BR112015008649B1 - APPARATUS FOR THE FORMATION OF AN EDGE OF A CONCRETE FLOOR PLATE PANEL, CONCRETE FLOOR PLATE PANEL, CONCRETE FLOOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEM - Google Patents

Abstract

device. apparatus for forming an edge of a concrete floor slab panel placed on a subbase, the apparatus comprising: a dividing plate for delimiting a side of the slab panel, the dividing plate having a first and a second face; and an elongated extension, capable of being secured along the first face of the divider plate, for sliding extension to an extended position, wherein the extension fills a gap between the divider plate and the subbase in use; wherein the apparatus does not contain any component which, in use, attaches directly to the second face of the divider plate and which may extend beyond a lower edge of the divider plate into the space between the divider plate and the subbase.

Description

field of invention

[1] The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming an edge of a concrete floorboard panel, a concrete floorboard panel comprising the apparatus, a concrete floor comprising the apparatus, a method for fabrication of a concrete floorboard panel and a method for fabrication of a concrete floor.

Background of the invention

[2] Concrete floor slabs are generally expressed as adjacent slab panels, and each slab panel is cast within a formwork; this formwork defines a space in which the concrete is molded. The formwork can be constructed from wood, steel, aluminum, plastic or similar. The formwork is removable, meaning it is removed after the concrete has cured. Alternatively, formwork can be left in place, which forms part of the resulting concrete structure, for example, providing at least a portion of an edge of a resulting concrete slab panel.

[3] Formwork generally comprises one or more elongated split vertical slabs, which the concrete is cast against. Divider plates ensure that the concrete is contained within the desired space. When a number of floor board panels are molded side by side to form a concrete slab or floor, the divider boards generally lie between adjacent board panels, and pegs and/or peg boards connected to the divider boards, are used to bond the concrete panels together in order to transfer loads through the joint.

[4] When casting a concrete floorboard panel comprising the formwork left in place, the formwork must be positioned in such a way that the upper edges of the formwork coincide with the level of the finished floor (FFL), i.e. the level of the top surface of the finished concrete floor slab.

[5] The plate and formwork rest on a sub-base. If the sub-base level (SBL) varies, the formwork will rest on the highest point of the sub-base. Because of this, it is common practice in molding concrete floors to allow around 15 to 25 mm for clearance. Concrete floorboard thicknesses are typically in the range of 150 to 200 mm. Formwork can be fabricated to desired thickness specifications, which is typically done in 5mm increments. If it is desired to cast a concrete floorboard with a thickness of, for example, 180 mm, formwork with a depth of 155 to 165 mm is normally used. In order to achieve the desired finished floor level (FFL), a divider plate can be suspended at the desired FFL using suspension means. Such suspension means can, for example, be a jack, or pins can be placed on both sides of the divider plate and nails, which are commonly present in an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete floorboard, can be soldered to these pins, thus suspending the divider plate on the desired FFL. In addition, wedges, adjustable feet and the like can be used to position the formwork in the desired shape against the sub-base and hold it in place while the concrete is being cast. However, in these known systems, when concrete is cast in a formwork comprising a partition plate in an elevated position, there will be a gap between the sub-base and the partition plate, and some of the concrete will flow through the gap. This can negatively affect the structural strength of the joint between neighboring concrete floorboard panels, and may require rework to remove excess spillage.

[6] After molding, the concrete slabs shrink from normal drying. This shrinkage can be exacerbated when the temperature of the concrete is reduced, for example, in the case of floor boards for stores with refrigerators. Shrinking concrete floor slabs is a slow process: it can take up to two years for a concrete slab to stop shrinking. Shrinkage of concrete slab panels generally results in gapping joints between the slab panels, due to each concrete slab panel shrinking away from the joint, in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint. The type of joint that is adapted to accommodate such a shrinkage, or contraction, of a concrete slab panel on one or both sides of the joint is known as a "shrink joint." This is as opposed to an "expansion joint", which is adapted to accommodate the expansion of a concrete slab panel on one or each side of the joint where the slab panels are molded with a pre-defined gap between them, to allow thermal expansion of the board panel after the shrinkage of the board panel due to curing taking place.

[7] EP 1389648 describes an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete floorboard panel, the apparatus comprises a divider plate with a plurality of gaps, pegs for engaging through the gaps and sleeves for application to the pegs, in that the divider plate or dowel or top strip is provided with means to adjust its height above the sub-base. These height adjustment means take the form of a support leg, together with means for securing the leg to the divider plate or peg or end strip at a selected height. The leg is positioned to the side of the divider plate or peg or top strip, and is connected to the divider plate or peg or top strip, or through a separate locking means, which is passed through a vertical groove formed in the leg. or divider plate or top strip, or through a dowel plate. The effect of this configuration is to allow vertical movement of the joint mount parallel to the leg, which therefore adjusts the height of the joint mount in relation to the sub-base. However, when the divider plate on this apparatus is moved up relative to the leg, a gap is created between the sub-base and the divider plate. Therefore, when concrete is cast in a formwork comprising the apparatus in its elevated position, some of the concrete will flow through the gap, which can negatively affect the structural strength of the joint between neighboring concrete slab panels, and may require processing back to remove excess spillage. Also, the bottom of the divider plate is not attached to the sub-base at any point. The divider plate is only restrained in horizontal movement perpendicular to the concrete thrust against the divider plate where the height adjustment leg is equipped.

[8] FR 2964131 describes a formwork height adjustment device comprising a support base, a divider plate, a back plate, and spaced pairs of supports. The height of the divider plate above the support base can be adjusted by sliding it up or down in relation to the support plate and the spaced pairs of supports. This system relies on tightening the bolts and nuts through the spaced pairs of brackets to secure the divider plate at the correct height to achieve the required FFL. This severely limits the level of accuracy with which the desired FFL can be achieved, as discussed in more detail below. In addition to this, when concrete finishing equipment (such as heavy energy inside conductor trowels) traverses through the top of the joint while the concrete is still uncured, it is likely that the joint may move vertically downward. , resulting in an FFL that is out of specification for the floor. Furthermore, the device in FR 2964131 contains a large number of separate components, which increases the complexity and cost of this joint.

[9] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete floorboard panel, modalities that can improve the ease with which the formwork can be assembled, and consequently with which formwork floorboards. concrete can be produced, and that can improve the performance characteristics of the resulting concrete floorboards and maintain the correct and essential FFL.

Declarations of Invention

[10] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming an edge of a concrete floorboard panel placed on a sub-floor, the apparatus comprising: a divider plate for delimiting a side of the board panel, the divider board having a first and a second face; and an elongated extension, securable along the first face of the divider plate, for sliding extension to an extended position, in which the extension fills a gap between the divider plate and the sub-base in use; wherein the apparatus does not contain any component which, in use, attaches directly to the second face of the divider plate and which may extend beyond a lower edge of the divider plate in the space between the divider plate and the sub-base.

[11] The term "elongated", as used in the context of extension, means that the extension has an elongated shape, the longitudinal axis of which is, in use, positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the divider plate, and therefore of the device.

[12] The term “securable along the first face of the divider plate” means that the elongation extension can be attached to the divider plate at two or more locations along the length of the first face of the divider plate.

[13] In use, the extension can be moved up and down relative to the divider plate, which allows the height of the fixture above the sub-floor level to be adjusted. Therefore, the apparatus allows for a variety of different formwork heights to be achieved, which can be continuously variable, using a single partition plate size, rather than requiring a large number of different partition plate sizes; the different formwork heights are achieved simply by adjusting the position of the elongated extension relative to the dividing plate. The apparatus of the invention can therefore allow for greater flexibility than known types of formwork, and can allow distributors to stock a much smaller number of variants of the dividing plate. The production methodology can be changed from “make to order” to “make to stock”, which allows faster turnaround time for customers.

[14] As mentioned above, it is known to suspend a divider plate at the desired finished floor level (FFL) using suspension means such as, for example, a jack. However, in these known systems, a gap is created between the sub-base and the partition plate and therefore concrete can flow through the gap, which can negatively affect the structural strength of the joint between the concrete slab panels neighbors. In the present invention, during concrete pouring, the extension normally rests on the sub-base. The apparatus of the present invention therefore achieves a variety of different formwork heights, which can be continuously variable, while avoiding a gap between the sub-base and the dividing plate that the concrete can flow through.

[15] In addition, the apparatus of the present invention can achieve a desired finished floor level (FFL) for a high level of accuracy; the variation observed is in the order of millimeters. Commonly known systems rely on the tightening force of bolts and nuts to support the weight of the divider plate and hold it in position; in FR 2964131, for example, the divider plate is fastened between spaced pairs of brackets that are held together with screws and nuts. In practice, in these types of arrangements the divider plate is prone to slide down during the finishing process, when concrete finishing equipment, such as heavy power inside conductor trowels, traverse the entire top of the joint, while the concrete is not yet cured. Hence the resulting FFL is often less than intended, or varies along the length of the divider plate. The apparatus of the present invention, on the other hand, can achieve a desired finished floor level (FFL) at a much higher level of accuracy, that is, to an accuracy of fractions of a millimeter.

[16] In addition to this, the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention may be easier to operate than existing apparatus in this field. After the divider plate has been configured by supporting it (eg suspension) on the desired FFL using support means (which may include suspension means such as, for example, a jack), the position of the extension relative to the divider plate can, for example, be adjusted by simply touching the extension down to the sub-floor level, or if the extension is attached to the divider plate via a loose fit, it can automatically drop down to the sub-floor level.

[17] Therefore, the apparatus can improve the ease with which concrete floorboard panels can be produced, can improve the performance characteristics of the resulting concrete floorboards, and can eliminate the need to remove spillage from concrete, which can save time and reduce on-site waste management costs.

[18] Extension is an essential element of the present invention. Furthermore, the extension is obviously suitable for putting the invention into practice.

[19] In one embodiment, the elongated extension comprises at least one elongated sidewall, and an elongated foot.

[20] In one embodiment, the elongated extension has a substantially L-shaped cross section.

[21] In one embodiment, the elongated extension further comprises an elongated return edge on the elongated foot, resulting in an elongated extension with a substantially J-shaped cross section.

[22] In one embodiment, the elongated extension has a substantially C-shaped cross section.

[23] In one embodiment, the position of the extension relative to the divider plate can be continuously adjusted. This allows the height of the formwork relative to the sub-base to be adjusted to any desired height within the range in which the extension is adjustable relative to the divider plate.

[24] In one embodiment, the position of the extension relative to the divider plate can be adjusted in a step-by-step fashion. The steps can, for example, be arranged so as to be defined at known intervals which can help in aligning different formwork sections without the need to take measurements.

[25] In one embodiment at least one of the divider plate and the extension comprises members adapted to engage with the other. These members can, for example, ensure that the extension remains joined to the divider plate, ensure that the extension is held in position relative to the divider plate, and/or prevent the divider plate and the extension from sliding relative to one another. In one embodiment, the divider plate comprises members adapted to engage with the extension. In one embodiment, the extension comprises members adapted to engage with the divider plate.

[26] In one embodiment, the extension is movable between a retracted position and the extended position, and wherein, in the retracted position, the extension cooperates with the divider plate to provide frictional resistance to the sliding extension. This retracted shape can make the device more convenient to store, transport and handle.

[27] In one embodiment, the extension is movable between the retracted position and the extended position along a path of motion, and wherein the divider plate and the extension are arranged to cooperate so that the frictional resistance varies along of the motion path. In one embodiment, the movement path comprises a first section of increased resistance in which extending extension movement under gravity is prevented, and a second section of reduced resistance in which extending extension movement can occur under gravity. This means that while having the convenience of a retracted form, the apparatus is also easy to extend when it is configured as formwork during concrete casting: once the extension has been extended beyond a certain point in relation to the dividing plate, it will conveniently slide down to the sub-base by gravity, until it comes to rest on the sub-base. In the second section, the extension can, for example, be connected to the dividing plate by means of a loose fit, such that, in use, the extension can fall to the sub-base by gravity while maintaining the divider board.

[28] In one embodiment, the divider plate and the extension are arranged to cooperate so that when the extension is in the retracted position, the extension and divider plate are held together by friction means to resist the extension of movement, but if the extension is extended a predetermined distance, the extension may, in use, suspend to the subfloor under gravity while remaining attached to the divider plate. This can, for example, be achieved by having interfering members, such as small raised "dots" that protrude from the elongated extension near the lower end of the elongated extension and interfere with the contact surface of the divider plate, causing thus an interference fit, when the extension is elongated in its retracted position. Once the elongated extension has been sufficiently reduced so that the interfering members (eg the "dots") have moved past the lower edge of the divider plate, then no interference is taking place and the elongated extension may fall out. freely by gravity.

[29] In one embodiment, the divider plate and/or the extension contains a substantially vertical slot, adapted to receive mechanical fastening means. In one embodiment, the divider plate contains a substantially vertical groove, adapted to receive mechanical fastening means. In one embodiment, the elongated extension contains a substantially vertical groove, adapted to receive a mechanical fastening means.

[30] In one embodiment, the extension is arranged to be attached to the divider plate by means of mechanical fastening means. In one embodiment, the mechanical fastening means is a rivet. Other mechanical fastening means may, for example, include a nut and bolt, and a bolt, a threaded nail (together with a nut) welded either to the divider plate or to the elongated extension, a cable interconnect, and an elastic force compression fastener type.

[31] In one embodiment, the apparatus is arranged so as to be secureable to the sub-base. This arrangement makes the apparatus easier to operate as it allows the concrete to be cast without the risk of moving the apparatus into position (in a substantially horizontal direction) in the process. This can improve the ease with which concrete floorboards can be produced.

[32] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pin; and a wedge; wherein, in use, the pin can be placed in the ground, on the same side of the divider plate as the elongated extension, and the wedge can be placed between the pin and the elongated extension and/or the divider plate, in order to secure the device to the sub-base at the desired location. This arrangement allows the apparatus to resist concrete pressure caused by cast concrete on the other side of the divider plate from the pin and wedge, which allows the concrete to be cast without the risk of moving the apparatus into position (in one direction substantially horizontal) in the process.

[33] The wedge, which can be placed between the pin and the elongated extension and/or the divider plate, can be of any shape as long as it allows the apparatus to be attached to the sub-base at the desired location.

[34] In one embodiment, the range in which the extension can be moved relative to the divider plate is a range of about 50 mm. In use, this movement would generally be in a substantially vertical direction. Since the height of a concrete floor slab is generally in the range of 150 to 200 mm, the range of motion of around 50 mm can allow the full range of common floor slab heights to be achieved with a single size. of appliance.

[35] In one embodiment, the divider plate is formed from a metal, such as steel. This can result in a partition plate with high mechanical strength, capable of withstanding the forces acting on it during concrete casting.

[36] In one embodiment, the extension is formed from a metal, such as, for example, steel or plastic. In one embodiment, the extension is formed from steel.

[37] In one embodiment, the extension is formed as an elongated extrusion. In one embodiment, the elongated extrusion has a substantially constant cross section along its length.

[38] In one embodiment, the extension comprises a longitudinal fold at the top end and/or the bottom end of the extension. Such a fold can, for example, be a longitudinal L-fold, a longitudinal V-fold or a Dutch fold (where the dividing plate is completely folded in on itself). Such bending can strengthen the extension.

[39] The divider plate may be conventional in construction, for example as EP 1389648 or the like.

[40] In one embodiment, the divider plate is an elongated flat section of material.

[41] In one embodiment, the divider plate comprises a longitudinal fold at the top end and/or the bottom edge of the divider plate. Such a fold can, for example, be an L-longitudinal fold, a V-longitudinal fold or a Dutch fold (where the dividing plate is folded completely on itself). Such bending can reinforce the divider plate.

[42] In one embodiment, the divider plate comprises one or more gaps. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more pegs or peg plates for engaging through the one or more apertures. These act to bind the resulting concrete slab panels together and provide a method of charge transfer between adjacent slab panels. In one embodiment, the gaps suitable for receiving the pegs or peg plates on the divider plate are located above the upper edge of the elongated extension when the extension is at its highest position relative to the divider plate (i.e., the extension is at its fully retracted). In one embodiment, the extension can be castellated along its top edge such that it can accommodate the pegs.

[43] Once cast, concrete slab panels are susceptible to shrinkage during curing, which causes the edges of the slab panels to separate. This exposes the top edge, or edge, of each individual plate panel to damage caused by loads such as vehicles, including, for example, trucks or forklifts, passing through the joint.

[44] The apparatus, therefore, may comprise other components, which after casting the concrete would sit on the surface of the concrete floor. Such components include, for example, edge rails and top plates.

[45] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises edge rails, which can be supported by the divider plate. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two such edge rails adjacent to each other. Edge rails can provide protection for the edges of the forming plate panels and improve the longevity of the plate at joints.

[46] Edge rails can be arranged to mate with one another along linear or non-linear edges. In one embodiment, the edge rails are arranged to mate with one another along the linear edges. In one embodiment, the edge rails are arranged to mate with one another along the non-linear edges.

[47] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises top plates, which can be supported by the divider plate. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two top plates adjacent to each other, referred to as first and second top plates. Top plates can provide protection for the edges of the molding plate panels, and improve the longevity of the plate at the joints.

[48] In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first and second top plate, which are arranged to mate with one another along the linear edges.

[49] In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second top plates, which are arranged to mate with one another along non-linear edges, such as, for example, shown in FR 2785632.

[50] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises first and second supports, the first support being attached to or attachable to the divider plate and the first top plate, and the second support being attached to or attachable to the second top plate.

[51] In one embodiment, the first support comprises a facing edge that faces the second support, and the edge of the first top plate is offset from the facing edge of the first support, along the direction in which the top plates can move apart, so that when in use, between two shrinkage panels of the concrete floor plate, the gap that opens up between the top plates is shifted from the gap that opens between brackets and gaps do not overlap.

[52] In this modality, when the apparatus is used as a joint between concrete floorboard panels, if, as the concrete shrinks, the first and second upper plates move with each other in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint, the elongated gap that is formed between the first and second top plates is only as deep (vertically) as the first and second top plates. This gap is compensated for from the gap that opens between the supports, and that extends down to the sub-base between the two shrinkage concrete slab panels. The gap that opens between the first and second top plates is displaced from the gap that opens between the supports in the same axial plane. The two gaps do not overlap, so this joint does not contain a continuous path from the surface to the sub-base. Therefore, debris and insects cannot enter the full depth shrinkage gap through the surface gap between the first and second top plates. Shrinkage gaps can generally be filled with an addition rod and a sealing resin. However, this is a labor intensive process, and generally does not provide a final solution due to the long time it takes for the concrete slabs to stop shrinkage. The addition rod and sealant resin are usually applied before the concrete floorboards stop shrinkage, and as they continue to decrease shrinkage the gap may reopen as the sealant is unable to stretch enough to accommodate the gap. greater shrinkage. In addition to this, the seal is expensive and tends to age, and requires removal before the fresh seal can be fitted. The embodiment in which the gap opens between the first and second top plates does not overlap with the gap that opens between the supports does not contain a continuous path from the surface to the sub-base. This apparatus, therefore, can dispense with the need to use addition rods and/or a sealing resin.

[53] In one embodiment, the edge rails, top plates and/or supports further comprise anchoring means for incorporation into the concrete. The anchoring means becomes embedded in the concrete during curing and fixes the edge rails, top plates and/or supports into position.

[54] Some or all of these anchorages can also be welded to studs, placed on either side of the divider plate, to suspend the divider plate at the desired finished floor level (FFL) before the concrete is cast. The pins would, of course, be placed or cut in such a way that they do not stick out above the FFL. This technique of suspending the divider plate on the desired FFL may be used as an alternative or in combination with other support means, which may include suspension means such as, for example, a jack.

[55] In one embodiment, the edge rails, top plates and/or brackets are bonded together with collapsible fasteners. These fixtures fail under tension as shrinkage occurs during the curing process, and the edge rails, top plates and/or adjacent plate supports are pulled apart.

[56] In one embodiment, the sagging fixtures comprise low-tension screws. Examples of such low-tensile screws are screws formed from nylon, threads which will become bare under shrinking forces, or shanks which will fail under tension.

[57] Apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention can be used to form, for example, prefabricated four-way intersections, three-way “T” intersections, corner units and loading dock corners.

[58] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a concrete floorboard panel comprising the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

[59] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a concrete floor comprising the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

[60] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a concrete floorboard panel, comprising the steps of: (i) configuring the device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to form by minus a part of an edge of a space for casting concrete; and (ii) casting concrete in space.

[61] In one embodiment, step (i) comprises supporting the apparatus using support means. In one embodiment, the support means comprises suspension means, such as, for example, a jack.

[62] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a concrete floor, comprising the steps of: (i) configuring the device according to the first aspect of the invention to form at least a part of an edge of a concrete molding space; and (ii) melting the concrete in space; where steps (i) and (ii) are performed more than once.

[63] In one embodiment, and step (i) comprises the apparatus using the support means. In one embodiment, the support means comprises suspension means, such as, for example, a jack.

[64] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprises" and "contains" and word variations, for example, "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including, but not limited to" , and do not exclude other radicals, additives, components, integers or steps. Furthermore, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, when the indefinite article is used, the descriptive report is to be understood as contemplating the plurality as well as the singularity, unless the context demand otherwise.

[65] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following examples. In general, the invention extends to any new, or any new combination, of the features described in this specification (including any appended claims and drawings). Thus, the features, integers, characteristics, compounds, radicals or chemical groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless incompatible with this one. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, any functionality described herein may be replaced by an alternate feature serving the same or similar purpose.

[66] If upper and lower bounds are quoted for a property, then a range of values defined by a combination of any of the upper bounds with any of the lower bounds may also be implied. specific description

[67] Embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[68] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, with the extension in a retracted position relative to the divider plate.

[69] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 1, with the extension in a retracted position relative to the divider plate, together with suspension means in the form of a jack.

[70] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 1, with the extension of an extended position in relation to the divider plate, together with a jack, a pin and wedges.

[71] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional area view of the embodiment of Figure 1 perpendicular to its length, with the extension in a retracted position relative to the divider plate.

[72] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional area view of the embodiment of Figure 4, extended from an extended position relative to the divider plate.

[73] Figure 6 shows a full cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 perpendicular to its length, with the extension of an extended position in relation to the divider plate, together with the sub-base, a jack, two pins and wedges, before the concrete is cast.

[74] Figure 7 shows a full cross-sectional view of the modality in Figure 6, after the concrete has been cast on one side of the apparatus.

[75] Figure 8 shows a full cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7, after the concrete has been cast on one side of the apparatus, and the jack, two pins and wedges have been removed.

[76] Figure 9 shows a full cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 8, after the concrete has been cast on both sides of the apparatus.

[77] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an elongated extension 2 is movably attached to one face of the divider plate 1. The divider plate 1 is a flat elongated section of material. Extension 2 is elongated and comprises an elongated sidewall 2a, an elongated foot 2b and an elongated return edge 2c on the elongated foot 2b, resulting in an elongated extension 2 having a substantially J-shaped cross section. substantially constant transverse along its length.

[78] Elongated extension 2 is movable relative to divider plate 1 between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. Extension 2 can also be moved to a position anywhere between these two ends.

[79] Extension 2 contains substantially vertical grooves 3 at regular intervals. The slots 3 are adapted to receive the rivets 4 which are also connected to the dividing plate 1.

[80] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the position of the extension 2 in relation to the divider plate 1 can be adjusted continuously, and the extension 2 is connected to the divider plate 1 by means of a loose fit. Extension 2 has a retracted position, wherein extension 2 and divider plate 1 are held together by friction means (not shown), but if extension 2 is moved downward relative to divider plate 1 by a pre- - determined (ie, in the sense of a more extended form), extension 2 can fall to the sub-base under gravity, remaining attached to partition plate 1.

[81] Divider plate 1 comprises openings 6 along its length at regular intervals. The openings 6 are adapted to receive the bolt plates 7. On one side of the dividing plate 1, the bolt plates 7 are enclosed in bolt sleeves 8, which, in use, allow movement of the concrete as it defines and shrinks.

[82] The apparatus further comprises edge rails 5 supported by the divider plate 1. The anchoring means 9 extends outwardly from the edge rails 5 in the general direction in which, in use, the concrete would be poured.

[83] Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7 also show a jack 10, which is not part of the apparatus of the invention, but which can be used to suspend the partition plate 1 at the desired finished floor level (FFL) before the concrete be molded. The jack 10 may, for example, have a removable threaded end that fits through openings in the edge rails 5. The threaded end can be secured to the edge rails 5 by securing it with a wing nut on the other side of the jack. 10, while on the side of the jack 10, the threaded end fits within the square box section of the jack, which runs up and down the threaded bar, allowing the height of the apparatus 1 relative to the sub-base to be adjusted.

[84] Figures 3, 6 and 7 also show pins 11a, 11b and wedges 12, which do not form part of the apparatus of the invention, but which can be used to secure the apparatus to the sub-base in the desired location.

[85] In use, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the divider plate 1 is suspended in the desired FFL using support means, which may include suspension means such as, for example, a jack 10. The jack 10 is secured to the sub-base via a pin 11b.

[86] At this stage, extension 2 may be in its retracted form. Extension 2 is then moved downwards relative to divider plate 1 by a predetermined distance, past the friction means which have been held in this place (not shown); thereafter, extension 2 can fall to the sub-base by gravity while remaining attached to divider plate 1 through a loose fit.

[87] An additional pin 11a is then placed in the floor on the same side as the divider plate 1 as the extension 2 and jack 10. The wedges 12 are placed between the pin 11a and the extension 2 and/or the divider plate 1, in order to fix the apparatus to the sub-base in the desired location and prevent movement caused by the thrust of the concrete.

[88] The apparatus will form at least one edge of a space for casting the concrete. The entire edge can be formed by the apparatus, and the remaining edges can also be formed by other units of the apparatus. Once the space for casting the concrete has been defined by the edges, ie the formwork has been set up, the concrete is poured into the space.

[89] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the concrete is first cast onto the other side of the divider plate 1 from extension 2, jack 10, pins 11a, 11b and wedges 12 (see Figure 7). After this concrete has been sufficiently defined, the jack 10, pins 11a, 11b and wedges 12 are removed (see Figure 8). The jack 10 is, for example, insulated from its threaded end (which is still connected to the edge rails 5) and the threaded end is unscrewed while the lug nut remains in place on the concrete on the other side. After that, the concrete is cast on the remaining side of the apparatus (see Figure 9).

[90] The apparatus of the invention can alleviate the need to manufacture, transport and store a large number of different sizes of divider plates to suit all customers' needs. Instead, a desired formwork height can be achieved through the use of a single size partition plate, while avoiding a gap between the sub-base and partition plate that concrete can flow through. Furthermore, the apparatus of the invention can be easier to operate than existing apparatus in this field, and can achieve a desired finished floor level (FFL) at a high level of accuracy. Therefore, the apparatus can improve the ease with which the concrete floorboard panels can be produced, and can improve the characteristics of the resulting concrete floorboards.

Claims (13)

1. Apparatus for forming an edge of a concrete floorboard panel placed on a sub-base characterized in that it comprises: a divider plate (1) for delimiting one side of the board panel, the divider plate ( 1) having a first and a second face; and an elongated extension (2), securable along the first face of the divider plate (1), for sliding extension to an extended position, in which the extension (2) fills a gap between the divider plate (1) and the sub-base in use; wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated extension (2) is, in use, positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the divider plate (1); wherein the apparatus is free of any component which, in use, attaches directly to the second face of the divider plate (1) and which may extend beyond a lower edge of the divider plate (1) into the space between the divider plate (1) and the sub-base; and wherein the elongated extension (2) is connected to the divider plate (1) with a loose fit such that, in use, it can automatically descend into the sub-base. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated extension (2) comprises at least one elongated sidewall (2a), and an elongated foot (2b). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the elongated extension (2) further comprises an elongated return edge (2c) on the elongated foot (2b), resulting in an elongated extension (2) with a substantially J-shaped cross section. 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the position of the extension (2) in relation to the dividing plate (1) can be adjusted in a continuous manner. 5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the divider plate (1) and the extension (2) comprises members adapted to engage with the other. 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the divider plate (1) and/or the extension (2) contains a substantially vertical groove (3), adapted to receive mechanical fastening means . 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the extension (2) is arranged to be fixed to the divider plate (1) by means of a rivet. 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the apparatus is arranged so that it can be attached to the sub-base. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a pin (11a, 11b); and a wedge (12); wherein, in use, the pin (11a) can be placed in the floor, on the same side of the divider plate (1) as the extension (2), and the wedge (12) can be placed between the pin (11a) and the extension (2) and/or the divider plate (1) in order to secure the apparatus to the sub-base in the desired location. 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the range in which the extension can be moved in relation to the divider plate is a range of 50 mm. 11. Concrete floorboard panel characterized in that it comprises the apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10. 12. Concrete flooring characterized in that it comprises the apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10. 13. Method of manufacturing a concrete floorboard panel characterized in that it comprises the steps of (i) configuring the apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10 to form at least a part of an edge of a space for molding concrete; and (ii) casting concrete in space.

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