AU2015230702B2

AU2015230702B2 - Support for pre-cast concrete slabs

Info

Publication number: AU2015230702B2
Application number: AU2015230702A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Hilbert
Original assignee: Nexus Construction Systems Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Nexus Construction Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-03
Filing date: 2015-09-21
Publication date: 2020-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-21
Also published as: AU2015230702A1

Abstract

A means for supporting a pre-cast concrete panel relative to a concrete slab or similar footing including (i) a ferrule (1), (ii) a substantially bell-shaped member (10) attachable to that ferrule (1), and (iii) a fixing means (20). .1/im I2n d-x 7 5/9 FIG.5

Description

5/9

FIG.5

SUPPORT FOR PRE-CAST CONCRETE SLABS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general terms, to improved methods and apparatus for use in providing at least temporary support for pre-cast concrete slabs, wall panels and the like during the erection of a building or the like structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] During the procedure of construction of a building or the like structure, using for example pre-cast concrete wall panels, there exists the need for such pre-cast panels to be braced in their "erected" condition, whether that be normal to or at any desired angle to a concrete slab or the like surface, until such time as a plurality of such pre-cast panels are able to be interconnected, in any known manner, to provide the requisite/desired structural integrity. Such, in one preferred arrangement, has employed temporary bracing means.

[0003] A problem associated with the prior art practices has arisen due to the simple fact that existing equipment - ferrules and the like - do not lend themselves to safe usage with what are referred to in the trade as "green" and/or, in the alternative, low strength concrete slabs. This has given rise to delays in construction, until such time as the or each concrete slab has "cured" to such an extent as to have acquired satisfactory strength for purposes of lifting and then anchoring one or more pre-cast panels in the desired position/orientation relative thereto.

[0004] Locating, or attempting to locate, pre-cast concrete panels on "green" and/or low strength concrete slabs can also be, in terms of overall safety, a dangerous and risky procedure. The potential for unwanted collapse of thus disposed panels, and the consequences thereof, should be self-evident and are in fact well known and understood by workers in the construction industry.

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[0005] The present invention seeks to address the problems associated with the prior art methods, practices, techniques and equipment by providing an improved method and means for supporting a pre-cast concrete panel or the like on and/or relative to a concrete slab or the like surface.

[0006] In accordance with the present invention there is provided an improved means for supporting a pre-cast concrete panel in place relative to a concrete slab or similar footing, said means including: a ferrule; a substantially bell-shaped member which is adapted, in use, to be releasably affixable to a lower end of said ferrule; and means for affixing said substantially bell-shaped member to said lower end of said ferrule.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail a preferred construction of a support means for a pre-cast concrete panel in accordance with the invention. The description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] FIG.1 is an exploded view of an improved support means in accordance with the present invention;

[0009] FIG.2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.1;

[0010] FIG.3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0011] FIG.4 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.2;

[0012] FIG.5 is a perspective view, from above, of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 when seated in a ferrule chair;

[0013] FIG.6 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG.5;

[0014] FIG.7 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS.5 and 6;

[0015] FIG.8 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.7, disposed within a "green" concrete slab; and

[0016] FIG.9 is a view, similar to FIG.8, but without a ferrule chair.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] With reference firstly to FIG.1, a support means in accordance with the present invention includes, as principal components, a ferrule 1, a substantially bell-shaped extension member 20 and a fixing means 30.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment shown the ferrule 1 is in the form of an elongate member having a threaded bore 2 extending into both the top and bottom thereof and at least partially along the overall length dimension thereof. At the bottom end of said ferrule 1 there is provided an enlarged base or flange 3. Preferably that base or flange 3 will have at least one flat or the like 4 formed therein.

[0019] Preferably the ferrule 1, with associated base or flange 3, will be of an integral construction, made from a metallic material. It should be understood, however, that the actual material of construction, and the method of construction, do not constitute part of the present invention. Indeed any suitable material and method of construction may be used. The ferrule 1 further includes at least one cross-hole or aperture, generally designated 5, such preferably being offset relative to the longitudinal axis of said ferrule 1 whereby to allow the overall ferrule 1 to sit in or fit in a ferrule chair 30 of any known type, as for example that shown in FIGS.2 to 8 of the drawings. Such a cross-hole 5 allows the ferrule 1, as shown for example in the drawings, to be tied-in to a reinforcement bar 40 or the like to minimize, if not prevent, movement.

[0020] The bell-shaped extension member 10 will preferably be substantially circular in cross-section as shown in the drawings and, like the ferrule 1, will preferably be formed of a metallic material. As shown the member 10 includes a centrally disposed aperture 11 extending therethrough. The member 10 includes a top, substantially flat surface 12 and an enlarged base section 13 separated or joined by at least one web-section 14, to give the overall member 10 a substantial bell-shape. The member 10 is releasably

2.1 /00/1 5im.."en nntr-rv 'aido- I affixable to the bottom of the ferrule 1, in other words that end of the ferrule 1 which, in use, is to be embedded in a "green" or low strength concrete slab, by any suitable means, as for example a threaded bolt 20 as shown. In the preferred embodiment shown the member 10 may have one or more apertures 15 in the top surface 12 thereof. Such apertures 15 are intended, in use, to allow for escape of air therethrough during pouring of concrete. If such air is not allowed to escape, then a consequence thereof could be the formation of a void (or voids), thereby weakening the concrete at the location of that void.

[0021] Turning then to FIGS.8 and 9 of the drawings, there are shown therein sectional views of the arrangement in accordance with the present invention when disposed within a concrete slab 50 or the like, with the interposition of a ferrule chair 30 (FIG.8) and without such a chair (FIG.9).

[0022] The arrangement in accordance with the present invention has been determined to exhibit a number of practical advantages over those currently in use.

[0023] Firstly the enlarged, substantially bell-shaped member 10 allows the embedded depth for the ferrule to be as large as possible. Further, it gives rise to an enhanced, extended "pull-out" cone in the horizontal direction. Thirdly, and by reason of the fact that it is compatible with a "standard" ferrule chair, of the type commonly employed in the industry, the support means is extremely simple, and is in fact capable of being delivered to any building site in a pre-assembled condition, this in contrast to some of the currently in use arrangements which require assembly on-site.

[0024] Finally, it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

2.1I9/ 1 5i222 nnnfe-rvsid ox a

Editorial Note

2015230702 claims pages not numbered, notionally renumber claims pages 5 - 7 so they are consecutive with the numbering of the description pages 1-4

Claims

1. An improved means for supporting a pre-cast concrete panel in

place relative to a concrete slab or similar footing, said meansincluding:

a ferrule;

a substantially bell-shaped member which is adapted,in use, to be

releasably affixable to a lower end of said ferrule; and

means for affixing said substantially bell-shaped member to said lower

end of said ferrule,

wherein, the improved means is configured to fit within a ferrule chair

such that the ferrule chair provides support for the improved means before the

concrete slab or similar footing is set,

wherein, in use, an upper end of said ferrule is configured to attach to

said pre-cast concrete panel, and the bell-shaped member is embedded in said

concrete slab or similar footing when set to provide pull-out resistance.

2. The support means as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ferrule, said

substantially bell-shaped member and said fixing means are all constructed

from a metallic material.

3. The support means as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said ferrule is in the form of an elongate member.

4. The support means as claimed in claim 3, wherein said ferrule

includes a threaded bore at both ends thereof, each said bore extending at

least partially along the overall length of said ferrule.

5. The support means as claimed in claim 3, wherein said ferrule

has a centrally disposed bore or aperture extending therethrough and

along the entire length dimension thereof.

6. The support means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said ferrule includes an enlarged flange or extension at one end

thereof.

7. The support means as claimed in claim 6, wherein said

enlarged flange or extension includes at least one flat therein.

8. The support means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said affixing means is a threaded member which is adapted, in use,

to be releasably located within a complementary-shaped threaded aperture

provided in a lower or bottom free end of said ferrule.

9. The support means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said substantially bell-shaped member is substantially circular in

cross-section and includes a first,upper surface and a second lower surface

spaced therefrom, interconnected by at least one web portion.

10. The support means as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first, upper

surface has at least one aperture formed therein and extending therethrough,

said at least one aperture allowing for escape ofair.