Modular Gabion System, Structure and Method Thereof

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/636,620, filed Apr. 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to gabion structures and, more specifically, the present invention relates to coupling multiple panels to form the gabion structures.

Gabion structures are a popular type of architecture used in landscaping, retaining walls, and for outdoor aesthetic purposes. Gabion structures are typically made of metal materials, such as metal mesh panels. Such mesh panels are typically welded or loosely coupled together with flexible wire pieces to form a container type structure that may be filled with rocks, for example. Although gabion structures are more traditionally employed for functional purposes in landscaping projects, they are fast becoming popular for aesthetic residential settings as well as public or commercial settings, such as outdoor seating areas of restaurants, parks, or business settings. Gabion structures are very expensive and time consuming to design and build. For example, gabion structures are typically customized for a specific function and/or aesthetic purpose and, therefore, go through a design process. As such, most gabion type structures are unique in size and require a metal fabricator and/or welder to build a given structure. This process of designing, fabricating the desired size of the mesh panels, and then piecing the mesh panels together with wire or welding the mesh panels together to build the customized gabion structure is extremely expensive, time consuming, and limits the ability for most consumers to employ such gabion structures at their residence, for example.

The present invention is directed to various embodiments of a modular gabion system configured to hold filler material. In one embodiment, the gabion system includes multiple framed panels configured to removably interconnect with each other so that the framed panels extend to define a first gabion structure. The first gabion structure includes a front side, a rear side, a first side and a second side, the front side positioned opposite and generally parallel to the rear side, and the first side positioned opposite and generally parallel to the second side. Each of the multiple framed panels including a panel, an upper bar, a lower bar, an angle bar, and upper and lower tabs. The panel extends with a multi-cellular structure so as to define an upper end, a lower end, a first end, and a second end. The upper end of the panel is opposite the lower end of the panel, and the first end of the panel is opposite the second end of the panel. The upper and lower bars extend along the respective upper and lower ends of the panel such that the upper bar extends generally parallel relative to the lower bar. The angle bar extends between, and is coupled to, end portions of the upper bar and the lower bar so as to extend along the first end of the panel. The upper tab is coupled to one end of the upper bar and the lower tab coupled to one end of the lower bar such that the upper and lower tabs are positioned adjacent the second end of the panel.

In another embodiment, the upper and lower tabs of one of the multiple framed panels are sized and configured to be removably coupled to the angle bar of an adjacently positioned other one of the multiple framed panels. In another embodiment, the multiple framed panels interconnect together with the upper and lower tabs of one of the framed panels being removably coupled to the angle bar of another one of the multiple framed panels. In still another embodiment, the upper and lower tabs each include a hole extending therethrough, the hole of the upper and lower tabs configured to be aligned and correspond with openings defined in the angle bar of another panel adjacently positioned thereto. In another embodiment, the upper bar and the lower bar of at least two of the framed panels include openings defined therein, the openings each sized to receive a bolt.

In another embodiment, the gabion system further includes one or more crossbars, the one or more crossbars extending between oppositely positioned ones of the multiple framed panels. In another embodiment, the one or more crossbars includes vertical extensions on opposite ends of the one or more crossbars. In still another embodiment, the one or more crossbars include lateral extensions on opposite ends of the one or more crossbars. In yet another embodiment, the one or more crossbars includes lateral extensions set-back from opposite ends of the one or more crossbars.

In another embodiment, the gabion system further includes a second gabion structure, the second gabion structure having the multiple framed panels removably interconnected together, the second gabion structure removably coupled to the first gabion structure. In another embodiment, the second gabion structure is removably coupled to a top side of the first gabion structure. In another embodiment, the second gabion structure is removably coupled to one of the front side, the rear side, the first side and the second side of the first gabion structure.

In another embodiment, the gabion system further includes a seat panel removably coupled to a top side of the first gabion structure. In another embodiment, the multiple framed panels include various sized panels, the various sized panels configured to form various sized gabion structures.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming a gabion structure is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing multiple framed panels each having a wire panel, an upper flat bar, a lower flat bar, and an angle bar, the wire panel extending to define an upper end, a lower end, a first end and a second end, the upper end being opposite the lower end and the first end being opposite the second end, the upper flat bar fixed to the upper end of the wire panel, the lower flat bar fixed to the lower end of the wire panel, the angle bar fixed to end portions of the upper and lower flat bar and fixed to the first end of the wire panel, the upper and lower flat bars each including an upper tab and a lower tab fixed to one end of the upper and lower flat bars and positioned adjacent to the second end of the wire panel; and interconnecting the multiple framed panels to each other so that the framed panels extend to define a front side, a rear side, a first side, and a second side to at least partially form the gabion structure.

In another embodiment, the method step of interconnecting includes removably coupling the upper tab and the lower tab of one of the multiple framed panels to the angle bar of another one of the multiple framed panels. In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of coupling one or more crossbars between oppositely positioned ones of the multiple framed panels. In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of assembling multiple gabion structures and coupling the multiple gabion structures together. In still another embodiment, the step of coupling the multiple gabion structures together includes vertically stacking the multiple gabion structures together with a crossbar having vertical extensions, the vertical extensions coupled to a lower and upper gabion structure in a stacked arrangement. In another embodiment, the step of coupling the multiple gabion structures together includes horizontally coupling the multiple gabion structures together with bolts extending through one or more of the angle bar, the upper flat bar, and the lower flat bar of adjacently positioned framed panels of any two of the multiple gabion structures. In another embodiment, the method further includes positioning a seat panel over a top side of the multiple framed panels interconnected together to form the gabion structure. In another embodiment, the step of providing the multiple framed panels includes providing the multiple framed panels having different sizes; and the interconnecting the multiple framed panels includes assembling multiple gabion structures having different sizes.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a modular gabion system is provided. The modular gabion system includes multiple framed panels configured to removably interconnect to each other to form a gabion structure, each of the multiple framed panels including a panel, an upper and lower elongated piece, an angled piece, and upper and lower tabs. The panel extends with a multi-cellular structure, the panel extending to define an upper end, a lower end, a first end, and a second end, the upper end being opposite the lower end of the panel, the first end being opposite the second end of the panel. The upper and lower elongated pieces extending along the respective upper and lower ends of the panel such that the upper elongated piece extends generally parallel relative to the lower elongated piece. The angled piece extends between, and is coupled to, end portions of the upper elongated piece and the lower elongated piece so as to extend along the first end of the panel. The upper tab is coupled to one end of the upper elongated piece and the lower tab is coupled to one end of the lower elongated piece such that the upper and lower tabs are positioned adjacent the second end of the panel.

In another embodiment, the multiple framed panels interconnect together with the upper and lower tabs of one of the framed panels being removably coupled to the angled piece of another one of the multiple framed panels. In another embodiment, the upper and lower tabs each include a hole extending therethrough, the hole of the upper and lower tabs configured to be aligned and correspond with openings defined in the angled piece of another panel adjacently positioned thereto. In another embodiment, the upper bar and the lower bar of at least two of the framed panels include openings defined therein, the openings each sized to receive a bolt.

In another embodiment, the gabion system further includes one or more crossbars, the one or more crossbars extending between oppositely positioned ones of the multiple framed panels. In another embodiment, the one or more crossbars include vertical extensions on opposite ends of the one or more crossbars. In another embodiment, the one or more crossbars include lateral extensions on opposite ends of the one or more crossbars. In still another embodiment, the one or more crossbars include lateral extensions set-back from opposite ends of the one or more crossbars.

In another embodiment, the gabion system further includes a second gabion structure, the second gabion structure having the multiple framed panels removably interconnected together, the second gabion structure removably coupled to the gabion structure. In another embodiment, the second gabion structure is removably coupled to a top side of the gabion structure. In still another embodiment, the second gabion structure is removably coupled to one of the framed panels of the gabion structure.

In another embodiment, the gabion system further includes a seat panel removably coupled to a top side of the gabion structure. In another embodiment, the multiple framed panels include various sized panels, the various sized panels configured to form various sized gabion structures. In another embodiment, the panel of the framed panels extends to define a periphery, the periphery extending to define at least one of a square shape, a rectangular shape, and a trapezoidal shape. In another embodiment, the framed panels are interconnected to define one of a cuboid type structure and a truncated pyramid type structure.

Referring to, one embodiment of a framed gabion structureis shown in assembled and disassembled states. The framed gabion structuremay be formed by employing a modular system with multiple modules or multiple framed panels. Such multiple framed panelsmay be readily assembled or disassembled via a tab system, see, e.g.,. Each framed panelmay extend with a generally square or rectangular shaped panel with frame pieces on at least three sides and one or more tabs on one of the sides of the square or rectangular shaped panel. The tab system may facilitate the framed panelsto readily be interconnected together to form the framed gabion structure. Further, such framed panelsmay be pre-fabricated with various components and in various sizes to form various sized gabion structures, see, e.g.,, discussed further herein. Also, such pre-fabricated components may be welded together to form pre-determined sizes of the framed panels.

With reference to, the various components of the framed gabion structurewith its multiple framed panelswill now be described. The framed gabion structuremay be referenced as a gabion structure or framed gabion or framed structure. The multiple framed panelsmay include an upper barand a lower bar. The upper barand the lower barmay extend parallel to one another. Further, the upper barand the lower barmay be coupled to an angle iron. The angle ironmay extend vertically between the upper barand the lower bar. The multiple framed panelsmay also include a wire panel. The wire panelmay be coupled to the upper bar, the lower bar, and the angle iron. In this manner, the wire panelmay extend along or between each of the upper bar, lower barand the angle iron. The upper barand the lower barmay extend from the angle ironto an opposite end where tabsmay be coupled thereto. The tabsmay include tab openings(). The tabsand the tab openings() may be sized and configured for a coupling boltto extend therethrough. Furthermore, the tabsmay be configured to couple to the angle ironof an adjacently positioned framed panel, such that, the coupling boltmay extend through the tabsand the angle iron. With this arrangement, the multiple framed panelsmay interconnect to form the framed gabion structure. Further, the upper and lower bars,may be elongated flat structures or elongated flat pieces that may also be referenced as flat bar, a common term for such type of material. Furthermore, the angle ironmay also be elongated angled pieces that may also be referenced as angle bar, as it is a common term for such type of material that may be employed as the angle iron.

The gabion structuremay form multiple shapes, sizes or configurations when the multiple framed panelsare coupled to one another. The multiple framed panelsthat may extend parallel to one another may be similar in size and shape. In one embodiment, at least two of the multiple framed panelsmay extend with the upper barand the lower barextending at a length which may be longer than the angle iron, defining a first framed paneland a second framed panel. The first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. Another two of the multiple framed panelsmay be positioned adjacently perpendicular to ends of the first framed paneland the second framed panelto define a third framed paneland a fourth framed panel. The third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend with similar structure as the first and second framed panels,, but may be sized differently. For example, the third and fourth framed panels,may include other ones of an upper bar′ and the lower bar′ each extending and coupled to an angle iron′. The upper and lower bars′,′ of the third and fourth framed panels,may be shorter than the upper barand the lower barof the first framed paneland the second framed panelwith the angle ironbeing similar in size, or the same. As such, the third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend at a shorter length than the first framed paneland the second framed panel. Further, the third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. In this configuration, the framed gabion structuremay form a rectangular shaped profile or cuboid type structure without framed panels along bottom and top sides thereof.

With reference to, as previously set forth, the multiple framed panelsmay include the upper barand the lower bar, but may include different sizes. The upper barand the lower barmay extend from a first endto a second endof the multiple framed panels. Further, the upper barand the lower barmay extend parallel to one another. The lower barof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend laterally from the first endto the second endof the multiple framed panels. The lower barmay extend to define lower holesthereon. The lower barof the first framed paneland the lower barof the second framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. Further, the lower barof the first framed paneland the lower barof the second framed panelmay include the lower holespositioned thereon. As such, the lower holeson the lower barof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be positioned directly in line and parallel to one another. The lower holesmay be sized and configured for lower boltsto extend therethrough. Similar to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend laterally from the first endto the second endof the multiple framed panels. Further, the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend to include upper holesdefined thereon. As such, the upper holesdefined on the upper barof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be positioned directly parallel to one another. The upper holesmay be sized and configured for upper boltsto extend therethrough.

The first endof the multiple framed panelsmay include the angle ironcoupled to the upper barand the lower bar. The angle ironmay extend perpendicular to the upper barand the lower bar. Further, the angle ironmay also extend in an L-shape so as to define a first sideand a second sideof the angle iron. The first sidemay extend in-line with the upper barand the lower bar. The second sidemay extend perpendicular to the upper barand the lower bar. In some embodiments, the angle ironmay define a corneror an edge along the multiple framed panels. Such corneror edge of a given one of the framed panelsmay be one of the cornersand edge of the gabion structure.

The wire panelmay be a rail type or wire type metal panel with multiple wires or rods evenly spaced and longitudinally extending vertically over multiple wires or rods that may be evenly spaced and longitudinally extending horizontally. Such wires or rods spaced relative to each other may extend to define a mesh or multi-cellular structure. In another embodiment, the wire panelmay be a steel mesh material. In another embodiment, the wire panelmay be referenced as a mesh panel. In another embodiment, the wire panelmay be referenced as a panel with a mesh structure or multi-cellular structure. In some embodiments, the mesh structure may include rods extending perpendicular relative to each other in an angled or crisscross pattern so as to extend transverse relative to the framed pieces, i.e., upper and lower bars and angle iron. As such, it can be well appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the wire panelmay extend with a variety of mesh type structures and patterns.

The wire panelmay extend from the first endto the second endof the multiple framed panels. In this manner, the wire panelmay extend between the upper barand the lower bar. Further, the wire panelmay extend from the angle ironto the second endof the multiple framed panels. As such, the wire panelmay be coupled to the upper bar, the lower bar, and the angle iron. Further, the wire panelmay include longitudinal wiresand lateral wires. The longitudinal wiresand the lateral wiresmay extend to form multiple shapes or patterns, such as, a square or rectangular patterns, or, in another embodiment, a diamond pattern. When the gabion structuremay be formed, the wire panelmay allow for an interiorof the gabion structureto be viewed. Therefore, the interiorof the gabion structuremay be filled with rock filler() or another type of filler material that is viewable from an exterior side of the gabion structure. Other types of filler material may include glass pieces, metal pieces, plastics or any other type of filler material as desired, such as, decorative Christmas ball ornaments, for example.

With reference to, as previously set forth, the upper barand the lower barmay extend from the first endto the second endof the multiple framed panelsto tabscoupled thereto. The tabsmay extend to define an inward endand an outward end. The outward endmay extend past the upper baror the lower barfor which the tabsmay be coupled to. Further, the tabsmay include the tab openingsdefined on the outward end. The first sideof the angle ironmay include first holesand the second sideof the angle ironmay include second holesdefined thereon. The second holesmay be positioned on an upper endand a lower endof the angle iron. The tab openingsand the second holesof the angle ironmay be configured to be similar in size. As such, the tab openingsmay be aligned to the second holeson the second sideof angle ironof an adjacently positioned one of the multiple framed panels. The tabsmay be coupled to the second sideof the angle ironby the coupling boltextending through the tab openingsand the second holesof the angle iron. Also, a coupling nutmay further secure the coupling boltto each of the tabsand the angle iron. With this arrangement, tabsof each one of the framed panelsmay couple to adjacently positioned other ones of the framed panelsto form the gabion structure. As previously stated, the first side of the angle iron may include the first holes. The first holesmay also be positioned adjacent the upper endand the lower endof the angle iron. The first holesmay be sized for the coupling boltsto also extend therethrough. The coupling boltsextending through the first holes, in some embodiments, may not be utilized for coupling to other panels or gabion structures, but rather, the coupling boltsmay be for aesthetic and design purposes.

Now with reference to, as previously stated the upper barand the lower barmay include the upper holesand the lower holesdefined therein, respectively. The lower boltsmay be configured to couple a standard crossbar(or referenced as a crossbar) to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. The standard crossbarmay extend from the lower barof the first paneldirectly across to the lower barof the second framed panel. In other words, the standard crossbarmay extend from the lower holedefined on the lower barof the first framed panelto the parallel positioned and aligned lower holedefined on the lower barof the second framed panel. In this configuration, the standard crossbarmay extend perpendicular to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. Similarly, the upper holesmay be sized and configured for the upper boltto extend therethrough and couple the standard crossbarto the first framed paneland the second framed panel. As such, the standard crossbarmay extend from the upper holeof the upper barof the first framed panelto the parallel positioned and aligned upper holeof the upper barof the second framed panel. As such, the standard crossbarmay extend perpendicular to the upper barof the first framed paneland the second framed panel.

Now, the standard crossbarmay define a flat pieceand extension pieces. The extension piecesmay be bent or coupled to opposite ends of the flat pieceand extend perpendicular thereto. Further, the extension piecesmay extend in the same direction as one another. The extension piecesmay include bolt holesdefined therein. The bolt holesmay be sized and configured for the lower boltsor the upper boltsto extend therethrough. As such, the bolt holesof the extension piecesmay be aligned to the lower holesor the upper holes. When the standard crossbarmay be coupled to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the extension piecesmay extend upwards from the flat piecetowards the upper bars. In this manner, the lower boltand a lower nutmay couple the standard crossbarto the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. When the standard crossbarmay be coupled to the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the extension piecesmay extend downwards from the flat piecetowards the lower bars. In this manner, the upper boltand an upper nutmay couple the standard crossbarto the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel.

As previously set forth, the lower barand the upper barmay include the lower holesand the upper holes, respectively. The lower holesand the upper holesmay be defined in groupingsof at least two lower holesor two upper holes, respectively. In one embodiment, there may be at least two groupingsof the lower holesdefined on the lower bar, and, there may be at least two groupingsof the upper holesdefined on the upper bar. The groupingsof the lower barof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be aligned and parallel to one another. Likewise, the groupingsof the upper barof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be aligned and parallel to one another. With at least two groupingsdefined on the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, at least two standard crossbarsmay be coupled to the lower bars, such as one standard crossbarper grouping. The bolt holesof the extension piecesof the standard crossbarmay be aligned to at least one of the lower holesin the groupingpositioned on the lower barof the first framed panel. As such, the standard crossbarmay extend directly across to the parallel positioned grouping, and, more specifically, the parallel positioned lower holedefined on the lower barof the second framed panel. Similarly, the bolt holesof the extension piecesof the standard crossbarmay be aligned to at least one of the upper holesin the groupingpositioned on the upper barof the first framed panel. As such, the standard crossbarmay extend directly across to the parallel positioned grouping, and, more specifically the parallel positioned upper holeon the upper barof the second framed panel. With at least two groupingsdefined on the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, at least two standard crossbarsmay be coupled to the upper bars. In this manner, at least four standard crossbarsmay be utilized to provide structure to the gabion structure. Now, at least one of the lower holesand the upper holesof the groupingsmay not be utilized to couple standard crossbarsto the first framed paneland the second framed panel. As such, at least one of the lower holesand the upper holesin the groupingsmay be configured for aesthetic and design purposes. As such, the lower holemay include the lower boltextending therethrough, however, the lower boltmay not be utilized to couple the standard crossbarthereto. Similarly, the upper boltmay extend through the upper holeand may not be utilized for coupling the standard crossbarthereto. Upon securing the standard crossbarsto the gabion structure, the gabion structure may then be positioned at a suitable location where it is intended to be positioned long term to then receive filler material, such as rock filler() or the like. As such, the crossbarsmay provide the structural integrity to the gabion structure needed to handle the weight provided by the filler material over long periods of time. Further, the tabsand structural arrangement of each of the framed panelsfacilitate ready assembly of a given gabion structure, as set forth herein.

Now with reference to, in another embodiment of the present invention, a gabion structureincluding multiple framed panelsand a seat panelis provided. The gabion structuremay be configured similarly to the previous embodiment. As such, the multiple framed panelsmay include an upper bar, a lower bar, an angle iron, and a wire panel. The upper bar, the lower bar, the angle iron, and the wire panelmay be coupled to one another as described in the previous embodiment. In this manner, the upper barand the lower barmay include tabscoupled thereto. The tabsmay couple to a second sideof the angle ironwith coupling boltsand coupling nuts, similar to the previous embodiment.

The gabion structuremay define a first framed panel, a second framed panel, a third framed panel, and a fourth framed panel, as in the previous embodiment. Further, the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. The third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay be coupled to opposite ends of the first framed paneland the second framed panel. The upper barsand the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay include upper boltsand lower boltsextending therethrough, respectively. Similar to the previous embodiment, the upper boltsand the lower boltsmay be defined may be configured to correspond with holes in groupingsof at least two on the upper barsand the lower bars. There may be at least two groupingsfor the upper boltsdefined on the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, and, there may be at least two groupingsfor the lower boltsdefined on the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel.

The lower boltsmay couple a standard crossbarto the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. The standard crossbarmay define a flat pieceand extension pieces. The extension piecesmay be positioned on opposite ends of the flat pieceand may extend perpendicular to the flat piece. The extension piecesmay be configured to couple to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, similar to the previous embodiment. In this manner, the standard crossbarmay extend perpendicular to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. Further, the standard crossbarmay be coupled by the lower boltof the lower barof the first framed paneland may extend therefrom to the parallel positioned lower boltof the lower barof the second framed panel. As previously set forth, the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay include at least two groupingsof holes defined therein. As such, at least two standard crossbarsmay be coupled to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelwith the lower boltsbeing inserted into corresponding holes.

With reference to, as previously set forth, the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay include at least two groupingsof holes defined therein to receive the upper bolts. With at least two groupingsof holes defined in the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, at least two bench crossbarsmay be coupled thereto with the upper bolts. The bench crossbarmay be configured similar to the standard crossbar. As such, the bench crossbarmay define a long flat pieceand coupling extension pieces. The coupling extension piecesmay be positioned along the length of the long flat piece. The coupling extension piecesmay be positioned at a length such that the coupling extensions piecesmay be positioned against the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. Further, the coupling extension piecesmay include bolt openingsdefined thereon. The bolt openingsmay be configured to be aligned to where the upper boltsof the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be positioned to extend therethrough. Further, the bolt openingsmay allow for the upper boltto extend therethrough and couple the bench crossbarto the first framed paneland the second framed panel. In this embodiment, the long flat piecemay extend past the coupling extension pieces. Further, the long flat piecemay include bench holesdefined therein. When the coupling extension piecesmay be coupled to the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the long flat piecemay be positioned on the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. More specifically, the long flat piecemay be positioned on an upper peripheryof the gabion structure. Further, the long flat piecemay extend past or beyond the first framed paneland the second framed panel. With at least two bench crossbarscoupled to the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the seat framed panelmay be positioned thereon and secured thereto via fasteners or the like extending through the bench holes. In this manner, the seat panelmay be secured to the gabion structurewith the bench crossbars. In another embodiment, the seat panelmay simply rest on the bench crossbarsof the gabion structure. In another embodiment, the seat panelmay be adhesively attached to the bench crossbarsof the gabion structure.

With reference to, another embodiment of a gabion structurewith multiple framed panelsis provided. The gabion structuremay be similar in structure to the previous embodiments. As such, the multiple framed panelsmay include an upper bar, a lower bar, an angle iron, and a wire panel. Further, the multiple framed panelsmay extend to define a first endand a second end. The upper barand the lower barmay extend from the first endto the second end, parallel to one another. The angle ironmay be coupled to ends of the upper barand the lower bar, such that, the angle ironmay extend perpendicular to the upper barand the lower bar. Further, the angle ironmay be coupled to the upper barand the lower barat the first endof each of the multiple framed panels. The wire panelmay be coupled to the upper bar, the lower bar, and the angle iron. As such, the wire panelmay extend between the first endand the second endof each of the multiple framed panels. The angle ironmay extend in an L-shape to define a first sideand a second side. The first sidemay extend in-line with the upper barand the lower bar. The second sidemay extend perpendicular to the upper barand the lower bar. In this manner, the angle ironmay define a corneror edge of the gabion structure.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the upper barand the lower barmay include tabscoupled thereto at on an opposite end of the angle iron. The tabsmay include tab openingsdefined therein. The angle ironmay define an upper endand a lower end. The first sideand the second sideof the angle ironmay include first holesand second holesdefined therein, respectively. The tab openingsmay be positioned and aligned to correspond with the second holesof the second sideof the angle ironof an adjacently positioned one of the multiple framed panels. In this manner, a coupling boltmay extend through the tab openingsand the second holesand, with a coupling nut, the coupling boltmay couple the tabto the angle ironof a given one of the framed panels. In this manner, the multiple framed panelsmay be coupled together to assemble the gabion structure.

Further, similar to previous embodiments, the gabion structuremay define a first framed panel, a second framed panel, a third framed panel, and a fourth framed panel. The first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. The third framed paneland fourth framed panelmay be coupled adjacent the first endsand the second endsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, respectively. The third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. In one embodiment, the upper barand the lower barof the first framed panelmay extend at a similar length to the angle ironof the first framed panel. As such, the first framed panelmay be similar to a square shape. Further, the second framed panel, the third framed panel, and the fourth framed panelmay be sized similar to the first framed panel. In this configuration, the gabion structuremay be assembled to define a generally square profile with a cubic structurewithout a bottom or top panel.

With reference to, another embodiment of a gabion structureincluding multiple framed panelsis provided. The multiple framed panelsmay include an upper bar, a lower bar, an angle iron, and a wire panel. The upper bar, the lower bar, the angle iron, and the wire panelmay couple to one another similar to the previous embodiments. In this manner, the upper barand the lower barmay extend perpendicular from the angle irontowards tabscoupled on an opposite end thereof. The wire panelmay be coupled to and extend between the upper bar, the lower bar, and the angle iron. Similar to previous embodiments, the angle ironmay extend in an L-shape to define a first sideand a second side. Further, the angle ironmay define an upper endand a lower end. The first sidemay extend in-line with the upper bar, the lower bar, and the wire panel. The second sidemay extend perpendicular to the upper bar, the lower bar, and the wire panel. The first sideand the second sidemay include first holesand second holesdefined on the upper endand the lower endof the angle iron.

The upper barand the lower barmay extend from the angle irontowards the tabscoupled thereto. The tabsmay define tab openingstherein. Further, the tabsmay be sized and configured to be positioned on the second sideof the angle iron. In this manner, the tab openingsmay correspond with the second holesof the second sideof the angle iron. A coupling boltand a coupling nutmay be sized and configured to extend through the tab openingsand the second holesto couple the tabsto the angle iron. The multiple framed panelsmay be coupled to one another in this manner to form the gabion structure. Similar to the previous embodiments, the first holemay also include a coupling boltextending therethrough, however, the first holeand the coupling boltextending therethrough may be for design and aesthetic purposes.

The gabion structuremay extend to define a first framed panel, a second framed panel, and third framed panel, and a fourth framed panel, each of which may be coupled together in a similar manner as described above and in previous embodiments. The first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend parallel to one another. Further, the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be coupled to the third framed paneland the fourth framed panel. The third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend perpendicular to the first framed paneland the second framed panel. Now, the upper barsand the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend at a length which may be longer than the angle ironof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. In this manner, the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay extend in a rectangular shape. The upper barsand the lower barsof the third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend at a similar length than the angle ironof the third framed paneland the fourth framed panel. In this manner, the third framed paneland the fourth framed panelmay extend in a square shape. The angle ironsof the first framed panel, the second framed panel, the third framed panel, and the fourth framed panelmay extend with a similar height. In this configuration, upon the first framed panel, the second framed panel, the third framed panel, and the fourth framed panelbeing coupled to one another, the gabion structuremay form a cuboid type structure, but without the bottom and top sides.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the upper barsand the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay include upper holesand lower holesdefined therein, respectively. The upper holesdefined on the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be aligned and parallel to one another. The lower holesdefined on the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay also be aligned and parallel to one another.

A standard crossbarmay be sized and configured to extend between either the upper barsand/or the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. The standard crossbarmay include a flat pieceand extension pieces. The extension piecesmay be coupled to ends of the flat piece. Further, the extension piecesmay extend perpendicular to the flat piece. The extension piecesmay include bolt holesdefined therein. The bolt holesmay be sized and configured to correlate with either the upper holesof the upper barsor the lower holesof the lower bars. The bolt holesmay be positioned and aligned to the upper holesof the upper barof the first framed panel, such that, the standard crossbarmay extend directly across to the upper holesof the second framed panel. In this manner, an upper boltmay extend through the upper holesand the bolt holesto couple the standard crossbarto the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. When the standard crossbarmay be coupled to the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the extension piecesmay extend downwards towards the lower bars. Similarly, the bolt holesof the extension piecesmay be positioned and aligned to the lower holesof the lower barof the first framed panel. As such, the standard crossbarmay extend directly across to the lower holesof the second framed panel. In this manner, a lower boltmay extend through the lower holesand the bolt holesto couple the standard crossbarto the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. When the standard crossbarmay be coupled to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the extension piecesmay extend upwards towards the upper bars.

The upper holesand the lower holesdefined on the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay be positioned in groupings. The groupingsmay be of at least two upper holesor lower holespositioned on the upper barsor the lower bars, respectively. The groupingsdefined on the upper barand the lower barof the first framed panelmay be positioned parallel and aligned to the groupingsdefined on the upper barand the lower barof the second framed panel. As previously stated, the standard crossbarmay be coupled to the upper barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelby the upper bolt. As such, the standard crossbarmay extend from at least one of the upper holesof the groupingsto the upper holethat may be positioned directly across. Similarly, the standard crossbarmay be coupled to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelby the lower bolt. The standard crossbarmay be coupled to at least one of the lower holesof the groupingsand may extend directly across to the parallel lower hole. In this configuration, at least one of the upper holesand the lower holesof the groupingsmay not be coupled to the standard crossbar. However, the upper boltand the lower boltmay extend through the upper holeand the lower holewhich may not be utilized for coupling purposes. In this manner, the upper holeand the lower holeand the associated upper boltand the lower bolt, which may not be utilized for coupling, may be provided for aesthetic and design purposes.

The upper barsand the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panelmay include at least one groupingof holes defined therein. As such, at least one standard crossbarmay be coupled to the upper bars, and, at least one standard crossbarmay be coupled to the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel. As previously stated, the gabion structuremay form the cuboid structure. With at least one standard crossbarbeing coupled to the upper barsand the lower barsof the first framed paneland the second framed panel, the gabion structuremay be defined as a medium type cuboid structure.

With reference to, in another embodiment, a modular gabion system of multiple assembled gabion structuresmay be removably interconnected together horizontally to form a larger gabion structure. Such interconnecting of the gabion structuresmay demonstrate a horizontal type modularity feature. The variations of assembled gabion structuresmay include the before described gabion structures of a small sized gabion structure or cubic gabion structure (see), a medium sized gabion structure or first cuboid gabion structure (see), and a large gabion structure or second cuboid gabion structure (see). For example, the horizontal type modularity feature may include employing a square gabion structure, a medium rectangular gabion structure, and a large rectangular gabion structure. The square gabion structuremay be similar to the cubic gabion structure previously described (see), which may include four panels that, upon being assembled, may extend with four generally square panels and appear to be cubic, but without a bottom and top side. The medium and large rectangular gabion structures,may be similar to the cuboid gabion structures previously described (see), which may also include four panels, but with two of the four panels elongated in comparison to the other two panels and, upon being assembled, do not exhibit a bottom or top panel.

The square gabion structure, the medium rectangular gabion structure, and the large rectangular gabion structuremay be assembled and formed similarly to the previous embodiments above. As such, the square gabion structure, the medium rectangular gabion structure, and the large rectangular gabion structuremay include at least four framed panels. The square gabion structuremay include at least four framed panelsextending in a square shape and coupled to one another. Further, the square gabion structuremay include frame panels, such as to define a panel A, a panel B, a panel C, and a panel D. The panel Aand panel Bmay extend parallel to one another and be coupled to panel Cand panel D.

The medium rectangular gabion structureand the large rectangular gabion structuremay include at least four framed panels. At least two of the framed panelsmay extend in a rectangular shape and at least two of the multiple framed panelsmay extend in a generally square shape. The medium rectangular gabion structuremay include framed panels, such as a panel E, a panel F, a panel G, and a panel H. The panel Eand panel Fmay extend with a rectangular shape and parallel to one another. Further, panel Eand panel Fmay be coupled to panel Gand panel H. Panel Gand panel Hmay extend in a generally square shape. Similar to previous embodiments, panel Eand panel Fmay include at least one standard crossbarcoupled thereto to provide support to the structure. In this manner, the multiple framed panelsmay form the medium rectangular gabion structure.

The large rectangular gabion structuremay include frame panels to define a panel I, a panel J, a panel K, and a panel L. Panel Iand panel Jmay extend parallel to one another in a rectangular shape. Further, panel Iand panel Jmay be coupled to panel Kand panel L. Panel Kand panel Lmay extend in a generally square shape. Similar to previous embodiments, panel Iand panel Jmay include at least two standard crossbarscoupled thereto for support purposes. In this manner, the multiple framed panelsmay form the large rectangular gabion structure.

Now with reference to, similar to previous embodiments, the multiple framed panelsmay include similar structural members. For example, each of the multiple framed panelsmay define an upper barand a lower bar. The upper barand the lower barmay extend parallel relative to each other. Further, one end portion of the upper barand the lower barmay be coupled to an angle ironsuch that the angle ironmay extend laterally relative to the upper and lower bars,. The angle ironmay extend from an upper endto a lower end. Further, the angle ironmay extend in an L- shape to define a first sideand a second side. The first sideof the angle ironmay extend in-line with the upper barand the lower bar. Further, the first sideof the angle ironmay be coupled to the upper barand the lower bar. The second sideof the angle ironmay extend perpendicular to the upper barand the lower bar. Each of the multiple framed panelsmay also include a wire panel, which may be coupled to the first sideof the angle iron, the upper bar, and the lower bar. As such, the wire panel may extend along the angle ironand between the upper and lower bars,.

In addition, the multiple framed panelsmay be coupled to an adjacently positioned one of the multiple framed panels, similar to the previous embodiments. As such, each of the upper barand the lower barmay include a tabcoupled to one end thereof. The tabsof one of the framed panelsmay be coupled to the second sideof the angle ironof another one of the framed panelsby a coupling boltand a coupling nutextending therethrough.

Similar to previous embodiments, the upper barand the lower barof the multiple framed panelsof the medium rectangular gabion structureand the large rectangular gabion structuremay include upper boltsand lower boltseach associated with openings defined in the upper and lower bars,. Such upper and lower bolts,may be sized and designed to extend through the openings for coupling to one or more gabion structures, depending on the larger gabion structure desired. Further, the upper boltsand the lower boltsand their associated openings may be in groupingsof at least two upper boltsand two lower bolts. The upper boltsand the lower boltsmay be sized and configured to couple the standard crossbarto the upper barsand the lower barsof the rectangle shaped multiple framed panels, respectively. As stated in previous embodiments, at least one of the upper boltsand the lower boltsof the groupingsmay not be utilized to couple the standard crossbar. Rather, as previously set forth herein, some of the upper boltsand the lower boltsand the openings associated therewith may not be employed to couple the standard crossbarthereto and may be provided for design or aesthetic purposes. In another embodiment, these upper and lower bolts,and the openings associated therewith that would otherwise be used for aesthetic purposes may be employed for coupling to other gabion structures.

Now, with reference to, the multiple gabion structuresmay be coupled to one another horizontally in multiple different configurations. In one example, the square gabion structure, the medium rectangular gabion structure, and the large rectangular gabion structuremay be positioned adjacent one another to horizontally couple the multiple gabion structurestogether. For example, panel Aof the square gabion structuremay be positioned adjacent panel Jof the large rectangular gabion structure. Panel Amay be shorter in length than panel J. As such, the upper barand lower barof panel Amay extend a partial length of the upper barand the lower barof panel J. With panel Apositioned against panel J, the first sideof the angle ironof panel Amay be positioned against the second sideof the angle ironof panel K. Panel Jmay couple to panel Kby the tabsand the coupling bolt. The second sideof the angle ironof panel Dmay be positioned against the upper barand the lower barof panel J. The tabsof panel Amay couple to the second sideof the angle ironof panel D. As previously stated, the first sideof the angle ironmay also include the coupling boltextending therethrough. With the first sideof the angle ironof panel Abeing positioned against the second sideof the angle ironof panel K, the coupling boltextending through the first sideof panel Amay also extend through the second sideof the angle ironof panel K, and thus, the tabsof panel J. As previously stated, the upper barsand the lower barsmay include the upper boltsand the lower boltsthat may either be utilized for coupling the standard crossbaror not be utilized for coupling. With the second sideof the angle ironof panel Dbeing positioned against the upper barand the lower barof panel J, the upper boltsand the lower boltsmay also extend through the second sideof the angle ironof panel D. In this manner, panel Amay be positioned against and coupled to panel J, which results in the square gabion structurebeing horizontally coupled to the large rectangular gabion structure.

Furthermore, panel Eof the medium rectangular gabion structuremay be positioned against panel Lof the large rectangular gabion structure. Upon panel Ebeing positioned against panel L, panel Emay extend a partial length of the upper barand the lower barof panel L. The first sideof the angle ironof panel Lmay be positioned against the upper barand the lower barof panel E. In this manner, the upper boltsand the lower boltsmay extend through the corresponding holes defined therein and couple the upper barand lower barof panel Eand the first sideof the angle ironof panel L. Further, the second sideof the angle ironof panel Jmay be positioned against the first sideof the angle ironof panel E. As such, the coupling boltsextending through the corresponding holes of the second sideof the angle ironof panel Jmay also extend through and couple the first sideof the angle ironof panel E. In this manner, panel Emay be positioned against and coupled to panel L, which may result in the medium rectangular gabion structurebeing horizontally coupled to the large rectangular gabion structure.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, there may be multiple square gabion structures, medium rectangular gabion structuresand/or large rectangular gabion structuresthat may be interconnected in various directions and positions relative to each other to form various larger gabion structures, as desired. Further, the ability to readily assemble (or disassembly) any one of the square gabion structures, medium rectangular gabion structuresand/or large rectangular gabion structuresto any other one of the square gabion structures, medium rectangular gabion structuresand/or large rectangular gabion structuresresults in a modular gabion system that facilitates one to build-out to a wide variety of large framed gabion structures, as desired. As such, the building blocks of the square gabion structure, the medium rectangular gabion structureand/or the large rectangular gabion structuremay provide the ability to create and modularly build-out various sized gabion structures in a horizontal manner while also having the advantageous ability to readily disassemble any such gabion structure. In this manner, the framed panels that form the various sized gabion structures described herein are modular with the ability to readily assemble and disassemble any of the gabion structures and, further disassemble each of the gabion structures into their respective framed panels. Further, upon disassembling a given gabion structure, the framed panels may be sized and configured to be stacked so that the structure of the framed panels may be placed into a compact position so as to readily be stored for later use or for transporting the panels of the various sized gabion structures, for example.