Contraction joint installer for concrete slabs

摘要

An apparatus and method to install contraction joints in concrete slabs. The method uses a device, which inserts a strip of plastic or paper tape into freshly laced concrete, as the device is driven across a concrete slab. The tape is folded immediately prior to being inserted into freshly placed concrete, and functions to weaken the slab at the contraction joint location for the purpose of causing a crack to form in the slab. Plastic tape can be used, which functions as a moisture vapor retarder, and thereby, protects floor coverings from moisture damage, such as mold and mildew, at contraction joint locations.

主权项

1. An installer for continuously inserting tape wound on a roll below a top surface of a plastic concrete slab, the installer comprising:
a. a base that is formed so as to be able be supported by and to travel over the top surface of the plastic concrete slab; b. a rotating insertion blade supported by the base, the rotating insertion blade reaching below the base, the rotating insertion blade having an edge and an axis; c. a fork supported by the base, the fork being located higher than the axis of the rotating insertion blade, the fork having an opening that can receive an axle on which the tape wound on the roll may be received.