WO2006074145A1

WO2006074145A1 - Grout injecting/structure anchoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2006074145A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ramzy Moumneh; Joseph N. Bloomfield; Richard H. Nelson
Original assignee: Geoject, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-01-03
Filing date: 2006-01-03
Publication date: 2006-07-13
Also published as: US20060159525A1

Abstract

A grout injecting/structure anchoring apparatus comprising an auger having a hollow interior, wherein the auger comprises a plurality of apertures, and the apparatus is adapted for dispensing grout through the apertures of said auger.

Description

GROUT INJECTING/STRUCTURE ANCHORING SYSTEM

Ramzy MOUMNEH, a United States national and resident; Joseph N. BLOOMFIELD, a United States national and resident and Richard H. NELSON, a United States national and resident, are filing this application as a PCT application, claiming priority to U.S. Application No. 11/028,402 filed January 3, 2005

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a grout injection/structure anchoring system and more particularly pertains to solidifying a structure by supporting it from bedrock and filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of structural supports and stabilizers is known in the prior art. More specifically, structural supports and stabilizers previously devised and utilized for the purpose of supporting and stabilizing structures through known methods and apparatuses are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

The following patents are provided as examples of the prior art:

4,673,315 June 16, 1987 Shaw et APPARATUS FOR RAISING al. AND SUPPORTING A BUILDING

5,018,905 Ma y 28, 1991 Kinder FOUNDATION SHORING METHOD AND MEANS

6,468,002 Oct22, 2002 Gregory et FOUNDATION SUPPORTING al. AND LIFTING SYSTEM AND METHOD

6,514,012 Feb4, 2003 Gregory et SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR al. RAISING AND SUPPORTING A BUILDING AND CONNECTING ELONGATED FILING SECTIONS

4,591,466 May 27, 1986 Murray et METHOD FOR POSITIONING al. AND. STABILIZING A CONCRETE SLAB

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a grout injection/structure anchoring system that allows solidifying a structure such as a house by supporting it from bedrock and filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability.

In this respect, the grout injection/structure anchoring system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of solidifying a structure such as a house by supporting it from bedrock and filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system which can be used for solidifying a structure such as a house by supporting it from bedrock and filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of structural supports and stabilizers of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved grout injection/structure anchoring system. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system and method which has all the various advantages of the prior art and none of the various disadvantages

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises an auger pipe in a generally cylindrical configuration. The auger pipe has a closed lower end in a cone-shaped configuration with rigid bit components to facilitate drilling. The auger pipe also has an open top end with male screw threads adapted to be removably coupled to a rotatable power source (not shown) for insertion of the auger pipe into the ground to bedrock. The auger pipe also has a hollow intermediate section forming a bore between the upper and lower ends. Male threads are formed along the majority of the length of the intermediate section. Apertures extend through the intermediate section for the passage of grout to exterior of the auger pipe.

Next provided is an initial sleeve in a hollow cylindrical configuration. The initial sleeve has a lower end formed with female threads adapted to removably couple with the upper end of the auger pipe after insertion into the ground. The initial sleeve also has an upper end. An intermediate section between the upper and lower ends forms a bore coaxial with, and an extension of, the bore of auger pipe for the passage of grout.

A guide sleeve in a hollow cylindrical configuration is next provided. The guide sleeve has a lower end and an upper end.

The guide sleeve also has a collar extending radially outwardly from the upper end of the guide sleeve.

Next provided is a slide bracket assembly. The slide bracket assembly has a horizontal plate positionable beneath a structure such as a house to be lifted and supported. The slide bracket assembly also has a bracket pipe slidably received on the guide sleeve and vertically movable with respect thereto. The slide bracket assembly also has intermediate brackets between the guide sleeve and the plate whereby vertical movement of the bracket pipe with respect to the auger pipe and initial sleeve and bedrock will raise the plate and structure supported thereon. The upper end of the bracket pipe is adapted to support the collar of the initial sleeve. Male screw threads are formed on the bracket pipe adjacent to the upper end.

Next provided is a hollow interior cap. The interior cap has a -short axial length. The interior cap has a lower end adapted to removably set upon the upper end of the initial sleeve.

Next provided is a hollow exterior cap. The exterior cap has a long axial length. The exterior cap has a lower end formed with female screw threads adapted to removably couple with the screw threads of the bracket pipe.

A hydraulic cylinder is next provided. The hydraulic cylinder has a lower end adapted to couple with the upper end of the locking assembly. The hydraulic cylinder also has an upper end adapted to couple with a source of hydraulic fluid.

Lastly, a locking assembly is provided. The locking assembly has an upper collar removably positionable between the cylinder and the exterior collar. The locking assembly also has locking arms having upper ends pivot ably coupled to the upper collar. The locking assembly also has lower ends formed as mating semicircular segments to receive the lower end of the bracket pipe whereby activation of the hydraulic cylinder will raise the initial sleeve and exterior cap and bracket assembly as well as the structure and, where after, the exterior cap is adapted to be tightened down so that with the locking bracket removed, grout from the source may Fill any adjacent subterranean void to secure and support the structure in a stable and level orientation.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system which has all of the advantages of the prior art structural supports and stabilizers of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system which is of durable and reliable constructions.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such grout injection/structure anchoring system economically available to the buying public.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a grout injection/structure anchoring system for solidifying a structure such as a house by supporting it from bedrock and filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved grout injecting/structure anchoring having an auger pipe with a closed lower end and an open top end with male threads formed along the length with apertures extending there through. A lower end of an initial sleeve is adapted to couple with the top end of the auger pipe. A slide bracket assembly has a horizontal plate and a bracket pipe with male screw threads thereon slidably received on a guide sleeve. Hollow interior and exterior caps removably couple with respect to the bracket pipe. A lower end of a hydraulic cylinder couples with the locking assembly. A locking assembly has an- upper collar removably positionable between the cylinder and the exterior collar and locking arms with upper ends pivotably coupled to the upper collar and lower ends with mating semicircular segments to receive a lower end of the bracket pipe.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the grout injection/structure anchoring system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the bottom end of the auger pipe taken at circle 2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end view of. the auger pipe taken at line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the top of the initial sleeve and the associated caps.

Figure 5 is a top view of the initial sleeve taken at line 5-5 of Figure 4 with the caps removed.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the bracket assembly and associated components.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the upper end of the interior sleeve with associated components. Figure 9 is an exploded view of the top of the initial sleeve, bracket assembly and locking assembly.

Figure 10 is a plan view of exterior cap shown in Figures 1, 8 and 9.

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the grout injection/structure anchoring system shown in the prior Figures during operation and use.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved grout injection/structure anchoring system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

The present invention, the grout injection/structure anchoring system 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include an auger pipe, an initial sleeve, a guide sleeve, a slide bracket assembly, a hollow interior and exterior caps, a hydraulic cylinder and a locking assembly. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective. First provided is an auger pipe 12 in a generally cylindrical configuration. The auger pipe has a closed lower end 14 in a cone-shaped configuration with rigid bit components 15 to facilitate drilling. The auger pipe also has an open top end 16 with male screw threads adapted to be removably coupled to a rotatable power source (not shown) for insertion of the auger pipe into the ground to bedrock. The auger pipe also has a -hollow intermediate section forming a bore between the upper and lower ends. Male threads 18 are formed along the majority of the length of the intermediate section. Apertures 20 extend through the intermediate section for the passage of grout to exterior of the auger pipe.

Next provided "is an initial sleeve 22 in a hollow cylindrical configuration. The initial sleeve has a lower end 24 formed with female threads adapted to removably couple with the upper end of the auger pipe after insertion into the ground. The initial sleeve also has an upper end 26. An intermediate section 28 between the upper and lower ends forms a bore coaxial with, and an extension of, the bore of auger pipe for the passage of grout. A guide sleeve 30 in a hollow cylindrical configuration is next provided. The guide sleeve has a lower end 32 and an upper end 34. The guide sleeve also has a collar 36 extending radially outwardly from the upper end of the guide sleeve.

Next provided is a slide bracket assembly 38. The slide bracket assembly has a horizontal plate 40 positionable beneath a structure such as a house to be lifted and supported. The slide bracket assembly also has a bracket pipe 42 slidably received on the guide sleeve and vertically movable with respect thereto.

The slide bracket assembly also has intermediate brackets 44 between the guide sleeve and the plate whereby vertical movement of the bracket pipe with respect to the auger pipe and initial sleeve and bedrock will raise the plate and structure supported thereon. The upper end of the bracket pipe is adapted to support the collar of the initial sleeve. Male screw threads 46 are formed on the bracket pipe adjacent to the upper end.

Next provided is a hollow interior cap 48. The interior cap has a short axial length. The interior cap has a lower end 50 adapted to removably set upon the upper end of the initial sleeve.

Next provided is a hollow exterior cap 52. The exterior cap has a long axial length. The exterior cap has a lower end 54 formed with female screw threads adapted to removably couple with the screw threads of the bracket pipe.

A hydraulic cylinder 56 is next provided. The hydraulic cylinder has a lower end 58 adapted to couple with the upper end of the locking assembly. The hydraulic cylinder also has an upper end 60 adapted to couple with a source of hydraulic fluid to raise the slide bracket assembly.

Lastly, a locking assembly 62 is provided. The locking assembly has an upper collar removably positionable between the cylinder and the exterior collar. The locking assembly also has locking arms 64 having upper ends 66 pivotably coupled to the upper collar. The locking assembly also has lower ends 68 formed as mating semicircular segments to receive the lower end of the bracket pipe whereby activation of the hydraulic cylinder will raise the initial sleeve and exterior cap and bracket assembly as well as the structure and, where after, the exterior cap is adapted to be tightened down so that with the locking bracket removed, grout from the source may fill any adjacent subterranean void to secure and support the structure in a stable and level orientation.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LETTERS PATENT of the United States is as follows:

1. A grout injecting/structure anchoring apparatus comprising: an auger having a hollow interior and a closed lower end and an open upper end, said auger having a plurality of apertures; said apparatus being adapted for dispensing grout through the apertures of said auger.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lower end of the auger pipe has a cone-shaped configuration with rigid bit components to facilitate drilling.

3. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the initial sleeve is adapted to removably couple with the top end of the auger after insertion into the ground and an upper end for forming a bore coaxial with, and an extension of, a bore of the auger for the passage of grout.

4. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the guide sleeve has an upper end with a collar extending radially outwardly.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the slide bracket includes intermediate brackets coupling the guide sleeve and the plate whereby vertical movement of the bracket pipe with respect to the auger and initial sleeve and bedrock will raise the plate and structure supported thereon, the upper end of the bracket pipe adapted to support the collar of the initial sleeve.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the hollow interior cap has a short axial length with a lower end adapted to removably set upon the upper end of the initial sleeve and wherein the hollow exterior cap has a long axial length with a lower end adapted to removably couple with the bracket pipe.

7. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the hydraulic cylinder has a lower end adapted to removably couple with the upper end of the locking assembly and an upper end adapted to couple with a source of grout for injecting grout to and through the auger for filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability.

8. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the locking assembly has an upper collar removably positionable between the cylinder and the exterior collar and the locking arms have upper ends pivotably coupled to the upper collar and lower ends formed as mating semicircular segments to receive the lower end of the bracket pipe whereby activation of the hydraulic cylinder will raise the initial sleeve and exterior cap and bracket assembly as well as the structure and, where after, the exterior cap is adapted to be secured so that with the locking bracket removed, grout from the source may fill any adjacent subterranean void.

9. A grout injecting/structure anchoring system for solidifying a structure by supporting it from bedrock and filling any subterranean voids which would otherwise cause structural instability comprising, in combination:

(a) an auger pipe in a generally cylindrical configuration with a closed lower end in a cone-shaped configuration with rigid bit components to facilitate drilling and an open top end with male screw thread adapted to be removably coupled to a rotatable power source for insertion of the auger pipe into the ground to bedrock and a hollow intermediate section forming a bore between the upper and lower ends, male threads formed along the majority of the length of the intermediate section with apertures extending through the intermediate section for the passage of grout to exterior of the auger pipe;

(b) an initial sleeve in a hollow cylindrical configuration with a lower end formed with female threads adapted to removably couple with the upper end of the auger pipe after insertion into the ground and an upper end with an intermediate section between the upper and lower ends forming a bore coaxial with, and an extension of, the bore of the auger pipe for the passage of grout;

(c) a guide sleeve in a hollow cylindrical configuration with a lower end and an upper end and a collar extending radially outwardly from the upper end;

(d) a slide bracket assembly having a horizontal plate positional beneath a structure such as a house to be lifted and supported, the slide bracket assembly also having a bracket pipe slidably received on the guide sleeve and vertically movable with respect thereto, the slide bracket assembly also having intermediate brackets between the guide sleeve and the plate whereby vertical movement of the bracket pipe with respect to the auger pipe and initial sleeve and bedrock will raise the plate and structure supported thereon, the upper end of the bracket pipe adapted to support the collar of the initial sleeve and with male screw threads formed on the bracket pipe adjacent to the upper end;

(e) a hollow interior cap having a short axial length with a lower end adapted to removably set upon the upper end of the initial;

(f) a hollow exterior cap having a long axial length with a lower end formed with female screw threads adapted to removably couple with the screw threads of the bracket pipe;

(g) a hydraulic cylinder with a lower end adapted to couple with the upper end of the locking assembly and an upper end adapted to couple with a source of hydraulic fluid to raise the slide bracket assembly bracket; and

(h) a locking assembly having an upper collar removably positionable between the cylinder and the exterior collar and locking arms having upper ends pivotably coupled to the upper collar and lower ends formed as mating semicircular segments to receive the lower end of the bracket pipe whereby activation of the hydraulic cylinder will raise the initial sleeve and exterior cap and bracket assembly as well as the structure and, where after, the exterior cap is adapted to be tightened down so that with the locking bracket removed, grout from the source may fill any adjacent subterranean void to secure and support the structure in a stable and level orientation.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus adapted for supporting a structure, and further comprising a slide bracket assembly having a horizontal plate adapted to support the foundation of the structure.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

(a) an initial sleeve having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end adapted to couple with the upper end of the auger;

(b) a guide sleeve with a lower end and an upper end; and

(c) where the slide bracket assembly further comprises a bracket pipe slidably received on the guide sleeve.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

(a) a hollow interior cap and a hollow exterior cap adapted to removably couple with respect to the bracket pipe.

(b) a hydraulic cylinder with a lower end adapted to couple with the locking assembly; and

(c) a locking assembly having an upper collar removably positionable between the cylinder and the exterior collar and locking arms having upper ends pivotably coupled to the upper collar and lower ends to receive a lower end of the bracket pipe.

13. A method of supporting or solidifying a structure using the apparatus of claim 1.

14. A method of supporting or solidifying a structure using the apparatus of claim 9.