Having Means To Maintain Panels Spaced Apart Patents (Class 249/216)
  • Patent number: 11293192
    Abstract: An adjustable concrete reinforcement assembly includes a base member having a pair of open ends and an upper axial cavity defined along the length of the base member. A pair of frame members each include a horizontal extending portion and a vertical extending portion in which the horizontal extending portions are sized to engage the upper axial cavity of the base member. A hanger member is disposed at an upper end of the vertical extending portions of each frame member; wherein the frame members are axially movable within the base member to enable a horizontal dimension of the assembly to be selectively adjusted. At least one support is further provided to receive at least one concrete reinforcement member, such as rebar. In at least one version, adjustments can be to the horizontal dimension of the frame and optionally the vertical and horizontal positioning of the hanger members relative to a concrete form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Michael J. Vitale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10815682
    Abstract: According to one embodiment an anchor for a vertical formwork is provided that includes a fixed part suitable for being fixed to a formwork panel and fixing means for fixing the fixed part to the formwork panel. The fixing means includes a fixing key suitable for being housed in a hole of the formwork panel, the fixing key comprising an off-centered stop with respect to the axis of rotation of the fixing key, such that in a first angular position the off-centered stop of the fixing key can be introduced in the hole of the formwork panel and in a second angular position the off-centered stop is retained by the formwork panel, and therefore the anchor is fixed to the formwork panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: ULMA C Y E, S. COOP.
    Inventor: Manuel Colino Vega
  • Patent number: 10662660
    Abstract: According to one embodiment an anchor for a vertical formwork is provided that includes a fixed part suitable for being fixed to a formwork panel and fixing means for fixing the fixed part to the formwork panel. The fixing means includes a fixing key suitable for being housed in a hole of the formwork panel, the fixing key comprising an off-centered stop with respect to the axis of rotation of the fixing key, such that in a first angular position the off-centered stop of the fixing key can be introduced in the hole of the formwork panel and in a second angular position the off-centered stop is retained by the formwork panel, and therefore the anchor is fixed to the formwork panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: ULMA C Y E, S. COOP.
    Inventor: Manuel Colino Vega
  • Patent number: 10533331
    Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable building material over a footing. The tie system includes multiple wall ties configured to be directly interconnected to form a wall tie stack such that multiple wall tie stacks can be positioned over the footing in a spaced apart, vertically extending arrangement. Each wall tie includes first and second planar surfaces to be directly fastened to respective first and second panel structures. In one embodiment, the tie system includes tabs for supporting multiple insulation panels positioned between the vertically extending tie stacks and between the first and second panel structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Paladin Industrial LLC
    Inventor: Gregory M. McDonagh
  • Patent number: 10480202
    Abstract: According to one embodiment a vertical formwork is provided that includes at least a front formwork panel and a rear formwork panel facing one another, a threaded tie rod, a spacing tube, a front anchor, and a rear anchor. The front anchor includes a nut and a stop element passed through by the tie rod arranged between the spacing tube and the nut, the stop element acting as a stop of the spacing tube in the final assembly position. The stop element is a tube capable of swiveling in the housing together with the tie rod during assembly and does not directly abut with the front formwork panel when it reaches the final assembly position, such that the stop element cannot move beyond its final assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ULMA C Y E, S. COOP.
    Inventor: Manuel Colino Vega
  • Patent number: 10450751
    Abstract: A rebar positioning device with opposite ends for positioning adjacent to a form face of at least one form panel may include a support rod having opposite ends and an outer surface, with at least a portion of the outer surface being threaded. At least one bar clip may be movably mounted on the support rod. An orientation of the at least one bar clip on the support rod is adjustable, and a position of the at least one bar clip on the support rod is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Michael G. Rush
  • Patent number: 9033303
    Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes one or more base members and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Paladin Industrial, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory M. McDonagh
  • Patent number: 9033302
    Abstract: A form tie for use in constructing building components and structures, including but not limited to concrete walls, concrete sandwich walls, and concrete foundations is disclosed. The form tie includes a central body portion and two end portions. The two end portions each include a taper that decreases in width inwardly toward the center of the form tie. Also disclosed is a clamp device for releasably securing the form tie to a form assembly. The clamp device includes a tapered passageway that grips a taper of the end portions of the disclosed form tie. Also disclosed is a form assembly including a first form wall, second form wall, and at least one form tie and clamp device of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Composite Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert T. Long, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8919067
    Abstract: An insulated concrete form including of first and second spaced sidewalls forming a cavity therebetween, said sidewalls having an inside surface and interconnected by a plurality of form ties, and a form insert made of an insulative material positioned adjacent the inside surface of at least one sidewall which thereby increases the R-value of the resulting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airlite Plastics Co.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Crosby, Patrick D. Gredys, Glen Klassen
  • Patent number: 8859107
    Abstract: A device for use with formwork in concrete construction. The device comprising: a body having a bore for defining a first aperture; one or more sidewalls coupled to the body, the sidewalls extending upwardly outwardly with respect to the body; wherein, when the body is releasably coupled to the formwork, the bore is adapted to receive a formwork coupling element. The device can be incorporated into concrete structures within building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Domenico Scarinci
  • Patent number: 8756890
    Abstract: The invention comprises connector for a pair of opposed spaced concrete forming panels. The connector comprises an elongate spacer member having flanges formed thereon intermediate a central portion thereof and each opposite end thereof. A portion of at least one end of the spacer member is sized and shaped to selectively engage an elongate panel bracing member. A composite insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Romeo Ilarian Ciuperca
  • Patent number: 8646746
    Abstract: A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Step Ahead Tools LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Boese, Dwight Lamm, Darryl Byle, Todd Charlebois
  • Patent number: 8616520
    Abstract: A building element includes a first and second panel each having an outer surface and an inner surface. There is more than one spacer positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel to form a cavity for receiving a structural component. Each end of each spacer has a first part of a two-part connector. A connector strap extends longitudinally along each of the outer surfaces of the first and second panels. The connector straps carry more than one second part of the two-part connectors that connects to the first part of the two part connector such that the connector strap attaches to the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Green Built Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Baader
  • Patent number: 8567750
    Abstract: A device for connecting and maintaining a first panel and a second panel of a concrete formwork in a fixed, spaced relationship during a wall building process includes a first connector embeddable within the first panel and having a non mold-abrading surface. A bridge links the first connector with the second panel, and at least a portion of the bridge is made of a fire-resistant material. Due to the properties of the device, it does not unduly scratch molding equipment during formation of an insulated panel in which it is to be embedded, and resists passage of smoke or flames through the formed concrete wall in the event of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Victor Amend
  • Patent number: 8444108
    Abstract: A mine seal comprising two spaced apart walls, at least one electrically non-conductive tie extending between the walls and holding them in place against forces tending to separate the walls, and a filler material filling the space between the walls. A form for making such a mine seal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20130032690
    Abstract: A form tie for use in constructing building components and structures, including but not limited to concrete walls, concrete sandwich walls, and concrete foundations is disclosed. The form tie includes a central body portion and two end portions. The two end portions each include a taper that decreases in width inwardly toward the center of the form tie. Also disclosed is a clamp device for releasably securing the form tie to a form assembly. The clamp device includes a tapered passageway that grips a taper of the end portions of the disclosed form tie. Also disclosed is a form assembly including a first form wall, second form wall, and at least one form tie and clamp device of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Composite Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert T. LONG, SR.
  • Patent number: 8348222
    Abstract: A wall construction includes two mold boards spaced from each other for forming a chamber between the mold boards, a connection rod disposed between the mold boards, two connecting members attached to the connection rod and engaged through the mold boards and engaged with the mold boards for positioning the mold boards in place relative to each other, and two bracing members attached to the outer ends of the connecting members and engaged with the mold boards for further positioning the mold boards in place relative to each other, two frame members are engaged with the mold boards and secured to the mold boards with lock members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Li Mei Lin
  • Patent number: 8348225
    Abstract: A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Step Ahead Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Boese, Dwight Lamm, Darryl Byle, Todd Charlebois
  • Patent number: 8348224
    Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable pourable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes a base tie and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Paladin Industrial, LLC
    Inventor: Greg McDonagh
  • Patent number: 8231100
    Abstract: A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Step Ahead Tools LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Boese, Dwight Lamm, Darryl Byle, Todd Charlebois
  • Patent number: 8220772
    Abstract: A locking device (20,21) for an anchor rod (2) of an anchor system of a concrete wall form, has a screw nut element for screwing the anchor rod through a screw thread of the screw nut element. A dome plate can be fastened to a back of a form element (5,6) of the concrete wall form by means of fastening elements (30) and has a spherically shaped plate section with an opening in which the screw nut element is arranged so as to have radial play. The screw nut element has a groove-type radial seat which accommodates the edges of the opening in the spherical plate sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: PERI GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schwoerer
  • Patent number: 8079566
    Abstract: The concrete form tool apparatus allows a single worker to correctly position inner and outer stem wall forms. The apparatus saves time and labor by allowing a worker to quickly position forms. The apparatus properly positions inner and outer stem wall forms in a parallel relationship, a proper height relationship, and in a proper distance relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ralph G. Hurst
  • Patent number: 8061680
    Abstract: Disclosed are a height-adjustable inter-form concrete mold supporting system and method for in situ concrete construction. The system has a support member detachably disposed on a base plate. An inter-form truss is adjustably attached to the support member and holds formwork brackets to define concrete pour width. A plurality of like assemblages and attached formwork define concrete pour length and height of the monolithic concrete slab-on-grade foundations or flooring in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Brian C. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7959126
    Abstract: A moldboard positioning assembly is adapted for positioning at least two spaced-apart moldboards each having at least one through hole. The moldboard positioning assembly includes a spacer block and two threaded connecting poles. The spacer block is adapted for passing through the through hole of one of the moldboards and is adapted to be disposed between and to abut against the moldboards. The threaded connecting poles respectively project from two opposite ends of the spacer block, and each of the threaded connecting poles is adapted to penetrate through the through hole of a corresponding one of the moldboards. The spacer block has a cross section larger than that of the threaded connecting poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Jen-Hsin Lee
  • Patent number: 7934693
    Abstract: A panel unit used as part of a form for a concrete wall has a pair panels, held in spaced apart relation by a spacer. A spacer has rods with angled rod portions at the end which co-operate with other rod members to form retention cells which can receive reinforcement bar members. Another spacer is pre-fabricated in a generally planar grid with reinforcement members secured thereto. Connectors are used to connect the spacers to the panels. One type of connector is formed in two parts, with one part being removable, to permit removal of the panel, the other part having an anchoring mechanism. Another connector has a blade element enabling the connector flange to be recessed in the outer surface of the panel. A corner panel unit is also provided, as is a panel unit adapted for forming a wall with a ledge. In other panel units, form liners are provided which can permit a textured or contoured finished wall surface to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Leonid G. Bravinski
  • Patent number: 7850141
    Abstract: A retainer apparatus and method is disclosed for retaining a form mold in a selected position that includes a beam having a longitudinal axis and a retaining member slidably engaged to the beam allowing for free movement along the longitudinal axis when said retaining member is in a free state. The retaining member has a lengthwise axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the free state, with the retaining member also including a leg substantially parallel to the lengthwise axis, the leg extending from the slidable engagement and terminating in a form mold interface portion. The retaining member also including a head portion extending from the slidable engagement being substantially oppositely disposed from the leg. The retainer apparatus is place into the locked state by applying a force to the leg to substantially lock the slidable engagement and retaining the form mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: MOB Outillage SA
    Inventors: Arnaud Claude Bruno Moulin, William Floyd Reed
  • Patent number: 7832704
    Abstract: A concrete form apparatus adapted to brace a concrete board and a base board in a foundation. The concrete form apparatus includes a plurality of leg members, a linking member and a concrete board support. At least one of the leg members is adapted to be positioned against the base board, while at least one of the leg members is adapted to be positioned against the concrete board. The concrete board support is attached to a top portion of one of the leg members and is adapted to secure the concrete board parallel to the base board. The concrete form apparatus may also include a removal mechanism to aid in the removal of the device, and it may also include at aperture through which a fastening device may be directed to secure the device to the base board. The present invention is modular and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael G. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7775499
    Abstract: An improved moldable material forming system, including but not limited to concrete foundation footing and wall forming system, comprising at least one pair of prefabricated support units or structures designed to hold in place forms, and rebar or other materials intended to be placed within the structure, during the monolithic pouring of the moldable material for the structure, including method of using such support units to allow monolithic pouring of the moldable material for the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Robert W. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 7770866
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the correct alignment of forms structures for the pouring of concrete walls, the device has guide elements and assists the operator in the correct positioning thereof and fastening thereof on the layouts that it is customary to mark out on the foundation template for the raising of walls; it is a body of a single piece, produced form a plastic resine. The configuration of the device of the invention allows an operator manually or using a pneumatic gun to fasten a plurality of devices, in order to align the center “walls” so that they are parallel to one other, such that the planned thickness of the wall, corresponding to the width of the device, can be guaranteed in the section included between the guide devices. On account of its design and the material which it is produced, the device functions suitably with the form, the concrete and the reinforcing steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Juan Antonio Ferro De La Cruz
  • Publication number: 20090260306
    Abstract: A building construction system for setting up and casting a stem wall foundation. The system comprises a plurality of forms, a plurality of code clips configured to fix the forms; and a plurality of code spacers having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body and having a top receiving channel and a bottom receiving channel snapping the form in a vertical position. One of the code spacers is snapped onto a reinforcement bar and another of the spacers is distanced adjacently such that the elongated neck structure of code spacers facing opposite to each other, and the reinforcement bar is accommodated on the clasps of both the code spacers laterally and perpendicularly and two reinforcement bars accommodated at a junction of the body and the elongated neck structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Desmond A. Ebanks
  • Publication number: 20090242729
    Abstract: A primary pin apparatus having an adjustable one-step connection and disconnection mechanism, a supplemental pin apparatus for supplementing the primary pin apparatus and engaging ties, and an improved tie having a non-circular engagement hole. The primary and supplemental pin apparatuses each include an engagement pin including one or more locking fingers which selectively protrude angularly outward from a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin, wherein the locking fingers are selectively extendable and retractable in order to, respectively, connect and disconnect adjacent forming panels of a formwork. The tie includes a body which is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has an end presenting an engagement hole for receiving a pin, wherein the engagement hole having a greater dimension along the longitudinal axis and a lesser dimension along an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Philip T. Ward
  • Publication number: 20090179135
    Abstract: A device for connecting and maintaining a first panel and a second panel of a concrete formwork in a fixed, spaced relationship during a wall building process includes a first connector embeddable within the first panel and having a non mold-abrading surface. A bridge links the first connector with the second panel, and at least a portion of the bridge is made of a fire-resistant material. Due to the properties of the device, it does not unduly scratch molding equipment during formation of an insulated panel in which it is to be embedded, and resists passage of smoke or flames through the formed concrete wall in the event of a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Amend
  • Patent number: 7275731
    Abstract: A telescopically adjustable support brace is used to hold concrete form work at the proper linear distance during pouring operations. The brace comprises a pair of crossbars and telescoping adjustable arms that are locked by a pin inserted through aligned apertures. At the distal ends of each arm, a serrated cleat for digging into the form wall and prevent slippage. The cleats are connected to the arms by a threaded rod, permitting fine adjustments via mateable threads. The crossbars are connected by a pivot bolt or hinge. When the bolt or hinge is locked in place, the invention forms a horizontally rigid assembly, holding the concrete form walls or other objects apart. The hinge or bolt is released by drawing of a wire coupled through a retention member on a lock. When released, the brace pivots about the crossbars, permitting easy extraction of the brace from the forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Edwin K. Shinault
  • Patent number: 7243897
    Abstract: Moisture resistant foundation footing form sections constructed from corrugated plastic are disclosed. Supports for holding sections of reinforcing bar, and connecting the side walls of the form sections are included. Also disclosed are tabs and notches in the side walls for use with stakes to connect adjacent form sections. Form sections are disclosed for constructing a corner in a foundation footing form. Step-down forms are disclosed for constructing a foundation footing form on a construction site having surfaces of different elevations. The form sections can be secured in position with stakes, and leveling devices for leveling the form once it is secured in position are disclosed. The form sections disclosed herein can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore they do not have to be removed from finished foundation footings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: Donald G. Huber, Terry Hartman
  • Patent number: 7177953
    Abstract: A data storage device that may be connected directly to a power integrated network includes a network interface configured to communicate with the power integrated network and a memory configured to store data. The data storage device also includes a control module to control the transmission of data from the memory to the power integrated network and the storage of data received from the power integrated network in the memory. A power module in the data storage device receives power from the power integrated network. The power module converts the power received from the power integrated network to a voltage level that may be used to power the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Stephen S. Jackson, Ottis K. Black, III
  • Patent number: 7152843
    Abstract: A forming panel is provided which includes at least one and preferably a number of elongated channels each having inwardly projecting ribs which permit threadable attachment of hardward components such as bolts, externally threaded rings, collars and the like directly to the channel along an infinite number of locations. The channels may be parallel to one another, perpendicular to one another, or both. The forming panel may be used with other forming panels and are configured to receive therethrough anchoring members such as anchor bolts and tie rods which pass into the gap between opposed forming walls where concrete is poured. The forming panels may be used as cap forms whereby after the concrete is cured, forming panels below the cap form may be replaced and reattached above the cap form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Western Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip T. Ward, Roman Brewka
  • Patent number: 7131624
    Abstract: A landscape edging form assembly for forming a concrete edging in place, includes first and second sidewalls and a series of flexible connectors extending between and interconnecting the sidewalls. The flexible connectors are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the length of the landscape edging form and enable the landscape edging form to be extended from a non-erected width where the flexible connectors are in a slack condition to an erected width where the flexible connectors are in a taut condition. Preferably, the sidewalls and the interconnecting flexible connectors of the landscape edging form assembly are a prefabricated component of the assembly. Another form assembly includes bendable sidewalls, spacers, and positioning brackets and is used to form a sinuous concrete landscape edging in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Blake B. Bogrett
  • Patent number: 7108101
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Poly-Tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly, Craig B. Williams
  • Patent number: 7000358
    Abstract: A system support assembly comprises a pair of substantially parallel footer forms, insulated concrete forms, footer form base saddles, a poly form saddle assembly and first and second vertical stabilizers. The footer form base saddle may be generally u-shaped and is driven into the ground forming two substantially parallel areas. Each footer form is placed within the row formed by the footer form base saddles such that a cavity is defined therebetween which will ultimately form the footer of the foundation. The poly form saddle assembly comprises a poly form saddle and fasteners. The poly form saddle may also be generally u-shaped and is placed over both footer forms, thus straddling the same. The poly form saddle may then be secured with corresponding fasteners. The insulated concrete forms are placed side by side and are stacked upward, such that a wall is formed. A first poly form vertical stabilizer is placed over the wall and operatively connected to the footer form base saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: George Clapp
  • Patent number: 6990774
    Abstract: A system support assembly comprises a pair of substantially parallel footer forms, insulated concrete forms, footer form base saddles, a poly form saddle assembly and first and second vertical stabilizers. The footer form base saddle may be generally u-shaped and is driven into the ground forming two substantially parallel areas. Each footer form is placed within the row formed by the footer form base saddles such that a cavity is defined therebetween which will ultimately form the footer of the foundation. The poly form saddle assemble comprises a poly form saddle and fasteners. The poly form saddle may also be generally u-shaped and is placed over both footer forms, thus straddling the same. The poly form saddle may then be secured with corresponding fasteners. The insulated concrete forms are placed side by side and are stacked upward, such that a wall is formed. A first poly form vertical stabilizer is placed over the wall and operatively connected to the footer form base saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: George W. Clapp
  • Patent number: 6935081
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel D. Dunn, David C. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6935607
    Abstract: A forming panel is provided which includes at least one and preferably a number of elongated channels each having inwardly projecting ribs which permit threadable attachment of hardward components such as bolts, externally threaded rings, collars and the like directly to the channel along an infinite number of locations. The channels may be parallel to one another, perpendicular to one another, or both. The forming panel may be used with other forming panels and are configured to receive therethrough anchoring members such as anchor bolts and tie rods which pass into the gap between opposed forming walls where concrete is poured. The forming panels may be used as cap forms whereby after the concrete is cured, forming panels below the cap form may be replaced and reattached above the cap form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Western Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip T. Ward, Roman Brewka
  • Patent number: 6931806
    Abstract: A system and method for forming concrete structures, using foam panels as forms, supported by vertical tracks with horizontal bridge pieces inserted through the forms. The bridge pieces are in the form of triangular webs with coaxial rings for supporting vertical rebars centrally between opposing forms. The coaxial rings on opposing bridge pieces key together to securely hold the vertical rebars. At the corners of the structure, corner retaining extrusions are used having fins for retaning the foam panels, and having various included angles such as 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150° or 165°. Specific types of corner tie pieces for square, obtuse or acute corners are used to connect together the corner retaining extrusions at the inner and outer corners of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6880304
    Abstract: A novel structural thermal framing and panel system for assembling finished or unfinished walls with multiple combinations for poured and nonpoured walls comprising of a permanent structural framing stud which can be adjusted to different wall thickness, a plurality of permanent forms, wherein the pluralities of permanent forms are interchangeable with various other permanent panel forms with or without defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein the framing stud substantially conforms to a portion of the pluralities of panel forms and resists bending in the panel forms. The framing stud is the main structural element in the wall. A structural framing system in combination with insulated panel forms with various defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein panels may not be prefinished to form a rigid substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: JenTec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Budge
  • Patent number: 6837473
    Abstract: A tie-rod assembly which is adapted to be interconnected between two opposite wall forming sections that define a concrete receiving region where a concrete wall is formed. The tie-rod assembly comprises an elongate threaded tie-rod on which is positioned a sleeve section. The sleeve section has an elongate tapered sleeve with a frusto conical tapering outer surface, with a smaller diameter and fitting closely to the tie-rod and a larger diameter end. A threaded locating member is connected to the large diameter end, and by rotating the positioning member, the position of the sleeve section can be adjusted along the length of the tie-rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Bert Petkau
  • Patent number: 6817857
    Abstract: A main frames having bottom and top frame parts for concrete molding machines of the kind which are used in making slabs or blocks for covering surfaces and erecting walls are usually made by welding together cut standard steel sections of the types HEM, RHS, UNP, etc. The requirements to materials and welds at the making of bottom frames of this kind are high due to the fact that welded structures subjected to vibration only has 10-15% of the basic material strength in the welding zones. Thus, the main frame has a bottom frame part (40) formed of two flame cut bottom plates (42, 44) arranged in parallel as an upper plate (42) and a lower plate (44) and forming the basic shape of the bottom, the bottom plates (42, 44) being interconnected by at least two longitudinal plates (46, 48) and a number of transverse plates (50, 52, 54). In this way, substantial savings are achieved as the main frame can be made with fewer or no welds in the critical areas, or with welds of a lower class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: KVM Industrimaskiner A/S
    Inventors: Erik Spangenberg, Jesper B. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6739102
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a concrete foundation wall. A trench is opened in the ground and a form is inserted into the trench. The form is made up of a pair of spaced-apart opposing panels, which define a cavity. The panels may be made of a thermal insulating material, which may be extruded foam insulation or, more particularly, extruded polystyrene. The panels may be supported through a combination of J-channels, spreader brackets, connecting members, and a support member. The method further includes backfilling the trench around the form with dirt and pouring concrete into the cavity. The dirt provides support for the form as the concrete is poured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Roy, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6705583
    Abstract: An apparatus for building stem wall forms which can be easily deployed by a form laborer to set up stem wall forms at a building site. The apparatus is collapsible for easy deployment and removal from a stem wall form. The preferred embodiment is comprised of a collapsible rectangular center structure coupled to a board holder and a board support arranged in diagonal relation to each other. The board holder allows the apparatus to hang from a first form board and the board support allows a second form board to rest thereon. In use, the apparatus functions by holding opposing form boards of a stem wall form in a parallel relation to each other, so that the form boards can be staked and nailed into place. Once the form boards are staked in place, to create a stem wall form, the apparatus can be collapsed, and removed from the form to be reused again at another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Daniels, Randy Turner
  • Patent number: 6698710
    Abstract: An improved system and methods for forming foundations, walls, buildings and other structures having one or more walls made of concrete or other pourable, hardenable materials. The system uses substantially rigid forming panels and is “open” in that forming panels from a variety of sources can be utilized in the system with limited (if any) changes or alterations to the components used in the system. Such panels particularly include insulating foam panels, and also include other substantially rigid panels of other materials which may provide additional insulating properties. The system and methods provide wall tie rail and corner assemblies that are adaptable for use in a variety of construction applications using forming procedures and techniques readily adaptable from conventional forming system construction and assembly procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Portland Cement Association
    Inventor: Pieter A. VanderWerf
  • Publication number: 20040011943
    Abstract: A through-insulation connector assembly for use in the construction of insulated concrete sandwich wall. The connector assembly includes a spool-shaped connector body comprised of two, interconnecting pieces and a tie that engages the connector body. The two pieces of the connector body are installed at the place of manufacture in a sheet of foam insulation board that will be used as the insulation layer in the construction of an insulated concrete sandwich wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert T. Long Sr