Abstract
A rebar positioner for being placed within an open core of a masonry block having an open core and an adjacent closed core separated by a web. A wire defines first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements adapted to extend over and be supported by the web of the block. End portions of the first and second support elements are adapted for extending into the enclosed core of the block. A rebar positioning segment defines at least one ring adapted for being positioned within the open core of the block and surrounding a section of vertically extending rebar positioned in the open core. The wire is bent such that the end portions of the first and second support elements are adapted for extending into the closed core at a level below an upper surface of the block and the at least one ring is adapted for extending into the open core at a level below the upper surface of the block.
Claims
1. A rebar positioner and masonry block combination, comprising: (a) an array of joined masonry blocks, each masonry block having a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally-extending walls defining an open core and an adjacent closed core separated by a single web extending transversely between the pair of spaced-apart longitudinally-extending walls; (b) a wire bent to define first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements and extending over and be supported by the web of each masonry block; (c) respective end portions of the first and second support elements extending into the enclosed core of each masonry block; (d) a rebar positioning segment defining at least one sinuous S-shaped ring; (e) the wire being bent such that the end portions of the first and second support elements extend into the closed core at a level below an upper surface of the masonry block and the at least one sinuous S-shaped ring extends into the open core at a level below the upper surface of each masonry block; (f) the rebar positioner positioned into the open core of each masonry block with the first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements extending over and being supported by the web of each masonry block with respective end portions of the first and second support elements extending into the enclosed core of each masonry block and the at least one sinuous S-shaped ring positioned in the open core of each masonry block; (g) the vertically-extending rebar positioned within the at least one sinuous S-shaped ring; and (h) the open core of each masonry block filled with grout.
2. A rebar positioner and masonry block combination according to claim 1, wherein: the rebar is formed from a single continuous length of wire.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first rebar positioning segment defines the at least one sinuous S-shaped rings adapted for being positioned within the open core of each masonry block and surrounding a section of vertically extending rebar positioned in the open core.
4. A rebar positioner and masonry block combination according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sinuous S-shaped rings have an open segment.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements define a space less than the length of the web sufficient to enable insulation material to be placed between the first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements and an open core of each masonry block.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;
(4) FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view of a rebar positioner according to an embodiment of the invention in place in the open core of a masonry block;
(5) FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a rebar positioner positioned in an open core of a masonry block;
(6) FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a rebar positioner positioned in an open core of a masonry block according to another embodiment of the invention;
(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention;
(8) FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the rebar positioner shown in FIG. 6;
(9) FIG. 8 is a top plan environmental view of the rebar positioner shown in FIG. 6 in place in an open core of a masonry block;
(10) FIG. 9 is a top plan environmental view of the rebar positioner shown in FIG. 6 in place in an open core of a masonry block, and including insulation material between the rebar positioner and the walls of the block; and
(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention;
(12) FIG. 11 is an environmental perspective view of a rebar positioner according to an alternative embodiment of the invention in place in the open core of a masonry block; and
(13) FIG. 12 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 11, showing two pairs of overlapped lengths of rebar positioned in respective adjacent rings of the rebar positioner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(14) Referring now to the drawings, a rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, and is shown generally at reference numeral 10. The rebar positioner 10 is constructed and configured to be used with a masonry block B of the type having an open core OC and a closed core CC separated by a web W. The block 10 includes face shells S1 and S2. The rebar positioner 10 is preferably formed of a single, continuous wire 12 bent to define first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements 14, 16 that when in proper position are supported by the web W of the block B. End portions 18, 20 of the support elements 14, 16 are bent in a manner so that they can be extended downwardly into the closed core CC of the block B. A rebar positioning segment 22 is defined by sinuous S-shaped 1-inch diameter rings 24, 26 for being positioned downwardly within the open core of the block and for surrounding and positioning in a central location a section of vertically extending rebar R. Use of the term ring does not imply a closed structure, as with a finger ring, but only a structure that is sufficiently curved on itself to retain the rebar R within the area defined by the curved structure of the rings 24, 26. The rings 24, 26 may be formed as shown in the drawings, or may comprise separate rings or loops attached to the rebar positioner 10 by welding, brazing or otherwise.
(15) As best shown in FIG. 3, the support elements 14, 16 serve as hooks to support the positioner 10 on the web W of the block B. The wire 12 is bent at a substantial right angle to position the end portions 18, 20 of the positioner 10 in the closed core CC of the block B and at a level below the upper surface of the block B, and the rebar positioning segment 22 likewise in the open core OC of the block B at a level below the upper surface of the block B. After the rebar R is positioned in one of the rings 24 or 26, another block is placed adjacent the open core OC shown in FIG. 3 to enclose the core OC, and the core OC is thereafter filled with grout.
(16) The two rings 24, 26 are necessary because lapping of the rebar R occurs at the positioner 10 so a ring is necessary for two lengths of rebar R at the lapping location. The laps can be 24 inches or more depending on the diameter of the rebar R.
(17) The rebar positioner 10 is dimensioned for a 12 inch block and formed of 9 ga. (0.148) wire that has a total length from the tip of the rings 24, 26 to the end portions 18, 20 of 6 inches. The angle of spread of the rebar positioning segment 22 is 45 degrees. This distance between the support elements 14, 16 is 7 inches. The width of web of the 12 inch block of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 is 2 inch, and width of the support elements 14, 16 is therefore slightly greater in order to fit over the web W.
(18) Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, a rebar positioner according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 30. The rebar positioner 30 is formed of a single, continuous wire 32 bent to define first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements 34, 36 to be supported by the web of a block with respective end portions 38, 40 of the support elements 34, 36 extended downwardly into a closed core of the block. A rebar positioning segment 42 defines sinuous S-shaped 1-inch diameter rings 44, 46 for being positioned within the open core of the block and surrounding a section of vertically extending rebar.
(19) As best shown in FIG. 5, the support elements 34, 36 serve as hooks to support the positioner 30 on the web of the block. The wire 32 is bent at a substantial right angle to position the end portions 38, 40 of the positioner 10 in the closed core of the block and at a level below the upper surface of the block, and the rebar positioning segment 42 likewise in the open core of the block at a level below the upper surface of the block. After the rebar is positioned in one of the rings 44 or 46, another block, not shown, is placed adjacent the open core OC shown in FIG. 5 to enclose the core, and the core is filled with grout.
(20) As with the rebar positioner 10, the two rings 44, 46 of positioner 30 are necessary because lapping of the rebar R occurs at the positioner 30 so a ring is necessary for two lengths of rebar R at the lapping location.
(21) The rebar positioner 30 is dimensioned for an 8 inch block and formed of 9 ga. (0.148) wire that has a total length from the tip of the rings 44, 46 to the end portions 38, 40 of 6 inches. The angle of spread of the rebar positioning segment 42 is 30 degrees. This distance between the support elements 34, 36 is 3 inches. The width of web of the 8 inch block of FIGS. 2 and 5 is 1/15/16 inches, and width of the support elements 34, 36 is therefore slightly greater in order to fit over the web.
(22) Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a rebar positioner 50 for use when insulation is to be placed within the block B is preferably formed of a single, continuous wire 52 bent to define first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements 54, 56 that when in proper position are supported by the web W of the block B. End portions 58, 60 of the support elements 54, 56 are bent in a manner so that they can be extended downwardly into the closed core CC of the block B. A rebar positioning segment 62 is defined by sinuous S-shaped 1-inch diameter rings 64, 66 for being positioned downwardly within the open core of the block and for surrounding and positioning in a central location a section of vertically extending rebar. Use of the term ring does not imply a closed structure, as with a finger ring, but only a structure that is sufficiently curved on itself to retain the rebar R within the area defined by the curved structure of the rings 64, 66. The rings 64, 66 may be formed as shown in the drawings, or may comprise separate rings or loops attached to the rebar positioner 50 by welding, brazing or otherwise.
(23) As best shown in FIG. 8, the support elements 54, 56 serve as hooks to support the positioner 50 on the web W of the block B. The wire 12 is bent at a substantial right angle to position the end portions 18, 20 of the positioner 10 in the closed core CC of the block B and at a level below the upper surface of the block B, and the rebar positioning segment 62 likewise in the open core OC of the block B at a level below the upper surface of the block B. After the rebar R is positioned, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in one of the rings 64 or 66, another block B is placed adjacent the open core OC shown in FIG. 3 to enclose the core OC, and the core OC is thereafter filled with grout.
(24) The two rings 64, 66 are necessary because lapping of the rebar R occurs at the rebar positioner 50 so a ring is necessary for two lengths of rebar R at the lapping location. The laps can be 24 inches or more depending on the diameter of the rebar R.
(25) As shown in FIG. 8, the width of the support elements 54, 56 is about half of the length of the web W, and likewise a substantial amount of space is left between the rebar positioning segment 62 and the adjacent walls of the block B. Accordingly, as is shown in FIG. 9, insulation boards I can be fitted into the block B between the rebar positioning segment 62 and the walls of the block B and also between the support elements 54, 56. The insulation boards I also assist in centering the rebar positioner 50 in the open core OC of the block B.
(26) The rebar positioner 50 is dimensioned for a 12 inch block and formed of 9 ga. (0.148) wire that has a total length from the tip of the rings 64, 66 to the end portions 58, 60 of 6 inches. The angle of spread of the rebar positioning segment 62 is negligible. The distance between the support elements 54, 56 is 2 inches. The width of web of the 12 inch block of FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 is 2 inch, and width of the support elements 54, 66 is therefore slightly greater in order to fit over the web W.
(27) According to the method of the invention, in each of the rebar positioner embodiments 10, 30 and 50, the on-center reinforcement spacing is first determined. A 24-inch on-center reinforcement utilizing an 8-inch ProBlock masonry block is such an example. ProBlock masonry blocks can be placed in a course open end to open end, open end to closed end, or closed end to closed end. Rebar is installed as required by building code, extending vertically upward. An open end to closed end orientation is preferred to minimize grout use with the rebar positioned in the open core. For an 24-inch on-center 8-inch block wall, a rebar positioner 30 such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is placed onto the block B with the first and second support elements 34, 36 extending across and resting on the web W of the block B with the end portions 38, 40 extending over the rebar R with the rebar R in one of the rings 44 or 46. The rebar positioning segment 42 is therefore positioned within the open core OC of the block B and extends down into the OC. The position of the rings 44, 46 automatically centers the rebar R that extends vertically upwardly into the open core OC of the block B from either a previous course or foundation. See FIG. 3. Then, along the course of blocks two cores are skipped, for example two closed cores CC. Then another rebar positioner 30 is positioned in an open core OC and onto the rebar as described above. The rebar positioner 50 of FIGS. 6-9 is also positioned as described above.
(28) Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, a rebar positioner 70 is preferably formed of a single, continuous wire 72 bent to define first and second laterally spaced-apart support elements 74, 76 that when in proper position are supported by the web W of the block B. End portions 78, 80 of the support elements 74, 76 are bent in a manner so that they can be extended downwardly into the closed core CC of the block B, A rebar positioning segment 82 is defined by sinuous S shaped 1-inch diameter rings 84, 86 and 88, 90 formed to be in laterally spaced-apart relation when positioned downwardly within the open core OC of the block B. Note that the first and second rings 84, 86 share a common ring section and the third and fourth rings 88, 90 share a common ring section.
(29) The rings 84, 86 and 88, 90 surround and position in a central location sections of vertically extending rebar R, As shown in FIG. 12, the positioner 70 permits two sections of rebar R to be positioned within the open core OC. Where overlapping of the rebar R is necessary, they can be properly overlapped and secured together by wire or ties, as required by building codes. The rings 84, 86 and 88, 90 are located such that the rebar R is positioned 1-inch from the interior wall of the face shells 81 and S2, respectively.
(30) A rebar positioner according to three illustrative embodiments is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitationthe invention being defined by the claims.
