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United States Patent Application	20080202043
Kind Code	A1
Marshall; Chester R. ;   et al.	August 28, 2008

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Claims

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1. A reusable, foldable, and portable support brace for use in supporting an associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall relative to a ground surface adjacent the associated wall, the portable support brace comprising:a main frame having a rear channel portion and a front vertical frame portion configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall;a support leg member having opposite first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected with said rear channel portion of said main frame; and,a length adjusting device disposed on the support leg member for adjusting a length of the support leg member between said first and second ends thereof, the length adjusting device including a first length adjustment portion including a plurality of first length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a first distance A, and a second length adjustment portion including a plurality of second length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a second distance B different than said first distance A, the length of the support leg member being selectable by connecting a one of said first length adjustment points with a one of said second length adjustment points.

2. The portable support brace according to claim 1 wherein:the plurality of first length adjustment selection points are spaced apart linearly by said first distance A; and,the plurality of second length adjustment selection points are spaced apart linearly by said second distance B.

3. The portable support brace according to claim 2 wherein:said plurality of first length adjustment selection points includes a first plurality of holes extending through said first length adjustment portion of said support leg; and,said plurality of second length adjustment selection points includes a second plurality of holes extending through said second length adjustment portion of said support leg.

4. The portable support brace according to claim 3 wherein:at least one of said first portion of said support leg and said second portion of said support leg is telescopically received into the other of said first portion of said support leg and said second portion of said support leg.

5. The portable support brace according to claim 3 wherein:said first plurality of holes are spaced apart by said first distance A of about 1 inch; and,said second plurality of holes are spaced apart by said second distance B of about 11/8 inch.

6. The portable support brace according to claim 1 further including a base foot member carried on the second end of the support leg member, the base foot member adapting the support brace for engaging a ground surface adjacent the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall.

7. The portable support brace according to claim 6 further including:a swivel member pivotably connecting the first end of the support leg member with the main frame, and a threaded trunion member connecting the second end of the support leg member with the base foot member, the swivel member enabling the first end of the support leg member to be rotated relative to the main frame without changing a distance between the first end of the support leg member and the main frame, and the threaded trunion member enabling the support leg member to be rotated relative to the base foot member thereby changing a distance between the second end of the support leg member and the base foot member.

8. The portable support brace according to claim 6 wherein said base foot member defines a plurality of holes of various sizes and shapes therethrough, the various holes adapting the base foot member for receiving a plurality of connectors or fasteners therethrough for securing the base foot member to the associated ground surface adjacent the newly constructed and vertically disposed wall.

9. The portable support brace according to claim 6 wherein:said main frame includes a bracket extending in said rear channel portion;said rear channel portion of the main frame is adapted to receive said support leg member when the portable support brace is in a folded condition; and,said base foot member includes a projection adapted to selectively engage said bracket to lock the second end of the support leg member relative to the main frame when the portable support brace is in the folded condition.

10. A reusable, foldable, and portable support brace for use in supporting an associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall, the portable support brace comprising:an elongate main frame having a rear channel portion and a first vertical face portion configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall;a support leg member having opposite first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected with said rear channel portion at a first selected location along a length of said main frame, and a second end being adapted to engage a ground surface adjacent said associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall; and,a platform device connected with the main frame, the platform device having a transverse platform member and a lateral strut member, each of the platform member and the strut member having opposite first and second ends, the first end of the platform member being pivotally connected with said rear channel portion of the main frame at said first selected location along the length of the main frame and the first end of the platform member being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame at a second location spaced from said first location, the second end of the platform member and the strut member being selectively mutually interconnected at their respective second ends.

11. The portable support brace according to claim 10 further including:a base foot member carried on the second end of the support leg member, the base foot member adapting the support brace for engaging a ground surface adjacent the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall.

12. The portable support brace according to claim 11 further including:a swivel member pivotably connecting the first end of the support leg member with the main frame, and a threaded trunion member connecting the second end of the support leg member with the base foot member, the swivel member enabling the first end of the support leg member to be rotated relative to the main frame without changing a distance between the first end of the support leg member and the main frame, and the threaded trunion member enabling the support leg member to be rotated relative to the base foot member thereby changing a distance between the second end of the support leg member and the base foot member.

13. The portable support brace according to claim 11 wherein said base foot member defines a plurality of holes of various sizes and shapes therethrough, the various holes adapting the base foot member for receiving a plurality of connectors or fasteners therethrough for securing the base foot member to the associated ground surface adjacent the newly constructed and vertically disposed wall.

14. The portable support brace according to claim 11 wherein:said main frame includes a bracket extending in said rear channel portion;said rear channel portion of the main frame is adapted to receive said support leg member when the portable support brace is in a folded condition; and,said base foot member includes a projection adapted to selectively engage said bracket to lock the second end of the support leg member relative to the main frame when the portable support brace is in the folded condition.

15. A reusable, foldable, and portable support brace for use in supporting an associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall, the portable support brace comprising:an elongate main frame having a rear channel portion and a first vertical face portion configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall;a support leg member having opposite first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected with said rear channel portion at a first selected location along a length of said main frame, and a second end being adapted to engage a ground surface adjacent said associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall;a platform device connected with the main frame, the platform device having a transverse platform member and a lateral strut member, each of the platform member and the strut member having opposite first and second ends, the first end of the platform member being pivotally connected with said rear channel portion of the main frame at said first selected location along the length of the main frame and the first end of the platform member being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame at a second location spaced from said first location, the second end of the platform member and the strut member being selectively mutually interconnected at their respective second ends; and,a length adjusting device disposed on the support leg member for adjusting a length of the support leg member between said first and second ends thereof, the length adjusting device including a first length adjustment portion including a plurality of first length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a first distance A, and a second length adjustment portion including a plurality of second length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a second distance B different than said first distance A, the length of the support leg member being selectable by connecting a one of said first length adjustment points with a one of said second length adjustment points.

16. The portable support brace according to claim 15 wherein:the plurality of first length adjustment selection points are spaced apart linearly by said first distance A; and,the plurality of second length adjustment selection points are spaced apart linearly by said second distance B.

17. The portable support brace according to claim 16 wherein:said plurality of first length adjustment selection points includes a first plurality of holes extending through said first length adjustment portion of said support leg; and,said plurality of second length adjustment selection points includes a second plurality of holes extending through said second length adjustment portion of said support leg.

18. The portable support brace according to claim 17 wherein:at least one of said first portion of said support leg and said second portion of said support leg is telescopically received into the other of said first portion of said support leg and said second portion of said support leg.

19. The portable support brace according to claim 17 wherein:said first plurality of holes are spaced apart by said first distance A of about 1 inch; and,said second plurality of holes are spaced apart by said second distance B of about 11/8 inch.

20. The portable support brace according to claim 15 further including a base foot member carried on the second end of the support leg member, the base foot member adapting the support brace for engaging a ground surface adjacent the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall.

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Description

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BACKGROUND

[0001]The present application is directed to the art of equipment used in construction for bracing structures such as walls and, in particular, to reusable, foldable, and portable support braces for use in supporting newly constructed vertically disposed cast in place concrete walls. Devices of the type described are especially useful in bracing newly constructed vertically disposed insulated concrete form (ICF) block walls relative to a ground surface adjacent the walls and will be described in connection thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the present application have other uses and purposes, and realize advantages in other applications beyond those found in the construction arts. As an example, the embodiments are useful for bracing equipment or workpieces in industry, and for supporting temporary or movable walls such as in theatre or for business or commercial purposes and in any other applications where there is a need for providing support to objects relative to a stable base or ground surface.

[0002]U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,254 to Lanka teaches an adjustable, foldable support brace for supporting cast in place concrete and other walls during construction. The brace includes a main frame, an optional platform ledge, and a support leg member. The main frame is in the general form of a vertical channel having a front face portion adapted to engage and thereby support the wall and a rear portion defining a U-shaped channel thereon. The support leg member is pivotally attached on one end to the rear of the main frame member and includes a foot portion on a second end thereof. The length of the support leg member is adjustable in large predetermined increments using pins retained in alignment holes and threaded portions. The optional ledge is attached to a swinging ledge support which is pivotable on the main frame at an area generally coincident with the pivot location of the first end of the support leg.

[0003]While braces of the type described in the '254 patent have met with some success, the overall design thereof limits the ability of adjusting the location of the optional platform ledge vertically downwardly along the main frame towards the ground and relative to the support leg member. More particularly, the structure of the optional ledge creates an interference which does not permit overlapping of the support leg member and the swinging platform support portion of the optional platform ledge. Therefore, the platform cannot be moved to a position along the main frame vertically downwardly beyond the point on the main frame where the lower end of the swinging ledge support brace interferes with the upper end of the support leg member.

[0004]In addition to the above, the support leg member in the prior art device includes a length adjusting device with foldable periscope-type handles attached to an internally threaded fastener. The fastener rotates around a threaded screw which is in turn pivotally connected to a footer base configured to rest on the ground during use. This mechanism is expensive, heavy, and burdensome to use, particularly with regard to adjustment because the interface between the threaded fastener and threaded screw can become clogged with concrete, dirt, and other debris making adjustment of the support leg member difficult or impossible.

[0005]Therefore, there is a need for new and improved support brace apparatus and methods of using the brace which overcome the above-referenced problems and other problems present in support brace devices of the prior art.

[0006]The exemplary embodiments relate to wall bracing apparatus with improved features including a fully positionable platform ledge and a fully adjustable support leg. They find application in conjunction with bracing cast in place concrete and other walls and particularly in conjunction with supporting insulated concrete form (ICF) block walls at construction sites, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other like or similar applications or purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a reusable, foldable, and portable support brace for use in supporting a newly constructed and vertically disposed wall, such as an ICF block wall, is provided. The portable support brace includes a main frame, a support leg member, and a length adjusting device disposed on the support leg for adjusting a length of the support leg member so that an inclination of the main frame can be adjusted relative to an associated support ground surface. The main frame has a rear channel portion and a front vertical frame portion configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall. The support leg member has opposite first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame. The length adjusting device is disposed on the support leg member for adjusting a length of the support leg member between the first and second ends thereof. In its preferred form, the length adjusting device includes a first set of length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a first distance A and a second set of length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a second distance B different than the first distance A.

[0008]In the preferred form of the length adjusting device, a plurality of spaced apart holes are provided on telescopic overlapping portions of the leg support member, with the first set of holes being spaced apart a distance A of about 1 inch and the second plurality of holes being spaced apart a second distance B of about 11/8 inch, thereby providing a phased relationship enabling a fine (1/8 inch) overall length adjustment for a relatively coarse (1 and 11/8 inch) spacing of selection points. The first and second distances A and B are selectable as desired and, thus, the fine adjustment distance A-B is selectable as well.

[0009]In accordance with another preferred embodiment, a reusable, foldable, and portable support brace for use in supporting an associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall, such as an ICF block wall, is provided. The support brace includes a platform portion, a main frame having a rear channel portion and a first vertical face portion configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall. A support member is provided and has opposite first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion at a first selected location along the length of the main frame. The second end of the support leg member is adapted to engage a ground surface adjacent the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall. Lastly, the platform device has a transverse platform member and a lateral support strut. Each of the platform member and support strut preferably have opposite first and second ends, the first end of the support strut being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame at the first selected location, and the first end of the platform member being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame at a second location spaced from the first location. The second ends of the platform member and support strut are selectively mutually interconnected to define a triangular shape together with a portion of the main frame between the first and second locations.

[0010]In accordance with the above embodiment, therefore, the upper end of the support leg member is pivotally attached with the main frame at a common connection point with the transverse platform member rather than at a location in common with the connection point lateral support strut on the main frame.

[0011]In accordance with its preferred form, the phasing of the adjustment points provided along first and second portions of the support leg member enables users of the device to make small adjustments in the length of the support leg member with resultant small adjustments in the vertical inclination of the main frame member even though the respective holes provided on each of the support leg members are spaced apart in a course relationship.

[0012]In accordance with a further advantage, the configuration of the lateral support strut of the platform device for supporting the transverse platform member relative to the main frame enables the support strut member to extend through the platform thus permitting the platform device to be adjusted to a point corresponding to the region of pivotal connection between the support leg member and the main frame. Essentially, the lateral support strut spans the support leg member of the main frame enabling the support leg member to extend through the lateral support brace. This allows a compactness between the platform device and the support leg member with a resultant overall increase in adjustability of the platform device relative to the main frame.

[0013]In accordance with yet a further embodiment, a support brace is provided for use in supporting an associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall. The support brace includes an elongate frame member, a support leg member, a platform device, and a length adjusting device. The elongate frame member has a rear channel portion and a first vertical face portion configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall. The support leg member has opposite first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion at a first selected location along the length of the main frame, and a second end being adapted to engage a ground surface adjacent the newly constructed associated wall. The platform device is connected with the main frame and has a transverse platform member and a lateral strut member. Each of the platform member and the strut member have opposite first and second ends, the first end of the platform member being pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame at the first selected location along the length of the main frame and the first end of the platform member is pivotally connected with the rear channel portion of the main frame at a second location spaced from the first location. The second end of the platform member and the strut member being selectively mutually interconnected at their respective second ends. The length adjusting device is disposed on the support leg member for adjusting a length of the support leg member between its first and second ends. The length adjusting device includes a first length adjustment portion including a plurality of first length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a first distance A. A second length adjustment portion includes a plurality of second length adjustment selection points spaced apart by a second distance B different than the first distance A. The length of the support leg member is selectable by connecting a one of the first length adjustment points with a one of the second length adjustment points.

[0014]Other advantages and benefits of the subject support brace will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates an unfolded side view of a support brace formed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 1A is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of a support leg of the support brace taken along line 1A-1A of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear of a support brace formed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the rear of a support brace in accordance with the first preferred embodiment shown in a partially assembled and partially opened state;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the rear of the first preferred embodiment shown in the fully opened and unfolded state;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the first preferred embodiment illustrating a top platform member and lateral support strut;

[0021]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the first embodiment of the subject wall support brace illustrated from the rear in a folded or closed state;

[0022]FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the support brace shown in FIG. 6 taken along line 6A-6A;

[0023]FIG. 7 is an elevational view from the side of the support brace of the first and second embodiments illustrated in a folded or closed condition; and,

[0024]FIG. 8 is an elevational view from the front of the support bracket in accordance with the first and second embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025]Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a side view of a portable support brace 10 formed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment. The brace is illustrated as arranged during use thereof in an unfolded or opened condition. In general, the support brace 10 includes a main frame 12, a support leg member 14, and a platform device 16. In general, portable support braces of the type described herein are well suited for use in supporting newly constructed and vertically disposed cast in place concrete and other walls such as insulated concrete form (ICF) block walls 18 relative to an associated stable or ground surface 20. Typical associated walls 18 include Styrofoam forms filled with concrete or other pourable materials for setting up within the Styrofoam forms. In practice, the support braces 10 are used to maintain the walls 18 in a true vertical inclination during and after the concrete pouring stage so that the resultant wall remains true vertical until the concrete hardens. In addition, the support brace 10 helps maintain the integrity of the Styrofoam form by providing a front vertical frame portion 30 (FIG. 8) configured to engage and support the associated newly constructed and vertically disposed wall 18. The support brace 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with an optional handrail portion 19 carried on the outer end of the platform device 16 in accordance with common practice. After the concrete hardens the braces are removed from contact with the wall, folded (see FIGS. 6-8), and thereafter stored or transported to the next job site.

[0026]In its preferred form, the main frame 12 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section as best shown in FIG. 24 and has a rear channel portion 32 defined between spaced apart walls 34, 36 on a side of the main frame 12 opposite from the front vertical frame portion 30. The main frame 12 can take on any size or shape but preferably, when combined with the platform device 16, has a height to width ratio of about 8 ft. by 2 ft. The main frame 12 functions as a rail to guide the various components of the support brace during use thereof particularly when opening and closing the brace. Although the brace can take on any size or shape as desired, other preferred nominal sizes of the subject brace include 9 ft. by 2 ft., 10 ft. by 2 ft., and 12 ft. by 2 ft.

[0027]With continued reference to FIG. 1 but with additional reference to FIG. 2, the support leg member 14 has opposite first and second ends 40, 42, respectively. The first end 40 of the support leg member 14 is pivotally connected with the main frame 12 using a suitable swivel connector 44 having a generally T-shaped conformation as shown. The swivel connector 44 enables the support leg member 14 to be rotated along its longitudinal axis relative to the T-shaped main body 46 of the swivel connector 44 for reasons to be described in greater detail below. The upper portion of the main body 46 includes a passageway adapted to slidably receive a transversely extending pin member 48 adapted to extend through a corresponding set of mounting holes 50, 51 provided in opposite walls 34, 36 of the main frame 12. It is to be appreciated that each of the walls 34, 36 include a group of mounting holes 52 spaced apart evenly and linearly arranged along the main frame 12 and in a paired relationship so that the pin member 48 passing through the swivel connector 44 can be connected with any set of mounting holes 50, 51 within the group of mounting holes 52 to effect vertical adjustment of pivotal connection between the support leg member 14 and the main frame 12 as desired.

[0028]The second end 42 of the support leg member 14 carries a threaded adjustment screw 60 for adapting the support leg member 14 for connection with a substantially planar foot member 70. The threaded adjustment screw 60 includes a main body 62 having an overall T-shape including a male threaded portion 64 and a pair of outwardly extending pin members 66, 67 extending through a corresponding set of mounting holes 72, 73 formed in an adapter bracket 74 of the foot member 70. A corresponding female threaded portion is carried internally on the second end 42 of the support leg member 14. It is to be appreciated that the pivotal connection between the pin members 66, 67 and the mounting holes 72, 73 enable relative pivotal movement between the foot member 70 and the support leg member 14 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongate support leg member 14. It is further to be appreciated that rotation of the threaded adjustment member 60 relative to the second end 42 of the support leg member 14 causes the male threaded portion 64 to withdraw from or extend into the second end of the support leg based on the direction of relative rotation between the parts thereby adjusting the overall length of the support leg member. Preferably, the pitch of the male threaded portion 64 is about eight (8) threads per inch or about 0.125 inches so that, for each complete rotation of the support leg member 14 relative to the foot member 70, the length of the support leg member 14 is either increased or decreased by about 0.125 inches. Other pitches can be used as desired.

[0029]In addition to the above, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the length of the support leg member 14 is selectable in fine increments through selective connection between portions of the support leg member in a manner to be described below. More particularly, as best shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the support leg member 14 includes a length adjusting device 80 for adjusting a length of the support leg member between the upper and lower ends 40, 42. The length adjusting device 80 includes a first set of length adjustment selection points 82 spaced apart by a first distance A and a second set of length adjustment selection points 84 spaced apart by a second distance B. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the first distance is about 1 inch and the second distance is about 1.25 inches. In addition, as illustrated, the first series of adjustment selection points 82 includes a first linear series of length adjustment selection points 83 spaced apart by the first distance A. Similarly, the second series of length adjustment selection points 84 includes a second linear series of length adjustment selection points 85 spaced apart by the second distance B. Although linear selection points are illustrated, other arrangements of selection points can be used as well including a rotational series of selection points using a cylindrical coordinate system, one or more non-linear series of selection points, or the like.

[0030]In their preferred forms, the first and second linear series of length adjustment selection points 83, 85 include first and second plurality of holes 86, 88 extending through respective upper and lower portions 22, 24 of the support leg member 14. Preferably, the free end of the upper portion 22 of the support leg member 14 is telescopically connected with the lower portion 24 thereof to enable relative movement therebetween so that operators using the subject support brace 10 can easily and conveniently make length adjustments to the support leg member 14 as necessary. The first and second set of linear length adjustment selection points as provided by the first and second plurality of holes 86, 88 are phased whereby the first plurality of holes 86 are spaced apart by a distance A=1.0 inch and, for the second plurality of holes 88, B=0.125 inches. In that way, for each 1/8 inch relative movement between the upper and lower portions 22, 24, at least one of the first plurality of holes 86 align with at least one of the second plurality of holes 88 in order to accommodate a locking pin 89 for fastening the upper and lower portions 22, 24 of the support leg member 14 thereby selecting a desired length thereof. It is to be appreciated that other phasing scales and proportions can be used as desired.

[0031]In accordance with the preferred embodiment, therefore, gross adjustments (of about 1/8 inch) can be made to the length of the support leg member 14 using the length adjusting device 80 in a manner described above. Thereafter, operators of the subject support brace 10 can simply rotate the support leg member 14 about its longitudinal axis to cause the threaded adjustment member 60 to adjust the length of the support leg member as desired with about 0.125 inches of adjustment provided for each revolution as described above.

[0032]Lastly in connection with FIG. 2, the main frame 12 includes an elongate transverse strap member 26 extending between outer free edges of the first and second walls 34, 36 in a manner substantially as shown. The strap member 26 is provided for supporting the foot member 70 relative to the main frame 12 during storage and transport of the subject support brace 10. The strap member 26 is located for selective engagement with a corresponding set of hanger ears 76, 77 formed on the adapter bracket 74 of the foot member 70. Each of the hanger ears 76, 77 includes hook portions 78, 79 adapted to extend into the rear channel portion 32 between the strap member 26 and the portion of the main frame 12 opposite from the front vertical frame portion 30. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of showing the front member 70 carried on the strap member 26 such as during storage or transport of the brace 10.

[0033]The platform device 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-5. It is to be appreciated that the platform device 16 is selectively provided on the subject brace as desired and that in one embodiment a platform device is provided and in another embodiment a brace without a platform device is provided. In general, the platform device 16 includes a transverse platform member 100 for supporting scaffolding or other loads relative to the apparatus 10 and a lateral support strut 102 for supporting the transverse platform member 100 relative to the main frame 12. The transverse platform member 100 includes a first end 104 pivotally connected with the main frame 12 at a selected one of said set of mounting holes 50, 51 of the group of mounting holes 52, and a second end 106 selectively connected with the lateral support strut 102 substantially as shown. Similarly, the lateral support strut 102 includes a first end 108 pivotally connected with the main frame 12 at a second group of mounting holes 54, and a second end 110 selectively connectable with the second end 106 of the transverse platform member 100.

[0034]Each of the transverse platform member 100 and the lateral support strut 102 are foldable into the rear channel portion 32 of the main frame 12 (FIGS. 6 and 7) by pivotal folding upwardly in a direction as viewed in FIG. 1. This forms a compact overall structure of the support brace 10 and enables easy storage and stacking thereof.

[0035]FIG. 3 shows the preferred conformation of the lateral support strut 102 and, as illustrated, includes a pair of spaced apart leg members 120, 122 connected at an outer region 124 having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending ears 126, 128 having first and second pairs of holes 130, 132 adapted to receive a pin therethrough for connection with the transverse platform member 100 in a manner shown best in FIG. 4. Of particular relevance with regard to the preferred embodiment, however, it is to be noted that the strut members 120, 122 are spaced apart defining an open region 134 in the lateral support strut 102 therebetween. The open region 134 adapts the lateral support strut 102 to receive the upper portion 22 of the support leg member 14 therethrough. In that way, the first end 40 of the support leg member 14 can be mounted along the main frame 12 at a position higher than the first end 108 of the lateral support brace 102 as bested illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0036]In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the connection region 124 connecting the first and second leg members 120, 122 defines a forward edge 136 provided for engagement into a corresponding lip portion 138 defined at the outer end 106 of the transverse arm member 100 to enable users of the subject support platform 10 to easily deploy the brace into an opened condition wherein the transverse arm member 100 is temporarily held in place relative to the lateral support strut 102 by engagement of the forward edge 136 into the lip portion 138 prior to securement therebetween by a corresponding pin device 140 or the like.

[0037]FIG. 8 shows the main frame 12 from a front side thereof illustrating the front vertical frame portion 30. As illustrated, a plurality of connection holes 150 are provided along the length of the main frame for adapting the subject support brace for selective connection with the associated wall forms or the like. More particularly, it is to be appreciated that Styrofoam forms can be secured in place using suitable screws, wires, tacks, staples, or the like. The plurality of connection regions 150 enable users of the subject support brace to gain access of the associated wall through the main frame 12 while the support brace is installed against the wall. The connection regions include a first set of elliptical holes 152 having a horizontal orientation and a similar set of vertical elliptical holes 154 having a vertical orientation. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that more or less holes can be used and other shapes and sizes can be used as well.

[0038]The support brace has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

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