Patent Publication Number: US-7913463-B2

Title: Adjustable vertical brace

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to bracing structures, and more specifically, to an adjustable static bracing system for a vertical wall structure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Concrete is a popular choice for forming both the interior and exterior walls of a building structure. Concrete walls are generally formed by pouring uncured concrete into a cavity created by wall forms and allowing the concrete to cure. Typically, the concrete wall forms are set up in parallel to define the sides of the concrete wall and interconnected by a series of wall ties that fix the distance between opposing wall forms. One method of forming cast concrete walls is by using discrete wall forms made from insulating and light-weight material, such as for example, an expanded polystyrene (EPS). Such wall forms are generally referred to as insulating concrete (ICF) forms. Benefits of ICF forms include light weight, ease of use, and ability to leave the forms in place after concrete has set and hardened to provide insulation on both the inside and outside of the concrete wall. 
     Generally, to support the various wall forms as they are set in place and to resist movement caused by typical construction loads, including hydrostatic pressure generated during the pouring process and wind forces, support braces are conventionally used to shore the wall forms and retain the forms in place until the cast concrete wall has properly cured. Many of such support braces are difficult to transport between construction sites; have limited capability for adjustment once assembled in place; and have inherent height restrictions. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present invention, an adjustable bracing apparatus for vertical wall structures that offers improved versatility is provided. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a bracing system for supporting a vertical structure that includes a vertical member comprising at least two keyed openings, the vertical member having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section; a bracket comprising at least two cleat members being removably engagable with the at least two keyed openings of the vertical member; and an adjustable strut member having an end secured to the bracket. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a brace assembly for a vertical tall wall structure that includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member, each of the first and second vertical members respectively having a first end and a second end defining therebetween a longitudinal axis and at least two openings disposed along each of said respective longitudinal axes, wherein the first and second vertical members are arranged along their respective longitudinal axes so that a second end of the first vertical member is connected to a first end of the second vertical member; and an extension member comprising a plurality of engagement members, wherein one of the plurality of engagement members is slidably engaged with a first opening of the first vertical member at the second end and another of the plurality of engagement members is slidably engaged with a second opening disposed on the second vertical member at the first end, wherein when the plurality of engagement members are secured in the first and second openings, respectively, the first and second vertical members are securely coupled together for supporting the tall wall structure. 
     In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a brace assembly for a vertical tall wall structure that includes a vertical member defining a longitudinal axis, the vertical member having a plurality of keyed openings formed therein and comprising a plurality of discrete vertical sections and an extension member securing the discrete vertical sections, wherein the extension member comprises a plurality of cleat members, wherein at least one of the plurality of cleat members is secured within a corresponding one of the plurality of keyed openings associated with each of the discrete vertical sections; a bracket having a first lateral end and a second lateral end, wherein the first lateral end is secured to the vertical member via at least two of the plurality of keyed openings and the second lateral end includes at least one second opening; and an adjustable length strut member having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is secured to the second lateral end of the bracket member via the second opening and the distal end is pivotally coupled to a support substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. 
     In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a wall structure including a lower end; a foundation located adjacent the lower end of said wall structure; a pin removably secured to the foundation; an elongated body including a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally attached to the wall structure; and a foot assembly movably coupled to the second end, the pivot foot assembly including a foot bracket having an opening, wherein the opening operably receives the pin and the foot assembly is operably secured to the foundation by the pin member extending through the opening. 
     In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a bracing structure for a building wall structure, the method comprising attaching a vertical member to the building wall structure, wherein the vertical member has a substantially Z-shaped cross-section and includes at least two keyed openings; securing a bracket to the vertical member via the at least two keyed openings; and attaching an adjustable strut member to the bracket. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partially fragmented side elevational view of an adjustable bracing system for a vertical wall structure according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially fragmented side elevational view of the vertical member associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially fragmented front elevational view of the vertical member associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the vertical member associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view, shown partially in section, of the end plate associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the end plate associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the outrigger bracket associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom elevational view of the outrigger bracket associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded elevational view of the strut associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the strut associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a partially fragmented side elevational view showing another adjustable bracing system for a vertical wall structure according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the extension associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is front elevational view of the extension associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the intermediate brace associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom elevational view of the intermediate brace associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing yet another adjustable bracing system for a vertical wall structure according to the principles of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 17  is a top elevational view of a portion of the strut associated with the adjustable bracing system shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
     In conventional wall bracing systems, after concrete has been poured into a form and the concrete has fully cured, the wall forms are often stripped from the walls and reused. Many conventional concrete forms are made of wood and steel. These forms can be very large and heavy and therefore, require sturdy structural braces to adequately hold them in position until the concrete has adequately set. ICF forms, on the other hand, tend to be relatively lightweight and durable and can include, by way of example, two polymer-based (e.g., EPS) panels held together by plastic ties and defining a form therebetween. ICF forms typically include fastening surfaces or anchoring regions, often associated with the plastic ties, which allow support structures to be attached to the outside of the ICF forms to provide support thereto. 
     Various conventional support braces are commonly fastened to wall forms and supported by a leg secured to a suitable surrounding horizontal base or foundation. Often, when building a concrete wall, there is a need to adjust the position of the wall forms and/or corresponding wall structure during the construction process. However, adjustable braces have not provided the capability to make adequate fine adjustments to the position of the wall forms and corresponding wall structure once positioned in a weight-bearing assembly. Furthermore, conventional wall braces do not adequately provide support to so-called “tall wall” structures, for example, those walls having heights above about 10 to 12 feet. Once the concrete cures, the support braces are disassembled and removed from the wall forms. Many reusable support braces tend to be cumbersome and heavy, when transported from one job site to another. In accordance with the various embodiments of the present disclosure, a brace assembly system is provided that is relatively lightweight, strong, durable, easy to use and transport, and provides the ability for frequent adjustment, fine tuning and shoring of a wall system, even after assembly into a weight-bearing position, and high wall structure support. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a first preferred embodiment of an adjustable brace assembly  10  for a vertical wall structure  12  according to the principles of the present disclosure will now be described. Wall structure  12  can be a poured concrete wall formed using ICF forms. Alternatively, wall structure  12  can be any other vertical wall structure, which requires brace assemblies for support, such as masonry and conventional poured cement forms. However, the principles of the present disclosure are particularly advantageous for use in conjunction with ICFs, as will be described in further detail herein. For exemplary purposes, brace assembly  10  will be described herein with reference to ICF forms associated with wall structure  12 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , brace assembly  10  engages wall structure  12  and is configured to provide adjustable lateral support for wall structure  12 . Brace assembly  10  includes a frame assembly  14  having a vertical member  16 , an outrigger bracket  18 , and an adjustable strut  20 . Frame assembly  14  includes vertical member  16  having a first end  22  and a second end  24 . Vertical member  16  has a longitudinal axis designated  17 . Vertical member  16  has a length  26  between the first end  22  and second end  24  which is substantially greater than its width. In certain preferred aspects, the length  26  of the vertical member  16  is optionally about 8 feet to about 10 feet long, however, any variety of lengths that are suitable in accordance with conventional construction standards for wall structures  12  are contemplated. 
     As will be described in further detail below, vertical member  16  has a cross-section (best seen in  FIG. 4 ), which has at least two bends formed therein, optionally more than two bends. By way of illustration, a “bend” is meant to indicate that an otherwise undisturbed plane corresponding to the vertical member  16  cross-section has at least two distinct angles formed therein, typically by a metal-working deformation process, such as stamping. In certain embodiments, the plurality of bends define a first bend  28  having a first angle  30  and a second bend  32  having a second angle  34 . The first angle  30  and the second angle  34  may be the same or different from one another. Preferably, the first and second bends  28 ,  32  are transverse to one another. In certain embodiments, the first angle  30  and/or second angle  34  is greater than or equal to about 85°. In certain aspects, the cross-section with a plurality of bends defines a sinusoidal geometry. In certain embodiments, the first angle  30  and/or second angle  34  is greater than or equal to about 90°. In certain preferred embodiments, the first angle  30  and the second angle  34  are equal to about 90°, such as is shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the plurality of bends defines a first bend having a first angle  30  and a second bend having a second angle  34 , wherein the angle is about 90°. In this embodiment, the plurality of bends defines a substantially “Z-shaped” geometry. 
     Thus, the at least two bends  28 ,  32  in the cross-section of vertical member  16  create a first flange portion  36 , a web portion  38  having a plurality of openings  40  for receiving engagement members, and a second flange portion  42 . The first end  22  of vertical member  16  includes an end plate  44  having a cleat  46 . Vertical member  16  can be fastened to wall structure  12  as shown. 
     Frame assembly  14  is pivotally connected to a base  48  defining a plane that is that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  17  of vertical member  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , base  48  is a foundation that is substantially orthogonal to both the wall structure  12  and to the longitudinal axis  17 . Thus, vertical member  16  is fastened at the first end  22  to foundation base  48  and extends in a vertical direction along longitudinal axis  17  that is generally parallel to wall structure  12 . Foundation base  48  provides ground support for wall structure  12  and can be a poured concrete slab-on-grade foundation as shown. Alternatively, foundation base  48  can be a spread footing as is commonly used for construction of wall structures or any other suitable foundation for supporting wall structure  12 . Other suitable foundation bases  48  include graded earth and the like. 
     Outrigger bracket  18  has a first lateral end  50  and a second lateral end  52 . A pair of engagement members  56 , such as cleats, is disposed on the first lateral end  50 . As will be described in more detail below, any variety of readily detachable engagement members compatible with slot-type openings well known in the art are suitable for use in conjunction with various embodiments described herein, including integral engagement members, such as pegs, cleats, or the like. A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides the engagement members of outrigger bracket  18  as cleats  56 . 
     The brace assembly  10  further includes strut  20  having a distal end  58  and a proximal end  60 . The strut  20  has an engagement member  62  at the proximal end  60 , where a preferred embodiment is a similar cleat-type engagement member  62 . The cleat engagement member  62  of strut  20  engages with at least one second opening  64  on second lateral end  52  of outrigger bracket  18 . 
     When the brace assembly  10  is assembled and in a weight-bearing position for supporting the wall structure  12 , the first lateral end  50  of outrigger bracket  18  is coupled to the vertical member  16  via cleats  56  through openings  40  and is substantially orthogonal to longitudinal axis  17  and substantially parallel to the plane defined by foundation base  48 . The second lateral end  52  of outrigger bracket  18  is removably and pivotally secured to the proximal end  60  of strut  20 . The vertical frame assembly  14  (including vertical member  16 ), strut  20 , and outrigger bracket  18  are coupled to one another in a weight-bearing relationship to provide structural support to the wall structure  12 . 
     With renewed reference to vertical member  16  in  FIG. 4 , the brace assembly of the present disclosure provides a light-weight and robust system. As described above, the vertical member  16  has a cross-section with at least two bends formed therein. Thus, vertical member  16  includes a first contact surface  70  adjacent to a substantially orthogonal second contact surface  72 , where the first contact surface  70  contacts at least a portion of the wall structure  12  and the second contact surface  72  contacts at least a portion of the outrigger bracket  18 . 
     First flange portion  36  is generally planar in shape and engages wall structure  12  along the first contact surface  70  that is generally parallel to wall structure  12 . First contact surface  70  is defined by a width  74  that provides sufficient area to allow loads to be transferred between the ICF forms associated with wall structure  12  and brace assembly  10 . For example, in certain preferred embodiments, a suitable dimension for width  74  is about 0.5 to about 3 inches, optionally about 1 to about 2 inches, and in certain aspects, preferably about 1.5 inches. First flange portion  36  can include a plurality of slots  76 ,  78  (see  FIG. 3 ) extending through first flange portion  36  along an axis parallel to longitudinal axis  17  that allows vertical member  16  to be attached to wall structure  12  by a plurality of fasteners (not shown). Slots  76 ,  78  can be oriented in a generally horizontal and vertical fashion, respectively, as shown. For exemplary purposes, slots  76 ,  78  can be positioned at regular intervals along first flange portion  36  corresponding to dimensions of attachment regions associated with the ICF forms of wall structure  12 . For example, such slots can be arranged at 6 inch intervals to correspond to an anchoring region of an ICF. Slots  76 ,  78  can be arranged in a generally alternating fashion as shown to provide a visual cue for determining the specific points at which vertical member  16  is to be fastened to wall structure  12 . For example, if vertical member  16  is to be fastened to wall structure  12  every foot (12 inches), vertical member  16  can be fastened to wall structure  12  using only horizontal slots  76  or vertical slots  78  where slots  76 ,  78  are alternatively spaced at 6 inch intervals as previously described. Similarly, a plurality of slots  76  or slots  78  can be positioned adjacent one another to provide a visual cue that vertical member  16  is to be secured to wall structure  12  at several successive attachment points. 
     Vertical member  16  can be formed of a wrought or stamped metal, such as galvanized stainless steel or aluminum. Alternatively, vertical member  16  can be an extruded part. As described above, the cross-section of vertical member  16  preferably defines at least two bends having a first angle  30  and a second angle  34 . For example, in certain embodiments, the vertical member  16  is formed of an 11-gage galvanized steel sheet metal, which is stamped to have the desired cross-sectional conformation. In certain preferred embodiments, the vertical member is formed from a stamped 12-gage galvanized steel sheet metal. Thus, vertical member  16  optionally has a generally Z-shaped cross-section as best seen in  FIG. 4 . In this manner, in accordance with the present disclosure, the cross-sectional geometry of the vertical member  16  exhibits good strength and robustness, while still being lightweight. In addition to structural benefits, including enhanced weight-load distribution, the at least two bends in the cross-section provide for a higher stacking density that is beneficial when transporting vertical member  16 , thus maximizing packing density and minimizing volume occupied during transport. 
     Thus, web portion  38  of vertical member  16  adjoins first flange portion  36  and is configured to receive and transmit loads between wall structure  12  and outrigger bracket  18 . To this end, web portion  38  has a width  80  sufficient to accommodate openings  40 , yet prevent buckling of vertical member  16  under typical loads. While a variety of dimensions are contemplated, as recognized by those of skill in the art, a preferred dimension for width  80  is about 3 to about 4 inches, for example, a preferred dimension for width  80  in a 12-gage steel thickness is about 3.75 inches. Web portion  38  has a first face  82  facing first flange portion  36  and a second face  84  facing second flange portion  42 . A plurality of slot-like openings  40  extend through web portion  38  and are aligned along longitudinal axis  17  at a regular interval  86  as best seen in  FIG. 2 . For exemplary purposes, interval  86  is about 8 inches. While a variety of openings are contemplated for removable detachment with cleats  46 ,  56 , a preferred embodiment has so-called “key” shaped openings  40 . Keyed openings  40  have a major axis  88  substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  17  and have an upper portion  90  configured to receive cleats  46 ,  56  and a lower portion  92  having bearing walls  94 ,  96  configured to slidably engage and support cleats  46 ,  56 . Upper portion  90  can be generally oval in shape as shown and is sized to allow cleats  46 ,  56  to pass into upper portion  90 . Lower portion  92  can be generally u-shaped, where walls  94 ,  96  form tapered sides of lower portion  92  that snugly engage a portion of cleats  46 ,  56  as cleats  46 ,  56  are slid within lower portion  92  to provide an interference fit. Thus, walls  94 ,  96  can define an acute included angle  98 . In certain preferred embodiments, included angle  98  can be between 3° and 4° to provide a self-locking feature to lower portion  92  of keyed openings  40 . For exemplary purposes, included angle  98  is about 3.5°. In this manner, keyed openings  40  can work together with cleats  46 ,  56  to allow outrigger bracket  18  and end plate  44  to be removably secured to vertical member  16  at various points along the length of vertical member  16 . 
     Second flange portion  42  adjoins web portion  38  opposite first flange portion  36 . Second flange portion  42  provides additional lateral support to web portion  38  and helps to prevent damage to web portion  38  during the transportation, assembly, and use of vertical member  16 . Additionally, second flange portion  42  can be used to fasten a whaler (not shown) to vertical member  16  to provide additional support along the length of wall structure  12  as may be desired. A width  91  of second flange portion  42  equal to 1 inch has been found to be suitable. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , end plate  44  will now be described in detail. End plate  44  is removably secured to vertical member  16  and is configured to allow first end  22  of vertical member  16  to be fastened to foundation base  48 . End plate  44  can be generally L-shaped as best seen in  FIG. 6 . End plate  44  is preferably formed from stamping a metal, such as stamped 11-gage galvanized steel. End plate  44  includes cleat  46  as previously mentioned, first leg  100  and second leg  102 . Cleat  46  protrudes from first leg  100  and is configured to be received by and slidably engage one of keyed openings  40  on the lower end of vertical member  16 . Cleat  46  can be formed integral to end plate  44  as shown. Cleat  46  includes a head portion  104  and shoulder portions  106 ,  108 . Head portion  104  is configured to be received through upper portion  90  of keyed openings  40 . Head portion  104  includes an inner face  110  that slidably engages first face  82  of vertical member  16  when cleat  46  is positioned within a corresponding lower portion  92  of keyed openings  40 . Head portion  104  can have a polygonal shape as shown. Shoulder portions  106 ,  108  protrude from first leg  100  and connect head portion  104  to first leg  100 . Shoulder portions  106 ,  108  are received within lower portion  92  of keyed openings  40  and include abutment walls  112 ,  114  that snugly engage bearing walls  94 ,  96 , respectively, when cleat  46  is positioned within lower portion  92 . In this manner, cleat  46  works together with one of keyed openings  40  to removably secure end plate  44  to vertical member  16 . 
     First leg  100  is generally planar in shape and adjoins second leg  102 . First leg  100  extends from second leg  102  in a substantially vertical direction. First leg  100  includes an inner face  116  that slidably engages first face  82  to ensure a snug engagement between vertical member  16  and end plate  44 . Second leg  102  is generally planar and extends from first leg  100  in a substantially horizontal direction. Second leg  102  is configured to be attached to foundation base  48  using one or more fasteners (not shown). To this end, second leg  102  can include a plurality of fastener holes  120  as shown. End plate  44  can be fastened directly to foundation base  48  or to a wooden blocker  122  glued to foundation base  48  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The latter approach may be desired to avoid drilling holes in foundation base  48  to secure end plate  44  to foundation base  48 . 
     Outrigger bracket  18  is configured to provide lateral support for frame assembly  14  and resist loads during the concrete pouring process that may associated with forming wall structure  12 . Accordingly, outrigger bracket  18  is removably secured to vertical member  16  on one end and connected to strut  20  on an opposite end. In certain preferred embodiments, outrigger bracket  18  is formed of stamped 11-gage galvanized steel sheet metal. Outrigger bracket  18  includes cleats  56  disposed on first lateral end  50  as previously mentioned, a body  126 , and second lateral end  52 . Cleats  56  are substantially similar to cleat  46  and can be formed integral to outrigger bracket  18  on first lateral end  50  as illustrated. Cleats  56  are spaced apart by an interval  132  corresponding to the spacing of keyed openings  40  at interval  86 . Additionally, cleats  56  are oriented in a manner that allows cleats  56  to be simultaneously received through a corresponding upper portion  90  of keyed openings  40  and slidably engaged with a corresponding lower portion  90  of keyed openings  40 . Thus, interval  132  can be equal to interval  86  or an integer multiple of interval  86 . For exemplary purposes, interval  132  is optionally about 8 inches. Thus, it will be appreciated that cleats  56  can work together with two of keyed openings  40  to removably secure outrigger bracket  18  to vertical member  16  at various points along vertical member  16 . 
     Body  126  is generally planar in shape and configured to transmit loads between first lateral end  50  and second lateral end  52  without buckling. Body  126  can also be configured to support a working platform as may be desired. Accordingly, body  126  can include a stiffening flange  134  and a support flange  136 . Stiffening flange  134  can be generally planar in shape and formed integral to body  126  between first and second lateral ends  50 ,  52  on the lower portion of body  126 . Specifically, stiffening flange  134  can define a plane that is oblique to the major plane defined by body  126 . Support flange  136  can be generally planar in shape and formed integral to body  126  between first and second lateral ends  50 ,  52  on the upper portion of body  126 . Support flange  136  can define a plane that is substantially orthogonal with the major plane defined by body  126  and include a plurality of slots  138  extending through support flange  136 . Slots  138  can be of varying lengths and spaced apart along support flange  136  as shown. To reduce the mass of outrigger bracket  18 , body  126  can further include perforations  140 . 
     First lateral end  50  is configured to work together with cleats  56  to receive and transmit loads to body  126 . First lateral end  50  includes a wall  142  that can engage second face  84  of vertical member  16  when cleats  56  are positioned within a corresponding lower portion  92  of keyed openings  40 . Thus, it will be appreciated that first lateral end  50  works together with cleats  56  to provide a snug engagement between outrigger bracket  18  and vertical member  16 . 
     Second lateral end  52  includes keyed second opening  64 . Second opening  144  includes a first portion  146  configured to receive engagement member  62  of strut  20  and a second portion  148  to rotatably support a portion of engagement member  62  of strut  20 . First portion  146  can be generally elliptical in shape and be oriented such that the major axis of first portion  146  is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis  17  as illustrated. Second portion  148  can be generally circular in shape and have a diameter smaller than the major diameter of first portion  146  and corresponding to a portion of engagement member  62 . Second lateral end  52  can further include a flange  150  for securing a vertical post  152 , to outrigger bracket  18  in a substantially vertical orientation as may be desired. Flange  150  can be generally c-shaped and include a plurality of holes  154  that can be used to fasten post  152  to outrigger bracket  18 . Post  152  can be a conventional wooden 2×4 stud or any other suitable metal or composite vertical member. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 , strut  20  will now be described in detail. Strut  20  is configured to provide support for frame assembly  14  and outrigger bracket  18  and resist loads during the concrete pouring process that may be associated with forming wall structure  12 . Strut  20  includes a body  160 , a swivel lock assembly  162  threadingly engaged on proximal end  60  with body  160 , and a pivot foot assembly  164  threadingly engaged on distal end  58  with body  160 . 
     Body  160  includes a first tube  166 , a second tube  168 , and an adjustment pin  170 . First tube  166  is slidably received within second tube  168  and includes a threaded portion  174  on a distal end of first tube  166  and a plurality of adjustment holes  176  extending crosswise through first tube  166 . First tube  166  can be made from metal tubing, for example, in certain preferred embodiments; first tube  166  is formed of 1¼ inch square steel tubing. Threaded portion  174  is configured to threadingly engage a portion of pivot foot assembly  164  and can be a right-handed threaded steel nut welded to the end of first tube  166  as shown. Adjustment holes  176  are configured to slidably receive adjustment pin  170 . Second tube  168  includes a threaded portion  178  on a distal end of second tube  168  and at least one adjustment hole  180  extending crosswise through second tube  168  in a manner similar to adjustment holes  176 . It will be appreciated that adjustment hole  180  can be aligned with adjustment holes  176  by adjusting the position of first tube  166  within second tube  168 . Second tube  168  can be made from smaller diameter metal tubing than first tube  166 , for example in preferred embodiments second tube  168  is made of 1½ inch square steel tubing. Threaded portion  178  is configured to threadingly engage a portion of swivel lock assembly  162  and can be a left-handed threaded steel nut welded to the end of second tube  168  as shown. Adjustment pin  170  is configured to slidably engage one of the plurality of adjustment holes  176  in first tube  166  and adjustment hole  180  in second tube  168  to fix the length of body  160  as may be desired. Second tube  168  can further include an extension hole  182  extending crosswise through second tube  168  on the end having threaded portion  178  to permit an extension to be coupled to second tube  168  as will be described. 
     Swivel lock assembly  162  is configured to be removably secured to outrigger bracket  18 . Swivel lock assembly  162  has a turn-buckle type design that includes engagement member  62 , a body  190 , and threaded rod  192 . Engagement member  62  is substantially similar to cleat  46  as previously described and can be formed integral to body  190  on one end as shown. Body  190  is configured to receive and transmit loads between outrigger bracket  18  and strut  20 . Body  190  can be generally c-shaped as shown. In certain preferred embodiments, body  190  is formed of stamped 11-gage galvanized steel. Threaded rod  192  is configured to threadingly engage threaded portion  178  of second tube  168 . In certain embodiments, threaded rod  192  can be formed of left-handed ¾ coil thread steel rod and welded to body  190  as shown. 
     Pivot foot assembly  164  is configured to pivotally secure strut  20  to foundation base  48 . Accordingly, pivot foot assembly  164  can include a foot bracket  194 , a pivot block  196 , and a threaded rod  198 . Foot bracket  194  and pivot block  196  can be generally formed of a wrought or stamped metal, such as galvanized stainless steel or aluminum. In one preferred embodiment, foot bracket  194  and pivot block  196  can be formed of 8-gage galvanized steel sheet metal. Foot bracket  194  is pivotally coupled to pivot block  196  and can be secured directly to foundation base  48  by a ⅞ inch perforated curb pin commonly used in the industry or to a wooden blocker  200  glued to the foundation base  48  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . With particular reference to  FIG. 17 , foot bracket  194  can include a body  202  having a hole  203 , a stanchion  204 , and fastener holes  205 . Body  202  is generally planar and adapted to be secured to foundation base  48  by driving a ⅞ inch perforated curb pin through hole  203 . Hole  203  is adapted to snugly engage the body of the perforated curb pin and thereby inhibit relative lateral movement between body  202  and the perforated curb pin. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, hole  203  can have a diameter of about 29/32 of an inch. Alternatively, the diameter of hole  203  can vary to accommodate perforated curb pins of varying diameters. It will be appreciated that a nail, such as a 16D common nail, can be inserted through a cross-wise hole in the perforated curb pin before driving the curb pin through hole  203  and used to secure body  202  to foundation base  48  in a vertical orientation. Specifically, the curb pin can be driven through hole  203  into foundation base  48  until the nail contacts body  202 . 
     Stanchion  204  is configured to pivotally secure body  202  to pivot block  196 . Stanchion  204  can include a first support flange  206  and a second support flange  207 . First and second support flanges  206 ,  207  are generally planar in shape and can be spaced apart to allow pivot block  196  to be slidingly received between support flanges  206 ,  207 . First support flange  206  can be formed integral to body  202  as shown. Second support flange can be welded to body  202  as shown. First and second support flanges  206 ,  207  are generally oriented orthogonally to the major plane defined by body  202 . First and second support flanges can include through bores  208 ,  209  adapted to receive a fastener (not shown) that can be used to pivotally secure stanchion  204  to pivot block  196 . Fastener holes  205  can extend through body  202  to allow body  202  to be fastened to foundation base  48  or wooden blocker  200  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Pivot block  196  is rotatably coupled to stanchion  204  of foot bracket  194  as previously described. Threaded rod  198  is configured to threadingly engage threaded portion  174  of first tube  166 . Threaded rod  198  can be formed of right-handed ¾ coil thread steel rod and welded to pivot block  196  as shown. Alternate embodiments of pivot foot assembly  164  are also contemplated. For example, while pivot block  196  is shown to be connected to foundation base  48  by foot bracket  194 , pivot block  196  can be connected to foundation base  48  using a curb pin as is commonly used in the industry. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that strut  20  can be removable secured to outrigger bracket  18  by orienting strut  20  in a manner that allows engagement member  62  to be received within first portion  146  and subsequently rotating strut  20  to a desired position. It will also be appreciated that coarse adjustments to the length of strut  20  can be made using adjustment holes  176 ,  180 , while fine adjustments can be made by twisting body  160 . In a weight-bearing position, strut  20  is preferably positioned at an angle between 35° and 50° from longitudinal axis  17  as shown. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-15 , a second preferred embodiment of an adjustable brace assembly  210  for a vertical tall wall structure  212  according to the principles of the present disclosure will now be described. Brace assembly  210  is similar to brace assembly  10  described above, and for brevity shares like reference numerals for common elements. Brace assembly  210  is generally configured to provide lateral support for vertical wall structures that are greater than about 10 feet in height. Additionally, brace assembly  210  provides features which allow brace assembly  210  to be installed quickly to support wall structure  212  and assist in the pouring process that may be associated with forming wall structure  212 . Wall structure  212  can be any vertical wall structure to which brace assembly  210  can be attached. 
     Brace assembly  210  includes a frame assembly  220 , outrigger bracket  18 , a first strut  224 , an intermediate brace  226 , a second strut  228 , and a stiffback  230 . Frame assembly  220  engages wall structure  212  and is configured to provide adjustable lateral support for wall structure  212 . Accordingly, frame assembly  220  is removably secured to a foundation  232  at a lower end and includes a vertical member  234  that extends in a vertical direction along longitudinal axis  236 . Foundation  232  provides ground support for wall structure  212  and can be a poured concrete slab-on-grade foundation as shown. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11 , vertical member  234  includes discrete components, namely a first frame member  240  and a second frame member  242  connected to first frame member  240  by an extension  243 . Frame assembly  220  further includes an endplate  44 . First and second discrete frame members  240 ,  242  are substantially similar to vertical member  16  as previously described. First frame member  240  has a first end  244  and a second end  246  and second frame member similarly has a first end  248  and a second end  250 . The first and second frame members,  240 ,  242  are aligned along their respective longitudinal axes to form the single longitudinal axis  236 . Thus, first end  244  of first frame member  240  attaches to end plate  44 . Second end  246  of first frame member  240  is coupled to first end  248  of second frame member  242  via extension member  243 . First and second frame members  240 ,  242  each include first flange portion  36 , web portion  38 , keyed openings  40 , and second flange portion  42 . Additionally, keyed openings  40  are spaced at regular interval  86 . It will be appreciated that keyed openings  40  in first and second frame members  240 ,  242  can be located along web portion  38  such that when first frame member  240  and second frame member  242  are placed end-to-end as shown, the spacing between keyed openings  40  in first frame member  240  and keyed openings  40  in second frame member  242  remains the same. It should also be appreciated that first and second frame members  240 ,  242  can have varying lengths, for example, about 8 feet or 10 feet, as previously described. Alternatively, one or both of frame members  240 ,  242  may be cut to any other desired length to coincide with varying heights of wall structure  212 . 
     As described above, extension  243  is configured to couple the second end  246  of first frame member  240  with the first end  248  of second frame member  242  and provides structural support between first frame member  240  and second frame member  242 . Extension  243  can be generally L-shaped and formed of stamped metal. In certain preferred aspects, extension  243  is formed from 11-gage or 12-gage galvanized steel sheet metal. Extension  243  includes a flange  252  and a body  254  having a plurality of engaging members, or cleats  256 . Flange  252  is generally planar in shape and adapted to slidingly engage a portion of first flange portion  36  of first and second frame members  240 ,  242  when extension  243  is connected to first and second frame members  240 ,  242 . Flange  252  can include a plurality of slots  258  spaced at an interval  259  along flange  252  and located such that slots  258  align with slots  76 ,  78  in first and second frame members  240 ,  242  when extension  243  is connected to first and second frame members  240 ,  242 . For exemplary purposes, slots  258  can be spaced at an interval  259  equal to about 6 inches. 
     Body  254  is generally planar in shape and adapted to slidingly engage a first face  82  of web portion  38  of first and second frame members  240 ,  242  when extension  243  is connected to first and second frame members  240 ,  242 . For exemplary purposes, body  254  can have three engaging member cleats  256 , as shown. Cleats  256  protrude from the side of body  254  opposite flange  252  and are substantially similar to cleats  46 ,  56 . Cleats  256  can be formed integral to extension  243 . Cleats  256  are spaced apart by an interval  260  corresponding to the spacing of keyed openings  40  at interval  86 . Thus, interval  260  can be equal to interval  86  or an integer multiple of interval  86 . For exemplary purposes, interval  260  is 8 inches. Additionally, cleats  256  are oriented in a manner that allows each of cleats  256  to be simultaneously received by a corresponding upper portion  90  of keyed openings  40  and slidably engaged by a corresponding lower portion  90  of keyed openings  40 . Specifically, two of cleats  256  can engage a corresponding two of keyed openings  40  at the second end  246  of first frame member  240  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The third of cleats  256  can engage a corresponding one of keyed openings  40  at the first end  248  of second frame member  242 . Extension  243  can further include a turndown flange  262  located on the upper end of extension  243  that facilitates the assembly of extension  243  to first and second frame members  240 ,  242 . Specifically, turndown flange  262  provides a surface that can be used to drive extension  243  into sliding engagement with first and second frame members  240 ,  242 . In the foregoing manner, cleats  256  can work together with keyed openings  40  of first and second frame members  240 ,  242  to removably secure first frame member  240  to second frame member  242 . 
     End plate  44  is configured to secure the first end  244  of first frame member  240  to foundation  232 . Accordingly, end plate  44  includes cleat  46  and is removably secured to the first end  244  of first frame member  240  in the manner previously described for vertical member  16 . End plate  44  can be secured to a wooden blocker  122  glued to foundation  232 . 
     Outrigger bracket  18  is configured to provide support for frame assembly  220  and distribute loads during the concrete pouring process that may be associated with forming wall structure  212 . Accordingly, first lateral end  50  of outrigger bracket  18  can be removably secured to frame assembly  220  and second lateral end  52  of outrigger bracket  18  can be connected to first strut  224 . Additionally, stiffback  230  can be received within flange  150  and secured to outrigger bracket  18  as shown. 
     First adjustable length strut  224  is configured to be pivotally secured to outrigger bracket  18  and intermediate brace  226  and thereby provide support for frame assembly  220  and resist loads during the concrete process that may be associated with forming wall structure  212 . For exemplary purposes, first strut  224  can be removably secured to outrigger bracket  18  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . It will be appreciated that first adjustable length first strut  224  is similar to adjustable length strut  20 , however first strut  224  is adapted to span greater distances than strut  20 . As such, first strut  224  can include a body  268 , a swivel lock assembly  162  threadingly engaged with body  268  to couple one end of first strut  224  to outrigger bracket  18 , and a pivot foot assembly  270  threadingly engaged with body  268  to secure an opposite end of outrigger bracket  18  to an earth foundation  272 . Body  268  includes first tube  166 , second tube  168 , and an extension tube  274 . First tube  166  retains all of the features previously described and includes threaded portion  174  for threadingly engaging a portion of pivot foot assembly  270 . Similarly, second tube  168  retains the features previously described and can be secured to first tube  166  using adjustment pin  170 . Extension tube  274  is configured to receive second tube  168  and includes a threaded portion  276  on a distal end of extension tube  274  and at least one adjustment hole  278 . For exemplary purposes, extension tube  274  can be made from 1¾ inch square steel tubing. Threaded portion  276  is configured to threadingly engage a portion of swivel lock assembly  162  and can be a left-handed threaded steel nut welded to the end of extension tube  274  as shown. Adjustment hole  278  extends crosswise through extension tube  274  in a manner similar to extension hole  182  of second tube  168 . Thus, it will be appreciated that adjustment hole  278  can be aligned with extension hole  182  by adjusting the position of second tube  168  within extension tube  274 . With adjustment hole  278  aligned with extension hole  182 , extension tube  274  can be secured to second tube  168  using another adjustment pin  170 . 
     Pivot foot assembly  270  is configured to pivotally secure first strut  224  to foundation  272  using a perforated curb pin  280 . While not limiting, perforated curb pin  280  can be a ⅞ inch perforated curb pin, which is commonly used in construction and includes a plurality of cross-wise holes configured to receive a 16D common nail. Pivot foot assembly  270  is substantially similar to pivot foot assembly  164 . Accordingly, pivot foot assembly  270  includes foot bracket  194 , pivot block  196 , and threaded rod  198  as previously described. Foot bracket  194  can include hole  203  having a diameter of 29/32 inch. Threaded rod  198  can be welded to pivot block  196  on one end and threadingly engaged with first tube  166  of first strut  224 . Thus, it will be appreciated that pivot foot assembly  270  can be pivotally secured to foundation  272  by inserting a nail cross-wise through perforated curb pin  280  and driving perforated curb pin  280  through hole  203  into foundation  272  until the nail contacts foot bracket  194  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . It will be appreciated that a sufficient portion of perforated curb pin  280  must be driven into foundation  272  to create a stable and secure attachment of pivot foot assembly  270  to foundation  272 . 
     Intermediate brace  226  is configured to be removably secured on one end to frame assembly  220  at any one of the plurality of keyed openings  40  and to receive stiffback  230  on an opposite end. Intermediate brace  226  can also be configured to allow first strut  224  or second strut  228  to be pivotally secured on one end. Additionally, intermediate brace  226  is configured to serve as a rung in a ladder that can be constructed using intermediate brace  226 . Intermediate brace  226  includes a support  282 , a first end  284 , and a second end  286 . Support  282  can be tubular in shape and constructed of 1.5 inch square steel tubing as shown. First end  284  is configured to be removably secured to frame assembly  220  and can be welded to one end of support  282 . First end  284  is generally c-shaped and can be formed from 11-gage galvanized steel. First end  284  can be welded to one end of support  282  and includes an engaging member cleat  288 . Cleat  288  protrudes from the side of first end  284  and is substantially similar to cleats  46 ,  56 ,  254  as previously described. Cleat  288  can be formed integral to first end  284 . Accordingly, it will be appreciated that cleat  288  can work together with one of keyed openings  40  associated with first and second frame members  240 ,  242  to removably secure first end  284  to one of first and second frame members  240 ,  242 . 
     Second end  286  is generally planar in shape and can be formed of 11-gage galvanized steel. Second end  286  includes a body  290 , a flange  292 , and a plurality of holes  294 . Body  290  is generally planar in shape and can be welded to support  282 . Flange  292  is generally L-shaped and configured to receive a portion of stiffback  230 . Flange  292  can be welded to second end  286 . Holes  294  extend through body  290  proximate flange  292  to allow fasteners (not shown) to be used to fasten stiffback  230  to second end  286 . 
     As previously mentioned herein, intermediate brace  226  can also be configured to allow first strut  224  or second strut  228  to be pivotally secured on one end. To this end, body  290  can extend beyond flange  292  and further include keyed opening  296  as shown. Keyed opening  296  extends through body  290  and includes a first portion  298  configured to receive engagement member  62  of first strut  224  and a second portion  300  to rotatably support a portion of engagement member  62 . First and second portions  298 ,  300  are substantially similar to first and second portions  146 ,  148 , respectively. Thus, it will be appreciated that second end  286  can work together with swivel lock assembly  162  to pivotally secure first strut  224  to intermediate brace  226 . 
     Second strut  228  is configured to be secured to outrigger bracket  18  and intermediate brace  226  and to provide support for frame assembly  220  and resist loads during the concrete process that may be associated with forming wall structure  212 . Second strut  228  is optionally removably secured to intermediate brace  226  as shown to provide additional support for wall structure  212  at a point between foundation  232  and outrigger bracket  18 , where necessary. For example, as the wall height becomes relatively high, it may be desirable to include the second strut  228  (or a plurality of additional struts) for additional load distribution and vertical support below the first strut  224 . Second strut  228  is substantially similar to strut  20  and includes swivel lock assembly  162 , first tube  166 , second tube  168 , adjustment pin  170 , and a pivot foot assembly  302 . Pivot foot assembly  302  is configured to pivotally secure second strut  228  to foundation  272  using a perforated curb pin  280  as previously described herein for pivot foot assembly  270 . Accordingly, pivot foot assembly  302  includes foot bracket  194 , pivot block  196 , and threaded rod  198 . Foot bracket  194  can include hole  203  having a diameter of 29/32 inch. Threaded rod  198  can be welded to pivot block  196  on one end and threadingly engaged with first tube  166  of first strut  224 . Thus, it will be appreciated that pivot foot assembly  302  can be pivotally secured to foundation  272  in substantially the same manner as pivot foot assembly  270  as illustrated. 
     Stiffback  230  provides additional support for frame assembly  220 , outrigger bracket  18 , and intermediate brace  226 . Stiffback  230  can be a standard vertical post, such as a wooden 2×4 stud that extends from foundation  272  to a point beyond the location of outrigger bracket  18  as may be desired. Stiffback  230  can be positioned and secured to outrigger bracket  18  and intermediate brace  226  using a plurality of fasteners as previously described. In the foregoing manner, stiffback  230  can provide additional vertical support for outrigger bracket  18  and intermediate brace  226  and additional lateral support for frame assembly  220 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a brace assembly  310  of a third preferred embodiment, illustrating certain principles of the present invention, will now be described in detail. Brace assembly  310  illustrates one of a variety of ways the various components of brace assembly  10  and brace assembly  210  can be combined to provide integrated support for a vertical wall structure  312 . Brace assembly  310  also illustrates how the various components of brace assembly  10  and brace assembly  210  can be combined to provide a structural working platform and related ladder assembly. 
     Accordingly, brace assembly  310  can include a plurality of the following components: vertical member  16 , outrigger bracket  18 , strut  20 , stiffback  230 , and intermediate brace  226 . Brace assembly  310  can further include a walk plank  314  and safety rails  316 . Brace assembly  310  can be secured to wall structure  312  at regular intervals, for example, every 4 feet, to provide lateral support at specific points along the length of wall structure  312 . Additionally, each outrigger bracket  18  of brace assembly  310  can be secured to a corresponding vertical member  16  at a position about 40 inches below the top of wall structure  312  to provide a suitable working platform height as will be described. Stiffback  230  can be secured to every other vertical member  16  and extend about 42 inches above walk plank  314 . Intermediate brace  226  can be secured at regular intervals, for example, about every 12 inches, along a corresponding vertical member  16  and stiffback  230  as shown to form a ladder assembly. Walk plank  314  can be placed on outrigger bracket  18  to form the basis of a working platform. Walk plank  314  can be loosely fastened to each corresponding outrigger bracket  18  using elongated slots  138  to allow each brace assembly  10  to be individually adjusted to set the desired position of wall structure  312 . Additionally, once the position of wall structure  312  is set, walk plank  314  can be tightly fastened to each outrigger bracket  18 . As such it will be appreciated that walk plank  314  can be used as a whaler for providing longitudinal support for maintaining wall structure  312  straight along its length. Safety rails  316  can be fastened to stiffback  230  at desired heights above outrigger bracket  18  to provide adequate guarding for a working platform. 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that brace assemblies  10 ,  210 ,  310  can be used to reduce the setup time required to provide lateral support for a vertical wall structure. The brace assemblies according to the present disclosure provide the ability to easily adjust the vertical brace assembly height, even after assembling and securing the brace assembly in a weight-bearing position. Furthermore, the design of the present brace assemblies provides the ability to adjust the amount of vertical support for both fine and/or course tuning to ensure appropriate shoring of the vertical wall prior to setting. Additionally, brace assemblies according to the principles of the present disclosure can be disassembled, reused, and transported in a convenient manner. Thus, the principles of the present disclosure provide a robust and light-weight brace assembly, which can be easily transported, occupying less volume than previous systems. Moreover, the bracing assemblies of the present disclosure provide the ability to support tall wall height structures, via the extension member design. Finally, bracing assemblies according to the present disclosure provide a means for integrating a working platform and associated ladder that also serve as additional support for a vertical wall structure. 
     While the principles of the present disclosure are described in connection with specific wall structures and brace assemblies, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms to provide an adjustable bracing system for a variety of wall structures. Therefore, while this disclosure has been described in connection with a particular example thereof, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because it is contemplated that other modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. For example, the invention should not be limited to the representative and exemplary dimensions set forth above. It is intended by the following claims to cover these and any other departures from the disclosed embodiments which fall within the true spirit of this invention.