# US 10,119,633 B2 · Precast segmented annular structure with structural joint > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,119,633 B2 - Document ID: US10119633B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/466,017 - Filed: 2017-03-22 - Published: 2017-09-28 - Granted: 2018-11-06 - Earliest claimed: 2016-03-28 - Assignees: Jensen Enterprises, Inc. - Applicants: Jensen Enterprises, Inc. - Inventors: Thomas Elliott - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10119633B2 ## CPC - F16L 9/22: Pipes composed of a plurality of segments - E03F 5/02: Manhole shafts or other inspection chambers (in general E02D29/12); Snow-filling openings; accessories (covers or frames for manholes or the like E02D29/14) - F16B 3/005: {the key being formed by solidification of injected material (joining of preformed parts by applying molten plastics B29C65/40; non-disconnectible pipe joints obtained using a hardenable filler F16L13/11)} - F16B 7/20: using bayonet connections - F16L 9/085: {Reinforced pipes} - F16B 5/0008: {by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge} - F16B 7/22: using hooks or like elements - F16L 55/115: Caps {(F16L55/1286 takes precedence)} - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - E03F: SEWERS; CESSPOOLS - F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D) ## Abstract A segment for an annular structure includes an arcuate body extending between a first end and a second end. The segment includes a first plurality of interlocking portions extending from the first end and a second plurality of interlocking portions extending from the second end. Each interlocking portion includes a first leg and a second leg partially embedded in the arcuate body and a connecting portion connecting the first leg and the second leg, the connecting portion external to the arcuate body. The segment also includes a flange proximal to the first end and the second end of the arcuate body. Each flange includes a first spacing portion that extends radially outward from the outside surface and a second extending portion that extends distally from the main body portion. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A segment for an annular structure, comprising: an arcuate body extending between a first end and a second end, the arcuate body having an inside surface and an outside surface; a first plurality of interlocking portions extending from the first end of the arcuate body and a second plurality of interlocking portions extending from the second end of the arcuate body, and a flange proximal to each of the first end and the second end of the arcuate body, each flange including a first spacing portion that extends radially outward from the outside surface and a second extending portion that extends distally from a distal end of the first spacing portion away from the arcuate body. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The segment of claim 1, wherein each interlocking portion comprises a first leg and a second leg each partially embedded in the arcuate body and a connecting portion connecting the first leg and the second leg, the connecting portion external to the arcuate body. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The segment of claim 1, wherein each interlocking portion comprises a hairpin bar. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The segment of claim 1, wherein the segment is a precast structure. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The segment of claim 4, wherein the precast structure comprises concrete or cement. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The segment of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of interlocking portions is offset from the second plurality of interlocking portions. ### Claim 7 A segmented annular structure comprising: a plurality of segments arranged to form a hollow annular body, each segment comprising an arcuate body extending between a first end and a second end, the body having an inside surface and an outside surface; a first plurality of interlocking portions extending from the first end of the arcuate body and a second plurality of interlocking portions extending from the second end of the arcuate body; and a flange proximal to each of the first end and the second end of the arcuate body, each flange including a first spacing portion that extends radially outward from the outside surface and a second extending portion that extends distally from a distal end of the first spacing portion away from the arcuate body; and wherein joints between adjacent segments of the plurality of segments comprise an overlap of a first plurality of interlocking portions of one of the plurality of segments with a second plurality of interlocking portions of another of the plurality of segments. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The segmented annular structure of claim 7, wherein the joints further comprise a field closure casting over the overlap of the first plurality of interlocking portions and the second plurality of interlocking portions. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The segmented annular structure of claim 8, wherein the field closure casting comprises concrete or cement. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The segmented annular structure of claim 7, wherein the interlocking portion of the first plurality of interlocking portions and the second plurality of interlocking portions comprises a first leg and a second leg each partially embedded in the arcuate body and a connecting portion connecting the first leg and the second leg, the connecting portion external to the arcuate body. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The segmented annular structure of claim 7, wherein the segmented annular structure is a precast structure. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The segmented annular structure of claim 7, wherein the segmented annular structure is a manhole. ### Claim 13 (depends on 7) The segmented annular structure of claim 7, wherein each segment comprises a precast structure. ### Claim 14 (depends on 7) The segmented annular structure of claim 7, wherein the joints are configured to transfer moments and shear forces between adjacent segments. ### Claim 15 A method for forming a joint between adjacent segments in an annular structure such that the joint transfers moments and shear forces between adjacent segments, the method comprising: overlapping interlocking portions extending from a free ends of a first segment with interlocking portions extending from a second segment; and casting a field closure over the overlapping interlocking portions; wherein each segment of the adjacent segments in the annular structure comprises: an arcuate body extending between a first end and a second end, the arcuate body having an inside surface and an outside surface; a first plurality of interlocking portions extending from the first end of the arcuate body and a second plurality of interlocking portions extending from the second end of the arcuate body, and a flange proximal to each of the first end and the second end of the arcuate body, each flange including a first spacing portion that extends radially outward from the outside surface and a second extending portion that extends distally from a distal end of the first spacing portion away from the arcuate body. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method of claim 15, further comprising: inserting a support member into the overlap between the interlocking portions. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the support member comprises rebar. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the field closure comprises cement or concrete. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein casting the field closure comprises casting the field closure from an interior side of the annular structure. ### Claim 20 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a first segment relative to a second segment to form a section of the annular structure.