Lost Formwork Cladding To Reinforcement Connector And Method Of Using Same

Abstract

A connector for securing reinforcing rod elements to an adjacent spaced formwork panel, the connector including: a compression resistant spacer element having a first end and a second end defining a depth there between; one or more securing flanges extending from said first end for securing the connector to a formwork panel, and reinforcing rod retention means extending from said second end.

1 . A connector for securing reinforcing rod elements to an adjacent spaced formwork panel, the connector including:
 a compression resistant spacer element having a first end and a second end defining a depth there between;   one or more securing flanges extending from said first end for securing the connector to a formwork panel, and   reinforcing rod retention means extending from said second end.   
     
     
         2 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the connector is generally longitudinal, extending in a longitudinal direction generally transverse to the spacer depth. 
     
     
         3 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing rod retention means is movable from or through a rod receiving position to a rod retaining position. 
     
     
         4 . A connector according to  claim 1  having a generally T shaped cross sectional configuration, with two flange portions extending in opposite directions from the first end of the spacer element in a direction generally transverse to the spacer element. 
     
     
         5 . A connector according to  claim 4  wherein the spacer element and flanges are defined by two opposing L shaped arms positioned back to back to define the T shaped cross section which are interconnected by a rod receiving portion. 
     
     
         6 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing rod retention means includes a spring formed portion adapted with a shoulder formation to secure to a reinforcing rod element by a resilient deformation from a closed rest configuration, through an opened rod receiving configuration, back to a closed rest configuration at which the rod is retained by the shoulder formation. 
     
     
         7 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the connector includes flange portions with formations to assist in receiving fasteners and/or adhesive for securing the connector to the formwork panel. 
     
     
         8 . A two part connector including an inner connector according to  claim 1  configured whereby in use the securing flanges abut an inner surface of an adjacent formwork panel, in combination with a separate flanged locking element that is insertable through an aperture in the formwork panel to engage the inner connector and clamp the formwork panel between the flanges of the inner connector and the flanges of the locking element. 
     
     
         9 . A two part connector according to  claim 8  wherein a barbed push fit connection is provided between the inner connector and the locking element. 
     
     
         10 . A two part connector according to  claim 8  wherein the reinforcing rod retention means includes a region to locate the reinforcing rod and tabs or arms on a portion of the spacer element that are deformable to prevent the reinforcing rod exiting said region. 
     
     
         11 . A two part connector according to  claim 8  wherein the inner connector and outer connector have approximately the same longitudinal length. 
     
     
         12 . A connector or two part connector according to  claim 1  wherein each element or elements are made from sheet metal material. 
     
     
         13 . A connector or two part connector according to  claim 11  wherein each element or elements are made from a moulded polymeric material. 
     
     
         14 . A connector or two part connector according to  claim 1  wherein the rod retaining means on the connector or inner connector include resiliently deformable arms which deflect out of the way as the rod is inserted and automatically return to a locking position after the rod is fully located. 
     
     
         15 . A method of constructing a reinforcement and formwork panel assembly comprising the steps of:
 securing the reinforcing rod engagement means provided on the second end of one or more connectors to a reinforcing rod or rods; and   securing the flanges of the first end of each connector to an adjacent formwork panel.   
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  applied to constructing a prefabricated reinforcement and formwork assembly for a longitudinally extending structural element, the assembly including:
 a prefabricated longitudinally extending reinforcement cage; and 
 an open ended formwork tube extending around said longitudinally extending cage, said formwork tube including a plurality of panels disposed around the reinforcement cage, 
 wherein the panels are secured with the reinforcement cage using a plurality of connectors. 
 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15  applied to constructing a prefabricated reinforcement and formwork assembly for a longitudinally extending structural element, the assembly including:
 a prefabricated longitudinally extending reinforcement cage; and 
 an open ended formwork tube extending around said longitudinally extending cage, said formwork tube including a plurality of panels disposed around the reinforcement cage, 
 wherein the panels are secured with the reinforcement cage using a plurality of two part connectors. 
 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  further including the step of applying a further outer layer of formwork panel to the assembly.