Clamp for stabilizing edging stones and arrangement with such a clamp and with at least one edging stone

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamp (1) for stabilizing edging stones (2), comprising: o a base (3) which can be arranged or is arranged below the edge stone (2); o two support arms (4) extending conically from the ends of the base (3) and extending towards the side surface of the edge stone (2) when assembled; o two retaining legs (5), wherein the support arms (4) terminate in retaining legs (5) arranged at an angle to the support arm (4), wherein the retaining legs (5) can be arranged on the side faces of the edge stone (2), wherein the distance between the retaining legs (5) is less than the length of the base (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement with at least one such clamp (1) and an edge stone (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamp for stabilizing edging stones and an arrangement with such a clamp and an edging stone.

[0002] Laying edging stones is a fundamental task for neatly bordering paved areas, paths, driveways, or flowerbeds. First, you need to gather the necessary materials and tools, such as edging stones, sand, cement, gravel or crushed stone, a spirit level, a string, a hammer, a shovel, and a vibrating plate compactor or tamper. To determine the course of the edging stones, stretch a string to serve as a guide.

[0003] Next, a trench is dug along the marked line, typically about 20-30 cm deep, depending on the height of the edging stones. The trench is then filled with a 10-15 cm thick layer of gravel or crushed stone and carefully compacted to create a stable base. On top of this base layer, a bedding layer of a sand-cement mixture (1 part cement to 5 parts sand), approximately 3-5 cm thick, is placed.

[0004] Now, place the edging stones into the prepared bed of sand-cement mixture. Using a taut string, align the stones straight and adjust their height and position with a spirit level and a rubber mallet. It is important that the stones are firmly in place and that the top edge is even. For support and fixation, fill the back of the edging stones with the sand-cement mixture to ensure additional stability. In lawns, this concrete support means that the grass roots have less soil to root in around the concrete support. Therefore, the grass near the concrete support at the edging stones will yellow more quickly. At least 30% of the total concrete volume is allocated for supporting the edging stones. The soil around the edging stones is then carefully compacted.

[0005] The joints between the edging stones can also be grouted with the sand-cement mixture. The mixture should be allowed to cure for a few days before further use or foot traffic on the area. Once the mixture has fully cured, the surrounding area can be backfilled and, if desired, covered with soil or gravel. This method ensures that the edging stones are laid professionally and stably, in accordance with current best practices.

[0006] Edging stones, also known as curbstones or kerbstones, come in various sizes, which can vary depending on the application and regional standards. Typically, edging stones are about 100 cm long, although shorter versions of 50 cm or 75 cm are also common. The height of these stones is usually between 25 cm and 30 cm, although in certain cases, especially with raised kerbstones, heights of 35 cm or more may occur. The width of edging stones is typically between 8 cm and 15 cm, with 10 cm and 12 cm being the most common standard widths.

[0007] There are also application-specific variations, such as sidewalk edging stones, which often have a smaller height and width, for example, 20 cm high and 8 cm wide. Road edging stones, used along road edges, generally have larger dimensions, around 30 cm high and 15 cm wide. In addition, there are special drop stones used at driveways and crossings, which have beveled edges and are often shorter, between 15 and 20 cm high. These dimensions can vary depending on specific requirements and local building regulations.

[0008] Edging stones of a certain height must be well stabilized and supported during installation.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of improving the laying of edging stones and, in particular, improving the stability of the arrangement of the edging stones.

[0010] The problem underlying the invention is now solved by a bracket with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The clamp serves to support and thus stabilize edging stones, and includes: ◯ a base that can be arranged below the edge stone; ◯ two support arms extending conically from the ends of the base and, when assembled, extending towards the side surface of the kerbstone; ◯ two retaining legs, wherein the support arms terminate in retaining legs arranged at an angle to the support arm, wherein the retaining legs can be arranged on the side faces of the edge stone, wherein the distance between the retaining legs is less than the length of the base.

[0012] The present invention relates to a clamp used to support and stabilize kerbstones, thereby increasing their stability and reducing or completely eliminating the use of concrete. The clamp consists of a base, two support arms, and two retaining legs, which are preferably arranged symmetrically to the kerbstone.

[0013] The clamp prevents the edging stone from tipping over, ensuring increased stability and durability of the edging.

[0014] Concrete consumption is significantly reduced, as less or even no concrete is needed for stabilization. Since the concrete support can be reduced, grass growth around the edging stone is improved, as the grass roots have more soil available for rooting. Furthermore, the edging stones can be removed more easily later, as the clips are simpler to remove than a conventional concrete support. The clips can even be reused if necessary.

[0015] The clamp is preferably made of reinforcing steel. The reinforcing steel has a diameter of between 6 mm and 10 mm, particularly 8 mm, because with such a clamp the retaining legs can still be pressed apart by hand to slide the clamp, with the opening of the retaining legs spread, over the curbstone. This allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the clamp.

[0016] The invention is further solved by an arrangement with such a clamp and an edge stone, wherein the clamp extends with its base below the edge stone and supports the retaining legs of the edge stone on its side surfaces.

[0017] Preferably, at least two clamps are used to stabilize or support each of the edging stones. The distance between the clamp and the end faces of the edging stone is preferably one-quarter of the stone's length, plus or minus 5 cm. This has the advantage that the edging stone is supported evenly and each clamp supports half the stone's weight. Preferably, the distance between the clamps and the end faces of the edging stone is approximately 20 cm to 30 cm when edging stones with a length of 100 cm are laid.

[0018] It is also possible to use only one clamp or more than two clamps per edge stone, with the clamps then preferably arranged at a constant distance along the row of edge stones.

[0019] If the arrangement includes several edging stones in a row and several clamps, the spacing of the clamps is preferably half the edging stone length plus or minus 5 cm if two clamps are used per edging stone.

[0020] The uniform spacing of the clamps ensures consistent stability along the entire edging stone and the entire row of edging stones.

[0021] Material costs are reduced by requiring fewer clamps and concrete surfaces.

[0022] The base of the clamp extends below the edge stone and is longer than the width of the edge stone; that is, the distance between the retaining legs is less than the length of the base. It is particularly preferred if the length of the base is between twice and four times the width of the edge stone, i.e., two to four times the distance between the retaining legs.

[0023] Support arms are attached to the ends of the base, extending conically towards the two side faces of the kerbstone. These support arms terminate in preferably right-angled bent retaining legs that rest against the side faces of the kerbstone. The support arms brace the kerbstone at the base, ensuring lateral support and transferring any tilting moment that may occur to the base within the bedding layer.

[0024] The tilting moments acting on the kerbstone are effectively absorbed and transferred by the clamp's design. When an external force acts on the kerbstone and attempts to tip it over, a tilting moment is generated. This moment is initially absorbed by the clamp's retaining legs, which are firmly pressed against the kerbstone's side surfaces. The retaining legs then transfer the lateral forces to the support arms, which are arranged at an angle to the clamp's base.

[0025] The support arms transfer the absorbed forces to the base of the clamp, thus distributing the tipping moment over a wider area. This arrangement ensures that the forces are transferred along the support arms to the base, further reducing the tipping moment.

[0026] The base of the clamp, which extends beneath the kerbstone and is wider than the kerbstone itself, plays a crucial role in stabilization. Its larger surface area provides strong resistance to the kerbstone tipping. Once the forces are transferred from the support arms to the base, the tipping moment is distributed across the entire surface of the base.

[0027] Since the entire bracket, including the base, is embedded in the bedding layer, this resistance is further increased. The bedding material, such as sand, gravel, or a sand-cement mixture, surrounds the base and acts as an additional support, preventing the kerbstone from tipping.

[0028] The spacing of the clamp's retaining legs is dimensioned to equal or less than the width of the kerbstone. This design ensures that the retaining legs fit snugly against the kerbstone's sides, thus guaranteeing optimal stabilization. This precise spacing allows the retaining legs to effectively absorb any tilting moments acting on the kerbstone and transfer them via the support arms to the clamp's base. Accurately matching the leg spacing to the kerbstone's width is crucial for achieving secure and stable anchoring and reliably preventing the kerbstone from tilting.

[0029] The clamps can be designed to have a spring effect. In this case, the clamp's retaining arms are constructed so that their distance is slightly less than the width of the edging stones. This springy design allows the retaining arms to bend slightly apart when the edging stones are inserted, thus clamping firmly against the stones' sides. This clamping action further stabilizes the edging stone, as the clamp fits snugly and tilting moments are absorbed and dissipated even more effectively. The clamp's spring-like property therefore ensures secure fixation and increases the overall stability of the structure.

[0030] The clamps can be bent from reinforcing steel, a robust material commonly used in construction to reinforce concrete. Bending the steel creates the specific shapes of the clamp, including the base, support arms, and retaining legs. Reinforcing steel is particularly well-suited for this application because it possesses both high strength and a degree of elasticity, which is advantageous for the spring-like design of the clamps. These properties allow the clamps to be stable enough to reliably support the kerbstones, yet flexible enough to easily adapt when the stones are being set. The use of reinforcing steel thus ensures a durable and resilient construction that optimally meets the requirements for stabilizing kerbstones.

[0031] Overall, the clamp acts as a stable unit that securely holds the edging stone in position. Tilting moments are transferred from the clamping legs, via the support arms, to the base, which is firmly anchored in the ground. This significantly reduces the risk of tipping, and the edging stone remains stable and secure in its position.

[0032] The clamps are preferably positioned in the front and rear quarters of the edging stones. The spacing between the clamps is preferably half the length of the edging stone. If the edging stone is 100 cm long, the clamps are placed approximately 50 cm apart along the row of edging stones, with the clamp positioned about 25 cm from the ends of the edging stone. Two clamps are positioned on each edging stone before it is set into the bedding layer. The clamp stabilizes the edging stone by preventing it from tipping over. This significantly reduces the amount of concrete required. It may even be possible to eliminate the need for concrete altogether by setting the edging stones in sand beds reinforced with concrete only at specific points.

[0033] In one embodiment, dry concrete can also be used. Dry concrete is particularly suitable if the arrangement does not need to be vehicular-accessible. Compared to the conventional method, where approximately 30% of the concrete consumption is used solely for supporting the kerbstones, the clamp according to the invention can reduce concrete consumption by approximately 25%. This is achieved by using concrete only below the clamps, with the concrete bed having a depth of, for example, 20 cm.

[0034] Additionally, fixing hooks with a length of, for example, 10 cm and a hook-shaped head with a hook length of, for example, 3 cm, can be pressed into the bedding layer containing the concrete. These hooks grip the base of the clamp from above and further increase stability. The fixing hooks have a length of 8 to 12 cm, particularly 10 cm, and a hook-shaped head with a hook length of 2 to 5 cm, particularly 3 cm.

[0035] The fastening hooks are preferably attached directly next to the sides of the kerbstones. These hooks grip the base of the clamp from above, ensuring that the kerbstone remains firmly in position. The close placement of the hooks on the sides effectively prevents the kerbstone from slipping laterally. This arrangement offers several advantages: Firstly, the position of the hooks reliably prevents the kerbstone from shifting laterally, even when subjected to external forces such as traffic loads or earth pressure. Secondly, this fixing increases the stability of the entire structure, as the hooks act as a mechanical lock, preventing the kerbstone from moving or tilting.

[0036] The clamp according to the invention for stabilizing edging stones offers an efficient and cost-saving method for securely laying edging stones. The symmetrical design of the clamp and the use of fastening hooks achieve high stability while reducing the need for concrete. The fastening hooks provide additional stabilization, particularly when using less or no concrete, which simplifies installation and further increases the strength of the structure. The clamp's versatility is enhanced by the ability to be used both with and without concrete.

[0037] This invention is suitable for both private and commercial applications and contributes to resource conservation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the clamp can be embedded in a concrete support. The clamp is positioned so that its retaining legs rest against the side surfaces of the kerbstone and the support arms extend towards the base. In addition to this clamping action, a concrete support can be cast around the clamp. In this design, the clamp acts as reinforcement for the concrete support. The combination of clamp and concrete support offers several advantages: increased stability, as the clamp provides fundamental stabilization of the kerbstone by effectively absorbing and distributing tilting moments. Improved force distribution: The clamp 111 reinforces the concrete support 101010 as internal reinforcement. This results in a more even distribution of forces, such as compressive or tilting moments, within the concrete. This increases the strength of the support and reduces the risk of cracks or fractures in the concrete. The longevity of the structure is also enhanced.Because the clamp is made of sturdy reinforcing steel, it gives the concrete support additional strength. This results in a longer lifespan for the entire structure, especially in high-traffic areas such as busy roads or sidewalks. Concrete consumption is reduced: thanks to the clamp's reinforcing function, the concrete support can be made slimmer, as the clamp contributes to its strength. This leads to lower concrete consumption and saves material without compromising the structure's stability. Improved anchoring in the ground is achieved. The combination of clamp and concrete ensures that the kerbstone is securely anchored in the ground. The clamp holds the kerbstone firmly in position, while the concrete support provides additional stability and simultaneously protects the clamp from displacement.Overall, using a clamp in combination with a concrete support offers a robust, economical, and durable solution for stabilizing kerbstones. This method improves both the structural integrity of the kerbstone and the efficiency of its installation.

[0039] The disadvantages mentioned at the beginning have been avoided and corresponding advantages have been achieved.

[0040] There are now numerous possibilities for elaborating and further developing the invention. For further advantages and embodiments, reference is made to the claims subordinate to claim 1. A preferred embodiment is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view of an arrangement with an edge stone and a clamp, Fig. 2 in a top view an arrangement with two edge stones and two clamps Fig. 3. The arrangement is shown in a side view. Fig. 2, Fig. 4 in a cross-sectional view of an arrangement with an edge stone and a clamp as well as two fastening hooks, Fig. 5 in a detailed illustration one of the fastening hooks, and Fig. 6 in a side view an arrangement with two edge stones and two clamps as well as several fastening hooks, Fig. 7 in a schematic representation an arrangement not according to the invention without a clamp, but with a concrete support and an edge stone from the prior art, Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement according to the invention with a clamp and a concrete support.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an edge stone 2 and a clamp 1. The clamp 1 serves to stabilize the edge stone 2 and comprises a base 3, which is located below the edge stone 2 or extends below it. Furthermore, the clamp 1 has two support arms 4 that extend conically from the ends of the base 3 and, in the illustrated assembled state, extend towards the side surface of the edge stone 2.

[0042] The clamp 1 further has two retaining legs 5, wherein the support arms 4 terminate in retaining legs 5 arranged at an angle to the support arm 4, wherein the retaining legs 5 abut the side surfaces of the edge stone 1 and thus support the edge stone 2, wherein the distance between the retaining legs 5 is less than the length of the base 3.

[0043] The tilting moments acting on the edge stone 2 are effectively absorbed and transferred by the design of the clamp 1. When an external force acts on the edge stone 2 and attempts to tip it over, a tilting moment is generated. This moment is initially absorbed by the retaining legs 5 of the clamp 1, which are firmly in contact with the side faces of the edge stone 2. The retaining legs 5 then transfer the laterally acting forces to the support arms 4, which are arranged at an angle to the base 3 of the clamp 1.

[0044] The edge stone 2 has a width b_K and a height H_K. Preferably, the clamps with their supporting legs extend up to a height h_support, where h_support <= 0.5 * H_K. By tilting the clamp 1 about the base 3, the effective height h_support can be reduced.

[0045] The length L_basis of the base 3 is greater than the width b_K of the edge stone 2 in order to be able to derive the lateral tilting moments into the base 3 without the edge stone 2 tilting.

[0046] The distance x of the clamp 1 to the end faces of the edge stone 2 is in each case one-quarter of the length of the edge stone plus or minus 5 cm. The distance x of the clamps 1 from the end faces of the edge stone 2 is approximately 20 cm to 30 cm if the length of the edge stone 2 is 100 cm.

[0047] Preferably, an arrangement is constructed with several edge stones 2 and several clamps 1, wherein the distance y of the clamps 1 is each half an edge stone length plus or minus 5 cm.

[0048] Additionally, fastening hooks 6, for example 10 cm long and with a hook-shaped head 7, for example 3 cm long, can be pressed into the bedding layer 8, 9 containing the concrete. These hooks 6 grip the base 3 of the clamp 1 from above and further increase stability.

[0049] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a fastening hook 6 with a head 7. The fastening hook 6 preferably has a length of 8 to 12 cm, in particular 10 cm, and a hook-shaped head 7 with a length of 2 to 5 cm, in particular 3 cm.

[0050] Each clamp 1 is positioned centrally on an edging stone 2 before the edging stone 2 is placed in the bedding layer 8, 9. The clamp 1 stabilizes the edging stone by preventing it from tipping over. This significantly reduces the need for concrete. It may even be possible to eliminate the need for concrete entirely by setting the edging stones in sand beds 8, which are reinforced only at specific points by a bedding layer 9 of concrete.

[0051] The clamps 1 are located completely below the ground cover B. It is clearly visible that in the area of ​​the edging stone no concrete support reaches the ground cover B, thus grass growth is not hindered.

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 shows an arrangement used in the prior art. An edging stone 2 is stabilized by a concrete support 10 to prevent it from tipping over or slipping and to ensure the necessary stability. The edging stone 2 is first placed in a prepared bedding of sand or a sand-cement mixture and aligned vertically. The concrete support 10 is then placed against the back of the edging stone, on the side facing away from the pedestrian or roadway. This concrete support 10 is positioned at an angle so that it rests flat against the edging stone 2 and is simultaneously connected to the soil or a solid subsoil behind it.

[0053] The concrete support 10 typically has a wedge shape, with the wider part of the support extending into the ground and the narrower tip directly abutting the kerbstone 2. This shape ensures that the kerbstone 2 is effectively supported by the concrete support 10, thus preventing it from tipping backward. The inclined arrangement of the concrete support 10 allows not only horizontal forces acting on the kerbstone, but also vertical loads, such as those caused by traffic or earth pressure, to be absorbed and safely transferred into the ground.

[0054] Once the concrete has hardened, the concrete support 10 forms a firm connection with the edging stone 2 and the substrate, ensuring high stability. This method of support ensures that the edging stone 2 remains securely in position even under high loads and is protected against external influences in the long term.

[0055] Fig.Figure 8 now shows an arrangement according to the invention.

[0056] A clamp 1 can be attached directly to the edging stone 2 to provide additional stabilization. The clamp 1 is positioned so that its retaining legs 5 rest against the side surfaces of the edging stone 2 and the support arms 4 extend towards the base 3. In addition to this clamping effect, a concrete support 10 can be cast around the clamp 1. In this configuration, the clamp 1 acts as reinforcement for the concrete support 10.

[0057] The combination of clamp and concrete support offers several advantages: The clamp 1 already provides basic stabilization of the kerbstone 2 by effectively absorbing and distributing the tilting moments. The concrete support 10, which encloses the clamp 1, provides additional support, so that the kerbstone 2 is secured both mechanically by the clamp 1 and by the concrete. The clamp 1 reinforces the concrete column 10 as internal reinforcement. This distributes the forces occurring, such as compressive or overturning moments, more evenly within the concrete. This increases the strength of the concrete column 10 and reduces the risk of cracks or fractures in the concrete. Since the clamp 1 is made of sturdy reinforcing steel, it gives the concrete support 10 additional strength. This results in a longer service life for the entire structure, especially in areas with high loads, such as busy roads or sidewalks.

[0058] Thanks to the reinforcement function of clamp 1, the concrete column 10 can be made slimmer, as clamp 1 contributes to its strengthening. This results in lower concrete consumption and saves material without compromising the stability of the structure.

[0059] The combination of clamp 1 and concrete support 10 ensures that the edging stone 2 is securely anchored in the ground. Clamp 1 holds the edging stone 2 firmly in position, while concrete support 10 provides additional support and simultaneously protects clamp 1 against displacement.

[0060] Overall, the use of a clamp 1 in combination with a concrete support 10 offers a robust, economical and durable solution for stabilizing edging stones 2. This method improves both the structural integrity of the edging stone 2 and the efficiency of its installation. Reference symbol list 1 bracket 2 edge stone 3 Basic 4 support arms 5 retaining legs 6 fastening hooks 7 heads 8. Bedding layer of sand 9. Concrete bedding layer 10 concrete supports B Floor covering

Claims

[1] Clamp (1) for stabilizing edge stones (2), with: o a base (3) which can be arranged or is arranged below the edge stone (2); o two support arms (4) which extend conically from the ends of the base (3) and, in the assembled state, extend towards the side surface of the edge stone (2); o two retaining legs (5), wherein the support arms (4) terminate in retaining legs (5) arranged at an angle to the support arm (4), wherein the retaining legs (5) can be arranged on the side faces of the edge stone (2), wherein the distance between the retaining legs (5) is less than the length of the base (3). [2] Arrangement comprising a clamp according to claim 1 and an edge stone, wherein the clamp (1) extends with its base (3) below the edge stone (2) and the retaining legs (5) support the edge stone (2) on its side surfaces. [3] Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by, that the distance of the clamp (1) to the end faces of the edge stone (2) is in each case one quarter of the length of the edge stone (2) plus or minus 5 cm. [4] Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by , that the distance of the clamps (1) from the end faces of the edge stone (2) is approximately 20 cm to 30 cm. [5] Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 4 with multiple edge stones (2) and multiple clamps (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the distance between the brackets (1) is each half an edge stone length plus or minus 5 cm. [6] Arrangement according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized by , that in a bedding layer (9) in the area of ​​the base (3) of the clamp (1) fastening hooks (6) are arranged, wherein the hooks (6) grip the base (3) and project into the bedding layer (9). [7] Arrangement according to the foregoing claim, characterized by, that the fastening hooks (6) have a length of 8 to 12 cm, in particular 10 cm and a hook-shaped head (7) with a hook length of 2 to 5 cm, in particular 3 cm. [8] Arrangement according to the foregoing claim, characterized by , that the clamp (1) is embedded in a concrete support (10).

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