Abstract: A collated rebar clinch clip has three components including a pair of spaced U-shaped crimp elements and a U-shaped bridge element connecting the crimp elements. The crimp elements and bridge element are cut from continuous lengths of stock material. A plurality of clinch clips are joined together by a pair of cords to form a collated series of clinch clips that may be arranged in a linear series or spirally wound to form a coil. The tool includes a frame, a die set with a sliding blade and a fixed anvil, an actuator to linearly move the blade relative to the anvil, and a magazine to hold collated clinch clips for sequential delivery between the blade and anvil to tie together a first length of rebar extending through the bridge element and a second orthogonal length of rebar extending through the crimp elements.

Abstract: A method for securing rebar prior to concrete pour consists of tying, by hand in a series of unique steps, a piece of wire with 2-inch loops on either end around the rebar at joints where the rebar sections come together. The present method is used in place of a mechanical system as required in the prior art and requires no tools or other devices. Execution of the present method is up to 7 times faster and results in a stronger tie than other tying methods. The present method provides substantial savings in manpower and time on any application requiring reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Tool Free Rebar Tie—A metal wire tie consisting of a piece of 16 gauge wire between 8 and 12 inches long with a loop on each end and each loop closed with a twist. The inventive device is used to fasten rebar on construction sites prior to a concrete pour. The user grips the wire, placing gloved fingers through the loops, and wraps the wire around the joint where two rebar sections come together. The tie is used in place of a mechanical system and requires no tools or other devices to fasten the metal rods which reinforce concrete. Application of the tie is 2-3 times faster than the method currently in use providing substantial savings in man power and time for virtually any construction job where reinforced concrete is required.

Abstract: A simple, one-piece mechanical tie allows quick and secure connection between rebar, mesh and form. A single piece of tie wire can secure the tie to the mesh and rebar, making the installation process much quicker than conventional processes. Unlike other devices that have multiple pieces where, if one piece is lost, the tie is unusable, the current device is designed as a single piece making installation and use quick and simple.

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 clip string includes a plurality of connected clips. Each clip includes a downwardly open lower seat for receiving a reinforcing bar from below, a downwardly open upper seat for receiving a reinforcing bar from below, and an upwardly open upper seat for receiving a reinforcing bar from above. The downwardly open upper seat is oriented transversely to the lower seat. The upwardly open upper seat is oriented parallel to the lower seat. At least one connection point is defined on each clip, and the plurality of clips are connected at the connection points such that all the clips are consistently oriented.

Abstract: A fastener for securing rebar rods that is a generally planar, elongated main body selectively deformed into a closed loop. The fastener can also include a head end integrally formed with the main body having a buckle and an opening. A tail end depends from the main body that has a plurality of substantially flat, spaced-apart, and staggered engaging members, or barbs. The rods are secured by folding the tail end around the rods and inserting the tail end into the opening of the buckle and twisting the tail end so that a barb engages an edge of the buckle.

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 yielding fuse device is provided for use in association with a brace member in a bracing assembly for a structural frame. The device includes arms or elements that yield flexurally when a bracing member moves in an axial direction, with the bracing assembly under either tension or compression loading conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly useful as a mass customized cast device. The device is well suited for seismic bracing applications.

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 vapor chamber includes a sealed flattened casing containing working liquid therein, a wick structure arranged on an inner face of the casing, a plurality of supporting posts received in the casing and at least a metallic wire connecting the supporting posts. Each supporting post defines at least a channel therein. The at least a metallic wire engagingly extends through the channels of the supporting posts. Top and bottom ends of the supporting posts engage the wick structure to reinforce a structure of the vapor chamber.

Abstract: A reinforcement system made of steel members, (eg. steel reinforcing rods, threaded rods or functionally equivalent steel member), closely positioned with respect to, or positioned in contact with the exterior of straight tapered and/or pipe/stepped poles, such as wireless telecommunication poles. The method of use results in providing additional strength to the poles to enhance resistance against deflection caused by, for instance, wind forces and/or added weight resulting from mounting antennas thereto, thereby enabling the placement of, for instance, more antenna arrays and other communication antennas thereon is otherwise possible.

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, the second reinforcing member residing perpendicular to the first reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs, and wherein the mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pair of legs over one another.

Abstract: A clamp for perpendicularly connecting two elongated members includes first and second interchangeable half clamps. The half clamps are placed in opposing relationship and tightened around the perpendicular junction of the two elongated members. In one embodiment, the clamp is designed to connect a beam (such as an I-beam) to a ridge (such as that found on a standing seam roof). In another embodiment the clamp is designed to connect two beams together.

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: 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 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 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 bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars.

Abstract: A method of attaching and aligning reinforcing bars includes providing a plurality of molded plastic clips having first and second parallel seats and a third transverse seat, all seats of equal size. A lower seat of a clip is pressed over a first reinforcement bar, then a second reinforcement bar is pressed into the upper seat to attach two bars of equal size in parallel. Another identical clip can be used to attach a third bar transverse to the first two bars, all the bars being of equal size.

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 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: An adjustable telescoping support mechanism is provided that may be connected between members of two positionally separated and supported truss members for providing support for a concrete-forming surface for fabricating building floors or ceilings. The telescoping support mechanism may be easily positioned adjacent to the location of vertical concrete structures of a building, such as building support columns, stairwells or elevator shafts in order to tie in a concrete floor or ceiling to the vertical concrete structure. The mechanism provides a means for fabricating a floor or ceiling adjacent to a vertical concrete structure either prior to or after the vertical structure has been fabricated, without the need for supporting scaffolding, which impedes normal construction activity and creates safety issues.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete load bearing structure in the form of a concrete beam or slab includes a concrete structural member and a hollow element such as a PVC pipe or steel tube extending through the concrete structural member. The load bearing structure also includes a plurality of steel reinforced rods and steel stirrups or rivets formed into a cage like skeleton surrounding the hollow element and being encased in the concrete that forms the concrete structural member. In an alternative form a concrete slab or floor having a length, width and thickness with a plurality of parallel load bearing supports is disclosed. The integral support has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape that extends downwardly under the floor with a hollow tube surrounded by a case like structure extending through the support member.

Abstract: A method of employing an adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks, with said wall having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

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: A clip for connecting steel bars, the clip having two loop shaped ends which are connected by a intermediate wire piece which is bent such that the clip can be mounted on a crossing of at least two rods and will keep its position on that rod before the clip is twisted to secure the rods together. Also disclosed is a hook for engaging such a clip, wherein the hook has a shaft that, on one end is provided with the hook element and that, on the other free end is insertable in a hand power tool such as a hand drill. Further a method for connecting at least two steel bars crossing each other is provided, the method including the use of a jig, clips and a hook with a hand powered tool.

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 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 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 multi-level chair for supporting a concrete reinforcement cable at a fixed height from the bottom of a concrete form is provided. The multi-level chair comprises a body having a plurality of receptacles at different heights. Each of the receptacles is adapted to retain a concrete post-tension reinforcement cable. In one embodiment, the body of the chair assumes an inverted V-shape including a pair of legs extending downwardly from an apex. Each of said legs has multiple receptacles to support a cable at a predetermined height from the bottom of the concrete form.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar clip has a pair of arms oriented at an angle of approximately 90°. Each arm has a clamp mounted at each of its ends, thus allowing a worker to push in one direction to attach all four clamps onto two crossed concrete reinforcing bars. The length of the arms adds some stability to the temporary intersection of the concrete reinforcing bars before the concrete is poured. The concrete reinforcing bars may have physical contact in the clamp, also adding to the stability of the joint. One embodiment uses a single tube as one arm.

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 uniquely improved mortar less masonry structure comprising a plurality of concrete masonry units connected to each other by metal bars and metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a reinforcing skeletal system for the masonry to utilize a post tensioned structure. The unique system has been developed with full recessed channels in the masonry unit, anchor bars that fit into the channels and extend across a plurality of masonry units and bolts that act as the tendon for the post tensioning system. This is an improved, rapidly constructed building system that demountably couples each individual masonry unit by an extended bar and bolt system. This extended bar is more efficient and easier to build with as compared to other traditional masonry structures.

Abstract: An antivibration uniform-strength connector including two mating connection plates and a bolt. The connection plates are made of steel material having tensile strength proximate to that of steel reinforcements. The connection plates are made in accordance with the specifications of the steel reinforcements. Each connection plate has a central hole and two lateral extension sections. Each extension section has an opposite contact face. Contact recesses are formed on the contact faces and spaced from the central hole by equal or unequal distances. With steel reinforcements respectively held in the contact recesses, the bolt is tightened in the central hole of one connection plate to fasten the connection plates and fix the steel reinforcements in a double-cross or parallel pattern. The antivibration uniform-strength connector is applicable to the major steel reinforcements of a beam, a column, a bridge, a bridgeboard, etc.

Abstract: A structural clip includes two connecting legs extending from a resilient spring means with a securing loop at the end of each leg. The angles defined by the legs and by each leg and the spring means when the securing loops are connected to a bottom support member secure that member and a contacting top support member in any spatial relationship one to the other without auxiliary tools. An embodiment useful over a range of support member diameters for perpendicular or parallel reinforcement member alignment, and a method for using the clip also are disclosed.

Abstract: A bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars.

Abstract: A bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars.

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 fastener for joining two pieces of rebar together in a rebar grid used to reinforce subsequently poured concrete is described. The fasteners include two clamp pieces that in certain embodiments completely wrap around a piece of rebar and are tightly secured thereto. Further, each clamp piece can swivel or rotate up to 360 degrees relative to the other clamp piece such that two rebar pieces intersecting at any angle can be coupled together.

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: Adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks and having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

Abstract: A method for mutually connecting at least two elongated elements, such as concrete renforcement rods, by means of a connecting member in the form of a winding spring with a center line, which winding spring is screwed on and around the elongated elements at the connecting place between the two elongated elements by rotation on the center line while expanding by contact with circumferential surfaces of the elongated elements, wherein the selected winding spring is a spiral or screw spiral shaped spring, of which at least one winding has a diameter smaller than the largest transverse dimension at the connecting place, determined by the elongated elements to be connected, which winding spring is placed with its center line at an angle with respect to the elongated elements and is screwingly moved from a thus obtained starting position in the direction of the elongated elements, which screwing movement is continued until at least one winding is diametrically expanded.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar connector is described as a resilient clip to hold together two intersecting reinforcing bars, said clip comprising two open longitudinal ‘C’ shaped (grooves), with at least one triangular gusset connecting said ‘C’ shaped faces of said clip, said clip is aligned with said intersecting reinforcing bars and forcibly engaged over said reinforcing bars, said bars configured to intersect at right angles to each other. In one preferred reinforcing bar configuration, the first bar terminates at the second bar, in a second configuration the first bar continues beyond the second bar.

Abstract: Column/I-beam interconnect structure including an attaching plate joined to an I-beam end. This plate possesses, along its lateral margins, angularly oriented upper and lower through-passages, each characterized with a reception axis, and designed to receive, along that axis, portions of a hex nut-and-bolt set which is used to clamp together two adjacent, angularly related attaching plates. The socket portions, or outer chambers, of the through-passages are formed with spaced and generally parallel-planar upper and lower surfaces which act in these socket portions to restrain a received hex nut against rotation about its own rotational assembly axis which, in the socket portion, is coincident with the socket portion's reception axis.

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.