U.S. patent application number 12/873725 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for support element for a reinforcing rod.
Invention is credited to Ian Reginald Beaumont, Lester Jerome Joseph Michel, Charles Wayne Tibbits.
Application Number | 20120011799 12/873725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45465804 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120011799 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beaumont; Ian Reginald ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
SUPPORT ELEMENT FOR A REINFORCING ROD
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.
Inventors: |
Beaumont; Ian Reginald;
(Kallaroo, AU) ; Michel; Lester Jerome Joseph;
(Collie, AU) ; Tibbits; Charles Wayne;
(Joondallup, AU) |
Family ID: |
45465804 |
Appl. No.: |
12/873725 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/686 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 5/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/686 |
International
Class: |
E04C 5/16 20060101
E04C005/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 28, 2009 |
AU |
2009905278 |
Claims
1. A support and spacer element for use with one or more
reinforcing rods, said element comprising: a hollow section having
an upper rim and a lower rim, the upper rim having one or more
pairs of recesses oppositely disposed therein for receiving and
supporting respective reinforcing rods; and, one or more pairs of
oppositely disposed flanges spaced apart from the upper rim and
outwardly extending from said hollow section for securing said
reinforcing rods to said hollow section.
2. The support and spacer element according to claim 1, wherein the
flanges are substantially equidistantly spaced between the upper
rim and the lower rim of the hollow section.
3. The support and spacer element according to claim 1, wherein the
flanges comprise T-shaped flanges.
4. The support and spacer element according to claim 1, wherein the
hollow section is provided with one or more pairs of oppositely
disposed recesses in the lower rim of the hollow section.
5. The support and spacer element according to claim 1, wherein the
hollow section comprises a first pair of opposing side walls and a
second pair of opposing side walls.
6. The support and spacer element according to claim 5, wherein the
first and second pair of opposing side walls are orthogonally
disposed with respect to one another.
7. The support and spacer element according to claim 5, wherein the
first pair of opposing side walls is provided with a first pair of
oppositely disposed recesses in the upper rim thereof and the
second pair of opposing side walls is provided with a second pair
of oppositely disposed recesses in the upper rim thereof.
8. The support and spacer element according to claim 7, wherein the
first and second pair of recesses have the same depth.
9. The support and spacer element according to claim 7, wherein the
first and second pair of recesses have different depths.
10. The support and spacer element according to claim 5, wherein
the hollow section comprises a web member to interconnect the first
pair of opposing side walls or the second pair of opposing side
walls.
11. The support and spacer element according to claim 10, wherein
the web member is equidistantly spaced between the other of the
first or the second pairs of opposing side walls.
12. The support and spacer element according to claim 10, wherein
the web member is disposed in parallel alignment with the other of
the first or the second pair of opposing side walls.
13. The support and spacer element according to claim 10, wherein
an upper rim of the web member is provided with a recess.
14. The support and spacer element according to claim 13, wherein
the recess is at least a similar depth to the pair of recesses in
the opposing walls with which the web member is disposed in
parallel alignment.
15. The support and spacer element according to claim 10, wherein
an upper rim of the web member is spaced at or below a trough of
the recesses in the opposing walls with which the web member is
disposed in parallel alignment.
16. The support and spacer element according to claim 1 further
comprising a base plate for supporting the hollow section.
17. The support and spacer element according to claim 16, wherein
the base plate is integrally formed with the lower rim of the
hollow section.
18. The support and spacer element according to claim 16, wherein
the base plate is coupled to the hollow section with a coupling
means.
19. The support and spacer element according to claim 18, wherein
the coupling means comprises a recess provided on an upper surface
of the base plate for receiving the lower rim of the hollow
section.
20. The support and spacer element according to claim 19, wherein
the recess comprises a space defined by a rebate corresponding to
at least one or more portions of the lower rim of the hollow
section.
21. The support and spacer element according to claim 19, wherein
the coupling means further comprises at least two interfitting
flanges extending from a plate member of the base plate adapted to
engage respective flanges on the hollow section.
22. The support and spacer element according to claim 21, wherein
the at least two interfitting flanges are hingedly connected to the
plate member base portion of the base plate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a construction component,
in particular to a support element for reinforcing rods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A significant component of the construction of a building is
the laying of concrete formwork for a foundation or floor. To
provide strength and rigidity to the formwork, a grid formed from
steel reinforcing rods is first constructed. It is generally
necessary to space and support the reinforcing rods at a correct
distance from the formwork and in a correct relative position
thereto.
[0003] It is common for a concrete spacer block of cubic or cuboid
dimensions to be used to support and space the reinforcing rods
from the formwork. Typically, a plurality of concrete spacer blocks
are spaced apart from one another at about 100 cm intervals, and
the reinforcing rods are tied to the concrete spacer blocks by
wiring them together. This is time consuming and does not always
securely fasten the reinforcing rods to the spacer blocks. The
concrete spacer block may optionally overlay a steel base plate
where the surface on which it lies remains uncompacted.
[0004] The concrete spacer blocks have only limited application for
construction of grids of reinforcing rods formed on horizontal
surfaces. Therefor, it is very difficult to secure the concrete
spacer blocks (and the steel base plates) to a vertical surface and
so provide a grid of reinforcing rods for the purpose of
constructing a wall.
[0005] Further, when wet concrete is poured into the formwork and
around the grid of reinforcing rods, the concrete spacer blocks may
not be securely bonded to the surrounding concrete.
[0006] The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the
above mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY
[0007] In its broadest aspect, the invention provides a support and
spacer element for use with one or more reinforcing rods.
[0008] Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention there is
provided a support and spacer element for use with one or more
reinforcing rods, said element comprising:
[0009] a hollow section having an upper rim and a lower rim, the
upper rim having one or more pairs of recesses oppositely disposed
therein for receiving and supporting respective reinforcing rods;
and
[0010] one or more pairs of oppositely disposed flanges spaced
apart from the upper rim and outwardly extending from said hollow
section for securing said reinforcing rods to said hollow
section.
[0011] In one form of the invention, the flanges may comprise
T-shaped flanges. In one embodiment, the flanges are substantially
equidistantly spaced between the upper rim and the lower rim of the
hollow section.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the hollow section
is provided with one or more pairs of oppositely disposed recesses
in the lower rim of the hollow section.
[0013] In one embodiment, the hollow section comprises a first pair
of opposing side walls and a second pair of opposing side walls.
The first and second pair of opposing side walls may be
orthogonally disposed with respect to one another. in other words,
a cross-sectional shape of the hollow section may be
quadrangular.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first pair of opposing side walls is
provided with a first pair of oppositely disposed recesses in the
upper rim thereof and the second pair of opposing side walls is
provided with a second pair of oppositely disposed recesses in the
upper rim thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second pair
of recesses have the same depth. In other embodiments, the first
and second pair of recesses have different depths.
[0015] In one embodiment, the hollow section has a web member to
interconnect the first pair of opposing side walls or the second
pair of opposing side walls. In general, the web member is
equidistantly spaced between the other of the first or the second
pair of opposing side walls. The web member is preferably disposed
in parallel alignment with the other of the first or the second
pair of opposing side walls.
[0016] An upper rim of the web member may be provided with a
recess. preferably, the recess is at least a similar depth to the
pair of recesses in the opposing walls with which the web member is
disposed in parallel alignment. Alternatively, an upper rim of the
web member may be spaced at or below a trough of the recesses in
the opposing walls with which the web member is disposed in
parallel alignment.
[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the support and spacer
element further comprises a base plate for supporting the hollow
section.
[0018] In one form of the invention, the base plate may be
integrally formed with the lower rim of the hollow section.
[0019] In an alternative form of the invention, the base plate may
be coupled to the hollow section with a coupling means. The
coupling means may comprise a recess provided on an upper surface
of the base plate for receiving the lower rim of the hollow
section, preferably in a friction fit therebetween. The recess may
comprise a space defined by an upstanding rebate corresponding to
at least one or more portions of the lower rim of the hollow
section.
[0020] The coupling means may further comprise one or more pairs of
interfitting flanges extending from a plate member of the base
plate, the interfitting flanges being adapted to engage respective
flanges extending from the hollow section, preferably in a snapfit
therebetween. In one form of the invention the one or more pairs of
interfitting flanges may be hingedly connected to the plate member
base of the base plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a support element
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a base plate in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention configured to
couple with the support element of FIG. 1; and
[0024] FIGS. 3a and 3b show perspective views of a base plate in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention
configured to couple with the support element of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a support and spacer element 10 for use
with one or more reinforcing rods is shown. The element 10 includes
a hollow section 12 having an upper rim 14 and a lower rim 16. In
use, the lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12 abuts a surface on
which the support and spacer element 10 is placed, and the upper
rim 14 supports the reinforcing rod. Accordingly, an effective
distance between the lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12 and the
upper rim 14 may determine the spacing of the reinforcing rod from
said surface.
[0026] In this particular embodiment of the invention, the hollow
section 12 has a first pair of opposing side walls 18a, 18b and a
second pair of opposing side walls 201, 20b. The first and second
pair of opposing side walls 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b are at right angles
with respect to one another such that a cross-sectional shape of
the hollow section 12 is quadrangular.
[0027] The first pair of opposing side walls 18a, 18b is provided
with a matched pair of curved recesses 22a, 22b in the upper rim 14
of the hollow section 12. The term "matched pair" as used herein
refers to a pair of recesses which have a substantially identical
shape, depth, width, and optionally curvature.
[0028] The second pair of opposing side walls 20a, 20b is also
provided with a matched pair of recesses 24a, 24b in the upper rim
14 of the hollow section 12. The recesses 24a, 24b comprise an
upper inwardly tapered section defined by opposing sloping surfaces
26a, 26b and a lower generally semicircular section defined by a
curved surface 28a, 28b.
[0029] The purpose of the respective matched pairs of recesses 22a,
24b, 24a, 24b is to receive and support respective reinforcing
rods. Although the shapes of the recesses 24a, 24b, 22a, 22b in the
foregoing description are specifically described, it will be
appreciated that the recesses may take any suitable shape, for
example a rectangular shape or a V-shape.
[0030] The matched pair of recesses 24a, 24b in the second pair of
opposing side walls 20a, 20b extends from the upper rim 14 to a
greater depth than the matched pair of recesses 22a, 22b in the
hollow section 12 together with the length of the hollow section 12
determines the spacing of the reinforcing rod supported in said
pair of recesses from the surface on which the element 10 is
placed. Thus, in this particular embodiment of the invention it is
possible for a single support and spacer element 10 to support
reinforcing rods at different spacings from the surface on which
the support and spacer element 10 is placed.
[0031] In this particular embodiment of the invention it is also
possible for a single support and spacer element 10 to support two
orthogonally disposed reinforcing rods, where a first of the rods
is supported by the second matched pair of recesses 24a, 24b at a
lower depth than the second of the rods which is support at right
angles to the first of the rods by the first matched pair of
recesses 22a, 22.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the first and second matched
pairs of recesses 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b may be of substantially
similar depth in which case it is likely that only one pair of
matched recesses 22a, 22b or 24a, 24b may be used to support a
single reinforcing rod.
[0033] Additionally, in this particular embodiment of the
invention, the first pair of opposing side walls 18a, 18b is
provided with a matched pair of curved recesses 26a, 26b in the
lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12. The second pair of opposing
side walls 20a, 20b is also provided with a matched pair of curved
recesses 28a, 28b in the lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12.
Curved recesses 28a, 28b are of greater depth than curved recesses
26a, 26b. The recesses 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b in the lower rim 16 may
be of different depths in the hollow section 12 relative to the
recesses 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b so that the hollow section 12 could be
inverted in use to provide additional versatility in the spacing
provided by the element 10 from the surface on which the lower rim
(or optionally, the upper rim 14) can be mounted.
[0034] The first pair of opposing side walls 18a, 18b is provided
with a pair of outwardly extending flanges 30a, 30b and the second
pair of opposing side walls 20a, 20b is also provided with a pair
of outwardly extending flanges 32a, 32b. In this particular
embodiment, the flanges 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b are T-shaped and are
substantially equidistantly spaced between the upper rim 14 and the
lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12.
[0035] The hollow section 12 also includes a first web member 34
which interconnects the first pair of opposing side walls 18a, 18b
and a second web member 36 which interconnects the second pair of
opposing side walls 20a, 20b. The first web member 34 is
substantially equidistantly spaced between the second pair of
opposing side walls 20a, 20b and the second web member 36 is
substantially equidistantly spaced between the second pair of
opposing side walls 20a, 20b and the second web member 36 is
substantially equidistantly spaced between the first pair of
opposing side walls 18a, 18b.
[0036] An upper rim 38 of the first web member 34 is provided with
a curved recess 40 of similar depth to the second matched pairs of
recesses 24a, 24b. The upper rim 38 of the first web member 34 is
also spaced at or below a trough 42 of the first matched pair of
recesses 22a, 22b.
[0037] An upper rim 44 of the second web member 36 is spaced at or
below a trough 46 of the second matched pair of recesses 24a,
24b.
[0038] In this way, the upper rims 38, 44 of neither the first nor
the second web members 34, 36 protrude above the troughs 42, 46 of
the first or second matched pairs of recesses 22, 22b, 24a, 24b and
thereby interfere with the ability of the first or second matched
pairs of recesses 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b to receive and support
respective reinforcing rods.
[0039] The support and spacer element 10 may also include a base
plate 48 for supporting the hollow section 12. The base plate 48
may be integrally formed with a lower rim 16 of the hollow section
12.
[0040] Alternatively, the base plate 48 may be a discrete element
as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which may be coupled with the hollow
section 12. In these embodiments, where like numerals refer to like
parts, the base plate 48 includes a plate member 50 with a coupling
means 52 for coupling with the hollow section 12.
[0041] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the coupling
means 52 includes a quadrangular-shaped recess 54 provided on an
upper surface 56 of the plate member 50 for receiving the lower rim
16 of the hollow section 12. The coupling means 52 may also include
a pair of opposing interfitting flanges 58.
[0042] the recess 54 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a space defined by a
rebate 60. The rebate 60 may define the space along its entire
perimeter or may define the space intermittently. For example, the
rebate 60 shown in FIG. 2 comprises four right-angled sections 62a,
62b, 62c, 62d arranged to define the quadrangular-shaped recess
54.
[0043] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the recess 54
may comprise a suitably shaped depression in the upper surface 56
of the plate member.
[0044] In general, the lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12 is
received in a friction fit in the recess 54.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the pair of opposing
interfitting flanges 58 extend outwardly from the plate member
50.
[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the pair of opposing
interfitting flanges 58 are hingedly connected at respective hinges
64 to the plate member 50.
[0047] The hinged interfitting flanges 58 comprise opposing cut out
portions 66 of the plate member 50.
[0048] The hinged interfitting flanges 58 are moveable between a
closed position (FIG. 3a) wherein the hinged interfitting flanges
58 are in parallel alignment with the plate member 50 and an open
position wherein the hinged interfitting flanges extending at an
angle from the plate member 50. In general the angle will be about
90.degree. but may be greater than 90.degree. in some embodiments.
FIG. 3b shows the hinged interfitting flanges 58 at a partially
open position.
[0049] In the closed position, the lower rim 16 of the hollow
section 12 may be received in the recess 64. Alternatively, in the
open position the lower rim 16 of the hollow section 12 may be
received in the recess 64 and the interfitting flanges may engage
respective opposing flanges 30a, 30b, or 32a, 32b.
[0050] In another embodiment, the pair of opposing interfitting
flanges 58 is adapted in use to engage respective opposing flanges
30a, 30b or 32a, 32b on the hollow section 12 in a snapfit.
[0051] Regardless of whether the hollow section 12 and the base
plate 48 are formed as a single integral support and spacer element
10 or as discrete elements which are coupled together to form the
support and spacer element, the materials of construction for the
support and spacer element 10 described can be any suitable
materials typically used for injection moulded fixtures, and that
can be shaped, formed and fitted in the manner so described.
Suitable materials include a plastics material such as polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), chlorinated PVCs, high density polypropylene
(HDPE), cross0linked polyethylenes such as PEX-a and PEX-b,
plastics based on acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS),
and so on.
[0052] In use, a plurality of support and spacer elements 10 may be
arranged in a grid pattern, at distances from one another of
approximately one metre, on a surface for which formwork is being
constructed. A plurality of reinforcing rods may be arranged in a
corresponding grid pattern where a first length of reinforcing rod
may be received and supported on the upper rim 14 of one of the
first or second matched pairs of recesses 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b of the
hollow section 12. Where it is required to overlay a second length
of reinforcing rod at right angles to the first length of
reinforcing rod, the second length of reinforcing rod maybe
received in the other of the first or second matched pairs of
recesses 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b in the hollow section 12.
[0053] The reinforcing rods may be secured to the hollow section 12
by wrapping wire or similar attachment means around the reinforcing
rod and the flanges 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b on the either side of the
hollow section 12, wherein the flanges 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b behave as
anchor points for such attachments means. It will be appreciated
that one pair of the flanges 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b may be used to
engage with the interfitting flanges 58 of the mounting means 52 of
the base plate 48, in which case the other of the pair of flanges
30a, 30b, 32a, 32b may be used as anchor points for wiring the
reinforcing rods thereto.
[0054] When such a grid is complete, concrete may be poured into
the formwork. Concrete may flow into and fill the hollow section 12
of the support and spacer element 10, thereby affording improved
incorporation of the support and spacer element 10 therein in
comparison with prior art concrete blocks.
[0055] Additionally, while the grid may be constructed as described
above in a horizontal arrangement, once formed the grid of support
and spacer elements 10 and reinforcing rods tied thereto may then
be vertically oriented.
[0056] Alternatively, the base plate 48 of the support and spacer
element 10 may be fastened to a substantially vertical or inclined
surface, and the grid may be constructed as described in the
foregoing description.
[0057] In the description of the invention, except where the
context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary
implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises"
or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the
presence of the stated features, but not to preclude the presence
or addition of further features in various embodiments of the
invention.
[0058] It is to be understood that, although prior art use and
publications may be referred to herein, such reference does not
constitute an admission that any of these form a part of the common
general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other
country.
[0059] Numerous variations and modifications will suggest
themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to
those already described, without departing from the basic inventive
concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be
considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of
which is to be determined from the foregoing description.
[0060] For example, the hollow section 12 may have different
cross-sectional shapes, such as a polygonal or cylindrical shape.
Further, where the hollow section 12 is provided with a cylindrical
cross-section, side walls of said hollow section 12 may be
substantially vertical, or alternatively, tapered inwardly towards
the upper rim of said hollow section 12 such that the hollow
section 12 takes on a frusto-conical form.
[0061] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0062] As various changes could be made in the above constructions,
products, and methods without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *