Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02269272 1999-04-16
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Pit Form.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of concrete forming
structures and
more particularly, to a system of interconnecting panel members for assembling
a concrete
forming structure which structure is especially suited to the construction of
loading dock pits
and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the shipment of cargo by tractor trailers and the like, cargo is typically
loaded and
unloaded at a dock. The trailer is backed into and abuts bumpers secured to
the dock face.
The cargo is transferred between the trailer and the dock by fork lift trucks
or similar
vehicles. The bumpers result in a gap between the edge of the dock and the
edge of the
trailer. As well, truck trailers have a variety of bed heights and thus, the
floor of the trailer
bed is usually not level with the floor of the dock. Dock levelers are
utilized to bridge the
1 S gap between a dock platform and the bed of a parked trailer, whether or
not there is a height
difference, by providing a flat, uniform surface for vehicular and pedestrian
traffic between
the dock and the inside of the trailer during loading and unloading
operations. A typical dock
leveler is mounted within a pit formed in the platform surface of the loading
dock. The
loading dock pit of a conventional construction is defined by having a
recessed horizontal
base surface, upright side and rear walls and an open front.
Conventionally it has been known to provide concrete forming structures for
loading
dock pits and the like, comprising wooden forms for contact with the poured
concrete. Such
forming structures support the newly poured concrete walls throughout the
curing period of
the concrete.
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The known concrete forming structures generally include a plurality of
individual
wooden sheets to provide a molding surface or facing against which the
concrete is to be
poured; the sheets being fastened or otherwise secured to a form framing
structure which may
comprise a number of structural elements such as load-bearing studs, beams or
joists, as is
well known to those skilled in this art. In the case of a typical wall form,
the structural
elements therefor comprise a plurality of vertical wooden studs to which the
wooden sheeting
is nailed or otherwise secured, the studs being in turn backed-up by a
plurality of horizontal
wooden studs. In many cases, the conventional wall forms further require a
plurality of
wooden braces which are disposed between the parallel faces of the assembled
form and are
intended to provide greater structural integrity to the forming structure.
The prior art forms of the type discussed above are generally custom made to
suit a
particular concrete pouring operation, thereby requiring considerable cutting
and fitting of the
numerous constituent parts of the forming structure and calling for skilled
labour for the
assembly thereof. Once the poured concrete has set, these known forms are
dismantled and
stripped away from the hardened concrete, resulting in a substantial amount of
ruined lumber
parts and metal fitting or fasteners which cannot be reused in subsequent
concrete forming
operations. It may therefore be appreciated that the conventional concrete
pouring structures,
characterized by formwork constructed from wood, is cost intensive from the
perspective of
both labour and materials. Assembly and disassembly of the various constituent
components
is both difficult and time consuming.
A number of concrete pouring systems consisting of prefabricated component
parts
have been developed over the years in an attempt to alleviate the various
problems associated
with the conventional concrete forming structures described above. However,
such
prefabricated formwork systems require numerous pieces of hardware such as
nails, bolts,
ties, wedges and the like for assembly. Other systems of this prefabricated
type are
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composed of a rather 1<irge number <>f constituent parts which necessitates
that manufacturers,
suppliers or users thereof stock an t~xcessive inventory in order to be able
assemble a broad
variety of concrete forming structures fior the commonly encountered sizes of
loading dock
pits. Some of the known systems do not adequately provide for accurate
alignment of the
modular elements thereof, with the result that offsets, e.g. ridges, creases
or other like
markings, are formed in the finished concrete from panel members which do not
properly
align at their joints.
Applicant is aware of one such prefabricated concrete forming system currently
on
the market called DERMA PITTM made by Derma 'I~ech Inc. DERMA PITTM has t.wo
steel
sides and one steel back member which bolt together to act as a permanent pit
form for a
conventional loading dock pit. DERMA PITTM requires numerous pieces of
hardware for
assembly and does not adequately provide for accurate alignment of the
elements thereof.
It is accordingly one object of the present invention to provide a form that
can be used
for casting an open ended loading clock pit having parallel side walls, a rear
end wall and a
bottom, said form avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art structures.
It is accordingly another object of the present invention to provide a system
of
interconnecting panels for assemlslin g a broad variety of sizes of concrete
forming structures,
wherein the elementa thereof consist of a reduced number of constituent parts,
such that
manufactures, suppliers or users of the present invention need not stock an
excessive
inventory in order to be able to assemble the commonly encountered sizes and
configurations
of pouring structures in the loading dock construction field.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a system of prefabricated
components
for a concrete pow-ing structure which is fast and easy to assemble and which
may be
assembled by semi-skilled or unskilled labour at the building site.
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It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an assembly for
concrete
forming which ensures accurate, speedy and facile alignment of the elements
thereof so that
offsets or other imperfections may be avoided in the finished concrete
surfaces.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a prefabricated
system for
concrete forming structures comprising relatively compact elements which can
be
conveniently stored and transported to the work site.
Still a further object of the invention is to provide an assembly for concrete
forming
whose constituent parts are relatively lightweight, strong and rigid.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a pit form which is
easy to use
and quick to set up, saving time and expense.
Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the
art from reading the following summary of the invention and the preferred
embodiments
described and illustrated herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a pit form
comprising two
substantially parallel side members having two ends and a substantially
perpendicular rear
member extending between proximate the same ends of the side members in use,
each of the
side members and the rear member having compatible male and female engaging
portions to
interconnect said members to form said pit form, preferably said male and
female engaging
portions are at least one hook and slot respectively, preferably a plurality
of hooks and slots,
and preferably the male and female engaging portions are integral with said
side members
and rear member, preferably said male and female portions further provide for
substantial
alignment and securement of said side members with said rear member.
In a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned invention, there is provided
a pit
form comprising:
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(a) a first side panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, an
outer
face for contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an
opposite inner face
for lining said pit, and at least one connector located proximate at least one
end thereof;
(b) a second side panel arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to
said first
side panel, said second side panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a
second end, an outer
face for contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an
opposite inner face
for lining said pit, and at least one connector located proximate at least one
end thereof;
(c) a rear panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, an outer
face for
contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an opposite
inner face for
lining said pit, and at least one connector receiver for receiving each of
said at least one
connector of each of said first and said second side panels; whereby when each
of said at
least one connector of each of said first and said second side panels is
received within said at
least one connector receiver, said rear panel is arranged substantially
perpendicular to each of
said first and said second side panels and said second side panel is arranged
substantially
parallel to said first side panel and is located at a predetermined distance
therefrom.
Preferably the at least one connector of each of said first and said second
side panels
is located proximate the second end of each of said first and said second side
panels, said pit
form further comprising a side panel connector for connecting each of said
first and said
second side panels proximate the first end of each of said first and said
second side panels.
Preferably:
(a) said top of said first side panel further comprises a flange extending
substantially normal to said outer face and said bottom of said first side
panel further
comprises a flange extending substantially normal to said inner face;
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(b) said top of said second side panel further comprises a flange extending
substantially normal to said outer face and said bottom of said second side
panel further
comprises a flange extending substantially normal to said inner face; and
(c) said top of said rear panel further comprises a flange extending
substantially
normal to said outer face and said bottom of said rear panel further comprises
a flange
extending substantially normal to said inner face.
Preferably the pit form further comprising at least one stabilizer on at least
one of said
panels.
In one aspect of the invention the side panel connector further comprises at
least one
stabilizer, preferably substantially rectangular in shape.
Preferably the pit form further comprises at least one mounting plate,
proximate said
first end of at least one of said first and said second side panels, and
preferably proximate
said side panel connector, and preferably said at least one mounting plate is
substantially
normal to said first end of at least one of said first and said second side
panels.
In one embodiment of the inventions discussed above, the pit form further
comprises
at least one bumper located thereon, preferably located on said at least one
mounting plate.
Preferably, there is provided the use of a pit form for forming a pit for a
loading dock,
preferably in combination with a loading dock, said pit form comprising:
(a) a first side panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, an
outer
face for contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an
opposite inner face
for lining said pit, and at least one connector located proximate at least one
end thereof;
(b) a second side panel arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to
said first
side panel, said second side panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a
second end, an outer
face for contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an
opposite inner face
for lining said pit, and at least one connector located proximate at least one
end thereof;
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(c) a rear panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, an outer
face for
contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an opposite
inner face for
lining said pit, and at least one connector receiver for receiving each of
said at least one
connector of each of said first and said second side panels; whereby when each
of said at
least one connector of each of said first and said second side panels is
received within said at
least one connector receiver, said rear panel is arranged substantially
perpendicular to each of
said first and said second side panels and said second side panel is arranged
substantially
parallel to said first side panel and is located at a predetermined distance
therefrom.
Preferably the at least one connector of each of said first and said second
side panels
is located proximate the second end of each of said first and said second side
panels, said pit
form further comprising a side panel connector for connecting each of said
first and said
second side panels proximate the first end of each of said first and said
second side panels.
Preferably:
(a) said top of said first side panel further comprises a flange extending
substantially normal to said outer face and said bottom of said first side
panel further
comprises a flange extending substantially normal to said inner face;
(b) said top of said second side panel further comprises a flange extending
substantially normal to said outer face and said bottom of said second side
panel further
comprises a flange extending substantially normal to said inner face; and
(c) said top of said rear panel further comprises a flange extending
substantially
normal to said outer face and said bottom of said rear panel further comprises
a flange
extending substantially normal to said inner face.
Preferably the pit form further comprises at least one stabilizer on at least
one of said
panels.
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In one aspect of the invention the side panel connector further comprises at
least one
stabilizer, preferably substantially rectangular in shape.
Preferably the pit form further comprises at least one mounting plate,
proximate said
first end of at least one of said first and said second side panels, and
preferably proximate
said side panel connector, and preferably said at least one mounting plate is
substantially
normal to said first end of at least one of said first and said second side
panels.
Preferably the pit form further comprises at least one bumper located thereon,
preferably said at least one bumper is located on said at least one mounting
plate.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of
assembling a pit form for forming a pit, said pit form comprising:
(a) a first side panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, an
outer
face for contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an
opposite inner face
for lining said pit, and at least one connector located proximate at least one
end thereof;
(b) a second side panel arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to
said first
side panel, said second side panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a
second end, an outer
face for contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an
opposite inner face
for lining said pit, and at least one connector located proximate at least one
end thereof;
(c) a rear panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, an outer
face for
contact with poured concrete to form a mold surface therefor, an opposite
inner face for
lining said pit, and at least one connector receiver for receiving each of
said at least one
connector of each of said first and said second side panels; whereby when each
of said at
least one connector of each of said first and said second side panels is
received within said at
least one connector receiver, said rear panel is arranged substantially
perpendicular to each of
said first and said second side panels and said second side panel is arranged
substantially
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parallel to said first side panel and is located at a predetermined distance
therefrom; whereby
the method comprises:
(i) aligning said at least one connector of said first side panel with said at
least
one connector receiver of said rear panel and inserting said at least one
connector of said first
side panel into said at least one connector receiver of said rear panel and
(ii) aligning said at least one connector of said second side panel with said
at least
one connector receiver of said rear panel and inserting said at least one
connector of said
second side panel into said at least one connector receiver of said rear
panel, thereby
assembling a pit form.
Preferably said pit form further comprises a side panel connector for
connecting each
of said first and said second side panels proximate the first end of each of
said first and said
second side panels and wherein the method further comprises: securing said
side panel
connector proximate the first end of each of said first and said second side
panels, and
preferably the pit form further comprises at least one mounting plate and
wherein the method
further comprises: securing said at least one mounting plate to said pit form.
Preferably the method further comprises: securing said at least one mounting
plate
proximate and substantially normal to said first end of at least one of said
first side panel and
said second side panel, and preferably the pit form further comprises at least
one bumper and
wherein the method further comprises securing said at least one bumper to said
at least one
mounting plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a pit form illustrated according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pit form when assembled according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pit form when the side panels and rear
panel are
assembled in one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pit form depicting the addition of the
side panel
connector with the front mounting plate to the pit form of FIG. 3 in one
embodiment.
5 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pit form depicting the addition of the
side
mounting plates to the pit form of FIG. 4 in one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a plan of the outer face of a side panel in one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the outer face of the rear panel in one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the side panel connector in one embodiment.
10 FIG. 9 is a plan view of the side mounting plate in one embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the brace in one embodiment.
FIG. I 1 is a perspective view of the pit form when installed in the platform
surface of
a typical loading dock, prior to pouring of concrete in one embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of the mounting plate attached to the side panel
connector
in one embodiment.
FIG. 13 depicts the pit form with the brace in place in one embodiment.
FIG. 14 depicts the pit form with the spacer in place in one embodiment.
FIG. 15 depicts the unique attachment of the side panel to the rear panel in
one
embodiment.
FIG. 16 depicts the spot welding areas of the side and rear panel in one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the figures for a typical arrangement, the prefabricated pit
form
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises three
interconnecting
panels which are adapted for connection in an edge-to-edge upstanding
configuration. When
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I1
so connected the panels circumscribe a space and define a substantially
rectangular concrete
form for the pouring of concrete to provide a loading dock pit or the like.
In one embodiment of the pit form 10 is shown assembled to form a pit 5 in the
platform surface 4' of a typical loading dock. The pit is defined by a
substantially horizontal
base surface, upstanding side walls 2 and 4 and an upstanding rear wall 6 (See
Fig. 11 ). The
top and front of the pit are open. The open front of the pit is flush with the
depending dock
face (not shown) and front wall 7 (partially cut away) of the loading dock,
and the pit base
surface is elevated relative to the driveway approach (not shown) on which the
vehicle is
parked when located at the loading dock. The pit 5 is wider than a
conventional dock pit to
accept the pit form 10.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pit form 10 comprises a first side panel 12, a second
side
panel 26, and a rear panel 40 which combine to form three sides of the pit
form 10. The front
of pit form 10 is open to allow access from outside the loading dock to inside
the loading
dock via the opening. First side panel 12 has a top 14, a bottom 16, a first
end 18, a second
end 20, an outer face 22 and an opposite inner face 24. Second side panel 26
has a top 28, a
bottom 30, a first end 32, a second end 34, an outer face 36 and an opposite
inner face 38.
Rear panel 40 has a top 42, a bottom 44, a first end 46, a second end 48, an
outer face 50 and
an opposite inner face 52. The side panels also have an electrical wiring
aperture, if required,
i.e. for a hydraulic dock leveler, or any other electrical requirement
operation. The individual
panels are releasably held together by connectors at the corners of the pit
form 10 in a manner
to be described hereinafter.
Referring now to the Figures 6 and 7, the pit form 10 and the
interrelationship of the
individual components is illustrated. First side panel 12 has a plurality of
connectors 54
preferably disposed along the first end I 8 of the first side panel 12 in a
vertically spaced apart
relationship. Second side panel 26 has a plurality of connectors 54' disposed
along the first
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12
end 32 of the second side panel ?6 in a vertically spaced apart relationship.
Only one side
panel is shown in Fig. 6, since first side panel I2 and second side panel 26
are mirror images
of each other in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the connectors 54 and
54' are hooked
shaped tabs extending outwardly from the first ends 18 and 32 and projecting
substantially
parallel to the side panels 12 and 26 and downwardly away from the top ends 14
and 28
thereof. As best seen in F IG. 7, rear panel 40 has a plurality of connector
receivers in this
embodiment being in the form of slots :56 which are disposed at or near both
the first end 46
and second end 48 of the rear panel 40 in a vertically .spaced apart
relationship. The slots 56
are adapted in length to receive the connectors 54 and 54' and securely
connect the first and
second side panels 12 and 26, re~~peetively with the rear panel 40 in a
substantially, aligned
and perpendicular at~~angement. '1"he connectors 54 and 54' of the first side
panel 1.2 and the
second side panel 2ti are received in the corresponding slots 56 of the rear
panel 40 in a
secure, substantially aligned and perpendicular arrangement to said rear panel
40. When first
side panel 12 and second side panel 26 are positioned in a parallel
relationship to each other
and are each further positioned in a perpendicular relationship to rear panel
40, the
connectors 54 and 54' of each of the first side panel 12 and the second side
panel 26 are
aligned with the slots 56 of rear panel 40. The first and second side panels
1:2 and 26,
respectively are secured to the rear panel 40 by insertion of connectors 54
and 54' of each of
the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 26 into the slots 56 in the
rear panel 40 by
inserting the hooked shaped tabs into the vertically elongated slots. After
the first and second
side panels 12 and 26, respectively are connected with the rear panel 40 and
are substantially
flush, the side panels 12 and 26 of the pit form 10 rnay be permanently
connected to said rear
panel 40 by spot welds 57 as best seen in FIG. 16, car by any other suitable
method.
As best seen in FIG. 15, the connectors 54 and 54' are hook shaped tabs
connected to
elongated slots 56. It will be evident however, that the comlectors 54 and 54'
and the slots 56
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may take the form of any other type of connectors and connector receivers
which exhibit the
features of the present invention, namely providing for substantially self-
alignment and
secure perpendicular arrangement of the side panels with the rear panels.
While on each side
panel 12 and 26, three connecting members 54 and 54' have been shown and three
slots 56
have been shown at each end of the rear panel 40, a greater number or less
number of
connectors 54 and 54' and slots 56 may also be used, depending on the size of
the panels.
Referring now to FIG. 2 and 8, another embodiment of the pit form 10 is shown
further comprising a side panel connector 58. In this embodiment, the side
panel connector
58 has first end 60, a second end 62, a top 64, a bottom 66, an outer face 68,
an inner face 70,
and a flange 67 at said top 64, said flange 67 projecting substantially normal
to said outer
face 68. The side panel connector 58 is adapted in length to span the entire
width of the pit
form 10 such that the flange 67 connects the bottom 16 of the first side panel
12 with the
bottom 30 of the second side panel 26 proximate the first ends 18 and 32,
respectively of the
first and second side panel 12 and 26. The installed side panel connector 58
serves to rigidify
and stabilize the entire pit form 10 during use to resist the pressure of the
poured concrete. In
addition to providing reinforcement and stability for the entire pit form 10,
the side panel
connector 58 is also adapted to act as a curb angle between the dock face and
the interior of
the pit. In the illustrated case, the side panel connector 58 is L-shaped. It
will be evident
however, that the side panel connector 58 could take the form of any type of
reinforcing
structure and be made of any suitable material.
The pit form 10 is shown further comprising flanges in conjunction with first
and
second side panels 12 and 26, respectively and rear panel 40. The top 14 of
the first side
panel 12 has a flange 14' extending substantially normal and substantially
away from to the
outer face 22 of the first side panel 12. The bottom 16 of the first side
panel 12 has a flange
16' extending substantially normal to and substantially away from the inner
face 24 of the
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first side panel 12. The first end 18 of the first side panel 12 has a flange
18' extending
substantially normal to and substantially away from the outer face 22 of the
first side panel
12. The top 28 of the second side panel 26 has a flange 28' extending
substantially normal to
and substantially away from the outer face 36 of the second side panel 26. The
bottom 30 of
the second side panel 26 has a flange 30' extending substantially normal to
and substantially
away from the inner face 38 of the second side panel 26. The first end 32 of
the second side
panel 26 has a flange 32' extending substantially normal to and substantially
away from the
outer face 36 of the second side panel 26. The top 42 of the rear panel 40 has
a flange 42'
extending substantially normal to and substantially away from the outer face
50 of the rear
panel 40. The bottom 44 of the r~;ar panel 40 has a flange 44' extending
substantially normal
to and substantially away from the inner face 52 of the rear panel 26. Flanges
14', 16', 30',
32', 42' and 44' are adapted in length to substantially span the entire length
of each panel.
Flanges 18' and 32' are adapted in length to substantially span the entire
height of each of the
first side panel 12 and the second side panel 26. 'fhe flanges serve to
rigidify and stabilize
the entire panel during use to resist pressures of the poured concrete. In
addition to providing
reinforcement and stability for each panel, flanges 14', 16', 30', 32', 42'
and 44' are adapted
to act as a curb angle between the platform surface and the interior of the
pit. As well,
flanges 18' and 32' are adapted to act as a curb angle between the dock face
and the interior
of the pit.
Refernng now to FIG. 2, 5 and 9, another embodiment of the pit form 10 is
shown
further comprising a first mounting plate 72 in conjunction with first side
panel 12 and a
second mounting plate 82 in conjunction with second side panel 26. In this
embodiment, the
first mounting plate 72 has a flange 7 7 at said top, said flange 77
projecting substantially
normal to and substantially away from the outer face 80. The second mounting
plate 82 has a
flange 89 at said top, said flange 89 projects substantially normal to and
substantially away
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from the outer face 92. Plates 7<'~ and 82 are 1. shaped in this embodiment.
One end of the
first mounting plate '72 is provided with two tabs 71 and is secured to the
first end 18 of the
first side panel 12 by two sleeve's i'3 (See Fig. 6) by receiving the two tabs
71 such that the
first mounting plate 72 projects substantially normal the outer face 22 of the
first side panel
5 12. One end of the second mounting plate 82 is provided with two tabs 83 and
is secured to
the first end 32 of the second side panel 26 by two sleeves 85 by receiving
the two tabs 83
such that the second mounting plate 82 projects substantially normal to the
outer face 36 of
the second side panel 26. After the first and second mounting plates 72 and
82, respectively
are interconnected with the first and second side panels I2 and 26,
respectively by this
10 means, they may be permanently interconnected by welding or any other
suitable means.
The first and second mounting plates 72 and 82, respectively are adapted in
length to
span the entire height of the first and second side panels 12 and 26,
respectively and thus the
entire depth of pit form 10. The cuter faces 80 and 92, respectively of the
installed first and
second mounting plates 72 and 82, respectively serve as a surface for mounting
a bumper
15 (not shown), preferably a conventional loading doclt bumper. T'he bumpers,
which are
engaged by the rear of a vehicle: (not shown) when the vehicle is backed into
a parked
position relative to the pit form, prevent the vehicle from striking and
damaging the dock
wall. In addition to providing a surface for mounting a bumper, the outer
faces 80 and 92,
respectively of the first and second mounting plates 72 and 82, respectively
act as a curb
angle between the duck face 3 and the interior of the pit.. As well, the
flanges 77 and 89,
respectively of the first and second mounting plates 72 and 82, respectively
act as a curb
angle between the platform surface and the interior of the pit.
In the illustrated case, the first and second mounting plates 72 and 82,
respectively are
L-shaped. It will be evident however, that the t3rst and second mounting
plates 72 and 82,
respectively could take the form of any type of mounting structure.
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16
Referring now to FIG. I, 4, 5 a.nd 12, one embodiment of the pit form 10 is
shown
further comprising a third mounting plate 96 in conjunction with the side
panel connector 58.
In this embodiment, the third mounting plate 96 is secured to the bottom of
the side panel
connector 58 (preferably by welding) such that the third mounting plate 96
projects
substantially parallel to the outen° face 68 and downwardly from the
bottom 66 of the side
panel connector 58. The outer face of the installed third mounting plate 96
serves as a
surface for mounting a vehicle restraint (not shown), preferably a
conventional loading dock
vehicle restraint. The vehicle restraint, which is engaged by the rear of a
vehicle (not shown)
when the vehicle is backed into a parked position relative to the pit form 10,
prevents the
vehicle from moving during loading and unloading operations. In the
illustrated case, the
third mounting plate 96 is a flat steel plate. It will be evident however,
that the third
mounting plate 96 could take the ironn of any type of mounting structure.
In one embodiment, as per the Figures, the pit form 10 is shown further
comprising
stabilizers 109 in conjunction with panels 12, 26 and 40. The first side panel
12 has a
plurality of stabilizers 109 disposed along the outer face 22 of the first
side panel 12 in a
horizontally spaced apart relationship. The second side panel 26 has a
plurality of stabilizers
109 disposed along the outer face 36 of the second side panel 26 in a
horizontally spaced
apart relationship. The rear panel ~~0 has a plurality of stabilizers 109
disposed along the outer
face 50 of the rear panel 40 in a horizontally spaced apart relationship. In
this embodiment,
the stabilizers 109 are preferably rectangular in shape, such that the
vertical portion of the
stabilizer 109 will be substantially embedded in the concrete serving to
substantially stabilize
the panels at two points from bowing or any other movement of the panels due
to the fact that
the vertical portion is connected at both its top and bottom to the panel with
which it is
associated with. Although rectangular in shape in this embodiment, the
stabilizers 109 may
take the form of any suitable securing structure which exhibits the qualities
mentioned herein
CA 02269272 2003-05-13
17
in the present invention. 'Che stabilizers 109 serve to rigidify and stabilize
each panel during
use to resist the pressure of the poured concrete. In addition to providing
reinforcement and
stability for each panel, the stabilizers 109 are to secure each panel within
the concrete, such
that any movement of the panels within the concrete is minimized. Similarly as
seen in FIG.
9 and FIG. 12, the mounting plates also have stabiliLers 109.
As well, the first and seco~' d side panels I2 and 26, respectively are shown
having six
stabilizers 109 disposed along their outer faces 22 and 36, respectively in a
horizontally
spaced apart relationship. Furthermore, the rear panel 40 is shown having five
stabilizers 109
disposed along its outer face 50 in a horizontally spaced apart relationship.
It will be evident
however, that the number of stabilizers l 0 9 disposed along the outer faces
of the panels may
vary as required. The mounting plates 72, 82 and 96 and side panel connector
58 may also
have stabilizers located thereon.
Referring now to FIG. 10 and I 3, one embodiment of the pit form 10 is shown
further
comprising a brace 110. The brace I L0 is adapted in length to span the entire
width of the pit
form 10 and connect the top 14 of the first side panel 12 with the top 28 of
the second side
panel 26 proximate the first ends 18 and 32, respectively of the first and
second side panels
12 and 26, respectively. The brace 110 is removably secured to the tops 14 and
28,
respectively of each of the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 26
by in this instance,
a pair of dowels 112. each being proximate the first ends and second ends
thereof, each
extending downwardly from the bottom thereof. Each of said dowels are received
by an
aperture located on each of said flanges of said first and second side panels.
The installed
brace 110 serves to rigidify and st:abrlrze the entire pit form 10 during the
formation of a pit
to resist the pressure of the poured concrete (i.e. resists the side panels
from collapsing during
the pouring of the coneretej. OncE:, the concrete has cured, the brace I 10
may be removed. In
CA 02269272 1999-04-16
1$
the illustrated case, the brace 110 is a steel bar. It will be evident
however, that the brace 110
could take the form of any type of reinforcing structure.
Referring now to FIG. 14, one embodiment of the pit form 10 is shown further
comprising a spacer 120. In this embodiment, the spacer 120 is a wooden. The
spacer 120 is
adapted in length to span the entire width of the pit form 10 and fixing the
distance between
the bottom flange 16' of the first side panel 12 and the bottom flange 30' of
the second side
panel 26 substantially intermediate the first and second ends 18, 20 and 32,
34, respectively
of the first and second side panels 12 and 26, respectively. The spacer 120 is
secured to the
bottom flanges 16' and 30', respectively of each of the first side panel 12
and the second side
panel 26 by a friction fit in this instance. The installed spacer 120 serves
to rigidify and
stabilize the entire pit form 10 during the formation of a pit to resist the
pressure of the
poured concrete (i.e. resists the collapsing of the side panels inwardly
during the pouring of
the concrete). Once the concrete has cured, the spacer 120 may be removed.
The preferred material for each of the elements described above is a
structurally
suitable steel such as 12 gauge steel or the like, and may advantageously be
formed by well
known processes. However, any appropriate metal or any other effective
material which
meet the requirements of the invention may be used.
A typical setup method is described below.
Step 1 Pit p~aration
Remodeled Pit
Pit opening must be cut 12" wider than the finished pit width and 9" longer
than the
finished pit length. The pit opening-depth must be (24'/2" or 28 '/Z") from
the top of finished
floor.
CA 02269272 1999-04-16
19
New Construction Pit
Place four supports (bricks or block) near the pit's four corners. These brick
supports
(or, blocks) will provide a temporary flat surface to keep the pan assembly in
place while
concrete is being poured. Use shims to adjust the pan assembly height.
Step 2 Pit Form
The side member has three "quick-hook-together" tabs. Align the tabs with the
slots
of the rear plate and snap them in place. Repeat this step for the other side.
Observe that the top of the side plates and rear member are flush.
Use a square in rear corner to ensure squareness of box. Tack weld each
corner.
Tack weld the mating corners of the rear and side plates. Run two 3"
continuous
welds on top of the panels where they meet. Run stitch welds along the quick-
together-tabs
and rear panel's slots.
Step 3 Setting the Pit Form
Install top front steel brace (insert the dowels into the holes of the side
panels).
For a Remodelled Pit
Clamp the 2" x 4" support boards to the side panels to hang the pit form from
the
existing dock floor.
Align electrical conduit with the hole in the right-side panel (looking from
outside the
building in) and slide through pre-bored hole.
For a New Construction Pit
Place the panel assembly on top of the four bricks/blocks, or the like. Fasten
the
assembly anchors to the existing re-bar.
Square and level the assembly.
CA 02269272 1999-04-16
Step 4 Squaring the Assembly
Snap the front curb angle (either 3" x 3" x 3/16" or 4" x 4" x 1/4") and
available
mounting plate over the front-tabs of the side panels) of the pit form.
Slide optional bumper mounting plates ( 1 left, 1 right) into position. Ensure
they are
5 square with the pit form and tack-weld into position. The pit form is
assembled.
Step 5 Pouring Concrete
Place the 2" x 4" brace assembly in place.
For a remodeled pit pour concrete around the pit form, then to the pit floor.
For a new construction pit pour concrete to the pit floor. Second, pour
concrete
10 around the pit form sides.
Level and finish off all areas where concrete was poured.
Remove all weld spatter and residue, and apply grey rust paint to the pit form
welded
and scratched areas.
While the panels may be made in a number of different sizes as previously
mentioned,
15 in a typical case, the side panels are fabricated in standard lengths, for
example 63, 87, 111 or
135-inch lengths which are adapted for the forming of the concrete side walls
of typical
loading dock pits. As well, the rear panel may be fabricated in a number of
standard lengths,
for example 80, 86, or 91-inch lengths which are adapted for the forming of
the concrete rear
wall of typical loading dock pits. In this versatile manner, the panels are
adapted for
20 assembly to virtually any dimension or configuration of loading dock pit
desired while at the
same time permitting manufacturers, suppliers or users of such panels to stock
a reduced
inventory of sizes.
As many changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention
without
departing form the scope of the invention; it is intended that all material
contained herein be
interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
