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 and a top surface and bottom surface with the height being less than the width and the width being less than the length and channels formed equally spaced apart along the top surface; and a second elongated rectangle having a certain height, width, and length and a top surface and bottom surface with the height being less than the width and the width being less than the length and having: a plurality of cavities being equally spaced apart, cylindrical, void, and protruding partially into and along the length of the elongated rectangle between the top and bottom surface; and a passage proximate to each cavity being cylindrical, void, and extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the corrector and protector, with rebar positioned accordingly, according to the present invention.
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the protector.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows the internal structure of the protector along with a safety cap as an alternate embodiment of the protector.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart showing how to use the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] 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.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, the primary embodiment, is disclosed corrector 12, 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 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 22 remains attached to corrector 12 even if corrector 12 is moved. 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 connect rebar 22 to protector 16.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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 he positioned above each cavity 18.
[0027] 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 mbar 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.
[0028] 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.
