Apparatus for Forming Concrete and Transferring Loads Between Concrete Slabs

Abstract

An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a plate defining a hexagon having a base parallel with joint between concrete slabs. Another embodiment includes a hexagon-shaped plate having a first portion and a second portion, and a form having a slot configured to closely receive the second portion.

1 . Apparatus for forming concrete comprising: 
 a plate having a first portion and a second portion; and    a form having a slot configured to closely receive said second portion;    wherein said plate defines a hexagon having a base parallel to said form.    
   
   
       2 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said form is constructed of oriented strand board, dimensional lumber, particle board, metal, plastic, cardboard, fiber board, polyurethane foam, Styrofoam® or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said form has a back surface, a top surface and a chamfer interposed therebetween defining an angle relative to said top surface ranging from 10° to 89°.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said form has a width ranging from 0.125 to 3.000 inches.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said form has a top surface width ranging from 0.125 to 0.875 inch.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said slot defines one or more annular surfaces having central axes perpendicular to a direction in which said slot receives said second portion.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said form has a side surface and a back surface with which said annular surfaces define proximal intersections and distal intersections configured to contact corresponding proximal portions and distal portions of said plate.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a release layer on said form.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said release layer is constructed of phenolic paper, kraft paper, acrylic, latex, melamine, Formica®, foil, oil, high density overlay, metal or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said base has a side defining an angle therewith greater than or equal to 100°.  
   
   
       11 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plate is constructed to maximize material proximate to the joint.  
   
   
       12 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plate has a thickness such that said plate yields at an amount that would be likely to cause failure in either of the first concrete slab or the second concrete slab.  
   
   
       13 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an elastomer coating disposed on said first portion; 
 whereby: 
 when disposed in joint defined by a first concrete slab and a second concrete slab, the first concrete slab contacts only said coating and the second concrete slab adheres only to said second portion; and  
 the first concrete slab may move relative to said plate.  
   
   
   
       14 . Apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said elastomer coating has a thickness ranging from 0.001 to 0.125 inches.  
   
   
       15 . Apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said elastomer coating slides relative to said plate, said coating slides relative to the first concrete slab or combinations thereof.