Patent Description:
According to the traditional methods of building construction, concrete is poured in a way to provide a slab or a wall. Where openings are envisaged, formworks needs to be prepared, which necessitates extra costs and time of work. Furthermore, the opening resulting from the pouring around the formwork remains free, which represents a risk of falling through it.

In addition, where technical elements such as pipes, cables, channelling need to be arranged across the wall or the slab, additional isolation step, in particular against fire and/or water, is needed.

Some solutions have been proposed to limit the amount of work and increase the safety of such building processes. In particular, the patent application <CIT> discloses a process and an isolating bloc adapted to obturate an area prior the pouring of concrete, so that an opening is managed in the concrete after pouring, while still being secured with an isolating material. <CIT> discloses a height-adjustable housing with an isolating block for pipes or lines passing through wall or ceiling openings of a building.

However, the dimensions, in particular the thickness, of such isolating blocs are predetermined, and may not be as suitable as required, compared to the thickness of the envisaged slab or wall.

Therefore, there is room for improvement of such isolating blocs and processes.

An aim of the present invention is the provision of an improved device that overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of the state of the art. It is in particular an aim the present disclosure to provide an isolating or obturating system the dimension of which can easily be modulated according to the needs.

Another aim of the invention is to provide an improved method of pouring some concrete while reserving an opening, in a more flexible way and/or cost effective manner.

According to the invention, these aims are attained by the object of the independent claims, and further detailed in the claims dependant thereof.

With respect to what is known in the art, the invention provides the advantage that a wall or a slab can be poured in a more flexible and /or cost effective way.

Exemplar embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the description and illustrated by the following drawings:.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjusting device <NUM> according to the present disclosure is adapted to maintain an obturating bloc <NUM>, better visible in <FIG>, <FIG>, in a concrete pouring at a predetermined position. The position refers here to the two dimension coordinates on the plane where the concrete is poured. The position also comprises a third dimension, related to the elevation HE (<FIG>) of the obturating bloc <NUM>. In other words, the present adjusting device <NUM> allows to maintain the obturating bloc <NUM> at a certain elevation above a support <NUM>.

The obturating bloc <NUM> has a given heigh or thickness, a so called bloc height H20, which does not necessarily corresponds to the height or thickness of the slab or wall <NUM>, the so called concrete height H31. In particular, the bloc heigh H20 can be lower that the expected thickness of the slab <NUM>. It remains however necessary that a first surface S20a of the obturating bloc <NUM> flushes with the surface S31a of the concrete, once poured.

To this end, the adjusting device according to the present disclosure comprises lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d adapted to surround an obturating bloc <NUM>. The lateral walls of the adjusting device <NUM> define an internal space IS wherein an obturating bloc <NUM> can be lodged. The shape and dimensions of this internal space are thus determined to fit around the obturating bloc <NUM>. This means that the lateral surfaces of the obturating bloc <NUM> are preferably in close contact with the lateral walls of the adjusting device <NUM>. The shape of the adjusting device <NUM> is adapted to the shape of the obturating bloc <NUM>. It can be for example of a square shape or rectangular shape, or any other polygonal shape, or circular, or ovoid. The lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d also define an external space ES wherein the concrete is poured.

The relative position of the obturating bloc <NUM> inside the adjusting device <NUM> can be adapted according to the needs, in particular to flush with the expected concrete height H31. The lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, or at least one of them, are provided with one or several first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. Such adjusting elements are arranged along the internal side of the lateral walls and/or oriented toward the internal space IS so as to maintain an obturating bloc <NUM> at a determined elevation HE.

The shape and number of such first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are not determinant, provided that they are adapted to grip or maintain the obturating bloc <NUM> at the requested elevation HE. For example, each one of the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d can comprise one first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, arranged approximatively on a central portion of the corresponding wall. Alternatively or in addition, the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can be arranged in the corners formed by the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Alternatively, one or several of the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can extend along the full length of the lateral walls or a substantial portion of the length of the lateral walls.

According to an embodiment, the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d comprise a protruding part <NUM>, adapted to receive the bottom part of an obturating bloc <NUM>. The bottom part defines here a second surface S20b, opposite the first surface S20a of the obturating bloc <NUM>. The protruding portion <NUM> can be a flat surface, or teeth or any related arrangement. According to an embodiment, the protruding portion <NUM> can be a transversal member joining two opposite lateral walls so as to cross the internal space IS. This provides the advantage of strengthen the adjusting device <NUM>, in particular against the pressure of the concrete when pouring it. According to an embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> can be provided with one or several spikes, or one or several through holes adapted to insert a screw or a stud so as to penetrate the obturating bloc <NUM> on its second surface S20b. This arrangement allows to better maintain it on the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d so as to avoid any displacement during the pouring operation. According to such an arrangement, the obturating bloc <NUM> can be lodged into the internal space of the adjusting device and rest on the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d.

The first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are arranged on the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d of the adjusting device <NUM> in a way to take various position along the thickness or height of the lateral walls, the so called device height H10. The first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can take for example several positions between a first lowest position LP1 and a first highest position HP1. The first lowest position denotes here a position were the obturating bloc <NUM> is the most recessed within the adjusting device <NUM>. The lowest position can correspond to a position were the combined bloc height H20 and device height H10 forming the final height FH, is reduced at its minimum value. Its elevation HE is minimal or zero. The first highest position HP1 here denotes a position wherein the obturating bloc <NUM> is taken out of the adjusting device <NUM> at its maximal value so that its elevation HE is maximal. The combined bloc height H20 and device height H10, forming the final height FH, is at its largest value.

Several predetermined intermediate positions such as <NUM>, <NUM> , <NUM> or more positions can be arranged. Alternatively, the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can be arranged so as to take any position between the first lowest position LP1 and a first highest position HP1.

The adjusting device <NUM> comprises one or several first fixation means <NUM> adapted to maintain the corresponding first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at their position. The first fixation means <NUM> can take the form of series of holes <NUM> arranged along a height of the corresponding wall 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d wherein a pin or a screw or a rivet can be inserted so as to maintain the corresponding first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. In this case the corresponding first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can also be provided with a through hole so as to be fixed. Alternatively, the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can be provided with one or several spikes adapted to be inserted in the corresponding hole. Of course, alternatives comprising several series of holes can be envisaged. Alternatively, one or several sliders can be provided on the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d so as to allow the corresponding first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d sliding between the first lowest position LP1 and the first highest position HP1. A clamping element can furthermore be used.

According to an embodiment, no specific features are provided on the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d except one ore several scales indicating some referenced height at which the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can be placed. Self-drilling screws can then be used to fix the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at the requested height onto the corresponding lateral walls.

Any fixation mean suitable for maintaining the corresponding first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at a variable position can be used.

According to an embodiment, the adjusting device <NUM> is built in a manufacture prior being sent at the point of use. The first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are thus arranged onto the adjusting device so as to correspond to the expected needs. The manufacture of such adjusting device <NUM> can be made on demand and adapted according to the specific needs. According to another embodiment, the adjusting device <NUM> is delivered as several disassembled parts such as the lateral walls, the separate first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and the corresponding first fixation means <NUM>. The adjusting device can then be assembled at the point of use according to the present needs.

It is understood that, the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and/or the corresponding first fixation means <NUM> are easily assembled so that a minimum time and efforts are necessary. Thus, clips or rivets or self-drilling screws are well adapted for this purpose.

According to an embodiment, the lateral walls are already preassembled so as to correspond to the dimensions of an obturating bloc <NUM>. Alternatively, the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, can be provided separately so as to be assembled on site according to the dimensions of the obturating blocs <NUM>. To this end, several connection points can be provided so as to adapt the shape and/or the dimension of the adjusting device <NUM>.

The adjusting device <NUM> is a sacrificial device, meaning that it is included in the concrete so that it cannot be retrieved after the pouring. It is thus advantageously cost effective. The material of the adjusting device <NUM> can be selected in consideration of the performances toward the pressure of the concrete, at the time of pouring, and also in consideration of costs. It can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, which is heavy or aluminium, which is lighter. Alternatively, it can be made of a polymer material such as a soft plastic, a hard plastic, a composite material, a cellulosic material. Alternatively, it can be made of a natural product, such as wood, while being quite heavy, or based on natural fibres. According to an embodiment, the adjusting device <NUM> can be made, partly or entirely, with cardboard. In particular, the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d can be made of a cellulosic material, such as cardboard. Although the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can also be made of cardboard, they can be made with a different material such as hard plastic or polymer.

The adjusting device <NUM> according to the present disclosure is adapted to be placed on a surface, like a reference surface, in a way that the edge of the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d rest on such a surface. For example a support <NUM> can be provided, adapted to receive the concrete, on which is placed the present adjusting device <NUM>. The support <NUM> can be made for example with wood or any suitable material like cement or concrete already poured and dried. From such a reference surface, the first fixation means <NUM> allow to adjust the corresponding first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at a variable height on the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d between a first lowest position LP1 and the first highest position HP1, so as to give the correct elevation to an obturating bloc <NUM>.

The adjusting device <NUM> according to the present invention further comprises one or more second adjusting elements <NUM>, 12a, 12b, arranged on the external side of the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and/or oriented towards the external space ES. Such second adjusting elements allow to better maintain the adjusting device <NUM> in the poured concrete. Not according to the invention, such second adjusting element are arranged at a non variable predetermined position. According to the invention, the second adjusting elements <NUM>, 12a, 12b, are also movable between a second lowest position LP2 and a second highest position HP2 (<FIG>). In case an opening <NUM> is already materialised in the support <NUM>, the second adjusting elements <NUM>, 12a, 12b are adapted to adjust the relative position of the adjusting device <NUM> and the opening <NUM> will maintaining it onto the support <NUM>. In other words, the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d can be arranged below the reference surface. Under such conditions, the second adjusting elements <NUM>, 12a, 12b rest on the reference surface. Such an arrangement is advantageous for situations where the expected concrete height H31 is lower than the thickness of the obturating bloc <NUM>. The obturating bloc <NUM> can then partly be recessed across the reference surface so that its first surface S20a still flushes with the surface of the concrete S31a.

The second adjusting element <NUM>, 12a, 12b comprises some protrusions <NUM> external to the lateral walls and/or directed outwards. According to an embodiment, the external protrusion <NUM> can be provided with additional fixtures 121a, 121b allowing for example spiking the adjusting device <NUM> onto the support <NUM>.

The adjusting device <NUM>, while allowing to adjust the degree of elevation of an obturating bloc <NUM>, may represent an obstacle to access the obturating bloc <NUM> from a lateral side. In particular, the obturating bloc <NUM> can be made of a soft material such as plaster, rockwool, polystyrene, layer of mineral fibres also known as Aestuver, Promat, etc, so as to be dig to insert some features such as pipes or cables. The obturating bloc can be as described in the patent <CIT>. The obturating bloc <NUM> can be provided with lateral recesses <NUM> so as to be better maintained in the poured concrete.

According to an embodiment, the lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d of the adjusting device <NUM> are provided with through holes and/or with pre-cut areas <NUM>, allowing to easily access the obturating bloc <NUM>. Some features such as pipes can thus be inserted to the obturating bloc through the adjusting device <NUM>. Insertion of such features can be made before pouring the concrete.

The present disclosure also relates to an assembly <NUM>, <NUM>' comprising an adjusting device <NUM> as described above and an obturating bloc <NUM> arranged inside the internal space IS of the adjusting device <NUM>. The assembly <NUM>, <NUM>' is better shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. The obturating bloc <NUM> is maintained by means of the above described first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and the corresponding first fixation means <NUM>. As mentioned above, the obturating bloc <NUM> is inserted in the internal space IE so as to rest on the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d.

In the assembly <NUM>, <NUM>' the obturating bloc <NUM> has a bloc height H20, a first surface S20a and a second surface S20b opposite the first surface. The adjusting device has a device height H10, corresponding typically to the height of its lateral walls. The assembly <NUM>, <NUM>' has a final height FH which can be adapted thanks to the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. The final height FH corresponds to the elevation height HE added to the bloc height H20. It is noted that the elevation height HE can be negative, in particular, when the adjusting device <NUM> is recessed in an opening <NUM>, as above described. The elevation height HE corresponds to the relative position of the second surface of S20b of the obturating bloc <NUM> with regards the reference surface. The final height FH can be adapted to be equal, lower or larger than the bloc height H20.

According to an embodiment, the assembly <NUM> is arranged on site so that the adjusting device <NUM> rests on a support <NUM>, wherein the obturating bloc <NUM> rests on the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. This arrangement is convenient when pouring an horizontal slab and wherein the first surface S20a of the obturating bloc <NUM> should flush with the top surface S31a of the concrete.

According to another embodiment, the assembly <NUM>' can be arranged upside down, better shown in <FIG>. A reverse arrangement corresponds to the situation where the obturating bloc <NUM> rests on the support <NUM>, on its first surface S20a, and the adjusting device <NUM> is placed on the obturating bloc <NUM>, through the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d so that the lateral walls can project upward. Such an arrangement allows to make the first surface S20a of the obturating bloc <NUM> flushing with the bottom surface S31b of the slab, while avoiding covering the obturating bloc <NUM> with concrete during the pouring. The concrete is here kept outside the internal space IS of the adjusting device <NUM> so as to preserve the obturating bloc <NUM>. Under such condition, the final height FH of the assembly <NUM>' can be defined to correspond to the expected concrete height H31 or to be higher.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of pouring a concrete wall or slab <NUM> having a concrete height H31 and comprising an opening <NUM>. The present method allows in particular to preserve an area corresponding to the opening <NUM> of the final wall or slab <NUM> so that it is not covered by the concrete when pouring it. This avoids extra work related to the formwork.

The method comprises a step S1 of adjusting the height of the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d between a first lowest position LP1 and a first highest position HP1 on the corresponding lateral walls 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d of the adjusting device <NUM>. The position of the first adjusting elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d is defined according to the bloc height H20, to the expected concrete height H31, and in consequence to the corresponding final height FH of the assembly <NUM>' and/or the elevation EH of the obturating bloc <NUM>. The bloc heigh <NUM> needs not to correspond to the expected thickness of the wall or slab <NUM>.

The present method comprises a step S2 of assembling the obturating bloc <NUM> and the adjusting device <NUM> so as to form the corresponding assembly <NUM>, <NUM>'.

The present method further comprises a step S3 of placing the assembly <NUM>, <NUM>' as above defined at a place corresponding to an opening <NUM> which needs to be reserved in the slab. The assembly can be placed on a support <NUM>, which is preferably a temporary support on which is poured the concrete. The support <NUM> will thus remain free of concrete where is placed the assembly <NUM>, <NUM>' after the pouring. It is noted that according to the needs, the assembly can be placed in one of the two orientations above-described, wherein the obturating bloc <NUM> is arranged downward or upward.

The present method further comprises a step S4 of adjusting one or several second adjusting elements <NUM>, 12a, 12b.

In case the adjusting device <NUM> is provided with through holes or pre-cut areas <NUM>. The method can also comprise a step S5 of drilling the obturating bloc <NUM> across the adjusting device <NUM> so as to insert features such pipes or cables.

Claim 1:
An adjusting device (<NUM>) adapted to maintain an obturating bloc (<NUM>) in a concrete pouring at a predetermined position with respect to a support (<NUM>) comprising lateral walls (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) defining an internal space (IS), where said obturating bloc (<NUM>) can be lodged, and an external space (ES), where the concrete is poured,
wherein said lateral walls have a predetermined device height (H10) and wherein at least one of said lateral walls is provided with one or several first adjusting elements (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) oriented toward the internal space (IS) and one or several first fixation means (<NUM>), wherein said one or several first fixation means (<NUM>) are adapted to maintain said one or several first adjusting elements (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) at a variable position on said lateral walls (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) between a first lowest position (LP1) and a first highest position (HP1), characterized in that said adjusting device further comprises at least one second adjusting element (<NUM>, 12a, 12b), arranged on the external side of the lateral walls and oriented towards the external space (ES) and at least one second fixation means adapted to maintain said at least one second adjusting element (<NUM>, 12a, 12b), at a variable position on said lateral walls (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) between a second lowest position (LP2) and a second highest position (HP2).