Patent ID: 6237890
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: E04G

Abstract:
A support apparatus for use with a concrete form system, said concrete form system having at least a form panel and a form tie, said form panel having a first side and a panel opening formed therein, said support apparatus comprising:a head on one end of said form tie, said head extending through said panel opening, said head extending substantially perpendicular beyond said first side of said form panel, wherein said head is selected from the group consisting of a loop head and a button head;a waler positioned on said first side of said form panel adjacent to said panel opening;a tie lock tool engaging said waler, said tie lock tool comprising:a bracket member abutting said waler and said first side of said form panel, said bracket member having a form tie opening configured to receive said head formed within said bracket member, said bracket member further comprising:a plate abutting said waler, said plate having a first end and a second end;a first flange disposed in a perpendicular orientation on said first end of said plate, said first flange abutting said first side of said form panel, wherein said form tie opening is formed at said first end of said plate, said form tie opening extending into said plate and into said first flange; anda second flange disposed on said second end of said plate extending in a direction opposite and substantially parallel to said first flange, said second flange abutting said waler;a lock member rotatably attached to said bracket member, said lock member rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position;a first claw and a second claw spaced from each other on said lock member, said first claw having an extension beyond said second claw, said head extending through said form tie opening and abutting said extension of said first claw when said lock member is in said unlocked position, said head firmly held by said lock member when said lock member is rotated to said locked position so that said head of said form tie is secured to said tie lock tool, said waler, and said form panel to support said concrete form system, wherein said first claw has a substantially rectangular-shaped cross section and said second claw has a substantially tear drop-shaped cross section, and wherein said first claw and said second claw are shaped progressively thicker so that said lock member acts as a cam; andhooked ends disposed on opposing sides of said bracket member;a strong back, said strong back abutting said bracket member of said tie lock tool between said hooked ends;a clamp adjustable to secure said strong back to said tie lock tool, said clamp comprising:a clamp member;an arm loosely attached on each side of said clamp member, said arms moveable so that said arms fit onto said tie lock tool;connectors on each of said arms opposite said clamp member, said connectors removably attaching to said hooked ends of said tie lock tool;an engagement surface disposed on said clamp member, said clamp member moveable until said engagement surface tightens against said strong back, thereby securing said strong back to said tie lock tool to support said concrete form system,radius rest bars disposed on said bracket member of said tie lock tool;wherein said clamp member further comprises:a block having a rod hole formed therethrough;an adjustable rod engaging said rod hole, said engagement surface disposed on the end of said adjustable rod, said engagement surface being pointed for fixedly guiding said clamp member against said strong back.