Systems and methods for concrete support post-tensioning
AssigneePost Tech Manufacturing, LLC
InventorsEvan Langston, Bryant Morgan, Jeffrey Alan Cook
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus for post-tensioning in masonry-based system, especially concrete support systems. In one embodiment, a system is presented that can include an anchor, pocket-former, and bolt, wherein the pocket-former can be configured to engage each of the anchor and bolt to facilitate securing of the system to a form. In another embodiment, a method of post-tensioning is presented, wherein a tendon can be suspended at the live end via connections facilitated by a pocket-former. In another embodiment, a system and method of post-tensioning is presented that prevents a pocket and anchor from being contaminated with debris that could ultimately compromise the integrity of the tensioned material.
Claims26
A post-tensioning system comprising:
- an anchor;
- a pocket-former comprising a first end and a second end;
- and
- a bolt comprising a first end, a second end, and a flange positioned between the first end of the bolt and the second end of the bolt;
- wherein the first end of the pocket-former is configured to engage the anchor;
- wherein the second end of the pocket-former further comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube configured to abut a first side of a form, the form comprising an aperture therethrough;
- wherein the inner tube comprises a first coupling part of a two-part coupling, the second end of the bolt comprises a second coupling part of the two-part coupling;
- and
- wherein the bolt is configured to secure the second end of the pocket-former to the first side of the form when the second end of the bolt is inserted from a second side of the form through the aperture and engages the two-part coupling between the second end of the bolt and the second end of the pocket-former until the flange abuts the second side of the form.
A method of providing support to a masonry structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an anchor having a first end configured to face a first side of a masonry form;
- engaging the first end of the anchor with a first end of a pocket-former;
- abutting an outer tube of a second end of the pocket-former against the first side of the masonry form, the masonry form further comprising an aperture with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the outer tube of the second end of the pocket former;
- and
- securing the pocket former to the masonry form with a bolt comprising a first end configured to be inserted from a second side of the masonry form through the aperture in the masonry form into engagement with an inner tube of the second end of the pocket-former, the bolt further comprising a flange distal to the first end of the bolt;
- wherein the engagement between the inner tube of the second end of the pocket-former and the first end of the bolt member secures the pocket-former to the masonry form through the aperture in the masonry form when the flange is tightened against the masonry form on the side of the masonry form opposite the pocket former.
A pocket-former apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a pocket-former comprising:
- a first end;
- a second end;
- an inner tube;
- and
- an outer tube;
- an anchor comprising a first end;
- and
- a bolt comprising a first end, a second end, and a flange;
- wherein the first end of the pocket-former is configured to engage the first end of the anchor;
- wherein the second end of the bolt is configured to secure the second end of the pocket-former to a first side of a form when the bolt is inserted from a second side of a form through an aperture in the form, the outer tube of the second end of the pocket former is positioned against the first side of the form, and the second end of the bolt securely engages the inner tube of the pocket-former until the flange of the bolt and the second outer tube of the pocket former exert opposite forces on the first and second sides of the form.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.