Concrete form for pouring polygonal columns

Abstract

A concrete form for pouring a polygonal column includes a plurality N of plate members arranged to form a polygonal tube having N sides, where N is an integer greater than or equal to three. The form further comprises a reinforcing framework including a plurality of ring assemblies longitudinally spaced along the tube and interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal members. Each ring assembly extends circumferentially about the tube and comprises N ring segments each having an inner surface bearing against an outer surface of a respective one of the plate members, and an outer surface formed as a circular arc. The outer surfaces of the N ring segments collectively form a substantially circular outer surface. The form also includes a plurality of clamps respectively encircling the circular outer surfaces of the ring assemblies and being releasably tightened thereabout.

1 . A concrete form for pouring a square or rectangular column, comprising:
 first, second, third, and fourth plate members arranged to form a square or rectangular tube; and   a reinforcing framework including a plurality of ring assemblies longitudinally spaced along the tube and interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal members, wherein each ring assembly extends circumferentially about the tube and comprises four ring segments each having an inner surface bearing against an outer surface of a respective one of the plate members, and an outer surface formed as a circular arc, the outer surfaces of the four ring segments collectively forming a substantially circular outer surface, and further comprising a plurality of clamps respectively encircling the circular outer surfaces of the ring assemblies and being releasably tightened thereabout.   
   
   
       2 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of each ring segment is substantially planar and includes at least one notch therein for accommodating one of the longitudinal members such that an inner surface of the longitudinal member is substantially flush with the inner surface of the ring segment. 
   
   
       3 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of each ring segment is substantially planar and includes a plurality of spaced notches therein for respectively accommodating a plurality of the longitudinal members in the notches such that an inner surface of each longitudinal member is substantially flush with the inner surface of the ring segment. 
   
   
       4 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the first plate member and a first plurality of the ring segments and longitudinal members are secured together forming a first unit, the second plate member and a second plurality of the ring segments and longitudinal members are secured together forming a second unit, the third plate member and a third plurality of the ring segments and longitudinal members are secured together forming a third unit, and the fourth plate member and a fourth plurality of the ring segments and longitudinal members are secured together forming a fourth unit, wherein the first through fourth units are configured to releasably mate with one another at respective side edges of the units such that the tube is formed and such that the ring segments of each unit are aligned with the ring segments of the other units. 
   
   
       5 . The concrete form of  claim 4 , wherein one side edge of each unit defines a rabbet that receives a side edge of an adjacent one of the units so as to form a rabbet joint therebetween. 
   
   
       6 . The concrete form of  claim 4 , wherein each clamp comprises a band clamp. 
   
   
       7 . The concrete form of  claim 6 , wherein each band clamp includes a least one metal band and at least one latch. 
   
   
       8 . The concrete form of  claim 6 , wherein each band clamp includes separate first and second metal bands and first and second latches, the first latch comprising a first latch actuator affixed to one end of the first metal band and a first latch member affixed to one end of the second metal band, the second latch comprising a second latch actuator affixed to the opposite end of the second metal band and a second latch member affixed to the opposite end of the first metal band, the metal bands being configured to extend about one of the ring assemblies and to be secured thereabout by engaging the first latch actuator with the first latch member and the second latch actuator with the second latch member. 
   
   
       9 . The concrete form of  claim 8 , wherein the latches comprise over-center latches, each latch actuator comprising a base having a latch handle connected thereto so as to pivot about a first pivot axis, and a latch bail having one end connected to the latch handle so as to pivot relative to the latch handle about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, an opposite end of the latch bail being engageable with the latch member. 
   
   
       10 . A concrete form for pouring a polygonal column, comprising:
 a plurality N of plate members arranged to form a polygonal tube having N sides; and   a reinforcing framework including a plurality of ring assemblies longitudinally spaced along the tube and interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal members, wherein each ring assembly extends circumferentially about the tube and comprises N ring segments each having an inner surface bearing against an outer surface of a respective one of the plate members, and an outer surface formed as a circular arc, the outer surfaces of the N ring segments collectively forming a substantially circular outer surface, and further comprising a plurality of clamps respectively encircling the circular outer surfaces of the ring assemblies and being releasably tightened thereabout.   
   
   
       11 . The concrete form of  claim 10 , wherein the inner surface of each ring segment is substantially planar and includes at least one notch therein for accommodating one of the longitudinal members such that an inner surface of the longitudinal member is substantially flush with the inner surface of the ring segment. 
   
   
       12 . The concrete form of  claim 10 , wherein the inner surface of each ring segment is substantially planar and includes a plurality of spaced notches therein for respectively accommodating a plurality of the longitudinal members in the notches such that an inner surface of each longitudinal member is substantially flush with the inner surface of the ring segment. 
   
   
       13 . The concrete form of  claim 10 , wherein each clamp comprises a band clamp. 
   
   
       14 . The concrete form of  claim 13 , wherein each band clamp includes a least one metal band and at least one latch. 
   
   
       15 . The concrete form of  claim 13 , wherein each band clamp includes separate first and second metal bands and first and second latches, the first latch comprising a first latch actuator affixed to one end of the first metal band and a first latch member affixed to one end of the second metal band, the second latch comprising a second latch actuator affixed to the opposite end of the second metal band and a second latch member affixed to the opposite end of the first metal band, the metal bands being configured to extend about one of the ring assemblies and to be secured thereabout by engaging the first latch actuator with the first latch member and the second latch actuator with the second latch member. 
   
   
       16 . The concrete form of  claim 15 , wherein the latches comprise over-center latches, each latch actuator comprising a base having a latch handle connected thereto so as to pivot about a first pivot axis, and a latch bail having one end connected to the latch handle so as to pivot relative to the latch handle about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, an opposite end of the latch bail being engageable with the latch member. 
   
   
       17 . The concrete form of  claim 10 , wherein the plate members, ring segments, and longitudinal members are non-metallic.