Device for tying and centering reinforcing bar

Abstract

A device for tying and centering reinforcing bars within a cell of a concrete block. A housing adapted to be positioned adjacent the cell contains a tie, which extends from the housing. The tie includes a loop, a free end, at least one centering portion that engages the housing at one end and the loop at an opposite end, and teeth. The at least once centering portion is adapted to position the loop substantially within the center of the cell when the loop is closed around the reinforcing bars. When the free end is pulled, the loop is closed and substantially centered within the cell. Either the housing or the loop itself include a ratchet portion having teeth, which engage the teeth of the tie and hold the loop in a closed position after the free end of the tie is pulled.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] (1) Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to a device for tying and centering reinforcing bar. In particular, the present invention is directed to a device for tying and centering reinforcing bar in a cell of a concrete block. [0003] (2) Description of the Related Art [0004] Concrete block construction is a common method for building walls in both residential and commercial structures. The typical block is a rectangular concrete block, which includes two openings or cells formed through the block. The concrete blocks are stacked on one another. A thin layer of mortar is positioned between the blocks to join them together. [0005] After construction of the wall is completed, the cells of the blocks develop a matrix, which can be filled with concrete to increase the strength of the wall. Typically, steel reinforcing bar is positioned in the cells and extended vertically through the cells prior to filling the cells with ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a device for tying and centering reinforcing bars within a cell of a concrete block. The device includes a housing and a tie with a loop and a free end that extends from the housing. The loop is adapted to be positioned substantially within the center of the cell when the loop is closed around the reinforcing bars. When the free end is pulled, the loop is closed and substantially centered within the cell. The device also includes at least one centering portion that engages the housing at one end and the loop at an opposite end. The centering portion is adapted to position the loop substantially within the center of the cell when the loop is closed around the reinforcing bars. The device helps to ensure that the reinforcing bars are properly positioned within the concrete block, which improves the strength and stability of the overall construction."

Problems solved by technology

Because it is desirable to build the wall to its final height prior to inserting the reinforcing bar, a problem arises regarding how to tie the reinforcing bars together inside the wall cell.

Such a solution is undesirable because it requires subsequent repair of the wall.

This method is labor intensive and therefore slower than other methods.

However, this system lacks a mechanism to insure the tied bars in centered in the cell.

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