U.S. patent application number 14/851602 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for concrete formwork brace and method of bracing concrete formwork.
The applicant listed for this patent is Probrace Systems Limited. Invention is credited to Shanon Matthew MARTIN, David Kim SCOTT.
Application Number | 20160076262 14/851602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55454229 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160076262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCOTT; David Kim ; et
al. |
March 17, 2016 |
CONCRETE FORMWORK BRACE AND METHOD OF BRACING CONCRETE FORMWORK
Abstract
A concrete formwork brace having a base, a bracket configured to
support a concrete formwork and a pair of adjustable arms. A first
length adjustable arm is connected to the base and the bracket and
a second arm is connected to the base and the bracket. The
connection between the first arm and the base is vertically offset
from the connection between the second arm and the base and the
connection between the first arm and the bracket is vertically
offset from the connection between the second arm and the bracket.
The first arm is length adjustable such as to adjust the
orientation of the bracket.
Inventors: |
SCOTT; David Kim; (Feilding,
NZ) ; MARTIN; Shanon Matthew; (Palmerston North,
NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Probrace Systems Limited |
Inglewood |
|
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
55454229 |
Appl. No.: |
14/851602 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
249/219.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 17/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 17/14 20060101
E04G017/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 12, 2014 |
NZ |
631635 |
Sep 12, 2014 |
NZ |
631640 |
Claims
1. A concrete formwork brace including: a base, a bracket
configured to support a concrete formwork, a first length
adjustable arm, connected to the base and the bracket, and a second
arm connected to the base and the bracket; wherein the connection
between the first arm and the base is vertically offset from the
connection between the second arm and the base, wherein the
connection between the first arm and the bracket is vertically
offset from the connection between the second arm and the bracket;
and wherein the first arm is length adjustable such as to adjust
the orientation of the bracket.
2. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1, wherein the second arm
is length adjustable.
3. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the connection
between the first arm and the base is horizontally offset from the
connection between the second arm and the base.
4. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the connection
between the first arm and the base is at a first end of the base
and the connection between the second arm and the base is at an
intermediate position between the first end of the base and a
second end of the base.
5. The concrete formwork brace of claim 4 wherein the connection
between the second arm and the base is centrally located on the
base.
6. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the connection
between the second arm and the base is vertically elevated relative
to the connection between the first arm and the base.
7. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the base has
mounting features for securing the base to a ground surface.
8. The concrete formwork brace of claim 7 wherein the mounting
features are apertures configured to receive fasteners for securing
the base to a ground surface.
9. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the bracket has
mounting features for securing the bracket to formwork.
10. The concrete formwork brace of claim 9 wherein the bracket has
apertures configured to receive fasteners securing the bracket to
formwork
11. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the bracket is
configured to rest, in use, on a ground surface.
12. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the bracket is
height-adjustable.
13. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the brace
includes a level indicator.
14. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1, wherein the first
length adjustable arm is length-adjustable by rotation of a
threaded element.
15. The concrete formwork brace of claim 2, wherein the second arm
is length-adjustable by rotation of a threaded element.
16. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the connection
between the first arm and the bracket is a pivotal connection and
the connection between the second arm and the bracket is a pivotal
connection.
17. The concrete formwork brace of claim 1 wherein the connection
between the first arm and the base is a pivotal connection and the
connection between the second arm and the base is a pivotal
connection.
18. A concrete formwork brace as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
bracket includes a first engagement element configured to engage
with a cooperating second engagement element on a concrete formwork
to define a releasable connection between the bracket and the
formwork.
19. The concrete formwork brace of claim 18 wherein the releasable
connection is a clamp connection.
20. The concrete formwork brace of claim 18 wherein the releasable
connection is a hook connection.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to concrete formwork braces and
methods of bracing concrete formwork.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] In the construction industry concrete forms, or formwork
include barriers and moulds that hold concrete or other
cementitious material while it hardens to assume a desired shape.
Braces have been suggested to hold the formwork in the required
position, resisting the strong forces which wet concrete exerts
against formwork. For example, wood props may be anchored to the
ground with pegs and secured to formwork. This often results in
damage to the formwork and wooden props as screws or other
fasteners create holes in the wood. Such systems of wooden bracing
can be wasteful and costly.
[0003] Removing bracing from the formwork is often invasive as
fasteners are pried out. Concrete that has not sufficiently
hardened will be damaged by early removal of bracing or formwork.
Generally, current types of bracing must stay in place at least
overnight.
[0004] Although prior braces can be fastened in different positions
to provide some variation in position, once the braces are fastened
to the formwork they are generally set in place and they cannot be
re-adjusted without un-fastening and refastening.
[0005] To provide some adjustment, bracing has been provided with
an extendable strut or arm. Other known braces have employed "pivot
points" for angular adjustment of a diagonal strut included in the
brace. However the ability to readily adjust the brace can
sometimes compromise the rigidity of the brace and its ability to
keep the formwork in place. Furthermore, improvements can be made
to the precision and ease of brace adjustments.
[0006] Prior braces have failed to rest properly on uneven or
sloping surfaces without compromising the functioning of the
brace.
[0007] Prior braces are often difficult and cumbersome to assemble,
and therefore time-consuming to install.
[0008] Reference to any prior art in this specification does not
constitute an admission that such prior art forms part of the
common general knowledge.
[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
concrete formwork brace and/or method of bracing which overcomes or
at least ameliorates some or all of the above shortcomings, or to
at least provide the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect the invention provides a concrete
formwork brace including: a base, a bracket configured to support a
concrete formwork, a first length adjustable arm, connected to the
base and the bracket, and a second arm connected to the base and
the bracket; wherein the connection between the first arm and the
base is vertically offset from the connection between the second
arm and the base, wherein the connection between the first arm and
the bracket is vertically offset from the connection between the
second arm and the bracket; and wherein the first arm is length
adjustable such as to adjust the orientation of the bracket.
[0011] Preferably the second arm is length adjustable.
[0012] Preferably the connection between the first arm and the base
is horizontally offset from the connection between the second arm
and the base.
[0013] Preferably the connection between the first arm and the base
is at a first end of the base and the connection between the second
arm and the base is at an intermediate position between the first
end of the base and a second end of the base.
[0014] Preferably the connection between the second arm and the
base is centrally located on the base.
[0015] Preferably the connection between the second arm and the
base is vertically elevated relative to the connection between the
first arm and the base.
[0016] Preferably the base has mounting features for securing the
base to a ground surface.
[0017] Preferably the mounting features are apertures configured to
receive fasteners for securing the base to a ground surface.
[0018] Preferably the bracket has mounting features for securing
the bracket to formwork.
[0019] Preferably the bracket has apertures configured to receive
fasteners securing the bracket to formwork
[0020] Preferably the bracket is configured to rest, in use, on a
ground surface.
[0021] Preferably the bracket is height-adjustable.
[0022] Preferably the brace includes a level indicator.
[0023] Preferably the first length adjustable arm is
length-adjustable by rotation of a threaded element.
[0024] Preferably the second arm is length-adjustable by rotation
of a threaded element.
[0025] Preferably the connection between the first arm and the
bracket is a pivotal connection and the connection between the
second arm and the bracket is a pivotal connection.
[0026] Preferably the connection between the first arm and the base
is a pivotal connection and the connection between the second arm
and the base is a pivotal connection.
[0027] This aspect also extends to a method of bracing a concrete
formwork, the method including the steps of: arranging the concrete
formwork brace adjacent the concrete formwork, with the bracket
facing the concrete formwork, securing the base to the ground or
other underlying support; adjusting one or more of the first and
second arms relative to the base and the bracket, to adjust the
orientation and/or position of the bracket.
[0028] According to a second aspect the invention provides a
concrete formwork brace including: a base; and a bracket supported
by the base, the bracket including: a first engagement element
configured to engage with a cooperating second engagement element
on a concrete formwork to define a releasable connection between
the bracket and the formwork.
[0029] Preferably the releasable connection is a clamp
connection.
[0030] Alternatively the releasable connection is a hook
connection.
[0031] Preferably, in use, in an engaged state the bracket is flush
against the formwork.
[0032] Preferably the second engagement element includes a
protrusion.
[0033] Preferably the protrusion is located in a recess of the
bracket when the bracket and the formwork are connected.
[0034] Preferably the actuator is a lever.
[0035] Alternatively the actuator is a latch.
[0036] Alternatively the actuator is a twist lock actuator.
[0037] Preferably the actuator is removable from the bracket.
[0038] Preferably the formwork is wooden.
[0039] Alternatively the formwork is metal.
[0040] Optionally the second engagement element is inserted into a
channel in the formwork.
[0041] Preferably the second engagement element acts as a spacer
when formwork is arranged in stacks.
[0042] This aspect also extends to a method of releasably engaging
formwork to a concrete formwork brace, the method including the
steps of: creating or securing a second engagement element on the
formwork, arranging the concrete formwork brace adjacent the
formwork, with the bracket facing the concrete formwork, and;
engaging the first engagement element with the second engagement
element.
[0043] This aspect also extends to a concrete formwork system
including: one or more concrete formwork braces; and concrete
formwork including one or more second engagement elements
configured to cooperate with one of the first engagement
elements.
[0044] This invention also extends to concrete formed by the method
of the first aspect and/or the method of the second aspect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The invention will now be described by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a concrete formwork brace
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a right side view of the concrete formwork
brace of FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a back view of the concrete formwork brace of
FIG. 1;
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the concrete formwork brace of
FIG. 1;
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the concrete formwork brace of
FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 6 shows a left side view of the concrete formwork brace
of FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the concrete formwork brace of
FIG. 1;
[0053] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a concrete formwork brace with
the bracket arranged in a first exemplary inclination;
[0054] FIG. 9 shows a front view of a concrete formwork brace with
the bracket arranged in a second exemplary inclination;
[0055] FIG. 10 shows a set of concrete formwork braces according to
an embodiment of the present invention supporting formwork;
[0056] FIG. 11a shows an embodiment of a second engagement element
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 11b shows a cross section of the second engagement
element of FIG. 11a;
[0058] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a second engagement
element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 12a shows an end view of the second engagement element
shown in FIG. 12;
[0060] FIG. 13a shows another embodiment of a second engagement
element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 13b shows a cross section of the second engagement
element of FIG. 13a;
[0062] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a second engagement
element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a second engagement
element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a second engagement
element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a second engagement
element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 18 shows a bracket releasably secured to formwork
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0067] FIG. 19 shows a pile of stacked formwork according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0068] The invention relates to concrete formwork braces and
methods of bracing concrete formwork. "Concrete" in this context
may relate to any cementitious material used in construction which
hardens to assume a desired shape or configuration including but
not limited to materials including concrete, cements and limes.
"Formwork" includes any suitable barriers or moulds for supporting
concrete in a desired shape or configuration while it hardens. This
may include wooden, metal or plastic formwork, but the invention is
not limited in this respect. Formwork may be used in formation of
concrete slabs, foundations, panels, monolithic structures or any
other suitable cementitious structure.
[0069] FIGS. 1-7 show a concrete formwork brace 1 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The brace 1 includes a base 2
and a bracket 3 configured to support a concrete formwork (not
shown). The brace 1 includes a first length adjustable arm 4 and a
second arm 5. The first arm 4 is length adjustable such as to
adjust the orientation of the bracket 3 relative to the base 2.
Preferably, the second arm 5 is also length adjustable, however in
some embodiments this is not a necessity. In other embodiments the
second arm may be length adjustable while the first arm is fixed in
length.
[0070] Both the first arm 4 and the second arm 5 are pivotally
connected to the bracket 3. In some embodiments the first arm 4 and
the second arm 5 may also be pivotally connected to the base 2. As
shown in FIG. 2, the connection 6 between the first arm 4 and the
base 2 is vertically offset from the connection 7 between the
second arm 5 and the base 2. The vertical offset is shown by arrow
A of FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown the connection 7 between the
second arm 5 and the base 2 is vertically elevated relative to the
connection between the first arm 4 and the base. The vertical
offset provides improved adjustability of the bracket, and also
allows room to insert a power tool to adjust the length of the
first arm 4 or the second arm 5, as discussed below.
[0071] Further, the pivotal connection 8 between the first arm 4
and the bracket 3 is vertically offset from the pivotal connection
9 between the second arm 5 and the bracket 3. This vertical offset
is shown by arrow B in FIG. 2. Thus the four pivotal connections 6,
7, 8 and 9 are arranged in a quadrilateral shape. This provides a
highly stable and adjustable structure.
[0072] Preferably, the connection 6 between the first arm 4 and the
base 2 is also horizontally offset from the connection 7 between
the second arm 5 and the base 2. This horizontal offset is shown by
arrow C in FIG. 2. The pivotal connection 6 between the first arm 4
and the base 2 is preferably at a first end 10 of the base 2 and
the pivotal connection 7 between the second arm 5 and the base 2 is
at an intermediate point between the first end 10 of the base 2 and
a second end 11 of the base. The pivotal connection 7 between the
second arm 5 and the base 2 may be generally centrally located on
the base 2.
[0073] Referring now to the top view of FIG. 5, the base 2 will
preferably have mounting features 12 for securing the base 2 to a
ground surface. In this embodiment, the mounting features are
apertures 12 through which stakes (not shown) can be inserted to
secure the base 2 to the ground. A person skilled in the art can
readily envisage other ways in which to secure the base to the
ground, and the invention is not limited in this respect.
[0074] Preferably, the bracket 3 also includes mounting features
for securing the bracket 3 to concrete formwork. In the shown
embodiment, these are apertures for receiving fasteners (screws,
nails etc), however they may be any other suitable mounting
features. As will be discussed later in the specification, in an
alternative embodiment these mounting features may be part of a
quick release mechanism for attachment/release of the bracket
to/from the formwork.
[0075] In use the bracket 3 may rest on a ground surface. This is
accomplished by way of a foot 14 (FIG. 1).
[0076] The concrete formwork brace 1 may also include a level
indicator (not shown), for assisting a user to arrange the geometry
of the brace in a desired orientation.
[0077] The length-adjustment of the arms may be effected through
any suitable mechanism. In the shown embodiment, arm length is
adjusted by rotation of a threaded element. This may be adjusted
manually or using a power tool. A first portion 5a of each arm
includes a threaded section (not visible in FIG. 2). A handle
portion 5b has internal threading complimentary to that of threaded
section of the first portion 5a. As the handle portion 5b is
rotated, it drives the first portion 5a to extend or retract the
first portion relative to the handle 5b. This lengthens or shortens
the overall length of the arm 5. The arm 4 may be similarly
constructed.
[0078] In order to adjust the length of the first or second arm 4,
5, a user may manually twist the handle portion 5b. Alternatively,
the Applicant's brace allows powered adjustment of arm length. Each
arm includes a drive head 4c, 5c, with a suitable shape for
receiving a drive bit from a power tool such as a handheld power
drill. Each drive head 4c, 5c is linked to the threaded drive
mechanism described above. Rotation of the drive head 4c, 5c will
cause rotation of the handle portion 4b, 5b relative to threaded
section of each first portion 4a, 5a of the arms 4, 5.
[0079] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the bracket 3 in two different positions
relative to the base, in order to illustrate the adjustability of
the bracket's position and orientation.
[0080] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a concrete formwork brace with
the bracket arranged in a first exemplary inclination. In this
embodiment the second arm 5 has been extended relative to the first
arm 4 to push the upper part of the bracket 3 outwards, thus
creating an inclined orientation of the bracket.
[0081] FIG. 9 shows a front view of a concrete formwork brace with
the bracket arranged in a second exemplary inclination. In this
embodiment the first arm 4 has been extended relative to the second
arm 5 to push the lower part of the bracket 4 outwards, thus
creating an orientation of the bracket with the opposite
inclination to that shown in FIG. 8.
[0082] Further, the bracket 3 may include a first portion 3a
mounted to the first and second arms and a second portion 3b
mounted to the first portion 3a. The second portion 3b may be
adjustable relative to the first portion by rotation of a drive
screw with a head 3c. The drive screw may be adjusted manually or
using a power tool such as a handheld power drill. In FIG. 9 the
second portion 3b is relatively extended compared to the position
shown in FIG. 8.
[0083] To brace concrete formwork using the brace 1, a user may
arrange the brace 1 adjacent the concrete formwork, with the
bracket 3 facing the concrete formwork. Then the user may secure
the base 2 to the ground or other underlying support (for example,
using the mounting features 12). Then the user may adjust one, or
both of the first and second arms relative to the base 2 and the
bracket 3, to adjust the orientation and/or position of the bracket
relative to the base. The user may also adjust the height of the
brace 3. The user may attach the bracket to formwork using screws
or other fasteners, or using a quick release mechanism such as
described below. In practice a plurality of braces will generally
be arranged to support a formwork. The user may fine tune the brace
adjustments once two or more, or all, of the braces are in
position.
[0084] FIG. 10 shows a set of concrete formwork braces according to
an embodiment of the present invention supporting formwork 15. Any
number of braces 1 may be arranged in any suitable arrangement to
support the concrete formwork.
[0085] Another aspect of the invention relates to a quick-release
mechanism for readily attaching and detaching concrete formwork
braces to formwork.
[0086] FIGS. 11-20 show various releasable connection arrangements
for connecting a concrete formwork brace to concrete formwork. In
each case the releasable connection arrangement includes a first
engagement element 16 on the bracket 3, configured to engage with a
cooperating second engagement element 17 on a concrete formwork 15
to define a releasable connection between the bracket 3 and the
formwork 15.
[0087] FIGS. 11-18 shows different embodiments of the second
engagement element 17 on concrete formwork 15. The releasable
connection between the bracket 3 and the formwork 15 may be any
suitable releasable connection, for example a releasable clamp
connection or a releasable hook connection. A releasable connection
is one where the bracket and the formwork can be readily engaged
and disengaged from each other without damage to formwork.
[0088] FIG. 11a shows an embodiment wherein the second engagement
element 17 is a protrusion having a T-shaped profile. FIG. 11b
shows a cross section of the second engagement element 17. The
second engagement element 17 includes a narrow neck 19 and a wider
head portion 20. The first engagement element 16 is a clamp element
which in an engaged state is clamped around head portion 20 of
second engagement element 17. An actuator 18 (in the shown
embodiment, a lever), is toggled to clamp and unclamp the second
engagement element 17. A base portion 21 of the second engagement
element 17 holding the neck 19 and the head 20 is permanently
attached to the formwork 15.
[0089] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment wherein the second engagement
element 17 is attached to the formwork 15 by cutting a hole in the
formwork (for example wooden formwork), and inserting the second
engagement element 17. The second engagement element 17 is in this
case a cylindrical bracket mount which protrudes from the formwork.
A suitable first engagement element (not shown) may be provided to
engage with the second engagement element 17. FIG. 12a is a side
view showing the installed second engagement element 17 protruding
from the surface of the formwork 15.
[0090] FIGS. 13a and 13b show an embodiment wherein the second
engagement element 17 is mounted to the formwork 15 by insertion
through a channel. For example, this may be custom metal extruded
formwork 15 with a channel for sliding bracket mounts. The
embodiment of FIG. 13a may be suited to a second engagement element
17 having a cross section similar to that of FIG. 11b. FIG. 13b
shows a side view of the formwork 15 of FIG. 13a with the second
engagement element positioned within the channel. The formwork 15
includes an opening 22. This opening is wide enough to admit the
neck 19 of the second engagement element 17, however it is narrow
than the base 21 of the second engagement element 17, such that the
second engagement element 17 cannot escape through the opening 22.
A channel is formed by lips 23 is provided inside the formwork 15
of dimensions slightly greater than that of the base 21. Thus the
base can slide within the channel.
[0091] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment wherein the second engagement
element 17 is fixed directly to a formwork surface with screws or
other suitable fasteners. The second engagement element 17 may have
a T-shaped profile similar to that of FIG. 11b, or it may have any
other suitable shape that cooperates with a corresponding first
engagement element 16.
[0092] FIGS. 15-18 show further examples of second engagement
elements 17 cooperating with first engagement elements 16 to form a
releasable connection.
[0093] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the first engagement
element 16 is a cylindrical disk and the second engagement element
17 is a channel configured to receive the first engagement element
16. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 13, in which the channel was part
of the formwork itself, in this embodiment the channel is fastened
to the formwork (not shown) and protrudes from it. The cylindrical
disk or flange 16 may be slid into the channel from the top.
[0094] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment wherein the first engagement
element 17 includes rectangular apertures 24, and the second
engagement element 16 includes hooks 25 that hook into the
apertures 24. The actuator 18 in this embodiment is a lever, which
can be rotated to move the hooks 16 up or down, into or out of the
apertures 24.
[0095] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment wherein the first engagement
element 16 has a complimentary shape to the second engagement
element 17. This embodiment may provide a twist lock mechanism. The
second engagement element 17 fits around the first engagement
element 16 like a lock and key. The actuator can be twisted to lock
the first engagement element 16 around the second engagement
element 17.
[0096] Preferably, in an engaged state the bracket 3 is flush
against the formwork. FIG. 18 shows an embodiment where this is the
case. The second engagement element 17 includes a protrusion
(T-shaped protrusion). The bracket 3 includes a recess which
contains first engagement element 16. In an engaged state, the
second engagement element 17 locates itself within the recess of
the bracket 3. The bracket 3 is pulled towards formwork 15 in this
configuration, such that it is flush against the formwork.
[0097] The concrete formwork brace 1 may include an actuator 18 to
toggle the first engagement element 16 between an engaged state and
an unengaged state. The actuator 18 may be a lever, a handle, knob,
button or any other suitable actuator.
[0098] FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment wherein the actuator 18
is a lever. The lever 18 is pulled downwards, as shown by arrow D
to release the bracket 3 from formwork 15. FIGS. 15-18 show other
embodiments including an actuator 18 to toggle between an engaged
and unengaged state of connection. The actuator 18 may also be
readily removable from the bracket. This may be useful, for
example, to prevent tampering with the bracket when it is left
unattended.
[0099] The second engagement element may act as a spacer when
formwork is arranged in stacks (e.g. for transportation or
storage). This increases airflow between the formwork members
allowing faster drying after use and reduced distortion/warping of
the formwork. FIG. 20 shows stacked formwork 15 including second
engagement elements 17 creating spaces between formworks 15.
[0100] The invention facilitates removal of bracing from formwork
in a non-disruptive manner which does not affect the concrete. The
result is that bracing can be removed from formwork much sooner
than under traditional bracing methods. This saves construction
time and cost. In some applications it is expected that the bracing
could be removed from the formwork the same day as concrete is
poured.
[0101] The concrete formwork brace of the present invention, when
equipped with a suitable connector, does not damage formwork each
time it is attached to and detached from formwork. It is highly
reusable, and saves on materials and cost.
[0102] The brace of the present invention can be readily adjusted
both manually and using automated power tools. The adjustment is
quick and simple, and can be made before or after the brace has
been secured to the formwork.
[0103] There is thus provided a concrete formwork brace which is
sturdy and readily adjustable to accommodate different required
heights and/or orientations. The quadrilateral geometry of the
brace provides rigidity ensuring that formwork is kept in place.
The brace is quick, easy and convenient to set up. Angular and
height adjustments can be made with ease.
[0104] The four pivot points of adjustment allow angular and height
adjustments of the bracket to be made with extreme precision. This
arrangement also allows the brace to be used on sloping
surfaces.
[0105] There is provided a brace which can be quickly secured to
and detached from formwork, using a quick release mechanism. This
improves the efficiency of completing the concrete forming as users
can quickly set up the braces and move them from formwork to
formwork.
[0106] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments
have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the
Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended
claims to such detail. Further, the above embodiments may be
implemented individually, or may be combined where compatible.
Additional advantages and modifications, including combinations of
the above embodiments, will readily appear to those skilled in the
art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited
to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or
scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *