A formwork brace

Abstract

A formwork brace comprising: a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate. Wherein the base plate comprises a raised or profiled central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate, the raised central portion of the base plate being flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lower lateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use.

Description

A Formwork BraceTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a formwork brace and a method of using the formwork brace to form an edge of a concrete structure.BACKGROUND

[0002] Formwork in construction refers to the surface, supports and framing that is used to temporarily define the shape of concrete until it sets. Conventional formwork for concrete castings generally includes a number of lengths of edging arranged consecutively along a peripheral edge of an area in which uncured concrete is to be poured into. It also includes a number of supports disposed outwardly and arranged to brace or support the edging. Generally, the edging is formed from planks and the supports are erected in situ.

[0003] In the construction industry, it is known that crucial to having a good formwork structure depends primarily on having a brace that is structurally sound and which can be securely and safely installed.

[0004] As temporary structures, formwork may be made using wood, metals, plastics, or other materials, provided that the formwork is strong enough to hold its own weight and that the materials can be tailored to suit any desired shaped and size of a structure.

[0005] One type of formwork construction that is commonly used in the industry, involves building the formwork structure using wooden braces, for example timber materials. This involves driving a timber peg into the ground at a construction site, securing a timber board to the timber peg, whereby the upper edge of the timber board is preferably at a height defining the upper surface of the concrete slab. The timber formwork structure can be pre-made prior to arrival on site, or which can be built onsite.

[0006] Alternatively, formwork can be built from steel, which is an option that is better suited for repetitive construction projects that require heavy duty application or could even be made using a mixture of both wood and steel.

[0007] Regardless of the type of material used in formwork construction, it is important to ensure all members of the formwork brace are not only carefully tightened to ensure no leakage of wet concrete prior to its setting, but also that it may be adjusted to allow for precise measurements.

[0008] However, a problem often associated with conventional formwork construction is the amount of material wasted in assembling these temporary structures. In particular, where formwork is constructed using timber, retrieval and the use of these materials is not environmentally sustainable in the long-term.

[0009] Furthermore, given that much of the installation and quality control processes are labour intensive, it would be advantageous to be able to install formwork quickly without compromising safety standards and without reducing the level of quality, whilstensuring that the formwork structure can withstand extreme and harsh weather conditions, if needed.

[0010] Further to the above, it would also be advantageous to quickly disassemble the formwork once the concrete has set, since significant time is typically required to do so, given this normally involves removing a large number of nails and fastening screws, which is a process that is not only labour intensive but is also economically inefficient.

[0011] In addition, most of the materials from disassembled formwork can no longer be re-used for future construction projects, which is wasteful from a resource points of view.

[0012] The present invention seeks to provide a formwork brace that addresses the above-mentioned issues, such that construction projects can be completed more quickly, efficiently, safely and cost-effectively, whilst protecting our natural and environmental resources, to produce a superior result in bracing slab edge formwork.

[0013] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0014] In an aspect, the invention provides a formwork brace comprising:a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to connected to and extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate. wherein the base plate comprises a raised or profiled central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate , the raised central portion of the base plate being flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lower lateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention provides a formwork brace comprising: a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to connected to and extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate. wherein the face plate comprises a raised central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate , the raised central portion of the face plate being flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lowerlateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use.

[0016] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a formwork brace comprising: a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to connected to and extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate. wherein each of said face plate and base plate further comprises a raised central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate and along a length of the face plate, the raised central portion of the base plate and of the face plate being flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lower lateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use and the feet on the face plate are configured to engage the periphery of the formwork structure.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate and / or the face plate may further comprise at least one strengthening rib within the hollow cavity, the rib extending transversely across a length of the base plate and / or the face plate.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the raised central portion may generally be II- shaped comprising a top wall with opposed downwardly dependent sidewalls, the top wall and the opposed side walls defining said hollow cavity and wherein the feet portions extend along lower parts of the side walls.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the strengthening rib on the base plate and / or on the face plate may extend from an underside of the top wall towards the feet flanking the central portion of the base plate and / or face plate to connect the opposed side walls.

[0020] Preferably, the base plate and / or the face plate may further comprise at least one strengthening gusset to connect an outer surface of any one of the side walls of the central portion with an outer surface of the adjacent feet portion.

[0021] More preferably, the prop may releasably connect the base plate and the face plate using at least one connecting member located at one end of the prop configured to engage and releasably connect with a corresponding receiving member on an interior surface of the face plate and / or the base plate.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the face plate relative to the base plate may be substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the angle of the face plate relative tothe base plate varies within a range of 15°. Most preferably, the angle of the face plate relative to the base plate may range between 75° and 90°.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the face plate and the base plate may comprise a plurality of apertures along a longitudinal length for receiving a fastening member therethrough, to releasably secure the face plate to the outer edge of the formwork structure, and to releasably secure the base plate to the mounting surface.

[0024] More preferably, the plurality of apertures on the face plate and on the base plate may comprise a first set of apertures that line a first peripheral longitudinal edge, a second set of apertures that line a second peripheral longitudinal edge.

[0025] Even more preferably, the plurality of apertures may further comprise a third set of apertures that are centrally positioned along the longitudinal length of the face plate and along the longitudinal length of the base plate, between the first set and the second set of apertures. Preferably, the third set of apertures on the base plate is adapted to receive an anchoring member for releasably securing the base plate to the mounting surface.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the prop is a turnbuckle.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the base plate may further comprise a cradle portion for receiving and supporting one end of the face plate, the face plate being hingedly mounted to the first end of the base plate within the cradle portion.

[0028] Preferably, the cradle portion may have a base and an upwardly extending lateral wall adjacent the central portion of the base plate, to function as a stop member and limit rotation of the face plate relative to the base plate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the face plate and the base plate may each be integrally formed and may each be manufactured using a single sheet of material.

[0030] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a formwork brace comprising installing a formwork brace, the formwork brace having two arms, comprising a face plate that is hingedly mounted to a base plate at one end of the face plate and at one end of the base plate, in a cradle portion of the base plate, pulling an opposing end of the face plate away from the base plate to abut one end of the face plate against a stop member on the cradle portion of the base plate, to bring the one or more formwork braces into an assembled configuration, releasably securing the one or more formwork braces in the assembled configuration by extending a prop at a distance away from the cradle portion of the base plate, to releasably connect the face plate with the base plate using at least one end of the prop by engaging the at least one end of the prop with a receiving member present on an interior surface of the face plate and / or the base plate,wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:Figure 1 is a front left perspective view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 is a front right perspective view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 3 is a front view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 4 is a rear view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 5 is a left side view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 6 is a right side view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 7 is a top view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 8 is a bottom view of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the right side of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the left side of the formwork brace, according to one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Figures 1 to 10 illustrates one embodiment of the formwork brace (100). Specifically, Figures 1 to 10 illustrate one embodiment of the formwork brace (100) in its assembled, in-use configuration.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the formwork brace (100) may comprise three interconnecting members, a base plate (200) adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate (300) hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate (200), and a prop (400) configured to be releasably connected to and extend between, the base plate (200) and the face plate (300), wherein the prop (400) is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 9-10).

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate (200) may have an interior side and an exterior side, wherein the exterior side of the base plate (200) is adapted to make direct contact with the mounting surface on which the formwork brace (100) is placed,and the interior side of the base plate (200) is an opposing side of the exterior side, facing away from the mounting surface.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the face plate (300) may have an interior side and an exterior side, wherein the exterior side of the face plate (300) is adapted to make direct contact with an outer edge of a formwork structure, when the formwork brace (100) is in its fully assembled configuration. The interior side of the face plate (300) is an opposing side of the exterior side, facing away from the outer edge of formwork structure.

[0036] The mounting surface may be any hard ground surface on which the base plate (200) of the formwork brace (100) may be releasably anchored to, not limited to a rock or concrete surface, provided that the ground surface does not contain loose debris which may destabilise the formwork brace when the formwork brace is assembled and in-use.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the formwork structure in one embodiment may define an area configured to receive a volume of uncured concrete therein. However, there may also be other uses of the formwork structure, such as supporting other mediums for example, plaster or drywall.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate (200) may comprise a non-planar cross-sectional profile to enhance its structural strength. Preferably, the base plate(200) may have a raised or profiled central portion (210) defining a hollow cavity (220), the hollow cavity (220) of which may extend longitudinally along a length of the base plate (200) (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 10).

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the raised central portion (210) of the base plate (200) being flanked by relatively lower feet portions (230) along lateral sides of the central portion, the feet portions (230) extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein the feet (230) on the base plate (200) are configured to engage the mounting surface during use, to provide stability to the base plate (200) as it is positioned and / or releasably secured to the mounting surface (Figures 1-3, 5-10). Preferably, the raised central portion (210) may generally be located in space to define a hollow cavity (220) on the base plate (200).

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the raised central portion (310) of the face plate (300) being flanked by relatively lower feet portions (320) along lateral sides of the central portion (310), the feet portions (320) extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein the feet (320) on the face plate (300) are configured to engage the outer edge of the formwork structure during use (Figures 1-5, 9-10). Preferably, the raised central portion (310) may generally be located in space to define a hollow cavity (330) on the face plate (300).

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, each of the face plate (300) and the base plate (200) may further comprise a raised or profiled central portion defining a hollow cavity (220, 330) and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate (200) and along a length of the face plate (300) (Figures 4, 8-10), the raised central portion (210,310) of the base plate (200) and of the face plate (300) may be flanked by relatively lower feet portions (230, 320) along lateral sides of the central portion (210, 310), the feet portions (230, 320) extending in mutually opposing directions (Figures 1-10), wherein the feet (230) on the base plate (200) are configured to engage the mounting surface during use, and the feet (320) on the face plate (300) are configured to engage the outer edge of a formwork structure, and wherein the raised central portions (210, 310) are generally located in space, to define a hollow cavity (220, 330) on the face plate (300) and on the base plate (200).

[0042] Presence of a hollow cavity (220, 330) on the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200) (Figures 4, 8-10), formed by having a raised central portion (210, 310), is particularly advantageous in that it not only reduces the overall weight of the formwork brace (100), but it also permits the use of further strengthening ribs (240, 340) to enhance tensile strength of the formwork brace (100) (Figures 4, 8-10), such that it can support larger formwork structures.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate (200) and / or the face plate (300) may further comprise at least one strengthening rib (240, 340) within the hollow cavity (220, 330) of the raised central portion (210, 310), the strengthening rib (240, 340) extending transversely across a length of the base plate (200) and / or the face plate (300) (Figures 4, 8-10).

[0044] Preferably, the raised central portion (210, 310) on the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200), is generally U-shaped comprising a top wall with opposed downwardly dependent sidewalls (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 9-10), the top wall and theopposed side walls defining said hollow cavity (220, 330) and wherein the feet portions (230, 320) extend along lower parts of the side walls (Figures 1-10).

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the strengthening rib (240, 340) on the base plate (200) and / or on the face plate (300) extends from an underside of the top wall of the hollow cavity (220, 330), towards the feet (230, 320) flanking the central portion (210, 310) of the base plate (200) and / or face plate (300) to connect the opposed side walls (Figures 4, 8-10). Preferably, there may a plurality of strengthening ribs (240, 340) present along the longitudinal length of the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200), extending from an underside of the top wall of the hollow cavity (220, 330), towards the feet (230, 320) flanking the central portion (210, 310) of the base plate (200) and / or face plate (300) (Figures 4, 8-10).

[0046] To further enhance tensile strength of the formwork brace (100), in a preferred embodiment, the base plate (200) and / or the face plate (300) may further comprise at least one strengthening gusset (350) to connect an outer surface of any one of the side walls of the central portion (210, 310) with an outer surface of the adjacent feet portion (230, 320) (Figures 1-3, 5-6, 9). Preferably, there may be a plurality of strengthening gussets (350) present along the longitudinal length of the face plate (300) and / or base plate (200), connecting an outer surface of the side walls of the central portion (210, 310) with an outer surface of the adjacently positioned feet portions (230, 320) (Figures 1-3, 5-6, 9).

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the prop (400) may releasably connect the base plate (200) with the face plate (300) using at least one connecting member (410)located at one end of the prop (400) (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 9-10). The connecting member (410) at the end(s) of the prop (400) may be configured to engage and releasably connect with a corresponding receiving member (250, 360) on an interior side of the face plate (300) and / or on the base plate (200) (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 10). It should be understood that the connecting member (410) at the end(s) of the prop (400) may be in any suitable configuration, provided that the end(s) can releasably engage with a surface of the base plate (200) and / or the face plate (300) to releasably connect the base plate (200) with the face plate (300).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) may be substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) may vary within a range of 15°. More preferably, the angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) may range between 75° and 90°.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the face plate (300) and the base plate (200) may comprise a plurality of apertures (260, 370) along a longitudinal length for receiving a fastening member (not shown) therethrough (Figures 1-10), to releasably secure the face plate (300) to the outer edge of the formwork structure, and to releasably secure the base plate (200) to the mounting surface.

[0050] Preferably, the base plate (200) may have a first set of apertures (260) that line a first peripheral longitudinal edge and a second set of apertures (260) that line a second peripheral longitudinal edge (Figures 1-3, 7-10). Preferably, the base plate (200) may further have a third set of apertures (270) that are present centrally alongthe longitudinal length of the base plate (200) between the first set of apertures (260) and the second set of apertures (260) (Figures 1-3, 5-10). The first, second and third sets of apertures (260, 270) may each be adapted to receive a fastening member therethrough. More preferably, the third set of centrally positioned apertures (270) on the base plate (200) may be adapted to receive an anchoring member (not shown), for releasably securing the base plate (200) to the mounting surface. The first and the second sets of apertures (260) preferably assist the function of the third set of apertures (270), by reinforcing the anchoring of the base plate (200) to the mounting surface when the anchoring member (not shown) is received by the third set of centrally positioned apertures (270). The third set of centrally positioned apertures (270) may be larger in size in comparison to the first and second sets of apertures (260) (Figures 1-3, 5-10), which may also assist with reducing the overall weight of the base plate (200) and therefore reducing the overall weight of the formwork brace (100).

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring member (not shown) and / or the fastening members (not shown) may be any one of, but is not limited to, a star picket, waratahs, hex head screws and anchor or dyna bolts.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the face plate (300) may also comprise a first set of apertures (370) that line a first peripheral longitudinal edge and a second set of apertures (370) that line a second peripheral longitudinal edge (Figures 1-4, 9-10). Preferably, the face plate may further have a third set of apertures (380) that are present centrally along the longitudinal length of the face plate (300) between the first set of apertures (370) and the second set of apertures (370) (Figures 1 , 4, 9). The first, second and third sets of apertures (370, 380) may each be adapted to receive afastening member (not shown) therethrough to releasably secure the face plate (300) to the outer edge of a formwork structure. Alternatively, the third set of centrally positioned apertures (380) on the face plate (300) may not have the function of receive a fastening member therethrough, unlike for the first and second sets of apertures (370). Instead, the third set of apertures (380) may be present to reduce the overall weight of the face plate (300), and therefore reduce the overall weight of the formwork brace (100) (Figures 1 , 4, 9). Most preferably, the presence of at least two apertures on the third centrally positioned set of apertures (380), may also result in the formation of at least one strengthening rib (340) positioned transversely to the longitudinal length of the face plate (300) on the top wall of the hollow cavity (330), which may assist with enhancing the strength of the face plate (300).

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the prop (400) may have a connecting member (410) at both ends of the prop (400) (Figures 1-3, 5-6). In other words, in some embodiments, the prop (400) may be a component of the formwork brace (100) that is separate from the interconnected face plate (300) and base plate (200) components. Most preferably, the prop (400) may be a turnbuckle or any other device that is high tensile strength and which permits extension or retraction to the length of the prop (400), so that the prop (400) can vary the angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 9-10). Even more preferably, the prop (400) may be a galvanised turnbuckle.

[0054] In some embodiments, the prop (400) may be stored in the hollow cavity (220, 330) on either or both of the face plate (300) and the base plate (200) of the formwork brace (100), when the prop (400) is not in use (not shown). In such embodiments, thehollow cavity (220, 330) on either or both of the face plate (300) and the base plate (200), may be of similar or greater length than the longitudinal length of the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200).

[0055] In another embodiment, whereby the prop (400) may be hingedly connected at one end to the face plate (300) or to the base plate (200), a user can lift the opposing free end of the prop (400) to position it to engage with a corresponding receiving member (250, 360) on an interior surface of the face plate (300) or the base plate (200) to releasably connect the face plate (300) with the base plate (200) using the prop (400). A fastening means may then be used to releasably secure the connection between the connecting member (410) at one end of the prop (400) and that of the corresponding receiving member (250, 360).

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one peripheral end, preferably both, peripheral ends of the prop (400) have arms (420) that diverge from the central body (430) of the prop (400) (Figures 1-3, 5-7). In turn, the diverging arms (420) may each have at its distal ends an aperture, the aperture of which may serve as a connecting member. Positioning the diverging arms (420) on either side of a receiving member (250, 360) present on the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200), enables the prop (400) to be releasably connected to the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200) (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 9-10). Specifically, the receiving member (250, 360) may also comprise an aperture which aligns with the aperture on the distal ends of the prop (400), when the diverging arms (420) of the prop (400) are positioned adjacently to the receiving member (250, 360). Once the aperture of the receiving member (250, 360) aligns with the aperture of the distal ends of the diverging arms(420) of the prop (400), a fastening member may be passed therethrough. The fastening member may be any type of fastener bolt and nut to releasably connect the prop to the face plate and / or the base plate.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment, the central body (430) of the prop (400) may further function as a handle to allow a user to easily transport or lift the formwork brace (100) when the formwork brace (100) is in its assembled or unassembled configuration. In some embodiments, the central body (430) of the prop (400) may be at least partially covered along its length using frictional material, such as rubber to provide some enhanced grip when the handle is being used (Figures 1-3, 5-7, 9-10).

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate (200) may further comprise a cradle portion (280) for receiving and supporting one end of the face plate (300) (Figures 1- 2, 5-6, 8-10). The face plate (300) may be hingedly mounted at one end of the base plate (200) within the cradle portion (280). Preferably, the cradle portion (280) has a base and an upwardly extending lateral wall adjacent the central portion (210) of the base plate (200), to function as a stop member and limit rotation of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200). In other words, the cradle portion (280) may permit rotation of one end of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) up until a portion of the face plate (300) abuts the stop member of the cradle portion (280). In one embodiment, the face plate (300) may rotate 270° about the hinged connection at one end of the face plate (300) and base plate (200). When in the fully assembled configuration whereby an end portion of the face plate (300) abuts the stop member of the cradle portion (280) on the base plate (200), the face plate (300) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (200). As the prop (400) undergoesextension, this may result in the angle of the face plate (300) moving away from the base plate (200), such that the angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200) may be obtuse.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the formwork brace (100) may have properties that provide resistance to environmental damage. For example, the formwork brace (100) may be manufactured by materials, or at least be coated with materials, that provide resistance to UV damage, resistance to rust amongst others, to provide longevity to the formwork brace (100).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the face plate (300) and the base plate (200) of the formwork brace (100) may each be manufactured using a single sheet of material. Preferably, the face plate (300) and the base plate (200) are each integrally formed.

[0061] More preferably, the formwork brace (100) may be manufactured using any material that exhibits high tensile strength. For example, the formwork brace (100) may be manufactured using any metals, polymers or composites thereof, provided that the material can be used to stably brace a formwork structure for an extended period of time.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the formwork brace (100) may be used to stably support formwork structure of up to 600 mm thick.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the formwork brace (100) may be of any suitable height to support the outer edge of a formwork structure,wherein the height is defined by the longitudinal length of the face plate (300).Preferably, the formwork brace (100) may be of a height between 200-500mm.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the formwork brace (100) may be assembled by a method comprising positioning one or more formwork braces (100) around an outer edge of a formwork structure, the formwork structure defining an area configured to receive a volume of uncured concrete therein, the one or more formwork braces (100) having two arms, comprising a face plate (300) adapted to abut an outer edge of the formwork structure, and a base plate (200) adapted to be releasably anchored to a mounting surface, the face plate (300) being hingedly mounted to the base plate (200) at one end in a cradle portion (280) of the base plate (200), installing the one or more formwork braces (100) by pulling an opposing end of the face plate (300) away from the base plate (200) to abut one end of the face plate (300) against a stop member on the cradle portion (280) of the base plate (200), to bring the one or more formwork braces (100) into an assembled configuration, releasably securing the one or more formwork braces (100) in the assembled configuration by positioning a prop (400) at a distance away from the cradle portion (280) of the base plate (200), releasably connecting the face plate (300) with the base plate (200) using at least one end of the prop (400) by engaging the at least one end of the prop (400) with a receiving member (250, 360) present on an interior surface of the face plate (300) and / or the base plate (200), wherein the prop (400) is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate (300) relative to the base plate (200).

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the formwork brace (100) may be disassembled by removing the prop (400) that releasably connects the face plate (300) with the base plate (200), bringing the exterior side of the face plate (300), which is adapted to engage with the outer edges of the formwork structure, towards the exterior side of the base plate (200), which is adapted to engage with the mounting surface. Given the free rotation of the face plate (300) in the direction away from the stop member of the cradle portion (280) of the base plate (200), the exterior side of the face plate (300) can be brought to abut the exterior side of the base plate (200), which compacts the formwork brace (100) for storage or transport. In some embodiments, there may also be a fastening means (not shown) that assists with maintaining the formwork brace (100) in its disassembled or storage form, so that when the formwork brace (100) is lifted from its storage configuration, the face plate (300) does not inadvertently swing away from the base plate (200).

[0066] The present invention is applicable to a range of industries, including for civil, commercial, residential and industrial construction.

[0067] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0068] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0069] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A formwork brace comprising: a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to connected to and extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate. wherein the base plate comprises a raised or profiled central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate , the raised central portion of the base plate being flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lower lateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use.

2. A formwork brace comprising: a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to connected to and extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate.wherein the face plate comprises a raised or profiled central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate , the raised central portion of the face plate being flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lower lateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use.

3. A formwork brace comprising: a base plate adapted to be releasably secured to a mounting surface, a face plate adapted to be releasably secured to a periphery of a formwork structure, the face plate being hingedly mounted at one end to a first end of the base plate, and a prop configured to connected to and extend between the base plate and the face plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate. wherein each of said face plate and base plate further comprises a raised central portion defining a hollow cavity and extending longitudinally along a length of the base plate and along a length of the face plate, the raised central portion of the base plate and of the face plate may be flanked on either side by a feet portion extending from a lower lateral side of the raised central portion, the feet portions extending in mutually opposing directions, wherein each of the feet on the base plate are configured to engage the mounting surface during use and the feet on the face plate are configured to engage the periphery of the formwork structure.

4. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the base plate and / or the face plate further comprises at least one strengthening rib within the hollow cavity, the rib extending transversely across a length of the base plate and / or the face plate.

5. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the raised central portion is generally U-shaped comprising a top wall with opposed downwardly dependent sidewalls, the top wall and the opposed side walls defining said hollow cavity and wherein the feet portions extend along lower parts of the side walls.

6. The formwork brace in accordance with claim 4, wherein the strengthening rib on the base plate and / or on the face plate extends from an underside of the top wall towards the feet flanking the central portion of the base plate and / or face plate to connect the opposed side walls.

7. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the base plate and / or the face plate further comprises at least one strengthening gusset to connect an outer surface of any one of the side walls of the central portion with an outer surface of the adjacent feet portion.

8. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the prop releasably connects the base plate and the face plate using at least one connecting member located at one end of the prop configured to engage and releasably connect with a corresponding receiving member on an interior surface of the face plate and / or the base plate.

9. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the angle of the face plate relative to the base plate is substantially perpendicular.

10. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3 or 9, wherein the angle of the face plate relative to the base plate varies within a range of 15°.

11. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3 or 9-10, wherein the angle of the face plate relative to the base plate ranges between 75° and 90°.

12. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6-11 , wherein the face plate and the base plate comprises a plurality of apertures along a longitudinal length for receiving a fastening member therethrough, to releasably secure the face plate to the outer edge of the formwork structure, and to releasably secure the base plate to the mounting surface.

13. The formwork brace according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of apertures on the face plate and on the base plate comprises a first set of apertures that line a first peripheral longitudinal edge, a second set of apertures that line a second peripheral longitudinal edge.

14. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the plurality of apertures further comprises a third set of apertures that are centrallypositioned along the longitudinal length of the face plate and along the longitudinal length of the base plate, between the first set and the second set of apertures.

15. The formwork brace according to claim 14, wherein the third set of apertures on the base plate is adapted to receive an anchoring member for releasably securing the base plate to the mounting surface.

16. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-3 or 8, wherein the prop is a turnbuckle.

17. The formwork brace according to any of claims 1-4 or 6-14, wherein the base plate further comprises a cradle portion for receiving and supporting one end of the face plate, the face plate being hingedly mounted to the first end of the base plate within the cradle portion.

18. The formwork brace according to claim 17, wherein the cradle portion has a base and an upwardly extending lateral wall adjacent the central portion of the base plate, to function as a stop member and limit rotation of the face plate relative to the base plate.

19. The formwork brace according to any one of claims 1-4, 6-14 or 17-18, wherein the face plate and the base plate are each integrally formed and are each manufactured using a single sheet of material.

20. A method of assembling a formwork brace comprising installing a formwork brace, the formwork brace having two arms, comprising a face plate that is hingedly mounted to a base plate at one end of the face plate and at one end of the base plate, in a cradle portion of the base plate; pulling an opposing end of the face plate away from the base plate to abut one end of the face plate against a stop member on the cradle portion of the base plate, to bring the one or more formwork braces into an assembled configuration, releasably securing the one or more formwork braces in the assembled configuration by extending a prop at a distance away from the cradle portion of the base plate, to releasably connect the face plate with the base plate using at least one end of the prop, by engaging the at least one end of the prop with a receiving member present on an interior surface of the face plate and / or the base plate, wherein the prop is adjustable to vary an angle of the face plate relative to the base plate.

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