U.S. patent application number 11/032729 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for stabilizing brace for a window buck.
Invention is credited to Audrey E. Anderson, Bruce Anderson, Justin J. Anderson, Thayne Anderson.
Application Number | 20060174588 11/032729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36778514 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060174588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Audrey E. ; et
al. |
August 10, 2006 |
Stabilizing brace for a window buck
Abstract
A system and method for a stabilizing brace for securing a
window or door buck to a concrete form. The system and method
tightly secures one panel of a window or door buck to a concrete
form, so as to maintain the dimensions of an opening defined by the
window or door buck when pouring concrete into the form.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Audrey E.; (Logan,
UT) ; Anderson; Bruce; (Logan, UT) ; Anderson;
Justin J.; (Logan, UT) ; Anderson; Thayne;
(Logan, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLME ROBERTS & OWEN, LLP
299 SOUTH MAIN
SUITE 1800
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
36778514 |
Appl. No.: |
11/032729 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/786.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/8617 20130101;
E04B 2002/8676 20130101; E04G 15/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/786.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/54 20060101
E04C002/54 |
Claims
1. A brace for holding one panel of a window buck against a wall
forming structure, said brace comprising: an anchoring device
having an anchoring end and a coupling end, said anchoring end
configured for attaching to said wall forming structure; an
extension having a first end, a second end and a length between
said first end and said second end, said second end being
configured to couple to said coupling end; and a fastener
configured to attach to said length at a selected position.
2. The brace of claim 1, wherein said fastener slidably engages
said extension at a plurality of positions along said extension to
provide a tensional force on said extension.
3. The brace of claim 2, wherein said fastener has an opening for
receiving said extension and a rib disposed about the opening to
lock said fastener in one of a plurality of positions along said
extension.
4. The brace of claim 1, wherein said fastener is coupled to an
aperture in said panel and said extension slidably engages said
fastener.
5. The brace of claim 4, wherein said extension has a plurality of
teeth and said fastener has a lip, said extension slides relative
to said fastener in a first direction, wherein said lip and said
teeth are configured to impede the movement of said extension
relative to said fastener in a second direction.
6. The brace of claim 1, wherein said extension is a substantially
rigid member.
7. The brace of claim 6, wherein said extension is manufactured of
a nylon polymer.
8. The brace of claim 1, wherein said extension has a plurality of
teeth disposed on the surface.
9. The brace of claim 8, wherein said plurality of teeth allow said
fastener to slide in a direction of movement parallel to said shaft
member from said first end to said second end, while impeding
movement in a direction opposed to said direction of movement.
10. The brace of claim 9, wherein said fastener has a lip disposed
on an end that engages said extension, wherein said plurality of
teeth are configured to allow said lip to pass over a tooth a first
time without allowing said lip to pass over said tooth a second
time.
11. The brace of claim 8, wherein said extension is a cross-shaped
member and said plurality of teeth are disposed on the surface of
each L-shaped section.
12. The brace of claim 11, wherein said plurality of teeth are
triangle-shaped, angled toward said direction of movement, and said
fastener further comprises a cross-shaped lip disposed where said
fastener receives said extension, said lip configured to impede
movement of said fastener in a direction opposed to said direction
of movement when said lip engages a tooth.
13. The brace of claim 1, wherein said fastener is configured to
fit into an aperture created in said panel.
14. The brace of claim 13, wherein said fastener has a plurality of
ribs that lock said fastener in place within said aperture.
15. The brace of claim 13, wherein said extension slidably engages
said fastener and moves in a first direction relative to said
fastener, wherein said first direction provides a tensional force
on said extension and holds said panel against said wall forming
structure.
16. The brace of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device is
configured to couple to a reinforcing concrete bar of a concrete
form.
17. The brace of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device is a solid
member having two lengths, wherein said anchoring end comprises a
portion of each length bent at an angle relative to said length to
form a hook.
18. The brace of claim 17, wherein said solid member is a metal
member.
19. The brace of claim 18, wherein said metal member is a wire
member.
20. The brace of claim 17, wherein said anchoring device is a solid
member and said solid member bends at said coupling end at an angle
sufficient to resist deformation of said two lengths when a
tensional force is applied to said coupling end.
21. The brace of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device is a solid
member having a hook member on each end.
22. The brace of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device is
manufactured of a material of sufficient tensile strength to resist
deformation when a tensional force is applied to said coupling
end.
23. A brace for holding one panel of a window buck against a wall
forming structure comprising: an extension having a first end and a
second end; a means for coupling said first end of said shaft
member to said panel; a means for coupling said second end of said
shaft member to said wall forming structure; and a means for
providing a tensional force to said shaft member for holding said
panel against said wall forming structure.
24. A brace for holding one panel of a window buck against a
concrete form, said brace comprising: an anchoring device having an
anchoring end and a coupling end, said anchoring end configured for
attaching to said concrete form; an extension having a first end, a
second end and a length between said first end and said second end,
said second end being configured to couple to said coupling end;
and a fastener coupled to said panel, configured to attach to said
length at a selected position.
25. The brace of claim 24, said extension slides relative to said
fastener in a first direction, wherein said extension has a
plurality of teeth and said fastener has a lip, wherein said lip
and said teeth are configured to impede the movement of said
extension relative to said fastener in a second direction.
26. A method for securing one panel of a window buck to wall
framing structure for maintaining the plumb and alignment of the
opening created by said window buck during the pouring of concrete
into said wall framing structure, the method comprising: coupling
an anchoring device having an anchoring end and a coupling end to
said wall framing structure; coupling an extension having a first
end, a second end and a length between said first end and said
second end to said coupling end; attaching a fastener to said
length at a selected position.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising connecting the
fastener to said panel.
28. The method of claim 26, further comprising creating an aperture
in said panel and affixing said fastener within said aperture.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein said connecting said fastener
further comprises slidably engaging said first end of said
extension with said fastener, wherein said fastener moves relative
to said extension in a direction of movement parallel to said
extension while preventing said fastener from moving relative to
said extension in a direction opposed to said direction of
movement.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a stabilizing brace and
method for stabilizing a window buck or block out in a structure
wall such as a concrete form.
[0003] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0004] When constructing a building, it is frequently desirable to
position a window, door, garage door, or other opening, in a
structure wall such as a poured concrete wall or in a wall made
from concrete using a concrete form such as an insulated concrete
form. Typically, a window buck or block out (e.g., See U.S. Pat.
No. 5,996,293) or door buck or block out is positioned between the
sides of the form after which the concrete is poured into the form
and about the frame. Therefore, the desired opening is defined in
the wall when the concrete hardens or cures. Thereafter, a window
structure/unit is placed into the window opening or a door
structure/unit is placed in a door opening.
[0005] A problem arises when concrete is poured into a concrete
form like an insulated concrete form. The weight of the concrete
against the window or door buck may cause its shape to twist and
contort, thereby changing the plumb and alignment of the opening so
that the window or door to be inserted will not fit properly.
Braces inside the opening defined by the window buck may be used to
stabilize the window buck and to keep it in plumb. However, even
then, alignment relative to the concrete form may vary. Further
such braces are not flexible but fixed requiring fasteners to hold
them in place and in some cases requiring braces to be cut using
precise measurements. Multiple workers may be involved with one to
hold the buck in alignment while the other installs braces.
[0006] In order to increase accuracy and use less labor, it would
be desirable to provide a stabilizing brace for a window buck to
maintain the dimensions of the opening created by the buck in a
wall framing structure and to maintain its alignment relative to
the wall or form into which it is being installed such as a
concrete form. The brace should be easy to install and be operable
by one person to cut down the amount of time and labor required for
the installation of the brace and in turn the buck.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a brace for securing a window or
door buck to a wall forming structure. The term window buck is
intended to include any form or type of block out structure that
has sides put into a form. In various exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, the stabilizing brace secures one panel of the
window or door buck to a form to maintain the desired dimensions of
an opening defined by the buck when pouring concrete into the
form.
[0008] A system and method for a stabilizing brace is provided. The
brace includes an anchoring device having an anchoring end and a
coupling end. The anchoring end is configured for attaching to the
wall forming structure. The brace also has an extension having a
first end, a second end and a length between said first end and
said second end. The second end is configured to couple to the
coupling end of the anchoring device. The brace also includes a
fastener that is configured to attach to the length of the
extension at a selected position.
[0009] The fastener attaches to the shaft member for holding the
panel in tension against the wall forming structure, thus keeping
the window buck in alignment with the concrete form to maintain the
plumb and alignment of the opening. The anchoring device of the
present invention is manufactured to facilitate the attachment to
the structure of the wall forming structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment
of a brace securing one panel of a window buck to an wall forming
structure;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a brace for securing
one panel of a window buck to a wall forming structure;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a fastener;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one panel of the window
buck having the fastener disposed on the surface thereof for
securing the extension;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a cut away view of a fastener;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an extension;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a cut away view of an extension;
[0019] FIG. 8A is view looking straight down the shaft of an
extension;
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of another
embodiment of the brace for securing one panel of a window buck to
a wall forming structure;
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring device;
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of
an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring end of an anchoring device;
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring device;
[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment
of an anchoring device;
[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a securing means
for use with the alternate embodiment of an anchoring device
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0032] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a securing means
for use with the alternate embodiment of an anchoring device
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a securing means
for use with the alternate embodiment of an anchoring device
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a securing means
for use with the alternate embodiment of an anchoring device
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a securing means
for use with the alternate embodiment of an anchoring device
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0036] FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the present invention, examples of which
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a brace 125 securing
one panel of a window buck or block-out 120 to a concrete form 100.
Brace 125 may be discussed here for use with an insulating concrete
form. However, it may be used with other kinds of concrete forms.
The brace may be adapted for use with a wood or metal frame
structure as well.
[0039] Insulating concrete forms ("ICF's") are forms for
poured-in-place reinforced concrete walls. In most cases, the forms
are left in place permanently to serve as thermal and acoustic
insulation and as backing for gypsum boards on the inside and
stucco, brick, or other siding on the outside. Concrete form 100
comprises two longitudinally-extending side panels 104, 105 and
concrete reinforcement stabilizing bars 110, 115 disposed between
each of the side panels 104, 105. Side panels 104, 105 are spaced
relative to one another to create the inner concrete core. Concrete
is poured between the side panels 104, 105 and about reinforcement
bars 110, 115. The concrete cures or dries therein to form the
wall. Typically, ICF's have inner concrete cores of 4'', 6'', 8'',
10'', 12'', 14'' or 16'', however, any suitable inner concrete core
for the desired wall thickness may be used with the present
invention.
[0040] A panel section 120 of a window buck is shown secured to
concrete form 100. Generally, a window buck creates an opening in a
concrete form having specific dimensions for a window, door, etc.
Several examples of a window buck and a buck used for a door are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,996,293 and 6,070,375, the disclosure
of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
Panel section 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 is typical for a window
buck that is rectangular or square in shape corresponding to a door
or a standard window, however, window bucks of varying shapes such
as circular, semi-circular or octagonal may be used depending upon
the desired shape of the opening. Accordingly, panel section 120
may assume any number of possible shapes or dimensions.
[0041] When concrete is poured into the space created between side
panels 104, 105, the weight of the concrete may cause the window
buck to shift, contort, bend or flex, thus changing the plumb and
alignment of the opening. Typically, a window buck or block-out is
sized so that a window, door, etc. will fit snuggly into the
opening with little finish work. If a window buck shifts or bends
during a framing operation, the desired opening is no longer in
plumb or aligned so that the window or door unit will not fit in
the opening.
[0042] Brace 125 holds the buck panel 120 tightly against
insulating concrete form 100 to maintain the alignment and plumb of
the opening. In operation, a tension is applied to brace 125 to
urge the buck 120 against the concrete form 100 to hold it in
alignment or plumb. Shims, spacers, or other means may be used to
establish desired alignment and plumb. That is, the opening in the
form may be off in plum or even in size. In turn, the buck when
installed needs to be stable so that it correctly positioned and
dimensionally correct to receive the window unit or door unit
later. When concrete is poured into the form, panel 120 is held
firmly against the form 100 (as adjusted by any necessary shims,
spacers or the like) so that the requisite dimensions of the
opening formed by the window buck or door buck are maintained.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of one
embodiment of a brace 126 is illustrated. Brace 126 comprises an
extension 140, a fastener 130 and an anchoring device 160. In the
illustrated embodiment, fastener 130 is slidably engaged with the
extension 140. As such, fastener 130 moves along the extension
towards anchoring device 160. In this illustrated embodiment, the
fastener 130 is engaged with shaft member 140 so that it cannot be
reversed. In effect, it locks on the extension 140. While the
preferred fastener 130 with extension 140 is configured to effect a
locking function as described, it should be understood that the
extension may be formed with a plurality of apertures along its
length to receive a pin like device that could even be something
like a nail. Clips, clamps or other fastening arrangements may be
used so long as they permit the user to establish a tension to urge
or hold the panel 120 in place relative to the form 100.
[0044] Anchoring device 160 is adapted to connect extension 140 to
a structure of the wall or the wall to be formed such as the
concrete form 100. It may attach to reinforcement bar 110 shown in
FIG. 1. or even to the form itself. Anchoring device 160 has a
coupling end 163 and an placement end that includes anchoring ends
161 and 162. In the illustrated embodiment, anchoring ends 161 and
162 are configured as a pair of hooks that are configured to engage
the reinforcement bar 110.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, anchoring device 160 is a
single piece of solid material having a first leg 164 and a second
leg 165. First leg 164 and second leg 165 are unitarily formed and
bent at an angle 166 to be "v" shaped. The angle 166 may be any
suitable angle to effect desired spacing between anchoring ends 161
and 162. While the angle may vary between about 5 degrees and about
170 degrees and angle from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees is
preferred with an angle of about 90 degrees being the most
preferred.
[0046] Anchoring ends 161 and 162 are show formed to attach to the
reinforcement bar 110. It may also be formed to attach to others
kinds of cross braces. Further, the angle 166 and length of legs
164 and 165 may be selected so that the anchoring ends 161 and 162
engage the form such as the concrete form 100. The anchoring device
160 may be formed of a metal or wire and dimensioned to that the
anchoring ends 161 and 162 are spaced apart a distance 167 that is
more than the distance 102 between the sides 104 and 105 of the
wall 100. Thus the anchoring ends 161 and 162 must be deflected
toward each other to place the anchoring device 150 in between the
walls 104 and 105. The anchoring ends 161 and 162 are thereupon
released and are urged outwardly into the walls 104 and 105 of the
form 100 to retain them in a desired location.
[0047] Coupling end 163 of the anchoring device 160 is formed of a
material that may be plastic, wire, rope, metal ware or the like
all selected to resist twisting, bending or warping of legs 164,
165 when a tensional force is applied to end 163. While Anchoring
device 160 is typically manufactured of a metal wire, any suitable
material may be used that provides a sufficient tensile strength to
resist deformation when a tensional force is applied to coupling
end 163. Other designs of anchoring device 160 may be used
depending upon the particular shape and structure of the particular
wall framing structure. FIGS. 10-24 illustrate several alternative
embodiments of anchoring device 160.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, fastener 130 is illustrated in
greater detail. As shown in the top view of fastener 130 of FIG. 3,
an opening 136 is provided in the top surface 131 of fastener 130
to receive extension 140. Opening 136 is shown as cross-shaped to
receive a cross-shaped extension 140, however, any shaped opening
may be used depending upon the corresponding shape of the
extension. Fastener 130 has a plurality of lips 132, 133, 134, 135
disposed in the top surface 131. Lips 132, 133, 134, 135 allow
extension 140 to pass through opening 136 and move in a single
direction in relation to fastener 130. Once extension 140 passes
over lips 132, 133, 134, 135, the lips prevent the extension from
moving in the opposite direction. Thus, extension 140 is in effect
locked in a position relative to fastener 130.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of fastener 130. As shown,
fastener 130 has an opening 136 that extends from the top surface
131 through the bottom surface 137 to allow the extension 140 to
slidably engage fastener 130 when it is inserted. Fastener 130 also
has a plurality of snap ridges 138, 139 that engage and attach the
fastener to an aperture cut into a window buck panel.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in operation, an aperture 137A is
cut into a window buck or block-out panel 120 that is slightly
larger than the diameter of bottom surface 137. FIG. 5 has two such
apertures, but in practice only one is used. The bottom surface 137
of fastener 130 is pushed through the aperture (like aperture 137A)
so that the plurality of snap ridges 138, 139 flex into the
interior of fastener 130 and allow fastener 130 to be pushed up to
the ridge defining top surface 131. Since the diameter of top
surface 131 is greater than the diameter of bottom surface 137 and
the hole (like hole 137A) is sized to receive the bottom surface
137, the top surface 131 abuts the inner surface of the panel 120.
At the point that fastener 130 cannot be pushed any further into
the aperture, snap ridges 138, 139 engage to irremovably position
fastener 130 within an aperture of window buck panel 120.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a cut away portion of shaft member
fastener 130. Lips 133 and 134 are shown that engage the extension
140 to limit travel to a single direction relative to fastener 130.
Typically, fastener 130 is manufactured of a polycarbonate such as
Makrolon.RTM. or Lexan.RTM.. However, any material that has
sufficient rigidity to inhibit its travel through an aperture like
aperture 137A while being flexible enough to have portions to
engage teeth or the like may be used.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 8A, extension 140 is
illustrated in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 7, extension 140
has a first end 141 and a second end 142 and a length 140A between
the first end 141 and second end 142. Fastener 130 is configured to
couple to extension 140 at a selected position along the length.
Extension 140 is illustrated as a substantially rigid member,
however, any extension may be used such as a flexible member, a
wire, a section of rope, or the like to name a few. Extension 140
is configured to receive fastener 130. For example, extension 140
may be a substantially rigid member formed from nylon or any
suitable plastic or plastic-like material. It may also be formed
from metals or even be wire or rope. Fastener 130 may be adapted to
couple to the extension 140 at a point along its length 140A by a
screw, clamp, lock, bolt/nut, pin or similar fastening means.
Fastener 130 could even be a knot formed in rope used as extension
140.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, second end 142 is
substantially flat with an aperture 143 disposed therein.
Typically, aperture 143 couples extension 140 to the anchoring
device 160. Extension 140 has a plurality of teeth 144, 145, 146,
147 that prevent shaft member fastener 130 from moving in a
direction towards first end 141 once fastener 130 has been slidably
engaged and moved in a direction of movement along the length 140A
and towards second end 142.
[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cut away view of extension 140
showing teeth 144, 145 in greater detail. As shown, teeth are
generally triangular in shape, angled from first end 141 towards
second end 142. Since fastener 130 is manufactured of a material
that allows for a little flexibility, lips 132, 133, 134, 135 of
fastener 130 will flex slightly and slide over raised tooth 144,
for example. The high side of raised tooth 144 prevents lips 132,
133, 134, 135 from passing back over tooth 144. Fastener 130 will,
therefore, move in a direction of movement from first end 141
towards second end 142. Once engaged and past at least one tooth,
fastener 130 is prevented from moving back towards first end 141.
As such, fastener 130 is locked into that position relative to
extension 140 with respect to movement parallel to extension 140 in
a direction opposite to the direction of movement.
[0055] FIG. 8A shows extension 140 from first end 141 looking
straight down the shaft towards second end 142. In the illustrated
embodiment, extension 140 is depicted as a cross-shaped member with
teeth on each L-shaped section, however, any shape such as round,
semi-circular with a flat side, semi-circular with a half-cross
shape to name a few may be used. Each L-shaped section of extension
140 has a plurality of teeth to engage lips 132, 133, 134, 135 of
shaft member fastener 130. The first teeth 148, 149, 150, 151 on
each of the respective L-shaped section of extension 140 are shown.
Typically, extension 140, including the teeth, is manufactured of a
nylon polymer such as Zytel.RTM. nylon manufactured by Dupont.RTM.,
however, any suitable material may be used that has the desired
qualities of strength,.
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a brace 211.
As discussed previously, side panels 204, 205 of concrete form 200
adjoin window buck or block-out panel 210. Brace 211 comprises an
extension 215, an anchoring device 230 and a fastener 225. Window
buck panel 210 has a connecting means 220 for receiving one end of
the shaft member 215. Connecting means 220 may be an after market
add-on device such as a hook, or the like or it may be manufactured
to be integral to window buck panel 210. Connecting means 220
eliminates the need to drill an aperture into the finished side of
window buck panel 210 to secure fastener 225, as described
previously.
[0057] Fastener 225 is coupled to anchoring device 230 in a similar
manner as securing a fastener to an aperture in a window buck panel
as previously described with respect to FIG. 5. Anchoring device
230 is placed over the wire members of concrete reinforcement
stabilizing bar 207 such that a portion of anchoring device 230
hangs over the wire members. Extension 215 is then slidably engaged
to fastener 225. Brace 211 is anchored on both the end that is
coupled to window buck panel 210 and reinforcement bar 207 of
concrete form 200. Tension is created on brace 211 from sliding
extension 215 relative to fastener 225 in the direction of movement
parallel to extension 215 until it will not slide any further and
locks into place. The tension on brace 211 is the force which is
acting upon extension 215 when it is pulled tight by forces acting
from each end. The tensional force is directed along brace 211 and
pulls equally on window buck panel 210 and concrete form 200. In
this manner, window buck panel 210 is held rigidly in place with
respect to concrete form 200.
[0058] FIGS. 10-24 illustrate several alternative embodiments of an
anchoring device. FIG. 10 shows an alternate anchoring device
having a shaft member 300 with a coupling end 301 and an anchoring
end 302. Coupling end 301 is configured as a hook to connect with
extension 140 and more particularly, aperture 143. Anchoring end
302 is a larger hook that is configured to connect with a wall
forming structure. Shaft member 300, coupling end 301 and anchoring
end 302 are manufactured of a material such as metal or plastic
that is of sufficient tensile strength to withstand the tensional
force applied to the anchoring device.
[0059] FIGS. 11-17 illustrate different embodiments of an anchoring
end for connecting an anchoring device to the many different
structural configurations of a wall forming structure. FIG. 11
shows an anchoring end 303 that is bent at a 900. FIG. 12
illustrates an anchoring end 304 that is curved with a straight
length extending downward below the plane of the shaft. FIG. 13
shows an anchoring end 305 having a curved member with a straight
length that extends in a direction towards the coupling end at an
approximate angle of 45.degree.. FIG. 14 illustrates an anchoring
end 306 having a length that extends along the plane of the shaft,
a length that extends upwards at a 900 angle and a length that
extends back towards the coupling end parallel to the shaft. FIG.
15 shows an anchoring end 307 having a U-shaped member with threads
disposed on the end of the member for coupling to a plate 308 and
locking nuts 309, 310. FIG. 16 shows an anchoring end 311 having
two lengths terminating with a pair of apertures 312, 313 for
receiving pin 314. FIG. 17 illustrates anchoring end 315 having a
substantially flat portion 316 with an aperture 317 for coupling to
a semi-circular shaped member 318 that attaches to the wall forming
structure and a pin 319 that locks the member 318 to the
structure.
[0060] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of anchoring device
320. Anchoring device 320 comprises an anchoring end 322 and a
coupling end 323. Coupling end 323 may be a wire, rope, or the like
for securing anchoring device 320 to an extension.
[0061] FIGS. 19-24 illustrate an alternate embodiment of an
anchoring device. FIG. 19 shows an alternate anchoring device
having a shaft member 325 with a coupling end 327 and an anchoring
end 326. Coupling end 301 is configured as a hook member to connect
with extension 140 and more particularly, aperture 143. Anchoring
end 326 is threaded to couple to a suitable fastening device. Shaft
member 325, coupling end 327 and anchoring end 326 are manufactured
of a material such as metal or plastic that is of sufficient
tensile strength to withstand the tensional force applied to the
anchoring device. FIG. 20 illustrates a threaded nut 328 that
connects with threaded anchoring end 326. FIG. 21 illustrates a
threaded wing nut 329 that connects with threaded anchoring end
326. FIG. 22 illustrates another threaded wing nut 330 that
connects with threaded anchoring end 326. FIG. 23 illustrates a
threaded connector that connects with threaded anchoring end 326,
connector 331 having a circular length 332 that opens and closes
for coupling to a wall forming structure. FIG. 24 illustrates
another threaded connector 333 that connects with threaded
anchoring end 326.
[0062] FIG. 25 illustrates the method of the present invention.
Concrete form 500 has a plurality of concrete reinforcement bars
501, 502. A window buck or block-out panel 505 is positioned in an
opening formed in the form 500. An aperture 507 is created in panel
505.
[0063] A brace is provided that includes a shaft member 515, a
fastener 510 and an anchoring device 520. The shaft member 515 is
threaded over the anchoring device 520. The shaft member is urged
through the aperture 507 to extend away toward the interior of the
window buck. Anchoring device 520 is then positioned in the form
500 by preferably hooking to one of the concrete reinforcement bars
501, 502 of the concrete form 500. The end of shaft member 515 not
coupled to anchoring device 520 is extending outward from the panel
505. The user puts the fastener 510 onto the shaft 515. The user
then desirably checks plumb and alignment using shims and spacers
to achieve the desired alignment. The user then pushes the fastener
along the shaft 515 until it is in contact with the panel 505 and
until the panel 505 is tensionally until snuggly against the form
500. Fastener 510 locks shaft member 515 into place resulting in
window buck panel 505 pressing tightly against concrete form
500.
[0064] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. Multiple braces may be used on one panel of a
window buck or door buck. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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