GB2399593A

GB2399593A - Mechanical joint for flexible and non-flexible membranes

Info

Publication number: GB2399593A
Application number: GB0306275A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive James Robert Charles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-19
Filing date: 2003-03-19
Publication date: 2004-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-19
Also published as: GB2399593B; GB0306275D0

Abstract

A mechanical joint comprising a slotted tube (4) and end caps (1) The tube contains a number of grooves of different widths running along most of its length and spaced around its outer surface. The user cuts appropriate slots (3) from a selected groove and the material to be joined is accommodated by the slot. Weak points may be provided along the length of the tube that can be pushed out to allow bolts to pass to close the joint more tightly if required. 'O' rings can be used at both ends of the bolt to aid a water tight seal. Water resistant chemicals can be applied to the inner and/or outer surface of the tube or used to fill the tube completely.

Description

Mechanical joint for flexible and non-flexible membranes.

This invention relates to a mechanical joint for flexible and nonflexible membranes.

Background

Existing techniques typicalb found, say, in the building industry to prevent water movement or highb invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed affecting buildings, utilize adhesive tape to effect the joint between two pieces of membrane (barrier) material. However, once the trench has been backfilled (which in itself can cause damage such as partial separation of the joint) future examination of the joint to verify integrity requires excavation of surrounding earth which is both costb and time consuming, and once again, risks damaging the joint further. It is also difficult on site to maintain the clean environment required to effect a satisfactory joint between the adhesive tape and the barrier material.

Essential Technical Features The invention comprises a plastic tube and tightb fitting caps to be placed on both ends. The pipe contains a number of grooves along its length of different widths ( cut deepb enough to weaken the tube sufficient to finish the cut easily, accurateb and reliably on site) and spaced equally around its outer surface.

At regular intervals along its length (and diametricalb opposite to one another) are 'press outs' that can be forced out to allow plastic bolts (fitted with sealing O' rings to prevent the ingress of water) to be passed through the pipe.

These bolts allow for additional clamping force where that provided by the tightb fitting end caps is deemed insufficient - this is liked to be the case where a watertight seal is required - and where the pipe is of such length that the wall is of insufficient thickness to discourage deformation along its length. The joint is less susceptible to dirt during assembly and removal of an end cap allows verification of joint integrity. Waterproofing can be applied to create a waterproof joint or make good a waterproof joint that has failed in use. Repair of a damaged membrane is effected around the point of failure with minimal digging. The joint is less susceptible to thermal expansion and general ground movement.

Example

Fig.1 shows the basic arrangement of tube and end caps, the position of some pre-cut grooves and hole "push outs".

Fig 2. shows a typical joint using flexible barrier material.

Fig 3 shows the jointing of rigid barrier material.

Fig 4 shows the orientation of the slots in the tube.

Fig 5 shows a rigid membrane joint with flexible membrane used to close the joint.

With reference to figs 1-5 the invention will now be described.

A tube (4) is taken and slots (3) cut through completed (Fig 1). The end of the pipe with the tin-cut section is fitted with an end cap (1) and that end placed in the trench first (after first being glued or sealed with water resistant material as required). In the case of the rigid membrane (10) (see Fig 3), each membrane is placed in a separate slot. Fig 3 shows the rigid membranes at right angles but inline' orientation slots can also be provided. Flexible membrane or other gasket type material can be added as packing (8) to effect a close fitting joint ( see Fig 5).

The second end cap is fitted. The hole 'push outs' (2) are punched through and plastic nuts (6) and bolts (5) - using 'O' rings (7) as required - are then fitted. It is important that packing is added to close the joint prior to the nuts being tightened since the slots in the tube are not cut to its full length and, accordingly, excessive force on the nuts with not close the slot equally along its length.

To joint the flexible membrane (9) (Fig 2), both ends of the membrane are inserted into the same slot (or cut) for the full length of the tube. Again, where the slot is too wide to effect a close fit then extra strip(s) can be added into the slot. The "Press outs" can be pushed out to provide holes for bolts (and 'O' rings used to effect a water-tight joint.) Different barrier material and its orientation can be accommodated by different slots around the tube periphery (Fig 4).

Waterproofing can be applied inside (and/or outside) the tube where the joint is not to be welded.

Claims

Claims 1. A mechanical joint comprising a slotted tube (with pre-prepared

grooves of different widths) and end caps (fig 1.)
2. A mechanical joint that is less susceptible to dirt during assembly.
3. A mechanical joint where removal of an end cap facilitates inspection of the joint at any time after the joint has been completed.
4. A mechanical joint where waterproofing can be applied to create a waterproof joint or make good a waterproof joint that has failed in use.
5. A mechanical joint that can be used to repair damaged membrane locally with minimal digging out of surrounding earth.
6. A mechanical joint that is less susceptible to thermal expansion and general ground movement.
7. A mechanical joint to hold rigid or flexible membrane material during welding, the application of glue or incorporated into the finished welded joint.
8. A mechanical joint that is quick to construct