CONSTRUCTION ANCHOR STAND APPARATUS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2024/44619, filed Aug. 30, 2024, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/535,337, filed Aug. 30, 2023, the entire contents of each application being incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0002]The present disclosure relates to a construction anchoring system, and, in particular, relates to an anchoring system including one or more anchor stand apparatuses which are mountable relative to a form used to create a concrete support structure including horizontal support structures, and, in particular, concrete flooring. The concrete is deposited in the form and cures whereby the one or more anchor stand apparatuses becomes embedded with the concrete flooring or support structure. The embedded anchor stand apparatus is readily accessible to be coupled with, or to support, construction supplies or equipment including without limitation ductwork, electrical cables, plumbing, sprinklers, safety lines or fences, etc. or any other equipment within a construction site. A plurality of anchor stand apparatuses may be mounted relative to the concrete form to create a system for organizing the construction materials in a manner which facilitates all phases of construction, enhances efficiency and organization, and substantially reduces costs and work hours.

Background of Related Art

[0003]Currently, during construction of residential and/or commercial building structures, provisions are made to accommodate the various equipment, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler, ductwork supplies, etc. to be incorporated in the final completed unit. With construction involving concrete or concrete structural elements, contractors are usually required to drill into the cured concrete to embed a fastener, hook, rod or the like to couple and run, e.g., electrical or plumbing lines along a horizontal floor or beam, vertical beam, and/or a ceiling. Embedding a fastener or hook within cured concrete is an arduous and time-consuming process, and may affect the structural integrity of the concrete structure. In addition, multiple contractors, e.g., electricians, plumbers, HVAC personnel, may require access to the structures for installation of additional fasteners, bolts, etc. which not only may further potentially affect the integrity of the concrete, but also presents logistical issues for the various contractors who need access to the support structure before the finishing work is performed at the site.

SUMMARY

[0004]Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a novel system, apparatus and methodology to assist contractors in residential and commercial construction. More specifically, the system and methodology employ one or more anchor stand apparatuses which are positioned within the form used to create a support structure such as concrete flooring before, e.g., depositing the concrete within the form. Upon curing of the concrete support structure, the anchor stand apparatuses, which are now embedded in the support structure, are readily exposed to be utilized in a plurality of ways, including, but not limited to, supporting and/or securing equipment, electrical lines, plumbing, sprinklers, ductwork, safety straps, safety nets etc. A number of anchor stand apparatuses may be positioned within the form to accommodate the contractor's needs, and may be strategically positioned within the forms prior to pouring concrete to assist the contractor in organizing the layout of the particular equipment or supplies. Each anchor stand apparatus may be coupled through, e.g., an additional coupling, to an unlimited number of equipment and/or construction materials with relative ease to “run”, e.g., the electrical, plumbing or safety equipment (e.g., safety straps, hooks, perimeter cable systems) as desired. In some embodiments, the anchor stand apparatuses may be used to secure equipment relative to flooring. Each contractor, e.g., an electrician or a plumber, may install their own system of anchor stand apparatuses on a single concrete form without any risk of interference with the other contractors.

[0005]In one illustrative embodiment, an anchoring system for installation in a concrete support comprises at least one anchoring stand apparatus. The at least one anchoring stand apparatuses includes an anchor stand member defining a longitudinal axis. The anchor stand member includes one or more support legs for positioning relative to a horizontal form board used to form concrete flooring and having a stand passage, an anchor member disposed within the stand passage and having a connecting segment and an isolation member mounted to the anchor member. The isolation member includes an outer wall defining an internal cavity through which the connecting segment extends. The outer wall is configured for preventing ingress of concrete within the internal cavity to enable access to the connecting segment of the anchor member for coupling to a tool.

[0006]In embodiments, the anchor member is movable within the stand passage to selectively adjust a height of the anchor member relative to the horizontal form board. In some embodiments, a lock member is mounted to the stand member and movable to selectively lock the anchor member.

[0007]In illustrative embodiments, the one or more support legs of the anchor stand member include a fastener for securement to the form.

[0008]In embodiments, the isolation member includes a plurality of tangs to facilitate visualization within the concrete.

[0009]In some embodiments, the connecting segment of the anchor member includes a threaded segment for coupling with a cooperative threaded segment of the tool. The isolation member may include a passage for reception of the threaded segment of the anchor member. The passage of the isolation member is threaded to cooperative with the threaded segment of the anchor member to mount the isolation member to the anchor member.

[0016]In illustrative embodiments, depositing concrete includes establishing an isolated internal cavity within the isolation member with the at least the portion of the anchor extending within the internal cavity. The method may include coupling the at least a portion of the anchor member to a tool. In embodiments, coupling the at least a portion of the anchor member includes mounting engaging a threaded segment of the anchor member with a cooperative threaded segment of the tool.

[0021]In embodiments, one or more openings adjacent each support leg extend through the anchor stand member.

[0022]Other advantages of the construction anchoring system will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anchor stand apparatus in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a stand, an anchor member and an isolation member;

[0025]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the isolation member and the anchor member in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting a methodology of use of the anchor stand apparatus in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027]FIG. 4 is a schematic view depicting the anchor stand apparatus mounted within a concrete form in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028]FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional and perspective views illustrating the isolation mount disposed within the flooring in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029]FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling tool and support hook being secured to one anchor member in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of anchor stand apparatuses of the system within the concrete flooring structure and further illustrating a coupling tool and a support hook mounted to each anchor in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;

[0031]FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the area of isolation depicted in FIG. 8 illustrating a coupling tool and a support hook secured to a single anchor of the anchor stand apparatus in accordance with one exemplary methodology of use of the system;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an anchor stand apparatus in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an anchor stand apparatus in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034]FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the area of isolation depicted in FIG. 11 in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an anchor stand apparatus in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the anchor stand apparatus of FIG. 13 in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037]FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the anchor stand apparatus of FIGS. 13 and 14 in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038]FIG. 16 is axial view of the anchor stand apparatus of FIGS. 13-15 in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0039]FIG. 17 is a flow chart depicting a methodology of use of the anchor stand apparatus of FIGS. 13-16 in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040]Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0041]Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of one construction anchor stand apparatus 100 of an anchoring system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The anchoring system includes one or more, e.g., a plurality of anchor stand apparatuses 100, depending on the needs of construction personnel. Each anchor stand apparatus 100 includes several components coupled to each other, namely, an anchor stand 102, an anchor member 104 and an isolation member 106. The anchor stand 102 includes a base 108 and several legs 110, such as, without limitation, three legs 110, depending from the base 108. The legs 110 may form, for example, a tri pod stand or the like. More or less than three legs 110 are also contemplated. The legs 110 are configured to support the anchor member 104 in, for example, an upright orientation within a concrete form used in forming concrete flooring. Each leg 110 may include a fastener 112 dimensioned to penetrate a concrete form such as a wood form or the like. The fasteners 112 depend from the lower end of the legs 110 opposite the base 108. In embodiments, the fasteners 112 may be fixed relative to the legs 110 to be driven into the form board through application of a force on the base 108, e.g., a force applied along the directional arrows “k” to the base 108. The fasteners 112 may be in the form of a nail, screw or the like.

[0042]The anchor stand 102 further includes a central passage 114 extending through the base 108 for reception and passage of the anchor member 104. The anchor stand 102 may further include a lock nut 116 supported within a recess or mount of the anchor stand 102. The lock nut 116 receives a rotatable lock member 118. In embodiments, the lock nut 116 and the lock member 118 include cooperative threads to enable movement of the lock member 118 in a reciprocal direction represented by directional arrows “m” orthogonal to the central passage 114 in response to corresponding rotational movement thereof to selectively engage and lock. /release the anchor member 104.

[0043]The anchor member 104 includes a central rod 120, an enlarged base 122 at one end of the central rod 120 and a mount or connecting segment 124 in, for example, the form of a threaded segment at the other end of the central rod 120. The central rod 120 is received within the central passage 114 of the anchor stand 102, and is able to traverse the central passage 114 to selectively position the anchor member 104 and the isolation member 106 relative to the anchor stand 102 and thus the form board. The threaded mount segment 124 threadably engages an internal threaded passage of the isolation member 106 to secure the isolation member 106 to the anchor member 104. Other coupling mechanisms for coupling the isolation member 106 to the anchor member 104 in lieu of the threaded arrangements are envisioned including for example a bayonet coupling, snap fit or the like The central rod 120 may include a plurality of recesses 126 along its outer surface. The recesses 126 may facilitate retention of the anchor member 104 relative to the cured concrete by, for example, providing one or more undulations or indented surfaces to capture concrete during the curing process.

[0044]The isolation member 106 may be in the shape of a frustum; however, other shapes are also envisioned. As best depicted in FIG. 2, the isolation member 106 includes a central isolation passage 128 for reception and passage of the central rod 124 of the anchor member 104. The central isolation passage 128 may be threaded to threadably engage the threaded mount segment 124 of the anchor member 104, to couple the isolation member 106 to the anchor member 104. The threaded coupling may also permit the isolation member 106 to be selectively positioned along the anchor member 104. The isolation member 106 includes an outer wall 130 defining an internal cavity 132 through which the threaded mount segment 124 of the anchor member 104 extends. The internal cavity 132 provides an isolation chamber which impedes the flow of concrete to permit access to the threaded mount segment 124 of the anchor member 104 subsequent to curing of the concrete. A plurality of tangs or ribs 134 extend from the outer wall 130. The tangs 134 facilitate visualization and access of the isolation member 106 subsequent to curing of the concrete.

[0045]Each of the components of the anchor stand apparatus 100 may be formed of a suitable rigid polymeric material or a metallic material. In embodiments, at least the anchor member 104 is formed of a suitable metal such as stainless steel or the like. At least the isolation member 106 may be made in a variety of colors, e.g., color-coded, to correspond to the tradesman or construction personnel who intend to use the particular anchor stand apparatus 100. More specifically, a particular color may be associated with specific construction personnel to assist said personnel in identifying the anchor stand apparatuses 100 which will be associated with his/her equipment. The isolation member 106 may be fabricated from a polymeric material.

[0046]As previously addressed, the anchoring system is intended for use with cement or concrete support structures in connection with residential or commercial building construction. The anchoring system 10 may be embedded within floorings, horizontal and/or vertical beams. The following discussion will focus on the use of the anchoring system 10 in its application with flooring constructed during a phase of a construction. However, it is appreciated that the anchoring system 10 has many applications inclusive of those mentioned above and in many other applications.

[0047]During formation of flooring, a form for the concrete floor may be constructed with the use of, e.g., plywood, or any other suitable materials. Generally, the form includes a lower horizontal form board and may include two outer vertical form boards depending upwardly from the horizontal form board. With reference to the flow chart 200 of FIG. 3, and to the schematic drawing of FIG. 4, the anchor stand 102 of the anchor stand apparatus 100 is secured to the horizontal form board “f” by securing the fasteners 112 of the legs 110, to the form board. (STEP 202) In embodiments, the fasteners 112 may be driven into the form board with an impact tool or hammer engaging the base 108 of the anchor stand 102 and driving the fasteners 112 in the direction “k” (FIG. 1). FIG. 4 also depicts the longitudinal axis ‘b” of the anchor stand 102. The anchor member 104 disposed within the central passage 114 of the anchor stand 102 is selectively positioned relative to the anchor stand 102 by moving the anchor member 104 through the central passage 114. (STEP 204) Once the anchor member 104 and the isolation member 106 are positioned at the desired location relative to the form, the lock member 118 is rotated relative to the lock nut 116 to engage the central rod 120 of the anchor member 104 to secure the anchor member 104 relative to the anchor stand 102. (STEP 206). In embodiments, the anchor member 104 may be selectively positioned relative to the horizontal form board “b” to assume a desired effective height generally corresponding to the thickness of the concrete flooring to be cured. In some embodiments, the height of the anchor member 104 is adjusted such that the isolation member 106 is disposed adjacent the upper surface of the concrete floor (illustrated as indicator “c” in FIG. 4) to be formed. In illustrative embodiments, the height of the anchor member 104 is selected such that the upper surface of the outer wall 128 of the isolation member 106 is aligned or nearly aligned with the upper surface of the floor to be formed. Thus, the effective length of the anchor member 104 and combined isolation member 106 is selected to correspond to the depth of the flooring which may range from six (6) inches to thirty-six (36) inches. As depicted in FIG. 4, with the anchor stand 102 positioned, concrete is formed into the form up to the desired level “c” and cured to form flooring “f”. (STEP 208). During the curing process, the internal cavity 132 of the isolation member 106 defines an internal chamber which is isolated and free from concrete. More specifically, as best depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the isolation member 106, particularly the outer wall 130, prevents ingress of concrete into the internal cavity 132 thereby isolating the threaded mount segment 124 of the anchor member 104. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the tangs 134 of the isolation member 106 are not shown for ease of illustration. The threaded mount segment 124, free from concrete, may be coupled to one or more threaded adapters or couplings 300 represented schematically in FIG. 5.

[0048]With reference again to the flow chart 200 of FIG. 3, the process is continued by identifying the isolation members 106 of each anchor stand apparatus 100 within the flooring “f.” (STEP 210). In illustrative embodiments, the tangs 134 of the isolation members 106 extend upwardly beyond the flooring “f” to assist the operator in visualizing the isolation members 106. Once the isolation members 106 are identified and located, the threaded mount segments 124 of the anchor member(s) 104 exposed within the internal cavities 132 are accessed and coupled to threaded adapter(s)/ coupler(s) 300 or directly to equipment. (STEP 212) For example, the threaded segments of the mount segments 124 are accessible to be coupled to an additional coupling tool, construction tool, mount, safety hook, safety cable or the like. In some embodiments, the isolation members 106 may be removed from the flooring “f” if desired by rotating the isolation members 106 off the anchor member 104 and/or prying the isolation members 106 from the cured concrete.

[0049]FIG. 7 illustrates an internal threaded coupling tool 300 being engaged with the threaded mount segments 124 of the anchor members 104 embedded in the flooring “f” and a support or safety hook 400 being threadably engaged with the coupling tool. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the coupling tool 300 and the hook 400 secured relative to the anchor stand apparatus(es) 100. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of anchors 100, couplings 300 and hooks 400 may be secured along the horizontal flooring “f” or support beam to support materials, supplies, or safety equipment (e.g., perimeter cable) each identified schematically as reference numeral 400, which, again, is inclusive of electrical lines, plumbing, sprinklers, ductwork, safety cable, safety hooks or netting etc. It is also envisioned that separate rows of anchors may be positioned for utilization by different construction personnel, e.g., row of the anchor stand apparatuses 100 may be used by the electrician, a second row of the anchor stand apparatuses 100 may be used by the plumber, etc. It is also further envisioned that the isolation members 106 could be color-coded, e.g., red covers to be used by the electrician, blue covers by the plumber, orange covers for HVAC personnel, etc. This also enhances usability and the organizational capabilities of the anchoring system.

[0050]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of the anchor stand apparatus 100′. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the anchor member 104′ includes a hook or U-shaped head 180. The U-shaped head 180 facilitates retention of the anchor stand apparatus 100′ within the cured cement.

[0051]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of the anchor stand apparatus 100′. This embodiment is substantially similar to the prior embodiments and includes a pair of openings 190″ within the base 108″ adjacent the legs 110″. The openings 190 extend completely through the base 108 and are configured to receive reinforcing steel tie wire. The reinforcing steel tie wire is used to tie the legs 110′ to a lower surface in the event the fasteners 112′ may not be used, for example, if the form board or support board is not made of wood such as metal or any other hard surface not penetrable with the fasteners 112″. In this embodiment, the fasteners 112″ may be removed. The reinforcing steel wire may be passed through one or both openings 190 and tied around a support surface or any other element extending from the support surface. Two openings 190 are shown adjacent each leg 110″ although more or less than two openings 110″ may be provided. In use, STEP 202 of the flow chart of FIG. 3 would include tying the legs 110″ by introducing a tie wire through the openings 110″ and relative to a support surface.

[0052]Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, there is illustrated another construction anchor stand apparatus 500 of an anchoring system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The anchoring stand apparatus 500 is substantially similar to the anchor stand apparatuses 100, 100″ of FIGS. 1-12, and reference is made to the above description for a discussion of like elements. The anchoring apparatus includes openings 590 which extend completely through the base 508 and are configured to receive reinforcing steel tie wire. In embodiments, the openings 590 are in general alignment with respective legs 510 and extended through the peripheral base segments 508p of the base 508 aligned with each leg 510. The legs 510 define a tripod cross-section or other cross-section whereby the openings 590 extend through the peripheral base segments 508p and not through the legs 510. The reinforcing steel tie wire is used to tie the legs 510 to a lower surface in the event the fasteners 512 may not be used as described hereinabove. For example, the openings 590 at the top of the stand legs 510 allow for the option of securing it to the rebar using tie wire or zip ties. When wood formwork is not used, the fasteners may be removed, and the stand 502 can sit directly on the hard surface, e.g., via tilt-up wall panels that are formed and poured on a concrete slab. In use, STEP 202 of the flow chart of FIG. 3 would include tying the legs 510 by introducing a tie wire through the openings 590 and relative to a support surface such as rebar or any other support. Alternatively, both the fasteners 512 and the tie wire may be used together or some legs 510 and corresponding openings 590 may use tie wire while other legs 510 may use the fasteners 512.

[0053]The anchor stand apparatus 500 further includes one or more annular ribs 536 on the central rod 520. The annular ribs 536 are spaced a lateral distance to enable reception of the engaging end of the rotatable lock member 518 between adjacent ribs 536 to secure the central rod 520 relative to the anchor stand 502. In embodiments, the annular ribs 536 replace the recesses 526 or may be used in conjunction with the recesses 126.

[0054]FIG. 17 is a flow chart similar to the flow chart of FIG. 3, illustrating use of the anchor stand apparatus 500 of FIGS. 13-16. The anchor stand apparatus 500 is positioned at a location where a concrete support is to be formed or poured. (STEP 602) Tie wires or straps are passing through the openings 590 in the base 508 specifically adjacent or within the peripheral base segments 508p of the base 508. (STEP 602) The tie wires are then secured to the support such as rebar or any other structural support adjacent the intended concrete support. (STEP 604). Securing the tie wire may be performed by looping the tie wire about the support and tying the tie wire off and/or directly securing the tie wire to the support with a fastener or the like. The anchor member 504 is selectively positioned relative to the anchor stand 502 to a desired relative height by moving the anchor member 504 through the central passage 514. (STEP 608) Once the anchor member 504 and the isolation member 506 are positioned at the desired location relative to the form, the lock member 518 is rotated relative to the lock nut 516 to engage the central rod 520 of the anchor member 104 to secure the anchor member 104 relative to the anchor stand 102. (STEP 610) In embodiments, the lock member 518 is received within adjacent annular ribs 536 and is secured within the recess defined between the adjacent ribs 536. In embodiments, the anchor member 504 may be selectively positioned relative to the horizontal form board “b” to assume a desired effective height generally corresponding to the thickness of the concrete flooring (or alternatively ceiling wall structures etc.) to be cured. In some embodiments, the height of the anchor member 504 is adjusted such that the isolation member 506 is disposed adjacent the upper surface of the concrete floor (illustrated as indicator “c” in FIG. 4) to be formed. With the anchor stand 502 positioned, concrete is poured up to a desired level and cured to form flooring or any other support structure. (STEP 612). During the curing process, the isolation member 506 defines an internal chamber which is isolated and free from concrete. The process is continued by identifying the isolation members 506 of each anchor stand apparatus 100 within the flooring or cured support via, e.g., the tangs 534. In some embodiments, the tangs 534 are removed prior to use. (STEP 614) Once the isolation members 506 are identified and located, the threaded mount segments 524 of the anchor member(s) 504 exposed within the internal cavities 532 are accessed and coupled to threaded adapter(s)/ coupler(s) 300 or directly to equipment. (STEP 616)

[0055]Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above description, disclosure, and figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, although threaded couplings are illustrated for connecting or coupling some of the components, it is envisioned that any corresponding structure may be substituted such as bayonet couplings, snap fits, tongue-groove arrangements etc.