United States Patent [19J
`Moore
`
`I 1111111111111111 11111 111111111111111 1111111111 11111 11111 111111111111111111
`US006102118A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`6,102,118
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`[54] MULTI-PURPOSE ADJUSTABLE
`CENTRALIZER SYSTEM WITH TOOL
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Curt A. Moore, 9269 Mission Gorge
`Rd., Suite 165, Santee, Calif. 92071
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 09/223,362
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Dec. 30, 1998
`
`[51]
`[52]
`
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Int. Cl.7 ...................................................... E21B 17/10
`U.S. Cl. ..................................... 166/241.7; 405/259.1;
`405/262
`Field of Search ........................ 166/241.7, 381-385;
`405/154, 262; 175/202
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,402,786
`3,055,432
`3,177,946
`3,566,965
`4,042,022
`4,077,470
`4,143,713
`4,247,225
`4,269,269
`4,520,869
`4,651,823
`4,741,143
`4,866,903
`4,892,144
`
`1/1922 Muehl ................................. 175/202 X
`9/1962 Park ..................................... 166/241.7
`4/1965 Hall ...................................... 166/241.7
`3/1971 Solum .................................. 166/241.7
`8/1977 Wills et al. .
`3/1978 Dane .
`3/1979 Kreft .
`1/1981 Chickini et al. .
`5/1981 Wilson .
`6/1985 Svenson .
`3/1987 Spikes .
`5 /1988 Foster, Jr ..
`9/1989 Ferstay .
`1/1990 Coone .
`
`4,909,322
`4,955,755
`5,197,542
`
`3/1990 Patterson et al. .
`9/1990 Frey .................................... 405/154 X
`3/1993 Coone .
`
`Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard D. Clarke; George T.
`Parsons
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A novel centralizer system adaptable to virtually all known
`rock and soil anchoring applications. Most preferably made
`from a petroleum based material, the primary components to
`the centralizer include a plurality of straps and two collars at
`opposite ends of the straps. The straps are easily and
`manually inserted into slots in each of the collars. Each
`collar may be molded to provide slots for three or more
`straps. The collars are molded with grout passages between
`slots thereby allowing more than the required amount of
`grout to be fed through the centralizer. On a least one strap
`are molded two lock hold pins distally located along an outer
`edge of the strap yet before the point where the strap is
`inserted into each collar. A separate yet component tool is
`manually and virtually simultaneously placed over both lock
`pins. The tool is a narrow band of material punched with a
`plurality of holes and placed over both lock hold pins. The
`flexibility and compressibility of the straps allows for adapt(cid:173)
`ability of the centralizer to various diameter bore holes. In
`addition, the flexibility of the straps permits easy manual
`assembly on-site without the use of conventional tools.
`
`20 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
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`6,102,118
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`-·-·-·- ·-...
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`I
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`3
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`PRIOR ART
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`3
`
`Fig. 1
`PRIOR ART
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`7
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`Fig. 2
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`Fig. 3
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`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 2
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
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`6,102,118
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`12
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`Fig. 4
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`r10
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`22
`
`Fig. 5
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`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 3
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
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`6,102,118
`
`14
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`Fig. 7
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`r10
`
`Fig. 6
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`~10
`
`Fig. 8
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`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 4
`
`

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`ll.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
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`26
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`6,102,11s
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`12
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`e:----10
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`Fig. 9
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`44
`
`Fig. 10
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`42
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 5
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
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`6,102,118
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`16
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`16
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`Fig. 11
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`Fig. 12
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 6
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
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`6,102,118
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`12
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`32
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`26
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`16
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 8
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`6,102,118
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`62
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`64
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`36
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`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 8
`
`

`

`V.s. Patent
`
`68
`
`Aug. 15, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 of 8
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`6,102,11s
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`66
`
`46a
`Fig. 19
`
`Fig. 20
`
`Fig. 21
`
`Fig. 22
`
`14c
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 9
`
`

`

`6,102,118
`
`1
`MULTI-PURPOSE ADJUSTABLE
`CENTRALIZER SYSTEM WITH TOOL
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates generally to centralizer
`devices used in rock and soil anchoring applications. More
`particularly, the present invention relates to a novel central(cid:173)
`izer device with an in-place component tool used to make 10
`optimized adjustments to the diameter size of the centralizer
`device for each of numerous applications
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Centralizers are devices used to provide space between an
`anchorage and the walls of an anchor bore hole, thereby
`allowing grout to be injected into the bore hole for securing
`of the anchorage. The centralizer field includes many dif(cid:173)
`ferent inventions which have attempted to prove the func(cid:173)
`tions of the centralizer. Its two primary functions are to: 1)
`provide space between the anchorage and the walls of the 20
`bore hole, and 2) to provide a locking mechanism for the
`several centralizer elements so that they do not fail once
`installed in the ground.
`More specifically, Known relevant prior art has focused
`on improving the locking mechanism. Unfortunately, pat(cid:173)
`ented inventions in this field still exhibit many problems and
`disadvantages which the present invention has overcome.
`Even though previous designs have had some success in
`overcoming past problems, remaining problems include
`inflexibility in meeting multiple applications, relatively 30
`complex locking mechanisms, and using heavy materials
`such as steel. In addition, known prior art virtually neglects
`the problem of optimizing the space between the anchorage
`and the bore hole walls for each application. As is well
`known in the art, grout is used to secure the anchorage in a 35
`bore hole. The more secure the anchorage, the safer the
`entire anchorage, thereby minimizing the possibility of a
`failure of a dam, a transmission tower, or an oil well, or other
`anchor applications.
`Therefore, it is clear that a need exists for an improved
`centralizer system that optimizes the spacing around the
`anchorage, provides a simple yet effective locking
`mechanism, allows use in multiple applications, is light
`weight, strong, and is even more cost effective than existing
`centralizers. The present invention overcomes these and
`many long-standing and even ignored problems and disad(cid:173)
`vantages of the prior art.
`Some of the related prior art includes the following U.S.
`patents: Wills, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,022; Ferstay U.S. 50
`Pat. No. 4,866,903; Chickini, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,
`225; Dane U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,470; Wilson U.S. Pat. No.
`4,269,269; Spikes U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,823; Patterson et al.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,322; Svenson U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,869;
`and Kraft U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,713.
`Wills, et al. discloses a centralizer device with a plurality
`of blades received in slots by a pair of cylindrical collars.
`This invention is directed towards preventing the separation
`of parts during use. Disadvantages to this design include the
`lack of flexibility in the blade material, a design directed to 60
`a specific dimension envelope for the centralizer, and an
`assembly requiring hammers to insert the steel blades, and
`therefore requiring a lengthy assembly time.
`Ferstay discloses a one piece centering device for thread
`bars. The device has holes to allow grout to pass around or
`through the device. Disadvantages to this device include
`restricted applications because of its small size, and lack of
`
`2
`an expanding feature to fit different size bore holes. The
`device seems directed to use only in building applications.
`Another disadvantages is the small size of the holes in the
`device to allow grout to pass. It appears that it would be
`5 difficult for grout to pass through the small holes in sufficient
`quantities to provide sufficient force transfer to the ground
`for a safe anchor. Still another disadvantage is the use with
`threaded bar. Installing the device takes more time than
`would an non-threaded device.
`Chickini, Jr. et al. discloses an alignment device compris(cid:173)
`ing a single component for mounting an anchor cable in an
`elongated cable hole in a guy line anchoring environment.
`One disadvantages with the device is the fixed diameter of
`the collar for passing cable through. Another disadvantage is
`15 the small diameter of the collar for passing any cable
`through. Still another disadvantage is the somewhat com(cid:173)
`plex locking mechanism to prevent the device from coming
`apart.
`Dane discloses a well centralizer directed to an improved
`means to connect bow elements to collars. Disadvantages to
`this device include a complex connecting apparatus, limited
`applicability in that it is for use only in oil well casings, use
`of relatively heavy steel for material, and also a need to bend
`the locking tab to allow for locking the bow elements into
`25 the collars.
`Wilson discloses a deformable tab on collars as a means
`to prevent each spring from disengaging from the end collars
`when the centralizer is subjected to compressional loading.
`One disadvantage to this device includes limited applicabil(cid:173)
`ity in that use is only directed to oil, gas, or water drilling
`situations. Another disadvantage is that the deformable tab
`does not appear to be of a robust design, therefore the tab is
`likely to break. Still another disadvantage is that numerous
`conventional tools, including hammers, vises and pipe
`wrenches are need for assembly. Yet another advantage is the
`metal material used requiring forging. The metal material,
`being relatively heavy compared to plastic, requires more
`costs for manufacture, crating and shipping. Spikes discloses
`a well bore centralizer directed to an improved connectible
`means between the bowed elements and the collars. Disad-
`vantages include a complex collar locking design, bow
`elements set to a specific arcuate position, and the hammer
`force required for assembly. Still another disadvantage is the
`use of metal in the design, thereby requiring more costs for
`manufacturing, crating and shipping.
`Patterson et al. disclose a casing centralizer with bendable
`tab to allow a more improved locking mechanism to secure
`the bow springs in the collars. Disadvantages to this device
`are similar to others listed in previously mentioned prior art.
`One advantage is the inability of the device to be flexible
`thereby limiting its applicability to only certain sizes of bore
`holes. Another disadvantage is the use of metal which
`increases costs for manufacture, crating and shipping. Yet
`55 another disadvantage mentioned in some of the other prior
`art is the need to bend the metal before the bow springs can
`be inserted into the collars. Bending the metal can create a
`point for failure after installation.
`Svenson discloses a centralizer for a well casing directed
`specifically to a third channel of the collar compressible at
`final assembly allowing for locking of the bow and collar
`together. Disadvantages in using this device include the
`complex locking mechanism, limited use to well casings,
`use of metal requiring more costs, and a need to use
`65 hammering tools before assembly can be completed.
`Kraft discloses a self-centering basket for use in mining or
`oil fields. More specifically, the device is directed towards
`
`45
`
`40
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 10
`
`

`

`6,102,118
`
`5
`
`3
`lugs to hold down steel bars to prevent the bars from
`jumping out of engagement. Disadvantages include the use
`of steel, thereby increasing manufacturing and shipping
`costs. Because the design is meant to be locked upon
`assembly, no means are provided for mistakes in assembly.
`It would appear to be virtually impossible to disassemble to
`correct mistakes. In addition, no means are disclosed for
`altering the outer dimensions of the device should the on site
`diameter of the bore hole be greater or less than expected.
`In summary, all the cited patents have a multitude of
`disadvantages. As is quickly realized, most of the patents
`disclose similar attempts to solve one problem with previous
`centralizer designs. Most are directed to improving locking
`techniques. However, problems still exist with attempts to
`improve locking techniques. Therefore, it is an object of the
`present invention to solve the locking problem with an
`elegant, simple, inexpensive design. In addition, the present
`invention solves other problems in the field that have been
`virtually ignored, Therefore it is an object of the present
`invention to provide a flexible design allowing adaptability
`in the field to different diameter bore holes. Also, the unique 20
`features of the present invention allow use in virtually any
`anchoring use. It is a further object of the present invention
`to use a non-metal material, thereby reducing costs through(cid:173)
`out the manufacturing to end use process and eliminating the
`need for any use of conventional tools for assembly. Another 25
`object of invention is to provide numerous embodiments for
`optimized use in the field, including providing for errors in
`assembly, in customer specifications, or customer orders.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`the above-mentioned disadvantages, difficulties and prob(cid:173)
`lems of the prior art are overcome by the present invention.
`The present invention centralizer may be used in virtually all
`known rock and soil anchoring applications. Most prefer(cid:173)
`ably made from a petroleum based material, such as poly- 35
`ethylene or propylene, the centralizer is therefore both
`strong, lightweight and flexible. The components to the
`centralizer include a plurality of straps and two collars at
`opposite ends of the straps. The straps are easily and
`manually inserted into slots in each of the collars. Each 40
`collar, also most preferably made from a material such as
`polyethylene, may be molded to provide slots for three or
`more straps. Therefore the centralizer is adaptable to virtu(cid:173)
`ally any anchor application. The collars are molded with
`notches between slots thereby allowing more than the 45
`required amount of grout to be fed through the centralizer.
`Preferably on a least one strap are molded two lock hold
`pins distally located along an outer edge of the strap yet
`before the point where the strap is inserted into each collar.
`These lock pins are unique in providing the means for 50
`locking the straps in place. A separate, yet component and
`easy to use tool is manually and virtually simultaneously
`placed over both lock pins. The tool is a narrow band of
`identical material, such as polyethylene, punched during
`manufacturing with a plurality of numbered holes. All but 55
`one hole are spaced from one end of the tool. Since the
`material of the straps is flexible, virtually any worker easily
`and manually can compress the centralizer to just short of
`the desired bore hole diameter, then he places the tool over
`both lock hold pins. The tension of the straps now provides 60
`the force to hold the tool on the lock pins during installation
`of the centralizer, and in place for the life of the anchor.
`Simultaneously, the tool keeps and locks the straps into the
`two collars because of the tension on each blade as inserted
`into each collar slot. Therefore the present invention has 65
`provided an elegant yet simple and inexpensive locking
`solution.
`
`4
`Also, with the locking feature, the present invention is
`adaptable to any anchor application, because the centralizer
`is flexible enough to be compressed to any desired outer
`envelope dimension. Even if errors are made in the ordering,
`the customer specifications or actual on-site bore hole
`dimensions are not as expected, the present invention is
`adaptable to the situation. For instance, if a bore hole is
`smaller than expected, one can decompress the straps. First,
`one increases the compression by manually forcing the strap
`10 ends towards each other. Next, with the reduced tension on
`the tool, one can easily remove at least one end of the tool
`from the lock hold pins. Then the strap compression can be
`adjusted, and the tool reinstalled over the lock hold pins in
`the new compressed strap position, by placing the tool over
`15 a different hole in the tool.
`In addition, the flexibility of the straps allows for ease of
`assembly on location without the use of conventional tools.
`The individual straps are inserted into each collar manually.
`Once all straps are inserted in both collars, the centralizer is
`compressed manually by pushing from both ends, then
`locked as previously described. Therefore no separate non-
`component conventional tools are needed for assembly.
`Because of the molding process used and the material, costs
`for manufacturing, crating, and shipping are greatly reduced
`from the prior art devices. Additional novel design features
`in the present centralizer system will be discussed in the
`detailed description.
`These, and other, features and advantages of the present
`invention are set forth more completely in the accompanying
`30 drawings and the following description.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above mentioned and other objects and features of
`this invention and the manner of attaining them will become
`apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by
`reference to the following description of the embodiment of
`the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
`drawings, wherein closely related elements have the same
`number but different alphabetical suffixes, and further
`wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a centralizer in the prior
`art, illustrating a blades and collar construction;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical PVC pipe derived
`centralizer as is currently constructed by convention, in
`place on a reinforcement bar (hereinafter "rebar") with a
`grout tube;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention
`illustrating the straps and collars;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the straps and
`collars, yet rotated slightly clockwise from the view of FIG.
`3;
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the straps and
`collars, yet tilted slightly away from the viewer to more
`clearly show the collars of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the straps and
`collars, yet tilted slightly towards the viewer to more clearly
`show slight compression of the straps of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the straps and
`collars, yet tilted slightly towards the viewer to more clearly
`show greater compression of the straps of FIG. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating compressed straps
`inserted into one collar;
`FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the
`present invention illustrating detailed features of a typical
`strap;
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 11
`
`

`

`6,102,118
`
`5
`FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged perspective view illustrating
`strap detail as inserted in one collar;
`FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged perspective view illustrating
`additional strap detail as inserted in one collar;
`FIG. 12 is a plan view of a typical strap more clearly 5
`illustrating the lock hold pins;
`FIG. 13 is an isometric plan view of a typical strap;
`FIG. 14 is an enlarged top isometric view clearly illus(cid:173)
`trating strap end detail;
`FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view clearly illustrating
`typical strap construction details;
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the locking tool;
`FIG. 17 is a greatly enlarged bottom view of construction
`details of the end section of a typical strap;
`FIG. 18 is a greatly enlarged bottom view of a typical
`strap illustrating construction details of the center section;
`FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of one embodi(cid:173)
`ment of a typical collar illustrating three slots for straps and
`other details;
`FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a second
`embodiment of a typical collar illustrating four slots for
`straps;
`FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of a third embodi(cid:173)
`ment of a typical collar illustrating five slots for straps; and
`FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a fourth
`embodiment of a typical collar illustrating six slots for
`straps.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an
`invention of the prior art is shown. A centralizer 1 is shown
`comprised of a plurality of straps 2 and two collars 3. This
`prior art (Spikes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,823) is generally
`representative of many of the cited prior art patents in the
`Background section above. The collars 3 show a complex
`metal hinged locking mechanism. The metal straps 2 are set
`to a specific arcuate position. The present invention makes
`novel improvements upon this prior art and those devices of
`the other patents cited.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, another prior art centralizer
`device 5 is shown here. This centralizer device 5 is derived
`from schedule 40 PVC pipe. During construction the PVC
`pipe is split and stretched apart to form the spacer members
`6. It is shown in place on a "rebar", cable or strand 7 and
`having a grout tube 8 attached thereon.
`Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the present
`invention is illustrated. A centralizer system 10 is shown
`comprising two primary components; a plurality of straps 12
`and two collars 14. The straps 12 are individually and
`manually insertable into each of the collars 14 to form the
`basic centralizer system 10. Details of each component will 55
`be described in detail based on subsequent drawings.
`Preferably, the centralizer system 10 (more conveniently
`titled "centralizer" from now on) is manufactured using
`polyethylene material. Other materials, such as
`polypropylene, may also be used. These materials are petro- 60
`leum based and can be easily and inexpensively molded to
`produce manually flexible straps 12. Note that the straps 12
`are shown in a flexed or slightly compressed position. This
`position highlights the novel feature of compressibility of
`the centralizer 10 without the use of any hammers, vises, 65
`grips, or other heavy or cumbersome conventional tools.
`Also, the simplicity of design is highlighted. As shown, only
`
`20
`
`30
`
`6
`seven parts are required for this particular embodiment
`Other embodiments will be described later on in this detailed
`description. Each of the seven is a molded part, thereby
`minimizing manufacturing time, minimizing manufacturing
`cost, and minimizing part count for assembly.
`Next, referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view illustrating
`the straps 12 and collars 10 is shown, yet rotated slightly
`clockwise from the view of FIG. 3. The slight rotation
`allows the viewer to confirm various features of the straps 12
`10 and to see their virtual identical design.
`Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view is shown tilted
`slightly away from the viewer to more clearly see other
`novel features of the straps 12 and the collars 14. A second
`embodiment of the centralizer 10 is also shown with four
`15 straps 12 instead of the five shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
`Collars 14a are molded to allow for four straps 12 instead of
`five. Each of the collars 14 is generally cylindrical in shape.
`Although prior art shows a plurality of straps, ( otherwise
`identified as blades or bows) the present invention clearly
`and intentionally provides the novel advantage of various
`collar designs to accommodate a plurality of straps 12 as
`needed by the customer, or the application, or immediate
`on-site need. Also clearly evident, the present invention
`provides for differing quantities of straps 12 (that is, differ-
`25 ent embodiments of the centralizer 10) to meet the needs of
`the customer, application, or on-site need. In fact, because of
`the minimal cost of the components, another advantage to
`the customer is that he can order a kit of extra components
`in case they are needed on-site, and still save money.
`Another novel feature clearly shown in FIG. 5 is a lock
`hold pin 16, one of several novel locking mechanisms. The
`lock hold pin is a crucial feature to not only 1) lock in the
`straps 12 to the collars 14a, but 2) to allow for flexibility and
`adjustability in matching the centralizer 10 to the actual bore
`35 hole on-site. No other known prior art provides this
`elegantly simple yet crucial capability. The lock hold pin 16
`comes in a set of two on a same edge 18 of each of the straps
`12 and proximate to the center portion of each of the straps
`12, yet distally separated from each other. The multiple sets
`40 of pins 16 allow more flexibility to the user to lock the straps
`12 in place. He does not have to turn the centralizer 10 or
`search for the lock hold pins 16. The pins 16 will be virtually
`in front of the user at all times for ease of use. The pins 16
`are used in conjunction with a component tool to be shown
`45 in a subsequent figure and described later.
`Another novel feature of the present invention is the use
`of a plurality of notches 20 on a bottom side 21 of each of
`the straps 12. The notches 20 are molded into the straps 12
`in approximately the center of each of the straps 12. Because
`50 of the inherent strength of the molded polyethylene or other
`similar material, the notches 20 do not degrade the strength
`of the straps 12. On the contrary, the notches 20 provide
`additional flexibility to the straps 12 for ease of compression
`of the centralizer 10.
`Continuing with the description of FIG. 5, each of the
`straps 12 has two slotted ends 22. Each of the slotted ends
`22 has a rectangularly shaped slot 24 punched completely
`through each slotted end 22 and located proximate to the end
`of each of the straps 12. The purpose of the slotted ends 22
`are to allow the installer of the centralizer 10 to have a means
`to grip the centralizer 10 to pull each centralizer 10 along
`any steel bar, cable or bundle of cables used in an anchorage.
`Another purpose of the slotted ends 22 is to be used as a tie
`wire retainer to fasten the centralizer to the rebar, cable or
`rebar encapsulated within corrugated pipe.
`Again in FIG. 5, two tapered rises 26 are molded inte(cid:173)
`grally into each of the straps 12. The tapered rises 26 stretch
`
`Exhibit - 1019
`NV5, Inc. v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
`Page 12
`
`

`

`6,102,118
`
`5
`
`10
`
`7
`across the entire width of the straps 12. In addition, the rises
`26 are molded in generally close proximity from each of the
`slotted ends 22. The purpose of the rises 26 is to provide
`another locking means to hold the straps 12 in the collars
`14a. Once the slotted ends 22 are manually pushed through
`the collars 14a, the tapered rises 26 prevent the straps 12
`from being easily pulled back through the collars 14a.
`Manually pushing the ends 22 overcomes the friction
`encountered as the tapered rises 26 meet each of the collars
`12. Conversely, to remove the straps 12 from the collars 14,
`each of the tapered rises 26 stops when encountering the
`collars 14, thereby preventing said straps from easily being
`removed from the collars due to the friction of the rises 26
`against the collars. Only through more aggressive manipu(cid:173)
`lation or bending of the straps 12 can the straps 12 be 15
`removed from the collars 14.
`Continuing with FIG. 5, another novel feature is shown.
`A third feature adds to the flexibility and adaptability of the
`centralizer 10. The first two flexible features are the material
`of the straps 12 and the notches 20 on the bottom side 21 of
`each of the straps 12. The third novel feature is a set of collar
`notches 28 on the top side 30 of each of the straps 12. The
`collar notches 28 aid in allowing the compression of the
`straps 12 as needed.
`Now referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view illustrates the
`straps 12 and collars 14, and other novel features, yet the
`centralizer 10 is tilted slightly towards the viewer to more
`clearly show slight compression of the straps 12 of FIG. 3
`and FIG. 4. Also note that this FIG. 6 shows the first
`embodiment of the centralizer 10, that having five straps 12.
`In addition, another novel feature is shown as part of the
`straps 12. Two Y-shaped gussets 32 are integrally molded
`into each of the straps 12. The purpose of the gussets 32 is
`to add stiffening strength to each of the straps 12. One of the
`gussets 32 is molded into either side of the notches 20 on the
`bottom side 21 of the straps 12. In FIG. 6, only one of the
`gussets 32 is visible on each of the straps 12. More
`specifically, a "Y" portion 34 of the gussets 32 is in close
`proximity to the notches 20, while a base portion 36 of the
`gussets 32 is in close proximity to one of the collars 14.
`In further describing FIG. 6, a clearer view of the collars
`14 is seen. A cylindrical-shaped inner diameter 38 of one of
`the collars 14 is shown. With this view of the diameter 38,
`it is clear that a rebar, cable or bundle of cables, or
`encapsulated of same passes through the collars 14 at this
`location. Having the two collars 14 relatively closely spaced
`from each other provides a means to maintain the cables in
`a relatively straight line. If necessary, the centralizer 10 can
`be compressed or extended to allow the cables to bend
`slightly.
`Now referring to FIG. 7, another perspective view of the
`centralizer 10, yet tilted slightly towards the viewer, clearly
`shows greater compression of the straps 12 when compared
`to FIG. 6. Note how the notches are pushed further outward
`from the centerline of the collars 14.
`Next referring to FIG. 8, a plan view of the centralizer 10
`illustrates compressed straps 12 inserted into one of the
`collars 14. Also clearly seen are the lock hold pins 16 on
`each of the straps 12.
`Referring to FIG. 9, an enlarged partial perspective view
`of the centralizer 10 illustrates detailed features of one of the
`typical straps 12 and one of the collars 14. A clearer view of
`the tapered rise 26 is seen. Also, a clearer view of the collar
`notches 28 is shown. The inner diameter 38 of one of the
`collars 14 is again shown. The inner diameter 38 dimension
`is determined by the anticipated applications and cable or
`
`8
`cable bundle diameters. Obviously, a certain clearance space
`is needed between the outer diameter of a cable bundle and
`the inner diameter 38 of the collars 14 so that the cables can
`pass relatively easily through the collars 14. The design of
`the collars 14 and the molding process allow for manufac(cid:173)
`turing collars 14 of many different dimensions for the inner
`diameters 38. The inexpensive nature of the molding
`process, and the inexpensive raw material of the centralizer
`10 all provide additional advantages to the present
`invention, allowing for lower overall costs to the user.
`Known prior art typically made from metal, such as steel,
`would cost more than the present invention because of the
`prior art's added weight, increased difficulty in manufactur(cid:173)
`ing the metal parts, and the inconvenience of attempting to
`provide more than one diameter metal collar to house a
`plurality of straps.
`Continuing with describing FIG. 9, a collar slot 40 is
`clearly shown as part of each of the collars 14. The rectan(cid:173)
`gular collar slot 40 is molded into the collars 14 during
`20 manufacture. More specifically, each of the collar slots 40 is
`molded onto the outside of the inner diameter 38 of each of
`the collars 14. Additionally, each of the collar slots is
`symmetrically spaced around the circumference of each
`collar 14. Depending on the application, three or more collar
`25 slots 40 may be provided. FIG. 9 shows a partial view of the
`second embodiment using four straps 12. As is also clear
`from this FIG. 9, each of the straps 12 is inserted individu(cid:173)
`ally and manually into each of the collar slots 40. As was
`described previously, the tapered rises 26 encounter the
`30 collars 14 providing one of the locking mechanisms. More
`specifically, the tapered rises 26 encounter the collar slots
`40. Easily manually inserted into the collar slots 40, the
`straps 12 cannot eas