Adjustable support bracket for concrete reinforcing bars

Abstract

An adjustable bracket is provided for supporting concrete reinforcing bars for use in the construction of concrete structures. In particular, The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for supporting concrete reinforcing bars as used in the construction of concrete structures. In particular, this invention relates to an adjustable support for reinforcement bar, or similar reinforcing members, a plurality of which are disposed within a concrete form. The support is adjustable to a desired length corresponding to the cross-sectional width of the form. The support is mounted across opposing form walls providing a simple, inexpensive and time-saving means of positioning reinforcing bars in an essentially parallel arrangement within the form prior to the form's being filled with liquified concrete. In one embodiment of the present invention, and adjustable support is disclosed having an assembly of interlocking members with one member supportable by one form wall and having multiple holes for reinforcement bar, and another member supportable by an opposing form wall and having multiple retainer segments aligned with the reinforcement bar holes of the first member, whereby the two members are axially positionable and lockable to a desired length of bracket to support transversely mounted reinforcing bars. In an alternate embodiment, an adjustable bracket is formed of two molded members, each of which has multiple holes for reinforcement bar, the first member being supportable from a first by wall and the second member being supportable by an opposing wall, whereby each member is overlapped with the other to be axially positionable and lockable to a desired length of bracket. In another embodiment, an adjustable bracket is formed of two molded members, the first member of which is supportable by one form wall and has multiple holes for reinforcement bar and score marks at regular intervals to allow a worker to selectively and easily break off an undesired excess length of material. The second member is supportable by an opposing form wall and has a recess to receive the broken-off end of the first member, whereby the two members are axially positionable to a desired length of bracket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 645,911, entitled “ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT BRACKET FOR CONCRETE REINFORCING BARS,” filed Feb. 23, 2005.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates to brackets for supporting concrete reinforcing rods as used in the construction of concrete structures. In particular, this invention relates to an adjustable support bracket for reinforcement bar, or similar reinforcing members, a plurality of which are disposed within a concrete form. The support is adjustable to a desired length corresponding to the cross-sectional width of the form. The support is mounted across opposing form walls providing a simple, inexpensive and time-saving means for positioning pieces of reinforcement bar in an essentially parallel arrangement within the form prior to the form's being filled with liquified concrete. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the art of building construction it is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and cost-effective apparatus for supporting concrete reinforcing bars that offers an improved alternative to wiring reinforcing bars into position within a reinforced concrete structure.

[0013] It is another object to provide an adjustable bracket for supporting concrete reinforcing bars that addresses the need for a standardized product that can be used for a variety of wall thicknesses of a concrete structure.

[0017] The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for supporting concrete reinforcing bars for use in the construction of concrete structures. In particular, this invention relates to an adjustable support bracket for reinforcement bar, or similar reinforcing members, a plurality of which are disposed within a concrete form. The support is adjustable to a desired length corresponding to the cross-sectional width of the form. The support is mounted across opposing form walls providing a simple, inexpensive and time-saving means for positioning pieces of reinforcement bar in an essentially parallel arrangement within the form prior to the form's being filled with liquified concrete. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable support is disclosed having an assembly of interlocking wire members with one member supportable by one form wall and having multiple holes for reinforcement bar, and another member supportable by an opposing form wall and having multiple retainer segments aligned with the reinforcement bar holes of the first member, whereby the two elements are axially positionable and lockable to a desired length of bracket to support transversely mounted reinforcing bars.

Problems solved by technology

However, haphazard positioning of the reinforcing bars would result in a weakened concrete structure lacking in the ability to properly dissipate forces.

Placing the reinforcing bar securing devices in the desired location within the form requires additional labor and some degree of skill.

While this practice is cost-effective from a materials standpoint, it is expensive in terms of the time and labor required.

While these devices offer a cost-saving alternative in the construction of concrete forms, a problem remains when a construction project requires forms of different thicknesses.

Additional time would be required to have these devices modified for different wall thickness, or additional expense would be involved in maintaining an inventory of various length brackets for a particular project.

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