U.S. patent application number 16/758069 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for apparatus, method, and system for water shaping including for zero edge pools and related systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is CHRISTOPHER WALTON. Invention is credited to CHRISTOPHER WALTON.
Application Number | 20210189751 16/758069 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005461136 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210189751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALTON; CHRISTOPHER |
June 24, 2021 |
APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR WATER SHAPING INCLUDING FOR ZERO
EDGE POOLS AND RELATED SYSTEMS
Abstract
An apparatus, method and system for water shaping, including for
zero edge pools and related systems, comprising either: (a) a
unique dam intended and designed to dimensionally occupy the front
of a ledge formed in a shell, where it can serve as a mounting
location for waterline finish material as well as serving as the
foundation and support for a distinctive mounting plate and related
parts that serve, in conjunction with the dam element, as a means
of support for coping surface materials and otherwise help to
define the enclosed trough of the invention; or (b) a spout-shaped
water scupper, such as that shown in FIG. 12 is combined with a
planar water-baffle, such as is shown in e.g U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520, to produce a spout-shaped
scupper with a pleasing sheetfall appearance analogous to that
produced by the linear scupper shown in FIG. 11 when combined with
such a baffle; or (c) both (a) and (b).
Inventors: |
WALTON; CHRISTOPHER;
(GAINESVILLE, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WALTON; CHRISTOPHER |
GAINESVILLE |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005461136 |
Appl. No.: |
16/758069 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
October 31, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/058581 |
371 Date: |
April 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62579885 |
Oct 31, 2017 |
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62580426 |
Nov 1, 2017 |
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62724232 |
Aug 29, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/1227 20130101;
E04H 4/141 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/12 20060101
E04H004/12; E04H 4/14 20060101 E04H004/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for water shaping, including for zero edge pools
and related systems, comprising either: (a) a unique dam intended
and designed to dimensionally occupy the front of a ledge formed in
a shell, where it can serve as a mounting location for waterline
finish material as well as serving as the foundation and support
for a distinctive mounting plate and related parts that serve, in
conjunction with the dam element, as a means of support for coping
surface materials and otherwise help to define the enclosed trough
of the invention; or (b) a spout-shaped water scupper, such as that
shown in FIG. 12 is combined with a planar water-baffle, such as is
shown in e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520, to
produce a spout-shaped scupper with a pleasing sheetfall appearance
analogous to that produced by the linear scupper shown in FIG. 11
when combined with such a baffle; or (c) both (a) and (b).
2. The apparatus for water shaping according to claim 1 comprising
the inclusion of 6'' deep and 8'' wide cut-out 4B1, and the
placement of suitably spaced rebar pins 4B2 to be used for
anchoring the distinctive dam element 7 of the invention, a baffled
water scupper, or both.
3. The water feature according to claim 2 wherein dam element 7
comprises an elongate element with a cross-section forming a
right-triangle and having suitable sockets for mounting to spaced
rebar pins 4B2 with its flat upright side 7A positioned towards the
pool edge 5.
4. The water feature according to claim 3 wherein waterproofing
membrane/material is installed over the dam 7, back down through
trough 5A, and then up onto a rear high-point 4B3 of the ledge of
shell 4B.
5. The water feature according to claim 4 wherein a waterline
finish material such as the illustrated planar granite member 9 is
installed on a leading side of the dam 7 to create a static water
level with the top of said member forming the weir over which water
spills into trough 5A via slot 3.
6. The water feature according to claim 5 wherein dam 7 has routed
grooves on all three outward surfaces that will, on installation,
be adjacent pool/finish material 9, trough 5A and shell 4B, so as
to form strong mechanical bonds when appropriate sealants or other
appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used to connect these
elements of the invention.
7. The water feature according to claim 6 wherein mounting plate 10
of the invention and associated elements are installed between
high-point of ledge 4B3 and dam 7 so as to span trough 5A created
thereby.
8. The water feature according to claim 7 wherein coping/finish
material 2B for shell 4B is installed on top of the mounting plate
10 so as to be even with its upper surface at the same elevation as
the top of the waterline finish material 9.
9. The water feature according to claim 1 comprising dam 7 and
mounting plate 10.
10. The water feature according to claim 1 comprising a
spout-shaped water scupper in combination with planar water baffle
such as that shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and
6,382,520.
11. A method of producing, from a spout-shaped water scupper, a
laminar water flow with pleasing water feature contouring analogous
to that produced by a linear water scupper such as that shown in
FIG. 11, by introducing a planar baffle into the water stream
before the water stream is guided from the planar baffle into the
spout-shaped scupper.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Water shaping method, apparatus, and system for water
shaping including for zero edge pools and related systems, and for
a water feature for a scupper with laminar flow induced by scupper
design and combination with a planar baffle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The instant invention pertains generally to the field of
swimming and bathing pools, and more specifically to recirculation
systems for such pools including a water overflow edge and related
systems for water shaping, such as scuppers and baffles. More
particularly, the invention teaches the construction and elements
of an improved "zero edge" system and related devices for
incorporation and use in such systems. Zero edge systems are
characterized by the presence of a static water level of the body
of water in the pool or similar system being equal to the same
grade/elevation as the coping/perimeter finish material adjacent
the body of water. This grade/elevation will vary while in
operation based on the thickness of water's meniscus as it
overflows the weir/edge into an overflow capture and recirculation
trough.
[0003] Swimming pools, spas, fountains, and other architectural
bodies of water are typically provided with systems for
re-circulating water in order to send water contained in the body
of water through a filtration system and reintroduce it into the
water body. In the progression/evolution of swimming pool/spa and
water-shaping industries, many design details have been introduced
into such systems for their aesthetic qualities. Such details
provide aesthetic benefits while simultaneously meeting the
requirements for the circulation, filtration, or sanitation of the
body of water. "Vanishing edge" and "zero edge" details are
examples of these types of aesthetic design features, as are
baffled scuppers disclosed and claimed herein, for water
shaping.
[0004] Vanishing edge and zero edge designs reveal a clean water
edge by overflow. This overflow is part of a system for
re-circulating water over a portion of the perimeter of a body of
water's surface area. The edges where water overflows the perimeter
are called weirs. As the water overflows a weir it is collected in
a perimeter trough system adjacent and below the perimeter defined
by the weir. From the trough system water is drained back to a
separate reservoir location. The pump for the system then draws the
water from the reservoir and re-circulates it back to the body of
water where it once again enters the body of water and continues
the cycle. In zero edge systems, the weir location has moved from
using the structural shell of the body of water to form the weir.
Instead, the structural shell is modified to inset and enclose the
trough/collection system.
[0005] An early example of this type of system is provided in FIG.
1. As will be noted from review of this drawing figure, this
particular embodiment of the concept features an upward opening
overflow slot 3 that is significantly inset from a side edge 5 of a
pool or other body of water 1. However, this form and mode of
construction has at least two serious draw-backs. First, using the
width of the shell structure 4 as the weir keeps the coping/finish
material 2 submerged by overflowing water 1B, causing a slip hazard
unless specific material is used with an approved friction
coefficient. This limits and restricts available material options.
In addition, when the structural shell 4 is used to form the weir,
slot 3 and trough 5A are contained within a secondary
structure/appendage 4A that must be built on the outside perimeter
of shell 4 and the coping 2 forming the weir after the shell has
been completed. The lack of monolithic build provides for
additional labor days, material, and issues with waterproofing the
joint between the two structures, all of which add to inconvenience
and cost of construction.
[0006] A more current example of such a system is provided in FIG.
2, illustrating an overflow collection trough construction method
and type with an upward opening overflow slot 3 minimally inset
from a side edge 5 of a pool or other body of water 1 by a
relatively thin plate of material 6 (typically formed from
stainless steel). The trough system of this type of zero edge
system is created within the structural shell 4 by placement of a
hollow form in the shape of the intended trough 5A, and filling
around it. In this situation, it is very difficult to obtain a
consistent fill on either side of the form. This results in the dam
portion of shell 4 located between trough 5A and pool side 5 as
well as the portion supporting coping material 2 being consistently
imperfect, with hollow spaces, requiring hours of labor and bags of
sac material to correct for the installation of the finish
materials. Further, the lack of support for coping material 2
adjacent pool edge 5 requires the use of cantilevered stainless
steel plates underneath coping material 2 to carry the finish
material and the normal weight of persons or objects typically
traversing the top of coping/finish material 2. Consequently,
problems arising from previous methods and materials have made zero
edge systems notoriously expensive to execute and extremely
problematic in terms of not being sufficiently waterproof, compact,
and reasonable in terms of construction costs. While these examples
are noted to be known constructs and are sometimes referred to
herein as "prior art", this is not intended to imply that the
referenced information constitutes novelty or inventive
step/nonobviousness defeating information.
[0007] In another feature of the invention, related to the zero
edge pool system, is the shaping of water by baffled scuppers, as
disclosed herein, whereas known scuppers typically do not include a
baffle component. Operating together, the baffled scupper system
and the zero edge pool system disclosed herein provide a very
aesthetically pleasing combination of elements for water
features.
[0008] In the field of water features, e.g. for swimming pools, it
is common for water features to be included as an aesthetic element
and an enhancement. Typically, such water features include a source
of water flow to a linear water feature, of from a few inches wide
to up to a foot or two wide, over which water flows to produce a
pleasing, laminar flow. The same cannot be said for additional
sources of water flowing into a pool, such as spout-shaped
scuppers, which are often or generally little more than outlets of
water that flows almost as a from a pipe, with little shaping of
the water flow. The result is that while the linear water feature,
such as that shown in FIG. 11, provides a pleasing continuous sheet
of water, the water emerging from the spout-shaped scuppers
interrupts the aesthetics by providing a more ragged water
flow.
[0009] At this point, it is helpful to consider terminology, for
which a helpful resource is provided at
http://www.luxurypools.com/blog/water-features-pools-design-installation--
cost, accessed on Nov. 1, 2017: [0010] "Fountain bubbler, foam jet,
sun jet. This feature shoots up out of the pool floor and falls
back on itself, like a mini geyser and is usually placed on a Baja
shelf (a shallow sun ledge or extended first step). [0011] Deck
jet, fountain spitter: A deck jet is an inexpensive option that
shoots a narrow stream of water from the deck into the pool. The
stream contains air and water sprays slightly apart in droplets.
[0012] Laminar jet: A more expensive jet that produces a steady,
forceful arc of bubble-free water, creating the illusion of a glass
tube. It can be hidden in flowerbeds and is often lit by LEDs to
create a colorful visual effect at night. [0013] Sheetfall: As the
name implies, this feature has sheet of water that flows down from
a thin, flattened spillway. [0014] Sconce: A decorative object
mounted on a wall from which a narrow stream of water flows. [0015]
Scupper: This feature sends water across a small ledge before
falling down into the pool. [0016] Rainfall curtain: A series of
pencil-like streams of water rain down from an elevated beam to
create a curtain of water. [0017] Rock waterfall: Usually seen with
tropical, lagoon-style pools, this type of waterfall varies in size
and complexity. [0018] Waterwall: This feature sends water
cascading from above and flowing down the wall."
[0019] What is of interest in the present patent disclosure is a
scupper feature that sends water across a small ledge before
falling down into the pool. Whereas, in the art, instances have
been found whereby a planar baffle has been utilized in combination
with a sheetfall scupper with a significant lateral dimension such
as those shown in FIG. 11, and see, e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744,
4,881,280, and 6,382,520, a combination of a spout-shaped scupper
with a planar baffle has not been identified as a known commercial
product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The instant invention seeks to overcome the limitations of
systems known in the art in a manner that is cost-effective and
efficient. To do this, the inventor has developed a system that
primarily relies on two distinctive but interacting
innovations/elements. The first element is a unique dam intended
and designed to dimensionally occupy the front of a ledge formed in
the shell, where it can serve as a mounting location for waterline
finish material as well as serving as the foundation and support
for the apparatus comprising the second element, a distinctive
mounting plate and related parts that serve, in conjunction with
the dam element, as a means of support for coping surface materials
and otherwise help to define the enclosed trough of the
invention.
[0021] The system is installed in the following basic steps. First,
a 6'' deep and 8'' wide ledge is cut/formed/shaped in the pool/spa
shell at its top adjacent the top thereof such that it will be
adjacent a body of water that will fill the pool/spa. Second, the
dam of the invention is installed and anchored in the leading 4''
of the ledge. Third, waterproofing membrane/material is installed
over the dam, back down through trough, and then up onto a rear
high-point of the ledge. Fourth, waterline finish material is
installed on a leading side of the dam to create a static water
level. Fifth, the mounting plate of the invention and associated
elements are installed between the high-point of the ledge and the
dam so as to span the trough created. Then to complete, the
coping/finish material for the shell top at body of water is
installed on top of the mounting plate with its top at equal
elevation/grade to the top of the waterline finish material.
[0022] The foregoing elements and steps of the invention serve to
create a water overflow edge device and system for a swimming pool
or similar body of water that is particularly solid and resistant,
while being relatively light. Moreover, the system, apparatus and
method of the invention result in a water overflow edge and trough
combination for a swimming pool that is simple to manufacture, as
well as to install. Similarly, the baffled scupper of this
invention may be combined with a zero edge pool system according to
this invention, or used independently thereof.
[0023] The present invention disclosure further provides a
spout-shaped scupper combined with a planar baffle to produce a
pleasing water feature from a scupper which otherwise would disrupt
the aesthetics of, for example, a pool with sheetfall water
features produced by a combination of a water feature such as that
shown in FIG. 1, with a baffle, as shown in e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520.
[0024] These purposes according to the present invention are
achieved in the creation of a water overflow edge and trough
combination, and a baffled scupper, based on the elements and
method of the invention as generally outlined above, and more
specifically described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The novel features characteristic of this invention are set
forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention
itself, however, both as to its organization and method of
operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of prior
art overflow collection trough construction (prior art collection
trough assembly type 1) wherein an upward opening overflow slot is
significantly inset from a side edge of a pool or other body of
water;
[0027] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of prior
art overflow collection trough construction (prior art collection
trough assembly type 2) wherein an upward opening overflow slot is
minimally inset from a side edge of a pool or other body of
water;
[0028] FIG. 3A provides a cross-sectional schematic view of
pool/spa shell constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
instant invention, as prepared for, but prior to inclusion of,
other apparatus in accordance with the teachings of the instant
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional schematic view of
overflow collection trough construction and apparatus of the
invention, which also features an upward opening overflow slot
minimally inset from a side edge of a pool or other body of
water;
[0030] FIG. 4A provides a first perspective view of the top of the
zero edge plate along with certain other associated parts used in
the construction of the instant invention;
[0031] FIG. 4B provides a first perspective view of the bottom of
the zero edge plate along with certain associated parts used in the
construction of the instant invention;
[0032] FIG. 5A provides a side edge view of the zero edge plate of
the invention;
[0033] FIG. 5B provides a top plan view of the zero edge plate of
the invention;
[0034] FIG. 5C provides a bottom plan view of the zero edge plate
of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 5D provides a front (water-side) view of the zero edge
plate of the invention, and includes a corbel end detail and a
connection end detail for said plate;
[0036] FIG. 6A provides a front (water-side) view of the zero edge
plate in combination with certain other elements of the
invention;
[0037] FIG. 6B provides a top plan view of the zero edge plate in
combination with certain other elements of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 6C provides a bottom plan view of the zero edge plate
in combination with other elements of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 7A provides a perspective view of the corbel primary of
the invention;
[0040] FIG. 7B provides an end view of the corbel primary of the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of the corbel secondary
of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 8B provides an end view of the corbel secondary of the
invention;
[0043] FIG. 9A provides a perspective view of the bridge of the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 9B provides an end view of the bridge of the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 10A provides a perspective view of the pool facing side
of the zero edge dam of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 10B provides a perspective view of the trough facing
side of the zero edge dam of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of two sheetfall
producing water scuppers, one 12 inches wide, (A), and one 24
inches wide, (B), when combined with a baffle, as shown in e.g.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520.
[0048] FIG. 12 provides a spout-shaped water scupper (A) with a
ragged water flow; (B) a diagram of a planar baffle for use in
combination with the spout-shaped water scupper; (C) a photograph
of a planar baffle; and (D) water flow from a spout-shaped scupper
combined with a planar baffle, such that water flow is first guided
through the baffle such as that shown in (B) or (C) before emerging
through the spout, to produce a more pleasing effect from such a
scupper, analogous to the sheetfall appearance of the linear water
scupper shown in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION;
WRITTEN AND ENABLING DESCRIPTION
[0049] The overall features of the zero edge pool aspect of the
instant invention can best be understood by review of FIGS. 3A and
3B. FIG. 3A provides an initial cross-sectional schematic view of
pool/spa shell 4B, which is initially constructed in accordance
with known prior-art methods, but with the following modifications:
the inclusion of 6'' deep and 8'' wide cut-out 4B1, and the
placement of suitably spaced rebar pins 4B2 to be used for
anchoring the distinctive dam element 7 of the invention. As will
be noted from FIG. 3B as well as FIGS. 10A and 10B, dam element 7
comprises an elongate element with a cross-section forming a
right-triangle and having suitable sockets for mounting to spaced
rebar pins 4B2 with its flat upright side 7A positioned towards the
pool edge 5. After this, a waterproofing membrane/material 8 may be
advantageously installed over the dam 7, back down through trough
5A, and then up onto a rear high-point 4B3 of the ledge of shell
4B. Following this, a waterline finish material such as the
illustrated planar granite member 9 is installed on a leading side
of the dam 7 to create a static water level with the top of said
member forming the weir over which water spills into trough 5A via
slot 3. (As will be noted, dam 7 has routed grooves on all three
outward surfaces that will, on installation, be adjacent
pool/finish material 9, trough 5A and shell 4B, so as to form
strong mechanical bonds when appropriate sealants or other
appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used to connect these
elements of the invention). Next, mounting plate 10 of the
invention and associated elements are installed between the
high-point of the ledge 4B3 and the dam 7 so as to span the trough
5A created. Then to complete construction, the coping/finish
material 2B for the shell 4B is installed on top of the mounting
plate 10 so as to be even with its upper surface at the same
elevation as the top of the waterline finish material 9.
[0050] With the foregoing overview in mind, a more detailed review
of dam 7 as well mounting plate 10 and its associated elements will
provide further insights into the construction, operation and
advantages of the invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B provide perspective
views of, respectively, the top and bottom surfaces of the zero
edge mounting plate 10 along with certain other associated parts
used in the construction of the instant invention, while FIGS. 5A
through 9B provide numerous additional details related to both
plate 10 and associated parts. As will first be noted, plate 10 and
its associated parts--bridge 11, primary corbel 12, and secondary
corbel 13--are provided with routed dovetail grooves and/or
interfacing dovetail tabs in appropriate locations for use in
joining parts (and/or in regard to plate 10, so as to be used in
forming strong mechanical bonds between plate 10 and adjacent
elements such as surface coping material 2B when appropriate
sealants or other appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used
to connect these elements of the invention).
[0051] More specific details in regard to the structure and use of
bridge 11, primary corbel 12, and secondary corbel 13 in
conjunction with plate 10 are provided in FIGS. 5A through 9B. As
will be clear from FIGS. 5A through 9B, the aforesaid elements
provide a system of interlocking and linked parts, with bridge 11
forming an extended linear member that joins to plate 10 proximate
the edge of plate 10 overhanging trough 5A, and runs parallel to
said overhanging edge of plate 10 so as to strengthen and stiffen
this member for load bearing purposes. Likewise, primary corbel 12
and secondary corbel 13 extend across bridge 10 and beyond and over
trough 5A so as to abut and rest on dam 7, thereby also providing
support for the portion of plate 10 overhanging trough 5A. In
addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 6A, corbels 12, 13 provide
means for linking successive plates 10 together end-to-end as
needed to provide underlying plate 10 structure for extended zero
edge construction in accordance with the teachings of the
invention.
[0052] With respect to the spout-shaped water scupper, such as that
shown in FIG. 12 when combined with a planar water-baffle, such as
is shown in e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520,
to produce a spout-shaped scupper with a pleasing sheetfall
appearance analogous to that produced by the linear scupper shown
in FIG. 11 when combined with such a baffle.
[0053] Accordingly, in this aspect of the present invention a
spout-shaped water scupper in combination with planar water baffle,
such as that shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and
6,382,520 is provided. The invention also provides a method of
producing, from a spout-shaped water scupper, a laminar water flow
with pleasing water feature contouring analogous to that produced
by a linear water scupper, such as that shown in FIG. 11, by
introducing a planar baffle into the water stream before the water
stream is guided from the planar baffle into the spout-shaped
scupper.
[0054] In view of the foregoing, it should be clear that numerous
changes and variations can be made without exceeding the scope of
the inventive concept outlined. Accordingly, it is to be understood
that the embodiment(s) of the invention herein described is/are
merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the
invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated
embodiment(s) is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to
be filed with the non-provisional patent application, which will
recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
PARTS AND FEATURES ILLUSTRATED IN DRAWING FIGURES
[0055] 1 Body of Water [0056] 1 A Static Water Level [0057] 2
Coping Material/Layer Adjacent Body of Water [0058] 2A Coping
Material/Layer Over Secondary Structure [0059] 2B Coping
Material/Layer of the Invention [0060] 3 Overflow Slot [0061] 4
Concrete Shell Adjacent Body of Water [0062] 4A Secondary Concrete
Structure for Trough [0063] 4B Concrete Shell of the Invention
[0064] 4B1 Cut-out [0065] 4B2 Rebar pin [0066] 4B3 High point of
shell ledge [0067] 5 Side Edge of Pool [0068] 5A Collection Trough
[0069] 6 "Lautner's Plate" [0070] 7 Dam [0071] 7A Flat upright Dam
side [0072] 7B Inclined Dam side [0073] 8 Waterproof membrane
[0074] 9 Water line finish material [0075] 10 Mounting plate [0076]
11 Bridge [0077] 12 Primary corbel [0078] 13 Secondary corbel
* * * * *
References