Adjustable Attachment System
An embed for embedding in a base is provided. The embed comprises a box defining a top face and at least one side face, the top face configured to be placed flush with an upper surface of the base, and the at least one side face configured to be placed flush with an edge of the base. The embed may be part of an adjustable attachment system comprising an embed for positioning in a base and a bridging clip configured for insertion in the embed and adapted for coupling to a unit. A kit is also described.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/208,444, filed Aug. 19, 2005. The subject matter of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an adjustable attachment system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable attachment system wherein a bridging clip adapted for receiving an attached component is placed in an embed and the positioning of the bridging clip may be adjusted in two orthogonal directions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConstruction technology often employs unitized curtainwall units that are anchored to the building structure. A curtainwall system is a lightweight exterior cladding which is hung on the building structure, usually from floor to floor. It can provide a variety of exterior appearances. Curtainwalls are designed to accommodate structural deflections, control wind-driven rain and air leakage, minimize the effects of solar radiation, and provide for maintenance-free long term performance.
The curtainwall is an external, lightweight, generally non-loadbearing wall that is hung from a frame rather than built up from the ground; the framework it shields is usually of concrete or steel. Curtainwalls may be used with any suitable structure but are typically used in high-rise blocks. Typically light, the use of curtainwalls reduces the forces on the foundations, making the building lighter. Curtainwalls are a form of prefabricated construction and can be installed with relative ease, even at significant heights above the ground. Curtainwalls are frequently produced in a ready-to-install form, and thus can be installed as discrete building units.
One aspect of both the design and the installation of a curtainwall is its anchorage to the building structure. Generally, the curtainwall units are anchored to concrete floor slabs, columns and/or shear wall of building structures. Many types of anchor and a variety of methods are used.
Prior art attachment mechanisms for anchoring the curtainwall units to the building structure generally comprise manufactured plates, channel struts, and drilled anchor bolts. Strut type embeds are used in attachment to the face of slab, to columns, or to shear walls. The distance from the building frame face (slab, shear wall, or column) to the back of the curtainwall is desired at approximately at least 2.5 times the specified allowable concrete tolerance plus the bridging clips thickness. Embedded strut type embeds typically have limited, preset depth and thus have no capability for in/out adjustment perpendicular to the plane of the frame to absorb tolerance. Thus, strut type embeds have lateral adjustment only in the plane of the slab, column, or shear wall. In order to effect in/out adjustment, complex two-part primary bridging clips plus ancillary parts are used and must be bolted or welded together to form an assembly. The assembly is then bolted to the strut embed. Protrusions such as the protrusion of the assembly from the strut embed may encroach on the in/out tolerance desired with the distance from the building frame. Further, the two-part bridging clips used for strut type embeds generally interfere and or extend into the plane of the backside of the curtainwall units.
The top of slab anchor system 102 of
In the past, it has been desirable to locate an anchor in an easily accessible location on top of the floor slab because, while a location on the slab edge, or on the outward facing surface of the frame, is feasible, drilling and welding on the slab edge is more difficult and there is less room for adjustment to accommodate building frame variations. Curtainwall units must be anchored and fixed to a precise theoretical location in space irrespective to the frame's finished location. The difference between the two locations is referred to as tolerance. To bridge the difference in these locations, manufactured parts known as adjustable anchor clips (or adjustable secondary bridging clips) are employed. The clips are typically made utilizing slotted holes, shims or field welding to make the connection between the point of attachment on a building structure and a curtainwall unit.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn embed, an adjustable attachment system, an adjustable attachment system kit, and method for attaching a unit to a base is provided.
In one embodiment, an embed for embedding in a base may include a box defining a top face and at least one side face, the top face configured to be placed flush with an upper surface of the base, and the at least one side face configured to be placed flush with an edge of the base. In another embodiment, the top face may include a substantially open top face configured to provide access to the inside of the embed. In another embodiment, the embed may include a lid configured to cover the open top face. In another embodiment, the top face may include a recessed shelf and a perimeter lip and the lid is recessed into the top face. In another embodiment, the lid may be removably attached to the embed. In another embodiment, the lid may be pivotably attached to the embed. In another embodiment, the side face may include a substantially open side face. In another embodiment, the open side face may be configured to receive a bridging clip. In another embodiment, the embed may include at least one anchor extending from the embed. In another embodiment, the at least one anchor may be a threaded rod anchor. In another embodiment, the embed may be adapted for threaded engagement with the at least one anchor, the at least one anchor adjustably extending into the internal volume of the embed.
In another embodiment, an adjustable attachment system includes an embed for positioning in a base and a bridging clip configured for insertion in the embed and adapted for coupling to a unit. In another embodiment, the embed is in the shape of a box. In still another embodiment, the embed is adapted to be positioned flush with the upper and outer surfaces of a base. In still another embodiment, the system further includes at least one anchor extending from the embed. In yet another embodiment, the bridging clip further comprises teeth on an upper surface. In yet another embodiment, the system includes at least one washer with teeth on a bottom surface adapted to engage the teeth of the bridging clip. In still another embodiment, the system includes a peel strip.
In another embodiment, an adjustable attachment system kit includes an embed box with a removably attachable lid, a bridging clip, at least one nut, and at least one washer. In another embodiment, the embed includes at least one threaded rod anchor extending into the internal volume of the embed. In another embodiment, the bridging clip includes slotted holes for receiving the at least one threaded rod anchor. In still another embodiment, the bridging clip includes teeth on an upper surface and the at least one washer includes teeth on a lower surface adapted to engage the teeth of the bridging clip. In yet another embodiment, the at least one nut is adapted for threaded engagement with the anchor.
The adjustable attachment system comprises an embed, a bridging clip and a locking strip. The embed and bridging clip are configured for the bridging clip to be inserted within the embed and the bridging clip and the embed to engage one another. The locking strip is configured for insertion in a space between the bridging clip and the embed to fix the bridging clip in place. The bridging clip may further be adapted for receiving an attachment piece. The embed is anchored to the base and the bridging clip is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the unit to be attached. For attaching a curtainwall unit to a building frame, the embed is anchored in the frame and the bridging clip is coupled to the curtainwall unit.
The method of attaching a unit to a base comprises placing the embed in a base. For example, the embed may be placed in a concrete form and concrete poured into the form. A bridging clip is inserted in the embed, and positioned at a desired position within the embed. A locking strip is inserted in a space between the bridging clip and the embed. The unit is coupled to the bridging clip. Optionally, an attachment piece may be used to couple the unit to the bridging clip.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
An adjustable attachment system is provided for attaching a unit to a base. While the adjustable attachment system is discussed in reference to attaching a curtainwall unit to a building frame, the adjustable attachment system may be used to attach any unit to any base. For example, the adjustable attachment system may be used to attach a pipe to a base. Further, the attachment system may be used to attach any unit to any surface of a base. For example, the adjustable attachment system may be used to attach a unit to a top surface, bottom surface, or side surface of a base.
The adjustable attachment system permits adjustment in two orthogonal directions, in/out and laterally. Additionally, up/down adjustment may be provided using attachment pieces. The adjustable attachment system comprises an embed, a bridging clip, and a locking strip. The bridging clip may be connected to the embed without the use of bolts and nuts or field welding. The bridging clip thus does not require holes, slots or notches. The adjustable attachment system simplifies locating a curtainwall anchor in the outward facing surface of the frame. Using the adjustable attachment system, the speed of erection and placement of curtainwall units is increased while costs are decreased.
The embed 12 is positioned in a recess in an outward facing surface of base, as described more fully below. The outward facing surface may be any surface of the base. Thus, for example, the outward facing surface may be a top surface, a bottom surface, or a side surface. The bridging clip 14 is inserted into the embed 12 to a desired in/out position. Teeth 13 are provided along at least one of an upper and lower inner surface of the embed 12. Corresponding teeth 15 are provided along at least one of an upper and lower surface of the bridging clip 14. Once the bridging clip 14 is in the desired in/out position, the teeth 15 on the bridging clip 14 are engaged with the teeth 13 of the embed 12. Thus, teeth 15 provided along an upper surface of the bridging clip 14 engage teeth 13 provided along an upper inner surface of the embed 12. Similarly, teeth 15 provided along a lower surface of the bridging clip 14 engage teeth 13 provided along a lower surface of the embed 12. The position of the bridging clip 14 in the embed 12 may be adjusted laterally. When the desired position is achieved, the locking strip 16 is inserted between the bridging clip 14 and the embed 16 to fix the bridging clip 14 in place. In alternative embodiments, a locking strip may not be used.
Thus, adjustment of the bridging clip 14 is allowed in two orthogonal directions, in/out and laterally. The bridging clip 14 may be connected to the embed 12 without using bolts and nuts or field welding (though bolts, nuts, field welding or other construction techniques may be used if desired).
End closure arms 20 (or anchor plates) may provided with the adjustable attachment system.
In the embodiments of
The configuration of the end closure arms 20 and the end seals 22 may vary.
In alternate embodiments, only the end seals 22 may be used to seal the sides 24 of the embed 12. Alternately, other means of sealing the sides 24 of the embed 12 may be employed. For example, the embed 12 may be manufactured with closed sides 24.
The embed 12 may be provided with a peel strip 18. The peel strip 18 seals a front portion 26 of the embed 12. The embed 12, may thus be positioned in the recess with the peel strip 18 intact.
As can be seen in
Teeth 13 and 15 are provided along a surface of the bridging clip 14 and a surface of the embed 12. The teeth 13 and 15 engage one another to fix the bridging clip 14 within the embed 12. In alternate embodiments, other means of engaging the bridging clip 14 with the embed 12 may be used. For example, the bridging clip 14 may be fastened to the embed 12 using conventional fasteners, other friction fitting, or any suitable means.
The teeth 13 of the embed 12 and the teeth 15 of the bridging clip 14 may be configured in any engaging configuration so long as the teeth 13 engage with the teeth 15. In one embodiment, as seen most clearly in
The bridging clip 14 is inserted into the embed 12 to a desired in/out position. Teeth are provided along at least one of an upper and lower inner surface of the embed 12. Corresponding teeth are provided along at least one of an upper and lower surface of the bridging clip 14. Once the bridging clip 14 is in the desired in/out position, the teeth on the bridging clip 14 are engaged with the teeth of the embed 12. Thus, teeth provided along an upper surface of the bridging clip 14 engage teeth provided along an upper inner surface of the embed 12. Similarly, teeth provided along a lower surface of the bridging clip 14 engage teeth provided along a lower surface of the embed 12. The teeth of the embed 12 and the teeth of the bridging clip 14 may be configured in any engaging configuration so long as the teeth engage with the teeth. In alternative embodiments, other configurations of engagement structures may be provided on the embed 12 and the bridging clip 14.
The position of the bridging clip 14 in the embed 12 may be adjusted laterally. When the desired position is achieved, a locking strip may be inserted between the bridging clip 14 and the embed 12 to fix the bridging clip 14 in place. In alternative embodiments, a locking strip may not be used.
End closure arms 20 (or anchor plates) may provided with the adjustable attachment system. The end closure arms 20 operate to seal the interior of the embed 12 from leakage of material along the sides 24 of the embed 12. The end closure arms 20 further provide increased gripping surface along the embed 12. The embed 12, end seals 22 and end closure arms 20 may be coupled to one another in any suitable manner. For example, fasteners such as screws 26 may be used. Alternately, the embed 12, end seals 22 and end closure arms 20 may be welded together.
The embed 12 has a front facing portion including lips 17 and 19. In the embodiments of
The embed 12 may include embed guides 50. The guides 50 serve as a tool to help gage uniform up/down placement of the embed. As shown, two guides 50 are included. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer guides 50 may be provided.
In the embodiment of
Each of
Referring back to
Each of
The embed 12 may be manufactured of any suitable material. For example, the embed 12 may be manufactured of extruded or cast aluminum or cast or forged steel. Thus, the embed 12 may be manufactured using any suitable process including extrusion (as a hollow or a semi-hollow), casting, and forging. Further, the embed 12 may be manufactured of plastic or other materials. The surfaces of the embed 12 that are exposed to the frame may be pretreated to resist corrosion or galvanic reaction. Thus, the embed may be covered with an isolation material. For example, when the embed 12 is to be placed in a concrete frame, the surfaces of the embed 12 to be exposed to the concrete may be pretreated with bituminous paint, dielectric isolator tape, or other protecting coating. The bridging clip 14 may also be manufactured of any suitable material. For example, the bridging clip 14 may be manufactured of extruded or cast aluminum or cast or forged steel. The teeth 13 of the embed 12 and the teeth 15 of the bridging clip 14 are matched to engage and interlock, thereby allowing adjustments to be made to locate the bridging clip 14 both in and out and laterally from the plane of the frame, the face of the slap, the column or shear wall.
For attaching a curtainwall unit to a building frame, the adjustable embed 12 (with end closure arms 20 and end seals 22 if provided) may be placed in concrete forms prior to pouring of the concrete with a designated face to be placed against the formwork. After pouring, the inside of the embed 12 is accessed by removing the peel strip 18 (or other sealing means) at the designated outboard positioned face after the formwork has been removed. The bridging clip 14 may then be inserted and positioned within the embed 12. After positioning, the locking strip 16 is inserted into the known dimensioned space above the bridging clip 14. In some embodiments, an end portion 30 may be coupled to the bridging clip 14 to customize the position of the curtainwall with respect to the adjustable attachment system 10.
The opening 63, best shown in
Referring to
The lid 64 may be removably, pivotably, slidably, or hingedly attached to the embed 62 making the embed accessible from the top face 72. The lid 64 of the embed 62 may be removably fastened in a closed position with four screws 65 as show in
Together with the several attachment options discussed above, the lid 64 may include a sealing element. This sealing element may include a gasket placed on or permanently positioned between the lid 64 and the embed 62. The seal may also include a strip seal positioned on the perimeter of the lid 64 or in the seam between the lid 64 and the embed 62. In addition or alternatively, the lid 64 may be taped and the seam between the embed 62 and the lid 64 may be partially or completely covered. In the case of a welded lid 64, the full perimeter may be partially welded or alternatively may be seal welded.
The surface of the lid 64 may also be adapted for several exposure conditions. For example, where the embed 62 is used in a floor slab of a building and is placed flush with the top surface of a floor slab, the lid 64 may be adapted to accommodate several building conditions. The lid 64 may include a recessed channel for wiring or conduit to pass through the embed 62. The lid 64 may include a recessed channel for receiving the bottom edge of sheetrock panels. The lid may also be adapted to receive carpet tack strips.
Where the anchors 80 are separate from the embed 62, the anchors 80 may be placed to cause the embed 80 to engage the base. That is, the anchors 80 may be positioned adjacent to or hooked around a given portion of the embed 62 and may extend into the base. As such, the lap length of the anchor 80 with the embed 62 or the hook of the anchor 80 around a portion of the embed 62 may activate the engagement properties of the base and cause the embed 62 to be anchored in the base. For example, in a concrete base, the frictional characteristics of the concrete including the aggregate interlock may provide for transfer of force from the embed 62 to the anchor 80 through an appropriate lap length with the embed 80 or hook around the embed 80. The frictional characteristics of the concrete may then allow for appropriate distribution of force from the anchor 80 to a slab, for example, as the anchor 80 extends away from the embed 62.
In some embodiments, the anchors 80 may be affixed to the embed 62. Referring to
Where the anchors 80 are affixed to the embed, the anchors 80 may be rigidly attached to the embed 62 or may be free to rotate or pivot relative to the surface of the embed 62. The anchors 80 may also be adjustable in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the anchors 80 may extend through the wall of the embed 62 into the internal volume of the embed 62. The portion of the anchor 80 within the embed 62 may then be used to secure a bridging clip 74. The anchors 80 shown in
In the case of anchors 80 separate from the embed 62 and thus not extending through the wall of the embed 62 as shown, a connection mechanism may be provided on the inside of the embed for securing the bridging clip. The connection mechanism may be a threaded rod welded to the inside of the embed 62, a bolt anchored through the embed, or a clamp or any other mechanism disclosed herein or known in the art for attaching a relatively flat piece of material such as a bridging clip.
The anchors 80, in addition to engaging with a base material, may be used to adjust the height of the embed 62 within a base or concrete floor slab prior to pouring of the concrete. In this embodiment, the anchors 80 may be threaded rods and adjusting nuts may be provided along the length of the anchor 80. These adjusting nuts may include a single nut inside the embed 62 and/or a single nut on the outside of the embed 62. Twisting the nuts and/or the anchor 80 may allow the anchor 80 to be adjusted inward and outward through the wall of the embed 62. Alternatively, the embed 62 may included a threaded sleeve through which the anchor 80 penetrates the wall of the embed 62. The anchor 80 may then be adjusted inward or outward by turning the anchor 80. Where the anchor 80 rests on the bottom surface of formwork or on any supporting surface, the inward and outward movement of the anchor 80 may allow for vertical adjustment of the embed 62. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that various adjustments of the anchors 80 shown could be used to level and tilt the embed 62 by adjusting the anchors 80 inward and outward.
Referring still to
In other embodiments, the ribs 88 may form protrusions extending away from the embed 62 for engagement with anchors 80, the anchors 80 being in the form of lapped or hooked bars. In other embodiments, the ribs 88 may be a series of crossing ribs on the lower surface of the embed 62 for causing an interlocking engagement with a base material. In other embodiments, the ribs 88 may be relatively tall in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the embed 62 and relatively narrow in a direction parallel to the surface of the embed 62. As such, the ribs 88 may have a tab-like or ear-like shape. In some embodiments, these tab-like ribs 88 may have a relatively short or relatively long length and may include one or more openings passing laterally through them for receiving or passing through of anchors 80. The openings may or may not align with additional openings in other ribs 88. The anchors 80 may be inserted through one or several openings and may, in turn, extend into the base material. The anchors 80 may extend relatively straight through the openings or may be bent, hooked, or otherwise formed to engage the ribs 88 and the base material. In other embodiments, the ribs 88 may include a coupling that is directly attachable to an anchor 80.
In some embodiments, the ribs 88 may act to transfer force directly from the securing point of the bridging clip to the anchors 80 or the base material. In other embodiments, the ribs 88 may act to transfer force from the embed 62 to the anchors 80 or the base material. In certain examples, the ribs 88 may be integral with the embed 62 or may be added on via clips, snap connections, fasteners, or other methods known in the art. For example, in the case of a plastic embed 62, the ribs 88 may be a stronger metal material and may be screwed to the embed 62.
As can be seen from
The slots 76 may be a standard slot width for receiving a threaded rod or other anchor 80, but may also be oversized in width to provide lateral adjustment of the bridging clip 74 in addition to inward and outward adjustment. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the oversized slots 76 may also allow for the bridging clip 74 to be rotated slightly. Alternatively, the slots 76 may be in the shape of opposing arcs to allow for rotational adjustment of the bridging clip 74. The rotational adjustment may be in the range of 0 to 5 degrees.
The bridging clips 74 shown in
Vertical adjustment of the bridging clip 74 may be provided by additional shimming washers placed below the bridging clip 74 and above the bottom surface of the embed 62. These shimming washers may be flat plate washers or alternatively may include upward facing teeth 96 for engaging teeth 96 provided on the bottom surface of the bridging clip 74. Alternatively, where teeth 96 have been provided on the bottom internal surface of the embed 62 and teeth 96 have been provided on the bottom of the bridging clip 74, the washers may include teeth 96 on both the top and bottom surface for engaging both the bridging clip 74 and the embed 62. The shimming washers may be any shape or size. Preferably, the shimming washers may be similar in size to the bridging clip 74 and include slots for receiving the upward extending anchors 80.
In use, the slots 76 in the bridging clip 74 may allow it to slide freely along the anchors 80, when the nut 82 and washer 84 are not tightened or are not in place. Once the bridging clip 74 is positioned, the washers 84 may be placed on top of the bridging clip 74 allowing the teeth 96 of the washer 84 to engage the teeth 96 of the bridging clip 74. A nut 82 may then be placed on the anchor 80 over the washer 84 to fasten the assembly together. Inward and outward movement of the bridging clip 74 is resisted by the teeth 96 of the washer 84. The washer 84 is prevented from moving due to its bearing condition against the surface of the anchor 80. As mentioned above, the anchors 80 extending into the base prevent movement of the embed 62 and the bridging clip 74. Where shimming washers are used to adjust the bridging clip 74 upward, these washers may be placed prior to placement of the bridging clip 74.
Another embodiment of an adjustable attachment system 160 is shown in
The lid 164 may be generally flat and may contain flanges comprising bent edges. The flanges may correspond to the front face 166, rear face 168, and side faces 170 of the embed 162 and as such may be referred to herein as a front flange 167, rear flange 169 (not shown), and/or side flange 171. The lid 164 may be sized so that each of the flanges 167, 169, 171 may be positioned just to the inside edge of its respective embed face. Any combination of flanges 167, 169, 171 may be included. For example, where the lid 164 is hinged to the rear face 168 of the embed 162, the rear flange 169 may be omitted. The flanges 167, 169, 171 may extend the full depth of the box so as to position the lid 164 flush with the top face 172 of the embed 162. However, the front flange 167 of the lid 164 may be adapted to accommodate the bridging clip 174. That is, the front flange 167 may extend along the front face 166 of the embed 162 a distance approximately equal to the depth of the embed 162 less the thickness of the bridging clip 174. In other embodiments, the front flange 167 may extend a shorter distance along the front face 166 to allow for some adjustment of the bridging clip 174 within the depth of the embed 162 without interfering with the tip of the front flange 167.
As shown in
A top view of the embed 162 is shown in
As shown in
The several embodiments of an embed described may be made of any material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, or composite materials. The exterior and/or interior of the box may be milled, anodized, painted, or otherwise coated and/or protected. The coating may be any coating, including, but not limited to latex paint, bituminous based paint, epoxy based paint, galvanization, or any other coating known in the art.
The embed may also be any shape and is not limited to a rectangular box as shown in the figures. For example, the embed may be skewed in plan view to form a parallelogram shape to allow specific curtain wall support points to be provided along the edge of a base material and still avoid base material interruptions, such as pipe penetrations, electrical conduit penetrations, floor recesses and the like. The embed may taper as it extends into the base material or alternatively may expand as it extends into the base material. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that several shapes may be provided.
The interior volume of the embed may be stuffed or otherwise filled with a material to increase its insulation, sound transmission, or fire resistive properties. The fill may be included for other reasons as well, such as to protect against damage to the lid. This may appropriate in cases where the lid is thin or is otherwise prone to damage due to weight or force on the surface of the lid. As such, the fill material may be compressible or non-compressible and may be more permanent or less permanent depending on the need to access the internal space of the embed over time. The fill material may be a form of batt, polystyrene, spray-in, or other insulation. Additionally, the fill may be an epoxy, a granular material, a concrete material, or any other material adaptable for placement within the embed.
The embodiments shown and described with respect to
The presently described embodiment is also advantageous because of the direct load path from the bridging clip to the anchors. This direct load path minimizes the forces the embed needs to resist, which in turn minimizes the material strength and thickness needed for the embed and may minimize the cost.
The presently described embodiment is also advantageous because of the internal access it provides to the embed. This internal access allows the embed to be cleared of any debris. It also provides easier access to the bridging clip attachment allowing the bridging clip to be more precisely positioned.
The adjustable attachment system may be used for attaching any suitable unit to any suitable base. For example, the base may be a wood, drywall, brick, concrete, steel, or other. The base may comprise a frame structure, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, or any other structural component. The embed of the attachment system may be provided in the base in any suitable manner. For example, the embed may be placed in concrete, the embed may be built into a brick wall, the embed may be anchored into a drywall sheet, or the embed may be fastened to a wood piece. Alternatively, the embed may be screwed, welded or otherwise fastened to metal structure. Regarding any suitable unit, the adjustable attachment system may be used to attach plumbing, electrical conduit, ceilings, mechanical material and equipment, technology material equipment or other elements requiring attachment.
The length of the embed and the bridging clip may be varied to vary the load capacity of the adjustable attachment system. More specifically, the longer the embed and the bridging clip, the higher the load capacity of the adjustable attachment system. Further, in order to increase the load capacity of the adjustable attachment system rebar may be slid through the embed.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An embed for embedding in a base, the embed comprising a box defining a top face and at least one side face, the top face configured to be placed flush with an upper surface of the base, and the at least one side face configured to be placed flush with an edge of the base.
2. The embed of claim 1, wherein the top face comprises a substantially open top face configured to provide access to the inside of the embed.
3. The embed of claim 2, further comprising a lid configured to cover the open top face.
4. The embed of claim 1, wherein the top face includes a recessed shelf and a perimeter lip and the lid is recessed into the top face.
5. The embed of claim 4, wherein the lid is removably attached to the embed.
6. The embed of claim 4, wherein the lid is pivotably attached to the embed.
7. The embed of claim 3, wherein the side face comprises a substantially open side face.
8. The embed of claim 7, wherein the open side face is configured to receive a bridging clip.
9. The embed of claim 8, further comprising at least one anchor extending from the embed.
10. The embed of claim 9, wherein the at least one anchor is a threaded rod anchor.
11. The embed of claim 10, wherein the embed is adapted for threaded engagement with the at least one anchor, the at least one anchor adjustably extending into the internal volume of the embed.
12. An adjustable attachment system comprising:
- an embed for positioning in a base; and
- a bridging clip configured for insertion in the embed and adapted for coupling to a unit.
13. The adjustable attachment system of claim 12, wherein the embed is in the shape of a box.
14. The adjustable attachment system of claim 13, wherein the base has an upper surface and an outer surface and the embed is adapted to be positioned flush with the upper and outer surfaces.
15. The adjustable attachment system of claim 14, further comprising at least one anchor extending from the embed.
16. The adjustable attachment system of claim 15, wherein the embed includes a removably attachable lid.
17. The adjustable attachment system of claim 16, wherein the at least one anchor extends in a direction away from the outer and upper surface of the base.
18. The adjustable attachment system of claim 17, wherein the bridging clip includes slotted holes.
19. The adjustable attachment system of claim 18, wherein the at least one anchor is a threaded rod anchor.
20. The adjustable attachment system of claim 19, wherein the embed is adapted for threaded engagement with the at least one anchor, the at least one anchor adjustably extending into the internal volume of the embed.
21. The adjustable attachment system of claim 20, wherein the bridging clip further comprises teeth on an upper surface.
22. The adjustable attachment system of claim 21, further comprising at least one washer with teeth on a bottom surface adapted to engage the teeth of the bridging clip.
23. The adjustable attachment system of claim 22, further comprising a peel strip.
24. The adjustable attachment system of claim 22, further comprising a lid.
25. The adjustable attachment system of claim 24, further comprising at least one fastener for removably attaching the lid to the embed.
26. An adjustable attachment system kit comprising:
- an embed box with a removably attachable lid;
- a bridging clip;
- at least one nut; and
- at least one washer.
27. The kit of claim 26, wherein the embed box includes at least one threaded rod anchor extending into the internal volume of the embed.
28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the embed is adapted for threaded engagement with the at least one threaded rod anchor.
29. The kit of claim 28, wherein the bridging clip includes slotted holes for receiving the at least one threaded rod anchor.
30. The kit of claim 29, wherein the bridging clip includes teeth on an upper surface and the at least one washer includes teeth on a lower surface adapted to engage the teeth of the bridging clip.
31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the at least one nut is adapted for threaded engagement with the anchor.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 13, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 14, 2010
Inventors: Christopher A. Schultz (Lake Elmo, MN), Michel Michno (Minneapolis, MN), Tejav Dehghanyar (Marina Del Rey, CA)
Application Number: 12/422,799