Article of manufacture for centering reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls

Abstract

An apparatus for holding in the proper position and location reinforcing steel in the center of a grouted concrete masonry unit cell. A means for safely and easily positioning rebar in in masonry walls.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of reinforced masonry, and more particularly to an article of manufacture for centering reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls.

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of reinforced masonry wall construction, and more particularly an apparatus for holding centered the reinforcing steel in these walls in order to allow the reinforced masonry wall to function as designed.

[0003] Reinforced masonry walls are designed to resist lateral loads from one or either sides of the wall. Masonry is strong in compression but weak in tension and steel which is strong in tension is placed in the center of the concrete masonry unit cell which, comprises the wall then filled with grout a mixture of cement, sand and sometimes aggregate which bonds the steel to the masonry. When there are lateral loads placed on the wall of the masonry, the masonry on the outer portion will be in compression and the steel which is in the center of the grouted cell will be in tension.

[0004] Reinforced masonry performs well because the materials, steel masonry, grout and mortar work together as a single structural unit. Reinforced masonry has high dampening and energy absorption characteristics. The reinforcing steel improves the ductability and toughness of the masonry system and holds a building together through the continuity of the connection between the elements.

[0005] Reinforced masonry materials works together as a unit because the reinforcing steel is locked into the masonry system in such a way as to being capable of being stressed. There are minimum code requirements which allows a maximum deviation from the center of the grouted core cell of not more that one half inch for wall eight inches or less in width and one inch for walls up to two feet in width. This apparatus enables one to quickly, safely and accurately place the reinforcing steel in its intended position and location.

[0006] Rebar positioners are important to the engineer who designs the reinforced masonry walls and to the contractor who constructs these walls. From the engineers viewpoint accurate location and placement of the reinforcing steel is necessary in order for the the walls to perform as designed.

[0007] From the contractors viewpoint it is important because it provides a cost effect means of accurate, safe and expedited placement in order for them to meet building codes and engineering specifications.

[0008] There are other reinforcing positioners which are placed in the wall as it is being built so the reinforcing steel would have to be threaded down inside the cell of the concrete masonry unit through the rebar positioners installed between the masonry units. Other than these devices one would have to try to somehow wire the reinforcing steel into place so it can be held against displacement when the concrete masonry unit is being fill with grout and it is being consolidated which is time consuming, inaccurate and not always guaranteed to work, which results in a costly way of performing this task. They would not be as suitable for the tasks as is the present invention as heretofore described.

[0009] The deficiencies in the prior technologies is that these reinforcing positioners would have to be placed in the wall as it is being constructed because it needs to be between two concrete masonry units to hold it in place to work. The placement of these positioners must also be very well aligned so when the reinforcing steel is placed through the positioners they are fairly aligned. Another drawback is that as the wall is being constructed there is excess mortar that falls down as the concrete masonry units are laid so the mortar must be cleaned from in and around the positioners without damage, to keep them clear to receive the reinforcing later. These positioners are usually located close the bottom center and top of the wall.

[0010] After the above mentioned steps are done the reinforcing steel must now be threaded down the concrete masonry unit cell through these positioners which as is common the wall could be very tall and therefore add a safety liability to the person placing the reinforcing and those working in the immediate area.

[0011] The new apparatus which I propose would only need one unit to be placed at the top of the wall in the last course of the concrete masonry units after the reinforcing steel is placed so the cell is open without the need to try to thread a long and heavy bar down the cell of the masonry units. This method of only one unit would still be in compliance of the building code and requirements for the majority of reinforced masonry walls. The design will also allow for the positioner to be placed over or slipped around the protruding reinforcing steel thereby allowing for safe, accurate and speedy placement of the reinforcement.

[0012] The proposed invention also does not rely upon being placed between two concrete masonry units to hold it into place but rather it uses the inner wall of a single cell of the masonry unit to hold itself in place and thereby centering the reinforcing steel. This apparatus can be manufactured from wire or plastic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A primary object of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for positioning reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry construction that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices.

[0014] A related object of the present invention is to quickly, safely, accurately and economically position reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls.

[0015] An additional object of this invention is to provide a reinforcing steel positioner that is economical in cost to manufacture.

[0016] A further object of this invention is to easily facilitate the placement of reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls that meets minimum building codes and engineering specifications.

[0017] Another object of this invention is to provide a reinforcing positioner that is simple and easy to use.

[0018] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for positioning reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls that comprises a square upper half that fits into the cell of the concrete masonry unit, a cone shaped lower half that has four legs that meet in the center to a center circular ring, and has on the outer edges of the square upper half wedge shaped tabs that secures the device in the cell of the concrete masonry units. A means for quickly, safely and accurately positioning the reinforcing steel in its specified location.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0020] An article of manufacture for centering reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls. An apparatus for centering reinforcing rebar in masonry wythe walls. (2) A means for holding the reinforcing bar centered in the masonry wall grouted cell against displacement. (3) A means for holding the vertical reinforcing steel easily, safely and meeting the minimum building code requirements. (4) An apparatus for centering reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls wherein the reinforcing can be of different sizes and multiple bars per grouted concrete masonry unit cell.

[0021] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of an apparatus for positioning reinforcing in the center of a concrete masonry unit.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the apparatus showing the parallel direction in which it is placed inside the concrete masonry unit.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the apparatus showing the perpendicular direction to the concrete masonry unit with the tabs that holds the apparatus in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0028] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture for centering reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls.

An apparatus for centering reinforcing rebar in masonry wythe walls.

(2) A means for holding the reinforcing bar centered in the masonry wall grouted cell against displacement.

(3) A means for holding the vertical reinforcing steel easily, safely and meeting the minimum building code requirements.

(4) An apparatus for centering reinforcing steel in reinforced masonry walls wherein the reinforcing can be of different sizes and multiple bars per grouted concrete masonry unit cell.