Spacer-positioner; E.g., Rebar Chair Patents (Class 52/677)
  • Patent number: 6591574
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for installation of concrete forms for building foundations is disclosed which includes an elongate bar structure having opposed ends for mounting on the upper portions of vertically positioned concrete forms. The bracket assembly is provided to preselect and maintain the lateral spacing between the forms, and includes an adjustable rebar guide, shiftable along the length of the elongate bar structure for clamping rebar in a selected vertical position. The adjustable rebar guide includes a first clamping element, such as a bolt, which is operable to engage the elongate bar structure to fix the rebar guide at a selected location thereon. The adjustable rebar guide also includes a walled bracket for mounting a second clamping element which clamps rebar against the rebar guide in a selected vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Troy L. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20030121231
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Gordon Anthony Hinds
  • Publication number: 20030115823
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for constructing large, continuous, concrete slabs without using conventional shrinkage joints. The system comprises a grid of closely-spaced crack inducers (2) arranged relative to a concrete-pouring surface and adapted to be covered by concrete. The crack inducers (2) may be connected to one another with connectors (10). The crack inducers (2) are of a size, shape and spacing to promote formation of fine cracks in the vicinity of the inducers (2) throughout the slab when the concrete sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Building Innovations Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Warwick Ian Colefax, Robert Foster Colefax, Miro Getaldic
  • Publication number: 20030115822
    Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Lejeune, Thomas Kuckhahn, Jason Hensley, Billy Hunt, Richard Wesen, Joseph Novotny, Danny Dunn, Donald Hall
  • Patent number: 6571526
    Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a reinforcement bar within a masonry block. The positioning device includes a core with a central opening and an openable seam, a support structure having support arms connected to the core and arranged and configured for holding the positioning device in a desired position in a cavity of the masonry block. The core is arranged and configured such that a gap can be formed along the seam, the gap being configured to receive the reinforcement bar, and the core encloses the reinforcement bar within the central opening when the gap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Frankie A. R. Queen
  • Patent number: 6553737
    Abstract: A spacer is provided that includes at least one rail of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like that runs along a top surface of a modular construction material such as a brick or block. At least one transverse rail is connected to the length-running rail. The transverse rail is also constructed of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like and runs width-wise along the top surface of the brick/block. Connected to the rails is a number of spacing studs that define a desired mortar depth. The spacing studs may include removable clips that are configured to engage the rails. Accordingly, the clips have a height equal to the desired mortar depth. The present invention may alternatively include a kit comprising the rails, clips, and bricks/blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas J. Berg
  • Publication number: 20030070388
    Abstract: A reinforcement bar support system transfers forces perpendicular to a wall to a surrounding frame while permitting movement of the wall with respect to the frame in the direction of the plane of the wall and in the vertical direction. A bar is built into the wall. The apparatus includes a brace that is attached to the frame and a face that projects from the brace. Flanges extend outwardly from the face to receive the bar and limit movement of the bar with respect to the frame in the direction perpendicular to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Mario J. Catani, David A. Niday
  • Patent number: 6543731
    Abstract: A modular suspension system for supporting conduit between structural members, such as walls studs or ceiling joists, of a building. The system includes a transverse support bracket for securement between the building structural members and further includes an elongate conduit segment of tubing and end mounts received over opposite ends of the conduit segment for securing the conduit segment to respective building structural members. The end mounts are constructed of tubular segments coaxially received over end portions of the conduit segment and these tubular segments have one or more ears protruding therefrom for securing the tubular segments to the building structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John Mercier
  • Patent number: 6536172
    Abstract: An insulating construction form consisting of a pair of spaced apart panels and a plurality of ties is applied to the building of structural walls. The tie members include pairs of resilient retainer arms, which define a series of adjacent receptacles. A reinforcing bar is typically inserted into the receptacles and its displacement therefrom is inhibited by abutment surfaces. Markings are positioned on each panel to guide the attachment of a cladding. In one aspect, the construction form serves for the formation of a corner, wherein a vertical rod is positioned for the attachment of the cladding. In another aspect, the panels includ a plurality of openings made at the time of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Victor A. Amend
  • Patent number: 6526721
    Abstract: A support for holding a fluid-impervious barrier and/or keyway form in position during the pouring of concrete is provided. The support carries the barrier and a pair of spaced legs for attachment to a corresponding pair of stable mounting points, such as reinforcement members, bars or the like. The support is positioned such that the barrier is at least partially covered by concrete during the pouring of a first member, such as a slab or footing, and then the remainder is covered when a second concrete member, such as a wall, is poured atop the first member. By placing a plurality of spaced supports at selected intervals, an elongated barrier may be reliably held in place during pouring. One or more forms may also be carried by the support during the pouring of the first concrete member for defining a keyway, either alone or in conjunction with the fluid-impervious barrier. Most preferably, each keyway form is held in place by a separate wing carried on each support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Brian D. Nash
  • Publication number: 20030037505
    Abstract: A spacer support having a body portion, a surface engaging portion and a securement to attach the body portion to a weldment plate in tilt-up construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the securement includes a resilient clip that can snap onto a Nelson stud. One or more shelves on the support spacer prevent longitudinal movement of the Nelson stud. The length of the spacer support may be adjusted manually by cutting the body to length or by rotating one threaded member relative to a second to accommodate different thicknesses of walls. The spacer support is preferably plastic but may be metal. In another embodiment, a clamp secures an elongate body portion to a weldment plate projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Todd M. Schulze
  • Publication number: 20030024204
    Abstract: A weldless stirrup spacer for manual installation, without a tool, on the concentric or parallel inner and outer reinforcement wire cages of reinforced concrete pipe or other concrete structures so as to position and maintain the cages at the required spaced-apart location. The spacer is formed as a unitary resilient wire member having a pigtail-shaped hook end at one end of a central spanning portion and a fastening end portion at the other end of the spanning portion. When installed, the pigtail-shaped hook end encircles a main reinforcement wire of the inner reinforcement cage, and the fastening end portion resiliently captures an opposed main reinforcement wire of the outer reinforcement cage. The fastening end portion includes a rounded loop portion which extends beyond the outer cage to contact the adjacent mold wall and space the outer reinforcement cage at the appropriate concrete-cover distance from the mold surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Swenson
  • Publication number: 20030019182
    Abstract: Rod chairs for use in concrete form for positioning reinforcement rods prior to filling with concrete includes a flat rectangular metal blank for folding into a rod chair that includes an elongated planar portion having a pair of spaced portions to be bent to form a pair of generally curved end walls and a pair of horizontal parallel sides to be bent downwardly to form a pair of generally horizontal flanges, and having at least one three sided cut-out to form at least one elongated finger integrally with the planar portion to be bent upwardly to form a hook for holding a reinforcement rod therebeneath, a pair of recess cut-out apertures positioned at free ends of the planar portion, and elongated cuts intersecting the respective recess cut-out apertures and extend generally along the longitudinal axis to the respective free ends of the metal blank to be bifurcated and separated angularly from the recess cut-out apertures to the free ends to form a pair of leg portions wherein each leg portion to be bent to fo
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Hills
  • Publication number: 20030009978
    Abstract: A slab bolster upper for supporting rebar in a reinforced concrete structure while the concrete is poured and thereafter cures, is of molded plastic construction and is formed with horizontal and vertical voids that facilitate concrete placement and break up potential shear planes. Opposite ends of each unit are provided with complementary buckles to interconnect with like units to form a continuous support of desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Aztec Concrete Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Haslem, Ken Lee
  • Publication number: 20030009979
    Abstract: A slab bolster upper for supporting rebar in a reinforced concrete structure while the concrete is poured and thereafter cures, is of molded plastic construction and is formed with horizontal and vertical voids that facilitate concrete placement and break up potential shear planes. Opposite ends of each unit are provided with complementary buckles to interconnect with like units to form a continuous support of desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Aztec Concrete Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Haslem, Kenneth Lee, Scott Shaw
  • Patent number: 6502361
    Abstract: Rod chairs for use in concrete form for positioning reinforcement rods prior to filling with concrete includes a flat rectangular metal blank for folding into a rod chair that includes an elongated planar portion having a pair of spaced portions to be bent to form a pair of generally curved end walls and a pair of horizontal parallel sides to be bent downwardly to form a pair of generally horizontal flanges, and having at least one three sided cut-out to form at least one elongated finger integrally with the planar portion to be bent upwardly to form a hook for holding a reinforcement rod therebeneath, a pair of recess cut-out apertures positioned at free ends of the planar portion, and elongated cuts intersecting the respective recess cut-out apertures and extend generally along the longitudinal axis to the respective free ends of the metal blank to be bifurcated and separated angularly from the recess cut-out apertures to the free ends to form a pair of leg portions wherein each leg portion to be bent to fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Hills, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20030000170
    Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support including a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base, a first clamping member affixed to the support structure and extending upwardly above a top surface of the support structure, a second clamping member affixed to the support structure and extending upwardly above a top surface of the support structure, and a third clamping member affixed to the support structure and extending upwardly above the top surface of the support structure. The second clamping member has an interior surface generally facing the interior surfaces of the first and third clamping members. The first clamping member is separated by a space from the third clamping member. Ribs extend inwardly from the interior surfaces of each of the clamping members so as to compressively contact a reinforcing bar placed interior of the clamping members. The support structure has a generally H-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to said base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Publication number: 20020170255
    Abstract: A mould for producing reverse building modules includes a lower horizontal bottom from which longitudinal walls and cross walls are emerging. The cross walls are provided with protrusions inside which respective bars are arranged where the ends of longitudinal rods are disposed defining the framework module. Between each protrusion of the cross walls a spring is provided disposed outside the bars and which ends act on the corresponding ends of the longitudinal bars maintaining the distance therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Ricardo Sosa Rizo
  • Patent number: 6447203
    Abstract: The invention relates to supports for apparatus for transferring weight loads from one concrete structure to another. The devices are particularly suited for concrete highway construction. The support apparatus is used to position joint dowels that extend across paving joints between adjoining concrete slabs. The support apparatus comprises a first and a second support, each positioned on opposing sides of the paving joint. Each of the first and second supports comprise at least one longitudinally extending member having at least two cross members attached thereto such that one end of the cross member extends outwardly beyond the member. At least one clip comprising a body having a cavity therein, a gripper connected to the body and a cylindrical sleeve connected to the body is attached to each support. The clip is mounted to the end of a cross member so that the first end of the cross member is received into the cavity of the body and the attached gripper grasps the adjacent portion of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Meadow-Burke Products
    Inventors: Hector G. Ruiz, John E. Wachtendorf
  • Publication number: 20020121065
    Abstract: A spacer/support having a body portion, a surface engaging portion and a securement to attach the body portion to a weldment plate in tilt-up construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the securement includes a plurality of fingers that can snap onto the head of a Nelson stud. A second embodiment is equipped with a flat head that can be secured to the weldment plate using an adhesive. The length of the spacer/support may be adjusted manually by cutting the body to length or by rotating one threaded member relative to a second to accommodate different thicknesses of walls. The spacer/support is preferably plastic but may be metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Clayton E. Schulze
  • Publication number: 20020112437
    Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a reinforcement bar 11 within a masonry block 20. The positioning device includes a core 110 with a central opening 112 and an openable seam 114, a support structure having support arms 122 connected to the core and arranged and configured for holding the positioning device in a desired position in a cavity 22 of the masonry block. The core 110 is arranged and configured such that a gap 118 can be formed along the seam, the gap being configured to receive the reinforcement bar 11, and the core 110 encloses the reinforcement bar within the central opening when the gap is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Frankie A. R. Queen
  • Publication number: 20020112436
    Abstract: A quick-connector for terminal fastening of a penetrating rebar (7) to a perpendicularly oriented concrete dowel (2), the connector comprising a wire clip (1) having a deflected segment of wire of the length (L) at least partially made of resilient-elastic metal, wherein the wire clip (1) includes, with respect to a primary turning arc (3), arms (5, 5′) that are mirror-symmetrical to an angle-bisecting plane (4), wherein each arm (5, 5′) forms a deflected secondary turning arc (6, 6′) transverse to the primary turning arc (3) and a clippable hook (8, 8′) that rests force-lockingly into a radial external surface zone (9), of a terminal radial expansion (1), of the concrete dowel
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Bernhard Sander, Joachim Gunther
  • Publication number: 20020108332
    Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy L. Timmerman, Timothy L. Timmerman
  • Publication number: 20020104285
    Abstract: A spacer/support having a body portion, a surface engaging portion and a securement to attach the body portion to a weldment plate in tilt-up construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the securement includes a plurality of fingers that can snap onto the head of a Nelson stud. A second embodiment is equipped with a flat head that can be secured to the weldment plate using an adhesive. The length of the spacer/support may be adjusted manually by cutting the body to length or by rotating one threaded member relative to a second to accommodate different thicknesses of walls. The spacer/support is preferably plastic but may be metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Todd M. Schulze, Brandi L. Elliott, Clayton E. Schulze
  • Patent number: 6421977
    Abstract: Reinforcement stirrup for use in masonry includes a support section and a flat stirrup leg extending vertically relative to it. The stirrup leg is inserted in a joint between constructional elements. A positioner positions an essentially horizontally extending main reinforcement. The stirrup leg is positioned in relative to the support section so that the support section of the stirrup leg inserted into a joint between two constructional elements contacts them. The positioner for a main reinforcement may be a hook. A further positioner positions of the reinforcement stirrup relative to a constructional element with which it cooperates, so that an in line positioning of the reinforcement stirrups in relation to one another can easily be achieved. Masonry construction may be provided with a main reinforcement running essentially horizontally and that is positioned with the aid of the reinforcement stirrups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: N.V. Bekaert S.A.
    Inventors: Pol Timperman, Harry Steller
  • Patent number: 6418695
    Abstract: A spacer bar for use in connection with support building components at predetermined intervals relative to each other. The spacer bar may be used in connection with building components fabricated from wood, metal, etc. and includes at least two pair of clamping tabs for engaging and retaining the components in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Aegis Metal Framing LLC
    Inventors: Larry R. Daudet, Edmund L. Ponko, Gregory S. Ralph
  • Patent number: 6412233
    Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing structural members (20, 30) to supporting walls (10) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105) respectively mounted to a pair of longitudinally extended laterally spaced building supporting walls (10). Each mounting device (105) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120) is provided for receiving the structural member (20, 30) therein. Each mounting device also includes a pair of second fixing members (122) disposed adjacent opposing ends of the base plate (110). Each of the fixing members (120 and 122) are formed by vertically directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Terry V. Jones
  • Patent number: 6385938
    Abstract: A pair of curved arms attached to a body form an annular seat for holding a first diameter rebar, a slot through the outer diameter of the body forms a radially inward pathway to the seat for rebar, the apex of a convex bar attached to the body is yieldable radially outward to pressure of a second, larger diameter rebar in the seat and is not significantly moved by the first diameter rebar when the smaller diameter first diameter rebar is in the seat. The seat springally grips either diameter rebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 6385930
    Abstract: A novel and simple method of making a novel concrete slab structure supported on vertical columns (1) and having high strength against punching shear failure involves: placing stirrup cages (3, 3′) with their open sides downwards directly on top of the bottom reinforcement net (7) in a form; laying, crossed bent bars (8) over the top of the column and running along the bottom reinforcement net (7); laying a top reinforcement net (7′) on top of the stirrup cages (3,3′) and the crossed bent bars (8); pouring concrete into the form to a level above the top reinforcement net (7′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Carl-Erik Broms, Kent Arvidsson
  • Publication number: 20020040558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing cage for a concrete element (1) comprising at least two layers of longitudinal armorings (C, T) maintained spaced from one another by transverse armorings (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Societe Civile De Brevets Matiere
    Inventor: Marcel Matiere
  • Patent number: 6367556
    Abstract: A novel multiple configuration hand assembly centralizer system adaptable to virtually all known rock and soil anchoring applications is presented. The primary components to the centralizer include a plurality of straps and two collars which hold the straps in place utilizing a unique locking mechanism. Most preferably the standardized parts will be made from a petroleum based material. The straps are easily and manually inserted into slots in each of the collars. Each collar may be molded to provide slots for three or more straps. The collars are molded with grout passages between slots thereby allowing more than the required amount of grout to be fed through the centralizer. On a multiple configuration centralizer system, a housing assembly and retainer clip are used to frictionally hold the straps at user defined intervals on a standard zip tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Curt A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6367209
    Abstract: A box lintel includes an elongated, hollow metal form with a lower wall, integrally formed side walls extending upwardly therefrom, and integrally formed partial upper walls extending inwardly from the side walls. A method of fabricating a box lintel is also disclosed which includes the steps of providing an elongated flat sheet of metal and bending the flat sheet of metal into a hollow metal form with a lower wall, integrally formed side walls extending upwardly therefrom, and integrally formed partial upper walls extending inwardly from the side walls. The form is adapted to be positioned on upright masonry supports so as to span an opening and to be filled with grout/mortar and to receive one or more courses of masonry bricks on the upper walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: John Powers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6354054
    Abstract: This rebar chair has a body with four legs between which there are defined two intersecting passages for simultaneously receiving the intersecting portions of two rebars normal to each other. The rebars are suspended by a fastening wire or supported by an auxiliary chair below said body. The legs forming one of the passages have a uniform spacing and are adapted to closely straddle the rebar extending through the same. The legs of the second passage flare downwardly so that their spacing progressively increases from the body to the free ends from a spacing smaller than to a spacing greater than the uniform spacing between the legs of the first passage. The chair is positively located and stabilized by the intersecting rebars. A saddle is formed on the top of the body for simultaneously supporting a third rebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: Angelo Verelli, Carlo Verelli
  • Patent number: 6282860
    Abstract: A support device for a wire mesh. The wire mesh is held in place by the supporting device which includes legs and cup shaped members. The legs will stand on a support surface and the cup shaped members will engage the bars of the wire mesh to hold the wire mesh off the surface such that when concrete is poured into a form, the wire mesh will be properly located in the finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jose G. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 6279274
    Abstract: A shoe for use with a fitting such as a lifting anchor or ferrule adapted to be cast into a reinforced concrete component, the shoe serving, in use, to locate tie-in bars relative to the fitting. The shoe comprises a body portion slidably received on a shank of the fitting, and clips for engaging with a snap-in action tie-in bars extending at opposite sides of the shank. The shoe can be retro-fitted to a pre-existing anchor assembly comprising an anchor, support, and void former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Ramset Fasteners (Aust.) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoal David Amiet, Ian Ross Ferrier
  • Patent number: 6276108
    Abstract: Device for supporting and connecting concrete reinforcing elements which has a base adapted to rest on a supporting surface, an upright post extending from the base, and a clip mounted on the post having a pair of orthogonal sockets engagable with two horizontally extending reinforcing elements for connecting the elements together at right angles to each other and holding the elements a predetermined distance above the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: GOPA Enterprises
    Inventor: John Padrun
  • Patent number: 6216412
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the reinforcement of a concrete beam, where the reinforcement comprises reinforcement rods which extend longitudinally and transversely and are locked at their mutual points of intersection. The invention consists of placing at least one reinforcement rod in an undercut corner in a cutout along outer sides of assembly frames disposed transversely to the reinforcement rods in that the assembly frames are two longitudinal girders and two transverse girders. A reinforcement rod may be locked with a spring shackle deformed for gripping around the reinforcement rod and one of the girders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: IB Andresen Industri A/S
    Inventor: Kurt Offersen
  • Patent number: 6212848
    Abstract: A support device for use in tilt-wall construction including a support body having at least two support legs and a bottom extending between the support legs, and a base formed of a polymeric material. The base is affixed to the bottom of the support body. The base has a plurality of legs extending outwardly therefrom. The support body is of a generally U-shaped or L-shaped cross-section. The support body is formed of a single piece of a metal material. The support legs each have a slot formed adjacent an edge opposite the bottom. These slots open on opposite sides of the support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Henry R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6176061
    Abstract: A device for expediently and efficiently adjoining overlapping segments of reinforcement bar with substantially accurate and precise measures of overlap is disclosed. The device comprises a first coupling element for coupling to a first reinforcement bar and a second coupling element for coupling to a second reinforcement bar. The device is structured and configured to gauge the amount of overlap between the first and second reinforcement bars upon coupling the first and second coupling elements to their respective reinforcement bars. A guide element may be provided to guide the second reinforcement bar into contact with the second coupling element to aid in coupling the second reinforcement bar to the second coupling element over a substantial distance. A coupling device according tot he invention may comprise two coupling components each having a first opening at a first end and a second second opening at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Earl D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6158184
    Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Timothy L Timmerman, Sr., Timothy L Timmerman, II
  • Patent number: 6088991
    Abstract: A method of using a support unit for providing a plurality of sub-units, each of the sub-units adapted to hold construction structures such as reinforcing mats off of the ground or form is comprised of a body member having at least one set of at least one slit along the body for providing a weakened area on the body. An opening is located one either side of each of the at least one slit. Sub-units are broken off from the body member and the sub-unit is used to hold the construction structures. Each sub-unit can be secured to the construction structure via the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Namon A. Nassef
  • Patent number: 6089522
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved high chair which positions and supports reinforcement members at a desired distance from a surface. The high chair has a body with a lower base portion, an upper connecting portion and an upper support surface. One or more supporting feet are preferably attached to the lower base portion to provide for secure support of the chair on a variety of surfaces, including harder surfaces such as a concrete mold or softer surfaces such as graded soil. The upper support surface includes a support structure configured to hold the reinforcement bars in a stationary position. The upper support surface also includes a plurality of holes which allows a head piece to be mounted to the chair. The head piece allows the height of the chair to be readily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Aztec Concrete Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Haslem, G. Douglas Hartzheim, Steve Wilbur, Marty Lancial
  • Patent number: 6061990
    Abstract: A conduit positioning or locating device adapted to be secured to formwork defining one side of a slab of concrete or other settable material for positioning a conduit for passage through the slab. The device includes a body, having at least one opening on its top side for receipt of a conduit. The body has means, such as a spigot and socket, on at least one side adapted for cooperative engagement with a further device whereby to enable a plurality of the devices to be located in a complementary mating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Zardoz Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael John McMahon
  • Patent number: 6017014
    Abstract: A member having first and second vertically extending leg portions, and a base member connecting one end of each leg member, a wood beam for the concrete structure being positioned in the channel formed between the first and second leg portions. A cup shaped member is formed along the outside surface of the first leg portion, a vertical steel rebar or anchor bolt, being positioned in the cup shaped member. Holes may be formed in the base member to receive fasteners to secure the member to the underlying wood frame member. Protrusions are provided on the bottom surface of the base member thus providing a space between the surface and adjacent top surface of said wood frame member to enable the device to be removed after the concrete sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Joe Maguire
  • Patent number: 6009680
    Abstract: A plastic wire frame structural clip includes two pairs of diametrically opposed, equally spaced tapered slots formed longitudinally in a peripheral wall thereof for retaining wire frame members in place at their points of intersection. A wire frame structure employing the structural clip and a method for compactly arranging components of a domed wire frame structure for packaging are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Linden H. Mathews
  • Patent number: 5996297
    Abstract: A connector used in forming a composite wall structure that includes two structural layers and an insulative layer. The connector secures the two structural layers together and is insulative so as to minimize the transfer of thermal energy across the insulating layer. The connector is inserted through the insulating layer during manufacturing of the wall structure. The connectors include reinforcement attaching structures for securing reinforcement material in a substantially fixed position before and during formation of the structural layers. The reinforcement attaching structures may be integrally formed on the connector or may be included on a bracket plate that is attached to the main shaft of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: H.K. Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: David O. Keith, David M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5956912
    Abstract: A control joint for forming and controlling concrete structures such as floors and tilt-up walls. The joint has a base and an upstanding web and is preferably extruded from plastic having a honeycomb cell structure. The honeycomb structure may include a metal reinforcing section extending within the structure along the length of the joint. The joint may be utilized to form various concrete structures such as sidewalks, pads and tilt-up walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Randy Carter, Flake Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 5937604
    Abstract: A concrete forms wall spacer is provided in the configuration of a truss having top and bottom horizontal frame members interconnected by angularly extending reinforcing struts. The top frame member is configured to rest upon the upper edges of a pair of spaced concrete form walls, and end portions of the top frame member are extended downward for abutment by the outer sides of the spaced concrete form walls, to define the desired spacing between the walls. Supported by the bottom frame member are a pair of spaced clip members each configured to removably support a pair of lengths of rebar which extend horizontally in opposite directions to other longitudinally spaced form wall spacers. A pair of vertically spaced rebar supports are mounted on the top and bottom frame members for frictionally securing a vertically extending length of rebar for forming a structural tie between a concrete footing and a vertically extending concrete wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Robert F. Bowron
  • Patent number: 5927043
    Abstract: A house may be assembled from a plurality of vertically-cast wall sections and produce an aesthetically pleasing, highly desirable home at reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Christian R. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 5907939
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar support or hanger for use in a masonry block wall incorporates a pair of supporting arms for contacting the surface of a supporting block and includes vertically extending hanger members terminating in a rebar cradle for receiving and supporting a rebar to be positioned within the wall. The support arms have a transverse length less than the transverse thickness of the masonry wall and the vertical thickness of the support arms is equal to or less than the thickness of the mortar joints between successive courses of the wall. The hanger may include longitudinally extending ridges for assisting in the transverse positioning of the hanger within the masonry block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Kurt O. Reichel