This invention relates to formwork for use in forming construction panels and structures.
In the construction industry, panels and structures are either prepared on-site (as known as in-situ casting) or off-site (known as pre-casting).
On-site casting is typically performed by constructing temporary formwork and pouring a curable non-solid material such as concrete into the formwork. Once the concrete has cured the formwork is removed. This method can be used to make walls, slabs or kerbs.
Generally, the temporary formwork is formed from timber, in order to produce a low cost mould. In order to reduce costs in materials most formwork timbers are typically low-grade wood. These types of timbers are prone to weathering and there is often considerable variation between timbers. In order to reduce cost in labour the timbers are not recycled. A construction panel or structure cast in such formwork will normally have a poor finish and cannot be used where there are small dimensional tolerances.
Pre-cast construction panels are formed off-site, typically in dedicated construction yards and are transported to a desired work-site. They may be formed using temporary formwork of the timber type described above or may be prepared using precision equipment. The latter uses steel side-forms and casting beds to give a panel that has an improved finish and precise dimensions.
Pre-cast panels suffer from the limitation that they must be transported to the work-site for erection or use. Cranes and significant labour are required to place the panels. This significantly adds to the cost of using pre-cast panels or structures and limits the maximum size of the panel.
Both of the described on-site and pre-casting methods require skilled individuals to create the moulds and are very labour intensive. This significantly adds to the cost of either of these methods.
One successful attempt to address some of the negative aspects of both of the above construction methods is described as the Tiltform Panel System™. This system is disclosed in AU patent 721582 (A. R. Tiltform), the disclosures therein being incorporated in their entirety by cross-reference.
The Tiltform™ system uses extruded aluminium side-forms having a high degree of dimensional accuracy as the frame or mould into which concrete is poured. The side-forms have a concrete facing side with a shape that is the reverse shape of the desired edges of the concrete panels. The base of the mould is typically an underlying concrete slab.
Each of the side-forms is affixed on the non-concrete facing side to sliding risers. Each side-form will normally be affixed to a number of risers equally spaced along the length of the side-form.
Each sliding riser extending is held in position by using a setback buttress. Each buttress comprises a steel base that is bolted to the underlying concrete slab; four spaced apart fixed length uprights (which act to support or buttress the wall of risers) and is capped with a top steel plate. The buttress includes a buttress clamp consisting of a short threaded shaft passing through a threaded boss in the centre of the top plate with a handle at the upper end and a contact plate at the other. The buttress acts to support a wall of risers and is capable of clamping all of the risers into a fixed position.
The buttress frame is used with a fixed number of risers, typically five, in a vertically stacked arrangement. The clamp can be tightened to compress all five risers in a fixed position or released to allow movement of all the risers.
In use a chemical breaking agent is applied to an underlying slab and concrete is poured into the mould of side-forms to form a panel. After the concrete panel has cured, a new level of side-forms is placed on the panel, the buttress clamps are released and the next level of risers can be slid into position and affixed to the new level of side-forms. This process is repeated as desired until all five of the risers in the buttress clamp have been used.
Once the panels have all set, the formwork is removed and the panels separated and moved into position. The chemical breaking agent allows each of the layers of concrete to be separated.
Whilst the Tiltform™ system is a significant improvement over the previous methods, it has a number of significant disadvantages.
One of the main problems with this system is the need to use buttress frames as they introduce a number of limitations and requirements. The buttress frames are heavy and cumbersome and are typically delivered to building sites in stillages. This means that a large amount of space is used during transportation of the buttresses and also on site when assembled, in addition to the space for the stillages. This generally means the use of a crane or forklift to load and unload. On site it requires a substantial area as the buttresses add at least an additional 600 mm (300 mm to each side of a panel) in width and length of all formwork. This measurement may also be needed vertically, if panels of the same size are to be stacked on top of one another. This is the minimum additional space as risers are used in the buttress frames and can protrude beyond the buttress frame.
This system can also pose a real and significant site hazard. The buttress frames are top heavy so that until they are bolted down they can tip over and injure workmen during assembly of the system. They are also dangerous once affixed to an underlying surface, as workers regularly will catch clothing and themselves on the locking down handle on top of the buttress frame. Furthermore as the layered formwork may be arranged to form different sized slabs the overall formwork can create a significant site hazard with risers protruding at various heights and levels.
In addition, the frame of buttress and the risers therein can interfere with overall ease of use of the system. Setback buttresses must always be used with a minimum number of risers (normally five) in order to be able to clamp all risers into a fixed position. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide five risers for each buttress frame even if only one slab is to be poured. The additional risers and the frame of the buttresses can interfere with concrete operations including pouring the concrete as the trucks are limited to operating between two adjacent buttress frames, and finishing operations such as power trowelling. It is important to avoid hitting the buttress frames when screening the top of the slab with a power trowel as the safety edge of a power towel may contact the risers or frame and prevent the finishing of the concrete proximal to the side-forms.
It is the object of the present invention to address in part or in total one or more of the problems of using the Tiltform™ system. Preferably, the solution should be capable of being incorporated into a low cost and simple to use formwork system.
The present invention includes a formwork structure located on supporting surface, the structure having a side form perimeter including side form members, the perimeter defining a curable non-solid material retaining area; the formwork including side form support members that support the side form members, at least one of the side form support members being held in a fixed position relative to the supporting surface by a surface-to-member releasable securing device fixed to the supporting surface and which engages the side form support member, characterised in that the secured side form support member is adapted to permit another side form support member to be secured thereto by one or more releasable inter-member securing devices, which are separate to the surface-to-member securing device.
Another form of the invention is a formwork structure located on supporting surface, the structure having a side form perimeter including side form members, the perimeter defining a curable non-solid material retaining area; the formwork including side form support members that support the side form members and being held in a fixed position relative to the supporting surface, the side form support members having a top support surface capable of supporting another side form support member thereon and a bottom resting surface for contacting the supporting surface of the formwork or another support members top support surface, characterised in that the side form support member is secured into a fixed position by using a securing device which engages to an attachment surface of the member which is a separate and distinct surface to the top support surface of the member.
The invention also includes the formwork structures of the above in the absence of the side form perimeter, that is a structure formed from side form support members. It also includes custom side form members, preferably for use in the above, side form support members, the surface-to-member securing device, the inter-member securing device and a linking device.
In the figures which depict various preferred aspects of the present invention:
a is a magnified view of a portion of
a is a top view of the member shown in
b is a side view of the member shown in
a are side views of the member shown in
b are side views of the shaping inserts used in
a is a top plan view of a formwork assembly of the invention including side form members, side form support members and linking devices.
b is a top plan view of an alternative formwork assembly of the invention including side form members, side form support members and linking devices.
FIGS. 5 to 7 are cross-sections taken through various formwork assemblies of the present invention.
a is a side view of the inter-member securing device of
b is a side view of a variation of the inter-member securing device of
a is a perspective view of an alternative linking device of the present invention fitted to side form members.
b is a perspective view of another alternative linking device of the present invention fitted to side form members.
a is a magnified view of a portion of
a is a top view of the member shown in
b is a side view of the member shown in
The invention is predicated on the finding that it is not necessary to use a buttress frame in order to secure side-form support members together and support side-forms. This avoids the need to use a support frame that may interfere with pouring or finishing panels. It also avoids the need to cart, haul and fix an excessive number of support members in situations where only one or two panels are to be poured.
In essence the formwork of the invention uses a number of securing devices in order to secure a base support member to an underlying surface, and allow for the subsequent securing of another support member on top of the base support member. Additional support members (also known as risers) can also be secured to the structure by fixing them to an underlying riser.
However risers having square or rectangular cross section will not normally allow for the releasable securing of such support members to each other, and to an underlying surface without using a fixed buttress frame. The risers need to be modified or adapted to permit individual releasable securing devices to engage therewith.
To avoid ambiguity a releasable securing device does not include the use of nails and claw hammer or screws and screwdriver. It is a device that has at least two configurations, a securing configuration and an unsecured configuration.
One form of the invention is formwork structure located on supporting surface, typically a concrete slab. The structure may have a side form perimeter formed from positioned side form members in order to define a curable non-solid material retaining area. The curable material preferably concrete, but may be any other suitable material. The formwork includes side form support members for supporting the side form members. At least one of the side form support members are held in a fixed position relative to the supporting surface by one or more surface-to-member releasable securing devices fixed to the supporting surface and which engage the side form support member. The side form support member should be adapted to permit another side form member to be secured thereto, preferably on top, by one or more releasable inter-member securing devices, which are separate to the surface-to-member securing device.
Alternatively the invention may be defined as a formwork structure located on supporting surface, the structure preferably having a side form perimeter formed from side form members in order to define a curable non-solid material retaining area. The formwork includes side form support members to support the side form members; these support members being held in a fixed position relative to the supporting surface. Each of side form support members has a top support surface capable of supporting another side form support member thereon and a bottom resting surface for contacting the supporting surface of the formwork or another support members top support surface. Importantly the side form support members may be secured into a fixed position by using a securing device that engage with an attachment surface of the member which is a separate and distinct surface to the top support surface of the member.
The side surfaces each include two channels (11, 13, 15, 17) therein. With reference to the magnified section, the channel (11) provides three surfaces (20, 22, 24) for possible engagement by a securing device (not shown). It is intended that the securing device may engage a portion of one or more of the surfaces. It is preferable to set the channel sides (20, 24) at an angle to the side (7) of the member so to assist in the securing engagement of a securing device to the member (1). The channel sides of the other channels should also be set at an angle. The sides (7, 9) include four fillets (30, 32, 34, 36).
In essence the side form support member should be capable of supporting a side form located on a supporting surface, where the side form constitutes part of a formwork structure for retaining curable non-solid material. The support member should have a top support surface capable of supporting another member, a bottom-resting surface for contacting and being supported by an underlying top support surface of a further member, and one or more attachment surfaces separate to and distinct from the top and bottom surfaces. The attachment surfaces should permit one or more inter-member securing devices to engage therewith and secure the member to an adjacent support member. The inter-member securing device should engage with attachment surfaces located on the adjacent support member.
It will be appreciated that it is not necessary to use a side form support member having the same design depicted in the figures. Alternative designs may be used with various types of securing devices. For example, the member may have an ‘I’ shape. One side of the flanges extending at the top and bottom of the member will be the support and rest surfaces respectively, and the opposing side of the flanges, the ones closest to the sides of a member, will provide suitable attachment surfaces for a securing device. Likewise a ‘+’ shaped member has suitable attachment surfaces on either side of the horizontal extending flanges. Alternatively the support member may have a series of slots passing there through. A securing device may be fitted to engage a portion of a surface within the slot and engage a portion of a surface of a slot in another support member.
However, it is preferred to use a support member having at least two channels on either side, with each channel running the length of the member. More preferably, the channels are set so to have attachment surfaces that are at a non-ninety degree angle to the sides.
Preferably the side form members will also have the shape shown in
One side (9) of the side form member would face the curable material, preferably concrete. The other side (7) will be supported by the support members. On the concrete facing side the fillets (30, 32) together with the side (9) can act as a mould for concrete, so that the cured material will have a shape the reverse of the shape of the side of the side form member. Such a mould would provide concrete having a chamfered rebate edge.
It is not essential to have fillet edges on the side form, nor is it to have channels. However, it is preferred to have a fillet edges, as it is desirable to make panels with a chamfered rebate edge.
Furthermore the fillets on the support side can advantageously assist in the positioning of the support members to the side form members and vice-a-versa. The ends of the support members preferably have a chamfered rebate edge that inter-fits with the shape of support side (7) of the side form members.
The channels may be omitted from the side form member. However it is preferred to include channels or some other means of providing attachment surfaces on the support side, and more preferably both sides of the side form member. It is preferred to use a channel as distinct to a flange, as a flange will is affect the shape of the corresponding concrete panel. Of course it is possible to use a flange attachment surface on the support side and a channel attachment surface on the concrete facing side.
It is preferred to include an attachment surface on the concrete facing side as this permits shaping elements to be affixed to the side form member. Various shaping elements (36) are shown both affixed to the side form member in
Preferably the attachment surface on the concrete facing side is recessed by using a channel since this will allow the side form member to be used without a shaping element to make chamfered rebate edge. Whilst concrete may enter the channels this portion of the concrete could be broken off when the side form member is removed. Typically the side forms are removed whilst the concrete is green, for use in making another panel. The channels can also be greased (or a releasing agent applied) in order to prevent concrete from entering and to assist in the separation of the side form members from the panel.
The presence of one or more attachment surfaces on the concrete facing side of the side form member is only preferred as it is possible to provide and use a number of different shaped side forms for use in different jobs.
In a preferred form the side form member is capable of constituting part of a formwork structure for retaining curable non-solid material. It is adapted to engage and supported by a side form support member. The support member should have two opposed sides, a support side and a material facing side. The material facing side should have a shape that will provide a desirable edge shape, preferably a chamfered rebate edge, in the material. The facing side should also provide a means for attaching a shaping insert without unduly affecting the ability of the facing side to provide a desirable edge shape.
FIGS. 30 to 32 depict another form of the side form member and side form support member of the present invention. Much like that depicted in
However the support member also includes two improvements over that earlier described in respect of FIGS. 1 to 3. The support member includes four and the bottom resting surface (5).
These channels preferably take the form of a small V cut or groove that travels along the most if not all of the length of the member. They are positioned to lie in the planes formed by the side surfaces (7, 9). Their purpose is to facilitate the sizing of panels. They provide a helpful indicator as to the location of the side surfaces of the support member and as such will facilitate the dimensioning of concrete panels.
It should be appreciated that the alternative method of establishing panel sizes is to stretch out a measuring tape between the side surfaces of the side forms defining an enclosure wherein the concrete panel is to be poured and this may require bending the tape against the face of the side form. The accurate positioning of the panels of the side forms and dimensioning of the panels is important as the tolerances may be less than 2 mm regardless of the panel size which are regularly well over 8×8 m.
It should be recognised that while the guide channels (500) are shown in both the top surface and bottom resting surface it is not necessary to have them located in the bottom surface nor is it necessary for there to be a guide indicating the location of the side of the side form that would ordinarily be supported by support members and not face securable material. In one form of the invention there would be only a single guide channel (500) located on the top support surface (3) to indicate the location of the side surface intending to contact the securable material such as concrete.
The member also includes a second improvement in respect of the channels (11, 13, 15, 17). As shown in greater detail in
It is preferable that the uppermost side surfaces of the channels (11, 17) located nearest to the top support surface (3) and the bottommost surface or side surfaces of the channels (13, 15) closest to the bottom-resting surface (5) are set at a 45° angle to the vertical. This is preferred as most of the devices attached to the side forms will utilise this attachment surface of the channels.
The side form members may have a range of dimensions. By way of a non-limiting example the width of the side-form measured across the top and bottom surfaces from one fillet edge to the other fillet edge may be 50 mm. The width when measured from one external side face (7) to the other side face (9) may be 30 mm. Various heights of the side form may used, for example 100, 125, 150, 175 or 200 mm. Larger heights could be produced such as 300 or 400 mm if desired. The members may be produced in a wide range of lengths, as required.
A simple formwork arrangement is shown in
b depicts the simple formwork of
FIGS. 5 to 7 depict various formwork arrangements having a plurality of layers of concrete panels. In these arrangements the bottommost side form support member (70) is secured to an underlying surface by a surface-to-member securing device (100). The bottom support member has a section (79) removed from the bottom surface and a lower side portion. This section was removed to allow the support member to be fitted over an anchor plate forming part of the surface-to-member securing device. It is envisaged that other types of securing devices could be used, including ones that would not require the removal of a section of the bottom support member.
A side form member (80) would be supported by the bottom member and used in the formation of a desired perimeter for the first concrete panel (90). In most cases the side form member will be removed for re-use elsewhere once the concrete has sufficiently set. This can be done by releasing the securing device and moving the support members out of the way and then removing the side forms. In
Another alternative would be to use a two-part support member. The member could include a short section at the front, near the side form members and to which the side form members would be affixed, that is capable of being linked to the remainder of the support member, such as via a linking device shown in
Once a first panel (90) has sufficient set, the panel may be finished with a power trowel (a mechanical concrete finishing device). As there is no need to have additional support members fitted before this time and since there are no upright buttress stands the finishing step can be performed without obstruction. The panel is then treated with a breaking agent so that the upper surface of the panel may be used as a supporting surface for another panel.
In order to pour another panel, a layer of support members (71) is releasibly secured by member-to-member securing devices (110) to a secured bottom layer (70) of support members and side forms (80) are fitted thereto. The securing devices should not impinge on the top surface of the support members in order to allow additional support members to be fitted to on the top surface. Another panel (91) may then be poured on top of the existing panel (90). These steps can be repeated again and again to make additional panels.
In most cases the side forms will be removed after the panel has been set and the support member for that layer of panel may be repositioned. An example of this can be seen in the second layer of
Importantly as the support members can be simply positioned before and after a panel has set, it permits the formation of a range of new types of panels that would have previously required off-site manufacture. Inserts and overhangs may be made on demand on-site.
The third layer of support members (72) extends over the two-layer section and a side form member (82) is affixed thereto. To the side form member is affixed a shaping element that extends downwardly for the length of a panel. The concrete may then be poured into the mould to form the desired panel.
A surface-to-member securing device is shown in
Essentially the device (120) is for use with formwork structures in securing side form support members which have a top support surface and has a base plate (122) for securing to an underlying supporting surface, at least one clamping element (125, 126) joined to the plate and capable of releasibly securing a side form support member, wherein the clamping element includes at least one arm (128, 129) that is capable of engaging an attachment surface of the member which is a separate and distinct surface to the top support surface of the member. Preferably the device also includes a level adjustment means (130, 131) for modifying the level of a side form support member secured to the device. In use the base plate would be secured to an underlying surface (134) about a securing point, preferably by bolting the plate down with a bolt (133) and the level adjustment means (130 or 131) is connected to the base plate and includes at least one leg (135 or 136) of an adjustable length capable of contacting the underlying surface. Adjusting the length of the leg should pivot the base plate about the securing point and change the level of the base plate and side form support members attached thereto. One method of adjusting the length of the leg would be to use a wheel (180) and threaded shaft (181) arrangement. The rotation of the wheel should move the shaft up or down relative to the base plate and thereby change the length of the shaft (135, 136) beyond the bottom of the base plate. This approach would require that the anchor plate is capable of some movement relative to the underlying surface. An alternative, and preferred method, is to have the threaded shafts (181) welded onto the anchor plate (122). The end of the threaded shafts may be flush with the bottom surface of the anchor plate or may protrude there through. In the latter arrangement, the anchor plate would include a number of contact points for supporting the plate on an underlying surface. However, the anchor plate would be incapable of any relative movement to the underlying surface. Instead, the wheels (180) would be used to adjust the position of a side form support member relative to the underlying surface. The wheels (180) would contact an under edge or surface of the bottom side form support member. The wheels (180) can move up and down the shafts and thereby adjust the level of a support member supported on the wheels.
More particularly as shown in the figures, this device has two clamping elements (125, 126). Each of these elements includes an arm (128, 129). It is envisaged that these arms may be fixed, loosely fixed, hingably fixed at one end.
Alternatively, and as depicted in the
The arms may be biased away from engaging the attachment surface by a biasing means such as a spring (160). In such an arrangement the arm will need a means for countering the bias and for ensuring the secure engagement of the arm to the attachment surface. One such means is a threaded shaft (165) that passes though the arm and is fixed into the base plate and has a wing nut (167) mounted thereon. Typically the shaft (165) will need to pass through an oval shaped hole in order to allow for some movement of the arms.
The first support member may take the form of a modified side form member. A portion of the side form may need to be removed from the bottom resting surface and nearby fillet surfaces in order to permit the first or bottommost support member to fit around the securing device. A more detailed description of this is set out below with reference to
Other types of securing devices may be used to secure the first support member to an underlying surface. An example of another device is shown in
Alternatively, the engagement unit (170) is locked into place on the clamp (174) by using a recess on the top of the unit to engage the clamp. The clamp could be rotationally mounted on the shaft (176) or it may only be capable of vertical movement. In the latter instance, the engagement unit would disengage from the support member by being pulled toward the top of the shaft (176), possibly whilst the clamp is raised. This arrangement would not require the use of a spacer (172).
Further alternative arrangements are also possible and should be considered a variation of the invention.
FIGS. 33 to 36 depict another alternative arrangement for holding a side form support member to a fixed position relative to the ground. This arrangement is similar to that depicted in FIGS. 8 to 10.
The assembly (510) includes a base plate (122) and includes a side form support member level adjustment means (130, 131) and side form support member clamping means (125, 126).
The base plate (122) includes a bore (512) through which a securing bolt may pass to affix the base plate and thus the assembly to an underlying surface. A ‘t’ shaped base plate is preferably used as it reduces the weight of the assembly, improves user access to the levelling devices (130, 131) and reduces the contact area of the base plate with the underlying surface and thereby reduces the available area for pebbles, stones or other pieces to fit between the plate and the underlying surface. The base plate could be made of any suitably strong material having high tensile strength, resistance to deflection and to weathering. One suitable material is BIS alloy, but it is envisaged that other alloys or some plastics may be suitable. This product has a three times higher reduction in flex than bright steel and as such it is possible to use a 5 mm plate instead of a standard steel plate of roughly 15 mm thick. The device incorporates a side form support member levelling device in the form of two wheels or disks (180) mounted on threaded shafts (181). The threaded shafts are affixed to the backing plate. The rotation of the disks will raise or lower the disk relative to the shaft and thereby raise or lower a side form member resting thereon.
The assembly also includes two clamping members (125, 126). Each of these members comprises a threaded shaft (515) having a locking lug (518) affixed thereto. The locking lug has an upper portion adapted for turning by hand or with an appropriate adjuster and a lower portion having a frusta-conical shape. The clamping member also includes an arm (520) in the form of a curved locking plate. Other locking plate shapes may also be used such as that used in the assembly depicted in
One end of the arm is intended to engage an attachment surface and a support member such as one or more of the surfaces of the lower channels (13, 15) of the member depicted in
In use a side form support member is fitted on to the assembly and is levelled by using the levelling devices. The member is also clamped into position by the free ends of the locking plates engaging an attachment surface of the side form support member.
Preferably the threaded shaft (515) is 16 mm threaded “Reidbar”™ made by Reid Engineering Systems Ltd or Reid Construction Systems Pty Ltd or a “Williams Bar”™ made by Williams Form Engineering Corporation. An appropriately threaded Reid™ nut or coupler is used in conjunction with such a bar. The nut may be fitted with a shaft or lever arm (not shown) to assist in the manual operation of the nut. One of the advantages of using this system is that the threading of the shaft is such that the appropriately coupled lug or nut requires only a small amount of rotation in order to travel a significant distance on the shaft.
The locking nuts depicted in the figure are preferably Reid™ nuts which have been lathed at one end to provide the frusta-conical portion.
Another alternative securing device is depicted in FIGS. 40 to 42. This device uses one operable clamping member, of the type used in FIGS. 37 to 39. The clamping member includes a Reidbar™ threaded shaft (515) attached to a base plate (122). The clamp also includes a Reidbar™ nut (518) with an arm that acts as a locking plate (520).
The securing device also includes the side form support member levelling device in the form of two wheels or disks (180) mounted on threaded shafts (181).
Unlike the earlier securing devices, this variation dispenses with a second operable clamp member. Instead the device uses a vertical planar flange (530). In combination with the operable clamp, the flange should act to restrain movement of an attached support member.
It is intended that the side surface of a first support member would contact the inner surface (532) of the flange. Where the support member is sourced from a side form member such as that described in
This modification should allow the modified side form member to sit above or bridge over the securing member, similar to that depicted in
The contact of a portion of a planar, vertical side surface (7 or 9) of a modified side form member against the planar, vertical flange should prevent tilting of the side form in one axis. However it should permit the controlled adjustment of the tilt of the side form member in another axis by the levelling device. The engagement of the clamp should prevent any further movement.
FIGS. 13 to 16 show a means of having a support member (200) support a side form member (210). In this example the support member directly contacts the side form member. It is envisaged that other arrangements are possible wherein the support member will support the side form member via an intermediate unit such as a linking device. Such a device may need to be used if the support member and the side form member cannot interfit due to the side form member being run at an angle. Alternatively the bolt (133) that holds down the locking down plate (122) of
In the FIGUREs the contacting end of the support member (202) is shaped to interfit the support contacting side of the side form member (212), but this is not essential. The interfitting shape may provide sufficient support to permit the use of the framework structure. However it is often desirable to fix the two members together. In that approach keys (220) may be used to so fix the members together.
Preferably the keys will engage an attachment surface of each of the members and thereby fix them together. If the members include attachment surfaces formed by using channels then this will provide a suitable means for affixing the members together. A key can by slipped into a channel in the side form member and pushed into a channel in the support member. The keys may be custom designed such as that shown in
The keys may be used on both sides of the support member or only on one side.
a depict an inter-member securing device of the invention. The device has a threaded shaft (250) fixed at one end to a first arm (255). The device also includes second arm (260) rotatably connected (265) at a pivot point to the first arm (255). The shaft (250) passes through the second arm and is capped with a wing nut (270). Typically the hole will need to be elongate shaped, such as an oval in order to permit relative movement of the arms. The free ends (273, 277) of the arms are bent to engage an upper channel (272) of a first support member (274) and the lower channel (276) of an adjacent member (278) mounted onto the first member. The device may include a biasing means (not shown) between the arms to open the arms.
In use the end of one arm of the device is fitted in a channel and the wing nut or other fastener nut is wound down the shaft to engage the end of other arm onto an attachment surface in the other channel. Once the device has been fitted and secured to the members the wing nut prevents the opening of the arms and thereby keeps the members in a secured relationship.
b depicts a preferred form of the inter-member securing device. The shaft (250) is a Reidbar™, or other shaft threaded at a large pitch. A Reidbar™ nut (270) is used in place of a wingnut. The nut includes a shaft (271) welded thereon for easy turning of the nut.
FIGS. 19 to 21 show an alternative device for securing two members together. The device may be flexed and clipped into the channels of two adjacent members. Alternatively the device may be attached at a free end of the members and slid along the channels.
Other methods for releasibly securing two support members together can be envisaged and should be considered within the scope of the invention. When the attachment surface is located on a flange extending from the support members known clamps such as a G clamp or pistol grip clamp may be used.
FIGS. 22 to 26 depict various linking devices for use with the side forms of the invention. These linking devices (60) are normally used to link and secure the end of a side form member into a fixed position relative to another side form member. In the prior art Tiltform™ system the two side-forms are held together to form a 90° corner by drilling holes into side form members and screwing an angle bracket onto the support sides of two abutting side form members.
The linking device avoids the need to damage the side form members by using the attachment surfaces located on the supporting side of the side form members.
With reference to
In use the clamping elements are secured to a side form member by fitting the ends of the arms within the upper and lower channels in the member and then turning the wing nut about the threaded shaft to move the sheath and the lower boss up the shaft until the lower boss contacts the underside of the first arm. This will prevent rotational movement of the ends of the arms towards each other and lock the arms within the channels.
The other clamping element can likewise be secured to another side form member, thereby linking the two members.
A number of variations of the linking device are possible. One preferred form simply involves increasing the pitch of the shaft thread. Preferably a Reidbar™ is used. Another variation is depicted in
a depicts a device (60) having the clamping elements linked by an offset pivot point (290).
The linking device may be used in a number of different applications. As shown in
FIGS. 27 to 29 depict steps in the process of securing side form support members to an underlying surface.
In
In
The bottom or first support member (410) has a section (420) removed from the bottom surface and lower side in order to permit the member to fit over the anchor plate and permit it to rest on the underlying surface.
Once the support member has been secured to the securing device the support member is levelled by adjusting the anchor plate levelling wheels (422, 424).
The above description is provided for the purposes of exemplification only and it will be understood by a person skilled in this field that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PR 9849 | Jan 2002 | AU | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU03/00011 | 1/8/2003 | WO |