Trench kicker for use in a concrete form system

Abstract

The present invention is a trench kicker for use in a concrete form system. A trench kicker is configured to provide lateral support to concrete form panels on horizontal surfaces as well as along embankments or trench walls. Features of the embodiments of trench kickers disclosed herein include horizontal and/or vertical adjustment of the form panel height and/or angle of the form panel relative to vertical. Another feature is selective tension adjustment along a horizontal support member. The trench kickers are configured to receive one or more stakes for secure placement into ground.

1 . A trench kicker, comprising: 
 a bottom support bracket configured to hold a bottom edge of a concrete form panel;    a top support bracket adjustably linked to the bottom support bracket and configured to hold a top edge of a concrete form panel;    a horizontal support member adjustably linked to the bottom support bracket; and    a plurality of stake supports disposed along the horizontal support member, each stake support configured for attachment to a stake.    
   
   
       2 . The trench kicker according to  claim 1 , further comprising a horizontal adjustment configured for selectively locking the horizontal support member in a desired horizontal position.  
   
   
       3 . The trench kicker according to  claim 1 , further comprising a bracket for receiving the bottom support bracket and the horizontal support member.  
   
   
       4 . The trench kicker according to  claim 3 , wherein the bracket further comprises a horizontal adjustment configured for selectively locking the horizontal support member in a desired horizontal position.  
   
   
       5 . The trench kicker according to  claim 1 , further comprising a vertical adjustment configured for selectively locking the bottom support bracket in a desired vertical position.  
   
   
       6 . The trench kicker according to  claim 1 , wherein the top support bracket slides within the bottom support bracket.  
   
   
       7 . The trench kicker according to  claim 1 , wherein the top support bracket is configured for spring biasing against the top edge of the concrete form panel.  
   
   
       8 . The trench kicker according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the stake supports is configured to lock a stake at any angle relative to a long axis of the horizontal support member.  
   
   
       9 . An adjustable trench kicker, comprising: 
 a hanger bracket for holding a concrete form panel;    a channel bracket configured for rotationally engaging the hanger bracket;    a slider bracket configured for sliding engagement with the channel bracket; and    a horizontal adjustment for selectively locking the channel bracket to the slider bracket.    
   
   
       10 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the hanger bracket is configured with a plurality of bolt holes for mounting to the channel bracket.  
   
   
       11 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the hanger bracket further comprises a top hook configured for contacting an inside surface and a top edge of the concrete form panel.  
   
   
       12 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the hanger bracket further comprises a bottom lip configured to engage a bottom edge of the concrete form panel.  
   
   
       13 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , further comprising a mechanism for selectively adjusting the tension between the channel bracket and the slider bracket.  
   
   
       14 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 13 , wherein the mechanism comprises tension adjustment apertures in the channel bracket and the slider bracket, wherein opposing aligned or partially aligned tension adjustment apertures may engaged by a lever to slidably adjust the channel bracket relative to the slider bracket.  
   
   
       15 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the channel bracket further comprises at least one stake aperture for receiving a stake therethrough.  
   
   
       16 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the channel bracket is further configured for fixed engagement with the hanger bracket.  
   
   
       17 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the hanger bracket is configured to be adjustable for differing heights of concrete form panels.  
   
   
       18 . The adjustable trench kicker according to  claim 9 , wherein the slider bracket further comprises at least one stake aperture for receiving a stake therethrough.  
   
   
       19 . A trench kicker, comprising: 
 a hanger bracket for holding a concrete form panel;    a channel bracket configured for engaging the hanger bracket;    a slider bracket configured for sliding engagement with the channel bracket; and    a plurality of stake apertures in the channel bracket and the slider bracket, wherein aligned stake apertures in the channel bracket and the slider bracket may receive a stake therethrough.    
   
   
       20 . The trench kicker according to  claim 19 , wherein the channel bracket and slider bracket may be configured for engagement with each other in a plurality of discrete horizontal lengths.