Panel forming system and components
A pre-cast panel forming system. The system includes one or more bulkheads to constrain the flow of uncured panel-forming material. The bulkhead is made up of an upstanding form and a base clip to secure the upstanding form to a panel-forming surface. The base clip is configured to promote ease of attachment to the panel-forming surface, even though the thickness dimension of the upstanding form is reduced relative to conventional forms. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
This is a divisional application of co-pending (and now allowed) application Ser. No. 10/325,451 filed on Dec. 20, 2002 entitled PANEL FORMING SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS, with projected U.S. Pat. No. of 7,047,700 and issue date of May 23, 2006. This application is related to co-pending application Ser. No. 10/290,118, entitled PANEL FORMING SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS, filed Nov. 7, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to forms and form supports used for creating cured pre-cast structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to configurations of pre-cast panel forming systems and various components of such systems.
Many residential and commercial construction methods involve the use pre-cast structures. Pre-cast panels, for example, are integral to the tilt-up construction process. In the tilt-up approach, concrete forms are arranged on a flat casting surface in the shape and dimension of the desired tilt-up panel, then filled with concrete. When the concrete cures, the panel and the form are separated and the panel is tilted up into a preferred, typically vertical, orientation, where it can be joined to structural frames or other panels. The present inventors have recognized a need for improvements in pre-cast panel forming systems and in various components of the panel forming systems. The improvements introduced by the present invention have applicability in the tilt-up construction process and in other pre-cast construction processes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis need is met by the present invention wherein improvements in pre-cast panel forming systems and in various components of the panel forming systems are introduced. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bulkhead is disclosed. The bulkhead includes an upstanding form and a base clip. The upstanding form is used to constrain the flow of uncured material that is introduced adjacent the longitudinal dimension of the upstanding form. The base clip comprises a plurality of attachment members, including a first configured to secure the base clip to the upstanding form, and a second configured to secure the base clip to the panel-forming surface. The second attachment portion includes a laterally-disposed arm such that it increases a base clip footprint formed on the panel-forming surface relative to that formed by a connection between the first attachment portion and the upstanding form.
Optionally, the base portion and upstanding form together define a unitary, monolithic structure. In addition, the second attachment portion can be substantially planar to more easily engage the panel-forming surface. In the present context, the term “substantially” is utilized represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. As such, it refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may, in practice embody something slightly less than exact. The term also represents the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. The second attachment portion can further include an aperture in the laterally-disposed arm to accept a fastener therethrough. The first attachment portion may also include one or more projections configured to engage a complementary projection on the upstanding form. In one form, the first attachment portion is engaged with the upstanding form through a frictional fit between cooperating projections. More particularly, the projections engage one another through a plurality of interlocking prismatic members. Preferably, the angle subtended between the second attachment portion and the projection of the first attachment portion is substantially ninety degrees. Furthermore, the upstanding form includes a pair of substantially planar walls that are disposed substantially parallel to one another, thereby defining a thickness dimension from outer face to opposing outer face. Preferably (although not out of necessity), the thickness dimension is less than that of the smaller dimension of a conventional two-by-four piece of lumber. For example, the thickness dimension is less than about one and one-half inches, and can be narrower, for example less than about one inch, one-half inch, or other desired dimension. The upstanding form may further comprise one or more chamfers, wherein the chamfer may further comprise a knife-edge sealing projection configured for substantially discrete engagement with the panel-forming surface. The chamfers can include a projection similar to that that of the aforementioned first attachment portion such that upon securing the base clip to the upstanding form, the projection from the chamfer engages the first attachment portion, thus further securing the two. In one form, one chamfer is positioned on one side of the upstanding form while another chamfer is positioned on an opposing side of the upstanding form. Like the upstanding portion, the base clip can include one or more chamfers, which may be integrally formed with the base clip. The material making up the bulkhead can be any that facilitate simple, low-cost manufacture that combine desirable structural properties. In one form, the material can be extrudable, and more particularly, a plastic. By way of example, either or both of the upstanding form and base clip can be fabricated from the group consisting of plastic, metal, fibrous composites, or combinations thereof. In an additional option, the bulkhead is an extruded member, and more particularly, an extruded plastic member.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bulkhead is disclosed. The bulkhead includes an upstanding form and a base clip. The upstanding form is substantially similar to that of the previous embodiment, while the base clip includes a first attachment portion configured to engage the upstanding portion and a second attachment portion configured to engage the panel-forming surface. The second attachment portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first attachment portion is located at the proximal end of the second attachment portion and extends away from an attachment plane defined by the second attachment portion. The distal end of the second attachment portion is substantially free of structure extending away from the attachment plane. Optionally, the second attachment portion defines a substantially planar profile from the proximal end to the distal end. In addition, the second attachment portion defines a substantially planar base clip anchoring zone between the proximal end and the distal end. The base clip can also be configured such that substantially all structure extending away from the attachment plane is defined by the first attachment portion. More particularly, it can be configured such that substantially all of the first attachment portion extends from the proximal end of the second attachment portion.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bulkhead with an upstanding form and a base clip is disclosed. The upstanding portion is similar to that of the previous embodiments. The base clip includes an upper anchoring member, a lower anchoring member substantially aligned with the upper anchoring member along a fastening axis such that both the members are configured to accept a fastener therethrough, and a pedestal that couples the upper anchoring member to the lower anchoring member. Unlike the previous embodiments, the base clip is configured such that any fastener attached thereto is disposed not only below the upstanding form, but beneath it as well. In the present context, one item is considered to be “below” another when it occupies a lower vertical position relative to the other without regard to axial alignment along the vertical axis, while the same item would be considered “beneath” the other when it is not only below the other, but also directly underneath it such that they at least partially lie along the same vertical axis.
Optionally, the upper anchoring member is substantially planar. In one form, the upstanding form defines a monolithic structure, and may further include one or more chamfers disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the upstanding form. The upper anchoring member may further define an aperture therein for receiving the fastener. The pedestal can be configured to engage at least one complementary surface on the upstanding form. For example, the complementary surfaces engage one another through a plurality of interlocking prismatic members. In one form, the pedestal can include a pair of laterally-spaced projections that together are configured to form a friction fit with the upstanding form. More particularly, a plurality of interlocking prismatic members can be used to promote the friction fit. Preferably, the base clip is free of projections above the upper anchoring member. In another option, the lower anchoring member defines a flange, which may additionally extend laterally beyond the upstanding form, thus allowing the flange and the pedestal to form a detent receiving chamber between them. In still another option, one end of the upstanding form terminates in at least one projecting detent such that the detent can fit within the detent receiving chamber upon connection of the upstanding form to the base clip. A fastener can further be included to extend from the upper anchoring member through the lower anchoring member.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a panel forming system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of bulkheads, each similar to that of one or more of the previous embodiments, and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors may include at least one of a corner connector, in-line joint connector and a T-joint connector, each of which can be disposed between adjacent end portions of respective bulkheads to provide connectivity between them. The connectors and the bulkheads can be arranged to produce a panel of desired shape and dimension, including a substantially rectangular panel form. Through the use of multiple bulkheads and connectors, multiple-cavity panels can be formed. In the case of substantially rectangular panels, the forms include at least four bulkheads and at least four corner connectors. The pair of substantially rectangular panel forms can further include a plurality of in-line joint connectors to make extended-size panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGSThe following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
Referring first to
The upstanding form 15 is defined by a first end 12 and a second end 13. The upstanding form 15 comprises a pair of walls 16 defining a height dimension H and are spaced from each other to define a thickness dimension T. Each of the upstanding walls 16 comprises an exterior face 17 and an interior face 18, the latter between which one or more cross-sectional support members 19 may extend. At least one of the cross-sectional support members 19 may be located at a point along the height dimension of the upstanding form 15 so as to provide substantial resistance to reduction of the width dimension under pressure applied to one of the exterior faces 17. In this manner, the integrity of the panel shape defined by each panel cavity 62, 64 of the panel forming system 60 may be maintained under the significant pressure created by uncured panel-forming material present therein. The cross sectional support members 19 may simply comprise a single linear extension that is substantially perpendicular to the pair of upstanding walls 16, or as more complex structures arranged in perpendicular or non-perpendicular configurations. For example, as shown in the figure, the bulkhead 10 can employ a plurality of these types of cross sectional support members 19 spaced along the height dimension H of walls 16, including at or near one or both of the opposing ends. The first end 12 may comprise an end cap 12A or a locking channel (not shown) to permit repeatable engagement and disengagement between adjacent upstanding forms 15, or between the upstanding form 15 and connectors or braces (to be discussed later). Details of such features can be found in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/290,118, entitled PANEL FORMING SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS, filed Nov. 7, 2002, assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein by reference.
The base clip 20 is used to secure the upstanding form 15 to the panel-forming surface 5. To effect this, the base clip 20 can accommodate any number of suitable securing means, including adhesives, adhesive tapes, and mechanical fasteners, such as nails or screws. As shown with particularity in
Various configurations for the cooperative engagement between the upstanding form 15 and the base clip 20 are possible. Referring with particularity to
Referring again to
Referring again to
Referring now to
Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.
Claims
1. A bulkhead for forming a pre-cast panel, said bulkhead comprising:
- an upstanding form configured to at least partially constrain the flow of uncured casting material introduced adjacent said upstanding form; and
- a base clip comprising: a first attachment portion configured to secure said upstanding form to said base clip; and a second attachment portion configured to secure said base clip to said panel-forming surface, said second attachment portion comprising an arm disposed laterally of a connection between said first attachment portion and said upstanding form such that said second attachment portion increases a base clip footprint formed on said panel-forming surface relative to that formed by said connection between said first attachment portion and said upstanding form.
2. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said upstanding form defines a monolithic structure.
3. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said second attachment portion is substantially planar.
4. A bulkhead according to claim 3, wherein said second attachment portion is configured to engage said panel-forming surface.
5. A bulkhead according to claim 3, wherein said second attachment portion defines an aperture in said laterally-disposed arm to accept a fastener therethrough.
6. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said first attachment portion comprises at least one projection configured to engage a complementary projection on said upstanding form.
7. A bulkhead according to claim 5, wherein said first attachment portion is engaged with said upstanding form through a frictional fit therebetween.
8. A bulkhead according to claim 5, wherein said projections engage one another through a plurality of interlocking prismatic members.
9. A bulkhead according to claim 5, wherein an angle subtended between said second attachment portion and said at least one projection of said first attachment portion is substantially ninety degrees.
10. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said upstanding form comprises a pair of substantially planar walls disposed substantially parallel to one another to define a thickness dimension thereacross.
11. A bulkhead according to claim 10, wherein said thickness dimension is less than that of the smaller dimension of a conventional two-by-four piece of lumber.
12. A bulkhead according to claim 11, wherein said thickness dimension is less than about one and one-half inches.
13. A bulkhead according to claim 11, wherein said thickness dimension is less than about one inch.
14. A bulkhead according to claim 11, wherein said thickness dimension is about one-half inch.
15. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said upstanding form further comprises at least one chamfer.
16. A bulkhead according to claim 15, wherein said chamfer comprises a sealing projection configured for substantially discrete engagement with said panel-forming surface.
17. A bulkhead according to claim 15, wherein said at least one chamfer comprises a pair of chamfers.
18. A bulkhead according to claim 17, wherein at least one of said pair of chamfers form a projection that, upon securing said base clip to said upstanding form, engages said first attachment portion.
19. A bulkhead according to claim 17, wherein one chamfer is positioned on one side of said upstanding form while the other chamfer is positioned on another side of said upstanding form.
20. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said base clip comprises at least one chamfer.
21. A bulkhead according to claim 20, wherein said chamfer is integrally formed with said base clip.
22. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said material making up said bulkhead is extrudable.
23. A bulkhead according to claim 22, wherein said extrudable material comprises a plastic.
24. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said upstanding form is fabricated from the group consisting of plastic, metal, fibrous composites, or combinations thereof.
25. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said base clip is fabricated from the group consisting of plastic, metal, fibrous composites, or combinations thereof.
26. A bulkhead according to claim 1, wherein said bulkhead comprises an extruded member.
27. A bulkhead according to claim 26, wherein said bulkhead comprises an extruded plastic member.
28. A bulkhead comprising:
- an upstanding form configured to be secured to a panel-forming surface to at least partially constrain the flow of uncured casting material introduced adjacent said upstanding form; and
- a base clip comprising: a first attachment portion configured to engage said upstanding portion; and a second attachment portion configured to engage said panel-forming surface and comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said first attachment portion is located at said proximal end of said second attachment portion and extends away from an attachment plane defined by said second attachment portion, and said distal end of said second attachment portion is substantially free of structure extending away from said attachment plane.
29. A bulkhead according to claim 28, wherein said second attachment portion defines a substantially planar profile from said proximal end to said distal end.
30. A bulkhead according to claim 28, wherein said second attachment portion defines a substantially planar base clip anchoring zone between said proximal end and said distal end of said second attachment portion.
31. A bulkhead according to claim 28, wherein said base clip is configured such that substantially all structure extending away from said attachment plane is defined by said first attachment portion.
32. A bulkhead according to claim 31, wherein substantially all of said first attachment portion extends from said proximal end of said second attachment portion.
33. A panel forming system comprising:
- a plurality of bulkheads, each of said bulkheads comprising: an upstanding form configured to at least partially constrain the flow of uncured casting material introduced adjacent said upstanding form; and a base clip comprising: a first attachment portion configured to secure said upstanding form to said base clip; and a second attachment portion configured to secure said base clip to said panel-forming surface, said second attachment portion comprising an arm disposed laterally of a connection between said first attachment portion and said upstanding form such that said second attachment portion increases a base clip footprint formed on said panel-forming surface relative to that formed by said connection between said first attachment portion and said upstanding form; and
- a plurality of connectors, each of which are configured to be disposed between adjacent end portions of respective bulkhead members.
34. A panel forming system according to claim 33, wherein said plurality of connectors comprises at least one of a corner connector, in-line joint connector and a T-joint connector.
35. A panel forming system according to claim 33, wherein said connectors and said bulkheads are arranged to define a substantially rectangular panel form.
36. A panel forming system according to claim 35, wherein said substantially rectangular panel form comprises at least four bulkheads and at least four corner connectors.
37. A panel forming system according to claim 35, wherein said pair of substantially rectangular panel forms further comprises a plurality of in-line joint connectors.
38. A bulkhead comprising:
- an upstanding form configured to at least partially constrain the flow of uncured casting material introduced adjacent said upstanding form; and
- a base clip configured to couple said upstanding form to said panel-forming surface, said base clip comprising: an upper anchoring member; a lower anchoring member substantially aligned with said upper anchoring member at least partially along a fastening axis such that both said members accept a fastener therethrough along said fastening axis; and a pedestal configured to displace said upper anchoring member from said lower anchoring member along said fastening axis, at least one of said pedestal and said form comprising a plurality of projections extending from a surface thereof, further the other of said pedestal and said form comprising a plurality of recesses formed therein that are substantially complementary with said plurality of projections such that upon engagement of said form and said pedestal, a locking arrangement is formed by said plurality of projections and said plurality of recesses.
Type: Application
Filed: May 18, 2006
Publication Date: Oct 26, 2006
Inventors: Gordon Dodson (Lewis Center, OH), Kyozaburo Takagi (Centerville, OH)
Application Number: 11/436,413
International Classification: E04G 9/00 (20060101);