WO2013085398A1

WO2013085398A1 - Retaining apparatus and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2013085398A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2012/000229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dion KERR
Original assignee: Mr Box Limited
Priority date: 2011-12-06
Filing date: 2012-12-05
Publication date: 2013-06-13
Also published as: AU2012348465A1; AU2012101913A4

Abstract

Described herein is a reusable retaining member for a concrete foundation boxing system; an extruded board that may be used in conjunction with the retaining member; a concrete boxing apparatus incorporating the retaining member or members; and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus provides an alternative means to retaining a concrete foundation in place during concrete pouring and setting at a competitive or cheaper cost than traditional methods. Further, the apparatus is simple to install, light weight to transport and install, and is reusable.

Description

RETAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application derives priority from New Zealand patent application numbers 596911 and 603748 incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A retaining apparatus for a concrete foundation boxing system is described herein. The apparatus uses one or more retaining members and an extruded board or boards.

BACKGROUND

Retaining or boxing systems currently exist for concrete foundations. The simplest example is a wooden peg and board approach where pegs are hammered into the ground and used to retain boards that hold poured concrete within the desired area until the concrete sets. This system has drawbacks in that it is time consuming to install, requires considerable human labour and the boards and pegs are not always reusable.

One solution is to manufacture a boxing system using metal braces to secure wooden boxing such as that described in NZ518750. Devices such as these have the disadvantage that they can be labour intensive to install and remove. The braces may be expensive to produce and they may be difficult to use.

NZ328677 discloses a support for supporting concrete boxing framework and the like. A disadvantage of this support is that boards cannot be easily removably and/or fixedly retained on the support.

Use of concrete blocks, reinforced or plain, occurs in the industry for use as concrete boxing or bracing. Preformed blocks are produced and placed around a perimeter and concrete poured therein. Disadvantages of existing concrete block style systems are that they may only be of a comparably short length as the weight and longitudinal strength become compromised using either concrete alone or with existing reinforcing steel configurations. These block systems may also be costly requiring expensive equipment to manufacture, incurring significant transport costs to move to a construction site and expensive moving equipment such as cranes to shift the blocks into position. The ground level must also be flat as there is little ability to vary the orientation of a concrete block once placed.

For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the retaining apparatus and methods of use will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

The application broadly relates to a reusable retaining member for a concrete foundation boxing system; an extruded board that may be used in conjunction with the retaining member; a concrete boxing apparatus incorporating the retaining member or members and extruded or boards; and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus provides an alternative means to retain a concrete foundation in place during concrete pouring and setting at a competitive or cheaper cost than traditional methods. Further the apparatus is faster to install and remove than some traditional systems and is reusable multiple times.

In a first aspect, there is provided a retaining member for use in concrete foundation boxing including:

(a) a rod that inserts into the ground; and

(b) a sleeve around the rod wherein the sleeve is fixed to the rod via a first clamping

mechanism on the sleeve and wherein the sleeve is fixed to a board or boards via a second clamping mechanism mounted on the sleeve.

In a second aspect there is provided an extruded board for use in concrete foundation boxing that has a substantially rectangular cross-section having: a first substantially planar surface, which the concrete abuts; a second opposing surface with one or more flanges extending therefrom that link with a retaining member or retaining members; and interlocking members at the top and/or bottom of the board relative to the ground surface that mate with and at least partially fix together at least one further board or boards placed thereon.

In a third aspect there is provided a concrete foundation boxing apparatus including: a retaining member substantially as described above; and an extruded board or boards substantially as described above. In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of boxing a concrete foundation by the steps of:

(a) inserting a rod into ground proximate the location of a foundation edge; (b) fixing a sleeve around the rod wherein the sleeve is fixed to the rod via a first clamping mechanism gripping the sleeve to the rod; and,

(c) fixing the sleeve to a board or boards via a second clamping mechanism, the concrete being poured and retained against a first surface of the board or boards, and the second clamping mechanism being on the opposing side of the board or boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the retaining apparatus and methods of use will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the apparatus fully assembled and secured to a flat ground surface;

Figure 2 shows the above embodiment when secured to uneven or sloped ground surface;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the arm clamping mechanism prior to assembly;

Figure 4 shows a detailed side view of a portion of a retaining member and board with a first upper clamping mechanism and a second lower clamping mechanism engaged linking the retaining member and board;

Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of the retaining member with a first upper sleeve clamping mechanism engaged;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from below of several assembled extruded boards linked together with a retaining member;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view from above of several extruded boards linked to a

retaining member;

Figure 8 shows a side profile view of a brick rebate attached to a board of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus fully assembled and secured to a flat ground surface;

Figure 10 shows the embodiment of Figure 9 when secured to uneven or sloped ground surface;

Figure 11 shows a detailed side view of a portion of a retaining member and board of Figure 9 with a first upper clamping mechanism engaged linking the retaining member and board and a second lower clamping mechanism in a disengaged position;

Figure 12 shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of the retaining member of Figure 9 with a first upper sleeve clamping mechanism engaged and a second lower sleeve clamping mechanism disengaged;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view from below of several assembled extruded boards linked together with a retaining member of Figure 9; and,

Figure 14 shows a perspective view from above of several extruded boards linked to a

retaining member of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, the application broadly relates to a reusable retaining member for a concrete foundation boxing system; an extruded board that may be used in conjunction with the retaining member; a concrete boxing apparatus incorporating the retaining member or members and extruded board or boards; and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus provides an alternative means to retain a concrete foundation in place during concrete pouring and setting at a competitive or cheaper cost than traditional methods. Further the apparatus is faster to install and remove than some traditional systems and is reusable multiple times.

For the purposes of this specification, the term 'about' or 'approximately' and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 % to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term 'substantially' or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'concrete' or grammatical variations thereof refers to a generic construction material which may be made of cement, sand, stone, water and the like that hardens to a stonelike mass. This term should not be seen as limiting as concrete may refer to other types of cementitious material. For example, self-compacting engineered cementitious composites (ECC) could conceivably be used with this invention. In a first aspect, there is provided a retaining member for use in concrete foundation boxing including: a rod that inserts into the ground; and, a sleeve around the rod wherein the sleeve is fixed to the rod via a first clamping mechanism on the sleeve and wherein the sleeve is fixed to a board or boards via a second clamping mechanism mounted on the sleeve.

The retaining member may include an arm or arms with a first and second end wherein the first end is attached to the rod or sleeve and wherein the arm or arms extend from the rod or sleeve. The arm or arms may be used to provide vertical stability to the retaining member.

The arm(s) may be attached to the rod or sleeve via a third (arm) clamping mechanism. The arm clamping mechanism may include at least two complementary angle clamps or links that may be clamped to each side of an arm or rod to allow sliding and rotational movement of the arm with respect to the rod. This motion may be useful as, once the retaining member (via the rod) is set in the desired orientation, the arm can be fixed to the ground. In this way, the height and angle of the arm can be easily adjusted and attached with respect to the rod or sleeve while allowing for variations in ground levels.

The arm clamping mechanism may be engaged and disengaged by a toggle. An advantage of this configuration is that no additional tools may be required to operate the mechanism.

The arm clamping mechanism is versatile as it may be utilised for the connection of substantially upright pipes adjacent each other at a corner interface.

The retaining member may include one arm extending from the sleeve on the side opposing the second clamping mechanism. The arm or arms may be used to provide vertical stability to the retaining member. The arm or arms may include a foot at the second distil end of the arm or arms which a pin or pins may engage and fix to a surface. The link between the sleeve and arm may be a pin allowing the arm to pivot relative to the retaining member. This pivot motion may be useful as, once the retaining member is set in the desired orientation, the arm can fixed to the ground and ground level variations are easily catered for by varying the arm angle.

Optionally, the first distil end of the arm or arms may be linked to the sleeve via the third clamping mechanism including a releasable over centre lever that clamps the arm or arms to the sleeve surface. As noted above, the arm angle may be varied to suit the ground surface contour. The third clamping mechanism may be used once the arm and retaining member are fixed in place to fine tune the retaining member angle. The over centre lever of the third clamping mechanism may be a rocker lever that engages teeth on the sleeve when the arm or arms are fixed in position. In alternative embodiments an over centre lever may be used without a rocker function. Optionally, the over centre lever may be biased to a locked position. In this embodiment, the user may push the lever against the bias action to release the arm from the sleeve, the user may then move the arm relative to the sleeve and then releases the lever to re- lock the arm against the sleeve.

The rod may have an approximately circular cross-section with a first blunt or semi-blunt end and a second frustroconical shaped tapered end. The tapered end may be a spike or point suitable to ease insertion into a surface such as the ground. The rod may be manufactured from metal such as steel or a metal alloy. Whilst the rod may have a circular cross-section, other cross-sections may be used such as a square, a hexagon or any other polygonal shape and such shape changes represent simple working variations.

The rod may include a sliding hammer head arrangement attached to the blunt first end of the rod which absorbs an impact force to avoid damage to the rod itself and may be used to drive the rod into the ground. The hammer head arrangement may be a plastic material with some impact resistance. The head may be configured to be removeably inserted into or over the top of the rod. The head may be a replaceable attachment that threads into or onto the rod.

The rod may include a sacrificial head attached to the blunt first end of the rod which absorbs an impact force and which is replaceable. The head may be a plastic material with some impact resistance. The head may be a cap fitted over the top of the rod. The head may be a cap that threads onto the rod.

The first clamping mechanism may constrict the sleeve size so as to grip the sleeve to the rod. The first clamping mechanism may be at least one over centre lever that, when engaged, acts to constrict the sleeve about the rod and retain the sleeve in a constricted form. The over centre lever may be shaped so that, when engaged the lever is aligned along the rod axis and when disengaged, protrudes from the rod to provide a visual indicator that the mechanism is not engaged. The sleeve itself or the sleeve surface that abuts the rod may be manufactured from a friction inducing material so as to assist the fastening process.

The board or boards may include a flange or flanges on one side that are releasably gripped by the second sleeve clamping mechanism. Two flanges may be used, one situated about the middle of the board and the second situated towards the top of the board both points relative to the ground position. The flange may be a continuous section along the length of the board or a semi-continuous section along parts of the board. The second sleeve clamping mechanism may include a flange or flanges extending from the sleeve that mate with the board flanges or flanges and an over centre lever abutting and releasably gripping the board and sleeve flanges together. The flange or flanges extending from the sleeve may have a width equivalent to the sleeve width.

The surface may be the ground into which the rod is inserted. Alternatively, the surface may be another feature such as a wooden board or wall.

The extruded board or boards may be powder coated steel with an anti-stick coating to prevent concrete or other such cementitious material from adhering to the board(s).

The extruded board may include a groove in the top surface of the board that receives a string line. In this embodiment the string sits within the groove when alignment is correct making it quick and simple to visually see and correct the orientation.

The extrusion shape of the extruded board may include a male protrusion at one distil end and a mating female insertion shape in the extrusion at the opposing distil end allowing the board to be fixedly linked together with further boards.

In an alternative embodiment, a separate linking member or members may be used to connect multiple extruded boards, the linking member or members having two male protrusions extending from a central portion and wherein each male portion inserts into the extruded board ending.

The above linkages may be straight to facilitate formation of a long wall or may be angled to form corners in the foundation.

The board may include a sleeve that fits over the board or multiple boards stacked together vertically. The sleeve may be used to give a desired finish to the foundation and may provide additional strength.

The board may include a rebate for housing 70-90 mm bricks. The rebate may be configured to attach to the top of the board. The rebate may be secured to the board by a fixing element such as a Tek™ screw.

The extruded board may be linked via the flange or flanges to a retaining member substantially as described above.

In a third aspect there is provided a concrete foundation boxing apparatus including: a retaining member substantially as described above; and an extruded board or boards substantially as described above. It is envisaged that the apparatus may be a kit of parts delivered to a work site based on foundation plans and removed once the concrete foundation sets. No cranes or heavy lift equipment are required in order to place the apparatus and remove the apparatus.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of boxing a concrete foundation by the steps of:

(a) inserting a rod into ground proximate the location of a foundation edge;

(b) fixing a sleeve around the rod wherein the sleeve is fixed to the rod via a first clamping mechanism gripping the sleeve to the rod; and,

The above method may include fixing the rod angle by fixing in position relative to a surface an arm or arms with a first and second end wherein the first end is attached to the rod or sleeve and wherein the arm or arms extend from the rod or sleeve to a surface on which the arm or arms are fixed.

In the above method, the surface may be the ground on which the foundation is to be placed.

The angle of the rod may be adjusted via a third clamping mechanism linking the arm or arms to the rod or sleeve.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as of individually set forth,

Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The above described reusable retaining member, extruded board, concrete boxing apparatus and method of using same are now described by reference to a working example illustrating an embodiment of the apparatus and variations thereof. WORKING EXAMPLES

The above described apparatus and method are described by reference to specific examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Figure 1 illustrates a concrete foundation boxing apparatus, generally indicated by arrow 100, including a retaining member, generally indicated by arrow 1 , and at least one extruded board 5 (hereafter termed 'board').

In Figure 1 , the retaining member 1 is secured to the ground 2 and fixed to the board 5. The board 5 has at least one flange 6 located on the surface opposite to the surface which the concrete abuts 9.

The retaining member 1 includes a rod 3, a sleeve 4 around the rod 3 and at least one arm 7 that attaches to the sleeve 4. The rod 3 inserts into the ground 2 by positioning the

frustroconical shaped tapered end 1 1 near the ground 2 and driving the rod 3 into the ground 2 by sliding hammer head arrangement 10. The hammer head arrangement 10 absorbs a small portion of an impact force to avoid damage to the rod 3 itself and is used to drive the rod 3 into the ground. The head 10 may be replaced. Alternatively, the sliding hammer head arrangement 10 may not be used.

The sleeve 4 is of a moulded shape fixed to the rod 3 via a sleeve clamping mechanism 12 (see Figure 4) which constricts the sleeve 4 so as to grip the sleeve 4 to the rod 3. Once the sleeve 4 has been secured about the rod 3, the board clamping mechanism 14 on the sleeve 4 is fixed to the flange 6 on the board 5 thereby fixing the board 5 position relative to the position of the rod 3. The board clamping mechanism 14 is secured and unsecured via an over centre lever 15. The main body of the sleeve 4 includes a height of 200 mm to correlate to the board 5 with a height of 200 mm. In this way, multiple boards 5 are attached to the rod 3. For example, three 200 mm boards 5 can be stacked upon one another to cover a height of 600 mm.

The retaining member 1 is further secured to the ground 2 via at least one arm 7 which attaches to the to the rod 3 by the arm clamping mechanism 23. At the opposite end of the arm 7, is frustroconical shaped tip 1 1 for securing to a ground surface 2. Alternatively, the tip may be a cross shaped tip welded to the arm 7. The arm 7 may also be secured to another surface (not shown) such as a pole, wall or other stable surface.

Once the concrete foundation boxing apparatus 100 has been assembled by securing the retaining member 1 to the ground 2 and the board(s) 5, concrete may be poured on the side of the board 5 opposite to the retaining member 1 , indicated by arrow 9.

Referring to Figure 2, the retaining member 1 is secured at an angle with respect to the sloped ground 20. The position of the arm 7 has been adjusted by releasing the arm clamping mechanism 23, adjusting the position of the arm 7 by sliding and rotating the arm 7 about a pin 16. The arm clamping mechanism 23 fixes the arm 7 in place. The arm clamping mechanism 23 is engaged and disengaged by actuating the toggle 22. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the arm clamping mechanism 23 prior to assembly. The arm clamping mechanism 23 includes two complementary angle connector clamps 24 (per arm 7 or rod 3) which are clamped to each side of the arm 7 or rod 3. A pin 16 is inserted through apertures of the clamps 24 and retained by a washer 17 and toggle 22 respectively. The arm clamping mechanism 23 also can be used for connecting upright pipes adjacent each other at a corner interface.

Figure 4 illustrates the board clamping mechanism 14 and board flange 6 in greater detail. As shown, the board 5 includes at least one flange 6 located on the side opposite to the side abutting the concrete 9. When the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 is released, the sleeve 4 can be moved along the rod 3 in the Y-direction to align the board clamping mechanism 14 with the flange 6. A hammer or equivalent is used to move the sleeve 4 up or down as required.

The flange 6 is shaped such that the cam surface 33 of the board clamping mechanism 14 contacts and abuts the flange 6 surface as the sleeve clamping mechanism 14 is actuated from the open position (not shown) to the closed position, indicated by circle 35. In the closed position 35 the board clamping mechanism 14 is in an over centre position. The board clamping mechanism 14 may be biased to remain closed. To release the board clamping mechanism 14, the user actuates the board clamping mechanism 14 via the lever 15 releasing it from the flange 6.

Figure 5 shows the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 in the engaged position. In this configuration, the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 constricts the sleeve 4 about the rod 3, thereby fixing the sleeve 4 to the rod 3. Constriction of the sleeve 4 is achieved by the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 as it compresses sleeve protrusions 37 together, effectively shrinking the diameter of the sleeve 4 until the inner surface of the sleeve 4 abuts and applies a constricting force to the rod 3.

The sleeve clamping mechanism 12 is operated by actuation of the over centre lever 13. This over centre lever 13 is biased to the closed position, as shown in Figure 5.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate several boards 5 interlocking to create the concrete foundation boxing apparatus 100. The board 5 is an extruded component that includes a mating section 30 that partly nests inside the end of the board 5. The protruding portion (not shown) of the mating section 30 nests into a horizontally adjacent board 5, thereby linking the two boards 5. The mating section 30 may be angled so as to mate two boards 5 at an angle, thereby forming a corner in the boxing. As may be appreciated, any number of boards 5 of either consistent or varying length may be linked in this way to box concrete foundations of various sizes. Further, the mating section 30 may instead be a preformed protrusion integral to the board 5.

The bottom of the board 5 relative to the ground level 2 includes a male protrusion 31 that mates with a corresponding female insertion shape 32 on the top side of a vertically adjacent board 5. As may be appreciated, the arrangement of these interlocking features may be inverted such that the male protrusion 31 is positioned on the top side of the board 5 and the female insertion shape 32 is positioned on the bottom side of the board 5. The interlock allows multiple boards 5 to be stacked together and confers greater strength and rigidity to the stacked structure.

As should be appreciated from the above, the apparatus 100 allows a simple and effective method for forming concrete foundation boxing. The apparatus 100 requires minimal user interactions to assemble and secure which include arranging boards 5 in a desired configuration, driving the rod 3 into the ground 2, fixing the sleeve 4 to the rod 3 and to the board 5, then securing to the ground 2. Optionally, the position of the arm 7 may be adjusted to secure the retaining member 1 to an uneven or sloping surface. This adjustment may be achieved via the arm clamping mechanism 23 and adjusting the position of the arm 7 by sliding and rotating the arm 7 about a pin 16.

Figure 8 shows a side profile view of the board 5 which includes a rebate 8 for housing 70-90 mm bricks (not shown). The rebate 8 is configured to attach to the top of the board 5 and is secured to the board 5 by a fixing element such as a Tek™ screw (not shown).

EXAMPLE 2

Figure 9 illustrates an alternative concrete foundation boxing apparatus, generally indicated by arrow 100, including a retaining member, generally indicated by arrow 1 , and at least one extruded board 5 (hereafter termed 'board').

In Figure 9, the retaining member 1 is secured to the ground 2 and fixed to the board 5. The board 5 has at least one flange 6 located on the surface opposite to the surface which the concrete abuts 9.

frustroconical shaped tapered end 11 near the ground 2 and driving the rod 3 into the ground 2 by impacting the sacrificial head 10. The sacrificial head 10 absorbs a small portion of an impact force to avoid damage to the rod 3 itself. The head 10 may be replaced. Alternatively, the head 10 may not be used.

The sleeve 4 is of a moulded shape fixed to the rod 3 via a sleeve clamping mechanism 12 (see Figure 12) which constricts the sleeve 4 so as to grip the sleeve 4 to the rod 3. Once the sleeve 4 has been secured about the rod 3, the board clamping mechanism 14 on the sleeve 4 is fixed to the flange 6 on the board 5 thereby fixing the board 5 position relative to the position of the rod 3. The board clamping mechanism 14 is secured and unsecured via an over centre lever 15.

The retaining member 1 is further secured to the ground 2 via at least one arm 7 which attaches to the sleeve 4 on the side of the sleeve 4 opposite to the board clamping mechanism 14. At the opposite end of the arm 7, a foot 28 rotatably attached to the arm 7 via a pin 16. As may be appreciated the pin 16 may be any fastener with an unthreaded shaft such as a shoulder bolt. The foot 28 is fixed to the ground 2 via a fastener or fasteners (not shown). The arm 7 may also be secured to another surface (not shown) such as a pole, wall or other stable surface.

Referring to Figure 10, the retaining member 1 is secured at an angle with respect to the sloped ground 20. The position of the arm 7 has been adjusted by releasing the arm clamping mechanism 23, adjusting the position of the arm 7 by sliding the arm 7 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retaining member 1 and/or rotating the arm 7 about a pin (not shown). The arm clamping mechanism 23 fixes the arm 7 in place. The arm clamping mechanism 23 is engaged and disengaged by actuating the toggle 22. The foot 28 has been adjusted to abut the sloped ground 20 by rotating the foot 28 about the pin 16. Once the foot 28 is in a position such that the foot 28 abuts the sloped ground 30, the foot 28 is fixed to the ground 20 via fasteners (not shown) that extend through the foot 28 and into the ground 20.

Figure 1 1 illustrates the board clamping mechanism 14 and board flange 6 in greater detail. As shown, the board 5 includes at least one flange 6 located on the side opposite to the side abutting the concrete 9. When the sleeve clamping mechanism (not shown) is released, the sleeve 4 can be moved along the rod 3 in the Y-direction to align the board clamping mechanism 14 with the flange 6.

The flange 6 is shaped such that the cam surface 33 of the board clamping mechanism 14 contacts and abuts the flange 6 surface as the board clamping mechanism 14 is actuated from the open position, indicated by circle 34, to the closed position, indicated by circle 35. In the closed position 35 the board clamping mechanism 14 is in an over centre position. The board clamping mechanism 14 may be biased to remain closed. To release the board clamping mechanism 14, the user actuates the board clamping mechanism 14 via the lever 15 releasing it from the flange 6.

Figure 12 shows the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 in the engaged position. In this configuration, the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 constricts the sleeve 4 about the rod 3, thereby fixing the sleeve 4 to the rod 3. Constriction of the sleeve 4 is achieved by the sleeve clamping mechanism 12 as it compresses sleeve protrusions 37 together, effectively shrinking the diameter of the sleeve 4 until the inner surface of the sleeve 4 abuts and applies a constricting force to the rod 3.

The sleeve clamping mechanism 12 is operated by actuation of the over centre lever 13. This over centre lever 13 is biased to the closed position, as shown in Figure 12. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate several boards 5 interlocking to create the concrete foundation boxing apparatus 100. The board 5 is an extruded component that includes a mating section 30 that partly nests inside the end of the board 5. The protruding portion of the mating section 30 nests into a horizontally adjacent board 5, thereby linking the two boards 5. The mating section 30 may be angled so as to mate two boards 5 at an angle, thereby forming a corner in the boxing. As may be appreciated, any number of boards 5 of either consistent or varying length may be linked in this way to box concrete foundations of various sizes. Further, the mating section 30 may instead be a preformed protrusion integral to the board 5.

As should be appreciated from the above, the apparatus 100 allows a simple and effective method for forming concrete foundation boxing. The apparatus 100 requires minimal user interactions to assemble and secure which include arranging boards 5 in a desired configuration, driving the rod 3 into the ground 2, fixing the sleeve 4 to the rod 3 and to the board 5, then securing the foot 28 to the ground 2. Optionally, the position of the arm 7 and attached foot 28 may be adjusted to secure the retaining member 1 to an uneven or sloping surface 20. This adjustment may be achieved via the arm clamping mechanism 23 and the rotation of the foot 28 about a pin 16, respectively.

Aspects of the apparatus and methods of use have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A retaining member for use in concrete foundation boxing including: a rod that inserts into the ground; and, a sleeve around the rod wherein the sleeve is fixed to the rod via a first clamping mechanism on the sleeve and wherein the sleeve is fixed to a board or boards via a second clamping mechanism mounted on the sleeve.

2. The retaining member as claimed in claim 1 which includes an arm or arms with a first and second end wherein the first end is attached to the rod or sleeve and wherein the arm or arms extend from the rod or sleeve.

3. The retaining member as claimed in claim 2 wherein the arms are attached to the rod or sleeve via a third clamping mechanism.

4. The retaining member as claimed in claim 3 wherein the third clamping mechanism includes at least two complementary angle clamps.

5. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the rod has an approximately circular cross-section with a first blunt or semi-blunt end and a second frustroconical shaped tapered end.

6. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the rod includes a hammer head attached to the blunt first end of the rod which absorbs an impact force and which is removeable.

7. The retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the rod includes a sacrificial head attached to the blunt first end of the rod which absorbs an impact force and which is replaceable.

8. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the first clamping mechanism constricts the sleeve size so as to grip the sleeve to the rod.

9. The retaining member as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first clamping mechanism is at least one over centre lever that, when engaged acts to constrict the sleeve about the rod and retain the sleeve in a constricted form.

10. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the second

clamping mechanism is configured to engage and releaseably grip with a flange or flanges on one side of the boards.

11. The retaining member as claimed in claim 10 wherein the second clamping mechanism includes a flange or flanges extending from the sleeve that mate with the board flanges or flanges and an over centre lever abutting and releasably gripping the board and sleeve flanges together.

12. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the retaining member includes one arm extending from the sleeve on the side opposing the second clamping mechanism.

13. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the arm or arms include a foot at the second distil end of the arm or arms which a pin or pins may engage and fix to a surface.

14. The retaining member as claimed in claim 13 wherein the surface is the ground into which the rod is inserted.

15. The retaining member as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the first distil end of the arm or arms are linked to the sleeve via a third clamping mechanism including a releasable over centre lever that clamps the arm or arms to the sleeve surface.

16. The retaining member as claimed in claim 15 wherein the over centre lever is a rocker lever that engages teeth on the sleeve when the arm or arms are fixed in position.

17. The retaining member as claimed in claim 5 or claim 16 wherein the over centre lever is biased to a locked position.

18. An extruded board for use in concrete foundation boxing that has a substantially rectangular cross-section having: a first substantially planar surface, which the concrete abuts; a second opposing surface with one or more flanges extending therefrom that link with a retaining member or retaining members; and interlocking members at the top and/or bottom of the board relative to the ground surface that mate with and at least partially fix together at least one further board or boards placed thereon.

19. The extruded board as claimed in claim 18 wherein the board is powder coated steel with an anti-stick coating.

20. The extruded board as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the board includes a groove in the top surface of the board that receives a string line.

21. The extruded board as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the board extrusion includes a male protrusion at one distil end and a mating female insertion shape in the extrusion at the opposing distil end allowing the board to be fixedly linked together with further boards.

22. The extruded board as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein a separate linking member is used to connect multiple extruded boards, the linking member have two male protrusions extending from a central portion and wherein each male portion inserts into the extruded board ending.

23. The extruded board as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein the board includes a sleeve that fits over the board or multiple boards stacked together vertically.

24. The extruded board as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein the board includes a rebate for housing bricks.

25. The extruded board as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24 wherein the board is linked via the flange or flanges to a retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

26. A concrete foundation boxing apparatus including: a retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; and an extruded board or boards as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25.

27. A method of boxing a concrete foundation by the steps of:

(a) inserting a rod into ground proximate the location of a foundation edge;

28. The method as claimed in claim 27 which includes fixing the rod angle by fixing in position relative to a surface an arm or arms with a first and second end wherein the first end is attached to the rod or sleeve and wherein the arm or arms extend from the rod or sleeve to a surface on which the arm or arms are fixed.

29. The method as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the surface is the ground on which the foundation is to be placed.

30. The method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the angle of the rod is adjusted via a third clamping mechanism linking the arm or arms to the rod or sleeve.