Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus to reduce the amount of time required to assemble an array of construction reinforcing bars wherein a consistent gap is present between the reinforcing bars and the height of the exposed end of the reinforcing bars is substantially identical while simultaneously covering the exposed ends of the reinforcing bars to prevent injuries to nearby individuals that may come into contact with the exposed ends of the reinforcing bars.
Claims
1. An apparatus to position reinforcing bars at equal distance from each other while covering the exposed end of the reinforcing bars to prevent injuries from being caused thereby the apparatus comprising: a first elongated rectangle having: a certain height, width, and length; a top surface; and one or more channels equally spaced along the top surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so that reinforcing bars may be placed lengthwise along the channels; a second elongated rectangle having: a certain height, width, and length; a top and a bottom surface with one or more hollow passages to allow the top surface to communicate with the bottom surface; a side surface with one or more cavities having an open proximal end and a closed distal end the cavity protruding into the second elongated rectangle and is suitable for receiving the end of a reinforcing bar; one or more wire ties to temporarily join the reinforcing bars to the first elongated rectangle and one or more wire ties each being inserted through said passage and wrapped about the end of reinforcing bar that has been inserted into said cavity to temporarily join the reinforcing bars to the second elongated rectangle so that the first elongated rectangle, second elongated rectangle, and the reinforcing bars may be moved about as an assembly.
2. The first elongated rectangle of claim 1 wherein the channels are voids in the form of partial right cylinders.
3. The second elongated rectangle of claim 1 wherein a cap abuts the distal end of each cavity to prevent penetration by any reinforcing bar that has been inserted into the cavity beyond the distal end of the cavity.
4. The cap of claim 3 wherein the cap is formed from metal.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ends of the first and second elongated rectangles are configured to join with the ends of adjacent first and second elongated rectangles.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the corrector and protector, with rebar positioned accordingly, according to the present invention.
(3) FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the corrector and protector, with rebar positioned accordingly, with a means to connect adjacent correctors and protectors, according to an embodiment the present invention.
(4) FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the protector.
(5) FIG. 4 shows the internal structure of the protector along with a safety cap as an alternate embodiment of the protector.
(6) FIG. 5 shows a method of using the corrector and the protector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(7) The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
(8) Referring now to FIG. 1, the primary embodiment, is disclosed corrector 12, a number of rebar 22, and protector 16. Corrector 12 is an elongated rectangular block with channels 14 cut into the rectangular block at set intervals, preferable every 4 inches. Channels 14 are in the form of a partial right cylinder where the height of channel 14 is equal to the radius of the cylinder. Channels 14 may also be cut into the rectangular block at other set intervals such as 8 or 12 inches. Channels 14 are used to insure that rebar 22 is positioned accordingly to the needs of the construction project. Once rebar 22 has been positioned within a channel 14, rebar wire ties may be used to ensure that rebar remains attached to corrector 12 when corrector 12 is moved or lifted. Protector 16 is also an elongated rectangular block containing cavities 18 at set intervals, preferable every 4 inches, along one side of the rectangular block. Cavities 18 may also be formed into the rectangular block at other set intervals such as 8 or 12 inches. Cavities 18 are cylindrical, void, and extend into protector 16 so as to allow the distal end of rebar 22 to be inserted therein. Typically, cavities 18 protrude some 4 inches into protector 16. Proximate to each cavity 18 are passages 20 which extend through protector 16 at an angle perpendicular to cavities 18. Rebar wire ties may be inserted through protector 16 via passages 20 and wrapped about rebar 22 to temporarily connect rebar 22 to protector 16. FIG. 1 also shows the planes used for height H and width W of protector 16. The same planes for height and width are also used with corrector 12,
(9) FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention in that corrector 12 and protector 16 have appropriate male and female connection at either end so that more than one corrector 12 and protector 16 may be joined together when desired. There are a variety of means of accomplishing this and FIG. 2 shows only one such mean. Shown in FIG. 2 at one end of both corrector 12 and protector 16 are male fittings that may be inserted into appropriately sized female fittings at the opposite end. The female fittings are not shown. The male fittings have holes 32 that align with holes 34 present at the female fittings so that bolts may extend through both the female and male fittings so as to join them.
(10) FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a detail view of a section of protector 16. In these figures it is shown that cavity 18 extends through only a portion of protector 16 and that passage 20 extends completely through protector 16 and is proximate to cavity 18 and perpendicular thereto. FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of protector 16 where above cavities 18 is cap 24. Cap 24 is a reinforced section of protector 16 that prevents rebar 22 from punching through cavity 18 and out of protector 16. Cap 24 may extend through protector 16 as shown in FIG. 4 or may, only be positioned above each cavity 18.
(11) FIG. 5 shows method 100 of using corrector 12 and protector 16 to ensure equal spacing between rebar 22 and to cover the distal end of rebar 22 so that individuals that are nearby are not injured by contact. In step 102 the distal end of rebar 22 is inserted into cavity 18 at the appropriate spacing. In 104, rebar wire tie is inserted through passage 20 and wrapped about rebar 22 to join rebar 22 to protector 16. In 106, corrector 12 is aligned with protector 16 to maximize overlap between the two and to rest rebar 22 within channels 14. In 108, rebar wire tie is wrapped about both corrector 12 and rebar 22 to join the two together. In 110, the assembly is positioned over the footing and secured by metal stakes and rod pins as the concrete is poured and cured. After pouring the concrete, 112, and it has cured, 114, corrector 12 and joined rebar 22 may be separated by cutting the rebar wire tie, 116. Protector 16 is removed only when masonry blocks are to be passed through the rebar or when exposed ends of the rebar has been cut down to beneath the masonry blocks.
(12) While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.
