Spacer for reinforced ceilings and floor panels with integrated measurement and cover support system

Abstract

The disclosed spacer is designed for reinforced concrete ceilings and floor panels. It includes a foot part, an upper opening, a lower opening, and a middle section. The upper and lower openings are configured to hold reinforcing metal bars, providing a predetermined distance between them. The spacer can be placed on a formwork in a grid pattern and can include fastening nails or connecting elements for positioning. Additional spacers may be inserted into the openings for setting the correct concrete coverage. The spacer can be made from a single element or multiple elements that assemble at connection points located at the openings. The reach through of the openings can be oriented horizontally or at a predefined angle.

Description

[0001] SPACER FOR REINFORCED CEILINGS AND FLOOR PANELS WITH

[0002] INTEGRATED MEASUREMENT AND COVER SUPPORT SYSTEM

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of construction engineering, specifically focusing on the development and utilization of devices for reinforcing concrete structures, and in particular, to spacer that are used to maintain the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars within concrete structures during the construction process.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In the field of construction engineering, particularly in the construction of reinforced concrete structures such as ceilings and floor panels, the use of spacers is a common practice. These devices are typically used to maintain the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars within the concrete structures during the construction process. The spacers are placed on the formwork and depending on the thickness of the slabs.

[0007] Traditionally, these spacers are designed to hold a single layer of reinforcement metal bars. They are typically made of concrete and have an open holding structure. However, these conventional spacers are open at the top, which does not provide a clear end point for the spacers, and therefore does not serve as an indicator for the maximum filling of formwork for floors and ceilings. Also, no additional means for supporting a second layer of metal bars / metal grid is provided, accordingly, different spacers need to be installed for different layers of metals bars / metal grids.

[0008] Furthermore, these conventional spacers do not offer additional functionalities such as connection points for suspended ceilings or technical building equipment, measurement markings, or supports for protective covers. As such, additional steps are often taken to provide these functionalities, such as drilling holes and inserting dowels for connection points, or manually measuring the top concrete cover.

[0009] Despite these limitations, the use of spacers in the construction of reinforced concrete structures remains a standard practice due to their effectiveness in maintaining the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars. However, the present patent application, as described in claim 1 , proposes a novel spacer that not just holds the reinforcing metal bars but also provides additional functionalities that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction process.

[0010] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a unified inventive concept in a simplified form that is further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify outstanding key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. The present disclosure pertains to a spacer for reinforced concrete ceilings and floor panels. The spacer, as per the claims, includes a foot part, an upper opening and a lower opening each configured to hold reinforcing metal bar(s), preferably through a reach through passage of the openings, an upper end part closing the upper opening to an upper side, and a middle section between the upper opening and the lower opening. The lower opening is spaced from the foot part and the upper opening is spaced from the upper end part whereby a predetermined distance between the upper opening and the lower opening is provided.

[0012] It is preferred that the upper and lower openings of the spacer are configured to hold reinforcing metal bars, providing a predetermined distance between the two openings. The upper end part may enable the determination of a predetermined maximum pouring height equals to the height of the spacer.

[0013] Preferably, the lower surface of the upper opening is located on the middle part.

[0014] Preferably, the foot part of the spacer may comprise threaded sleeves for providing connection points without the use of drilling holes and inserting dowels. The foot part may include threaded sleeves, eliminating the traditional method of drilling holes and inserting dowels for connection points.

[0015] Preferably, the upper end part of the spacer may comprise a support for a cover providing a distance between freshly poured concrete surfaces and a cover.

[0016] Preferably, the spacer may be placed on a formwork of reinforced concrete ceiling or floor panel in a grid of 1.0 meters to 1.5 meters. It is preferred to strategically place on a formwork in a grid pattern, ensuring the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars.

[0017] Preferably, the spacer may comprise one or more fastening nails or connecting elements for placement and positioning on the formwork. Preferably, the spacer may comprise at least one additional metal bar inserted into the upper opening and / or the lower opening for setting the correct concrete cover at the bottom and top.

[0018] Preferably, the spacer may be made from a single element or multiple elements at least 3 elements that assemble at connection points or connection areas that are located at the upper and lower opening. Preferably, a spacer made from multiple elements, provides flexibility in the assembly and disassembly of the spacer.

[0019] Preferably, the reach through of the upper opening and / or the lower opening may be oriented about horizontally or a predefined angle deviating from the horizontal orientation by up to 45°, and more preferentially 15°. Preferably, the spacer is provided where the reach through of the upper and / or lower opening can be oriented horizontally or at a predefined angle, providing flexibility in the positioning of the reinforcing metal bars.

[0020] Therefore, the present disclosure presents a spacer for reinforced concrete ceilings and floor panels that not just holds the reinforcing metal bars but also provides additional functionalities that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction process.

[0021] The spacer may have the form of a cone or a cylinder or cuboid or dice or any other reasonable geometric other shape.

[0022] An opening according to the present invention can, amongst other things be a throughhole but also any kind of receptacle that allows for placing a metal bar and a holding manner. In particular, an opening may also have a hooklike shaped or a U- shaped form into which the metal bar can be placed from the side or the top.

[0023] The foregoing general description of the illustrative aspects and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive. Each of the features mentioned in this application is disclosed separate from all other features and freely combinable. Each of those combinations represents an embodiment according to the invention whereby the person skilled in the art can effortlessly identify embodiments that represent a working combination.

[0024] The present disclosure also includes a method of using the spacer for reinforced ceilings and floor panels. The method involves positioning the spacer in the formwork, which can be achieved e.g. by simply placing the spaces in the formwork, by using one or more fastening nails or by fastening between underlying base plates with the connecting elements. This ensures the stability and correct positioning of the spacer during the construction process.

[0025] Preferably, the spacer can be positioned in the formwork using a combination of fastening nails and connecting elements, providing additional stability. Preferably, the spacer can be positioned in the formwork using a specially designed positioning tool that aligns the spacer accurately within the formwork. This tool can be designed to work with the specific dimensions and design of the spacer, ensuring precise positioning.

[0026] Preferably, , the spacer can be positioned in the formwork using a robotic arm or other automated machinery. This can increase the speed and efficiency of the positioning process, and can also reduce the risk of human error. The robotic arm or machinery can be programmed to position the spacer at the correct locations within the formwork, based on the specific design and requirements of the reinforced ceiling or floor panel.

[0027] Preferably, the spacer can be positioned in the formwork using a combination of manual and automated methods. For example, a worker can manually place the spacer in the general location within the formwork, and then an automated tool or machinery can fine-tune the positioning of the spacer. This can provide a balance between the precision of automated methods and the flexibility of manual methods. Preferably, the spacer can be positioned in the formwork using a positioning guide or template. The guide or template can be designed to match the specific layout of the reinforced ceiling or floor panel, and can have markings or slots for the correct positioning of the spacers. This can help ensure that the spacers are positioned accurately and consistently within the formwork.

[0028] Once the spacer is positioned, reinforcing metal bars are placed (successively) in the lower and openings of the spacer. These openings are designed to hold the metal bars at a predetermined distance from the planned upper and lower surface of the ceiling or floor. This ensures the proper spacing and support of the reinforcing metal bars within the concrete structure.

[0029] Preferably, after the metal bars are positioned in the upper openings, the upper openings are closed by installing an upper end part. This upper end part serves as a marker for the maximum pouring height of the liquid concrete into the formwork. This ensures that the concrete is poured to the correct height, which is particularly beneficial in maintaining the structural integrity of the concrete structure.

[0030] In a further preferred step, additional parts such as a support for a cover can be mounted on the upper end part. The support for a cover provides a distance between the freshly poured concrete surface and different covers, such as insulating covers for cold or heat protection. The covers rest upon the support, providing protection for the concrete as it cures.

[0031] Overall, the method of using the spacer not just facilitates the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars within concrete structures, but also provides additional functionalities that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction process.

[0032] Preferably, the bottom section the middle section and the upper section form a single body after assembly. Preferably, the middle section is configured as the main body of the spacer. The main body may provide at least 50%, more preferable 60%, or 70 % or 80% or 90 % or more of the length of the spacer.

[0033] Preferably, the connection between the bottom section and the middle section comprises a plug connection and / or a snap in connection. The part preferably provides for a reliable interconnection once the metal bar is paces in the bottom opening. By that means, a layer-by-layer building approach of the reinforcement structure for reinforces concrete is enabled without tripping over upwardly extending elements while interconnecting the metal bars as desired.

[0034] Preferably, the middle section comprises a central, supporting and / or rigid and / or solid structure extending coaxially to a linkage of and / or between the upper opening and the lower opening and / or extending substantially about the length of the spacer (between the two opening and preferably beyond into the foot part)

[0035] Preferably, vertically oriented stabilization plates are extending radially from the central axis and / or the central supporting and / or rigid and / or solid structure, preferably defining a body of the middle section. The central structure may resemble a rod and / or an interconnection are of the stabilization plates along the axis between the openings.

[0036] Preferably, at least some stabilization plates comprise the connection elements for connecting the middle section to the bottom section.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0038] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an orthogonal top view of an upper end part of a spacer, showing a top connection and a marking for measurement. FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a spacer assembly, featuring a support for a cover and a fixation for the cover at the top of the assembly.

[0040] FIG. 3 presents an exploded view of a spacer assembly, demonstrating the individual components and their arrangement.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of a spacer assembly, similar to FIG. 2 but without the support for a cover and its holding element.

[0042] FIG. 5 presents an orthogonal front view of a spacer assembly within a formwork structure for a reinforced concrete slab, similar to FIG. 2 .

[0043] FIG. 6 shows an orthogonal front view of a spacer assembly for reinforced concrete structures, similar to FIG. 2 but with an additional cover resting upon the support for a cover.

[0044] FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of a reinforced concrete slab with an integrated grid of metal bars positioned within a formwork, demonstrating the placement of the spacers within the formwork.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows an isometric bottom view of a foot part of a spacer, highlighting the recesses for fastening and a bottom connection.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0048] The present disclosure relates to a spacer for reinforced ceilings and floor panels. The spacer may include a foot part (1 ), an upper opening (2), a lower opening (3), a middle section (4), and an upper end part (15). The upper opening (2) and the lower opening (3) are each configured to hold reinforcing metal bars (8), preferably through a reach through passage of the openings. The upper end part (15) may close the upper opening (2) to an upper side. The middle section (4) is positioned between the upper opening (2) and the lower opening (3). The lower opening (3) may be spaced from the foot part (1) and the upper opening (2) may be spaced from the upper end part (15) to provide a predetermined distance between the upper opening (2) and the lower opening (3). This arrangement allows for the holding of two different layers of reinforcing metal bars at a predefined distance, thereby providing a predefined spacing by a single unit.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1 , an orthogonal top view of an upper end part 15 of a spacer is depicted. The upper end part 15 may include a top connection 12 and a marking for measurement 5. The top connection 12 may be designed to form a connection point, and the marking for measurement 5 may provide a reference for measurements. The upper end part 15 may close the upper opening 2 of the spacer, which is only partially visible in this view. The upper end part 15 may comprise downward extending elements which can be referred to as arms which together form at least a part of the upper opening 2. Preferably, four arms are provided. However, a different number of arms may also be possible. This particular number of arms allows for a reach through in orthogonal directions through the upper opening. By choosing an according number of arms the angle of reach through in the upper opening 2 can be adapted.

[0050] Preferably, the upper end part 15 may contain a marking for measurement. This allows for the measurement of construction elements such as walls, columns and components in the vicinity of the concrete slab 9. Preferably, the upper end part 15 may also contain a top connection 12 or comprises a part of the top connection 12 which forms the whole top connection point 12 together with the middle section 4.

[0051] Preferably, the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3 are arranged such that the metal bars passing through the openings 2 and 3 have a distance to the upper and lower surface of the reinforced concrete slab 9 which is to be poured into the formwork 7. This arrangement ensures that no metal bars 8 extend out of the concrete slab 9 or are in close proximity to the same, which could lead to stabilization issues of the concrete slab 9. Once the metal bars are inserted into the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3, the metal bars may rest upon a bottom circumference of the individual opening.

[0052] Preferably, the spacer may comprise one or more fastening nails 6 or connecting elements 14 for placement and positioning on the formwork 7. Preferably, the spacer may be adapted to hold at least one additional metal bar 8 inserted into the upper opening 2 and / or the lower opening 3 for setting the correct concrete cover at the bottom and top. Preferably, the foot part 1 can also contain prefabricated connections for suspended ceilings or technical building equipment. Preferably, the reach through of the upper opening and / or the lower opening is oriented about horizontally or a predefined angle deviating from the horizontal orientation by up to 45°, preferentially 15°. In general, a reach through according to the invention can either be an opening with a closed or opened circumference.

[0053] Preferably, a method of using a spacer for reinforced ceilings and floor panels may include positioning the spacer in the form work 7, positioning metal bars in the openings 2, 3 in a predetermined distance from the planned upper and lower surface of the ceiling or floor, and closing the openings 2, 3 thereby installing an upper end part 15 as a marker for the maximum pouring height of the liquid concrete into the formwork 7. Instead of closing the opening(s) the marker can be provided as an integral part of the spacer allowing its provision by simply placing the spacer in the desired position in the formwork and thereby marking by its own height the pouring height of the liquid concrete to be filled into the formwork 7.

[0054] The spacer, in particular the middle section may be made from a single element or sheets of elements that are put together / connected along the center longitudinal axis of the spacer. Preferably, the spacer may be made from plastic. The upper opening 2 is positioned at the top of the middle section 4, which extends downward to a lower opening 3 at the bottom section. The middle section 4 connects the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3, maintaining a fixed distance between them to ensure proper spacing of reinforcing metal bars within a concrete structure.

[0055] Preferably, the distance of the lower opening 3 to the foot part 1 corresponds preferably at least to the horizontal diameter of the lower opening 3. The distance of the lower opening to the foot part can be at least 5 mm, preferably 15mm up to 40 mm and more. This ensures that the reinforcing metal bars are adequately spaced from the foot part 1 , providing stability and support to the concrete structure. The reach through of the upper opening 2 and / or the lower opening 3 may be oriented about horizontally or at a predefined angle deviating from the horizontal orientation by up to 45°, preferentially 15 °. This allows for flexibility in the orientation of the reinforcing metal bars, accommodating different structural requirements.

[0056] The spacer with its upper opening 2 may be formed from a single piece together with the lower opening 3 and the middle section 4. Accordingly, the upper end part 15 may be an inherent section of an overall single piece body of the spacer. This design simplifies the assembly of the spacer and enhances its structural integrity. A fastening element 6 may be located at the bottom, indicating a means for securing the spacer during use. Once the metal bars are inserted into the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3, the metal bars may rest upon a bottom circumference of the individual opening, providing additional support to the reinforcing metal bars.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, an isometric view of a spacer assembly is depicted. The foot part 1 is shown at the base, providing stability and support for the assembly. The lower opening 3 is positioned above the foot part 1 , allowing for the insertion of reinforcing metal bars. Extending upwards from the lower opening 3 is the middle section 4, which connects to the upper opening 2. The upper end part 15 closes off the upper opening 2 and provides a surface for mounting additional components. Above the upper end part 15, the support for a cover 16 is depicted, which is designed to hold a cover in place. The fixation 18 for the cover is shown at the top of the assembly, ensuring that the cover remains secure. The arrangement of these elements facilitates the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars within concrete structures, while also providing options for covering and protecting the concrete as it cures.

[0058] Preferably, the main body of the spacer, reaching from the upper end part 15 to the foot part 1 , is comprised of several segments that assemble to form the spacer. The parts may be connected by screw, click or other connection means. It is preferred, that the individual openings, hence the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3 are arranged at least in part in the connection area between two neighboring segments of the spacer. Thereby, as long as the spacer is not assembled around each particular opening 2 and / or 3 a metal bar can be inserted without threading simply by placing the metal bar 8 within the partially assembled opening 2 or 3 from above. Hence, it might be beneficial for the placement of the metal bars 8 and assembly of the spacers to be conducted simultaneously.

[0059] This means that first the foots with a lower part of the lower opening 3 can be placed in the formwork 7 followed by laying out a first layer of metal bars 8 within the formwork 7 into the lower openings 3 followed by attaching the middle sections 4 and thereby closing the lower opening 3 followed by placing metal bars 8 into the upper openings 2 thereby forming a second layer of metal bars 8 and closing the upper openings 2 with the upper end parts 15. If external or internal preconditions such as weather or hardening temperature of the concrete require, a support for a cover 16 may be mounted on the upper end part 15 on which additional covers 17 or cover elements may be placed for protection of the hardening concrete material, or other later connections such as for system floors.

[0060] With the provision of the support for the cover 16, hereinafter also called “support 16”, a gap is provided between the concrete and the cover 17. The spacer is provided such that the upper end of the upper end part 15 designates the pouring level for the concrete such that the upper surface of the upper end part 15 closes with the surface of the concrete. By being aligned with the surface of the concrete the upper surface of the upper end part 15 is therefore visible and may be used as a marker for further measurements in the building construction process. The support 16 may be fixated on the spacer or its upper end part 15 respectively via the fixation for the cover 18, which may also be called fixation means 18 hereinafter.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded view of a spacer assembly is depicted. The foot part 1 is shown at the bottom, designed to provide stability and connection points for the assembly. The middle section 4 extends upward from the foot part 1 and is configured to maintain a fixed distance between the upper and lower openings for reinforcing metal bars. The upper end part 15 is depicted at the top, intended to close off the upper opening and provide a surface for additional components or measurement markings. Together, these elements form a spacer that facilitates the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars within concrete structures.

[0062] Preferably, the individual elements shown in FIG. 3 are combinable via connection means such as screw connections or click connections which allow for a formfitting and / or friction locked connection between the segments. This configuration provides flexibility in the assembly of the spacer and enhances its structural integrity.

[0063] Preferably, two neighboring parts of the spacer may form a common upper opening or a common lower opening for the reinforcement metal bars by putting the neighboring parts together. This arrangement allows for the efficient placement and support of the reinforcing metal bars within the spacer openings.

[0064] Preferably, the spacer may be made from a single element or multiple elements, at least three elements, that are combinable in a vertical direction that assemble at connection points or connection areas that are located at the upper and lower opening. This composition provides flexibility in the design and assembly of the spacer, accommodating different structural requirements.

[0065] Preferably, the spacer can be made in several parts. In this case, the parts may be connected using a click system. This configuration simplifies the assembly of the spacer and enhances its structural integrity. This has the advantage that metal bars 8 can be placed within an individual spacer even if the metal bar is already fixated in the formwork 7. Therefore, this particular spacer can be used in a setup as a support spacer either alone or in combination with the spacer from the figures 2 and 3 which require the metal bars to be threaded through the through holes of the openings 2 and 3 since the body of the spacers in these embodiments is rather from a single piece whereby the upper opening and lower opening is not separable into partial openings which would allow for an insertion of a metal bar from above rather than threading it through the openings.

[0066] The angle between the individual sheets of the spacer body (middle section) may be a 90°, although other angles may also be possible depending on the specific requirements of the concrete structure and the number of sheets, which may also be called stabilization plates.

[0067] The upper opening 2 is located at an upper end part of the middle section 4, which extends downward to the lower opening 3 at the base. The middle section 4 connects the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3, maintaining a fixed distance between them to ensure proper spacing of reinforcing metal bars within a concrete structure. A fastening element 6 may be situated at the bottom of the middle section 4, hence on the foot part 1 , indicating a means for securing the spacer during use. The fastening element may be integrated into the product or can be loose or separate respectively. Preferably, recesses 11 are provided, that provide a receiving opening with a body for hosting a concrete screw, wherein the body is made of a dowel like material, such as plastic for nailing and screws (Fig. 8). The thickness of the receiving body is preferably adapted to allow for the screw to be screwed into the concrete material itself, which surrounds the spacer itself once the reinforced ceiling or wall is build. The dowel like body or the body of the recess is hence provided as a displacement or placeholder for the concrete such that a predefined hole in the reinforced concrete is provided that is suitable for hosting a concrete srew that screws into the concrete surrounding the hole. The optional connecting elements 14 (fig. 14) may be broken off after the formwork has been removed. Referring to FIG. 4, an isometric view of a spacer assembly is depicted. This figure corresponds to the assembly shown in FIG. 2, but without the support for a cover 16 and its holding element 18. The foot part 1 is shown as a base, providing stability and support for the assembly. The lower opening 3 is positioned above the foot part 1 , allowing for the insertion of reinforcing metal bars. Extending upwards from the lower opening 3 is the middle section 4, which connects to the upper opening 2. The upper end part 15 closes off the upper opening 2 and provides a surface for mounting additional components. The arrangement of these elements facilitates the proper spacing and support of reinforcing metal bars within concrete structures.

[0068] It is preferred, that the individual openings, hence the upper opening 2 and the lower opening 3 are arranged at least in part in the connection area between two neighboring segments of the spacer. Thereby, as long as the spacer is not assembled around each particular opening 2 and / or 3 a metal bar can be inserted without threading it through the hole of the opening simply by placing it within the partially assembled opening 2 or 3. Hence, it might be beneficial for the placement of the metal bath 8 and assembly of the spacers to be conducted simultaneously layer by layer.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, an orthogonal front view of a spacer assembly from Fig. 2 within a formwork structure for a reinforced concrete slab 9 is depicted. The foot part 1 is positioned at the base of the formwork 7, providing support for the assembly. Metal bars 8 may pass through the upper opening 2 and extend into the lower opening 3, which is positioned above the foot part 1 . This arrangement allows for the holding of two different layers of reinforcing metal bars at a predefined distance, thereby providing a predefined spacing by a single unit.

[0070] The reinforced concrete slab 9 is shown surrounding the metal bars 8, indicating the spacers role in maintaining the proper spacing and support of the reinforcing metal bars within the concrete structure. This arrangement ensures that no metal bars 8 extend out of the concrete slab 9 or are in close proximity to the same, which could lead to stabilization issues of the concrete slab 9. Preferably, the spacer may be placed on the formwork 7 in a grid of 1 .0 meters to 1 .5 meters. This arrangement provides structural reinforcement for the metal grates and therefore of the concrete slab 9. The formwork 7 serves as a mold for the concrete, ensuring that the slab 9 retains its shape during the curing process.

[0071] Preferably, the spacer may comprise one or more fastening nails 6 or connecting elements 14 e.g. for placement and positioning on the formwork 7. These fastening elements may be integrated into the product or can be loose or separate respectively.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, an orthogonal front view of a spacer assembly for reinforced concrete structures is depicted. This figure corresponds to the assembly shown in FIG. 2 and 8, but additionally shows the cover 17 which rests upon the support 16. The cover 17 provides protection for e.g. the still unsolidified concrete material after pouring it into the formwork 7. The foot part 1 is positioned at the base, providing stability and a connection point to the formwork 7. Extending upward from the foot part 1 is the middle section 4, which connects to the lower opening 3 and further leads to the upper opening 2, ensuring proper spacing for reinforcing metal bars (not shown in the figure). The upper end part 15 closes off the upper opening 2 and serves as a platform for the support for a cover 16, which holds the cover 17 in place above the assembly. The fixation for the cover 18 secures the cover 17, protecting the concrete as it cures.

[0073] Preferably, the cover 17 of the spacer may be selected from a group comprising thermal insulation for cold protection, a reflective film / cover for heat protection, and a protection option against rainwater. This selection provides flexibility in the protection of the concrete depending on the specific environmental conditions. The cover 17, by resting upon the support 16, provides a distance between the freshly poured concrete surface and different covers 17, such as insulating covers for cold or heat protection. This arrangement ensures that the concrete is adequately protected as it cures, while also allowing for the evaporation of moisture from the concrete. The support for a cover 16 provides a distance between the freshly poured concrete surface and different covers 17, such as insulating covers for cold or heat protection. The covers 17 rest upon the support 16, providing additional protection for the concrete as it cures. The fixation for the cover 18 secures the cover 17, ensuring that the cover remains in place during the curing process.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7, an isometric view of a reinforced concrete slab 9 with an integrated grid of metal bars 8 positioned within a formwork 7 is depicted. Preferably, the inventive spacer may be placed in the formwork 7 to support the formation of reinforced concrete ceilings and floor panels. This is achieved by the adequate spacing of the spacers within the formwork and their support of either single metal bars or metal grids via the upper openings 2 and lower openings 3 of the spacers. Preferably, the metal bar grid itself can be supported by the openings of the spacer. Alternatively, individual metal bars can be introduced into the openings upon which the metal grid rest for support of the metal grid. Such additional metal bars can be the additional metal bars 8. These metal bars 8 can either be provided on individual spacers or between neighboring spacers for provision of especially stable support for the metal grid resting upon the additional metal bar 8.

[0075] The metal bars 8 may be arranged in a uniform grid pattern. The spacers may be spaced at intervals of 1.0 meters to 1.5 meters, providing structural reinforcement for the metal grid and therefore of the concrete slab 9. The formwork 7 serves as a mold for the concrete, ensuring that the slab 9 retains its shape during the curing process. Preferably, the spacer may be placed on the formwork 7 in a grid of different intervals, depending on the specific requirements of the concrete structure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 13, an isometric bottom view of a foot part 1 of a spacer is depicted. The foot part 1 may include recesses 11 for fastening and / or a bottom connection 13. The recesses for fastening 11 are designed to secure the spacer to a surface or structure, while the bottom connection 13 which provides means for attaching additional components or structures after solidification and removal of the formwork. Preferably, fixation means 14 may be provided which can rest between neighboring sound insulating plates which may form the bottom of the formwork 7. Such fixation means can be provided in the form of linear shaped protrusions. This arrangement ensures the stability of the spacer during the concrete pouring process and facilitates the attachment of additional components or structures to the spacer.

[0077] Preferably, the foot part 1 of the spacer may comprise threaded sleeves for providing connection points. This configuration eliminates the use of drilling holes and inserting dowels which allows the inventive spacers to be used as connection point for further installations after the floor or ceiling is completed. The threaded sleeves may be integrated into the foot part 1 or can be separate components that are attached to the foot part 1 .

[0078] Preferably, the foot part 1 may be designed to accommodate different types of fastening means. For example, the foot part 1 may include recesses 11 for fastening that are designed to accommodate different types of fastening elements, such as screws, bolts, or nails. This allows for the use of different types of fastening elements depending on the specific requirements of the concrete structure.

[0079] It is to be understood that the content of each aspect or preferred feature is to be understood as exemplary, that all features from all features and aspects may be freely swapped or interchanged with other features that serves the same purpose and each feature is disclosed independently of all other features of each individual aspect.

[0080] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A geometrically shaped spacer, preferably a cone, for parallel horizontal alignment of metal bars for reinforced concrete ceilings and floor panels, the spacer comprising: a bottom section with a foot part (1 ); a middle section (4); an upper opening (2) and a lower opening (3) each comprising a bottom support surface configured as a rest to hold and / or support at least one of the metal bars, preferably through a reach through passage of the openings; preferably an upper end part (15) closing the upper opening (2) to an upper side; wherein the middle section (4) is arranged between the upper opening (2) and the lower opening (3) and configured to provide a predetermined distance between the bottom support surfaces of the upper opening (2) and of the lower opening (3) wherein the lower opening (3) is spaced from the foot part (1 ) and is located in a connection area / part of the middle section (4) and the bottom section, such that the bottom support surface of the lower opening (3) is located in the bottom section and the middle section is configured to close the lower opening upon placing the middle section onto the bottom section thereby forming / defining the lower opening together in an assembled state of the spacer.

2. The spacer of claim 1 , wherein the foot part (1 ) comprises threaded sleeves for providing connection points, reachable from outside the reinforced wall or sealing, without the use of drilling holes and inserting dowels.

3. The spacer of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper end part (15) comprises a support for a cover (16) providing a distance between freshly poured concrete surfaces and a cover (17).

4. The spacer of claim 3, wherein the cover (17) is selected from the group comprising thermal insulation for cold protection, a reflective film for heat protection and a protection option against rainwater.

5. The spacer of any preceding claim, wherein the spacer is placed on a formwork (7) of reinforced concrete ceiling or floor panel in a grid of 1.0 meters to 1.5 meters.

6. The spacer of any preceding claim, wherein the spacer comprises one or more fastening nails (6) or connecting elements (14) for placement and positioning on the formwork (7).

7. The spacer of any preceding claims, wherein the distance of the lower opening (3) to the foot part (1 ) corresponds at least to the horizontal diameter of the lower opening (3) which is preferably at least 5 mm, preferably 15 mm up to 40 mm and more.

8. The spacer of any preceding claims, wherein the spacer is made from multiple elements at least 3 elements that assemble vertically at connection points or connection areas that are located at about the height of the upper and lower opening9. The spacer of any preceding claims, wherein the reach through of the upper opening and / or the lower opening is oriented about horizontally or a predefined angle deviating from the horizontal orientation by up to 45°, preferably 5°.

10. A method of using one or more spacers on any of claims 1 to 9 for reinforced ceilings and floor panels, the method comprising:positioning the bottom part of the spacers in a form work (7) for the wall or ceiling, preferably using one or more fastening nails (6) or by fastening between underlying base plates with the connecting elements (14); positioning metal bars (8) on the bottom support surface of the lower openings (3) in a predetermined distance from the planned upper and lower surface of the ceiling or floor, assembling the lower part and the middle part, thereby introducing to the spacer at least a part of the upper opening (2) the lower surface of which is located on the middle part (4), positioning metal bars (8) in the upper openings of the spacers preferably arranging an upper end part (15) to close the upper opening and as preferred a marker for the maximum pouring height of the liquid concrete into the formwork (7).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of mounting additional parts the upper end part (15) such as a support for a cover (16) such that the support for a cover (16) provides a distance between freshly poured concrete surface and different covers (17), such as insulating covers for cold, heat protection and system floors, and the covers (17) resting upon the support (17)

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