US 6,033,155 AGranted

Reinforced structure panel for forming barrier walls

AssigneeMaterials International, Inc.

InventorsJohn E. Irvine, John J. Yeosock

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Abstract

Structural panels (12) of extruded PVC and of stretched Z-shaped configuration and which can be driven into the ground include strengthening ribs (36-40) extending from the inner surfaces (34 and 35) of the opposed side sections (26 and 27). The ribs extend at a right angle to the side section bending planes (56 and 57) and at a right angle to the panel bending plane (64), thereby adding significant resistance to both compression and tension forces applied to the panel. The structural panels are driven into the earth to form a wall barrier, with the female locking element (43) being telescopically moved along the male locking element (42) of a previously installed panel. Distal strengthening rib (40) functions as a driving tongue to stabilize the position of the male locking element (42) during driving of the panel into the ground.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A structural panel for forming sea walls, barrier walls and the like, fabricated of synthetic resin material for driving into the earth and for resisting deterioration from sand abrasion, water movement and other severe environmental conditions, comprising:

said panel being elongated and of constant size and shape along its length and characterized by having been extruded length wise;
said panel including in cross section:
first and second opposed side sections disposed in parallel planes and displaced longitudinally from each other and each said side section including an inner surface facing the plane of the other side section and an outer surface facing away from the plane of the other side section and a distal edge and a proximal edge, and a central web section having opposed parallel edge portions joined to said proximal edges of said side sections;
said central web section and said first and second opposed side sections forming obtuse angles at said inner surfaces;
the distal edge of said first side sections being formed in a laterally protruding male locking element and the distal edge of said second side sections being formed in a female locking element sized and shaped to substantially surround and lock with said male locking element so that adjacent ones of the structural panels can be locked together at their distal edges to form a wall;
and
a strengthening rib integrally formed on said first side section, said strengthening rib having a length and a width, with the length of said rib extending at a right angle from the inner surface of said first side section at a position adjacent said laterally protruding male locking element and forming with said laterally protruding male locking element a recess for receiving a portion of said female locking element.

4 more elements

A structural panel for forming sea walls, barrier walls and the like, fabricated of synthetic resin material for driving into the earth comprising:

said panel being elongated and of constant size and shape along its length and characterized by having been extruded length wise;
said panel including in cross section:
a pair of opposed side sections and each side section including an inner surface facing the other side section and an outer surface facing away from the other side section and a distal edge and a proximal edge, and a central web section having opposed parallel edge portions joined to said proximal edges of said side sections;
said central web section and said opposed side sections forming a stretched Z-shape;
the distal edge of one of said side sections being formed in a male locking element and the distal edge of the other of said side sections being formed in a female locking element sized and shaped to lock with said male locking element so that adjacent ones of the structural panels can be locked together at their distal edges to form a wall;
and
a plurality of strengthening ribs integrally formed on each side section, said ribs each having a length and a width, with the length of each rib extending at a right angle from the inner surface of each side section between said distal edge and said central web section, said male locking element including a locking protrusion mounted to one of said strengthening ribs so that said locking protrusion is supported by a strengthening rib, said strengthening ribs, side sections and said central web section being of substantially equal thickness.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.