U.S. patent application number 11/750788 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for slab edge casing and method therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to I & F ENGINEERING CORP.. Invention is credited to Isaak FINKELSHTEYN.
Application Number | 20080178545 11/750788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666368 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080178545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FINKELSHTEYN; Isaak |
July 31, 2008 |
SLAB EDGE CASING AND METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge is provided. The
casing comprises a face which defines a finished slab edge for an
unfinished slab edge; and, a base which extends from the face. The
base is connectable to one of a slab face that is adjacent the
unfinished slab edge or is registerable with the unfinished slab
edge. The face and base have respective inside surfaces that define
a form into which concrete is poured and allowed to cure. One of
the face and base also comprise a reinforcing element mount for
receiving a reinforcing element that extends from the unfinished
slab edge. A method for installing the casing is also provided.
Inventors: |
FINKELSHTEYN; Isaak;
(Concord, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
1801 EAST 9TH STREET, SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
I & F ENGINEERING CORP.
Concord
CA
|
Family ID: |
39666368 |
Appl. No.: |
11/750788 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/294 ;
52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 23/0292 20130101;
E04G 23/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/294 ;
52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E02D 27/08 20060101
E02D027/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 2007 |
CA |
2,576,780 |
Claims
1. A method for finishing an unfinished slab edge comprising the
steps of: (a) securing a reinforcing element into the unfinished
slab edge, the reinforcing element extending from the unfinished
slab edge to at least a terminal anchor point corresponding to the
installed position of the finished slab edge; (b) connecting a
casing to the reinforcing element at the terminal anchor point, the
casing defining the finished slab edge and defining a form into
which concrete is poured and allowed to cure; and, (c) pouring the
concrete into the form and allowing the concrete to cure, the
casing remaining in position after the concrete has cured.
2. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
step (b) further comprises connecting the casing to a face adjacent
the unfinished slab edge.
3. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
step (a) further comprises cutting the slab to remove an original
slab edge and expose the unfinished slab edge.
4. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
step (a) further comprises drilling a plurality of holes into an
unfinished slab edge; and, securing a reinforcing element into each
of the holes.
5. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
the reinforcing element comprises a brace mount and the casing
comprises a corresponding brace mount, and step (b) further
comprises connecting a brace to the respective mounts.
6. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 5, wherein
the casing further comprises a second brace mount and the
reinforcing element is configured to receive a second brace, and
step (b) further comprises connecting the second brace to the
reinforcing element brace and the second brace.
7. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
the terminal anchor point extends beyond the casing, the portion
extending beyond being configured to receive a lock, and step (b)
further comprises securing the lock to extended anchor portion.
8. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
step (b) further comprises positioning reinforcing bars between the
finished and unfinished slab edges in an orientation orthogonal to
a longitudinal axis of the reinforcing element.
9. A method for finishing a slab edge according to claim 1, wherein
the slab is a balcony.
10. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge, the casing
comprising: a face defining a finished slab edge for an unfinished
slab edge; and, a base extending from the face, the base being one
of connectable to a slab face adjacent the unfinished slab edge and
registerable with the unfinished slab edge, the face and base
having respective inside surfaces defining a form into which
concrete is poured and allowed to cure, one of the face and base
comprising a reinforcing element mount for receiving a reinforcing
element extending from the unfinished slab edge.
11. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
10, wherein the casing further comprises a base mount for receiving
securing means for securing the base to the adjacent slab face.
12. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
11, wherein the securing means is a self tapping screw.
13. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
10 further comprising a brace mount positioned on one of the inside
surfaces, the brace mount being connectable to a brace extending
from the reinforcing element.
14. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
13 further comprising a second brace mount positioned on one of the
inside surfaces, apart from the first brace mount, the second brace
mount being connectable to a second brace extending from the
reinforcing element.
15. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
10, wherein the casing further comprises a plurality of ribs
extending from the inside surfaces, the ribs aiding in securing the
cured concrete in position.
16. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
10, wherein the casing is composed of a polymer.
17. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
16, wherein the polymer is one of a glass fibre reinforced polymer
and a polyvinyl chloride.
18. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
10, wherein the face has a length corresponding to the slab
height.
19. A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge according to claim
10, wherein the face comprises a first face portion, and a second
face portion, the first and second face portions being moveable
with respect to each other and securable to each other at position
having a length corresponding to the slab height.
20. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge, the kit
comprising: a casing comprising: a face defining a finished slab
edge for an unfinished slab edge; and, a base extending from the
face, the base being one of connectable to a slab face adjacent the
unfinished slab edge and registerable with the unfinished slab
edge, the face and base having respective inside surfaces defining
a form into which concrete is poured and allowed to cure, one of
the face and base comprising a reinforcing element mount for
receiving a reinforcing element extending from the unfinished slab
edge, and, a brace mount positioned on one of the inside surfaces;
a reinforcing element securable to the unfinished slab edge, the
reinforcing element, when secured to the unfinished slab edge,
extending from the unfinished slab edge to at least a terminal
anchor point corresponding to the finished slab edge, the
reinforcing element comprising a brace mount; and, a brace,
extendable between the reinforcing element brace mount and the
casing brace mount, and connectable to the respective mounts.
21. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
20, wherein the reinforcing element is securable within a hole
drilled into the unfinished slab edge.
22. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
21, wherein the reinforcing element further comprises: an anchor
bolt securable within the hole; a rod extending from the anchor
bolt to the terminal anchor point; and, a coupler connecting the
anchor bolt to the rod.
23. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
22, wherein the rod is a threaded rod.
24. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
23, wherein the lock is a lock nut.
25. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
24, wherein the lock nut is composed of a polymer.
26. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
20, wherein the casing is composed of a polymer.
27. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
26, wherein the polymer is one of a glass fibre reinforced polymer
and a polyvinyl chloride.
28. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
26, wherein when the polymer is a polyvinyl chloride, the face and
base are welded together.
29. A kit for finishing an unfinished slab edge according to claim
21, wherein the reinforcing element further comprises a rod
extending from the hole to the terminal anchor point.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to slab edges. In particular,
the present invention relates to balcony edges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Concrete slabs, such as those found on balconies, have
limited lifespans. They are built according to specifications which
should provide a decades long life span. Unfortunately, often as a
result of environmental conditions, the balconies must be replaced
within 8-12 years. The process of re-finishing is labour, resource
and time intensive for those re-furnishing the balconies. The
re-furnishers must: [0003] set up scaffolding in order to access
the balconies; [0004] employ impact tools (e.g. jack hammers) to
remove the damaged balcony portions while at the same time
preserving any existing reinforcing bars within the slab structure;
and [0005] set up form work to pour re-finishing concrete.
[0006] Also this process often times significantly inconveniences
the individuals who use the balconies. The noise and dust created
is often intolerable. The dust generated can sometimes permanently
damage personal possessions.
[0007] The remains a need for a system and method for finishing a
slab edge which mitigates or obviates at least some of the
above-presented problems.
SUMMARY
[0008] A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge is provided.
The casing comprises a face which defines a finished slab edge for
an unfinished slab edge; and, a base which extends from the face.
The base is connectable to one of a slab face that is adjacent the
unfinished slab edge or is registerable with the unfinished slab
edge. The face and base have respective inside surfaces that define
a form into which concrete is poured and allowed to cure. One of
the face and base also comprise a reinforcing element mount for
receiving a reinforcing element that extends from the unfinished
slab edge.
[0009] The slab edge may be a balcony edge.
[0010] A kit for finishing a slab edge is provided. The kit
comprises a casing, which in turn comprises a face which defines a
finished slab edge for an unfinished slab edge and a base that
extends from the face. The base may be connectable to a slab face
adjacent the unfinished slab edge or registerable with the
unfinished slab edge. The face and base having respective inside
surfaces that define a form into which concrete is poured and
allowed to cure. One of the face and base comprises a reinforcing
element mount for receiving a reinforcing element extending from
the unfinished slab edge. The casing also comprises a brace mount
positioned on one of the inside surfaces.
[0011] The kit also comprises a reinforcing element that is
securable to the unfinished slab edge. The reinforcing element,
when secured to the unfinished slab edge, extends from the
unfinished slab edge to at least a terminal anchor point that
corresponds to the finished slab edge. The reinforcing element also
comprises a brace mount.
[0012] The kit also comprises a brace, which is extendable between
the reinforcing element brace mount and the casing brace mount, and
connectable to the respective mounts.
[0013] A method for installing a slab edge is also provided. The
method comprises the steps of: [0014] securing a reinforcing
element into the unfinished slab edge. The reinforcing element
extends from the unfinished slab edge to at least a terminal anchor
point corresponding to the installed position of the finished slab
edge. [0015] connecting a casing to the reinforcing element at the
terminal anchor point. The casing defines the finished slab edge
and defines a form into which concrete is poured and allowed to
cure. [0016] and, pouring the concrete into the form and allowing
the concrete to cure. The casing remaining in position after the
concrete has cured.
LIST OF FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of a finished slab edge
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of a finished slab edge
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are cross-sectional views of alternate
embodiments of a component of the finished slab edge of FIG.
1(a);
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of a component of a component of the
finished slab edge of FIG. 1(a);
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a finished slab edge in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5(a) is a plan view of a first corner portion of a
finished slab edge in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 5(b) is a plan view of a first corner portion of a
finished slab edge in accordance with an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of a second corner portion of a
finished slab edge in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 6(b) is a plan view of a second corner portion of a
finished slab edge in accordance with an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the steps in a method
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps in the
method of FIG. 7; and,
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps in the
method of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1(a), a cross-sectional view of a finished
slab edge 10 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the slab edge 10 is a
balcony edge. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the
art, the slab edge 10 may be any known concrete slab, such as a
parking garage pad.
[0030] The finished slab edge 10 comprises a slab edge casing 11,
which in turn comprises a face 13, the outside surface of which
defines a finished slab edge 15 for an unfinished slab edge 17. The
casing 11 also comprises a base 19, which extends from the casing
face 13. The base 19 may be connectable to a slab face 21 adjacent
the unfinished slab edge 17, as is illustrated in cross-section in
FIG. 2(a). Alternately, the base 19 may register with the
unfinished slab edge 17, as is illustrated in cross-section in FIG.
2(b). A registration plate 63 may be employed to aid in registering
the base 19 with the unfinished slab edge 17. The plate 63 is
preferably composed of the polymer, such as a glass fibre
reinforced polymer or a GFRP as is known in the art. The plate 63
may be connected to the base 19 and unfinished slab edge 17 by any
suitable means known in the art.
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1(a), the face 13 and base 19 have
respective inside surfaces 23, which define a form into which
concrete is poured and allowed to cure.
[0032] The casing 11 also preferably comprises a plurality of ribs
39, which extend from the inside surfaces 23. The ribs 39, which
are preferably formed along with the casing 11 as a unitary
structure, aid in securing the concrete in position within the
form.
[0033] The finished slab edge 10 also comprises a reinforcing
element 31, which is securable to the unfinished slab edge 17. The
reinforcing element 31, when secured to the unfinished slab edge
17, extends from the unfinished slab edge 17 to a terminal end,
which ends at a point that corresponds to at least the finished
slab edge 15. Preferably, the reinforcing element 31 is securable
within a hole (not shown) that has been drilled into the unfinished
slab edge 17.
[0034] In a first embodiment, the reinforcing element 31 comprises
an anchor bolt 33 that is securable within the hole; a rod 35,
which extends from the anchor bolt 33 to the terminal anchor point;
and, a coupler 37, which connects the anchor bolt 33 to the rod 35.
Preferably, the rod 35 is a threaded rod, a portion of which
extends beyond the casing 11. The rod 35 is preferably composed of
a steel, such as stainless steel. Alternately, the rod 35 is
composed of a plastic. As will be apparent, the rod 35 may comprise
any suitable material that is substantially inert to the
environmental conditions of the installation.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1(b), a cross-sectional view of the
finished slab edge 10 in accordance with a second embodiment is
illustrated. The reinforcing element 31 may alternately comprise an
extended rod 77, which extends from the hole to the terminal anchor
point. The extended rod 77 is a one-piece threaded rod, a portion
of which extends beyond the casing 11. The rod 77 is preferably
composed of a steel, such as stainless steel. Alternately, the rod
77 is composed of a plastic. As will be apparent, the rod may
comprise any suitable material that is substantially inert to the
environmental conditions of the installation. The extended rod 77
is preferably held in place within the hole with the use of a
suitable adhesive, such as an epoxy glue or cement.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the extending portions of
the respective rods 35, 77 are configured to receive the lock 47.
Preferably, the lock 47 is a lock nut or knob.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the lock 47 is also composed of a
polymer that is resistant to the deteriorating effects of the
environmental conditions of the slab installation. For example, the
lock 47 may be composed to a suitable plastic.
[0038] Referring again to FIG. 1(a), the casing 11 is preferably
composed of a polymer, such as a glass-fibre reinforced polymer
(GFRP) or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as is known in the art.
[0039] The face 13 of the casing 11 preferably has a length (l)
corresponding to the height of the slab edge 10. In order to
accommodate varying slab heights, the face 13 may be cut to the
required height at any point during the installation process.
Alternately, and preferably, the casing face 13 comprises a first
face portion 41 and a second face portion 43. The first and second
portions (41, 43) are positionable with respect to each other and
securable to each other at a position having a face length (l)
corresponding to the slab height. Preferably, the first and second
portions (41, 43) are slidably moveable with respect to each other.
For example, referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the first and
second portions (41, 43) is illustrated. The first portion 41
comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of guide
channels 45, the positioning of which corresponds to the point at
which the portion of the rod 35 (or rod 77 as is illustrated in
FIG. 1(b)) of the reinforcing element 31 extends beyond the casing
face 13. The extending portion of the rod 35 is then engaged by a
lock 47, thereby securing the first and second casing portions (41,
43) to each other. The lock 47 preferably works in combination with
a pair of washers 83 and nut 81. The guide channels 45 may be
formed at any point during the manufacture and installation
process. For example, channel 45 may be pre-positioned during the
manufacturing process. Alternately and preferably, the channel 45
is positioned and formed on-site during the installation
process.
[0040] The face 13 also preferably comprises a reinforcing element
mount 25. Alternately, the base 19 comprises the reinforcing
element mount 25, not shown.
[0041] The reinforcing element mount 25 may comprise a passage
extending through the face 13, the rod 35 (or rod 77 as is
illustrated in FIG. 1(b)) passing through the passage. The
reinforcing element mount 25 may further comprise related mounting
accessories, such as the nut 81, washers 83 and lock 47. The
reinforcing element mount 25 may be formed at any point during the
manufacture and installation process. For example, the mount 25 may
be pre-positioned during the manufacturing process. Alternately and
preferably, the mount is positioned and applied on-site during the
installation process.
[0042] The slab edge casing 11 further comprises a base mount 27,
which is configured to receive securing means for securing the base
19 to the adjacent slab face 21. In a preferred embodiment, the
base mount 27 is a passage extending through the base 19 and the
securing means is a screw 29 (preferably a self tapping screw),
which passes through the base mount 27 and into the slab face 21,
thereby securing the base 19 to the slab face 21. In installation,
the adjacent slab face 21 is pre-treated prior to the base 19 being
secured. For example, the slab face 21 may be sandblasted or
otherwise abraded. The base 19 is then secured with screws 29.
Preferably, the base 19 is also glued to the adjacent slab face
21.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 1(a), the slab edge casing 11
further comprises a brace mount 49, which is positioned on one of
the inside surfaces 23 of the casing 11. The reinforcing element 31
also further comprises an anchor brace mount 51, such as a
suspender. With the casing 11 and reinforcing element 31 being
configured with respective brace mounts (49, 51), the finished slab
edge 10 additionally comprises a brace 53. The brace 53 extends
between the reinforcing element brace mount 51 and the casing brace
mount 49, and is connectable to the respective mounts 49, 51.
[0044] Preferably, the slab edge casing 11 comprises a second brace
mount 55, also positioned on one of the inside surfaces 23, but,
separate and apart from the first brace mount 49. The second brace
mount 55 is connectable to a second brace 57, which extends from
the reinforcing element 31. As will be apparent, the casing brace
mounts 49, 55 may alternately be configured to function as
additional casing ribs 39.
[0045] Still referring to FIG. 1(a), the braces 53, 57 may be wire
elements, as is illustrated. As such, the respective brace mounts
49, 51 and 55 are configured to receive the wire elements, which
are then secured to the mounts 49, 51 and 55. The wire elements may
be secured to the mounts 49, 51 and 55 by any known means.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the brace 53
is illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the brace 53 is a bar
element, which may be composed of light gauge steel or a glass
fibre reinforced polymer. As will be apparent, the brace 53 may be
comprised of any material that suits the slab edge's particular
installation environment.
[0047] In this alternate embodiment, the mounts 49, 51 are
configured to receive the bar element. For example, as is
illustrated in FIG. 4, the brace 53 may be shaped to engage the
inside surface 23, thereby permitting the brace 53 to be secured
directly to the inside surface 23. In this particular embodiment,
the casing brace mount 49 is may be a rivet (or similar securing
means) which secures the brace 53 to the casing 11. The opposite
end of the brace 53 may be secured directly to the reinforcing
element 31. In the embodiment illustrated, the brace 53 is secured
in place between the anchor bolt 33 and the coupler 37. The brace
53 may be secured to the reinforcing element 31 and the casing 11
by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art.
[0048] The casing 11, as has been described above, is preferably
composed of a GFRP. In an alternate embodiment, the casing 11 may
be composed of a PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The thickness of the PVC
composed casing 11 compared to that of the GFRP composed casing 11
will preferably be adjusted (increased) to compensate to PVC's
relatively lower modulus of elasticity. In either case, respective
thicknesses of the GFRP and PVC casings 11 will be selected, taking
in to account the materials' respective modulus of elasticity, to
minimise any deflection of the casing 11 caused by the concrete.
Deflection is kept at a minimum in order to maintain the visual
presentation of the finished slab edge 15.
[0049] PVC, as a material for casing 11 construction, offers a
number of advantages over GFRP. One advantage is that PVC can be
welded on site (in addition to being glued or cemented, as may also
be required). Welding permits on site customization of the casing
11. It also reduces the number of welding plates that are required
to connect casing pieces together, as in the corner portion of the
finished slab edge, for example. An additional advantage of using
PVC is that the face 13 and base 19 may be formed separately and
welded on site to form the casing 11.
[0050] An embodiment of the present invention may alternately be
characterized as a kit for finishing as unfinished slab edge. The
kit comprises the casing 11, the reinforcing element 31 and a brace
53, as defined above, including the alternate embodiments.
Preferably, the kit comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements
31 and a plurality of braces 53. For example, the kit may comprise
an equal number of reinforcing elements 31 and braces 53.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 5(a), a corner portion of a finished slab
edge 10 is illustrated in plan view. A slab edge corner casing 71
for the corner portion is illustrated. In the illustrated
embodiment, the corner portion comprises two adjacent unfinished
slab edges 17, which are positioned orthogonally to each other. Any
suitable non-orthogonal positioning may be employed, as may be
dictated by the slab structure.
[0052] The corner casing 71 comprises adjacent faces 13, which
define the finished slab edge 10. From each face 13, a respective
base 19 extends. The bases 19 are either connectable to a slab face
21 adjacent the unfinished slab edge 17; or, registerable with the
unfinished slab edge 17. The faces 13 and bases 19 have respective
inside surfaces which define a form unto which concrete is poured
and allowed to cure. Each face 13, base 19 pairing also comprises a
reinforcing element mount 25 for receiving a respective reinforcing
element 31 that extends from the unfinished slab edge 17. As stated
previously, the casing 13 may further comprise base mounts 27 (not
shown) for receiving securing means, such as self-tapping screws
29.
[0053] Also, as stated previously, the corner casing 71 may further
comprise a brace mount 49 positioned on one of the inside surfaces
23 (not shown). The brace mount 49 is connectable to a brace 53
extending from the reinforcing element 31 (not shown). The corner
casing 71 may additionally comprise a second brace mount 55 (not
shown). As will be apparent, the corner casing 71 is comprised
similarly to the casing 11. As such, it may comprise:
[0054] a plurality of ribs 39 extending from the inside surfaces 23
(not shown); and,
[0055] a polymer composition, preferably a glass-fibre reinforced
polymer.
[0056] As with the casing 11, the face 13 of the corner casing 71
has a length corresponding to the slab height. Alternatively, the
face 13 of the corner casing 71 may comprise the first face portion
41 and second face portion 43, as described above.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5(b), the corner portion of FIG. 5(a) is
illustrated with the reinforcing element 31 comprising the rod 77.
This corner portion is identical to that of FIG. 5(a) in all other
respects.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 6(a), a corner of a finished slab edge 10
is illustrated according to an alternate embodiment. In this
embodiment, the casings 11 are cut at an angle A, which is
determined by the particular installation requirements.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 6(b), the corner portion of FIG. 6(a) is
illustrated with the reinforcing element 31 comprising the rod 77.
This corner portion is identical to that of FIG. 6(a) in all other
respects.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, means for connecting adjacent
casings 11 (or 11 and 71) is illustrated. The adjacent casings 11
(or 11 and 71) are placed side by side. A coupling plate 73 is the
positioned at the common border of the adjacent casings 11 (or 11
and 71). The plate 73 is then secured to the casings 11 (or 11 and
71), as is illustrated. Preferably, the connection comprises a base
coupling plate and a face coupling plate. The plates 73 preferably
are composed of a glass-fibre reinforced polymer.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 1(a), the finished slab edge 10 may
further comprise reinforcing bars 59, which are positionable
between the finished and unfinished slab edges 15, 17 in an
orientation orthogonal to a longitudinal axis 61 of the reinforcing
element 31. The reinforcing bars may be composed of any suitable
corrosion resistant material, such as any one of glass-fibre
reinforced polymer, carbon-fibre reinforced polymer, and steel
(such as stainless steel).
[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating the steps in
a method in accordance with a preferred embodiment is provided. The
method provided is for finishing an unfinished slab edge. The
method comprises the steps of: [0063] (a) securing a reinforcing
element 31 into the unfinished slab edge 17. (Step 100) The
reinforcing element 31 extends from the unfinished slab edge 17 to
a terminal end that extends to a point corresponding to the
installed position of the finished slab edge 10; [0064] (b)
connecting a casing 11 to the reinforcing element 31 at the
terminal end. (Step 200) The casing defines the finished slab edge
10 and defines a form into which concrete is poured and allowed to
cure; and, [0065] (c) pouring the concrete into the form and
allowing the concrete to cure. (Step 300) The casing 11 remains in
position after the concrete has cured.
[0066] Step (a) may further comprise any one or a combination of
the steps of: [0067] (a) cutting the slab to remove an original
deteriorated slab edge and expose the unfinished slab edge 17.
(Step 100(a)). [As will be apparent, any suitable cutting tool,
such as a circular or chain saw for concrete, may be employed. The
use of the cutting tool contrasts with traditional methods, which
involve the use of percussion or impact tools (commonly referred to
as jack hammers) of varying sizes, which are used to remove the
concrete and preserve the underlying reinforcing bars.] [0068] (b)
drilling a plurality of holes into an unfinished slab edge 17 (Step
100(b)); and, [0069] (c) securing a reinforcing element 31 into
each of the holes. (Step 100(c)). [The number of holes drilled, and
the drilling depth of the holes are determined by the particular
installation requirements. The reinforcing element 31 may be
secured into its hole by any one or a combination of the action of
an anchor bolt portion 33 of the reinforcing element 31, and a
cement (such as an epoxy cement or glue).]
[0070] Step (b) may further comprise any one or a combination of
the steps of: [0071] (a) securing a lock to a portion of the
terminal end that extends beyond the finished edge 15. (Step
200(a)); [0072] (b) connecting the casing 11 to a face 21 adjacent
the unfinished slab edge. (Step 200 (b)); [0073] (c) positioning
reinforcing bars 59 between the finished and unfinished slab edges
15, 17 in an orientation orthogonal to a longitudinal axis 61 of
the reinforcing element 31. (Step 200(c)); [0074] (d) connecting a
brace 53 to a casing brace mount 49 and a reinforcing element brace
mount 51. (Step 200(d)); and, [0075] (e) connecting a second brace
57 to the reinforcing element brace mount 51 and a second casing
brace mount 55. (Step 200(e)).
[0076] The above description is intended in an illustrative rather
than restrictive sense. Variations may be apparent to those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the claims set out below.
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