Abstract:
Certain embodiments provide a variably-sized removable portion integrated into an object. The object may include a surface and a variably-sized removable portion that includes separation edges that define a shape of the variably-sized removable portion. In certain embodiments, each of the separation edges is a different size and is concentrically-aligned with each other. Certain embodiments provide that each of the separations edges is separable from the surface of the object such that a size of an opening left when one of the separation edges is separated from the surface is variable depending on the size of the separation edge selected to be separated from the surface.
Abstract:
A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular tile with fully integrated connector loops, receiver pins and optional metal cam locks located in the corners of the floor tile or along the tile edges. The tiles contain an overlap edge, which engages with an underlay edge on an adjacent tile. This arrangement allows the tiles to overlap at an angle other than 90 degrees, providing greater strength at the point where adjacent tiles meet. The underlay edge contains a liquid capture channel which traps liquids which may seep between the adjacent tiles. The tiles are also provided with longitudinal recesses which extend through the top and bottom surfaces to the surface below, allowing for ventilation that is critical for grass and turf surfaces. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method by which one end of a connecting rod is embedded in a first (e.g., precast) concrete panel and the opposite end of the connecting rod is moved inwardly of and affixed within an opposing rod receiving channel that is formed in an adjacent (e.g., precast) concrete panel so as to form a reliable joint for connecting the first and adjacent panels to one another. The apparatus and method have particular application in roadway construction and/or repair by creating a continuous flat driving surface to support vehicular traffic. Each of the connecting rod of the first concrete panel and the rod receiving channel of the adjacent concrete panel are axially aligned with one another and located so as to be separated from and spaced below the respective tops of the first and adjacent panels.
Abstract:
A three dimensional structural unit includes at least one face having a rotational tessellation. The at least one face has at least two irregular sides extending there from. At least one of the sides has connectors adapted to align adjacent units.
Abstract:
A pavement slab including top and bottom surfaces, first and second longitudinal side surfaces, and first and second transverse side surfaces. The slab includes a first and second plurality of transverse holes formed within the first and second longitudinal side surfaces, respectively, a first and second plurality of longitudinal holes formed within the first and second plurality of transverse holes, respectively, and plurality of dowel bars. Each of the holes is sized and shaped to receive slidably a corresponding one of the plurality of dowel bars. Each of the dowel bars is slidable between a retracted position and an extend position in which the dowel bar forms a joint between the slab and another slab or preexisting pavement.
Abstract:
A one piece water permeable paver for forming a surface suitable for traffic having outer flex joint connection cells connected to flex joints, outer three connection cells connected to one of the outer flex joint connection cells, outer two connection cells connected to two outer three connection cells, a plurality of inner single flex joint connection cells connected to one of the flex joints, and an inner dual flex joint connection cell engaging two flex joints, inner four connection cells connected to a pair of outer three connection cells and a pair of inner single flex joint connection cells. Fastening slots are formed partially through outer surfaces of cells that form two sides of the paver. Locking tabs extend from outer surfaces of cells forming two sides of the paver opposite the sides with the locking tabs, enabling a first paver to securely interlock to an adjacent paver.
Abstract:
A connection surface that is disposed on at least a portion of a face of a structural unit comprises a first convex surface and a first concave surface arranged substantially along a first line. The shape of the first concave surface is complementary to the shape of the first convex surface. A second convex surface and a second concave surface are arranged substantially along a second line that is substantially parallel to the first line. The shape of the second concave surface is complementary to the shape of the second convex surface. The concave-convex order of the second line is reversed relative to the first line, such that the second convex surface corresponds with the first concave surface and the second concave surface corresponds with the first convex surface.
Abstract:
A precast concrete solid core paver block which has a first pair of flat parallel side walls and a second pair of transverse parallel side walls. One side has at least one block engaging projection in one or more portions thereof and spaced between a top and bottom surface of the paver block. The opposed side wall has a slot to receive in close sliding fit the at least one block engaging projection of an adjacent one of the paver blocks for side-by-side interengagement while permitting horizontal displacement of the adjacent paver block and the block engaging projection thereof while preventing vertical displacement thereof wherein a top face of the paver blocks lie in a substantially common planar surface. Spacers form open joints about each block in portions thereof to communicate with a support bed and form a permeable paved surface.
Abstract:
An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a plate defining a hexagon having a base parallel with joint between concrete slabs. Another embodiment includes a hexagon-shaped plate having a first portion and a second portion, and a form having a slot configured to closely receive the second portion.
Abstract:
Modular plastic floor tiles have elongate drainage vents formed to extend from the general upper surfaces of the tiles to general lower surfaces thereof. In a two-shot injection molded embodiment, the vents are laterally spaced from locations of overmolded features, and may be disposed within channels defined by downwardly depending support ribs. In one embodiment, groups of elongate vents are disposed around respective fill points in radiant fashion, so as to minimize the impedance to polymer flow within the injection mold. The vents may be radiussed at the tile's upper surface to enhance their fluid collecting capability.