Patents Listings -> Construction Products -> Positioning Cast-in U-Channels

Positioning Cast-in U-Channels

Device For Positioning Cast-in U-Channels In Concrete Structure.

Patent No: US 6,817,156 B2 / China ZL 03208013.1

The present invention provides a device for positioning a U-channel in a concrete structure which is adapted to bias the U-channel against the surface of the formwork facing the U-channel during formation of the concrete structure or at pre-determined orientation during formation of the concrete structure.

FIG. 1A shows a first way in which cast-in U-channels may be inappropriately positioned in a concrete structure. FIG. 1B shows a second way in which cast-in U-channels may be inappropriately positioned in a concrete structure:

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a positioning device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the positioning device shown in FIG. 2 as secured to a U-channel:

Cast-in U-channels are now commonly used in the construction industry, in particular for allowing such components as mounting brackets or hangers to be installed along the U-channels. During construction of, e.g. concrete walls, such U-channels are pre-installed at and tied to appropriate locations of reinforcement bars. A steel sliding formwork is then positioned against the U-channels to form a cavity in which concrete is poured. However, if the U-channels are not properly installed, or not tightly tied to the reinforcement bars, or if the positions of the reinforcement bar grid are not accurate, when concrete is poured into the cavity, the U-channels will be buried beneath the concrete.

Thus, when the concrete is set and the formwork is removed, the U-channels cannot be readily accessed. Workers have to locate the whereabouts of the U-channels and remove the concrete covering the buried U-channels. Such will take considerable time, and will therefore increase the cost and time of construction.

Fig 10: A generally designated positioning device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention:

By using this invention, the job becomes simpler and tidier. It is easy to fix, it saves a lot of manpower since there is almost no need to search, rectify or touch up the Cast-in U-Channels after the formwork is removed.

For more information about Licensing this patent or manufacturing rights please contact:

Name: Mok Chiu-Pang City: Hong Kong, China.
Phone/Fax: 852-25732061
Email: bcpmok@hotmail.com