DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for making bamboo wedged dowel for stiffening the connections between two or more bamboos and its splits. More particularly, to bamboo wedged dowel that can be applied on straight as well as inclined bamboo pins for developing bamboo based various infrastructural systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] Bamboo as a material is known since ages and has found extensive application in traditional infrastructure. The application of bamboo has been in wall panels, poles for temporary support, rafters and purloins in roofing, handicraft, utensils and other ancillary applications. All these applications use ropes, bamboo pins, nails for connections and these days use nuts and bolts. Even the furniture made of bamboo use these systems for connections.

[0003] In the modern times, there are other cement concrete and glue or adhesive based connections developed which make the connections rigid, however the process engages highly skilled manpower. Also with these, there is a limitation of availability of raw materials in remote areas, thus limiting its application.

[0004] Use of bamboo pins for connection of two or more bamboos or its splits is considered as the simplest of connections and the skill is widely known to people in rural areas. However, since, the applications of the same is in simple systems like single level house, temporary supports, furniture, etc which are not load intensive and are mostly followed up by rattan, jute, coir or wire ropes for additional support from opening up. It is here that these ropes ensure that the opening force doesn’t loosen the connections with bamboo pins. Thus, the bamboo structure built using only bamboo pins are not found to be durable and always have issues of slipping of bamboo pins. Further, these needs to be maintained or else results into collapse of the structure or furniture.

[0005] The need therefore remains, for a solution which can overcome the limitations & disadvantages of prior art and in this view the present invention provides a method for making bamboo wedged dowel for stiffening the connections between two or more bamboo segments. These dowel can be used for developing bamboo based infrastructural systems such as single and multi-level housing, green houses, cattle shelters, vermin-compost sheds, grain silos, solar dryers, structural elements, furniture, etc which can be potentially be built using two or more round and or split bamboos.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in simple manner that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

[0007] A method for making bamboo wedged dowel for connecting two or more bamboo segments is disclosed. In some embodiments the method comprises, inserting a bamboo pin at a predefined angle across two or more bamboo segments having a surface in contact with each other, wherein a portion of the bamboo pin remains extended outside of the surface of bamboo segments, forming a bamboo wedge dowel comprising inserting a bamboo wedge pin of predefined shape into each extended portion of the bamboo pin wherein the bamboo pin flanges out for restraining the movement of the bamboo segments.

[0008] The bamboo wedged dowel developed by the method of present invention can be used for developing bamboo based infrastructural systems such as single and multi-level housing, green houses, cattle shelters, vermin-compost sheds, grain silos, solar dryers, structural elements, furniture, etc which can be potentially be built using two or more round and or split bamboos.
[0009] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The disclosure will be now described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

[0012] Figure 1 (a, b, c & d) illustrates exemplary bamboo split, bamboo pin, bamboo wedge pin and flanged out bamboo wedged pin according to an embodiment of present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates exemplary development of a bamboo wedged pin connection for two bamboo culms according to an embodiment of present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates exemplary development of a bamboo wedged pin connection for three or more bamboo culms according to an embodiment of present invention;

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates exemplary development of a bamboo wedged pin connection between bamboo culms and a split bamboo according to an embodiment of present invention;
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates exemplary development of a bamboo wedged pin connection between a split bamboo, bamboo culms and further a split bamboo according to an embodiment of present invention;

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates exemplary development of a bamboo wedged pin connection between a split bamboo, bamboo culms and further bamboo culm according to an embodiment of present invention;

[0018] Figure 7 illustrates exemplary development of an inclined bamboo wedged pin connection between two bamboo culms according to an embodiment of present invention;

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates exemplary development of bamboo wedged pin connection finished at both surface according to an embodiment of present invention.

[0020] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications to the disclosure, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates are deemed to be a part of this disclosure.

[0022] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0023] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The method and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

[0026] The present invention is accomplished with the view that the remotest part of the village need not rely on the modern connection systems like steel nuts/bolts, nails, cement, concrete, etc and are able to use bamboo itself to develop strong and durable connections. The present invention provides wedged dowel primarily developed by installation of a bamboo pin in two or more mating bamboo segments such as culms or splits or combination of one or more of them such that an applied pressure is not able to cause slippage of bamboo pins and thus ensure the strength of connection. In order to achieve this, the complete method is herein described in detail with reference to following embodiments

[0027] According to the method of present invention a bamboo wedge is inserted on the target end of a straight bamboo pin to develop a bamboo wedge dowel at the joint. In one type, two bamboo parallel culms, as an embodiment of present invention, are connected using straight bamboo pins. In yet another type, three or more parallel bamboo culms, as another embodiment of present invention, are connected using straight bamboo pins. In yet another combination, a split culm is connected to a full bamboo culm using straight bamboo pins. Further in a different manner, a split culm is connected to a full bamboo culm and again with a split culm using straight bamboo pins. In another different manner, a split culm is connected to a full bamboo culm and again with a full bamboo culm using straight bamboo pins. In the present invention the culms may be arranged in a combination of all vertical or all horizontal, or a mix of vertical or horizontal orientations or a mix of culm or splits with two, three or more bamboo culms. The bamboo wedged pin is inserted on either ends of straight pin to ensure that the straight bamboo pin gets stiflingly engaged to the outer bamboo culm wall.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, a method of fabrication of bamboo wedged dowel for connecting two or more bamboo segments according to present invention is explained. In Figure 1a a bamboo split (101) is shown which is finished into an approximately circular and cylindrical form, termed as bamboo pin (102) as illustrated in Figure 1b. Similarly, another bamboo slat is finished into bamboo pin and sharpened on two faces to develop a wedge (103) as shown in Figure 1c. The bamboo pin (102) so developed, at its end along the diameter, a cut is given and the bamboo wedge pin (103) is inserted into it. As the bamboo wedge pin (103) enters into the bamboo pin (102), the bamboo pin (102) flanges out as shown in Figure 1(d). The extended portion of bamboo wedge pin (103) which remains out of the bamboo pin (102) upon insertion is left extended or cut along the surface of the flanges of the bamboo pin (102). The bamboo wedge pin portion remains extended outside the bamboo pin (102) for a depth preferably upto twice of the bamboo pin diameter.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of present invention a bamboo wedged dowel connection (200) is shown wherein two bamboo segments preferably culms (201a, 201b) are used. Referring to Figure 2, a pin hole is made into these two bamboo culms by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (202) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted into both of them. The pin (202) in its independent form has a tendency to slip or slide upon application of force or pressure. Also, due to lack of any restriction, the bamboo culms (201a, 201b) upon application of pressure can also come out of the bamboo pin (202). In order to restrict this from happening, the present invention is developed at the ends of the bamboo pin. For this the bamboo pin (202) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the two bamboo culms (201a, 201b) on either surface as shown in Figure 2. In the extended portions, a bamboo wedge (203a) is inserted and finished, in a manner described above, to create a bamboo wedged dowel on either surface of connecting bamboo culms (201a, 201b). The flanging is developed due to the wedge (203), when present inside a bamboo culm, the bamboo wall all around the bamboo pin restricts the flanging of the pin (202). In a similar manner another bamboo wedge pin (203b) is inserted on the opposite end of bamboo pin (202) forming bamboo wedged dowel on other side. This in turn creates a frictional connection at the two ends of the inserted bamboo pin (202) and bamboo culms (201a, 201b). The amount of insertion of bamboo wedge pins, on both ends of the bamboo pin, is done in a manner such that it doesn’t split the bamboo culm into which it is being inserted. The connection so developed arrests the movement of the bamboo pin and bamboo culms from their position, thus developing a strong connection between two bamboo culms. According to present invention in application like furniture or low-pressure joints, the extended portion of bamboo wedged dowel as shown in Figure 2 is cut along the surface of the bamboo culm to give it a clean finish on the surface, thus resulting into the present embodiment.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of present invention a bamboo wedged dowel connection (300) is shown wherein three bamboo culms (301a, 301b, 301c) as bamboo segments are used. Referring to Figure 3, a pin hole is made into bamboo culms (301a, 301b, 301c) by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (302) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted through the culms (301a, 301b, 301c). The bamboo pin (302) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the bamboo culms (301a, 301c) on either surface as shown in Figure 3. In these extended portions, as per the description given above, a bamboo wedge (303a, 303b) is inserted and finished to create a bamboo wedged dowel on either surface of bamboo culms (301a, 301c).

[0031] According to another preferred embodiment of present invention a bamboo wedged dowel connection (400) is shown wherein, a bamboo split and a bamboo culm (401a, 401b) as bamboo segments is used. Referring to Figure 4, a pin hole is made into these bamboo segments by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (402) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted through the bamboo segments. The bamboo pin (402) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the bamboo split (401a) & culm (402b) on either surface as shown in Figure 4. In these extended portions, as per the description given above, a bamboo wedge (403a, 403b) is inserted and finished to create a bamboo wedged dowel on either surface of the bamboo split (401a) and culm (401b).
[0032] According to further preferred embodiment of present invention a bamboo wedged dowel connection (500) is shown wherein, a bamboo split (501a), bamboo culm (501b) and a bamboo split (501c) as bamboo segments are used. Referring to Figure 5, a pin hole is made into these three bamboo segments by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (502) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted through bamboo segments. The bamboo pin (502) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the two bamboo splits (501a, 501c) on either surface as shown in Figure 5. In these extended portions, a bamboo wedge (503a, 503b) is inserted and finished, in a manner described above, to create a bamboo wedged dowel on either surface of the bamboo splits (501a, 501c).

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment of present invention a bamboo wedged dowel connection (600) is shown wherein, a bamboo split (601a), bamboo culm (601b) and a bamboo culm (601c) as bamboo segments are used. Referring to Figure 6, a pin hole is made into these bamboo segments by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (602) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted through them. The bamboo pin (602) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the bamboo split (601a) and culm (601c) on either surface as shown in Figure 6. In these extended portions, a bamboo wedge (603a, 603b) is inserted and finished, in a manner described above, to create a bamboo wedged dowel on either surface of bamboo split (601a) and culm (601c).

[0034] According to further preferred embodiment of present invention a bamboo wedged dowel connection (700) is shown wherein two bamboo culms (701a, 701b) as bamboo segments are used. Referring to Figure 7, an inclined pin hole is made into these two bamboo culms by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (702) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted through the two of them. The bamboo pin (702) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the two bamboo culms (701a, 701b) on either surface as shown in Figure 7. In these extended portions, a bamboo wedge (703a, 703b) is inserted and finished, in a manner described above, to create a bamboo wedged dowel on either surface of bamboo culms (701a, 701b).

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment of present invention a finished bamboo wedged dowel connection (800) is shown wherein two bamboo culms (801a, 801b) as bamboo segments are used. Referring to Figure 8, a pin hole is made into these two bamboo culms by using a drill or machine tool. A bamboo pin (802) is then developed to fit the hole and inserted into both of them. The bamboo pin (802) is cut in such a manner that certain part of it remains extended outside the two bamboo culms (801a, 801b) on either surface as shown in Figure 8. In these extended portions, a bamboo wedge (803a, 803b) is inserted and cut along the surface of the bamboo culm (801a, 801b) to give it a clean finish on the surface.

[0036] In all the types of connections described above the bamboo pin is inserted in a straight manner, however it may be inserted in any desired inclination such inclination upto 60 degrees. Further, the bamboo pin may be near circular or asymmetric polygonal in cross section having diameter varying from 5mm to 45mm. Again, the bamboo segments can be arranged in a combination of all vertical or all horizontal, or a mix of vertical or horizontal orientations with two or more bamboo segments or a spacer may present between the contacting surfaces of bamboo segments. Further, in all the above types of connections the bamboo wedge pins may be flat with sharp or blunt edge or pyramidal with sharp or blunt edge at its wedge end. The bamboo wedge pin may be inserted in a straight and or inclined bamboo pin preferably upto 60 degrees and having flat width of sharp or blunt edge of bamboo wedge pin equal to that of the bamboo pin diameter. Also, the bamboo wedge dowel may have different external finish of the joint i.e. in some connections the wedges are surface finished and in some a definite extension is kept for a depth preferably upto twice of the bamboo pin diameter. Further, the portion of bamboo wedge pin inserted inside the bamboo pin is applied with glue or resins for better bonding. Subject to the application of the above combinations in different infrastructural systems and furniture, the pin and bamboo wedge sizes may be designed to resist the expected forces from horizontal, vertical and or any other direction such that the disconnection of the joints is avoided and the infrastructural systems remain durable and safe.
[0037] Hence the method disclosed in the present disclosure provides complete solution for connecting two or more bamboo segments using bamboo wedge dowel.

[0038] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0039] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of methods described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A method for connecting two or more bamboo segments (201) comprising the steps of:
inserting a bamboo pin (202) at a predefined angle across two or more bamboo segments having a surface in contact with each other, wherein a portion of the bamboo pin remains extended outside of the surface of bamboo segments;
forming a bamboo wedge dowel comprising inserting a bamboo wedge pin (203) of predefined shape into each extended portion of the bamboo pin, wherein the bamboo pin flanges out for restraining the movement of the bamboo segments.

2. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 1, wherein bamboo segment (201) is selected from bamboo culms or bamboo splits and/or any combination thereof.

3. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bamboo segments are arranged in a combination of vertical or horizontal orientation and/or any combination thereof.

4. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bamboo pin (202) is circular or asymmetric polygonal in cross section having diameter varying from 5mm to 45mm and is inserted horizontally or at an inclination upto 60 degrees.

5. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spacer is present between the contacting surfaces of bamboo segments.

6. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bamboo wedge dowel portion remains extended outside from the surface of the bamboo segments for a depth preferably upto twice of the bamboo pin (202) diameter.

7. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extended bamboo wedge dowel portion is cut along the surface of the bamboo segment (201) to give a smooth finish.

8. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bamboo wedge pin (203) at wedge end is flat with sharp or blunt edge or pyramidal with sharp or blunt edge.

9. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bamboo wedge pin (203) with an angle upto 30 degrees and flat width of sharp or blunt edge equal to that of the bamboo pin (202) diameter is inserted into the bamboo pin. to make bamboo wedge dowel.

10. The method for connecting two or more segments of bamboo as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portion of bamboo wedge pin (203) inserted inside the bamboo pin (202) is applied with glue or resins for better bonding.