System for centering a rod in a glued-in rod configuration

Abstract

One or more collars 112 are configured to center the rod 104 within the drilled hole 106 in a glue-in rod (GIR) structure. The one or more collars 112 fit over the end of the rod 104 that is first inserted into the drilled hole 106 and / or along the length of the rod 104. The one or more collars 112 may include strips 116, 126 or other features extending from the base of the collar 112 that contact the walls of the hole 106 as the collar 112 and rod 104 are inserted into the hole 106, centering the rod 104 within the hole 106 while simultaneously allowing fluid, such as adhesive, to pass around the collar 112.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 453,840, filed August 22, 2023, and entitled "SYSTEM FOR CENTERING RODS IN GLUED-IN-ROD STRUCTURES," which in turn claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 401,315, filed August 26, 2022, and entitled "SYSTEM FOR CENTERING RODS IN GLUED-IN-ROD STRUCTURES," both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Glued-in-rod (GIR) systems are known in which a rod is glued into a hole drilled in wood. The wood can be sawn lumber or can consist of structural composite lumber (SCL), such as cross laminated timber (CLT). In GIR systems, adhesive is injected into the drilled hole, filling the void around the hole and leaving a layer of adhesive on the wall of the hole, which constrains the rod in the completed GIR system.

[0003] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a conventional GIR system 50 including 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 adhesive can fill the space between the rod 52 and the hole 54. However, this space allows the rod to move off-center within the hole 54, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The off-center position of the rod can leave areas between the rod and the wall of the hole with little or no adhesive between the rod and the wall. This can significantly reduce the strength with which the glued-in rod is held within the hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front view of a conventional GIR system in which the rod is off-center within the hole. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front view of a section of lumber, such as a cross-laminated lumber board, including a glued-in rod with a collar for centering the rod, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 3] 13A-13D are different perspective views of an end collar for centering a rod in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 4] 13A-13D are different perspective views of end collars for centering rods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; [Figure 5] FIG. 13 is a top view of an end collar in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an intermediate collar for centering a rod in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view of an intermediate collar for centering a rod in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top cross-sectional view of a collar within a hole centering a glue-in rod in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12] 13A-13C are side views of a collar illustrating alternative configurations of strips in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present technology generally relates to systems and methods for centering a rod within a drilled hole 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 drilled hole. A first type of collar, referred to herein as an end collar, fits over the end of the rod that is first inserted into the drilled hole. 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 be snap-fit ​​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 has threads that match the threads of the rod and may 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 within the drilled hole. The end and intermediate collars may include strips or other features extending from the base of the collar that contact the walls of the drilled hole as the collar and rod are inserted into the hole to center the rod within the hole while simultaneously allowing fluids, such as adhesive, to pass around the collar.

[0006] 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. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents to these embodiments, which are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, 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 apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details.

[0007] The terms "top" and "bottom," "upper" and "lower," and "vertical" and "horizontal," as may be used herein, are by way of example and for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the description of this invention, insofar as referenced items are interchangeable in location and orientation. Also, the terms "substantially" and / or "approximately," as used herein, mean that a stated dimension or parameter may vary within acceptable manufacturing tolerances for a given application. In one embodiment, the acceptable manufacturing tolerance is ±2.5%.

[0008] For 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 referred to as being connected, attached, mounted, or coupled to a second element, the first element and the second element may be directly connected, attached, mounted, or coupled to one another, or indirectly connected, attached, mounted, or coupled to one another. When a first element is referred to as being directly connected, attached, mounted, or coupled to a second element, there are no intervening elements between the first element and the second element (except for a possible adhesive or molten metal used to connect, attach, mount, or couple the first element and the second element).

[0009] Referring first to FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional front view of a GIR structure 100 is shown, comprised of wood 102 with rods 104 glued into drilled holes 106 using an adhesive or sealant 108. In the following embodiments, the wood shown is cross-laminated timber (CLT). However, it is understood that the centering collar embodiments may be used with any type of wood or lumber. In the illustrated embodiment, the wood 102 may be CLT, including a layer of planks 102a attached together and extending in a first direction (from left to right in FIG. 2 ) and a layer of planks 102b attached together and extending in a second direction (into the page in FIG. 2 ). There may be multiple interlaced layers 102a and 102b. The number of layers, the orientation of each layer, and the number of planks within each layer are shown by way of example only and may each vary in further embodiments. In further embodiments, there may be more than one rod 104.

[0010] 2 further shows rods 104 inserted into drilled holes 106 to form GIR structure 100. In one embodiment, drilled holes 106 may have a diameter of 1 1 / 4 inches and rods 104 may have a diameter of 1 inch. These dimensions are by way of example only, and in further embodiments, each may vary proportionally and disproportionately to one another.

[0011] Prior to inserting the rod 104, the hole 106 may be prepared, and an adhesive or sealant may line the hole and fill any voids in the wood 102 that are open to the hole 106. While not essential to the present technology, one system for lining the hole 106 with an adhesive is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 711,466, entitled "System for Filling Voids in Glued-In-Rod Structures," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In general, however, the sealant 108 may be any of a variety of viscous fluids or pastes, such as CI-GV Adhesive by Simpson-Strong-Tie, based in Pleasanton, CA. The sealant 108 may be applied to the base 106a of the hole 106, for example, by injection via a tube (not shown) that extends from outside the hole 106 to the base 106a of the hole 106. The amount of sealant 108 applied to the hole 106 depends on the depth and diameter of the hole 106. In embodiments, the amount of sealant 108 used is sufficient to seal any voids open to the hole 106 and to leave a thin layer of sealant along the entire cylindrical wall of the hole 106.

[0012] As noted in the background section, it may be desirable to include a structure that ensures that the rod is centered within the drilled hole when inserted into the hole, thereby ensuring a uniform layer of adhesive around the entire circumference of the rod within the drilled hole. Centering the rod may also be useful for construction precision reasons. For example, a group of rods 104 may need to be installed within a wood member 102 and then inserted into other holes. In this case, imperfections such as a small angle on the rod may prevent installation. FIG. 2 further illustrates that a pair of collars 112 are attached at different positions along the length of the rod 104 to ensure that the rod 104 is centered within the drilled hole 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The first collar 112, also referred to herein as the end collar 112a, fits onto the end of the rod 104 (adjacent the base 106a). A second collar 112, also referred to herein as an intermediate collar 112b, fits along the length of the rod 104. While Figure 2 shows a pair of collars 112, in further embodiments there may be a single collar 112a at the end of the rod 104, a single collar 112b along the length of the rod 104, or three or more collars 112 at the end of the rod 104 and / or along the length of the rod 104.

[0013] Figures 3 and 4 show different perspective views of end collar 112a configured to fit over the end of rod 104 so that it is positioned at base 106a when rod 104 is inserted into bore 106. Figure 5 is a top view of end collar 112a, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of end collar 112a taken through line 6-6 in Figure 5. End collar 112a includes an annular base 114 and a strip 116 extending radially outward from annular base 114.

[0014] The annular base 114 includes an inner diameter that fits snugly around 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 that match the size and pitch of the rod's threads so that the end collar 112a is threaded onto the end of the rod 104 to attach the end collar 112a to the rod 104. The end collar 112a may have an end cap 120 that limits the movement of the end collar 112a onto the rod 104. In one embodiment, the annular base 114 may be ½ inch in length (along its axis of rotation), although the annular base 114 may be longer or shorter in further embodiments. The end collar 112a is attached to the rod 104 prior to inserting the rod 104 into the bore 106.

[0015] The annular base 114 may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the bore 106. In one embodiment, this outer diameter (OD, FIG. 5) may be 1.063 inches. However, it is understood that this outer diameter may be larger or smaller in further embodiments, provided that the OD of the annular base 114 is smaller than the diameter of the bore 106. As discussed below, this allows the sealant 108 to flow around the end collar 112a as the end collar 112a and rod 104 are inserted through the sealant 108 and into the bore 106.

[0016] To keep the rod 104 and end collar 112a centered within the bore 106 while still allowing insertion of the rod 104 and end collar 112a, the end collar 112a includes strips 116 positioned at points around the outer periphery of the end collar 112a and extending radially outward from the annular base 114. Figures 3-6 show three strips 116 evenly distributed around the circumference of the annular base 114 because three strips are sufficient to secure the end collar 112a and rod in a centered position in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the bore 106. However, it will be understood that in further embodiments, there may be more strips distributed around the circumference of the annular base 114. By way of example, there could be four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more strips 116.

[0017] In an embodiment, each of the strips 116 may have a strip width (SW, FIG. 5) of 1 / 16 inch, although in further embodiments, the strip width of the strips 116 may be smaller or larger. In an embodiment, each of the strips 116 may have a strip length (SL, FIG. 5) that exceeds the outer diameter of the annular base 114 of 3 / 32 inch. If the outer diameter of the annular base is 1.063 inches, this results in the outer diameter of the end collar 112a (including the strips 116) being a snug fit against the wall of the bore 106 when the bore 106 has an outer diameter of 1.25 inches. In this way, the end collar 112a maintains the rod 104 in a centered position within the bore 106. If the hole 106 has a larger or smaller diameter, it will be understood that the outer diameter of the annular base 114 and / or the strip length of the strip 116 may be correspondingly larger or smaller in order to maintain the strip flush against the wall of the hole 106.

[0018] The strip 116 may have a rounded or chamfered leading edge 116a (FIG. 6). This rounded / chamfered leading edge facilitates insertion of the end collar 112a through the seal 108 as the rod 104 is inserted into the base 106a of the bore 106. It is understood that the rounded / chamfered leading edge 116a may be omitted in further embodiments. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, the strip 116 may extend partially over the end cap 120 to meet at the radial center of the end collar 112a. However, the strip 116 need not extend over the end cap 120 in further embodiments. If the strip 116 does extend over the end cap 120 as shown, the strip may be wedge-shaped to also facilitate insertion of the end collar 112a through the seal 108 as the rod is inserted into the bore 106. The strips 116 need not be wedge-shaped in further embodiments.

[0019] Considering the length of rod 104, it may be desirable or necessary to include one or more collars 112 in addition to or instead of end collars 112a. Such additional collars are referred to herein as middle collars 112b and will now be described with reference to Figures 7-9. Figure 7 is a perspective view of middle collar 112b. Figure 8 is a top view of middle collar 112b. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of middle collar 112b taken through line 9-9 in Figure 8.

[0020] One or more of the intermediate collars 112b may include an annular base 124 and a strip 126 extending radially outward from the annular base 124. The annular base 124 may include an inner diameter sized to fit snugly along the length of the rod 104. If the rod 104 is threaded, the inner diameter of the annular base 124 may have threads 128 that screw onto the rod 104. The inner diameter of the annular base 124 may have other features, such as teeth, that allow the intermediate collar 112b to slide along the rod 104. In one embodiment, the annular base 124 may be ½ inch in length (along its axis of rotation), although the annular base 124 may be longer or shorter in further embodiments. 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.

[0021] One or more intermediate collars 112b are attached to the rod 104 prior to insertion of the rod 104 into the bore 106. In embodiments, the intermediate collars 112b are positioned along the rod 104 so that when the rod 104 is fully inserted into the bore 106, the intermediate collars 112b are positioned at the mouth of the bore 106, as shown in FIG. 2. If positioned on the rod to be at the mouth of the bore 106, it is contemplated that the intermediate collars 112b may be inserted onto the rod 104 after the rod 104 is positioned in the bore 106. It is understood that the intermediate collars 112b may be positioned along the rod 104 instead of or in addition to the intermediate collars 112b at the mouth of the bore 106 as the rod 104 is inserted into the bore 106, ultimately extending anywhere along the bore 106.

[0022] To keep the rod 104 and intermediate collar 112b centered within the bore 106 while still allowing insertion of the rod 104 and intermediate collar 112b, the intermediate collar 112b includes strips 126 positioned at points around the periphery of the intermediate collar 112b and extending radially outward from the annular base 124. Figures 7-9 show six strips 126 evenly distributed around the circumference of the annular base 114. However, it will be understood that in further embodiments, there may be more or fewer strips distributed around the circumference of the annular base 124. By way of example, there may be two, four, five, seven, eight, nine, or more strips 126.

[0023] In embodiments, each of the strips 126 may have a strip width and strip length that may be the same as the strip width and strip length of the strips 116 of the end collar 112a. As noted above, such dimensions provide a snug fit of the intermediate collar 112b against the walls of the bore 106, which keeps the rod 104 centered within the bore 106. If the bore 106 has a larger or smaller diameter, it will be understood that the outer diameter of the annular base 124 and / or the strip length of the strips 126 may be correspondingly larger or smaller in order to keep the strips snug against the walls of the bore 106.

[0024] The strip 126 may have a rounded or chamfered leading edge 126a (FIG. 7) that facilitates insertion of the intermediate collar 112b through the seal 108 as the rod 104 is inserted into the hole 106. It is understood that the rounded / chamfered leading edge 126a may be omitted in further embodiments.

[0025] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken through collar 112 (either end collar 112a or middle collar 112b) perpendicular to the central axis of bore 106. End collar 112 includes annular bases 114, 124 mounted along the length of, or at the end of, rod 104. Strips 116, 126 center collar 112 and rod 104 within bore 106 while allowing sealant 108 to flow around collar 112 as collar 112 and rod 104 are inserted into bore 106.

[0026] In the above embodiments, the strips 116, 126 extend along the axial length of the collars 112a, 112b. In further embodiments, other features may be provided in place of the strips, extending from the annular bases 114, 124 and contacting the walls of the bore 106. For example, FIG. 11 is an illustration of collars 112a and / or 112b including indentations 136 in place of the strips. There may be various numbers of indentations 136 in various configurations around the periphery of the annular bases 114, 124. In further embodiments, other features may be provided that center the collar 112 while allowing insertion of the collar 112 through the sealant 108.

[0027] Collars 112a and 112b may be formed from various rigid polymers, but may alternatively be formed from other materials such as various metals or ceramics.

[0028] As noted, in most installations, the sealant 108 is inserted into and lines the hole 106 before the rod 104 and collar 112 are inserted into the hole 106. However, it is contemplated that the rod 104 and collar 112 will be positioned within the hole 106 before the sealant 108 is inserted. In such cases, the sealant 108 will flow past the collar 112, as discussed above.

[0029] In most installations where the rod 104 and collar 112 are inserted after the seal 108, the rod 104 is simply pushed down through the seal 108 and into the hole 106 without rotating the rod 106. The collar 112 described above (with strips oriented along the axis of rotation) may be used for such installations. In a further embodiment, the rod 104 is pushed down and rotated through the seal 108. In such an embodiment, collars 112a, 112b may be used that have strips 146 spiraling around the annular bases 114, 124. FIG. 12 illustrates one such embodiment. Alternatively, the collar 112 described above (with strips oriented along the axis of rotation) may be used for such installations.

[0030] In summary, the present technology relates to a collar for a glue-in rod structure configured to receive a rod within a bore, the collar comprising: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter configured to be a slip fit around the rod; and features extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the features 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.

[0031] In a further example, the technology relates to a glued-in rod structure comprising: one of wood and a composite structure; a hole formed through the one of wood and a 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 configured to fit snugly around the rod, and features extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the features 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.

[0032] The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The described embodiments have been chosen to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications suited to the particular uses contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. 1. A collar for a glued-in rod structure configured to receive a rod within a bore, comprising: an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter configured to fit snugly around the rod; a structure extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the structure configured to contact the wall of the bore while permitting the passage of fluid between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the bore; and Equipped with color.

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

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

4. The collar of claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises strips axially oriented along the outer diameter of the collar.

5. 5. The collar of claim 4, wherein there are one of three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine strips evenly distributed around the outer diameter of the collar.

6. The collar of claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises strips oriented helically along the outer diameter of the collar.

7. The collar of claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises a recess extending from the outer diameter of the collar.

8. A glued-in rod structure, one of wood and composite construction; a hole formed through said one of wood and composite structure; a rod inserted into the hole; a collar configured to center the rod within the bore; The color is an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter configured to fit snugly around the rod; a structure extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the structure configured to contact the wall of the bore while permitting the passage of fluid between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the bore; and A glued-in rod structure.

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

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

11. The collar of claim 8 , wherein the structure comprises strips axially oriented along the outer diameter of the collar.

12. The collar of claim 8 , wherein the structure comprises strips oriented helically along the outer diameter of the collar.

13. A glued-in rod structure configured to receive a rod within the bore, a collar configured to center the rod within the bore; The color is an annular base having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter configured to fit snugly around the rod; a strip oriented along the outer diameter of the collar and extending radially outward from the outer diameter of the annular base, the strip configured to contact the wall of the bore while permitting the passage of fluid between the outer diameter of the collar and the wall of the bore; and A glued-in rod structure.

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

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

16. 14. The collar of claim 13, wherein there are one of three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine strips evenly distributed around the outer diameter of the collar.

17. The collar of claim 13 , wherein the structure comprises strips axially oriented along the outer diameter of the collar.

18. The collar of claim 13 , wherein the structure comprises strips oriented helically along the outer diameter of the collar.

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