MULTI-DIAMETER REBAR BRACE WITH VERTICAL REBAR POSITIONER AND SYSTEM FOR REBAR SECUREMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a PCT application, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/416,269 filed on Oct. 14, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/439,397 filed on January 17, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED

RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR

A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention disclosed herein generally relates to concrete construction, particularly concrete rebar positioning. This invention provides convenient, accurate and consistent spacing between vertical rebar members of concrete footings and walls.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0002] In modem construction, reinforced concrete is often specified for the construction of building foundation footings and walls. Footings are typically constructed by forming the specified footing below the frostline with forming elements. Form elements are usually comprised of dimensional lumber units, plastic, or dedicated steel concrete forms, which are connected in a means to form the inside and outside perimeter of the specified footing. The form elements are usually secured together by various means to maintain a consistent distance between the form elements. There are many concrete form bracing and/or spacing options that exist in the art.

[0003] Rebar, or other reinforcing material is generally placed within the form prior to the concrete being poured. Rebar functions to add strength to concrete due to its high tensile strength. Rebar installation parameters and coverage specifications generally call for accurate rebar placement to maximize the effectiveness of the rebar. Improperly placed rebar, or rebar outside of coverage tolerances can detrimentally impact the strength of the concrete structure. Therefore, it is critical to accurately place rebar within the concrete structure to maximize the rebar’s effectiveness. Rebar can be specified for both horizontal and vertical placement; therefore, it would be advantageous to have a convenient means of bracing concrete forms and also incorporating a system of convenient and accurate rebar placement and securement.

[0004] Various concrete form braces in the art have rebar attachment means. However, the prior art lacks concrete form bracing options, which provide a convenient and accurate means to secure vertical rebar within forms of concrete footings and walls. Similarly, concrete form braces in the art lack integrated features for convenient and accurate rebar placement and securement, particularly for placement of vertical rebar members. [0005] Applicant’s invention provides a means to conveniently place and secure vertical rebar during the formation of footings so that said vertical rebar is accurately placed for the formation of subsequent concrete walls.

[0006] All patents, patent applications, provisional patent applications and publications referred to or cited herein, are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the teachings of the specification.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The described Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner is comprised of a first and a second downward and diagonally extending legs connected at a common connection point, which generally comprises the shape of an inverted “V”. Said legs are each comprised of a first and second end. Said first ends of said legs are further comprised of a rebar retention means, which secures the brace to previously secured horizontally spanning rebar. The second ends of said legs join at a common connection point, wherein said legs form an inverted “V” shape. At said common connection point said brace is further comprised of a central vertically extending member comprised of a first end at said common connection point and a second end comprising an upper horizontal rebar securing means, which functions to secure an upper central horizontal span of rebar above a formed footing to be integrated into the wall formation phase of concrete construction. Said vertically extending member is further comprised of a vertical rebar securing means, which functions to secure a vertical spanning rebar, which will span between said footing and vertically through said wall formation to be integrated within said concrete wall. Said vertical rebar securing means is vertically offset slightly to accommodate said upper horizontal rebar securing means and said upper central horizontal span of rebar to accommodate additional tying of said vertical rebar to said upper central horizontal span of rebar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner.

[0009] FIG. 2 (prior art) is a perspective view of a prior art concrete form brace with multiple horizontally spanning rebar securement clips.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner used in conjunction with a prior art concrete form brace with multiple horizontally spanning rebar securement clips.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of said said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner without other footing bracing demonstrating securement of vertical spanning rebar elements with “L” configuration, wherein foot portion of “L” interlocks with horizontal spanning rebar members.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner used in conjunction with a prior art concrete form brace with multiple horizontally spanning rebar securement clips.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner used in conjunction with a prior art concrete form brace with multiple horizontally spanning rebar securement clips.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of said MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner further comprised of elevation stands, which allows the brace to be free standing. [0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of said MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner further comprised multiple retention means for vertical spanning rebar elements with “L” foot configuration, which allows for multiple locations of the vertical upright rebar to be secured in position quickly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates the Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10. Said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner is comprised of a first downward and diagonally extending leg 11 and a second downward and diagonally extending leg 12. Said legs are each comprised of a first downward end and second upward end. Said first downward ends of said legs are each further comprised of rebar retention mechanisms, which secure the Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace to previously positioned horizontally spanning rebar. In the preferred embodiment, said first downward end 13 of said first downward and diagonally extending leg 11 is comprised of a first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 wherein said “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 is further comprised of slightly flexible retention clasps 20, which angle toward the inner portion of said “C”. Said retention clasps 20 allow said first “C” shaped retention mechanism 15 to be installed around a diameter of horizontal rebar wherein said horizontal rebar is seated fully within the “C” and held in place by said retention clasps 20.

[0017] The second upward ends of said legs join at a common connection point 30, wherein said legs form an inverted “V” shape. At said common connection point 30 said brace is further comprised of a central vertically extending member 31 comprised of a first downward end 32 at said common connection point 31 and a second upward end 33 comprising an upper horizontal rebar retention mechanism 35, which functions to secure an upper central horizontal span of rebar 65 above a formed footing to be integrated into the wall formation phase of concrete construction. Said upper horizontal rebar retention mechanism 35 is in the shape of a “U”. Said upper horizontal rebar retention mechanism 35 is further comprised of slightly flexible retention clasps 20, which angle toward the inner portion of said upward facing “U” of said upper horizontal rebar retention mechanism 35. Said retention clasps 20 allow said “U” shaped retention mechanism 35 to accept a diameter of horizontal rebar wherein said horizontal rebar is seated fully within the “U” and held in place by said retention clasps 20. Said upper horizontal rebar retention mechanism 35 is designed to allow a minimum of 4 inches clearance from the top of the concrete footing plane 81 to the bottom 65a of the upper central horizontal span of rebar 65. This feature allows for screeding or striking off wet concrete from the top of said footing plane 81. This allows for a screed board, generally a 1x4 or 2x4 to pass under upper central horizontal span of rebar 65 while screeding.

[0018] Said vertically extending member 31 is further comprised of a vertical rebar securing means 40, which functions to secure a vertical spanning rebar, which will span between said footing and vertically through said wall formation to be integrated within said concrete wall. Said vertical rebar securing means 40 is vertically offset from the horizontal centerline 42 of said upper horizontal rebar retention mechanism 35 to accommodate an upper central horizontal span of rebar 65 and allow for tying said vertically spanning rebar 61 to said upper central horizontal span of rebar 65. Said vertical rebar securing means 40 is comprised of a vertical channel 41, which approximately spans the length of a front side 43 of said vertically extending member 31. Said vertical channel 41 is in the shape of an elongated “U” and is further comprised of slightly flexible retention clasps 25, which angle toward the inner portion of said vertical channel 41 “U”. Said retention clasps 25 allow said “U” shaped vertical channel retention mechanism 41 to accept a diameter of vertical rebar wherein said vertical rebar is seated fully within the “U” and held in place by said retention clasps 25.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, said first end 16 of said second downward and diagonally extending leg 12 is comprised of a second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17 wherein said inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism is further comprised of slightly flexible retention clasps 20, which angle toward the inner portion of said inverted “U”. Said retention clasps 20 allow said second leg inverted “U” shaped retention mechanism 17 to be installed around a diameter of horizontal rebar wherein said horizontal rebar is seated fully within the inverted “U” and held in place by said retention clasps 20.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment, each rebar retention mechanism with associated flexible retention clasps 20 and 25, can accommodate rebar of 3/8” to %” diameter due to said flexible retention clasps 20 and 25 bending outward to allow said rebar to seat within the rebar retention mechanism and springing back to said retention clasp 20 and 25 straight position once said rebar is seated.

[0021] The Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 can be utilized with or without other concrete footing bracing. As shown in FIG. 4 said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 can be utilized without other concrete footing bracing by securing said first downward extending leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 to said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 by fully seating said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 fully within said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15. Once seated said “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism is further comprised of slightly flexible retention clasps 20, which retain said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 within said “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism. Once said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 has retained said first horizontally spanning rebar 51, said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 is rotated downward so said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17 engages a second horizontally spanning rebar 52 until said second horizontally spanning rebar 52 is fully seated within said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17.

[0022] Once said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 and said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17 have engaged their respective horizontally spanning rebar, vertical spanning rebar 61 can be installed by engaging vertical rebar within said vertical rebar securing means 40 vertical channel 41. One familiar in the art would recognize that the ability to space said MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioners 10 at any specified distance on footing horizontally spanning rebar 51 and 52 allows for precise spacing between vertically spanning rebar 61 as well as the ability to easily place and secure vertically spanning rebar in plumb prior to pouring concrete footings.

[0023] As shown in FIGs. 5-6, the preferred embodiment of said MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 can be utilized with other concrete footing bracing. Footing horizontally spanning rebar is set by utilizing footing braces 50 to set the depth of a first horizontally spanning rebar 51 and second horizontally spanning rebar 52, which will span longitudinally within a formed footing 53. Once said footing first horizontally spanning 51 rebar is set, said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 is secured to said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 of said footing by fully seating said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 fully within said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15. Once seated said “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 is further comprised of slightly flexible retention clasps 20, which retain said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 within said “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15. [0024] Once said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 has retained said first horizontally spanning rebar 51, said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 is rotated downward so said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17 engages a second horizontally spanning rebar 52 until said second horizontally spanning rebar 52 is fully seated within said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17. One familiar in the art would recognize that multiple Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioners 10 can be set at any specified distance on footing horizontally spanning rebar as shown in FIGs. 5 and 6.

[0025] Once said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 and said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17 have engaged their respective horizontally spanning rebar, vertical spanning rebar 61 can be installed by engaging vertical rebar within said vertical rebar securing means 40 vertical channel 41. One familiar in the art would recognize that the ability to space said MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioners 10 at any specified distance on footing horizontally spanning rebar 51 and 52 allows for precise spacing between vertically spanning rebar 61 as well as the ability to easily place and secure vertically spanning rebar 61 in plumb prior to pouring concrete footings.

[0026] Said Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioners 10 has the added advantage of alternating securement of “L” shaped vertical spanning rebar 61 held by said vertical rebar securing means 40 vertical channel 41. This would be accomplished by hooking the bottom, foot portion 62 of said “L” shaped vertical spanning rebar 61 underneath a previously set central horizontal span of rebar 60, wherein the distal end 63 of said foot portion of the vertical “L” rebar would rest on the previously secured first horizontally spanning rebar 51 or second horizontally spanning rebar 52. Said distal end 63 of said foot portion 62 can then be secured to said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 or second horizontally spanning rebar 52 by standard concrete wire ties. Alternating securement of said foot portion 62 to said first horizontally spanning rebar 51 or second horizontally spanning rebar 52 allows for precise duplication and securement of each installed vertical spanning rebar 61, which creates a precise and stronger rebar grid within the concrete application.

[0027] FIG. 7 demonstrates an alternative embodiment of the Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 further comprised of elevation stands, which allow the brace to be free standing during the rebar installation process. A first elevation stand 71 extends downward from said first downward end 13 of said first downward and diagonally extending leg 11 first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15. Said first elevation stand 71 is comprised of an upper leg portion 72, which connects to said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15 and a lower foot portion 73, which provides a base, which rests on the ground and supports the Multi-Diameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10. A second elevation stand 75, extends downward from said first end 16 of said second downward and diagonally extending leg 12 inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17. Said second elevation stand 75 is comprised of an upper leg portion 76, which connects to said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17 and a lower foot portion 77, which provides a base, which rests on the ground and supports the MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10. In this embodiment, said upper leg portion 76 is curved to accommodate any horizontal course of rebar being secured by said inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17.

[0028] The elevation stand 71, 75 elements shown in FIG. 7 allows the MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 to be free standing during the installation process. Also, said elevation stands 71, and 75 provide a minimum clearance of 3 inches between ground level 80 and the bottom of first horizontally spanning rebar 51 and second horizontally spanning rebar 52 to provide for precise depth of the first horizontally spanning rebar 51 and second horizontally spanning rebar 52 within the concrete footing. The elevation stand 71, 75 elements also provide for increased stability of the rebar structure during installation of the rebar structure and during pouring of concrete into the formed footing.

[0029] FIG. 8 demonstrates yet another alternative embodiment of the MultiDiameter Rebar Brace with Vertical Rebar Positioner 10 further comprised of multiple rebar retention mechanisms, which have the ability to secure the foot portion 62 of said “L” shaped vertical spanning rebar 61 at different heights. Specifically, the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is comprised of a first pair of rebar retention mechanisms 90 disposed upon the first downward end 13 of said first downward and diagonally extending leg 11 in proximity to said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15. Said first pair of rebar retention mechanisms 90 is comprised of an upper foot portion retention mechanism 91 and a lower foot portion retention mechanism 92. Said upper 91 and lower 92 foot portion retention mechanisms are vertically spaced to secure the foot portion 62 of said “L” shaped vertical spanning rebar 61 above or below the first horizontally spanning rebar 51, which would be simultaneously secured within said first leg “C” shaped rebar retention mechanism 15.

[0030] A second pair of rebar retention mechanisms 95 are disposed upon the first end 16 of said second downward and diagonally extending leg 12 in proximity to said inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17. Said second pair of rebar retention mechanisms 95 are comprised of a second upper foot portion retention mechanism 96 and a second lower foot portion retention mechanism 97. Said upper 96 and lower 97 foot portion retention mechanisms are vertically spaced to secure the foot portion 62 of said “L” shaped vertical spanning rebar 61 above or below the second horizontally spanning rebar 52, which would be simultaneously secured within said second leg inverted “U” shaped rebar retention mechanism 17.

[0031] It is understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative of the present invention. Certain modifications of the articles and/or methods may be made and still achieve the objectives of the invention. Such modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the claimed invention.