Weldless rebar chairs

Abstract

A form for creating a weldless rebar chair has an elongate rod arranged along a predetermined direction, said rod being formed into at least a plurality of partial elongate loops spaced from each other along the predetermined direction and arranged in a common plane defined by the elongate rod and the elongate loops. A method of producing a weldless rebar chair comprising the steps of arranging an elongate rod along the predetermined direction and bending it to create the elongate loops spaced and bending the loops at transition points to form intermediate portions arranged in a common plane and free ends that extend in directions normal to the plane, alternate free ends being bent in opposite directions and having lengths that are substantially equal to provide legs that can be placed on a surface to stabilize the rebar chairs.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention generally relates to reinforcement bar supports in the construction trades and, more specifically, to weldless rebar chairs.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Rebar spacers or chairs are devices that support and secure reinforcement steel bars or “rebars” in reinforced concrete structures as the rebars are assembled in place prior to the final pouring of the concrete. The spacers are left in place for the pour to keep them in place to become a permanent part of the structure.[0005]Rebar spacers or chairs can generally be divided into three raw material categories: concrete spacers, plastic spacers and metal spacers. While plastic spacers generally have the advantage of being low cost and fast processing, plastic spacers or bar supports or “chairs” cannot bond well with concrete. They are not compatible materials. Also, plastic has a coefficient of thermal expansion and contraction that is approxima...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new type of rebar spacer or chair made using ultra high strength corrosion-resistant steel. This steel is resistant to welding, meaning it can be easily shaped without the need for welding. The chairs or spacers can be formed on the fly and are therefore more flexible and customizable. They can also be used without welding, making them simpler and more economical to manufacture. Overall, this new technology provides a solution for applications requiring high-strength, corrosion-resistant rebar spacers or chairs that are simple to use and adaptable to various situations.

Problems solved by technology

Also, at high temperatures, plastic can even melt resulting in separation between the spacers and the poured concrete, creating free passages for corrosive elements to reach the steel reinforcements from the exterior of the concrete product.

This frequently causes the steel, and eventually the concrete, to corrode.

However, concrete spacers or chairs are impractical in some respects.

They are heavy, tend to be brittle and crack prior to use and must be preformed for each size or height of chair required.

Since chairs can be specified in increments of approximately one-half inch, this may result in a massive inventory problem that requires much space and expense.

However, each of these categories must be formed in all the different sizes or heights that can be specified so all entail significant inventory problems.

However, in a third category of chairs or spacers, no protection is provided against rusting.

In selecting one of the chairs including plastic feet, epoxy coated or plastic tipped feet or stainless steel tips; the cost of production is always a factor.

Despite the numerous finishes applied to steel spacers or supports a problem that has persisted is that many of the steel spacers or chairs typically rust within a matter of five to ten years.

These two desired properties have not been amenable to using corrosion-resistant steels such as the ChromX 9000 Series of steels marketed by MMFX Technology Corp. of Irvine, Calif.

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