WO2022034493A1

WO2022034493A1 - Adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly having push-pull action

Info

Publication number: WO2022034493A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/057361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anibrata Routh; K S Arun; CNVS Rao; Vinothkumar RAJU; Mahesh Naik; Ankush RATHOD
Original assignee: Peri SE
Current assignee: Peri SE
Priority date: 2020-08-10
Filing date: 2021-08-10
Publication date: 2022-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-10

Abstract

A first locking mechanism (102) and a second locking mechanism (402) for locking and unlocking an inner tube (104) and an outer tube (106) of an adjustable prop assembly (100) to be in a predefined position are disclosed. The first locking mechanism (102) includes a slotted prop nut (112) and a captive pin (114) adapted to be accommodated in the slotted prop nut (112). The first locking mechanism (102) also includes a wire rope (116) adapted to support the captive pin (114) for locking the inner tube (104) and the outer tube (106). The second locking mechanism (402) includes a prop nut (404) having a top rim, an interlocking sleeve (406), and a captive U-pin (408) adapted to be accommodated in the interlocking sleeve (406). The prop nut (404) having the top rim and the interlocking sleeve (406) are operated in conjunction to effect a push-pull action of the inner tube (104). The captive U-pin (408) has a collapsible construction such that the captive U-pin (408) does not protrude beyond safe limits.

Description

ADJUSTABLE TELESCOPIC STEEL PROP ASSEMBLY HAVING PUSH-PULL ACTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to construction industry and more particularly, relates to an adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly having a push-pull action by using one of a slotted prop nut and an interlocking sleeve.

BACKGROUND

In the construction industry, wall forms or panels are generally used as supporting components to form structures, for example, to form pillars, walls, and roofs. In case of construction of larger structures, multiple such panels are connected to each other to form a formwork structure. The formwork structure so formed is required to be supported, for example, to be in a predefined position during the construction of the structure.

Generally, props in the form of longitudinal bars are used to laterally support the formwork. Such props usually include an inner tube and an outer tube assembled to facilitate a telescopic functionality to the prop, i.e., the length of the prop can be adjusted to support panels of varying dimensional characteristics.

To lock the inner tube with the outer tube in position, several locking structures are used. The inner tube and the outer tube should be suitably locked to avoid any undesirable movement of the prop while supporting the framework. Any error in the assembly and positioning of the props may lead to falling of the panels causing damage at the construction site. Therefore, it is critical to ensure accurate positioning of the props to support the formwork.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable telescopic prop assembly with a push-pull action for supporting a formwork structure is disclosed. The prop assembly includes an inner tube and an outer tube placed concentrically with respect to the inner tube such that the inner tube is adapted to be extended out of the outer tube for adjusting the length of the prop assembly, based on dimensions of a formwork structure to be supported. The prop assembly also includes a first locking mechanism adapted to lock and unlock the inner tube and the outer tube in a predefined position. The first locking mechanism is a slotted prop nut assembly. The first locking mechanism includes a slotted prop nut adapted to move in either direction, creating push-pull action for the inner tube, a captive pin adapted to be accommodated in the slotted prop nut, and a steel wire rope adapted to support the captive pin for locking and unlocking the inner tube and the outer tube. When the inner tube is locked with the outer tube, the first locking mechanism is adapted to align them as well.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable telescopic prop assembly with a push-pull action for supporting a formwork structure is disclosed. The prop assembly includes an inner tube and an outer tube placed concentrically with respect to the inner tube such that the inner tube is adapted to be extended out of the outer tube for adjusting the length of the prop assembly based on dimensions of a formwork structure to be supported. The prop assembly also includes a second locking mechanism adapted to lock and unlock the inner tube with the outer tube in a predefined position. The second locking mechanism is an interlocking sleeve assembly. The second locking mechanism includes a prop nut having a top rim and adapted to move in either direction, creating a push-pull action for the inner tube, an interlocking sleeve adapted to operate in conjunction with the prop nut to effect a push-pull action of the inner tube, and a captive U-pin adapted to be accommodated in the interlocking sleeve. The interlocking sleeve is adapted to lock the captive U-pin with the top rim of the prop nut. The captive U-pin has a collapsible construction such that the captive U-pin does not protrude beyond safe limits.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly having a first locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly depicting a locked position of the first locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2B illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly depicting a removed position of the first locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3A illustrates a top view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly when the first locking mechanism is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3B illustrates a bottom view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly when the first locking mechanism is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly having a second locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5A illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly depicting a locked position of the second locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5B illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly depicting a removed position of the second locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6A illustrates a top view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly when the second locking mechanism is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6B illustrates a bottom view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly when the second locking mechanism is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7A illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly depicting a locked position of the second locking mechanism having an interlocking sleeve formed as a one -part unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7B illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly depicting a removed position of the second locking mechanism having the interlocking sleeve formed as the one -part unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8A illustrates a top view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly of Figure 7A when the second locking mechanism is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8B illustrates the top view of the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly of Figure 7 A when the second locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more element is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly 100 with a push-pull action having a first locking mechanism 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of readability, the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly 100 may hereinafter be referred to as the prop assembly 100. In other embodiments, the prop assembly 100 may be formed of any other material than steel, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The prop assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, an inner tube 104 and an outer tube 106. As the name suggests, the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are placed concentrically with respect to each other. The inner tube 104 may be received in a telescopic manner in the outer tube 106. Therefore, the inner tube 104 is adapted to be extended out of the outer tube 106 for adjusting the length of the prop assembly 100, based on dimensions of a formwork structure to be supported.

Particularly, based on the dimensions of the formwork structure, the inner tube 104 may be pulled out of or pushed in the outer tube 106. For example, for increasing the length of the prop assembly 100, the inner tube 104 may be pulled out of the outer tube 106. On the other hand, to reduce the length of the prop assembly 100, the inner tube 104 may be pushed in the outer tube 106. Once the position of the inner tube 104 is adjusted with respect to the outer tube 106, the first locking mechanism 102 may be adapted to lock the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106.

In an embodiment, for effecting the locking of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106, the inner tube 104 may include a plurality of through holes 108. The through holes 108 may individually referred to as the through hole 108 or a through hole 108-1, a through hole 108-2, and a through hole 108-N. Further, on an end of the outer tube 106, a plurality of screw threads 110 are provided on an external surface. The screw threads 110 may be adapted to engage the first locking mechanism 102 for locking and unlocking the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106.

In an embodiment, the first locking mechanism 102 may be adapted to lock the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106 to be in the predefined position. The first locking mechanism 102 may be a slotted prop nut assembly. The first locking mechanism 102 may include, but is not limited to, a slotted prop nut 112 and a captive pin 114 adapted to be accommodated in the slotted prop nut 102. The first locking mechanism 102 may also include a steel wire rope 116 adapted to support the captive pin 114 for locking and unlocking the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106.

In an embodiment, the prop assembly 100 may also include a cap 118 adapted to prevent the dislodging of the slotted prop nut 112 from the outer tube 106. In an embodiment, the prop assembly 100 may also include a handle 120 to rotate the slotted prop nut 112 to facilitate the push-pull action.

In an embodiment, the slotted prop nut 102 may be adapted to move in either direction, creating a push-pull action for the inner tube 104. When the inner tube 104 is locked with the outer tube 106, the first locking mechanism 102 may be adapted to align them as well.

In operation, based on the dimensional characteristics of the formwork to be supported, the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are positioned with respect to each other such that a slot 122 of the outer tube 106 is aligned with at least one of the through holes 108. Accordingly, the handle 120 may be operated to move the slotted prop nut 112 over the aligned slots 108, 122. Further, the captive pin 114 may be inserted through the aligned slots 108, 122 to lock the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106. During the insertion of the captive pin 114, the steel wire rope 116 may be wrapped around the outer tube 106.

Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of the prop assembly 100 depicting a locked position of the first locking mechanism 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locked position is indicative of an operational state of the first locking mechanism 102 when the captive pin 114 is inserted through the slots 108, 122 for locking the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 in the predefined position. Figure 2B illustrates an isometric view of the prop assembly 100 depicting a removed position of the first locking mechanism 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The removed position is indicative of an operational state of the first locking mechanism 102 when the captive pin 114 is pulled out of the slots 108, 122 for unlocking the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106.

Figure 3A illustrates a top view of the prop assembly 100 when the first locking mechanism 102 is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B illustrates a bottom view of the prop assembly 100 when the first locking mechanism 102 is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly 400 with a push-pull action having a second locking mechanism 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of readability, the adjustable telescopic steel prop assembly 400 may hereinafter be referred to as the prop assembly 400. In other embodiments, the prop assembly 400 may be formed of any other material than steel, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For the sake of brevity, the details of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are not explained in the description of subsequent Figures. The constructional and operational details of the inner tube 104, the outer tube 106, and the cap 118 remain the same as explained in the previous embodiment.

In the present embodiment, once the position of the inner tube 104 is adjusted with respect to the outer tube 106, the second locking mechanism 402 may be adapted to lock the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106. Therefore, the second locking mechanism 402 may be adapted to lock the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106 in the predefined position.

The second locking mechanism 402 may be an interlocking sleeve assembly. The second locking mechanism 402 may include, but is not limited to, a prop nut 404 having a top rim, an interlocking sleeve 406, and a captive U-pin 408 adapted to be accommodated in the interlocking sleeve 406. In the present embodiment, the interlocking sleeve 406 is formed in two halves that are coupled together, for example, by riveting. The prop nut 404 having the top rim and the interlocking sleeve 406 may be operated in conjunction with each other to effect a push-pull action of the inner tube 104. In particular, the interlocking sleeve 406 is adapted to lock the captive U-pin 408 with the top rim of the prop nut 404.

Further, the captive U-pin 408 may have a collapsible construction such that the captive pin 408 does not protrude beyond safe limits. In an embodiment, the prop assembly 400 may also include a handle 410 to rotate the prop nut 404 to facilitate the push-pull action. In an embodiment, the prop nut 404 may be adapted to move in either direction, creating a push- pull action for the inner tube 104. When the inner tube 104 is locked with the outer tube 106, the second locking mechanism 102 may be adapted to align them as well.

In operation, based on the dimensional characteristics of the formwork to be supported, the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are positioned with respect to each other such that a slot 122 of the outer tube 106 is aligned with at least one of the through holes 108. Accordingly, the handle 410 may be operated to move the prop nut 404 over the aligned slots 108, 122. Further, the captive U-pin 408 may be inserted through the aligned slots 108, 122 to lock the inner tube 104 with the outer tube 106.

Figure 5A illustrates an isometric view of the prop assembly 400 depicting a locked position of the second locking mechanism 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locked position is indicative of an operational state of the second locking mechanism 402 when the captive U-pin 408 is inserted through the slots 108, 122 for locking the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 in the predefined position. Figure 5B illustrates an isometric view of the prop assembly 400 depicting a removed position of the second locking mechanism 402, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The removed position is indicative of an operational state of the second locking mechanism 402 when the captive U-pin 408 is pulled out of the slots 108, 122 for unlocking the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106.

Figure 6A illustrates a top view of the prop assembly 400 when the second locking mechanism 402 is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B illustrates a bottom view of the prop assembly 400 when the second locking mechanism 402 is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an alternate embodiment, the interlocking sleeve 406 is formed as a one-part unit, instead of two halves as illustrated in the embodiments of Figure 4 to Figure 6. Figure 7A illustrates an isometric view of the prop assembly 400 depicting a locked position of the second locking mechanism 402 having the interlocking sleeve 406 formed as a one-part unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B illustrates an isometric view of the prop assembly 400 depicting a removed position of the second locking mechanism 402 having the interlocking sleeve 406 formed as the one -part unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8A illustrates a top view of the prop assembly 400 of Figure 7A when the second locking mechanism 402 is in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B illustrates the top view of the prop assembly 400 of Figure 7A when the second locking mechanism 402 is in the unlocked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As would be gathered, the first locking mechanism 102 and the second locking mechanism 402 offer a comprehensive approach for locking of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 of the respectively prop assembly 100, 400. The first locking mechanism 102 and the second locking mechanism 402 can be easily operated, for example, by using the handles 120, 410. Therefore, a skilled person is not required to operate the locking mechanisms 102, 402. Further, the captive pin 114 and the captive U-pin 408 are attached with the respective locking mechanisms 102, 402. Therefore, the possibility of misplacement of the captive pins 114, 408 is eliminated. Therefore, the first locking mechanism 102 and the second locking mechanism 402 of the present disclosure are operation effective, lightweight, cost-effective, and convenient in operation.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) with a push-pull action for supporting a formwork structure, the prop assembly (100) comprising: an inner tube (104); an outer tube (106) placed concentrically with respect to the inner tube (104) such that the inner tube (104) is adapted to be extended out of the outer tube (106) for adjusting the length of the prop assembly (100), based on dimensions of a formwork structure to be supported; and a first locking mechanism (102) adapted to lock the inner tube (104) with the outer tube (106) in a predefined position, the first locking mechanism (102) comprising: a slotted prop nut (112) adapted to move in either direction, creating a push- pull action for the inner tube (104); a captive pin (114) adapted to be accommodated in the slotted prop nut (112); and a steel wire rope (116) adapted to support the captive pin (114) for locking and unlocking the inner tube (104) and the outer tube (106).

2. The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising: the inner tube (104) having a plurality of through holes (108); and the outer tube (106) having a plurality of screw threads (110) provided on external surface on an end, wherein the inner tube (104) and the outer tube (106) are positioned with respect to each other such that a slot (122) of the outer tube (106) is aligned with at least one of the plurality of through holes (108), based on the dimensional characteristics of the formwork to be supported.

3. The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of screw threads (110) is adapted to engage the first locking mechanism (102) for locking the inner tube (104) with the outer tube (106). The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cap (118) adapted to prevent dislodging of the slotted prop nut (112) from the outer tube (106). The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a handle (120) adapted to rotate the slotted prop nut (112) to facilitate the push-pull action, wherein the handle (120) is operated to move the slotted prop nut (112) over the aligned slots (108, 122) of the inner tube (104) and the outer tube (106). The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the captive pin (114) is inserted through the aligned slots (108, 122) to lock the inner tube (104) with the outer tube (106), such that the steel wire rope (116) is wrapped around the outer tube (106) during the insertion of the captive pin (114). The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanism (102) is adapted to align the inner tube (104) with the outer tube (106). An adjustable telescopic prop assembly (400) with a push-pull action for supporting a formwork structure, the prop assembly (100) comprising: an inner tube (104); an outer tube (106) placed concentrically with respect to the inner tube (104) such that the inner tube (104) is adapted to be extended out of the outer tube (106) for adjusting the length of the prop assembly (100), based on dimensions of a formwork structure to be supported; and a second locking mechanism (402) adapted to lock the inner tube (104) with the outer tube (106) in a predefined position, the second locking mechanism (402) comprising: a prop nut (404) having a top rim and adapted to move in either direction, creating a push-pull action for the inner tube (104); an interlocking sleeve (406) adapted to operate in conjunction with the prop nut (404) to effect a push-pull action of the inner tube (104); and a captive U-pin (408) adapted to be accommodated in the interlocking sleeve (406), wherein the interlocking sleeve (406) is adapted to lock the captive U-pin (408) with the top rim of the prop nut (404). The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the captive U-pin (408) has a collapsible construction such that the captive U-pin (408) does not protrude beyond predefined safety limits. The adjustable telescopic prop assembly (400) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a handle (410) to rotate the prop nut (404) to facilitate the push-pull action.

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