Abstract: A method of forming one or more tie rods that includes flattening a main body of a wire in a first selected plane to form a flattened main body, further flattening selected portions of the flattened main body in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane to form one or more break back regions, and then passing the wire through a punch press machine to form one or more coined regions in one or more ends of the wire, thus forming the tie rod.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a concrete form clip includes a body including two ends and a plurality of arms. One of the arms is near each of the ends. The arms are oriented transverse to the body. A plurality of projections extend from the body. Each of the projections is spaced from a respective one of the arms with a spacing between the projection and the respective arm to accommodate a portion of an edge of a form panel. At least one tab on at least one of the arms is transverse to the arm. The tab includes a tool receiving surface that facilitates using a tool to manipulate the clip relative to a form panel, which simplifies the task of removing the clip from the form panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating insulated sandwich walls with a prefabricated framework are provided. An inner strongback faces an outer strongback. Outer and inner support members are located between the strongbacks. The strongbacks and support members extend vertically from a base. Material for an outer wall, such as concrete, is deposited between the outer strongback and outer support member. Material for an inner wall is deposited between the inner strongback and inner support member. An insulating material is deposited between the outer and inner support members providing longitudinal spacing for the framework.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system 100 for constructing an insulated thermal mass concrete structure comprising four or more walls 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d. The system 100 comprises interconnected frame members 30, 30?, 30?, 30??, 30*, cross-ties 40 and corner members 33, 33?, which reduces the need for props or stays to support the walls 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d during curing of a concrete core poured between inner and outer layers, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 attached to the frame members 30, 30?, 30?, 30??, 30*.

Abstract: A wall anchor for use in a cavity wall to connect to a veneer tie to join an inner wythe and an outer wythe of the cavity wall includes a hollow body having a wall defining a hollow interior. The hollow body includes a receptor located on the wall and configured to connect to an attachment portion of a veneer tie in a relation so as to transmit forces between the inner wythe and the outer wythe.

Abstract: A fitting for a poured concrete pool wall comprising a tubular stem with one or more grooves extending therethrough for connecting the fitting to a wall tie used with a pool wall form assembly such that the fitting may be secured on the wall tie during pouring of the pool wall. The fitting spans the gap between inner and outer forms. The fitting may include a square face plate mounting flange with upper and lower edges that are oriented horizontally through the coupling of the wall tie in the fitting grooves. A square face plate may be registered with and then secured to the mounting flange such that the upper and lower edges of the face plate also extend horizontally. The fitting forms a conduit through the pool wall for connection to a water return system or to serve as a niche for securing a pool light therein.

Abstract: The liner for concrete forms is a plastic matrix for simulating the mortar grooves conventionally formed in masonry construction. The liner is placed within a concrete form, and the concrete is poured thereover. The form is removed after the concrete sets, thereby exposing the surface with the liner still remaining therein. The surface of the concrete panel may then be treated as desired to produce a surface finish resembling brick or other masonry construction, e.g., sandblasted or coated with stucco or other material, with the liner remaining in place to protect the simulated mortar grooves. Once the surface of the concrete panel has been treated as desired, the liner is removed to expose the natural concrete surface within the grooves, with this natural concrete surface closely resembling the mortar joints in a masonry wall.

Abstract: Devices for supporting horizontally oriented reinforcing bars in a form for concrete and devices for supporting vertically oriented reinforcing bars are disclosed herein. The devices for supporting horizontally oriented reinforcing bars (horizontal reinforcing bar) engage the side walls of a form, spans the space between the walls, and remains securely in position. The device includes guide members for guiding reinforcing bar sections into a desired position, and members that secure the reinforcing bar in position. The devices for supporting vertically oriented reinforcing bars (vertical reinforcing bar) are used with a generally L-shaped section of reinforcing bar and secured to two parallel sections of horizontal reinforcing bar. The devices can be constructed from any material having properties that make the material satisfactory for use with concrete and provide sufficient strength to support the form side walls against deformation under hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a wall or partition construction with essentially smooth surfaces. The method comprises the arrangement of opposite former sheets 8, 9 or equivalent surfaces at a distance from each other in order to form a former space with the aid of form ties 1, parts of which are caused to extend through holes 7 in the former sheets 8, 9 and provided with stop means 13, which are caused to come into contact with those surfaces of the former sheets 8, 9 that face the former space, and which form ties 1 are provided with retainers 4 on the surfaces of the former sheets 8, 9 that face away from the former space in order to maintain the former sheets 8, 9 or equivalent at a distance from each other, after which mortar or concrete in liquid form is added to the former space and caused to solidify. The invention also concerns a form tie 1 to be used when producing a wall or partition construction by the method described.

Abstract: A 3D construction module comprising at least one vertically upstanding panel with first and second mesh layers oriented generally transversely and longitudinally. The first and second mesh layers have at least one rod member mounted to said panel and are vertically spaced from each other. The rod members form a first horizontally projected retention cell to restrict translation of a bar held in said retention cell between said first and second mesh layers. A third mesh can also be provided to form a second retention cell between said second and third mesh layers. The first and second retention cells restrict translation movement longitudinally and transversely of a vertical reinforcement member held in said first and second retention cells, and restrict rotation of the vertical reinforcement member about both a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the said 3D construction module. Horizontal reinforcement meshes are features of the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming cast members. Steps are provided in the cast member by sliding mounting flanges of hollow plastic step inserts into slots provided in the inner mold shell. The cast material is then poured into the mold. Once the cast material has set, the cast member is withdrawn from the mold assembly. The step insert mounting flanges are broken away, leaving hollow step inserts into which manhole steps are force-fittingly mounted. The inserts are provided with integral cover tabs which cover larger slots provided to facilitate insertion of the step inserts, preventing leakage of the cast material into the mold assembly. Integral cover tabs are similarly provided on enforcement ring support members mounted in a similar fashion to insertion slots provided on one of the mold members to cover larger width slot portions to prevent seepage of cast material. Similar seals are provided by cylindrical-shaped inserts for use in wetcast and drycast fabrication methods.

Abstract: A reinforced composite system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising, panels having a foam plastic core between outside and inside reinforcement layers, reinforcement layers substantially strengthen the panels during material handling and construction, greatly reducing deflection of the panels between studs when placing concrete allowing walls to be filled in one lift. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relation. Opposing panels are placed end to end in rows and stacked vertically, rows of panels being staggered from each other so panel ends in adjacent rows do not line up vertically. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud having a flange for receiving mechanical fasteners and groove for receiving spreaders. A plurality of spreaders at each stud location extend between opposing panels and slidably engaging the studs in opposing panels.

Abstract: An insulating construction form consisting of a pair of spaced apart panels and a plurality of ties is applied to the building of structural walls. The tie members include pairs of resilient retainer arms, which define a series of adjacent receptacles. A reinforcing bar is typically inserted into the receptacles and its displacement therefrom is inhibited by abutment surfaces. Markings are positioned on each panel to guide the attachment of a cladding. In one aspect, the construction form serves for the formation of a corner, wherein a vertical rod is positioned for the attachment of the cladding. In another aspect, the panels includ a plurality of openings made at the time of manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving one end of a utility conduit sleeve within a concrete form. The apparatus has a tubular body with an interior surface intersecting first and second ends. The tubular body receives one end of the sleeve through one end and has a flexible flange at its opposite end. The flexible flange is secured against an inside surface of the form. A breakable, thin cover extends over the opposite end of the tubular body to prevent material from entering the tubular body.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for securing a layer of insulation in place between two spaced apart wall forms while concrete is poured on both sides of the insulation layer.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.

Abstract: A tie for interconnecting a pair of parallel form panels includes an elongated strap with an end plate pivotally connected at each end of the strap, permitting the end plate to be pivoted from a position generally orthogonal to the strap to a position generally parallel to the strap. Once an end plate is pivoted to a position parallel to the strap, the end plate is pushed through a polystyrene form panel to project therefrom. The end plate is then pivoted to a position orthogonal to the strap, and pulled into engagement with the outer face of the form panel. The second end plate is pivoted, pushed through a second form panel, and pivoted to the orthogonal position, in the same manner. Concrete is then poured between the panels and allowed to harden. After the concrete is cured, a form panel may be removed by striking the end plate with a rubber mallet in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the strap.

Abstract: A tie includes an elongated strap with an end plate pivotally connected at each end of the strap, permitting the end plate to be pivoted from a position generally orthogonal to the strap, to a position generally parallel to the strap. Once an end plate is pivoted to a position parallel to the strap, the end plate can be pushed through a polystyrene form panel to project therefrom. The end plate is then pivoted to the position orthogonal to the strap, and pulled into engagement with the outward face of the form panel. The second end plate on the tie is pivoted, pushed through a second form panel, pivoted to the orthogonal position, and thence the second form panel is pulled outwardly into contact with the second end plate. In this way, the tie will interconnect a pair of parallel form panels in spaced apart position, to receive poured concrete therebetween.

Abstract: Connectors used in manufacturing composite wall structures to substantially prevent forms from being displaced in response to pressure generated by concrete poured between the forms. In a completed composite wall structure, the connectors extend through two structural layers and an insulating layer positioned therebetween. The composite wall structures are formed by positioning the insulating layer between and in a spaced-apart relationship to the two forms. The connectors are subsequently inserted through the insulating layer and the forms. As concrete is then poured into spaces between the forms and the insulating layer, a bearing surface on a form retention segment, which extends beyond the outer surface of the forms, abuts the forms and prevents them from moving away from the insulating layer. The bearing surface is either directly positioned on the form retention segment or on a form locking device attached to the form retention segment.

Abstract: A system for insulating only the interior surface of a concrete wall to be poured between a pair of interior and exterior wall forms. The system includes horizontally extending elongated tie strips which connect to each of the wall forms to hold the wall forms spaced apart, a single layer of insulation positioned in contact with the interior wall form, and a plurality of connectors for securing the single layer of insulation to only the interior surface of the concrete wall. The connectors include an enlarged head portion which engages the insulation and a web portion of smaller cross section which extends through apertures in the insulation and into the space between the wall forms, the web portion including openings for the passage of concrete therethrough.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sectional steel-frame structure and a method of construction using the same in which vertical members, horizontal members and brackets may be assembled to form a lattice, thus keeping the frame structure and performing arrangement construction more rapidly and conveniently. By using the sectional steel-frame structure, it becomes possible to simultaneously perform the construction of insulation boards and interior/exterior materials as well as concrete pouring work so that the construction period and construction expenses such as labor cost, subsidiary materials cost and the like may be considerably reduced.

Abstract: A wire reinforced cast member is produced by providing inner and outer mold forms. At least one mounting projection of a wire reinforcement support member is supported in at least one opening in one of the inner and outer mold forms. A plurality of support members cooperate to support and substantially accurately position a wire reinforcement member, which member is mounted into support slots in the support member, which slots may snap-fittingly receive the wire reinforcement. The support members maintain the wire reinforcements in proper position during the introduction of the cast material. After the cast material has set, the cast member is removed from the mold. The support members have mounting portions which easily break away from the main body of the support members as the wire reinforced cast member is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A double tie includes a pair of upper and lower straps connected in parallel relationship by a pair of vertical plates attached to the outward ends of the straps. The plates are oriented orthogonally relative to the straps to form a general "T" shape. A pair of stop straps are mounted on the plates intermediate the upper and lower straps, and projecting towards one another. The stop straps have orthogonal heads spaced inwardly from the plates a distance to retain a form panel between the head and plate. Each upper and lower strap has a hinge formed at each end, the hinges at each end of the upper and lower straps being coaxial and parallel to the plates, such that the upper and lower straps may be pivoted from a position generally orthogonal to the plates, to a position generally parallel to the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling two cement board stay-in-place form panels for aking concrete-filled walls that is cost-effective and forms a uniform precise composite wall construction. The assembly includes a coextensive corrugated spacer panel between the form panels for maintaining a uniform distance there between. The forms and spacer panels are secured in place with a notched tie rod that penetrates the spacer and both wall panels, this assembly allows for rapid form installation. The spacer panel has two embodiments, viz. i) a preformed rigid corrugated panel and ii) a flattened unassembled panel with precut fold lines that are folded at the building site and then secured with a dowel-rod bracing component. The apparatus preferably uses fiber-glass-reinforced cement board for the stay-in-place forms. The final composite wall construction typically is made up of 4 feet wide by 8 feet high by 6.5-inch thick composite wall sections.

Abstract: A wall form system for use in constructing a poured concrete wall includes a plurality of panels aligned in an edge-to-edge configuration to form spaced wall forms. The wall forms are maintained in a spaced relationship by a tie which includes a pair of cutouts which mate with notches in the side edges of each of the panels at the juncture between adjacent panels. A retainer is provided to secure each end of the tie to the outer face of the adjacent panels. After the concrete wall is poured and hardened, the wall forms are easily disassembled by breaking a first frangible section from the tie and removing the wall form panels and then breaking a second frangible section from the tie which is projecting from the concrete wall. The ties and retainers are disposable and easily assembled with the wall forms thereby alleviating the need for collection and retrieval when the wall forms are disassembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water and oil repellency imparting composition which comprises:(a) a fluoroaliphatic radical-containing agent; and(b) a cyclic carboxylic anhydride-containing polysiloxane. Additionally, the composition may comprise:(c) an extender and/or a plasticizer. The composition provides water and oil repellent properties and a soft hand to fibrous and other substrates treated therewith.

Abstract: A masonry block spacer tool includes two opposing base plates each having four pins for nesting the corners of masonry blocks therein as the blocks are being assembled into a wall or panel, and a cross-member between the plates whose ends snap fit into the base plates and form one of the four pins.

Abstract: A pipe stabilizer is provided for maintaining pipes in a fixed relationship relative to a support structure during building construction or repair. The stabilizer is used, for example, to hold ascending pipes in place when pouring concrete slab foundations, and to stabilize piping under floors and ceilings and between adjacent wall studs. The stabilizer includes a preformed plate and at least one removable pop-out impression to accommodate pipes of varying diameter. When secured to wall, ceiling or floor structures, openings are provided in the preformed plate which permit attachment of the stabilizer to wall studs, ceiling joists and the like by tie-wires. The stabilizer may also be positioned within a form for a concrete slab on rebar studs. In an alternative form of the invention, the plate includes an extension which can be nailed to a form board and broken away from the remainder of the plate when the form board is removed.

Abstract: A reusable spacer tool comprises a pair of opposed spacer members each having a plurality of ears projecting from a base portion toward the opposite member, the ears being arranged for reception in the joints between adjacent blocks to space apart edges of the blocks when the spacer members overlie opposite faces of the block at the corners, and tie means extending between the spacer members and removably secured thereto releaseably hold the members against opposite faces of the blocks.

Abstract: A tool for scribing lines in soft concrete in which the line can be impressed by a standing operator. Guides are provided on the tool to assure a proper angle of the scribed line. A grooving tool can then follow the scribed line without added guide because the line will be located and all rough aggregate in the concrete will have been moved out of the path of the grooving tool.

Abstract: An concrete form system includes opposed polystryrene panels stacked to form a pair of parallel, spaced-apart walls, at least one of the walls having panels which are smooth on their inward surface. Tie slots are formed in the upper and lower edges of the panels and are spaced evenly such that slots in vertically abutting panels are aligned. The panels are horiziontally staggered to strengthen vertical joints. A single tie is utilized to interlock two vertically abutting panels in each wall. A special tie design is used with the smooth-faced panels to allow the panels to be removed after a concrete wall has been formed. Another embodiment of the tie design utilizes an enlarged outer paddle with a projecting rib which allows connection of vertical walers directly to the tie.

Abstract: A compound washer, for use with cylindrical concrete form tie rods having plural spaced flattened portions, that may be positioned by slidable motion along the tie rod and releasably maintained on a particular flattened portion against further lineal displacement. The washer provides a larger truncated conical body that threadedly engages and carries within its forward portion a fastening collar engaged on the flattened portion of a tie rod. The washer provides an elongate shape to create an indentation concrete to allow sub-surface breaking of a tie rod beneath a formed concrete surface.

Abstract: A concrete form self securing tie rod is provided with a cone shaped element having a dowel-like extension slidably mounted on an elongated rod having formed thereon an integrally formed wedge portion. The dowel-like portion of the cone-shaped element has teeth that lockingly engages the element into an aperture formed in the panel making up one side of the concrete form to prevent vertical movement of the tie rod. The wedge shaped portion of the elongated rod lockingly engages the cone element to prevent horizontal movement of the tie rod.

Abstract: Concrete form panels are connected by snap ties to rebars and thereby supported by the rebars. Adaptor plates enable the connection of the snap ties to the rebars.

Abstract: An improved concrete form and tie rod, the concrete form and tie rod being constructed to facilitate disassembly of concrete form assemblies. The tie rods and concrete forms and structured to permit the ends of the tie rods to be broken off following completion of the concrete casting process to thereby facilitate removal of the aligning pins which hold the concrete forms of a form assembly together.

Abstract: A tie bar for use in positioning forms into which a suitable material such as concrete may be poured comprises a metal bar having a central portion and two end portions. The end portions are intended to be broken away from the central portion at a stress concentrating notch after the concrete has set. A pair of moulded members are moulded directly to the central portion of the bar each of which moulded members comprises at least two flanges extending outwardly from the bar and spaced apart to accommodate a reinforcing rod. The tie is also fitted with two conical spacers which extend axially outwardly from the moulded members and which are conical having the largest diameter facing axially outward to support the form and prevent inward movement of the forms. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the conical spacers are separate from the moulded members. In a second preferred embodiment the conical spacers are integral with the moulded members.

Abstract: A form tie and a method of making the same is provided. The form tie includes an elongated hollow protective sleeve contiguously surrounding a portion of the form tie to facilitate the removal of the form tie portion from a settable casting, such as concrete. The thickness of the sleeve is minimized so that the cross-sectional area of the form tie portion which includes the surrounding sleeve is also minimized.

Abstract: A concrete mold fastening device for use in a concrete mold for holding mold members in a desired spaced relationship which comprises a spacer extending between and passing through said mold members, said spacer having an enlarged diameter stop flange and a pair of annular recesses on the opposite sides of said flange on each end portion thereof, inner holding means positioned on said each end outwardly of the outer one of said recesses, a fastening rod connected to the associated outer end of the spacer and external holding means positioned on the outer end of the associated fastening rod outside of said mold members.

Abstract: A top rail tie bracket for concrete forms for eliminating the usual additional wooden rail required across the top of the top rail of the form for bracing the wedging element of the top snap tie rod. A reusable T-shaped bracket is provided, one leg of which abuts the top rail and the other leg serves as a back-up support to overcome the tensioning action of the wedge on the top snap tie rod. This eliminates the necessity of the additional top rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shuttering system which has a series of connector or distance elements, the elements having formations which receive complemental formations in the shuttering panels, the portions outside of the formations being capable of being broken off or removed when the shuttering panels are removed, leaving the remainder of the element in the wall.

Abstract: A breakback form tie for constructing wallforms to contour concrete in which the form tie has at the end portions thereof engaging means for interfacing with brackets, an enlarged cross section positioned inwardly of the engaging means, plug means preferably in the configuration of truncated conical members positioned between the engaging means and the enlarged cross section with the enlarged, base portion of the conical members oriented outwad from the center of the tie, and a frangible section to facilitate breakback positioned inwardly of the enlarged cross section in order that the end portions of the tie may be severed at the frangible section and the severed section of the tie and plug means concurrently removed from a concrete wall formed around the tie.

Abstract: An elongated form tie bar extends transversely across a concrete receiving space between facing side forms and has opposite end portions thereof each positioned between respective abutting side edge portions of adjacent side forms. The end portions of the tie bar are each adapted to receive respective form holding members for retaining the abutting side edge portions of adjacent side forms in abutting engagement. The tie bar is of carbon steel and has hardened fracture planes positioned relative to the opposite end portions and an intermediate portion thereof whereby after setting of the concrete wall and removal of the forms the end portions are adapted to be separated from the intermediate portion upon being struck a blow as by a hammer and the ends of the remaining intermediate portion are recessed in the concrete wall.