Patent Publication Number: US-2022235563-A1

Title: Alignment clamp and tie rod connector assembly for formwork panels

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to construction industry and more particularly, relates to a connector assembly adapted to connect and align a pair of formwork panels with each other. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the construction industry, wall forms or panels are generally used as supporting components to form structures, such as columns and walls. Such panels are usually made of wood having a metal frame or made entirely of metal. Based on dimensions and shape of a structure to be formed, multiple panels are installed at a construction site to form a hollow space which would correspond to the dimensions and shape of the structure. In order to form the hollow space, the panels are basically connected to each other by using various connecting mechanisms, such as pins and latches. For example, in case of forming a column, multiple panels may be connected to each other to form a hollow space in between. Thereafter, concrete or any other material may be poured from the top in the hollow space, which would then settle in to take a targeted shape of the column, by the virtue of the dimensions of the hollow space. Over a period of time, the concrete dries out and the panels are then removed to obtain the column so formed. 
     In case of construction of larger structures, multiple panels are to be connected to each other. Any error in the connection of these panels may lead to falling of the panels causing damage at the construction site. The alignment of these panels with each other is equally critical as any error in the alignment would hamper an overall quality of the structure to be formed. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention. 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector assembly for connecting and aligning a pair of formwork panels with each other is disclosed. The connector assembly includes an alignment clamp sub-assembly adapted to be mounted on a joint between a first formwork panel and a second formwork panel. The alignment clamp sub-assembly includes a base component to be disposed on the joint. The base component includes a first slot adapted to receive a wedge in a vertical direction and a second slot adapted to receive a tie rod in a lateral direction. The connector assembly includes a tie rod sub-assembly adapted to be disposed on the alignment clamp sub-assembly. The tie rod sub-assembly includes the tie rod having a first end and a second end distal to the first end. The tie rod is adapted to be inserted in the second slot of the base component through the first end. The tie rod sub-assembly includes a counter plate formed on the second end and adapted to move the tie rod to lock the connector assembly for connecting and aligning the pair of formwork panels, when the tie rod is received through the second slot of the base component. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an alignment clamp sub-assembly for connecting and aligning a pair of formwork panels with each other is disclosed. The alignment clamp sub-assembly includes a base component to be disposed on a joint between a first formwork panel and a second formwork panel. The base component includes a first slot formed on a top surface, and a second slot formed on a front surface and adapted to receive a tie rod in a lateral direction. The alignment clamp sub-assembly includes a wedge adapted to be received in a vertical direction in the first slot. The wedge is inserted to lock the base component on the joint and form the second slot for receiving the tie rod. 
     To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a frame of a panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective back view of the panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective front view of the panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates another perspective back view of the panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a back view of the panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates another perspective back view of the panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective partial view of a pair of panels inter-connected by a connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a front view of an alignment clamp sub-assembly of the connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of the alignment clamp sub-assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective of an alignment clamp sub-assembly of the connector assembly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  illustrate assembly of a tie rod sub-assembly on the alignment clamp sub-assembly to form the connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of a number of panels inter-connected through a plurality of connector assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents in any way. 
     For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.” 
     Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is required.” 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art. 
     Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness. 
     Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment. 
     Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below. 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a frame  100  of a panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective back view of the panel  200 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective front view of the panel  200 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  may hereinafter collectively be referred to as  FIG. 2 . In order to avoid duplicity of information,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are explained in conjunction with each other. In an embodiment, the panel  200  may be adapted to be used for construction of structures, such as walls and columns. 
     Although the present disclosure is explained with respect to application of the panel  200  in the field of construction, the application of the panel  200  should not be construed to be limited to the construction industry only. In fact, the panel  200  can be used in any other application, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In an embodiment, the panel  200  may include, but is not limited to, the frame  100  and a flat portion  202  fixed to the frame  100 . The flat portion  202  may come in contact with concrete or any other variant during the construction of the structure. Therefore, the shape or profile of the flat portion  202  may depend on the profile of the structure to be formed. In an embodiment, the flat portion  202  may be formed of at least one of composite ply-board, Birch ply-board, a polypropylene board, and local ply-board. In an embodiment, the flat portion  202  may interchangeably be referred to as form-lining, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an example, the flat portion  202  may have a thickness of 12-13 mm. Further, the flat portion  202  may be conveniently replaced at the construction site. 
     Further, the frame  100  may be formed of high-grade steel. In an embodiment, the frame  100  may include at least one anchor strut  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  100  includes a pair of anchor struts  204 , individually referred to as  204 - 1  and  204 - 2 . Each anchor strut  204  may have a plurality of slots  302  for accommodating mounting of connector assemblies to connect multiple frames. For example, the slots  302  may be adapted to connect the panels opposite to each other through tie rods. The anchor struts  204  may also have edge stiffening for extra robustness. 
     Further, the frame  100  may also include a plurality of slots  206  for accommodating one or more connector assemblies. Constructional and operational details of the connector assemblies are explained in detail in the description of subsequent Figures. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates another perspective back view of the panel  200 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a back view of the panel  200 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3C  illustrates another perspective back view of the panel  200 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C  may hereinafter collectively be referred to as  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective partial view of a pair of panels  200  inter-connected by a connector assembly  400 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of panels  200  is shown in an assembled state having concrete  410  in between. In an embodiment, the pair of panels  200  may individually be referred to as a first formwork panel  200 - 1  and a second formwork panel  200 - 2 . The connector assembly  400  may be adapted to connect as well as align the pair of panels  200  with each other. 
     In an embodiment, the connector assembly  400  may include, but is not limited to, an alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  and a tie rod sub-assembly  404  adapted to be inserted in the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402 . In an embodiment, the connector assembly  400  may interchangeably be referred to as an alignment clamp and tie rod connector assembly  400 , without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may be adapted to be mounted on a joint formed between the first formwork panel  200 - 1  and the second formwork panel  200 - 2 . The tie rod sub-assembly  404  may then be disposed on the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a front view of the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  may hereinafter collectively be referred to as  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may include, but is not limited to, a base component  502  to be disposed on the joint between the first formwork panel  200 - 1  and the second formwork panel  200 - 2 . The base component  502  may include, but is not limited to, a first slot  504  formed on a top surface  506 , and a second slot  508  formed on a front surface  510 . The second slot  508  may be adapted to receive a tie rod  406  of the tie rod sub-assembly  404  in a lateral direction. The alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may also include a wedge  512  adapted to be received in a vertical direction in the first slot  504 . In an embodiment, the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may be adapted to include a spring (not shown) disposed in the base component  502 . The spring may be adapted to hold the wedge  512  in the first slot  504 . 
     In an embodiment, the wedge  512  may be inserted to lock the base component  502  on the joint and form the second slot  508  for receiving the tie rod  406 . In an embodiment, the second slot  508  may be said to be receiving the tie rod sub-assembly  404 . 
     In an embodiment, the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may also include a claw-shaped portion  514  formed on the base component  502 . The claw-shaped portion  514  may be adapted to engage the base component  502  on the joint for mounting of the connector assembly  400  on the joint. 
     In an embodiment, the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may also include a first part  516  adapted to be disposed adjacent to the joint. The first part  516  may include a first arm  518 - 1 . Further, the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may include a second part  520  coupled with the first part  516 . The second part  520  may be coupled with the first part  516  such that the second part  520  is adapted to be partially sliding over the first part  516 . The second part  520  may include a second arm  518 - 2 . In an embodiment, the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  may include a supporting structure formed on each arm  518 . In an embodiment, each arm  518  may individually be referred to as  518 - 1  and  518 - 2 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  having the supporting structure  602  on the arms  518 , according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  includes a supporting structure  602 - 1  on the arm  518 - 1  and a supporting structure  602 - 2  on the arm  518 - 2 . The supporting structures  602  may be adapted to guide the arms  518  when connecting the first formwork panel  200 - 1  with the second formwork panel  200 - 2 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , in an embodiment, the second part  520  may be adapted to move with respect to the first part  516  for locking the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402 , for example, on the joint. In order to achieve the locking position, the second part  520  may slide on the first part  516  such that the first arm  518 - 1  and the second arm  518 - 2  may form the claw-shaped portion  514  to engage with the joint, for example, through the slots  206  of the panels  200 . Further, in the locking position, the first part  516  and the second part  520  are aligned to form the first slot  504  and the second slot  508  to receive the wedge  512  and the tie rod  406 , respectively. Moreover, in the locking position, the base component  502  may be adapted to be disposed on the joint such that the second slot  508  is aligned with one of the slots  302  of the anchor strut  204  of one of the first formwork panel  200 - 1  and the second formwork panel  200 - 2 . The alignment is formed to receive the tie rod sub-assembly  404 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the tie rod sub-assembly  404  may include, but is not limited to, the tie rod  406  and a counter plate  408 . In an embodiment, the counter plate  408  may be a wing-nut counter plate  408 .  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B , and  FIG. 7C  illustrate assembly of the tie rod sub-assembly  404  on the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  to form the connector assembly  400 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned earlier, each of the panels  200  includes the slots  206 . Both the panels  200 - 1  and  200 - 2  may be put together such that the corresponding slots  206  are aligned with each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the aligned slots  206  may be adapted to accommodate the claw-shaped portion  514  of the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  for mounting the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402  on the joint of the panels  200 . The base component  502  may be mounted on the panels  200  such that the second slot  508  is in alignment with the slot  302  on the anchor strut  204  of the frame  100 . Once the base component  502  is mounted on the panels  200 , the wedge  512  may then be inserted in the base component  502 . Subsequently, the tie rod  406  may be inserted in the second slot  508  of the base component  502 . In particular, the tie rod  406  may insert through the second slot  508  of the base component  502  and the slot  302  formed on the anchor strut  204  for the assembly. 
     In an embodiment, the tie rod  406  may include a first end  702 - 1  and a second end  702 - 2  distal to the first end  702 - 1 . In an embodiment, the tie rod  406  may be inserted through the first end  702 - 1 . The tie rod  406  may include threads  704  along the length. The threads  704  may be adapted to engage with the slot  302  formed in the panel  200  through the second slot  508  of the base component  502 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , after the insertion, i.e., when the tie rod  406  is received through the second slot  508  of the base component  502 , the counter plate  408  formed on the second end  702 - 2  of the tie rod  406  may be adapted to move the tie rod  406 . The movement of the tie rod  406  may lock the connector assembly  400  and therefore, connect and align the first formwork panel  200 - 1  with the second formwork panel  200 - 2 . 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates the connector assembly  400  mounted on the panels  200  for connection and alignment of the panels  200 . Therefore, the connector assembly  400  accommodates the tie rod  406  at the same location as that of the alignment clamp sub-assembly  402 . Also, the connector assembly  400  does not need any external profile or additional component for being mounted on the panels  200 . In fact, the connector assembly  400  mounts on the panels  200  by using the slots  206  of the panels  200 . Further,  FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of a number of panels  200  inter-connected through a plurality of connector assemblies  400 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, constructional and operational features of the present disclosure that are already explained in the description of previous figures are not explained in  FIG. 8 . 
     As would be gathered, the connector assembly  400  of the present disclosure offer a comprehensive approach for construction of the structures, such as walls and columns. Firstly, owing to the use of high-grade steel for the frame  100  and corresponding supporting profiles, the panels  200  so formed are robust. Further, the form-lining or the flat portion  202  of the panel  200  ensures best form finish of the structure formed. 
     Considering the convenience of assembling and disassembling the panels  200 , time taken for forming the structure is also significantly reduced. In addition, the panel  200  can be connected to other panels  200  in any alignment. This would ensure flexibility in terms of applications of the panels  200 . Therefore, the panel  200  and the connector assembly  400  of the present disclosure are safe, risk-free, flexible in implementation, cost-effective, convenient, and has a wide range of applications. 
     While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.