Frangible concrete insert clip

Abstract

A frangible clip and method for embedding a concrete insert into a concrete structure. The clip may include at least one frangible member which shears from a base member when a sufficient shearing force is applied. The clip may be formed of plastic as an integrally formed, single unit.

1 . A clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form, comprising: 
 (a) a base member, the base member sized and shaped to receive at least one concrete insert;    (b) at least one frangible member extending from the base member;    (c) wherein the base member and the at least one frangible member are integrally formed;    (d) wherein applying a shearing force to at least one of the base member and the at least one frangible member separates the frangible member from the base member; and    (e) wherein the clip is plastic.    
   
   
       2 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 1 , further comprising a second frangible member extending from the base member; wherein the base member and the second frangible member are integrally formed; and wherein applying a shearing force to at least one of the base member and the second frangible member separates the second frangible member from the base member.  
   
   
       3 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 2 , wherein the base member comprises a recessed portion, the recessed portion sized and shaped to receive the at least one concrete insert.  
   
   
       4 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 3 , wherein the base member further comprises flange portions disposed on sides of the recessed portion; wherein the frangible members extend from the flange portions.  
   
   
       5 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 4 , wherein proximal ends of the frangible members are approximately co-planar with a mouth of the recessed portion.  
   
   
       6 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 3 , wherein the recessed portion is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a continuous concrete insert.  
   
   
       7 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 3 , wherein the recessed portion is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a spot concrete insert.  
   
   
       8 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one frangible member is hollow.  
   
   
       9 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one frangible member comprises walls that are thinner than the base member.  
   
   
       10 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one frangible member includes a tapered tip at a distal end.  
   
   
       11 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the clip is polystyrene.  
   
   
       12 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 11 , wherein the clip is injection molded polystyrene.  
   
   
       13 . The clip for temporarily securing a concrete insert to a concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the at least one frangible member comprises a line of weakness.  
   
   
       14 . A method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure, comprising: 
 (a) assembling at least a portion of a concrete form;    (b) securing a concrete insert to the concrete form using a clip, the clip comprising: 
 (i) a base member, the base member sized and shaped to receive at least one concrete insert;  
 (ii) at least one frangible member extending from the base member;  
 (iii) wherein the base member and the at least one frangible member are integrally formed;  
 (iv) wherein applying a shearing force to at least one of the base member and the at least one frangible member separates the frangible member from the base member; and  
 (v) wherein the clip is plastic;  
   (c) introducing concrete into the concrete form;    (d) allowing the concrete to cure; and    (e) removing at least a portion of the concrete form such that the at least one frangible member of the clip shears from the base member of the clip.    
   
   
       15 . The method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure of  claim 14 , wherein securing the concrete insert to the concrete form using the clip comprises inserting the at least one frangible member into the concrete form.  
   
   
       16 . The method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure of  claim 15 , wherein inserting the at least one frangible member into the concrete form comprises inserting the at least one frangible member into a pre-formed hole in the concrete form.  
   
   
       17 . The method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure of  claim 15 , wherein inserting the at least one frangible member into the concrete form comprises pressing the at least one frangible member into the concrete form.  
   
   
       18 . The method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure of  claim 14 , wherein securing the concrete insert to the concrete form using the clip comprises securing the concrete insert to the concrete form using a plurality of clips.  
   
   
       19 . The method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure of  claim 14 , further comprising filling at least a portion of a void in the concrete insert with a filler.  
   
   
       20 . The method for locating a concrete insert in a concrete structure of  claim 14 , further comprising securing at least one cap on at least one end of the concrete insert.