Patent Grant
8322115
This invention relates to formwork adapted for use in casting concrete structures. The invention also involves a method of arranging interconnectable formwork elements in forming a formwork. Particularly, this invention relates to interconnectable formwork elements adapted for use in forming concrete walls with flat surfaces.
The use of form elements which interconnect to form a wall structure into which concrete can be poured is known. The prior art formwork assemblies often result in arrangements that preclude a principle surface from being flat. In some formwork assemblies the desired pattern, such as flat surfaces at corners, is unobtainable due to the formwork engagement portions or connections available. That is, the form elements and their connections can be unarrangeable to achieve a formwork with a flat surface. In other formwork assemblies the pressure of poured concrete often results in the surface bulging due to lack of strength in the formwork element connections. Still other formwork assemblies are complicated and difficult to assemble and/or add internal components such as insulation, rebar, etc., which can result in loss of time and assembly errors, such as misalignment of wall surfaces. Further, during assembly some formwork arrangements can require inner braces to be inserted into a formwork element subsequent to the formwork element being connected to another formwork element.
Further drawbacks in the prior art involve the use of engagement portions or fins which extend outwardly from a form element body. Difficulties can arise from such form elements, such as in nesting for shipping, manually handling, snagging during assembly, as well as the overall aesthetics issue of having exterior engagement portions. These external engagement fins can also interfere with the formation of a flat surface.
The prior art formwork assemblies can lead to quality control problems, especially when stringent construction specifications are required. Other problems can also arise due to required length of assembly time and difficulty of assembly. Additionally, since errors in assembly may not be noticeable until the formwork is nearly completed, difficulty in rearranging prior art formworks can cause delays and increase costs.
Thus, there exists a need in the art for a formwork for casting concrete structures which enjoys ease and quickness of assembly, can result in a flat surface, and can be easily modified once assembled to allow on-site alterations. Such a formwork, and its assembly, would also contribute to alleviating the problems of the prior art.
An aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork arrangement having interconnectable formwork components.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork adapted for use in casting concrete structures, such as a concrete wall.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork form element with recessed female engagement portions.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a form element with extending male engagement portions.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a form element with both recessed female engagement portions and extending male engagement portions.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a form element with male engagement portions which are adapted to engage corresponding respective female engagement portions of another form element.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a form element of tubular configuration with an open end.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a form element with male engagement portions, adjacent an open end, which are adapted to engage corresponding respective female engagement portions of another form element.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork with wall panels and/or corner panels that include male engagement portions.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork with wall panels and/or corner panels having male portions adapted to engage corresponding female portions of a form unit resulting in a substantially flat wall surface.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork arrangement which includes apertures permitting concrete to freely flow between adjacent form work chambers.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a formwork arrangement which permits ease of rebar installations.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a formwork arrangement which permits ease of modification after assembly
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a form work arrangement with apertures in form elements and/or panels so as to permit concrete to cross flow into formwork chambers.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork that is easy to clean, does not burn, has an attractive appearance, is reflective, is chemical resistant, is of high strength, and/or does not require components below grade.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork that is adapted for use in any residential or nonresidential structure. A nonresidential structure can be an agriculture facility, such as a hog barn or in a storage structure for agriculture wastes.
A further aspect of an exemplary form of the present invention is to provide a formwork that is adapted for use in a cleaning facility, such as in an auto wash structure or other facility that needs regular cleaning for regulatory reasons.
Further aspects of exemplary forms of the present invention will be made apparent in the following Embodiments of Invention and the appended Claims.
The foregoing aspects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention by the use of interconnectable formwork components.
The formwork components can be assembled to form a formwork assembly in which concrete can be held to form a substantially flat surface, either an entire wall or a portion thereof. Male portions of a wall panel can be connected to respective female portions of adjacent tubular form elements. Male portions of a corner panel can be connected to respective female portions of a tubular form element. A connection arrangement of tubular form elements, wall panels, corner panels, and joint connectors can permit an alignment resulting in a substantially flat wall configuration.
Flow apertures in formwork components, such as tubular form elements, can permit poured concrete to cross flow through the form elements resulting in an even dispersion of concrete and a quicker casting time.
Some embodiments can use material, apertures, arrangements, and orientations disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,863, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Thus, a formwork of the exemplary embodiment can include tubular form elements capable of receiving concrete to form a wall structure. The formwork can include a PVC or other polymeric form element with a female engagement portion positioned at each joint between two adjacent walls. The female engagement portions are closed to the interior of the form element but open to the exterior of the form element. That is, the form element includes open vertices. The form elements each include an open longitudinal side and male engagement portions adjacent thereto. The male engagement portions can extend radially outwardly from their respective form element adjacent the open side.
The formwork can include other formwork connecting members adapted to interconnect the form elements and create a substantially flat exterior wall surface. These other formwork connecting members can include wall panels, corner panels, external joint connectors, and internal joint connectors, with a desirable feature being that such members are modular for efficient design and convenient assembly.
For example, a preferred geometry for such members is a regular geometry permitting symmetric design and construction. Of the regular geometric forms, a regular octagon is preferred. Regular geometric forms in even multiples are also possible. Moreover, the members can have interconnectivity with other non-modular frameworks. Each of the formwork components, e.g., form elements, wall panels, corner panels, external joint connectors, and internal joint connectors can be of an integral or one-piece construction.
Furthermore, each of the form work components can be molded and/or extruded. Additionally, the formwork components can use male/female engagement relationships that permit identification of common loci of each connection with the placement of each locus at the vertices of a regular geometric form.
The exemplary wall panels have an integral substantially flat wall surface with a male engagement portion at each end. Both male engagement portions extend from the same side of the wall surface. Each male engagement portion has a first projection and an integral second projection. The first projections extend substantially parallel to the wall surface and each other, and the second projections extend toward each other. The second projections can extend substantially perpendicular.
The exemplary corner panels have two integrally joined substantially perpendicular and substantially flat wall surfaces with two free ends. Both free ends include a male engagement portion. Both male engagement portions extend from the same (inner or outer) side of the corner. Each male engagement portion has a first projection and an integral second projection. The first projections extend substantially parallel to their respective wall surface and perpendicular to each other, and the second projections extend parallel to each other. The second projections can further extend toward each other.
The exemplary external joint connectors include both a male engagement portion and a female engagement portion integrally connected by a common elongated member.
The exemplary internal joint connectors include two integrally connected male engagement portions. In cross section each male engagement portion extends on both sides of an integral common elongated member. Each male engagement portion has a first projection and an integral second projection. The first projections are parallel and the second projections extend away from each other.
During assembly of an exemplary embodiment the male engagement portions and female engagement portions of particular form elements, wall panels, corner panels, external joint connectors, and internal joint connectors can be mated to form a formwork having a substantially flat exterior wall surface.
An exemplary formwork of the present invention can include a form element or unit (10) having a tubular structure. A tubular form element is adapted to contain concrete as discussed in more detail later. A form element in longitudinal cross section can be circular, oval, polygonal, octagonal, sixteen edged, rectangular, and other tubular shapes. For reasons of brevity, an octagonal shaped form element is discussed in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with an octagonal form element but that other form element cross sections can be used.
The form element 10 can include a respective female engagement portion or member 18 at one or more joinings (e.g., vertex or corner) of two adjacent faces. For example, the form element 10 of
An exemplary embodiment of a female engagement portion 18 is shown in
Each female engagement portion 18 is adapted to mate with a respective male engagement portion or member. A form element 10 can include both female engagement portions and male engagement portions. An exemplary embodiment of a male engagement portion 20 is shown in
An engagement arrangement permits male and female loci to fall on a vertex of a form element. Vertices of a form element can exist at an intersection of extended adjacent outer edges of a form element. As shown in
In a form element, each of the walls, female portions, and male portions can be integral. The form element can be of a one piece construction. For example, the form element can be of a molded and/or extruded structure.
A form element can have all of the inward extending female portions of the same configuration and all of the outward extending male portions of the same configuration. However, it should be understood that a form element need not have the same engagement configurations. For example, the female portions of a particular form element can differ from each other. Likewise, the male portions of a particular form element can differ from each other. Nor do the male portions on a form element have to match the female portions on that same form element. Further, the formwork can include some form elements having all corresponding male and female portions and other form elements having all alternative corresponding male and female portions. Still, other formworks can have varying corresponding male and female portions. Even with varying configurations, each respective male portion is adapted to be aligned to match a corresponding respective female portion to permit engagement, interconnection, or locking of the male and female portions during assembly.
Various types of assembly processes can be used to result in engagement of male and female portions. For example, male and female portions can be respectively engaged to each other by sliding engagement. That is, a male portion can slide into and relative to a female portion, and/or a female portion can slide outside of and relative to a male portion. The sliding can occur over the entire length, such as the height, of a portion. For example, during assembly a male portion can be slid inside of a female portion in a direction parallel to and along a longitudinal axis of the female portion. Other types of assembly processes can be used, such as one including a snap-fit type of engagement. For example, during a snap-fit assembly a male portion can be relatively moved into a female portion in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the female portion. Still other assembly processes can include movement of a male portion both perpendicular and parallel to a longitudinal axis of a female portion. For example, a female portion can comprise a longitudinal extending pocket with vertically spaced horizontal slots thereto which permit a male portion to be moved perpendicularly into the female portion and then moved parallel along the female portion to a final assembly position.
The arrangement of a form element 10 permits the internalization of the engagement points. That is, engagement of male and female portions can occur internally of the exterior boundary of a form element. This allows all external side surfaces, such as walls 14, of the form element to lie within a plane for creation of a flat surface arrangement.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also includes use of a panel which is adapted to engage at least one female engagement portion of a form element for use in forming an arrangement having a substantially flat wall.
The wall panel 22 of
It should be understood that the use of “substantially flat wall” herein includes not only a perfectly flat wall but an imperfect flat wall with reasonable deviations due to imperfections, misalignments, seams, and other factors, such as temperature, pressure, size, and age. For convenience the terms “flat wall” and “substantially flat wall” can be interchanged herein. Furthermore, “flat” can comprise planer. A flat wall can also comprise all surfaces lying within the same plane, including a cylindrical plane.
The corner panel 30 of
A corner panel can have other geometric shapes, such as a curvilinear wall surface or angled wall surfaces other than ninety degrees (e.g., at forty-five degrees).
An exemplary form of a formwork of the present invention can have identical male engagement portions with a common connection locus. Female engagement portions can likewise be identical and have a common locus.
Of course it should be understood that the male end engagement portions of respective wall panels and corner panels do not have to be identical but can have different male configurations. That is, the configurations of the male end engagement portions on a single wall panel can differ. Likewise, the configurations of the male end engagement portions on a single corner panel can also differ.
It should also be understood that the sizes (e.g., length, width, depth, etc.) of wall panels and corner panels can vary. That is, a formwork arrangement can include wall panels of different sizes and corner panels of different sizes.
Also, it should be understood that the surfaces of wall panels and corner panels (and form elements) can be corrugated. Corrugation can be used to increase strength and/or flexibility. Other shapes can include rolled, stippled, curved, etc. Additionally, a formwork wall arrangement can have a custom shape. For example, a formwork wall arrangement can be flat on one side and corrugated on the other side. A wall structure can also be planar but the outer surface used can architecturally look rolled, corrugated, stippled, curved, etc.
A formwork profile can also be arranged to allow reduction in external hydrostatic pressure, such as in a below ground grade structure. Perforations 56, holes, openings, apertures, or similar structure can be provided in one or more panels (e.g., wall panels and/or corner panels and/or form elements). A formwork space or void or channel 57, 58 adjacent to and interior of an exterior panel, as shown in
Other formwork arrangements can be used with products to provide long term assurance of a substantially dry internal environment. For example, a TPE seal or other water proofing systems and/or sealers can be used to keep out water. The exterior walls of a concrete filled formwork structure can include water absorbing products, such as bentonite, therein or as a separate layer thereon.
Other exemplary forms of formwork arrangements can have increased concrete strength through retaining the water of hydration. Formwork arrangements can also permit use of high flow concrete to reduce construction costs. It should also be understood that a form work of the present invention is not limited to use with concrete or cement, but can be filled with insulation, rebar, air, earth, and/or temporary filling material.
The exemplary joint connectors 60, 70 make possible many procedures, such as the unzipping of a wall section for access to interior reinforcement; the repair of a joint; the increasing of a wall length section; the creation of deviations or curvatures, the joining of similar sex components; the easier corner installation of rebar; the erection of wall sections when weather is not optimal or wall sections are very long; and the resecuring of previously opened joints.
Form elements can also be of elongated shape.
Elongated form element 80 also includes female portions 82. A leading or back wall 84 extends opposite an open face 86. The leading wall 84 also includes female portions (82). As shown in
Of course elongated form elements can be of greater or lesser thickness than shown in
To permit ease of formwork construction, the components of the formwork can all use the same type of male and female engagement portions. That is, the male engagement portions of the form elements, wall panels, corner panels, external joint connectors, and internal joint connectors can be of the same configuration or shape. Likewise, the form elements, wall panels, corner panels, external joint connectors, and internal joint connectors can have female portions of the same configuration which are operative to engagingly receive the respective matching male engagement portions.
Certain formwork arrangements can be without a female engagement portion at every possible female location of a form element. For example, certain vertices in an octagonal form element, which are deemed unnecessary for engagement purposes, can omit a female portion. That is, as shown in
As previously discussed, a form element can have various shapes in cross section. Form element walls can be substantially of equal length and positioned at substantially equal angles forming a substantially C-shaped cross section. In other exemplary embodiments a form element can have walls not of substantially equal length and positioned not at substantially equal angles. Form elements can also be without an open end, be circular, or be O-shaped. For example, an octagonal form element having eight walls without an open face, such as shown in
The form elements and panels can include apertures to permit fluid communication between adjacent chambers in the interior of a formwork. An example of formwork components that use apertures is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,863 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The formwork components can be interconnected so that concrete is permitted to freely flow through apertures and into adjacent chambers.
Apertures can also be arranged to permit concrete to flow into the spaces or chambers intermediate form elements 10, 80. For example, the cross-sectional triangular open area or channel 24 shown in
Furthermore, reinforcement members such as rebar can be placed through concrete flow apertures to provide additional structural integrity or strength. Additionally, reinforcement members such as rebar can use different sized other apertures or perforations for their support. Such perforations can necessarily be operative to not permit concrete to flow therethrough. That is, such perforations can be primarily designed to achieve a close fit with the rebar. Thus, concrete can or cannot be permitted to seep through such rebar perforations. Additionally, apertures can be arranged to permit the insertion of cable therethrough. For example, reinforcement cabling can be used with cylindrical structure, such as circular tanks. Furthermore, glass fibers and/or metal fibers can be used in place of rebar. Structure which can serve a similar functionality as rebar can be used.
Also, apertures or perforations can be provided on exterior components of a formwork assembly. For example, a form element, wall panel, corner panel, and/or buck panel can include concrete flow perforations to permit a predetermined amount of concrete to flow therethrough to the exterior (or interior) of the formwork. Such exposed concrete can be used to attach other structures, such as a finish, to the concrete wall. For example, bricks, block, stucco, siding, drywall, wood, paneling, advertising, and/or other material can be attached to or bonded with the wall by associating with the exposed concrete. Additionally, a second formwork can be attached to an adjacent first formwork by using exterior (or interior) concrete flow perforations in at least one of the formworks. Thus, individual formwork arrangements can be attached or fixed to each other with concrete from passing through concrete flow perforations. Furthermore, multiple individual formwork wall sections, which can be adjacent and parallel to each other, can be linked side by side to create a very thick wall section. Thus, a concrete wall can be formed of several thicknesses, such as two or more times the normal thickness. For example, a four-wide wall thickness in the running direction can be used to increase strength and/or horizontal surface area.
The material of a formwork of the present invention can include known formwork materials. Additionally, a formwork can include a plastic or vinyl, such as polyvinylchloride (“PVC”). For example, in an exemplary embodiment, all of the formwork components, such as form elements, panels, and connectors, can comprise PVC. It should also be understood that a formwork can use non-PVC polymers, such as nanoclay PP, industrially recycled thermoplastic polymers, etc. Furthermore, formwork components can include selective metal components, which can provide additional strength. Metal can be incorporated or embedded in a formwork component.
A formwork can include block type insulation segments at a center or interior portion thereof, as shown in
Instead of a flat wall formwork arrangement, a curved or circular formwork arrangement can also be created by use of the present invention. Form work components can be bent to create formwork curvature. For example, flexing can occur in the engagement fins of a male engaging portion (and in open vertices of a female engaging portion). Additionally, a formwork curvature can be created by providing a predetermined slop or play in the engagement of the male and female portions. In exemplary embodiments, curves can be formed using only tolerances and normal joint flex with formwork internal radii ranging from two inches to fifty feet. Of course additional angles of curvature can be enabled with use of other male and female play tolerances.
Other formwork curvature arrangements can be provided by using fewer connectors in the interior joints than in the outer joints. Further, the size or dimensions of formwork components can be adjusted to achieve even more curvature arrangements.
The formwork components can be assembled using mating of corresponding male and female portions to form a predetermined formwork profile. Examples of different assembly stages are shown in the various drawings.
Furthermore, formwork components can include male and/or female portions that permit a formwork to attach to other non-formwork structure. For example, trim, molding, window, door bucks, service raceways, piping, supports, or ceiling related structure can be attached to a formwork via male and/or female engagements. A female (or male) component of a ceiling related structure could be connected to a concrete filled formwork by fasteningly engaging with a male (or female) component of the formwork.
The formwork of exemplary embodiments can be used in an agriculture facility, such as a livestock barn. For example, an agriculture facility can have a need of a structure capable of storing agriculture feed or waste in the form of liquid, slurry, and/or solid. The waste can comprise livestock's manure products. The formwork of certain embodiments of the present invention is suited for use with agriculture material. The material and arrangement of a formwork are capable to structurally retain and provide chemical resistance to agriculture material such as waste products. A concrete hardened formwork arrangement also permits easy cleanup or removal of waste from the holding structure.
Another agriculture facility can require a storage area for vegetable or crop products. For example, in crop storage the avoidance of a damp humid environment can be desirable. The formwork of exemplary embodiments can include apertures or openings on an exterior portion thereof to provide entry and drainage of fluid for environmental control of a storage area.
The apertures can be provided to achieve ventilation for a storage area. For example, apertures can permit circulation of a fluid, such as air, in providing a relatively dry environment. The use of apertures for ventilation can also permit enhanced temperature control of a storage area. For example, apertures can provide acceptable cooling levels for stored goods. Additionally, other arrangements of a storage structure using a formwork of the present invention can include having apertures extended, such as by hollow tubes, into an interior storage area.
Use of a formwork arrangement in combination with a drainage system has been previously discussed. For example, the cross-sectional triangular open area 24 shown in
Additionally, an exemplary formwork can be adapted for use in a cleaning facility, such as in a vehicle wash facility. A self spray type of car wash can produce a buildup of dirt from washed vehicles. This dirt can accumulate on the walls of the car wash. The material and (smooth) flat wall construction of the formwork of exemplary forms of the present invention can permit ease of cleaning to maintain an attractive wall appearance. The attractiveness of the wall appearance can further be enhanced with surface treatment and/or the addition of colorant (such as a bright or shiny color or finish) to the wall material. Alternatively, an adhesive-backed graphics layer can be applied to the outer surface to provide a different aesthetic appearance. A clear, transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent wall material can also be used.
An exemplary embodiment can also comprise a differential elevation extension formwork. For example, a first portion of the formwork can extend in a longitudinal direction further than at least one other portion of the formwork. Certain structure can require or benefit from a (flat) wall adjoining a (flat) ledge, step, or shelf. The wall can extend in a (vertical) direction further than the ledge. The wall and ledge can also be of different thickness. Furthermore, both the wall and ledge can be filled with concrete. The ledge can serve various purposes, such as a brick ledge, a supporting structure, storage area, garden area, a bench, etc.
The sections 242, 244 can extend from a common base location, such as the ground, with the section 242 continuing to extend further (upward) than the section 244. The relative differences in lengths of the sections 242, 244 can vary.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention permits a formwork with one or more ledges to still have a flat wall configuration. That is, both formwork sections 242, 244 can have flat wall panels (and corner panels). Wall panels 250 attached to the upper section form elements 252 can rest on form elements 254 of the lower or stepped section 244. As shown the ledge section 244 can also have flat wall panels 256.
The formwork sections can also contain different types of material. Additionally, one of the formwork sections can be hollow. For example, the ledge section 244 can be closed to fluid communication with the elevated section 242. That is, the sections can be without common apertures. Thus, concrete can be prevented from entry into the ledge section, which can remain hollow. Alternatively, certain chambers in a ledge section can be hollow while other chambers can contain concrete. For example, every other chamber in a ledge section can be hollow. The previously discussed embodiments regarding formwork component arrangements, venting, drainage, rebar, and insulation are also applicable to ledge sections.
Other embodiments can include more than one ledge section attached to an elevated section. For example, ledge sections can be located on each side of an (single) elevated section. Alternatively, elevated sections can be located on each side of a (single) ledge section. An arrangement can also comprise ledge sections located on each side of an elevated section, where the ledge sections share a common base but the lower end or level of the elevated section begins at a level above the common base level. For example, the bottom end of an elevated section may begin at or near the upper end of a ledge section. Likewise, a ledge section may be situated intermediate adjacent elevated sections. For example, the ledge and elevated sections can all share a common top base, but the lower end of the ledge section not beginning at the common lower base of the elevated sections. Hence, a hollow or tunnel-like arrangement can be formed. Other arrangements can include each of the elevated and ledge sections sharing a common lower base. A ledge section can also be located at an elevation above another ledge section. Furthermore, the ledge sections themselves can be viewed elevated sections with the addition of more ledges sections. For example, a formwork can take the configuration of a plurality of steps.
Other embodiments of a formwork structure can also be used in applications other than those previously described. A formwork of the present invention is adapted for use in many diverse structures. Such applications and/or structures can include (but are not limited to) clean area environments, shelters (e.g., bunkers), vaults, highway dividers, barns, storage facilities, light factories, food handling facilities, warehouses, pools, residential structures, retaining walls, sound barriers, parking garages, storage of radioactive materials, etc. A formwork can have wall surface characteristics that allow ease and thoroughness of cleaning. Exemplary forms of the formwork provide resistance to earthquake crumple. The concrete structure produced by a formwork can be used in above ground, below ground, or aqueous conditions.
The usage of apertures in formwork arrangements has been previously discussed.
In exemplary formwork assembly methods an alignment system can be used to prevent or reduce bowing or bending of a wall portion of the formwork. For example, the bowing can be due to the force of concrete against the formwork wall. As shown in
An alignment device 216, such as a waler, can comprise any elongated member capable of providing a restraining force against an expanding or bowing upper wall portion, such as during a concrete pour. An alignment device can be operative to provide or maintain substantial wall portion straightness or prevent wall collapse. An alignment device can comprise one or more pieces. A piece can comprise a material such as metal or wood. The saddles and the supporting members thereof can be arranged to press alignment devices closely against the wall portion. The saddle supporting members can match or exceed the exterior dimensions of an alignment device to prevent movement thereof away from a wall during usage. As shown in
In other embodiments, an alignment device can have a thinner section adjacent its saddle to permit a thicker section to extend toward the wall for contact thereof. That is, an alignment device 221 can have a cutout 222 to permit a thicker section 224 thereof to cover the gap distance created by the thickness or overlap of a saddle 220, such as shown in
In an example, two saddles can be spaced on a wall portion to support two 2×4 wood pieces, with each respective wood piece supported on a respective wall side. The wood pieces limit outward expansion of the wall. Of course use of more than two saddles can be employed to support a single alignment device. Furthermore, use of more than two saddles can be employed to support more than one alignment device on a wall side. After the concrete has hardened, the saddles and alignment devices can be removed.
In use a formwork can be assembled to receive concrete into the form elements or other chambers adjacent to the form elements. As previously discussed, flow apertures can also be used. Additionally, concrete can be poured before a formwork profile is completed. In this manner a formwork profile can be completed in stages. For example, a first section of the formwork profile can contain wet concrete while the next section is still being assembled. The use of staged construction can result in more efficient assembly.
Thus, exemplary embodiments of the invention achieve at least one of the above stated aspect, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior systems and method, solve problems, and attain the desirable results described above.
In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations can be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description or illustrations given are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
In the following claims any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable of performing the recited function, and shall not be limited to the structures shown herein or mere equivalents.
The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The claims follow.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US03/32467 | 10/14/2003 | WO | 00 | 4/14/2005 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2004/038118 | 5/6/2004 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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