Apparatus and Methods for Interconnecting Tubular Sections
OwnerFrano Luburic, David W. MacDonaldinventors
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for multi-piece tubing are disclosed. Optional nestable embodiments (12, 14, 16, and 18) provide benefits in storage, transportation, and use. Optional interlocking elements (30, 32) provide benefits in ease of assembly and use, and possible disassembly, including with other tubing or non-tubing elements such as a base (20). End cover elements (19) can protect tube's interior from undesired dirt, liquid, or other contaminants, and can be removable. Methods include use in forming concrete pier footings or other building supports.
Claims13
Apparatus for forming a concrete pier footing, comprising:
- a plurality of tubing elements, and
- structures for interconnecting said tubing elements into a desired form, said
- form including at least one opening for receiving concrete into a space within the form.
A method of forming a tube, comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of nested tubing elements;
- providing interconnecting means for assembling the tubing elements to each other to form a desired shape;
- de-nesting the tubing elements from each other;
- and
- assembling the tubing elements to each other to form a desired shape, using the interconnecting means.
Apparatus for forming a tube, comprising:
- a plurality of similarly-shaped tubing elements having integral cooperating engagement elements for connecting adjacent elements to each other, said cooperating engagement elements comprising at least one tab element and at least one cooperating slot to receive said tab.
Apparatus for forming a tube, comprising:
- a plurality of similarly-shaped, nestable tubing elements;
- at least one such element having a protruding tongue portion formed at at least one end, at least one other of said tubing elements including a groove portion formed at at least one end, said tongue and groove portions sized and configured to interengage with each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.