ES2753229T5 - concrete slab edge rail - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

concrete slab edge rail

field of invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete floor slab panel, a concrete floor slab panel comprising the apparatus, a concrete floor comprising the apparatus, a method of manufacturing a concrete slab panel for floors and a method of manufacturing a concrete floor.

Background of the invention

Generally, concrete floor slabs are cast as contiguous slab panels with each slab panel being cast within a form; this formwork defines a space in which the concrete can be poured. The formwork can be constructed of wood, steel, aluminum, plastic, or the like. The formwork is removable, which means that it is removed after the concrete has cured. Alternatively, it may be a permanent formwork, forming part of the resulting concrete structure, for example by providing at least part of one edge of a panel of the resulting concrete slab.

The formwork generally comprises one or more vertical elongated divider plates against which the concrete is poured. Partition plates ensure that the concrete is contained within the desired space. When a series of concrete slab floor panels are poured side by side to form a concrete floor or slab, divider plates are generally seated between adjacent slab panels and dowels or dowel plates are used, fixed to the divider plates, to connect the slab panels to transfer the loads through the joint.

During the casting of a concrete slab floor panel comprising permanent formwork, the formwork shall be positioned such that the top edges of the formwork coincide with the Finished Floor Level (FFL), i.e. the level of the top surface. of the finished concrete floor slab.

The slab and the formwork rest on a sub-base. If the level of the sub-base (SBL) varies, the formwork will rest on the highest point of the sub-base. For this reason, generally, in practice, to pour a concrete floor, a distance of around 15-25 mm is left. The thicknesses of the concrete slabs are generally in the range of 150 to 200 mm. Formwork can be manufactured to desired thickness specifications, which is typically done in 5mm increments. If you want to pour a concrete slab with a thickness of 180mm, for example, normally, a formwork with a depth of 155 - 165mm is used. To achieve the desired Finished Floor Level (FFL), a partition plate can be suspended at the desired FFL using suspension means. Said suspension means may for example consist of a jack, or pins may be placed on both sides of the partition plate and studs may be welded, which are commonly present in an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete slab, thus suspending the splitter plate at the desired FFL. Alternatively, shims, adjustable feet and the like can be used to position the form as desired against the sub-base and hold it in place while the concrete is poured. However, in these known systems, when concrete is poured into a form comprising a divider plate in an elevated position, a gap remains between the sub-base and the divider plate and some of the concrete will flow through the gap. This can adversely affect the structural strength of the joint between the concrete slab panels and may require a rework to remove excess pour.

After casting, concrete slabs exhibit normal drying shrinkage. This shrinkage can be exacerbated when the temperature of the concrete is reduced, for example in the case of concrete slabs for cold store floors. Shrinkage of 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 the opening of the joints between the slab panels, because each concrete slab panel shrinks from the joint in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slab. board. The type of joint that is adapted to accommodate such contraction or shrinkage of the concrete slab panel on one or each side of the joint is known as a "contraction joint". It is the opposite of an "expansion joint", which is adapted to accommodate the expansion of a concrete slab panel on one or each side of the joint when the slab panels are poured with a preset gap between them, to allow the thermal expansion of the slab panel, after contraction of the slab panel as a consequence of curing having taken place.

EP 1389648 discloses an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete floor slab panel, the apparatus comprising a dividing plate with a plurality of openings, dowels for hooking through the openings and sleeves for engaging the dowels, in wherein the top divider plate or tenon or strip is provided with means for adjusting its height above the sub-base. These height adjustment means take the form of a support leg together with means for attaching the leg to the partition plate or the top tenon or strip at a selected height. The leg is positioned next to the splitter plate or top shank or strap and is attached to either the splitter plate or shank or top strap or via a separate locking means, which is passed through through a vertical slot 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 assembly parallel to the leg, thus adjusting the height of the joint assembly relative to the sub-base. However, when the partition plate in this apparatus is moved up relative to the leg, a gap is created between the sub-base and the partition plate. Therefore, when concrete is poured into a form comprising the apparatus in its raised position, some of the concrete will flow through the gap, which can adversely affect the structural strength of the joint between adjoining concrete slab panels and may require rework to eliminate excessive pouring. Also, the bottom of the partition plate is not secured to the sub-base at any point. The divider plate is only restricted in horizontal movement perpendicular to the thrust of the concrete against the divider plate into which the height adjustment leg fits.

Document FR 2964131 describes a formwork height adjustment device comprising a support base, a dividing plate, a rear plate and separate pairs of supports. The height of the partition plate on the support base can be adjusted by sliding it up or down relative to the back plate and the separate pairs of supports. This system relies on the clamping force of the bolts and nuts through the separate pairs of brackets to hold the partition plate at the correct height to achieve the required FFL. This severely limits the level of precision with which the desired FFL can be achieved, as explained in more detail below. In addition to this, when concrete finishing equipment (such as heavy ride-on power trowels) breaks through the top of the joint without the concrete yet being cured, it is likely that the joint can move vertically downwards, resulting in result in an FFL that is out of specification for the floor. Likewise, the device of document FR 2964131 contains a large number of separate components, which increases the complexity and cost of this joint.

DE 20209468U1 describes a formwork element for a concrete floor, with formwork elements defining the edges of two adjacent concrete slabs. An interlocking plate is placed between the two formwork elements.

An apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 20200900007U1, which describes a permanent formwork for providing the edge of a floor covering. The permanent formwork has two profile elements, each provided with a supporting surface to retain the soil material. One of the profile elements is secured to the ground by a support, with a flow barrier located between the support and the profile element.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for forming the edge of a concrete floor slab panel, embodiments of which can improve the ease with which the formwork can be assembled, and therefore with which stamped concretes and which can improve the performance characteristics of the resulting concrete floor slabs and maintain the correct and essential FFL.

Statements of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming an edge of a concrete slab flooring panel for placement on a sub-grade as defined in claim 1. The term "elongated", as used in the context of the extension, means that the extension has an elongated shape, the longitudinal axis of which is, in use, located substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the partition plate, and thus of the apparatus.

The term "secureable along the first face of the partition plate" means that the elongated extension can be secured to the partition plate at two or more locations along the length of the first face of the partition plate.

In use, the extension can be moved up and down relative to the partition plate, allowing the height of the fixture to be adjusted above the level of the sub-base. The apparatus therefore enables a range of different formwork heights, which can be continuously variable, to be achieved using a single size of divider plate, rather than requiring a large number of different sizes of divider plates; different formwork heights are achieved simply by adjusting the position of the elongated extension relative to the partition plate. The apparatus of the invention can therefore allow much greater flexibility than known forms of formwork and can allow distributors to stock a much smaller number of partition plate variants. Production methodology can be changed from “make to order” to “make to stock”, allowing for faster response time to customers.

As mentioned it is known to suspend a partition plate at the desired finished floor level (FFL) by using suspension means such as 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 sub-bases. adjoining concrete slab panels. In the present invention, during concrete placement, the extension would normally rest on the sub-base. Therefore, the apparatus of the invention achieves a range of different formwork heights, which can be continuously variable, while avoiding a gap between the sub-base and the partition plate at through which the concrete can pass.

Also, the apparatus of the invention can achieve a desired finished floor level (FFL) with a high level of accuracy; the observed variation is of the order of mm. Known systems usually rely on the clamping force of bolts and nuts to support the weight of the partition plate and keep it in position; in FR 2964131, for example, the dividing plate is fastened between pairs of separate supports that are held together with bolts and nuts. In practice, in these types of arrangements, the divider plate tends to slide down during the finishing process, when concrete finishing equipment such as heavy driven power trowels break through the top of the joint without curing it. still concrete. Therefore, the resulting FFL is often lower than expected or varies along the length of the splitter plate. The apparatus of the present invention, on the other hand, can achieve a desired Finished Floor Level (FFL) to a much higher level of accuracy, ie, accurate to within fractions of a mm.

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. Once the partition plate has been established by supporting it (eg by suspending it) at the desired FFL using support means (which may include suspension means such as a jack), the position of the extension relative to the plate can simply be adjusted. For example, by tapping the extension down to the level of the sub-base, or if the extension is attached to the partition plate by a loose fit, it may automatically drop to the level of the sub-base.

Thus, the apparatus can improve the ease with which concrete floor slab panels can be produced, can improve the performance characteristics of the resulting concrete floor slabs, and can eliminate the need to dispose of concrete pouring, which can save time and reduce cost for on-site waste management.

Extension is an essential element of the present invention. In addition, the extension is obviously adequate to put the invention into practice.

In one embodiment, the elongated extension comprises at least one elongated side wall and an elongated foot.

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

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.

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

In one embodiment, the position of the extension relative to the partition plate is continuously adjustable. This allows the height of the form in relation to the sub-base to be adjusted to any desired height, within the range that the extension in relation to the partition plate can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the position of the extension with respect to the partition plate can be adjusted gradually. The stages can be arranged, for example, so that they are set at known intervals that can help align different sections of formwork without the need for measurements.

In one embodiment, at least one between the divider plate and the extension comprises members adapted to engage with each other. These members can ensure, for example, that the extension remains attached to the partition plate, ensure that the extension is held in position relative to the partition plate, and/or prevent the partition plate and extension from slipping relative to each other. . In one embodiment, the divider plate comprises members adapted to engage the extension. In one embodiment, the extension comprises members adapted to engage the partition plate.

The extension is movable between an anchored position and the extended position and, in the anchored position, the extension cooperates with the divider plate to provide frictional resistance to the sliding extension. This anchored shape can make the apparatus more convenient to store, transport, and handle.

The extension is movable between the anchored position and the extended position along a path of movement and the divider plate and the extension are arranged to cooperate such that the frictional resistance varies along the path of movement. In one embodiment, the path of motion comprises a first section of higher resistance in which extension extension movement is prevented by gravity and a second section of lower resistance in which extension extension movement can take place by gravity. gravity. This means that while it has the convenience of an anchored form, the apparatus is also easy to extend when set up as formwork during concrete placement: once the extension has been extended beyond a certain point relative to the divider plate , it will conveniently slide down to the sub-base by gravity, until it rests on the sub-base. In the second section, the extension may be attached, for example, to the partition plate via a loose fit, so that, in use, the extension can fall towards the sub-base under gravity while remaining attached to the partition plate. .

In one embodiment, the divider plate and the extension are arranged to cooperate such that, when the extension is in the anchored position, the extension and the divider plate are held together by friction means to resist extension movement, but if the extension extends a predetermined distance, the extension may, in use, be lowered to the sub-base by gravity while remaining attached to the partition plate. This can be achieved for example by having interference members, such as small raised dots, which protrude from the elongated extension near the lower end of the elongated extension and interfere with the mating face of the divider plate, causing an interference fit when the extension elongated is in its anchored position. Once the elongated extension has been lowered enough that the interference members (eg, the "dots") have moved to the bottom edge of the divider plate, then no interference is taking place and the elongated extension can fall freely by gravity.

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 slot adapted to receive mechanical fastening means. In one embodiment, the elongated extension contains a substantially vertical slot adapted to receive mechanical fastening means.

The extension is arranged to be fixed to the partition plate through mechanical clamping means.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is arranged to be able to be secured to the sub-base. This arrangement makes the apparatus easier to operate, as it allows the concrete to be poured without the risk of the apparatus changing position (in a substantially horizontal direction) in the process. This can improve the ease with which concrete floor slabs can be produced.

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, to secure the device to the sub-base in the desired location. This arrangement allows the apparatus to withstand the thrust of the concrete caused by the pouring of the concrete on the other side of the divider plate from the pin and wedge, thus allowing the concrete to be poured without the risk of the apparatus shifting position. (in a substantially horizontal direction) in the process. The wedge, which can be positioned between the pin and the elongated extension and/or divider plate, can be of any shape as long as it allows the fixture to be secured to the sub-base in the desired location.

In one embodiment, the range through which the extension can be moved relative to the dividing plate is a range of approximately 50mm. In use, this movement would generally be in a substantially vertical direction. Since the height of a concrete slab floor is generally in the range of 150 to 200mm, the range of movement of approximately 50mm may allow the full range of common floor slab heights to be achieved with a single size fixture.

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

In one embodiment, the extension is formed of a metal, such as steel, or plastic. In one embodiment, the extension is formed from steel.

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.

In one embodiment, the extension comprises a longitudinal fold at the top edge and/or bottom edge of the extension. Said fold can be, for example, a longitudinal L-fold, a longitudinal V-fold or a Dutch fold (in which the dividing plate is completely folded on itself). Such a fold can reinforce the extension.

The dividing plate can be of conventional construction, for example as that of EP 1389648 or the like.

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

In one embodiment, the partition plate comprises a longitudinal fold at the top edge and/or bottom edge of the partition plate. Said fold can be, for example, a longitudinal L-fold, a longitudinal V-fold or a Dutch fold (in which the dividing plate is completely folded on itself). Said fold can reinforce the dividing plate.

In one embodiment, the partition plate comprises one or more openings. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more dowels or dowel plates for hooking through the one or more openings. These act to connect the resulting concrete slab panels and provide a load transfer process between adjacent slab panels. In one embodiment, openings suitable to receive the dowels or the dowel plates on the divider plate are located above the upper edge of the elongated extension when the extension is in its highest position relative to the divider plate (ie, the extension is in its fully retracted form). In one embodiment, the extension may be crenellated along its upper edge so as to accommodate the tenons.

Once cast, concrete slab panels tend to shrink during curing, causing the edges of the slab panels to separate. This exposes the top edge, or edge, of each individual slab panel to damage from loads such as vehicles, including, for example, trucks or forklifts, passing through the joint.

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

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises edge rails, which may be supported by the partition plate. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two of said edge rails adjacent to each other. Edge rails can provide protection to the edges of cast slab panels and improve the longevity of the slab at joints.

The edge rails may be arranged to engage with each other along linear or non-linear edges. In one embodiment, the edge rails are arranged to engage with each other along linear edges. In one embodiment, the edge rails are arranged to engage with each other along non-linear edges.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises top plates, which may be supported by the partition 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 edge protection for cast slab panels and improve slab longevity at joints.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second top plates that are arranged to engage with each other along linear edges.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second top plates which are arranged to engage with each other along non-linear edges, as for example shown as shown in FR 2785632 .

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a first and a second bracket, the first bracket being attached or attachable to the partition plate and the first top plate and the second bracket being attached or attachable to the second top plate.

In one embodiment, the first support comprises a front edge facing towards the second support, and the edge of the first top plate is offset from the front edge of the first support, along the direction in which the top plates can be separated, so so that, when in use between two shrinking concrete slab panels, the gap opening between the top plates is offset from the gap opening between the supports and the gaps do not overlap.

In this embodiment, when the apparatus is used as a joint between concrete floor slab panels, if, as the concrete shrinks, the first and second top plates separate 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 as deep (vertically) as the first and second top plates. This gap is offset from the gap between the supports and extends to the sub-base between the two shrinking concrete slab panels. The gap that opens between the first and the second top plate is displaced from the gap that opens between the supports in the same axial plane. The two voids do not overlap, so this junction does not contain a continuous path from the surface to the subbase. Thus, no debris or parasites can enter the full-depth shrinkage gap through the surface gap between the first and second top plates. Shrinkage voids can commonly be filled with a filler rod and a sealing resin. However, this is a labor intensive process and generally does not provide a definitive solution due to the long period of time it takes for concrete slabs to stop shrinking. Backer rod and caulking resin are usually applied before the concrete floor slabs have stopped shrinking and since they continue to shrink, the void can reopen as the caulk cannot stretch sufficiently to accommodate the gap. larger contraction gap. On top of this, the sealant is expensive and often ages and needs to be removed before a new sealant can be placed. The embodiment in which the gap opening between the first and second top plates does not overlap with the gap opening between the supports does not contain a continuous path from the surface to the sub-base. With this apparatus, therefore, the need to use filler rods and/or a sealing resin can be dispensed with.

In one embodiment, the edge rails, top plates and/or supports further comprise anchoring means to be embedded in the concrete. The anchoring means are included in the concrete during curing and fix the edge rails, top plates and/or brackets into position.

Some or all of these anchoring means may also be welded to studs, placed on either side of the partition plate, to suspend the partition plate at the desired Finished Floor Level (FFL) before the concrete is poured. Of course, the pins will be positioned or cut in such a way that they do not protrude above the FFL. This technique of suspending the partition plate at the desired FFL can be used as an alternative or in combination with other support means, which may include suspension means such as a jack. In one embodiment, the edge rails, top plates, and/or brackets are attached to one another with adjustable brackets. These fasteners fail in tension when shrinkage occurs during the curing process and edge rails, top plates and/or supports from adjacent slabs separate.

In one embodiment, the adjustable fasteners comprise low tensile strength bolts. Examples of such low tensile strength bolts include bolts formed from nylon, the threads of which will strip under shrinkage forces or whose stems will fail under stress.

The 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.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a concrete slab panel for floors comprising the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

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.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for manufacturing a concrete slab panel for floors, comprising the steps of

(i) configuring the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention to form at least part of one edge of a space for pouring concrete; and

(ii) casting of concrete in space.

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

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a concrete floor is provided, comprising the steps of

(i) configuring the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention to form at least part of one edge of a space for pouring concrete; and

(ii) casting of concrete in space;

wherein steps (i) and (ii) are performed more than once.

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

Throughout the description and claims herein, the words "comprising" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprising", mean "including but not limited to ", and does not exclude other fractions, additives, components, integers or stages. On the other hand, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise: in particular, when the indefinite article is used, it should be understood that what is specified contemplates both plurality and singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

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 be apparent from the following examples. In general terms, the invention extends to any novel feature, or any novel combination of the features disclosed in the present specification (including any of the appended claims and drawings). Therefore, features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood as applying to any other aspect, embodiment, or example. described in the present invention, unless it is incompatible with them. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, any feature disclosed herein may be superseded by an alternative feature that serves the same or a similar purpose.

When upper and lower limits are quoted for a property, the range of values defined by the combination of any of the upper limits with any of the lower limits may also be implied.

specific description

Embodiments of the present invention will be better described below with reference to the accompanying figures, of which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, with the extension in a retracted position with respect to the partition plate.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1, with the extension in a retracted position with respect to the partition plate, together with suspension means in the form of a jack.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the Figure 1 embodiment, with the extension in an extended position with respect to the divider plate, together with a jack, pin and shims.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the area of the Figure 1 embodiment perpendicular to its length, with the extension in a retracted position with respect to the dividing plate.

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the area of the embodiment of Figure 4, with the extension in an extended position with respect to the partition plate.

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

Figure 7 shows a full cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 embodiment, after pouring the concrete on one side of the apparatus.

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

Figure 9 shows a full cross-sectional view of the Figure 8 embodiment, after pouring the concrete on both sides of the apparatus.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an elongated extension 2 is removably secured to one side of the partition plate 1 . The dividing plate 1 is an elongated flat section of material. The extension 2 is elongated and comprises an elongated side wall 2a , an elongated foot 2b and an elongated return edge 2c on the elongated foot 2b , resulting in an elongated extension 2 with a substantially J-shaped cross section. extension 2 has a substantially constant cross section along its length.

The elongated extension 2 is movable with respect to the 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 extremes.

The extension 2 contains substantially vertical grooves 3 at regular intervals. The slots 3 are adapted to receive rivets 4 which are also connected to the divider plate 1 .

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the position of the extension 2 relative to the partition plate 1 can be adjusted continuously, and the extension 2 is attached to the partition plate 1 by a loose fit. Extension 2 has an anchored position, in which extension 2 and divider plate 1 are held together by frictional means (not shown), but if extension 2 moves downward relative to divider plate 1 a distance By default (ie, towards a more extended form), the extension 2 can be lowered to the sub-base by gravity while remaining attached to the partition plate 1 .

The dividing plate 1 comprises openings 6 along its length at regular intervals. The openings 6 are adapted to receive dowel plates 7 . On one side of the divider plate 1 , the dowel plates 7 are enclosed in dowel sleeves 8 , which, in use, allow movement of the concrete as it sets and contracts.

The apparatus further comprises edge rails 5 supported by the partition plate 1 . The anchoring means 9 extends out of the edge rails 5 in the general direction in which, in use, the concrete would be poured.

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) prior to concrete pouring. . The jack 10 may, for example, have a removable threaded end which can be removed and which fits into the 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 jack 10 side the threaded end fits inside the square box section of the jack 10 . jack that runs up and down the threaded bar, allowing the height of the apparatus 1 to be adjusted in relation to the sub-base.

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

In use, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the partition plate 1 is suspended at the desired FFL using support means, which may include suspension means, such as a jack 10 . The jack 10 is secured to the sub-base through a pin 11b .

At this stage, extension 2 may be in its anchored form. The extension 2 is then moved downwards relative to the divider plate 1 by a predetermined distance, past the friction means that held it in place (not shown); the extension 2 can then drop to the sub-base by gravity, while remaining attached to the partition plate 1 by a loose fit.

Next, an additional pin 11a is placed in the ground on the same side of the divider plate 1 as the extension 2 and the jack 10 . Wedges 12 are placed between pin 11a and extension 2 and/or divider plate 1 , to secure the apparatus to the sub-base in the desired location and prevent movement caused by concrete thrust.

The apparatus will form at least part of one edge of a space for pouring concrete. The entire border may be formed by the apparatus, and the remaining borders may also be formed by other units of the apparatus. Once the concrete pour space is defined by the edges, that is, once the formwork has been set up, the concrete is poured into the space.

As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the concrete is first poured on the other side of the partition plate 1 from the extension 2 , the jack 10 , the pins 11a, 11b and the wedges 12 (see Figure 7). Once this concrete is sufficiently set, the jack 10 , the pins 11a, 11b and the wedges 12 are removed (see Figure 8). The jack 10 , for example, is detached from its threaded end (which is still attached to the edge rails 5) and the threaded end is unscrewed, while the wing nut remains in place in the concrete on the other side. . The concrete is then poured into the remaining side of the apparatus (see Figure 9).

The apparatus of the invention can alleviate the need to manufacture, transport, and stock a large number of different sizes of divider plates to meet all customer needs. Instead, a desired form height can be achieved by using a single size divider plate, while avoiding a gap between the sub-base and the divider plate through which concrete can flow. In addition, the apparatus of the invention may be easier to operate than existing apparatus in the field, and may achieve a desired Finished Floor Level (FFL) with a high level of accuracy. Thus, the apparatus can improve the ease with which concrete floor slab panels can be produced, and can improve the performance characteristics of the resulting concrete floor slabs.

Claims (12)

1. Apparatus for forming an edge of a concrete slab floor panel and placing it on a sub-base, the apparatus comprising: a dividing plate (1) to limit one side of the slab panel, the dividing plate (1) having a first and a second face; and an elongated extension (2), lockable along the first face of the partition plate (1), for sliding the extension into the extended position in which the extension (2) intersects a gap between the partition plate (1) and the sub-base in use, in which the longitudinal axis of the elongated extension (2) is located, in use, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the divider plate (2); wherein the apparatus does not contain any component which, in use, attaches directly to the second face of the partition plate (1) and which can extend beyond the bottom edge of the partition plate (1) in the gap between the dividing plate (1) and the sub-base; and wherein the extension (2) is movable between a stowed position and an extended position, and wherein the divider plate (1) and/or the extension (2) contains a substantially vertical slot (3) adapted to receive mechanical fastening means (4), characterized in that : the mechanical fixing means comprise a rivet that fixes the elongated extension (2) to the dividing plate (1); and In the anchored position, the extension (2) cooperates with the divider plate (1) to provide a frictional resistance to slide the extension, in which the extension (2) can be moved between the anchored position and the extended position along along a path of movement and in which the dividing plate (1) and the extension (2) are arranged to cooperate so that the frictional resistance varies along the path of movement. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated extension (2) comprises at least one elongated side wall (21) and an elongated foot (2b). The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongated extension 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. . The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the extension (2) with respect to the dividing plate (1) is continuously adjustable. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the partition plate (1) and the extension (2) comprises members adapted to engage with each other. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the path of movement comprises a first section of greater resistance in which extension movement of the extension (2) is prevented by gravity and a section of lesser resistance in which the extension movement of the extension (2) can take place by gravity. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the divider plate (1) and the extension (2) are arranged to cooperate such that when the extension is in the anchored position, the extension and the divider plate are held together. by means of friction to resist extension movement, but if extension (2) is extended a predetermined distance, extension (2), in use, can fall to the sub-base by gravity while remaining fixed to the plate divide. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is arranged to be capable of being secured to the sub-base. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises a pin (11a,11b); and a wedge (12); wherein the apparatus further comprises a pin (11a, 11b); and a wedge (12); wherein, in use, the pin (11a,11b) can be placed in the ground on the same side of the divider plate (1) as the extension (2), and the wedge (12) can be placed between the pin (11a, 11b) and the extension (2) and/or the dividing plate (1), to secure the apparatus to the sub-base in the desired location. A concrete slab floor panel comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9. A concrete floor comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9. 12. A procedure for manufacturing a concrete slab panel for floors, comprising the steps of (i) configuring the apparatus according to any of claims 1-10 to form at least part of one edge of a concreting space, including suspending the partition plate at the desired finished floor level, and subsequently moving the extension along along the path of motion to the extended position; and (ii) pour the concrete into space.