With Retaining Wall Patents (Class 405/262)
  • Patent number: 11892273
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved ballistic concrete mixture which is operable to be cast in many forms such as blocks. The improved ballistic concrete mixture provides an effective barrier for stopping projectiles with a kinetic energy of between about 1.0 kJ (750 foot-pounds) and 20.3 kJ (15,000 foot-pounds) in between about 3 inches and 10 inches such as a fifty-caliber round. The improved ballistic concrete mixture is useful in the erecting of new structures which need ballistics protection or for retrofitting existing structures with ballistics protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: 360° BALLISTICS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Alan Siver
  • Patent number: 11840816
    Abstract: A bracing assembly for a geosynthetic wrapped system is provided. The bracing assembly includes a standing brace bar, a bottom brace bar, and a cross brace bar having different configurations to facilitate both easy and mistake free assembly of the bracing assembly. Furthermore, the standing brace bar and the bottom brace bar include guide tips that are sized and shaped to direct insertion of the standing brace bar and the bottom brace bar respectively into a weave of a geotextile fabric material such that a first connector of the bottom brace bar and a first connection slot of the standing brace bar are aligned together and with a fold line of the geotextile fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: Chastity Adkins, Scott Manning, Drew Loizeaux
  • Patent number: 11661719
    Abstract: A budding element for coupling with other budding elements to erect a retaining wall. Exemplary building elements have receiving spaces for receiving increased weight of fill material to provide increased stability. Optionally, each building element can have an enlarged face profile that provides efficiency in the shipping and assembly process. Optionally, each building element can define alignment voids that receive portions of alignment posts for ensuring vertical alignment between adjacent building elements or portions of building elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: EVERGREEN WALLS, INC.
    Inventors: Felix P. Jaecklin, Clayton E. Warner, John Koutitsas
  • Patent number: 11519151
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of connecting an earthen formation to a facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure in which a connector includes a single piece of wire that defines an opening for coupling the connector to an anchor and a pair parallel legs for mechanically connecting the to a soil reinforcing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: THE TAYLOR IP GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11466422
    Abstract: A method for constructing a retaining wall using an adjustable single stage panel system has the steps of placing a wall panel adjacent a fill location, then placing a facing wedge adjacent the wall panel, and installing fabric sheet. Next, adding a layer of fill material in the fill location abutting against the facing wedge, and compacting the layer of fill material so that it is compacted against the facing wedge. Then, placing an elongate non-extensible panel anchor on top of the layer of fill material, and attaching the elongate non-extensible panel anchor to the wall panel. At a next step, the facing wedge is moved up to a next course above the layer of fill material, and fabric sheet is installed. An additional layer of fill material is added and compacted with enough force to mobilize the fill. Finally, the method includes the steps of removing the facing wedge, and adjusting the elongate non-extensible panel anchor so that it is plum with the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Hilfiker Retaining Walls
    Inventor: Harold K. Hilfiker
  • Patent number: 11459721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an erosion control apparatus and methods of using and installing the apparatus. The apparatus is constructed to prevent erosion of soil during typical weather conditions and adverse weather events. The apparatus can include a plurality of anchored rolls and soil lifts operative to stabilize the shoreline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: WILKINSON ECOLOGICAL DESIGN
    Inventor: Seth Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 11293161
    Abstract: A retaining wall comprising at least first and second elongated framing posts laterally spaced from each other, each framing post including an edge defining a slot area. A side frame extends from a rear side of each framing post. At least one wall panel is positioned between the first and second framing posts, wherein the at least one wall panel includes opposing first and second lateral edges, each lateral edge positioned in a respective slot area of one framing post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Structure Sight LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Von Handorf, Tommy E. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 11209245
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved ballistic concrete mixture which is operable to be cast in many forms such as blocks. The improved ballistic concrete mixture provides an effective barrier for stopping projectiles with a kinetic energy of between about 1.0 kJ (750 foot-pounds) and 20.3 kJ (15,000 foot-pounds) in between about 3 inches and 10 inches such as a fifty-caliber round. The improved ballistic concrete mixture is useful in the erecting of new structures which need ballistics protection or for retrofitting existing structures with ballistics protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: 360° BALLISTICS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Alan Siver
  • Patent number: 11174615
    Abstract: Landscaping walls, systems and methods of manufacturing and installation of such walls include in aspects a fiberglass based wall having a decorative front side and a back side having at least one conduit where the conduit receives a cable or fastener extending outward from both ends of the conduit to connect to a stake to be inserted into ground adjacent the wall. The conduit in one aspect is a PVC tube mounted vertically against the wall and in aspects is embedded within the wall. The conduit allows for self-adjustment of the cable while also providing solid anchoring of the wall to prevent movement. The wall and system is lightweight, good looking and easy to install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: E.C. Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew J. Moss
  • Patent number: 11149402
    Abstract: A building element for coupling with other building elements to erect a retaining wall. Exemplary building elements have receiving spaces for receiving increased weight of fill material to provide increased stability. Optionally, each building element can have an enlarged face profile that provides efficiency in the shipping and assembly process. Optionally, each building element can define alignment voids that receive portions of alignment posts for ensuring vertical alignment between adjacent building elements or portions of building elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: EVERGREEN WALLS, INC.
    Inventors: Felix P. Jaecklin, Clayton E. Warner, John Koutitsas
  • Patent number: 11085162
    Abstract: The present inventive subject matter pertains to a device, system, and method that provides a buffer support for buried structures in response to lateral and vertical earth pressures of backfill material. The device having shaped form is able to provide timely response so as to reduce earth pressures of the backfill material exerted onto the buried structure. These behavioral features further enabling an effective geofoam device to be produced in thin proportion that conforms with industry standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Roger G Miller
  • Patent number: 11071256
    Abstract: A pocket structure for receiving containerized plants is sloped and hung from a wire of a wire basket. The pocket structure includes hooks, an irrigation fitting and corresponding drip channel to transmit water toward the rear of the pocket, and slots in the walls. The mesh units include braces and are sized for shipping. An earth wall is formed of the mesh units and pockets, and includes irrigation tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: GROSTRUCTURES LLC
    Inventors: Jon Calle, Sean O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10947691
    Abstract: A retaining wall system includes a face panel having a first end beam and a second end beam extending in parallel to the first end beam. The face panel extends a height defined from the first end beam to the second end beam when the face panel is oriented in an upright position. The face panel further includes a backfill side and is configured to retain a backfill material on the backfill side of the face panel. The retaining wall system further includes a support leg having a bracket for receiving the first end beam therein and an extension platform transversely oriented to the height of the face panel when the first end beam is received within the bracket. The extension platform extends away from the bracket and is configured to anchor the face panel in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ERS Materials, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Woolbright
  • Patent number: 10897855
    Abstract: A pocket structure for receiving containerized plants is sloped and hung from a wire of a wire basket. The pocket structure includes hooks, an irrigation fitting and corresponding drip channel to transmit water toward the rear of the pocket, and slots in the walls. The mesh units include braces and are sized for shipping. An earth wall is formed of the mesh units and pockets, and includes irrigation tubing. The components may be formed into a palletized kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Grostructures LLC
    Inventors: Jon Calle, Sean O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10865540
    Abstract: Geosynthetic reinforced wall panels including soil reinforcing members and retaining wall system formed therewith are disclosed. The geosynthetic reinforced wall panels include any type of wall panels, such as a precast concrete wall panels, that are supported by an arrangement of soil reinforcing members. Various configurations of soil reinforcing members may include end tabs and/or inner tabs that have strips arranged therebetween. Examples of soil reinforcing members include, but are not limited to narrow-width single-section reinforcing members, narrow-width multi-section reinforcing members, and wide-width reinforcing members. Further, a retaining wall system is provided that includes any arrangement of the one or more geosynthetic reinforced wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Tensar International Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron D. Smith, Stephen D. Luptak, Jeremiah Riggio, Kord J. Wissmann
  • Patent number: 10753049
    Abstract: Certain pavement systems and methods for paving are suitable for locations containing a generally weak subgrade with a California Bearing Ratio of four (4) or lower. The pavement system includes a first geogrid layer placed directly on the subgrade; a first granular layer upon the first geogrid layer, the first granular layer having a thickness of from 0.5 times to 20 times the aperture distance of the geogrid layer; a first geocell layer upon the first granular layer comprising a geocell and an infill material; and a capping layer over the geocell layer. A second geocell/geogrid layer can be placed beneath the capping layer, if desired. An optional surface layer may be applied upon the capping layer if desired. The resulting pavement system provides long-term support for pavements applied over the pavement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: GEOTECH TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Izhar Halahmi, Oded Erez, Offer Avraham Zvi Kief
  • Patent number: 10676890
    Abstract: A retaining wall can include wall blocks positioned to retain material against a rear side of the wall blocks. A method for supporting such a retaining wall method includes attaching at least one of the wall blocks to at least one ground-stabilizing base body supporting the wall blocks. The ground-stabilizing base body can include a flexible cable attached to the rear side of at least one of the wall blocks and to a portion extending rearward away from the rear side of at least one of the wall blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Gordon McIntosh, Brent Lester Paul Loates, Calum James Buchan
  • Patent number: 10590621
    Abstract: Provided are a strip-type reinforcing material and a reinforcing material assembly having the same. The strip-type reinforcing material includes: strip bases extending in one direction and made of a flexible material; and resistance means protruding from respective upper and lower parts of the strip bases. Multiple resistance means are provided along the strip bases. The resistance means includes: a first resistance part protruding from the upper parts of the strip bases and having an opening being open in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the strip bases; and a second resistance part protruding from the lower parts of the strip bases and having an opening being open in an opposite direction to the opening of the first resistance part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: DAIHAN CORK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 10558596
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for using at least one machine learning module to select a priority queue from which to process an Input/Output (I/O) request. Input I/O statistics are provided on processing of I/O requests at the queues to at least one machine learning module. Output is received from the at least one machine learning module for each of the queues. The output for each queue indicates a likelihood that selection of an I/O request from the queue will maintain desired response time ratios between the queues. The received output for each of the queues is used to select a queue of the queues. An I/O request from the selected queue is processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl A. Nielsen, Clint A. Hardy, Lokesh M. Gupta, Matthew G. Borlick
  • Patent number: 10532488
    Abstract: A method and mold assembly for forming a dry cast concrete corner blocks having non-parallel front and rear faces and non-parallel end faces, with a hollow central core in the blocks. The corner blocks can be used to build a square or irregular corner in a retaining wall, and can be used to build columns or pillars in the wall, without having to cut the corner blocks. Fill material may be poured into aligned cores in the stacked corner blocks which form the wall corner or column, to stabilize the corner blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Western Interlock, Inc.
    Inventor: Wyatt Pegg
  • Patent number: 10506224
    Abstract: A holographic three dimensional imaging projecting medical apparatus is provided, including: a three dimensional imaging device, having a projecting mechanism and an image forming mechanism, the projecting mechanism including a housing and a projecting unit, the projecting unit projecting a plurality of projected images through the housing to the image forming mechanism, to form a three dimensional image within an image forming space of the image forming mechanism, the housing having a plurality of reflection portions, each of the plurality of reflection portions having a through hole and a plurality of light reflecting sheets disposed around the through hole, the projecting unit attached to the housing; a motion detector, detecting an operating gesture and generating a control signal corresponding to the operating gesture; and a processor, receiving the control signal and controlling the three dimensional image according to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ORIENTAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chin-Lun Lai, Yu-Mei Chang
  • Patent number: 10458092
    Abstract: A retaining wall system comprises at least one rear supporting block, at least one façade block and at least one connector. The retaining wall system comprises top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface therebetween defining receiving slots on at least a portion thereof. The façade block comprises front and rear surfaces, top and bottom ends, and lateral side. The top and bottom ends define respective receiving slots. The connector comprises a rear portion for being fitted into the receiving slot of the rear supporting block and a front portion for being fitted into the receiving slot of the façade block. The connector provides for connecting the façade block to the rear supporting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Horacio Correia
  • Patent number: 10428486
    Abstract: An anchoring member (15) capable of being integrated into a facing element (10) for the creation of stabilized earth structures, comprising a shell (21) that defines a recess (18) with a mouth (13). An anchoring bar (20) extends transversely within the recess (18) in such a way that, in use, an elongated stabilizing member for stabilized earth structures, such as a strip or similar, can be made to pass around it by inserting it into the mouth (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: OFFICINE MACCAFERRI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Ferraiolo
  • Patent number: 10337162
    Abstract: An anchoring system for a mechanically stabilized earthen structure having an earthen structure and at least one reinforced concrete wall panel having a concrete portion and a rebar structure. The anchoring system has at least one anchor pocket, at least one anchor structure, and at least one anchor strap. The at least one anchor pocket is arranged within the concrete portion of the at least one reinforced concrete wall panel. The at least one anchor structure has at least one anchor portion. The at least one anchor structure is arranged within the concrete portion of the at least one reinforced concrete wall panel such that the at least one anchor portion is accessible within the at least one anchor pocket. The at least one anchor strap that engages the earthen structure and the at least one anchor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SSL, LLC
    Inventor: Steven V. Ruel
  • Patent number: 10285340
    Abstract: This application discloses a geotextile-based structure for soil stabilization, erosion control, and vegetation-growth enhancement that is made from a cage having a hollow interior lined with a geotextile fabric designed to retain fine materials, which cage is attached to a geotextile mat capable of supporting vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: D. Scott Manning, R. Lee Pierce
  • Patent number: 10227749
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for a protective barrier liner system on near vertical to vertical slopes of a waste facility. The system includes anchors installed into the side walls of the waste facility, a drainage network including geo-composite drain strips, steel reinforcement, a sprayed water proof membrane, and a pneumatically applied final protective concrete cap layer. The anchors may include soil nails launched from a pneumatic launching device or anchors placed in drilled bores then reinforced with grout. The water proof membrane may be installed between an initial layer of concrete and the final layer of concrete to protect the membrane from damage by facility operations. The steel reinforcement may include wire mesh, whalers, bearing plates, shear studs secured to the bearing plates, and combinations thereof. The system can be constructed in progressive bands spliced together enabling construction of the complete system over a longer period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: R&B LEASING
    Inventors: Trevor B. Ames, Bryan S. Embry
  • Patent number: 10161099
    Abstract: A connection system for stabilizing an earth wall is disclosed. The system may include a geosynthetic loop assembly partially embedded within a concrete panel. The geosynthetic loop assembly may include a plurality of spaced apart geosynthetic loops that may be connected by at least one transverse geosynthetic strip. The geosynthetic loops are partially embedded within the concrete panel and partially extending from a front face of the concrete panel in generally aligned relationship. The system may also include a geosynthetic reinforcement web including a plurality of longitudinal geosynthetic strips and a plurality of transverse geosynthetic strips. The web may be folded to form a fold and the longitudinal strips adjacent the fold may be positioned adjacent the geosynthetic loops extending from the front face of the concrete panel in aligned relationship to form a passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Tricon Precast, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert E. May, Guy C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10145079
    Abstract: A berm comprises fill material having a sloped face portion, a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material, and an impermeable membrane encapsulating the fill material. The impermeable membrane is impermeable to fluid and comprises a plurality of joined impermeable membrane segments. The sloped face portion is encapsulated by at least a portion of each of two or more of the impermeable membrane segments. Where two impermeable membrane segments encapsulating the sloped face portion meet, an upper end portion of a lower one of the impermeable membrane segments extends into the fill material and a lower end portion of an upper one of the impermeable membrane segments overlaps the lower one of the impermeable membrane segments in a shingled fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AWT IP LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Swenson, Scott K. Sheridan, Carlton Dudding
  • Patent number: 10101132
    Abstract: A barricade component comprises an endless perimeter wall defining a geometric shape in a front-to-back plane. At least two circumferentially spaced-apart connecting lugs are also provided on the perimeter wall which interconnect like or similar barricade components and these extend in an axial top-to-bottom direction. A reinforcement cage is within the perimeter wall and the lugs, and at least one elongate truss extends in a circumferential direction and an axial direction within the wall from one said lug to the other said lug. A method of interconnecting a plurality of said barricade components, and a method of forming such a barricade component are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: KARABLOK HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Maydew
  • Patent number: 10047492
    Abstract: An anchoring system for a mechanically stabilized earthen structure having an earthen structure and at least one reinforced concrete wall panel having a concrete portion and a rebar structure. The anchoring system has at least one anchor pocket, at least one anchor structure, and at least one anchor strap. The at least one anchor pocket is arranged within the concrete portion of the at least one reinforced concrete wall panel. The at least one anchor structure has at least one anchor portion. The at least one anchor structure is arranged within the concrete portion of the at least one reinforced concrete wall panel such that the at least one anchor portion is accessible within the at least one anchor pocket. The at least one anchor strap that engages the earthen structure and the at least one anchor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SSL, LLC
    Inventor: Steven V. Ruel
  • Patent number: 9951493
    Abstract: A prefabricated retaining wall structure and method of installing. The structure has a precast concrete face panel and an elongated support column permanently joined to the face panel. The face panel has a top and bottom, opposing end edges and first and second sides with a thickness therebetween. The elongated support column is secured to the face panel between the opposing end edges. The column has first and second ends and an elongated body therebetween and extends along a portion of the first side of the face panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Utility Concrete Products, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Heraty
  • Patent number: 9903080
    Abstract: A modular wave-break includes a wall, a base attached to the wall, and an anchor attached to the base. The wall includes a set of dissipating holes integrally formed in the wall and a set of passage holes integrally formed in the wall. Reinforcing structural rods may be embedded in the wall, the base, and the anchor to provide strength. Mounting holes in the base enable the modular wave-break to be secured to a water bottom surface. Multiple modular wave-breaks may be interconnected to form a single wave-break. In an alternate embodiment, a water control structure provides for management of the water table of a wetland area. The water control structure includes a panel comprising a wall, a base attached to the wall, an anchor attached to the base, and a flow hole through the wall. Multiple panels are connected in series to create a water tight water control structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: CHD Development, LLC
    Inventor: David Minton
  • Patent number: 9856622
    Abstract: A method is for supporting a retaining wall that includes a number of wall blocks positioned to retain material against a rear side of the plurality of wall blocks. The method includes attaching the rear side of at least one of the wall blocks to at least one ground-stabilizing base body supporting the wall blocks. Kits and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Gordon McIntosh, Brent Lester Paul Loates, Calum James Buchan
  • Patent number: 9856694
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a water-blocking device that can be easily installed in a short time and can surely prevent water intrusion. The water-blocking device 1 includes a water-blocking plate 2, a first band 3 for fixing the water-blocking plate 2 to the installation surface 10, at least one first band passer 5 mounted near an installation location of the water-blocking plate on the installation surface 10, third band passers 7 mounted on left and right walls, etc., 11, 12 defining an entrance or exit S, and second bands 4 for fixing the water-blocking plate 2 to the walls, etc., 11, 12. The water-blocking plate 2 is provided with at least one second band passer 6 and fourth band passers 8. The first band 3 is wound through the first band passer 5 and the second band passer 6 in such a manner that a pressing force toward the installation surface 10 is exerted onto the water-blocking plate 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Yamagen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuka Taniyama
  • Patent number: 9593456
    Abstract: A sheet piling for mandrel-installed engagement with an identical adjacent sheet piling. The mandrel has a guide hook and a rotating toe protector. The sheet piling has a female interlocking feature with a pair of hooks and an engagement hook for releasably engaging the mandrel guide hook. The sheet piling also has a male interlocking feature with a pair of hooks configured to engage the pair of female hooks of an adjacent sheet piling in a multi-piling wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: CMI LIMITED CO.
    Inventors: John E. Irvine, Steven E. Hargrave
  • Patent number: 9574318
    Abstract: A coated member is disclosed. The coated member has a member and a coating disposed on the member. The member is metallic and the member is bent at two or more locations along a length of the member. The coating is an elastomeric coating. The coated member is a soil reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: INVENTURE CIVIL, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Brodowski, Timothy J. Brereton, Michael F. Eraña
  • Patent number: 9493923
    Abstract: A method of constructing an internally braced geosynthetic-reinforced earth zone and slope facing system uses a single-layered, three-dimensional, high-profile pyramidal-woven geotextile fabric in conjunction with a bracing assembly of bars inserted into the geotextile weave and bracing an upright fold of the geotextile fabric with soil backfill to form an upright geotextile layer or lift in a plurality of wrapped, reinforcement layers of an earth wall or steepened slope. The wrapped geotextile reinforced earth wall or slope system can be internally seeded during construction or externally hydroseeded post-construction to form a vegetated facing. The wrapped geotextile lifts can be sandwiched around longer, supplemental geogrids that extend the width of the reinforced zone for taller slopes and walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Stanley M. Miller
  • Patent number: 9464431
    Abstract: Disclosed is an economical and effective way of producing a double sided decorative wall using facing panels having a decorative face surface, in particular dry cast concrete panels having a regular surface structure, more preferably an embossed surface, most preferably a patterned surface. Further disclosed are wall components and a wall kit for a double sided decorative wall. The facing panels in the wall are stacked in a back-to-back arrangement into a pair of first and second back-to-back walls, which walls are interconnected by connectors which link at least one facing panel in the first wall to at least one facing panel in the second wall for forming the double sided decorative wall. The connecting members can be in individual connectors, or a combination of connectors for linking multiple facing panels or linking facing panels at corners or curves in the wall. The connectors can be of different length to enable the construction of decorative walls of different thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Les materiaux de construction Oldcastle Canada Inc
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Robert Daoust
  • Patent number: 9267259
    Abstract: A soil reinforcing element for a mechanically stabilized earth structure may include two wires spaced apart from each other (e.g., substantially parallel to each other). Each wire may include at least two wire strands twisted about one another. A flexible outer member may enclose the two wires, may extend between the two wires, and may couple the two wires with each other. The flexible outer member may maintain the two wires spaced apart from each other, and may define at least one aperture between the at least two wires. The flexible outer member may have a protrusion extending along the length thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of transverse wires may be coupled to the two parallel wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Visit-A-Wall Systems
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9028175
    Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Friederichs, Craig D. Moritz
  • Publication number: 20150125221
    Abstract: Void former assembly for casting facing elements for reinforced earth. Anchoring recesses are cast into its rear face so that earth-reinforcing strips can be looped through. The anchoring recesses are each formed as a loop channel having a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface, at least one of which has a radius of curvature which increases from the deepest part of the recess towards the rear face. A removable void former assembly and method for casting such facing elements are also described. Because of the varying radius of curvature of the surfaces of the channel, and the rotational and translational withdrawal path of the void formers, the channel can be cast deeper, and with openings which are closer together, than has hitherto been possible using removable void formers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: VSL INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Surya Kusuma, Andreas Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8979437
    Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced structures in the ground, including an embankment, a facing (4) placed along the front surface of the structure, an anchoring element (6) including a projecting element (8), which projects relative to an inner surface of the structure and an attachment element (10), and a stabilization element (12) including at least two longitudinal portions (14, 16) continuously connected together by an elbow portion (18), said elbow portion being delimited by a throat (20) forming, together with said elbow portion, an anchoring space suitable for receiving the attachment element of the anchoring element, the anchoring space and the attachment element being shaped so as to limit the movement of the stabilization element in every direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stabilization element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventor: Nicolas Freitag
  • Patent number: 8967917
    Abstract: A retaining wall system has a plurality of pilasters, a plurality of spiralnails, a wire truss system, and a plurality of face panels. The plurality of pilasters are horizontally spaced along the earthen embankment, and each have an elongate pilaster body that is vertically mounted on the earthen embankment. The plurality of spiralnails that have each been driven into the earthen embankment are attached to one of the plurality of pilasters to anchor the pilasters in the earthen embankment. The wire truss system is operably mounted on the plurality of pilasters, and includes a pilaster attachment portion, a wire lattice body with a V-shaped portion, and an interlocking portion that interlocks with at least one adjacent truss element. The plurality of face panels are operably attached to the wire truss system to cover the V-shaped portions of the truss elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hilfiker Pipe Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Hilfiker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8956084
    Abstract: A block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall comprises a front surface; a top surface including a plurality of bosses, two or more of which are located adjacent each other in a direction along the front surface; and a bottom surface including a groove that has a floor. Each of the two or more bosses of the top surface includes a summit, and the summit of each define a plane. When the block is placed on another similar block such that the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of the other similar block oppose each other to form an interface region, the groove holds two or more bosses of the other similar block that are included in the other similar block's top surface, and the floor does not intersect the plane defined by the two or more bosses of the other similar block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Michael L. Kelly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8851803
    Abstract: A multi-component segmented retaining wall (SRW) block that may form a mortarless retaining wall. Each SRW block includes an interlocking face unit and an anchor unit that together form a vertically oriented hollow core bounded by the inner walls of the face unit and the anchor unit. Each face unit and anchor unit pair are interlocked by complementary connector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Allan Block, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bott
  • Patent number: 8845237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying a reinforced soil structure, said structure comprising: a fill, a first facing including an outer face defining the front face of the structure, and at least one stabilization element connected to the first facing and extending in a reinforced area of the fill located behind the front face of the structure, the modification method including the steps of arranging a second facing along the outer face of the first facing, disconnecting the stabilization element from the first facing, connecting the stabilization element to the second facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventor: Nicolas Freitag
  • Patent number: 8840341
    Abstract: A crimped connection system and methods for use in connection with the construction of earth walls is disclosed. A grid-type soil mat may be provided with a number of crimped ends. The crimped ends may be adapted for engagement through the use of a locking member with another soil mat or with a plurality of anchors partially embedded within a precast concrete panel. The plurality of anchors may be formed as part of a gang or unitary structure to facilitate alignment of the anchors when being cast into the precast concrete panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Tricon Precast, Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy C. Nelson, John M. Ogorchock, Peter M. Sevick
  • Patent number: 8807878
    Abstract: A reinforced soil structure including a fill (1), a facing (3) placed along a front face of the structure, at least one main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26) connected to the facing and extending through a first reinforced zone (Z1) of the fill situated behind the front face, and at least one secondary reinforcement member (6) disconnected from the facing and extending from the facing in a second reinforced zone (Z2) of the fill, which has, with said first reinforced zone (Z1), a common part (Z?), wherein the secondary reinforcement member (6) extends into the fill (1) up to a distance substantially shorter than the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26), with respect to the front face and wherein the stiffness of the secondary reinforcement member (6) is lower or equal to the stiffness of the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Eric Lucas
  • Patent number: 8790045
    Abstract: A facing element (34) for use in a stabilized earth structure where the facing element comprises at least a hollow part (37) with an opening (36) on the rear face (32) wherein a cylindrical core (5) is arranged at least partly in the hollow part (37) and consists of two continuous parts (51, 52) where the first part (51) has a continuously decreasing size to an extremity (54) and the second part (52) has a continuously constant and/or decreasing size to an extremity (55) and wherein: L2?1.2×d1; and A>0.24×d12; wherein: L2 is the distance between the extremity (54) of the first part (51) and the rear face (32); d1 is the width of the cylindrical core (5) at the extremity (54) of the first part (51); A is the area of the cross section of the cylindrical core (5) in the plane (X, Z). Improved anchoring properties are accordingly obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventor: Richard Cariou
  • Patent number: 8764348
    Abstract: A retaining wall system employs a wall structure, at least one grid member, and first and second rods. The wall structure comprises a wall member and a plurality of wall loops. The first and second rods extend between at least two of the plurality of wall loops. At least portions of at least one of the first and second rods may pass through the wall loops. A grid member is arranged at least partly around one of the first and second rods such that tension applied to one grid member causes one grid member to engage the first and second rods to increase friction between the at least one grid member and the first and second rods. One of the first and second rods is inserted at least partly through one of the wall loops to transfer tension loads on one grid member to the wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Ruel