Building formwork system and method of building structure using building formwork system

Abstract

The invention relates to a building formwork system and a method of building a structure using the same. A formwork system (100) is disclosed that includes a first building formwork component (102a) and a second building formwork component (102b) connected by a building formwork connector (104). The connector (104) includes a movable portion (128) movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the one or more sidewalls of the connector (104) define a cavity (144) for receiving cementitious material. The cavity (144) of the connector (104) is positioned relative to the cavities (110) of the first building formwork component (102a) and the second building formwork component (102b). In the open position, access to the cavity (144) of the connector (104) is provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 201880015892.9 (international application number PCT / AU2018 / 050203), application date March 6, 2018, and invention name “Template System”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector for building formwork members, such building formwork members including a cavity for receiving a cementitious material. The connector has particular, but not exclusive, use in the construction of building structures such as walls. Background Art

[0003] Formwork is used in the construction of buildings and other structures to provide a temporary or permanent mold into which concrete or other similar materials can be poured.

[0004] One type of permanent formwork is often referred to as "stay-in-place" formwork. Such formwork may be formed from a polymer and may include multiple components that are connected to each other to form a structure such as a wall.

[0005] In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to inspect and / or maintain the internal parts of a form (ie, before filling the form with concrete or other material), but such inspection / maintenance may be difficult to perform with known formwork arrangements.

[0006] It should be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, this reference is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Disclosed herein is a building formwork connector for connecting building formwork components, each of which includes a cavity for receiving a cementitious material. The connector includes a joint for engaging a first building formwork component and a second building formwork component of the building formwork components. The connector also includes one or more sidewalls. The sidewalls can take the form of internal and external angles as described below. The one or more connector sidewalls include at least a portion that is movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the one or more connector sidewalls define a cavity for receiving a cementitious material. The cavity defined by the connector is positioned relative to the cavities of the first and second formwork components. For example, the cavity defined by the connector can be adjacent to the cavities of the first and second formwork components. In the open position, access to the cavity defined by the connector (hereinafter referred to as the "connector cavity") is provided.

[0008] The connectors may define corners of interconnected building formwork members.

[0009] Access to the connector cavity may be desirable, for example, to inspect or maintain components of the connector or other components or materials that may be disposed within the connector cavity (e.g., to inspect or maintain associated building formwork components; to inspect or maintain reinforcement members such as steel bars or rebar, reinforcing ties; to inspect or maintain functional members, etc.). Inspection and / or maintenance may be performed prior to filling the connector cavity with cementitious material.

[0010] Access to the connector cavity may be particularly desirable to facilitate installation and / or maintenance of building formwork components, such as rebar, cable ties, and the like. This installation and / or maintenance may be necessary when the connector is pre-attached to the building formwork components. For example, the connector may be positioned prior to installing the rebar, etc., and precise positioning of the rebar, etc. within the connector cavity may be important. By way of another example, the connector may be pre-attached to a first building formwork component and a second building formwork component, and components such as the rebar, cable ties, etc. may then be installed.

[0011] As described above, the one or more connector side walls include at least a portion that is movable from a closed position to an open position. In one embodiment, the movable portion can take the form of a portion that is, for example, hingedly connected to the body of the connector (e.g., so as to hinge and pivot between a closed position and an open position). In another embodiment, the movable portion can take the form of a portion that slides relative to the body of the connector to provide access to the cavity (e.g., so as to slide between a closed position and an open position).

[0012] In one embodiment, the removable portion may include a detachable element that, when removed, opens the connector cavity to provide access to the connector cavity. Alternatively, the removable portion may be in the form of a hinged, sliding, pivoting, rotating, or the like element or door that, when opened, provides access to the connector cavity. The removable portion may be integral with the rest of the connector (e.g., integrally formed). The removable portion may include the entire side wall of the connector, or may only form a portion of the side wall of the connector.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector may further include a connecting element (eg, as another component of the connector). The connecting element may include an engaging portion for engaging each of the first template component and the second template component.

[0014] The connecting element can take the form of an inner corner comprising two inner sidewalls connected to define an inner corner structure. The inner corner structure can be connected to the first and second building formwork components. The inner sidewalls of the inner corner structure can each include an engaging portion for engaging two spaced-apart sidewalls of a corresponding one of the first and second building formwork components. Thus, when properly engaged, the inner corner structure can be positioned and retained at the first and second building formwork components, thereby connecting the first and second building formwork components.

[0015] The removable element can take the form of an exterior corner comprising one or more exterior sidewalls. In the closed position of the connector, the exterior corner can be attached to the interior corner structure, thereby defining a connector cavity between the interior corner structure and the exterior corner. The connector cavity can be positioned relative to the cavities of the first and second building formwork components such that the cavities are in fluid communication. The exterior corner can be movable relative to the interior corner structure to an open position of the connector, thereby providing access to the cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connector cavity can be defined between a removable element (e.g., an outer corner) / removable portion and a connecting element (e.g., an inner corner structure). In other words, the removable element / removable portion and the connecting element can together form side walls surrounding the connector cavity. In this manner, detaching or removing the removable element / removable portion from the connecting element can allow access to the connector cavity. Thus, the connecting element can remain in place during this detachment or removal process.

[0017] The nature of the connection of a connecting element (eg, an inner corner structure) to a given formwork component may be determined by the type of formwork component with which the connector is used.

[0018] For example, in one embodiment, the connecting element (eg, an inner corner structure) may be engageable with at least one of the first formwork member and the second formwork member by a sliding arrangement.

[0019] In another embodiment, the connecting element (e.g., an inner corner structure) can be engageable with at least one of the first and second formwork components by a snap-fit arrangement. For example, the connecting element and the corresponding formwork component can include clips, flanges, grooves, bevels, etc. that can be bent to snap-fit into engagement with each other. This can facilitate quick and easy connection of the connecting element to the first and second formwork components.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connecting element (e.g., the inner corner structure) can include a first connecting side wall and a second connecting side wall. The first connecting side wall and the second connecting side wall can be integral with each other (i.e., defining the connecting element as a unit), or the first connecting side wall and the second connecting side wall can be separate.

[0021] The first connecting sidewall (e.g., the first inner sidewall of the inner corner structure) can be configured to extend across one end of the first formwork component when joined to the first formwork component. The second connecting sidewall (e.g., the second inner sidewall of the inner corner structure) can be configured to extend across one end of the second formwork component when joined to the second formwork component. In this manner, the first connecting sidewall and the second connecting sidewall can cover the ends of the respective first and second formwork components.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first connecting sidewall and the second connecting sidewall (e.g., the first inner sidewall and the second inner sidewall of an inner corner structure) can be arranged to be approximately perpendicular to each other. This arrangement may be particularly suitable when the first formwork component and the second formwork component are also arranged to be perpendicular to each other (e.g., at a corner). However, the connecting sidewalls can be arranged to form an obtuse angle or an acute angle relative to each other. For example, this may be desirable in the case where the connector is used to form a connection between two wall structures that intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first connecting side wall (e.g., the first inner side wall) may include at least one engagement portion (in the form of an engagement flange) extending therefrom to engage a corresponding flange of the first formwork component. The engagement flange may extend longitudinally along an edge of the first connecting side wall and may be configured for sliding engagement or snap engagement with the corresponding flange of the first formwork component.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second connecting side wall (e.g., the second inner side wall) may include at least one engagement flange to engage the corresponding groove of the second template component. Additionally, the engagement flange may be configured to slide or snap-fit with the corresponding groove of the second template component.

[0025] In one form, a removable element (e.g., an exterior corner) may be removably connected to a connecting element. In this case, the connector may take the form of an integral, one-piece connector or a two-piece connector. The connecting element, in turn, may be connected to at least one of the first and second formwork components, and typically to each of the first and second formwork components.

[0026] In one embodiment, the detachable element (eg, an outer corner) may be connected to the connecting element by a sliding arrangement.

[0027] In another embodiment, the detachable element (e.g., an outer corner) can be connected to the connecting element by a snap-fit device. In this regard, the detachable element can include, for example, clips, flanges, grooves, bevels, etc. that are configured to bend to snap-fit into engagement with each other.

[0028] In another form, the removable element (e.g., an exterior corner) may be removably connected (i.e., directly) to at least one of the building formwork components. In this manner, both the connecting element (e.g., an interior corner structure) and the removable element (e.g., an exterior corner) may be connected to at least one building formwork component. This may provide a more rigid connection between the connector and the building formwork component.

[0029] In one embodiment, the removable element (e.g., an outer corner) can include two outer sidewalls that can define the outer corner of the connector. The removable element (e.g., an outer corner) can further include an inner sidewall extending between the two outer sidewalls. The inner sidewall can partially define the connector cavity (i.e., the inner surface of the inner sidewall can face the cavity). The inner sidewall can have a curved or arcuate profile.

[0030] In one embodiment, the outer and inner sidewalls of the detachable element (e.g., outer corner) can be configured to configure the detachable element as a generally hollow section. The hollow section can provide rigidity to the detachable element (even when not attached) and can help resist torsional loads.

[0031] In one embodiment, support webs may extend within the hollow section, i.e., between the inner and outer sidewalls. These webs may help reinforce the detachable element (e.g., in addition to the hollow section). This increased rigidity may help resist hydraulic pressure, such as that exerted on the detachable element by the cementitious material disposed within the cavity.

[0032] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the connector can be configured to be substantially flush with the corresponding outer surfaces of the first and second template components when the connector is coupled to the first and second template components. For example, this can allow for the definition of a flush corner. The flush corner can be provided by the outer sidewall of the detachable element of the connector.

[0033] In one embodiment, one or more of the side walls of the connector (e.g., the inner corner structure) may include at least one aperture for receiving a reinforcement member (e.g., rebar or steel bar) therethrough. The reinforcement member can extend from the connector cavity defined by the one or more side walls and into the cavity of an adjacent interconnected formwork member. A plurality of such reinforcement members may be provided.

[0034] In one embodiment, the connector may be configured to connect building formwork members (e.g., a first formwork member and a second formwork member) that are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. This arrangement may be used to form a right-angled corner of a structure.

[0035] In one embodiment, a connector cavity defined by one or more side walls of the connector may be in fluid communication with a cavity of at least one of the first building formwork component or the second building formwork component. This may allow cementitious material to flow between the cavities during use. Other fluids, such as gas, water, liquids, or other flowable solids, may also be allowed to flow between the cavities.

[0036] Also disclosed herein is a building formwork system comprising a first building formwork component and a second building formwork component (e.g., as described above). A connector (e.g., as described above) can connect the first and second building formwork components. The first and second building formwork components each include spaced-apart sidewalls with one or more webs extending between the sidewalls. The spaced-apart sidewalls and webs can define a cavity for receiving a cementitious material. The connector includes one or more sidewalls, each having at least a portion movable from a closed position to an open position. The movable portion of the connector can include an outer corner movable relative to an inner corner structure. In the closed position, the one or more sidewalls define a cavity for receiving the cementitious material. The connector cavity can be positioned relative to the cavities of the first and second formwork components. In the open position, access to the connector cavity is provided.

[0037] In one embodiment, the building formwork members and connectors may form corners of a wall structure. The corners may define an angle of approximately 90 degrees, or may define an obtuse or acute angle depending on the configuration of the connectors and structure.

[0038] In one embodiment, one or more of the side walls of the connector (e.g., the inner corner structure) may include at least one aperture for receiving a reinforcement member (e.g., rebar or steel bar) therethrough. Once the cementitious material is received in the cavity, the reinforcement member can provide further strength to the system. When in the open position, a movable portion of the connector (e.g., the outer corner) can allow access to the reinforcement member (or a portion of the reinforcement member). In practice, this can allow the system to be assembled on site and then allow for inspection and / or maintenance of the reinforcement member (i.e., without completely disassembling the assembled system). Such inspection and / or maintenance can be performed before filling the cavity with cementitious material.

[0039] In one embodiment, the building formwork system may further include at least one reinforcement member extending through the at least one hole and into the cavity of the corresponding building formwork component. One end of the at least one reinforcement member may be disposed in the cavity defined by the side wall of the connector.

[0040] In one embodiment, the reinforcement member may be generally U-shaped at least at its ends. The legs of the U-shaped reinforcement member / portion may extend through holes in the sidewalls (e.g., the inner corner structure) of the connector and into the cavities of the first and second building formwork components. The base of the reinforcement member may be disposed in the connector cavity. When the reinforcement member includes a U-shape at its ends, one leg of the U-shaped reinforcement member may be shorter than the other leg, such that only a small portion of the leg extends into the cavity of the building formwork component (or the leg does not extend into the cavity at all). The U-shape may help maintain the orientation of each reinforcement member (e.g., by holding the ends in place and by preventing the ends from rotating about their elongated axes).

[0041] Also disclosed herein is a method for constructing a structure. The method includes providing the building formwork system described above in a closed position. The method also includes configuring a connector in an open position to access a connector cavity. The method further includes configuring the connector in a closed position (e.g., returning it to the closed position). The method also includes at least partially filling the connector cavity with a cementitious material.

[0042] For example, a building construction method may include providing a first building formwork component and a second building formwork component. Each building formwork component may include spaced-apart sidewalls to define a corresponding cavity within the first and second building formwork components for receiving a cementitious material. An interior corner structure may engage the first and second building formwork components, and the exterior corner may be configured such that a connector is in an open position. This may provide access to the connector cavity. The exterior corner may also be configured such that the connector is in a closed position. In this position, the connector cavity may be at least partially filled with cementitious material.

[0043] In one embodiment of the method, the connector may be configured in an open position for inspection of the connector cavity.

[0044] In one embodiment, the method may further include configuring the connector in an open position and installing one or more elongated reinforcement members (e.g., steel bars / rebars, etc.) through the apertures of the building formwork components and the connector. When the connector cavity is at least partially filled with cementitious material, the one or more elongated reinforcement members may interact with the cementitious material to thereby strengthen the cementitious material once the cementitious material cures.

[0045] In one embodiment of the method, the reinforcement member may be mounted to extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector cavity.

[0046] Also disclosed herein is a building formwork connection element for connecting building formwork components, each of which includes a cavity for receiving a cementitious material. The connection element includes a first set of engagement portions for engaging a first building formwork component and a second building formwork component. The connection element also includes a second set of engagement portions for removably attaching a removable element. When the removable element is engaged with the connection element, the removable element can define a cavity for receiving the cementitious material. The cavity can be positioned relative to (e.g., adjacent to) the cavity of the first and second formwork components. When the second set of engagement portions is removed from the removable element, access to the cavity is provided.

[0047] The connecting elements may be other than those described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C and Figure 1D They are respectively a perspective view, an exploded perspective view, a top view and a front view of a first embodiment of a template system;

[0050] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2D are a perspective view, an exploded perspective view, a top view and a partial front view of a second embodiment of the template system; and

[0051] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a top view of components of the connector of the third embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3D and Figure 3E 1 is an (exploded) perspective view and an (assembled) top view of a connector according to a third embodiment;

[0053] Figure 4A and Figure 4B 1 is an (exploded) perspective view and an (assembled) top view of a connector according to a fourth embodiment;

[0054] Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 is an (exploded) perspective view and an (assembled) top view of a connector according to a fifth embodiment;

[0055] Figure 6 is a front view of a separable part of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in the present disclosure.

[0057] First refer to Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C and Figure 1D , the formwork system 100 comprises a first building formwork component 102a and a second building formwork component 102b to be connected together by a building formwork connector 104 .

[0058] The building formwork components 102a, 102b and connectors 104 are formed from extruded polymers so that the features of each of these components are generally integrally formed with one another. However, the building formwork components 102a and 102b may be provided in assembled (disassembled) form.

[0059] The first and second building formwork components 102a, 102b are substantially identical to one another. Each building formwork component 102a, 102b includes two parallel, spaced-apart sidewalls 106 and four webs 108 extending between the sidewalls 106. The sidewalls 106 and webs 108 define a cavity 110 that, in use, can receive cementitious material. Cementitious material can flow between the cavities 110 through apertures 112 formed in the webs (i.e., the cavities are fluidly connected). The cementitious material in the building formwork components 102a, 102b and connectors 104 (when set) defines a portion or section of a building structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure is a corner section of a wall.

[0060] Each building formwork component 102a, 102b includes a first end 114 and an opposing second end 116. The first end 114 includes opposing grooves 118 formed along the edges of the spaced-apart, parallel sidewalls 106, and the second end 116 includes opposing flanges 120 extending inwardly (toward each other) from the edges of the sidewalls 106. The grooves 118 correspond to the flanges 120, so that the two formwork components 102a, 102b can be connected to each other by positioning the flanges 120 to be received in the grooves 118 (e.g., by sliding or snap-fitting the formwork components 102a, 102b relative to each other).

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the building formwork components 102a, 102b are oriented generally perpendicular to one another and are connected to one another by connectors 104.

[0062] More specifically, the first building formwork component 102a is oriented such that its first end 114 is engaged by the first set of engagement portions 122 of the connector 104. Additionally, the second building formwork component 102b is oriented such that its second end 116 is engaged by the second set of engagement portions 124 of the connector 104. In this manner, the building formwork components 102a, 102b and the connector 104 may generally be arranged to form a corner section of a wall.

[0063] The connector 104 disposed between the building formwork components 102a, 102b is formed from two elements: a connecting (inner) element 126 and a removable (outer) element 128. The connecting element 126 is normally retained against the building formwork components 102a, 102b, while the removable element 128 defines the removable outer corner of the connector 104.

[0064] The connecting element 126 includes two side walls 130 and 132 that are perpendicular to each other to form the connecting element 126 into a generally L-shaped profile. The L-shaped profile corresponds to the interior angle defined by the proximal ends 114 and 116 of the two perpendicular building formwork components 102a and 102b. In other words, the two side walls 130 and 132 of the connecting element 126 abut against (and partially cover) the ends 114 and 116 of the building formwork components 102a and 102b, respectively.

[0065] Although not shown in the figures, the side walls 130, 132 may each include apertures that align with the apertures 112 formed in the webs 108 of the building formwork components 102a, 102b. These apertures allow, for example, rebar, cables, pipes, etc., to pass from the building formwork components 102a, 102b into the connector 104, or vice versa. The apertures also allow cementitious material to flow between the cavity 110 of the building formwork components and the connector cavity 144 defined between the connecting element 126 and the removable element 128 of the connector 104.

[0066] Although the connecting element 126 is depicted in FIG1 as having two side walls 130 and 132 integrally formed to define a generally L-shaped profile, as described below, the side walls 130 and 132 may be separately manufactured and separately mounted to their respective building formwork components 102a, 102b.

[0067] The first side wall 130 of the two side walls of the connecting element 126 comprises a substantially flat surface with an engaging portion in the form of a hook-shaped or L-shaped flange 122 that projects in the direction of the first building formwork component 102a. The flange 122 hooks onto the first building formwork component 102a so as to engage with a corresponding groove 118 of the first building formwork component 102a.

[0068] The first side wall 130 also includes a U-shaped flange 136 extending therefrom. The flange 136 projects from the opposite surface (i.e., the surface facing away from the first building formwork component 102a on the side opposite the flange 122) and at the distal end of the first side wall 130 (i.e., away from the intersection of the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132). The U-shaped flange 136 engages with and retains the removable element 128 of the connector 104 (described in more detail below).

[0069] Of the two side walls of the connecting element 126, the second side wall 132 includes a generally flat surface having two engaging portions (i.e., a second set of engaging portions) in the form of hook-shaped or L-shaped flanges 124 that project toward the second building formwork component 102b. One of the engaging portions 124 is located at an end of the second side wall 132 near the intersection with the first side wall 130. The other engaging portion 124 is located at the opposite (distal) end of the second side wall 132. The engaging portions 124 of the second side wall 132 engage with corresponding flanges 120 of the second building formwork component 102b.

[0070] The second side wall 132 also includes another flange 138 provided on an opposite surface (i.e., the surface facing away from the second building formwork component 102b) at the distal end of the second side wall 132. The flange 138 is U-shaped and engages the detachable element 128 of the connector 104 (described in more detail below).

[0071] The U-shaped flange 138 of the second side wall 132 and the U-shaped flange 136 of the first side wall 130 together hold the removable element 128 at the corners of the first and second building formwork components 102a, 102b of the building formwork components.

[0072] When held in this manner, the connector 104 is in a closed configuration to define a cavity 144 that is fluidly connected / communicating with the cavity 110 of the building form members 102a, 102b (i.e., such that cementitious material can flow between the connector 104 and the building form members 102a, 102b and such that the resulting cured cementitious material is continuous in the connector 104 and the building form members 102a, 102b).

[0073] The removable element 128 can also be removed from the connecting element 126, such as by sliding the removable element 128 relative to the connecting element 126 (alternatively, such removal / attachment can be by means of a snap fit). This opens the cavity 134 of the connector 104 and allows a user to access the cavity 134. Such access may be desirable because it may allow an operator to inspect and / or maintain various internal features of the building formwork system 100 before providing (and filling) cementitious material into the cavities 110 of the building formwork components 102a, 102b and the cavity 144 of the connector 104.

[0074] One such internal feature of the system that may require inspection and / or maintenance is a reinforcement element in the form of rebar 140. The rebar 140 is provided to extend through apertures 112 in the building formwork members 102a, 102b.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar 140 is generally U-shaped. In this regard, the "legs" of the "U" of the rebar 140 extend into the building formwork components 102a, 102b (through the apertures 112), while the center (U) portion of the rebar 140 is positioned within the cavity 144 of the connector 104. Thus, removal of the removable element 128 may allow an operator to inspect the portion of the rebar 140 positioned within the cavity 144 before filling the cavity 144 with cementitious material.

[0076] Another benefit of removable elements 128 is that they facilitate the construction of system 100. In practice, walls are typically built from the corner outward. First, the corners (i.e., connectors 104) are installed. Building formwork components 102a, 102b are then connected to the connectors. These components 102a, 102b, and 104 are then braced for additional support while the other building formwork components are connected (i.e., forming the corresponding wall).

[0077] Once the wall is formed, rebar 140 is positioned through holes 112 in cavity 110 and cavity 144. Where the rebar 140 meets (i.e., in corner cavities 144), it may be desirable for the rebar 140 to overlap to define a vertically extending channel (i.e., between the curved center portions of the rebar 140) through the corner cavities 144. Vertical rebar (not shown) may also be positioned and received within the vertical channel.

[0078] Removal of the removable elements 128 (ie, by disassembly) makes it easier to install the horizontal rebar 140, as these rebars can be pushed into the holes 112 from the open corner cavities 144. This also makes it easier for the operator to ensure that the rebar 140 overlaps properly to define the vertical channels.

[0079] like Figure 1A and Figure 1CAs best shown, the removable element 128 is shaped to accommodate the U-shaped end of the rebar 140. In this respect, like the connecting element 126, the removable element 128 has a generally L-shaped profile. This profile is formed by three side walls 142, 143, and 146, which are arranged in a generally triangular (or boomerang) configuration. This configuration acts as a hollow section or hollow beam to resist torsional or shear loads applied to the removable element 128. In other words, the configuration of the side walls can also provide strength and rigidity to the removable element 128. The first side wall 142 and the second side wall 143 of the removable element 128 are perpendicular to each other and define the outer corner surface of the connector 104. The third wall 146 extends in a curved manner between the first side wall 142 and the second side wall 143.

[0080] In the closed configuration, and when the connector 104 is engaged with the building formwork components 102a, 102b, the outer surfaces of the first side wall 142 and the second side wall 143 of the removable element 128 are substantially flush with the corresponding outer surfaces of the building formwork components 102a, 102b. In this manner, the outer surfaces of the building formwork components 102a, 102b and the connector 104 form a substantially continuous plane. Consequently, in some cases, further finishing of the surfaces may not be required, or only minimal finishing of the surfaces may be required.

[0081] from Figure 1C It can also be seen that one end edge of the removable element 128 is removably engaged (or attached) to the side wall 130 and the first building formwork component 102a, and is removably engaged (or attached) to the side wall 132 and the second building formwork component 102b.

[0082] In this aspect, engagement of the removable element 128 with the first building formwork component 102a is achieved by a form engaging flange 152 extending inwardly from the second side wall 143 of the removable element 128. The flange 152 is formed so that it engages one of the outer recesses 118 of the first building formwork component 102a.

[0083] Furthermore, in this aspect, engagement of the detachable element 128 with the side wall 130 is achieved via an outwardly projecting hook-shaped or L-shaped flange 148 located at the end of the third side wall 146 of the detachable element 128. The hook-shaped flange 148 engages with (i.e., hooks onto) the corresponding flange 136 (previously described) of the side wall 130.

[0084] In a somewhat similar manner, engagement of the removable element 128 with the second building formwork component 102b is achieved by an outer flange 150 extending inwardly from the first side wall 142 of the removable element 128. However, the outer flange 150 is formed so that it engages an outwardly facing groove 153 defined between the L-shaped engagement portion 124 and the U-shaped flange 138 at the distal end of the side wall 132.

[0085] The outer flange 150 also abuts the corresponding flange 120 of the second building formwork component 102b (i.e., they are both received in the groove 153 defined between the U-shaped flange 138 and the L-shaped joint 124 of the side wall 132). The outer flange 150 is inserted into the groove 153, thereby locking the flange 120 of the first building formwork component 102a to the L-shaped joint 124 of the side wall 132.

[0086] Likewise, in a somewhat similar manner, further engagement with the connecting element 132 is provided by the opposite end of the third side wall 146 of the detachable element 128, which is provided with an outwardly projecting hooked or L-shaped flange 148. This hooked flange 148 engages with (i.e., hooks onto) the corresponding flange 138 (previously described) of the side wall 132.

[0087] Now refer to Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2D , illustrates another embodiment of a formwork system. This formwork system 200 is similar to the above-described formwork system in that it includes a connector 204, a first building formwork component 202a, and a second building formwork component 202b that (once filled with cementitious material) form a corner section of a wall. However, the building formwork components 202a, 202b of this embodiment differ in the manner in which they engage with each other (and the manner in which they engage with the connector 204).

[0088] Another difference is that webs 254 are formed between the first and second (outer) walls 242, 243 and the third curved wall 246 of the removable element 228. These webs 254 provide rigidity and strength to the removable element 228 (i.e., in addition to the strength provided by the hollow shape defined by the side walls of the removable element 228).

[0089] The flanges 220 of the building formwork components 202a, 202b (at their respective second ends 216) extend inwardly at an angle, such that the outer surface of each flange 220 generally defines a sloped surface. The grooves 218 of the building formwork components 202a, 202b (at their first ends 214) have a generally V-shaped profile corresponding to the flanges 220. To connect the two building formwork components 202, the building formwork components 202 are moved laterally toward each other so that the sloped surface of the flanges 220 contacts the ends of the sidewalls adjacent to the grooves 218. Further movement bends the flanges 220 and / or the sidewalls 206 until the flanges 220 snap into the grooves 218. In other words, the building formwork components 202a, 202b are configured to snap into engagement with each other.

[0090] This configuration difference requires, to some extent, an alternative connector 204 (i.e., an alternative to the one described above and in Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C and Figure 1D connector shown in ).

[0091] Connector 204 also includes an (inner) connecting element 226 and an (outer) removable element 228. Unlike the previous embodiment, these elements 226 and 228 are generally symmetrical about a diagonal line of symmetry. As a result, removable component 228 engages only with connecting element 226, and not with either of the building formwork components 202a, 202b. This engagement is achieved by hook-shaped flanges 256 extending from the respective distal ends of the first and second side walls 242, 243 of removable component 228, and corresponding hook-shaped flanges 258 extending from the distal ends of the first and second side walls 230, 232 of connecting element 226. The nature (shape) of hook-shaped flanges 256, 258 provides for a sliding engagement between removable component 228 and connecting element 226.

[0092] The connection element 226 also engages the building formwork components 202a, 202b differently. Each sidewall 230, 232 of the connection element 226 includes two engagement portions 222, 224 in the form of flanges extending therefrom for engaging with the corresponding building formwork component 202a, 202b. A first pair of first engagement portions 222 in the form of flanges extends from the first sidewall 230 of the connection element 226. Each of the first pair of engagement portions 222 includes a secondary flange (i.e., similar to flange 220) extending inwardly at an angle to snapably engage a corresponding recess 218 of the first formwork component 202a.

[0093] A second pair of second engaging portions 224 in the form of flanges extend from the second sidewall 232 of the connecting element 226 (in the direction of the second building formwork component 202b). Each of the second pair of engaging portions 224 includes a V-shaped groove similar to (or identical to) the V-shaped groove formed at the first end 214 of each building formwork component 202a, 202b. Thus, the flange 220 of the second building formwork component 202b can engage with the engaging portion (i.e., groove) 224 of the connecting element 226 in a manner similar to the way the flange 220 of the second building formwork component 202b engages with another similar building formwork component. In other words, the flange 220 of the second building formwork component 202b snaps into engagement with the groove 224 of the connecting element 226.

[0094] Another difference between this embodiment and the above-described embodiments is the different shape of the hole 212. In this regard, the oblong shape of the hole 212 requires that only the end of the illustrated reinforcement member 240 be hook-shaped (U-shaped). That is, one leg is longer than the other leg, wherein the length of the shorter leg is such that the shorter leg just extends rearward through, for example, a discrete hole provided in the side wall 230 (see FIG. Figure 2B ).

[0095] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C The diagram shows Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2D The system shown is similar to the system 300. Specifically, the engagement of the connecting element 326 with the removable element 328 and with the building formwork components 302a, 302b is substantially the same as described above.

[0096] 3 is that the connecting element 326 is formed from a first separable part 360 and a second separable part 362 (i.e., whereas in the previous embodiments, the connecting element was depicted as being formed from a single, unitary component). Each of these parts 360 and 362 generally forms a respective side wall 330 and a respective side wall 332 of the connecting element 326. In this regard, the connector 304 can be considered a three-piece connector, rather than a two-piece connector (which may be used to describe the above embodiments).

[0097] To facilitate connecting the first part 360 (including the first sidewall 330) to the second part 362 (including the second sidewall 332), the first part 360 includes a hook-shaped flange 366 and the second part includes a corresponding L-shaped flange 364 defining a groove 365. The hook-shaped flange 366 is positioned in the groove 365.

[0098] In practice, the hook-shaped flange 366 of the first part 360 hooks into (or interlocks with) the groove 365 formed by the L-shaped flange 364 of the second part 362, thereby interlocking the first and second parts 360, 362 together to form the connecting element 326. The flange 322 of the first part 360 is connected to the groove 218 at the first end 214 of the first building formwork component 202a (i.e., by a snap fit). Similarly, the groove 324 of the second part 362 is connected to the flange 220 at the second end 216 of the second building formwork component 302b.

[0099] Using three pieces instead of two can allow connector 304 to be shipped as a smaller (e.g., flat) package. It can also facilitate the interchangeability of parts of the connecting element in situations where two building components of different types need to be connected to each other (e.g., one building component engageable by a snap-fit engagement and another building component engageable by a slide engagement).

[0100] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B Another embodiment of the system is illustrated in FIG. Figure 1A-Figure 1D and Figures 2A-2D Like the system shown in FIG, the system 400 is a two-piece connector. Specifically, the system 400 is similar to the Figures 2A-2D The most similarities of the systems shown are that the connector 404 includes engagement portions 422, 424 that snap-engage with corresponding grooves 418 and flanges 420 of corresponding template components (not shown). In addition, the connecting element 426 and the removable element 428 of the connector 404 are slidably engaged by hook-shaped flanges 456, 458.

[0101] The system 400 of FIG4 differs from the previous embodiment in that the third sidewall 446 of the detachable element 428 connects the first sidewall 442 and the second sidewall 443 halfway along the first sidewall 442 and the second sidewall 443 to form a bracket-like structure. In this manner, the sidewalls 442, 443, 446 define a triangular cavity.

[0102] 4 is slightly different in that the innermost portions (to the inner corner) of the first and second joints 422, 444 are integrally formed adjacent to each other. In this manner, the template members define the inner corner of the system 400 (ie, opposite the connector 404 that forms the inner corner).

[0103] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another two-piece connector 504 is shown in FIG. Figures 3A to 3EAs with the embodiment shown in FIG, the engagement between the detachable element 528 and the connecting element 526 in this embodiment is in the form of a slidable engagement between the hook-shaped flanges 556, 558. However, unlike Figures 3A to 3E Unlike the connector 304 of FIG. 5 , the connector 504 is not typically configured to snap-fit into engagement with a corresponding building component. Instead, the engaging portions 522, 524 of the connector 504 are in the form of a flange 522 and a groove 524 so as to slidably engage with corresponding grooves and flanges of a corresponding building component.

[0104] exist Figure 6 Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. To illustrate the possibility of varying the shape of the apertures 612 in the connector's sidewalls 630 and / or 632, only the detachable portion 662 of the connector is shown. In the previously illustrated embodiments, the apertures were generally arcuate or bean-shaped. In this embodiment, the apertures 612 are rectangular. Because the apertures 612 are symmetrical about a transverse axis, it is not important which way the portion 662 is attached to the building formwork component (e.g., right-side up or inverted). While these apertures are illustrated in an embodiment including the detachable portion 662, it should be understood that this aperture shape can be used in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0105] Variations and modifications may be made to the foregoing features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] One such variation or modification may be that the connector is connected only to the outermost flanges or grooves of the formwork components, and the entire connector is detachable from the formwork components to allow access to the cavity. In this case, the formwork components may be configured so that the formwork components are connected to each other at their innermost flanges / grooves (i.e., adjacent to each other at an inner corner). This connection of the formwork components at their innermost flanges / grooves located at the inner corners may be facilitated, for example, by an elongated connecting strip.

[0107] Furthermore, the engagement between the connector and the template member may be different than described above. In addition to a slidable engagement or a snap-fit engagement, the connection may also be achieved by fasteners or even adhesives.

[0108] The form of the connector can be modified to suit various connection shapes (e.g., various corner angles). In this regard, the connector can be capable of connecting to more than two building formwork components. For example, the connector can connect three or four building components.

[0109] The removable element can also differ from the removable elements described above. For example, the removable element can be in the form of a hinged door or hatch located in or forming a side wall of the connector. In this case, the element can be movable rather than removable. Alternatively, the removable element can be a removable piece in the side wall of the connector that forms a window in the side wall when removed or detached from the side wall.

[0110] In the following claims and the above description of building formwork connectors and related systems and methods, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary meaning, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, that is, to specify the presence of stated features in various embodiments of the connectors, systems and methods but does not exclude the presence or addition of other features.

Claims

1. A building formwork system, comprising: A first building formwork component and a second building formwork component, each building formwork component comprising: two spaced-apart member side walls with a spaced-apart web extending therebetween, the member side walls and the spaced-apart webs together defining a cavity therebetween for receiving cementitious material, a proximal web of the spaced-apart webs being located at a proximal end of each of the first building formwork member and the second building formwork member; A building template connector, wherein the building template connector is configured to connect the first building template component and the second building template component, and the building template connector comprises: an interior corner comprising two interior corner side walls connected to form the interior corner, the interior corner side walls being configured to be connected to extend across the proximal ends of the first and second building formwork components such that each interior corner side wall is configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding proximal web of the spaced apart webs located at the proximal end, the interior corner side walls of the interior corner each including an engagement portion for engaging the two spaced apart member side walls of a corresponding one of the first and second building formwork components such that, when engaged, the interior corner is positioned and maintained at the proximal end of each of the first and second building formwork components and proximate to the corresponding proximal web of the spaced apart webs located at the proximal end, thereby connecting the first and second building formwork components; and an exterior corner, the exterior corner comprising one or more exterior sidewalls; in: In a closed position of the building formwork connector, the outer corner is attached to the inner corner, thereby defining a connector cavity between the inner corner and the outer corner, the connector cavity being positioned relative to the cavities of the first and second building formwork components; and The outer corner is movable relative to the inner corner to an open position of the building formwork connector, thereby providing access to the connector cavity.

2. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The engagement portion of the inner corner is configured to engage with each of the two spaced-apart component side walls of a corresponding one of the first and second building formwork components by one or more of a sliding arrangement and a snap-fit arrangement.

3. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: a first of the two inner corner sidewalls configured to connect to extend across a proximal end of the first building formwork member when engaged to the first building formwork member; and A second of the two inner corner side walls is configured to connect to extend across a proximal end of the second building formwork component when joined to the second building formwork component.

4. The building formwork system according to claim 3, wherein: The engaging portion of the first inner corner sidewall includes at least one engaging flange extending therefrom to engage a corresponding flange of the first building formwork component, and wherein the engaging portion of the second inner corner sidewall includes at least one engaging flange to engage a corresponding groove of the second building formwork component.

5. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The outer corner is detachably connected to the inner corner by a snap-fit arrangement and / or detachably connected to the inner corner by a sliding arrangement.

6. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior corner is removably connected to at least one of the first building formwork component and the second building formwork component.

7. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The outside corner includes two outer side walls defining the outer corner of the building formwork connector and an inner side wall extending between the two outer side walls, the inner side wall partially defining the connector cavity.

8. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior corner includes an exterior sidewall and an interior sidewall arranged to configure the exterior corner as a generally hollow segment.

9. The building formwork system according to claim 8, wherein: A support web extends within the hollow section between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall.

10. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the building formwork connector is configured to be substantially flush with the respective outer surfaces of the first and second building formwork components when the building formwork connector is engaged thereto.

11. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: One or both of the two interior corner side walls of the interior corner include at least one aperture for receiving a reinforcement member therethrough, whereby the reinforcement member can extend from the connector cavity and into the cavity of the engaged one of the first and second building formwork components, such that the reinforcement member can be installed and / or inspected when the building formwork connector is in the open position, and such that the connector cavity is in fluid communication with the cavity of the engaged one of the first and second building formwork components when the building formwork connector is in the closed position.

12. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second building formwork components and the building formwork connectors together form a corner of a wall structure.

13. The building formwork system according to claim 1, wherein: The system further includes at least one reinforcement member extending from the connector cavity into the cavity of a corresponding one of the first and second building formwork components, one end of the reinforcement member being disposed in the connector cavity.

14. The building formwork system according to claim 13, wherein: The reinforcement member is generally U-shaped, with legs of the reinforcement member extending through holes in the inner corner sidewall of the inner corner and into one of the cavities of the first building formwork component and the second building module component, and a central portion of the reinforcement member connecting the legs is disposed in the connector cavity.

15. A method of constructing a structure using the building formwork system according to claim 1, the method comprising: Providing the first building formwork component and the second building formwork component; Providing the building formwork connector, wherein the interior corner joins the first building formwork component and the second building formwork component; configuring the exterior corner so that the building formwork connector is in the open position to enable access to the connector cavity; configuring the exterior corner so that the building formwork connector is in the closed position; and The connector cavity is at least partially filled with a gelling material.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The building formwork connector is configured in the open position to perform one or more of: inspecting the connector cavity; and installing one or more elongated reinforcement members through the first and second building formwork components and apertures of the building formwork connector.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The one or more elongated reinforcement members are mounted to extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector cavity.

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