U.S. patent application number 11/873593 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for cover for prestressed concrete member.
This patent application is currently assigned to High Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alicia Allamena, Kenneth C. Baur, Gary C. Graziano.
Application Number | 20090100768 11/873593 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40560122 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baur; Kenneth C. ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
COVER FOR PRESTRESSED CONCRETE MEMBER
Abstract
A cover includes a body adapted to secure over a fitting
disposed in a prestressed concrete member for lifting the concrete
member. The body has a surface feature configured to achieve a
substantially fluid tight seal with the concrete member.
Inventors: |
Baur; Kenneth C.; (Mohnton,
PA) ; Allamena; Alicia; (Manheim, PA) ;
Graziano; Gary C.; (Lititz, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
100 PINE STREET, P.O. BOX 1166
HARRISBURG
PA
17108-1166
US
|
Assignee: |
High Industries, Inc.
Lancaster
PA
|
Family ID: |
40560122 |
Appl. No.: |
11/873593 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 29/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/21 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/14 20060101
E02D029/14 |
Claims
1. A cover comprising: a body comprising: a surface feature
configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal with the a
concrete member having a void with a fitting disposed therein; and
a protrusion extending from the body and configured to engage the
void; wherein the body is adapted to secure over the fitting
disposed in a the void and engage the void for lifting the concrete
member.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the surface feature includes a
layer of adhesive material.
3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the surface feature is a
substantially planar region.
4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the surface feature includes a
rib.
5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the surface feature extends
substantially continuously along the body.
6. The cover of claim 1, wherein the surface feature extends
outwardly from the body.
7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the surface feature forms a recess
in the body.
8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body includes a raised portion
opposite the surface feature.
9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the protrusion comprises a
discontinuity configured to bend and reduce insertion force
required to engage the void.
10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the protrusion includes a
taper.
11. The cover of claim 10, wherein the body includes a recessed
region substantially surrounding the protrusion, the recessed
region disposed between the protruding portion and the surface
feature.
12. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body contains a pigment
similar to a pigment of the concrete member.
13. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body is composed of a
resilient material.
14. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body is composed of a
nonmetal.
15. The cover of claim 14, wherein a portion of the body adjacent
the surface feature is resilient.
16. A cover comprising: a body adapted to secure over a fitting
disposed in a void of in a prestressed concrete member for lifting
the prestressed concrete member, the body comprising: a surface
feature configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal with
the prestressed concrete member; a protrusion portion extending
from the body and configured to engage the void; and a raised
portion opposite the surface feature.
17. The cover of claim 16, wherein the surface feature includes a
layer of adhesive material.
18. (canceled)
19. The cover of claim 16, wherein the body includes a recessed
region substantially surrounding protruding portion, the recessed
region disposed between the protruding portion and the surface
feature.
20. A cover comprising a body adapted to secure over a fitting
disposed in a void of a concrete member for temporarily securing an
object to the concrete member, the body comprising: a surface
feature configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal with
the concrete member a protrusion extending from the body and
configured to engage the void.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to components for use with
moldable building materials, and more specifically to covers for
use with concrete members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a cover including a body
adapted to secure over a fitting disposed in a prestressed concrete
member for lifting the concrete member. The body has a surface
feature configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal with
the concrete member.
[0003] The present invention further relates to a cover including a
body adapted to secure over a fitting disposed in a prestressed
concrete member for lifting the concrete member. The body has a
surface feature configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight
seal with the concrete member and a raised portion opposite the
surface feature.
[0004] The present invention yet further relates to a cover
including a body adapted to secure over a fitting disposed in a
prestressed concrete member for lifting the concrete member or for
temporarily securing an object to the concrete member. The body
having a surface feature configured to achieve a substantially
fluid tight seal with the concrete member.
[0005] An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is
that the cover can quickly and easily be installed.
[0006] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known lifting fitting
installed in a concrete structure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a cover of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a cover of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIGS. 4 and 5 are bottom perspective views of respective
cover embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross section of an embodiment of a cover of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 7-10 are enlarged portions of alternate cover
embodiments taken from region 7 of FIG. 6 of the present
disclosure.
[0013] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIGS. 2-5 show an embodiment of a cover 20 for use with
concrete structures. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a
structural concrete member 10, such as a prestressed concrete panel
comprising a building facade, include inserts or fittings 12, such
as those manufactured by Meadow Burke of Tampa, Fla., for lifting
concrete member 10. Fitting 12 includes an interface 14 for
engaging lifting equipment (not shown) used to lift concrete member
10 into position. Covers 20 are configured for securing over
fitting 12 to prevent damage to concrete member 10, as exposed
fittings can otherwise fill with liquid precipitation and later
freeze. Alternately, in warmer climates, a water-filled fitting 12
may provide a breeding ground for vermin.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows fitting 12 of the type that is temporarily
affixed to a surface of a form prior to the pouring of concrete
into the form, which poured concrete becoming concrete member 10 by
virtue of subsequent curing. Techniques for prestressing the
concrete panels to permit lifting and installation are known and
not further discussed herein. Cover 20 of the present disclosure is
configured to be secured over the portion of fitting 12 that is
exposed to the outside environment, including interface 14. It is
to be understood that other types of fittings may be installed in
concrete members subsequent to curing. For example, a void may be
formed in the concrete member as a result of an object affixed to
the form, or a bore formed in a concrete member after curing, such
as by a masonry drill bit. A suitable fitting is then inserted into
the void and secured therein for temporarily securing an object to
the concrete member. In such instances, cover 20 may be configured
to not only be secured over the fitting, but also secured over the
bore or void which is necessarily larger than the fitting to permit
insertion of the fitting in the void or bore.
[0016] As further shown in FIGS. 2-5, cover 20 includes a body 22
having a surface feature 24. In one embodiment, body 22 is
sufficiently sized to overlay fitting 12 (FIG. 1) and a bore or
void, if applicable, as previously discussed. In one embodiment,
surface feature 24 achieves a substantially fluid tight seal with
the concrete member by establishing a conformal contact with the
corresponding surface of the concrete member 10 surrounding fitting
12 (FIG. 1). Since many concrete members have substantially planar
surfaces at least locally surrounding fittings 12, in one
embodiment, surface feature 24 is also substantially planar.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 6-10 such conformal contact may be
achieved with a rib 40, or alternately, multiple ribs (not shown),
that extend(s) substantially continuously along body 22. In an
alternate embodiment, a portion of body 22 adjacent surface feature
24 is formed having enhanced resiliency as compared to the
remainder of body 22. This resilient portion 46 (FIG. 10), which
may be of unitary construction with body 22, forms a conformal
contact with the concrete member. In another alternate embodiment,
a layer of adhesive material 44 (FIG. 9), such as caulk or
double-sided adhesive tape, may be used to achieve a substantially
fluid tight seal with the concrete member. In another embodiment,
surface feature 24 includes a recess 42 formed in body 22 that may
be filled with adhesive material (not shown). It is to be
understood that each of these embodiments may include an
application of adhesive material 44, if desired, providing not only
an improved seal, but also providing a technique to secure the
cover to the concrete member without fasteners. However, if
desired, cover 20 may be configured to receive mechanical
fasteners, such as by forming apertures (not shown) in body 22.
[0018] In one embodiment, cover 20 is formed of a suitable
resilient material, such as plastic, non-metals or other
non-corroding material, although certain metals and metallic alloys
may also be suitable. In another embodiment, cover 20 may contain a
pigment similar to that of the concrete member so as to effectively
camouflage the cover.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, body 22 includes a raised portion
26 disposed opposite surface feature 24 that helps facilitate the
flow of condensation from body 22 and away from fitting 12 (FIG.
1).
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, body 22 includes a protruding portion
28 configured to engage fitting 12 (FIG. 1) to help locate body 22
with respect to the fitting in order to achieve a substantially
fluid tight seal. In one embodiment, protruding portion 28 includes
a taper 30. As further shown in FIG. 3, taper 30 subtends an
angular displacement 38 with respect to a reference plane 36 that
is disposed perpendicular to surface feature 24. In another
embodiment, protruding portion 28 includes a discontinuity 34,
permitting cover 20 to more easily be installed by providing a
reduced insertion force. That is, by virtue of discontinuity 34,
when cover 20 is directed toward an installed position over a
fitting 12 (FIG. 1) and upon contact of tapered edges 30 of
protruding portion 28, discontinuity 34 acts as a bending region
that reduces insertion forces associated with the cover. In yet a
further embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a recessed region 32
is disposed between protruding portion 28 and surface feature 24,
and in one embodiment, both surface feature 24 and recessed region
32 substantially surround protruding portion 28. The separation
between surface feature 24 and protruding portion 28 provided by
recessed region 32 provides improved independent movement
therebetween, which likewise provides an improved capability of the
body 22 to achieve conformal contact with concrete member 10 (FIG.
1).
[0021] In another embodiment, body 22 is not sufficiently sized to
overlay fitting 12 (FIG. 1) and a bore or void, as previously
discussed. That is, a surface feature 48 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is
associated with protruding portion 28 so that surface feature 48
achieves a substantially fluid tight seal with the concrete member
10 (FIG. 1) without requiring a substantially fluid tight seal
along surface feature 24. However, in yet another embodiment, body
22 is sufficiently sized to overlay fitting 12 (FIG. 1), so that
either or both surface features 24, 48 may form a substantially
fluid tight seal with concrete member 10.
[0022] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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