Apparatus and method for panel construction

Abstract

Formwork ( 1 ) adapted for the consecutive formation of a plurality of panels, each subsequent panel being formed upon a previous panel, said formwork comprising a bed ( 3 ) having a plurality of corners, a column ( 2 ) provided at each corner and a respective side member ( 4 ) at each side of the bed ( 3 ), each side member ( 3 ) supported by a respective adjacent pair of columns ( 2 ), wherein the bed ( 3 ) and side members ( 4 ) define a forming space for formation of a panel, each column ( 2 ) having locating means ( 144 ) adapted to receive and support at least one side member ( 4 ) at a plurality of locations along the length of the column ( 2 ), each location supporting the respective side member ( 4 ) in coplanar relationship to its position in other of the locations wherein the bed for a subsequent panel is defined by the upper surface of the previous panel and the side members ( 4 ) extend from the upper surface of the previous panel to define the forming space for the subsequent panel.

1 . Formwork adapted for the consecutive formation of a plurality of panels, each subsequent panel being formed upon a previous panel, said formwork comprising a bed and a plurality of sides and corners at the intersections of the respective sides, the bed and side members defining a forming space for formation of a panel, at least one side member being supported by a pair of columns at the respective corners, each column having locating means adapted to receive and support the at least one side member at a plurality of locations along the length of the column, wherein the bed for a subsequent panel is defined by the upper surface of the previous panel and the side members extend from the upper surface of the previous panel to define the forming space for the subsequent panel.  
   
   
       2 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein all side members are supported by respective adjacent pairs of columns.  
   
   
       3 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the spacing of the locations defines the thickness of respective panels.  
   
   
       4 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein at least one pair of opposing side members has a height corresponding to the thickness of the desired panel.  
   
   
       5 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the locating means comprise notches in an upright side of each column, the notches adapted to receive corresponding formations on the at least one side member, the side member being held in engagement with the upright side of the column.  
   
   
       6 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the shape of the notches is configured to correspond with the shape of the formation.  
   
   
       7 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the locations are positioned to support a side member in closely abutting relationship to an adjacent position.  
   
   
       8 . Formwork as claimed at any one of the previous claims wherein the column comprises a first upright member wherein the locating means is a plurality of notches spaced vertically along the upright member.  
   
   
       9 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 8  wherein the column further comprises a second upright member pivotable about a base and by pivoting adapted to engage the at least one side member to fixedly secure said side member in locating engagement with the first upright member.  
   
   
       10 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 9  wherein the second upright member is secured to the first upright member by a pivotable top-piece adapted to engage the upper portions of the first upright member and the second upright member. According to a preferred embodiment, the top-piece is adjustable.  
   
   
       11 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the panels are rectangular and the bed is rectangular.  
   
   
       12 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the panels are separated by a coating, often referred to as a release agent or bond breaker, adapted to prevent a subsequent panel from adhering to a previous panel.  
   
   
       13 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 1  wherein the panels are configured with an upper face and a lower face that are substantially parallel, the lower face being defined by the bed, and sides being substantially transverse to said upper and lower faces.  
   
   
       14 . Formwork adapted for the consecutive formation of a plurality of panels, each subsequent panel being formed upon a previous panel, the formwork comprising support means, first side members to extend between respective pairs of support means, second side members to extend between respective pairs of support means, said first side members and said second side members to surround an space for casting a panel, at least said first side members being vertically repositionable on said respective pairs of support means to, together with the upper surface of the previous panel, define a subsequent space for casting a subsequent panel.  
   
   
       15 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 14  wherein each support means is provided with locating means adapted to receive and support at least one side member at a plurality of locations along the length of the support means, each location supporting the respective side member in coplanar relationship to its position in other of the locations.  
   
   
       16 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 15  wherein the spacing of the locations defines the thickness of respective panels.  
   
   
       17 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 14  wherein the locating means comprise notches in an upright side of the support means and at least alternate side members are provided with at least one rib receivable by the notches.  
   
   
       18 . Formwork as claimed at  claim 14  wherein at least the first side members or the second side members have a height corresponding to the thickness of the desired panel.  
   
   
       19 . A method for the consecutive formation of a plurality of panels, each subsequent panel being formed upon a previous panel, the method comprising positioning first side members to extend between a respective pair of support means, positioning second side members to extend between a respective pair of support means, surrounding an area for casting a panel with said first side members and said second side members, pouring concrete into said area and allowing said concrete to set to form a panel, and vertically repositioning said first side members on said respective pair of support means to extend from the upper surface of the previous panel for casting a subsequent panel.  
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed at  claim 18  wherein each support means is provided with locating means adapted to receive and support at least one side member at a plurality of locations along the length of the support means.  
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed at  claim 19  wherein the spacing of the locations defines the thickness of respective panels.  
   
   
       22 . A method as claimed at  claim 19  wherein the locating means comprise notches in an upright side of the support means and at least alternate side members are provided with at least one rib receivable by the notches.  
   
   
       23 . A method as claimed at  claim 19  wherein at least the first side members or the second side members have a height corresponding to the thickness of the desired panel.