A plug for sealing holes in concrete walls

Abstract

A plug for closing a hole in a concrete wall comprising a body (2') and a resilient retaining means (4), the retaining means (4) comprising at least one hook partially embedded in and partially protruding from the body (2'), the at least one hook configured to cooperate with a hole in the concrete wall to retain the plug within the hole.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure plug for covering a hole in a concrete wall, the hole preferably being made by a formwork anchoring device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Closure plugs are known for covering up holes in concrete walls, etc. The holes are typically created during the manufacturing process of the concrete walls.

[0003] The concrete wall is fabricated on-site, with a gap between two formwork panels arranged facing each other, which are fastened together by an anchoring device consisting of a transverse bolt with threaded ends that protrude from the formwork panel so that they can be screwed into a corresponding nut, thus fastening the formwork panel in place.

[0004] Once the panels are fixed, concrete is poured into the gaps sandwiched between the formwork panels. To prevent the concrete from sticking to the transverse bolts as they harden, the bolts are pre-covered by placing them in tubes, preferably made of plastic, with conical or frusto-conical elements, also made of plastic, placed on the ends to facilitate support against the formwork. Once the concrete has hardened, the formwork panels, the transverse bolts and the conical or frusto-conical elements are removed. Removal of the protective tubes is optional, but as this operation is rather laborious, the tubes are often not removed and remain inside the wall.

[0005] When the anchoring devices of the formwork panels are removed, i.e. the transverse bolts and the conical or truncated conical elements, a through hole is created in the concrete wall. To hide the hole, a closing plug, preferably having a truncated conical shape, is placed in the hole and this plug is fixed to the wall by applying adhesive. Other means for fixing the plug are also known.

[0006] With this intention, German Utility Model Specification No. 202006005621 describes a decorative plug for hiding holes in a concrete wall, which holes are generated during the wall manufacturing process. The plug comprises a plastic body and also elastic retaining means, also made of plastic, which hold the plug in place inside a protective plastic tube in the hole of the concrete wall. The plug comprises a frustoconical head and a cylindrical projection extending from the head. A decorative metal disk is fixed to the end of the head by an adhesive. The elastic means, in one embodiment, include a plurality of elongated ribs arranged on the projection so as to protrude radially.

[0007] German Utility Model Specification No. 202008015694 describes a plug for closing a hole in a concrete wall, the plug comprising a body and conically tapered retaining means. The retaining means comprise a sleeve-shaped member partially embedded in the body and three hooks protruding from the sleeve-shaped member, and the plug is held inside the hole by the hooks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a plug for closing and hiding holes in a concrete wall, as defined in the claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The plug of the present invention comprises a body and a resilient retaining means comprising at least one hook partially embedded in and partially protruding from the body, the at least one hook configured to cooperate with an aperture in a concrete wall to retain the plug within the aperture.

[0011] The placement of the plug in a hole in a concrete wall is made easier by the plug of the invention, since it is not necessary to use additional means, such as adhesives, to hold the plug in place. Furthermore, the fastening of the plug is improved, since the hooks of the elastic means provide a good fastening, regardless of whether the hole to be blocked includes the protective plastic tube of the transverse bolt (fastened in the plastic material) or does not include the tube (fastened directly in the concrete).

[0012] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and detailed description of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a plug according to the invention; [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 1C. [Figure 1E] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 1F] FIG. 1C shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 1E. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a set of two hooks of a resilient retaining means according to the invention, attached by a U-shaped retaining element. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of the set of hooks of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a set of four hooks of a resilient retaining means according to the present invention, but attached by a circular ring retaining element. [Figure 3A]1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B shows a side view of one embodiment of a resilient retaining means of the plug of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5D] 5B shows a side view of another embodiment of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] 6B shows a side view of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] 6B shows a perspective view of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 7B] 7B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] 7B shows a side view of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 8B] 8B shows a perspective view of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B shows a front view of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9D] 9B is a side view of a variant of the plug of FIG. 9A, in which the hooks of the retaining means are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis X. FIG. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9B is a side view of another variation of the plug of FIG. 9A, in which the retaining means comprises a plurality of hooks. [Figure 10A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B shows a front view of the elastic retaining means of the plug of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10B shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the plug of FIG. 3A and the concrete wall with the hole before being inserted into the hole to be plugged. [Figure 11B] 3B is a cross-sectional view of the plug of FIG. 3A in use, i.e., inserted into the hole to be plugged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of a plug 1 according to the present invention. As shown in the figures, the plug 1 of the present invention comprises a body 2 and a resilient retaining means 4. According to the present invention, the retaining means 4 comprises at least one hook partially embedded in and partially protruding from the body 2. The at least one hook is configured to cooperate with a hole 8 in a concrete wall 9 to hold the plug 1 in place inside the hole 8. The retaining means 4 may also comprise a plurality of hooks at least partially protruding from the body 2. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 1A and 1B, for example, the retaining means 4 comprises four hooks arranged as described in detail below.

[0015] In use, i.e. when plug 1 is inserted into the hole 8 to be plugged, plug 1 is positioned to be in line with the wall or concrete wall 9, as seen for example in Figure 11B, thereby hiding the hole 8. Holes in concrete walls are inevitable as most, if not all, of the holes are introduced by the manufacturing process of the concrete wall 9 itself.

[0016] The plug 1 of the invention allows easy placement of the plug 1 in the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 to be plugged, since no additional means, e.g. adhesives, need to be used to hold the plug 1 in place. Furthermore, the fixing of the plug 1 is improved, since the hook or hooks of the elastic means 4 provide a very good fixing, regardless of whether the hole 8 to be plugged contains a protective plastic tube of the transverse bolt (fixing in the plastic material) or does not contain a tube (fixing directly in the concrete).

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the retaining means 4 comprises a number of hooks, preferably four hooks, each of which comprises a retaining flange 4a that makes an acute angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1, as shown in Figure 1B, or in more detail in Figure 2B. The configuration of these flanges 4a allows the plug 1 of the invention to be easily placed in place, since it does not require much effort to insert it inside the hole 8 to be blocked, but at the same time the flanges 4a provide a good fixation over time without the need for additional means, such as for example adhesives, to hold the plug of the invention in place.

[0018] The free end of the flange 4a of the retaining means 4 is arranged at a distance d from the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1, the distance d being greater than the radius of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 to be blocked, so that in use, with the plug 1 placed inside the hole 8 to be blocked, preferably in alignment with the concrete wall 9, the flange 4a is compressed inside the hole 8, and as can be seen in FIG. 11B, the free end of the flange 4a is in this case at a compressed distance d' from the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1, the compressed distance d' being smaller than the initial distance d. That is to say, the retaining flange 4a is compressed when it enters the hole 8 to be blocked, which increases the fixing force of the plug 1 exerted by the flange 4a on the surface of the hole 8 to be blocked. The hooks of the retaining means 4 exert a very good gripping pressure, regardless of the inner surface of the hole 8 to be blocked. Therefore, regardless of whether the hole 8 to be plugged includes or does not include the protective plastic tube of the transverse bolt required in the manufacturing process of the concrete wall 9, the flange 4a of the hook of the retaining means 4 fits the surface of the hole 8 to be plugged and the plug 1 of the present invention is strongly fixed inside the hole 8 to be plugged, regardless of the texture of the surface of the hole 8, which is plastic (if the hole includes the plastic protective tube of the transverse bolt) or concrete (if the hole does not include the plastic protective tube). In the example of FIG. 11B, the hole 8 to be plugged does not include the protective plastic tube. Therefore, the hook, i.e. the flange 4a of the retaining means 4, applies pressure directly to the concrete.

[0019] In case the retaining means 4 of the plug 1 of the invention comprises several hooks, these hooks are arranged equidistantly around the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1. To facilitate the manufacture of the plug 1 of the invention, the retaining means 4 comprises at least two sets of hooks arranged equidistantly around the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1, preferably diametrically opposite each other, and attached to each other by a retaining element. Each hook comprises a respective retaining flange 4a. In the non-limiting example of Figs. 2A and 2B, the two retaining flanges 4a are attached to each other by a U-shaped retaining element 5, i.e. at each end of the U-shaped retaining element 5 a corresponding hook with a respective retaining flange 4a extends, thus ensuring a correct fixation of the plug 1 in the hole 8 to be plugged. A part of the retaining element 5, preferably the central part, is embedded in the body 2, while the retaining flanges 4a protrude from the body 2. In a variant of this embodiment, the retaining means 4 comprises two sets of two hooks, each with a corresponding retaining flange 4a, both sets being arranged rotated relative to each other, preferably rotated by 90°.

[0020] Each set of U-shaped retaining elements 5 comprises a base 5a and two legs 5b, each of which is attached to a corresponding end of the base 5a to form a single piece, as can be seen in FIG. 2B. Each leg 5b is part of a corresponding hook. In the example of FIG. 2B, the legs 5b and the base 5a are attached vertically, the legs 5b being arranged in this case parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1. However, the legs 5b may form another different angle with the base 5a, in which case the flange 4a still forms an acute angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1.

[0021] However, in the non-limiting example of Fig. 2C, the set of hooks of the retaining means are also arranged equidistantly around the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1, but the hooks are attached to each other by a circular retaining element 17 embedded in the body 2. The circular retaining element 17 can be disk or ring shaped. As shown in Fig. 2C, the hooks protrude from the circular ring retaining element 17, with the corresponding retaining flange 4a protruding from the body 2.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of this example, the set of hooks of the retaining means 4 comprises four hooks, each with a respective retaining flange 4a, all hooks being attached to a circular retaining element 17 forming two sets of diametrically opposed flanges 4a, both sets of flanges 4a being arranged rotated relative to each other, preferably rotated by 90°.

[0023] The retention flange 4a may form an acute angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the plug, or may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0024] The flanges 4a of the example plug hooks of FIGS. 1A, 3A and 4A may be joined all together by a circular retaining element 17 or may be joined as a set of two flanges 4a by a U-shaped retaining element 5.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body 2 comprises a frusto-conical or cylindrical head 6, the body 2 comprising an application surface 15, which in this embodiment is arranged at one end of the head 6, and which is arranged in use to be aligned with the uncovered surface 9a of the wall or concrete wall 9, thereby hiding the corresponding hole 8. In the context of the present invention, the uncovered surface 9a refers to the visible surface of the concrete wall 9. The application surface 15 is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1. The body 2 also comprises an auxiliary surface 16, which in use is arranged inside the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9, and from which the retaining means 4 protrudes.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary surface 16 faces the application surface 15 and the hooks of the retention means 4 project axially in the insertion direction A from the body 2, i.e. from the auxiliary surface 16, which is the front surface of the head 6, as shown in Fig. 1A. In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary surface 16 is a side surface of the head 6, i.e. a generatrix of the frustoconical or conical head 6, and the hooks of the retention means 4 project directly radially from the body 2, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as will be explained in more detail below. The shape of the head 6 in the example of Fig. 1A is cylindrical, whereas in the examples of Figs. 1C and 1E it is frustoconical.

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, the body 2' also comprises a frustoconical or cylindrical base 7, the head 6 extending axially from the base 7 in the insertion direction A, as can be seen for example in FIG. 3B. The head 6 has a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the base 7. In this embodiment, the application surface 15 of the body 2', which is arranged in use to be aligned with the uncovered surface 9a of the concrete wall 9, is arranged at one end of the base 7. The application surface 15 is also preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1', and the hooks of the retaining means 4, in particular the retaining flanges 4a, protrude axially from the auxiliary surface 16 of the head 6, i.e. from the front side of the head 6 or from the side of the head 6, as described above. Figures 3A, 3B, 4A or 4B show examples of plugs with a body 2' with a head 6 and a base 7.

[0028] In these embodiments, i.e. in those in which the body 2' comprises both a head 6 and a base 7, the retaining flange 4a may form an acute angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the plug of the invention, and the retaining means 4 may also comprise at least one set of two hooks arranged diametrically opposite each other and attached to each other by a U-shaped retaining element 5, preferably two sets of two hooks, both sets being arranged rotated relative to each other, preferably rotated by 90°.

[0029] These embodiments, i.e. the embodiment in which the body 2' comprises both the head 6 and the base 7, are particularly advantageous when the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 has a narrow frustoconical opening 8'. As the skilled person knows, the protection of the transverse bolts in the manufacturing process of concrete walls can have a central cylindrical part (cylindrical protective tube made of plastic), to which at each end are added frustoconical elements made of plastic, which are removed when the concrete hardens. Thus, the hole 8 created in the concrete wall 9 has, as can be seen in FIG. 11A, two frustoconical openings 8' (made of concrete) located at the ends of the hole 8, between which is located a cylindrical part 8'' (made of plastic, if the protective tube is not removed, or made of concrete, if the protective tube is removed). Usually, only one of the frustoconical openings 8' of the hole 8 is plugged, i.e. the opening 8' located at the exposed surface 9a of the concrete wall 9, so that reference is made in this document only to the hole 8 whose opening 8' is located at the exposed surface 9a of the concrete wall 9. However, the same is done on both ends of the hole 8, if both openings are blocked. Figures 11A and 11B depict a hole 8 with a frustoconical opening 8' (the second opening is omitted) for a better understanding of the invention. Depending on the shape of the frustoconical opening 8' of the hole 8 to be blocked, it may be appropriate to use one plug (without base 7) or the other plug (with base 7) to ensure better plug fixation. For example, if the frustoconical part of the opening 8' of the hole 8 is narrow (not very deep), it is desirable to use a plug 100, 101, 110, 111, 120, 121, 122, 122', 122'' or 123 (according to any of its variants) comprising a body 2' with a base 7. If this is not the case, i.e. if the frusto-conical portion of the opening 8' of the hole 8 to be blocked is sufficiently deep, both plugs 1, 1' or 1'' having a body 2 without a base 7 and plugs 100, 101, 110, 111, 120, 121, 122, 122', 122'' or 123 having a base 7 can be used.

[0030] In these embodiments, i.e., embodiments in which the body 2' comprises both a head 6 and a base 7, the base 7 can be adjusted to fit the shape of the frusto-conical opening 8' of the hole 8 so that when the base 7 abuts the bottom of the frusto-conical opening 8', the utilised surface 15 of the body 2' is aligned with the exposed surface 9a of the concrete wall 9.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment where the body 2' comprises a head 6 and a body 7, the head 6 and the body 7 form a single piece.

[0032] Figures 5A and 5B show a plug 110 of another embodiment of the invention, the only change with respect to the plug described is the elastic retaining means 4. In this case, the body 2' comprises both the head 6 and the base 7, and the retaining means 4 comprises a single hook with a single cone-shaped retaining flange 4a, and a post 10, as can be seen for example in Figure 5C. The retaining flange 4a is attached to the post 10 arranged on the geometric axis of the retaining flange 4a, a part of the post 10 is embedded in the body 2' such that the post 10 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X or aligned with the longitudinal axis X, and the hook protrudes axially from the body 2' in the insertion direction A. The post 10 can be, for example, a rod or a rod with a helical embedded part. As can be seen in Figure 5C, the retaining means 4 in this embodiment resembles an open umbrella, with the retaining flange 4a forming an acute angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the plug. To improve the fixation of the post 10 within the body 2', the post 10 may include a stop 12, or a helical portion, at the end furthest from the apex 11 of the hook, preferably disposed perpendicular to the post 10, as seen in FIG. 5D, thereby improving the grip of the post 10 with the body 2'.

[0033] Another variant of the invention, a plug 120, shown in figures 7A, 7B and 7C, differs from the plug 110 described above in the shape of the retaining means 4. The retaining means 4 of this variant also comprises a single hook with a single retaining flange 4a, but in this case it is circular. The retaining flange 4 may be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X or inclined to the longitudinal axis X. The retaining flange 4a is also attached to a post 10 arranged on its geometric axis, a part of which is embedded in the body 2' such that the post 10 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X or aligned with the longitudinal axis X, the hook of the retaining means 4 protruding axially from the body 2' in the insertion direction A. The post 10 may be a rod, as in the previous example, or a rod with a helical embedded part. When the plug 120 is inserted into the hole 8 to be blocked, the retaining flange 4a is bent and compressed inside the hole 8 to be blocked such that it exerts a continuous pressure against the inner surface of the hole 8.

[0034] To facilitate bending of the circular retention flange 4a, the circular retention flange 4a may optionally include at least one notch 14 located at a distal end of the retention flange 4a, the notch 14 preferably extending in a radial direction of the circular retention flange 4a. In the example plug 121 of Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, the circular retention flange 4a includes a plurality of radial notches 14 evenly distributed around the circumference of the retention flange 4a.

[0035] Another variant of the invention, a plug 111, shown in figures 6A and 6B, differs from the plugs 110, 120 and 121 described above in terms of the shape of the retaining means 4. The retaining means 4 of this variant also comprises a single hook with a single retaining flange 4a, but in this case in the shape of a frustoconical ring, thereby forming a peripheral skirt. The hook also comprises a support 13 in the shape of a circular ring or a circular disk. The end of the retaining flange 4a with its smaller dimension is attached to the support 13, at least part of which is embedded in the body 2'. The support 13 is arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis X, as can be seen in figure 6B, so that the hook projects radially from the body 2', preferably from the head 6 of the body 2'. In a variant, the embedded part of the hook is fixed to a bar or helical bolt, not shown, which is also embedded in the body 2'. The bar or helical bolt embedded in the body 2' is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the body 2'.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6B or 6C, the retaining flange 4a forms an acute angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the plug. Furthermore, as seen in Figure 6B, the free end of the retaining flange 4a remains disposed at a distance d from the longitudinal axis X of the plug 111, the distance d being greater than the radius of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 to be plugged.

[0037] Another variant of the invention, a plug 122, shown in Figures 9A, 9B and 9C, differs from the plug 111 described above in the shape of the retaining means 4. The retaining means 4 of this variant also comprises a single hook with a single retaining flange 4a, but in this case in the shape of a ring, or a disk, as seen in Figure 9C, which ring or disk projects radially from the body 2' of the plug 122, preferably from the head 6, such that the retaining flange 4a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 122. As seen in Figure 9B, the free end of the retaining flange 4a is still arranged at a distance d from the longitudinal axis X of the plug 122, which distance d is greater than the radius of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 to be plugged. In the variant shown in Figure 9D, the ring or disk of the retaining means 4 of the plug 122', instead of being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis X.

[0038] In this embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 9A, a portion of the ring, preferably a smaller diameter portion or disk, is embedded in the body 2' so that the retaining means 4 does not need to have an additional support to allow attachment to the body 2'. When the plug 122 is inserted into the hole 8 to be blocked, the retaining flange 4a is bent and compressed inside the hole 8 to be blocked such that it exerts a continuous pressure against the inner surface of the hole 8.

[0039] To facilitate bending of the ring-shaped retention flange 4a, the retention flange 4a may optionally include at least one notch 14 disposed at a distal end of the retention flange 4a. In the example of plug 123 of Figures 10A and 10B, the retention flange 4a includes a plurality of radial notches 14 evenly distributed around the circumference of the retention flange 4a. The notches 14 extend in a radial direction, as can be seen in Figure 10B.

[0040] In the embodiment of Figures 1C-1F, the body 2 of plugs 1' and 1" does not include a base 7 and the head 6, which in this case is frusto-conical, is longer than the head 6 (not including the base 7) of plug 1 of Figure 1A. These plugs 1' and 1" are suitable for use when the hole 8 created in the concrete wall 9 is conical or frusto-conical along its entire length.

[0041] Unlike the embodiment of plug 1 (not including base 7) of FIG. 1A in which retaining means 4 protrudes axially from body 2, in plugs 1' and 1'' of FIGS. 1C-1F, retaining means 4 protrudes from body 2 along a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis X.

[0042] The retaining means 4 of the plug 1' of the embodiment of Figs. 1C and 1D comprises a single hook with a single retaining flange 4a in the shape of a frustoconical ring forming a peripheral skirt as described for the plug 111 of Fig. 6A. The hook also comprises a support 13 in the shape of a circular ring or disk. The end of the retaining flange 4a towards the smaller dimension is attached to the support 13, which is at least partially embedded in the body 2'. As can be seen in Fig. 1D, the support 13 is arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis X and the retaining means 4 protrudes from the body 2 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In this case, the retaining flange 4a forms an acute angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the plug and the free end of the retaining flange 4a is still arranged at a distance d from the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1', the distance d being greater than the radius of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 to be plugged.

[0043] Optionally, the embedded part of the support 13 of the hook may be fixed to a rod or helical bolt, not shown, which rod or helical bolt is also embedded in the body 2. The rod or helical bolt embedded in the body 2 is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the body 2.

[0044] The retaining means 4 of the plug 1″ of the embodiment of FIGS. 1E and 1F differs from the plug 1′ described above in the shape of the retaining means 4. As in the case of the plug 122 of FIG. 9A, the retaining means also comprises a single hook with a retaining flange 4a, but in this case in the shape of a ring, as seen in FIG. 1F, or a disk, with a part of the ring or disk embedded in the body 2 and a part of the ring or disk protruding from the head 6 of the body 2 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1″, the retaining flange 4a being in this case arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1″. As seen in FIG. 1F, the free end of the retaining flange 4a is still arranged at a distance d from the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1″, the distance d being greater than the radius of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9 to be plugged. Optionally, the embedded part of the ring or disk of the hook may be fixed to a rod or helical bolt, not shown, which is also embedded in the body 2. The rod or helical bolt embedded in the body 2 is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the body 2.

[0045] In a variant not shown, the ring or disc, instead of being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis X. When the plug 1'' is inserted into the hole 8 to be blocked, the retaining flange 4a is bent and compressed inside the hole 8 to be blocked, thereby exerting a continuous pressure against the inner surface of the hole 8.

[0046] To facilitate bending of the ring or disc shaped retaining flange 4a, the retaining flange 4a may optionally be provided with the above mentioned notches 14.

[0047] Optionally, in other variations of the embodiment with hooks with a single retaining flange 4a protruding from the head 6 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, whether they have a notch 14 or not, or whether their orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis X is vertical or oblique, the retaining means 4 may comprise two or more hooks, the retaining flanges 4a of each hook being spaced apart from one another along the direction of the longitudinal axis X. The free ends of the retaining flanges 4a of the multiple hooks may be disposed at the same distance d relative to the longitudinal axis X, or the distance d may decrease as the retaining flanges 4a approach the free end of the head 6 of the corresponding plug along the insertion direction A. An example of these variations is shown in FIG. 9E.

[0048] In FIG. 9E, which corresponds to a type of plug 122″ having a body 2′ with both a head 6 and a base 7, the retaining means 4 comprises three hooks, each of which is provided with a ring- or disk-shaped retaining flange 4a, in this case projecting radially from the head 6. The retaining flanges 4a are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from one another along the direction of the longitudinal axis X. In this example, the free ends of all the retaining flanges 4a are arranged at the same distance d relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0049] The head 6 of the body has a length L, and the hook or hooks protruding from the side of the head 6 according to any of the described embodiments are arranged within the axial length L. With this configuration, the plug of the present invention is more robust and reliable since a hollow core within the retention means 4 is avoided, i.e. a cantilever hook that may weaken the plug over time is avoided.

[0050] FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the plug 100 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B (the embodiment in which the body 2′ includes the base 7) inserted into the hole 8 to be plugged. As shown, the retaining flange 4a is compressed and exerts a continuous pressure against the inner surface of the hole 8 (in this case against the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 8″), which pressure continues over time. The shape of the retaining flange 4a before and after inserting the plug 100 into the hole 8 to be plugged can be seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As shown in FIG. 11B, the base 7 (in any of its variations) is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 8″ of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9. In this case, the distance d of the retaining flange 4a to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 100 before inserting the plug 100 into the hole 8 is greater than the radius of the cylindrical portion 8″ of the hole 8 in the concrete wall 9. When the plug of the present invention is held in the frusto-conical opening 8' of the hole 8 by, for example, the retaining flange 4a of the plug 1 in an embodiment without a base 7, the distance d of the retaining flange 4a to the longitudinal axis X of the plug 1 before inserting the plug 1 into the hole 8 is greater than the radius of the annular portion of the frusto-conical opening 8', which annular portion corresponds to the position of the plug 1 aligned with the concrete wall 9.

[0051] According to any of the described embodiments, the elastic means 4 and the body 2 or 2' of the plug of the invention are made of different materials, the elastic means 4 being made of a first material and the body 2 or 2' being made of a second material. The first material is a plastic or metal material, preferably stainless steel, and the second material is fiber cement, preferably similar in texture and color to the material of the concrete wall 9 containing the hole 8 to be plugged.

Claims

1. A plug for closing a hole in a concrete wall, comprising a main body (2, 2') and an elastic retaining means (4), The retaining means (4) comprises at least one hook that is partially embedded in the main body (2, 2') and partially protruding from the main body (2, 2'), A plug characterized in that the at least one hook is configured to cooperate with the hole (8) in the concrete wall (9) to hold the plug (1, 1', 1'', 100, 101, 110, 111, 120, 121, 122, 122', 122'', 123) in the hole (8).

2. The main body (2) is equipped with a cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped head (6), The plug according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hook protrudes directly from the side of the head (6).

3. The head portion (6) of the main body (2) has a length (L), The plug according to claim 2, wherein at least one hook is positioned within the length (L).

4. The plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one hook is positioned perpendicular to or inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of the body (2, 2').

5. The main body (2) is equipped with a cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped head (6), The plug according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the hooks protrudes axially from the front surface of the head (6).

6. The main body (2') further comprises a base (7), The head portion (6) of the main body (2') extends axially from the base portion (7), The head portion (6) has a smaller diameter than the base portion (7), The plug according to claim 2, wherein the head portion (6) and the base portion (7) preferably form a single component.

7. The hook is equipped with a retaining flange (4a), The free end of the flange (4a) is separated by a distance (d) from the longitudinal axis (X) of the plug (1, 1', 1'', 100, 101, 110, 111, 120, 121, 122, 122', 122'', 123), The plug according to claim 1, wherein the distance (d) is larger than the radius of the hole (8) in the concrete wall (9) that is blocked, so that when the plug (1, 1', 1'', 100, 101, 110, 111, 120, 121, 122, 122', 122'', 123) is positioned inside the hole (8) that is blocked during use, the flange (4a) is compressed inside the hole (8).

8. The retaining means (4) comprises a hook having a conical or circular retaining flange (4a) and a column (10) preferably in the shape of a rod or helical bolt. The retaining flange (4a) is attached to the column (10). The plug according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the column (10) is embedded in the main body (2, 2').

9. The retaining means (4) comprises a hook having a retaining flange (4a) in the shape of a frustoconical ring and a support (13), The smaller end of the frustoconical ring is attached to the support (13). The support (13) is a circular ring or a circular disk. The plug according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the support (13) is embedded in the main body (2, 2').

10. The retaining means (4) includes a hook with a retaining flange (4a) in the shape of a ring or a disc, The plug according to claim 7, wherein a part of the ring or the disk is embedded in the main body (2, 2').

11. The embedded portion of the hook is fixed to a rod or helical bolt. The plug according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the rod or helical bolt is also embedded in the main body (2, 2').

12. The holding means (4) comprises a plurality of hooks, The retaining flanges (4a) of each hook are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (X) direction. The plug according to claim 9, wherein the distance (d) from each flange (4a) preferably decreases along the insertion direction (A) of the plug (122''), and at this time the plug (122'') is brought closer to the hole 8 that is to be sealed.

13. The plug according to claim 7, wherein the retaining flange (4a) is provided with at least one notch (14) located at the distal end of the retaining flange (4a).

14. The holding means (4) comprises at least two sets of hooks arranged at equal distances around the main body (2, 2'), Each hook is equipped with its own retaining flange (4a), The plug according to claim 7, wherein the hooks are attached to each other by retaining elements (5, 17).

15. The retaining flanges (4a) of the corresponding hooks are attached to each other by U-shaped retaining elements (5). The plug according to claim 14, wherein a portion of the retaining element (5), preferably the central portion, is embedded in the main body (2, 2'), while the retaining flange (4a) extends outward from the main body (2, 2').

16. The plug according to claim 15, comprising two sets of two retaining flanges (4a) arranged opposite to each other, wherein both sets are rotated relative to each other, preferably rotated by 90°.

17. The set of hooks is preferably attached to each other by a circular retaining element (17) having a disc or ring shape. The plug according to claim 14, wherein the circular retaining element (17) is embedded in the main body (2, 2').

18. The plug according to claim 17, wherein the hook protrudes from the circular retaining element (17) and each retaining flange (4a) extends outward from the main body (2, 2').

19. The set of hooks of the holding means (4) comprises four hooks. Each of the aforementioned hooks is equipped with its own retaining flange (4a), All of the aforementioned hooks are attached to the circular retaining element (17) to form two sets of radially opposing flanges (4a), The plug according to claim 17 or 18, wherein both sets of the flanges (4a) are rotated relative to each other, preferably rotated by 90°.

20. The plug according to claim 7, wherein each of the retaining flanges (4a) forms an acute angle (α) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of the plug (1, 1', 100, 101, 110, 111, 122').

21. The retaining means (4) is made of a first material, preferably plastic or a metal material such as stainless steel. The main body (2, 2') is made of a second material, preferably fiber cement. The plug according to claim 1, wherein the fiber cement is preferably similar in texture and color to the material of the concrete wall (9) including the hole (8) to be sealed.

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