| |
| United States Patent
|
5,980,154 |
| Record |
November 9, 1999 |
Manual screeding system
Abstract
A manual screeding system for use in leveling freshly poured
concrete which includes a frame for providing structural integrity
to the screed. The screeding system includes handles, attached to
the frame, for manually holding and manipulating the screeding
system during the screeding process. A support, attached to the
frame, is provided for preventing the screeding system from rotating
about the handles during the screeding process. The support is
structured to engage the forearms of the user when the screeding
system is in use. A pair of bracket assemblies are provided for
securely holding a screed board to the frame.
| Inventors: |
Record; Darren D.
(Glendale, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/036,949 |
| Filed: |
March 9, 1998 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
404/97 ;
404/118; 425/458; 425/472 |
| Current
International Class: |
E01C
19/22 (20060101); E04F 21/02 (20060101); E01C
19/44 (20060101); E04F 21/04 (20060101); E01C 019/22 () |
| Field of
Search: |
404/97,118,119
425/458,470,472 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Mackey; James P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A manual screeding system, for use with a concrete screed,
operable by a single user and held and supported by the user's hands
and forearms, comprising in combination:
a. frame means for providing structural integrity to said screed;
b. holding means, rigidly attached to a lower portion of said frame
means, for holding a screed board;
c. gripping means, rigidly attached to an upper portion of said
frame means, for being grasped by a user's hand; and
d. support means, rigidly attached to an upper portion of said frame
means, for being supported by a user's forearm when said user is
grasping said gripping means;
e. structured and arranged in such manner that said user may control
a pulling of said screed over concrete.
2. A manual screeding system according to claim 1 wherein said
support means comprises means for supporting said screeding system
from rotation about said gripping means during screeding.
3. A manual screeding system according to claim 2 wherein said
support means comprises a pair of curved cuffs, each said curved
cuff being structured and arranged, respectively, to overlay a
respective one of said user's forearms.
4. A manual screeding system according to claim 3 wherein said
curved cuffs are sized and curved in such manner as to engage said
forearms of said user.
5. A manual screeding system according to claim 4 wherein said
curved cuffs further comprise a padding material.
6. A manual screeding system according to claim 1 wherein said
gripping means comprises a pair of handles.
7. A manual screeding system according to claim 6 wherein each said
handle comprises a substantially straight bar member.
8. A manual screeding system according to claim 1 wherein said frame
means comprises an upwardly-convex curved top portion and wherein
said forearm support means is attached to said curved top portion.
9. A manual screeding system according to claim 1 further comprising
angle means for normally maintaining said frame means at an angle of
about ten degrees toward said user from vertical.
10. A manual screeding system according to claim 1 wherein:
a. said forearm support means comprises a pair of curved cuffs, each
said curved cuff being structured and arranged, respectively, to
overlay a respective one of said user's forearms;
b. said gripping means comprises a pair of handles;
c. said frame means comprises an upwardly-convex curved top portion;
and
d. said forearm support means is attached to said curved top
portion.
11. A manual screeding system for use with a screed board, operable
by a single user, and having a user side and an exterior side, and
held and supported by the user's hands and forearms, comprising in
combination:
a. a pair of substantially vertical frame bars each having
i. an intermediate substantially straight portion, having an upper
end,
ii. an upwardly-convex curved top portion, curving toward the user
side from said upper end of said straight portion, and having a
user-side end portion, and
iii. a bottom portion, angled toward the user side, having a bottom
end;
b. a first substantially horizontal frame bar, attached to each of
said substantially vertical frame bars;
c. a second substantially horizontal frame bar, spaced apart from
said first substantially horizontal frame bar and attached to each
of said substantially vertical frame bars;
d. a gripping means, attached to each said upper end of each said
straight portion, for manually holding and manipulating said
screeding system during screeding;
e. a holding means, attached to said bottom end of said bottom
portion, for holding said screed board to said screeding system; and
f. a support means, attached to each said user-side end portion, for
supporting said screeding system from rotation about said gripping
means during screeding.
12. A manual screeding system according to claim 11 wherein said
bottom portion is angled toward the said user side at an angle of
about ten degrees.
13. A manual screeding system according to claim 12 wherein said
holding means comprises a pair of brackets, each said bracket having
a substantially open interior portion structured and arranged for
receipt of said screed board.
14. A manual screeding system according to claim 13 wherein said
holding means further comprises a compressive means for
compressively holding said screed board within said respective open
interior portions of said brackets.
15. A manual screeding system according to claim 14 wherein said
compressive means comprises a threaded bolt.
16. A manual screeding system according to claim 11 wherein each
said support means comprises a curved cuff structured and arranged
for overlaying a user's forearm.
17. A manual screeding system according to claim 16 wherein:
a. said holding means comprises a pair of brackets, each said
bracket having a substantially open interior portion structured and
arranged for receipt of said screed board; and
b. each said gripping means comprises a pair of substantially
straight, substantially horizontal, bar members.
18. A manual screeding system according to claim 17 wherein:
a. each said curved cuff further comprises a padding material.
19. A manual screeding system according to claim 17 wherein:
a. each said bar member is covered with a bicycle-handle-type grip.
20. A manual screeding system according to claim 11 wherein each
said gripping means comprises a pair of substantially straight,
substantially horizontal, bar members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a manual screeding system. More
particularly, this invention concerns a manual screeding system for
use in leveling freshly poured concrete and which can be manipulated
and supported by the hands and arms of a single user.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, after concrete is poured it must be leveled in order to
provide a concrete surface that is relatively even and smooth. To
provide the aforementioned smooth surface, screed boards are used.
They normally are wooden boards of the two-by-four or two-by-six
type and having a longitudinal length sufficient to level an area
equal to the size of the concrete pour. The screed board is
typically operated by having two individuals grasp the ends of the
screed board and drag the screed across the concrete pour while
maintaining the screed ends flush against the top of the form boards
or screed guides.
A variety of screed systems have been developed in an attempt to
make the screeding process easier. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,016,319 and 4,256,416 disclose screed systems comprising
handle-like structures which are attached adjacent to each end of
the screed board. Though such systems may be adequate for their
intended uses, neither system teaches a screed system which may be
used by a single operator.
Screed systems which require only a single operator are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,591,291 and 4,449,845. In particular, U.S. Pat. No.
4,591,291 teaches a screeding system for use by a single operator
which incorporates the use of an electrically powered screed
vibrator and counterweights. Though such a system may be adequate
for larger concrete pours, it may be too cumbersome and costly for
many simple concrete leveling applications. U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,845
also teaches a screeding system for use by a single operator
incorporating the use of a harness arrangement and having extended
handles spaced a fixed distance apart to accommodate the user's
torso therebetween. Such an arrangement may be suitable for
operators having a small or medium build but would be impracticable
and inconvenient for those with larger torsos who may not be able to
fit within the handles. Thus, it is believed by the applicant that
none of the prior art referred to herein will accomplish the purpose
of the present invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned need by the provision of a manual screeding system.
A further primary object of the present invention is to provide such
a system which is efficient, easy to use, easy to manufacture,
inexpensive, and handy. Other objects of this invention will become
apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a manual screeding system, for use with a
concrete screed, operable by a single user and held and supported by
the user's hands and forearms, comprising in combination: frame
means for providing structural integrity to such screed, holding
means, rigidly attached to a lower portion of such frame means, for
holding a screed board; gripping means, rigidly attached to an upper
portion of such frame means, for being grasped by a user's hand; and
support means, rigidly attached to an upper portion of such frame
means, for being supported by a user's forearm when such user is
grasping such gripping means; structured and arranged in such manner
that such user may control a pulling of such screed over concrete.
In addition, this invention provides such a manual screeding system
wherein such support means comprises means for supporting such
screeding system from rotation about such gripping means during
screeding. This invention further provides such a system wherein
such support means comprises a pair of curved cuffs, each such
curved cuff being structured and arranged, respectively, to overlay
a respective one of such user's forearms; and, further, wherein such
curved cuffs are sized and curved in such manner as to engage such
forearms of such user. And, it further provides such a system
wherein such curved cuffs further comprise a padding material.
Additionally, it provides for such a manual screeding system wherein
such gripping means comprises a pair of handles; also, it provides
such a system wherein each such handle comprises a substantially
straight bar member. And, further, it provides such a manual
screeding system wherein such frame means comprises an
upwardly-convex curved top portion and wherein such forearm support
means is attached to such curved top portion. And it provides such a
manual screeding system further comprising angle means for normally
maintaining such frame means at an angle of about ten degrees toward
such user from vertical. And, still further, it provides such a
manual screeding system wherein: such forearm support means
comprises a pair of curved cuffs, each such curved cuff being
structured and arranged, respectively, to overlay a respective one
of such user's forearms; such gripping means comprises a pair of
handles; such frame means comprises an upwardly-convex curved top
portion; and such forearm support means is attached to such curved
top portion.
Even further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides for a manual screeding system for use with a
screed board, operable by a single user, having a user side and an
exterior side, and held and supported by the user's hands and
forearms, comprising in combination: a pair of substantially
vertical frame bars each having an intermediate substantially
straight portion, having an upper end, an upwardly-convex curved top
portion, curving toward the user side from such upper end of such
straight portion, and having a user-side end portion, and a bottom
portion, angled toward the user side, having a bottom end; a first
substantially horizontal frame bar, attached to each of such
substantially vertical frame bars; a second substantially horizontal
frame bar, spaced apart from such first substantially horizontal
frame bar and attached to each of such substantially vertical frame
bars; a gripping means, attached to each such upper end of each such
straight portion, for manually holding and manipulating such
screeding system during screeding; a holding means, attached to such
bottom end of such bottom portion, for holding such screed board to
such screeding system; and a support means, attached to each such
user-side end portion, for supporting such screeding system from
rotation about such gripping means during screeding.
In addition, this invention provides for such a manual screeding
system wherein such bottom portion is angled toward the such user
side at an angle of about ten degrees. And it provides such a system
wherein such holding means comprises a pair of brackets, each such
bracket having a substantially open interior portion structured and
arranged for receipt of such screed board; and, further, wherein
such holding means further comprises a compressive means for
compressively holding such screed board within such respective open
interior portions of such brackets. Also, it provides such a manual
screeding system wherein such compressive means comprises a threaded
bolt.
Additionally, the present invention provides for such a manual
screeding system wherein each such support means comprises a curved
cuff structured and arranged for overlaying a user's forearm. And,
further, it provides a manual screeding system wherein: such holding
means comprises a pair of brackets, each such bracket having a
substantially open interior portion structured and arranged for
receipt of such screed board; and each such gripping means comprises
a pair of substantially straight, substantially horizontal, bar
members. Yet even further, it provides for a manual screeding system
wherein: each such curved cuffs further comprises a padding
material; and, further still, wherein each such bar member is
covered with a bicycle-handle-type grip. And it provides such a
manual screeding system wherein each such gripping means comprises a
pair of substantially straight, substantially horizontal, bar
members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
manual screeding system of the present invention in its use
environment.
FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a back side elevation view of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3
illustrating the arm cuff detail.
FIG. 5 is a partial left side elevation view illustrating in
enlarged detail the screed board bracket assembly.
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the screed board bracket
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Shown in perspective in FIG. 1 is the manual screeding system 20 of
the present invention in use in its working environment. The manual
screeding system 20 includes a pair of substantially vertical frame
bars 21, preferably made of 1 inch steel tubing. As shown, each of
the vertical frame bars 21 comprises an intermediate substantially
straight portion 22 having a pair of straight portion ends 23, an
integral curved top portion 24 having a top end 25, and an integral
slanted bottom portion 26 having a bottom end 27. Also shown in
FIGS. 1 through 3 is the use of a logo plate 28 integrally attached,
preferably by welding, to the exterior side 29 of the manual
screeding system 20 as shown best in FIG. 2. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, logo plate 28 is preferably
substantially rectangular in shape having approximate dimensions of
4 inches by 2 feet and is preferably made of 1/16-inch-thick steel.
The screed board 30, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, is typically a
wooden board of the two-by-four or two-by-six type. The length of
screed board 30 is selected to accommodate the size of the concrete
pour 31 to be leveled. Do to the typically heavy weight associated
with freshly laid concrete pour 31 and the fact that the manual
screeding system 20 is structured to be used by a single operator
34, the preferred length of screed board 30 is approximately up to
no more than 16 feet. To provide a reactionary force against the
weight of the concrete pour 31 acting against the screed board 30,
the preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with a
pair of curved cuffs 32 integrally attached, preferably by welding,
to each top end 25 of each curved top portion 24. Each of the curved
cuffs 32 are structured and arranged to engage the operator's
forearms 33 (as shown in FIG. 1) when the manual screeding system 20
is in use. This arrangement effectively prevents any outward
rotation of the manual screeding system 20 at the screed board
connection due to the weight of the concrete pour 31 acting against
the screed board 30. Specific details with respect to the preferred
construction and arrangement of the curved cuffs 32 will be
discussed hereinafter with respect to FIG. 4.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, connecting bars 35 are used to connect
each of the substantially vertical frame bars 21 and thus create a
rigid frame-like structure. The connecting bars 35 are preferably
made of 1 inch steel tubing and are integrally attached, preferable
by welding, adjacent to the straight portion ends 23 of each
substantially straight portion 22. This arrangement embodies in this
invention a frame means for providing structural integrity to such
screed. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame means further comprises an
upper portion 36 and a lower portion 36B. Also illustrated in FIG. 1
is a screed board bracket assembly 37 integrally attached,
preferably by welding, to each bottom end 27 of each slanted bottom
portion 26. Each screed board bracket assembly 37 comprises a screed
board bracket 38 having a through hole 39 (as shown in FIG. 6) in
front surface 40 to allow passage of each of the tightening bolts
41. Screed board bracket assembly 37 embodies herein a holding
means, rigidly attached to a lower portion of such frame means, for
holding a screed board. Specific details with respect to the
preferred construction and arrangement of each screed board bracket
assembly 37 will be discussed hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 5
and 6.
To facilitate handling and maneuvering of the manual screeding
system 20, handles 42, preferably made of 1 inch steel tubing, are
provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handles 42 are integrally
attached, preferable by welding, adjacent to the straight portion
ends 23 of each substantially straight portion 22. Handles 42 extend
outwardly from, and substantially perpendicular to, each
substantially straight portion 22 and have a preferred length of
approximately five inches. Handles 42 embody herein a gripping
means, rigidly attached to an upper portion of such frame means, for
being grasped by a user's hand. Each of the handles 42 may also be
provided with a grip-type material or handle grips 43, preferably a
bicycle-handle-type grip, to improve the grip of the operator 34 and
to prevent hand slippage.
In operation, the operator 34 of the manual screeding system 20
grasps handles 42 and tilts the upper portion 36 of the manual
screeding system 20 toward the operator 34 until curved cuffs 32
rest against the operator's forearms 33. In this position, the
slanted bottom portion 26 is substantially perpendicular to the
concrete pour 31 thereby maintaining the screed board 30
approximately horizontally perpendicular with the concrete surface
area to be leveled. Leveling of the concrete pour 31 is achieved by
the operator 34 pulling on handles 42 while walking backwards across
the area to be leveled. To obtain a concrete surface that is
uniformly even, the screed board ends 44 are placed on top of, and
travel along, the screed board guides or form boards 45. To
counteract the tendency of the screed board 30 rotating away from
the operator 34 (with the pivot point approximately located at the
handles 42) due to the weight and high viscosity of the freshly laid
concrete pour 31, the operator's forearms 33 are used in conjunction
with the curved cuffs 32 to provide a counterforce. Curved cuffs 32
embody herein a support means, rigidly attached to an upper portion
of such frame means, for being supported by a user's forearm when
such user is grasping such gripping means. Each such curved cuff is
structured and arranged, respectively, to overlay a respective one
of such user's forearms. This counterforce is transmitted through
the substantially vertical frame bars 21 and maintains the screed
board 30 in a proper orientation with respect the concrete pour 31
when the manual screeding system 20 is in use. This arrangement
embodies in this invention a support means comprising a means for
supporting such screeding system from rotation about such gripping
means during screeding.
Shown in left side and back elevation in FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively
is the preferred embodiment of the present invention substantially
shown and described with respect to FIG. 1. Specifically illustrated
are the relative dimensions and configurations of the frame-like
components comprising the manual screeding system 20 with the
preferred dimensions and configurations being hereinafter set forth.
The slanted bottom portion 26, formed by a typical metal bending
process, is preferably approximately three inches in length. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the slanted bottom portion 26 forms a
preferred angle of about approximately ten degrees relative to
straight portion 22 as represented by the angle designation .PHI..
Slanted bottom portion 26 embodies in this invention angle means for
normally maintaining such frame means at an angle of about ten
degrees toward such user from vertical. Each of the substantially
straight portions 22 have a preferred length of approximately 28
inches. Integrally attaching the substantially vertical frame bars
21 are connecting bars 35, each having a preferred length of
approximately 23 inches, and having a preferred spacing relative to
one another of approximately 23 inches. As shown best in FIG. 2, the
curved top portion 24, also formed by a typical metal bending
process, has a preferred length of approximately eight inches. The
curved top portion 24 is structured and arranged so that the top end
25 of curved top portion 24 protrudes, relative to the straight
portion 22, approximately seven inches into the operator area 47
(defined as the space or area in which the operator 34 stands while
using the manual screeding system 20 as shown in FIG. 2). In this
arrangement, the frame means is embodied by an upwardly-convex
curved top portion and wherein such forearm support means is
attached to such curved top portion.
Shown in FIG. 4 is a partial top view of FIG. 3 specifically
illustrating the preferred configuration of the curved cuffs 32. As
shown, the curved cuffs 32, preferably made of 1/16 inch steel and
formed by a typical metal bending process, have a convex outer
surface 48 and a concave inner surface 49. As shown best in FIG. 3,
the curved cuffs 32 are made from a substantially rectangular-shaped
piece having preferred dimensions of approximately 4 inches by 6
inches. Attachment of the curved cuffs 32 to the substantially
vertical frame bar 21 occurs by integrally attaching, preferably by
welding, the convex outer surface 48 of each of the curved cuffs 32
to the top end 25 of the curved top portion 24, as shown. The curved
cuffs 32 are oriented for attachment so that the concave inner
surface 49 engages the contours of the operator's forearms 33 when
the manual screeding system 20 is in use. To add an extra degree of
comfort, an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention
incorporates the use of arm cuff pads 50, preferably made of a foam
material which is preferably attached by gluing to the concave inner
surface 49 of curved cuffs 32 as shown in alternate detail in FIG.
4.
FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged left side elevation view showing the
detail of the screed board bracket assembly 37 of the present
invention. According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the screed board bracket assembly 37 consists of a screed
board bracket 38 constructed by securing together, preferably by
welding, two pieces of preferably four-inch-long,
two-inch-by-1/8-inch-thick, angle iron 51. As shown best in FIG. 5,
the pieces of angle iron 51 comprising each screed board bracket 38
are structured and arranged to form a channel section having a
substantially open interior portion 55 therein sized to accommodate
the thickness of screed board 30 (typically two inches nominal).
Screed board brackets 38 embody herein a holding means, rigidly
attached to a lower portion of such frame means, for holding a
screed board.
To rigidly secure the screed board 30 to each screed board bracket
38, the holding means of the present invention further provides for
a pair of tightening bolts 41 (shown best in FIGS. 5 and 6) which,
in the preferred embodiment, consist of 1/2-inch by 11/2-inch-long
threaded bolts. The front surface 40 of each screed board bracket 38
is provided with a through hole 39 (shown best in FIG. 6) which is
necessary to allow each bolt end 56 of tightening bolts 41 to
contact the screed board 30 (shown in FIG. 1). To provide a means
for allowing each of the tightening bolts 41 to exert a compressive
force on the screed board 30, a pair of bolt receivers 57,
preferably 1/2 inch nuts having internal threads, are provided.
Tightening bolts 41 embody herein a compressive means for
compressively holding such screed board within such respective open
interior portions of such brackets. The bolt receivers 57 are
securely attached, preferably by welding, to each front surface 40
of each screed board bracket 38, and are structured and arranged for
concentric alignment with each through hole 39. To facilitate the
turning of each of the tightening bolts 41, a bolt handle 58, having
an approximately round cylindrical shape, is attached, preferably by
welding, to the bolt head 59 of each of the tightening bolts 41. In
the preferred embodiment, each bolt handle 58 is approximately two
and three-quarters inches long and is constructed from 3/8-inch
steel bar stock.
The method of securing a screed board 30 to each screed board
bracket 38 is as follows. A screed board 30 is placed within the
interior portion 55 of each screed board bracket 38 so as to
maintain an approximate equal distance between each screed board
bracket 38 and proximate screed board end 44 as best shown in FIG.
1. A compressive force is then applied to the screed board 30 by
either the clockwise or counter-clockwise turning (depending upon
whether left or right hand threads are used for each of the
tightening bolts 41) of each of the tightening bolts 41, thereby
compressively holding the screed board 30 between each bolt end 56
and each interior back surface 60 of each screed board bracket 38.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiment of
this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes, sizes,
and materials. Such scope is limited only by the claims as read in
connection with the above specification. Further, many other
advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
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