Abstract: A supporting element for lattice structures comprises at least one channel shaped structural section including an endwall flanked by obliquely oriented adjoining wings. Regularly longitudinally spaced securement notches are provided for securing lattice or wire cable trays the supporting element. The notches comprise longitudinally extending cutouts in each of the wings. The cutouts are defined by longitudinal and lateral edges in the wings. Regularly spaced lands extend between successive notches. Tongues longitudinally extend from the lands and partly overlying the notches. Gaps are defined between free edges of the tongues and adjacent lands. The tongues are bendable from a position generally in alignment with associated lands to a deformed position extending into the notches for restraining a section of the components between an underface of the tongues and the edges in the wings.

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.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar connector is described in which first and second elongated resilient clip members are formed in a substantially semi-circular "C" shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second clip members include opposed open ends spaced apart along their respective center axes. Each of the first and second elongated resilient clip members includes a pair of longitudinal edges that are substantially parallel to their associated center axis and are spaced apart from one another to form a reinforcing bar receiving side opening. The longitudinal edges terminate in substantially radially inward projecting flanges. Inwardly projecting yieldable tabs are formed at each end of the first and second clip members. The tabs are angularly inclined toward the respective center axes of the clip members. The tabs are substantially diametrically opposed to the associated reinforcing bar receiving side openings.

Abstract: A water line guide for securing the ends of both hot and cold water lines laid below the level of concrete floors to be subsequently poured. The water line guide has means for its anchoring to hold numerous water lines in position to be subsequently connected.

Abstract: An attachable spacer for maintaining a spaced relationship between first and second wire mesh concrete reinforcing cages is formed of a length of wire and has an elongated central portion adapted to extend between the cages and first and second attachment clips on first and second outer ends of the central portion for attaching the ends of the spacer to the first and second cages. The first attachment clip has a fastener that hooks on a wire of one of the cages so as to resist movement of the spacer in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the cage or transverse to the wire to which the hook is attached.

Abstract: A spacing member for chocking reinforcement wires in a certain level from the outside of a finished cast structure. The spacing member comprises a first spacing chock (1), a second spacing chock (21) and locking clips (14, 42). Reinforcement wires are placed in supporting surfaces (7, 8, 9, 10, 24, 25, 26, 27) in the spacing chocks (1, 21) and, by using several different spacing chocks, it is possible to place reinforcement wires in several different levels. In particular, the combination of the first and the second spacing chock provides the possibility of placing several crossing reinforcement wires in several levels.

Abstract: A dowel support for use in concrete joint restraint system as is typically used for slabs in highway construction is provided, as is a concrete reinforcing system employing the dowel supports. The dowel support is used to support dowels of different diameters and, in a preferred embodiment, is made of a noncorrosive material to reduce corrosion at the dowel-support interface. The support of the present invention is especially suited for fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) dowels which are resistant to corrosion, and the combination of the fiberglass dowel with the support of the present invention provides an improved alternative to the steel basket supports presently in use. The supports use a wedge-shaped vertical mouth to receive the dowels, which are supported between the sides of the mouth at the width corresponding to the diameter of the dowel.

Abstract: A chair for supporting and spacing reinforcement bars having a hollow-conical body for stackability, a planar base for support, an aperture allowing concrete to flow into and around the chair, and notches in the upper surface of the chair to retain the bars in the desired position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a riser comprising an elongated web having one or more folds which form at least one ridge and slopes extending away from the ridge. When in use as a riser, the web is positioned on edge so that the edge surfaces of the ridges and the slopes engage the bottommost article being supported. The web preferably includes strengthening elements located at at least the ridges. A group of risers are nestable whereby they may be compactly stacked for storage and/or shipping. The edge surfaces have a surface area sufficient to avoid forming a substantial imprint in the article. The risers may be made of a recycled material, such as wood chips, plastic and gypsum, and the risers are reusable.

Abstract: An apparatus or clip is disclosed, which can be used both to securely hold and support a heating cable or mat at a desired depth within a slab form, and to easily locate the cable or mats once embedded using a simple magnetic field. The clips of this invention are constructed from a material that has a suitable magnetic susceptibility for permitting detection by a weak magnetic field. Consequently, the clip can be located using a simple bar magnet or a common stud finder. The high magnetic permeability of the clip compared to the surrounding earth, asphalt or concrete allows the clip to be readily located by a stud finder. As a stud finder is passed over the clip, the magnetic needle is attracted to the clip apparatus by the emitted magnetic flux. The configuration of the clip includes two upright legs and two horizontal feet. The legs are bent to support and space the mat or cable above the feet.

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 plurality of cup shaped members are formed along the outside surface of the first leg portion, in one embodiment, and along the outside surface of both leg portions in a second embodiment, vertical steel rebars being positioned in selected one of the cup shaped members. 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.

Abstract: A bolster for use in construction including a plurality of leg members arranged in parallel relationship and a beam integrally formed with the plurality of leg members and extending across the plurality of leg members. Each of the plurality of leg members has a foot for contacting an underlying surface. Each of the leg members includes a central body portion, a first leg extending downwardly from one side of the central body portion and a second leg extending downwardly from an opposite side of the central body portion. The foot is formed at an end of each of the first and second legs opposite the central body portion. The foot includes a plurality of pin-like projections extending outwardly from a bottom surface thereof. The beam has a waveform pattern formed across a top surface of the beam and a rectangular cross-section in a plane parallel to the plurality of leg members.

Abstract: A frame structure is strengthned against earthquake shock and disastrous winds by extending some of the foundation rebars above the foundation walls and clamping on extension lengths of rebar and securing them to the ceiling joists. Special clamps are used which tightly secure the rebar and which also may be attached to other frame members of the structure.

Abstract: A re-bar alignment and support clip for re-bar members that need to extend vertically upwardly from a concrete foundation. The re-bar alignment support clip is detachably secured on the horizontal 2.times.4 whose bottom surface is generally flush with the top surface of the concrete foundation. The re-bar alignment and support clip has a pair of vertically spaced spring arm portions each having an intermediate curved recess that passes around the re-bar and keeps it vertically oriented.

Abstract: A chair for supporting, positioning and retaining a concrete reinforcing bar in place at predetermined height in the pouring and construction of concrete slabs or beams at a jobsite wherein the concrete reinforcing bar remains as an integral, strengthening element of the construction. The chair includes a cap with a recessed or slotted upper face for retaining and supporting the concrete reinforcing bar, and a base; the cap (which supports the concrete reinforcing bar) being supported above the base via a stem. Caps and bases of standard size can be supplied to a jobsite, and chairs of varying height readily constructed therefrom at the jobsite by cutting stems of desired length from a concrete reinforcing rod, based on the requirements of slab thickness, or beam depth.

Abstract: A panel to be applied to a building comprises a structural support and a concrete wythe located on one side of the support. Brackets are used to attach the wythe to the support, at least one of which permits relative sliding movement between the wythe and support. The one bracket is formed from a pair of overlapping members, one of secured to the wythe and the other of which is secured to the support. The overlapping members are dimensioned to allow relative sliding movement in the plane of the support.

Abstract: A spacer (20) is mounted on a lateral rebar tie (13) of a reinforcement cage (11) of a poured concrete foundation support. The spacer (20) includes a pair of interlocking wheel members (21 and 22) which lock the wheel members (21 and 22) together in a mated interlocked relationship rotatably mounted about a lateral tie (13) of the reinforcement cage (11) to form the spacer (20). As the reinforcement cage (11) is inserted into an excavated shaft, the outer side wall (32) of the spacer (20) engages and rolls along the side wall thereof. The engagement of the side wall of the excavated shaft by the spacers (20) centers the reinforcement cage within the excavated shaft and maintains the reinforcement cage in its centered position as the excavated shaft is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A concealed suspension ceiling system advantageously uses a `T` bar grid network used for lay-in ceiling panels. Saddle clips are secured to upper beads of the `T` bar grid network allowing torsioning springs to releasably maintain the panels suspended beneath the grid. The system can be used for entirely new installations or used in a retrofit application.

Abstract: Protective, sealing cover made of flexible material for easy application over an exposed end of a cut reinforcing bar. The cover contains a water impermeable sealant which surrounds the end of the cut bar during the process of applying the cover. A dual function tool facilitates the process of cover application by first positioning the cover then setting a locking means to secure the cover to the bar.

Abstract: The spacer support (20) includes a support base (22) and a receptacle (26) which are welded together at interfitting annular flanges (46 and 64). A bearing plug (24) includes a circular support plate (48) covering the upper surfaces of the radial walls (36), with a tapered stem (50) projecting into a tapered center opening (34) of the support base (22). The flexible engagement fingers (66) allow one way movement of the rebar rod (14) into the receptacle (26), and the protrusions (18) of the rod engage the ends of the fingers (66), prohibiting separation of the spacer support (20) frown the rod (14).

Abstract: A tile setting grid including a tile setting grid which is nailed or otherwise permanently attached to a floor or wall upon which tiles are to be installed. The tile setting grid is suppliable in sheet or roll format and has openings disposed therein within which tiles are laid. A plurality of alignment fingers which engage some edges of tiles disposed therein provide an alignment reference. The tile setting grid is also manufactured having a height representing a fraction of tile thickness thereby enabling the user to cover the entire grid with cementitious grout thereby providing a finished tiled surface.

Abstract: A building foundation includes a plurality of foundation elements (3, 212), spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of elongate channels (4) therebetween. A plurality of base reinforcing supports (10, 118) for base reinforcing material are provided within the channels (4) between the foundation elements (3, 212). Upper supports (15, 111) are supported on upper side edge surfaces of the foundation elements (3) so as to extend within upper areas of the channels (4) to allow for support of upper reinforcing material above the base supports (10, 218) and base reinforcing material and extending between spaced apart foundation elements (3, 212). Concrete is poured over the foundation elements (3, 212), the base spacers (10, 218), the upper supports (15, 111) and the reinforcing material, within a predetermined area.

Abstract: A spacer for reinforcements has a body made of polymer concrete, with the polymer concrete consisting of a cured plastic material into which aggregates in the form of grains are integrated. The surface is post-treated in such a way that grains project from the surface of said cured plastic material, making possible an intimate chemical and physical bound with a cement paste of a concrete mass in which the spacer is to be embedded.

Abstract: A supporting member for supporting steel reinforcing bars before casting concrete thereover when making steel-reinforced concrete panels includes an elongated strip of sheet material folded into a U-shape to include a pair of substantially parallel legs at one side of the supporting member joined together by a bent integral juncture at the opposite side of the supporting member. The bent integral juncture is formed with a plurality of axially-spaced slots extending into the legs but terminating short of their bottom edges for receiving and supporting the bars transversely across the legs. Also described are a method of making such a supporting member, and a steel-reinforcement concrete panel including a plurality of such supporting members.

Abstract: A spacer for a reinforcement bar to be embedded in concrete has a band-like member adapted to wrap around and encircle the reinforcement bar and formed at its ends with a pair of screw parts with external formations which form a screwthread when the two parts are brought together to cause the band to encircle the reinforcing bar and a base with a correspondingly threaded bore at one end is threaded onto the resulting screw to cause the clamping member to seize the reinforcing bar and mount the base on the reinforcing bar.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique wall construction and spacer for use by unskilled labor in such construction. The wall comprises a plurality of blocks arranged in layers one above the other, each of the blocks having first and second sides, an exterior face, an interior face, a top and a bottom, and at least one cutout extending through the block between the top and bottom. The tops of adjacent blocks in each layer are adapted to be located in a common plane and each block is adapted to be separated from an adjacent block in the layer by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A single unit, stiff and strong plastic molded wheel spacer for a reinforcement rod used in concrete is split into two sections connected by an integral hinge at one end and fastened together by a ratchet assembly at the other end. The rod is gripped at the center of the wheel by a pair of saddles, one on each section. A finger attached to one of the sections between the saddle and hinge prevents the rod from moving past the saddle to the hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting concrete reinforcement bar within a form. The apparatus comprises a plurality of legs so formed that, when the apparatus is placed in any random orientation on a surface of the form, the ends of at least three legs contact the surface of the form and at least two legs extend upwardly to receive the reinforcement bar. Preferably, any given leg is adjacent to four legs and is non-adjacent to one leg, where the angle between the given leg and any adjacent leg is 90.degree. and the angle between the given leg and any non-adjacent leg is 180.degree..

Abstract: A reinforcing bar trussing member for maintaining at least two reinforcing bars in a spaced relationship. The reinforcing bar trussing member has an elongate member having at least two opposite ends. Hooks for receiving a portion of the reinforcing bars are preformed at each of the ends of the elongate member. The hooks are deformable to hold the reinforcing bars therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prestressed concrete slab and a method for preparing the slab. The slab comprises a corner post at each of its corners. The corner post comprises a cylindrical member; means of attaching and securing reinforcing members to the corner posts; means of attaching each slab to another slab; and means of tensioning the reinforcing members. The slab further includes a center post. The center post comprises a cylindrical member and means of attaching and securing reinforcing members to the center post. Reinforcing members are attached to the corner post and the center posts to connect each to the other. Concrete is set and cured between the corner posts and around the center post and the reinforcing members to form a slab.

Abstract: This invention is a rebar spacer device which is used to set the rebar without using a tape. The device has an L-shaped track with scribe marks at pre-determined intervals on the top. The track further has integral upper and lower rails which have elongated cut-out on the edge. A plurality of rebar holder slidingly engaged to the track wherein each holder has clamping section for securing the rebar in place; Each holder further has grooves on the top and bottom portions wherein the grooves are complimentary to the upper and lower rails and mate with these rails when the rebar holders are mounted on the track.

Abstract: A support chair for supporting reinforcement for foundations in which there is a turret shape and a lower base, the turret shape having a plurality of upwardly open slots into which the reinforced rods may be located the shape of each of the slots being such as to provide for interlocking of each rod particularly by providing a narrower part of the slot through which the rod must squeeze to a lower wider part.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcement device includes a plurality of spaced vertical reinforcement rods 12, and tiers of horizontal connecting plates 10, 11 to space and interconnect the reinforcement rods 12, the connecting plates in each tier having a peripheral edge provided with spaced apart notches 15 which are engaged with the vertical reinforcement rods 12 respectively and connected firmly therewith by welding, the connecting plates 10, 11 in each tier confining a hole for the passage of concrete.

Abstract: A hanger which is adapted to be draped on a form board which is used as a side abutment when pouring concrete foundations or footings. The hanger when properly oriented serves as a support vehicle for a plurality of re-bars which are intended to be embedded in the concrete once it is poured. In use, the hangers include re-bar recess receptacles which allow the re-bars to be snapped into place on the hanger and held in fixed position. Various hangers of diverse dimensions allow a plurality of different re-bars to be supported from a single form so that after the concrete is poured and the concrete has set, a portion of the hanger which was draped upon the form can be removed to allow removal of the form for providing a finished foundation footing.

Abstract: A curtain wall building panel having a metal frame secured to the reverse side of a concrete panel with flexible anchors. A 3-D braid is formed in such a manner that non-metallic fibers are braided in the three directions at a pitch of 5 mm or more and have a self-supporting characteristic. The braid is embedded in the concrete panel and the front ends of the flexible anchors are secured to cell spaces in the 3-D braid. The curtain wall exhibits excellent bending strength, can be easily manufactured and can be used for exterior finish of multistory buildings. A method of making the building panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spacer for use in locking two cages into an integral unit of reinforcement and spacing the reinforcement from the surface of the form used in making large concrete products such as box sections, pipes, culverts and manholes. The spacer provides for precise placement of the reinforcement cages without the necessity of welding or the use of ties to retain the spacer in place. The spacer uses an eye configuration for spacing a torsion lock that provides for both ease of installation and positive locking of the spacer onto the cages.

Abstract: A tie anchor for sandwich panels of reinforced concrete is formed as a flat strap. The reinforced concrete sandwich panel is formed by placing a plurality of tie members vertically in the bottom of a horizontal form with reinforcing rods extending through holes in the ends of the ties adjacent to cross-feet. A network or grid of reinforcing steel is supported from a chair provided by the ties and cross-feet and the concrete for the first layer of the panel is poured about the ties, cross-feet and reinforcing steel grid. A layer of rigid insulation material is placed on top of the first layer of wet concrete about the projecting tie members immediately after pouring the first layer of concrete and a second grid of reinforcing steel rods is supported from the holes in the projecting upper ends of the tie members. The second layer of concrete may be immediately poured about the upper end of the tie members and reinforcing steel.

Abstract: A spacer for welded-wire concrete reinforcement includes an upper pigtail portion, a central shank portion, and a lower hook portion. The lower section of the shank portion slopes outwardly and downwardly to define a nose-like spacing projection to position the wire reinforcement relative to the surface of the concrete mold. The spacing nose also serves as a handgrip for facilitating installation of the spacer on the wire reinforcement. The spacer requires only one pair of intersecting wires for installation and is adapted for use with all mesh spacings, including helical cages, and all wire sizes.

Abstract: A conical spacer assembly for supporting and spacing one member relative to another member comprising a conical housing having a smooth outer surface and hole extending axially therethrough for receiving at one or both ends thereof a bolt in threaded arrangement therewith. A flat circular shaped clamp having an aperture extending laterally therethrough is provided for receiving through its aperture the housing of the spacer which clamp snugly engages the housing at a point along its length laterally thereof and engages and supports a rebar at one or more point around its periphery.

Abstract: A centering device to locate and center a reinforcing thread bar in a hole formed in an excavation to receive a foundation of a building. The device has a body having a band of appreciable thickness formed on its periphery. There is central opening. A thread is formed in the central opening to engage the thread of a reinforcing thread bar. Sloping portions extend from the peripheral band, inwardly to the central opening. Openings allow concrete to pass by the device while the device is positioned in the hole.

Abstract: A spacer for concrete wire reinforcement is comprised of a heavy gauge, flat metal spring steel band, having a hook at one end for receipt of one of two parallel wires of a wire mesh, and a curved and hook-like opposite end which can be resiliently forced into position under the second wire to securely retain the spacer in position. A generally V-shaped projection is provided on the spacer to position the wire mesh at the desired distance from the surface of the concrete mold. The apex of the projection is formed to have a convex wide-radius "ball-bearing" shape. This shape lends increased strength to the spacer and also results in a greatly reduced area of contact between the spacer projection and the mold wall. The spacer also includes a tail-like extension on the second hook-like opposite end, which extension coacts with a pronged tool during installation of the spacer on a wire mesh.

Abstract: A beam chair for supporting, positioning and retaining a reinforcement bar is a concrete structural member and, in particular, in a concrete structural member such as a beam or slab. The beam chair is defined by a horizontal support surface which, together with first and second vertical support members, define an open cavity for receiving a longitudinally oriented reinforcing bar and wherein the bar is adapted to be supported by the horizontal support surface. The second vertical support member is provided with an upper side extension having a remote edge. The first and second vertical support members are provided, respectively, with first and second depending members which terminate in lower edges. A lower side extension projects from the second depending member parallel to the upper side extension.

Abstract: A steel placement member adapted for supporting and locating a reinforcing steel bar in a concrete structural member formed by placing concrete in an area defined by a horizontal bottom surface and a vertical perimetrical surface. The steel placement member is defined by a tubular body having a channel formed in one end for receiving the end of a reinforcing bar. The opposite end of the tubular body is provided with a plate member lying perpendicular thereto and being adapted to abut the vertical perimetrical surface. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate member is provided with a vertically depending arrow member which is adapted to rest against the horizontal bottom surface. The steel placement member, with the plate member abutting the vertical surface and the arrow member resting against the bottom surface, supports the reinforcing bar within the channel and locates the reinforcing bar a desired distance inside the vertical surface and above the bottom surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a foundation having intersecting beams and floor portions, comprises leveling the ground on which the foundation is to be located. A plurality of inverted hollow members are positioned in rows. The hollow members are separated by spacers. Lower reinforcing rods are positioned on the spacers and between the hollow members. A reinforcing mesh is laid over the hollow members, and concrete is poured into the channels between and over the hollow members so as to envelope the reinforcing rods and the mesh.

Abstract: A resilient support member for reinforcing steel having first and second legs separated by an open cavity and being normally axially aligned in the inoperative position of the support member. The support member is adapted to assume an operative position by deforming the legs inwardly toward each other around a reinforcing steel bar such that one of said legs is perpendicular to the other and with the reinforcing bar being disposed within the cavity which, in the operative position, is substantially closed around the bar. The support member may be secured in this operative position with the outer ends of the legs abutting the inner surface of the walls of a concrete form.

Abstract: A combination sled/spacer comprising a molded body which has tie wires permanently connected thereto. The sled/spacer is adapted to be affixed to the outer surface of a steel reinforcing cage prior to the time that the cage is inserted into a pier hole in the ground. A preferred material for the molded body is a cementitious material, so that the concrete which is poured around the reinforcing cage will be similar to the material from which the sled/spacer is made. A plurality of longitudinal and transverse tie wires is preferred, so that the sled/spacer may be connected easily to both longitudinal and spiral members of a reinforcing cage. A typical sled/spacer has a length within the range of six to twelve inches, and is tapered from a wide surface which lies immediately adjacent the reinforcing cage, to a more narrow surface which bears against the sides of a pier hole. The surface which is expected to rub against the side of a pier hole is preferably convex.

Abstract: A welded wire concrete reinforcement spacer having spaced uprights with tops projecting up from the bottoms toward one another, a support means on the uprights and located below the tops of the uprights, the tops being spaced sufficiently to allow a reinforcement member to pass therebetween but spaced sufficiently close together as to prevent easy and accidental withdrawal of the reinforcement member from between the uprights.The spacer can include a second support means for supporting a second reinforcement member, and the first support means can include a cross piece secured to and extending between the uprights, or a notch in the tops of the uprights. A concrete reinforcement spacer and reinforcement assembly is also included, as well as a method of use for the same.

Abstract: A chair support for a concrete reinforcing bar is formed from smaller and larger molded plastic elements each in the form of a letter A with diverging legs, and upper cross member, and a lower cross member. The smaller element fits through the opening of the larger element and locks in place perpendicularly to the larger element by interengaging notches in the respective cross members.

Abstract: A steel placement assembly comprising a plurality of steel placement lock members which mate to form circular cavities for supporting and retaining steel reinforcing bars along their transverse length and intermediate their ends in a concrete structural member. Mated pairs of vertically and horizontally oriented steel placement lock members cooperate with vertically and horizontally oriented adjacent mated pairs and with spacer members to form structural members of diverse size. The steel placement lock members are provided with extensions which positively maintain the reinforcing steel a sufficient distance inside the face of the concrete. Steel end lock members provided over the ends of the reinforcing bars prevent lateral movement of the bars toward the concrete face.

Abstract: A rebar saddle for receiving reinforcing bars used in strengthening concrete consisting of an elongated cylinder having at one end a saddle to receive and secure the reinforcing bar and at the other end a blind hole to receive the top of a stake or bar driven into the ground which suspends the reinforcing bar saddle and thus the held reinforcing bar, in position to have concrete poured around it. By the utilization of a plastic or non-rusting rebar saddle, rust which might enter the concrete structure by way of a metal stake which penetrates the ground is halted by the rebar saddle.