Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for aligning channel sections with an adjustable alignment key

US6860678B2 · kind B2 · utility

24Cited by
18References
57Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 13, 2003
Grant dateMar 1, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 22, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE03F3/046
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A channel system for forming a trench is disclosed that includes a number of precast drainage channel sections and one or more alignment keys for aligning and interlocking adjacent channel sections. Each alignment key includes a base shaped for laterally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent bottom walls of the adjacent channel sections. The alignment key also includes first and second opposed, inwardly facing jaw members shaped for longitudinally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent first and second sidewalls, respectively, of the adjacent channel sections. Each pair of the jaw members can be carried by a respective base, and can be positioned in a lateral and longitudinal direction relative to the respective base to thereby substantially align and interlock the adjacent channel sections.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.