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End cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures

a technology of pre-cast concrete and locking mechanism, which is applied in the direction of construction, form/shuttering/false work, construction, etc., can solve the problems of deteriorating the integration prolonging the life of the attachment means, and failing to provide a tight and secure fit for the cover

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-23
THOMPSON HARRY A
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an end cap locking mechanism used to connect pre-cast concrete structures. It includes an end cap and a connection sleeve with a recess ring and an elongated tubular section. The end cap has outwardly extending protrusion rings that engage with the recess ring of the connection sleeve to securely lock the end cap. The connection sleeve has a shoulder that supports a washer assembly for tightening the attachment means. The end cap locking mechanism allows for adjustable motion of the threaded rod and ensures a secure connection between the pre-cast concrete structures."

Problems solved by technology

Although, the attachment means are initially sufficient in strength to bare the intended weight of the structures, due to the exposure of adverse environmental conditions such as precipitation and wind, the integrity of the attachment means deteriorates as a result of corrosion.
To resolve such problems earlier cover members were developed to shield the attachment means from exposure to such adverse conditions, thereby prolonging the life of the attachment means, and thus, the structure.
Although, earlier cover members were capable of shielding the attachment means from the adverse weather conditions, these cover members failed to provide a tight and secure fit for the cover, such that when positioned to cover the attachment means the cover would be resiliently locked in place.
The earlier cover members also failed to provide protection for the attachment means from the weather and to provide a secure fit for covers which could accommodate attachment means that were bent or angled due to the misalignment of holes within the girders and columns.

Method used

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  • End cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures
  • End cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures
  • End cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures

Examples

Experimental program
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second embodiment

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the present invention depicts an end cap locking mechanism 200 having a connection sleeve 225 for receiving and containing an attachment member 275. Positioned at a first end 225a one end of the connection sleeve is a receiving unit 230, which resiliently receives and holds an end cap 250. Located at a second end 225b of the connection sleeve 225 is a tubular expanded unit 242 for housing and holding the threaded rod 275. Assuming the position at a first end 275a of the threaded rod 275 are a nut and washer assemblies 277 and 279 respectively. The second end 275b of the threaded rod can permanently or adjustably affixed to an existing structure. The tubular expanded unit 242 provides the extra space required to enable the threaded rod 275 to radially move within a limited range of motion about a bore axis 210 of the connection sleeve 225. Due to the enlarged size of the tubular expanded unit 242, the connection sleeve of the present invention can be ...

third embodiment

[0048]FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the connection sleeve 325 of the present invention depicting the inner surfaces as taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. As shown through this illustration, a first interior bore 337 of the elongated tubular unit 340 can be seen, which extends from the shoulder 332 of the receiving unit to the tubular expanded unit 342. A second interior bore 341 coaxial with the first interior bore 337 and corresponding to the bore within the tubular expanded unit 342 of the present invention can also be viewed and has a diameter significantly larger than that of the first interior bore 337 to accommodate for the radial movements of a threaded rod disposed therein. A portion of the receiving unit 330 of the present invention is also illustrated, wherein the flat reception unit 339 and the annular rim lock 336a are disposed on and around the circumference of the receiving unit 330, which in turn receives, engages and retains the end cap within the rec...

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PUM

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Abstract

An end cap locking mechanism used to protect attachment means connecting pre-cast concrete structural members from exposure to adverse environmental conditions having an end cap and a connection sleeve, wherein the end cap is inserted into an end of the connection sleeve and engaged therein prohibiting any exposure of the attachment means to precipitation, which if exposed to such, could possibly corrode the attachment means. The position of the end cap is locked when inserted into the end of the connection sleeve by protrusion rings and cooperating recesses within both the end cap and the receiving section of the connection sleeve.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an end cap that locks into an exposed end of a connection sleeve used in pre-cast concrete members. More particularly, the present invention relates to an end cap locking mechanism for covering an exposed end of a connection sleeve wherein the connection sleeve has disposed contains and protects an attachment means for connecting to pre-cast concrete structures. The end cap locking member of the present invention prevents the attachment means within a connection sleeve from being directly exposed to environmental conditions. If protection for the attachment means were to be neglected, metal of the attachment means would experience corrosion. Within a short period of time, the corrosion would weaken the strength and integrity of the attachment means thereby reducing the stability of the structure connected by the attachment means. More specifically, the present invention relates to an end cap locking mechanism for coverin...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E04C5/08E04B1/21E04C5/12E04G15/04
CPCE04B1/215Y10T403/73E04G15/04E04C5/12F16B2200/67
Inventor THOMPSON, HARRY A.
Owner THOMPSON HARRY A