PURGEABLE INJECTION APPARATUS FOR SPILL-FREE REPLENISHMENT OF EMBEDDED FOUNDATION PRESERVATION WRAPS

Abstract

A system for replenishing embedded foundation preservation wraps with preservative comprises an embedded foundation, a preservation wrap, and injection apparatus configured to be inserted between the wrap and the foundation. The injection apparatus includes a profiled backing plate and a semicylindrical tube portion defining a lumen therebetween, with a preservative inlet and a plurality of outlet nozzles along a distal bayonet fronting portion. A syringe with a reciprocating plunger operates within the lumen to enable controlled delivery of preservative and purging of residual preservative after use. The plunger may be locked in retracted, inserted, or blocking positions to manage flow and prevent leakage.

Claims

1. A system comprising: an embedded foundation; a preservation wrap surrounding the embedded foundation; and injection apparatus comprising: a profiled backing plate forming a distal bayonet backing portion and a proximal syringe backing portion; a semicylindrical tube portion attached to the backing plate, the semicylindrical tube portion and the backing plate together defining a lumen therebetween; a plurality of preservative outlet nozzles along a distal bayonet fronting portion of the semicylindrical tube portion; a preservative inlet fluidly interfacing the lumen; and a syringe comprising a plunger having a handle and a plunger piston configured to reciprocate within the lumen; wherein the injection apparatus is configured to be inserted between the preservation wrap and the embedded foundation, such that preservative can be supplied via the preservative inlet to flow out from the nozzles via the lumen to replenish the preservation wrap with the preservative; and wherein after replenishment, the lumen is configured to be purged of residual preservative by movement of the plunger within the lumen.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal bayonet backing portion is terminates in a sharpened point.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the proximal syringe backing portion comprises a series of tabs configured to provide purchase for insertion or removal of the injection apparatus.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the semicylindrical tube portion comprises a proximal syringe fronting portion defining a longitudinal channel along its length.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the handle of the plunger is configured to travel along the longitudinal channel.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proximal syringe fronting portion further defines a proximal locking slot extending from the longitudinal channel for retaining the plunger in a fully retracted position.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the handle of the plunger is rotatable into the proximal locking slot.

8. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proximal syringe fronting portion further defines a distal locking slot extending from the longitudinal channel for retaining the plunger in a fully inserted position.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the handle of the plunger is rotatable into the distal locking slot.

10. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proximal syringe fronting portion further defines a locking slot extending from the longitudinal channel for positioning the plunger piston at the preservative inlet to block fluid flow between the preservative inlet and the lumen.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal bayonet fronting portion comprises a half cone tip interfacing a distal end of the semicylindrical tube portion.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger piston is configured to purge residual preservative from the lumen via the nozzles by depression of the plunger after replenishment.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plunger is further configured to be retracted after depression to draw any further remaining preservative away from the nozzles.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preservative inlet is positioned at a proximal end of the injection apparatus and is configured for connection to a preservative-containing hose.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the embedded foundation comprises a wooden utility pole and the preservation wrap comprises a mat of nonwoven polypropylene fibres covered by an impregnable plastic sheet.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the injection apparatus is made of metallic componentry.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the metallic componentry comprises brass.

18. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzles are arranged only on an exterior surface of the distal bayonet fronting portion.

19. A method of replenishing a preservation wrap using the system as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: inserting the injection apparatus between the preservation wrap and the embedded foundation; supplying preservative via the preservative inlet to flow out from the nozzles via the lumen to impregnate the preservation wrap; and after replenishment, purging the lumen of residual preservative by depressing the plunger within the lumen.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising retracting the plunger after purging to draw any further remaining preservative away from the nozzles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows injection apparatus for preservative replenishment of embedded foundation preservation wraps in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a side view illustrating the insertion of a nozzled injection bayonet of the apparatus between an embedded foundation and their preservation wrap subsumed thereabout;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus in a closed position;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus in an open position;

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an injection bayonet of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a disassembled perspective view of the injection apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a system 100 comprising an embedded foundation 101 and a preservation wrap 102 surrounding the embedded foundation 101.

[0016] The embedded foundation 101 may be that of a wooden utility pole, metallic pier or the like and the preservation wrap 102 may be impregnated with preservative to preserve the embedded foundation 101.

[0017] The preservation wrap 102 may comprise an inner absorbent mat 104 which is impregnated with the preservative and which lies against the exterior surface of the foundation 101. The mat 104 may be protected by an exterior impregnable sheet 103, such as of plastic. The mat 104 preferably comprises nonwoven polypropylene fibres. Hydrophobic properties of the polypropylene fibres make the polypropylene mat 104 uniquely suited for embedding in soil below groundline 132.

[0018] The preservative may comprise a bactericide, fungicide or the like. The preservative may comprise wood preservative such as copper naphthenate or a corrosion inhibitor such as zinc naphthenate. The preservative may be an oil-based preservative.

[0019] The system 100 further comprises injection apparatus 105 as is shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with a first embodiment or as is shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0020] The injection apparatus 105 comprises a relatively thin injection bayonet 106. As is shown in FIG. 2, the injection bayonet 106 is designed to insert between the preservation wrap 102 and the foundation 101.

[0021] The injection bayonet 106 has an interior delivery lumen 107 fluidly interfacing a plurality of preservative outlet nozzles 108 along the injection bayonet 106.

[0022] The injection apparatus 105 further comprises a preservative inlet 109 fluidly interfacing the lumen 107. A flexible hose may connect the preservative inlet 109 to a portable tank of preservative. Preservative may flow from the tank by gravity feed or, alternatively, the tank may be pressurised or comprise an electric pump.

[0023] The injection apparatus 105 further comprises a syringe 110 operating between the preservative inlet 109 and the lumen 107. The syringe 110 may have a plunger 112 having plunger piston 114.

[0024] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the plunger piston 114 reciprocates within a barrel 114 away from the injection bayonet 106. Alternatively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the plunger piston 114 reciprocates within the lumen 107.

[0025] The apparatus 105 may comprises a shut-off valve 111 operating between the syringe 110 and the preservative inlet 109.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the injection bayonet 106 is configured to be inserted between the preservation wrap 102 and the embedded foundation 101. When the injection bayonet 106 is inserted, preservative may be supplied to the inlet 109 so that the preservative can flow out from the nozzles 108 via the lumen 107 to replenish the mat 104 of the preservation wrap 102 with the preservative.

[0027] According to the first embodiment of FIG. 1, after replenishment, the injection bayonet 106 may be purged of preservative by closing the shut-off valve 111 and depressing the plunger 112 so that the piston 114 purges excess preservative from the lumen 107 of the injection bayonet 106. In embodiments, the plunger 112 may again be retracted to suck in a yet residual preservative within the lumen 107 away from the nozzles 108.

[0028] According to the second embodiment of FIG. 6, during replenishment, the plunger 112 may be retracted so that the piston 114 is positioned away from between the inlet 109 and the lumen 107 as is illustrated in FIG. 4 so that the preservative can flow freely from the inlet 109 and out from the nozzles 108. After the replenishment, the plunger 112 may be depressed to purge remaining preservative from the lumen 107 via the nozzles 108. The plunger 112 may again be retracted to suck any further remaining preservative within the lumen 107 away from the nozzles 108, if required.

[0029] As such, according to either embodiment of FIG. 1 or FIG. 6, the lumen 107 of the injection bayonet 106 is purged of excess preservative thereby avoiding dripping or leaking of preservative after replenishing the preservation wrap 102 which may come into contact with the user.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows wherein the plunger piston 114 is positioned away from between the preservative inlet 109 and the lumen 107 so that the preservative can freely flow from the preservative inlet 109 into the lumen 107.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows wherein the plunger piston 114 is positionable at the preservative inlet 109 to block the preservative inlet 109 so that the preservative cannot flow between the preservative inlet 109 and the lumen 107. In this position, the plunger piston 114 provides a failsafe mechanism to prevent preservative flow between the inlet 109 and the lumen 107, including in case the shut-off valve 111 accidentally opens. The plunger piston 114 may be placed in this position when transporting the apparatus 105.

[0032] In embodiments, the shut-off valve 111 is a manual shut-off valve such as wherein the shut-off valve 111 is barrel shut-off valve which is configured to be manually opened or closed by the user. Alternatively, the shut-off valve 111 may be an automatic shut-off valve which automatically opens under positive pressure at the preservative inlet 109.

[0033] The syringe 110 is preferably a substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the injection bayonet 106 so that the apparatus 105 is configured to be inserted upright and closely against the foundation 101 as is shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] The nozzles 108 are preferably arranged only on an exterior surface of the injection bayonet 106 so that the preservative flows directly into the mat 104 of the preservation wrap 102.

[0035] An exterior surface of the injection bayonet 106 may be generally convex in longitudinal cross-section. Furthermore, a rear surface of the injection bayonet 106 may be planar to lie flat against the foundation 101.

[0036] According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the injection bayonet 106 is bendable and made of plastic. In accordance with this embodiment, the injection bayonet 106 may be made from an injection moulding, 3D printing or similar process.

[0037] In accordance with this embodiment, the injection bayonet 106 may be disconnected from the syringe 110. Specifically, the injection bayonet 106 may comprises a syringe connection hub 116. The syringe connection hub 116 may comprise a threaded bore within which a corresponding threaded end of the syringe 110 is turned to connect the syringe 110 and the injection bayonet 106.

[0038] The planar rear surface of the injection bayonet 106 may continually extend behind the connection hub 116.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the apparatus 105 may be made of metallic componentry, such as brass or other metal compatible with the type of preservative used.

[0040] In accordance with this embodiment, the apparatus 105 may comprise a profiled backing plate 120 integrally forming a distal bayonet backing portion 121 and a proximal syringe backing portion 122.

[0041] The distal bayonet backing portion 121 may be relatively narrow and may be sharpened to a point 123.

[0042] The proximal syringe backing portion 122 may comprise a series of tabs 125 which may provide purchase to insert or remove the apparatus 105.

[0043] The apparatus 105 may further comprise a semicylindrical tube portion 124 attached to the backing plate 120. The semicylindrical tube portion 124 and the backing plate 120 define the lumen 107 therebetween. Furthermore, the plunger piston 114 may reciprocate within the lumen 107 according to this embodiment.

[0044] The semicylindrical tube portion 124 may define a distal bayonet fronting portion 126 having the series of nozzles 108 therethrough. A half cone tip 131 may interface a distal end of the semicylindrical tube portion 124.

[0045] The semicylindrical tube portion 124 may further define a proximal syringe fronting portion 127.

[0046] The proximal syringe fronting portion 127 may define a longitudinal channel 128 along the length of the proximal syringe fronting portion 127. A handle 115 may extend from one side of the plunger 112 so as to be able to travel along the length of the longitudinal channel 128.

[0047] The proximal syringe fronting portion 127 may further comprise a proximal locking slot 129 and a distal locking slot 130. The plunger 112 may be rotated to engage the handle 115 within the proximal locking slot 129 to hold the plunger 112 fully retracted or within the distal locking slot 129 to hold the plunger 112 fully inserted.

[0048] A further locking slot (not shown) may be provided to position the plunger piston 114 at the preservative inlet 109 as shown in FIG. 3 to block the inlet 109.

[0049] Utilisation of the injection apparatus 105 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 to replenish an embedded foundation 101 preservation wrap 102 may comprise keeping the plunger piston 114 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 so that preservative cannot leak between the inlet 109 and the lumen 107 during transportation and the like. Where the shut-off valve 111 is a manual shut-off valve, the manual shut-off valve 111 may be kept closed.

[0050] During replenishment, the injection bayonet 106 in inserted between the foundation 101 and the preservation wrap 102 in the manner shown in FIG. 2.

[0051] The plunger piston 114 is positioned in the open position shown in FIG. 4 so that preservative can flow or be pumped via the preservative inlet 109 to seep via the nozzles 108 to impregnate the mat 104 of the preservation wrap 102.

[0052] Once a sufficient volume of preservative has been injected, the shut-off valve 111 may be closed (or close automatically under lack of positive pressure via the preservative inlet 109 or negative pressure caused by the syringe 110 as alluded to above) whereafter the plunger 112 is depressed so that any residual preservative is purged from the lumen 107 of the injection bayonet 106 so that little or no preservative remains to drips from the injection bayonet 106. In embodiments, the plunger 112 may again be retracted to suck in yet residual preservative from the lumen 107 away from the nozzles 108.

[0053] Using the injection apparatus 105 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 to replenish the preservation wrap 102 may comprise positioning the plunger piston 114 above the preservative inlet 109 as is illustrated in FIG.

[0054] 4 so that preservative can flow from preservative inlet 109 and from the nozzles 108 by the lumen 107 into the mat 104. The plunger 112 may be locked in the fully retracted position by rotating the handle 115 into the proximal locking slot 129. In the fully retracted position, the plunger piston 114 would be just above the inlet 109.

[0055] Once sufficient volume of preservative has been injected, the plunger 112 is depressed to purge remaining preservative from the lumen 107 of the injection bayonet 106 form the nozzles 108. The plunger 112 may be locked in the fully inserted position by rotating the handle 115 into the distal locking slot 130.

[0056] Preferably, the plunger 112 is also subsequently fully retracted again to suck any further remaining preservative away from the nozzles 108. Once retracted, the handle 115 may be rotated into the yet further proximal locking slot to keep the plunger piston 114 in the blocking position shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] It should be noted that the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 wherein the plunger piston 114 reciprocates within the lumen 107 of the injection bayonet 106 need not require the aforedescribed shut-off valve 111.

[0058] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.