Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – With adjunctive means for assembly or disassembly – Removable prop or brace combined with structure component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-16
2001-06-19
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
With adjunctive means for assembly or disassembly
Removable prop or brace combined with structure component
C052S146000, C052S149000, C052S152000, C182S082000, C182S230000, C248S235000, C248S240200, C248S250000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247273
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an adjustable bracing system and method, and in particular to an adjustable bracing system and method for supporting styrofoam concrete wall systems during pouring and setting of the walls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Systems for forming basement walls of concrete with styrofoam support systems are well known and have recently become a popular choice for forming walls. Other systems such as concrete block are labor intensive and do not provide desired insulation characteristics that are possible with a styrofoam form system. Such a system typically uses styrofoam forms which interlock to form a wall system. The forms receive poured concrete within the sides of the form. When the system is complete, the walls include Styrofoam forms on either side of the concrete, acting as insulation so that a strong, inexpensive and well insulated wall is created that requires relatively little labor.
One problem with such a system is that until the concrete is set, the styrofoam forms have relatively little support. Therefore, the concrete must generally be poured around the entire form a few feet at a time rather than pouring the entire height of the wall during one pouring period. As the concrete sets, it gains strength and stability so that additional concrete may be poured to build up the wall. Should the styrofoam forms fail, the results can be disastrous. In addition, once the walls are set, it is difficult, if not impossible in many circumstances, to later correct the plumb of the wall without causing structural damage. Therefore, it is important to support the styrofoam forms so that they do not fail and so that they are aligned in a proper vertically extending plane while being poured.
Current methods of support include extending props inward from an upward portion of the wall to support the form. The forms are generally dug into the ground or wedged on the concrete slab of the basement. However, the form may shift slightly so that adjustment may be necessary. Props may be difficult to move and adjust as the power and strength required to make an adjustment and move the prop is substantial. In addition, if the prop is moved while supporting the wall, adjustment may leave the wall momentarily unsupported, so that the chances of failure increase.
In addition to supporting the wall, the props prevent easy placement of scaffold and that allow workers to access upper portions of the wall as may be necessary for ensuring proper pouring of the cement to the upper portions or performing other construction work. As the supports must be placed at intervals generally 6 to 10 feet, it is difficult or impractical to erect scaffolding along the walls for workers.
It can be seen then that new improved support system is needed for poured concrete systems with interlocking Styrofoam forms. Such a system should provide for supporting the styrofoam blocks in a manner that prevents failure and provides for adjustment while maintaining constant support of the wall. Such a system should also provide adjustment that provides continuous support and a mechanical advantage during adjustment so that a worker can easily correct the position of the vertical support to ensure that the wall is plumb. Such a system should also provide for supporting planks for workers to access upper regions of the walls. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with wall support systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an adjustable wall brace system and a method for using the wall brace system.
Poured concrete walls are used with Styrofoam form systems which have interlocking sections and provide support during pouring and insulation when the concrete is set. The walls often require support to prevent collapsing and to align the wall while the concrete sets. In addition, other types of walls and work also commonly require an adjustable brace system.
The present invention includes a vertical wall engaging portion that forms a C-type channel facing away from the wall. The base connects at a lower end and may be wedged to the wall to ensure contact. The vertical channel member includes an angled leg member extending at a diagonal downward and engages the ground away from the wall to provide bracing. The leg member connects at an upper end to a pivot on a slider. The slider moves vertically along the channel formed in the wall engaging portion. The leg member is connected at the upper end to the pivot threading connector so that rotation of the leg member extends and retracts the threaded connector. The lower end of the leg member mounts on a swivel to a foot that is configured for staking to the ground or concrete slab. In this configuration, the leg member may be rotated to extend or retract the connector and thereby change the length of the angled support leg. By changing the length of the angled support leg, the position of the wall engaging portion may be adjusted so that the wall position may be maintained until it is plumb. The slider also supports a walkway or scaffolding assembly including a framework and a framework support. The framework extends outward and away from the slider to support planking, such as two by ten inch boards. Planking may be extended over the framework between two of the bracing devices for scaffolding workers to walk on. The framework may also include a removable guard extending above the planks that can support a safety railing or rope for added safety.
The bracing system provides adjustment as the slider may be moved between multiple positions engaging stops spaced along the channel formed in the wall engaging portion. In addition, the foot is pivotally mounted on a swivel of the lower end of the leg member to fit against the contour of the ground. With this configuration, the wall brace system may be adapted fit within the available space and provide support where it is needed.
These features of novelty and various other advantages which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 73346 (1868-01-01), Lambs et al.
patent: 132583 (1872-10-01), Jester
patent: D. 243853 (1977-03-01), Ejchorszt
patent: 977862 (1910-12-01), Grant
patent: 1347453 (1920-07-01), Garner
patent: 3213965 (1965-10-01), Fedoryk
patent: 3425510 (1969-02-01), Fedoryk
patent: 3574981 (1971-04-01), Henschen
patent: 3817006 (1974-06-01), Williams
patent: 4068427 (1978-01-01), Camardo
patent: 5388663 (1995-02-01), Phillippe et al.
patent: 6065254 (2000-05-01), Lanka
Dorsey Dennis L.
Friedman Carl D.
Merchant & Gould P,C,
Reechcraft, Inc.
LandOfFree
Adjustable form brace does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Adjustable form brace, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Adjustable form brace will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2497227