Patent ID: 6401405
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: E04F,E06B

Abstract:
A time-saving and cost-efficient monolithic system that is manufactured off-site and transported to a construction site for rapid and uniform on-site creation of arched openings in residential and commercial block walls, such as the openings used for the installation of arched windows and doors and which allows installation of arched windows and doors into an existing substantially rectangular wall aperture during a maximum time period of approximately five minutes, said system comprising:a monolithic pre-formed arched opening unit, said unit having a thickness substantially similar to that of the wall into which it is intended for said unit to be placed, said unit also having opposed first and second surfaces with said first surface having a longitudinal groove, said second surface having a concave arcuate configuration, said monolithic pre-formed arched opening unit further comprising an arch filler between said first and second surfaces, said arch filler having a central arcuate member and opposed lateral appendages downwardly depending from said central arcuate member, the length dimension of said downwardly depending lateral appendages varying in proportion to the curvature of said central arcuate member; attachment means for securely connecting said pre-formed arched opening unit to the structure surrounding the wall aperture into which it is intended for said unit to be placed; and wherein said unit comprises pre-cast concrete so as to be a load-bearing part of block construction, and wherein said attachment means comprises mortar positioned between said unit and opposite sides of the wall aperture into which it is intended for said unit to be placed, as well as between said first surface of said unit and any portion of a structure placed over said unit.