US5489164A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of connection
Assignee: Colebrand Ltd
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Filing: 1994-09-02
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Granted: 1996-02-06
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Expires: 2014-09-02
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a constructional element such as a tunnel lining, part of which is shown in the drawing, comprising adjacent segments which have facing surfaces between which there is a joint which is physically deformable under load. The joint comprises a toroidal body or tube of substantially circular cross section received in complementary or semi-circular facing recesses in the surfaces respectively, and comprises a flexible material such as polypropylene and which means in the form of a nozzle for gaining access to the interior of the body. The body is initially filled with a fluid, which could be a liquid or gas, through the nozzle, which can then be maintained in the body by closing the nozzle as by a valve. When round in which the tunnel is set has settled, the joint is "locked up" by passing a flowable settable material such as a cementitious mortar material from a grout pump into the body, which thereby displaces the fluid which passes out of the body through an outlet which may be part of the nozzle, may be a separate nozzle, or may be the bleed valve.
Inventors
- 👤 Klaus N. Tusch
- 👤 John F. K. Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:09
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D11/00; E21D11/38; E21D11/385; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/62; E04B1/66; E04B1/68; E04B1/6813; E21D11/386
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of connecting two adjacent segments of a constructional element, including the steps of: providing facing surfaces of the segments with each facing surface of each segment having a complimentary recess therein; providing a joint between said two adjacent segments, said joint comprising a hollow body position in and received by said complimentary recess and having a nozzle for introduction of fluid or settable material therein; filling the hollow body with a fluid whereby it is rendered flexible and deformable while simultaneously maintaining a spatial relationship between said facing surfaces of the two adjacent segments; monitoring the settling of the medium in which the constructional element is placed by monitoring the internal pressure of the fluid via said nozzle; and rendering the joint substantially inflexible by replacing said fluid with a flowable settable material, wherein the constructional element is secured in its final rest position with its physical integrity intact.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of connecting two adjacent segments of a constructional element, including the steps of: providing facing surfaces of the segments with each facing surface of each segment having a complimentary recess therein; providing a joint between said two adjacent segments, said joint comprising a hollow body position in and received by said complimentary recess and having a nozzle for introduction of fluid or settable material therein; filling the hollow body with a fluid whereby it is rendered flexible and deformable while simultaneously maintaining a spatial relationship between said facing surfaces of the two adjacent segments; monitoring the settling of the medium in which the constructional element is placed by monitoring the internal pressure of the fluid via said nozzle; and rendering the joint substantially inflexible by replacing said fluid with a flowable settable material, wherein the constructional element is secured in its final rest position with its physical integrity intact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said step of rendering said joint substantially inflexible comprises passing said settable material into the joint to displace fluid from the joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said joint is a toroidal member receivable between the facing surfaces of segments structurally arranged to form a cylindrical element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined by claim 3, further including the step of providing complementary recesses in said respective facing surface in which said toroidal member is received.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said two adjacent segments comprise curved segments.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the constructional element is a tunnel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
93 words
A constructional element, comprising: (i) adjacent segments; (ii) adjacent facing surfaces of said segments; (iii) a joint which is inherently physically deformable under load between said adjacent segments, said joint comprising a hollow body having a nozzle to permit introduction of a fluid into said hollow body, said joint being adapted to receive a fluid component whereby it is rendered flexible; (iv) monitoring means for monitoring the pressure of said fluid within said hollow body; and (v) introduction of a flowable settable material when said joint is required to be rendered substantially inflexible.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
93 words
A constructional element, comprising: (i) adjacent segments; (ii) adjacent facing surfaces of said segments; (iii) a joint which is inherently physically deformable under load between said adjacent segments, said joint comprising a hollow body having a nozzle to permit introduction of a fluid into said hollow body, said joint being adapted to receive a fluid component whereby it is rendered flexible; (iv) monitoring means for monitoring the pressure of said fluid within said hollow body; and (v) introduction of a flowable settable material when said joint is required to be rendered substantially inflexible.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
An element as defined in claim 7, wherein said body comprises a plastic material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The element as defined by claim 7, wherein said constructional element is a tunnel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-02-05 | 1999-08-07 | 2000-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-02-05 | 2003-08-07 | 2004-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-02-05 | 2007-08-07 | 2008-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |