AU2014200855B2 - Concrete Slab Edge Member - Google Patents

Abstract

An edge member for a concrete slab comprising: a barrier member for location against an edge of the concrete slab; at least one laterally-extending member extending from the barrier member and adapted to be at least partially embedded within the concrete slab; and a locating member removably associated with the barrier member, the locating member adapted to align the edge member with formwork during pouring of the concrete slab, wherein the locating member is adapted for removal from the barrier member once formation of the concrete slab is complete. 3b Figure 1 Figure 2

Description

ι 2014200855 19 Feb 2014

CONCRETE SLAB EDGE MEMBER TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an edge member for a concrete slab. In particular the present invention relates to an edge member for moulding into a concrete slab.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Termites are a common pest in many parts of Australia. They damage buildings and other structures by constructing tunnels through the soil from nests, which are located either underground or at the base of trees, to food sources including building timbers and plasterboard.

[0003] Termites dislike exposure to sunlight. Thus, to protect themselves from direct sunlight termites build mud tunnels when travelling across exposed surfaces. Accordingly, termite infestations may be prevented by providing a barrier between the ground and building structures that are susceptible to termite damage. In addition, regular inspections of potential termite entry points are favourable.

[0004] Various termite barriers or systems are used to prevent termites travelling across designated surfaces to food sources and to aid in the detection of termite infestations themselves. Such barriers or systems include chemical treatments, termite proof mesh, sheet capping, and concrete slabs.

[0005] In one common approach, concrete slabs are used to prevent termites from penetrating a building from below. As concrete is not a food source for termites, the termites must construct mud tunnels across the exposed edges of the concrete slab to penetrate the building. Therefore, regular inspections of such exposed areas will detect the presence of termites by identifying the presence of mud tunnels.

[0006] However, one disadvantage relating to the use of concrete slabs is the formation of cracks in the slab and/or openings in joints or the slab over time. Such cracks or defects may be caused by lack of maintenance or landscaping, or, for instance, if the slab edge is damaged, such as through an impact from a lawn mower, vehicle or the like.

[0007] In this situation, termites are able to penetrate the concrete slab through the defects and enter the building undetected as these points of entry are often difficult to identify as they are located close to (or below) ground level or are otherwise obscured. 2 2014200855 03 Mar 2017 [0008] Another disadvantage relates to rendering or painting of an exposed concrete slab. Both rendering and/or painting allow for potential termite entry behind the rendering or paint film. This also makes entry points difficult to identify.

[0009] Accordingly, it would be advantageous if it were possible to provide a durable barrier that prevents termites from penetrating a building’s perimeter but is also visually pleasing.

[0010] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is directed to an edge member for a concrete slab, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0012] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an edge member for a concrete slab comprising: a barrier member for location against an edge of the concrete slab; at least one laterally-extending member extending from the barrier member and adapted to be at least partially embedded within the concrete slab; and, a locating member integrally formed with the barrier member, the locating member extending outwardly away from the slab and removably associated with the barrier member, the locating member adapted to align the edge member with formwork during pouring of the concrete slab, wherein the locating member is adapted for removal from the barrier member once formation of the concrete slab is complete.

[0013] The barrier member may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. For instance, the barrier member may be adapted to cover a portion of the edge of the concrete slab, or may cover the entire edge of the concrete slab. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier member is adapted to cover substantially the entire length of the edge of the concrete 2014200855 03 Mar 2017 2a slab. In some embodiments, a single barrier member may be used to cover the entire length of the edge of the concrete slab. Alternatively two or more barrier members may be used to cover the length of the edge of the concrete slab. It is envisaged that, when two or more barrier members are used, the barrier members will be located next to one another along the length of the concrete slab in end-on-end abutment so that no gaps exist between adjacent barrier members. If necessary, a sealant may be used on the join between adjacent barrier members to ensure that the 3 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 join between barrier members does not become an entry point for termites into the structure through the concrete slab.

[0014] Preferably, the barrier member extends upwardly from the base of the concrete slab. In this way, no entry point for termites into the structure through the concrete slab is created between the base of the slab and the lower edge of the barrier member. The barrier member may extend to any suitable height on the concrete slab, and the exact height to which the barrier member extends may be determined by legislative requirements, aesthetic considerations, or the like, or a combination of such factors.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the barrier member is substantially planar and is adapted to abut the edge of the concrete slab. It is envisaged that, in some embodiments, the barrier member may be provided with a shape other than a planar shape, particularly on the external surface thereof. For instance, the outer surface of the barrier member may be shaped so as to provide an aesthetically-pleasing result. Alternatively, indicia or decorative patterns may be provided on the outer surface of the barrier member.

[0016] Preferably, the barrier member will be provided in substantially the same orientation as the edge of the concrete slab. Thus, if the edge of the concrete slab is vertical, then the barrier member will be located substantially vertically against the edge of the concrete slab. Similarly, if the edge of the concrete slab is angled, then the barrier member will be located in substantial abutment with the edge of the slab at the angle of the edge of the slab.

[0017] In some embodiments of the invention, the upper end of the barrier member may be disposed at an angle to the remainder of the barrier member. Preferably, the upper end of the barrier member may be angled inwardly towards the concrete slab. In this way, the upper end of the barrier member may either be embedded in the concrete slab, or may be used to define an upper edge of the concrete slab. The upper end of the barrier member may either be disposed at an angle of less than 180° to the remainder of the barrier member, or may be provided as a curved or radiused bend to the remainder of the barrier member.

[0018] In embodiments in which the upper end of the barrier member is used to define the upper edge of the concrete slab, it is envisaged that the upper end of the barrier member will substantially cover the edge of the concrete slab along the entire length of the concrete slab. In this way, the upper edge of the concrete slab may be protected from damage. In addition, the upper end of the barrier member provides an aesthetically-pleasing edge to the concrete slab.

[0019] The at least one laterally-extending member may be of any suitable form. 4 2014200855 19 Feb 2014

Preferably, the at least one laterally-extending member extends inwardly from an inner surface of the barrier member so that the at least one laterally-extending member is embedded within the concrete slab. The at least one laterally-extending member may extend from any suitable point on, and at any suitable angle to, the inner surface of the barrier member. The length of the at least one laterally-extending member (and therefore, the length to which the at least one laterally-extending member extends into the concrete slab) is not critical.

[0020] The at least one laterally-extending member may be adapted to extend along at least a portion of the length of the barrier member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the at least one laterally-extending member may be adapted to extend along the entire length of the barrier member. Thus, it is envisaged that the at least one laterally-extending member will extend into the concrete slab along the entire length of the concrete slab.

[0021] In some embodiments of the invention, the edge member may be provided with a plurality of laterally-extending members. Any suitable number of laterally-extending members may be provided, and the laterally-extending members may be of the same or a different length as one another, and may be provided at the same or a different angle to the barrier member as one another.

[0022] The plurality of laterally-extending members may extend from any suitable location on the inner surface of the barrier member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, a first laterally-extending member may extend inwardly from an upper region of the barrier member, while a second laterally-extending member may extend inwardly from a central region of the barrier member. In some embodiments of the invention, the first laterally-extending member may comprise the upper end of the barrier member.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of laterally-extending members may be provided with one or more apertures therethrough. The one or more apertures may be of any suitable size or shape, and any suitable number of apertures may be provided. The purpose of the one or more apertures is to allow concrete to pass through the apertures and set, thereby ensuring that the edge member is more firmly embedded within the concrete slab, and that the chances of the edge member becoming detached from the concrete slab are significantly reduced.

[0024] In some embodiments of the invention, a base member may be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the base member may extend inwardly (i.e. towards the concrete slab) from a lower region of the barrier member.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the base member extends inwardly from at or 5 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 adjacent the lower edge of the barrier member. Preferably, the base member is provided at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the barrier member, so that the barrier member and the base member together cover the lower corner of the concrete slab.

[0026] The length of the base member (and therefore, the length to which the base member extends along the lower surface of the concrete slab) is not critical.

[0027] The base member may be adapted to extend along at least a portion of the length of the barrier member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the base member may be adapted to extend along the entire length of the barrier member. Thus, it is envisaged that the base member will extend along the lower surface of the concrete slab along the entire length of the concrete slab.

[0028] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the plurality of laterally-extending members and/or the base member may be provided with contact enhancing means. Any suitable contact enhancing means may be provided. For instance, in some embodiments of the invention an upper and/or lower surface of the at least one of the plurality of laterally-extending members and/or the base member may be provided with one or more projections. Any suitable projections may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more teeth, ridges or the like. The projections may be of any suitable size, shape, orientation and so on. The projections may be of uniform size and shape or may be of different sizes and shapes.

[0029] The contact enhancing means may be provided as a plurality of discrete elements. Alternatively, the contact enhancing means may be provided as ribs or ridges extending along at least a portion of the length of the laterally-extending members and/or base member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact enhancing means extend along substantially the entire length of the laterally-extending members and/or base member.

[0030] The purpose of the contact enhancing means is to provide an increase in the surface area of the laterally-extending members and/or base member to enhance the contact (and therefore the grip) between the concrete and the edge member. In this way, the likelihood of the edge member becoming detached from the concrete is reduced or eliminated.

[0031] The locating member may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the locating member extends from the barrier member, and, in particular, at least a portion of the locating member extends outwardly from an upper region of the barrier member. The locating member may extend along at least a portion of the length of the barrier member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the locating member extends along substantially the 6 entire length of the barrier member. 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 [0032] As previously stated, the purpose of the locating member is to align the edge member with formwork during the pouring of the concrete slab. In this way, it was be assured that, for instance, the lower end of the barrier member is positioned at the lower edge of the concrete slab, and that the base member (if present) together with the barrier member defines the lower edge of the concrete slab. The correct alignment of the edge member ensures that the edge member provides the desired termite resistance to the concrete slab.

[0033] The locating member may be of any suitable shape, size or configuration. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locating member includes a first locating portion adapted to abut an upper edge of the formwork. The first locating portion may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first locating portion may include a flange member extending outwardly away from the concrete slab and adapted to at least partially overlie an upper edge of the formwork. By using a flange member to overlie an upper edge of the formwork, it may be ensured that the edge member remains in the desired position during pouring of the concrete slab. In some embodiments of the invention, the first locating portion may be connected directly to the barrier member.

[0034] In some embodiments, the locating member may further include a second locating portion. The second locating portion preferably depends from the first locating portion. In this embodiment, the second locating portion may be adapted to abut (or be maintained in close proximity to) an inner surface of the formwork in an upper region of the formwork. While not necessarily the case in all embodiments, it is envisaged that the second locating portion may be connected to the barrier member.

[0035] The locating member is removably associated with the barrier member. Thus, once pouring of the concrete is complete (or once the concrete has set sufficiently that the formwork may be removed) it is envisaged that the locating member will be removed from the barrier member. The removal of the locating member may be achieved using any suitable technique. For instance, the locating member may be cut away from the barrier member using a saw, blade or the like. Alternatively, the locating member may be attached to the barrier member using fastening means, including mechanical fastening means (screws, nails, bolts etc.) or chemical fastening means (glues or other adhesives).

[0036] Most preferably, however, the edge member is formed as a single unit, meaning that the locating member is formed integrally with the barrier member. In this embodiment, it is 7 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 preferred that the locating member may be removed from the barrier member by breaking the locating member off from the barrier member. For instance, the locating member may be “snapped” off the barrier member. This may be achieved using any suitable technique, such as providing a reduced thickness of material at the junction between the locating member and the barrier member, making the locating member easier to snap off. Alternatively, the junction between the locating member and the barrier member may be provided with perforations or similar defects so as to ensure that the locating member snaps off the barrier member at the desired location.

[0037] The edge member may be fabricated from any suitable material. For instance, the edge member may be fabricated from metal, plastic, fibreglass or the like, or a combination thereof. Preferably, however, the edge member is fabricated from plastic and, in particular, PVC. The edge member may be formed using any suitable process, such as casting, moulding or the like. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the edge member is formed by an extrusion process.

[0038] In embodiments of the invention in which the edge member is formed from PVC, it is envisaged that the edge member may be of any suitable colour as desired by the user. Thus, the PVC may be dyed so as to match the colour scheme or decor of the structure in which it is to be used.

[0039] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in an edge member for a concrete slab comprising: a wall adapted to abut an edge of the concrete slab; a first laterally-extending member extending laterally from the wall and outwardly away from the slab; and, at least one projecting member located so as to become embedded in the concrete slab, and wherein the first laterally-extending member is adapted for removal from the edge member once formation of the concrete slab is complete.

[0040] It is envisaged that there may be occasions when an edge of a concrete slab may require repair. For instance, the concrete slab may have been poorly cast due to the improper positioning of formwork, or damage may have occurred through impact, weathering, chemical attack or the like. It is envisaged that repair to an edge of a concrete slab may be required in situations in which an edge member is present as well as situations in which no edge member is present. 8 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 [0041] In embodiments of the invention in which no edge member is present, it may be desired, once repairs to the concrete slab are complete, to attach an edge member to the repaired concrete slab. It will be understood that, once a concrete slab has been cast and has set, it is no longer possible to attach an edge member having laterally-extending members adapted to extend into the concrete slab so as to be cast into the concrete slab.

[0042] Thus, in another aspect, the invention resides broadly in an edge member for a concrete slab comprising: a wall adapted to abut an edge of the concrete slab; a laterally-extending member extending laterally from the wall and outwardly away from the slab; and wherein the laterally-extending member is adapted for removal from the edge member once the edge member is attached to the concrete slab.

[0043] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method for attaching an edge member to a concrete slab, the method comprising the step of attaching an edge member comprising a wall adapted to abut an edge of the concrete slab to the edge of the concrete slab.

[0044] In some embodiments of the invention, the edge member may further comprise a laterally-extending member extending laterally from the wall and outwardly away from the slab; and wherein the laterally-extending member is adapted for removal from the edge member once the edge member is attached to the concrete slab.

[0045] The edge member may be attached to the concrete slab using any suitable technique. Preferably, however, the edge member is attached to the concrete slab using an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive may be used, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive comprises a termite-resistant adhesive.

[0046] In some embodiments of the invention, the concrete slab requiring repair may already have an edge member attached thereto. Repairs may be required if, due to the improper location of formwork, the edge member is misaligned or damaged. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the edge member attached to the concrete slab during casting of the slab will need to be removed, the repairs conducted, and then a new edge member attached to the repaired concrete slab.

[0047] Thus, in yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method for attaching a replacement edge member to a concrete slab, the method comprising the steps of:

Separating an existing edge member from the concrete slab, and

Attaching the replacement edge member to the concrete slab, wherein the replacement 9 edge member comprises a wall adapted to abut an edge of the concrete slab. 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 [0048] The existing edge member may be separated from the concrete slab using any suitable technique. For instance, if the existing edge member is attached to the concrete slab using adhesives, the adhesives may be removed (using a solvent or the like), thereby allowing the existing edge member to be removed. In embodiments in which the existing edge member is cast into the concrete slab, the edge member may be cut away (using a saw or the like) from the surface of the concrete slab. It is envisaged that, in this embodiment of the invention, the cast-in portions of the existing edge member will remain in place, and the wall of the existing edge member will be cut away from the cast-in portions.

[0049] In some embodiments of the invention, the replacement edge member may further comprise a laterally-extending member extending laterally from the wall and outwardly away from the slab; and wherein the laterally-extending member is adapted for removal from the replacement edge member once the replacement edge member is attached to the concrete slab.

[0050] The replacement edge member may be attached to the concrete slab using any suitable technique. Preferably, however, the replacement edge member is attached to the concrete slab using an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive may be used, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive comprises a termite-resistant adhesive.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described in terms of providing termite resistance to a structure, it will also be understood that the edge member of the present invention could be used for purely decorative purposes to provide a visually appealing edge to a concrete slab.

[0052] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0053] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0055] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a portion of a concrete slab edge member 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 [0056] Figure 2 illustrates an end view of a concrete slab edge member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate steps in the method of attaching a concrete edge member to an incorrectly laid concrete slab according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0059] In Figure 1 there is shown an isometric view of an edge member 1 for a concrete slab according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the concrete slab edge member 1 is shown comprising a vertical barrier member 2, a locating member 3, a first laterally-extending member 4, a second laterally-extending member 5 that curves away from the barrier member 2 at approximately a 45 degree angle, and a base member 6.

[0060] The first and second laterally-extending members 4, 5 extend away from the barrier member 2 in the opposite direction to that in which the locating member 3 extends so that the first and second laterally-extending members 4, 5 are embedded within the set concrete slab (not shown). Thus, the surface of the barrier member 2 from which the first and second laterally-extending members 4, 5 extend will be in contact with the concrete when the concrete slab is poured, while the surface of the barrier member from which the locating member 3 extends will form the outer surface of the concrete slab.

[0061] The bend 9 that forms an upper part of the barrier member 2 may either form an upper edge of the concrete slab (not shown) or may be embedded within the concrete slab if the concrete slab is poured to a height above the bend 9.

[0062] In addition, the base member 6 extends inwardly from the barrier member 2. However, it is envisaged that only the upper surface of the base member 6 will be in contact with the concrete slab, while the lower surface of the base member 6 and the outer surface of the barrier member 2 together define the lower edge of the concrete slab (not shown). 11 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 [0063] The locating member 3 of Figure 1 includes a first locating portion in the form of a flange 3 a adapted to be placed in abutment with an upper edge of formwork (not shown) and a second locating portion 3b adapted to abut an inner surface of formwork (not shown) during pouring of the concrete slab. In this way, the locating member ensures that the edge member 1 is held in the desired position so that the edge member 1 is correctly cast into the concrete slab (not shown). In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the locating member 3 is adapted to be broken or snapped off the edge member 1 at the point at which the second locating portion 3b meets the barrier member 2.

[0064] The first laterally-extending member 4 and the second laterally-extending member 5 further comprise a series of apertures 8. The apertures 8 are triangular in shape and provided in a single row, although a skilled addressee will understand that any suitable shape and configuration could be used for the apertures 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the apertures 8 provided on the second laterally-extending member 5 substantially align with the apertures 8 of the first laterally-extending member 4. The apertures 8 allow concrete to pass through, thereby more firmly embedding the edge member 1 within the concrete slab.

[0065] The upper surface of the base member 6 further comprises a series of elongated ridges or ribs 7 for providing additional contact and grip between the edge member 1 and the concrete slab (not shown).

[0066] When the concrete slab is set (or when the formwork is removed) the locating member 3 may be removed by breaking or snapping the locating member 3 off the barrier member 2, thereby leaving the barrier member 2, first laterally-extending member 4, second laterally-extending member 5, and base member 6 permanently embedded within the concrete slab.

[0067] In Figure 2 there is shown an end view of an edge member 1 for a concrete slab accordingly to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The edge member comprises a vertical barrier member 2, a locating member 3, a first laterally-extending member 4, a second laterally-extending member 5, and a base member 6.

[0068] In this Figure it may be seen that the top of the vertical barrier member 2 curves inwardly towards the concrete slab (not shown) to form a bend 9. This bend 9 may either form an upper edge of the concrete slab (not shown) or may be embedded within the concrete slab if the concrete slab is poured to a height above the bend 9.

[0069] The edge member of Figure 2 is similar to that of Figure 1 in many ways. However, 12 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 in the edge member of Figure 2, the first and second laterally-extending members 4, 5, as well as the base member 6 comprise elongate ridges or ribs on both upper and lower surfaces thereof. The ridges or ribs 7 may be used in conjunction with apertures (obscured) in the first and second laterally-extending members 4, 5 or may be used in place of such apertures.

[0070] The locating member 3 of Figure 2 comprises a flange that connects directly to the barrier member 2, the locating member 3 being adapted to abut an upper edge of formwork (not shown) while the concrete slab is being poured so as to locate the edge member 1 in the desired position during pouring of the slab.

[0071] Once the concrete slab is set (or when the formwork is removed) the locating member 3 may be removed by breaking or snapping the locating member 3 off the barrier member 2, thereby leaving the barrier member 2, first laterally-extending member 4, second laterally-extending member 5, and base member 6 permanently embedded within the concrete slab.

[0072] In Figures 3 A to 3B there is shown a method for attaching an edge member to an incorrectly laid concrete slab 10, wherein the concrete slab 10 has set (or when the formwork is removed).

[0073] In Figure 3A, there is shown aconcrete slab 10 after the formwork is removed. In this Figure, it may be seen that the concrete slab 10 has been incorrectly laid, as it comprises a projecting portion 14 that extends beyond the outer face of the vertical wall 11 (represented by two courses of bricks laid on top of the concrete slab 10), and an embedded edge member 1 after the locating member 3 has been removed. The embedded edge member 1 comprises a first laterally-extending member (not shown), a second laterally-extending member (not shown), and a base member (not shown) that protrude into the concrete slab 10.

[0074] To remove the projecting portion 14 the concrete slab 1 is cut along cut line 12 using any suitable cutting means leaving an exposed face (not shown). The removal of the projecting portion 14 also removes edge member 1, meaning that the exposed face of the concrete slab 1 is no longer provided with an edge member.

[0075] When the projecting portion 14 is cut the first laterally-extending member (not shown), second laterally-extending member (not shown) and base member (not shown) are also each severed each into two parts, the first parts being embedded in the projecting portion 14 and removed along with the projecting portion 14, and the second parts remaining embedded in the concrete slab 10. 2014200855 19 Feb 2014 13 [0076] As depicted in Figure 3B, once the projecting portion 14 of the concrete slab 1 is removed, a replacement concrete slab edge member Γ may be retro fitted to the exposed face (not shown) using termite resistant adhesive 13.

[0077] The replacement concrete slab edge member Γ may be provided with projections (such as one or more laterally-extending members or a base member). In this situation, the projections must be removed from the replacement edge member Γ (by being cut or otherwise broken off) prior to the replacement edge member Γ being attached to the concrete slab 10. Alternatively, the replacement edge member Γ may be fabricated without projection to enable it to be attached directly to the exposed face of a set concrete slab.

[0078] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0079] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0080] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (16)

1. An edge member for a concrete slab comprising: a barrier member for location against an edge of the concrete slab; at least one laterally-extending member extending from the barrier member and adapted to be at least partially embedded within the concrete slab; and a locating member integrally formed with the barrier member, the locating member extending outwardly away from the slab and removably associated with the barrier member, the locating member adapted to align the edge member with formwork during pouring of the concrete slab, wherein the locating member is adapted for removal from the barrier member once formation of the concrete slab is complete.

2. An edge member according to claim 1 wherein the barrier member is adapted to cover substantially the entire length of the edge of the concrete slab.

3. An edge member according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the barrier member extends upwardly from the base of the concrete slab.

4. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier member is substantially planar and is adapted to abut the edge of the concrete slab.

5. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an upper end of the barrier member is disposed at an angle to the remainder of the barrier member.

6. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the laterally-extending member extends along at least a portion of the length of the barrier member.

7. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one laterally-extending member comprises one or more apertures therethrough.

8. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one laterally-extending member is provided with contact enhancing means.

9. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier member further comprises a base member extending inwardly from at or adjacent a lower edge of the barrier member.

10. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the locating member extends outwardly from an upper region of the barrier member.

11. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locating member comprises a first locating portion adapted to abut an upper edge of the formwork.

12. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locating member is removed from the barrier member by snapping off the locating member.

13. An edge member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the edge member is fabricated from PVC.

14. An edge member for a concrete slab comprising: a wall adapted to abut an edge of the concrete slab; a first laterally-extending member extending laterally from the wall and outwardly away from the slab; and, at least one projecting member located so as to become embedded in the concrete slab, and wherein the first laterally-extending member is integrally formed with the edge member and adapted for removal therefrom once formation of the concrete slab is complete.

15. A method for attaching the edge member of any one of claims 1 to 13 to a concrete slab, the method comprising the step of attaching the edge member to an edge of the concrete slab such that the barrier member is located against the edge of the concrete slab.

16. A method for attaching a replacement edge member to a concrete slab, the method comprising the steps of: Separating an existing edge member from the concrete slab, and Attaching the replacement edge member to the concrete slab, the replacement edge member comprising an edge member according to any one of claims 1 to 14.