U.S. patent application number 12/195595 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for spacer for concrete reinforcement wire.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stike Tool, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert S. Banks.
Application Number | 20100043337 12/195595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41695029 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100043337 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Banks; Robert S. |
February 25, 2010 |
Spacer for concrete reinforcement wire
Abstract
A spacer that connects to a reinforcement wire mesh at an
intersection of a first wire and a second wire includes a first
triangular body portion and a second triangular body portion,
wherein the second triangular body portion is orthogonal to and
bisects the first triangular body portion. The first triangular
body portion includes a first apex, a first base, and a notch on
each side of the first triangular body portion proximate each end
of the first base, each notch allowing a respective end of the
first base to flex toward the first apex. The second triangular
body portion includes a second apex, a second base, and a clip
extending from each end of the second base, each clip configured to
surround the second wire.
Inventors: |
Banks; Robert S.; (Cannon
Falls, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTMAN CHAMPLIN & KELLY, P.A.
SUITE 1400, 900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Stike Tool, Inc.
Cannon Falls
MN
|
Family ID: |
41695029 |
Appl. No.: |
12/195595 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/649.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 5/168 20130101;
E04C 5/208 20130101; E04C 5/167 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/649.8 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/00 20060101
E04H012/00 |
Claims
1. A spacer that connects to a reinforcement wire mesh at an
intersection of a first wire and a second wire, the spacer
comprising: a first triangular body portion comprising: a first
apex; a first base; and a flex point positioned on each side of the
first triangular body portion proximate each end of the first base,
each flex point allowing a respective end of the first base to
flex; and a second triangular body portion comprising: a second
apex; a second base; and a clip extending from each end of the
second base, each clip configured to surround the second wire;
wherein the second triangular body portion is orthogonal to and
bisects the first triangular body portion.
2. The spacer of claim 1 further comprising a pad extending from
each end of the first base, each pad configured to contact the
first wire.
3. The spacer of claim 2 further comprising a pin extending from
each end of each pad, wherein the two pins on each pad are
positioned to surround the first wire.
4. The spacer of claim 1 wherein each clip is "C"-shaped.
5. The spacer of claim 1 wherein the second base comprises a recess
through which the first wire passes.
6. The spacer of claim 1 comprising a plastic material.
7. The spacer of claim 1 wherein a surface of the second base
contacts the second wire when each clip surrounds the second
wire.
8. The spacer of claim 1 wherein the flex point is a notch.
9. The spacer of claim 3 and further comprising a recess through
which the first wire passes wherein the recess is aligned with a
space defined by the two pins on each pad.
10. A spacer that connects to a reinforcement wire mesh at an
intersection of a first wire and a second wire, the spacer
comprising: a first plastic triangular body portion comprising: a
first apex; a first base; a flex point on each side of the first
triangular body portion proximate each end of the first base, each
flex point allowing a respective end of the first base to flex
toward the first apex; a pad extending from each end of the first
base, each pad configured to contact the first wire; and a pin
extending from each end of each pad, wherein the two pins on each
pad are positioned to surround the first wire; and a second plastic
triangular body portion comprising: a second apex; a second base
comprising a recess through which the first wire passes; and a
"C"-shaped clip extending from each end of the second base, each
clip configured to surround the second wire, wherein a surface of
the second base contacts the second wire when each clip surrounds
the second wire; wherein the second triangular body portion is
orthogonal to and bisects the first triangular body portion.
11. The spacer of claim 10 wherein the flex point is a notch.
12. The spacer of claim 10 wherein the recess is aligned along a
common access with a passageways defined by the two pins on each
pad, the two pins being spaced apart.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Reinforcement wire enhances the strength and integrity of a
concrete structure. In some cases, reinforcement wire is configured
into a grid or mesh that is placed within a concrete form. In such
cases, the intersections of wires of the mesh may be welded
together. If the concrete form is in the shape of a cylinder, the
mesh may have a continuous horizontal member wound in a helical
configuration and welded to vertical members.
[0002] It is important to keep the reinforcement wire in a selected
position relative to the form. A variety of spacer devices have
been used to hold reinforcement wire meshes in place. Some spacers
hold the reinforcement wire mesh a specified distance above the
ground; these typically have a large ground contact area to form a
stable base for holding the reinforcement wire mesh. Other spacers
are used for horizontally positioning a reinforcement wire mesh
away from form walls. In this case, a large contact area with the
form wall will undesirably leave a large area of the spacer exposed
when the mold is removed. The concrete is thereby prevented from
filling in the volume against the mold wall in the space occupied
by the spacer. Thus, a small footprint of the spacers at the mold
is desirable so that the edge of the poured concrete has more
concrete on the outer surface for greater strength and a better
appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A spacer that connects to a reinforcement wire mesh at an
intersection of a first wire and a second wire includes a first
triangular body portion and a second triangular body portion,
wherein the second triangular body portion is orthogonal to and
bisects the first triangular body portion. The first triangular
body portion includes a first apex, a first base, and a notch on
each side of the first triangular body portion proximate each end
of the first base, each notch allowing a respective end of the
first base to flex toward the first apex. The second triangular
body portion includes a second apex, a second base, and a clip
extending from each end of the second base, each clip configured to
surround the second wire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a two-piece
cylindrical concrete form with a reinforcement mesh positioned
between the two pieces and a plurality of spacers in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a spacer of FIG.
1.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spacer of FIG. 2, viewed
from the opposite side of the reinforcement mesh.
[0007] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the spacer of FIG.
2, detached from the reinforcement mesh.
[0008] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the spacer of FIG. 4,
showing a flexing capability of the spacer.
[0009] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a spacer.
[0010] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the spacer of FIG. 6.
[0011] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a third exemplary
embodiment of a spacer.
[0012] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the spacer of FIG. 8.
[0013] The drawing figures may not be drawn to scale. Moreover,
where directional terms such as above, below, left, right, top,
bottom, etc. are used, the terms are supplied for descriptive
purposes only. It is to be understood that the described components
may be oriented otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, pyramid-shaped spacers 16 are
attached to a cylinder of reinforcement wire mesh 14 to space the
mesh cylinder from a wall of exterior form 18. A notch (shown as
notch 44 in FIG. 5) is disposed on each side of spacer 16 to allow
pads 32 to flex toward tip 36 so that spacer 16 can accommodate
reinforcement wire mesh cylinders of different, particularly
larger, diameters. Notches 44 may be integrally molded into spacer
16 or cut out of spacer 16 by a tool such as a rotating cutting
tool.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a two-piece
cylindrical concrete form with a reinforcement mesh positioned
between the two pieces and a plurality of spacers in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For pouring
a cylindrical concrete structure, a concrete form 10 with two parts
is generally used. Interior form 12 is shown in broken lines so as
to not obstruct the view of reinforcement mesh 14 and spacers 16.
Reinforcement mesh 14 and exterior form 18 are shown in partial
views for clarity.
[0016] Before pouring concrete into space 20 between interior form
12 and exterior form 18, reinforcement mesh 14 is placed into space
20 and remains encased within the cured concrete. It is desirable
to prevent shifting of reinforcement mesh 14 within space 20 so
that reinforcement mesh 14 will remain in the proper position
within the formed cylindrical concrete structure. A plurality of
spacers 16 is used in an exemplary method to maintain the spacing
between reinforcement mesh and exterior form 18. In an exemplary
embodiment, an effective height of spacer 16 results in a uniform
spacing 22 between reinforcement mesh 14 and exterior form 18. In
one embodiment, distance 22 is from about 0.75 inch to about 2.0
inches, although other spacer sizes may also be used.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a spacer 16
attached to an intersection of reinforcement mesh 14. Intersection
24 is formed at the joints of vertical wire 26 and horizontal wire
28. In an exemplary embodiment, spacer 16 is attached by clips 30
onto vertical wire 26. In an exemplary embodiment, each clip 30 is
"C"-shaped and attaches to surround vertical wire 26. In an
exemplary embodiment, spacer 16 is formed of a lightweight,
non-corrosive, resilient and durable material such as a plastic.
The resilient characteristics of the material and the C-shaped
configuration allow each clip 30 to securely attach to vertical
wire 26. Thus, clips 30 prevent spacer 16 from becoming dislodged
from reinforcement wire mesh 14 during impacts received during the
concrete pouring process.
[0018] A pad 32 extends from each end of first base 52 (shown in
FIG. 4) and is configured to contact horizontal wire 28. In the
illustrated embodiment, each pad 32 includes two pins 34. Pins 34
surround horizontal wire 28, thereby preventing excess vertical
movement of spacer 16. In an exemplary embodiment, spacer 16 is
symmetrical so that it can also be used upside-down compared to the
illustrated view.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spacer 16 of FIG. 2,
viewed from the opposite side of reinforcement mesh 14. In an
exemplary embodiment, each spacer 16 has a pyramid shape with a
pointed tip 36 for contacting the exterior form wall 18, thus
leaving a small footprint on the outer portion of the poured
concrete. In an exemplary embodiment, tip 36 is slightly rounded or
blunted so as to prevent damage or injury from contact
therewith.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, each spacer 16 has a wide base
38 with the clips 30 for engaging reinforcement wire mesh 14 spaced
at the ends of the base 38 and extending therefrom. This
configuration provides stability against twisting forces
encountered by spacer 16 when concrete is poured into form 10.
Spacer 16 also has a pair of pads 32 for engaging a perpendicularly
crossing reinforcement wire 28 to stably hold the spacer 16 on
reinforcement wire mesh 14. While a contemplated design may include
additional clips 30 in place of pads 32, having only one pair of
clips 30 makes it easier and faster to install spacers 16 onto
reinforcement wire mesh 14.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, spacer 16 has four anti-sliding
pins 34. This prevents spacer 16 from twisting or turning on the
reinforcement wire mesh 14. Because spacers 16 remain consistently
aligned, variations in spacing distance 22 between reinforcement
wire mesh 14 and exterior form 18 are prevented.
[0022] A notch (shown as notch 44 in FIG. 5) is disposed on each
side of spacer 16 to allow pads 32 to flex toward tip 36 so that
spacer 16 can accommodate reinforcement wire mesh cylinders of
different, particularly larger, diameters. Notches 44 may be
integrally molded into spacer 16 or cut out of spacer 16 by a tool
such as a rotating cutting tool.
[0023] The notch acts as a flex point. Although a notch is shown,
other configurations that include a flex point are within the scope
of this invention. For example, instead of a notch the flex point
could be a narrower section sufficiently narrow to permit flexing
between the body 46 and the pads 32.
[0024] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the spacer 16 of
FIG. 2, detached from reinforcement mesh 14. When spacer 16 is
attached to reinforcement mesh 14 at intersection 24, surfaces 40
of base 38 contact vertical wire 26. Base 38 includes recess 42,
which allows horizontal wire 28 to pass through a bottom portion of
base 38. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the anti-sliding pins form
passages 33 which are aligned with recess 42 as indicated by common
axis 35.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the spacer 16 of FIG. 4.
Spacer 16 is formed from first triangular body portion 46 and
second triangular body portion 48. Second triangular body portion
48 is orthogonal to and bisects first triangular body portion 46.
First triangular body portion 46 includes first apex 50 and first
base 52. Second triangular body portion 48 includes second apex 54
and base 38.
[0026] A notch 44 is disposed on each side of the first triangular
body 46 proximate each end of first base 52. Notches 44 may be
integrally molded into spacer 16 or cut out of spacer 16 by a tool
such as a rotating cutting tool. Each notch 44 allows a respective
end of first base 52 to flex toward first apex 50, as shown in FIG.
5. This flexing allows spacer 16 to accommodate reinforcement wire
mesh cylinders of different, particularly larger, diameters.
Moreover, different embodiments of spacer 16 may be provided for
different gauges of vertical and horizontal wires 26, 28. These
embodiments may have clips 30 and pads 32/anti-sliding pins 34 of
different sizes or configurations to accommodate different wire
thicknesses.
[0027] FIGS. 6 and 7 show perspective and elevational views,
respectively, of a second exemplary spacer 116, having parts
similarly numbered. Notches 144 allow pads 132 to flex, thereby
accommodating reinforcement mesh cylinders of different diameters.
Compared to notches 44 (in FIG. 5, for example), notches 144 have a
more linear shape. This can be achieved by using a rotating cutting
tool with a smaller bit, for example.
[0028] FIGS. 8 and 9 show perspective and elevational views,
respectively, of a third exemplary spacer 216, having parts
similarly numbered. Notches 244 allow pads 232 to flex, thereby
accommodating reinforcement mesh cylinders of different diameters.
Compared to notches 44 (in FIG. 5, for example) and notches 144 (in
FIG. 7, for example), notches 244 are formed as indentations rather
than as cut-out regions. In an exemplary embodiment, notches 244
are integrally molded into spacer 216, thereby eliminating the need
for a step of cutting out notch 244 from body portion 246.
[0029] Although the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments,
workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made
in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
* * * * *