U-HEAD FOR SUPPORTING CONCRETE FORMWORK

BACKGROUND

Formwork includes various components that are assembled (e.g., often temporarily) for containing poured concrete while curing, such that the concrete is shaped into various structural elements like beams, columns, slabs, and walls. For example, shoring posts include adjustable posts that can support beams, stringers, panels, and other formwork positioned beneath poured concrete. In some instances, a U-head can be secured to an end of a shoring post and can be used to engage a beam (e.g., a beam or stringer for supporting a formwork panel). For example, the shoring post with U-head might engage the beam that is supporting panels on the underneath side of poured concrete (e.g., a concrete floor or ceiling). In addition, in some instances, the shoring post with U-head might engage the beam and extend upward from the beam at an angle to support a cantilevered floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present systems and methods for a U-head are described in detail below with reference to these figures.

FIG. 1 includes a shoring post with a U-head based on an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 includes the U-head of FIG. 1 and two stringers or beams based on an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 includes the U-head of FIG. 1 and a single stringer or beam based on an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 4A includes a plan view of the U-head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B includes a cross-sectional view of the U-head based on the reference 4B-4B in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 includes a depiction of a lower perspective view of the U-head relative to a shoring post, based on an example.

FIG. 6 includes a depiction of a upper perspective view of the U-head relative to a shoring post, based on an example.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a U-head in combination with a wedge adapter, based on an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a U-head and a wedge adapter disassembled, based on an example.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict cross sectional view based on the references 9A and 9B in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts one or more connections between the U-head and the wedge adapter, based on examples.

FIG. 11 depicts the U-head coupled with the wedge adapter and relative to a shoring post, based on an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is related to a U-head configured to allow a shoring post and a beam (e.g., stringer) to be securely arranged at an angle (e.g., non-perpendicular angle) with respect to one another. For example, when the U-head is affixed to the top of a shoring post, the U-head is configured to provide improved support to one or more beams that are not perpendicular to the shoring post (e.g., where the beams support formwork for casting a ramp or other inclined surface). The shoring post and the beam can be angled with respect to one another for various reasons, such as when a slope or incline is being cast and/or when the shoring post is supported atop a non-horizontal surface. In addition, in some examples, the U-head can be used together with an adapter to support a beam below a cantilevered member. That is, the U-head can be positioned at the lower end of a shoring post and can, in combination with the adapter (e.g., wedge adapter), support the shoring post at an angle atop a box stringer (or other rectangular beam(s) or support structures).

A conventional U-head generally includes a flat upper bearing plate. As such, when a conventional U-head engages a beam that is even slightly angled, the load associated with the beam is focused on the peripheral edge of the flat upper bearing plate, which can provide less stable support.

In contrast to conventional approaches, the present disclosure is directed to a U-head including a bearing surface with one or more angled and/or convexly curved edges (e.g., more peripheral or outer margins of the bearing surface) that can provide improved contact and support for angled beams. For example, the bearing surface can include a flat central region, which is configured to support a beam that is perpendicular to the shoring post, and one or more angled or convexly curved edges that are configured to support a beam at a non-perpendicular angle (e.g., where the beam is casting a slope/incline and/or where the shoring post is not vertical). In at least some instances, the one or more edges slope away from the flat central region at a slope or grade that is between about 10 percent and about 30 percent.

In some examples, the sloped edge(s) can include a textured surface to provide better purchase between the U-head and a beam. For example, the textured surface can include ridges, ribs, or other protrusions configured to reduce the likelihood of slippage between the U-head and the beam.

In at least some examples, the U-head of the present disclosure can be affixed to the bottom end of a shoring post and configured to engage a box stringer (or other beam or rectangular support on the ground or lower surface or floor), such as when the shoring post is non-vertically oriented to support a cantilevered area. The U-head can, in some examples, be combined with a wedge adapter, which can be arranged between the U-head and the box stringer (or other beam) and can enhance the stability of the connection. In some examples, the wedge adapter can include a face that corresponds with at least a portion of the upper bearing surface of the U-head. For example, the face of the wedge adapter can include a contour and/or angle configured to mate or nest against the sloped or angled edge.

Among other things, the U-head and related shoring components can contribute to a more adaptable system, more secure support capable of handling larger loads, more flexibility in installation, fewer types of parts on the jobsite, and less training.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts, based on an example of the present disclosure, a U-head 110 coupled to a shoring post 112. For illustrating purposes, the shoring post 112 is depicted with an indeterminate break 114, indicating that the shoring post 112 can include various lengths, and can be adjustable to change the length. In addition, the shoring post 112 that is illustrated is one type of shoring post, and the U-head 110 is usable with any type of formwork post in any formwork use case or application.

The U-head 110 can be affixed to an end 115 of the shoring post 112 (e.g., to a plate 116 at the end 115 of the shoring post 112), and various attachment options will be described in more detail in other parts of this application. In addition, the U-head 110 can include a base portion 117 with a bearing surface 120 and with elongated projections 118a-118d (e.g., tines, prongs etc.) that are spaced apart and that protrude or extend away from the bearing surface 120. In examples, the bearing surface 120 generally includes a relatively flat, central face or portion 134, and one or more sloped faces 132 that extend from the flat, central face 134 and between pairs of the elongated projections 118a-118d and towards the peripheral edge of the bearing surface 120. In examples, one or more beams (e.g., stringer, joist, purlin, etc.) can be supported atop the U-head, as the beam(s) extend between the elongated projections 118a-118d. For example, the one or more beams can be supported on the bearing surface 120 at an orientation 122 or 124 that is substantially perpendicular to the shoring post 112 (e.g., to longitudinal axis 126 of the shoring post), such as where the one or more beams engage the flat, central face 134.

In examples of the present disclosure, and referring also now to FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more beams 210, 212, and 214 can also be supported on the bearing surface 120 at an orientation 128 or 130 that is angled relative to the shoring post (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 126). The bearing surface 120 can include one or more sloped faces 132 (e.g., more peripheral or outer margins of the bearing surface 120 that are angled, convexly curved, etc.) that can provide improved contact and support for angled beams. Stated differently, the bearing surface 120 can include the flat central region or face 134, which is configured to support a beam that is perpendicular to the shoring post 112. Further, the one or more sloped faces 132 are configured to support a beam (or multiple beams) at a non-perpendicular angle. In this disclosure, the sloped faces can be generally referenced by the reference numeral 132, or in some instances, the sloped faces maybe referenced individually as 132a, 132b, 132c, and/or 132d, based on the labels as provided in the figures.

In at least some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, the elongated projections 118a and 118b and the elongated projections 118c and 118d are spaced apart by a distance 138 that is configured (e.g., sized) to accommodate two beams 210 and 212 that are arranged side-by-side. The beams 210 and 212 can be supported atop the bearing surface 120 at an orientation (e.g., 122 in FIG. 1) that is substantially perpendicular to the to the shoring post (not shown in FIG. 2 but an example is illustrated in FIG. 1), such as where the beams 210 and 212 are against the flat central region or face 134. In addition, the beams 210 and 212 can be supported atop the bearing surface 120 at an angle (e.g., 128 in FIG. 1 and 128a or 128b in FIG. 2) relative to the shoring post, such as where the beams 210 and 212 are supported atop the sloped face 132a or 132c.

In examples, referring to FIG. 3, the elongated projections 118a and 118c and the elongated projections 118b and 118d are spaced apart by a distance 140 that is smaller than the distance 138 and that is configured (e.g., sized) to accommodate a single beam 214 (or smaller beams). The beam 214 can be supported atop the bearing surface 120 at an orientation (e.g., 124 in FIG. 1) that is substantially perpendicular to the to the shoring post (not shown in FIG. 3 but an example is illustrated in FIG. 1), such as where the beam 214 is against the flat central region or face 134. In addition, the beam 214 can be supported atop the bearing surface 120 at an angle (e.g., 130 in FIG. 1 and 130a or 130b in FIG. 3) relative to the shoring post (relative to an axis of the shoring post), such as where the beam 214 is supported atop the sloped face 132b or 132d.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, additional views are illustrated, showing the U-head. FIG. 4A includes a plan view, and FIG. 4B includes a cross section taken along the reference line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. Among other things, FIGS. 4A and 4B include the U-head 110, which includes the elongated projections 118a-118d that extend away from the bearing surface 120, and the bearing surface 120 can include the flat central region 134 and the sloped faces 132 that slope away from the flat central region 134 and towards the peripheral edges of the bearing surface 120. For example, each of the sloped faces 132a-132d can slope away from the flat central region 134 towards a respective peripheral edge 142a-142d.

In at least some examples, the bearing surface 120 comprises a length 144 and a width 146. The length 144 can extend from the peripheral edge 142b to the peripheral edge 142d, and the width 146 can extend from the peripheral edge 142a to the peripheral edge 142c. In at least some example, the length 144 and the width 146 are an equal size dimension +/−5%. In at least some examples, the length 144 can be longer than the width 146 by greater than 5%.

The U-head can include other dimensions. For example, the flat face 134 can include a length 135 and a width 137. In at least some example, the length 135 and the width 137 are an equal size dimension +/−5%. In at least some examples, the flat face 134 can include a square shape. In at least some examples, the length 135 can be longer than the width 137 by greater than 5%. In at least some examples, the flat face 134 can include a rectangle shape. In some examples, the length 135 and the width 137 are in a range of about 3.25″ to about 4.25″. The length 135 and the width 137 can be larger, but examples of the present disclosure have determined that the size dimension can be about 3.5″ or about 4″ and still provide a sufficient bearing structure for supporting one more beams. In other examples, the flat face 134 can be circular, ovular, triangular, n-sided polygonal, or organically shaped.

In at least some examples, the sloped faces 132a and 132c can include a width 131 extending from the interface with the flat face 134 to the respective peripheral edge 142a and 142c. In addition, the width 131 can be measured coplanar with the flat face (or at least in plane that is parallel with the flat face). In at least some examples, the sloped faces 132b and 132d can include a width 133 extending from the interface with the flat face 134 to the respective peripheral edge 142b and 142d. In addition, the width 133 can be measured coplanar with the flat face (or at least in plane that is parallel with the flat face).

In at least some examples, the widths 131 and 133 can be an equal size dimension +/−5%. In some instances, the width 131 can be less than the length 135 associated with the flat face 134. For example, a ratio of the width 131 to the length 135 can be greater than about 0.5:1 or from about 0.7:1 to about 0.9:1. In some examples, the ratio can be about 0.8:1. In some instances, the width 133 can be less than the width 137 associated with the flat face 134. For example, a ratio of the width 133 to the length 137 can be greater than about 0.5:1 or about 0.7:1 to about 0.9:1. In some examples, the ratio can be about 0.8:1.

In examples, the sloped faces 132 can include other dimensions. For example, any sloped face 132 can be associated with one or more angles, slopes, or grades relative to the flat face 134. In some examples, the slope or grade can be based on rise/run. In examples where the sloped face is convexly curved, the slope or grade can be based on a tangent line. In at least some examples, the slope or grade can be between 10 percent and 30 percent. In some examples, the slope or grade can be about 20 degrees. As such, in contrast to conventional U-heads, the U-head 110 functions to securely support a beam that is angled relative to the shoring post, such as where the beam is being used to cast concrete on a slope. That is, conventional U-heads typically include only a flat and planar bearing surface (without any meaningful sloped faces), such that any beam that is angled creates significant eccentric loads directly on the terminal edge of the conventional U-head, which can also be further off-center. In contrast, the sloped faces 132 can more stably support angled beams by moving the support point closer towards the center of the post and the center of the U-head.

In at least some examples, the U-head 110 can include one or more features that help secure a beam in position. For example, the sloped edges 132 can include a textured surface 136 to provide better purchase between the U-head 110 and a beam. The textured surface 136 can, in some instances, include ridges, ribs, or other protrusions configured to reduce the likelihood of slippage between the U-head and the beam.

The U-head can include other features to help secure a beam in position. For example, in at least some examples, the U-head 110 can include lip undercuts 148 that extends inward from the respective terminal, peripheral edge 142 and at least partway underneath the respective sloped face 132. In examples, a clip can be secured both underneath the lip undercut 148 and to a beam supported atop the bearing surface 120.

In some examples, the clip can include a “T-clip” 150 which includes an arcuate clip plate 152, a T-bolt 154 (or other fastener with a T-shaped head), and a nut 156. To install the T-clip 150, an edge or end 158 of the arcuate clip plate 152 can be secured under the lip undercut 148, and the head of the T-bolt 154 can be secured to the beam (e.g., to a T-shaped slot 220 on the underneath side of the beam). In addition, the nut 156 can be tightened to pull the opposing edge or end 160 flush against the beam.

In at least some examples, a surface 149 of the lip undercut 148 can include a textured surface to provide better purchase between the U-head 110 and a clip. The textured surface can, in some instances, include ridges, ribs, or other protrusions configured to reduce the likelihood of slippage between the U-head and the clip. In addition, the lip undercut 148 can include an underneath face that is banked at least partially inward (e.g., towards the central portion of the U-head). That it, a conventional plate might include an underneath surface that is more horizontal, and in contrast, the lip undercut 148 is at least partially angled inwards to increase the angle of friction against certain forces.

In examples, the U-head 110 can include one or more various other features. For instance, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the U-head 110 can include various elements for engaging with a shoring post 312 (e.g., FIG. 6), and the shoring post 312 can include a plate 314 with various through holes 316a-316h. At least some of the through holes 316a-316h can, in some cases, be associated with a pattern that is common to shoring posts throughout the formwork industry.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1-4B, the U-head 110 can include the bearing surface 120 (e.g., including the flat central region 134 and the sloped faces 132). The bearing surface 120 can be positioned on a first side 162 (e.g., also labeled in FIG. 4B) of the U-head 110, and based on the illustration in FIG. 6, the first side 162 can be referred to as the top side or upper side or beam-facing side. In addition, the U-head 110 can include a second side 164 that is generally opposite to the first side 162, and the second side 164 can be referred to as the underneath side or the bottom side or the post-facing side.

In at least some examples, the U-head 110 can include a centering post 166 (depicted in FIGS. 4B and 5) that protrudes from the second side 164 and that is configured to insert into an opening 324 (e.g., FIG. 6) in the center of the plate 314. In some instances, the centering post 166 can include a beveled terminal end to facilitate insertion into the opening 324. In addition, the centering post can include an opening 167 (e.g., FIG. 6) on the first side 162, and in some instances, the opening 167 can be in fluid communication with a through hole extending entirely through the U-head 110 from the first side 162 to the second side 164

In some instances, and referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 for example, the U-head 110 is configured to be coupled to the plate 314 via one or more spring clips 326. For example, the second side 164 can include one or more recesses 168a and 168b that can be aligned with the through holes 316a-316d of the plate 314. In addition, the U-head 110 can include a pocket or recess 170 with a clamping ledge 172. As such, an insert pin 334 of the spring clip 326 can be inserted through a through hole 316d in the plate 314 and into a recess 168a in the post-facing side 164 of the U-head 110, and the spring clip 326 can be rotated, such that a clamping tab 336 of the spring clip 326 rotates into the pocket 170 and clamps onto the clamping ledge 172. A similar connection can be made with respect to the through hole 316b and the recess 168b.

In at least some examples, the U-head 110 is configured to be coupled to the plate 314 via one or more bolts or other mechanical fasteners. For example, the U-head 110 can include one or more through holes 170a and 170b that extend through the U-head 110 from the first side 162 to the second side 164. In addition, any of the one or more through holes 170a and 170b can be aligned with one of the through holes 316e-316h in the plate 314, and the mechanical fastener can be inserted into the aligned through holes to attach the U-head 110 to the plate 314. For example, based on the views in FIGS. 5 and 6, the through hole 170a can be aligned with the through hole 316g, and a fastener can be inserted through the aligned holes 170a and 316g and secured via a nut or other retainer (e.g., pin). A similar connection can be made through 170b and 316e.

In at least some examples, at least a portion of the through holes 170a and 170b can include a hexagonal (hexagon shaped) hole profile. Walls around the hexagon portion can be seen in FIG. 5, and are labeled as 172 (e.g., also seen and labeled in FIG. 4B). Stated differently, the through holes 170a and 170b can include a hexagon-shaped receiving portion 173 (FIG. 4B) that extends from the first side 162 and to a depth partway between the first side 162 and the second side 164. The depth of the receiving portion 173 allows a head of the fastener to be secured below the bearing surface 120. As such, a fastener with a hexagon-shaped head (e.g., hex bolt) can be inserted into the through hole 170a or 170b (e.g., inserted through an opening of the through hole 170a or 170b in the side 162) and held in position (by the walls 172) while a nut (or other retainer) is threaded onto the opposing end (e.g., on the underneath side of the plate 314). In this respect, the U-head can be installed with minimal tooling, since the hexagon-shaped hole functions to hold the fastener in place while a nut is threaded into position. In at least some examples, the walls 172 of the through hole (or the receiving portion 173) can taper towards one another as they extend from the first side 162 towards the second side 164 (e.g., the through hole 170a tapers in size as it extends from the first side 162 towards the second side 162), such that the through hole 170a or 170b can accommodate various sized hex-shaped heads.

The U-head 110 may be constructed of an assembly of parts or can include a monolithic design. The U-head 110 may be constructed out of numerous materials or a combination of materials. The U-head 110 and its constituent parts may be cast, forged, stamped, machined or produced through additive manufacturing processed. The U-head 110 can be constructed out of a metal (e.g., aluminum alloy), and there are a number of other materials that could be used to construct the U-head.

In examples, the U-head of the present disclosure can be used in various manners. In some instances, the U-head 110 is coupled to an upper end of a shoring post, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some examples, the U-head can be positioned at the lower end of a shoring post, such as when the shoring post is arranged atop an elongated beam or box stringer. For example, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a shoring post 706 is arranged on top of a box stringer 708 (or some other elongated rectangular member). In some examples, the shoring post 112 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be used in a similar or same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, such as where the shoring post 112 is rotated and the end 115 is positioned lower than the opposing end (e.g., the end 115 is then oriented downward and toward the box stringer 708). In addition, a U-head 110 is secured at the lower end of the shoring post 706 to help secure the shoring post 706 to the box stringer 708. In some instances the shoring post 706 is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle (or not vertically oriented), relative to the longitudinal orientation of the box stringer 708 (or relative to any underneath support surface or structure), and the shoring post 706 supports a cantilevered member 704 above. For example, the cantilevered member 704 can be supporting other formwork, such as for casting a cantilevered slab, or other structures, such as walkways and railings.

In at least some examples, a wedge adapter 712 (FIG. 7B) is secured at least partially between the U-head 110 and the box stringer 708, and the wedge adapter 712 can help provide a more stable connection. At a high level, and also referring to FIG. 8, the wedge adapter 712 includes a wedge shaped body that tapers in thickness from a thicker end or side 711 to a thinner end or side 713. As such, when the U-head 110 and post 706 are angled relative to the box stringer 708, the wedge adapter 712 can fill the gap on the backside between U-head 110 and the box stringer 712, such that a large portion of the U-head bearing surface 120 can abut against the box stringer 708 or the wedge adapter 712. Without the wedge adapter 712, the gap and spacing between the U-head bearing surface 120 and the box stringer 708 can contribute to instability, since the back/lifted side of the U-head 110 might have a tendency to lean back or roll towards the box stringer 708.

Referring to FIG. 8, the wedge adapter 712 can include a first side 714 with a centering post 716, which is configured to insert into the opening 167 (e.g., FIG. 9A) of the U-head centering post (e.g., 166). In addition, the first side 714 is configured to face towards and interface with (in a face-to-face relationship) and flushly abut against at least a portion of the bearing surface (e.g., 120) of the U-head 110. The wedge adapter 712 can include a second side 718 that, as compared to the first side 714, is on the opposing side of the wedge adapter 712 and is configured to face towards and interface with and abut against the box stringer 708.

In at least some examples, the first side 714 can include a set of faces that correspond with the different faces of the U-head bearing surface, such as the central flat face (e.g., 134) of the U-head and the sloped faces (e.g., 132) of the U-head. That is, the shapes and contours of the sets of faces on the first side 714 are configured to abut or nest against the faces of the U-head bearing surface 120. For example, to the extent the U-head bearing surface 120 might include one or more convex portions or faces, the first side 714 can include corresponding or matching concave portions or faces, which facilitate a stable face-to-face engagement between the U-head 110 and the wedge adapter 712. These, and other features, are also illustrated in the cross sectional views of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, the first side 714 of the wedge adapter 712 can include a central hub 720 with a flat face 722 on the first side 714 that generally corresponds with the central, flat face 134 of the bearing surface 120. In addition, the wedge adapter 712 can include one or more broad wedged or sloped extensions 724a, 724b, and 724c that extend from the central hub 720. In examples, the sloped extensions 724a, 724b, and 724c can include sloped faces 725a, 725b, and 725c that correspond with the sloped faces 132 of the bearing surface.

In examples, each of the sloped extensions 724a, 724b, and 724c includes a proximal transitional neck 726a, 726b, and 726c that connects the respective sloped extension to the central hub 720. In addition, each of the sloped extensions 724a, 724b, and 724c includes a distal terminal end 728a, 728b, and 728c. Further, the sloped extension 724a can include a shorter side 730 (e.g., edge or wall) that is oriented towards the thinner side 713 of the wedge adapter 712 and that generally extends between the proximal transitional neck 726a and the distal terminal end 728a, as well as a thicker side 732 (e.g., edge or wall) that is oriented towards the thicker side 711 of the wedge adapter 712 and that generally extends between the proximal transitional neck 726a and the distal terminal end 728a. In at least some examples, the sloped extension 724a tapers in thickness as it extends from the thicker side 732 to the thinner side 730. In addition, the sloped extension 724a can taper in thickness as it extends from the distal terminal end 728a to the proximal transitional neck 726a.

In some examples, the sloped face 725a can be include one or more relatively flat portions that are angled relative to the flat face 722. In some examples, the sloped face 725a can include a concave surface contour. In some examples, the sloped face 725a can include a combination of one or more flat portions and one or more portions with a concave surface contour. In at least some examples, a surface contour of the sloped face 725a corresponds with, and is configured to abuttingly nest against, one or more of the sloped face 132b or the sloped face 132d. In at least some examples, a grade of the sloped face 725a (or a tangent line relative to the sloped face) can be between 10 percent and 30 percent, or in some cases, about 20 percent.

The sloped extension 724c can include a configuration similar to the sloped extension 724a, including a thinner side 734 (e.g., edge or wall) that is oriented towards the thinner side 713 of the wedge adapter 712 and that generally extends between the proximal transitional neck 726c and the distal terminal end 728c, as well as a thicker side 736 (e.g., edge or wall) that is oriented towards the thicker side 711 of the wedge adapter 712 and that generally extends between the proximal transitional neck 726c and the distal terminal end 728c. In at least some examples, the sloped extension 724c tapers in thickness as it extends from the thicker side 736 to the thinner side 734. In addition, the sloped extension 724c can taper in thickness as it extends from the distal terminal end 728c to the proximal transitional neck 726c.

In some examples, the sloped face 725c can be include one or more relatively flat portions that are angled relative to the flat face 722. In some examples, the sloped face 725c can include a concave surface contour. In some examples, the sloped face 725c can include a combination of one or more flat portions and one or more portions with a concave surface contour. In at least some examples, a surface contour of the sloped face 725c corresponds with, and is configured to abuttingly nest against, one or more of the sloped face 132b or the sloped face 132d. In at least some examples, a grade of the sloped face 725c (or a tangent line relative to the sloped face) can be between 10 percent and 30 percent, or in some cases, about 20 percent.

In examples, the sloped extension 724b tapers in thickness as it extends from the distal terminal end 728b to the proximal transitional neck 726b. In some examples, the sloped face 725b can be include one or more relatively flat portions that are angled relative to the flat face 722. In some examples, the sloped face 725b can include a concave surface contour. In some examples, the sloped face 725b can include a combination of one or more flat portions and one or more portions with a concave surface contour. In at least some examples, a surface contour of the sloped face 725b corresponds with, and is configured to abuttingly nest against, one or more of the sloped face 132a or the sloped face 132c. In at least some examples, a grade of the sloped face 725b (or a tangent line relative to the sloped face) can be between 10 percent and 30 percent, or in some cases, about 20 percent.

In FIG. 8, the sloped faces 725a and 725c would align with the sloped faces 132b and 132d. In at least some examples, the wedge adapter 712 is configured such that it can also be rotated 90 degrees (relative to the orientation in FIG. 8), and the sloped faces 725a and 725c can correspond with, and are configured to abuttingly nest against, the sloped face 132a and the sloped face 132c (e.g., where a single width box stringer is used, as compared to the double box stringer 708). In that configuration, the sloped face 724b can corresponds with, and abuttingly nest against, one or more of the sloped faces 132b or 132d.

The wedge adapter 712 can be secured to the U-head 110 in various manners. Referring also to FIG. 10, in some instances, the centering post 716 of the wedge adapter 712 can be inserted into the opening 167 of the U-head centering post 166, at which point the bearing surface 120 can flushly and nestingly abut the wedge adapter 712. In some examples, the ID (e.g., tapered ID) of the U-head centering post 166 can be configured to friction fit with the OD (e.g., tapered OD) of the adapter centering post 716, which can sometimes provide a sufficient connection between the U-head 110 and the wedge adapter 712.

In at least some examples the wedge adapter centering post 716 includes a recess 738 with an opening 740 at a terminal end of the centering post 716. The recess 738 can extend entirely through the centering post 716, from one end to the other, or can extend only partially through the centering post 716. In examples, once the wedge-adapter centering post 716 is inserted into the U-head centering post 166 (e.g., the terminal end is inserted), a fastener can be received in the recess 738 to securely connect the U-head 110 to the wedge adapter 712. Various types of fasteners can be used, such as a bolt with nut.

In at least some examples, a t-bolt positioner 742 can secure the U-head 110 to the wedge adapter 712. The positioner 742 can include a t-bolt 744, a positioner body 746 with a through hole 748, and nut 750 (or other threaded female retainer) that is secured in the through hole 748. For example, the through 748 can include a larger portion that transitions at a shoulder the a smaller portion, and the nut 750 can abut the shoulder. The t-bolt 744 can extend into the through hole 748 (e.g., through the smaller portion) and threadably engage the nut 750, such that an exposed length 752 of the t-bolt 744 can be adjusted by rotating the t-bolt 744 relative to the nut 750. That is, as the t-bolt is rotated in a first direction (relative to the body 746 and the nut 750), the t-bolt 744 can be drawn or transited further into the through hole 748 to reduce the exposed length 752, and the t-bolt 744 can be rotated in the opposite second direction to extend the exposed length 752.

In examples, the opening 740 can be keyed to the profile shape of the head of the t-bolt 744 (e.g., with any non-circular profile), such that the head can be inserted into (or removed from) the opening 740 (and the centering-post recess 738). In addition, the centering post 714 can include an undercut 754 at the terminal end that faces towards the recess 754 (e.g., on the underside or recess-side of the opening), such that when the t-bolt 744 is rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) in the recess 738, such as by rotating 756 the body 746, the flanges of the bolt head catch on the undercut 754 and are prevented from disengaging. In at least some examples, the inner walls of the recess 738 can also be keyed and/or include elongated ribs or surface projections or protuberance 758 that can impede the t-bolt head from rotating past a certain point (e.g., 90 degrees). That is, once the t-bolt is rotated by a certain amount, the projection(s) 758 can interfere with further rotation, acting as a stop inside the recess. As such, once the t-bolt is impeded from rotating, the positioner body 746 can be threadably tightened onto the t-bolt (and secured against the terminal end of the U-head centering post 166), by continuing to rotate 756 the positioner body 746, since the nut 750 will operate to draw the t-bolt further into the through hole 748 and reduce the length 752.

In examples, and referring to FIG. 11, once the positioner 742 is secured, the positioner can be inserted into the opening 324 in the middle of the end plate 314 of the shoring post. In addition, the U-head 110 can then be fastener to the plate 314. For example, the clip 326 can be installed, as described in other portions of this description, and/or a bolt (or other fastener) can be affixed in the through holes 170a and/or 170b.

In at least some examples, the wedge adapter 712 can include one or more cutouts 780 that, when the wedge adapter 712 is engaged to the U-head 110, align with the through holes 170a and 170b, to allow the through holes 170a and 170b to be accessed for inserting and removing a fastener.

In at least some examples, the one or more surfaces 740 of the wedge adapter 712 on the second side 718 (e.g., the surface(s) that abuts the box stringer 708) is/are substantially planar. As such, when the one or more surfaces 760 abut against the box stringer 708 (e.g., FIGS. 7A and 7B), potential rocking and other instability is minimized.

In other examples (not shown), the one or more surfaces of the wedge adapter that face away from the U-head and that are configured to engage another structure can have any shape or profile configured to securely receive another beam or other formwork structure. For example, if the wedge adapter is configured to provide a stable connection between a U-head and a beam with a tapered bottom surface (e.g., V-shaped bottom surface as opposed to a flat bottom surface), then the wedge adapter can have a V-shaped profile instead of the relatively flat configuration of the surface 740.

The wedge adapter 712 can include various other features. For example, the wedge adapter 712 can include a clamping ledge 762 that extend rearwardly from the sloped extension 724b (extends in a direction away from the central hub 720). In example, the clamping ledge 762 is configured to engage a fastener for attaching the wedge adapter 712 to the box stringer 708. For example, the clamping ledge 762 can be configured to engage an arcuate clip plate of one or more clips (e.g., the clip 744 in FIG. 7B, in which case the T-bolt can engage in a slot in the top of the box stringer 718).

More specifically, when the U-head 110 and the wedge adapter 712 (e.g., the surface(s) 760 of the wedge adapter 712) are arranged atop the box stringer 708, additional securement may be desired. For example, in some instances, additional securement can help retain the shoring post at a desired angle and/or can reduce the likelihood of sliding (laterally or longitudinally) of the U-head 110 or lateral tilting. As such, in examples, the clips 764 (e.g., FIGS. 7A and 7B and also described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3) can be used to help secure the assembly in position, such as by securing the t-bolts 766 in a slot 768 in the top of the box stringer 708, while the arcuate clips 770 engage the U-head 110 (e.g., the ledge 148 of the U-head 110) or the clamping ledge 762 of the wedge adapter 712, and the nuts 772 (e.g., wing nuts) are tightened.

In this disclosure, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” might be used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. When such terminology is used, a plurality of such items might be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. If a definition of “about” is necessary for interpreting a term of this disclosure, “about” refers to +/−10% of a given value.

In this disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims.

The phrases “formed from” and “formed of” are also intended throughout this disclosure and the accompanying claims to be inclusive, and to specify the presence of stated materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components unless otherwise indicated.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives might be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated examples. Ordinary skilled artisans will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the inventive embodiments described in this Specification, and as further defined by the claims.

This detailed description is provided in order to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in different ways, to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements, and/or different combinations of elements, similar or equivalent to those described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies. The examples herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In this sense, alternative examples or implementations can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter pertains without departing from the scope hereof.

U-HEAD FOR SUPPORTING CONCRETE FORMWORK

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