US3107087A - Square column clamp - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 15, 1963 c. l. WILLIAMS 3,107,087

SQUARE COLUMN CLAMP Filed June 22, 1960 2 sheets-sheet .1'

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@d .wn 0 .m w mw w um W J/ nu @5%. Mmg mfwwg 1.2.22 W M m. 7 mr j J7 nl J 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 22, 1960 United States Patent O "ice 3,107,087 SQUARE CIJUMN CLAD/HP Chester I. Williams, 1501 Madison Ave. SE., Grand Rapids 7, Mich. Filed dune 22, 1960, Ser. No. 37,982 Claims. (Cl. 269-125) 'Ihe present invention relates to a clamping structure for `forms for concrete columns, or similar mold-like forms, and more particularly to a clamp structure for forms of square or other rectangular section.

In one form of the invention as disclosed herein, the clamping structure includes elements to define a frame for the mold rwith clamping elements pivoted on frame elements which include interior corner parts for the forms. This for-m of the invention provides numerous advantages, includ-ing great ease and simplicity in both assembling and removing the clamping structure, the elimination of any need for separately -applying separate interior corner pants for the form, convenient storage of the parts of the clamping construction in a small space, and the possibility of pre-assembling the form with one of the sides omitted so that it may be hoisted or otherwise moved to a desired location for disposition in enclosing relation with a column core member or the like, for example, a steel `column member of a building, to facilitate construction. The possibility of partial pre-assembly also has the advantage of allowing reinforcing members to be arranged in the form before it is erected to a vertical position.

In another form of rthe invention, a simpler clamping structure is employed which, while lacking certain advantages of the first mentioned form, retains the basic advantages of ease and simplicity of application and removal.

Still another form is disclosed, particularly advantageous in application to column forms or the like of relatively large size, which takes advantage of the common use of tie rods in such large forms to secure the clamp-ing parts on the forms.

An advantageous aspect of the invention in all of the disclosed forms thereof is the yfact that the clamping structure is adjustable to different sizes of column forms and the like through any desired range of dimensions.

One object of the invention is the provision of a clamp structure `for concrete column forms and the like, which is of simple and durable construction, easy to apply and remove.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a clamp structure which is capable of indefinite reuse.

Another object is the provision of a clamp structure which is 4adjustable to different sizes of forms through a wide range.

A further object is the provision of a clamp structure for Concrete column forms and the like which when not in use may be stored in `a minimum space.

It is another object of the invention to provide a clamp structure for column forms and the like which includes parts which serve as a drame for the forms.

Another object is the provision of a column form clamping structure which provides a frame construction for the form, including interior corner iiiler elements camied thereby to eliminate separate application of such corner filler elements in assembly.

Another object is lthe provision of a column form or like clamping structure which lends itself to partial reassembly so that it may be applied readily to already erected column core members, or to have assembled and secured therein reinforcing means for the column to be formed therein.

Other and further objects, `advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those familiar with the 3*,ld78'? Patented Get. 15, 1963 art from the following deailed description, :taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a perspective View of a :form for a concrete column in assembled relation, employing one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the embodiment of the clamping structure as shown in FIG. 1, with the form panel means omitted;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a square column for-m filled with concrete, in which the embodiment of lthe invention -as shown in FIGS. l and 2 is employed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary View of a corner of the lform and clamping structure as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is .an isometric view illustrating another embodiment of the invention, applied to a column form of square cross section shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the clamping structure of FIG. 5 applied to a column form;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational -view of one of the clamping members ofthe clamp structure of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a broken plan view of the clamp member as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view similar to FIG. 6 to a column form of relatively large cross section, illustrating `another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the clamp structure shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. l to 4 inclusive, there is shown a clamping structure generally designated iti, provided in accordance with the present invention, applied to a concrete column form or the like of rectangular section, de- -iined by sheathing such as four panels P of plywood or the like forming the four sides of the form. The clamp struc-ture iti, as hereinbefore mentioned, also provides framing for the form, including interior corner iiller members therefor. FShe clamping and framing structure comprises four corner posts, each including an outer oorner member i1 presenting two surfaces 12 at right angles Ito each other ladapted to be arranged substantially flush with the outer surfaces of adjacent panels P. An inner ,corner filler i3 is secured as by bolts -14 to the inner face of the member 1l, the iller with the corner member prolviding -a Ithickness at the sides of the corner post adjacent 'the side edges of the two adjacent panels P of substant-ially the same thickness as the panels. In accordance with the usual practice, the inner corner ller 13 is formed to provide a surface extending diagonally between the inner faces of the panels P, so as to break the corner of the column by forming a bevel between ea'ch pair of sides thereof. As best show-n in FIG. 4, the outer corner member ll may conveniently be an angle member of any suitable length, and the liller 13, of corresponding length, may be la member of general channel cross sections with `flanges or legs extending from the web thereof engaging on the member il of such dimensions and angular relation yas to provide for the diagonal disposition of the web and to lie substantially flush with the edges of the yflanges of the member lil.

In assembling the framing and clamping construction with a column form or the like, a corner post is disposed with the outer surfaces 12 thereof substantially iiush With the outer faces of two rectangularly related panels P, the side edges of which are brought into engagement with the side portions of the posts, which as already described are of the same thickness as the panels. When all of the posts have been so arranged relative to the side panels of the form, the shape of the column form is determined, or the form may be said to be set up, substantially as shown in FIGS. 1 or 3. The form and the framing and clamping structure, however, are not fully assembled since means must be employed to hold the corner post and the panels in the desired relation. Otherwise, the form would fall apart.

In the present embodiment, the securing or retaining means comprises a plurality of clamping arms carried on each of the corner posts, being pivotally mounted thereon by means of rivets 16 or the like to swing in a plane closely parallel to one or the other of the outer faces 1-2 of the corner member 1'1. In the present instance, three clamping arms 15 are shown as pivoted on each of the corner members 11 of the corner posts in relatively spaced relaton therealong. The arms are mounted in an alternating arrangement, the central arm swinging along one face 12 or the :corner member, and the other two paralleling the other outer face. Each arm 15 is of a length somewhat greater than the greatest width or breadth of any form on Iwhich it is intended to be employed. As shown, each arm is made from an angle member, although of course it may be made in any other appropriate manner, and is arranged with one flange parallel to the adjacent face 12 of the corner member and the other turned outwardly. At its pivoted end the arm 15 has a projection 17 of such length that it extends a slight distance beyond the face 12 perpendicular to the face along which the arm lies, when the arm is swung to a position substantially perpendicular to the corner member 11. 'Ihe out turned ange of the arm is removed or omitted from the projection 17, and a notch 18 is formed in the remaining flange at a point just outwardly of the face 12 which extends perpendicular to the arm. One side of the notch is preferably cut away on an arc centered on the adjacent pivot 16, as will be clear from FIG. 2. The main portion of each arm 15 has formed in the flange thereof paralleling the adjacent face of the corner member 11 a series of slots or notches 19 opening from the edge of the ange opposite that from which the notch 18 opens. The notches 19 are preferably spaced at equal intervals beginning at the free end of the arm 15 and continuing for any desired distance along the arm 15 toward the pivoted end, the distance between the notch 18 and the notch 19 closest to the pivot 16 being slightly greater than the least width or breadth of a form on which Ithe clamping structure is to be employed.

As will be evident from an inspection of IFIGS. 1 to 4, when the corner posts and the panels P are arranged as previously described to deline a column form, the parts are held or clamped against separation by interengage- Ament of the arms 15 of adjacent or successive corner posts. An arm 15 of one corner post is brought to a position substantially perpendicular to the post, with one or more of the notches 19 disposed outwardly beyond the corner post adjacent which the free end extends, and the notch 18 just outwardly of the one corner post. The corresponding arm on the adjacent post is then swung to a position substantially normal thereto, with the notch 1S engaging with one of the notches 19 which lies just outwardly of the adjacent post, as -will be clear from FIGS. l and 2. The corresponding arm 15 on the other adjacent corner post similarly is swung to engage one of the notches 19 thereof with the notch 1S of the rst mentioned arm 15, and then the corresponding arm 15 on the fourth corner post is pivoted into notched engagement with both of the adjacent arms, thus completing the securement of the parts at one level. The two remaining arms of each of the four corner posts are then interengaged Iwith the corresponding arms of the other posts in the same manner, so as to complete the clamping of the parts of the form into fully assembled relation. It will be obvious, of course, that the particular order of securement or engagement of the arms with each other may be varied as desired or as most convenient. The spaced notches 19 provide for automatic adjustment of the clamp structure to forms of any Width or breadth within the range provided by the extent of the series of notches along each arm.

In removing the clamping structure, it is only necessary to swing the arms 15 so as to disengage them from each other, after which the corner posts may be readily removed from framing relation with the panels P of the form, and the panels may be removed from the column which has been formed therein. It will be apparent that upon removal from a form, the framing and clamping structure may be stored or arranged for transport in a small space, the arms on each corner post being swung into substantial alignment therewith so that each corner post and its associated clamping arm occupy a minimum of space. Locks 20 may be kprovided for holding the arms in the post-aligned position in the collapsed condition of the structure. These locks may be in the form of bolts or like means providing projections on the faces 12 of the outer corner members 11 to engage appropriate notches 19 of the arms 15. It will be evident that the inner corner fillers 13, being secured to the outer corner members 11, are applied and removed therewith as single units, and thus greatly simplify the task'of assembling the forms. It is the common and usual practice to employ corner pieces or fillers which must be separately inserted and secured in the form, and thus obviously complicate both the construction and the handling of the form. Suitable nailing apertures (not shown) are provided in the corner posts to allow nails to be driven therethrough into the adjacent panel means P.

In FIGS. 5 to 8 inclusive, there is shown another embodiment of the inventinon which achieves greater simplicity than that illustrated in FIGS. l to 4 by omitting the corner posts or framing structure. The clamping structure of this form of the invention is generally designated 22 in FIGS. 5 and 6, each clamp comprising a pair of clamping members 23, each of which consists of a pair of clamping arms 24 extendingvat right angles to each other. The clamping members 23 are shown as formed of angle members in the present case, each arm 24 comprising a suitable length of a steel angle, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, with one end formed at a 45 angle substantially as shown at 25 in FIG. 8, and Welded or otherwise secured to a correspondingly formed end of another arm 24. The arms are arranged so that one leg or flange of each extends perpendicularly to the corresponding llange of the other arm, and the other anges thereof extend outwardly from the perpendicularly related flanges in a plane normal Vto the planes of both the perpendicularly related flanges. In each of fthe latter flanges, i.e., the anges extending in planes perpendicular to each other, there is provided a number of slots or notches 26 each extending inwardly from the edge thereof for substantially half the width thereof, the notches being spaced from each other at any appropriate interval in a series extending from the free end of each arm 24 toward the end joined to the other arm.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the clamp 22 s shown as applied to a form F of square cross section, one of the clamping members 23 being arranged with the arms engaging two of the sides of the form with the notches 26 in the arms opening upwardly, and the other member disposed in engagement with the other two sides of the form with the notched anges arranged with the slots opening downwardly and the free end portions of the arms of the two clamping members in crossing relation with each other at diagonally opposite corners of the form. YBy means of the slots 26 in the intersecting or crossing portions of the arms, the clamping members are interengaged with each other and secured on the form in surrounding relation thereto to hold the side members of the form against outward separating movement, or in other words serving to clamp the parts of the form together in the desired relation. The clamp structure of FIGS. 5 to 8 may be employed with a column form of any length, the pairs of clamping members 23 being arranged at suitable intervals along the length of the form, as will be apparent from FIG. 5. To remove the clamps 22, it is only necessary to drive the two clamping members 23 in opposite directions so as to disengage the notched portions, as will be evident. The clamps of this form of the invention are somewhat more diilicult to remove than those of the first form of the invention described, since the hinged or pivoted arms are more readily moved to released position than the arms 24 secured together in substantially rigid pairs. The members 23 may be stored in a small space when not in use, although because of the right angular form the disposition for storage or shipment is not quite as convenient as that of the framing and clamping structures of FIGS. 1 to 4.

In FIGS. 9 and l0 there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention, particularly adapted for use in cases of square or similar rectangular column forms beyond the capacity of the clamping members 23 as shown in i-llGS. 5 to 8. In the clamp structure of FIGS. 9 and l0, there are employed four clamp members 28 which are substantially the same as the clamp members 23, each comprising a pair of arms 29 arranged in fixed right angular relation, like the members 23. The clamping members are applied to a column form C, shown in this instance is of square section, the sides of which have a width greater than the length of the arms 29, but less than twice the length of the arms. Four clamping members 23 are employed, one being applied to each exterior corner of the form C so that one arm 29 thereof extends along and transversely of one side of the form and the other arm similarly lies along the adjacent form side. The arms, as already indicated by the explanation of the length thereof relative to the width of the form sides, eX- tend more than half-way across the sides. The arms of adjacent clamp members lying along the same side of the form thus have their ends in overlapped relation, although it will be understood that adjacent clamping members must lie in different planes normal to the form side, as will be clear from FIG. l0. The clamping members are held against longitudinal movement :of either arm thereof relative to the adjacent 'arm of an adjacent clamping member, `and against outward movement from the form side, by means of clamping brackets 30 which overlie the overlappingly related end portions of adjacent clamping arms of adjacent members 28. The brackets Sti are urged inwardly relative to the side of the form, so as to clamp the arms 29 of the members 2S tightly against the form side and thus prevent movement thereof. The brackets may conveniently be the clamp brackets employed on the outer ends of the tie rods 31 employed as bracing means in the large form C to help prevent bulging or spreading thereof under the pressure of the concrete employed to form a column therein. Two tie rods 31 are shown, extending at right angles to each other substantially centrally through opposed sides of the form and projecting outwardly between the overlapped portions of the clamping arms 29 at the respective form sides, as is made clear in FIG. l0. The tie rods may be made up of a plurality of parts, as for example, by having removable end portions or she-bolts, as is well known in the art and therefore need not be further described herein. Nuts 32 are threaded on the outwardly projecting ends of the tie rods to draw the brackets 3i) tightly against the clamping arms 29 and thus hold the arms and adjacent form sides against movement outwardly of the form, and also prevent slipping of the arms along the sides against which they lie. It will be apparent that the tie rods and brackets perform not only the function of securing the clamping members in clamping relation to hold the form in assembled condition, but also carry out their intended function of bracing the form against pressure to 4which it is subjected.

As in the case of the other forms of the invention disclosed, the clamp structure of FIGS. 9 and l0 may be employed at appropriate intervals along the length or height of the column form or the like, the several clamps being spaced as may be most appropriate or desirable. The manner of applying and removing the clamp structures 6 is believed to be apparent from the description of Vthe form, structure and operation thereof as hereinabove described, involving only the drawing up or loosening of the clamp brackets. It is to be noted that the arms 29 of the clamping membersY 28 are shown as provided with spaced notches 33 which are substantially the same as the notches 26 of the clamping members 23 previously described. These notches are not necessary to the operation of the clamping members in the particular arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 9 and l0 and described hereinabove, but permit the use of the clamping members 28 in the same manner as the clamping members 23 on column forms and the like of appropriate size and section. Similarly, of course, the clamping members 23 might be employed in the same manner as the clamping members While the embodiments of the invention have been disclosed as applied to forms for columns of square or rectangular cross section, it will be understood that the invention may be employed with column forms or the like of other angular sections, such as triangular, hexagonal or octagonal. All that is necessary is to arrange the clamping arms so that adjacent arms extend at an angle to each other corresponding to the angle between the form sides, and employ the number of arms or clamping members appropriate to the particular number of form sides.

Having thus described my invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various immaterial modiiications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention, hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A Clamping frame for a column form or the like of angular section having panel means defining the sides thereof, comprising a :corner member -for each corner of the form presenting a pair of surfaces extending generally in 4the planes of the respectively adjacent form sides, a right angle-shaped clamping arm pivoted to each corner member to swing parallel to one of said surfaces thereof and of a length greater than the width of the adjacent form side, an extension of the pivoted end of each right angle-shaped clamping arm projecting beyond the other yof said surfaces upon disposition of the right angleshaped clamping arm substantially perpendicular 'to its corner member, a plurality of notches in said right angleshaped :clamping arm, one of said notches being formed in said extension and located to be positioned just out- Wardly of said other surface in said perpendicular arm position and another of said notches being formed adjacent the free end of the right angle-shaped clamping arm and located to be positioned just outwardly of the surface of `an adjacent corner member parallel to said other surface in said perpendicular right angle-shaped clamping arm position, said other notch yof each arm engaging with said one notch of the right angle-shaped clamping arm pivoted on said adjacent corner member.

2. A clamping frame substantially as defined in claim 1, in which a plurality of said right angle-shaped clamping arms are pivoted on each corner member in spaced relation.

3. A clamping frame substantially as set forth in claim l, in which a plurality of said right angle-shaped clamping arms are pivoted on each corner member alternately parallel to one yand the other of said surfaces thereof.

4. A clamping frame substantially as defined in claim l, in which each of at least certain of said right angleshaped clamping arms has a plurality of notches formed in a ange of certain of said right angle-shaped clamping arms and extending in spaced relation therealong from adjacent the free end thereof, said plurality of notches including said other notch.

5. A clamping -frame substantially as set forth in claim 1, in which each corner member comprises an outer angle member providing said surfaces, and an inner corner ller secure-d to said angle member and therewith providing the corner member with a thickness adjacent each form side substantially equal to that of the adjacent panel means.

References Cited in the ijle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Scammell Dec. 31, 1907 Hoy Apr. 6, 1915

Claims (1)

1. A CLAMPING FRAME FOR A COLUMN FORM OR THE LIKE OF ANGULAR SECTION HAVING PANEL MEANS DEFINING THE SIDES THEREOF, COMPRISING A CORNER MEMBER FOR EACH CORNER OF THE FORM PRESENTING A PAIR OF SURFACES EXTENDING GENERALLY IN THE PLANES OF THE RESPECTIVELY ADJACENT FROM SIDES, A RIGHT ANGLE SHAPED CLAMPING ARM PIVOTED TO EACH CORNER MEMBER SWING PARALLEL TO ONE OF SAID SURFACES THEREOF AND OF A LENGTH GREATER THAN THE WIDTH OF THE ADJACENT FORM SIDE, AND EXTENDION OF THE PIVOTED END OF EACH RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPED CLAMPING ARM PROJECTING BEYOND THE OTHER OF SAID SURFACES UPON DISPOSITION OF THE RIGHT ANGLESHAPED CLAMPING ARM SUBSTANTIALLY PERPENDICULAR TO ITS CORNER MEMBER, A PLURALITY OF NOTCHES IN SAID RIGHT ANGLESHAPED CLAMPING ARM, ONE OF SAID NOTCHES BEING FORMED IN SAID EXTENSION AND LOCATED TO BE POSITIONED JUST OUTWARDLY OF SAID OTHER SURFACE IN SAID PERPENDICULAR ARM POSITION AND ANOTHER OF SAID NOTCHES BEING FORMED ADJACENT THE FREE END OF THE RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPED CLAMPING ARM AND LOCATED TO BE POSITIONED JUST OUTWARDLY OF THE SURFACE OF AN ADJACENT CORNER MEMBER PARALLEL TO SAID OTHER SURFACE IN SAID PERPENDICULAR RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPED CLAMPING ARM POSITION, SAID OTHER NOTCH OF EACH ARM ENGAGING WITH SAID ONE NOTCH OF THE RIGHT ANGLE-SHAPED CLAMPING ARM PIVOTED ON SAID ADJACENT CORNER MEMBER.

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