Road basket and method of making same

Abstract

An improved road basket including a non-metallic dowel, a first support frame including a first support frame first leg and a first support frame first cup moldably secured to the dowel first end, and a second support frame including a second support frame first leg and a second support frame first cup moldably secured to the dowel second end. Multiple dowels can be secured in similar fashion to additional leg members. Preferably, the first support frame first leg and a first support frame second leg are connected by a base frame member. In addition, the first support frame first leg and the first support frame second leg may be connected by an intermediate frame member. The frame may be constructed of a single piece. The dowel is preferably made from fiberglass or glass fiber reinforced polymer and the frame is preferably high density polyethylene.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 826,588 filed Mar. 14, 2013, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a composite dowel basket for use generally in jointed plane concrete pavement applications and a method for making the same. More specifically, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a composite dowel basket in which the dowels themselves are secured in place during the molding process such that no on-site assembly is required. Optionally, support frames may be molded separately from the dowels, wherein the dowel ends are slidably inserted into the support frame for assembly. The assembly is easy to use, lightweight and non-corrosive.[0003]Currently, reinforced concrete employs a system of dowels which is supported by a wire support structure to elevate the dowels to a desired height within the poured conc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an improved road basket that includes a non-metallic dowel and support frames made from fiberglass or glass fiber reinforced polymer and high density polyethylene. The support frames are molded separately from the dowel and can be connected by a base frame member or an intermediate frame member. The dowel and support frames provide flexibility without compromising strength or durability. The invention is beneficial for road construction as it allows for efficient and flexible installation of road baskets while maintaining durability.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the steel in dowels has a tendency to corrode after years of use and this corrosion negates its beneficial incorporation.

While composite or fiberglass materials have been used to replace the steel dowels in the prior art, such incorporation also presents problems.

For example, these fiberglass or composite materials can no longer be welded to their support structure.

This requires extensive labor to assemble all of the components and ensure that the clips remain attached.

Because the clips are not permanently secured, they may also cause problems during installation and pouring of concrete if things fall apart.

Unfortunately, as these structures are separate from the rebar itself, they are prone to failure during the pouring process as they can easily be tipped over or separated from the rebar.

To secure them to the rebar requires additional labor or materials.

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