The formworks intended to receive the concrete castings for the construction of beams, pillars, separators, staircases, etc. are generally supported by provisional scaffoldings comprising props, scaffolds, staffs, etc. Therefore, the formworks transmit to the provisional scaffoldings the weights of the building materials (floors and reinforcing iron) and of the workers engaged with the construction until the concrete does not reach the operative resistance and stability.

Since the shapes and the sizes of the bearing structures remarkably change even in the same project, as well as in different projects, the use of iron formworks and of prefabricated structural systems is limited. The formworks are thus prevalently made of wood, since they can be easily adapted to the required sections and lengths, and then they can be removed and reused.

The adaptation of the formworks and of the scaffoldings to the project measures involves however the cut and the consequent loss of a portion of the employed material. Furthermore, after the concrete casting, a portion of the material is destroyed during the carpentry dismantling, especially where the edges of the formworks are partially dipped into the concrete or are fixed with nails or fastenings to the tables for aligning and supporting the scaffolding.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fonnwork and a scaffolding which are free from said disadvantages. Said object is achieved with modular devices and a modular system, the main features of which are disclosed in claims 1,11, 14,20, 25,31, 32,33 and 38, while other features are disclosed in the remaining claims.

Thanks to their particular shapes and sizes, the modular devices according to the present invention can be mutually joined in a simple and quick manner, so as to carry out infinite combinations of systems for carrying out and supporting not only

formworks having any shape or size, but also the adjacent structures, as for example beams and floors.

Therefore, the formworks, which must not support said structures anymore, can be prefabricated with predetermined lengths, thinner walls and materials differing from wood or iron, so that they can be adapted to the construction in an easier manner. With this arrangement, prefabricated formworks can be manufactured with modular lengths, so that they can be aligned one after the other for obtaining formworks with the desired length.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the formworks can be. manufactured in a single piece of a material compatible with the construction material, so that they can be left in the construction even after the concrete has solidified, thus forming a covering for the concrete, with consequent advantages in terms of insulation, finishing, etc.

Further advantages and features of the modular devices and system according to the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed and non-limiting description of some embodiment thereof with reference to the attached drawings, wherein : - figures 1 to 3 show top, front and side views of a modular angle member; - figures 4 to 7 show top and enlarged front views of two members for modular telescopic rods, respectively; - figures 8 and 9 show a top view of two modular telescopic rods; - figures 10 to 12 show side, top and enlarged front views of a first modular crossbar ; - figures 13 and 14 show side and top views of a second modular crossbar; -figures 15 to 23 show side, top and front views of three modular joints, respectively; - figures 24 to 29 show top, front and side views of two modular fixing members, respectively ; - figures 30 to 32 show left side, right side and top views of a first modular beam, respectively ; figure 33 shows an enlarged front view of the modular beam of figure 30; - figure 34 shows an enlarged front view, partially sectioned, of the modular beam of figure 30 with the modular joint of figure 16;

- figures 35 and 36 show top and side views of two modular beams of figure 30 joined to each other and to the modular beam of figure 48; - figures 37 to 44 show front and a partial top views of four modular formworks, respectively; - figures 45 to 47 show side, front and top views of a second modular beam; - figures 48 and 49 show a side view of other two modular beams; - figures 50 to 53 show partial side and front views of two modular systems, respectively; - figures 54 to 56 show partial side, front and top views of a third modular system, respectively ; - figure 57 shows a partial top view of the modular system of figure 56, with a rotated beam ; - figures 58 to 60 show partial side, top and front views of a fourth modular system, respectively; - figures 61 to 63 show side, top and sectioned views along plane LXIII-LXIII of a fifth modular system; and - figures 64 to 70 show a front view of other modular systems.

Figures 1 to 3 show a modular angle member according the present invention, which comprises two section bars 1,2 having two parallel side walls joined by a perpendicular base so as to have a substantially rectangular U-shaped cross-section.

Section bars 1, 2 are mutually joined in a perpendicular manner so that the bases form a L and the side walls protrude outside this L. The joint between section bars 1,2 can be obtained and/or improved with one or more reinforcement plates 3, for example with a shape of a circle quarter, arranged between the bases of section bars 1, 2 in a manner perpendicular thereto. Width L of section bar 1 is substantially equal to the distance between the side walls of section bar 2, so that section bar 1 can be arranged into section bar 2 of another modular angle member. The side walls of section bars 1, 2 are provided with holes 4 arranged along one or more rows parallel to the longitudinal axis of these section bars at a distance D or whole multiples thereof, so that section bar 1 can be fixed into section bar 2 of another modular angle member by means of fixing members arranged in holes 4. In particular, holes 4 of section bar 2 are arranged along

at least two offset rows spaced by a distance E or a whole submultiple thereof. The base of section bar 1 is provided with a central slot 5 parallel to his longitudinal axis, while the base of section bar 2 is provided with one or more central elliptic holes 4 and is preferably shorter than the side walls of section bar 2 on the opposite side with respect to section bar 1. The base of section bar 2 is also provided with one or more slits 6 which are open outwards and are parallel to its longitudinal axis. Distance W between slits 6 is substantially equal to distance W between reinforcement plates 3, so that the latter can protrude into slits 6 when section bar 1 is arranged in section bar 2 of another modular angle member. The edges of the side walls opposite to the base of section bar 1 are joined to at least one plate 7 which is parallel to this base and protrudes outside the edges. Also the edges of the side walls opposite to the base of section bar 2 are joined to one or more plates 8 which are parallel to this base and protrude outside these edges, so that when section bar 1 is arranged in a coaxial manner in section bar 2 of another modular angle member, plates 7 and 8 lie on the same plane. The ends of the side walls of section bar 1 opposite to section bar 2 and the ends of the side walls of section bar 2 close to section bar 1 are shaped for obtaining rectangular seats 9,10 which are open outwards and have a height H and a base B. Height 2H of the side walls of section bars 1 and/or 2 is substantially twice the heights H of the rectangular seats 9 and/or 10.

Figures 4 and 5 show a first member made up of a section bar 11 with a substantially rectangular cross-section having a height and a base substantially equal to height H and to base B of the rectangular seats 9,10 of section bars 1,2 of the modular angle members. The bases of section bar 11 can be provided with one or more central slots 12 which are parallel to the longitudinal axis and have a length at least twice distance D, as well as with one or more ribs 13 parallel to its longitudinal axis which protrude into the inner cavity of section bar 11.

Figures 6 and 7 show a second member made up of a section bar 14 with a substantially rectangular cross-section having a height and a base substantially equal to the height and the base of the inner cavity of section bar 11. The bases of section bar 14 can be provided with one or more grooves 15 complementary to ribs 13, so that section bar 14 can slide into section bar 11. In other embodiments of the present

invention section bar 14 can also be solid and not hollow.

Figures 8 and 9 show two modular telescopic rods according to the present invention made up of one second member 14 arranged in a slidable manner into more first members 11 shorter than this second member 14.

Figures 10 to 12 show a first modular crossbar according to the present invention, which comprises a section bar 16 having a substantially rectangular cross- section with a width substantially equal to width L of section bar 1 of the modular angle member. The side walls of section bar 16 are provided with holes 17 which are aligned along one or more rows parallel to the longitudinal axis of this section bar and are spaced by a distance D or whole multiples thereof, so that section bar 16 can be fixed into section bar 2 of a modular angle member in a coaxial or even perpendicular manner thereto where the side walls of section bar 2 are not connected to its base. In particular, holes 16 are arranged along at least two offset rows spaced by a same distance E or a whole submultple thereof, as holes 4 of section bar 2. The side walls and/or the bases of section bar 16 are provided with one or more central slots 18,19, respectively, parallel to the longitudinal axis and having a length at least twice distance D. The ends of the side walls of section bar 16 can be shaped for obtaining rectangular seats 20 having a height H and a base B. Further section bars 21 having a rectangular cross-section with a base having a width substantially equal to the distance between the side walls of section bar 1 can be fixed into one or both ends of section bar 16, so that the free end of a section bar 1 of a modular angle member can be coupled with the end of section bar 16 and section bars 1 and 16 result mutually aligned. For this purpose, height 2H of the side walls of section bar 16 is substantially equal to the height of section bars 1, i. e. twice heights H of the rectangular seats 20.

The second modular crossbar of figures 13 and 14 always comprises a section bar 22 with a substantially rectangular cross-section as the first modular crossbar, however an end is laterally closed by a perforated plate and has one or both bases provided with a substantially rectangular opening 23.

Figures 15 to 23 show three modular joints according to the present invention comprising a plate 24 joined to a plate 25, one or both of which are provided with holes 26,27, respectively, spaced by a distance D, E or whole multiples or

submultiples thereof along one or more rows parallel or perpendicular to each other.

Plate 24 is wider than plate 25 and is fixed to the latter in a perpendicular manner or is hinged by means of a hinge 28. Plate 24 is preferably shaped for obtaining a central rib 29, while width W of plate 25 is substantially equal to the distance between the reinforcement plates 3 of the modular angle member, so that plate 24 can be arranged between the reinforcement plates 3.

Figures 24 to 29 show two modular fixing members according to the present invention, which comprise a stem 30 which is joined to a head 31 flat or shaped for the rotating coupling with a tool, for example hexagonal, and can be inserted into one of holes 4,17, 26 or 27 or into one of slots 5,12, 18 or 19. The first fixing member is provided with a mobile key 32 which can be inserted in the direction of the arrow of figure 24 into a cross-hole made in stem 30 for mutually fixing the devices provided with said holes or slots, while the second fixing member is provided with two fixed fins 32 which protrude transversally from stem 30 and can be rotated by about 90° for carrying out the same fixing. Obviously, this second fixing member can be inserted and rotated only in the slots and in the elliptic holes.

Figures 30 to 33 show a modular beam according to the present invention which comprises a section bar 33 provided with a horizontal wall and a vertical wall joined so as to obtain a substantially upturned L-shaped cross-section. The vertical wall of section bar 33 is preferably longer than the horizontal wall, so that its ends protrude with respect to the latter. A latticework 34 made up of shaped and inclined rods is fixed between the free edge of the vertical wall of section bar 33 and a horizontal rod 35 parallel to this same section bar. The vertical wall of section bar 33 is provided with slots 36 and holes 37 which are aligned along one or more longitudinal parallel rows and are spaced by a distance D or a whole multiple thereof Referring to figure 34, it is seen that the vertical wall of section bar 33 is preferably provided with a pair of rails 38 in which plate 24 of a modular joint according to the present invention can be inserted and shifted longitudinally. A key 39 can be inserted into rib 29 of plate 24 for locking said joint in the desired position.

Figures 35 and 36 show two modular beams placed side by side and mutually joined by means of a plurality of the above mentioned fixing members inserted into

slots 36 and/or holes 37 of section bars 33. Section bar 40 of a second modular beam (which will be described later on) can be fixed in the same way to the end of a section bar 33.

Figure 37 to 44 show four modular formworks according to the present invention, which comprise a base 41 joined to two side walls 42 and 43 so as to form a canal into which concrete can be cast. The upper edges of side walls 42 and/or 43 can be provided with fins 44 and/or 45 which are parallel to base 41 and protrude outwards. The lateral edges of side walls 42,43 are instead smoothed with an angle of 45° for obtaining a perfect coupling between the ends of two formworks arranged on the same plane. Base 41, sidewalls 42,43 and fins 44,45, if any, are suitably made of a single piece of shapable material compatible with the construction material, for example clay, plastic, lightened concrete, reinforced with fibers if necessary, or cellular concrete. Base 41, side walls 42,43 and fins 44,45, if any, are further prefabricated with determined lengths, so that they can be aligned one after the other for obtaining longer formworks.

Figures 45 to 49 show three further modular beams according to the present invention, which comprise a section bar 40 provided with a horizontal wall and a vertical wall joined so as to have a substantially upturned L-shaped cross-section, as section bar 33 of the first modular beam. Also the vertical wall of section bar 40 is provided with slots 46 and holes 47 which are aligned along one or more longitudinal parallel rows and are spaced by a distance D or a multiple thereof. Section bar 40 is also provided with a pair of rails 48 in which plate 24 of a modular joint according to the present invention can be inserted and shifted. The vertical wall is preferably longer than the horizontal wall, so that an end thereof protrudes with respect to the latter. The opposite end can be provided with a transversal plate 49 provided with holes 50 for the perpendicular fixing to another modular beam or to another device according to the present invention. In particular, slots 46, holes 47 and/or 50 are arranged along at least two offset rows spaced by a distance E or a whole submultiple thereof.

Referring to figures 50 and 51, it is seen that a first modular system according to the present invention comprises a modular crossbar arranged into section bar 2 of an angle member and fixed thereto by means of first modular fixing members 51 inserted

into the relevant holes 17 and 4. In the present embodiment, section bar 2 is fixed perpendicular to section bar 16, so that the latter is arranged under section bar 1, parallel thereto. Plate 25 of a modular joint according to the present invention can be fixed by means of at least one modular fixing member inserted and locked into an elliptic hole 4 of the base of section bar 2 and into a central hole 27 of plate 25. Plate 24 of the same joint can be fixed to the upper wall of section bar 16. One or more rods, for example known rods or modular telescopic rods 11 according to the present invention, can be arranged onto section bar 1, thanks also to plate 7 which act as a supporting surface. A further rod 11 can be arranged into the rectangular seat 10 of section bar 2, while base 41 and the side wall 42 of a fonnwork, for example a known formwork or a modular formwork according to the present invention, can be leant on the modular crossbar 16 and on section bar 2 of the modular angle member, respectively, in particular on fins 8 of the latter. A prop 52 (not shown in figure 51), also of a known kind, can be arranged under the modular crossbar 16 for supporting the whole system.

Referring to figures 52 and 53, it is seen that when the side wall 42 of the formwork is high, section bar 1 of the first angle member can be arranged in a coaxial manner into section bar 2 of a second angle member, while crossbar 16 is arranged in a coaxial manner into section bar 2 of the first angle member. The fixing of the second angle member to the first angle member and to the crossbar can be carried out by means of modular fixing members 53.

Referring to figures 54 to 57, it is seen that the end of a section bar 33 of a modular beam according to the present invention can be joined to the free end of section bar 1 of the first angle member by fixing plate 24 of a modular joint to section bar 33, as well as by inserting a modular fixing member into the central slot 5 of section bar 1 and into a hole 27 of plate 25 of the same joint, so that section bar 33 can rotate and slide with respect to section bar 1 in the direction of the arrows of figure 57.

One or both ends of the vertical walls of section bars 33 or 40 of the modular beams according to the present invention are preferably shaped so as to obtain an upwardly open rectangular seat having a height H substantially equal to the height of the rectangular seats 9,10 and/or of section bars 11 of the modular telescopic rods, so that

they can be housed at least partially into this seat in a perpendicular manner.

Referring to figures 58 to 60, it is seen that section bars 33 of further modular beams can be mutually fixed by inserting and locking by means of a key 39 plate 24 of a modular joint into rails 38 of a section bar 33, as well as by fixing plate 25 of the same joint to another section bar 33, for example by means of one or more modular fixing members according to the present invention. If the modular joint is provided with a hinge 28, a modular beam can also be rotated with respect to the other one around a vertical axis.

Referring to figures 61 to 63, it is seen that a modular formwork according to the present invention can comprise a fourth wall 54 which connects the free edges of the side walls 42,43, so as to made up a tubular structure having a rectangular cross- section. For building a pillar, one or more modular formworks of this kind can be arranged vertically one on the other. In another embodiment, these modular formworks can also be manufactured in two separate and complementary portions which have a L- shaped cross-section, i. e. with base 41 made in a single piece with side wall 42 and with side wall 43 made in a single piece with the fourth wall 54, so as to simplify its installing and uninstalling. These walls are laterally contained by at least two pairs of modular beams with section bars 33 arranged vertically and mutually fixed by means of a plurality of joints and a plurality of modular beams with section bars 40 arranged horizontally so as to act as a tie for tightening the formwork on all sides. Four modular beams with section bars 40 arranged horizontally can be arranged at the base of the entire structure for improving its ground support. For clarity's sake, figures 62 and 63 show only section bars 40 acting as ties or base, respectively.

Figures 64 and 65 show concrete structures in a side formwork and in a middle formwork, respectively, supported by two embodiments of the modular system according to the present invention.

Figures 66 and 67 show concrete structures in a side formwork with overhang and with prefabricated eaves, respectively, supported by other two embodiments of the modular system according to the present invention.

Figure 68 shows a concrete structure in a middle formwork supported by an embodiment of the modular system similar to the one illustrated in figure 65, wherein

the modular crossbar 16 is however substituted by two modular crossbars 22 fixed in a perpendicular manner to section bars 33 of two modular beams supported in turn by props 52. Section bars 33 of these modular beams serve to support and to keep mutually aligned more modular formworks with a reduced side, which could not be adequately supported if only crossbars 16 were used.

Figure 69 shows a concrete structure in two side formworks, one of which is laterally protected by a modular crossbar 16 fixed in a vertical manner to the end of section bar 1 of a modular angle member.

Finally, figure 70 shows a concrete structure in a middle formwork wherein two floors with a different warp are mutually joined in the same structure.

Further modifications and/or additions may be made by those skilled in the art to the embodiments of the invention hereinabove described and illustrated, while remaining within the scope of the same invention.