Variable height sideforms
An improvement to concrete casting machines of the casting bed type in which the side forms are constructed and arranged to stay in an upright position at all times but may be raised and lowered.
1. In a machine for casting concrete panels on a casting bed including a bottom and a pair of parallel side forms, the improvement comprising:
a) linkage members pivotally linking said side forms to a fixed position to allow up and down movement which keeps the side forms vertical at all times with respect to said casting bed, said linkage members pivotally linking said side forms such that the side forms move up, down, and back and forth but not outwardly from said casting bed;
b) a mechanism to fix the side forms at one of a plurality of heights with respect to said casting bed; and
c) motive force mechanism linked to said side forms for driving said side forms up and down.
2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said motive force mechanism is hydraulic.
3. The machine of claim 1 wherein said mechanism to fix the height of said side forms includes a plurality of spaced openings such that said side forms may be set at one of a plurality of different heights by securing the linkage members relative to the side forms by bolt members to said spaced openings.
4. The machine of claim 1 wherein said mechanism to fix the height of said side forms includes a electromagnets positioned to provide a holding force to keep the side forms at a desired height once so positioned.
5. The machine of claim 1 wherein said mechanism to fix the height of said side forms includes an air bladder positioned along said side forms which upon inflation provides a holding force to keep the side forms at a desired height once so positioned.
6. The machine of claim 3 wherein said plurality of spaced openings are positioned to said side form such that said side form may be fixed to a set height by placing bolt members thereinto.
7. The machine of claim 3 wherein said plurality of spaced openings are positioned within said linkage members such that bolt members passed therethrough will fix the side forms to a set height based on the hole so fixed.