CONCRETE STIRRUP APPARATUS, FORMWORK ASSEMBLY COMPRISING THE SAME AND METHOD OF FORMING A CONCRETE REINFORCED STRUCTURE

Abstract

There is provided a formwork assembly. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart steel reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about the reinforcing bars. The hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to concrete poured into the formwork so positioned. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement. The formwork assembly includes a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers. There is further provided a concrete stirrup apparatus comprising said hoop reinforcement, receptacles and spacers.

Claims

1. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a loop-shaped hoop reinforcement; a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement.

2. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of receptacles are configured to couple with and promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, wherein the plurality of spacers are shaped to abut and/or position in place a formwork and wherein the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to concrete poured into the formwork so positioned.

3. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hoop reinforcement is made of fiber-reinforced polymer and/or one or more loops made of fiber-reinforced polymer.

4. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises fiberglass and/or a plurality of fiberglass loops.

5. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the one or more loops are configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar and/or wherein the one or more loops are configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

6. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the hoop reinforcement is D-shaped in lateral profile and wherein the hoop reinforcement is circular in top/bottom profile or wherein the hoop reinforcement is rectangular in top/bottom profile.

7. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of receptacles and the plurality of spacers are formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement via an injection mold so as to form a unitary whole.

8. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned and via which the plurality of receptacles and spacers couple to the hoop reinforcement.

9. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned and wherein the outer body is formed via injection molding and/or comprises a plastic polymer material, a thermoplastic and/or a thermoset plastic.

10. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the outer body includes a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around an exterior peripheral surface thereof.

11. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned, the outer body having a top which extends within a first plane and a bottom spaced-apart from the top thereof and which extends within a second plane parallel to the first plane and/or wherein the plurality of receptacles extend between and/or are inwardly positioned from said top and said bottom of the outer body and wherein the plurality of spacers extend between and/or are inwardly positioned from the top and the bottom of the outer body.

12. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned and wherein the outer body has an inner peripheral surface that is outwardly convex in lateral profile.

13. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said spacer is outwardly rectangular and convex with a radius of curvature which is equal to that of the hoop reinforcement and/or wherein each said spacer is coaxial with the hoop reinforcement.

14. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said spacer is T-shaped in top/bottom profile.

15. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said receptacle is shaped to receive at least in part a respective reinforcing bar or rebar, comprises a semicylindrical shell and/or is configured to receive a reinforcing bar with a radius of curvature substantially equal to or greater than the reinforcing bar.

16. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hoop reinforcement is formed by hoops of fiberglass via pultrusion in which strands of said fiberglass are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the strands of fiberglass so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and/or removed.

17. A method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatus of claim 1 to promote a desired positioning of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: forming said hoop reinforcement via pultrusion; providing a mold shaped to form an outer body, said plurality of receptacles shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and said plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place; positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold; and injecting a thermoplastic or thermoset plastic into the mold so as to form said outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with said receptacles and said spacers coupled thereto so as to form a unitary whole comprising said concrete stirrup apparatus.

18. A formwork assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart steel reinforcing bars; the hoop reinforcement of claim 1 shaped to extend about the steel reinforcing bars; the plurality of receptacles of claim 1 configured so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the steel reinforcing bars; the plurality of spacers of claim 1; and a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers, wherein the formwork is shaped to receive concrete therein and wherein the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete.

19. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body shaped to extend about a plurality of steel reinforcing bars; a first plurality of positioning members or spacers coupled to the outer body and configured to promote a desired positioning of the steel reinforcing bars; a second plurality of positioning members or spacers coupled to the outer body and configured to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout; and a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around a peripheral surface of the outer body.

20. A method of forming a concrete reinforced structure, the method comprising: extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiber-reinforced polymer about a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart steel reinforcing bars; promoting a desired positioning of the steel reinforcing bars via a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; and pouring concrete into the formwork, whereby the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a formwork assembly according to one aspect, the formwork assembly including a plurality of longitudinally-extending, laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars, a formwork shaped to receive concrete therein, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart concrete stirrup apparatuses according to one aspect interposed between promoting positioning in place of the reinforcing bars and formwork;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of the formwork assembly of FIG. 1, with the concrete stirrup apparatus including receptacles shown promoting positioning of the reinforcing bars and the concrete stirrup apparatus including spacers shown promoting positioning in place of the formwork;

[0019] FIG. 3 is top, front perspective view of the reinforcing bars and concrete stirrup apparatuses of FIG. 1, with the formwork and concrete therewithin not being shown;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a top, front perspective view of one of the concrete stirrup apparatuses of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view thereof;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of the concrete stirrup apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart setting out a method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a top, front perspective view of a concrete stirrup apparatus for a formwork assembly according to a second aspect;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a top plan view thereof, the concrete stirrup apparatus including receptacles shown promoting positioning of reinforcing bars shown in section and the concrete stirrup apparatus including spacers shown promoting positioning in place of a formwork;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view thereof; and

[0028] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of the concrete stirrup apparatus of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

[0030] Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, there is shown a formwork assembly 20. As best seen in FIG. 3, the formwork assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars 22, in this non-limiting embodiment four reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D; however, the latter is not strictly required and there may be additional or fewer reinforcing bars in other embodiments. The reinforcing bars are made of steel in this example and may be referred to as rebars, steel rebars or steel reinforcing bars; however, this is not strictly required and the reinforcing bars may be made of other materials in other embodiments. Steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D extend parallel to, are laterally spaced from and extend about a longitudinal axis 24. The longitudinal axis is vertical relative to FIGS. 1 and 2 in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, formwork assembly 20 includes a formwork 26 shaped to receive concrete 28 therein. The formwork is tubular in this non-limiting embodiment. Formwork 26 may comprise a collapsible fabric form in one non-limiting example or a non-collapsible form made of a non-fabric material in another non-limiting example. The formwork may be referred to as a concrete cover. Formwork assembly 20, including the formwork thereof, is configured to form a concrete structural member or concrete reinforced structure 30, as seen in FIG. 1. The concrete reinforced structure may comprise a column, window lintel, structural member or the like.

[0032] As seen in FIG. 3, formwork assembly 20 includes at least one and in this example a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart structural positioning apparatuses, spacer members or concrete stirrup apparatuses 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F, 32G, 32H etc. for locating steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D in concrete reinforced structure 30, seen in FIG. 1, so as to promote a desired positioning of the steel reinforcing bars, provide shear strength to concrete 28 and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete, as well as function to situate formwork 26, seen in FIG. 2, in place. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0033] As seen in FIG. 4, each concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes an outer body 34. The outer body is loop shaped or annular in this non-limiting embodiment with an aperture 36 extending therethrough. Outer body 34 is shaped to extend about and be coaxial with longitudinal axis 24 in this example. The outer body of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 has a top 38 and a bottom 40 spaced-apart from the top thereof. The top of outer body 34 extends within a first plane P.sub.1 and is annular in this non-limiting example. Bottom 40 of outer body 34 extends within a second plane P.sub.2 parallel to the first plane and is annular in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0034] Outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 has an inner peripheral surface 34A which is radially inwardly-facing at least in part and an outer peripheral surface 34B which is radially outwardly-facing at least in part. The inner and outer peripheral surfaces may collectively be referred to as an exterior peripheral surface of the outer body. The inner peripheral surface of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus is outwardly concave in top/bottom profile and outwardly convex in lateral profile in this non-limiting example. As seen in FIG. 7, outer peripheral surface 34B of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 extends substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment and is substantially planar relative thereto; however, this is not strictly required.

[0035] As best seen in FIG. 4, outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a plurality of ridges configured to promote a maximum holding capacity with concrete 28 seen in FIG. 2. Referring back to FIG. 4, these include a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart, outwardly-extending ridges 46A positioned around peripheral surfaces 34A and 34B thereof in this non-limiting embodiment. The ridges are annular at least in part in this non-limiting example. Ridges 46A are circumferentially spaced-apart about outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. Each ridge generally extends about a respective axis 48 and/or circumference of outer body 34 which is substantially perpendicular/tangential to longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment; however, this is not strictly required. Ridges 46A occur around all surfaces 34A and 34B. As seen in FIG. 6, each ridge 46A is angled by acute angle from a lateral/side perspective relative to axis 24; however, this is not strictly required.

[0036] Referring back to FIG. 4, each outer body 34 in this non-limiting embodiment includes an additional ridge, in this non-limiting example an inner ridge 46B which is inwardly-facing and which extends about axis 24. The inner ridge couples to and extends outwards from inner peripheral surface 34A of the outer body. Each outer body 34 in this non-limiting embodiment includes a further ridge, in this non-limiting example an outer ridge 46C which is outwardly-facing and which extends about axis 24. The outer ridge couples to and extends outwards from outer peripheral surface 34B of the outer body. Inner ridge 46B and outer ridge 46C are positioned between top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34. The inner and outer ridges couple to and intersect with ridges 46A so as to form a unitary whole in this non-limiting embodiment. In other embodiments, the inner and outer ridges are not strictly required nor provided. As a further non-limiting alternative embodiment, ridges 46B and 46C may comprise upper and lower ridges which align with top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34, respectively.

[0037] Referring back to FIG. 4, concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a first plurality of inwardly-extending positioning members, in this non-limiting example receptacle 50, in this non-limiting case four receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D; however, this is not strictly required and there may be fewer or additional receptacles in other embodiments. The receptacles may be referred to as internal supports or spacers. As seen in FIG. 2, receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D are configured to couple with and promote a desired positioning of steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0038] Referring back to FIG. 4, receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D are circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The receptacles couple to and extend inwardly from inner peripheral surface 34A of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in this example. Receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D extend between top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 in this example. Each receptacle is shaped to receive at least in part a respective steel reinforcing bar 22 seen in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 5, each receptacle 50 in this non-limiting embodiment is at least partially arc-shaped in top/bottom profile, in this non-limiting example comprising a semicylindrical shell in shape. Each receptacle is C-shaped in top/bottom profile in this non-limiting example. Each receptacle 50 is open in a direction facing longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment. Each receptacle is configured to receive a steel reinforcing bar with a radius of curvature RR substantially equal to or greater than the steel reinforcing bar in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0039] As seen in FIG. 4, concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a second plurality of externally-extending positioning members, in this non-limiting embodiment spacers 52, in this non-limiting example three spacers 52A, 52B and 52C; however, this is not strictly required and there may be additional or fewer spacers in other embodiments. The spacers are shaped to abut and/or position in place formwork 26 seen in FIG. 2. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, spacers 52A, 52B and 52C are circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The spacers may be referred to as external spacers. Each spacer 52 couples to the outer body via a connector or fin 54. Each fin is radially-extending in this non-limiting embodiment. Each fin 54 is rectangular in side profile in this non-limiting example. Each fin extends between top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.

[0041] Each spacer 52 is curved and outwardly convex in this non-limiting embodiment. Each spacer 52 has a radius of curvature which is substantially equal or similar to that of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 in this non-limiting embodiment. Each spacer is coaxial with the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in this non-limiting example. Each fin 54 couples to its respective spacer 52 midway between ends 53A and 53B of the spacer in this non-limiting example. Each spacer couples to its fin so as to extend substantially perpendicular and/or tangential thereto in this non-limiting example. Fins 54 may be considered to be a part of the spacer, with the spacer in this case thus being T-shaped in top/bottom profile in this non-limiting example. The plurality of spacers extend between the top and bottom of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 and/or are inwardly positioned from the top and bottom of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in this example.

[0042] As seen in FIG. 7, each concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a hoop reinforcement 56. The hoop reinforcement is loop-shaped in this non-limiting example and may be referred to as a structural loop or a structural feature, element or member. Hoop reinforcement 56 is shaped to extend about steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D seen in FIG. 2. The hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to concrete 28 and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, hoop reinforcement 56 comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), in this non-limiting embodiment fiberglass 58. However, the latter is not strictly required and other fiber-reinforced polymers may used in other non-limiting examples, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, basalt fiber-reinforced polymer or the like. Fiberglass 58 in this non-limiting embodiment comprises a plurality of fiberglass loops which are coupled together within a resin matrix so as to form a unitary whole. The fiberglass (or collectively the fiberglass loops thereof) are configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar according to one embodiment. Fiberglass 58 (or collectively the fiberglass loops thereof) are configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar. Alternatively, hoop reinforcement 56 may comprise one or more loops made of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) other than fiberglass, with said one or more loops being configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar and/or being configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

[0044] As seen in FIG. 5, hoop reinforcement 56 is circular in top/bottom profile in this non-limiting embodiment. Referring back to FIG. 7, the hoop reinforcement is positioned within outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. Hoop reinforcement 56 (including fiberglass 58 thereof) is D-shaped in lateral profile in this non-limiting embodiment; however this is not strictly required. The hoop reinforcement has an inner peripheral portion or surface 56A which is radially inwardly-extending and outwardly convex in lateral profile in this non-limiting example. Hoop reinforcement 56 has an outer peripheral portion or surface 56B opposite the inner peripheral portion thereof. The outer peripheral surface of the hoop reinforcement extends substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment and is substantially planar relative thereto; however, this is not strictly required.

[0045] FIG. 8 sets out a non-limiting example of a method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatus 32 to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of steel reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout. The method includes forming a hoop reinforcement via pultrusion as shown by box 60. This step includes forming the hoop reinforcement with fiberglass and/or fiberglass loops. The forming the hoop reinforcement step may include in this example dipping a strand or strands of fiberglass in a bath of epoxy as shown by box 60A. The forming the hoop reinforcement step may next include in this example winding the strands of fiberglass so coated with epoxy about a bobbin as shown by box 60B. The forming the hoop reinforcement step may next include in this example heat curing the strands of fiberglass so dipped/wound so as to form said hoop reinforcement comprising one or more loops or hoops of said fiberglass, as shown by box 60C.

[0046] The method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup 32 includes in this example splitting and/or removing the bobbin from the hoop reinforcement so formed or cured as shown by box 62. As shown by box 64, the method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup 32 next includes in this example providing a mold shaped to form the outer body, the plurality of receptacles shaped to position the steel reinforcing bars in place and the plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place. The method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup 32 includes in this example positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold as seen by box 66. Finally and as seen in box 68, the method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup includes in this example injecting a polymer into the mold so as to form said outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with said receptacles and said spacers coupled thereto so as to form a unitary whole comprising concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The injection step may include injecting a polymer, thermoplastic or thermoset plastic into the mold for fast and/or rapid injection molding (RIM); however, this may not strictly be required.

[0047] Thus, hoop reinforcement 56 seen in FIG. 4 in one non-limiting embodiment is formed by hoops of fiberglass via pultrusion in which one or more strands of the fiberglass are dipped in a bath of epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiberglass so dipped and wound thereafter being heat cured and the bobbin thereafter being split and/or removed. Alternatively, the hoop reinforcement may be formed by hoops of fiber-reinforced polymer (other than fiberglass, such as carbon fiber, basalt fiber etc.) via pultrusion in which one or more strands of fiber are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiber so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and/or removed.

[0048] Outer body 34, receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D and spacers 52A, 52B and 52C are therefore also formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement in one example via an injection mold so as to form a unitary whole in this non-limiting embodiment, with the receptacles and spacers thus coupled to the hoop reinforcement via the outer body of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.

[0049] There may thus also be provided a method of forming concrete reinforced structure 30 seen in FIG. 1. The method may include positioning hoop reinforcement 56 within an injection mold so as to form and couple thereto the plurality of receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D and the plurality of spacers 52A, 52B and 52C. The method includes in this example extending hoop reinforcement 56 made of fiberglass 58 and/or outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 about the plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D seen in FIG. 2. The method includes in this example promoting a desired positioning of the steel reinforcing bars via the plurality of receptacles 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from hoop reinforcement 56 and/or outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The method includes in this example positioning in place formwork 26 via the plurality of spacers 52A, 52B, 52C and 52D circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement and/or outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus. The method includes in this example pouring concrete 28 into the formwork, whereby hoop reinforcement 56 is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

[0050] FIGS. 9 to 12 show a formwork assembly 20.1 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 thereof according to another aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as formwork assembly 20 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 with the addition of decimal extension 0.1. Formwork assembly 20.1 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 thereof are substantially the same as formwork assembly 20 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 with at least the following exceptions.

[0051] As seen in FIG. 10, outer body 34.1 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1, as well as hoop reinforcement 56.1 are generally polygonal in shape, in this non-limiting example being rectangular and in this non-limiting case being generally square shaped in outer and top/bottom profile. The outer body and hoop reinforcement may be referred to as rectangular loop shaped. Aperture 36.1 about which outer body 34.1 and hoop reinforcement 56.1 extend is generally rectangular, in this example square shaped.

[0052] Concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 has in this example four sides 70A, 70B, 70C and 70D, which in one non-limiting embodiment may extend along outer peripheral surface 34B.1 of outer body 34.1 thereof, with a pair of spacers coupled to and extending laterally outwards from each respective side in this non-limiting embodiment. This is shown by: spacers 52A.1 and 52B.1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70A; spacers 52C.1 and 52D.1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70B; spacers 52E.1 and 52F.1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70C; and spacers 52G.1 and 52H.1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70D. However, this arrangement is not strictly required and there may only be one or two or more spacers per side of outer body 34.1 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 in other embodiments. Alternatively and as seen in FIG. 12, outer body 34.1 may not include an outer peripheral surface 34B.1 thereof and instead, the sides may correspond to outer peripheral portion or surface 56B of hoop reinforcement 56.1, with spacers coupled directly thereto.

[0053] Each spacer 52 is substantially planar in this example and is configured to promote positioning in place of formwork 26.1 that is polygonal in top/bottom/lateral profile, in this example being rectangular or square in top/bottom/lateral profile.

[0054] Referring back to FIG. 10, concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 may in this example have a plurality of rounded corners 72A, 72B, 72C and 72D extending between sides 70A and 70B, sides 70B and 70C, sides 70C and 70D and sides 70D and 70A thereof, respectively. Each corner is outwardly convex in top/bottom profile in this example. These corners may correspond to corners of outer body 34.1 and align with outer peripheral surface 34B.1 of the outer body. However, here too this is not strictly required. Alternatively and as seen in FIG. 12, where outer body 34.1 does not include an outer peripheral surface 34B.1 thereof, in this case the corners may comprise corners of hoop reinforcement 56.1 and correspondto/alignwith outer peripheral portion or surface 56B of the hoop reinforcement 56.1.

[0055] As seen in FIG. 9, concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 comprises four receptacles 50A.1, 50B.1, 50C.1 and 50D.1 in this non-limiting embodiment, with one receptacle operatively coupled to each side thereof. This is shown by: receptacle 50A.1 operatively connected to side 70A, receptacle 50B.1 operatively connected to side 70B, receptacle 50C.1 operatively connected to side 70C and receptacle 50D.1 operatively connected to side 70D. However, this is not strictly required and there may less than one or two more receptacles operatively connected to a given side. As seen in FIG. 10, each receptacle 50 is interposed between a pair of corresponding spacers for a given side 70 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1.

[0056] Many advantages result from the structure of the present invention. Concrete stirrup apparatuses 32/32.1 as herein described may function as or to provide a concrete cover for the reinforcement. The concrete stirrup apparatuses as herein described may function to hold the longitudinal steel reinforcement or steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D seen in FIG. 2 in position, promote a desired positioning thereof and/or inhibit dislodgement/displacement thereof. Concrete stirrup apparatuses 32/32.1 as herein described may provide shear strength to concrete 28 (or promote or improve the shear strength thereof), so as to be substantially equivalent to or better than steel reinforcing. In view of the above, concrete stirrup apparatus 32/32.1 as herein described may provide at least three different functions within a single unitary whole/product: i) functioning as a concrete cover for the reinforcement; ii) promoting and/or maintaining steel reinforcing bar positioning; and iii) providing concrete poured into the formwork with shear strength and/or promoting/improving the same. The concrete stirrup apparatuses as herein described are configured to provide/enable a versatility in shapes thereof, including round, polygonal, rectangular and/or square configurations.

[0057] Formwork assembly 20/20.1 as herein described is configured to facilitate/enable longitudinal spacing of respective ones of the plurality of concrete stirrup apparatuses thereof to be changed/adjusted as required by engineering and/or the specification of a given project.

[0058] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. Where a component (e.g. an apparatus, member, assembly, device etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a means) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Interpretation of Terms

[0059] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims: [0060] comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to; [0061] connected, coupled, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof; [0062] herein, above, below, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification; [0063] or, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list; [0064] the singular forms a, an, and the also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (a, an, and the) mean one or more unless stated otherwise; [0065] and/or is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and/or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B); [0066] approximately when applied to a numerical value means the numerical value+10%; [0067] where a feature is described as being optional or optionally present or described as being present in some embodiments it is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as solely, only and the like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of negative limitation(s) to exclude the presence of other features; and [0068] first and second are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

[0069] Words that indicate directions such as vertical, transverse, horizontal, upward, downward, forward, backward, inward, outward, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, below, above, under, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0070] Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

[0071] Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by about. In this context, about provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value 5%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in about a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of about 10 is to be interpreted as: the set of statements: [0072] in some embodiments the numerical value is 10; [0073] in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.5 to 10.5; [0074] and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then about 10 also includes: [0075] in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10

[0076] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

[0077] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

[0079] Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternatives or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

[0080] Various features are described herein as being present in some embodiments. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and/or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that some embodiments possess feature A and some embodiments possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and/or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

[0081] A concrete stirrup apparatus, a formwork assembly comprising the same, as well as a method of forming a concrete reinforced structure have been described.

[0082] The following clauses are offered as further description.

[0083] (1) A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a hoop reinforcement; a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement.

[0084] (2) A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars; a first plurality of positioning members or spacers coupled to the hoop reinforcement and shaped to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars; and a second plurality of positioning members or spacers coupled to the hoop reinforcement and shaped to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout.

[0085] (3) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the first plurality of positioning members or spacers extend inwardly from the hoop reinforcement.

[0086] (4) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the second plurality of positioning members or spacers extend outwardly from the hoop reinforcement.

[0087] (5) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles are configured to couple with and promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars

[0088] (6) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of spacers are shaped to abut and/or position in place a formwork.

[0089] (7) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to concrete poured into the formwork so positioned.

[0090] (8) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP).

[0091] (9) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises fiberglass.

[0092] (10) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.

[0093] (11) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a basalt fiber-reinforced polymer.

[0094] (12) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises one or more loops made of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP).

[0095] (13) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein said one or more loops are coupled together so as to form a unitary whole.

[0096] (14) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said reinforcing bar is a steel reinforcing bar.

[0097] (15) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein said one or more loops are configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar.

[0098] (16) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein said one or more loops are configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

[0099] (17) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a plurality of fiberglass loops.

[0100] (18) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of fiberglass loops are coupled together so as to form a unitary whole.

[0101] (19) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the fiberglass loops are configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar.

[0102] (20) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the fiberglass loops are configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

[0103] (21) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is formed by hoops of fiber-reinforced polymer via pultrusion in which one or more strands of fiber are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiber so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and/or removed.

[0104] (22) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is formed by hoops of fiberglass via pultrusion in which one or more strands of said fiberglass are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiberglass so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and/or removed.

[0105] (23) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement, fiber-reinforced polymer and/or said fiberglass is D-shaped in lateral profile.

[0106] (24) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement has an inner peripheral portion or surface which is radially inwardly-extending and outwardly convex in lateral profile.

[0107] (25) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the concrete stirrup apparatus has a longitudinal axis about which the outer body and/or hoop reinforcement thereof extends.

[0108] (26) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement has an outer peripheral portion or surface opposite the inner peripheral portion thereof, with the outer peripheral surface of the hoop reinforcement extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis and/or being substantially planar relative thereto.

[0109] (27) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned and via which the plurality of receptacles and spacers couple to the hoop reinforcement.

[0110] (28) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned.

[0111] (29) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body and/or hoop reinforcement is circular in top/bottom profile.

[0112] (30) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body and/or hoop reinforcement is rectangular in top/bottom profile.

[0113] (31) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles and the plurality of spacers are formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement via an injection mold so as to form a unitary whole.

[0114] (32) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles, the plurality of spacers and/or the outer body are formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement via rapid injection molding.

[0115] (33) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles, the plurality of spacers and/or the outer body are made of a polymer.

[0116] (34) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles, the plurality of spacers and/or the outer body are made of a thermoplastic.

[0117] (35) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles, the plurality of spacers and/or the outer body are made of a thermoset plastic.

[0118] (36) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body has an inner peripheral surface that is outwardly convex in lateral profile.

[0119] (37) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body is formed via injection molding and/or comprises a plastic polymer material and/or a thermoplastic.

[0120] (38) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body is formed via injection molding and/or comprises a thermoset plastic.

[0121] (39) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body includes a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around an exterior peripheral surface thereof.

[0122] (40) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of ridges are circumferentially spaced-apart about the outer body.

[0123] (41) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body extends about an axis and wherein the plurality of ridges are angled by an acute angle from a lateral/side perspective relative to said axis.

[0124] (42) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body includes an inner ridge which couples to and extends outwards from an inner peripheral surface thereof.

[0125] (43) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body includes an outer ridge which couples to and extends outwards from an outer peripheral surface thereof.

[0126] (44) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body, including the inner ridge and/or the outer ridge thereof, extend about a longitudinal axis.

[0127] (45) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the inner ridge and/or outer ridge intersect with the plurality of outwardly-extending ridges so as to form a unitary whole.

[0128] (46) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the outer body has a top which extends within a first plane and a bottom spaced-apart from the top thereof and which extends within a second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0129] (47) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the plurality of receptacles extend between and/or are inwardly positioned from said top and said bottom of the outer body and wherein the plurality of spacers extend between and/or are inwardly positioned from the top and the bottom of the outer body.

[0130] (48) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer is outwardly rectangular.

[0131] (49) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer couples to the outer body via a fin.

[0132] (50) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said fin is radially-extending.

[0133] (51) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said fin is rectangular in side profile.

[0134] (52) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein for each said spacer, the corresponding said fin thereof couples thereto between spaced-apart ends thereof.

[0135] (53) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer couples to its corresponding said fin so as to extend substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0136] (54) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer couples to its corresponding said fin so as to extend substantially tangential thereto.

[0137] (55) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer is outwardly convex.

[0138] (56) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer has a radius of curvature which is equal to that of the outer body and/or hoop reinforcement.

[0139] (57) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer is coaxial with the outer body and/or hoop reinforcement.

[0140] (58) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said spacer is T-shaped in top/bottom profile.

[0141] (59) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said receptacle is shaped to receive at least in part a respective reinforcing bar or rebar.

[0142] (60) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said receptacle is at least partially arc-shaped in top/bottom profile.

[0143] (61) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said receptacle is C-shaped in top/bottom profile.

[0144] (62) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said receptacle is open and/or faces said longitudinal axis.

[0145] (63) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said receptacle comprises a semicylindrical shell.

[0146] (64) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein each said receptacle is configured to receive a reinforcing bar with a radius of curvature substantially equal to or greater than the reinforcing bar.

[0147] (65) A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars; a plurality of receptacles coupled to the outer body and configured to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars; a plurality of spacers coupled to the outer body and configured to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout; and a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around an exterior peripheral surface of the outer body.

[0148] (66) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the concrete stirrup apparatus comprises a structural positioning member for locating reinforcing bars in a concrete reinforced structure so as to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars, provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete, as well as to situate a formwork in place.

[0149] (67) A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any clause herein, wherein the concrete stirrup apparatus comprises a spacer member for locating reinforcing bars in a concrete reinforced structure so as to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars, provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete, as well as to situate a formwork in place.

[0150] (68) A formwork assembly comprising a formwork and one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses according to any clause herein.

[0151] (69) A formwork assembly according to any clause herein, including a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars positioned in place via the one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses.

[0152] (70) A formwork assembly according to any clause herein, wherein each said reinforcing bar is a steel reinforcing bar.

[0153] (71) A formwork assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars and one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses according to any clause herein.

[0154] (72) A formwork assembly according to any clause herein, including a formwork positioned in place via the one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses.

[0155] (73) A formwork assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; a hoop reinforcement according to any clause herein and configured so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the reinforcing bars; a plurality of spacers according to any clause herein; and a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers.

[0156] (74) A formwork assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about the reinforcing bars; a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the reinforcing bars; a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; and a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers.

[0157] (75) A formwork assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the formwork is shaped to receive concrete therein.

[0158] (76) A formwork assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete.

[0159] (77) A concrete reinforced structure made via one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses according to any clause herein.

[0160] (78) A concrete reinforced structure made via a formwork assembly according to any clause herein.

[0161] (79) A concrete reinforced structure made via a method according to any clause herein.

[0162] (80) A method of manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: forming a hoop reinforcement via pultrusion; providing a mold shaped to form an outer body, a plurality of receptacles shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and a plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place; positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold; injecting a polymer, thermoplastic and/or a thermoset plastic into the mold so as to form said outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with said receptacles and said spacers coupled thereto so as to form a unitary whole comprising said concrete stirrup apparatus.

[0163] (81) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, forming the hoop reinforcement with fiber-reinforced polymer and/or one or more loops made of fiber-reinforced polymer.

[0164] (82) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, forming the hoop reinforcement with fiberglass and/or fiberglass loops.

[0165] (83) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, dipping strands of fiber in a bath of epoxy.

[0166] (84) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, dipping strands of fiberglass in a bath of epoxy.

[0167] (85) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, winding the strands of fiber so coated with epoxy about a bobbin.

[0168] (86) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, winding the strands of fiberglass so coated with epoxy about a bobbin.

[0169] (87) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, heat curing the strands of fiber so dipped/wound so as to form said hoop reinforcement comprising one or more loops or hoops made of fiber-reinforced polymer.

[0170] (88) A method according to any clause herein, including within the forming the hoop reinforcement step, heat curing the strands of fiberglass so dipped/wound so as to form said hoop reinforcement comprising one or more loops or hoops of said fiberglass.

[0171] (89) A method according to any clause herein, including splitting and/or removing the bobbin from the hoop reinforcement so formed or cured.

[0172] (90) A method according to any clause herein, wherein each said reinforcing bar is a steel reinforcing bar.

[0173] (91) A method of forming a concrete reinforced structure, the method comprising: extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiber-reinforced polymer about a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; promoting a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars via a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; and pouring concrete into the formwork, whereby the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

[0174] (92) A method of forming a concrete reinforced structure, the method comprising: extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiberglass about a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; promoting a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars via a plurality of receptacles circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially inwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced-apart about, coupled to and radially outwardly-extending from the hoop reinforcement; and pouring concrete into the formwork, whereby the hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and/or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

[0175] (93) A method according to any clause herein, including positioning the hoop reinforcement within an injection mold so as to form and couple thereto the plurality of receptacles and the plurality of spacers.

[0176] (94) Apparatus including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein.

[0177] (95) Methods including any new and inventive steps, acts, combination of steps and/or acts or sub-combination of steps and/or acts as described herein.

[0178] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.