U.S. patent application number 16/867011 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-12 for modular footing frame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Integrity Concrete Company, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Integrity Concrete Company, LLC. Invention is credited to William G. Schmidt.
Application Number | 20200354978 16/867011 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004866423 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-12 |
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200354978/US20200354978A1-20201112-D00008.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200354978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt; William G. |
November 12, 2020 |
MODULAR FOOTING FRAME
Abstract
A free floating modular concrete footing system uniformly
secures concrete forms without the need to secure vertical rods
into the soil. A rigid form of a predetermined length spans atop a
desired footing width to capture and secure opposing panels
creating the footing form. Panels capable of supporting a concrete
or similar matrix, are aligned on edge to create the desired form.
The lower edge of a first panel form is in contact with the soil
surface while the upper edge resides within a first channel of a
modular concrete footing device.
Inventors: |
Schmidt; William G.;
(Falcon, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Integrity Concrete Company, LLC |
Falcon |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Integrity Concrete Company,
LLC
Falcon
CO
|
Family ID: |
1000004866423 |
Appl. No.: |
16/867011 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62845142 |
May 8, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 17/00 20130101;
E02D 27/013 20130101; E04G 13/00 20130101; E04G 17/001
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 17/00 20060101
E04G017/00; E04G 13/00 20060101 E04G013/00; E02D 27/01 20060101
E02D027/01 |
Claims
1. A foundation footing frame, comprising: a first channel
configured to accept a first panel, the first panel having an inner
surface, an outer surface, an upper edge surface and a first panel
width, wherein the first channel includes an inner flange, an upper
member and an outer flange and wherein the outer flange includes a
planar surface in contiguous contact with the outer surface of the
first panel and wherein the inner flange is displaced apart from
the outer flange by the upper member equal to or less than the
first panel width and is oriented at an angle deviating away from
the planar surface of the outer flange so as to engage the inner
surface of the first panel thereby securing the first channel to
the first panel; a second channel configured to accept a second
panel, the second footing panel having an inner surface, an outer
surface, an upper edge surface and a second panel width, wherein
the second channel includes an inner flange, an upper member and an
outer flange and wherein the outer flange includes a planar surface
in contiguous contact with the outer surface of the second panel
and wherein the inner flange is displaced apart from the outer
flange by the upper member equal to or less than the second panel
width and is oriented at an angle deviating away from the planar
surface of the outer flange so as to engage inner surface of the
second panel thereby securing the second channel to the second
panel; and a joining member fixedly connected to each of the first
channel and the second channel orientating the first channel and
the second channel, and thereby the first panel and the second
panel, to a predetermined orientation.
2. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein the joining
member is fixedly connected to the outer flange of each of the
first channel and the second channel and wherein the planar surface
of each of the first channel and the second channel are separated
by a footing distance and are substantially parallel whereby the
first panel and the second panel are thereby substantially parallel
and separated by the footing distance.
3. The foundation footing frame of claim 2, wherein the joining
member further includes a first member and a second member and
wherein the first member is adjustably coupled to the second member
separating the first channel from the second channel by the footing
distance.
4. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein the outer
flange of each the first channel and the second channel includes a
plurality of voids by which to secure the first channel and the
second channel to the first panel and the second panel,
respectively.
5. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein the joining
member is fixedly connected to the upper member of each of the
first channel and the second channel and wherein the predetermined
orientation constrains the first channel and the second channel to
be at a right angle to each other.
6. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein the first
channel, the second channel and the joining member remain apart
from a surface on which the first panel and the second panel
reside.
7. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined orientation is a 90-degree angle.
8. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined orientation is a 45-degree angle.
9. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein each of the
first footing panel and second footing panel include a lower edge
surface and a panel height defined as a height distance between the
upper edge surface and the lower edge surface, and wherein the
outer flange of the first channel and the outer flange of the
second channel extend from the upper edge surface of the first
footing panel and the second footing panel, respectively toward the
lower edge surface of the first footing panel and the second
footing panel, respectively by a length greater than 40% of the
panel height.
10. The foundation footing frame of claim 1, wherein each of the
first footing panel and second footing panel include a lower edge
surface and panel height defined as a height distance between the
upper edge surface and the lower edge surface, and wherein the
outer flange of the first channel and the outer flange of the
second channel extend along the upper edge surface of the first
footing panel and the second footing panel, respectively by a
length greater than 30% of the panel height.
11. A foundation footing frame, comprising a pair of narrowing
channels configured to secure within each channel a footing panel
whereby each footing panel is constrained to a predetermined
orientation for the formation of a foundation footing.
12. The foundation footing frame of claim 11, wherein each footing
panel includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge
surface and a footing panel width wherein each of the pair of
narrowing channels includes an inner flange, an upper member and an
outer flange and wherein the outer flange includes a planar surface
in contiguous contact with the outer surface of the footing panel
and wherein the inner flange is displaced apart from the outer
flange by the upper member equal to or less than the footing panel
width and is oriented at an angle deviating away from the planar
surface of the outer flange so as to engage the inner surface of
the first panel thereby securing the first channel to the footing
panel.
13. The foundation footing frame of claim 12, wherein the outer
flange of each the first channel and the second channel includes a
plurality of voids by which to secure each of the narrowing
channels to their respective footing panels, respectively.
14. The foundation footing frame of claim 11, further comprising a
joining member fixedly connected to each of the pair of narrowing
channels orientating the narrowing channel, and thereby the footing
panels to the predetermined orientation.
15. The foundation footing frame of claim 14, wherein the joining
member further includes a first member and a second member and
wherein the first member is adjustably coupled to the second member
separating the first channel from the second channel by a
predetermined distance.
16. The foundation footing frame of claim 14, wherein the joining
member is fixedly connected to an upper member of each of the
narrowing channels and wherein the predetermined orientation
constrains the narrowing channels to be at a right angle to each
other.
17. The foundation footing frame of claim 12, wherein the narrowing
channels and the joining member remain apart from a surface on
which the footing panels reside.
18. The foundation footing frame of claim 11, wherein the
predetermined orientation is a 90-degree angle.
19. The foundation footing frame of claim 11, wherein the
predetermined orientation is a 45-degree angle.
20. The foundation footing frame of claim 12, wherein each footing
panel includes a lower edge surface and a panel height defined as a
height distance between the upper edge surface and the lower edge
surface, and wherein the outer flange of each of the pair of
channels extends from the upper edge surface of each footing panel
toward the lower edge surface of the footing panel by a length
greater than 40% of the panel height.
21. The foundation footing frame of claim 12, wherein each footing
panel includes a lower edge surface and a panel height defined as a
height distance between the upper edge surface and the lower edge
surface, and wherein the outer flange of each of the pair of
channels extends along the upper edge surface of the footing panel
by a length greater than 30% of the panel height.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application relates to and claims the benefit of
priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No.
62/845,142 filed 8 May 2019 which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to
concrete footings for buildings and more particularly to a modular
system for framing concrete footings.
Relevant Background
[0003] Footings are an important part of foundation construction.
They are typically made of concrete with rebar or fiber
reinforcement that has been poured into an excavated trench.
Footings support the foundation of a structure and prevent the
foundation from settling as they are subject to various loads.
Footings are especially important in areas with troublesome
soil.
[0004] Concrete footings exist to transfer the structural loads
from the building (snow load, live load, dead load, wind load,
earthquake load, etc.) to the Earth. Obviously, the foundations on
a building are critical from a structural standpoint. Once the
ground has been properly prepared and compacted, a frame or form is
fashioned atop the surface of the excavated site in which
reinforcement-bars are placed. The frame is typically comprised of
wood or steel planks/panels that are fashioned into channels of
various widths. The forms are typically held in place by long
stakes against which the forms rest.
[0005] Concrete, or a similar matrix, is poured into the form with
the weight of the matrix exerting a lateral force against the
vertical rods. The forms and rods are carefully measured to adhere
to local zoning requirements and subsequent inspections. For
example, if a running footing must be no less than 16 inches wide,
the forms must be carefully measured along the entire length to
ensure compliance.
[0006] When soil is pliable, the placement of the forms and
supporting rods can be a time-consuming process. Moreover, in
ground that contains significant amount of rocks or similar
obstructions, it is difficult to place the forms in the correct
position to provide adequate support from the weight of the matrix.
A system is needed by which forms can quickly be secured without
the need to affix the form to the ground using a rod or similar
vertical support. These and other deficiencies of the prior art are
addressed by one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0007] Additional advantages and novel features of this invention
shall be set forth in part in the description that follows. The
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means
of the instrumentalities, combinations, compositions, and methods
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A foundation footing framework engages a pair of footing
panels constraining each to a predetermined orientation. Each frame
includes a first channel and a second channel wherein the first
channel is configured to accept a first panel and the second
channel is configured to accept a second panel. Each panel includes
an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge surface, and a
panel width while each channel includes an inner flange, an upper
member, and an outer flange. The outer flange of each channel is a
planar surface that is in contiguous (adjacent) contact with the
outer surface of a respective panel. The inner flange is displaced
apart from the outer flange by the upper member of the channel
which is equal to or less than the panel width. The inner flange is
further oriented at an angle deviating away from the planar surface
of the outer flange so as to engage the inner surface of the first
panel, thereby securing the channel to the panel.
[0009] The frame also includes a joining member fixedly connected
to each channel orientating the two channels, and thereby the
associated two panels, to a predetermined orientation.
[0010] Other features of the present invention include, in one
embodiment, that the joining member is fixedly connected to the
outer flange of each channel and the planar surface of each channel
are separated by a distance equal to the width of the footing. The
channels and associated panels are substantially parallel and
separated by the footing distance.
[0011] In another embodiment, the joining member further includes a
first member and a second member, wherein the first member is
adjustably coupled to the second member separating the first
channel from the second channel by the footing distance and
enabling the frame to accommodate a variety of footing widths. In
yet another embodiment the outer flange of each channel includes a
plurality of voids (holes) by which to secure channel and frame to
its respective panel.
[0012] The joining member, in yet another embodiment, is fixedly
connected to the upper member of each of the first channel and the
second channel so that the predetermined orientation constrains the
channels (and thereby panels) to be at a right angle to each other.
In one instance the first channel, the second channel and the
joining member remain apart from a surface on which the first panel
and the second panel reside so that the panels can be free running
through the frame. While in one embodiment the channels are aligned
to a predetermined orientation of 90-degrees, in another embodiment
the predetermined orientation is a 45-degree angle.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is that the outer
flange of each channel extends from the upper edge surface of the
panel toward the lower edge surface of the panel covering more than
40% of the panel's outside surface as measured by the panel's
height. Likewise, the channel, and thus, the outer flange of each
panel extends along the upper edge surface of the panel by a
distance greater than 30% of the panel height.
[0014] The features and advantages described in this disclosure and
in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive. Many
additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the relevant art in view of the drawings,
specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that
the language used in the specification has been principally
selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not
have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive
subject matter; reference to the claims is necessary to determine
such inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The aforementioned and other features and objects of the
present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more
apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood, by
reference to the following description of one or more embodiments
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary footing framework utilizing one or
more embodiments of the modular footing frame of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular
footing frame having a 90-degree predetermined orientation as would
be configured for an outside corner;
[0018] FIGS. 3A-B are side views of two embodiments of the channel
formed by the outer flange, inner flange and upper member of the
modular frame of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the outer flange, inner
flange and upper member of the channel of one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular
footing frame having a 90-degree predetermined orientation as would
be configured for an inside corner;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular
footing frame configured for a running footing;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of a modular
footing frame having a parallel predetermine orientation configured
to span a footing; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular
footing frame having a parallel predetermine orientation configured
to adjust to a plurality of footing widths.
[0024] The Figures depict embodiments of the present invention for
purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily
recognize from the following discussion that alternative
embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be
employed without departing from the principles of the invention
described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] A free floating modular concrete footing system uniformly
secures concrete forms without the need to drive vertical rods into
the soil. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
rigid form of a predetermined orientation spans atop a desired
footing to capture and secure opposing panels creating the footing
form. In one version of the present invention, panels capable of
supporting a concrete, or similar, matrix, are aligned on edge to
create the desired footing. The lower edge of a first panel is in
contact with the soil surface and the upper edge resides within a
first channel of a modular concrete footing frame.
[0026] The modular concrete footing frame spans the width of the
footing wherein a second channel accepts the upper edge of a second
panel form, opposite the first panel form. A spanning structure or
joining member of the modular concrete footing system is rigidly
attached to each channel at a predetermined length (width of the
footing in this embodiment). Using a plurality of modular concrete
footing devices, a footing framework can be established quickly and
efficiently without the need to secure the form with vertical rods
to the underlying soil.
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described
in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Although the
invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree
of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has
been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the
combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
[0028] The following description with reference to the accompanying
drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of
exemplary embodiments of the present invention as defined by the
claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details
to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as
merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that various changes and modifications of the
embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known
functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and
conciseness.
[0029] The terms and words used in the following description and
claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are
merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent
understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent
to those skilled in the art that the following description of
exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for
illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0030] By the term "substantially" it is meant that the recited
characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly,
but that deviations or variations, including for example,
tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and
other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in
amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was
intended to provide.
[0031] By the term "footing" it is mean the element of a structure
which connects the structure to the ground, and transfers loads
from the structure to the ground. Foundations are generally
characterized as either shallow or deep. Foundation engineering is
the application of soil mechanics and rock mechanics (Geotechnical
engineering) in the design of foundation elements of
structures.
[0032] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the
figures, the sizes of certain lines, layers, components, elements
or features may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference
to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such
surfaces.
[0034] As used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase
"in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0035] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or
and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is
satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B
is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is
true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and
should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense
unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or
constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or
clarity.
[0037] It will be also understood that when an element is referred
to as being "on," "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with,
"contacting", "mounted" etc., another element, it can be directly
on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other
element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly
on," "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly
coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are
no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by
those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature
that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that
overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
[0038] Spatially relative terms, such as "under," "below," "lower,"
"over," "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation
in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For
example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described
as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be
oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary
term "under" can encompass both an orientation of "over" and
"under". The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms
"upwardly," "downwardly," "vertical," "horizontal" and the like are
used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically
indicated otherwise.
[0039] A modular, free-standing, foundation footing frame captures
and secures footing panels to a predetermined orientation and
spacing. A pair of constricting channels each engage an upper edge
of a respective footing panel. The channels, in one embodiment of
the present invention are affixed to a joining member that
constrains each channel, and thereby the footing panel, to a
predetermined orientation and/or width.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary framework of footing panels and
modular, free-standing, footing frames according to one embodiment
of the present invention. A footing framework 100 is created by
placing a plurality of footing panels 102 on edge in a certain
configuration based on the design of a particular structure. Each
panel includes an inner surface 101, and outer surface 105, an
upper edge surface 104 and a panel width 108. In the example shown
in FIG. 1 a L-shaped footing is fashioned on top of a platform and
adjacent to a wall 103. Four footing panels 102 are used to create
the framework held in position by four modular, free-standing,
footing frames of the present invention. The L-shape framework is
comprised of an inner 90-degree corner 110, an outer 90-degree
corner 120 and two span footing frames 130. Each modular,
free-standing, footing frames includes a pair of constricting or
narrowing channels that each engage the upper edge of the footing
panel. The lower edge of the footing panel, as shown, resides on
the ground or underlying substructure. Note that none of the
modular free-standing, footing frames engages the underlying
grounds/substructure. The present invention secures the footing
panels in a predetermined orientation without having to bind the
frame to the ground.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outside corner 120
modular footing frame, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The corner device includes a pair of planar surfaces or
outer flanges 210 oriented at a 90-degree angle by a joining member
260. The two planar surfaces are displaced away 230 from two lines
defining the intersection 220 of the planar surfaces of the footing
panel what would form interface between the concrete matrix and the
panel by the width of a footing panel. In the embodiment shown each
panel surface includes a plurality of voids (holes) 250 though
which fastening devices such as nails and the like, can be inserted
to assure that the frame maintains its engagement with the footing
panel. For example, if the footing panels are plywood or a similar
wood-like material, nails or similar fasteners can traverse the
panel through the holes in the planar surface to rigidly attach the
frame to the form panels.
[0042] With additional reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, each planar
surface of the frame shown in FIG. 2 represents an outer flange 210
of a channel. The channel is comprised of the outer flange, an
inner flange 310 and an upper or top member 330. The upper member
or top member of the channel equates to or is less than the edge
width of the footing panels. In one embodiment, the inner flange
310 diverts away from a line 340 parallel to the outer flange 210
by a predetermined number of degrees 345. In one embodiment the
inner flange is 5 degrees beyond parallel while in other
embodiments the inner flange diverts by 10 or more degrees from
line parallel with the outer flange. One of reasonable skill in the
relevant art will appreciate that other angles of diversion are
contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 23A the inner flange 310 is planar
with a linear divergence from a parallel origination with the outer
flange. In another embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIG. 3B, the inner flange 310 diverts from width of the footing
panel 102 at the juncture between the upper member 330 and the
inner flange 310 in a curvilinear 360 fashion with an initial
divergence 370 of 1 degree increasing to 10 or more degrees of
divergence 380 as distance away from the juncture increases.
[0043] The divergent nature of the inner flange 310 creates a
constricting channel. Each channel narrows from its opening 385 to
the top of the channel 395 so as to securely attach to the upper
edge of the footing panel in a predetermined orientation. The
length of the channel 390 and exaggerated depth 350 of the outer
flange constrains the footing panel to accept the predetermined
orientation of the frame. In the example shown in FIG. 2 (with
additional reference to FIG. 1) the frame constrains two footing
panels to form an outside 90-degree angle. The constricting design
of the channel further enables the frame to be easily released upon
solidification of the footing matrix. A parallel channel, (no
divergence of the inner flange) is unforgiving to the inevitable
swelling of the footing panels upon introduction of the footing
matrix. The narrowing/constricting design of the present invention
secures the footing panels during pouring of the matrix and
facilitates removal of the frames once the matrix has
solidified.
[0044] The upper members 330 of each channel in the footing frame
of the present invention are further connected, in one embodiment,
by an orthogonal planar component or cross member (also referred to
herein as the joining member) 260. In some of the embodiments shown
in the attached figures, the connecting orthogonal panel is a
triangular flat plate that is affixed to each exterior planar
surface of the upper member by way of a weld. As one of reasonable
skill in the relevant art will appreciate other mechanisms can be
used to secure and reinforce the channels to a predetermined
orientation.
[0045] The outer flange 210 of the free-floating modular footing
frame of the present invention is substantially larger than the
inner flange 310. The inner flange 310 is designed to engage the
width of the footing panel 102 within the channel but not to
interfere or interact with the footing matrix. The outer flange 210
supports and constrains the footing panel 102 to a prescribed,
predetermined orientation. Footing panels are typically long and
rectangular in shape. The length of a footing panel may vary but
the footing panel height, as defined by the distance between the
upper edge surface 104 and the lower edge surface 112, is typically
12, 18, 24 or 36 inches. The outer flange 210 of the free-floating
modular footing frame of the present invention extends down from
the upper edge surface 104 of the panel toward the lower surface
edge 112 a distance sufficient to prevent the footing panel 102
from bowing outward due to the weight of the matrix. In one
embodiment of the present invention the outer flange 210 of each
channel extends 350 down 40% or more of the panel height 111. In
other embodiments of the present invention the flange extends down
50% or more of the panel height 111. Similarly, the channel extends
long the upper edge surface 104 for a distance as it engages the
inner and outer surface of the footing panel. In one embodiment of
the present invention the outer flange 210 of each channel extends
along 390 the upper edge surface 104 of a footing panel 102 by
greater than 30% of the panel height 111. For example, if a panel
height is 24 inches the channel length would be, in one embodiment,
approximately 7 inches long and would extend down from the upper
edge surface 9.6 inches.
[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention exterior
planar surface of the outer flange further includes a cylinder 118
affixed vertically along the exterior of the planar surface through
which a vertical rod can be passed. The vertical rod can be used to
further secure the corner modular concrete footing device to the
surrounding environment.
[0047] As with the free-floating modular footing frame for an
exterior corner 120 shown in FIG. 2, an interior corner 110
free-floating modular footing frame shown in FIG. 4 is similarly
fashioned with each channel configured to accept the edge of
footing panels oriented towards the exterior of the corner. The
open nature of the channels enables the footing panel to extend
beyond the prescribed length of the footing framework with the
corresponding panel abutting to the panel within the modular
footing frame and not constrained by the joining member 260. The
interior corner 110 also includes two constricting or narrowing
channels formed with an outer flange 210, an upper member 330 and
an inner flange 310. In this instance, edges of the outer flange
join at a vertical juncture 410 mimicking the meeting of the
footing panels. The juncture adds rigidity to the frame and in some
embodiments eliminates the need for a joining member 260. In other
embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4 an orthogonal planar component
or joining member is affixed to the upper member of each channel.
The plate adds additional strength to maintain the predetermined
orientation, in this case a 90-degree angle.
[0048] In other embodiments the predetermined orientation of the
channels can vary based on the desired footing framework. For
example, the predetermined orientation embodied by the frame can be
an inside or outside 45-degree or 30-degree angle. One of
reasonable skill in the relevant art will appreciate that the
free-floating modular footing frame can accommodate a variety of
angles.
[0049] One example of such a configuration is a running modular
footing frame 510 that aligns two adjacent footing panels in the
same manner as the corner devices forming a running footing. In
this instance the predetermined orientation is 180 degrees. A flat
running planar frame 510 of the present invention as can be seen in
FIG. 5 aligns or forms the two channels into a single continuous
channel. By doing so the continuous channel accepts edges of two
adjacent footing panels. Using several running modular concrete
footing devices, a running footing framework can be framed using a
plurality of footing panels and running modular frames.
[0050] In a running footing, as described above, framed by two
panels and joined by the running module footing frame of the
present invention, the weight of the matrix (concrete) within the
footing will exert an expanding force directed outward on the
panel. The majority of the expansive force is experienced at the
juncture of the ground the footing panel and the current state of
the art is to place steel rods vertically into the ground on the
outside of the panels to provide them support against the outward
force until the concrete solidifies. The interface of the footing
panel with the ground also provides resistance to the lateral force
and indeed panels do not generally traverse laterally at the
juncture of the ground and panel but lean or bow outward from the
ground upward. The present invention addresses this adverse effect
by spanning the footing framework with a free-floating modular
footing frame in which the predetermined orientation of the two
channels are parallel to match the two footing panels yet set at a
predetermined span distance so as to match the width of the footing
framework.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention a
modular free-floating footing frame, shown in FIG. 6, spans the
width of the footing. A first channel 610 receives the upper edge
of a first footing panel while a second channel 620 accepts the
upper edge of a second footing panel, opposite the first footing
panel. A joining member 260 is rigidly attached to the first
channel 610 and the second channel 620 at a predetermined length.
Using a plurality of modular free-floating footing frames, a
running footing form can be established quickly and efficiently
without the need to secure the form with vertical rods nor with the
fear that the upper portion of the footing panel with expand
laterally.
[0052] The modular free-floating footing frame described above for
a spanning footing can also, in another embodiment of the present
invention, be adjustable as illustrated in FIG. 7. While most
footings are a standard width, there are occasions in which a
custom width is required. The present invention includes an
embodiment in which the spanning structure or joining member 260 is
rigidly adjustable to a plurality of predetermined footing widths.
For example, the joining member may be quickly adjustable to 16,
24, 30 and 36 inches (or other combinations as would be applicable
to local building codes). In one embodiment the joining member is
comprised of a first member 710 and second member 720. The first
member 710 is rigidly affixed to the first channel 610 (outer
flange) and oriented above and at a 90-degree angle from the first
channel and directed toward the inner flange. A second member 720
is rigidly affixed to the second channel 620 (outer flange) and
oriented above and at a 90-degree angle from the second channel 620
and directed toward its inner flange. The first member 710 and the
second member 720 are configured to overlap and be fixedly secured
to one another through a plurality of traverse pins 730, bolts or
similar mechanisms. A friction device or clamping tool can also be
incorporated. By doing so the joining member connects the first
channel to the second channel as it spans the footing framework,
holding the top edges of the footing panels at a predetermined
orientation and distance.
[0053] The modular footing frames, combined with footing panels of
an accommodating width, form a system by which a footing framework
can be quickly formed. Moreover, upon the concrete solidifying, the
forms can be quickly removed and reused. The predetermined widths
and angles of the modular free-floating footing frames aid in
providing footings that are code compliant without the need to
carefully measure the footings after the forms have been set.
Similarly, the angles are pre-established enabling workers to use
the devices to quickly lay out forms and then validate their
position rather than creating a footing structure anew, measuring
the angle and then re-crafting the form to correct deviations for
each engagement.
[0054] These and other implementation methodologies for forming a
foundation using the modular footing frames of the present
invention can be successfully accomplished by artisans of
reasonable skill in the relevant art. These implementation
methodologies and the specifics of their application within the
context of the present invention will be readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the relevant art in light of this
specification.
[0055] In practice the modular frames of the present invention are
used in the early stages of laying a foundation for a structure.
Such a process begins with compacting the underlying earth or
structure on which the foundation will rest. Once the ground in
compacted an outline of the foundation, as established by
engineers, is identified. Footing panes are then placed in line
with the foundation guides and connected in the designed
predetermined orientations using the modular footing frames of the
present invention. The lower edge of each footing panel is seated
in the ground or underlying surface with the upper edge held in
place by a plurality of modular free-floating footing frames. With
the footing structure established, reinforcement bars are added in
the interior of the foundation and, thereafter, concrete is poured
within the form. After the concrete solidifies the modular concrete
footing devices and panel forms are removed revealing the
foundation.
[0056] One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate
that the modular frames of the present invention can be fabricated
with a variety of material. In one embodiment the channels and
joining member are fabricated from hardened steel plates. The steel
channels are generally formed form flat-rolled steel formed to the
required shapes using machine presses and the like. In other
embodiments the frames can be cast steel or similar material. While
steel provides an excellent strength to weight to cost tradeoff
other material that can provide similar rigidity and strength
suitable to withstand the forces of the matrix against the footing
panels are contemplated and within the scope of the present
invention. Indeed, it is contemplated that a composite material may
provide a light weight, durable alternative to a steel fabricated
frames with minimal weight constraints.
[0057] The footing panels described herein and used in conjunction
with the modular frames are rigid panels of varied height, width
and length. In one embodiment the panels are comprised of a
multiple ply plywood encased by a water-resistant barrier. In one
instance the panel is an eleven (11) layer plywood in which the
grains of the plywood are offset to provide for increased planar
consistency, rigidity and tolerance to moisture penetration. The
wood further is minimally compressible yet accepting within the
narrowing channels of the present invention. In one embodiment the
panel width is 11/8 inches wide while in other embodiments the
width may be thicker or thinner depending on the size of the
footing.
[0058] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that
numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be
resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Particularly, it is recognized
that the teachings of the foregoing disclosure will suggest other
modifications to those persons skilled in the relevant art. Such
modifications may involve other features that are already known per
se and which may be used instead of or in addition to features
already described herein. Although claims have been formulated in
this application to particular combinations of features, it should
be understood that the scope of the disclosure herein also includes
any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed
either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization or
modification thereof which would be apparent to persons skilled in
the relevant art, whether or not such relates to the same invention
as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates
any or all of the same technical problems as confronted by the
present invention. The Applicant hereby reserves the right to
formulate new claims to such features and/or combinations of such
features during the prosecution of the present application or of
any further application derived therefrom.
* * * * *