Revetment Patents (Class 405/16)
  • Patent number: 7037037
    Abstract: An erosion control block having male tab members and female socket members providing an interlocking relationship with neighbor blocks so that lateral removal therebetween is prevented. The erosion control block includes cable channels formed therein from respective opposite corners of the block so that an axis of the cable channels forms an “X” in said block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Erosion Prevention Products, LLC
    Inventors: Lee A. Smith, Belinda F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6866446
    Abstract: A revetment block for use forming an articulating revetment mat. The revetment block has first and second ends and first and second sidewalls. The sidewalls have a first lower vertical surface, first and second upper vertical surfaces, and transition surfaces between the upper and lower vertical surfaces. The sidewalls define interlocks which extend outward from the sidewalls and are either normal to the upper vertical surfaces or angled. The sidewalls also design corner spaces comprising a transition surface and at least on vertical surface for operably communicating with an interlock. The revetment block may also comprise a plurality of ducts extending therethrough as well as a dome extending from the top surface of the revetment block. The revetment block may also comprise at least one aperture extend vertically through the block. The aperture may have tapered walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Lee Masonry Products, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. McAllister, Kenny W. McCoy, Derek W. Dice
  • Publication number: 20040265060
    Abstract: The method for constructing scour protection of bridge and stabilization of stream bed using block mat according to the present invention by constructing a number of block mat structure consisting of unit blocks interlocked together, and paving said block mat structures in monolayer or multilayer on a stream bed around the foundation part of an underwater structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Keun-Hee Lee, Byung-Moo Lee
  • Publication number: 20040228692
    Abstract: A biodegradable log includes a strip of absorbent material embedded therein and at least one wick extending from the strip outside of the log. The wick draws moisture into the biodegradable log in order to maintain an aqueous environment for embedded vegetation. Holes may be provided at least partially through the log diameter and along the log length to facilitate log placement and installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Environmental Quality Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Carter Benson McCamy
  • Patent number: 6797221
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a protecting and immobilizing element of the mattress-like type consists in providing containing means (2, 20) and a layer of flexible material (3, 21) inside them, with the peripheral edges (4, 22) of the flexible layer (3, 21) protruding from the containing means (2, 20). Anchoring means (5) and a first netting structure (6, 23) are also arranged inside the containing means (2, 20) so that the netting structure (6, 23) is in direct contact with the flexible layer (3, 21) and the anchoring means (5) pass through the netting structure at predetermined positions (12, 25). The containing means (2, 20) are then filled with a filling material (7) comprising solid and/or fluid elements, and a second netting structure (8) is superposed on the filling material. Finally, by superposing, at least partially, the peripheral edges (4, 22) of the flexible layer (3, 21), a closed cover is produced from which the ends (11, 27) of the anchoring means (5) protrude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Officine Maccaferri, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Ferraiolo
  • Publication number: 20040179896
    Abstract: A concrete receptacle assembly includes a frame that supports a series of cells that are used to receive waste concrete and mold the waste concrete into synthetic riprap blocks. The cells are defined by a series of angled partitions that are mounted within the frame, with the angled partitions defining the shape of the synthetic riprap blocks produced. In operation, the waste concrete is distributed into the cells, where it is allowed to cure for a predetermined period of time. Once cured, the concrete receptacle assembly is upended such that the synthetic riprap blocks will be dislodged from the cell. Once the synthetic riprap blocks have been extracted, the concrete receptacle assembly is prepped for the next cycle of production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: John Edgar Curry, Wiliam Leon Pinkston
  • Patent number: 6746177
    Abstract: The riparian improvement structure for use upon riparian protection, shore and bank protection, wave control, water control, etc. of a river, lake, sea, etc. is composed of a plurality of blocks and a structural body or bodies composed of a plurality of wooden materials or mass materials. The riparian improvement structure also provides an environment suitable for the habitation of aquatic life such as fish, crustaceans, e.g., crabs, shrimps, aquatic insects, etc., and for the growth of aquatic plants, etc. The blocks are each provided with a water passage, such as a through-hole formed therein or a plurality of grooves formed on the bottom thereof, through which fresh water can flow, when they are disposed on the structural body or bodies or on a riparian area such as a river-bed, shore, bank, bottom, etc. of a river, lake, sea, etc. The blocks are disposed for fresh water to flow through the water passage and to be supplied to the structural body or bodies inhabitable for aquatic life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Bousai Corporation
    Inventor: Kenpachi Hoashi
  • Patent number: 6739797
    Abstract: A block (11) formed with a mold (10) integral thereto. The mold (10) is constructed as a mold top half (12) and a mold bottom half (14) and filled in situ with cement (16). The mold halves (12,14) are constructed with respective socket and channel structures (24, 20) to capture an enlarged end (38) of a connector (34) for interlocking one block to a neighboring block. The resulting block (11) constitutes a one-piece block that can be formed at the installation site using the two-part mold (10). The interlocked blocks are prevented from removal when moved in either lateral direction, or in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6719487
    Abstract: The structuring unit is composed of a wall surface member for the construction with a mounting cavity formed therein, such as a stone, and an anchor mounted on the wall surface member for the construction through the mounting cavity thereof. The anchor is provided with a resistance-increasing member at the opposite side thereof. The anchor is composed of a linear member extending over the full length of the anchor, a protective layer for protecting the linear member from physical damages, and a flexible layer for preventing water or the like from penetrating into a gap between the linear member and the protective layer. The construction such as a revetment or the like is built by laying plural rows of the structural units over one another and embedding the plural rows of the structural units with filling materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kankyo Kogaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Yukimoto, Kiyonori Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6705803
    Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Garry Kevin Callinan, Peter Chapman
  • Patent number: 6685391
    Abstract: A flexible interlocking element (10) having opposing, interlocking ends (12, 14). Element end (12), features a contour, including element top surface segment (16), extending to bend (18), then defining a tongue element (34) extending downwardly along an incline (19), to inverted bend (20), which defines a tongue side (60) having a tangent (62). The contour of the tongue, further extending downward and around to bend (22), which defines a tongue tip (58). The tongue tip (58) having a bottom (54) with a tangent (56). The tongue further extending upward along incline (26), then further extending horizontally to bend (28), then further extending vertically downward to bend (30). Bend (30) defines the lower edge of bottom surface segment (32). Element end (14) features a contour including element top surface segment (36) extending horizontally to bend (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ackerstein Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Argaman Gideon
  • Publication number: 20040013467
    Abstract: A revetment made wholly or predominantly from concrete, useful to line a stream bed, having upper and lower surfaces, and having upstream and downstream edges, has, for each upstream edge, an upstream bevel, which intersects the upper surface and which intersects said upstream edge. The revetment has an array of holes extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each hole has a lateral wall flaring outwardly in a downstream direction from a circular mouth at the lower wall to an elongate mouth at the upper wall. Each upstream or downstream edge is stepped so as to define an upper or lower flange. In an assembly of such revetments, which may be connected to one another, as by cables, each of at least some of the upper flanges overlies one of the lower flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6672799
    Abstract: Durable flat panels are connectable at their edges and are of appropriate shape and dimension to be quickly and simply assembled and secured into a closed hollow prismatic module configuration. A dense fill material is loaded onto the bottom panel prior to closure providing mass for strength and stability against impacts. The flat panels may be hingeably interconnected and foldable to optionally form a compact stackable configuration for storage and transport. A multiplicity of such modules may be positioned and connected to form a continuous massive wall for such uses as reducing damaging wave action, preventing beach erosion, directing water in flood areas, and providing highway barriers for guidance and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Milan Dennis Earl
  • Patent number: 6672800
    Abstract: A portable flood control revetment comprising an elongated collapsible and inflatable tube of flexible material impervious to air and water, the tube having a bottom wall and other walls defining an internal compartment, and a multiplicity of cables in the compartment, each extending from one of the walls to another of the walls to hold the tube in a selected shape when the tube is filled with air or water. The bottom wall defines at least one pocket for receiving a corresponding at least one hold-down member, and other of the walls are provided with closeable orifices for permitting flow of air and water into and out of the compartment to respectively inflate, fill, and collapse the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas A. Frank
  • Patent number: 6666619
    Abstract: A protective wall assembly (8) for protecting an embankment (6) to prevent scouring of the embankment (6) during high water flows such as experienced in floods or tidal waves. The protective wall assembly (8) comprises a plurality of block assemblies (10) each having a body (11), a top surface (30), and a bottom surface (32). Each block assembly (10) further includes four side faces (34,34a,34b,34c) interconnected by four intermediate faces (13,13a,13b,13c) to define an eight-sided body. Each intermediate face (13,13a,13b,13c) has a bore (21,22) extending perpendicularly thereinto. A first connecting device (42) engages the bores (21,22) in a first pair of intermediate faces (13,13b) of a first pair of block assemblies (10A,10C). The length of one (21) of the bores (21,22) is different than a length of the other of the bores (21,22). The protective wall assembly (8) provides an environmentally friendly structure harmonized with the surrounding scenery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6666620
    Abstract: A wave dissipating concrete block for covering an inclined surface facing seaside on a breakwater for the purpose of dissipating waves. The concrete block of the present invention includes a cylindrical body, tapered lump legs projecting from the cylindrical body and branch legs cylindrically projected through a circular base disposed on the cylindrical body. Projections are disposed on the branch legs and extend parallel or perpendicular to the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6663324
    Abstract: An improved device and method for mechanically installing erosion blankets on a ground surface. The device holds a roll of an erosion blanket and provides that the blanket unwind when the device is propelled forward. Upon unwinding, the device positions the blanket on the ground and pins the blanket in position using staples, stakes or the like. Preferred embodiments of the device provide for furrowing of the ground before installation of the blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas H. Nordloh
  • Publication number: 20030228192
    Abstract: A revetment made wholly or predominantly from concrete, useful to line a stream bed, having upper and lower surfaces, and having upstream and downstream edges, has, for each upstream edge, an upstream bevel, which intersects the upper surface and which intersects said upstream edge. The revetment has an array of holes extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each hole has a lateral wall flaring outwardly in a downstream direction from a circular mouth at the lower wall to an elongate mouth at the upper wall. Each upstream or downstream edge is stepped so as to define an upper or lower flange. In an assembly of such revetments, which may be connected to one another, as by cables, each of at least some of the upper flanges overlies one of the lower flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6659686
    Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Sidney E. Veazey
  • Patent number: 6623213
    Abstract: A retaining component comprises first and second end walls and a third wall between the first and second end walls. The first and second end walls each have a first edge adjacent to the third wall and a second edge remote from the third wall. The first and second end walls extend to one side of the plane of the third wall. The retaining component has at least one lug projecting from the second edge of each of the first and second end walls. Each lug has a transverse hole whereby the retaining component can be connected to a like or similar component by passing an elongate member through aligned holes in lugs of the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Nigel Francis Maydew
  • Patent number: 6592292
    Abstract: In an assembly of concrete revetments, each having two expansive surfaces, each having a first set of comparatively larger holes extending between the expansive surfaces, and each having a second set of comparatively smaller holes extending from at least some holes of the first set to outer edges of said revetment, wherein the revetments of an adjacent pair of the assembly are connected to each other by one or more bolts, each bolt has a flexible, polymeric shank, which has a proximal end and a distal end, a head attached to the proximal end, and a nut attachable to the distal end, and each bolt has its shank extending through a hole of the second set of each revetment of the adjacent pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6588978
    Abstract: A block assembly for constructing a seawall along an embankment. The block assembly is comprised of two types of blocks, a first block and a second block. Each block includes two half-circular type projections lying parallel to one another, seawater holes for discharging sea water are formed in a front wall between the half-circular projections of each block to prevent the loss of blocks and to decrease wave power. In an upper and lower end portions of the front wall of both blocks, projections are reciprocally formed with spaces, and a fixed supporter is formed on a backside of the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6579038
    Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth L. McAllister, Kenny W. McCoy, Derek W. Dice
  • Publication number: 20030091391
    Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Sidney E. Veazey
  • Patent number: 6561730
    Abstract: A block for constructing a breakwater comprises a front wall in which horizontal projections are formed with transverse rectangular-shaped holes therebetween. Side walls extend from both ends of the front wall. A partition wall in which multiple holes are formed to communicate with the transverse rectangular-shaped holes is jointed to the side walls at both ends and spaced from the front wall. A detention area is defined by the front wall, partition wall and side walls for receiving the overflow waves through the transverse rectangular-shaped holes in the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6558074
    Abstract: In an assembly of predominantly concrete revetment, each revetment is a generally rectangular solid having two longitudinal margins and two transverse margins, having two expansive faces, and having an array of apertures, which extend through said revetment, between the expansive faces, and through which vegetation can grow. Each revetment has a grid of embedded reinforcing bars, which include a reinforcing bar extending within each of its longitudinal and transverse margins. Each revetment has, on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, one or more ribs extending between its expansive faces. At each rib on each of its longitudinal margins or at each rib on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, each revetment has a cable passage extending through such rib and through the longitudinal margins has such rib and opening into a near aperture of the array of apertures of said revetment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6554545
    Abstract: A method of forming a support structure on a base from a framework uses a tube of a flexible material divided by dividing walls of flexible material into an array of compartments. Each compartment includes at least one wall including a hollow protrusion or recess. In use the framework is located on the base and the compartments are filled with the filler material so that each compartment is adjacent to one or more other compartments filled with the filler material and so that each hollow protrusion fills with the filler material so that each compartment protrudes into or is protruded into by at least one adjacent compartment so as to interlock adjacent compartment. This increases the overall strength of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Alethea Rosalind Melanie Hall
  • Patent number: 6547487
    Abstract: A block assembly for constructing a seawall and dissipating waves. The block assembly includes a block comprising a front wall, a left side part and a right side part. The left and right side parts include stepped surfaces and a plurality of round shaped projection parts are closely disposed on the front wall. The block further includes two connecting walls having male protrusions and female recesses formed on upper and lower surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6524027
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing slopes of a soil embankment is provided using a stabilization system for slopes having generally less than 45 degrees of inclination from horizontal. The system comprises a plurality of soil nails which are penetrated into the slopes to provide internal soil stability and a biotechnical facing on a surface of the slope to inhibit surface erosion and shallow failure of the slope. A geosynthetic layer comprising a mat, mesh or fibrous material is laid across the slope adjacent the surface to assist in establishing vegetation thereon. A retaining wall structure is preferably mounted on the crest of the slope to extend transversely to the slope. The retaining wall structure at the crest provides a stable base for supporting the embankment shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: DST Consulting Engineers Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Fabius
  • Publication number: 20030017000
    Abstract: In an assembly of predominantly concrete revetment, each revetment is a generally rectangular solid having two longitudinal margins and two transverse margins, having two expansive faces, and having an array of apertures, which extend through said revetment, between the expansive faces, and through which vegetation can grow. Each revetment has a grid of embedded reinforcing bars, which include a reinforcing bar extending within each of its longitudinal and transverse margins. Each revetment has, on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, one or more ribs extending between its expansive faces. At each rib on each of its longitudinal margins or at each rib on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, each revetment has a cable passage extending through such rib and through the longitudinal margins has such rib and opening into a near aperture of the array of apertures of said revetment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6508042
    Abstract: This invention relates to a middle armor block for a coastal structure and a method of placement of its block with a hydraulic stability of a slope surface and an economical construction cost. The middle armor block of the half-loc comprises a body forming an octagon column with a rectangle side and a perforated hole at the center, a leg integrally formed and attached to alternatively each side of the body and a protruding foot at a lower portion of the leg and each corner of the leg and the foot is chamfered. For a placement type of the blocks, the middle armor block of the half-loc are tilted with a certain angle and each side portion of the leg of the block is contacted to the other side portion of the leg of neighbor block all around directions in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Hyuck-Min Kweon, Dal-Soo Lee
  • Publication number: 20030012604
    Abstract: A method of construction works for preventing the bed and shore of a torrent from being eroded by using steel cables and steel nets without requiring a huge number of works or huge costs, comprising the steps of fixing at least two longitudinal cables (1) directly or indirectly to lodgments (2), connecting the longitudinal cables by at least two lateral cables (5) at proper intervals, and disposing at least two nets (3), the number of which corresponds to the number of lateral cables, so that the nets are arranged at proper intervals in the direction from upstream to downstream of the torrent and mooring the nets by the longitudinal cables and the lateral cables or mooring cables that are connected to the longitudinal cables so that the nets face the water flow of the torrent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Tomio Fukui
  • Patent number: 6497532
    Abstract: The present invention is a general structural member assembly. A basic structural unit of the present invention has two adjacent shafts, both further having a cross sectionally triangular shape with a longitudinal side completely or substantially mostly removed to form legs. The leg ends are formed or machined such that they present two outward surfaces generally parallel to the open face of a first adjacent shaft. The outward surfaces of the leg ends are then positionally fixed, albeit with some flexible movement in some embodiments, to generally have a parallel and longitudinal interface with the longitudinal outside edges of a solid side of a second shaft. A stacked assembly may be formed from the structural members capable of sediment retention or accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: John McGinn
  • Patent number: 6491474
    Abstract: A beach renourishment sand snare and a method or its employment. A series of metal posts are embedded in the sand, forming a line which is approximately perpendicular to the shore. Semi-rigid mesh panels are slidably placed and secured between adjacent posts. Each mesh panel, once immersed in the surf, tends to acumulate sand. The sand will eventually accumulate to the point that the shoreline will advance seaward of the mesh panel. Once this occurs the particular mesh panel is removed and transferred to the seaward end of the line of posts. Likewise, the posts on the landward side can be removed and transfered to the seaward side, thereby “walking” the assembly to seaward. The process thereby accumulates sand and advances the shoreline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Beach Reclamation, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Lon Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6491473
    Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Sidney E. Veazey
  • Patent number: 6481928
    Abstract: A water structure formed from at least one flexible tube or sleeve, that functions as a water containment vessel when at least partially filled with water and closed at its ends, and includes a rope positioned therein. The rope is for connection, on one end, to a second flexible tube or sleeve and is for use in pulling the second flexible tube or sleeve through the first tube or sleeve. The second tube is then to receive a volume of water therein, that expands the second tube against the first tube inner surface to function as a water structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: David Doolaege
  • Publication number: 20020154950
    Abstract: A protective wall assembly (8) for protecting an embankment (6) to prevent scouring of the embankment (6) during high water flows such as experienced in floods or tidal waves. The protective wall assembly (8) comprises a plurality of block assemblies (10) each having a body (11), a top surface (30), and a bottom surface (32). Each block assembly (10) further includes four side walls (34,34a,34b,34c) interconnected by four comer walls (13,13a,13b,13c) to define an eight-sided body. Each comer wall (13,13a,13b,13c) has a bore (21,22) extending perpendicularly thereinto. A first connecting device (42) engages the bores (21,22 ) in first comer walls (13,13b) of a first pair of block assemblies (10A,10C). The protective wall assembly (8) provides an environmentally friendly structure harmonized with the surrounding scenery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6464428
    Abstract: A synthetic hay bale and method are used to control water flow, soil erosion, and sediment flow at a construction site. The synthetic hay bale is made from a sheet member formed from ground carpet fibers that are packed together. The sheet member is rolled up to form a body member and the body member may be received within a mesh cover or may be strapped. A rod can be longitudinally inserted into the rolled up body member. The body member is secured to the ground by passing at least one stake through the body member or straddling the body member and inserting the stake into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Mike Mikell
  • Patent number: 6443668
    Abstract: The invention relates to an element (10) comprised of a plurality of strips (12 to 26) which run in a horizontal and vertical manner and which have common points of intersection. The strips (12 to 26) are respectively closed rings (28), whereby each ring (28) alternately encloses the rings (28) or is guided through the rings (28) which are arranged at a right angle thereto. A forward end (36) of each ring (28) is guided through a rear end (38) of each ring (28) arranged at a right angle thereto. The ring projects over the lateral edges (40) of the ring (28) arranged at a right angle thereto in such a way that an eye (42) and/or loop is formed in order to accommodate an additional element and/or a connection element (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Renate Streuer, Gerd Weiland
  • Patent number: 6443654
    Abstract: A spillway for use in a sloped embankment which defines a top and a toe. The spillway is adapted to dissipate the kinetic energy of water flowing downwardly from the top of the embankment to the toe thereof in a primary flow direction. The spillway comprises a plurality of building blocks arranged in rows which are stacked upon each other in a shingle-like overlap such that the building blocks of each row are offset relative to the building blocks of each adjacent row and a series of steps are defined thereby. The building blocks are sized and configured such that water cascading down the steps defined thereby is caused to flow in three dimensions so as to impart velocity components to the falling water that act at generally right angles relative to the primary flow direction and generate turbulence which dissipates the kinetic energy of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Frederick J. Kauppi
  • Patent number: 6443667
    Abstract: A landscaping tile for stabilizing hillsides that includes a top surface which is textured to simulate a bed of gravel, river rocks, or the like. The landscaping tile is flexible and conforms to the topography of the land. The landscaping tile is secured to the ground using a plurality of stakes. The stakes may be driven through preformed holes defined directly in the tile, or through a border frame which overlaps the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Audrey E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020108348
    Abstract: The structuring unit is composed of a wall surface member for the construction with a mounting cavity formed therein, such as a stone, and an anchor mounted on the wall surface member for the construction through the mounting cavity thereof. The anchor is provided with a resistance-increasing member at the opposite side thereof. The anchor is composed of a linear member extending over the full length of the anchor, a protective layer for protecting the linear member from physical damages, and a flexible layer for preventing water or the like from penetrating into a gap between the linear member and the protective layer. The construction such as a revetment or the like is built by laying plural rows of the structural units over one another and embedding the plural rows of the structural units with filling materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Isao Yukimoto, Kiyonori Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20020106245
    Abstract: A length of material, such as woven polyethylene, woven polypropylene, burlap, or other woven material, divided into a series of two or more substantially equal sized sections. Every other section is filled with sand, or other material. When the length of material is put in place, each row alternating a filled section and an unfilled section, a very secure, interlocking, substantially water-tight structure is formed which is much more effective in preventing the flow of water, mud or silt. Because each section is substantially square, the sections can be stacked in a parallel or transverse direction, to effect a wider and stronger structure which is substantially impervious to the flow of water, mud or silt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Peter D. Ehrlich, Steve A. Slater
  • Patent number: 6428240
    Abstract: A length of material, such as woven polyethylene, woven polypropylene, burlap, or other woven material, divided into a series of two or more substantially equal sized sections. Every other section is filled with sand, or other material. When the length of material is put in place, each row alternating a filled section and an unfilled section, a very secure, interlocking, substantially water-tight structure is formed which is much more effective in preventing the flow of water, mud or silt. Because each section is substantially square, the sections can be stacked in a parallel or transverse direction, to effect a wider and stronger structure which is substantially impervious to the flow of water, mud or silt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Peter D. Ehrlich, Steve A. Slater
  • Patent number: 6422787
    Abstract: A synthetic bale and method are used to control water flow, soil erosion, and sediment flow at a construction site. The synthetic bale is made from a sheet member formed from ground carpet fibers that are packed together. The sheet member is rolled up to form a body member and the body member is received within a cover, the cover being made from a mesh material. One or both ends of the cover are tied. The body member is secured to the ground by passing at least one stake through the cover and the body member and into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Mike Mikell
  • Patent number: 6423394
    Abstract: In order to provide wider biaxially-stretched geogrids having high primary direction (PD) strength, crotch-forming zones of a starting material which is at least 2.0 mm thick have protuberances (6). On strectching, PD orientation passes right through the junction (27) but the protuberance (6) causes the orientation ratio of the crotch edge to decrease significiantly as orientation enters the central part of the crotch edge. After a secondary direction stretch of at least about 1.5:1, the thickness of the central part of the crotch edge is not reduced by more than about 20%. The stretching does not reduce the thickness of any point along notional ridge lines (31) to such an extent that the ratio of finished thickness to starting thickness at that point mid-point. In the biax geogrid (25), the junction mid-point is significantly thicker than the PD is less than about 80% of the ratio of finished thickness to starting thickness of the junction strand mid-point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Netlon Limited
    Inventors: Frank Brian Mercer, Keith Fraser Martin, Stuart Green, Nigel Edwin Wrigley
  • Patent number: 6401421
    Abstract: For military as well as for civil applications there is provided a construction element comprising a disc-shaped central part (1) with at least four legs (2) extending outwards substantially radially with respect to a transversal axis (3) of the central part (1) and having longitudinal axes arranged in a plane perpendicular to the transversal axis (3) of the central part (1). The central part (1) has a face recess (4) extending inwardly from the central part (1) periphery between two adjacent legs (2). The face recess (4) has a width corresponding to the central part thickness and a depth being equal from one to two thirds of the central part width measured along an axis (8) of the face recess (4). The central part (1) is also furnished with a first passage (5) the axis (6) of which is parallel to the transversal axis (3) of the central part (1), and with a second passage (7), opening into the central part (1) face walls and having an axis (9) perpendicular to the axis (8) of the face recess (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Miroslav Zeman
  • Patent number: 6401403
    Abstract: A storm shelter kit is provided including several enclosure wall panels; wall panel interconnection structures for joining the enclosure wall panels together to define an enclosure having side and top enclosure wall portions; and several soil retaining panels for placement around the enclosure for supporting soil placed around and at least partially covering the enclosure wall panels. The storm shelter kit includes at least one set of the soil retaining panels of progressively decreasing height, for placement in series in progressively increasing distances from the enclosure and for receiving soil between the enclosure and the soil retaining panels and between the soil retaining panels, to define a mound of soil of selectable shape surrounding the enclosure and at least partially covering the wall panels. The wall panels preferably are formed of corrugated steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Alfonso Oviedo-Reyes
  • Patent number: 6395372
    Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Bach
  • Patent number: 6375387
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an improved method for securing, stabilizing and recovering areas of land and subsoil above and below water. To this end, interlinked (used) motor vehicle tires (7) are used to secure the land. The necessary weighting is provided by concrete (19) injected into a protective casing (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Gabor, Dieter Scharping, Alfons Harke