Patent attributes
A machine for removing formwork from underneath a cured concrete slab includes a wheeled base movable on and supported at a support structure, a raisable-and-lowerable structure disposed on the wheeled base, and a formwork-removal device attached to the raisable-and-lowerable structure. The formwork-removal device includes an arm extending from the raisable-and-lowerable structure, at least one wedge element disposed at a distal end of the arm, and a formwork-retaining mechanism. With the raisable-and-lowerable structure adjusted to raise the wedge element and the wedge element moved to engage the formwork and an underside of a concrete slab, the wedge element is further moved to apply a force separating part of the formwork from the concrete slab, the formwork-retaining mechanism is operated to grasp the formwork separated from the concrete slab, retaining the formwork. With the formwork grasped by the formwork-retaining mechanism, the raisable-and-lowerable structure is lowered, removing the formwork from the concrete slab.
