Octagonal post anchor template

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably suspending and positioning eight post anchors at a time for an octagonal structure regardless of a shape and size of a floor form. The apparatus includes eight trapezoid template panels to form an octagonal template, sixteen "wing" post anchor holders attached to along the anti-parallel sides of said trapezoid template panels, and screws to firmly assemble eight template panels. For a large structure, the apparatus may also include braces which diagonally hold and stabilize each of the template panels to prevent them from shifting. The device facilitates placements of post anchors in octagonal position and the process of permanently securing the post anchors by pouring cement. The device can be easily removed after concrete has hardened, this speeds the construction process of finishing an entire floor.

Description

[0001] This applications is based upon, and claims priority to prior-filed provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 141,958; filed Jul. 1, 1999.[0002] The present invention relates generally to building construction and more specifically to an apparatus and method for aiding the placement of eight post anchors in octagonal position at a time for concrete to be poured, and more particularly, to a reusable post anchor template for adjustably suspending post anchors with respect to a surface concrete material or building requirements, and corresponding method for accomplishing the same.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003] Post Anchors are hardware commonly used in the construction industry to secure various parts of buildings and structures to a concrete footing or foundation. For example, it is common to use post anchors to securely attach posts of a structure to the concrete foundation. Use of post anchors are particularly important in the construction of outdoor structures such as patio covers ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a way to hold eight post anchors in place at a time so that they are consistently in a useful position to speed the construction process.

[0016] A further object is to make use of this invention is to accomplish all of the above with the creation of a device that is relatively inexpensive to make and ship, and cost effective to use.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is tremendously demanding task and time consuming to set post anchors for octagonal structures; eight posts need to be not only level to each other but also evenly positioned while equally angled each other.

Although octagons are the most typical shape for gazebos built today, setting post anchors for octagonal structures is a demanding task requiring higher level of precision and skills.

It usually takes a couple of people for several days to set post anchors on site, figuring out where each post will be, marking with strings and stakes, building a floor form, and digging and pouring concrete for a foundation, only to find that they are off and useless.

Besides workers are not used to octagonal shapes, it is hard to measure precise distance outdoor because measure tapes are too flexible and the ground is far from level, there are many obstacles, such as bushes and stones.

A foundation plan with precise dimensions and angles just won't help.

Building an octagonal structure with off-positioned posts will be an extreme challenge, if not nearly impossible, but it is also nuisance and time-consuming when it comes to redo post anchors.

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