Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cast-in-place concrete slab load transfer and slab connection apparatus and method of employing same.

Abstract: A rebar support chair has a housing with first and second opposed boundary walls spaced apart from one another and defining a cavity therebetween, an attachment portion having a seat for supporting rebar, a dampening member, and a force dispersion member inside the cavity. The attachment portion transfers forces between the rebar and housing. The force dispersion member moves in response to vibration of the attachment portion, and movement of the force dispersion member corresponds with compression and decompression of the dampening member. Another rebar support chair has a housing defining a cavity, an attachment portion for supporting rebar, a dampening member, and a force dispersion member in the cavity. The attachment portion transfers forces between the rebar and housing. The force dispersion member moves from a rest position in response to vibration of the attachment portion, and the dampening member biases the force dispersion member toward the rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to L-shaped sheet metal parts 21 with an angled longitudinal recess 23 as well as a reinforced concrete/prestressed concrete component with at least one upper and at least one lower longitudinal reinforcement layer and a shear force reinforcement guided in its dimension over the uppermost and the lowermost longitudinal reinforcement, which is formed from the L-shaped sheet metal parts 21 according to the invention with stirrups 30 fastened in the longitudinal recess 23. The reinforced concrete/prestressed concrete component according to the invention is suitable for increasing the punching shear resistance in the region of slab columns of flat slabs.

Abstract: A clip for securing a prestressed cable along a dovetail slot within a cement cast for masonry work. The clip contains a cup receiving the prestressed cable and legs for a fixed attachment to the outside of a dovetail bar. A method of installing the clip includes inserting the clip between the dovetail slot and the prestressed cable and rotating the clip such that the prestressed cable is received within the cup and the legs capture the dovetail slot.

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 support chair for bracing objects, such as rebar, cable, or the like. The support chair is preferably configured to support rebar at any one of multiple different heights.

Abstract: A dowel bracket is used for concrete wall or masonry wall construction. A rebar support bracket includes an elongated vertical member. The elongated vertical member has a first edge and an opposing second edge, where the first edge defines recesses. The rebar support bracket further includes a horizontal member projecting perpendicularly at a lower end of the elongated vertical member making an angled portion. The horizontal member has a planar surface that defines at least one mounting aperture provided to mount the rebar support bracket.

Abstract: Supports having multiples apertures to receive, support, holding and secure re-bars or reinforcements useful in the construction of concrete or cement structures. A first embodiment includes two double rebar supporting sections at each end of a main elongated body having a central hole, thus it may support from two to four re-bars that may be have the same or different dimensions at its intercepting points. A second embodiment includes two double supporting re-bars supporting sections at each end of a main body. A third embodiment that includes a double supporting re-bars section in one end of a main body. The disclosed embodiments also have apertures and openings that allow the entrance of liquid cement or concrete mixture to the interior of their hollow main body and may support re-bars of different dimensions.

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 block wall system including a block wall having a multiplicity of courses of blocks; at least one longitudinal reinforcement bar that extends through the block wall; and at least one bracket for locating the longitudinal reinforcement bar; wherein the longitudinal reinforcement bar passes through the void of at least one block in the block wall and through a capture zone of the bracket located within the block wall.

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 structural connection between the upper outer edges of multiple structural members with one or more elongate connectors that span from edge to edge between pairs of structural members.

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 support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar (“rebar”) in stacked layers. Such a structure includes a first support structure retaining a first rebar for a first mat. The support structure further includes a second support structure retaining a second rebar for a second mat. The first support structure and the second support structure can have similar configurations. The second support structure includes a first layer engaging portion, a second layer engaging portion and a support portion for connecting said engaging portions. The second layer engaging portion may include a reinforcing receptacle which includes a channel open to receive a rebar. The channel is defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from an inner end receptacle. The sidewalls spread so that the rebar can pass retaining features on the walls of the channel and rest in a bar retaining portion as the rebar moves down the channel.

Abstract: A concrete wall system includes first and second opposing wall panels and a plurality of spacers disposed between the first and second wall panels. A plurality of reinforcing bars is placed between the first and second wall panels and supported by the spacers, and a concrete core is disposed between the first and second wall panels such that the spacers and the reinforcing bars are embedded in the concrete core. Each one of the spacers has a cup-like body defining a closed first end and an open second end with a flange formed on the second end. The spacer bodies are tapered so that the spacers are stackable.

Abstract: Improved grips for retaining plural concrete reinforcing bars in a selected association are disclosed. The grips include a base portion and a retention portion including engageable structures establishing first and second spaced opposing pairs of clamping formations. Each of the plural reinforcing bars in the association is positively gripped along a length thereof between the clamping formations. Grip embodiments for parallel and right angle reinforcing bar associations are disclosed.

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 chair and system for securing, supporting, and connecting cable, having troughs supported on support members for receiving cables. The troughs can each have locks for closing the troughs and securing the cables in place.

Abstract: A support and spacer element for use with one or more reinforcing rods. The element includes a hollow section having an upper rim and a lower rim. The upper rim has one or more pairs of recesses oppositely disposed therein for receiving and supporting respective reinforcing rods. The element also includes one or more pairs of oppositely disposed flanges spaced apart from the upper rim and outwardly extending from the hollow section for securing the reinforcing rods to the hollow section.

Abstract: A system of attaching and aligning both parallel and transverse bars for supporting a concrete matrix includes a plurality of substantially identical molded plastic clips for alternatively attaching and holding two parallel reinforcing bars of equal diameter or two transverse reinforcing bars of equal diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting bars includes a clip string, a barrel having a clip receiving cavity, with a terminal clip of the clip string received in the clip receiving cavity. A drive is received in the barrel and extends proximally from the barrel. The drive includes a hammer received in the barrel. The hammer reciprocates longitudinally within the barrel for contacting and expelling the terminal clip from the barrel. A cam guide is connected to the drive. A cam plate having a cam track is pivotally connected to the barrel. The cam guide engages the cam track such that the cam plate pivots back and forth as the drive is moved distally and proximally relative to the barrel. At least one finger is connected to the cam plate such that the finger engages and advances the clip string end of the clip receiving cavity as the cam plate pivots back.

Abstract: A structure for clamping two rods mutually transverse to one another is described. An upwardly open seating surface has a longitudinal direction for rotationally vertically receiving a first rod in the longitudinal direction. A pair of side opening rod retainers are supported above and on opposite sides of the upwardly open longitudinal seating surface. The side openings of the retainers open in opposite directions for rotationally laterally receiving opposite sides of a second rod along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The retainers include top portions spaced from the lower seating surface a distance effective to cause a rod rotationally laterally received in the side openings to exert a compressive force against a rod rotationally vertically received on the lower seating surface, thereby clamping the rods mutually transversely to each other.

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 bolster for use in construction has a beam, a pair of spaced apart foot members, a first plurality of leg members on one side of the beam, and a second plurality of leg members on an opposite side of the beam. The first plurality of leg members are connected at one end to the beam and at the opposite end to one of the pair of spaced apart foot members. The second plurality of leg members are connected at one end to the beam and at the opposite end to the other of the pair of spaced apart foot members. The beam, pair of spaced apart foot members and first and second pluralities of leg members are integrally formed together of a polymeric material. Multiple lengths of bolster may be joined together in a snap-fit engagement.

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 sporting activity system comprising a plurality of stakes and a plurality of pods. The plurality of stakes each have a length and a cross-sectional configuration. Each pod includes a body and a member for interfacing with a stake. The body includes a lower edge, a side and a top surface. The interfacing member includes an opening disposed on one of the top and the sides configured to receive a stake, and, two channels disposed on the body spaced apart from the opening. Each of the at least two channels and the opening can accept a stake of the plurality of stakes simultaneously. Connectors may be provided releasably coupling two stakes of the plurality of stakes to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting structure including: a node member having an accommodating space formed therein; a lower truss member disposed penetratingly at the lower portion of the node member, the lower truss member being made of a material with tension and compression-resistant rigidity and having a predetermined length; an upper truss member disposed penetratingly at the upper portion of the node member in such a manner as to be spaced apart from the lower truss member, the upper truss member being made of a material with tension and compression-resistant rigidity and having a predetermined length; and a filler adapted to be filled in the node member in such a manner as to be initially injected in a fluid state into the accommodating space of the node member so as to surround the lower truss member and the upper truss member, and then to be hardened as time elapses so as to rigidly couple the lower truss member and the upper truss member therewith.

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 clip of the present invention comprises a unitary body having an intermediate section and a first pair of opposing arms with each of the arms having an end portion, the body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a second pair of opposing arms formed on the exterior surface of the body, each of the second pair of opposing arms having an end portion with the second pair of opposing arms being located between one of the first pair of opposing arms and the intermediate section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing body (1) for buildings, in particular for buildings made of concrete, said reinforcing body comprising a plurality of reinforcing rods (2a, 2b) which are connected together by connecting agents (5) at connecting points (4) and which are made of fiber-reinforced plastic, said connecting agents (5) comprising connection fibers (6) which are embedded in a plastic matrix (7) and which are wound several times about the reinforcing rods (2a, 2b) at the connecting points (4).

Abstract: A positioning device for accurately positioning a reinforcing member in a hardening material (e.g., concrete). The positioning device is made from a plastic material and includes a base and a support member extending from the base. The base includes at least one receiving member supported on the support member. The receiving member is in the form of a flexible clip or spring clip. The clips are C-shaped and include arms with an opening between the arms which leads to a holding area. Each clip is capable of receiving reinforcing members of varying sizes within the opening. The clips flex outward to accommodate a reinforcing member and subsequently return inward toward a rest mode to contact and secure the reinforcing member within the holding area. The clips may be positioned at various heights and orientations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a rebar support assembly utilized in structural construction beams. The assembly may include a frame having chair portion, a cage portion, an intermediate portion, and/or a header portion. Each portion may include one or more rebar receptacles designed to support a segment of reinforcement bar in a predetermined location and orientation. For example, the receptacles may be configured to orient the rebar in a generally horizontal and/or a generally vertical position. The assembly may be configured as a unitary structure, or may be modular to customize the rebar support for a job site. In use, the assembly is positioned on the supporting surface of the concrete pour area and rebar segments are coupled to the receptacles. Concrete is then poured over/around the assembly.

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 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: 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 chair for supporting wire mesh while pouring concrete slabs. The chair has a generally tapered, hollow body with a receiving area for fixedly retaining the wire mesh. The receiving area includes walls extending upwardly between notches, with the walls defining passageways for guiding the mesh into the notches. Detents project inwardly from the tops of the walls to fixedly retain the mesh within the passageways. The body has inner and outer surfaces that are substantially complementary to one another to allow a plurality of chairs to be stacked together. One or more foot members are preferably attached to the lower base portion to provide for secure support of the chair on a variety of surfaces.

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 method of fabricating an electrostatic actuator with an intrinsic stress gradient is provided. An electrode is formed on a substrate and a support layer is formed over the electrode. A metal layer is deposited onto the support layer via a deposition process. Deposition process conditions are varied in order to induce a stress gradient into the metal layer. The intrinsic stress in the metal layer increases in the direction from the bottom to the top of the metal layer. The support layer under the electrode is removed to release the electrostatic actuator.

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: An apparatus for positioning rebar for reinforcing concrete, wherein the apparatus includes a semi-cylindrical portion configured for receiving a first rebar extending in a first direction, wherein the semi-cylindrical portion defines first and second opposing straight edges, and two opposing semi-circular ends. A first flange portion extends outwardly from the first straight edge, and a second flange portion extends outwardly from the second straight edge. First and second receiver portions extend longitudinally from the respective first and second flanges beyond one of the ends for receiving a second rebar extending in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and for urging the second rebar against the first rebar. Optionally, legs extend from or are attached to the apparatus for supporting the apparatus in an elevated position.

Abstract: A method for preparing rebar for reinforcing concrete, wherein first and second receiver portions of an apparatus are engaged with a lower surface of a first rebar extending in a first direction. A semi-cylindrical portion of the apparatus are engaged with an upper surface of a second rebar extending in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, until the first rebar is urged against the second rebar.

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 bolster for use in construction having a plurality of leg members arranged in generally parallel spaced relationship to each other, a beam integrally formed with the plurality of leg members and extending transversely across the leg members, a first plate affixed to one side of the plurality of leg members and a second plate affixed to an opposite side of the plurality of leg members. Each of the plates has a generally flat bottom surface. A clip is provided on the plates for fixedly attaching the plates to respective feet of the leg members.

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 chair supports rebar or wire mesh during a concrete pour. The chair is box shaped having grooves in the side walls of different width for supporting rebar of different diameter. Notches in the edge of the grooves on opposite sides of the chair support wire mesh of different diameter. The notches are shaped so the wire mesh is snapped into the notch. Wall like braces extend across the inside of the chair and support the grooves from the opposite wall. The larger grooves are on the short sides of the chair to raise the rebar a longer distance off the underlying surface. In a preferred embodiment, the chair provides two elevations for placement of rebar, namely 2″ and 3″ above an underlying surface. Parts of the box are cut away to promote concrete movement through the chair. Slots are provided to allow air trapped in the concrete to escape from the chair.

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: 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.