Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of forming a foundation, characterised by comprising the steps of arranging pre-formed footing elements (2) in a required configuration on a base for the construction, the said footing elements (2) having upper surfaces with means (15,25) for locating shuttering (3,4) for walls to be erected on the foundation, the footing elements (2) also being adapted to receive starter reinforcing bars (5,5a,28,29,31) for the foundation and/or the walls, locating starter reinforcing bars (5,5a,28,29,31) in the footing elements (2) and securing reinforcing bars thereto, and subsequently pouring a concrete mix to bond substantially monolithically with the footing elements (2).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of forming a foundation, characterised by comprising the steps of arranging pre-formed footing elements (2) in a required configuration on a base for the construction, the said footing elements (2) having upper surfaces with means (15,25) for locating shuttering (3,4) for walls to be erected on the foundation, the footing elements (2) also being adapted to receive starter reinforcing bars (5,5a,28,29,31) for the foundation and/or the walls, locating starter reinforcing bars (5,5a,28,29,31) in the footing elements (2) and securing reinforcing bars thereto, and subsequently pouring a concrete mix to bond substantially monolithically with the footing elements (2).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the footing elements (2) are set on pads of a concrete mix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the concrete mix is poured into the foundation after the shuttering (3,4) for the walls has been erected.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
24 words
A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the footing elements (2) are pre-formed of concrete or a light-weight aggregate.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
32 words
A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the footing elements (2) are of an open- construction to enable the poured concrete to penetrate through and around them.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 5, characterised in that the footing elements (2) each have upper and lower horizontal frames (11,12) linked by pillars (13).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 5, characterised in that the footing elements (2) are each formed by a pair of upwardly open U-shaped frames (21,22) which are spaced apart and joined by parallel top members (23,24).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 10, characterised in that the parallel top members (23,24) are of different lengths.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the parallel top members (23,24) overhang beyond the frames on both sides.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
30 words
A method according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that recesses (25) for the shuttering (3,4) are formed in the upper surfaces of the top members (23,24).
Claim 12
Independent Claim
102 words
A method according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that starter reinforcement elements (28,29) are laid on the bases (21) of the U-shaped frames, such reinforcement elements comprising a pair of short bars (28) spanning the said bases (21) and secured to a vertical support (29), and characterised in that a U-shaped reinforcing support element (31) is introduced between the said short bars (28) and the parallel top members (23,24) of the frame to be held by its own resilience and to extend generally horizontally out of the footing element (2) into the area to receive the concrete mix.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
88 words
A footing element particularly for use in a method according to any of claims 1 to 5 or 7 to 11, characterised by having upper surfaces with means (25) for locating shuttering (3,4) for walls to be erected on a plurality of footing elements (2), and also being adapted to receive reinforcing bars (28,29,31) for the foundation and/or the walls, the footing element (2) being in the form of a pair of upwardly open U-shaped frames (21,22) which are spaced apart and joined by parallel top members (23,24).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A footing element according to claim 12, characterised in that recesses (25) for the shuttering (3,4) are formed in the upper surfaces of the top members (23,24).