Patent Description:
A formwork system for supporting forming panels to form a horizontal concrete surface.

Formwork systems provide a temporary mold into / onto which liquid concrete can be poured. After the liquid concrete sets, the formwork may be removed, leaving behind a concrete structure. Formwork systems are used in building numerous types of structures, including buildings, bridges, parking garages, and so forth.

Formwork systems may be used to form vertical concrete structures as well as horizontal concrete surfaces. Formwork systems may also be used to form inclined surfaces, for example, by inclining the beams. Inclined surfaces are useful in many applications, for example, to form ramps in parking garages.

However, traditional formwork systems are ill-suited for forming inclined surfaces. One problem with traditional formwork system is that gaps may form between forming panels. For example, a forming panel suspended by a first beam may not touch a forming panel suspended on an adjacent beam. Such gaps between panels are typically filled with thin strips that span the width of the forming panels (also known as 'compensation-strips'). <CIT> discloses a supporting device of the falling head type for supporting beams of formwork for floor slabs. The supporting device comprises a post to be fixed to the end of a supporting prop rested on the ground and a supporting head, coupled to the post for at least one supporting beam of formwork for floor slabs. The supporting head comprises two plates arranged mirror-symmetrically adjacent to opposite sides of the post and adapted to delimit laterally two accommodation regions of the ends of two supporting beams. At least two pairs of recesses are provided with respect to each other at different heights to form guides for the resting portions of the respective supporting beams to be installed at different heights from the ground. <CIT> discloses a head bearing on a formwork support for a slab formwork with receptacles for parts of the slab formwork. The head bearing has receptacles separate from one another for formwork panels and for beams of the slab formwork, the receptacles being arranged in such a way that a uniform formwork surface is obtained. <CIT> discloses a falling head support device for supporting beams of formworks for floors. The device comprises an upright which can be fixed at its end to a supporting strut that rests on the ground. A supporting head for at least one beam for supporting a formwork for floors is coupled so that it can slide along the upright. The support head comprises two plates which are arranged mirror-symmetrically so that they are laterally adjacent to opposite sides of the upright and are suitable to delimit laterally a region for accommodation the end of the at least one supporting beam. At least two recesses are provided for guiding the insertion and containment of a supporting portion of the corresponding supporting beam, each recess being provided on a respective plate, the bottom of each recess forming at least part of the supporting surface of the supporting portion of the supporting beam. A transverse element for connection the two plates is provided, which is suitable to support temporarily an inclined lower portion of the supporting beam during the setup and removal of the formwork of the beam.

Accordingly, improvements in formwork systems are desirable. This and other objects are achieved by a formwork system according to claim <NUM>.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a formwork system for supporting one or more forming panels to form a horizontal concrete surface. The system includes: a height-adjustable support comprising a central upstanding member providing a vertical abutment surface and a support arm having an inclined portion extending up and away from the central upstanding member; a beam comprising a transverse bar proximate an end, the transverse bar supported by the inclined portion of the support arm so that the transverse bar moves laterally relative to the inclined portion as the support arm is moved vertically; and a foot extending from the end of said beam and abutting the vertical abutment surface, wherein the vertical abutment surface opposes lateral movement of the beam relative to said upstanding member. An increase in the height of said support causes the transverse bar to move towards the central upstanding member along the inclined portion. An incline angle of the beam is adjustable by adjusting the height of the support.

In one embodiment, a decrease in the height of said support causes the transverse bar to move away from the central upstanding member along the inclined portion.

Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

In the figures, which illustrate, by way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure,.

When formwork systems are used form inclined surfaces, different sized gaps may result between forming panels. Forming panels are typically laterally secured to beams of the formwork system to prevent the beams from sliding along the beams. The lateral position of forming panels along the beams cannot be adjusted when beams are inclined. There may be large gaps between some forming panels and small gaps between other forming panels. Such systems are therefore ill suited for forming inclined surfaces.

Alternatively, forming panels may be laterally unsecured to the beams to accommodate the use of a formwork system to form inclined surfaces. A worker can thus adjust the lateral position of the forming panels along the beams to accommodate the inclined beams to maintain panel gaps at a substantially constant size. However, laterally unsecured forming panels create a safety hazard as workers may walk on top of the forming panels from time-to-time. If a forming panel slides as a worker steps on the panel, the worker may fall and sustain an injury.

Disclosed is a formwork system adapted for forming concrete surfaces that transition from level to sloping (or vice-versa). In particular, the formwork system includes a height-adjustable support for supporting a beam in substantially horizontal position. The support includes a central upstanding member and a support arm. The support arm has an inclined portion extending up and away from the central upstanding member. The beam has a transverse bar, which is supported by the inclined portion of the support arm. As the support moves vertically, the transverse bar moves laterally relative to the inclined portion. A foot at the beam abuts the central upstanding member and opposes lateral movement of the beam relative to the upstanding member when the support is stationary.

Thus, when the support arm moves up or down vertically, the beam moves both horizontally and vertically along the inclined portion. In turn, the lateral shift of the beam in response to vertical shift of the support is reduced. Thus, the variance in the gap between laterally secured forming panels is also reduced. As a result, a single type of compensation-strips having an adjustable width can be used with the system.

Reference is made to <FIG>, illustrating perspective and side views of a formwork system <NUM> for supporting one or more forming panels <NUM>.

Forming panels <NUM> provide a flat surface to pour liquid concrete thereon. In one embodiment, a plywood panel is used to provide the flat surface. In one embodiment, forming panels <NUM> may be <NUM> feet wide and <NUM> feet long. However, other sizes are possible: for example, forming panels <NUM> may range from <NUM> foot to <NUM> feet in length or width. In addition, different sized forming panels <NUM> may be used with formwork system <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each plywood panel of a forming panel <NUM> is supported by beams (not shown) extending along the edges of the panel. The plywood panel may also be supported by a series of beams spanning the length or width of the panel. The beams of a forming panel <NUM> may be made of a light material, such as wood or aluminum.

Formwork system <NUM> also includes a plurality of supports <NUM> and beams <NUM>. Each support <NUM> has base portion <NUM> and a support head <NUM> at an upper portion of support <NUM>. Beams <NUM> are supported at each end by support head <NUM>. In one embodiment, support head <NUM> is removably mounted on a vertical prop.

One or more supports <NUM> of system <NUM> may also support a compensation-strip <NUM>. Compensation-strips <NUM> may be used to fill gaps <NUM> between panels <NUM> that form around support heads <NUM>.

In use, a first pair of supports <NUM> (for example, including a pair of support heads <NUM> and a pair of vertical props) may be used to suspend a first beam <NUM>. A second pair of supports <NUM> may be used to suspend a second beam <NUM> in a substantially parallel position to the first beam <NUM>. One or more forming panels <NUM> may be supported on each of the first and second beams to form a suspended horizontal surface suitable for pouring concrete thereon. The horizontal surface formed by system <NUM> may have sections that are inclined and sections that are level.

Additional beams <NUM>, supports <NUM>, and forming panels <NUM> can be arranged side-by-side to form a larger suspended horizontal surface suitable for pouring concrete thereon.

As illustrated in <FIG>, formwork system <NUM> allows for forming leveled and inclined horizontal concrete surfaces. In addition, formwork system <NUM> may be used to form a single horizontal concrete surface that transitions between upward sloping and downward sloping. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> beam <NUM>-<NUM> and the panels associated therewith are sloping up relative to support head <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, beam <NUM>-<NUM> and the panels associated therewith are sloping down from support head <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, beam <NUM>-<NUM> and the panels associated therewith are sloping down from support head <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, beam <NUM>-<NUM> and the panels associated therewith are sloping up relative to support head <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, beam <NUM>-<NUM> and the panels associated therewith are level with support head <NUM>-<NUM>. Beam <NUM>-<NUM> and the panels associated therewith also level.

The incline angle of a particular beam may be adjusted by adjusting the height of one of the supports <NUM> supporting that particular beam (for example, by adjusting the height of one of or both of support head <NUM> and vertical prop <NUM> supporting support head <NUM>). As illustrated in <FIG>, the heights of supports <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are varied (or base portion <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, for example, using height adjustable vertical props) to achieve the desired angle of each of beams <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the maximum incline angle of a beam <NUM> and the forming panels <NUM> associated therewith is plus or minus <NUM> degrees relative to the horizontal.

Reference is made to <FIG> illustrating an example support <NUM> for use formwork system <NUM> in accordance one embodiment. Support <NUM> has a support head <NUM> having support arms <NUM>. Support head <NUM> and support arms <NUM> thereof are supported in an elevated position by base portion <NUM> of support <NUM>. Beams <NUM> are supported at each end by support arms <NUM> of support head <NUM>.

Support arms <NUM> may be lowered or raised to vary the slope of beams supported by the support head <NUM>. In one embodiment, support head <NUM> is mounted on a height-adjustable vertical prop, and the height of support arms <NUM> is adjustable by adjusting the height of the vertical prop. In one embodiment, support head <NUM> has support arms <NUM> that are height-adjustable independently from base portion <NUM>.

As shown, support <NUM> has two support arms <NUM> positioned on opposite sides of support <NUM>, but other embodiments are possible. For example, each support <NUM> may have four support arms <NUM>.

Support arm <NUM> of support <NUM> has an inclined portion <NUM> extending up and away from the center of support head <NUM>. In one embodiment, support arm <NUM> also has a flat portion <NUM> extending laterally from the center of support head <NUM> and inclined portion <NUM> extends up and away from flat portion <NUM>. Inclined portion <NUM> has an angle of α degrees relative to the horizontal, which may in some embodiments range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

Support <NUM> also has a central upstanding member <NUM> at the center of support head <NUM>. Central upstanding member <NUM> extends vertically upwards relative to support arms <NUM>. Inclined portion <NUM> extends up and away from central upstanding member <NUM>.

Beam <NUM> may abut central upstanding member <NUM>, and in turn, central upstanding member <NUM> may oppose lateral movement of beam <NUM>; thereby laterally stabilizing beam <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> illustrating a partial side view of an example beam <NUM> for use with formwork system <NUM> in accordance one embodiment.

In one embodiment, beam <NUM> has two side plates <NUM> attached proximate an end of the beam and extending away from the beam. In one embodiment, side plates <NUM> secure a transverse bar <NUM> in a position proximate the end of the beam (see <FIG>).

In use, transverse bar <NUM> may be supported by inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM> to suspend beam <NUM>. As will be explained further, the position of transverse bar <NUM> along inclined portion <NUM> may vary in dependence on the incline angle of beam <NUM> when suspended.

In one embodiment, beam <NUM> also has a foot <NUM> extending from the end of the beam. In one embodiment, foot <NUM> is a small metallic block (for example, made of steel) attached to the end of beam <NUM>. In one embodiment, foot <NUM> has thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>. In one embodiment, foot <NUM> is longer than the height of an end portion of beam <NUM>, such that foot <NUM> may extend relative to the upper and lower surfaces of the end portion of beam <NUM>. In one embodiment, foot <NUM> may be positioned substantially perpendicular to beam <NUM>.

In one embodiment, foot <NUM> is positioned at the end-most portion of beam <NUM>, such that a portion of foot <NUM> may abut central upstanding member <NUM> (<FIG>), and in turn, may oppose lateral movement of beam <NUM> to laterally stabilizing beam <NUM>.

Accordingly, central upstanding member <NUM> provides a vertical abutment surface for foot <NUM> to oppose lateral movement of beam <NUM> relative to central upstanding member <NUM>. By abutting vertical abutment surface, foot <NUM> may prevent transverse bar <NUM> from moving laterally along inclined portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, foot <NUM> is any extension to beam <NUM> that provides a suitable abutment surface to laterally stabilize beam <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrating beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R (generally referred to as "beams <NUM>") and support heads <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R (generally referred to as "support heads <NUM>"). Support heads <NUM> are each supported in an elevated position, for example by a vertical prop (not shown).

Beam <NUM>-L is supported by support arms <NUM> of support head <NUM>-L at one end and by support arms <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R at a second end in a level position. Beam <NUM>-R is supported by support arms <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R at one end and by support arms <NUM> of a second support head (not shown) at a second end (not shown) in a level position.

When beam <NUM> is in a level / horizontal position, transverse bar <NUM> is supported approximately at the middle of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM> (as shown in phantom in <FIG>). Further, foot <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to central upstanding member <NUM>.

Each beam <NUM> has protrusions <NUM> extending upwardly from an upper surface of the beam. Each protrusion <NUM> is configured to engage the lower surface of a forming panel <NUM> to prevent lateral movement of the forming panel <NUM> along beam <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrating beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R and support head <NUM>-R. In <FIG> and <FIG>, support arm <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R has been moved down vertically relative to its position in <FIG> and <FIG>; thus, both beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R are sloping up relative to support head <NUM>-R. The beams <NUM> now create a 'valley'.

Support arm <NUM> of support head <NUM> may be moved vertically downwards by adjusting the height of a vertical prop upon which support head <NUM> is mounted. Alternatively, support arm <NUM> may be vertically movable relative to central upstanding member <NUM>.

The decrease in the height of support head <NUM>-R also causes transverse bars <NUM> (shown in phantom) resting on inclined portions <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R to move laterally away from central upstanding member <NUM> along the inclined portion <NUM>. While in <FIG> and <FIG> (when the beams are level) transverse bar <NUM> is supported approximately at the middle of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM>, in <FIG> and <FIG> (when the beams are sloping up), transverse bar <NUM> is supported near the top of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM> at the position furthest from central upstanding member <NUM>.

Furthermore, in <FIG> and <FIG>, foot <NUM> is no longer substantially perpendicular to central upstanding member <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, when beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R are sloping up relative to support head <NUM>-R, foot <NUM> partially abuts central upstanding member <NUM> such that only an upper portion of foot <NUM> abuts central upstanding member <NUM>.

In addition, the gap between forming panels <NUM> supported by beam <NUM>-L and forming panels <NUM> supported by beam <NUM>-R is relatively smaller when beams <NUM> are sloping up relative to support head <NUM>-R (<FIG>) compared to when beams <NUM> are level (<FIG> and <FIG>). Notably, however, since the beams moved both laterally and vertically when support arm <NUM> was moved down, the difference in the gap size is reduced.

Reference is made to <FIG> illustrating beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R and support head <NUM>-R. In <FIG>, support arm <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R has been moved vertically upwards relative to its position in <FIG> and <FIG>; thus, both beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R are sloping down relative to support head <NUM>-R. The beams <NUM> now create a 'peak'.

Further the increase in the height of support head <NUM>-R also causes transverse bars <NUM> (shown in phantom) resting on inclined portions <NUM> of support arm <NUM> to move laterally towards central upstanding member <NUM> along the inclined portion <NUM>. While in <FIG> and <FIG> (when the beams are level) transverse bar <NUM> is supported approximately at the middle of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM>, in <FIG> (when the beams are sloping down), transverse bar <NUM> is supported near the bottom of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM> at the position closest to central upstanding member <NUM>.

Furthermore, in <FIG>, foot <NUM> is also no longer substantially perpendicular to central upstanding member <NUM>. In <FIG>, when beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R are sloping down from support head <NUM>-R, foot <NUM> partially abuts central upstanding member <NUM> such that only a lower portion of foot <NUM> abuts central upstanding member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the abutment surface of lower portion of foot <NUM> may be tapered (<FIG>) such that beam <NUM> can move more closely towards central upstanding member <NUM> when the beam is sloping down from support head <NUM>-R.

In addition, the gap between forming panels <NUM> supported by beam <NUM>-L and forming panels <NUM> supported by beam <NUM>-R is relatively larger when beams <NUM> are sloping down relative to support head <NUM>-R (<FIG>) compared to when beams <NUM> are level (<FIG> and <FIG>). Notably, however, since the beams moved both laterally and vertically when support arm <NUM> was moved up, the difference in the gap size is reduced.

Reference is made to <FIG> illustrating beams <NUM>-L, <NUM>-R and support head <NUM>-R. In <FIG>, support arm <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R is in the same vertical position as in <FIG>, but the second support head (not shown) supporting beam <NUM>-R has been moved vertically upwards relative to its position in <FIG>. Thus, beam <NUM>-L is sloping down from support head <NUM>-R whereas beam <NUM>-R is sloping up relative to support head <NUM>-R. The beams <NUM> now create a 'ramp'.

Further, the increase in the height of the second support arm (not shown) also causes transverse bar <NUM> (shown in phantom) of beam <NUM>-R resting on inclined portions <NUM> of support head <NUM>-R to move laterally away from central upstanding member <NUM> along the inclined portion <NUM>. While in <FIG> transverse bar <NUM> of beam <NUM>-R is supported near the bottom of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM> (at the position closest to central upstanding member <NUM>), in <FIG> transverse bar <NUM> of beam <NUM>-R is supported near the top of inclined portion <NUM> of support arm <NUM> (at the position furthest from central upstanding member <NUM>).

Furthermore, in <FIG>, lower portion of foot <NUM> of beam <NUM>-R is no longer abutting central upstanding member <NUM>. Instead, only upper portion of foot <NUM> of beam <NUM>-R partially abuts central upstanding member <NUM>.

In addition, the gap between forming panels <NUM> supported by beam <NUM>-L and forming panels <NUM> supported by beam <NUM>-R is relatively smaller in <FIG> compared to in <FIG>.

Thus, an increase in the height of a support arm <NUM> supporting a transverse bar <NUM> of a beam <NUM> results in lateral movement of the transverse bar <NUM> along the inclined portion <NUM> of the support arm <NUM> towards central upstanding member <NUM> and further results in lateral movement of the beam <NUM> towards central upstanding member <NUM>. Further, any forming panels <NUM> resting on beam <NUM> which are laterally secured by protrusions <NUM> will move laterally along with beam <NUM>.

Similarly, a decrease in the height of a support arm <NUM> supporting a transverse bar <NUM> of a beam <NUM> results in lateral movement of the transverse bar <NUM> along the inclined portion <NUM> of the support arm <NUM> away from central upstanding member <NUM> and further results in lateral movement of the beam <NUM> away from central upstanding member <NUM>. Further, any forming panels <NUM> resting on beam <NUM> which are laterally secured by protrusions <NUM> will move laterally along with beam <NUM>.

In other words, each support arm <NUM> of formwork system <NUM> acts as a shifting pivot point for beams <NUM>. Beam <NUM> moves laterally when pivoted about support arm <NUM> (in addition to moving vertically). Since beams <NUM> have a fixed length, pivoting one end of a beam <NUM> about a fixed point would result in a lateral shift of the opposite end of beam <NUM>. However, in formwork system <NUM> beams <NUM> moves laterally when pivoted; thus, the lateral shift of the opposite end of beam <NUM> is reduced.

In one embodiment, an increase in the height of a support arm <NUM> by approximately <NUM> to <NUM> will result in a lateral movement of transverse bar <NUM> along inclined portion <NUM> of the support arm <NUM> towards central upstanding member <NUM> by approximately <NUM>. In addition, transverse bar <NUM> will move down vertically along inclined portion <NUM> by approximately <NUM>. Further, the increase in height will cause beam <NUM> to incline down from support head <NUM> at an angle of <NUM> degrees.

In one embodiment, a decrease in the height of a support arm <NUM> by approximately <NUM> to <NUM> will result in a lateral movement of the transverse bar <NUM> along the inclined portion <NUM> of the support arm <NUM> away from central upstanding member <NUM> by approximately <NUM>. In addition, transverse bar <NUM> will move up vertically along inclined portion <NUM> by approximately <NUM>. Further, the increase in height will cause beam <NUM> to incline up relative to support head <NUM> at an angle of <NUM> degrees.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, showing an example embodiment of support head <NUM> in isolation. As will be explained in greater detail, support head <NUM> has a support arm block <NUM> including support arm(s) <NUM>, a base portion <NUM> for mounting support head <NUM> on a vertical prop (not shown), a release wedge <NUM> and side plates <NUM> allowing support head <NUM> to function as a 'drop-head' (as will be explained later), and an upper support <NUM> for supporting a compensation-strip <NUM>. In one embodiment, support head <NUM> extends by approximately <NUM> from the top of upper support <NUM> to the bottom of base portion <NUM>.

Central upstanding member <NUM> is an elongate member. For example, in one embodiment, central upstanding member <NUM> is approximately <NUM> long, <NUM> wide and <NUM> tall. In one embodiment, central upstanding member <NUM> is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, central upstanding member <NUM> is hollow.

In one embodiment, central upstanding member <NUM> has side plates <NUM> attached at a bottom portion thereof to increase the thickness of the bottom portion of central upstanding member <NUM>. In one embodiment, each side plate <NUM> is <NUM> thick, thereby increasing the thickness of the bottom portion of central upstanding member <NUM> to <NUM>.

One example embodiment of support arm block <NUM> of support head <NUM> is illustrated in isolation in <FIG>. Support arm block <NUM> has a central block <NUM>, formed by an upper base plate <NUM> and a lower base plate <NUM> separated by a vertical plates <NUM>. Each of upper base plate <NUM> and lower base plate <NUM> has a void in the center thereof. Support arm block <NUM> receives central upstanding member <NUM> through the voids in upper and lower base plates <NUM>, <NUM> and may be vertically moveable relative to central upstanding member <NUM> (See <FIG>).

In one embodiment, each of upper and lower base plates <NUM>, <NUM> is approximately <NUM> x <NUM> in size. In one embodiment, the void of of upper base plate <NUM> is approximately <NUM> x <NUM> in size and the void of lower base plate <NUM> is approximately <NUM> x <NUM> in size. Further, in one embodiment, central upstanding member <NUM> is marginally smaller in size than the void of lower base plate <NUM> (for example, <NUM> x <NUM> in size), such that support arm block <NUM> can move vertically relative to central upstanding member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the plates of support arm block <NUM> are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. The plates may be secured to one another by welding.

In one embodiment, support arm block <NUM> includes two support arms <NUM>, mounted at opposing sides of support arm block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the distance between the two support arms <NUM> is approximately <NUM>.

Each support arm <NUM> may include two opposing side plates <NUM>, which are separated by upper and lower spacers <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the two opposing side plates <NUM>, when placed side-by-side, separated by spacers <NUM>, <NUM>, provide inclined portion <NUM> and flat portion <NUM> (<FIG>) upon which transverse bar <NUM> of beam <NUM> may be supported.

Side plates <NUM> and upper and lower spacers <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. Side plates <NUM> may interlock with central block <NUM> of support arm block <NUM>. In one embodiment, side plates <NUM> may also be welded to upper and lower spacers <NUM>, <NUM> and to central block <NUM>. In one embodiment, support arms <NUM> are welded to central block <NUM>.

One example embodiment of a side plate <NUM> of support arm <NUM> of support arm block <NUM> is illustrated in isolation in <FIG>. Notably, as shown, each side plate <NUM> has a flat / horizontal portion <NUM> which extends away from central block <NUM> (and central upstanding member <NUM>), an inclined portion <NUM> which extends up and away from flat / horizontal portion <NUM>, and a vertical portion <NUM> extending upwardly from inclined portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, flat / horizontal portion <NUM> may limit the range of travel of transverse bar <NUM>, thereby making assembly of formwork system <NUM> more convenient. In one embodiment, flat portion <NUM> may extend <NUM> to <NUM> away from central block <NUM>.

As previously discussed, inclined portion <NUM> provides the inclined portion <NUM> upon which transverse bar <NUM> of beam <NUM> is supported. In one embodiment, as shown, inclined portion <NUM> is a straight incline. Further, in one embodiment, inclined portion <NUM> may be inclined at an angle ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. As shown, inclined portion <NUM> is inclined at a <NUM> degree angle. Further, in one embodiment, inclined portion <NUM> may extend <NUM> to <NUM> away from flat portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, inclined portion <NUM> is approximately <NUM> in length. The length of inclined portion <NUM> may be modified to alter the maximum incline angle of beams <NUM>. In one embodiment, an inclined portion <NUM> allows the beams to incline up or down by <NUM> degrees.

In other embodiments, the inclined portion may be curved (not shown). For example, the inclined portion may take the shape of a quadratic which extends up and away from flat portion <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the inclined portion may be jagged (not shown). For example, the inclined portion may include multiple steps upon which transverse bar <NUM> of beam <NUM> may be supported. Notably, however, a jagged inclined portion may be more difficult to use as transverse bar <NUM> may not slide easily up along the jagged inclined portion.

Vertical portion <NUM> may be helpful in preventing transverse bar <NUM> from rolling off inclined portion <NUM> when only one end of beam <NUM> is supported, and thus also prevents beam <NUM> from falling. In one embodiment, vertical portion <NUM> extends up by <NUM> to <NUM> from the top of inclined portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each side plate <NUM> also has a tapered end <NUM> extending upwardly from vertical portion <NUM>. Tapered end <NUM> may have a tapered slope extending from vertical portion <NUM>, which may help direct transverse bar <NUM> towards inclined portion <NUM> of side plate <NUM>. Further, in one embodiment, the outer edge of tapered end <NUM> may be curved to minimize sharp edges and reduce the likelihood of injury to a worker.

In some embodiments, tapered end <NUM> has a width ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> and a height ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, tapered end <NUM> is also angled in towards the opposing side plate <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In some embodiments, tapered end <NUM> is angled in at an angle ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees (<NUM> degrees, as shown). In one embodiment, tapered end <NUM> is angled by deforming a portion of plate <NUM>.

An example embodiment of upper support <NUM> for supporting a compensation-strip <NUM> is shown in isolation in <FIG>. Upper support <NUM> is mounted at the top of support head <NUM> such that when compensation-strip <NUM> is supported on upper support <NUM>, compensation-strip <NUM> is level with forming panels <NUM> adjacent to the compensation-strip <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, upper support <NUM> is T-shaped, having an upper cross-member <NUM>, a support plate <NUM> for supporting upper cross-member <NUM>, and a vertical member <NUM>. In one embodiment, the components of upper support <NUM> are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel.

In one embodiment, vertical member <NUM> is hollow and is larger in size than upstanding member <NUM>, such that vertical member <NUM> maybe inserted over central upstanding member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, vertical member <NUM> is approximately <NUM> long, <NUM> wide and <NUM> tall. In contrast, central upstanding member <NUM> is smaller in size (for example, <NUM> x <NUM> in size).

In one embodiment, vertical member <NUM> includes a through-hole <NUM> and central upstanding member <NUM> includes a corresponding through-hole <NUM>. Through-hole <NUM> and through-hole <NUM> are aligned when vertical member <NUM> is inserted over central upstanding member <NUM>. To removably secure the two members to one another, a pin or screw (not shown) may be inserted into through-hole <NUM> of vertical member <NUM> of upper support <NUM> and into corresponding through-hole <NUM> (<FIG>) of central upstanding member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, support plate <NUM> is secured to the top of vertical member <NUM> (for example, by welding, with a screw, or otherwise). Support plate <NUM> has a width corresponding to the width of upper cross-member <NUM>, which is then secured to support plate <NUM> (for example, by welding, with a screw, or otherwise). In one embodiment, upper cross-member <NUM> has a width of <NUM> and is <NUM> long.

In one embodiment, once mounted, upper cross-member <NUM> is the top point of support head <NUM> (<FIG>). Upper cross-member <NUM> is configured (for example, shaped) to support a central hinge portion of a compensation-strip <NUM>. The central hinge portion of a compensation-strip <NUM> may rest on upper cross-member <NUM> without being secured thereto (<FIG>). In one embodiment, upper cross-member <NUM> has a top surface that has a corresponding shape to the central hinge portion of compensation-strip <NUM>. For example, the top surface of upper cross-member <NUM> may be curved to accommodate the central hinge portion of compensation-strip <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, showing an example embodiment of a base portion <NUM> of support head <NUM>. Base portion <NUM> allows for mounting support head <NUM> on a vertical prop. Base portion <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> (<FIG>) for securing support head <NUM> to a vertical prop, a U-shaped member <NUM> (<FIG>), and hinged hooks <NUM> (<FIG>). In one embodiment, the components of base portion <NUM> are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel.

Base plate <NUM> may have a central void <NUM> (<FIG>). In one embodiment, central void <NUM> is approximately <NUM> in width and <NUM> in length.

A bottom portion of central upstanding member <NUM> may be secured to an upper side of base plate <NUM> at central void <NUM>, for example, by welding. Similarly, the top of U-shaped member <NUM> may be secured to a lower side of base plate <NUM> at central void <NUM>, for example, by welding.

Base plate <NUM> may also be shaped to prevent beams from hitting support <NUM> which supports the beam. As shown in <FIG>, base plate <NUM> has extension portions <NUM> on each side thereof. In use, extension portions <NUM> are aligned with beams <NUM>. Thus, when only one end of beam <NUM> is supported, extension portions <NUM> may provide a barrier preventing the beam <NUM> from hitting the base portion <NUM> of support <NUM>. In one embodiment, extension portions <NUM> extend by approximately <NUM> in each direction from the center of base plate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, base portion <NUM> may be removably mounted on top of a vertical prop (not shown). To allow for mounting, base plate <NUM> has notches <NUM> at each side thereof and through-holes <NUM> (<FIG>), which may provide convenient points to screw base plate <NUM> to the top of a vertical prop (not shown). Further, U-shaped member <NUM> may extend below base plate <NUM>, and may be received in a void (not shown) of vertical prop (not shown) for added stability. In one embodiment, U-shaped member <NUM> has a height of approximately <NUM>.

In one embodiment, U-shaped member <NUM> may be omitted from support head <NUM> to allow support head <NUM> to be mounted on a vertical prop having no corresponding void.

In one embodiment, U-shaped member <NUM> has attached thereto a pair of hinged hooks <NUM> (<FIG>) and a spring <NUM> (<FIG>). Hinged hooks <NUM> are oriented in opposite directions and help secure base portion <NUM> to the top of a vertical prop (not shown). Spring <NUM> applies pressure on each of hinged hooks <NUM>, causing the hinged hooks <NUM> protrude outwardly, pressing against the interior of a void of vertical prop which receives U-shaped member <NUM>.

Each hinged hook <NUM> has a top notch <NUM> and a bottom notch <NUM>. Bottom notches <NUM> are configured to engage the interior of the void of vertical prop (not shown) which receives U-shaped member <NUM>, whilst top notches <NUM> protrude through central void <NUM> of base plate <NUM> and further protrude through notches in central upstanding member <NUM> and side plates <NUM> (<FIG>).

To remove support head <NUM> from a vertical prop (not shown), top notches <NUM> may be struck to de-engage the bottom notches from pressing the interior of the void of vertical prop. Hinged hooks <NUM> may thus, in some embodiments, allow for attachment and detachment of support head <NUM> without the use of screws and bolts.

Reference is made to <FIG>, illustrating an example embodiment of a release wedge <NUM> in isolation. Release wedge <NUM>, in conjunction with side plates <NUM>, allows support head <NUM> to function as a drop-head. In one embodiment, release wedge <NUM> is approximately <NUM> long, <NUM> wide and <NUM> thick. In one embodiment, release wedge <NUM> is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel.

As is known in the art, liquid concrete is first poured onto forming panels <NUM> supported by beams <NUM> and supports <NUM>. Concrete sets and cures slowly over time and may take a few days to set and several weeks to fully cure. Forming panels <NUM> can usually be removed within a matter of days provided that supports <NUM> are maintained to support the concrete for a longer time (for example, a week or more, depending on the conditions). Early removal of forming panels <NUM> and beams <NUM> may reduce construction costs, as the same parts can be re-used to form higher floors. Thus, in example embodiments, support head <NUM> may include a release wedge <NUM> to allow for releasing forming panels <NUM> and beams <NUM> prior to removing supports <NUM>.

Release wedge <NUM> and side plates <NUM> provide a mechanism for releasing support arms <NUM> from a first position at a first height to a second position at a lower height. Release wedge <NUM> is supported by side plates <NUM> in the first position (<FIG>). Once the release wedge <NUM> is released, release wedge <NUM> drops closer to base plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, the vertical distance between the first and second positions is approximately <NUM>.

Release wedge <NUM> defines a large central void <NUM>. Central void <NUM> has a wide end and a narrow end. The narrow end has a width that is marginally larger than the width of central upstanding member <NUM> (for example, in one embodiment, central upstanding member <NUM> is <NUM> x <NUM>; while the narrow end of void <NUM> has a width of <NUM>). The wide end of central void <NUM> has a width that is marginally larger than the width of central upstanding member <NUM> plus the thickness of the two side plates (for example, in one embodiment, each side plate is <NUM> thick for a total thickness of <NUM>; while the wide end of void <NUM> has a width of <NUM>).

Thus, side plates <NUM> (attached to central upstanding member <NUM>) can only pass through the wide end of central void <NUM> of release wedge <NUM>. To release support arms <NUM> from the first position at the first height (<FIG>) to the second position at the lower height (<FIG>), a user may strike release wedge <NUM> laterally, thereby moving it laterally so that side plates <NUM> can pass through wide end of central void <NUM>. In one embodiment, release wedge <NUM> has tapered side portions <NUM> which allow for easier release of release wedge <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, illustrating an example embodiment of beam <NUM> in isolation. In one embodiment, beam <NUM> is a generally hollow elongate member with tapered ends (<FIG> and <FIG>). The tapered ends may help prevent beam <NUM> from hitting support <NUM> which the beam is mounted on.

In one embodiment, beam <NUM> is approximately <NUM> long and <NUM> wide. Beams of different lengths may also be used (for example, in one embodiment, different beams <NUM> may have a length ranging from <NUM> feet to <NUM> feet). Beam <NUM> may be made of a lightweight material that can withstand the weight of concrete (for example, aluminum) to allow for easy manipulation of the beam.

In one example embodiment, beam <NUM> has a plurality of protrusions <NUM> extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof. Protrusions <NUM> may laterally secure forming panels <NUM> and prevent forming panels <NUM> from moving laterally. Protrusions <NUM> are positioned along the length of the upper surface of beam <NUM> in a pattern that corresponds to the type of forming panels <NUM> selected for use with beam <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the upper surface of beam <NUM> may include a plurality of through-holes <NUM> for securing protrusions <NUM>. For example, screws may be used to attach protrusions <NUM> via the through-holes.

Further, in one embodiment, beam <NUM> has a plurality of guides <NUM> extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof. Guides <NUM> are positioned along the length of the upper surface of beam <NUM> at the center to guide forming panels <NUM> into position.

In one example embodiment, beam <NUM> has attached to each end a saddle member <NUM> (shown in isolation in <FIG>), which protrudes outwardly. Saddle member <NUM> has two opposing side plates <NUM> which may be secured to an end or proximate an end of beam <NUM>. For example, side plates <NUM> may be welded, riveted, or screwed to beam <NUM>.

Side plates <NUM> support transverse bar <NUM> in position proximate to the end of beam <NUM>. Transverse bar <NUM> may, for example, be welded to each of side plates <NUM> such that transverse bar <NUM> protrudes perpendicularly from beam <NUM>. As previously discussed, transverse bar <NUM> supports beam <NUM> on a support arm <NUM> of support <NUM>.

In one embodiment, transverse bar <NUM> is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, transverse bar <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and is approximately <NUM> long and has a diameter of <NUM>. Notably, the diameter of transverse bar <NUM> may be selected in dependence on the material used (for example, a less stiff material, such as aluminum, may require transverse bar <NUM> to have added thickness to properly support beam <NUM>).

Reference is made to <FIG>, illustrating an example embodiment of a foot <NUM> in isolation. Saddle member <NUM> also supports foot <NUM>, which extends out from an end of saddle member <NUM>. Foot <NUM> may also be welded to saddle member <NUM>. Foot <NUM> may have an attachment member <NUM> to provide an area which can be used to secure foot <NUM> to saddle member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, foot <NUM> has tapered upper portion <NUM> and rounded corners for added safety, as such a corner may be less sharp.

In one embodiment, foot <NUM> also has tapered lower portion <NUM>. Tapered lower portion <NUM> may allow beam <NUM> to move more closely towards central upstanding member <NUM> when the beam is sloping down from a support head <NUM>.

In one embodiment, foot <NUM> is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, foot <NUM> is approximately <NUM> wide, <NUM> long and <NUM> thick. The thickness of foot <NUM> may require adjustment in dependence on the material used.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, illustrating an example embodiment of compensation-strip <NUM> in isolation, and <FIG>, illustrating an example embodiment of compensation-strip <NUM> as supported by upper support <NUM> of support head <NUM>.

In one embodiment, compensation-strip <NUM> has two elongate panels <NUM>, <NUM> hingedly coupled to one another. The length of each panel <NUM>, <NUM> is selected to match the width of an associated forming panel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, compensation-strip <NUM> has a central hinge portion. For example, panel <NUM> may have at one side thereof a substantially cylindrical joint <NUM> and panel <NUM> may have at one end thereof a corresponding semi-circular joint <NUM>. Cylindrical joint <NUM> may be slotted into the corresponding semi-circular joint <NUM> to hingedly couple panels <NUM> and <NUM> to one another.

In use, an edge of each of panels <NUM>, <NUM> rest on adjacent forming panels <NUM> and the central hinge portion rests on cross-member <NUM> of upper support <NUM> (<FIG>).

In one embodiment, panel <NUM> has a notch <NUM>. In some embodiments, compensation-strip <NUM> may attach to freshly set concrete. Notch <NUM> may be used to remove compensation-strip <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, panel <NUM> may be rotated about joint <NUM> to form various angles to correspond with the incline of adjacent beams <NUM>. For example, compensation-strip <NUM> in <FIG> is oriented to create a 'valley', compensation-strip <NUM> in <FIG> is oriented to create a 'ramp', and compensation-strip <NUM> in <FIG> is oriented to create a 'peak'.

Hingedly coupled panels <NUM> and <NUM> allow compensation-strip <NUM> to fill gaps of different widths. In one embodiment, the width of the gap is approximately <NUM> in the 'valley' orientation, approximately <NUM> in the 'ramp' orientation, and approximately <NUM> in the 'ramp' orientation. Thus, compensation-strip <NUM> in the example given can accommodate gap widths in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A formwork system (<NUM>) for supporting one or more forming panels (<NUM>) to form a horizontal concrete surface, said system comprising:
a height-adjustable support (<NUM>) comprising a central upstanding member (<NUM>) providing a vertical abutment surface and a support arm (<NUM>) having an inclined portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending up and away from said central upstanding member (<NUM>);
a beam (<NUM>) comprising a transverse bar (<NUM>) proximate an end, said transverse bar (<NUM>) supported by said inclined portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) of said support arm (<NUM>) so that said transverse bar (<NUM>) moves laterally relative to said inclined portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) as said support arm (<NUM>) is moved vertically; and
a foot (<NUM>) extending from said end of said beam (<NUM>) and abutting said vertical abutment surface, wherein said vertical abutment surface opposes lateral movement of said beam (<NUM>) relative to said upstanding member (<NUM>);
characterized in that
an increase in the height of said support (<NUM>) causes said transverse bar (<NUM>) to move towards said central upstanding member (<NUM>) along said inclined portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), and an incline angle of said beam (<NUM>) is adjustable by adjusting the height of said support (<NUM>).