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(11) | EP 4 144 930 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SPLICING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION |
| (57) The present invention relates to a splicing system for connecting adjacent first
and second fixture elements such as adjacent pile cages. The present invention further
provides a method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements using
the aforementioned splicing system.
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[0001] The present invention relates to a splicing system for connecting first and second fixture elements. In particular, the present invention relates to a splicing system for connecting adjacent elements of a sectional system, such as a prefabricated reinforcement pile cage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pile cages are predominantly used to strengthen vertical concrete columns in the construction industry. Although the dimensions and designs may vary, once common feature is that the pile cages are sectional in nature and are typically delivered as separate components for assembly on-site. It is possible to have the pile cages assembled off-site and the delivered ready for immediate use. However, this is a more expensive and therefore less desirable option compared to on-site assembly. Also, depending on the nature of the required pile cage, it may not be possible to install it in one-piece and so on-site assembly is unavoidable.
[0003] Assembly involves connecting sufficient pile cages to one another to provide a structure of desired height. On-site pile cage assembly typically involves tying/joining adjacent pile cages to one another using multiple time-consuming methodologies such as, fabricated latches, which need to be welded on site, expensive, time consuming tie rod type assemblies, ad hoc mechanical assemblies, such as nut & bolt bridging assemblies and the like. Although a less expensive option than pre-assembled pile cages, it is a time-consuming process as each securing option must be applied manually. Further, the lifting and splicing together of pile cages carries a high risk of potential injury to on-site users, particularly as conventional pile cage assembly can require the user to insert hands and arms into the cages during the splicing process.
[0004] There is therefore a need for an improved method of assembly that is quicker than conventional methods and minimises the risk of injury to users when assembling pile cages on-site.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a splicing system for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements, the splicing system comprising:
- a. a splice plate, the splice plate comprising:
- i. a first planar portion for engagement with each of respective first and second adjacent fixture elements, the first portion defining first and second apertures therethrough, and
- ii. a second portion for engagement with the second fixture element, the second portion extending from the first portion in a direction transverse to the first portion the second portion defining third and fourth apertures therethrough.
- b. a locking device comprising a body defining a first and a second elongate channel therethrough and a locking mechanism operable to prevent passage through the elongate channels in a direction towards the first planar portion; and
- c. wire rope of cross-sectional diameter less than the cross-sectional diameters of the first, second, third and fourth apertures and the two elongate channels.
[0007] The splicing system allows efficient connection of adjacent fixture elements in comparison to using complicated buckling or tying systems. Furthermore, the installation of the splicing system negates the need for any on site fabrication, i.e. welding or the like, therefore no hot works permits are required in connection with the splicing system, thus presenting a reduced Health & Safety risk. In addition, the installation of the splicing system negates the need for the piling personnel to have their hand within the cage, thus presenting a significantly reduced Health & Safety risk.
[0008] In one embodiment, during use, the first portion engages with respective first and second fixture elements and the second portion engages with the second fixture element located adjacent the first fixture element, and the wire rope extends through the first elongate channel, the third aperture, the first aperture, the second aperture, the fourth aperture and the second elongate channel, thereby securing a portion of respective first and second fixture elements between the wire rope and the splice plate.
[0009] In one embodiment, the splicing system further comprises an L-shaped section extending from the second planar portion, the L-shaped section comprising fifth and sixth apertures for alignment with the third and fourth apertures respectively, wherein the L-shaped section and the second planar portion define a U-shaped channel for receiving the locking device therein.
[0010] Preferably, the locking device is secured to the L-shaped portion to retain the locking device within the channel. This provides the splice plate and locking device as one-piece component for ease of use, with the first elongate channel aligned with the third and fifth apertures and the second elongate channel aligned with the fourth and 6th apertures. However, it is to be appreciated that the L-shaped portion could be omitted, and the locking device secured to the second planar portion, or alternatively, the locking device may be supplied as a separate component to the splice plate, with or without an integral L-shaped portion, and ultimately secured to the splice plate during use when the wire rope is extended through the locking device and splice plate. Where the locking device is provided as a separate component to the splice plate, a user would need to align the channel with the apertures in the second planar portion and L-shaped portion (if present) in order to feed the wire rope through the various apertures to secure the locking device to the splice plate. This is obviously more time-consuming and so potentially less desirable, but would nonetheless allow the splicing system to function as intended.
[0011] In one embodiment, the first and second fixture elements comprise pile cage sectional elements. However, it is to be appreciated that the splicing system is fully functional to connect alternative reinforcement cages such as, but not limited to, Diaphragm cages and the like, or for further applications for connecting first and second fixture elements such as, but not limited to, tunnel sections, archway support structures, retail display fixtures and the like.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the second portion of the splice plate also engages with the first fixture element. This would occur where the first fixture elements fits within the second fixture element rather than butting up against it. In this situation, the second planar member (and optional L-shaped portion) would potentially be of greater dimension to ensure that the third and fourth apertures (and fifth and sixth apertures of the L-shaped portion) project beyond the first and second fixture elements.
[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a splicing system as claimed in any preceding claim;
- b. bringing the first portion of the splice plate into contact with a portion of the first and second adjacent fixture elements;
- c. bringing the second portion of the splice plate into contact with a portion of the second fixture element;
- d. passing the first end of the wire rope through the third aperture and through the first elongate channel
- e. passing the second end of the wire rope through sequentially through the first aperture, the second aperture, the fourth aperture and the second elongate channel, thereby securing a portion of respective first and second fixture elements between the wire rope and the splice plate; and
- f. pulling the wire rope through the locking device in a direction away from the splice plate to secure the splice plate in place relative to the adjacent first and second fixture elements.
[0014] As the wire rope can only pass through the first and second elongate channels of the locking device in a direction away from the first planar portion, once the wire rope has been pulled through the locking device to secure the splice plate in place relative to the adjacent first and second fixture elements, it cannot be released again and so can reliably hold the first and second adjacent fixture elements in secure engagement. Once under tension, the splice plate can only be released from the first and second fixture elements by cutting the wire rope.
[0015] The use of wire rope is important as the wire rope material is integral to how the locking device engages with and grips the wire rope.
[0016] In one embodiment, at step c, the second portion of the splice plate also contacts the first fixture element.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the first and second fixture elements comprise respective pile cages. Although, as discussed above, the first and second fixture elements may comprise alternative fixtures other than pile cages.
[0018] Preferably, each pile cage comprises a splicing band and respective splicing bands of adjacent pile cages are brought into contact with one another.
[0019] Thus, at step d, the splicing bands of adjacent pile cages are located between the wire rope and the splice plate.
[0020] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating steps a to f to secure a plurality of splice plates in place relative to the adjacent first and second fixture elements. Thus, first and second fixture elements on various sizes can be securely connected together simply by using an appropriate number of splicing systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021]
Figure 1A is a front view of an embodiment of a splicing system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention;
Figure 1B is a perspective view from the rear and one side of the embodiment of figure 1;
Figure 1C is a side view of the embodiment of figure 1;
Figure 1D is a perspective view from above and one side of the embodiment of figure 1;
Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a further embodiment of a splice plate and locking device of a splicing system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention;
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are front views of the embodiment of figures 2A and 2B, showing the splice plate in place around splicing bands of different dimensions (with the wire rope omitted);
Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the splicing system engaged with adjacent pile cages; and
Figures 4B, 4B, 4D and 4E are enlarged views of different portions of the splicing system engaged with adjacent pile cages shown in figure 4A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Figures 1A to 2B show various views of the splicing system 10 of the present invention. Splicing system 10 comprises a splice plate 12 having a first planar portion 14 and a second planar portion 16 extending from first planar portion 14. First and second planar portions 14, 16 are substantially transverse with respect to one another. Splice plate 12 further comprises an L-shaped portion 18 extending from second planar portion 16 so as to define a U-shaped channel 20 (see figures 2A and 2B). Second planar portion 16 and L-shaped portion 18 define two sets of aligned apertures 22, 22' and 23, 23'.
[0023] Locking device 24 comprises a body through which two channels 26, 26' extend. When locking device 24 is received within U-shaped channel 20, apertures 22, 22' align with the ends of channels 26, 26'. Locking device 24 is shown in more detail in figure 2B. Locking device 24 comprises a concave portion 34 in opposing sides. These concave portions assist with handling the locking device and positioning it within the U-shaped channel 20 prior to securing it in place relative to the splice plate 12. In the embodiment shown in figure 2B, the locking device 24 is secured within U-shaped channel 20 via a self-tapping Tek screw extended through L-shaped portion 18 and into the body of locking device 24.
[0024] Although splice plate 12 and locking device 24 are connected using a self-tapping Tek screw 25, it is to be appreciated that the locking device could be formed integrally with the splice plate 12 or could be attached to splice plate 12 by alternative means, for example by welding, during the manufacturing process.
[0025] First planar portion 14 is also provided with apertures 28, 28'. Although the splice plate 12 shown in the figures has three sets of two apertures 28, 28' and 29, 29' and 30, 30', it is to be appreciated that this allows a user to select the most appropriate apertures to accommodate various sizes of fixture elements being spliced together. More detail on this feature is provided below with reference to figures 3A to 3C. However, the splicing system of the present invention requires a minimum of one set of two apertures in first planar portion 14. At any one time only one set of two apertures is used. For example, figures 1A to 1D show the use of apertures 28, 28'.
[0026] Figures 3A to 3C show how the same splice plate 12 can be used with pile cages with splice bands 56, 56' of different thicknesses. For example, the sets of apertures 28, 28' and 29, 29' and 30, 30' are marked with different dimensions to indicate which apertures should be used dependent on the thickness of splice bands 56, 56' being secured together. For example, figure 3A shows the splice plate 14 fitted around 50mm wide splice bands 50, 50' and the wire rope 32 should be extended through apertures 28, 28'. Figure 3B shows the splice plate 14 fitted around 60mm wide splice bands 50, 50' and the wire rope 32 should be extended through apertures 29, 29'. Finally, figure 3C shows the splice plate 14 fitted around 80mm wide splice bands 50, 50' and the wire rope 32 should be extended through apertures 30, 30'.
[0027] It is to be appreciated that the dimensions shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only and the splice plate dimensions, and aperture locations may be varied to accommodate splice bands of various dimensions.
[0028] Wire rope 32 has cross-sectional diameter less than the cross-sectional diameters of apertures 22, 22', channels 26, 26', and apertures 22, 28, 28' and 29, 29' and 30, 30'.
[0029] Locking device 24 is designed to allow wire rope 32 to pass through channels 26, 26' in a single direction only. Wire rope 32 can pass through channels 26, 26' only in a direction away from first planar portion 14. In this way, one end of wire rope 32 can be fed through aperture 22, through channel 26 and through aperture 22'. The other end of wire rope 32 is extended through apertures 28, 28' in first planar portion 14 and then passed through aperture 22, channel 26' and aperture 22'. The wire rope 32 can then be tightened by pulling on wire rope 32 in a direction away from splice plate 12, but once tightened, it cannot be loosened again as wire rope 32 cannot pass back in the opposite direction.
[0030] There are many such locking devices which employ technology that allows the passage of a wire rope in a single direction only. Typically, these channels would operate in opposing directions in order to maximise the usage of said devices, whereas the splicing system of the present invention has both channels operating in the same direction, specifically designed and manufactured for this application. This is a unique design in terms of wire rope application in these proportions and in being able to achieve the excessive performance required for cage piling operations.
[0031] The method of splicing two adjacent pile cages together using splicing system 10 will now be described, with particular reference to figures 4A to 4E.
[0032] Pile cages 50, 50' each comprise a series of vertical rods 52, 52' held together with circular structural bands 54, 54' which are located within the rod assembly. Splice bands 56, 56' extend around the circumference of the rod assembly adjacent each end, although only one splice band 56, 56' of each pile cage 50, 50' is shown in the figures. In use, pile cage 50 is located in the position where the pile cage assembly will be subsequently used, and pile cage 50' is lifted into position such that splice bands 56, 56' are aligned with one another.
[0033] Splice plate 12 is then located such that first planar portion 14 extends across the inner surface of both splice bands 56, 56' and second planar portion 16 extends across the lower edge of splice band 56 and projects beyond the edge of splice band 56 such that apertures 22 are available to receive wire rope 32 therethrough.
[0034] It is to be noted that in the embodiment shown in figures 4A to 4E, splice plate 12 does not include an L-shaped portion 18. Instead, locking device 24 is engaged with the lower surface of second planar portion 16.
[0035] Once splice plate 14 is in place, one end of wire rope 32 is extended through aperture 22 and channel 26 in a direction away from first planar portion 14. The other end of wire rope 32 is extended across the exterior surface of spice bands 56, 56' and through aperture 28 and then aperture 28'. Wire rope 32 is then extended back across the exterior surface of splice bands 56, 56' and through aperture 22 and channel 26' in a direction away from first planar portion 14. Thus, splice bands 56, 56' are sandwiched between first and second planar portions 14, 16 and wire rope 32. Wire rope 32 is tightened around splice bands 56, 56' by pulling wire rope 32 in a direction away from first planar portion 14 to securely hold pile cages 50, 50 together.
[0036] This process is repeated to secure multiple splice plates 14 in place around splice bands 56, 56', thereby securing pile cages 50 and 50' together. In the embodiment shown in figure 4A, three splicing systems have been installed. However, in larger pile cage assemblies, more splicing systems maybe required.
1. A splicing system for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements, the splicing
system comprising:
a. a splice plate comprising:
i. a first portion for engagement with each of respective first and second adjacent fixture elements, the first portion defining first and second apertures therethrough, and
ii. a second portion for engagement with the second fixture element, the second portion extending from the first portion in a direction transverse to the first portion the second portion defining third and fourth apertures therethrough.
b. a locking device comprising a body defining a first and a second elongate channel therethrough and a locking mechanism operable to prevent passage through the elongate channels in a direction towards the first planar portion; and
c. wire rope having a first end and an opposing second end, the wire rope having a cross-sectional diameter less than the cross-sectional diameters of the first, second, third and fourth apertures and the two elongate channels.
2. A splicing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, the first portion engages
with respective first and second fixture elements and the second portion engages with
the second fixture element located adjacent the first fixture element, and the wire
rope extends through the first elongate channel, the third aperture, the first aperture,
the second aperture, the fourth aperture and the second elongate channel, thereby
securing a portion of respective first and second fixture elements between the wire
rope and the splice plate.
3. A splicing system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an L-shaped section extending
from the second planar portion, the L-shaped section comprising fifth and sixth apertures
for alignment with the third and fourth apertures, wherein the L-shaped section and
the second planar portion define a U-shaped channel for receiving the locking device
therein.
4. A splicing system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking device is secured to
the L-shaped portion to retain the locking device within the channel.
5. A splicing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second
fixture elements comprise pile cage sectional elements.
6. A splicing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of
the splice plate also engages with the first fixture element.
7. A method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements, the method comprising
the steps of:
a. providing a splicing system as claimed in any preceding claim;
b. bringing the first portion of the splice plate into contact with a portion of the first and second adjacent fixture elements;
c. bringing the second portion of the splice plate into contact with a portion of the second fixture element;
d. passing the first end of the wire rope through the third aperture and through the first elongate channel
e. passing the second end of the wire rope through sequentially through the first aperture, the second aperture, the fourth aperture and the second elongate channel, thereby securing a portion of respective first and second fixture elements between the wire rope and the splice plate; and
f. pulling the wire rope through the locking device in a direction away from the splice plate to secure the splice plate in place relative to the adjacent first and second fixture elements.
8. A method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements as claimed in claim
7, wherein, at step c, the second portion of the splice plate also contacts the first
fixture element.
9. A method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements as claimed in claim
7 or claim 8, wherein the first and second fixture elements comprise respective pile
cages.
10. A method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements as claimed in claim
9, wherein each pile cage comprises a splicing band and respective splicing bands
of adjacent pile cages are brought into contact with one another.
11. A method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements as claimed in claim
10 wherein at step d, the splicing bands of adjacent pile cages are located between
the wire rope and the splice plate.
12. A method for connecting adjacent first and second fixture elements as claimed in any
one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising the step of:
g. repeating steps a to f to secure a plurality of splice plates in place relative to the adjacent first and second fixture elements.
g. repeating steps a to f to secure a plurality of splice plates in place relative to the adjacent first and second fixture elements.