Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEMS AND METHODOLOGY FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND
EQUIPMENT POSITIONING VIA BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.
Patent Application
Serial No. 16/186,247, filed November 9, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application
Serial No.
62/794,905, filed January 21, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No. 62/794,905, filed
April 30, 2019, the entire contents of each being incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a construction system, and, in
particular, relates to a
system for installation of building equipment via a Building Information
Modeling (BIM). The
present disclosure further relates to a system for installation of one or more
anchor apparatuses
utilizing BIM software in conjunction with one or more positioning systems.
The one or more
positioning systems enable precise installation of the anchoring apparatuses
at selected positions
within the building structure in accordance with the BIM software. Moreover,
the present
disclosure further permits gathering of data pertaining to each anchoring
apparatus either before
or after installation. The data includes, but is not limited to lot number,
manufacturer, installer,
date installed and any other data or metadata which may be tracked for current
or historical
purposes.
[0003] The present disclosure further relates to an anchor apparatus. The
anchor apparatus is
mountable relative to a form used to create a concrete support structure. The
concrete is deposited
in the form and cures whereby the one or more anchor apparatuses becomes
embedded with the
concrete support structure. The embedded anchor apparatus is readily
accessible to be coupled
with, or to support, construction supplies or equipment such as ductwork,
electrical cables,
plumbing, sprinklers, safety lines or fences, etc. within a construction site.
A plurality of anchor
apparatuses may be mounted relative to the concrete form to create a system
for organizing the
construction materials in a manner which facilitates all phases of
construction, enhances efficiency
and organization, and substantially reduces costs and work hours. Moreover,
the anchoring
system, apparatus, and methodology for implementation will substantially
impact current
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commercial and residential construction practices which incorporate concrete
support structures
in the form of beams, flooring, ceilings, roofing, etc.
2. Background of Related Art
[0004] Currently, during construction of residential and/or commercial
building structures,
provisions are made to accommodate the various electrical, plumbing,
sprinkler, ductwork
supplies, etc. to be incorporated in the final completed unit. With
construction involving concrete
or concrete structural elements, contractors are usually required to drill
into the cured concrete to
embed a fastener, hook, rod or the like to couple and run, e.g., electrical
lines along a horizontal
beam, vertical beam or a ceiling. Embedding a fastener or hook within cured
concrete is an arduous
and time-consuming process, and may affect the structural integrity of the
concrete and/or
structure. In addition, multiple contractors, e.g., electricians, plumbers,
HVAC personnel, may
require access to the beam structures for installation of additional
fasteners, bolts, etc. which not
only may further potentially affect the integrity of the concrete, but also
presents logistical issues
for the various contractors who need access to the support structure before
the finishing work is
performed at the site.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a novel system,
apparatus and
methodology to assist contractors in residential and commercial construction.
The system and
associated methodology will substantially impact the current construction
industry. More
specifically, the system and methodology employ one or more anchor apparatuses
which are
positioned within the form, a wood, plywood or any material form, used to
create the support
structure before, e.g., depositing the concrete within the form. Upon curing
of the concrete support
structure, the form is removed and the anchor apparatuses, which are now
embedded in the support
structure, are readily exposed to be utilized in a plurality of ways,
including, but not limited to,
supporting electrical lines, plumbing, sprinklers, ductwork, safety straps,
safety nets etc. A number
of anchor apparatuses may be positioned within the form to accommodate the
contractor's needs,
and may be strategically positioned within the forms prior to pouring concrete
to assist the
contractor in organizing the layout of the particular equipment or supplies.
Each anchor apparatus
may be coupled through, e.g., an additional coupling, to an unlimited number
of construction
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materials with relative ease to "run", e.g., the electrical, plumbing or
safety equipment (e.g., safety
straps, hooks, perimeter cable systems) as desired. Each contractor, e.g., an
electrician or a
plumber, may install their own system of anchor apparatuses on a single
concrete form without
any risk of interference with the other contractors.
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes generating a building
model of a
building to be constructed at a construction site, identifying within the
building model positional
locations for installation of one or more anchor apparatuses within structural
elements of the
building model, transmitting the building model to a portable computing device
at the construction
site and identifying the location of the portable computing device relative to
a given positional
location. The generating, identifying, transmitting and identifying steps are
implemented via at
least one processing device comprising a processor and a memory.
[0007] The method may further include installing one anchor apparatus at the
given positional
location. The method may include identifying the location of a second given
positional location
and further include installing one anchor apparatus at the second given
positional location.
[0008] The structural elements may include at least one of beams, columns,
girders, floors and
ceilings, and may be formed of concrete or cement.
[0009] In embodiments, generating a model includes utilizing a building
information modeling
module of a server.
[0010] In some embodiments, identifying within the building model positional
locations includes
utilizing a positional indicator module within the portable computing device
to indicate a location
of the portable computing device relative to a given positional location on
the model.
[0011] In certain embodiments, utilizing the positional indicator includes
utilizing at least one
component or sensor of the portable computing device to assist in identifying
the location of the
portable computing device relative to the given positional location. For
example, utilizing at least
one component or sensor of the portable computing device includes receiving
feedback from one
or more of WIFI, Bluetooth, a camera, a GPS sensor, a gyroscope, a
magnetometer, an
accelerometer, a proximity sensor or an RFID sensor of the personal computing
device.
[0012] The method may further include scanning visual indicia data on the one
or more
anchoring apparatuses to ascertain information pertaining to an attribute of
manufacture of the one
or more anchoring apparatuses or an attribute of installation of the one or
more anchoring
apparatuses.
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[0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting the
visual indicia data to
one of the portable computing device or a server associated with the portable
computing device.
The attribute of manufacture may include at least one of manufacture,
distributer, lot or model of
the one or more anchoring apparatuses. The attribute of manufacture includes
at least one of
installer, installation date or supervisor.
[0014] Scanning visual indicia data may include utilizing the RFID sensor
of the personal
computing device to scan RFID tags on components of the one or more anchor
apparatuses.
[0015] A computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable
storage
medium encoded with computer program code that, when executed on a processor
of a computer,
causes the computer to implement various steps is also envisioned.
[0016] A system is also provided. The system includes one or more processors
operatively
coupled to one or more memories configured to generate a building model of a
building to be
constructed at a construction site, identify within the building model
positional locations for
installation of one or more anchor apparatuses within structural elements of
the building model,
transmitting the building model to a portable computing device at the
construction site and identify
the location of the portable computing device to a given positional location.
[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, an anchoring system for installation
within support
structure includes at least one anchoring apparatus having a locking plate
configured for
securement relative to a form board a form board used to form the concrete
support, an elongate
anchor with a connector segment at one end for connecting with a construction
tool, a coupler
mounted to the elongate anchor and a cover mounted about the elongate anchor
and movable for
positioning over the coupler and the locking plate. The coupler is manipulable
to be coupled to
the locking plate to at least partially secure the elongate anchor to the
locking plate. The coupler
defines a central opening configured to at least partially receive the
connector segment of the
elongate anchor, and wherein the coupler and the connecting segment include
cooperating
structure to releasably secure the coupler and the elongate anchor. In
embodiments, the coupler
defines an internal thread at least partially circumscribing the opening and
wherein the connector
segment of the anchor includes an external thread configured to threadably
engage with the internal
thread of the couple to releasably secure the coupler and the elongate anchor.
[0018] The locking plate and the coupler include cooperating structure
configured to secure the
coupler to the locking plate. The locking plate may define a plate aperture
and at least one keyed
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slot adjacent the plate aperture. The coupler includes a central segment
defining the coupler
opening and at least one wing depending from the central segment. The central
segment and the
at least one wing are respectively receivable within the plate aperture and
the at least one keyed
slots of the locking plate when in a first rotational orientation of the
coupler and the locking plate,
whereby relative rotational movement of the coupler and the locking plate to a
second rotational
orientation thereof at least partially secures the coupler to the locking
plate. The locking plate
may define two opposed keyed slots and wherein the coupler includes two
opposed wings
correspondingly dimensioned to be received within the two opposed keyed slots
when in the first
rotational orientation of the coupler and the locking plate.
[0019] The cover defines a cover passage for reception of the connector
segment of the elongate
anchor. In embodiments, the cover defines an inner thread circumscribing the
cover passage with
the inner thread configured to cooperate with the threaded segment of the
elongate anchor to
advance the cover relative to the elongate anchor.
[0020] The locking plate may include at least one fastener opening configured
to receive a
fastener for securing the locking plate to the form board.
[0021] The system may include a plurality of anchor apparatuses.
[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, a method of construction is disclosed. The
method
includes anchoring at least one anchor apparatus to a form utilized to create
a concrete support
structure, by:
securing a locking plate of the at least one anchor apparatus to a board of
the form;
coupling an elongate anchor of the at least one anchor apparatus to the
locking plate, the
elongate anchor including an external thread;
advancing a cover of the at least one anchor apparatus along the elongate
anchor for
positioning against the board;
depositing concrete within the form to create the concrete support structure
whereby the
cover isolates at least a portion of the external thread of the elongate
anchor from the concrete; and
removing the board to at least partially expose the cover and the at least the
portion of the
external thread of the elongate anchor.
[0023] Depositing concrete may include establishing an isolated internal
cavity within the cover
with the at least the portion of the external thread of the anchor extending
within the internal cavity.
Coupling the elongate anchor may include mounting a coupler of the at least
one anchor apparatus
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about the external thread of the elongate anchor and connecting the coupler to
the locking plate.
In embodiments, the coupler includes an internal thread and wherein mounting
the coupler
includes threadably engaging the coupler with the external thread of the
anchor. In certain
embodiments, the locking plate defines a plate aperture and at least one keyed
slot adjacent the
plate aperture and the coupler includes a central segment defining the coupler
opening and at least
one wing depending from the central segment, where the method further includes
positioning the
central segment and the at least one wing respectively within the plate
aperture and the at least one
keyed slot of the locking plate and rotating the coupler to secure the coupler
and the anchor relative
to the locking plate.
[0024] The cover may define a cover passage with an internal thread and
wherein advancing the
cover includes threadably coupling the internal thread of the cover with the
external thread of the
elongate anchor. The method may further includes attaching a tool relative to
the at least a portion
of the external thread of the anchor subsequent to removing the board. The
tool may include a
threaded segment and wherein attaching the tool includes threadably coupling
the tool with the
portion of the external thread of the anchor. The method may further include
supporting
construction equipment, materials, supplies, safety hooks, perimeter fall
cables with the tool. The
tool may be an anchor clamp. The method may also include anchoring a plurality
of anchor
apparatuses to the form.
[0025] In another illustrative embodiment, an anchoring system for
installation in a concrete
support comprises at least one anchoring apparatus, including a locking plate
configured for
securement relative to a form board used to form a concrete support, an
elongate anchor including
a connector segment at one end for connecting with a construction tool, a
coupler mounted to the
elongate anchor and being manipulable to be coupled to the locking plate to at
least partially secure
the elongate anchor to the locking plate, a cover mounted about the elongate
anchor and movable
for positioning over the coupler and the locking plate and an anchor clamp
engageable with the
connector segment of the elongate anchor.
[0026] Other advantages of the construction anchoring system will be
appreciated from the
following description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described
hereinbelow with
references to the drawings, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the construction anchoring
system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure illustrating one
anchor apparatus including
an elongate anchor, a cover, a coupler and a locking plate;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the cover and the coupler
mounted relative to the
elongate anchor with the locking plate separated from the other components;
[0030] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are perspective, top plan and bottom plan views,
respectively, of
the locking plate;
[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of
the coupler;
[0032] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are top perspective, bottom plan and bottom
perspective views,
respectively, of the cover;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating securing of the locking plate
to a form board of
a concrete form in accordance with one exemplary use of the system of FIGS. 1-
5C;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the elongate anchor with
mounted coupler being
introduced within the locking plate in accordance with one exemplary
methodology of use of the
system;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the coupler mounted within
the locking plate in
accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;
[0036] FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating the central segment and the
wings of the coupler
received within the plate aperture and the keyed slots of the plate segment of
the locking plate in
accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 8A illustrating the
coupler rotated within the
locking plate to secure the wings beneath the locking plate thereby securing
the coupler to the
locking plate in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the
system;
[0038] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 9A-9A of FIG. 9
illustrating the
coupler secured relative to the locking plate and the cover being advanced
along the elongate
anchor in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;
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[0039] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cover secured
against the locking plate
through rotation of the cover about the elongate anchor in accordance with one
exemplary
methodology of use of the system;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the anchor apparatus of the system
secured to the form board
of the concrete form in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of
the system;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of anchor
apparatuses of the
anchoring system secured to the form board of the concrete form in accordance
with one exemplary
methodology of use of the system;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 12 illustrating concrete
deposited in the
concrete form with the anchor apparatuses embedded within the concrete in
accordance with one
exemplary methodology of use of the system;
[0043] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one anchor apparatus
embedded within the
concrete structure with the cover and the external thread of the elongate
anchor exposed upon
removal of the form board in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use
of the system;
[0044] FIG. 15 is a perspective view further illustrating the cover and the
external thread exposed
upon removal of the form board from the concrete structure in accordance with
one exemplary
methodology of use of the system;
[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling tool and
support hook being
secured to one elongate anchor in accordance with one exemplary methodology of
use of the
system;
[0046] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of anchor
apparatuses of the system
within the concrete structure and further illustrating a coupling tool and a
support hook mounted
to each elongate anchor in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of
the system;
[0047] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the area of isolation depicted in FIG.
17 illustrating the
coupling tool and the support hook secured to a single elongate anchor of the
anchor apparatus in
accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;
[0048] FIGS. 19-21 are front elevation, side and perspective views of an
anchor clamp for use
with illustrate one exemplary anchor clamp to be secured to the anchor in
accordance with one
exemplary apparatus and methodology of use of the system; and
[0049] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating the anchor clamp of FIGS. 19-21 mounted
to an anchor of
an anchor apparatus in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the
system;
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[0050] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a locking
plate for use with
the anchor apparatus of the present disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the locking plate of FIG. 23;
[0052] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the locking plate of FIGS. 23-24;
[0053] FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the locking plate of FIGS. 23-25;
[0054] FIGS. 27-29 are first and second perspective views and a cross-
sectional view,
respectively, of an embodiment of a mount of the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 29A illustrates a ring support mounted to the anchor apparatus;
[0056] FIG. 30 illustrates a computer system for installation of the anchor
apparatuses in
accordance with which one or more embodiments of the invention can be
implemented illustrating
the server and the portable computing device in communication with the server;
[0057] FIG. 31 illustrates the portable computing device of the system of FIG.
30;
[0058] FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating a system and methodology for use
in conjunction with
the computing system for installation of the anchor apparatuses;
[0059] FIG. 33 illustrates a visual display of the portable computing device
identifying locations
for installation of the anchor apparatuses;
[0060] FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an actuator used in
installation of the
anchor apparatuses;
[0061] FIG. 35 illustrates a distributed communications/computing network in
accordance with
which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;
[0062] FIGS. 36A-C illustrate another anchor apparatus in accordance with the
principles of the
present disclosure illustrating the anchor rod, lock plate and the cover;
[0063] FIGS. 37A-C illustrate the anchor rod of the anchor apparatus of FIGS.
36A-36C;
[0064] FIGS. 38A-D illustrate the lock plate of the anchor apparatus of FIGS.
36A-36C;
[0065] FIGS. 39 A-D illustrate the escutcheon of the anchor apparatus of FIGS.
36A-36C;
[0066] FIGS. 40A-C illustrate another embodiment of an anchor apparatus
according to the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0067] FIGS. 41A-C illustrate the anchor rod of the anchor apparatus of FIGS.
40A-40C;
[0068] FIGS. 42A-D illustrates the column anchor of the anchor apparatus of
FIGS. 40A-40C;
and
[0069] FIGS. 43A-D illustrates the anchor tool of the anchor apparatus of
FIGS. 40A-40C.
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[0070] FIG. 44 is a flow chart depicting illustrative use of the anchor
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described
hereinbelow with
reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that
the disclosed
embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in
various forms. Well-
known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid
obscuring the present
disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and
functional details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the
claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present
disclosure in virtually
any appropriately detailed structure.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exploded perspective
view of one
construction anchor apparatus 100 of the anchoring system 10 in accordance
with the principles of
the present disclosure. The anchoring system 10 includes one or more, e.g., a
plurality of anchor
apparatuses 100, depending on the needs of construction personnel. Each anchor
apparatus 100
includes four components, namely, an anchor 102, a locking plate 104, a
coupler 106 and a cover
108. The anchor 102 may take a variety of shapes or configurations. In one
embodiment, the
anchor 102 is monolithically formed including a L-shaped rod, e.g., having a
handle 110 and an
elongate anchor rod 112 depending from the handle 110. The elongate anchor rod
112 includes a
connector segment, e.g., in the form of an external thread 114 extending to
the end 116 of the
elongate anchor rod 112 remote from the handle 110. As best depicted in FIG.
2, when assembled,
the elongate anchor rod 112 is positionable within the cover 108 and has the
coupler 106 disposed
on the external thread 114 adjacent the remote end 116. The mounted coupler
106 is thereafter
introduced and secured within the locking plate 104 as will be discussed in
greater detail
hereinb el ow.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, the
locking plate 104
will be discussed. The locking plate 104 may assume a variety of shapes or
configurations.
Although referred to as a "plate", the locking plate 104 does not necessarily
require a plate like
appearance, but could be any three-dimensional unit including a box, a dome, a
bowl etc. The
locking plate 104 defines a plate segment 118 having a central plate aperture
120 and at least one
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keyed slot 122, e.g., two diametrically opposed keyed slots 122, each
communicating with the
central plate aperture 120. As best depicted in FIG. 3C, the locking plate 104
defines an interior
space 124 at least partially confined within the outer wall 126 or boundary of
the locking plate 104
beneath the plate segment 118. The outer wall 126 may be tapered as shown.
Opposed vertical
walls or stops 128 at least partially define the interior space 124. The
vertical stops 128 limit
rotational movement of the coupler 106 within the locking plate 104. At least
one fastener opening
130, e.g., two fastener openings 130, extend(s) through the locking plate 104
for reception of a
fastener such as a screw or nail utilized to secure the locking plate 104
relative to a form board of
a concrete or concrete form.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, the
coupler 106 includes
a central coupler segment 132 defining a coupler opening 134 and an internal
coupler thread 136
circumscribing the coupler opening 134. The internal coupler thread 136 of the
coupler 106
threadably engages the external thread 114 of the elongate anchor rod 112 to
mount the coupler
106 to the anchor 102. The coupler 106 further includes at least one, e.g.,
two, diametrically
opposed wings 138 depending from the central coupler segment 132. The central
coupler segment
132 and the wings 138 are cooperatively dimensioned to be respectively
received within the central
plate aperture 120 and the keyed slots 122 of the locking plate 104.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, the cover 108 will be discussed. The
cover 108 may be
in the shape of a frustum; however, other shapes are also envisioned. The
cover 108 includes a
central cover passage 140 for reception and passage of the elongate anchor rod
112 of the anchor
102. The cover 108 further defines an internal cover thread 142 for threadably
engaging the
external thread 114 of the anchor 102. The cover 108 includes an outer cover
wall 144 defining
an internal cavity 146 dimensioned for positioning over the locking plate 104
and the coupler 106.
The cover 108 may include supports in the form of internal ribs 148 or the
like to increase the
stability of the cover 108. The outer cover wall 144 of the cover 108 is
dimensioned to form a
tight tolerance relative to the outer wall 126 of the locking plate 104 to
establish a fluid tight fit or
seal with the outer wall 126 of the locking plate 104 - the significance of
which will be discussed
in greater detail hereinbelow. In embodiments, the outer wall 126 of the
locking plate 104 and the
outer cover wall 144 of the cover 108 have similar tapered arrangements. The
cover 108 also may
include an RFID tag or bar code schematically depicted as reference numeral
109. The cover 108
defines an external surface taper of the outer cover wall 144 relative to the
longitudinal axis of the
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cover ranging from about 30 to about 110, or about 7 . This tapered
arrangement establishes an
effective shoulder fit with the concrete upon its curing. The tapered
arrangement of the cover 108
also mat create a Morse taper effect between the outer cover wall 144 and the
cured concrete
further enhancing retention of the cover 108 within the cured concrete until
such time the cover
108 is removed.
[0076] Each of the components of the anchor apparatus 100 may be formed of a
suitable rigid
polymeric material or a metallic material. In embodiments, at least the anchor
102 is formed of a
suitable metal such as stainless steel or the like. At least some or
potentially all of the components
include an RFID tag or bar-code or other machine-readable indicia to be
scanned via a scanning
device, for example an RFID scanner or bar code reader to provide information
of the product
installed or the installation parameters as discussed hereinbelow. At least
the cover 108 may be
made in a variety of colors, e.g., color-coded, to correspond to the tradesman
or construction
personnel who intend to use the particular anchor apparatus 100. More
specifically, a particular
color may be associated with specific construction personnel to assist said
personnel in identifying
the anchor apparatuses 100 which will be associated with his/her equipment.
[0077] As previously addressed, the anchoring system 10 is intended for use
with concrete or
concrete support structures in connection with residential or commercial
building construction.
The anchoring system 10 may be embedded within horizontal or vertical beams,
flooring or
ceilings. The following discussion will focus on use of the anchoring system
10 in its application
with a horizontal beam constructed during a phase of a construction. However,
it is appreciated
that the anchoring system 10 has many applications inclusive of those
mentioned above and in
many other applications.
[0078] During formation of a horizontal beam, a form for the concrete beam is
constructed with
the use of, e.g., plywood, or any other suitable materials. Generally, the
form includes a lower
horizontal form board and two vertical form boards depending upwardly from the
horizontal form
board. With reference to FIG. 6, only the horizontal form board "h" is shown
for illustrative
purposes. In accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the anchoring
system of the
present disclosure, the locking plate 104 is secured to the inside surface of
the horizontal form
board "h", i.e., the surface which will be in contact with and support the
poured concrete. The
locking plate 104 is secured to the horizontal form board "h" with the use of
nails, fasteners or
screws "f' which are introduced within the fastener openings 130 of the
locking plate 104 and
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secured to the horizontal form board "h" as depicted in FIG. 6. With reference
to FIG. 7, the
coupler 106 is threaded onto the remote end 116 of the anchor rod 112 and the
cover passage 140
of the cover 108 is positioned over the handle 110 of the anchor 102 and slid
down the anchor rod
112 as shown. The anchor 102 and the coupler 106 are advanced toward the
locking plate 104 as
shown by the directional arrows "d" in FIG. 7.
[0079] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 8A, the coupler 106 is introduced
within the plate
segment 118 of the locking plate 104 by aligning the central coupler segment
132 and the coupler
wings 138 with the central plate aperture 120 and keyed slots 122 respectively
of the plate segment
118 of the locking plate 104 corresponding to a first relative rotational
orientation of the coupler
106 and the locking plate 104. FIG. 8A illustrates the central coupler segment
132 and the wings
138 received within the central plate aperture 120 and the keyed slots 122,
and disposed within the
interior space 124 of the locking plate 104 beneath the plate segment 118.
Thereafter, with
reference to FIG. 9, the coupler 106 is rotated through a predetermined
angular sector of rotation
via rotation of the handle 110 of the anchor 102 in the direction of
directional arrows "r" to a
second relative rotational orientation of the coupler 106 and the locking
plate 104 whereby the
wings 138 of the coupler 106 are displaced from the keyed slots 122 and are
disposed beneath the
plate segment 118 of the locking plate 104 engaging the vertical stops 128
within the interior space
124 of the locking plate 104 thereby coupling the coupler 106 and the anchor
102 to the locking
plate 104.
[0080] With reference now to FIGS. 9A-10, the cover 108 is threaded along the
external thread
114 (through the threaded engagement of the internal cover thread 142 and the
external thread 114
of the anchor rod 112) until it engages the horizontal form board "h" as
depicted in FIG. 10. During
advancement of the cover 108, the anchor 102 and the coupler 106 may also
retract (in the direction
of directional arrows "k") relative to the locking plate 104 whereby the wings
138 of the coupler
engage the downwardly depending wall defining the central plate aperture 120
to further secure or
lock the coupler 106, and thus, the anchor 102 relative to the locking plate
104.
[0081] As further depicted in FIG. 10, the outer cover wall 144 of the cover
108 fits precisely
over the outer wall 126 of the locking plate 104, i.e., with a tight
tolerance, and in embodiments,
establishes a substantial fluid tight seal with the outer wall 126 of the
locking plate 104. This will
minimize or prevent any concrete from entering within the internal cavity 146
of the cover 108
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when the concrete is poured and during curing of the concrete. FIG. 11
illustrates the anchor
apparatus 100 mounted relative to the horizontal form board "h".
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 12, a plurality of anchor apparatuses 100 as part
of the anchoring
system 10 is installed to the horizontal form board "h" at predetermined
locations as selected by
the contractor. As noted above, these locations preferably correspond to the
locations where the
equipment, e.g., electrical lines, plumbing, safety cables, safety hooks etc.
are to "run" or to be
positioned in the structure. In FIG. 12, the concrete form "m" is shown with
the vertical form
boards "v" and the horizontal form board "h", and further illustrates the
anchor apparatuses 100
disposed within the interior of the concrete form "m". FIG. 13 illustrates the
horizontal beam "b"
formed upon curing of the concrete and depicts in phantom the anchor
apparatuses 100
permanently embedded within the horizontal beam "b". In FIG. 13, the
horizontal and vertical
form boards "h", "v" are removed.
[0083] The locking plate 104 and the coupler 106 are removed relative to the
external thread 114
of the anchor rod 112. The locking plate 104 and the coupler 106 may be
removed simply by
rotating the coupler 106 and the locking plate 104 simultaneously until the
internal coupler thread
136 of the coupler 106 disengages from the external thread 114 of the anchor
rod 112. (See, e.g.,
FIG. 9A). Alternatively, the locking plate 104 can be disengaged from the
coupler 106 by rotating
the locking plate 104 to align the keyed slots 122 of the locking plate 104
with the wings 138 of
the coupler 106 (FIG. 8A), and then unscrewing the coupler 106 from the
external thread 114 of
the anchor rod 112.
[0084] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, upon removal of the form boards "h",
"v", the locking
plate 104 and the coupler 106, the cover 108 remains within the horizontal
beam "b". This is due
to the shoulder fit of the cover 108 or the Morse taper created between the
outer cover wall 144
and the cured concrete. As mentioned, the cover 108 prevents ingress of
concrete within its
internal cavity 146 during curing of the concrete thereby forming an
accessible cavity in the
horizontal beam "b" through which the end portion of the external thread 114
of the anchor rod
112 extends. Specifically, the external thread 114 is accessible to be coupled
to an additional
coupling tool, construction tool, mount, safety hook, safety cable or the
like. In some
embodiments, the cover 108 may be removed or pried from the horizontal beam
"b" if desired. In
other embodiments, the cover 108 may remain in the cured concrete. FIG. 16
illustrates an internal
threaded coupling tool 200 being engaged with the external thread 114 of the
anchor 102 and a
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support or safety hook 300 being threadably engaged with the coupling tool
200. FIGS. 17-18
illustrate the coupling tool 200 and the hook 300 secured relative to the
anchor apparatus(es) 100.
As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of anchors 102 and hooks 300 may be secured
along the horizontal
support beam "b" to support materials, supplies, or safety equipment (e.g.,
perimeter cable) each
identified schematically as reference numeral 400, which, again, is inclusive
of electrical lines,
plumbing, sprinklers, ductwork, safety cable, safety hooks or netting etc. It
is also envisioned that
separate rows of anchors 102 may be positioned for utilization by different
construction personnel,
e.g., row "rl" of the anchor apparatuses 100 may be used by the electrician,
row "r2" of the anchor
apparatuses 100 may be used by the plumber, etc. It is also further envisioned
that the covers 108
could be color-coded, e.g., "red to identify electric, blue for plumbing,
orange HVAC, etc." This
also enhances usability and the organizational capabilities of the anchoring
system.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, there is illustrated an exemplary anchor
clamp for use with
the anchor apparatus 100 of the present disclosure. The anchor clamp 500 may
be used in lieu of
the coupler 200 described in connection with the discussion of FIG. 12-17. The
anchor clamp 500
is dimensioned and adapted to support materials, supplies, or safety equipment
(e.g., perimeter
cable) including electrical lines, plumbing, sprinklers, ductwork, safety
cable, safety hooks or
netting etc. In one exemplary application, the anchor clamp 500 is utilized to
support electrical
cables or lines when one or more of the anchor clamps 500 are secured to
respective ones or more
of the construction apparatuses 100. The anchor clamp 500 includes a main body
502 having at
one end a pair of levers or grips 504 at one end and, at its other end, an
anchor coupler 506. The
grips 504 are interconnected by a bridge 508. The anchor coupler 506 is
segmented to define two
opposed coupler segments 506a which may move in a radial direction towards and
away from each
other upon corresponding relative movement of the grips 504. For example,
movement of the
grips 504 in a radial inward direction (designated by directional arrows GRi)
causes corresponding
radial outward movement (designated by directional arrows CRo) of the coupler
sections 506a in
a similar manner to a clothes pin. In one exemplary embodiment, the grips 504
and coupler
segments 506a pivot or articulate about the bridge 508 generally, e.g., at the
junctures of the bridge
508 and the respective grips 504.
[0086] The anchor coupler 506 may include internal structure 510 such as ribs,
threads,
protrusions, bumps, knurling etc. to assist in engaging the external thread
114 of the elongate
anchor rod 112 thereby securing the anchor coupler 506 to the anchor rod 112.
In one exemplary
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embodiment, the internal structure 510 is in the form of alternating ribs and
recesses as shown in
FIG. 21. In another exemplary embodiment, the internal structure may include
threading.
[0087] The anchor clamp 500 may be made of any suitable material. In one
exemplary
embodiment, the anchor clamp 500 is formed of two half sections secured to
each other via
conventional means including screws, adhesives, snap fit, etc. In the
alternative, the anchor clamp
500 may be monolithically formed of a polymeric material. In its initial or at
rest condition, the
anchor clamp 500 assumes the condition depicted in FIGS. 19-21. In the initial
condition, the
anchor coupler 506 of the anchor clamp defines an internal dimension at least
equal to or less than
the diameter of the external thread 114 of the anchor apparatus 100 to
establish a secured relation
with the external thread 114 of the anchor apparatus 100. The secured relation
is enhanced via
engagement of the internal structure 510 (e.g., the ribs, recesses and/or
threading) with the external
thread 114 of the anchor apparatus 100. Upon movement of the grips 504 toward
each other
(directional arrows GRi), the coupler segments 506a are displaced (directional
arrows CRo) to
increase the internal dimension of the anchor coupler 506 for placement about
the external thread
114 of the anchor rod 112. Release of the grips 504 causes the anchor clamp to
move towards its
initial condition with the internal structure 510 of the anchor coupler 506
locking onto the external
thread 114 of the anchor 102.
[0088] In addition, the main body 502 of the anchor clamp 500 defines a
passage 512 extending
between the bridge 508 and the anchor coupler 506. The passage 512 may receive
electrical cables
or lines therethrough thereby securing the cables along the ceiling, wall or
column to which the
anchor apparatuses 100 are secured as discussed hereinabove.
[0089] FIG. 22 illustrates the anchor clamp 500 secured to the external
threading 114 of the
anchor rod 102 of one anchor apparatus. Also shown schematically is an
electrical cable/lines 600
extending through the passage of the anchor clamp 500. In use, the anchor
clamp 500 initially
may be secured to the external threading 114 of the anchor rod 102 and the
cable 600 passed
through the passage 512. In the alternative, the cable 600 may be passed
through the passage 512
followed by mounting of the anchor clamp 500 to the anchor rod 102. It is
envisioned that a
multitude of anchor clamps 500 may be secured to an anchoring system such as
that disclosed in
connection with the discussion of FIGS. 12-17 to run electrical cables along
columns, ceilings,
walls, etc. The anchor clamp 500 obviates the need for the coupling tool 200.
Specifically, as
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discussed hereinabove, the anchor clamp 500 may be secured directly to the
anchor rod 102 of
each anchor apparatus 100.
[0090] In an alternate embodiment, the anchor coupler 506 may include an
internal thread as the
internal structure, which is dimensioned to threadably engage, via relative
rotation of the anchor
clamp 500 about the external thread 114 of the anchor 102, to secure the
anchor clamp 500 to the
anchor 102.
[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, another embodiment of the locking plate
of the anchor
apparatus 100 is illustrated. The locking plate 700 is similar to the locking
plate of FIGS. 3A-3C,
but includes an internal threaded aperture 702. The internal threaded aperture
702 extends at least
partially through the locking plate. In embodiments, the internal threaded
aperture 702 extends
completely through the locking plate 700 The internal threaded aperture 702
directly cooperates
with the external thread 114 of the elongate anchor rod 112 to secure the
elongate anchor rod 112
to the locking plate 700. Thus, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment,
the keyed slots
122 present in the locking plate 104 of FIGS. 3A-3C are not required. In
addition, there is also no
need for the coupler 106 in that the anchor rod 112 is secured through the
threaded cooperation of
its external thread 114 with the threaded aperture 702 of the locking plate
700. In some
methodologies, the elongate anchor rod 112 will screw down through the
threaded aperture 702 to
abut the form board. In certain embodiments, the elongate anchor rod 112 will
be rotated such
that the external thread 114 at least partially penetrates the form board. The
locking plate 700
further includes four fastener openings 704 extending through the locking
plate 700 for reception
of respective fasteners such as screws or nails utilized to secure the locking
plate 700 relative to a
form board of a concrete or concrete form. The locking plate 700 may include
an RFID tag, either
active or passive, and identified schematically as reference numeral 708. The
RFID tag 708 will
assist in tracking information regarding the installed anchor apparatus 100
and other installation
parameters as discussed hereinbelow. In the alternative, or additionally a bar
code may be utilized.
The locking plate 700 may be removed subsequent to curing of the concrete by
rotating the locking
plate 700 off the external thread 114 of the anchor rod 112 to permit access
to the external thread
114 for subsequent mounting of a tool such as coupling tool 200 or anchor
clamp 500 in the manner
discussed hereinabove.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 27-29, another embodiment of a device 750 for
mounting to the
exposed external thread 114 of the elongate anchor rod 112 subsequent to
pouring and curing of
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the concrete column is illustrated. The device 750 will be used in lieu of, or
prior to, use of the
coupling tool 200 or the anchor clamp 500 discussed hereinabove. The device
750 includes a head
752 (for example, a hexagonal shaped head), a collar 754 and an internally
threaded cylinder 756.
The device is mounted to the external thread 114 of the elongate anchor rod
112 through threaded
engagement of the internal thread 758 of the threaded cylinder 756. The device
750 may be color
coded to identify the type of equipment (e.g.., electrical, plumbing,
ductwork, etc.), to be coupled
to the anchor apparatus as discussed hereinabove. The device 750 may also
protect the external
thread 114 of the anchor rod 112 prior to mounting another coupling tool or an
anchor clamp such
as, for example, the coupling tool 200 or the anchor clamp 500 discussed
hereinabove. The device
750 may be used to secure various coupling tools to the external thread 114 of
the anchor rod 112.
For example, with reference to FIG. 29A, the device 150 may be used to secure
a ring support 760
to the anchor apparatus 100. A lock washer 762 may be utilized to facilitate
securement of the
ring support 760 relative to the external thread 114 of the anchor apparatus
100. The ring support
760 may assume various configurations including, but not limited to, semi-
circular, oval ring, etc.
designs. It is envisioned that various cables, plumbing equipment, HVAC
components may be
passed through the openings of the ring support 760.
[0093] In other embodiments, the elongated anchor rod 112 may include an
internal thread as
opposed to an external thread. The internal thread may couple with external
threaded coupling
tool, anchors or devices much in the same manner as the prior embodiments.
Alternatively, other
connection mechanisms for the anchor rod 112 and a coupling tool are
envisioned including, but
not limited to, bayonet couplings, snap fit connections, friction tolerances
etc. and as appreciated
by one skilled in the art.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 30, there is illustrated framework of a
comprehensive system and
methodology for installation of equipment at a construction site in accordance
with one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, the system
and
methodology 800 will be discussed in conjunction with the installation of any
of the anchor
apparatuses 100 of the present disclosure described hereinabove. However, it
is to be appreciated
that the system and methodology 800 may have different applications, and can
be implemented in
the installation of any type of construction equipment. In general, the system
and methodology
include utilizing Building Information Modeling (BML) to develop a model, for
example, a 2-D
or 3-D model, of the building to be constructed or which is in a partial
construction phase, as a
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template to assist construction personnel in the proper positional
installation of the anchor
apparatuses 100. In particular, the model will be utilized to ensure the
accurate installation of a
plurality of anchor apparatuses 100 at predetermined locations within the
construction site as set
forth in accordance with the plan, design, existing build codes, OSHA
requirements, etc. In
general, the model will be available through a wireless connection and/or the
Internet to be
accessed by a portable computing device including, for example, a smartphone,
tablet, portable
computer, iPhone, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as a PCD) carried by
construction personnel,
mounted to an actuator or mounted to a telerobot, to assist in identifying the
proper location for
installation of all anchor apparatuses 100 for any of the equipment
installation applications
mentioned hereinabove. The software for generating the model with positional
indicators for the
anchor apparatuses may be available as a downloaded application on a
subscription basis. In
certain applications, the positional indicators of the respective anchor
apparatuses 100 to be
installed will be incorporated into the model as input subsequent to the
generation of the model as,
for example, an overlay, or initially incorporated as data used to generate
the original model. It is
further envisioned that the model may be continuously updated in response to
input from the field,
for example, based on data obtained by the PCD at the construction site.
[0095] The system and methodology 800 comprise a main server 802 and the
aforementioned
PCD 900. The main server 800 including a controller or processor 804 having
memory 806 with
software or logic programmed to perform the various functions associated with
the afore-described
detection and positional processes. The server 802 includes a visual or
graphical display 808, a
user input 810 such as a computer keyboard and/or mouse and a media interface
812 (e.g., wireless
or electrical/mechanical connection such as a USB port or a CD-ROM) to permit
import of
program instructions in accordance with embodiments of the present
application. These
components are well known in the art and require no further discussion.
[0096] The system further includes a Building Information Management (BIM)
data
management module 814 coupled to a BIM database 816. The BIM database 816
includes the
data utilized in the development of the models or maps, including 2-D or 3-D
modeling of the
building, to be constructed or developed, or which may be in a partial
construction phase. The
model to be generated by the BIM module 814 is typically detailed with respect
to the design,
development and construction documentation of building assemblies, systems,
equipment and
components including heating, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, concrete
construction columns, steel
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I-Beams, flooring, etc. Preferably, the constructed model or models are as
complete as possible to
include all building assemblies, systems, equipment and components. In
exemplary embodiments,
the model or models generated by the BIM module 814 include the locations of
all the anchoring
apparatuses 100 to be installed at the construction site for all equipment
applications. The data
pertaining to the positional indicators for anchor apparatus location may be
available as data within
the BIM database 816 when the model is first generated by the BIM module 814.
Alternatively,
or additionally, this data can be input via the user input and/or interface
810 and incorporated
subsequently into the model. As a further alternative, feedback received from
the PCD 900 may
be incorporated into the model to update the model as the installation of the
anchor apparatuses
progresses.
[0097] The server 802 furthers include a network interface I/F 818 which
enables
communication, wireless or wired, between the server 802 and the PCD 900 at
the construction
site. Thus, the network I/F 818 will direct the data to be received and
potentially displayed by the
PCD 900, and will receive data from the PCD 900. The data may be inclusive of
only certain
portions of the model(s) of interest to construction personnel, e.g., the
areas of the building
requiring installation of the anchor apparatuses, or include model(s) of the
entire building to be
constructed. The network I/F (which can include, for example, modems, routers
and Ethernet
cards) enables the system to couple to other data processing systems or
devices (such as remote
displays or other computing and storage devices) through intervening private
or public computer
networks (wired and/or wireless).
[0098] As used herein, the term "processor" refers to one or more individual
processing devices
including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a
microcontroller, an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate
array (FPGA) or other
type of processing circuitry, as well as portions or combinations of such
circuitry elements.
[0099] Additionally, the term "memory" refers to memory associated with a
processor, such as,
for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a removable
memory
device, a fixed memory device, and/or a flash memory. Media interface I/F 812
may be an example
of removable memory, while the other types of memory mentioned may be examples
of memory
806. Furthermore, the terms "memory" and "media" may be viewed as examples of
what are more
generally referred to as a "computer program product." A computer program
product is configured
to store computer program code (i.e., software, microcode, program
instructions, etc.). For
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example, computer program code when loaded from memory 806 and/or media
interface I/F 818
and executed by processor 804 causes the device to perform functions
associated with one or more
of the components and techniques of system 800. One skilled in the art would
be readily able to
implement such computer program code given the teachings provided herein.
Similarly, the
components and techniques described herein may be implemented via a computer
program product
that includes computer program code stored in a "computer readable storage
medium." Other
examples of computer program products embodying embodiments of the invention
may include,
for example, optical or magnetic disks. Further, computer program code may be
downloaded from
a network I/F 918 executed by the system.
[00100] Still further, the I/O interface formed by devices 1106 and 1108 may
be used for inputting
data to the processor 804 and for providing initial, intermediate and/or final
results associated with
the processor 804.
[00101] Referring now to FIG. 31, the PCD 900 will be discussed. The PCD 900
will include the
requisite hardware components to communicate or interact with the server 802.
The PCD includes
a network interface I/F 902 having wireless capabilities (e.g., 4G or 5G) to
enable wireless
communication with the network I/F 818 of the server 802 or any wireless
systems installed at the
construction site. Alternatively, the connection to the server 802 may be
through a wired network
utilizing Ethernet cables, multiple routers, switches etc. to transfer data.
The PCD 900 includes a
conventional processor 904 and a memory 906 which stores software instructions
that are
executable by the processor 904.
[00102] The PCD 900 further includes a display 908 such as a LED or LCD screen
to display the
model data and a user input 910 in the form of, for example, a mouse, keyboard
or touchscreen to
input data. The PCD 900 further includes a position indicator module 912
configured to determine
the location or position of the PCD 900 relative to the model generated by the
BIM model module
814 of the construction building/site. In one exemplary embodiment, the
position indicator module
PCD 912 requires installation of a proprietary application downloaded by a
user to the memory
906 of the PCD 900, for example, on a subscription basis. In certain
embodiments, access to the
application may be tiered, i.e., certain tiers may have higher functionality
than other tiers resulting
in a higher subscription price for the higher function tiers. Alternatively,
or additionally, an
existing web browser hosting the application may be available. The position
indicator module
912 can include any type of software capable of receiving input from various
sensors or
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components associated with the PCD 900 to determine the location of the PCD
900 relative to the
construction or building site model.
[00103] Any conventional outdoor and/or indoor positioning systems as
components of the
position indicator module 912 are contemplated, and can be incorporated into
the position indicator
module 912 to determine the precise location of the PCD 802.
[00104] The PCD 900 further includes a plurality of sensors or components
which may be utilized
individually, or in combination as positioning systems, to track the location
of the PCD 900 relative
to the generated building model and to provide data relevant to the anchor
installation process back
to the server. These sensors include, but are not limited to WIFI 914,
Bluetooth 916, a camera
918, a Global Position System (GPS) sensor 920, a gyroscope 922, a
magnetometer 924, an
accelerometer 926, a proximity sensor 928 and a radio frequency identifier
device or sensor (RFID)
930. These sensors are incorporated in most commercially available
smartphones, tablets, portable
computers.
[00105] In certain embodiments, to track the PCD 900 relative to the generated
model of the
building, the GPS sensor 920 is utilized in a conventional manner. The GPS
sensor 920 is effective
in open construction where a direct line of sight to the PCD 900 is available.
Cellular-based
triangulation methodologies with GPS are also envisioned. In other
embodiments, a WIFI
positioning methodology such as WPS or Wipes/WFPS may be utilized with the
WIFI 914,
individually, or in combination with the GPS capabilities, by tracking the
location of the PCD 900
relative to nearby known Wi-Fi hotspot(s), one or more of which may be
installed at the
commercial site. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology may be utilized where
signals from
reference beacons disposed at the commercial site are at the core of the
indoor location technology.
The PCD 900 detects the signal from the beacon with the Bluetooth 916 and can
calculate roughly
the distance to the beacon and hence estimate the location of the PCD 900.
This data is sent along
with the location signal to the reader. Active RFID location tracking systems
utilizing active or
passive RFID tags positioned as known refence points detectable by the RFID or
module 930 are
also envisioned.
[00106] In other exemplary embodiments, the magnetometer 924 of the PCD 900
may be utilized
individually or to augment the other methodologies where a "fingerprinting"
technology is used to
map the magnetic fields at the construction site and then the magnetometer 924
can use that map
to find the location of the PCD 900 relative to the generated map. In other
embodiments, an inertial
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navigation methodology may be utilized that incorporates the accelerometer 926
and the gyroscope
922 of the PCD 900 to continuously calculate the position, the orientation,
and the velocity
(direction and speed of movement) of the PCD 900 based on an initial reference
or known starting
point. A visual positioning methodology including the camera 918 of the PCD
900 can determine
the location of a PCD 900 by decoding location coordinates from visual
reference markers which
are encoded with the marker's location coordinates.
[00107] Exemplative location methodologies are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
9,539,164 to
Sanders and U.S. Patent No. 9,749,780 to Huang et al., the entire contents of
each disclosure being
incorporated by reference herein.
[00108] In other embodiments, an infrared (IR) sensor station may be mounted
to, for example, a
tripod and calibrated. Light is emitted from an IR LED reflects off, for
example, the PCD 900 or
a component to which the PCD is mounted and is captured by a detecting
photodiode to produce
a signal that is a function of the distance between the sensor and the
surface. This technology can
be used individually or in concert with the aforementioned GPS and position
sensors discussed
hereinabove to properly locate one or more subsequent anchor placement
positions based on a
previously stored reference anchor apparatus or some other known reference
point within the
construction site.
[00109] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the RFID sensor 930 of
the PCD 900 may be
utilized to scan RFID tags mounted to, or associated with, the components of
the anchor
apparatuses 100 such as tag or code 109 mounted to the cover 108 (FIGs. 5A-5C)
or RFID tag 708
of the locking plate 700. Scanning of the RFID tags with the RFID sensor
enables the system 900
to gather information and data concerning the anchor apparatuses that are
installed or need to be
installed. The data may include, but is not limited to, manufacturer of the
components of the anchor
apparatuses, lot numbers, manufacture date, installer, installation date and
any other metadata
which may be useful to track and forward installation and product details back
to the server 802
or the PCD 900. This information would be invaluable for record keeping
purposes, progression
of anchor installation, etc.
[00110] Referring now to FIG. 32 a basic flow chart 1000 illustrating a method
for installation of
the anchoring apparatuses in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure
is illustrated. In STEP 1002, a building model, for example, a 3-D model, of
the building is
developed by the BIM Module 814 utilizing conventional building model
techniques. In STEP
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1004, data is input into the building model to indicate the locations of the
sets of anchoring
apparatuses to be installed in the building. As mentioned above, each set of
anchoring apparatuses
may be assigned to a variety of construction equipment including, but not
limited to heating,
ventilating, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, safety fences, etc. In certain
embodiments, the position
indicators for the anchoring apparatuses may appear as an overlay on the map.
In other
embodiments, the anchor position indicators may be built into the map in STEP
1002. It is further
envisioned that STEP 1004 may be combined and data concerning anchor position
indicators
incorporated into the original model. Each set of anchoring apparatuses 100
may be located within
the model of the building site, e.g., the structural concrete columns and
supports, at any predefined
locations thereby providing a mechanism to eventually install the equipment in
an orderly manner
without any concerns of misalignment, interference, etc. of the equipment.
Moreover, the layout
of the equipment to be installed is readily visible via the generated model to
personnel at the server
802 end and at the PCD 900 end. In addition, if any adjustments are needed
with respect to the
location of any of the anchor apparatuses 100, this may be accomplished via
the input at the server
802 end or alternatively at the PCA 900 end.
[00111] In STEP 1006 the user accesses the PCD and opens the model on the PCD
900 (STEP
1008) and visualizes the locations of the anchor apparatuses 100 the operator
is responsible to
install. Following the model or map, the operator proceeds to the set of
anchoring apparatuses
guided by any of the positioning systems discussed hereinabove. (STEP 1010).
For example, with
reference to FIG. 33, which is similar to FIG. 12, the visual display 908 of
the PDA may present
a 3-D model at least inclusive of the vertical boards "v" and the horizontal
form board "h", and
the surrounding environment to the user. The visual display may be indexed,
for example, with
display cross-hairs "x" corresponding to the positional locations where anchor
apparatuses are to
be installed. In embodiments, it is envisioned that the PCD 900 may provide in
addition to visual
indicia of the location of the visual indicators, an audible indicator (e.g.,
a beep, a voice indicator),
vibrate, activate the light within the PCD 900 or any other means inclusive,
but not limited to
tactile or visual indicators when the PCD 900 is at the proper location at
which the anchor
apparatus needs to installed. The installer then installs the anchoring
apparatuses in the concrete
form board as discussed hereinabove at least in connection with FIGS. 6-16.
(STEP 1012).
[00112] In addition, operator scans with the RFID scanner 930 of the PCD the
RFID tags
associated with the various components of the anchoring apparatus. (STEP 1014)
The data
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obtained by the RFID tag or bar code may be stored in the PCD 900 and/or
transferred back to the
server 802 either through instruction by the operator or automatically. (STEP
1016). The data
obtained by the RFID scanner 930 provides at least two benefits: 1) provides
the metadata
associated with the installed anchor apparatus including manufacture,
installer, installation date,
lot number etc. for record keeping purposes: and 2) provides an indicator that
the anchor apparatus
at this location has been installed. In STEP 1018, the model is updated to
include the information
obtained by the RFID scanner 930. The operator then continues to install
additional anchor
apparatuses 100 following the original or the updated model to the next anchor
position displayed
on the model and installs an additional anchor apparatus 100 in the same
manner. The operator
proceeds to the subsequent position indicators for each of the anchoring
apparatuses of the set and
repeats at least STEPS 1010-1016 for each anchor apparatus 100.
[00113] The procedure set forth in the flow chart of FIG. 32 may be repeated
for each set of
anchoring apparatuses 100. For example, the first set may be installed to
support electrical cable.
The second set may be installed to support plumbing equipment, etc. The third
set for installing
HVAC equipment etc. It is envisioned that the model may incorporate different
colors as anchor
position indicators to correspond with respective equipment to be installed.
For example, red to
identify electric, blue for plumbing, orange HVAC, etc. Alternatively, or
additionally, the model
data forwarded from the server end may include only those anchor position
indicators associated
with installation of a particular equipment.
[00114] Thus, as each anchor apparatus or set of anchor apparatuses is
installed, this information
is conveyed from the PCD 900 to the server 802. The BIM model is updated (STEP
1018) to
reflect the installation of the selected anchor apparatuses 100. It is
envisioned that the updated
model may incorporate indicia distinguishing anchor locations where an anchor
apparatus has been
installed anchor apparatus 100 and those positions devoid of an installed
anchor apparatus 100.
For example, an installed anchor apparatus 100 may be indicated as a green
circle or dot around
the anchor location position on the model and those anchor location positions
without an installed
anchor apparatus 100 would be labeled with a red circle or dot on the model,
or alternatively an
installed anchor apparatus 100 would be indicated as a solid circle while an
uninstalled anchor
apparatus 1000 would be an open circle. Other visual indicators are also
envisioned. Thus, the
operator can view the status of the anchor installation process and identify
those anchors positions
needing installation of an anchor apparatus 100.
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[00115] It is to be appreciated that the flow chart of FIG. 32 includes STEPS
that may be
combined, may be performed in a different order than as outlined in the chart,
and/or some of the
STEPS may be omitted.
[00116] As a further aspect of the present disclosure, an actuator 1100 is
provided to automatically
install the fasteners of the lock plate into the form work. FIG. 34
schematically illustrates one
exemplary actuator 1100 in accordance with the present disclosure. This
actuator 1100 may
include any power drive mechanism 1102 coupled to a plunger 1104 adapted for
reciprocal
movement in the direction of directional arrows z 1 , z2. The drive mechanism
1100 may include,
hydraulic, electric pneumatic, magnetic, mechanical, spring-based mechanisms.
In certain
embodiments, the PCD may be directly mounted to the actuator 1100. The
actuator 1100 may
have a self-feeding mechanism 1106 where locking plates 104, 700 with mounted
fasteners are
loaded into a chamber of the actuator 1100 and sequentially positioned on the
form work at the
desired anchor location position. The actuator 1100 may be initiated whereby
the plunger 1104
coupled to the drive 1002 of the actuator 1100 advances in the direction "Z1"
to deposit the locking
plate 104, 700 at the anchor location and drives the fasteners through the
fastener receiving
apertures and into the form work. One apparatus which may be adapted to self-
feed the locking
plate and nails or fasteners is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,302,310 to
Lamb, the entire contents
of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[00117] The actuator 1100 may include a processor 1108 coupled with memory
1110 and a battery
1112 for operating the actuator. In addition to controlling movement of the
plunger 1104, the
processor 1108 may monitor storage life of the battery 1012, number of anchor
installations and
control operation of an indicator such as a visual indicator apprising the
operator of the state of the
battery. The actuator 1000 includes an interface 1114 to transfer collected
data to the server 802
or to the portable computer device 900. In certain embodiments, the actuator
1100 includes a laser
depth or distance finder system 1118 adapted to assist the operator in
properly locating the actuator
apparatus 1100 relative to the anchor installation position. The laser
distance system 1118 can
properly identify the location between an installed anchor which is used as a
reference and an
anchor apparatus 100 to be installed knowing the desired distance between
anchor apparatuses.
Thus, the laser distance system 1016 may complement the aforementioned
positioning systems in
ensuring the anchor apparatus 100 is installed at the proper anchor location.
In certain
embodiments, the laser distance finder 1016 may be the only methodology used
to determine the
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location of the next anchor location position by utilizing one or more prior
installed anchors as a
reference(s) and working off the reference anchor for subsequent placement of
additional anchor
apparatuses. The laser distance finder 1118 may include an alarm, for example,
an audio or visual
alarm when the actuator is at the appropriate installation location. An
audible alarm may become
progressively louder, for example, a beeping sound, when the actuator
approaches the proper
anchor insertion position, and then may provide a steady sound when the
actuator is positioned
precisely at the anchor insertion location. The actuator 1100 may further
include a light source
(LS) 1120 such as an incandescent or arc lamp, lamps based on discharge of
gas, and light-emitting
diodes. The light source 1120 may be utilized when the actuator 1100 is being
used in dark
conditions, at night, or when a loss of power occurs at the construction site,
etc. It is envisioned
that the light source could assist the operator in locating and illuminating
the areas for anchor
installation. In one embodiment, the light source is an LED. A power source
(PS) 1122 either
external to the actuator or an internal battery (e.g., rechargeable) is also
provided to power the
components of the actuator 1000.
[00118] In further embodiments, the actuator 1100 may be mobile, for example,
a robot, a
telerobot, a partially manned-robot, totable unmanned robot, etc. The movement
module
(schematically identified as mobile 1124 in FIG. 34) provides self-navigation
capabilities to the
actuator as controlled by the server 802 or the PCD 900 or a combination of
both, memory loaded
within the actuator 1100. The movement module 1124 would be controlled via
signals sent by the
server 802 or PCD 900. One skilled in the art could readily envision
methodologies to control
movement of the actuator based on the generated positional signals discussed
hereinabove.
[00119] FIG. 35 illustrates a distributed communications/computing network
(processing
platform) in accordance with which one or more embodiments of the invention
can be
implemented. By way of illustration, FIG. 34 depicts a communication system
1200 that includes
a plurality of computing devices 1204-1 through 1204-P (herein collectively
referred to as
computing devices 1204) configured to communicate with one another over a
network 1202.
[00120] The network 1202 may include, for example, a global computer network
such as the
Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a satellite
network, a telephone
or cable network, or various portions or combinations of these and other types
of networks
(including wired and/or wireless networks).
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[00121] As described herein, the computing devices 1204 may represent a large
variety of devices.
For example, the computing devices 1204 can include the PDA 900 described
hereinabove, a
portable device such as a mobile telephone, a smart phone, tablet, computer, a
client device, etc.
The computing devices 1204 may alternatively include a desktop or laptop
personal computer
(PC), a server, a microcomputer, a workstation, a kiosk, a mainframe computer,
or any other
information processing device which can implement any or all of the techniques
detailed in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In other exemplary
embodiments, the
server 802 and the PDA 900 may be incorporated as a single unit, and located
at the construction
site.
[00122] One or more of the computing devices 1204 may also be considered a
"user." The term
"user," as used in this context, should be understood to encompass, by way of
example and without
limitation, a user device, a person utilizing or otherwise associated with the
device, or a
combination of both. An operation described herein as being performed by a
user may therefore,
for example, be performed by a user device, a person utilizing or otherwise
associated with the
device, or by a combination of both the person and the device, the context of
which is apparent
from the description.
[00123] Additionally, as noted herein, one or more modules, elements or
components described
in connection with embodiments of the invention can be located geographically-
remote from one
or more other modules, elements or components. That is, for example, the
modules, elements or
components shown and described in the context of FIGs. 30 through and 34 can
be distributed in
an Internet-based environment, a mobile telephony-based environment, a kiosk-
based
environment and/or a local area network environment. The system and
methodology are not
limited to any particular one of these implementation environments.
[00124] By way of example, in an Internet-based and/or telephony-based
environment, the system
is configured to enable a user to identify the proper installation for anchor
installation at the PCD
end (one of the computing devices 1204 in FIG. 35), and the image is
transmitted to a remote
server (another one of the computing devices 1204 in FIG. 35) for processing
and analysis such as
detailed herein. At least a portion of the processing and analysis may be
performed at the user
end.
[00125] Additionally, for example, in a kiosk-based environment, a device (one
of the computing
devices 1204 in FIG. 35) such as PCD 900 captures an image or enables a user
to select an image,
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and the image is transmitted through either a wired or wireless connection to
a server (another one
of the computing devices 1204 in FIG. 35) for processing and analysis as
described herein. Again,
at least a portion of the processing and analysis may be performed at the user
end.
[00126] In a LAN-based environment, all image capture, processing and analysis
can be
performed by one or more computing devices (1204 in FIG. 35) that are locally
coupled to the
LAN.
[00127] In one or more embodiments, the computing system environment shown in
FIG. 35
employs a cloud computing platform, where "cloud" refers to a collective
computing infrastructure
that implements a cloud computing paradigm. For example, as per the National
Institute of
Standards and Technology Publication No. 800-145, cloud computing is a model
for enabling
ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of
configurable computing
resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that
can be rapidly
provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider
interaction. Cloud-
based computing platforms (also sometimes referred to as data centers) are
deployed and managed
by cloud service providers, who provide a computing environment for customers
(tenants) to run
their application programs (e.g. business applications or otherwise). The
applications are typically
run on one or more computing devices (i.e., host devices or hosts), and write
data to and read data
from one or more storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives, flash drives, etc.).
The storage devices
may be remote from the host devices such that they are connected via a
communication network.
However, some or all of the storage devices may be part of the same computing
devices that
implement the hosts.
[00128] In one or more embodiments, the computing system environment shown in
FIG. 35
employs blockchain/distributed ledger technology. The terms "blockchain,"
"ledger" and
"distributed ledger" may be used interchangeably. As is known, the blockchain
or distributed
ledger protocol is implemented via a distributed, decentralized computer
network of compute
nodes. A given one of the blockchain compute nodes (ledger nodes) resides on a
client or the
client otherwise has access to a blockchain compute node. The compute nodes
are operatively
coupled in a peer-to-peer communications protocol. In the computer network,
each compute node
is configured to maintain a blockchain which is a cryptographically secured
record or ledger of
data blocks that represent respective transactions within a given
computational environment. The
blockchain is secured through use of a cryptographic hash function. Each
blockchain is thus a
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growing list of data records hardened against tampering and revision, and
typically includes a
timestamp, current transaction data, and information linking it to a previous
block. More
particularly, each subsequent block in the blockchain is a data block that
includes a given
transaction(s) and a hash value of the previous block in the chain, i.e., the
previous transaction.
That is, each block is typically a group of transactions. Thus,
advantageously, each data block in
the blockchain represents a given set of transaction data plus a set of all
previous transaction data.
In the case of a "bitcoin" type implementation of a blockchain distributed
ledger, the blockchain
contains a record of all previous transactions that have occurred in the
bitcoin network. The bitcoin
system was first described in S. Nakamoto, "Bitcoin: A Peer to Peer Electronic
Cash System,"
2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[00129] In another alternate embodiment, the locking plate may be magnetically
secured at
desired locations via use of a metallic locking plate and high strength
magnets which may be
positioned beneath the plywood form of the concrete form to be cured. This
would remove the
need to drive fasteners through the locking plate in that the locking plate
will be held in the desired
position by the respective magnet. The high strength magnets and/or the
locking plates may be
positioned relative to the concrete form by any of the positioning mechanisms
discussed
hereinabove.
[00130] In addition, the use of the high strength magnets enables use of the
system in construction
methodologies utilizing steel beams in lieu of or in addition to the concrete
columns, structures
etc. More specifically, either the metallic locking plates or the magnets may
be positioned relative
to a steel or magnetic beam via any of the aforedescribed positioning systems.
Once at their proper
locations, either the magnets or the locking plates may be arranged adjacent
their designated
components. The magnetic forces between the components will maintain the
components at the
desired calculated locations without the use of fasteners. Thereafter, a drill
is passed through the
anchor plate to create an opening in the beam. The cover is slid down the
anchor rod and the
anchor rod is screwed into the cover in a similar manner as previously
described.
[00131] Referring now to FIGS. 36A-C, there is illustrated another exemplary
embodiment of an
anchor apparatus of the present disclosure. The anchor apparatus 2000 includes
an anchor rod
2002 (FIGS. 37A-C), a lock plate 2004 (FIGS. 38A-D) and an escutcheon 2006
(FIGS. 39A-D).
The anchor rod 2002 defines an L-shape similar to the anchor rod in the
earlier embodiments. In
accordance with this embodiment, the anchor leg 2008 includes an internal
thread 2010 extending
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for a portion of its length. The internal thread 2010 may be constant in
internal diameter or may
vary as shown in FIGS. 37A-C. In one embodiment, the distal end of the
internal thread 2010D
defines an internal dimension greater than the proximal end 2010P of the
internal thread 2010. For
example, the distal internal thread 2010D may have a3/4inch internal dimension
while the proximal
internal thread 2010P may have a 1/2 inch internal dimension. Other
arrangements are also
envisioned. The anchor leg 2008 further includes an outer thread 2012 at its
extreme distal end.
[00132] Referring to FIGS. 36A-C and 38A-D, the lock plate 2004 includes a
round plate segment
2014 although other shapes are envisioned, and one or more fastener openings
2016 to receive
fasteners for securement to the form board. The lock plate 2004 further
includes an external thread
2018 depending proximally away from the plate segment 2014. The external
thread 2018
cooperates with the distal internal thread 2010D of the anchor rod to secure
the components to
each other via a threaded coupling. Other methodologies are also envisioned
including a bayonet
coupling or the like.
[00133] Referring now to FIGS. 36A-C and 39A-D, the escutcheon 2006 functions
in a similar
manner to the cover 108 of FIGS. 1. The escutcheon 2006 defines an internal
thread 2020 which
cooperates with the outer thread 2012 of the anchor rod 2002. The escutcheon
2006 prevents
concrete from entering the internal area of the escutcheon 2006 and also
preserves its inner cavity
2022 for access of the anchor rod 2002.
[00134] The anchor apparatus is used in a similar manner to a prior
embodiment. For example,
the lock plate 2004 is secured to the form board with the use of fasteners.
The escutcheon 2006 is
secured to the anchor rod 2002 via cooperate engagement of internal thread
2020 of the escutcheon
2006 and the outer thread 2012 of the anchor rod 2002. Thereafter, the anchor
rod 2002 is secured
to the lock plate 2004 through the threaded engagement of the external thread
2018 of the lock
plate and the inner distal thread 2010D of the anchor rod 2002. (See FIGS. 36A-
C). The whole
assembly is secured relative to the form board. Concrete is formed and the
escutcheon 2006
defines a cavity in the concreter to provide access to the anchor rod 2002.
Externally threaded
coupling devices, tool, mounts, safety devices, mounts for mechanical,
electrical lines etc. may be
secured to the anchor rod 2002. In embodiments, the tools include external
threads dimensioned
to cooperate with the proximal internal thread 2010P of the anchor rod 2002.
Alternatively, the
coupling tool may threadably engage the distal internal thread 2010D of the
anchor rod 2002.
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[00135] Referring now to FIGS. 40A-43D, there is illustrated another exemplary
embodiment of
the present disclosure. Anchor apparatus 4000 includes anchor rod 4002, first
and second end
pieces 4004 and anchor tool 4006. This system may be used in preparation of
curved concrete
forms, e.g., in a SonotubeTM form although the apparatus has application in
straight support
structures as well.
[00136] With reference to FIGS. 40A-41C, the anchor rod 4002 is generally
arcuate or sinusoidal
in configuration to resist migration within the cured concrete. The anchor rod
4002 includes
opposed external threads 4008 at opposite ends of the anchor rod 4002.
[00137] With reference to FIGS. 40A-C and 42A-D, the end pieces 4004 include a
collar 4010
and a nose 4012. The nose 4012 defines a cylindrical segment 4014 and a
generally tapered or
conical section 4016. The internal passage of at least the nose is threaded
4015 illustrated
schematically in one view of FIGS. 42A-D to threadably cooperate with the
external threads 4008
of the anchor rod 4002 to couple the two components. The internal cavity 4018
of the end piece
4004 defines a circular surface 4020 which is interrupted by generally
polygonal segments 4022.
[00138] With reference to FIGS. 40A-C and 43A-D, the anchor tool 4006 secures
the end pieces
4004 onto the external threads 4008 of the anchor rod. The anchor tool
includes an internal
structure 4024 corresponding in dimension and configuration to the internal
cavity of the end
pieces 4004. For example, the internal structure 4024 includes an inner
peripheral circle 4026
interrupted by polygonal projections 4028 which precisely fit within the
respective circular surface
4020 and polygonal segments 4022 of the end pieces 4004. Thus, when engaged
the anchor tool
can be rotated to cause corresponding rotation of the end pieces 4004. Other
dimensional and
structural arrangements are envisioned as well. The anchor tool 4006 also
includes a handle 4028
and an inner socket 4030 remote from the internal structure (i.e., on the
other side of the tool) to
receive a socket wrench.
[00139] As indicated hereinabove, the anchor apparatus 4000 may be utilized
with a circular
or column concrete form such as the commercially available Sonotube Tm form
used to make
concrete circular columns. In use, opposing holes are drilled in the circular
concrete form and
one nose of an end piece, e.g., is secured onto the external thread 4008 of
the anchor rod 4002.
The free end of the anchor rod 4002 is passed through a first hole in the
circular concrete form
and advanced toward the second hole. Once adjacent the second hole the second
end piece is
introduced into the opposing hole in the circular concrete form and threaded
onto the other
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threaded end 4008 of the anchor rod 4002. Both end pieces 4004 are secured
against the
circular concrete form busing the anchor tool 4006 in the aforedescribed
manner, i.e., by
engaging the internal structure 4024 including the inner peripheral circle
4026 and the
polygonal projections 4028 with the internal cavity 4018 of the end piece 4004
including the
circular surface 4020 and the polygonal segments 4022. The end pieces 4006 are
secured
relative to the circular concrete form whereby the conical nose is within the
interior of the
concrete form and the cylindrical section spans the thickness of the concrete
form. The collar
4010 is external of the concrete form. Thereafter the concrete is poured into
the formed and
permitted to cure. Once cured, the end pieces 4006 may be removed with the
anchor tool via
engagement of the anchor tool with the end pieces and screwed off the external
thread of the
anchor rod 4002. In certain exemplary embodiments, a wrench may also be
utilized and
introduced within the socket recess 4030 to facilitate removal of the end
pieces. Once the end
pieces 4006 are removed, the external threads 4008 of the anchor rod 4002 are
exposed to be
coupled with, or to support, construction supplies or equipment such as
ductwork, electrical
cables, plumbing, sprinklers, safety lines or fences, etc. within a
construction site. etc. It is noted
that the conical noses 4012 each provides a cavity similar to that described
above in connection
with the prior embodiments to permit access to the external threads. The
external threads 4010
will be disposed within the cavity formed by the conical of the nose of the
end pieces confined
within the outer boundary of the concrete column.
[00140] FIG. 44 is a flow chart 5000 depicting the use of the anchor apparatus
4000. In STEP
5002, opposing holes are drilled into a concrete form, of, for example wood or
plastic, and being
circular, square etc. or any configuration. In STEP 5004, an end piece is
attached to one threaded
end of the anchor rod. In STEP 506, the free end of the anchor rod is advanced
within a first hole
and advanced toward the opposing hole whereby the nose of the mount end piece
enters the first
hole and is disposed within the interior of the cement form. In STEP 508, the
nose of the other end
piece is advanced within the opposing hole in the concrete form and coupled to
the thread of the
free end of the anchor rod. In STEP 510, each end piece is tightened against
the cement form. In
STEP 512, cement is poured into the form and let to cure. In STEP 514 the end
pieces are removed
with the anchor tool to expose the threads. It is to be appreciated that some
of these STEPS may
be combined or performed out of sequence as presented herein. In addition, it
is also possible that
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the end pieces may be secured to the anchor rod while the anchor rod is
positioned within the
cement form. Other variations are also envisioned.
[00141] In illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a
method comprising
generating a building model of a building to be constructed at a construction
site, identifying within
the building model positional locations for installation of one or more anchor
apparatuses within
structural elements of the building model, transmitting the building model to
a portable computing
device at the construction site and identifying the location of the portable
computing device to a
given positional location. At least the generating, identifying, transmitting
and identifying steps
are implemented via at least one processing device comprising a processor and
a memory. The
method may include installing one anchor apparatus at the given positional
location. The method
may further include identifying the location of a second given positional
location and further
including installing one anchor apparatus at the given positional location.
The structural elements
may include at least one of beams, columns, girders, floors and ceilings. The
structural elements
may include concrete or cement, e.g., initially poured concrete. Generating a
model may include
utilizing a building information modeling module of a server. The method may
further include
utilizing a portable computing device at the construction site to assist an
operator to identify the
corresponding positional locations of the building. Identifying within the
building model positional
locations may include utilizing a positional indicator module within the
portable computing device
to indicate a location of the portable computing device relative to a given
positional location on
the model. Utilizing the positional indicator may include utilizing at least
one component or sensor
of the portable computing device to assist in identifying the location of the
portable computing
device relative to the given positional location. Utilizing at least one
component or sensor of the
portable computing device may include receiving feedback from one or more of
WIFI, Bluetooth,
a camera, a GPS sensor, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, an accelerometer, a
proximity sensor or an
RFID sensor of the personal computing device. The method may further include
scanning visual
indicia data on the one or more anchoring apparatuses to ascertain information
pertaining to an
attribute of manufacture of the one or more anchoring apparatuses or an
attribute of installation of
the one or more anchoring apparatuses. The method may further include
transmitting the visual
indicia data to one of the portable computing device or a server associated
with the portable
computing device. The attribute of manufacture may include at least one of
manufacture,
distributer, lot or model of the one or more anchoring apparatuses. The
attribute of installation
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may include at least one of installer, installation date or supervisor.
Scanning visual indicia data
may include utilizing the RFID sensor of the personal computing device to can
RFID tags on
components of the one or more anchor apparatuses.
[00142] In other illustrative embodiments, a computer program product
including a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer program code that, when
executed on
a processor of a computer, causes the computer to implement the steps of the
present disclosure.
[00143] In other illustrative embodiments, a system comprises one or more
processors operatively
coupled to one or more memories configured to: generate a building model of a
building to be
constructed at a construction site; identify within the building model
positional locations for
installation of one or more anchor apparatuses within structural elements of
the building model;
transmit the building model to a portable computing device at the construction
site; and identify
the location of the portable computing device to a given positional location.
10014411n other illustrative embodiments, an anchoring system for installation
in a concrete
support, comprises at least one anchoring apparatus, including a locking plate
configured for
securement relative to a form board used to form a concrete support, an
elongate anchor including
a connector segment at one end for connecting with a construction tool, a
coupler mounted to the
elongate anchor, the coupler manipulable to be coupled to the locking plate to
at least partially
secure the elongate anchor to the locking plate and a cover mounted about the
elongate anchor and
movable for positioning over the coupler and the locking plate. The coupler
may define a central
opening configured to at least partially receive the connector segment of the
elongate anchor, and
wherein the coupler and the connecting segment include cooperating structure
to releasably secure
the coupler and the elongate anchor. The coupler may define an internal thread
at least partially
circumscribing the opening and wherein the connector segment of the anchor
includes an external
thread configured to threadably engage with the internal thread of the couple
to releasably secure
the coupler and the elongate anchor. The locking plate and the coupler may
include cooperating
structure configured to secure the coupler to the locking plate. The locking
plate may define a plate
aperture and at least one keyed slot adjacent the plate aperture and the
coupler may include a
central segment defining the coupler opening and at least one wing depending
from the central
segment, whereby the central segment and the at least one wing respectively
receivable within the
plate aperture and the at least one keyed slot of the locking plate when in a
first rotational
orientation of the coupler and the locking plate, and whereby relative
rotational movement of the
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coupler and the locking plate to a second rotational orientation thereof at
least partially secures
the coupler to the locking plate. The locking plate may define two opposed
keyed slots and
wherein the coupler includes two opposed wings correspondingly dimensioned to
be received
within the two opposed keyed slots when in the first rotational orientation of
the coupler and the
locking plate. The cover may define a cover passage for reception of the
elongate anchor. The
cover may further define an inner thread circumscribing the cover passage, the
inner thread
configured to cooperate with the external thread of the elongate anchor to
advance the cover
relative to the elongate anchor. The locking plate may include at least on
fastener opening
configured to receive a fastener for securing the locking plate to the form
board. The
anchoring system may include a plurality of anchor apparatuses.
[00145] In other illustrative embodiments, a method of construction, comprises
anchoring at least
one anchor apparatus to a form utilized to create a concrete support
structure, including: securing
a locking plate of the at least one anchor apparatus to a board of the form;
coupling an elongate
anchor of the at least one anchor apparatus to the locking plate, the elongate
anchor including an
external thread; advancing a cover of the at least one anchor apparatus along
the elongate anchor
for positioning against the board; depositing concrete within the form to
create the concrete support
structure whereby the cover isolates at least a portion of the external thread
of the elongate anchor
from the concrete and removing the board to at least partially expose the
cover and the at least the
portion of the external thread of the elongate anchor. Depositing concrete may
include establishing
an isolated internal cavity within the cover with the at least the portion of
the external thread of
the anchor extending within the internal cavity. Coupling the elongate anchor
may include
mounting a coupler of the at least one anchor apparatus about the external
thread of the elongate
anchor and connecting the coupler to the locking plate. The coupler may
include an internal thread
and wherein mounting the coupler includes threadably engaging the coupler with
the external
thread of the anchor. The locking plate may define a plate aperture and at
least one keyed slot
adjacent the plate aperture and the coupler may include a central segment
defining the coupler
opening and at least one wing depending from the central segment and further
including
positioning the central segment and the at least one wing respectively within
the plate aperture and
the at least one keyed slot of the locking plate and rotating the coupler to
secure the coupler and
the anchor relative to the locking plate. The cover may define a cover passage
with an internal
thread and wherein advancing the cover includes threadably coupling the
internal thread of the
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cover with the external thread of the elongate anchor. The method may further
include attaching
a tool relative to the at least a portion of the external thread of the anchor
subsequent to removing
the board. The tool may include a threaded segment and wherein attaching the
tool includes
threadably coupling the tool with the portion of the external thread of the
anchor. The method
may further include supporting construction equipment with the tool. The
method may also
include anchoring a plurality of anchor apparatuses to the form. The tool may
be an anchor clamp.
[00146] In other illustrative embodiments, an anchoring system for
installation in a concrete
support, which comprises at least one anchoring apparatus, including a locking
plate configured
for securement relative to a form board used to form a concrete support, an
elongate anchor
including a connector segment at one end for connecting with a construction
tool, a coupler
mounted to the elongate anchor and being manipulable to be coupled to the
locking plate to at least
partially secure the elongate anchor to the locking plate, a cover mounted
about the elongate anchor
and movable for positioning over the coupler and the locking plate and an
anchor clamp
engageable with the connector segment of the elongate anchor.
[00147] It is to be appreciated that combinations of the different
implementation environments
are contemplated as being within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
One of ordinary skill
in the art will realize alternative implementations given the illustrative
teachings provided herein.
[00148] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only
and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the
singular forms "a," "an"
and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates
otherwise. Additionally, the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," as used
herein, specify the
presence of stated values, features, steps, operations, modules, elements,
and/or components, but
do not preclude the presence or addition of another value, feature, step,
operation, module, element,
component, and/or group thereof
[00149] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the invention have been
presented for
purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to
the embodiments
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.
[00150] The term construction site is not limited to commercial and
residential buildings but
includes all sites subject to buildings, repair, maintenance, etc. Such sites
include but are not
limited to commercial and residential buildings, tunnels, bridges, stadiums,
schools, exterior
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facade systems, all precast concrete products and rigging points. The anchor
apparatus may be
installed horizontally, vertically and/or any other orientation encountered
during construction
at a construction site, and all wet cast applications.
[00151] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above description,
disclosure, and figures
should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of
particular embodiments. It
is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those
precise embodiments, and
that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one
skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example,
although threaded
couplings are illustrated for connecting or coupling some of the components,
it is envisioned that
any corresponding structure may be substituted such as bayonet couplings, snap
fits, tongue-
groove arrangements etc.
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