Abstract:
A template system and column placement method which facilitates the placement of a column resulting in enhanced placement efficiencies for large scale column construction projects. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a template for column placement can include a frame, at least one pivotal column engagement scaffold coupled to the frame and at least one docking collar extending from the pivotal column engagement scaffold and configured to secure a column to the pivotal column engagement scaffold. Additionally, a base can be provided in order to support the frame.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a divisional of presently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/992,978, entitled COLUMN PLACEMENT TEMPLATE, filed on Nov. 19, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,251, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to column placement and more particularly to a template for fixing the placement of a column. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Column placement involves the physical disposition of a column—typically concrete—in or proximate to the ground for supporting associated structure. Columns often support bridges, roadways, platforms and walls, to name but a few associated structures. Given the massive weight of many associated structures supported by columns, precision in the placement of the columns can be critical to ensure the integrity of the associated structures. Moreover, given the sheer manpower required to place columns and associated structure, misplacement of a column can result in substantial cost overruns. In the modem world of razor-slim margins in civil works project management, cost overruns can be intolerable and can form the difference between a loss on a project and profitability. 
   Conventional column placement generally involves the lifting of a pre-cast column by a crane to a position above a drill hole. Several workers can subsequently guide the hovering column down and into the hole where the column can be secured by temporary scaffolding. Recognizing the imprecise nature of this exercise, many skilled artisans prefer the use of a template in placing the column. A template generally includes a scaffold-like arrangement of wooden or metal bars configured to support the placement of a column in or above a hole. Ordinarily, the template can be placed such that an opening in the template can align with a hole in the ground, A column can be lowered by crane and guided through the hole into the ground. Still, given the mass of a typical column, many works are required to position and support the column in the hole. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a typical template arrangement, such as a “Hubbard” arrangement. A typical template arrangement includes a template body  120  supported over a hole  130  in the ground  140  by one or more template feet  160 . A column  110  can be lowered through the template body  120  into the hole  130  and secured in place by one or more adjustable straps  150  such as “come-alongs” as is known in the art. Notably, the adjustable straps  150  can be coupled to the template body  120  and tightened individually so as to cause the column  110  to stand as close to vertical as possible without unduly leaning to any one side. 
   It will be apparent to the skilled artisan, however, that controlling the vertical placement of the column  110  through the use of multiple individually adjustable straps  150  can be resource intensive and quite difficult given the number of control points dictating the vertical placement of the column and the distance between each control point. Moreover, the mass of the column  110  often can cause shifting in the placement of the template body  120  in respect to the hole given the free-floating nature of the template feet  160 . Accordingly, substantial imprecision can result. 
   The skilled artisan further will recognize several other deficiencies associated with the conventional column placement template. Most notably, only a single column can be placed at any one time. Also, once a column has been placed and has been secured in the hole in the ground, placing the next column may require alignment with the previously set column. Preserving the accuracy of placement of a new column relative to an existing column can introduce an entirely new set of difficulties. Additionally, the process of auger-cast drilling a hole prior to the placement of a column through the template, and the subsequent dismantling of the template once the column has set in order to remove the template can result in substantial time and manpower consumption. Thus, a more efficient template for placing columns would be desirable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention advantageously provides a column placement template which overcomes the limitations of the prior art and provides a novel and non-obvious template system and column placement method which facilitates the placement of a column resulting in enhanced placement efficiencies for large scale column construction projects. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a template for column placement can include a frame, at least one pivotal column engagement scaffold coupled to the frame and at least one docking collar extending from the pivotal column engagement scaffold and configured to secure a column to the pivotal column engagement scaffold. A base further can be provided for supporting the frame, and optionally, the frame can be adjustably mounted to the base. 
   Notably, the base can include at least one engageable stabilizing pin. Moreover, either or both of the base and the frame can include leveling feet. In this regard, a hand crank further can be provided for operating the leveling feet. Also, the pivotal column engagement scaffold preferably can include a counterweight disposed at a bottom portion of the scaffold opposite an axis of rotation of the scaffold. Also, the docking collar can include a removable face plate. The template yet further can include a multiplicity of shims configured for insertion between a column secured by the docking collar and an interior portion of the docking collar. 
   Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevation illustrating a template arranged for the placement of a column in a hole as is known in the art; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation illustrating a template arranged for the placement of columns in holes in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the docking collar of a pivotal column engagement scaffold of the template of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an base corner of the adjustable base of the template of  FIG. 2 ; and, 
       FIG. 5  is a template side view illustrating the operation of the template of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a column placement template configured for the efficient installation of one or more columns in one or more corresponding holes. In accordance with the present invention, the column placement template can include pivotal column engagement scaffolding coupled to a template frame. The template frame can be supported by a template base which can include leveling feet such that the template base can be adjusted vertically to achieve a level foundation for the template. The template base further can include engageable stabilizing pins which when activated can engage the ground so as to prevent the lateral and rotational movement of the template base. Preferably, at least two pivotal column engagement scaffolds can be disposed at opposite ends of the template base. Additionally, the pivotal column engagement scaffolds can include counterweights opposite an access of rotation for the pivotal column scaffolding to facilitate the manual rotation of the scaffolds. 
   In a preferred aspect of the invention, at least one docking collar and preferably at least two docking collars can be incorporated in each pivotal column engagement scaffold. Each docking collar can be configured with a removable face plate so as to permit the engagement of column in the docking collar. In this regard, when secured to the docking collar, the removable face can enclose and secure a column inside the docking collar. To provide for a snug fit, one or more shims can be disposed between the docking collar and an enclosed portion of a column. Optionally, the function of the shims can be performed by mechanically engageable clamps which can be activated to engage the column on different sides of the column. 
   In more particular illustration of a preferred arrangement,  FIG. 2  is a side elevation illustrating a template configured for the placement of columns in holes in the ground in accordance with the present invention. The template  250  can include frame  290  and one or more pivotal column engagement scaffolds  295 . The frame  290  can be unitary in design, or the frame  290  can be telescopically adjustable by securing separate ends of the base  290  into a sleeve  225 . The frame  290  can be mounted to a base  260 . In particular, the bottom portion of the frame  290  can be secured to the top portion of the base  260  using bolts which can extend from the frame  290  to the base  260  through a hole or channel formed in the base  260 . In this way, the frame  290  can be adjustably mounted to the base  260  by sliding the frame  290  along the channel of the base  260  until a desired position is reached. Subsequently, the frame  290  can be “tightened down” to the base  260 . 
   Importantly, the base  260  can be of substantial mass to support the operation of the pivotal column engagement scaffolds  295  when the pivotal column engagement scaffolds  295  secure one or more columns  210  in one or more corresponding holes  230  in the ground  240 . Moreover, an adjustable ballast  255  can be affixed to the base  260 , for instance by bolting the ballast  255  to the bottom surface of the base  260 . Consequently, the ballast  255  can be used to shift the center of gravity of the base  260  to accommodate non-level sites such as canal embankments in the like. 
   In a preferred aspect of the invention, one or more engageable stabilizing pins  275  can be affixed to the base  260  so that when activated, the engageable stabilizing pins  275  can inhibit the lateral or translational movement of the base  260  relative to the ground  240  and the columns  210 . For instance, referring to  FIG. 4 , each engageable stabilizing pin  420  can be coupled to the frame  410  of the base of the template. Moreover, leveling feet  430  can be coupled to the frame  410  so as to provide for vertical leveling of the base of the template. In this regard, an adjustable crank and shaft  440  can be configured to vertically adjust the leveling feet  430  so as to provide a control point for leveling the frame  410 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , to support the engagement of the columns  210 , each of the pivotal column engagement scaffolds  295  include scaffolding supports  265  and a docking collar  280 . The docking collar  280  can be configured to engage and enclose a column  210  when the column is placed over a hole, spread footing, or other such target  230  in the ground  240 . In this regard, referring to  FIG. 3 , the docking collar  280  can include vertical supports  350 , and fixed arms  320  protruding from a fixed backing  360  (which can be substituted for a specifically configured backing plate). The fixed arms  320  further can be structurally reinforced through the coupling of the inclined struts  340  to the vertical supports  350 . As it will be apparent from the illustration, multiple sets of fixed arms  320  can protrude from the frame of the docking collar to provide additional support. In the exemplary embodiment, two sets of fixed arms  320  are utilized in each docking collar  280  although a single set can suffice as can several. 
   Notably, to permit the docking of a column in the arms  320  of the docking collar  280 , a confinement element  330  further can be included so that when secured to the arms  320  of the docking collar  280  (or to the fixed backing  360 ) utilizing a bolt, an enclosed column can be limited in its lateral and translational movement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the structural configuration of the docking collar  280  is not limited to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  and other configurations are contemplated to fall within the scope of the invention including any configuration in which a column can be engaged within the docking collar  280  and secured through the operation of a sealing mechanism which can be adjusted to permit the entry of a column into the interior portion of the docking collar  280 , for example where the docking collar  280  is a friction collar. To that end, a cylindrical docking collar or a docking collar  280  having an elliptical cross-section also can suffice for the intended purpose of the docking collar  280 . 
   Referring once again to  FIG. 2 , a counter weight  270  can be coupled to or incorporated with each the pivotal column engagement scaffold  295  opposite an axis of rotation of the pivotal column engagement scaffold  295  so as to facilitate the inward and outward rotation of the pivotal column engagement scaffold  295 . In this way, the pivotal column engagement scaffold  295  can be removed from the immediate vicinity of the hole  230  as the hole is drilled or otherwise formed (presumably through the operation of a drill), and also from the immediate vicinity of a column  210  as the column  210  is lowered into place (presumably through the operation of a lifting device such as a crane) over the hole  230 . Once the column  210  has been lowered into the hole  230 , the pivotal column engagement scaffold  295  can be rotated outward towards the column  210  and secured to the column. 
   To provide a snug fit and to inhibit the movement of the column  210  from its true vertical position, one or more shims  285  can be applied to the space between the docking collar  280  and the column  210 . The shims  285  can include wedge type structures which when set between the column  210  and the collar  280 , force a snug fit. In an alternative embodiment, however, in substitute for wedges, the shims can include mechanically activated screw clamps  215  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, in the alternative embodiment, the docking collar interior service can include indentation  205  at select locations in which a clamp  215  can retract when activated by a wrench or other activating tool. In this way, the process of securing a column  210  to the collar  280  can include the mere activation of each clamp  215  by mechanical or manual means. 
   In more particular illustration,  FIG. 5  is a template side view illustrating the operation of the template  250  of  FIG. 2  when drilling holes  230  and placing columns  210  therein in a process of placing columns (for instance, in the construction of sound barrier walls in highway construction). As in the case of the template  250  of  FIG. 2 , in the template  550  of  FIG. 5 , the template  550  can include a template base  560  coupled to a ballast  525 , the base  560  supporting a template frame  590  and one or more pivotal column engagement scaffolds  595  disposed at opposite ends of the template frame  590 . The template  550  can be positioned over the target site of one or more holes  530  to be formed to support the placement of corresponding columns  510 , albeit the invention is not limited to the placement of columns over holes and spread footings and other such column supporting structure can suffice. Once positioned over the target site, the base  560  can be secured from movement through the operation of the engageable stabilizing pins  575 . Optionally, the base  560  further can be leveled through the operation of leveling feet (not shown for the simplicity of illustration). 
   To form the hole  530 , a proximate pivotal column engagement scaffold  595  positioned over the hole  530  can be rotated inwardly as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this way, a drill  520  can be positioned over the target area and the hole  530  can be formed. Notably, the skilled artisan will recognize many techniques for drilling holes including that which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,429,455 and 5,234,288 to Bone entitled INTEGRATED COLUMN AND PILE issued on Jul. 4, 1995. Once the hole  530  has been formed, the column  510  can be secured to the hole  530  either by direct placement in the hole  530  or by attaching the column  510  to a foundational structure established within the hole  530 . 
   Once the column  510  can been secured to the hole  530 , the pivotal column engagement scaffold  595  can be rotated outwardly towards the column  510  so that the arms of the docking collar  580  engages the column  510  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Optionally, additional docking collars (not shown) can engage the column  510  so as to further secure the column in place. In this regard, the use of the docking collar  580  can also secure the column  510  at a desired vertical position as well as a desired horizontal position. In any case, preferably, a docking collar can be placed at or near the bottom portion of the pivotal column engagement scaffold  595 . In any case, once the docking collar  580  has engaged the column  510 , the column  510  can be secured within the docking collar  580  by attaching the confinement element  565  to the docking collar  580 . Furthermore, additional confinement elements  565  can be attached to other docking collars included as part of the pivotal column engagement scaffolds  595  (or optionally as part of the template frame  590 . When the column  510  has been secured within the docking collar  580 , the column  580  can be leveled vertically and stabilized through the insertion of shims  585 . The insertion of the shims  585  can provide for a snug fit for the column  510  in the docking collar  580 . As an alternatively, mechanically engageable clamps can be applied to the column  510  so as to provide a snug fit for the column  510  in the docking collar  580 . 
   Several advantages of the template of the present invention will be apparent to the skilled artisan. First and foremost, by including two pivotal column engagement scaffolds in a single template, two columns can be placed at once resulting in a half-time reduction in the placement of a series of columns. Second, by utilizing the pivotal column engagement scaffolds, the template placement can be coordinated with the drilling of the hole and once the column has been fixed in the hole, the template need not be completely dismantled to remove the template. Rather, the pivotal column engagement scaffolds can be rotated away from the columns and the template simply can be removed from the vicinity of the columns. 
   The rigid nature of the docking collars obviate the use of straps or come-alongs in positing the column vertically over the hole. Moreover, the shims provide a snug fit of the column in the docking collar. Importantly, all control points for adjusting the lateral and translational position of the columns in the hole are located within arms reach about the docking collar. Finally, the base can be secured firmly to the ground through the operation of the engageable stabilizing pins so as to prevent the movement of the base, and the base can be precisely leveled through the operation of the leveling feet. As a result, inaccuracies associated with conventional templates can be eliminated and columns can be most efficiently placed in holes at a minimum of cost. 
   It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.