Extruded frictionally-enhanced reinforced pile with integral utility channels
OwnerMark A. Porterinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pile is comprised of a pipe, i.e., a hollow tube or hollow cylinder, with a coextensive internal reinforcement comprised of a plurality of intersecting walls. The pile is comprised of a blend of a thermoplastic and 20 to 50% (pbw) pelletized chopped strand glass fibers. The outer surface includes a co-extruded cap stock that is relatively smooth and exhibits a relatively low coefficient of friction. Internal walls define a central channel useful for water jetting, and peripheral channels useful for electrical, plumbing and mechanical lines. The internal structures exhibit roughness, bumpiness and a relatively high coefficient of friction for an extruded plastic. A groove may be formed in the pile adjacent to an end for resistance to uplift.
Claims20
An integrally formed extruded pile comprising:
- a pipe having an outer surface, an interior surface, an outer width, and a length from a first end to an opposite second end;
- and
- a plurality of intersecting walls within the pipe, the intersecting walls being coextensive with the pipe and having wall surfaces, the intersecting walls intersecting the pipe at the interior surface, the plurality of intersecting walls defining a plurality of interior channels, including a central channel;
- and
- the extruded pile being comprised of a blend of a thermoplastic and chopped strand glass fibers;
- and
- a co-extruded cap stock covering the outer surface of the pipe, and the cap stock not containing chopped strand glass fibers, the co-extruded cap stock having an exterior surface;
- and
- the central channel including a threaded end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.