AU2016277647B2

AU2016277647B2 - Cast-in plate support device

Info

Publication number: AU2016277647B2
Application number: AU2016277647A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lee Byrom; Arno Gurtler; Michael Smith
Original assignee: Plastic Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Plastic Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-21
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-21
Also published as: AU2016277647A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a cast-in plate support device comprising a body portion adapted to receive and support a cast-in plate thereon and a clipping mechanism provided on the body portion to firmly hold the cast-in plate in position. The cast-in plate support device comprises at least one removable tab member which allows the joining of adjacent cast-in plates and/or accommodates a larger sized cast-in plate. 3/5 12111 122 112~ 120 4 ...... 100 113 713 FIG H

Description

3/5 12111

122 112~

120

4...... 100

113

713

FIG H TITLE CAST-IN PLATE SUPPORT DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to cast-in plates and connections for

concrete. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to

a cast-in plate support device. However, it will be appreciated that the

present invention has broader application and is not limited to that

particular use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Cast-in plates are metal plates (generally 200mm x 200mm x

12mm thick) which allow for the connection of two concrete panels

together onsite when located near the edge of the concrete panel. These

plates including larger plates can also be adopted and the plates can have

various designs to suit different applications.

There are several types of cast-in plates which are commonly used

in the market and industry. One method/product involves welding four rods

(legs) to the bottom of a cast-in plate and then sleeving the ends with a

plastic cap to enable the plates to be positioned and installed at the

correct height. Another method/product involves clipping bar chairs onto at

least one U-bar that has already been welded to the bottom of the plate.

However, a major disadvantage with these bar chairs is that they move

easily and fail in most cases, as they are not designed for such an

application.

Several problems have arisen from these practices including the

bar chairs not always staying connected to the U-bars, the inconsistency

of the welds (between the U-bars and plate) which may vary by one mm or

more and resulting in the cast-in plates not being level in the concrete

precast panel. There is also the lengthy period of time that is takes to weld

the rods (Legs) onto the cast-in plates.

In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar

terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a cast-in

plate support device that comprises a list of elements does not include

those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a cast-in

plate support device, that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of

the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a consumer

with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cast-in

plate support device.

According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest

aspect, the present invention resides in a cast-in plate support device

comprising:

a body portion adapted to receive and support a cast-in plate thereon; and a clipping mechanism provided on the body portion to firmly hold the cast-in plate in position.

Preferably, the body portion has a frame portion adapted to receive

and hold a cast-in plate thereon.

Preferably, frame portion of the body portion extends along and is

positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the cast-in plate.

Preferably, the frame portion of the body portion sits slightly inward

from the edge of the cast-in plate without encroaching upon the plate area.

Preferably, the clipping mechanism comprises at least one clip

member.

Preferably, the at least one clip member extends upwardly from a

lower side edge of the frame portion and is adapted to abut against a side

of the cast-in plate.

Preferably, the at least one clip member is inwardly biased to apply

resistance/pressure against the side of the cast-in plate once it has been

clipped into place to firmly hold it in the correct position.

Preferably, the cast-in support device further comprises at least one

tab member.

Preferably, the at least one tab member extends outwardly and

upwardly from an upper side edge of the frame portion of the body portion.

Preferably, the at least one tab member is removable such that it is

capable of being easily removed to allow the joining of adjacent cast-in

plates and/or accommodate a larger sized cast-in plate.

Preferably, the support device comprises four legs positioned at

each corner of the body portion of the support device.

Preferably, the legs are integrally formed with, and extend

downwardly from, the frame portion of the body portion.

Preferably, the legs are designed such that, they do not encroach

the perimeter of the cast-in plate and to not interfere any U-bars or excess

welds provided on the cast-in plate.

Further features and forms of the present invention will become

apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into

practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present

invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like

reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided

by way of example only, wherein:

FIG 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a cast-in plate support

device attached to a cast-in plate according to an embodiment of the

invention;

FIG 2 shows a side perspective view of the cast-in plate support

device of FIG 1;

FIG 3 shows a top perspective view of the cast-in plate support

device of FIG 1;

FIG 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the cast-in plate support

device of FIG 1; and

FIG 5 shows a front side view of the cast-in plate support device of

FIG 1.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings

are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been

drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the

elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding

of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with

reference to a cast-in plate support device which is adapted to locate and

hold a cast-in plate in the correct position. For convenience sake, the

device will be described herein as a support device for cast-in plates

which allows for the onsite connection of two or more concrete panels.

However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present

invention can be modified to suit other cast-in plates and/or applications. It

will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required.

Referring to Figs 1 to 5, the cast-in plate support device 100 is

provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The

support device 100 is made of a strong and durable plastics material

which eliminates the need to provide and install purpose made covers on

the metal rods/legs of a cast-in plate 200. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material such as metal, steel, aluminium or the like or combination thereof could also be adopted. The cast-in support device

100 comprises a body portion 110 which is designed to allow easy

installation and is stackable to allow the support devices 100 to be stacked

on top of each other in the same direction in order to reduce packaging

requirements. It will be acknowledged that the dimensions and style of the

support device 100 and/or its components can be varied in different

embodiments to suit different cast-in plates and/or applications.

The body portion 110 of the cast-in plate support device 100

comprises a frame portion 111 which is adapted to receive and hold the

cast-in plate 200 thereon in the correct position. The frame portion 111

extends along and is positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the cast-in

plate 200. The frame portion 111 preferably sits slightly inward from the

edge of the cast-in plate 200 without encroaching upon the plate 200 area.

The frame portion 111 can be latticed as illustrated in FIGS 1, 3 and 4, or

be solid or have any other suitable design in further embodiments of the

invention. The cast-in plate 200 is firmly held in position via clipping

mechanism 120. The clipping mechanism 120 comprises at least one clip

member 121. The at least one clip member 121 extends upwardly from a

lower side edge 113 of the frame portion 111 and are adapted to abut

against a side 210 of the cast-in plate 200. The clip members 121 may be

slightly curved in an outward direction at an outer end to facilitate insertion

of, or connection to, the cast-in plate 200. The clip members 121 are

inwardly biased to apply resistance/pressure against the side of the cast-in plate 200 once it has been clipped into place to firmly hold it in the correct position. The clip members 121 will preferably allow for dimensional tolerances of the cast-in plate to be +/- two millimeters. It will be acknowledged that different embodiments may allow for increased or decrease tolerances as required for optimal performance. The cast-in plate support device 100 comprises at least one tab member 122. The at least one tab member 122 extends outwardly and upwardly from an upper side edge 112 of the frame portion 111 to abut against a side 210 of the cast-in plate 200. The tab members 122 are removable such that they are capable of being easily removed to allow the joining of adjacent cast-in plates 200 or accommodate a larger sized cast-in plate 200. As illustrated in FIGS 3 and 4, there is preferably a minimum of two clip members 121 positioned on opposing sides of the cast-in plate support device 100 and at least one tab member 122 provided on the other two sides of the support device 100. This design provides contact on the sides of the cast in plate 200, even when two or more cast-in plates 200 are abutted together to securely hold the cast-in plate 200 in place.

The cast-in plate support device 100 comprises at least one leg 130

to provide support for the device 100. Preferably, the support device 100

comprises four legs 130 positioned at each corner of the body portion 110

of the support device 100. The legs 130 are integrally formed with, and

extend downwardly from, the frame portion 111. The legs 130 are

designed such that they do not encroach upon the perimeter of the cast-in

plate 200 and do not interfere with any U-bars or excess welds provided on the cast-in plate 200. However, it is envisaged that the style of the legs can be varied in future embodiments provided the above requirements are met. The cast-in plate support device 100 will be available in different heights whilst maintaining minimum exposure/contact at the bottom of the legs 130. Hence, it will be acknowledged that the legs 130 can be provided in different lengths. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the legs 130 can be adjustable via telescopic or other suitable means. The design of the cast-in plate support device 100 is such that when the support device 100 is connected to the cast-in plate 200, the assembled unit lies horizontal to the concrete panel face and is sufficiently stable to withstand fabrication of the concrete panel.

Hence, the cast-in plate support device 100 provides a solution to

the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing to a support

device which is adapted to locate and hold a cast-in plate in the correct

position. The support device of the present invention is specifically

designed not to encroach the cast-in plate area and provides sufficient

height and minimal exposure on both panel faces. It is provided in variable

heights and is easily assembled and installed.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is and should not

be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior

art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the

invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific

collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A cast-in plate support device comprising:

a body portion adapted to receive and support a cast-in plate

thereon; and

a clipping mechanism provided on the body portion to firmly hold

the cast-in plate in position.

2. The cast-in plate support device of claim 1, wherein the body

portion has a frame portion adapted to receive and hold a cast-in plate

thereon.

3. The cast-in plate support device of claim 2, wherein the frame

portion of the body portion extends along and is positioned adjacent to the

perimeter of the cast-in plate.

4. The cast-in plate support device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the

frame portion of the body portion sits slightly inward from the edge of the

cast-in plate without encroaching upon the plate area.

5. The cast-in plate support device of any preceding claim, wherein

the clipping mechanism comprises at least one clip member.

6. The cast-in plate support device of claim 5, wherein the at least one

clip member extends upwardly from a lower side edge of the frame portion

and is adapted to abut against a side of the cast-in plate.

7. The cast-in plate support device of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the

at least one clip member is inwardly biased to apply resistance/pressure

against the side of the cast-in plate once it has been clipped into place to

firmly hold it in the correct position.

8. The cast-in plate support device of any preceding claim, wherein

the cast-in plate support device further comprises at least one tab

member.

9. The cast-in plate support device of claim 8, wherein the at least one

tab member extends outwardly and upwardly from an upper side edge of

the frame portion of the body portion.

10. The cast-in plate support device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the

at least one tab member is removable such that it is capable of being

easily removed to allow the joining of adjacent cast-in plates to

accommodate a larger sized cast-in plate.

11. The cast-in plate support device of any preceding claim, wherein

the support device further comprises four legs positioned at each corner of

the body portion of the support device.

12. The cast-in plate support device of claim 11, wherein the legs are

integrally formed with, and extend downwardly from, the frame portion of

the body portion.

13. The cast-in plate support device of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein

the legs are designed such that, they do not encroach upon the perimeter

of the cast-in plate and to not interfere with any U-bars or excess welds

provided on the cast-in plate.