Transparent or translucent panel systems, related systems, and related methods
AssigneeContech Engineered Solutions LLC
InventorDavid M. Brodowski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system includes one or more panels that are configured to span a frame of bridge beams and be positioned below an existing bridge deck. The one or more panels are transparent or translucent and are configured to catch material that separates from the bridge deck.
Claims20
A transparent or translucent panel system, comprising:
- one or more transparent or translucent panels, wherein each of the one or more transparent or translucent panels is formed of one or more of glass polymer composites, polycarbonate, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass, and poly (methyl methacrylate);
- a plurality of angles, wherein each angle is configured to couple the one or more transparent or translucent panels to an upper flange or a lower flange of i-beam bridge beams such that the one or more transparent or translucent panels are spaced away from a bridge deck that is supported by the i-beam bridge beams;
- and
- a plurality of anchors, wherein each anchor is configured to couple one of the plurality of anchors to the upper flange or the lower flange of one of the i-beam bridge beams,
- wherein the transparent or translucent panel system allows for visual inspection of a bridge deck from below the bridge deck, and
- wherein the one or more transparent or translucent panels contain one or more of a rubber modifier or an ultraviolent light modifier.
A method of mounting a transparent or translucent panel below an existing bridge deck, wherein the bridge deck is supported by bridge beams below the bridge deck, and wherein each of the bridge beams include a bottom flange and a top flange, the method comprising:
- positioning the transparent or translucent panel on respective portions of the bottom flanges of adjacent bridge beams, such that the transparent or translucent panel at least partially overlaps with portions of the bottom flanges, and such that the transparent or translucent panel is spaced away from the bridge deck;
- positioning one or more supports or reinforcements below the transparent or translucent panel and above the flanges on adjacent bridge beams, wherein the one or more supports or reinforcements are joists, bars, or tubes formed of steel, and
- mounting the transparent or translucent panel to the bottom flanges such that the transparent or translucent panel is spaced away from the bridge deck, wherein the mounting of the transparent or translucent panel to the bottom flanges includes coupling the panel to the bottom flanges by a clip connection or only with an adhesive.
A method of mounting a transparent or translucent panel system below a portion of a bridge deck, the method comprising:
- positioning one or more transparent or translucent panels below the portion of the bridge deck;
- mounting the one or more transparent or translucent panels to portions of flanges on adjacent bridge beams such that the transparent or translucent panels are spaced away from the bridge deck, wherein mounting the one or more transparent or translucent panels includes attaching an angle to the flanges with one or more anchors;
- leaving the one or more transparent or translucent panels in place for a time of for at least four years;
- and
- inspecting the portion of the bridge deck from below the one or more transparent or translucent panels for one or more cracks or damaged portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.