 wherein the planar head further
comprises lateral edges bounding the planar surfaces and the first
boss extends substantially parallel to a first lateral edge of the
first planar surface.
3. The erection anchor of claim 2 further comprising a second boss
extending outward from, and integrally formed with, one of the
first and second planar surfaces and substantially parallel to a
second lateral edge, the second boss forming a second plurality of
bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the
concrete panel.
4. The erection anchor of claim 3 further comprising a third boss
extending outward from, and integrally formed with, another of the
first and second planar surfaces and substantially parallel to the
second lateral edge, the third boss forming a third plurality of
bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the
concrete panel.
5. The erection anchor of claim 4 further comprising a fourth boss
extending outward from, and integrally formed with, the second
planar surface, the fourth boss being substantially parallel to the
first lateral edge and forming a fourth plurality of bearing
surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the concrete
panel.
6. The erection anchor of claim 5 wherein all of the bearing
surfaces are substantially perpendicular to one of the first and
second planar surfaces.
7. The erection anchor of claim 6 wherein all of the bearing
surfaces are substantially parallel.
8. The erection anchor of claim 5 wherein the first planar surface
is substantially parallel to the second planar surface and all of
the bearing surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the first
and second planar surfaces.
9. The erection anchor of claim 1 wherein the concrete panel is
lifted by a lifting device having a shackle, and the planar head
further comprises an outer end with a cutout having a configuration
adapted to receive an end of the shackle and hold the shackle
therein during a process of lifting the concrete panel, thereby
preventing the shackle from contacting the concrete panel.
10. The erection anchor of claim 9 wherein the outer end comprises
opposed ears adapted to receive an end of the shackle therebetween,
the opposed ears minimizing a pivoting of the shackle during a
process of lifting the concrete panel, thereby preventing the
shackle from contacting the concrete panel.
11. An erection anchor for use in a concrete panel having
substantially parallel major surfaces and a recess in an end of the
concrete panel, the erection anchor comprising: a forged unitary
body comprising a substantially cylindrical shank with one end
adapted to be embedable in the end of the concrete panel, and an
opposite end adapted to extend into the recess in the end of the
concrete panel; a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed
with the one end of the shank and adapted to be embedable in the
concrete panel, the foot having a diameter greater than a diameter
of the cylindrical shaft; a shackle-engageable, planar head
integrally formed with the opposite end of the shank and adapted to
be disposed in the recess in the end of the concrete panel, the
planar head having first and second substantially parallel planar
surfaces extending between first and second lateral edges of the
planar head; first and second bosses integrally formed with the
planar head and extending outward from, and substantially
perpendicular to, the first and second planar surfaces,
respectively, the first and second bosses having lengths
substantially parallel to the first lateral edge and the first and
second bosses forming respective first and second pluralities of
bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the
concrete panel; and third and fourth bosses integrally formed with
the planar head and extending outward from, and substantially
perpendicular to, the first and second planar surfaces,
respectively, the first and second bosses having lengths
substantially parallel to the second lateral edge and the third and
fourth bosses forming respective third and fourth pluralities of
bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the
concrete panel.
12. The erection anchor of claim 11 wherein the concrete panel is
lifted by a lifting device having a shackle, and the planar head
further comprises an outer end with opposed ears adapted to receive
an end of the shackle therebetween, the opposed ears minimizing a
pivoting of the shackle during a process of lifting the concrete
panel, thereby preventing the shackle from contacting the concrete
panel.
13. A structural member comprising: a concrete panel comprising two
opposing major surfaces extending over a length and width of the
concrete panel, an end surface extending between the opposing major
surfaces and defining an end of the concrete panel, a recess
disposed in the end surface; and an erection anchor comprising a
forged unitary body comprising a substantially cylindrical shank
with one end embedded in the end of the concrete panel, and an
opposite end extending into the recess in the end of the concrete
panel; a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed with the
one end of the shank and embedded in the end of the concrete panel,
the foot having a diameter greater than a diameter of the
cylindrical shaft; a shackle-engageable, planar head integrally
formed with the opposite end of the shank and disposed in the
recess in the end of the concrete panel, the planar head having
first and second opposed planar surfaces; and a boss integrally
formed with the planar head and extending outward from the first
planar surface, the first boss forming a first plurality of bearing
surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the concrete
panel.
14. The erection anchor of claim 13 further comprising a plurality
of bosses, each of the plurality of bosses extending outward from,
and integrally formed with, one of the first and second planar
surfaces and substantially parallel to one of the first and second
lateral edges, and each of the plurality of bosses forming a
plurality of bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection
anchor with the concrete panel.
15. The erection anchor of claim 14 wherein the outer end comprises
opposed ears adapted to receive an end of the shackle therebetween,
the opposed ears minimizing a pivoting of the shackle during a
process of lifting the concrete panel, thereby preventing the
shackle from contacting the concrete panel.
16. A structural member comprising: a concrete panel comprising two
opposing major surfaces extending over a length and width of the
concrete panel, an end surface extending between the opposing major
surfaces and defining an end of the concrete panel, a recess
disposed in the end surface; and an erection anchor comprising a
forged unitary body comprising a substantially cylindrical shank
with one end embedded in the end of the concrete panel, and an
opposite end extending into the recess in the end of the concrete
panel; a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed with the
one end of the shank and embedded in the end of the concrete panel,
the foot having a diameter greater than a diameter of the
cylindrical shaft; a shackle-engageable, planar head integrally
formed with the opposite end of the shank and disposed in the
recess in the end of the concrete panel, the planar head having
first and second opposed planar surfaces; and first and second
bosses integrally formed with the planar head and extending outward
from, and substantially perpendicular to, the first and second
planar surfaces, respectively, the first and second bosses having
lengths substantially parallel to the first lateral edge and the
first and second bosses forming respective first and second
pluralities of bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection
anchor with the concrete panel; and third and fourth bosses
integrally formed with the planar head and extending outward from,
and substantially perpendicular to, the first and second planar
surfaces, respectively, the first and second bosses having lengths
substantially parallel to the second lateral edge and the third and
fourth bosses forming respective third and fourth pluralities of
bearing surfaces adapted to interlock the erection anchor with the
concrete panel.
17. The erection anchor of claim 16 wherein the concrete panel is
lifted by a lifting device having a shackle, and the planar head
further comprises an outer end with a cutout having a configuration
adapted to receive an end of the shackle and hold the shackle
therein during a process of lifting the concrete panel, thereby
preventing the shackle from contacting the concrete panel.
18. The erection anchor of claim 16 wherein the outer end comprises
opposed ears adapted to receive an end of the shackle therebetween,
the opposed ears minimizing a pivoting of the shackle during a
process of lifting the concrete panel, thereby preventing the
shackle from contacting the concrete panel.
19. An erection anchor for use in a concrete panel having
substantially parallel major surfaces and a recess in an end of the
concrete panel, the concrete panel being lifted by a lifting device
having a shackle, the erection anchor comprising: a forged unitary
body comprising a substantially cylindrical shank with one end
adapted to be embedable in the end of the concrete panel, and an
opposite end adapted to extend into the recess in the end of the
concrete panel; a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed
with the one end of the shank and adapted to be embedable in the
concrete panel, the foot having a diameter greater than a diameter
of the cylindrical shaft; a shackle-engageable, planar head
integrally formed with the opposite end of the shank, the planar
head comprising an outer end with a pair of projections, each
projection extending from the outer end of the planar head adjacent
a different one of the lateral edges, the pair of projections
forming side walls of a cutout having a configuration adapted to
receive an end of the shackle and hold the shackle therein during a
process of lifting the concrete panel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to anchors for lifting
heavy loads and more particularly, to erection anchors of solid
material that are embedded in a precast concrete member for both
tension and shear load conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an erection anchor for
lifting a concrete panel or structure by its edge, for example, in
tilting a precast wall panel. Such a panel is often formed by
pouring concrete into a form at floor level, either at, or remote
from, a construction site. After the concrete has set or hardened,
the horizontal panel is tilted or pivoted on one edge at one end by
lifting an opposite end until the panel becomes vertical.
Thereafter, the panel is positioned and can serve as a wall of a
concrete building. The invention is, however, not limited to panel
tilt-up operations. The system may be employed without modification
in the lifting of a panel for transport or other purposes.
[0003] Heretofore, in the production of precast concrete members or
panels that are to be handled by an edge-lifting operation, it is
the practice to embed anchors of steel or iron in the precast
concrete member. When lifting operations commence, the partially
embedded anchor imposes substantial shear forces or stress into the
concrete panel. To reduce the concentration of shear forces, it is
known to attach a shear force resisting member or shear plate to
the anchor body. A shear plate may be a length of right angle bar
stock or a length of rectangular bar stock that is welded to the
body of the erection anchor. With some known erection anchors, a
shear plate is attached to only one side of the anchor body. Such
an erection anchor must be oriented in the concrete panel such that
the shear plate faces the direction of the lift force. In other
words, in its horizontal orientation, the concrete panel has major
upper and lower surfaces; and the erection anchor must be oriented
such that the shear plate is between the erection anchor body and
the upper major surface as well as substantially parallel to the
upper major surface. Thus, as the concrete panel is lifted, the
shear plate spreads the shear forces and permits the concrete panel
to better react those forces.
[0004] The requirement to properly orient an erection anchor having
a single shear plate is a further disadvantage. For example, if the
anchor is misoriented by 180.degree. and the shear plate is located
between the erection anchor body and the lower major surface of the
concrete panel, the shear force resisting capability of the
erection anchor may be lessened. Therefore, erection anchors having
a welded shear plate impose a significant burden on the user to
properly orient each of the erection anchors in a concrete form
before the concrete panel is poured. Such a requirement
substantially increases the time and cost associated with the
manufacture of the concrete panel.
[0005] Other known erection anchors have shear plates welded to the
anchor body. A disadvantage of known erection anchors with shear
plates is that they are fabricated from multiple parts and thus,
are expensive. The added cost of welding the shear plates to the
anchor body is substantial compared to the cost of manufacturing
the basic anchor to which the shear plate is being attached. Thus,
the significantly greater manufacturing cost places a premium on
the use of such erection anchors.
[0006] The head of the erection anchor is located in a recess in an
end of the concrete panel. Often, the head is designed to receive a
shackle lifting pin. With known erection anchors, the process of
connecting the shackle, lifting the concrete panel and
disconnecting the shackle, often results in the lifting shackle
contacting and sometimes chipping the end of the concrete
panel.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an erection anchor that is
less expensive to manufacture, easier to use and less abusive of
the end surface of the concrete panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides an erection anchor that is
more cost effective and does contact the end of the concrete panel
with which it is used. The erection anchor of the present invention
provides integral force bearing surfaces that help the erection
anchor interlock with the concrete panel. Thus, the erection anchor
of the present invention is not fabricated from multiple parts and
is substantially less expensive to manufacture than known erection
anchors. The erection anchor of the present invention has a head
that is configured to receive and secure the shackle lifting
apparatus so that it cannot contact an end of a concrete panel
being lifted.
[0009] According to the principles of the present invention and in
accordance with the described embodiments, the invention provides
an erection anchor for use in a concrete panel having substantially
parallel major surfaces and a recess in an end of the concrete
panel. The erection anchor has a forged unitary body that includes
a substantially cylindrical shank with one end embedable in the end
of the concrete panel and an opposite end extendable into the
recess in the end of the concrete panel. The forged unitary body
also has a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed with
the one end of the shank with a diameter greater than a diameter of
the cylindrical shaft. The forged unitary body is completed by a
shackle-engageable, planar head integrally formed with the opposite
end of the shank and disposable in the recess in the end of the
concrete panel. The planar head has first and second opposed
substantially planar surfaces and a boss integrally formed with the
planar head and extending outward from the first planar surface.
The boss forms a first plurality of bearing surfaces to interlock
the planar head into the concrete panel, thereby increasing the
strength of the interface between the erection anchor and the
concrete panel.
[0010] In one aspect of this invention, the erection anchor has a
second boss extending outward from the second planar surface along
a length of the first lateral edge, and the first and second bosses
form a second plurality of bearing surfaces that further interlock
the planar head into the concrete panel. In another aspect of this
invention, third and fourth bosses extend outward from the first
and second planar surfaces, respectively, along a length of the
second lateral edge. The third and fourth bosses form,
respectively, third and fourth pluralities of bearing surfaces. The
addition of more bosses on the planar head provides additional
interlocking capability between the planar head and the concrete
panel and, further increases the strength of the interface between
the erection anchor and the concrete panel.
[0011] In another embodiment, the invention provides for an
erection anchor to be used in a concrete panel that is lifted by a
lifting device having a shackle. The erection anchor is formed by a
forged unitary body having a substantially cylindrical shank with
one end embedable in the end of the concrete panel and an opposite
end extending into the recess in the end of the concrete panel. The
forged unitary body further has a substantially cylindrical foot
integrally formed with the one end of the shank and a
shackle-engageable, planar head integrally formed with the opposite
end of the shank. The planar head has an outer end with a cutout
shaped to receive an end of the shackle and hold the shackle
therein during a process of using the shackle to lift the concrete
panel. Thus, the shackle does not contact the end of the concrete
panel during the lifting process.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become more readily apparent during the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an erection anchor shown in a
concrete panel in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one side of the erection anchor of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an opposite side of the erection
anchor of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top end view of the erection anchor of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an erection anchor 20 is comprised
of a body 22 having a cylindrical shank 24 with one end 26
connected to and integrally formed with a shackle-engageable,
planar head 28. An opposite end 30 of the shank 24 is rigidly
connected to and integrally formed with a generally circular foot
32. The foot 32 has an outer cylindrical portion 34 that is
connected to the opposite end 30 of the shank 24 by a foot
transition 36. The foot cylindrical portion 34 has a diameter that
is larger than the diameter of the shank 24. The foot transition 36
intersects with the cylindrical portion 34 along a circular outer
edge 38. The foot transition 36 intersects with the shank opposite
end 30 along a substantially circular inner edge 40.
[0018] The planar head 28 is connected to the one end 26 of the
shank 24 by a head transition 42. The head transition 42 has a
configuration that minimizes abrupt changes in cross-sectional area
in moving from the shank 24 to the head 28. Thus, the head
transition 42 has a tapered portion 44 that smoothly blends the
diameter of the shank 24 into closely spaced planar surfaces 52, 54
of the head 28. Further, the head transition 42 includes a flared
portion 46 that smoothly blends the diameter of the shank 24 into a
larger width of the planar head 28 defined by its lateral edges 48,
50. The opposed substantially parallel planar surfaces 52, 54 are
separated by a thickness of the head 28 and extend between the
lateral edges 48, 50. A first, shackle engaging hole 56 and a
second hole 57 are disposed in the head 28. The second hole 57 may
receive a metal reinforcing rod ("rebar") or may be filled with
concrete to further stabilize and interlock the erection anchor 20
in a concrete panel 73. Opposed curvilinear, generally
semicircular, recesses 58, 59 are located on the respective lateral
edges 48, 50 of the head 28. The recesses 58, 59 are sized to
receive rebar, if desired. The head 28 further has a cutout or
notch 63 in an outer end 60. The notch 63 has sidewalls formed by
two projections or ears 61, 62 that extend outward from the outer
end 60 in line with the respective lateral edges 48, 50.
[0019] An interlocking first projection or boss 64 extends
substantially perpendicularly outward from the planar surface 52
adjacent the first lateral edge 48 and provides an outer bearing
surface 65a, upper and lower end bearing surfaces 67a, 69a,
respectively, and an inner bearing surface 71a. The bearing
surfaces 65a, 67a, 69a, 71a, are substantially perpendicular to the
planar surface 52. An interlocking second boss 66 extends
substantially perpendicularly outward from the parallel surface 54
adjacent the first lateral edge 48 and provides an outer bearing
surface 65b, upper and lower end bearing surfaces 67b, 69b,
respectively, and an inner bearing surface 71b. The bearing
surfaces 65b, 67b, 69b, 71b, are substantially perpendicular to the
planar surface 54 and are substantially parallel to the bearing
surfaces 65a, 67a, 69a, 71a. The first and second bosses 64, 66
extend over a substantial length of the lateral edge 48; but the
recess 58 splits each of the first and second bosses 64, 66 into
two parts 64a, 64b and 66a, 66b, respectively.
[0020] An interlocking third projection or boss 68 extends
substantially perpendicularly outward from the planar surface 52
adjacent the first lateral edge 50 and provides an outer bearing
surface 65c, upper and lower end bearing surfaces 67c, 69c,
respectively, and an inner bearing surface 71c. The bearing
surfaces 65c, 67c, 69c, 71c, are substantially perpendicular to the
planar surface 52 and are substantially parallel to the other
respective bearing surfaces 65, 67, 69, 71. An interlocking fourth
boss 70 extends substantially perpendicularly outward from the
parallel surface 54 adjacent the first lateral edge 50 and provides
an outer bearing surface 65d, upper and lower end bearing surfaces
67d, 69d, respectively, and an inner bearing surface 71d. The
bearing surfaces 65d, 67d, 69d, 71d, are substantially
perpendicular to the planar surface 54 and are substantially
parallel to the other respective bearing surfaces 65, 67, 69, 71.
The third and fourth second bosses 68, 70 extend over a substantial
length of the lateral edge 50; but the recess 59 splits each of the
third and fourth bosses 68, 70 into two parts 68a, 68b and 70a,
70b, respectively.
[0021] The erection anchor 20 is drop forged from a piece of carbon
steel bar stock, for example, grade 65. Thus, the head 28 and
bosses 64-70, foot 32 and connecting shank 24 form a single
integral unit or body 22 of the erection anchor 20. As will be
appreciated, depending on the application and designed load
carrying capability, the erection anchor 20 may vary in length and
may be manufactured from bar stock having different nominal
sizes.
[0022] In use, the erection anchor 20 is molded into a concrete
panel 73 having substantially parallel opposed surfaces 74, 76. A
void 78 is formed in an end surface 80 of the concrete panel 73 in
a known manner, and the generally spherically shaped void 78
contains the outer most portion of the erection anchor head 28. The
concrete panel 73 has a thickness 82 in the range of 4-12 inches
and thus, is relatively thin compared to its width and length. The
concrete panel 73 is often fabricated in a generally horizontal
position either on a construction site or at a remote location and
then subsequently raised into a vertical position to form a wall of
a structure.
[0023] Prior to molding the concrete panel 73, numerous erection
anchors identical to the erection anchor 20 are supported and
oriented in a substantially horizontal position in a known manner
over a length of a concrete form (not shown). The following
discussion with respect to the erection anchor 20 applies to each
of the erection anchors used in the construction of the concrete
panel 73. The erection anchor 20 must be oriented such that the
parallel surfaces 52, 54 are substantially perpendicular to
respective major surfaces 74, 76 of the concrete panel 73 to be
manufactured. Thus, the bearing surfaces 65 are substantially
parallel to the panel major surfaces 74, 76; and the bearing
surfaces 67 are substantially perpendicular to the panel major
surfaces 74, 76. Rebar (not shown) is also supported in the
concrete form in a known manner and routed adjacent the erection
anchor 20 through the hole 57 and recesses 58, 59, as desired.
[0024] A void mold (not shown) is mounted on an outer end of the
head 28 and is used to form the cavity or void 78 in the end 80 of
the concrete panel 73. Thereafter, concrete is poured into the
concrete form in order to produce the concrete panel 73 and void 78
with the erection anchor 20 disposed therein. After the concrete
sets, the void mold is removed; and the erection anchor outer end
60 and the hole 56 of the head 28 are located in the void 78.
[0025] Subsequently, a shackle 86 and lifting pin 88 are attached
to the head 28 of the erection anchor 20. The lifting pin 88 passes
through the shackle hole 56, and the notch 63 is configured or
shaped to receive the end 90 of the shackle 86. The concrete panel
73 is normally cast in a horizontal orientation, that is, the major
surfaces 74, 76 are generally horizontal. Therefore, to lift the
concrete panel 73, a lifting force is applied in a generally
vertically upward direction, that is, to the right as viewed in
FIG. 1. When the lifting force is applied, the shackle 86 applies a
significant force against the ear 62. Further, the lifting force
may bend or deform the ear 62 and allow the shackle 86 to pivot
with respect to the notch 63; but the end 90 of the shackle remains
in the notch 63. Thus, the shackle 86 does not contact the end 80
of the concrete panel 73 during the process of lifting the concrete
panel 73 from a generally horizontal to a generally vertical
orientation.
[0026] Further, as the lifting force is applied to the shackle 86,
the concrete panel 73 is pivoted in a generally clockwise direction
as viewed in FIG. 1 with respect to an opposite end (not shown) of
the concrete panel 73. As lifting forces are applied to the head 28
of the erection anchor 20, those forces must be reacted by the
concrete panel 73. In that regard, the bosses and bearing surfaces
64-71 help to mechanically interlock the planar head 28 with the
concrete panel 73. In this example, the bearing surfaces 65, 67 on
bosses 64, 66 present a substantially larger area of contact
between the erection anchor 20 and the concrete panel 73 than would
the erection anchor 20 without the bosses 64, 66. That larger area
of contact between the erection anchor 20 and the concrete panel 73
greatly increases the area over which the lifting forces can be
reacted by the concrete panel 73, thereby increasing the capability
of the concrete panel 73 to consistently and reliably react those
lifting forces.
[0027] Thus, the erection anchor 20 having the integrally formed
and unitary bosses 64-70 provides several advantages over known
erection anchors fabricated from multiple parts. First, the
erection anchor 20 with the integrally formed bosses and bearing
surfaces 64-71 is drop forged from a single piece of bar stock. No
fabrication is required, and an erection anchor 20 with the
integrally formed bosses and bearing surfaces 64-71 can be
manufactured at a cost that is substantially the same as anchors
without the bosses and bearing surfaces 64-71. Thus, the erection
anchor 20 is substantially less expensive than known erection
anchors.
[0028] Second, the erection anchor 20 provides bosses 64, 66, 68,
70 along both lateral edges 48, 50 of the anchor head 28.
Therefore, the erection anchor 20 can be located in multiple
orientations within the concrete form, and further, the erection
anchor 20 can support lifting forces in two directions; and thus,
the concrete panel 73 can be lifted either clockwise or
counterclockwise as desired.
[0029] Third, the outer end 60 of the anchor head 28 is configured
to receive and hold the shackle end 90. Further, the ears 61, 62
also bear the lifting force, and prevent the shackle 86 from
contacting the concrete panel end 80 as the concrete panel 73 is
lifted to its desired vertical orientation.
[0030] While the invention has been illustrated by the description
of one embodiment and while the embodiment has been described in
considerable detail, there is no intention to restrict nor in any
way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to
those who are skilled in the art. For example, in the described
embodiment, bosses 64, 66, 68, 70 are described and illustrated. As
will be appreciated, in alternative embodiments, bosses on only one
of the lateral edges may be used, for example, only bosses 64, 66
or only bosses 68, 70. In a further alternative embodiment, bosses
on only one planar surface maybe used, for example, only boss 64 or
only boss 66, etc. In a still further embodiment, the bosses may be
used on different lateral edges and/or different planar surfaces,
for example, only bosses 64, 68, or only bosses 64, 70, etc. Thus
any combination of integrally formed bosses may be used.
[0031] As will further be appreciated, in alternative embodiments,
the planar head 28 can be made such that the planar surfaces 52, 54
are substantially planar but not flat over the entire surface. In
another embodiment, one or more of the bosses 64, 66, 68, 70 can be
offset from, that is, displaced inward from, either or both of the
lateral edges 48,50. In a further embodiment, one or more of the
bearing surfaces 65, 67, 69, 71 can extend upward from a respective
planar surface in a nonperpendicular direction. Thus, in such
various embodiments, the bosses 64, 66, 68, 70 do not have to have
a particular or precise position or orientation with respect to the
lateral edges 48, 50 or the planar surfaces 52, 54. Further, the
bearing surfaces 65, 67, 69, 71 do not have to have a precise
position or orientation with respect to the lateral edges 48, 50,
the planar surfaces 52,54 or the major surfaces 74 76 of the
concrete panel 73. As shown by the outer bearing surfaces 65 being
cut into two parts by the recesses 58, 59, the bearing surfaces 65,
67, 69, 71 can be either continuous or discontinuous surfaces or
segments.
[0032] In still further embodiments, the diameter and length of the
shank 24, the length, width and thickness of the head 28 as well as
the size and shape of the foot 32 may be varied depending on the
designed load requirements of a particular application.
[0033] Therefore, the invention in its broadest aspects is not
limited to the specific details shown and described. Consequently,
departures may be made from the details described herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claims which follow.
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