Joining clip for insulated concrete forms

Abstract

A joining clip for joining insulated concrete forms in horizontal or vertical dimensions, or both, a combination of a joining clip with insulated concrete forms, and a method for joining insulated concrete forms one to another in a horizontal or vertical dimension, or both.

1 . In combination with at least two insulated concrete forms comprising first and second substantially opposing panels and a plurality of ties interconnecting the first panel and the second panel, a joining clip comprising a positive connection between immediately adjacent ties of at least two contiguous insulated concrete forms.  
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the joining clip provides a horizontal connection between horizontally adjacent insulated concrete forms.  
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the joining clip provides a vertical connection between vertically adjacent insulated concrete forms.  
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said ties comprise an interconnecting member to which the joining clip may be removably fastened in both a vertical and horizontal orientation.  
   
   
       5 . The combination of  claim 4  wherein the ties comprise wire ties.  
   
   
       6 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the joining clip comprises a metal wire bent in a U-shape forming two parallel legs with a first open end and a second closed end, with a least one of the first open end and second closed end formed in an acute angle for engaging about a portion of a tie.  
   
   
       7 . The combination of  claim 6  wherein both the first open end and second closed end are formed in an acute angle for engaging about portions of immediately adjacent ties.  
   
   
       8 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the joining clip is formed of mild steel or a metal alloy.  
   
   
       9 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said joining clip comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of a metal strap, metal wire and plastic strap.  
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the joining clip comprises a circular, rectangular or irregular cross-section.  
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the joining clip at least partially engages about a portion of the immediately adjacent ties.  
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the joining clip has an elongated structure with a first end and a second end, each of the first end and second end being formed to define an acute angle for engaging about at least a portion of the immediately adjacent ties.  
   
   
       13 . The combination of  claim 7  wherein the joining clip legs and the ties to which the joining clip is attached define a bounded area for receiving and restraining a reinforcing rod.  
   
   
       14 . A joining clip adapted for joining together two or more insulated concrete forms with first and second substantially opposing panels and a plurality of ties interconnecting the first panel and the second panel, the joining clip comprising a U-shaped bent wire with substantially equal length and parallel legs and a first open end and second closed end, the first open end being bent to form a first acute angle for engaging a portion of a tie, and the second closed end being bent to define at least a portion thereof forming a second acute angle for engaging a portion of a tie, wherein the length of that portion of the joining clip between the first acute angle and the second acute angle is approximately equal to a distance between coplanar ties in immediately adjacent vertically arrayed insulated concrete forms or between immediately adjacent ties in horizontally arrayed insulated concrete forms.  
   
   
       15 . A method of fastening insulated concrete forms one to another comprising the steps of: 
 providing a U-shaped joining clip with two approximately parallel legs and a first open end and second closed end, the first open end and second closed end being formed to define an acute angle;    positioning at least a first and second insulated concrete form with ties immediately adjacent one to another in either a horizontal or vertical configuration;    securing one end of the joining clip to a first insulated concrete form by engaging the portion thereof defining an acute angle about a portion of a tie; and    securing the remaining end of the joining clip to the second insulated concrete form by engaging the portions thereof defining an acute angle about a portion of an immediately adjacent tie of the second insulated concrete form.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said securing of forms further comprises secure containment of poured concrete between the at least two insulated panels without seepage of concrete.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein at least three insulated concrete forms are provided arrayed in both a horizontal and vertical configuration, the method further comprising joining the at least three forms in both a horizontal and vertical orientation.