2X4 COUPLING PLATE

Abstract

The 2×4 Coupling Plate allows two boards to be reversibly coupled so that the lengths of the two boards may be added together. The coupling plates allows both boards to be separated without damaging them. This device allows a concrete fabricator to assembly two 2×4 boards together and hold them together to form a structure to contain liquid concrete. Once the concrete is set, the installer removes the two boards from the coupling plate so that the boards can be used on another concrete form.

Claims

1. A concrete form plate, or bracket, comprising: a plate having a substantially channel-shaped body dimensioned to slidably receive two lumber boards when in use to form a concrete form, wherein the channel-shaped body comprises a flat plate, two sidewalls, and two rims; wherein each of the two sidewalls connects a length of the flat plate to one of the two rims; wherein each of the two rims includes one or more holes, and wherein each of the one or more holes is formed to receive a nail, or other securing means, when in use to form a concrete form.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the lumber boards are 2×4s.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the lumber boards are 1×4s.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel-shaped body is composed of 26 gauge steel.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel-shaped body is at least 16 inches in length.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the channel-shaped body is less than 20 inches in length.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the channel-shaped body has a width of 3 and ⅝ inches.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein each of the two sidewalls has a width of ⅞ inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

[0008] FIGS. 1 through 8 depict the 2×4 Coupling Plate. In the Figures:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an angled bottom and side view of the 2×4 Coupling Plate in a vertical position.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the device in a vertical position.

[0011] A bottom view of the device in a vertical position is shown in FIG. 3.

[0012] An end view of the 2×4 Coupling Plate is shown in FIG. 4.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the device in a vertical position, while FIG. 6 depicts a right side view of the device in a vertical position.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded outside view of the device with two 2×4s and eight nails in a vertical position.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the device with two 2×4s and eight nails in a vertical position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, several embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments so illustrated. Further, to the extent that any numerical values or other specifics of materials, etc., are provided herein, they are to be construed as exemplifications of the inventions herein, and the inventions are not to be considered as limited thereto.

[0017] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one, or an embodiment in the present disclosure, can be, but not necessarily, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0018] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment’ or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments, but not other embodiments.

[0019] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same term can be said in more than one way.

[0020] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, or is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0022] The 2×4 Coupling Plate is a device that allows two boards to be reversibly coupled to each other at their lengths. The 2×4 Coupling Plate may be used in making concrete forms for houses wherein two boards are positioned within a single 2×4 Coupling Plate, and multiples boards are connected via multiple 2×4 Coupling Plates. The device allows the user to create a concrete foundation form that is square, level, straight, and braced quickly and efficiently. The wood used in creating the form may be reused and the 2×4 Coupling Plates may be reused at the next job, reducing waste and costs.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an angled bottom and side view of the 2×4 Coupling Plate in a vertical position. The 2×4 Coupling Plate may be formed of steel, aluminum, hard plastic or any other material that will allow it to have sufficient strength to brace two boards of lumber in a straight orientation without warping or bending. Concrete panel 2 is positioned toward the inside of the concrete form where liquid concrete is added. Sidewall 4 may join along the length of concrete panel 2 forming a shape that will accept a 2×4, or other board of lumber. Cavity rims 10 and 12 are each formed along a sidewall 4 forming a rim to secure a 2×4, or other board, inside cavity formed by inside face 2 and two sidewalls 4.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a rotated view of FIG. 1 showing the cavity of the 2×4 Coupling Plate. A 2×4, or other board of lumber, is positioned along the length of 2×4 panel 32. 2×4 panel 32 and both interior sidewalls 30 may be 1 and ⅝″ width, or any sufficient width to secure a 2×4 within the cavity formed by them. Instead, interior sidewalls 30 may be ⅞″ in width to secure a 1×4 board of lumber. Exterior rims 14 are on the outer perimeter of the concrete form allowing a user to install nails and/or screws into holes 20 to secure the ends of 2×4s within the 2×4 Coupling Plate. Exterior rims 14 may be ¼″ in width, or any suitable width to allow a user to quickly and easily position lumber within the 2×4 Coupling Plate. Holes 20 may be ⅛″ in diameter, or any other suitable diameter or shape to accept means to secure a 2×4 within 2×4 Coupling Plate so that the 2×4 is square, straight, and level with respect to the concrete form.

[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the 2×4 Coupling Plate. Concrete panel 2 is positioned so that it makes contact with the liquid concrete poured into the concrete form. Edges 40 are angled to allow a 2×4 to be tightly secured within the 2×4 Coupling Plate. Concrete panel 2 may be 16 to 20 inches in length and 3 and ⅝ inches wide. The 2×4 Coupling Plate may be formed of 26 to 28 gauge metal.

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts an end view of the device herein. A concrete form, or other lumber joining application, utilizing 2×4s would have the following dimensions: concrete panel 2 and 2×4 panel 32 3 and ⅝ inches, sidewall 4 and interior sidewalls 30 1 and ⅝ inches, and exterior rims 14 ¼ inch. A concrete form, or other lumber application, utilizing 1×4s would have the following dimensions: concrete panel 2 and 2×4 panel 32 3 and ⅝ inches in width, sidewall 4 and interior sidewalls 30 ⅞ inches in width, and exterior rims 14 ¼ inch.

[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a view of the 2×4 Coupling Plate that you would see looking at the exterior of the concrete form, and FIG. 6 depicts what you would see looking down on the 2×4 Coupling Plate from above. Note that holes 20 allow a user to easily insert and remove nails, screws, or other securing means through rims 14 and into a board of lumber. 2×4 panel 32 would only be visible if no 2×4 or other board is inserted into the 2×4 Coupling Plate. Edges 40 may be rounded to assist in insertion and removal of a board of lumber.

[0028] FIG. 7 depicts an angled side view of the 2×4 Coupling Plate with boards 50 and 52 exploded above and below, and nails 54, which exploded in front of the device. FIG. 7 depicts the device with 8 nails 54 being secured within the device. Boards 50 and 52 may be 2×4s, 1×4s or any other suitable lumber. Boards 50 and 52 may be inserted into the device by a user sliding the end of each board approximately half way into the device so that each board 50 and 52 is positioned flush against the other board. A user then secures one or more nails into each board 50 and 52 through holes 20.

[0029] FIG. 8 depicts the device with two boards installed creating a stable, secure, square, level, and braced concrete form. Note boards 50 and 52 are tightly coupled to each other and tightly positioned within the 2×4 Coupling Plate. Nails 54 have been installed by a user through the 2×4 Coupling Plate and into boards 50 and 52. The figure depicts the device installed in a vertical position, but when in use to make a concrete form, the device would be rotated 90 degrees so that it is horizontal and level with the ground. And, during use, exterior rims 14 will be orientated on the outside of the concrete form created so that a user can easily assemble and disassemble the device.