Bracing ties for mattress-type protective structures

Abstract

A self-supporting bracing tie is used to reinforce a mattress-type structure constructed of metal mesh for civil protection works. The bracing tie comprises a main structure (12, 112, 142) having a lower portion (22, 122, 162) for connecting to a mesh base sheet (T) of the mattress-type structure and an upper portion (18, 118, 148) for connecting to a mesh cover sheet of the mattress-type structure. The lower portion (22, 122, 162) and the upper portion (18, 118, 148) are connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches (16, 116, 146, 147) located in the main plane of the main structure (12, 112, 142). At least one support member (14, 114, 144) is connected to the main structure (12, 112, 142) to extend out of the main plane to create a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure (10, 110, 140) that can remain freestanding. The bracing ties can be closed to be compact for storage and transport and opened in place to position the mattress-type structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of civil engineering for protecting slopes, hills, coasts, and other types of terrain, whether natural or artificial.

[0002] The present invention has been developed with particular consideration for a mattress-type protection structure composed of a metal mesh, for example, and without limitation, a metal mesh having double twists. The present invention is particularly directed to a special bracing tie (cross bracing material) used to reinforce such a mattress-type protection structure.

Background Art

[0003] A mattress-type protection structure (hereinafter simply referred to as a "mattress") composed of a metal mesh is generally constituted by a lower sheet of the metal mesh placed on the ground, from which diaphragms that define the thickness of the mattress and divide the mattress into a series of compartments extend vertically. The compartments are filled with a filling material having a weight increasing and filtering function, such as stones, and then covered with an upper sheet of the metal mesh that functions as a cover of the mattress. Usually, the diaphragm is obtained by folding the lower layer of the mesh in half or connecting a mesh panel having a height equal to the thickness of the mattress to the bottom of the mattress, and is capable of effectively confining the stones filled therein.

[0004] Mesh mattresses cover a large area of ​​the ground. The filling material can be subjected to hydraulic forces such as water flow and waves, which can result in bulging. To protect against the specific stresses associated with the expansion that forms over the large area of ​​containment, spacers such as so-called "bracing ties" or reinforcing ties are often added to reinforce the fastening of the cover mesh to the lower mesh at an intermediate position between one diaphragm and another. In effect, the bracing ties connect the lower mesh that makes up the base of the mattress to the upper mesh that functions as a cover, thereby ensuring uniformity of the mattress filling material. In this way, it can withstand expansion deformation well, more firmly contain the stone filling, and maintain an unchanging level of protection performance under strong stress.

[0005] Bracing ties for mattresses are known in various types. A simple solution is formed by a simple bar with hook-like bent ends that engage with the lower mesh sheet and the upper mesh sheet of the cover. A more complex solution of bracing ties provides a wire formed into a rectangular wave shape, with alternating lower and upper horizontal rectangular sections connected by links or clips to the lower mesh sheet of the base and the upper sheet of the cover.

[0006] Although prior art bracing ties are suitable for the purpose of preventing mattress expansion deformation, their installation and the need to prevent them from sinking into the mattress compartments and bending towards the bottom due to stones while filling the mattress compartments before covering them with the mesh top sheet required some manual work, and thus forming a connection between the metal mesh bottom sheet and the mattress top sheet was difficult, if not impossible. On the other hand, inserting bracing ties after filling is a complex operation and often completely impossible or results in poor quality. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art by providing a bracing tie for a mesh mattress that can be quickly installed without requiring special attention from the worker, particularly during the operation of filling the mattress. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mattress bracing tie that is easy to use and operate and convenient to transport to the installation site. Another object is to provide a durable, reliable, and effective bracing tie in use. Another object of the present invention is to provide a robust and economical bracing tie.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mesh mattress equipped with bracing ties that can be filled quickly and easily without any special intervention by the worker to keep the bracing ties free from the stones. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mesh mattress equipped with bracing ties that can be filled quickly by a mechanized procedure without any special danger to the worker. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve these and other objectives, the present invention relates to bracing ties for a mesh mattress having the features described in the appended claims. The present invention also relates to a mesh mattress comprising a plurality of such bracing ties. The present invention also relates to a method for constructing a protective structure using a mattress comprising such bracing ties.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, a bracing tie for reinforcing a mattress-type structure is described. A mattress-type structure is typically of the type constructed of metal mesh for civil engineering protection work and comprises a base sheet of mesh, also called the lower web of mesh, and a cover sheet of mesh, also called the upper web of mesh. A bracing tie comprises a main structure having a lower part for connecting to the base sheet of mesh of the mattress-type structure. The main structure of the bracing tie also comprises an upper part for connecting to the cover sheet of mesh of the mattress-type structure. The lower and upper parts of the bracing tie are connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches located in the main plane of the main structure. At least one support member can be connected to the main structure to extend outside the main plane, thereby creating a roughly three-dimensional bracing tie structure that can remain self-supporting. The support member is advantageously made to extend outside the main plane of the main structure at the site of installation of the mattress-type structure. This can be achieved, for example, by first pivotally joining the support member to the main structure and then swinging the support member to the main structure. Alternatively, this can be achieved by providing the support members separately from the main structure at the installation site, and then joining them at the installation site, for example, by hooking and / or interlocking the support members to the main structure, with the former extending outside the main plane of the main structure. Thus, the advantage of the described bracing tie is the fact that it can be installed on the mesh base sheet of the mattress to maintain a self-supporting state without the need for worker intervention. Thus, the described bracing tie allows the mattress to be filled with filling material with virtually no attention paid to the pre-placed bracing ties when the mattress is still empty, thereby enabling greater productivity.

[0011] In certain embodiments, at least one support member can be connected to the main structure in an articulated (connecting) manner. In this manner, the support member can be folded or flattened within the main plane of the main structure where one or more bracing tie branches are arranged. As a result of this configuration, the bracing tie can be closed to occupy less space for storage and transport, and can be quickly opened as needed where the mattress is placed. Furthermore, the joint between the main structure and at least one support member allows the orientation of the two elements according to different angles, thereby allowing the height of the bracing tie to be adjusted to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses, at least within a predetermined range.

[0012] In another embodiment, at least one support member may be connected to the main structure by a hook and / or interlocking mechanism. In this way, at least one support member and the main structure can be supplied separately at the installation site and thus occupy little space for their storage and transport. The bracing ties can then be conveniently assembled at the installation site by quickly securing them when needed, i.e., by hooking and / or interlocking at least one support member to the main structure. The connection between the main structure and at least one support member allows them to be oriented at different angles and thus the height of the bracing ties can be adjusted, so that they can be adapted to mattresses of different thicknesses, at least within a certain range.

[0013] In another specific embodiment, the main structure of the bracing tie can be constructed from a single bent metal wire. The manufacture of the bracing tie is particularly simple and economical and can be easily automated for large-scale production of bracing ties. The support members can also be constructed from a single bent metal wire. In any case, variations consisting of hot-forged bars or bars bent in a cold state may be provided.

[0014] In this specification, the term “wire” as used in reference to a bracing tie or any part thereof refers to a relatively rigid metal rod or bar having a diameter and strength that can be bent by a general bending machine to take on the configuration described, and at the same time be strong and rigid enough to maintain its desired shape even when subjected to typical loads that a known spacer, “bracing tie,” or reinforcing rod can normally withstand in the same or similar field, the same or similar application, and the same or similar operating conditions.

[0015] In another specific embodiment, the upper part of the main structure of the bracing tie may be substantially linear, for example horizontal, and may constitute a portion thereon on which the mesh cover sheet of the mattress can move to abutment and be fixed in place. The linear portion of the bracing tie may have at least one loop, eyelet, or curved member formed thereon, which can be used to facilitate the connection of the main structure to the mesh cover sheet of the mattress-type structure. The loop, eyelet, or curved member formed thereon may also be used to connect a support member to the main structure of the bracing tie.

[0016] According to different specific embodiments, the lower part of the main structure and / or the lower end of at least one support member may include at least one foot configured in a hook-like or fastening manner for engaging with the base sheet of the mesh of the mattress-type structure. This engagement can be performed quickly without the need for special tools. Furthermore, the engagement can be easily performed at any position on the mesh sheet.

[0017] The ends of the bracing ties can be immediately pulled and there is no risk of sinking. In an additional embodiment, the lower end is configured to fit different locations on the mesh, for example, one area of ​​the twisted node of the wires in a double-twist mesh, as well as wires of mesh having different diameters.

[0018] Preferably, one or more of these feet may have corrugated ends that are folded into loops for connection to a base sheet of a mattress-type structure. Once the feet are engaged with the base sheet, they are secured by their corrugated portions and can prevent the bracing ties from coming loose, even when covered by the filling material poured into the mattress before it is closed.

[0019] In another specific embodiment, the main structure comprises two bracing tie branches defining transverse branches of an inverted U-shaped structure or intersecting branches of an X-shaped structure. Such a main structure is rigid in the reference plane while being lightweight for transport.

[0020] The bracing ties of the present invention can be used in mattress-type structures made of metal mesh for civil engineering protection work. The mattress-type structure comprises a mesh base sheet and a mesh cover sheet. The bracing ties can be arranged in the mattress-type structure such that the lower part of each bracing tie is connected to the mesh base sheet and the upper part of each bracing tie is connected to the mesh cover sheet. Forming the bracing ties in three dimensions has the advantage of creating further interaction with the mattress filler. In fact, stone filler is introduced into the three-dimensional structure of the bracing ties, resulting in further reinforcement of the mattress. This further reinforcement is advantageous because it improves the erosion-resistant properties of the mattress, since the filler stones remain more rigid and stable against known solutions, and therefore continue to exert their filtering effect even when the stress of the flow into which the mattress is immersed tends to move them.

[0021] Furthermore, a method for positioning mattress-type structures for civil engineering protection work is described. For positioning, in particular, a number of bracing ties of the types described above are provided. The bracing ties are convenient for storage and transport and can be provided in a configuration in which at least one support member is folded and flattened within the main plane of the main structure. Alternatively, the support member can be provided separately from the main structure, which is joined, for example, by hooks and / or interlocks. Next, there are provisions for placing the mesh base sheet of the mattress-type structure on the ground surface to be protected. Typically, the mattress-type structure is provided with a diaphragm. The diaphragm can be constructed during the manufacturing process and can consist of a double portion of the mesh base sheet or of mesh panels having a height equal to the thickness of the mattress joined to the base sheet. The bracing ties are then placed on the base sheet by unfolding the bracing ties from their folded or flattened state, or, if the bracing ties are provided separately at the installation site, they are joined to the respective main structure by, for example, hooks and / or interlocks. To this end, at least one support member of each bracing tie extends beyond the main plane of the main structure, is generally three-dimensional, and can be made to provide a bracing tie structure that remains self-supporting. The bracing tie structure thus obtained is fixed so as to stand substantially perpendicular to the mesh base sheet. The mattress-type structure can then be filled with filler material. Once the filling is complete, the mesh cover sheet fixed to the bracing ties is spread out to close the mattress-type structure. While the mattress-type structure is being filled, it is preferable and advantageous to also fill the spaces defined by the three-dimensional bracing tie structure with filler material to further stabilize the filling as described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] Additional features and advantages will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, which are given purely as non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an embodiment of a bracing tie for a mesh mattress incorporating aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing a modified example of the bracing tie for the mattress of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view of another embodiment of a bracing tie for a mesh mattress incorporating aspects of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] As used herein, the term "wire" used to define a bracing tie or a part thereof is intended to define a relatively rigid wire in the sense described above. In comparison, the wires constituting the wire mesh sheet usually have a smaller diameter and lower strength than the "wire" used for the bracing tie, and thus the wires of the mesh can be twisted together by known methods.

[0024] Now, referring to FIG. 1, as shown above, an embodiment of a bracing tie 10 for a mesh mattress for protecting slopes, coasts, etc., incorporating aspects of the present invention is illustrated. The bracing tie 10 is shown in a state of being connected to a mesh sheet T that functions as a base of the mattress. For example, this includes a sheet of a metal mesh of a type having, for example, double twist and hexagonal meshes, even if it does not exclude the use of bracing ties for other types of meshes.

[0025] The bracing tie 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in its operating state for use, before being fixed to a mesh sheet (not shown in the figure) that functions as a cover for a mattress. In this operating state, the bracing tie 10 is "self-standing", and this term is intended to be understood in accordance with the feature that the bracing tie 10 remains self-standing in the manner of a stand or tripod. The self-standing operating state is a feature of the present invention shared by all embodiments of the bracing tie illustrated, described, and discussed herein.

[0026] The bracing tie 10 includes a main wire 12 fixed to a support wire 14. The main wire 12 is bent to form a substantially inverted U-shaped structure having two lateral branches 16 joined by an upper cross member 18. The upper cross member 18 is intended to be fixed, for example, to a mesh cover sheet of a mattress (not shown in the figure) by a clip or a string (tie) or other systems of the type generally known in the art. For this purpose, the upper cross member 18 may have folds, loops, small holes, or curved members, where applicable, to facilitate its fixing to the upper cover sheet of the mattress mesh. An example of such a curved member is shown below with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 3, but it is also possible to replicate and adapt it to this embodiment or other embodiments of the bracing tie according to the present invention.

[0027] The lateral branches 16 extend converging towards the upper cross member 18, even if the possibility that the bracing tie is formed such that the lateral branches 16 are parallel to each other and extend, for example, exactly in the vertical direction or in a diverging direction from each other is not excluded.

[0028] At its lower end 20, opposite the upper cross member 18, the transverse branch 16 is bent to form two feet 22. The feet 22 are preferably in the form of hooks or fasteners for engaging with the mesh sheet T. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each foot 22 is substantially linear and includes a base portion 24 that extends horizontally away from each transverse branch 16 to bend 180° at the end 26 facing the transverse branch 16. This allows the foot 22 to form a fastener or loop that can be coupled to the mesh sheet T, for example, its metal wires, at any desired position, or even to one area of ​​its nodes where the wires of the sheet form an interweave. To facilitate engagement between the foot 22 and the mesh sheet T, ridges or corrugations 28 may be provided, for example, at the end 26, in the wire portion forming the foot 22. The foot 22 can be simply coupled to the mesh sheet T, or it can be secured in a more secure manner, for example, by clips or strings. In a simpler form of the bracing tie, one or both legs 22 can be constructed by simply bending the ends 20 of the transverse branches 16 horizontally, thus taking on an approximately L-shape, which in this case can be inserted into the mesh of the mesh sheet T and possibly secured to it by known means, such as clips or strings.

[0029] In the region of the upper cross member 18, for example, near its center, the main wire 12 is bent to form a curved member or, as shown in Figure 1, a loop 29, where the upper end 30 of the support wire 14 can engage. The engagement between the support wire 14 and the main wire 12 in the upper cross member 18 can be done either in the factory or at the installation site. In the first case, the bracing tie can be supplied in a substantially flattened state. In the second case, the components of the bracing tie, namely the main wire 12 and the support wire 14, can be supplied separately from each other and fastened together at the installation site. For example, the upper end 30 of the support wire 14 can be bent around itself to form a loop or hook 31 that engages with the ring formed by the loop 29 of the upper cross member 18 of the main wire 14. Preferably, but not limited to, the upper end 30 of the support wire 14 has a shorter upper portion 32 which can also be fastened to the upper cover sheet of the mattress mesh. The support wire 14 extends from the upper end 30 to form a support branch 34. At the other end 36 of the support branch 34, a foot 38 is constructed having similar characteristics to the foot 22 constructed on the main wire 12. In particular, the foot 38 may be formed in the form of a hook or fastener for engaging with the mesh sheet T, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, it may also have a substantially linear base portion that extends horizontally away from the support branch 34 so as to bend 180° at the end facing the support branch 34. Thereafter, the foot 38 forms a loop that can engage with the mesh sheet T, for example its metal wires, at any desired position, or even in one area of ​​the nodes where the mesh wires form an interweave. To facilitate the engagement of the foot 38 with the mesh sheet 2, the wire portion forming the foot 38, for example at its end, may be provided with ridges or wavy patterns. The foot 38 may also simply engage with the mesh sheet T, but it may also be secured to it in a more stable manner, for example by a clip or string.In a simpler form of the bracing tie, the foot portion 38 may be constructed simply by bending the lower end of the support branch 34 horizontally, in which case it takes on an approximately L-shape, which in this case can be inserted into the mesh of the mesh sheet T and possibly secured to it by known means, such as clips or strings.

[0030] The support wire 14 can be fixed to the main wire 12 at the time of manufacturing the bracing tie 10 in the factory to increase the speed of mattress positioning work on site. Furthermore, because the support wire 14 is interlocked with the main wire at the interlocking joint formed by the curved member 29 and the fastener 31, the support wire can be positioned in the plane of the main wire 12, making the structure of the bracing tie 10 flatter and more compact, thus facilitating its transport. At the mattress positioning location, the bracing tie 10 can be opened by moving the support wire 14 away from the two transverse branches 16 of the main wire 12 to form a kind of self-supporting tripod, as shown in Figure 1. In any case, it is still possible to provide the support wire 14 and the main wire 12 in separate form and assemble them at the mattress positioning location. In either case, the three-dimensional structure formed by the bracing tie 10 can be engaged with, or in either case fixed, to the base sheet T of the mattress mesh at the desired position by the feet 22 of the main wire 12 and the feet 38 of the support wire 14. The three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie 10 remains self-supporting, requiring no worker intervention while the mattress is being filled with stones. Furthermore, the stones poured into the mattress are introduced into the three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie within the space contained between the transverse branches 16 of the main wire 12 and the support branches 34 of the support wire 14. In this way, the bracing tie, when the mesh cover sheet is fixed to the top of the bracing tie, particularly to the upper cross member 18 of the main wire 12, contributes to the stability of the stones inside the mattress, in addition to preventing the mattress from bulging.

[0031] Referring here to Figure 2, a modified example of a bracing tie 110 for a mesh mattress incorporating an aspect of the present invention is illustrated. The same reference numerals indicate the same components as those described above with reference to Figure 1. In this case, the bracing tie 110 is also shown connected to a sheet of mesh T that serves as the base of the mattress. For example, this includes a sheet of metal mesh having a double-twist and hexagonal mesh, for instance, although this does not preclude the use of the bracing tie for other types of mesh.

[0032] The bracing tie 110 comprises a main wire 112 fixed to a support wire 114. The main wire 112 is bent to form a substantially inverted U-shaped structure having two transverse branches 116 joined by an upper cross member 118. The upper cross member 118 is intended to be fixed, for example, to a mesh cover sheet of a mattress (not shown in the figure) by clips, strings, or other systems of a type commonly known in the art. For this purpose, the upper cross member 118 may have folds, loops, holes, or curved members, where applicable, to facilitate its fixation to the upper cover sheet of the mattress mesh. Examples of such curved members are shown below with reference to the embodiment in Figure 3, but can also be replicated and adapted to this embodiment or other embodiments of the bracing tie according to the present invention.

[0033] The transverse branches 116 extend to converge toward the upper cross member 118, even if the possibility is not ruled out that the bracing ties 110 are formed such that the transverse branches 116 extend parallel to each other, for example, precisely vertically, or extend in directions that diverge from each other.

[0034] At its lower end 120, opposite the upper cross member 118, the transverse branch 116 is bent to form two feet 122. Figure 2 shows an example of foot formation 122 different from the example in Figure 1, but of course, the formation is interchangeable depending on preference, ease of manufacture, and the convenience of using the bracing tie. The lower end 120 is bent 180° directly at each end 126, thereby forming a loop, fastener, or hole that can be joined to a sheet of mesh T, for example, its metal wires, at any desired position, or preferably to one area of ​​its nodes where the mesh wires form interwoven or twisted. As already described in the example in Figure 1, the feet 122 can simply engage with the sheet of mesh T, or they can be secured in a more secure way, for example, by clips or strings. One or both feet 122 can be constructed in the embodiments already illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 1, or in a simpler form than illustrated by bending the end 120 of the transverse branch 116 horizontally, in which case it takes a substantially L-shape, in which case it can be inserted into the mesh of the mesh sheet T and optionally secured to it by known means, such as clips or strings.

[0035] In the region of the upper cross member 118, for example, near its center, the main wire 112 is bent to form a curved member or loop 129, where the upper end 130 of the support wire 114 can be engaged. The engagement between the support wire 114 and the main wire 112 in the upper cross member 118 can be done either in the factory or at the installation site. In the first case, the bracing tie can be supplied in a substantially flattened state. In the second case, the components of the bracing tie, namely the main wire 112 and the support wire 114, can be supplied separately from each other and fastened together at the installation site. For example, the upper end 130 of the support wire 114 can be bent around itself to form a fastener 131 that engages with the loop 129 of the upper cross member 118 of the main wire 114. The support wire 114 extends from the upper end 130 to form a support branch 134. At the other end 136 of the support branch 134, a foot 138 is constructed having similar characteristics to the foot 122 constructed on the main wire 112. In particular, it is preferable that the foot 138 be formed in the form of a hook or fastener for engaging with the mesh sheet T. Thereafter, the foot 138 can engage with the mesh sheet T, for example its metal wires, at any desired position, or form a loop that can engage even in one area of ​​the nodes where the mesh wires form an interwoven weave. Alternatively, the foot 138 can simply be engaged with the mesh sheet T, or it can be secured to it in a more secure manner, for example, by a clip or string. In a simpler form of the bracing tie 110, the foot 138 can also be constructed by simply bending the lower end of the support branch 134 horizontally, in which case it takes an approximately L-shape, in which case it can be inserted into the mesh of the mesh sheet T and optionally secured to it by known means, for example, a clip or string.

[0036] The support wire 114 can be fixed to the main wire 112 at the time of manufacturing the bracing tie 110 in the factory to increase the speed of mattress positioning work on site. Furthermore, by having the support wire 114 interlock with the main wire at the interlocking joint formed by the loop 129 and the clasp 131, the support wire can be positioned in the plane of the main wire 112, making the structure of the bracing tie 110 flatter and more compact, thus facilitating its transport. At the mattress positioning location, the bracing tie 110 can be opened by moving the support wire 114 away from the two transverse branches 116 of the main wire 112 to form a kind of self-supporting stand or tripod, as shown in Figure 2. In any case, it is still possible to provide the support wire 114 and the main wire 112 in separate form and assemble them at the mattress positioning location. In either case, the three-dimensional structure formed by the bracing tie can be engaged with, or in either case fixed to, the base sheet T of the mattress mesh at a desired position by the feet 122 of the main wire 112 and the feet 138 of the support wire 114. The three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie 110 remains self-supporting without the need for worker intervention while the mattress is filled with stones. Furthermore, the stones poured into the mattress are introduced into the three-dimensional structure of the bracing tie in the space contained between the transverse branches 116 of the main wire 112 and the support branches 134 of the support wire 114. In this way, the bracing tie contributes to the stability of the stones inside the mattress, in addition to preventing the mattress from bulging, when the mesh cover sheet is fixed to the top of the bracing tie, particularly to the upper cross member 118 of the main wire 112.

[0037] Next, referring to Figure 3, another embodiment of the bracing tie 140 for a mesh mattress intended for protection of slopes, coastlines, etc., as described above, is illustrated, incorporating aspects of the present invention. The bracing tie 140 is shown connected to a sheet of mesh T that serves as the base of the mattress. For example, this includes a sheet of metal mesh having, for example, a double-twisted and hexagonal mesh, although this does not preclude the use of the bracing tie for other types of mesh.

[0038] The bracing tie 140 comprises a main wire 142 fixed to a support wire 144. The main wire 142 is bent to form a substantially X-shaped structure having two crossing branches 146, 147 which are joined by an upper cross member 148. The upper cross member 148 is intended to be fastened, for example, to a mesh cover sheet of a mattress (not shown in the figure) by clips, strings, or other systems of a type commonly known in the art. The upper cross member 148 may have folds, loops, holes, or curved members to facilitate its fastening to the upper cover sheet of the mattress mesh. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the upper cross member 148 is bent to form two curved members 149 at its lateral end, from which the crossing branches 146, 147 extend, respectively. As shown above, this feature is not limited to the embodiment in Figure 3, but can instead be replicated and adapted to any other embodiment of the bracing tie according to the present invention.

[0039] The intersecting branches 146 and 147 are brought close to each other in the central zone 151, where they are secured to each other by fasteners 171 constructed on the ends of the support wires 144. Naturally, different configurations may be provided for securing the two intersecting branches 146 and 147 to each other in the central zone 151 of that range, for example by constructing loops, holes, bends, curved members, supports or other folds on one or both intersecting branches 146 and 147. In alternative configurations, the intersecting branches 146 and 147 are secured to each other by clips or strings or other types of systems. The engagement between the support wires 144 and the main wires 142 in the central zone 151 can be done in the factory or at the installation site. In the first case, the bracing ties can be supplied in a substantially flattened state. In the second case, the components of the bracing tie, namely the main wires 142 and the support wires 144, can be supplied separately and secured to each other at the installation site.

[0040] At its lower end 160, opposite the upper cross member 148, the crossing branches 146 and 147 are bent to form two foot portions 162. Figure 3 shows an example of foot portion 162 formation different from the examples in Figures 1 and 2, but of course, all foot portion formations described are interchangeable depending on preference, manufacturing convenience, and the convenience of using the bracing tie. The lower end 160 is constructed, for example, in a manner more similar to the ends of the modified bracing tie in Figure 2, and is bent directly 180° at each end 166, thereby forming a loop that can be joined to a sheet of mesh T, for example, its metal wires, at any desired position, or preferably even in a region of its nodes where the mesh wires form a cross weave or twist. To facilitate engagement of the foot portion 162 with the sheet of mesh T, ridges or wavy shapes 168 of the wire portion forming the foot portion 162 may be provided, for example, at the end 166. As already described in the previous embodiment, the foot portion 162 can be simply engaged with the mesh sheet T, or it can be secured in a more stable manner, for example, by clips or strings. One or both foot portions 162 can be configured in the embodiment already illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 1, or, more simply, the ends 160 of the crossing branches 146, 147 can be bent horizontally, in this way taking an approximately L-shape, in which case it can be inserted into the mesh of the mesh sheet T and optionally secured to it by known means, for example, clips or strings.

[0041] In the central intersection zone 151 of the intersecting branches 146 and 147, the upper end 170 of the support wire 144 is articulated. For example, the upper end 170 of the support wire 144 can be bent around itself to form a loop or clasp 171 that engages with the intersection nodes of the two intersecting branches 146 and 147. The support wire 144 extends from the upper end 170 to form the support branch 174. The other end 176 of the support branch 174 has a foot 178 constructed thereon, which has similar features to the foot 38 described above with reference to the embodiment in Figure 1, and is therefore not described in further detail here.

[0042] In this embodiment, the support wire 144 can be fixed to the main wire 142 along with the manufacturing of the bracing ties 140 in the factory to increase the speed of the mattress positioning work on site. All considerations already expressed with reference to the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2 are equally applicable to the embodiment in Figure 3 and will not be repeated. For example, the bracing ties 140 can be folded and made compact for easier transport. Furthermore, once erected, the bracing ties 140 can remain self-supporting like a stand or tripod, which can facilitate the filling of stones into the mattress. In this case, the three-dimensional structure of the bracing ties 140 also contributes to the stabilization of the stones, which will occupy the space between the crossing branches 146, 147 and the support branch 174.

[0043] Bracing ties incorporating the embodiments of the present invention described above can be supplied separately from the mattress to which the bracing ties are fixed at the site. Alternatively, some or all of the bracing ties can be supplied already fixed to the mattress before being transported to the installation site. In this case, the legs of the main wires of the bracing ties can be pre-articulated (connected) to the mesh sheet T of the mattress so that the structure of the bracing ties can be laid flat on the mesh sheet. As illustrated in the example above, this possibility simplifies the implementation of the bracing ties, in which case they can be quickly erected on site and stabilized by simply spreading the support wires and engaging their legs with the mesh sheet to form a stand or tripod.

[0044] The bracing tie of the present invention may be suitable for many modifications without altering its functional characteristics and advantages. For example, the bracing tie may be made from a material different from molded and bent metal wire. For example, one or more parts of the bracing tie may be constructed from a metal bar, such as a hot-formed or cold-formed bar. The bracing tie may be constructed by molding or forging. It may also comprise multiple elements connected to one another, such as two or more support wires, to form a structure having four or more legs.

[0045] The main structure is not limited to open configurations such as the inverted U-shape in Figures 1 and 2 or the X-shape in Figure 3, but may instead take the form of a closed configuration, such as a square, rectangle, triangle, or generally polygonal shape. The main structure of the bracing tie may also be constructed with a single connecting branch from bottom to top, and may take the form of an L-shape, I-shape, or inverted T-shape, in which case the lower part of the main structure shall form a kind of vibration line within the plane of the lower sheet of the mattress mesh and substantially include a horizontal portion of sufficient length to define a reference plane together with the vertical branch, and one or more support members may extend laterally with respect to the reference plane, enabling the bracing tie to take the form of a three-dimensional structure that remains self-supporting.

[0046] Naturally, the principle of the present invention remains the same, and the details of the embodiments and structures can be broadly modified from those described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-supporting bracing tie for reinforcing a mattress-type structure constructed of metal mesh intended for civil engineering protection work, comprising a main structure (12, 112, 142) having lower parts (22, 122, 162) for connecting to the base sheet (T) of the mesh of the mattress-type structure, and upper parts (18, 118, 148) for connecting to the cover sheet of the mesh of the mattress-type structure, wherein the lower parts (22, 122, 162) and the upper parts (18, 118, 148) are located on the main plane of the main structure (12, 112, 142). A bracing tie, wherein at least one support member (14, 114, 144) is connected to the main structure (12, 112, 142) and extends outward from the main plane, so as to generate a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure (10, 110, 140) that can remain self-supporting when connected to one or more bracing tie branches (16, 116, 146, 147), and at least one of the support members (14, 114, 144) is connected to the main structure (12, 112, 142) by hooks and / or interlocks.

2. The bracing tie according to claim 1, wherein the support members (14, 114, 144) are articulatedly connected to the main structure (12, 112, 142) so that they can be folded or flattened in the main plane on which one or more bracing tie branches (16, 116, 146, 147) are located.

3. The bracing tie according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main structure (12, 112, 142) is composed of a single bent metal wire.

4. The bracing tie according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper portion (18, 118, 148) comprises a substantially straight portion, the straight portion having at least one loop, hole or curved member formed thereon for connecting the main structure (12, 112, 142) to the cover sheet of the mesh of the mattress-type structure and / or for connecting the support member (14, 114, 144) to the main structure (12, 112, 142).

5. The bracing tie according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower part (22, 122, 162) of the main structure (12, 112, 142) and / or the lower end (36, 136, 176) of the support member (14, 114, 114) is provided with at least one foot portion configured to be hook-shaped or fastener-shaped for engaging with the base sheet (T) of the mesh of the mattress-type structure.

6. The bracing tie according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the foot portions comprises corrugated ends (28, 128, 168) that are bent into a loop for connection to the base sheet (T) of the mattress-type structure.

7. A bracing tie according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising two bracing tie branches (16, 116, 146, 147) defining a transverse branch (16, 116) with an inverted U-shape or an intersecting branch (146, 147) with an X-shape.

8. A mattress-type structure constructed of metal mesh intended for civil engineering protection work, comprising a mesh base sheet (T) and a mesh cover sheet, comprising a plurality of bracing ties (10, 110, 140) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower part (22, 122, 162) of each bracing tie is connected to the mesh base sheet (T) and the upper part (18, 118, 148) of each bracing tie is connected to the mesh cover sheet.

9. A method for positioning a mattress-type structure for carrying out civil engineering protection work, wherein the method is: - A step of providing a plurality of bracing ties (10, 110, 140) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in a flattened configuration in which at least one support member (14, 114, 144) is folded and flattened within the main plane of the main structure (12, 112, 142); - The step of positioning the mesh base sheet (T) of the mattress-type structure on the ground surface to be protected; - The steps of extending at least one of the support members (14, 114, 144) outward from the main plane so as to obtain a bracing tie structure (10, 110, 140) that is generally three-dimensional and can remain self-supporting, and such that the bracing tie structure (10, 110, 140) stands substantially perpendicular to the base sheet (T) of the mesh; - The step of filling the mattress-type structure with filler material; A method comprising the step of covering the mattress-type structure with a mesh cover sheet by fixing it to the bracing tie structure (10, 110, 140).

10. A method for positioning a mattress-type structure for carrying out civil engineering protection work, wherein the method is: - A step of providing a plurality of main structures (12, 112, 142), each having a lower part (22, 122, 162) for connecting to a base sheet (T) of the mesh of the mattress-type structure, and an upper part (18, 118, 148) for connecting to a cover sheet of the mesh of the mattress-type structure, wherein the lower parts (22, 122, 162) and the upper parts (18, 118, 148) are connected to each other by one or more bracing tie branches (16, 116, 146, 147) on the main plane of the main structures (12, 112, 142); - The step of providing a plurality of separate support members (14, 114, 144); - The step of positioning the base sheet (T) of the mesh of the mattress-type structure on the ground surface to be protected; - A step of connecting each of the numerous main structures (12, 112, 142) to at least one of the support members (14, 114, 144) in order to obtain a corresponding number of bracing ties (10, 110, 140), wherein each bracing tie (10, 110, 140) comprises at least one of the support members (14, 114, 144) extending outward from the main plane to generate a generally three-dimensional bracing tie structure (10, 110, 140) that can be erected on the base sheet (T) of the mesh and stand on its own; - The step of filling the mattress-type structure with filler material; - The step of covering the mattress-type structure with the mesh cover sheet by fixing the mesh cover sheet to a number of the bracing tie structures (10, 110, 140), Each bracing tie (10, 110, 140) is manufactured by hooking and / or interlocking at least one of the support members (14, 114, 144) to the corresponding main structure (12, 112, 142), a method.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein each bracing tie (10, 110, 140) is manufactured by hooking and / or interlocking at least one of the support members (14, 114, 144) to the corresponding main structure (12, 112, 142).

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising the step of fixing the bracing tie structures (10, 110, 140) to the mesh base sheet (T).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of fixing the bracing tie structures (10, 110, 140) to the mesh base sheet (T) includes the step of articulatingly fixing the main structures (12, 112, 142) to the mesh base sheet (T) for transport of the mattress-type structure to a subsequent installation site, and positioning the main structures (12, 112, 142) on the mesh base sheet (T).

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the step of filling the mattress-type structure with the filler includes the step of filling the space defined by the three-dimensional bracing tie structure erected on the mesh base sheet (T) with the filler.

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