U.S. patent application number 10/904348 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for modular retaining wall.
Invention is credited to DAVIDSAVER, John E., YEANY, Scott A..
Application Number | 20050053429 10/904348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34228908 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050053429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAVIDSAVER, John E. ; et
al. |
March 10, 2005 |
MODULAR RETAINING WALL
Abstract
A modular retaining wall with improved features is illustrated
and described. Open or closed polygonal modules having channels
disposed therein are set at least partially below a surface, said
surface either being land-based or aqueous-based, and interfaces
therebetween, e.g., shoreline, and attached to each other by
respective fastening means which provide engaging connectivity
between the modules.
Inventors: |
DAVIDSAVER, John E.;
(Cuyahoga Falls, OH) ; YEANY, Scott A.; (Bogart,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCKINGHAM, DOOLITTLE & BURROUGHS, LLP
50 S. MAIN STREET
AKRON
OH
44308
US
|
Family ID: |
34228908 |
Appl. No.: |
10/904348 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60521139 |
Feb 25, 2004 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/284 ;
405/274; 405/287.1; 52/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 5/03 20130101; E02B
3/14 20130101; E02B 3/06 20130101; E04B 2/8629 20130101; E04B 2/84
20130101; E04B 2002/867 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/284 ;
405/274; 405/287.1; 052/422 |
International
Class: |
E02D 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A modular retaining wall which comprises: at least two generally
U-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel disposed therein;
each of said modules having an open end, an opposed bottom end
connected to a pair of generally parallel sides and a fastening
means near each corner of said ends; said modules at least
partially extending below a surface; and each of said modules
connected by mating engagement of a pair of fastening means on at
least one first module with a pair of fastening means on said at
least one second module.
2. The wall of claim 1 which further comprises at least one
polymeric end cap having a fastening means at each end of said end
cap, said end cap fastening means mating with said module fastening
means.
3. The wall of claim 2 which further comprises: at least one
generally L-shaped polymeric module having a pair of interconnected
sides forming an acute angle and a channel having an open end; each
side of said open end having a fastening means near said end for
engagement with said module fastening means; and one of said sides
of said at least one L-shaped polymeric module having a pair of
fastening means near opposed ends of said side.
4. The wall of claim 2 which further comprises a second polymeric
end cap having a fastening means at each end of said second end
cap, said second end cap fastening means mating with one pair of
said module fastening means.
5. The wall of claim 1 wherein said fastening means near each
corner of said end is a pair of fastening means on an exterior of
said bottom side and a pair of fastening means on an interior of
said open side.
6. The wall of claim 1 which further comprises a support rib within
said U-shaped polymeric module, each end of said support rib in
engagement with an interior fastening means on each of said side
walls.
7. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of
generally U-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel
disposed therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with
each other to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last
module and at least one middle module, each of said modules at
least partially extending below a surface; each of said middle
modules having a pair of fastening means at each end for mating
engagement with a module on either side of said middle module; at
least one non-rectangular polymeric module having two sides, an
intersection of said two sides forming an acute angle and a channel
disposed therebetween, said non-rectangular module having a pair of
fastening means on one said two sides and a fastening means near
each open end in interconnected relationship between two of said
U-shaped modules; and at least one end panel with a pair of
fastening means on said panel for mating engagement with either
said first or last modules.
8. The wall of claim 7 which further comprises a second end panel
having a fastening means at each end, said second panel fastening
means mating with one pair of module fastening means.
9. The wall of claim 7 wherein said fastening means near each
corner of said end is a pair of fastening means on an exterior of
said bottom side and a pair of fastening means on an interior of
said open side.
10. The wall of claim 7 which further comprises a support rib
within said U-shaped polymeric module, each end of said support rib
in engagement with an interior fastening means on each of said side
walls.
11. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of
generally U-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel
disposed therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with
each other to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last
module and at least one middle module, each of said modules at
least partially extending below a surface; and each of said middle
modules having a pair of fastening means at each end for mating
engagement with a module on either side of said middle module.
12. The wall of claim 11 which further comprises at least one
non-rectangular polymeric module having two sides, an intersection
of said two sides forming an acute angle and a channel disposed
therebetween, said non-rectangular module having a pair of
fastening means on one said two sides and a fastening means near
each open end in interconnected relationship between two of said
U-shaped modules.
13. The wall of claim 12 which further comprises at least one end
panel with a pair of fastening means on said panel for mating
engagement with either said first or last modules.
14. The wall of claim 13 which further comprises a second end panel
having a fastening means at each end, said second panel fastening
means mating with either said first or said last modules.
15. The wall of claim 11 wherein said fastening means near each
corner of said end is a pair of fastening means on an exterior of
said bottom side and a pair of fastening means on an interior of
said open side.
16. The wall of claim 11 which further comprises a support rib
within said U-shaped polymeric module, each end of said support rib
in engagement with an interior fastening means on each of said side
walls.
17. A modular retaining wall which comprises: at least two
generally rectangularly-shaped polymeric modules, each having a
channel disposed therein; each of said modules having a fastening
means near each corner of said modules; said modules at least
partially extending below a surface; and each of said modules
connected by mating engagement of a pair of fastening means on at
least one first module with a pair of fastening means on said at
least one second module.
18. The wall of claim 17 which further comprises at least one
polymeric end cap having a fastening means at each end of said end
cap, said end cap fastening means mating with said module fastening
means.
19. The wall of claim 18 which further comprises: at least one
generally triangularly-shaped polymeric module having a channel
disposed therein; and said triangularly-shaped polymeric module
having a pair of fastening means on two sides of said module.
20. The wall of claim 18 which further comprises a second polymeric
end cap having a fastening means at each end of said second end
cap, said second end cap fastening means mating with one pair of
said module fastening means.
21. The wall of claim 17 which further comprises a support rib
within said rectangularly-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
22. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of
rectangularly-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel
disposed therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with
each other to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last
module and at least one middle module, each of said modules at
least partially extending below a surface; each of said middle
modules having a pair of fastening means at each end for mating
engagement with a module on either side of said middle module; at
least one non-rectangular polymeric module having at least three
sides and having a channel disposed therein, said non-rectangular
module having a pair of fastening means on two of said sides in
interconnected relationship between two of said modules; and at
least one end panel with a pair of fastening means on said panel
for mating engagement with either said first or last modules.
23. The wall of claim 22 which further comprises a second end panel
having a fastening means at each end, said second panel fastening
means mating with one pair of module fastening means.
24. The wall of claim 22 wherein said fastening means near each
corner of said end are a pair of fastening means on an exterior of
said opposed sides.
25. The wall of claim 22 which further comprises a support rib
within said rectangularly-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
26. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of
rectangularly-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel
disposed therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with
each other to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last
module and at least one middle module, each of said modules at
least partially extending below a surface; and each of said middle
modules having a pair of fastening means at each end for mating
engagement with a module on either side of said middle module.
27. The wall of claim 26 which further comprises at least one
non-rectangular polymeric module having at least three sides and a
channel disposed therebetween, said non-rectangular module having a
pair of fastening means on two of said at least three sides in
interconnected relationship between two of said modules.
28. The wall of claim 27 which further comprises a pair of end
panels with a fastening means on each end of said panels for mating
engagement with either said first or last modules.
29. The wall of claim 26 which further comprises a support rib
within said rectangularly-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
30. A modular retaining wall which comprises: at least two
generally polygon-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel
disposed therein; each of said modules having a fastening means
near each corner of said modules; said modules at least partially
extending below a surface; and each of said modules connected by
mating engagement of a pair of fastening means on at least one
first module with a pair of fastening means on said at least one
second module.
31. The wall of claim 30 which further comprises at least one
polymeric end cap having a fastening means at each end of said end
cap, said end cap fastening means mating with said module fastening
means.
32. The wall of claim 31 which further comprises: at least one
generally non-linear polygon-shaped polymeric module having a
channel disposed therein; and said non-linear polygon-shaped
polymeric module having a pair of fastening means on two sides of
said module.
33. The wall of claim 31 which further comprises a second polymeric
end cap having a fastening means at each end of said second end
cap, said second end cap fastening means mating with one pair of
said module fastening means.
34. The wall of claim 30 which further comprises a support rib
within said polygon-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
35. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of
polygon-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel disposed
therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with each other
to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last module and
at least one middle module, each of said modules at least partially
extending below a surface; each of said middle modules having a
pair of fastening means at each end for mating engagement with a
module on either side of said middle module; at least one
non-linear polygon-shaped polymeric module having at least three
sides and having a channel disposed therein, said non-linear
polygon-shaped module having a pair of fastening means on two of
said sides in interconnected relationship between two of said
modules; and at least one end panel with a pair of fastening means
on said panel for mating engagement with either said first or last
modules.
36. The wall of claim 35 which further comprises a second end panel
having a fastening means at each end, said second panel fastening
means mating with one pair of module fastening means.
37. The wall of claim 35 wherein said fastening means near each
corner of said end are a pair of fastening means on an exterior of
said opposed sides.
38. The wall of claim 35 which further comprises a support rib
within said polygon-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
39. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of
polygon-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel disposed
therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with each other
to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last module and
at least one middle module, each of said modules at least partially
extending below a surface; and each of said middle modules having a
pair of fastening means at each end for mating engagement with a
module on either side of said middle module.
40. The wall of claim 39 which further comprises at least one
non-linear polygon-shaped polymeric module having at least three
sides and a channel disposed therebetween, said non-linear
polygon-shaped module having a pair of fastening means on two of
said at least three sides in interconnected relationship between
two of said modules.
41. The wall of claim 40 which further comprises a pair of end
panels with a fastening means on each end of said panels for mating
engagement with either said first or last modules.
42. The wall of claim 39 which further comprises a support rib
within said polygon-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
43. A modular retaining wall which comprises: at least two
generally open polygon-shaped polymeric modules, each having a
channel disposed therein; each of said modules having a fastening
means near each corner of said modules; said modules at least
partially extending below a surface; and each of said modules
connected by mating engagement of a pair of fastening means on at
least one first module with a pair of fastening means on said at
least one second module.
44. The wall of claim 43 which further comprises at least one
polymeric end cap having a fastening means at each end of said end
cap, said end cap fastening means mating with said module fastening
means.
45. The wall of claim 44 which further comprises: at least one
generally open non-linear polygon-shaped polymeric module having a
channel disposed therein; and said open non-linear polygon-shaped
polymeric module having a pair of fastening means on two sides of
said module.
46. The wall of claim 44 which further comprises a second polymeric
end cap having a fastening means at each end of said second end
cap, said second end cap fastening means mating with one pair of
said module fastening means.
47. The wall of claim 43 which further comprises a support rib
within said open polygon-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
48. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of open
polygon-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel disposed
therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with each other
to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last module and
at least one middle module, each of said modules at least partially
extending below a surface; each of said middle modules having a
pair of fastening means at each end for mating engagement with a
module on either side of said middle module; at least one open
non-linear polygon-shaped polymeric module having at least three
sides and having a channel disposed therein, said open non-linear
polygon-shaped module having a pair of fastening means on two of
said sides in interconnected relationship between two of said
modules; and at least one end panel with a pair of fastening means
on said panel for mating engagement with either said first or last
modules.
49. The wall of claim 48 which further comprises a second end panel
having a fastening means at each end, said second panel fastening
means mating with one pair of module fastening means.
50. The wall of claim 48 wherein said fastening means near each
corner of said end is a pair of fastening means on an exterior of
said bottom side and a pair of fastening means on an interior of
said open side.
51. The wall of claim 48 which further comprises a support rib
within said open polygon-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
52. A modular retaining wall which comprises: a plurality of open
polygon-shaped polymeric modules, each having a channel disposed
therein; said plurality of modules interconnected with each other
to form a wall; said wall having a first module, a last module and
at least one middle module, each of said modules at least partially
extending below a surface; and each of said middle modules having a
pair of fastening means at each end for mating engagement with a
module on either side of said middle module.
53. The wall of claim 52 which further comprises at least one open
non-linear polygon-shaped polymeric module having at least three
sides and a channel disposed therebetween, said open non-linear
polygon-shaped module having a pair of fastening means on two of
said at least three sides in interconnected relationship between
two of said modules.
54. The wall of claim 53 which further comprises a pair of end
panels with a fastening means on each end of said panels for mating
engagement with either said first or last modules.
55. The wall of claim 54 which further comprises a support rib
within said open polygon-shaped polymeric module, each end of said
support rib in engagement with an interior fastening means on each
of said side walls.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to retaining walls, and
more specifically to retaining walls for use in controlling land
erosion in contact with water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the many years, there has long existed the problem of
land erosion adjacent waterways, rivers, lakes and oceans wherein
seawalls of various types have heretofore been constructed of wood,
steel or cement. Heretofore, efforts have been made to provide a
series of seawall elements which are laterally aligned and in some
manner interconnected and pounded down into the ground and
anchored. Illustrative of earlier prior art efforts to provide a
seawall, constructed of reinforced concrete, is U.S. Pat. No.
1,332,655 issued to R. B. Willard in 1920. The problem then as
recognized by the inventor and thereafter, has been the enormous
pressures and loads applied to the seawall which have ultimately
destroyed the connection between adjacent seawall elements to
render the seawall less than effective and ultimately requiring
replacement and repairs.
[0003] It is known to form seawalls of a plurality of panels formed
of extruded PVC material and interconnected edge to edge, as shown
in Berger, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,674,921 issued Jun. 23, 1987 and
4,690,588 issued Sep. 1, 1987. In Berger, panel strips of
corrugated or sinusoidal shape are formed with alternating groove
edges and tongue edges, permitting the panels to be interlocked
along their vertical marginal edges. Wale elements are mounted
along outer surfaces of the panel strips and accept tie bolts or
tie rods extending to ground anchors on the opposite side of the
seawall. Berger also discloses angled strips for making corners,
and connectors for joining adjacent strips in edge-to-edge
relation.
[0004] Sinusoidal or corrugated sheets have been mounted in facing
relation and connected or joined by tie rods, and the spaces
therebetween have been filled with concrete or mortar to provide a
water-tight joint, to form a revetment, as shown in Schneller, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,247,673 of Apr. 26, 1966.
[0005] Sinusoidal or corrugated panel sections have been used to
make up retaining walls or seawalls, with wale elements on a front
surface tied back to anchors, as shown in a number of prior
patents. Caples, U.S. Pat. No. 1,947,151 of Feb. 13, 1934 shows
panel sections formed with interconnecting locking vertical edges
in alternating inwardly and outwardly directed portions to form a
sinusoidal wall. In Caples, the interlocking ends are identical. In
Frederick, U.S. Pat. No. 3,822,557 of Jul. 9, 1974, one panel
vertical edge is formed with a tongue and the opposite panel
vertical edge is formed with a groove proportioned to receive the
tongue of an adjacent panel.
[0006] Another example of a retaining wall made of interlocking
sections of sheet material is McGrath, U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,931 of
Jan. 24, 1961. In McGrath each panel section is bent into three
angular portions, and each panel section is reversed when
connected, edge to edge to form a sinusoidal-like pattern.
[0007] Earlier examples of wall systems having interlocking panel
sections which are assembled in longitudinal alignment, with
interlocking vertical edges, include Clarke, U.S. Pat. No. 972,059
of Oct. 4, 1910; Boardman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 1,422,821 of Jul.
18, 1922; and Stockfleth, U.S. Pat. No. 1,371,709 of Mar. 15,
1921.
[0008] It is also known to use a series of individual arcuate
sections which are then joined or interconnected to form a retainer
wall, as shown in Van Weele, U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,612 of Oct. 4,
1983.
[0009] While walls formed by corrugated panel sections are
extensively shown in the prior art in which the corrugations or the
axes of the corrugations run vertically, is also known to form
panel sections in which the axes of the corrugations run
horizontally, as shown in Sivachenko U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,359 of
Jul. 11, 1978. FIGS. 7 and 8 also show opposed facing pairs of
corrugated sections in which the spaces therebetween may be filled
with concrete to form a revetment.
[0010] It is common to use wale brackets or wale elements in
combination with panel-type seawalls or retainer walls. Berger,
Schnabel, Jr. and Caples show wale elements in longitudinal
alignment. Schnabel, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 3,541,798 of Nov. 24, 1970
shows individual longitudinally spaced wale elements along the wall
front face. The wale elements receive tie-back rods, which rods
extend through or between the panels to suitable anchors.
[0011] Essentially two-dimensional polymeric retaining wall members
with interlocking members along the edges that are universally
mateable to like members are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
4,863,315, issued Sep. 5, 1989 to Wickberg while a wall system
which employs a plurality of individual panels formed of extruded
polymer joined in edge-to-edge relation including wale members
which are vertically offset and interlocked at end portions thereof
with adjacent wale members is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,543,
issued Apr. 17, 1990 to Cole et al.
[0012] A shoreline erosion prevention bulkhead system which employs
a series of interlocking fiberglass panels is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,066,353 issued Nov. 19, 1991, to Bourdo while a plastic
structural panel and ground erosion barrier is illustrated which in
general is a stretched Z-shaped cross-sectional design with opposed
male and female interlock edges for mating association with
adjacent panel strips in U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,287 issued Sep. 8,
1992 to Hooper et al.
[0013] Corner adapters for use with corrugated barrier sections are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,208 issued Mar. 8, 1994 to Berger
and a sheet piling extrusion with locking members is illustrated in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,883 to Irving et al. A reinforced Z-shaped
configuration of the same with strengthening ribs is illustrated in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,155 issued Mar. 7, 200 to Irvine et al. A
generally U-shaped seawall panel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,575,667 issued Jun. 10, 2003 to Burt et al.
[0014] This invention was developed to continue to advance the
state-of-the-art for retaining walls, particularly extruded
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retaining walls which offer easier
installation and greater structural integrity than those found in
the Prior Art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a
modular barrier or retaining wall, particularly for use in tidal
environments where land erosion is a particular problem.
[0016] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a modular
barrier wall which utilizes linear U-shaped (optionally
polygon-shaped--whether open or closed polygon) channel modules and
angled (optionally polygon-shaped--whether open or closed polygon)
channel modules which through mating engagement of male projections
and female receptacles, effect wall construction which is
self-aligning.
[0017] It is still yet another aspect of the invention to provide a
modular retaining wall which permits wall construction to angle
either outward or inward by inserting the appropriate end of an
angled module, the angled module being essentially a mirror-image
of each other as viewed through a bisecting horizontal line through
the angled module.
[0018] It is a further aspect of the invention to improve on
existing seawall "sheet pilings" of plastic material by exposing a
smooth face toward both the sea and the land using a substantially
rigid three-dimensional structure which employs a double connection
system which is locked into a fixed location. A connection hook is
employed which allows for clearing of external material during
installation. The final structure is hollow and can be filled with
gravel, concrete, etc., to achieve a higher strength. The smooth
surfaces are not only more visually appealing, but also make
installation easier due to the ease of concrete form construction.
Additionally, angled modules are provided which allow for a
radiused appearance.
[0019] It is still a further object of this invention to employ a
two point connection that makes for faster installation because the
three-dimensional profile cannot twist or bow to the degree of
existing two-dimensional products. This means less driving energy
will be absorbed by the pile making it faster to drive. It also
reduces rework required to correct misplaced piles in that they
will not have to be withdrawn and replaced.
[0020] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends the
invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described
and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following
description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail
certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being
indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the
principles of the invention may be employed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modular retaining wall
illustrating a 45.degree. bend interposed therein with end caps
positioned at opposed ends of the wall;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one module of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the modular
retaining wall illustrating the incorporation of a middle retaining
rib and a different linking geometry;
[0026] FIGS. 5-7 are top plan views of alternative embodiment of
the modular retaining wall illustrating alternative linking
geometries including middle side wall support;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of closed polygonal shaped modules
for use in an embodiment of the retaining wall;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an end or middle module of the
modular retaining wall illustrating the open polygon shape; and
[0029] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an end module of the retaining
wall illustrating the closed polygon shape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The invention is described with reference to the
accompanying figures, which illustrate the best mode known to the
inventor at the time of the filing of the application illustrating
the modular retaining wall of the invention.
[0031] As better illustrated in FIG. 1, retaining wall 10 consists
of various modules which form a contiguous barrier wall across a
length of the modules when in their assembled state. Some modules
are essentially interlocking linear U-shaped channels, e.g., 12a,
12b, and 12c whereas other interlocking modules, e.g., angled
module 14, are used to impart non-linearity to the wall. As
illustrated in the figure, the imparted angle is approximately
45.degree., although this is but an example of any angle between
1.degree. and 180.degree., the end-use application, which in an
aqueous environment will be the shoreline defining the requisite
angularity required for the non-linear modules. The combination of
linear U-shaped modules with non-linear modules provides
essentially limitless geometries for retaining wall 10. At each end
of the wall, is an end-cap 16, 18, with an appropriate geometry so
as to interlock or mate with its adjacent module, whether that
module is linear or angled.
[0032] As better illustrated in FIG. 2, a combination of one linear
U-shaped channel module 12a with adjacent angled channel 14 with
respective end caps 16, 18 is shown in an unassembled state. Linear
module 12a is comprised of a pair of essentially parallel
vertically-extending sides 20 in connected engagement with an
essentially vertical third side 24 positioned normal to the
vertical plane of sides 20 at one end of each side 20 forming an
essentially open "U-shaped" channel 66 within module 12a. Affixed
to the exterior of third side 24 and positioned interiorly of each
of the ends of the side, is a pair of outwardly facing "J-shaped"
or "U-shaped" hook protrusions 26 defining an open longitudinal
channel 28. Affixed to each end of lateral sides 20 at the open end
of U-shaped channel 66 are a pair of inwardly facing end wall
segments 30. Spaced apart from end wall segments 30 and penetrating
inwardly and curvilinearly toward the open end of the channel are
interior curvilinear wall segment protrusions 32, the combination
of end wall segments 30 and interior curvilinear wall segment
protrusions 32 defining open vertically-extending longitudinal
channel 34. While curvilinear wall segments 32 are defined as
curvilinear, in an alternative embodiment, these segments could be
intersecting linear segments, the end-use application defining the
need for a geometry which is either curvature-based or intersecting
perpendicular line based in a manner similar to that defined for
outwardly-facing J-shaped hooks 26.
[0033] In constructing retaining wall 10, either a second linear
U-shaped channel module 12b is attached to the first linear
U-shaped channel module 12a or a non-linear or angled module 14 is
affixed through mating channels and protrusions. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, a non-linear module 12b is shown adjacent to the closed end
of linear U-shaped module 12a. This angled module, shown to produce
an angle of approximately 30.degree., although both larger and
smaller angles are within the scope of this invention, ranging from
1.degree. to 180.degree. are envisioned. Angled module 14 is
essentially J-shaped or hook-shaped in which side 44 and
curvilinear or curved side 46 intersect, the degree of curvature
defined by an angle .alpha. (shown to be approximately 45.degree.
in the Figure) formed by the intersection of the vertical plane of
side 44 and the vertical plane of curvilinear side 46. In a manner
analogous to that discussed with vertical third side 24 of linear
module 12a, and affixed to the exterior of side 44 and positioned
interiorly of each of the ends of this side, is a pair of outwardly
facing "J-shaped" hook protrusions 52 defining an open longitudinal
channel 62. Affixed to non-intersecting end of side 44 at the open
end of open triangular shaped channel 68 and to non-intersecting
end of curvilinear side 46 at the same open end of channel 68 is a
pair of inwardly facing end wall segments 48. Spaced apart from end
wall segments 48 and penetrating inwardly and curvilinearly toward
the open end of the channel are interior curvilinear wall segment
protrusions 50, the combination of end wall segments 48 and
interior curvilinear wall segment protrusions 50 defining open
longitudinal channel 54. While curvilinear wall segments 50 are
defined as curvilinear, in an alternative embodiment, these
segments could be intersecting linear segments, the end-use
application defining the need for a geometry which is either
curvature-based or intersecting perpendicular line based in a
manner similar to that defined for outwardly-facing J-shaped hooks
26.
[0034] Attachment of angled module 14 to a linear module, e.g., 12a
or 12b or 12c, is effected by mating engagement of male J-shaped
hook protrusion 26 into open female longitudinal channel 54 formed
by end wall segments 48 and curvilinear segments 50. By having
mating engagement occur with two channels simultaneously, the
modules become self-aligning.
[0035] Retaining wall 10 is constructed by matingly securing linear
U-shaped modules 12 and angled modules 14 in combination to meet
the geometry required by the end-use application. It is recognized
that since the modules are mirror images when dissected through a
horizontal plane, that the direction of the turn of the retaining
wall through the utilization of an angled module can be in either
direction by simply turning the angled module upside-down. At
either end of the retaining wall, is an end cap, the configuration
of which is dictated by whether the end cap is designed to close an
open U-shaped channel or to mate with a pair of outwardly facing
J-shaped hooks. In FIG. 2, channel closing end cap 16 is
constructed with side 36 essentially parallel to third side 24 at
the closed end of channel 66. Spaced inwardly and interiorly of
each opposed end 38 of the end cap is a pair of outwardly facing
"J-shaped" hook protrusions 40 defining an open longitudinal
channel 42. Attachment of channel closing end cap 16 with linear
module 12a occurs via mating engagement of male J-shaped hook
protrusion 40 into female longitudinal channel 34 formed by end
wall segments 30 and curvilinear segments 32. At the opposed end of
retaining wall 10 from channel-closing end cap 16 is terminating
cap 18 having a side 56 with a pair of inwardly facing J-shaped
hooks 58 at each end with a pair of inwardly facing fingers 60
spaced apart and inward from the pair of J-shaped hooks. Attachment
of terminating end cap 18 with angular module 14 occurs via mating
engagement of male J-shaped hooks 52 into open female longitudinal
channels 64 formed by J-shaped hooks 58 and inwardly facing fingers
60 thereby closing and simultaneously forming channel 70 between
side 56 of terminating end cap 18 and side 44 of angled module
14.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 3, terminating end cap need not be
affixed to angled module 14, but rather could also terminate a
linear U-shaped channel module 12c. Attachment of terminating end
cap 18 with linear module 12c occurs via mating engagement of male
J-shaped hooks 26 into open female longitudinal channels 64 formed
by J-shaped hooks 58 and inwardly facing fingers 60 thereby capping
retaining wall 10.
[0037] As used in the field and in a preferred embodiment only,
subsequent to driving the modules into the seabed using mechanized
driving equipment, each closed cavity which is formed through
mating engagement with a subsequent module, is filled with pea
gravel or concrete or combinations thereof. The filling operation
creates outward lateral pressure on each module. For those modules
which have relatively small horizontal dimensions, the inherent
structural strength of the walls of the module are sufficient to
resist any lateral bowing of the module. However, for those modules
which have a larger horizontal dimension, e.g., 12a, 12b, 12c in
the Figures, it is often desirable to include T-shaped (or other
geometried) male anchors 72 positioned on opposing side walls 20 on
the inside of cavity 66, thereby forming two separate cavities, 66a
and 66b. This lessens the tendency of the larger modules to lateral
bowing when the male anchors 72 are in mating engagement with at
least one rib 74 (better illustrated in FIGS. 5-7) which are in
mating engagement with the male anchors. While a pair of T-shaped
male anchors 72 are illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6 and shown to be in
engagement with a rib 74 having a pair of open oval channels 76a
positioned at each end of the rib for mating engagement with the
male anchors, there is no need to limit the invention to this
geometry. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, reinforcing rib 74 can mate
with male anchors 72a (inwardly facing bent finger positioned
normal to the vertical plane of wall 20) or 72b (inwardly facing
bent angular finger). When in either of these geometries, it is
important that the geometry of the opposed ends 76b of reinforcing
rib 74 successfully mate or securely or lockingly engage with the
male anchor.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, each of the modules can have
mating attachment locking mechanisms which employ slightly
different geometries, and the invention is not limited to any one
geometry. For example, inwardly facing wall segments 30 may be
geometried as inwardly facing J-shaped hooks 30b which bend
backwards 180.degree., or as inwardly facing J-shaped hooks 30c
which form an acute angle with wall 20, said angle ranging from
1-90.degree., or as outwardly-facing J-shaped hooks 30d.
Additionally J-shaped hooks 26 may be geometries as outward-facing
J-shaped hooks 26a which form an acute angle to the initial normal
projection from third end wall 24, said angle ranging from
1-90.degree., or outward-facing J-shaped hooks 26b which bend
backwards 180.degree., or outward-facing J-shaped hooks 26c or
inward-facing hooks 26d. Similarly, inwardly-facing wall segments
48, namely 48a, 48b, 48c or 48d may be possessed of different
geometries, the key being mating or secure or locking engagement
with their corresponding J-shaped hooks 26. Similar comments are
pertinent to protrusions 52, namely 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d which
would need to correspondingly securely or matingly engage with
their associated next modular unit.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the modular
retaining wall construction wherein each module is of a closed
geometry for additional stability if required by the application.
Module 12a comprises a closed rectangular polygon having a pair of
parallel sides 20 and a pair of connecting ends. End 24a simply
closes the polygon on one side and is used as a terminating end
module to the retaining wall 10. When used in this configuration,
there is no need for end cap 36 as illustrated in FIG. 3 for
example. Opposed end 24 has a pair of outwardly-facing male
J-shaped hook protrusions 26 for engagement with inwardly-facing
J-shaped hooks of inner module 12b. This module is the building
block module when the wall is constructed with closed polygon
modules. Module 12b comprises similar parallel sides 20 with
opposed end walls, one end wall having a pair of inwardly-facing
J-shaped hooks 30 while opposed end 24 has a pair of
outwardly-facing J-shaped hooks. Construction of the retaining wall
includes linking as many modules 12b as is necessary until the wall
either ends or is angled. When angularity is required to the
construction of the wall, a closed triangular-shaped module is
added to end 24 of module 12b through gripping or securing
engagement of outwardly-facing J-shaped hooks 26 with
inwardly-facing J-shaped hooks. Completion of a modular retaining
wall is effected by the attachment of module 12c, a module similar
to 12a with the exception that the securing fingers are
inwardly-projecting J-shaped hooks 30 in contrast to the
outwardly-facing J-shaped hooks 26 of module 12a.
[0040] While the invention has been described in terms of open
U-shaped modules and closed rectangular modules for the essentially
linearly oriented modules, there is no need to limit the shape of
the modules to such. In fact, as illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, both
open and closed polygons are useful in the invention. As shown
particularly in FIG. 9, end 12a or middle module 12b which was
illustrated to be an open U-shaped three-sided polygon, may be
envisioned as an open seven-sided polygon, wherein side panel 20
has been modified by inwardly-positioned side panels 20a and 20b.
It is noteworthy that the apex of side panels 20a and 20b need not
be equally spaced between bottom side 24 and end cap 36, but may be
positioned off-center. It is also noted that the length of side
panels 20a and 20b need not be equal. In a similar manner, this
concept may be extended to the closed polygons which were
originally shown to be rectangular in shape in FIG. 8, but are
illustrated to be polygonal in FIG. 10. This concept may equally be
extended to the non-linearly oriented modules, e.g., 14.
[0041] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of
the Prior Art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description
and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the
scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or
described.
[0042] This invention has been described in detail with reference
to specific embodiments thereof, including the respective best
modes for carrying out each embodiment. It shall be understood that
these illustrations are by way of example and not by way of
limitation.
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