Method of construction using serpentine panels

Abstract

A method for using serpentine panels to construct an object comprising gathering said serpentine panels, forming said serpentine panels as needed, assembling said serpentine panels to shape said object, assembling said forms around said serpentine panels; and pouring concrete to create said object.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This invention relates generally to construction.

2. The Prior Art

BACKGROUND

Installation of a structure using concrete may take on the order of 40 to 50 hours and require the use of 3 or 4 different construction trades. Using conventional methods to build the structure at least five steps need to be taken. First, a hole must be dug to anchor the structure. Second the footing must be installed with rebar and a steel mat. Third, a block needs to be constructed on sight in the shape of the structure. Fourth, the concrete must be poured into the block; at this point the concrete must be allowed to set. Fifth, the desired finish is then adhered to the concrete.

This method is time consuming, expensive, and is limited in the shapes that may be chosen for the structure. For example, features such as cantilevered bars require additional rebar to be installed in the footing and then shaped to form the desired overhang. Also, many aesthetical detail require significant structural work to be added.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a fireplace constructed using serpentine panels;

FIG. 2 is a serpentine panel;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away of the fireplace 2 showing the serpentine panel construction;

FIG. 4 is an outdoor kitchen counter;

FIG. 5 is the outdoor kitchen counter of FIG. 4 showing the serpentine panel wrapped in mesh;

FIG. 6 is the outdoor kitchen counter of FIG. 4 plastered;

FIG. 7a is a cross section of a bar showing a cantilever constructed from said serpentine panel;

FIG. 7b is a cross section of a bar showing a cantilever constructed using standard construction;

FIG. 8 is a method of construction using the serpentine panel;

FIG. 9 is a vertical planter constructed from the serpentine panels;

FIG. 10a is a clip used to secure serpentine panels to each other;

FIG. 10b is an alternate clip used to secure serpentine panels to each other;

FIG. 10c is an orthogonal view of the clip shown in FIG. 10b alternate clip used to secure serpentine panels to each other;

FIG. 10d is an U-shaped channel used to hold the serpentine panels to the ground; and

FIG. 11 is the serpentine panel used as a screening panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other modifications and improvements will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a fireplace 2 constructed using serpentine panels. The structures described herein describe outdoor structures. However, the serpentine panels may also be used for building counters and other structures on the interior of buildings. As described the serpentine panel construction is used primarily for self supporting structures. This method of construction allows for easy installation of utilities such as water, gas and electricity.

FIG. 2 is a serpentine panel 4. The serpentine panel 4 is constructed from two square mesh panels 8, 10 which are joined using a serpentine wire 12. The serpentine wire 12 maybe attached by welding at the spots 14 which intersect with square mesh panels 8, 10.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away of the fireplace 2 showing the serpentine panel construction. In this view, the serpentine panels 18 are cut and shaped to form the fireplace structure. A fireplace insert 20 is then installed. The fireplace is then secured to the ground or surface supporting the structure using fasteners such as anchor bolts, expansion bolts or any other type of concrete fasteners. A wire mesh 22 is then used to wrap the serpentine panels 18. The wire mesh 22 is fastened to all surfaces which are to be plastered. Then a layer of plaster 24 is then placed on the wire mesh 22. Once the plaster 24 sets, a finish 26 is then placed over the plaster 24. Once the plaster is set, the outdoor kitchen may then be finished using a much larger variety of finishes then possible using standard construction techniques. Finishes that may be used include are tile, Arcusstone, stucco, urethane and other finishes.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away of an outdoor kitchen 28. An outdoor kitchen may have amenities such as grill 30 or a cook top, a sink 32, a refrigerator and a plurality of electrical outlets so that portable devices such as blenders may be used. A wire mesh 34 is then used to wrap the serpentine panels 36. The wire mesh 34 is fastened to all surfaces which are to be plastered. Then a layer of plaster 36 is then placed on the wire mesh 34. Once the plaster 36 sets, a finish 38 is then placed over the plaster 36. Other aesthetic flourishes such as bull nose tiles may be used. Once the plaster is set, the outdoor kitchen may then be finished using a much larger variety of finishes then possible using standard construction techniques.

FIG. 5a is a cross section of a bar 40 showing a cantilever constructed from said serpentine panel. Here a simple surface has been created using three serpentine panels 44, 46 and 48. The serpentine panels are secured to one another using clips 50 and 52. The entire structure 40 is then secured to the ground using anchors 54 and 56. As seen in this view any Force 42 on the cantilevered portion of the bar will be distributed through the internal structure of serpentine panels 44, 46 and 48 to the ground through anchors 54 and 56.

In contrast, FIG. 5b is a cross section of a bar 58 showing a cantilever constructed using standard construction. This bar 58 requires the use of rebar 60 and a form 62. The rebar 60 must be placed in the concrete 64 prior to building of the bar 58. Once the concrete 64 sets, the rebar is then formed to the shape required for the cantilevered bar. Then a form 60 must be installed prior to pouring of the concrete 66 used to make the bar 58. Then the concrete 66 is poured and allowed to set. Then the forms 60 are removed.

FIG. 6 is a method of construction using the serpentine panel. In act 70, the serpentine panels are prefabricated to form the desire structure. In act 72, the prefabricated structure is installed on site. In act 74, the prefabricated structure is covered with mesh. In act 76, the prefabricated structure is plastered. In act 78, the prefabricated structure is finished.

Alternatively, the structure can be completely or partially constructed offsite and transported to the site. This is due to the low weight—high strength of the serpentine panels

FIG. 7A is a clip 80 used to secure serpentine panels to each other. Clip 80 has a hook end 82 and a flat end 84. The hook end 82 wraps around bar 86. Flat end 84 is used to pull the serpentine panel together in conjunction with fastener 88.

FIG. 7B is an alternate clip 90 used to secure serpentine panels to each other. Clip 90 has a hook end 92 and a flat end 94. The hook end 92 wraps around bar 96. Flat end 94 is used to pull the serpentine panel together in conjunction with fastener 98.

FIG. 7C is an orthogonal view of the clip 100 shown in FIG. 7B alternate clip used to secure serpentine panels to each other. The hook end 102 wraps around bar 106. Flat end 104 is used to pull the serpentine panel together in conjunction with fastener which is installed through opening 106.

FIG. 7D is a U-shaped channel 110 used to hold the serpentine panels 112 to a surface. The U-shaped channel 110 is held firmly to the surface by fastener 114 which is placed through opening 116.

FIG. 8 is a vertical planter 120 constructed from serpentine panels. The vertical planter consists of two serpentine panels 122 and 124 held a fixed distance apart by bars 130. Four covers 126, 127 and 128 are fastened to serpentine panels 122 and 124. The cover at the near end is not show for clarity. The covers 126 and 128 each have a plurality of openings 132. The covers 126 and 128 may be selected from any material which is resistant to water damage such as plexi-glass and plastic. The space 136 between the covers 126 and 128 is then filled with a soil which may be selected by a user to match the needs of the plants which are to be grown. Once the soil has been placed within the vertical planter 120, plants 138 or seeds may be inserted within openings 132. Additionally, the bottom cover 140 has openings to facilitate drainage.

FIG. 8 is a screening panel 150 constructed from the serpentine panel 156. The serpentine panels 156 are then plastered 158 and finished as described above. The edges of the screening panel 150 are then encased within cases 152. The screening panel 150 may then be connected to a series of screening panels by the use of brackets 154. The screening panel 150 may be used as a barrier in applications such as elevator shafts. It is an inexpensive alternative to concrete and brick walls currently used.

While embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications and improvements than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The disclosure, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for using serpentine panels to construct a structure comprising:

fabricating said structure from said serpentine panels;

installing said structure;

covering said structure with mesh plastering said mesh; and

finishing said structure.

2. A serpentine panel fireplace comprising:

a serpentine panel structure; and

a fireplace insert mounted within said structure.

3. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 2 further comprising a mesh cover fastened to said serpentine panel structure.

4. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 3 further comprising a plaster coat adhered to said mesh cover.

5. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 4 further comprising a finish adhered to said plaster coat.

6. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 5 wherein said finish is selected from the group comprising tile, concrete, stucco, urethane and plaster.

7. A serpentine panel kitchen comprising:

a serpentine panel structure; and

a sink insert mounted within said structure.

8. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 7 further comprising a cooking surface.

9. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 8 further comprising a refrigerator.

10. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 9 further comprising a mesh cover fastened to said serpentine panel structure.

11. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 10 further comprising a plaster coat adhered to said mesh cover.

12. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 11 further comprising a finish adhered to said plaster coat.

13. The serpentine panel fireplace of claim 12 wherein said finish is selected from the group comprising tile, concrete, stucco, urethane and plaster.

14. A serpentine panel vertical planter comprising:

a first and second serpentine panel, said first and second serpentine panel having an exterior side, an interior side, a first end, a second end, a bottom end and a top end;

a plurality of cross-members connecting said first serpentine panel mounted in parallel to said first serpentine panel;

a first water resistant panel fixed to said exterior side of said first serpentine panel, said first panel having a plurality of openings;

a second water resistant panel fixed to said exterior side of said first serpentine panel, said first panel having a plurality of openings;

a third water resistant panel fixed to said first end of said first serpentine panel and said first end of said second serpentine panel;

a fourth water resistant panel fixed to said first end of said first serpentine panel and said first end of said second serpentine panel; and

a fifth water resistant panel fixed to said bottom end of said first serpentine panel and said bottom end of said second serpentine panel.

15. The serpentine panel vertical planter of claim 14 further comprising a watering system suspended between said first and second serpentine panel.

16. The serpentine panel vertical planter of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of openings in said fifth water resistant panel for draining moisture.

17. The serpentine panel vertical planter of claim 16 wherein said water resistant panel is a plastic panel.