Method and Apparatus for Enhanced Molding of Pre-Cast Structural Components
OwnerRichard J. Gaglianoinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An insert for use in a mold operation to provide internal cavities and passages within a pre-cast structural component. The insert is a multi-piece elongated tube where the individual pieces slide lengthwise to control the effective cross section. In operation in a form used to cast materials such as concrete, the insert creates a selectively dimensioned passage and is easily discharged from the mold/cast structure during or after the concrete is cured.
Claims20
An apparatus for placement into a form for use to mold a structural component and to create internal passages within said structural component after casting with a curable material, said apparatus comprising:
- A multi piece elongated insert wherein at least one piece has a substantially uniform taper along its length, a substantially semi-circular cross section with central tapered groove extending lengthwise for a portion of its length, wherein plural pieces are configured to slidingly engage each other to establish substantially equal cross-sectional dimensions located at least at two locations along its length.
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein each piece has minimal surface defects and provide low friction surfaces along the length thereof.
A pre-cast structural component, comprising one or more internal passages extending through the component with a substantially uniform cross-section, wherein said passages connect to the outer surface of the component with openings;
- and
- whereby the passages in said structural component are established during a molding operation by the use of a two-piece insert that has a substantially uniform cross section during the molding operation and where said insert is released from the pre-cast component with minimal force applied to one end of the insert after the casting is complete.
A mold insert for a pre-cast structural foundation element, comprising:
- an elongated insert main body which includes:
- a first wedge-shaped segment defining a portion of an outer periphery for the insert and including a first sliding surface running lengthwise of said insert and formed at an angle with respect to an axis for the insert;
- and
- a second wedge-shaped segment defining a remaining portion of the outer periphery for the insert and including a second sliding surface which is positioned adjacent to the first sliding surface;
- and
- wherein the first wedge-shaped segment is configured to slideably engage said second wedge-shaped segment along their respective sliding surfaces whereby a cross-sectional dimension taken perpendicular to the axis for the insert is adjustable upon sliding.
An Insert Component for use in creating an insert, wherein said insert is used to establish a controlled cross-sectional passage within a pre-cast structure, said Insert Component comprises:
- A first selectively shaped portion of an outer surface extending lengthwise along the insert component;
- and
- A flattened sliding surface extending lengthwise along a second portion of the outer surface of the insert component, wherein a cross-sectional area of the insert component is gradually reduced along its length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.