News Story: A Ransonville, New York-based construction worker has patented a new system for separating set concrete from forms – a system he says uses prybar-type leverage to save time and labor.

David Barto, who says he works many projects through his membership in Union Local 289, is seeking a manufacturer for the BartoBar – a concept he says he developed on a job site as he observed colleagues struggle with form removal.

“Wherever your pins go, you just set this tool into that, and it’s like a prybar, instead of going between the concrete and the form,” Barto said. “It’s safer. It works on leverage. It’s like having your foot close to the panel, and you use it to push it right off.”

Barto says his invention will reduce physical exertion needed to remove forms, thus reducing the likelihood of job-site injuries, and results in less damage to concrete and to forms.

Barto said companies interested in contracting to manufacture the product should contact him at 716.754.4491, or e-mail him at harleybart2000@verizon.net.