Abstract: A structure for supporting reinforcement bars includes a base, and first legs extending upwardly from the opposite sides of the base. Attached to shoulders of the first legs are first and second cradles, each having opposing sidewalls that form channels therebetween. Reinforcement bars inserted into the first and second cradles are retained within the channels by retaining members protruding from the opposing sidewalls. A first base support member spans a central opening in the base between the first legs. Second legs extend upwardly from the first base support member and connect to the cradles. Third and fourth legs extend upwardly from opposing ends of the base and connect to the cradles. The structure includes fillets at various points on the cradles, including fillets connecting the cradles to the shoulders of the first legs.

Abstract: A method for additively manufacturing a component includes generating, via imaging software, a plurality of slices of a support structure of the component based on component geometry. The method also includes melting or fusing, via the additive manufacturing system, layers of material to a build platform of the component so as to form the support structure according to the plurality of slices. The support structure includes a lattice configuration having of a plurality of support members arranged together to form a plurality of cells. Further, the method includes melting or fusing, via the additive manufacturing system, a component body to the support structure. After the component body solidifies, the method includes removing all of the support structure from the component body to form the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture with which a plurality of grids can be definitely constructed in a short period of time even by an inexperienced worker without causing the worker to do heavy work. In substantially center positions in the lengthwise direction of bottom portions of first frame members, a pair of third frame members included in connecting means are provided. In the third frame member, a base portion is caused to stand on a bottom portion of the first frame member. One of arms of a U-shape of the base portion works as a holding portion included in the connecting means, and the end of the holding portion is bent inward of the base portion to form a connection bent portion having a function to engage with a circumferential surface of a vertical wire material or a lateral wire material of a second welded wire mesh, and a function to prevent the vertical wire material or the lateral wire material of the second welded wire mesh from coming off from the connecting means.

Abstract: A field-assembly dowel basket for concrete construction configured for in-the-field assembly from a small number of component parts, including dowels, dowel jackets, frame wires that are assembled into dowel basket sections. The dowel jackets may support different types of dowels, such as rectangular plate dowels, diamond-shaped plate dowels and rod dowels. The dowel jackets are firmly attached to the frame wires by leg-clip structures with three clips features including two leg clips, which attach to risers of the frame wire, as well as a central clip feature that clips to the crossbar of the frame wire, to securely support the frame wire and dowel to the dowel jacket. Multiple dowel basket sections are joined together by inline connectors connecting adjacent frame wires to fabricate an elongated dowel basket of desired length.

Abstract: A rebar support comprising: an elongate body have a first plurality of rebar cradles disposed along its length for holding rebars in a first direction; a plurality of chairs located along a back of the elongate body, each of the chairs including at least one cradle for holding steel reinforcement members in a second direction at right angles to the first direction; and first and second complementary engagement formations located at opposed ends of the elongate body for facilitating end-to-end fastening of two or more rebar supports.

Abstract: A feeder storage apparatus for a chicken feeder includes a body section, a coupling member and/or a mounting web substructure, and a feeder contacting section. The mounting web substructure is positioned on a first end of the body section for securing the body section to the coupling member and/or a chicken feed tube. The feeder contacting section is positioned on a second end of the body section and includes angled arms to support a feeder above the feed tube.

Abstract: Structural members having enhanced load bearing capacity per unit mass include a skeleton structure formed from strips of material. Notches may be placed on the strips and a weave of tensile material placed in the notches and woven around the skeleton structure. At least one pair of structural members can be jointed together to provide very strong joints due to a weave patterns of tensile material, such as Kevlar, that distributes stress throughout the structure, preventing stress from concentrating in one area. Methods of manufacturing such structural members include molding material into skeletons of desired cross section using a matrix of molding segments. Total catastrophic failures in composite materials are substantially avoided and the strength to weight ratio of structures can be increased.

Abstract: A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

Abstract: A rebar clip is provided for joining a larger diameter rebar to a smaller diameter rebar transverse to the larger diameter rebar. In a first embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into upper arches of the clip for engagement with smaller diameter bars crossed on top of larger diameter bars. In a second embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into lower arches of the clip so that the clip may hold larger diameter bars on top of smaller diameter bars. A guide track for a clip applying gun is provided which allows for use with either version of clips and with clips of the same nominal diameter for joining equal size bars.

Abstract: A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

Abstract: A reinforcing assembly for use in a structural concrete member, such as a slab, footing, raft foundation, beam, wall and column, has at least one reinforcing stud with an elongate stem an anchor head at one or both ends, and a support apparatus for positioning the stud in the concrete member. The apparatus has a rail and connector to mechanically secure the stem to the rail in a given spacing and orientation. The connector may be in to form of a clip member for mounting on the rail and for securing the stud thereto, or the connector may be formed integrally with the rail in the form of a recess along an edge of the rail. The rail typically positions a plurality of studs in the concrete member at a given location, direction and spacing.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for attachment to a pair of intersecting reinforcement wires to space them from a form. The spacer has a base member having a generally planar shape and two opposite sides, one of the sides having two continuous grooves that extend completely across the base member and that intersect one another for receiving therein a pair of intersecting reinforcement wires, and the other of the sides having a projection that projects outwardly therefrom a preselected distance to space the intersecting reinforcement wires a specified distance from a form. A cover member covers the one side of the base member. The cover member has fastening portions that coact with complementary fastening portions on the base member to fasten the cover member to the base member with the intersecting reinforcement wires sandwiched therebetween to thereby attach the spacer to the intersecting reinforcement wires.

Abstract: A chair for supporting and spacing post-tension cables having a generally tapered body with an upper receiving area for securing the cables and a planar base adapted to rest on a flat support surface. The body has inner and outer surfaces that are substantially complementary to one another to allow a plurality of chairs to be stacked together. The receiving area includes posts extending upwardly between notches. The posts define passageways for guiding the cables into the notches. Detents project inwardly from the tops of the posts and fixedly retain the bars within the passageways. The chair may be formed from a resilient polymeric material.

Abstract: A spacer for positioning and locking spaced reinforcing cages into a combined integral unit for reinforcing large concrete structures is disclosed that is readily snapped into place even with narrow lattice cages.

Abstract: A clip for joining reinforcing members, which includes a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs.

Abstract: A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar (“rebar”). Such a structure includes a rebar engaging portion, where the rebar engaging portion includes a receptacle. The receptacle includes a channel sized to receive the rebar, where the channel includes a first portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from a first end to a second end. The retaining features are disposed on the walls of the channel, where the sidewalls are configured to spread so that the rebar passes the retaining features and rests in the bar retaining portion as the rebar moves down the channel. Additionally, the support structure includes a support portion supporting the rebar engaging portion, where the support portion includes a plurality of legs which project outward from a central axis. In addition, the support structure includes a base configured to distribute weight of the support structure.

Abstract: A clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns includes a first wire member having an upper mid-portion and pair of legs, each of the legs having a hook portion adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member. A second wire member has a lower mid-portion and a handle portion, the lower mid-portion sized to seat on an upper surface of a second reinforcing member. Each end of the lower mid-portion extends outward, wrapping around an outer portion of the upper mid-portion of the first wire member at least once, and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member to form the handle portion.

Abstract: A spacer for positioning and locking spaced reinforcing cages into a combined integral unit for reinforcing large concrete structures is disclosed that is readily snapped into place even with narrow lattice cages.

Abstract: A bar support apparatus has a first body with a first clamping structure and a second clamping structure extending from a top thereof, and a second body having a first clamping structure and a second clamping structure extending downwardly from a bottom thereof. The clamping structures of the second body engage the clamping structures of the first body. The second body also has a third clamping structure and a fourth clamping structure extending upwardly from a top thereof. A rebar is received within first and second clamping structures of the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and having a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. The base is a generally planar surface. The channel has a length dimension that is less than a length dimension of the base. The support structure has first and second side panels extending vertically upwardly from the base to a bottom of the first and second clamping structures.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are provided for managing cables, wires, and cords, and more particularly, to organize and route cables and wires in various directions. For example, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a cable clip with a rigid circular base and a flexible dome-shaped head, wherein the base includes a central aperture and an adhesive layer covered by a protective film on one side and is integrated with the dome-shaped head on the other side. The dome-shaped head has a plurality of slots that extend radially across the head and intersect with one another, forming an opening. In one embodiment, each slot has circular shaped arcuate openings on opposites sides creating first and second transit paths for a cable or wire. The resulting dome-shaped head has a plurality of retaining arms that receive cables, retains them, and can be attached to a surface by a variety of methods.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base so as to define a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on the opposite side of the channel, and a rebar retainer positioned between the clamping structures for retaining the rebar in the channel. The rebar retainer includes first and second retainer members movable between a first position spaced away from each other and a second position overlying a portion of the rebar when the rebar is placed in the channel. Each of the retainer members has a generally S-shaped cross-section configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lattice support structure comprising lattice rods interconnected in an articulated manner, wherein, in accordance with the invention, a first structure having small cross-sections extending constantly over its length can be spread apart into a truncated double pyramid structure which tapers toward its ends, with a plurality of first structures being able to be joined together and with the joined together first structures being able to be interconnected by lattice rods to form a second structure, with the additional lattice rods engaging at corner points of the spread-apart cross-sections.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and a having a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel and second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. Each of the first and second clamping structures includes a first C-shaped member and a second C-shaped member extending flexibly upwardly from the support structure and facing in opposite directions. A cap is slidably affixed over these C-shaped members and the channel.

Abstract: An improved chair for supporting intersecting wires forming a wire mesh at a pre-selected elevated position above a bearing surface during formation of a concrete slab is constructed having a base member shaped to rest on the bearing surface, a compressible support structure having a lower section affixed to the base member, a middle section and an upper section affixed to a setting shaped to support the wire mess at the elevated position. The chair is constructed having an improved compressible, generally bell-shape support structure having two pairs of opposing arched-shaped openings in the middle section forming two intersecting arches, each arch having a pair of opposing flexible legs that bow outward when a pre-determined load is applied to the upper section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforcing bar tie the enables the connection intersecting reinforcing bars. The invention houses a tie made of an elastic member in a reception space, and extrudes it with an extruding member. At this time, the curved portions provided on both ends of the tie advance while guiding portions and of a guide member push them open, and are guided to an intersecting position of two reinforcing bars. Further, by extruding with the extruding member the tie detaches from the guiding member and winds around the intersection of the two reinforcing bars with a force sufficient to couple the two reinforcing bars together.

Abstract: An apparatus (“chair”) for supporting one or more reinforcement bars or post-tension cables (“bars/cables”) in a concrete structure includes a base member having a centered opening, a pair of opposing first leg members extending upward from the base member at a first angle, a pair of opposing second leg members extending upward from the base member at a second angle, and a strap-shaped locking cradle. The strap-shaped locking cradle includes an arc-shaped receiving portion attached to the first and second leg members, a flexible portion suitable for wrapping over the bars/cables and a fastener to affix the flexible portion to the arc-shaped receiving portion or one of the first leg members such that transverse and vertical movement of the bars/cables is limited and longitudinal movement of the bars/cables is allowed.

Abstract: A wire mesh is formed by a plurality of identical wires. The wires interlock with each other by mutually receiving loops formed in the wires. Reinforcing wires welded to the loops reinforce the points of contact, and prevent the wires from rotating when locked together.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base so as to define a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on the opposite side of the channel, and a rebar retainer positioned between the clamping structures for retaining the rebar in the channel. The rebar retainer includes first and second retainer members movable between a first position spaced away from each other and a second position overlying a portion of the rebar when the rebar is placed in the channel. Each of the retainer members has a generally S-shaped cross-section configuration.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base with a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar. Each of the first and second clamping structures has generally C-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A tie and a tie method for binding together adjacent support elements such as concrete reinforcing bars by employing a tie having a frame which can be disposed about the bars, and a wedge adapted to be forcibly driven between resilient portions of the frame and the bars to develop a biasing face which compresses the bars together.

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.

Abstract: An improved chair for supporting intersecting wires forming a wire mesh at a pre-selected elevated position above a bearing surface during formation of a concrete slab is constructed having a base member shaped to rest on the bearing surface, a compressible support structure having a lower section affixed to the base member, a middle section and an upper section affixed to a setting shaped to support the wire mess at the elevated position. The chair is constructed having an improved compressible, generally bell-shape support structure having two pairs of opposing arched-shaped openings in the middle section forming two intersecting arches, each arch having a pair of opposing flexible legs that bow outward when a pre-determined load is applied to the upper section. The support structure further having a strengthening plate affixed on an interior surface of the upper section of the support structure formed by the intersecting arches.

Abstract: A chair for supporting and spacing post-tension cables having a generally tapered body with an upper receiving area for securing the cables and a planar base adapted to rest on a flat support surface. The body has inner and outer surfaces that are substantially complementary to one another to allow a plurality of chairs to be stacked together. The receiving area includes posts extending upwardly between notches. The posts define passageways for guiding the cables into the notches. Detents project inwardly from the tops of the posts and fixedly retain the bars within the passageways. The chair may be formed from a resilient polymeric material.

Abstract: A cage spacer for spacing reinforcing rods or welded fabric a specified distance from mold walls for poring concrete during construction projects. The cage spacer comprises two intersection bodies oriented perpendicular to each other and preferable with one body having a base higher than the other. A pair of pads on opposite ends of a first body base for stabilizing the body on the rebar. A pair of rebar engaging clips on opposite ends of the second body base for snapping onto and gripping a perpendicularly intersecting rebar such that the rebar is held securely in the clips. The cage spacer attaches over the intersection of a pair of rebars. At least one apex of the bodies engages a mold wall to keep the mold wall a specified distance from the rebars while concrete is being poured in the mold.

Abstract: A transverse bar assembly for use in constructing rebar mats for reinforcement of concrete paving includes a plurality of chairs and clips each having a lower portion that fixes to a transverse bar in the direction of its length and an upper portion for orthogonally receiving and holding locked in place a longitudinal bar, the chair also having a support extending to a base surface.

Abstract: A device (10) for positioning a U-channel (20) in a concrete structure, the device (10) including an attachment tube (22) to be secured to two reinforcement bars (80) of the concrete structure, and a body (12) housing two coil springs (7), the body (12) including an upper part (14) and a lower part (16) which are biased away from each other by the springs (7) and the lower part (16) is engageable with the U-channel (20).

Abstract: An improved chair for supporting intersecting wires forming a wire mesh at a pre-selected elevated position above a bearing surface during formation of a concrete slab is constructed having a base member shaped to rest on the bearing surface, a compressible support structure having a lower section affixed to the base member, a middle section and an upper section affixed to a setting shaped to support the wire mess at the elevated position. The chair is constructed having an improved compressible, generally bell-shape support structure having two pairs of opposing arched-shaped openings in the middle section forming two intersecting arches, each arch having a pair of opposing flexible legs that bow outward when a pre-determined load is applied to the upper section. The support structure further having a strengthening plate affixed on an interior surface of the upper section of the support structure formed by the intersecting arches.

Abstract: A rebar support system for a vertical wall uses preformed coupling devices to secure horizontal rebar structures to vertical rebar structures in mutually perpendicular orientation. A preformed coupling device may include three tube-shaped clamp members rigidly secured together.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support having a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and having a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. Each of the clamping structures has a curved element extending inwardly therefrom. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support having a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and having a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar.

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.

Abstract: A vertical-rebar-support system has a ring base (1) oriented horizontally intermediate side walls (2) of a concrete-foundational excavation (3). A vertical-rebar receptacle (4, 9, 10, 18) is off-centered on the ring base and a rebar-L-base receptacle (7, 8) for an L-bent rebar (5) is disposed oppositely on the ring base to retain a vertical rebar rigidly upright. Optionally, a vertical rebar (17) without an L-bend can be used for some construction and in non-hurricane areas. The ring base and vertical rebar can be positioned above or below horizontal rebar (13) proximate a bottom (15) of the concrete-foundational excavation. A use method is rotating the ring base with the vertical rebar attached to position the vertical rebar laterally between the side walls of the concrete-foundational excavation while moving the ring base intermediate terminal ends (19) of the concrete-foundational excavation in accordance with a guide line (20) and desired measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixating and elevating an interconnected rebar lattice having individual longitudinal and transverse rebar intersections for use as support for poured concrete in highway and other construction. The apparatus including a holding portion having an open ended recess with two opposing walls being generally U-shaped. The recess has a longitudinal axis and is sized and shaped to receive a longitudinal rod. An arc-shaped portion extends laterally outward from each opposing wall and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The arc-shaped portion has a transverse axis and is sized and shaped to receive a longitudinal rod. the arc-shaped portion includes a recess and opposing walls with one wall including a snap-type lock. A locking member has a generally arc-shaped portion and includes a snap-type lock for attaching to the arc-shaped portions and engaging with the snap-type lock of the arc-shaped portions. A leg portion extends downwardly from the holding portion.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixating and elevating an interconnected rebar lattice having individual longitudinal and transverse rebar intersections for use as support for poured concrete in highway and other construction. The apparatus including a holding portion having an open ended recess with two opposing walls being generally U-shaped. The recess has a longitudinal axis and is sized and shaped to receive a longitudinal rod. An arc-shaped portion extends laterally outward from each opposing wall and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The arc-shaped portion has a transverse axis and is sized and shaped to receive a longitudinal rod. The arc-shaped portion includes a recess and opposing walls with each wall including a snap-type lock. A locking member has a generally arc-shaped portion and includes a snap-type lock for attaching to the arc-shaped portions and engaging with the snap-type lock of the arc-shaped portions.

Abstract: A harness system used with steel reinforcement bars or rods to hold them at a desired orientation during and after concrete is poured. The system has two substantially identical harnesses each with its own strap section and a one direction end clasp. A common spacer joins the harnesses together and orients them with respect to each other in different directions. Preferably, the harnesses and spacer are made of a moisture proof plastic material. Two steel reinforcement bars may be oriented in a desired direction--it could be parallel or at right angles to each other--and an appropriate harness system used to hold them in place as concrete is poured over them. One strap of one harness goes around a bar and is put in through its clasp end to a tightened position to hold the bar.

Abstract: A frame structure including at least one base rod; a plurality of struts respectively fastened to the at least one base rod; a plurality of shear members respectively fastened to the at least one base rod; and a plurality of horizontal connecting hooks, each having a first end fixedly connected to the at least one base rod and a second end terminating in a hooked portion. By connecting the connecting hooks of one frame structure to the connecting hooks of another, a plurality of frame structures are connected together to form a framework for a reinforced concrete floor.

Abstract: An elastic clip to fasten crossed bars, characterized in that it has the form of a simple or double couple of jaws symmetrically or asymmetrically shaped, which comprises seats (D) and hooks (A) placed crosswise and joined together by bodies (B) so that they can be managed simultaneously with fingers and are capable of fastening said either single or coupled crossed bars.