Patent Application
20050257449
The present invention generally relates to improved methods and apparatuses for the on-site forming of masonry and concrete structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to improving the formation and removing of frames used in on-site masonry and concrete projects.
Many prior art on-site masonry and concrete projects require the use of frames to serve as molds or boundaries. The typical approach to frames is to either use a completely pre-fabricated frame that can be expensive, bulky and not easily portable or maneuverable, or construct makeshift frames by nailing or screwing stock lumber together. The pre-fabricated approach typically uses expensive steel frame members. Additionally, such frames are usually only assembled in one configuration, which may not give a contractor/mason the flexibility needed at a work site.
The latter approach solves some of the problems associated with the pre-fabricated frame approach, but introduces other limitations. In a simple example, a contractor/mason desiring to construct a driveway out of brick or concrete might form a long frame member by nailing two or more boards (such as two-by-fours and two-by-sixes) end-to-end. Boards are then nailed to each other forming other angles (such as perpendicular orientations) as needed until the makeshift frame encloses the target area.
Subsequently, the contractor/mason can pour concrete or cement as appropriate, and install masonry elements such as bricks as desired. Upon sufficient drying of the work the frame can be dismantled and removed.
The latter approach to on-sight frame formation can lead to frame members that are not sufficiently aligned, introducing an unacceptable variance from the desired dimensions at times. Further, the joining of frames can be unnecessarily time-consuming. Additionally, this approach often damages the ends of the lumber to an extent that it is not reusable in future frames.
What is therefore needed but absent in the prior art, is a flexible frame approach for on-site masonry and concrete projects in which the frame can be quickly, inexpensively and accurately formed and removed at the work site, and in which greater flexibility of the orientation of the frame members is also possible.
In view of the above-identified limitations of the prior art, the present invention provides an improved method of in situ forming masonry structures. The method at least includes providing stock lumber to serve as frame members, removably joining at least two frame members by at least one manufactured frame member joiner, placing masonry elements and cement between the joined frame members, separating the joined frame members from the resultant structure of cement and masonry elements created, and removing the joined frame members from the frame member joiners. The frame member joiner includes at least two sleeve members, each sleeve member adapted to receive and hold in place during masonry element and cement placement, a frame member.
The present invention also provides an improved method of in situ forming concrete structures. The method at least includes providing stock lumber to serve as frame members, removably joining at least two frame members by at least one manufactured frame member joiner, pouring concrete between joined frame members, separating the joined frame members from the resultant concrete structure created, and removing the joined frame members from the frame member joiners. The frame member joiner includes at least two sleeve members, each sleeve member adapted to receive and hold in place during concrete pouring, a frame member.
The present invention further provides an article of manufacture adapted to form at least a portion of a frame for the in situ forming of masonry structures. The article of manufacture includes at least two joined sleeve members, wherein each sleeve member is adapted to receive and hold in place during masonry element and cement dispensing, a frame member.
Features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
The present invention is a novel approach to forming frames on site for masonry and concrete projects such as sidewalks, driveways, roads, floors, patios, etc. As introduced in the “Summary,” supra, frame members consisting of stock lumber (in the preferred embodiment) are inserted into special articles of manufacture here labeled as frame member joiners.
A simple frame 100 formed using the present-inventive articles of manufacture and method is shown in
The frame member joiner 110 in Figure has three sleeve members 312, 314 and 316, for receiving two or more stock lumber frame member boards. The top view of
Examples of many variations on the present-inventive frame member joiner are shown in the remaining drawing figures. Given the teachings in this Letters Patent, many other variations are possible. The frame member joiner 510 in
Variations and modifications of the present invention are possible, given the above description. However, all variations and modifications which are obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are considered to be within the scope of the protection granted by this Letters Patent.
