Patent Application
20190226218
Not applicable to this application.
Not applicable to this application.
Example embodiments in general relate to a form tie system for efficiently and securely tying together panels of a wall form with an elongated member.
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Wall forms have been in use for many years in constructing concrete walls such as a poured-in-place vertical concrete wall. Wall forms are generally constructed with a plurality of panels which define a gap into which concrete may be poured to cure into the wall.
In the past, wall forms include multiple panels which are positioned upright in spaced-apart relationship to define the gap in which the wall is formed. As the panels of the wall form are generally not directly connected to each other, it is often desirable to tie the panels together such that they retain their positioning and orientation relative to each other during all phases of the concrete wall construction and formation.
Previously, ties such as snap-ties or taper-ties have been utilized for such a purpose; with the ties being broken off after the wall has been completed. While such previous types of ties have been useful in the past, they are often difficult to use, costly to purchase, and can leave a visible protrusion or hole in the face of the finished cast wall.
An example embodiment is directed to a form tie system. The form tie system includes a first holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a first panel of a wall form and a second holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a second panel of a wall form. Each holder may include a grip such as a strand chuck which is adapted to securely retain an elongated member such as a wire rope that extends from the first holder to the second holder to tie the panels of the wall form together. One of the holders may comprise an adjustable holder including an adjustable nut utilized to bear against the strand chuck to increase tension in the elongated member. After formation of the wall, the elongated member may be cut and the holders released prior to removing the wall forms from around the completed wall.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the form tie system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the form tie system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the form tie system in detail, it is to be understood that the form tie system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The form tie system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
An example form tie system 10 generally comprises a first holder 20 for receiving and retaining an elongated member 14 extending through a wall form 60. The first holder 20 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to a first panel 61 of the wall form 60. A second holder 40 is adapted for receiving and retaining the elongated member 14 extending through the wall form 60. The second holder 40 may be positioned adjacent to a second panel 65 of the wall form 60. The first holder 20 may be adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. The second holder 40 may be adapted to selectively the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40. In some embodiments, the first holder 20 may be adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in the elongated member 14. The first holder 20, the second holder 40, and the elongated member 14 may be operable to support the first panel 61 and the second panel 65 of the wall form in a desired position and orientation as concrete 19 is poured and allowed to cure to form a wall 13 structure.
The first holder 20 may comprise a first grip 30; with the first grip 30 being adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. The second holder 40 may comprise a second grip 50 for gripping the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40; the second grip 50 being adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40. In some embodiments, the first grip 30 may be adapted to selectively release the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20 and the second grip 50 may be adapted to selectively release the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40.
The first holder 20 may comprise a shaft 24; with the first grip 30 being connected to the shaft 24. The first holder 20 may also comprise an adjustable nut 27 which is movably connected to the shaft 24. The adjustable nut 27 may be adapted to selectively bear against the first holder 20 so as to increase tension in the elongated member 14. The shaft 24 may comprise a threaded shaft including a channel 23 extending through the shaft 24; with the channel 23 being adapted to receive the elongated member 14. The first holder 20 may also comprise a plate washer 25 which is adapted to be secured against the first panel 61 of the wall form 60.
The first grip 30 may comprise a first chuck 32 comprising first adjustable jaws for selectively clamping the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. The second grip 50 may comprise a second chuck 52 comprising second adjustable jaws for selectively clamping the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40. The first grip 30 may comprise a first cap 33 and the second grip 50 may comprise a second cap 53; with the first cap 33 being adapted to selectively open or close the first adjustable jaws and the second cap 53 being adapted to selectively open or close the second adjustable jaws.
The second holder 40 may comprise a plate washer 44 adapted to contact the second panel 65 of the wall form 60. In some embodiments, the plate washer 44 may comprise a slanted face, while in other embodiments, the plate washer 44 may comprise a straight face.
Another exemplary embodiment may comprise a wall form 60 including a first panel 61 and a second panel 65; with the first panel 61 being distally spaced with respect to the first panel 61 so as to form a gap 69 between the first panel 61 and the second panel 65. The gap 69 may be adapted to receive a volume of concrete 19, such as from a boom 18, to form a wall 13. A elongated member 14 may be connected between the first and second panels 61, 65; with the elongated member 14 being adapted to tie the first panel 61 to the second panel 65.
A first holder 20 for receiving and retaining a first end of the elongated member 14 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the first panel 61 of the wall form 60. A second holder 40 for receiving and retaining a second end of the elongated member 14 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the second panel 65 of the wall form 60. The first holder 20 may comprise a first grip 30 for gripping the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20; with the first grip 30 being adapted to selectively clamp or release the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. The second holder 40 may comprise a second grip 50 for gripping the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40; with the second grip 50 being adapted to selectively clamp or release the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40.
The first panel 61 may comprise a first vertical support 63; with the first holder 20 being adapted to be positioned adjacent to the first vertical support 62 with the elongated member 14 extending through the first vertical support 63. The second panel 65 may comprise a second vertical support 67; with the second holder 40 being adapted to be positioned adjacent to the second vertical support 67 with the elongated member 14 extending through the second vertical support 67.
The first grip 30 may be adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in the elongated member 14. The first grip 30 may be comprised of a first chuck 32 and the second grip 50 may be comprised of a second chuck 52. The first holder 20 may comprise a threaded shaft 24 including a first end and a second end; with the first grip 30 being connected to the first end of the threaded shaft 24 and a plate washer 25 being connected to the second end of the threaded shaft 24. The plate washer 25 may be adapted to be positioned against the first panel 61. A channel 29 may extend through the threaded shaft 24.
The second holder 40 may comprise an outer plate washer 44 and an inner plate washer 45; with the outer plate washer 44 being adapted to be positioned against the second panel 65. The second grip 50 may be connected to the inner plate washer 45. The outer plate washer 44 may comprise a slanted face for embodiments in which the second panel 65 is oriented diagonally.
Also disclosed is a method of connecting a first panel 61 to a second panel 65 in a wall form 60, including the step of creating a wall form 60 by positioning the first panel 61 and the second panel 65 in a spaced-apart relationship so as to form a gap 68 between the first panel 61 and the second panel 65. The method may also include the step of inserting an elongated member 14 through the first panel 61, the gap 69, and the second panel 65. The method may also include the steps of positioning a first holder 20 adjacent to the first panel 61 of the wall form 60 and a second holder 40 adjacent to the second panel 65 of the wall form 60.
The method may also include the step of securing the elongated member 14 with a first holder 20; the first holder 20 comprising a first grip 30 for selectively clamping or releasing the elongated member 14. The method may also include the step of securing the elongated member 14 with a second holder 40; the second holder 40 comprising a second grip 50 for selectively clamping or releasing the elongated member 14. The method may also include the step of adjusting the first holder 20 to increase or decrease tension in the elongated member 14.
Any type of elongated member 14 comprising any number of materials may be utilized so long as the elongated member 14 has sufficient strength to support the panels 61, 65 of the wall form 60 upright without warping, stretching, or breaking. The length and diameter of the elongated member 14 may also vary in different embodiments to suit different applications. In some embodiments, the elongated member 14 may comprise a metallic rod, a rope, or any other elongated structure capable of supporting the panels 61, 65 of the wall form 60 upright with use of the holders 20, 40. By way of example, the elongated member 14 may comprise wire ropes or steel strands, such as an ASTM A416, seven-wire, low-relaxation pre-stressed steel strand. The elongated member 14 may be flexible, bendable or rigid.
As best shown in
The configuration of the first holder 20 may vary in different embodiments. The first holder 20 could comprise a knot, a bracket, a clamp, a block, an anchor, or any other structure adapted for holding the elongated member 14 while being retained against the first panel 61 of the wall form 60. Thus, the exemplary descriptions and figures herein should not be construed as limiting with respect to the type of first holder 20 utilized.
The first holder 20 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wall form 60, such as the first panel 61 of a wall form 60 as shown in
As shown in
As best shown in
It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and configuration of the plate washer 25 may vary in different embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In some embodiments, the plate washer 25 may comprise a circular configuration, or any other shape, so as long as it is adapted to be secured against the wall form 60.
As shown in
The shaft 24 may comprise a threaded, elongated member which may be connected to the anchor nut 26. The shaft 24 may be fixedly or removably connected to the anchor nut 26. In some embodiments, the shaft 24 is threaded so as to removably engage within the anchor nut 26. The channel 23 of the first holder 20 may extend through the shaft 24 such that the elongated member 14 may be removably extended through the shaft 24 as shown and described herein.
As shown in
As best shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As should be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the preceding exemplary descriptions and accompanying exemplary figures merely illustrate one exemplary type of first grip 30 for use with the systems and methods described herein. A wide range of gripping devices and the like may be utilized to selectively secure the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. Thus, the scope of the first grip 30 should not be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions and figures herein.
As shown in
As best shown in
The position on the elongated member 14 to which the second holder 40 is secured may vary. For example, the second holder 40 could be secured to the second end of the elongated member 14, to a point near the second end of the elongated member 14, or to any other portion of the elongated member 14 which extends through the second panel 65.
The configuration of the second holder 40 may vary in different embodiments. The second holder 40 could comprise a knot, a bracket, an anchor, a clamp, a block, or any other structure adapted for holding the elongated member 14 while being retained against the second panel 65 of the wall form 60. Thus, the exemplary descriptions and figures herein should not be construed as limiting with respect to the type of second holder 40 utilized.
As shown in
As shown in
It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and configuration of the plate washers 44, 45 may vary in different embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In some embodiments, the plate washers 44, 45 may comprise a circular configuration, or any other shape, so as long as it is adapted to be secured against the wall form 60.
The inner plate washer 45 may be secured against the second grip 50 such as shown in
As best shown in
In an embodiment shown in the figures, the second grip 50 may comprise a strand chuck, such as a SURE LOCK strand chuck as is known in the art. An exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the second grip 50 is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,396, covering a “Strand Chuck”, which has previously been incorporated by reference. Another exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the second grip 50 is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,904, covering “Strand Chucks”, which has also previously been incorporated by reference.
As best shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As should be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the preceding exemplary descriptions and accompanying exemplary figures merely illustrate one exemplary type of second grip 50 for use with the systems and methods described herein. A wide range of gripping devices and the like may be utilized to selectively secure the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40. Thus, the scope of the second grip 50 should not be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions and figures herein.
It should be appreciated that the systems and methods described herein may be utilized with a wide range of wall forms 60.
It should be appreciated that any type of wall form 60 may benefit from the form tie system 10 described herein. The form tie system 10 aids in retaining the wall form 60 in position during formation of the wall 13 by preventing unwanted movement of either of the panels 61, 65 of the wall form 60; particularly during the pouring and curing of concrete 19. By tying the panels 61, 65 together using the systems and methods described herein, the structural integrity, positioning, and orientation of the wall form 60 may be retained during all phases of wall 13 formation.
As shown in
As shown in
The preceding descriptions and accompanying figures are merely exemplary embodiments of wall forms 60. Any type of wall form 60, including different types of panels 61, 65, may be utilized with the form tie system 10 described herein. In some embodiments, the wall form 60 may not include horizontal supports 62, 66 and/or vertical supports 63, 67, as they are not required for operation of the form tie system 10. By way of example, any of the wall forms 60 shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/722,417, covering a “Concrete Forming System”, may be utilized. The Ser. No. 15/722,417 application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
In use, the wall form 60 is first created by positioning the first panel 61 at a first location and the second panel 65 in a second location such as shown in
For example, for a conventional flat-faced wall 13, both the first and second panels 61, 65 will be positioned vertically at a distance from each other equal to the desired depth of the wall 13. If it is desired that the wall 13 be tapered, one or both of the panels 61, 65 may be diagonally-oriented such that one or both of the faces of the wall 13 will be slanted. Any other orientation may be utilized depending upon the type of wall 13 being built and the needs of the user.
Once the wall form 60 has been created by positioning the panels 61, 65, the form tie system 10 may be utilized to ensure that the panels 61, 65 retain their positioning and orientation throughout the formation of the wall 13. One or more elongated members 14 may be inserted to pass through the first panel 61, the gap 69, and the second panel 65 of each form 60. In the figures, the elongated members 14 are passed through the vertical supports 62, 66 of the respective panels 61, 65; though other configurations may be utilized in different embodiments.
The number of elongated members 14 utilized will vary depending on the wall form 60 being used, as well as the type of wall 13 being constructed. Thus, the number of elongated members 14 utilized in the exemplary figures should not be construed as limiting in scope. Additionally, although the figures illustrate that the elongated members 14 are arranged in columns; various other orientations could be utilized. The elongated members 14 need not necessarily be oriented in the linear manner shown in the exemplary figures.
With the elongated members 14 inserted through the wall form 60, the holders 20, 40 may be installed so as to secure the elongated members 14 in their positions and tie together the wall form 60. As shown in
The elongated member 14 may secured by a first holder 20 after it passes through the first panel 61. The first end of each elongated member 14 is inserted through the first end 21 of the first holder 20 until it exits through the second end 22 of the first holder 20. More specifically, the first end of each elongated member 14 is inserted through the channel 29 of the first holder 20 as shown in
Once the elongated member 14 has been inserted through the first holder 20, the first grip 30 may be activated to secure the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first grip 30 may be activated by pushing in and locking the cap 33, which will force the chuck 32 forward within the housing 31 to close the adjustable jaws of the chuck 32 around the elongated member 14. In this manner, the first grip 30 will clamp and secure the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20.
The elongated member 14 may be secured by a second holder 40 after it passes through the second panel 65. The second end of each elongated member 14 is inserted through the first end 41 of the second holder 40 until it exits through the second end 42 of the second holder 40. More specifically, the second end of each elongated member 14 is inserted through the second grip 50, and plate washers 44, 45 through the channel 43 of the second holder 40 as shown in
Once the elongated member 14 has been inserted through the second holder 40, the second grip 50 may be activated to secure the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second grip 50 may be activated by pushing in and locking the cap 53, which will force the chuck 52 forward within the housing 51 to close the adjustable jaws of the chuck 52 around the elongated member 14. In this manner, the second grip 50 will clamp and secure the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40.
With the elongated member 14 being secured by the holders 20, 40, the tension in the elongated member 14 may be adjusted if desired. Tension may be applied to the elongated member 14 by adjusting the adjustable nut 27 of the first holder 20 such that the adjustable nut 27 bears against the first grip 30. The adjustable nut 27 may be rotated to advance along the shaft 24 until it contacts the first grip 30, and then adjusted further to apply force to the first grip 30 and thus increase tension in the elongated member 14.
Once the concrete 19 has been cured to form the wall 13, the wall form 60 may be removed. Each of the holders 20, 40 may be cut away from the panels 61, 65 by a cutting tool 12 (such as a saw blade or the like) that cuts through the elongated member 14 between the holders 20, 40 and the panels 61, 65. Once the elongated member 14 has been cut, each holder 20, 40 may be pulled away from the panels 61, 65. The grips 30, 50 may be deactivated so as to release the cut-off portions of each elongated member 14, and the holders 20, 40 will be ready for further use on a new form 60.
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 invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the form tie system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The form tie system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
