System for centering rod in glued rod structure

Abstract

One or more collars (112) are configured to center a rod (104) in a Glued Rod (GIR) structure within a bore (106). The one or more collars (112) fit on the end of the rod (104) first inserted into the bore (106) and / or along the length of the rod (104). The one or more collars (112) may include splines (116, 126) or other features extending from a base of the collar (112). The collar (112) has features (112) that contact a plurality of walls of the bore (106) to center the rod (104) in the bore (106) while allowing fluid, such as glue, to bypass the collar (112) when the collar (112) and the rod (104) are inserted into the bore (106).

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 453,840, filed on August 22, 2023, entitled “SYSTEM FOR CENTERING RODS INGLUED-IN-ROD STRUCTURES,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 401,315, filed on August 26, 2022, entitled “SYSTEM FOR CENTERING RODS IN GLUED-IN-ROD STRUCTURES,” which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] Glued-in-rod (GIR) systems are known in which rods are glued into holes drilled in timber. The timber may be solid sawn timber or constructed from structural composite timber (SCL), such as cross laminated timber (CLT). In a GIR system, when glue is injected into the drilled hole, the glue fills the void around the hole and leaves a glue layer on the walls of the hole which bonds the rod in the finished GIR system.

[0004] Figure 1 A view of a conventional GIR system 50 is shown, which includes a rod 52 glued into a hole 54 in a wood structure 56. The rod 52 has a smaller diameter than the hole 54 so that the glue can fill the space between the rod 52 and the hole 54. However, this space allows the rod to move eccentrically within the hole 54, an example of which is shown in FIG. Figure 1 The eccentric position of the rod can leave some areas between the rod and the wall of the hole with little or no glue in between. This can significantly reduce the strength with which the glued rod remains in the hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a conventional GIR system with a rod eccentric within a bore.

[0006] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a length of lumber (e.g., cross-laminated timber) including a glued rod having a collar to center the rod in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0007] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are different perspective views of an end collar for centering a rod according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 5 is a top view of an end collar according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0009] Figure 6is through Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG.

[0010] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an intermediate collar for centering a rod according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0011] Figure 8 is a top view of an intermediate collar for centering a rod according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0012] Fig. 9 is through Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along line 9-9 in FIG.

[0013] Fig.10 is a top cross-sectional view of a collar within a hole centering a glued rod in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0014] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present technology.

[0015] Fig.12 is a side view of a collar showing an alternative configuration of splines in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Roughly speaking, the present technology relates to systems and methods for centering a rod in a borehole in a glued-in-rod (GIR) structure. These systems and methods include a collar that fits around the rod when the rod is inserted into the borehole. A first type of collar, referred to herein as an end collar, fits on an end of the rod that is first inserted into the borehole. The end collar may include threads that match the threads of the rod and may be screwed onto the end of the rod. Alternatively, the end collar may snap onto the end of the rod. A second type of collar, referred to herein as an intermediate collar, is configured to fit between the first and second ends of the rod. The intermediate collar may have threads that match the threads of the rod to be screwed onto the rod to a desired position along the rod. The end collar and / or one or more intermediate collars may be used to center the rod in the borehole. The end collar and the intermediate collar may include splines or other features extending from the base of the collar. The features contact the walls of the bore to center the rod in the hole while allowing a fluid, such as glue, to bypass the collar when the collar and rod are inserted into the hole.

[0017] It should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0018] The terms "top" and "bottom", "upper" and "lower", and "vertical" and "horizontal" that may be used herein are for exemplary and illustrative purposes only and do not mean to limit the description of the present invention, as the position and orientation of the items referred to may be interchanged. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "substantially" and / or "about" mean that the specified dimension or parameter may vary within acceptable manufacturing tolerances for a given application. In one embodiment, the acceptable manufacturing tolerance is ±2.5%.

[0019] For the purposes of this disclosure, a connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., via one or more other components). In some cases, when a first element is said to be connected, fixed, mounted, or coupled to a second element, the first element and the second element may be directly connected, fixed, mounted, or coupled to each other, or indirectly connected, fixed, mounted, or coupled to each other. When a first element is said to be directly connected, fixed, mounted, or coupled to a second element, there are no intermediate elements between the first element and the second element (other than, possibly, an adhesive or molten metal used to connect, fix, mount, or couple the first element and the second element).

[0020] First referring to Figure 2 , a front cross-sectional view of a GIR structure 100 composed of lumber 102 is shown, where a rod 104 has been glued into a drilled hole 106 using glue or sealant 108. In the following embodiments, the lumber shown is cross-laminated timber (CLT). However, it should be understood that embodiments of the centering collar may be used with any type of lumber or wood. In the illustrated embodiment, the lumber 102 may be CLT, including slat layers 102a that are fixed together and extend in a first direction ( Figure 2 from left to right in Figure 2 ), and slat layers 102b that are fixed together and extend in a second direction (into the Figure 2 page). There may be a plurality of layers 102a and 102b that are interspersed with each other. The number of layers, the directionality of each layer, and the number of slats in each layer are shown by way of example only and each may vary in additional embodiments. In additional embodiments, there may also be more than one rod 104.

[0021] Figure 2 Further shown is a rod 104 that has been inserted into a borehole 106 to form the GIR structure 100. In one embodiment, the diameter of the borehole 106 may be 1-1 / 4 inches, and the diameter of the rod 104 may be 1 inch. These dimensions are provided as examples only, and in further embodiments, each dimension may vary both proportionally and non-proportionally to one another.

[0022] Prior to inserting the rod 104, the hole may be prepared with glue or a sealant that lines the hole 106 and fills any voids in the wood 102 that are open to the hole 106. Although not critical to the present technology, a system for lining the hole 106 with glue is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 711,466, entitled "System for Filling Voids in Glued Rod Structures," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, in general, the sealant 108 may be any of a variety of viscous fluids or pastes, such as CI-GV adhesive from Simpson-Strong-Tie, headquartered in Pleasanton, California. The sealant 108 may be supplied to the base 106a of the hole 106, for example, by injecting a tube (not shown) extending from the outside of the hole 106 to the base 106a of the hole 106. The amount of sealant 108 supplied to the hole 106 depends on the depth and diameter of the hole 106. In an embodiment, the amount of sealant 108 used is sufficient to seal any gaps leading to the hole 106 and leave a thin layer of sealant along the entire cylindrical wall of the hole 106 .

[0023] As described in the background section, when inserting the rods into the drilled holes, it may be desirable to include structure to ensure that the rods are centered within the drilled holes, thereby ensuring a uniform adhesive layer around the rods within the drilled holes. In addition, centering the rods may be useful due to the precision of the construction. For example, a set of rods 104 may be installed into a wood member 102, and then they may need to be inserted into other holes. In this case, imperfections such as the small angles of the rods may make installation impossible. Figure 2 Further shown is a pair of collars 112 fixed at different locations along the length of the rod 104 to ensure that the rod 104 is centered within the bore 106 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. The first collar 112 (also referred to herein as the end collar 112a) is mounted on the end (adjacent the base 106a) of the rod 104. The second collar 112 (also referred to herein as the middle collar 112b) is mounted along the length of the rod 104. Although Figure 2 A pair of loops 112 are shown, but in further embodiments there may be a single loop 112a at the end of the rod 104, a single loop 112b along the length of the rod 104, or more than two loops 112 at the end of the rod 104 and / or along the length of the rod 104.

[0024] Figure 3 and Figure 4 106 are different perspective views of an end collar 112 a configured to fit over the end of the rod 104 so as to be positioned at the base 106 a when the rod 104 is inserted into the hole 106 . Figure 5 is a top view of the end collar 112a, and Figure 6 The end collar 112a passes through Figure 5 The end collar 112a includes an annular base 114 and splines 116 extending radially outward from the annular base 114.

[0025] The inner diameter of the annular base 114 fits snugly against the rod 104. In one embodiment, the rod 104 may be threaded. In such an embodiment, the inner diameter of the annular base 114 may be formed with threads 118, the size and pitch of the threads 118 matching the rod threads, so that the end collar 112a is screwed onto the end of the rod 104 to secure the end collar 112a to the rod 104. The end collar 112a may have an end cap 120 that limits the travel of the end collar 112a on the rod 104. In one embodiment, the annular base 114 may have a length of ½ inch (along its axis of rotation), but in other embodiments, the annular base 114 may be longer or shorter than this length. The end collar 112a will be secured to the rod 104 before the rod 104 is inserted into the hole 106.

[0026] The outer diameter of the annular base 114 may be smaller than the diameter of the hole 106. In one embodiment, the outer diameter (OD, Figure 5 ) may be 1.063 inches. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments where the OD of the annular base 114 is desired to be less than the diameter of the hole 106, the outer diameter may be greater or less than the outer diameter in other embodiments. As explained below, this allows the sealant to flow around the end collar 112a when the end collar 112a and the rod 104 are inserted through the sealant 108 into the hole 106.

[0027] To keep the rod 104 centered in the bore 106 while still allowing insertion of the rod and end collar 112a , the end collar 112a includes splines 116 located at locations around the outer periphery of the end collar 112a , extending radially outward from the annular base 114 . Figure 3-6 Three splines 116 are shown evenly distributed around the perimeter of the annular base 114 because three splines are sufficient to secure the end collar 112a and the rod in a centered position in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the hole 106. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, there may be more splines dispersed around the perimeter of the annular base 114. By way of example, there may be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more splines 116.

[0028] In an embodiment, the splines 116 may each have a spline width (SW, Figure 5 ), but the spline width of the spline 116 can be smaller or larger than the spline width in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the splines 116 can each have a spline length (SL, 3 / 32 inches) that exceeds the outer diameter of the annular base 114. Figure 5 ). With an outer diameter of the annular base of 1.063 inches, this provides an outer diameter of the end collar 112a (including the splines 116) that fits snugly against the wall of the bore 106, where the bore 106 has an outer diameter of 1.25 inches. In this manner, the end collar 112a holds the rod 104 in a centered position within the bore 106. Where the bore 106 has a larger or smaller diameter, it will be appreciated that the outer diameter of the annular base 114 and / or the spline length of the splines 116 may be correspondingly larger or smaller to hold the splines snugly against the wall of the bore 106.

[0029] The spline 116 may have a rounded or chamfered lead-in edge 116a ( Figure 6 ). When the rod 104 is inserted into the base 106a of the hole 106, the rounded / chamfered lead-in edge facilitates the insertion of the end collar 112a through the sealant 108. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the rounded / chamfered lead-in edge 116a may be omitted. For example, in Figure 5 As seen in FIG. 1 , portions of the splines 116 may extend on the end cap 120 and intersect at the radial center of the end collar 112a. However, in other embodiments, the splines 116 need not extend on the end cap 120. As shown, where the splines 116 extend on the end cap 120, the splines may be wedge-shaped, again, to facilitate insertion of the end collar 112a through the sealant 108 when the rod is inserted into the bore 106. In other embodiments, the splines 116 need not be wedge-shaped.

[0030] Given the length of the rod 104, it may be desirable or necessary to include one or more collars 112 in addition to or in lieu of the end collar 112a. Figure 7-9 This additional collar is explained as being referred to herein as an intermediate collar 112b. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the intermediate collar 112b. Figure 8 is a top view of the intermediate collar 112b. Fig. 9 is through Figure 8 9-9 in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate collar 112b taken along line 9-9.

[0031] One or more intermediate collars 112b may include an annular base 124 and splines 126 extending radially outward from the annular base 124. The annular base 124 may include an inner diameter having a size that fits tightly along the length of the rod 104. In the case where the rod 104 is threaded, the inner diameter of the annular base 124 may have threads 128 to screw onto the rod 104. The inner diameter of the annular base 124 may have other features that allow the intermediate collar 112b to slide along the rod 104, such as pointed teeth. In one embodiment, the annular base 124 may have a length of ½ inch (along its rotational axis), but in other embodiments, the annular base 124 may be longer or shorter than this length. The annular base 124 may have an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the annular base 114 of the end collar 112a.

[0032] Prior to inserting the rod 104 into the hole 106, one or more intermediate collars 112b are secured to the rod 104. In an embodiment, the intermediate collars 112b are positioned along the rod 104 so that when the rod 104 is fully inserted into the hole 106, the intermediate collars 112b are positioned at the opening of the hole 106, such as Figure 2 When positioned on the rod so as to be at the opening of the hole 106, it is contemplated that the intermediate collar 112b may be inserted onto the rod 104 after the rod 104 is positioned in the hole 106. It should be understood that when the rod 104 is inserted into the hole 106, the intermediate collar 112b may be positioned along the rod 104 to terminate at any location along the hole 106, instead of or in addition to the intermediate collar 112b at the opening of the hole 106.

[0033] In order to keep the rod 104 centered in the bore 106 while still allowing insertion of the rod and intermediate collar 112b, the intermediate collar 112b includes splines 126 located at locations around the outer periphery of the intermediate collar 112b, extending radially outward from the annular base 124. Figures 7 to 9 Six splines 126 are shown evenly distributed around the circumference of the annular base 114. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer splines dispersed around the circumference of the annular base 124. By way of example, there may be 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, or more splines 126.

[0034] In an embodiment, the spline width and length of each spline 126 can be the same as the spline width and length of the spline 116 of the end collar 112a. As described above, such dimensions provide a tight fit of the intermediate collar 112b against the wall of the hole 106, and the intermediate collar keeps the rod 104 centered within the hole 106. In the event that the hole 106 has a larger or smaller diameter, it should be understood that the outer diameter of the annular base 124 and / or the spline length of the spline 126 can be correspondingly larger or smaller to keep the splines close to the wall of the hole 106.

[0035] The spline 126 may have a rounded or chamfered lead-in edge 126a ( Figure 7 ). The rounded / chamfered lead-in edge facilitates insertion of the intermediate collar 112b through the sealant 108 when the rod 104 is inserted into the hole 106. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the rounded / chamfered lead-in edge 126a may be omitted.

[0036] Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the central axis of the bore 106 through the collar 112 (either the end collar 112a or the intermediate collar 112b). The end collar 112 includes an annular base 114, 124 mounted along the length of the rod 104 or at the end of the rod 104. The splines 116, 126 center the collar 112 and the rod 104 within the bore 106 while allowing the sealant 108 to flow around the collar 112 when the collar 112 and the rod 104 are inserted into the bore 106.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the splines 116, 126 extend along the axial length of the collars 112a, 112b. In other embodiments, other features extending from the annular base 114, 124 and contacting the wall of the bore 106 may be provided instead of splines. For example, Fig.11 1 is an illustration of a collar 112a and / or 112b that includes dimples 136 instead of splines. In various configurations, there may be various numbers of dimples 136 around the outer perimeter of the annular base 114, 124. Other features that center the collar 112 while allowing the collar 112 to be inserted through the sealant 108 may be provided in further embodiments.

[0038] The collars 112a and 112b may be formed from various hard polymers, but may alternatively be formed from other materials such as various metals or ceramics.

[0039] As described above, in most installations, the sealant 108 will be inserted into and line the hole 106 before the stem 104 and the collar 112 are inserted into the hole 106. However, it is contemplated that the stem 104 and the collar 112 are positioned in the hole 106 prior to inserting the sealant 108. In this case, the sealant 108 will flow through the collar 112, as described above.

[0040] In most installations where the rod 104 and collar 112 are inserted after the sealant 108, the rod 104 is simply pushed down through the sealant 108 into the hole 106 without rotating the rod 106. The collar 112 described above (having ridges oriented along the axis of rotation) can be used for such an installation. In further embodiments, the rod 104 is pushed down and rotated through the sealant 108. In such embodiments, collars 112a, 112b can be used that have splines 146 helically wound around the annular base 114, 124. Such embodiments are Fig.12 Alternatively, for such a mounting, the collar 112 described above (with the ridges oriented along the axis of rotation) may be used.

[0041] In summary, the present technology relates to a collar for a glued rod structure, configured to receive a rod in a hole, comprising: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter being configured to fit snugly around the rod; a feature portion, the feature portion extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the feature portion being configured to contact the wall of the hole while allowing fluid to pass between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the hole.

[0042] In another example, the present technology is directed to a glued rod structure comprising: one of a wood material and a composite structure; a hole formed through the one of the wood material and the composite structure; a rod inserted into the hole; and a collar configured to center the rod within the hole, the collar comprising: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter being configured to fit tightly around the rod; a feature portion extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the feature portion being configured to contact a wall of the hole while allowing fluid to pass between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the hole.

[0043] The foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible. The described embodiments are selected to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technical personnel in the field can best utilize the present invention in various embodiments, and with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A collar for a glued rod structure configured to receive a rod in a hole, the collar include: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter being configured to fit tightly around the rod; A feature extends radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the feature being configured to contact a wall of the bore while allowing fluid to pass between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the bore.

2. The collar according to claim 1, in, The collar is an end collar configured to fit over the end of the rod.

3. The collar according to claim 1, in, The collar is an intermediate collar configured to fit between the ends of the rod along the length of the rod.

4. The collar according to claim 1, in, The features include splines oriented axially along the outer diameter of the collar.

5. The collar according to claim 4, in, There are one of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 splines evenly distributed around the outer diameter of the collar.

6. The collar according to claim 1, in, The features include splines helically oriented along an outer diameter of the collar.

7. The collar according to claim 1, in, The feature includes a dimple extending from an outer diameter of the collar.

8. A glued rod structure, include: One of wood and composite structure; a hole formed through said one of the wood material and the composite structure; a rod inserted into the hole; and a collar configured to center the rod within the hole, the collar comprising: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter being configured to fit tightly around the rod; A feature extends radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the feature being configured to contact a wall of the bore while allowing fluid to pass between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the bore.

9. The collar according to claim 8, in, The collar is an end collar configured to fit over the end of the rod.

10. The collar according to claim 8, in, The collar is an intermediate collar configured to fit between the ends of the rod along the length of the rod.

11. The collar according to claim 8, in, The features include splines oriented axially along the outer diameter of the collar.

12. The collar according to claim 8, in, The features include splines helically oriented along an outer diameter of the collar.

13. A glued rod structure configured to receive a rod in a hole, include: a collar configured to center the rod within the hole, the collar comprising: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter being configured to fit tightly around the rod; A ridge is oriented along the outer diameter of the collar and extends radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the splines being configured to contact a wall of the bore while allowing fluid to pass between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the bore.

14. The collar according to claim 13, in, The collar is an end collar configured to fit over the end of the rod.

15. The collar according to claim 13, in, The collar is an intermediate collar configured to fit between the ends of the rod along the length of the rod.

16. The collar according to claim 13, in, There are one of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 splines evenly distributed around the outer diameter of the collar.

17. The collar according to claim 13, in, The features include splines oriented axially along the outer diameter of the collar.

18. The collar according to claim 13, in, The features include splines helically oriented along an outer diameter of the collar.

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