US4002707A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for the construction of concrete shells
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-06-23
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Granted: 1977-01-11
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Expires: 1995-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A method of constructing concrete shells of various design employing a plurality of inflatable water filled bladders which are aggregated to produce a mold having the configuration of the final structure. After a conventional concrete shell, which is formed by depositing concrete over the desired mold, has set, the bladders are drained, removed from the shell, and ready for reuse.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Allen Oram
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 05:37
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/16; E04B1/167; E04B1/168; E04B1/169; B; B28; B28B; B28B7/00; B28B7/28; B28B7/30; B28B7/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
The method of forming concrete shell structures utilizing waterfilled bladders comprised of the following steps: a. position a plurality of empty bladders of predetermined size and shape to define a first layer generally conforming to the plan of the intended structure b. fill the first layer of bladders with water to form a first layer of inflated bladders; c. position a second layer of unfilled bladders on top of the inflated preceeding layer in an overlapping manner; d. fill the second layer of bladders so that the weight of the water and the pattern in which the bladders are arranged tend to stabilize the arrangement of said bladders and minimize the effect of liquid distortion; e. repeat the above procedure utilizing successive layers of bladders to form a mold with the desired configuration, the surface of the mold so formed consisting solely of the layered, inflated bladders; f. cover the mold with a layer of wire mesh reinforcing and cast a thin walled concrete shell utilizing commonly accepted construction practice; g. allow the concrete shell to harden, then successively drain and remove the deflated bladders through preformed openings in the contemplated shell.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
192 words
The method of forming concrete shell structures utilizing waterfilled bladders comprised of the following steps: a. position a plurality of empty bladders of predetermined size and shape to define a first layer generally conforming to the plan of the intended structure b. fill the first layer of bladders with water to form a first layer of inflated bladders; c. position a second layer of unfilled bladders on top of the inflated preceeding layer in an overlapping manner; d. fill the second layer of bladders so that the weight of the water and the pattern in which the bladders are arranged tend to stabilize the arrangement of said bladders and minimize the effect of liquid distortion; e. repeat the above procedure utilizing successive layers of bladders to form a mold with the desired configuration, the surface of the mold so formed consisting solely of the layered, inflated bladders; f. cover the mold with a layer of wire mesh reinforcing and cast a thin walled concrete shell utilizing commonly accepted construction practice; g. allow the concrete shell to harden, then successively drain and remove the deflated bladders through preformed openings in the contemplated shell.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-01-11 | 1980-07-12 | 1981-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-01-11 | 1984-07-12 | 1985-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-01-11 | 1988-07-12 | 1989-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |