Concrete stirrup apparatus, formwork assembly comprising the same and method of forming a concrete reinforced structure

Abstract

There is provided a formwork assembly. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally- extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about the reinforcing bars. The hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to concrete poured into the formwork so positioned. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement. The formwork assembly includes a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers. There is further provided a concrete stirrup apparatus comprising said hoop reinforcement, positioning members and spacers.

Description

CONCRETE STIRRUP APPARATUS, FORMWORK ASSEMBEY COMPRISING THE SAME AND METHOD OF FORMING A CONCRETE REINFORCED STRUCTUREBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] There is provided a stirrup apparatus and formwork assembly comprising the same. In particular, there is provided a concrete stirrup apparatus, a formwork assembly comprising the same, as well as a method of forming a concrete reinforced structure.Description of the Related Art

[0002] United States Patent No. 4965978 to Scheiwiller discloses a spacer including a substantially circular ring having an interior and an exterior. The spacer includes means for centering the spacer in a block having an interior opening. The means for centering is connected to the interior of said ring. The spacer includes a plurality of substantially horizontal evenly spaced spacing members. Each of the spacing members has an inner side which is connected with the exterior of the ring, an outer side, at least two lateral sides and a plurality of bracings extending between the outer side and inner side of said spacing members. The bracings are triangularly disposed.

[0003] Chinese Patent Reference No. CN107675836A to Su Yiwei discloses a kind of building bar spacing frame belonging to the building frock technical field. The spacing frame includes a locating rod and slide locating mechanism that is arranged in a locating rod upper hopper chute. The frame is detachably connected to the locating rod. The slide locating mechanism includes a locating dowel connector for threading the locating dowel of section and coordinating with the locating dowel. The locating dowel connector is arranged in the chute. The locating dowel is threadedly coupled through the locating dowel connector and with the locating dowel connector.

[0004] United States Patent No. 4833857 to Wheeler discloses a spacer member for positioning and retaining steel reinforcing bars in a concrete hoop reinforcement such as a round-column. The spacer member is defined by a circular, ring-like main body section having a plurality of outer extensions and a plurality of interior projections. Each of the outer extensions has a remote edge adapted to abut the inner surface of a form for the hoop reinforcement. Each of the interior projections is separated from the next adjacent interior projections by a space, into which a reinforcing bar is intended to be inserted. The spaces are provided at least at every 45 degree and 60-degree intervals along the circle formed by the body member. The reinforcing bars are adapted to be securely tied in their respective spaces by means of securing means that are adapted to be wrapped around the bar and around a hook-like formation formed on the interior projection.

[0005] United States Patent No. 4463538 to Dragunas discloses a concrete reinforcing network provided with longitudinal reinforcing bars and interconnected stirrups each having a plurality of clipsin a specific geometric arrangement acting as a jig and said reinforcing network is embedded in concrete forming a completed concrete structure. The clips are mounted on the associated stirrups so as to be longitudinally and rotationally movable thereon for proper location on the stirrup and for effective coupling with a longitudinal reinforcing bar. The clips are formed with a base having an inwardly extending concavity therein and a pair of divergent spring arms that terminate in a free end. Each free end is curved inwardly towards the other leg and then back towards the base to provide an access opening for insertion of the associated longitudinal reinforcing bar. The edge of the free end of each arm engages the longitudinal reinforcing bar in the clip to retain the bar in its predetermined position on the reinforcing network. Each arm is provided with a hole through which extends the stirrup which is simultaneously engaged by the edges of the holes and the concavity of the base to releasably fix the location of the clips on the stirrup.

[0006] United States Patent No. 849922 to Scofield discloses the combination of a body of concrete, a series of longitudinally extending reinforcing-bars therein, and a series of spacers connected to said bars. Each spacer consists of two substantially u-shaped pieces, one having its end portions bent downwardly and then outwardly and the other having its end portions bent upwardly and the outwardly. The portions are in engagement with one another and with the form. The end of adjacent courses of spacers engage the form in vertical lines. The spacers are wired together and to the reinforcing-bars.

[0007] The above -de scribed prior art may suffer a number of disadvantages.BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] There is provided, and it is an object to provide, an improved concrete stirrup apparatus, as well as an improved formwork assembly and method of forming a concrete reinforced structure, disclosed herein.

[0009] There is accordingly provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to one aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a hoop reinforcement. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement.

[0010] There is also provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to another aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a first plurality of positioning members or spacers operatively connected to the hoop reinforcement and shaped to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a second plurality of positioning members or spacers operatively connected to the hoop reinforcement and shaped to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout.

[0011] There is additionally provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to yet a further aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a hollow spool. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending from the hollow spool. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending from the hollow spool.

[0012] There is further provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to another aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a bobbin. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the bobbin. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the bobbin.

[0013] There is also provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to yet an additional aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile and outwardly C-shaped in lateral section. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

[0014] There is further provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to another aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, pivotally coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of catches circumferentially spaced about the outer body. The positioning members have unlocked positions in which distal portions thereof are spaced-apart from the catches. The positioning members are moveable from the unlocked positions to locked positions, in which the distal portions thereof couple to the catches. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

[0015] There is additionally provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to yet another aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, pivotally coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body. The positioning members have unlocked positions in which distal portions thereof are inwardly spaced from the outer body. The positioning members are moveable from the unlocked positions thereof to locked positions, in which the distal portions thereof are adjacent and / or couple to the outer body. Theconcrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

[0016] There is further provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to yet an additional aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body. The positioning members are moveable from unlocked positions to receive respective reinforcing bars or rebars, to locked positions in which movement of the reinforcing bars or rebars is inhibited. Each positioning member comprises a channel that is radially outwardly-facing in the locked position thereof. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

[0017] There is yet also provided a concrete stirrup apparatus according to a further aspect. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes an outer body shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of positioning members coupled to the outer body and shaped to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of spacers coupled to the outer body and shaped to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout. The concrete stirrup apparatus includes a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around an exterior peripheral surface of the outer body.

[0018] There is also provided a formwork assembly according to one aspect. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about the reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the reinforcing bars. The formwork assembly includes a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement. The formwork assembly includes a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers.

[0019] There is also provided according to one aspect a method of forming a concrete reinforced structure. The method includes extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiber-reinforced polymer or fiberglass about a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars. The method includes promoting a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars via a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement. The method includes positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement. The method includes pouring concrete into the formwork, wherebythe hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

[0020] There is further provided according to another aspect a method of manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout. The method includes injection molding as one part i) an annular outer body, ii) a plurality of positioning members coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body, and iii) a plurality of spacers coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body. The method includes winding a continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers about the outer body so as to form a reinforcement hoop.

[0021] There is additionally provided according to a further aspect a method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatuses to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout. The method includes injection molding a plurality of bobbins, each having a plurality of radially-inwardly extending positioning members and a plurality of radially- outwardly extending spacers. The method includes mounting the bobbins so molded about a rotatable mandrel. The method includes coating / dipping a continuous strand or roving of fiberglass in epoxy. The method includes guiding the roving so coated / dipped with epoxy, about each said bobbin sequentially. The method includes heat curing the epoxy so wound about the bobbins.

[0022] There is also provided according to an additional aspect a method of manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout. The method includes forming a hoop reinforcement via pultrusion. The method includes providing a mold shaped to form an outer body, a plurality of positioning members shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and a plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place. The method includes positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold. The method includes injecting a polymer, thermoplastic and / or a thermoset plastic into the mold so as to form the outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with the positioning members and the spacers coupled thereto, so as to form a unitary whole comprising said concrete stirrup apparatus.

[0023] There is further provided according to one aspect an assembly for manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout. The assembly includes a mold via which is formed i) an annular outer body, ii) a plurality of positioning members coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body, and iii) a plurality of spacers coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body. The assembly includes a winding system via which a continuous strandof epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers is wound about the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus to form a reinforcement hoop.

[0024] It is emphasized that the invention relates to all combinations of the above features, even if these are recited in different claims.

[0025] Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or described in the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention:Figure 1 is a top, front perspective view of a formwork assembly according to one aspect, the formwork assembly including a plurality of longitudinally-extending, laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars, a formwork shaped to receive concrete therein, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart concrete stirrup apparatuses according to one aspect interposed between promoting positioning in place of the reinforcing bars and formwork;Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2 - 2 of the formwork assembly of Figure 1, with the concrete stirrup apparatus including positioning members shown promoting positioning of the reinforcing bars and the concrete stirrup apparatus including spacers shown promoting positioning in place of the formwork;Figure 3 is top, front perspective view of the reinforcing bars and concrete stirrup apparatuses of Figure 1, with the formwork and concrete therewithin not being shown;Figure 4 is a top, front perspective view of one of the concrete stirrup apparatuses of Figure 1;Figure 5 is a top plan view thereof;Figure 6 is a front elevation view thereof;Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7 - 7 of the concrete stirrup apparatus of Figure 5;Figure 8 is a flowchart setting out a non-limiting example of a method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatus of Figure 1;Figure 9 is a top, front perspective view of a concrete stirrup apparatus for a form work assembly according to another aspect;Figure 10 is a top plan view thereof, the concrete stirrup apparatus including positioning members shown promoting positioning of reinforcing bars shown in section and the concrete stirrup apparatus including spacers shown promoting positioning in place of a formwork;Figure 11 is a front elevation view thereof;Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along lines 12 - 12 of the concrete stirrup apparatus of Figure 10;Figure 13 is a top plan view a formwork assembly according to an additional aspect, with the assembly including a plurality of longitudinally-extending, laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars, a formwork shaped to receive concrete therein, and a plurality of concrete stirrup apparatuses one of which is shown, with each concrete stirrup apparatus including a hoop reinforcement extending about the reinforcing bars, positioning members shown in locked positions to extend about and promote positioning of the reinforcing bars, and spacers shown promoting positioning in place of the formwork;Figure 14 is a top plan view of the concrete stirrup apparatus of Figure 13, with the positioning members thereof shown in unlocked positions and with the rest of the formwork assembly not being shown;Figure 15 is a top, front perspective view thereof, with the hoop reinforcement of the concrete stirrup apparatus not being shown;Figure 16 is a bottom, rear, side perspective view thereof;Figure 17 is a perspective view of a system for manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatuses of the form work assembly of Figure 13;Figure 18 is a schematic, sectional view of a two-part mold for forming as one integral part the outer body, positioning members and spacers of the concrete stirrup apparatus of Figure 13; andFigure 19 is a flowchart setting out a non-limiting example of a method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatuses of Figure 13.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

[0028] Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, there is shown a formwork assembly 20. As best seen in Figure 3, the formwork assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars 22, in this non-limiting embodiment four reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D; however, the latter is not strictly required and there may be additional or fewer reinforcing bars in other embodiments. The reinforcing bars are made of steel in this example and may be referred to as rebars, steel rebars or steel reinforcing bars; however, this is not strictly required and the reinforcing bars may be made of other materials in other embodiments, such as fiberglass for example. Steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D extend parallel to, are laterally spaced from and extend about a longitudinal axis 24. The longitudinal axis is vertical relative to Figures 1 and 2 in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, formwork assembly 20 includes a formwork 26 shaped to receive concrete 28 therein. The formwork is tubular in this non-limiting embodiment. Formwork 26 may comprise a collapsible fabric form in one non-limiting example or a non-collapsible form made of a non-fabric material in another non-limiting example. The formwork may be referred to as a concrete cover. Formwork assembly 20, including the formwork thereof, is configured to form a concrete structural member or concrete reinforced structure 30, as seen in Figure 1. The concrete reinforced structure may comprise a column, window lintel, structural member or the like.

[0030] As seen in Figure 3, form work assembly 20 includes at least one and in this example a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart structural positioning apparatuses, spacer members or concrete stirrup apparatuses 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F, 32G, 32H etc. for locating steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D in concrete reinforced structure 30, seen in Figure 1, so as to promote a desired positioning of the steel reinforcing bars, provide shear strength to concrete 28 and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete, as well as function to situate formwork 26, seen in Figure 2, in place. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0031] As seen in Figure 4, each concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes an outer body 34. The outer body is loop shaped or annular in this non-limiting embodiment with an aperture 36 extending therethrough. Outer body 34 is shaped to extend about and be coaxial with longitudinal axis 24 in this example. The outer body of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 has a top 38 and a bottom 40 spaced-apart from the top thereof. The top of outer body 34 extends within a first plane Pi and is annular in this nonlimiting example. Bottom 40 of outer body 34 extends within a second plane P2 parallel to the first plane and is annular in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0032] Outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 has an inner peripheral surface 34A which is radially inwardly-facing at least in part and an outer peripheral surface 34B which is radially outwardly- facing at least in part. The inner and outer peripheral surfaces may collectively be referred to as an exterior peripheral surface of the outer body. The inner peripheral surface of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus is outwardly concave in top / bottom profile and outwardly convex in lateral profile in this non-limiting example. As seen in Figure 7, outer peripheral surface 34B of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 extends substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment and is substantially planar relative thereto; however, this is not strictly required.

[0033] As best seen in Figure 4, outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a plurality of ridges configured to promote a maximum holding capacity with concrete 28 seen in Figure 2. Referring back to Figure 4, these include a plurality of circumferentially spaced, outwardly-extending ridges 46A positioned around peripheral surfaces 34A and 34B thereof in this non-limiting embodiment. The ridges are annular at least in part in this non-limiting example. Ridges 46A are circumferentially spaced about outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. Each ridge generallyextends about a respective axis 48 and / or circumference of outer body 34 which is substantially perpendicular / tangential to longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment; however, this is not strictly required. Ridges 46A occur around all surfaces 34A and 34B. As seen in Figure 6, each ridge 46A is angled by acute angle a from a lateral / side perspective relative to axis 24; however, this is not strictly required.

[0034] Referring back to Figure 4, each outer body 34 in this non-limiting embodiment includes an additional ridge, in this non-limiting example an inner ridge 46B which is inwardly-facing and which extends about axis 24. The inner ridge couples to and extends outwards from inner peripheral surface 34A of the outer body. Each outer body 34 in this non-limiting embodiment includes a further ridge, in this non-limiting example an outer ridge 46C which is outwardly-facing and which extends about axis 24. The outer ridge couples to and extends outwards from outer peripheral surface 34B of the outer body. Inner ridge 46B and outer ridge 46C are positioned between top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34. The inner and outer ridges couple to and intersect with ridges 46A so as to form a unitary whole in this non-limiting embodiment. In other embodiments, the inner and outer ridges are not strictly required nor provided. As a further non-limiting alternative embodiment, ridges 46B and 46C may comprise upper and lower ridges which align with top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34, respectively.

[0035] Referring back to Figure 4, concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a first plurality of inwardly-extending positioning members 50, in this non-limiting case four positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D; however, this is not strictly required and there may be fewer or additional positioning members in other embodiments. The positioning members may be referred to as internal supports, spacers, holders, reinforcing bar holders, rebar holders or receptacles. As seen in Figure 2, positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D are configured to couple with and promote a desired positioning of steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0036] Referring back to Figure 4, positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D are circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The positioning members couple to and extend inwardly from inner peripheral surface 34A of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in this example. Positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D extend between top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 in this example. Each positioning member is shaped to receive at least in part a respective steel reinforcing bar 22 seen in Figure 2. As seen in Figure 5, each positioning member 50 in this non-limiting embodiment is at least partially arc-shaped in top / bottom profile, in this nonlimiting example comprising a semi-cylindrical shell in shape. Each positioning member is C-shaped in top / bottom profile in this non-limiting example. Each positioning member 50 is open in a direction facing longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment. Each positioning member is configuredto receive a steel reinforcing bar with a radius of curvature RR substantially equal to or greater than the steel reinforcing bar in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0037] As seen in Figure 4, concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a second plurality of externally- extending positioning members, in this non-limiting embodiment spacers 52, in this non-limiting example three spacers 52A, 52B and 52C; however, this is not strictly required and there may be additional or fewer spacers in other embodiments. The spacers are shaped to abut and / or position in place formwork 26 seen in Figure 2. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0038] Referring to Figure 5, spacers 52A, 52B and 52C are circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The spacers may be referred to as external spacers. Each spacer 52 couples to the outer body via a connector or fin 54. Each fin is radially-extending in this non-limiting embodiment. Each fin 54 is rectangular in side profile in this non-limiting example. Each fin extends between top 38 and bottom 40 of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.

[0039] Each spacer 52 is curved and outwardly convex in this non-limiting embodiment. Each spacer 52 has a radius of curvature which is substantially equal or similar to that of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 in this non-limiting embodiment. Each spacer is coaxial with the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in this non-limiting example. Each fin 54 couples to its respective spacer 52 midway between ends 53A and 53B of the spacer in this non-limiting example. Each spacer couples to its fin so as to extend substantially perpendicular and / or tangential thereto in this non-limiting example. Fins 54 may be considered to be a part of the spacer, with the spacer in this case thus being T-shaped in top / bottom profile in this non-limiting example. The plurality of spacers extend between the top and bottom of outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 and / or are inwardly positioned from the top and bottom of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in this example.

[0040] As seen in Figure 7, each concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes a hoop reinforcement 56. The hoop reinforcement is loop-shaped in this non-limiting example and may be referred to as a structural loop or a structural feature, element or member. Hoop reinforcement 56 is shaped to extend about steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D seen in Figure 2. The hoop reinforcement is configured to provide shear strength to concrete 28 and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0041] Referring to Figure 7, hoop reinforcement 56 comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), in this non- limiting embodiment fiberglass 58. However, the latter is not strictly required and other fiber-reinforced polymers may used in other non-limiting examples, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, basalt fiber-reinforced polymer or the like. Fiberglass 58 in this non-limiting embodiment comprises a plurality of fiberglass loops which are coupled together within a resin matrix so as to forma unitary whole. The fiberglass (or collectively the fiberglass loops thereof) are configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar according to one embodiment. Fiberglass 58 (or collectively the fiberglass loops thereof) are configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar. Alternatively, hoop reinforcement 56 may comprise one or more loops made of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) other than fiberglass, with said one or more loops being configured to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar and / or being configured to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

[0042] As seen in Figure 5, hoop reinforcement 56 is circular in top / bottom profile in this nonlimiting embodiment. Referring back to Figure 7, the hoop reinforcement is positioned within outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. Hoop reinforcement 56 (including fiberglass 58 thereof) is D-shaped in lateral profile in this non-limiting embodiment; however this is not strictly required. The hoop reinforcement has an inner peripheral portion or surface 56A which is radially-inwardly extending and outwardly convex in lateral profile in this non-limiting example. Hoop reinforcement 56 has an outer peripheral portion or surface 56B opposite the inner peripheral portion thereof. The outer peripheral surface of the hoop reinforcement extends substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 24 in this non-limiting embodiment and is substantially planar relative thereto; however, this is not strictly required.

[0043] Figure 8 sets out a non-limiting example of a method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatus 32 to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of steel reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout. The method includes forming a hoop reinforcement via pultrusion as shown by box 60. This step includes forming the hoop reinforcement with fiberglass and / or fiberglass loops. The forming the hoop reinforcement step may include in this example dipping a strand or strands of fiberglass in a bath of epoxy as shown by box 60A. The forming the hoop reinforcement step may next include in this example winding the strands of fiberglass so coated with epoxy about a bobbin as shown by box 60B. The forming the hoop reinforcement step may next include in this example heat curing the strands of fiberglass so dipped / wound so as to form said hoop reinforcement comprising one or more loops or hoops of said fiberglass, as shown by box 60C.

[0044] The method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes in this example splitting and / or removing the bobbin from the hoop reinforcement so formed or cured as shown by box 62. As shown by box 64, the method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatus 32 next includes in this example providing a mold shaped to form the outer body, the plurality of positioning members shaped to position the steel reinforcing bars in place and the plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place. The method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatus 32 includes in this example positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold asseen by box 66. Finally and as seen in box 68, the method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup includes in this example injecting a polymer into the mold so as to form said outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with said positioning members and said spacers coupled thereto so as to form a unitary whole comprising concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The injection step may include injecting a polymer, thermoplastic or thermoset plastic into the mold for fast and / or rapid injection molding (RIM); however, this may not strictly be required.

[0045] Thus, hoop reinforcement 56 seen in Figure 4 in one non-limiting embodiment is formed by hoops of fiberglass via pultrusion in which one or more strands of the fiberglass are dipped in a bath of epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiberglass so dipped and wound thereafter being heat cured and the bobbin thereafter being split and / or removed. Alternatively, the hoop reinforcement may be formed by hoops of fiber-reinforced polymer (other than fiberglass, such as carbon fiber, basalt fiber etc.) via pultrusion in which one or more strands of fiber are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiber so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and / or removed.

[0046] Outer body 34, positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D and spacers 52A, 52B and 52C are therefore also formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement in one example via an injection mold so as to form a unitary whole in this non-limiting embodiment, with the positioning members and spacers thus coupled to the hoop reinforcement via the outer body of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.

[0047] There may thus also be provided a method of forming concrete reinforced structure 30 seen in Figure 1. The method may include positioning hoop reinforcement 56 within an injection mold so as to form and couple thereto the plurality of positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D and the plurality of spacers 52A, 52B and 52C. The method includes in this example extending hoop reinforcement 56 made of fiberglass 58 and / or outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32 about the plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D seen in Figure 2. The method includes in this example promoting a desired positioning of the steel reinforcing bars via the plurality of positioning members 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from hoop reinforcement 56 and / or outer body 34 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32. The method includes in this example positioning in place formwork 26 via the plurality of spacers 52A, 52B, 52C and 52D circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement and / or outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus. The method includes in this example pouring concrete 28 into the formwork, whereby hoop reinforcement 56 is configured to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

[0048] Figures 9 to 12 show a formwork assembly 20. 1 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32. 1 thereof according to another aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functionings as formwork assembly 20 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with the addition of decimal extension “.1”. Formwork assembly 20. 1 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32. 1 thereof are substantially the same as formwork assembly 20 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with at least the following exceptions.

[0049] As seen in Figure 10, outer body 34.1 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1, as well as hoop reinforcement 56.1 are generally polygonal in shape, in this non-limiting example being rectangular and in this non-limiting case being generally square shaped in outer and top / bottom profde. The outer body and hoop reinforcement may be referred to as rectangular loop shaped. Aperture 36. 1 about which outer body 34. 1 and hoop reinforcement 56. 1 extend is generally rectangular, in this example square shaped.

[0050] Concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 has in this example four sides 70A, 70B, 70C and 70D, which in one non-limiting embodiment may extend along outer peripheral surface 34B. 1 of outer body 34. 1 thereof, with a pair of spacers coupled to and extending laterally outwards from each respective side in this non-limiting embodiment. This is shown by: spacers 52A.1 and 52B.1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70A; spacers 52C. 1 and 52D. 1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70B; spacers 52E. 1 and 52F. 1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70C; and spacers 52G. 1 and 52H.1 coupled to and spaced outwards from side 70D. However, this arrangement is not strictly required and there may only be one or two or more spacers per side of outer body 34. 1 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 in other embodiments. Alternatively and as seen in Figure 12, outer body 34.1 may not include an outer peripheral surface 34B.1 thereof and instead, the sides may correspond to outer peripheral portion or surface 56B of hoop reinforcement 56.1, with spacers coupled directly thereto.

[0051] Each spacer 52.1 is substantially planar in this example and is configured to promote positioning in place of formwork 26. 1 that is polygonal in top / bottom / lateral profile, in this example being rectangular or square in top / bottom / lateral profile.

[0052] Referring back to Figure 10, concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1 may in this example have a plurality of rounded comers 72A, 72B, 72C and 72D extending between sides 70A and 70B, sides 70B and 70C, sides 70C and 70D and sides 70D and 70A thereof, respectively. Each comer is outwardly convex in top / bottom profile in this example. These comers may correspond to comers of outer body 34. 1 and align with outer peripheral surface 34B. 1 of the outer body. However, here too this is not strictly required. Alternatively and as seen in Figure 12, where outer body 34.1 does not include an outer peripheral surface 34B.1 thereof, in this case the comers may comprise corners of hoop reinforcement 56. 1 and correspond-to / align-with outer peripheral portion or surface 56B of the hoop reinforcement 56. 1.

[0053] As seen in Figure 9, concrete stirrup apparatus 32. 1 comprises four positioning members 50A.1, 50B.1, 50C.1 and 50D. 1 in this non-limiting embodiment, with one positioning member operatively coupled to each side thereof. This is shown by: positioning member 50A.1 operatively connected to side 70A, positioning member 50B.1 operatively connected to side 70B, positioning member 50C.1 operatively connected to side 70C and positioning member 50D.1 operatively connected to side 70D. However, this is not strictly required and there may less than one or two more positioning members operatively connected to a given side. As seen in Figure 10, each positioning member 50 is interposed between a pair of corresponding spacers for a given side 70 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.1.

[0054] Figures 13 to 19 show a formwork assembly 20.2 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 thereof according to an additional aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functionings as formwork assembly 20 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with the addition of decimal extension “.2”. Formwork assembly 20.2 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 thereof are substantially the same as formwork assembly 20 and concrete stirrup apparatus 32 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with at least the following exceptions.

[0055] Outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 seen in Figure 15 is shaped to receive hoop reinforcement 56.2 seen in Figure 17 wound thereabout in this non-limiting embodiment. The following is a non-limiting example that achieves this functionality.

[0056] Referring back to Figure 15, outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 is in the shape of a hollow spool in this non-limiting example. In addition or alternatively, the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus may be referred to and / or be in the shape of a bobbin 73, in this example a plastic bobbin. The outer body in this non-limiting embodiment is outwardly U-shaped or C-shaped in lateral section. Outer body 34.2 in this non-liming example comprises a channel 74. The channel is annular in this non-limiting embodiment, being circular in top / bottom view; however, this is not strictly required and the channel may be rectangular in top / bottom view in other embodiments. Channel 74 is radially outwardly-facing. The channel is shaped to receive hoop reinforcement 56.2 seen in Figure 17 therewithin, with the hoop reinforcement thus being windable about the channel. The following are additional non-limiting particulars which achieve this functionality.

[0057] As seen in Figure 15, channel 74 includes an inner wall 74A. The inner wall of the channel is annular and outwardly convex in this non-limiting example. Channel 74 includes first and second longitudinally / axially spaced-apart and radially-outwardly extending side portions 74B and 74C. The side portions of the channel couple together via inner wall 74A thereof.

[0058] Spacers 52A.2, 52B.2 and 52C.2 extend radially outwards past side portions 74B and 74C of channel 74. As seen in Figure 14, spacers 52B.2 and 52C.2 are U-shaped / C-shaped in top / bottom profile in this non-limiting example with radially-inwardly extending recesses or slots 75 positioned therebetween; however, this is not strictly required. Spacer 52A.2 is solid / continuous in this non-limiting example so as to facilitate placement of a marking / brand thereon; however, this too is not strictly required. Spacers 52.2 are generally / substantially planar in this non-limiting embodiment as seen in Figure 16. The spacers extend substantially parallel to and outwards from bottom 40.2 of outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 in this non-limiting example; however, this too is not strictly required and the spacers may extend outwards from and be parallel to top 38.2 of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in other embodiments.

[0059] Outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 is shaped to be formed via a two-piece injection mold 103 seen in Figure 18 in this non- limiting embodiment so as to reduce manufacturing costs. The following are further non-limiting particulars which achieve this functionality.

[0060] Referring to Figure 16, first side portion 74B and second side portion 74C of channel 74 are shaped to have generally or substantially zero overlap when viewed in top / bottom profile. To this end, the first side portion of the channel comprises a first plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending ribs 76, 76A, 76B, 76C etc. positioned along top 38.2 of outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2. The first plurality of ribs form a first plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending spaces 78, 78A, 78B etc. therebetween.

[0061] Second side portion 74C of channel 74 comprises a second plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending ribs 80, 80A, 80B, 80C etc. positioned along bottom 40.2 of outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2. The second plurality of ribs form a second plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending spaces 82, 82A, 82B etc. therebetween. Ribs 76 / 80 and spaces 78 / 82 are rectangular in top / bottom profile in this non-limiting embodiment. Referring to Figure 14, the second plurality of ribs 80 align with the first plurality of spaces 78 in this non-limiting embodiment and the first plurality of ribs 76 align with the second plurality of spaces 82 in this non-limiting example. This arrangement facilitates forming outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 with mold 103 seen in Figure 18 comprising only two parts: a first or bottom portion 103 A and a second or top portion 103B.

[0062] Referring back to Figure 16, the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus includes a peripheral portion 84 that extends about and couples together distal ends 81 of the second plurality of ribs 80 in this non-limiting example. The peripheral portion of the outer body is annular in this nonlimiting embodiment. Thus, second side portion 74C of channel 74 may be said to have a plurality of spaces 82 or apertures extending therethrough, with first side portion 74B of the channel being shaped to align with said spaces and / or being shaped to have an extent generally or substantially equal to that of the span of said spaces in this non-limiting embodiment. The above particulars of channel 74 are not strictly required and side portions 74B and 74C of the channel may be continuous with no apertures extending therethrough and / or with ribs forming no part thereof in other examples.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 14, positioning members 50.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 have unlocked positions in which respective reinforcing bars 22A.2, 22B.2, 22C.2 and 22D.2 seen inFigure 13 are receivable therein / therewithin. The positioning members are moveable as seen by arrow or first direction of rotation 85 from unlocked positions seen in Figure 14 thereof, to locked positions seen in Figure 13. Positioning members 50.2 in their locked positions thereof, inhibit removal / dislodgement of their respective reinforcing bars 22.2 so received / positioned-therewithin.

[0064] Each positioning member 50.2 forms a receptacle or enclosure when in the locked position thereof. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0065] Referring back to Figure 14, concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced catches 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D coupled to outer body 34.2 thereof. The catches couple to, extend inwards from and are positioned adjacent inner peripheral surface 34A.2 of outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 in this non-limiting embodiment. Positioning members 50A.2, 50B.2, 50C.2 and 50D.2 selectively couple with respective ones of catches 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D to selectively enclose and / or couple with respective reinforcing bars 22A.2, 22B.2, 22C.2 and 22D.2 seen in Figure 13. Each positioning member biases a respective reinforcing bar against hoop reinforcement 56.2 in its locked position thereof in this non-limiting example. The following are additional non-limiting particulars that achieve this functionality.

[0066] As seen in Figure 14, positioning members 50.2 in this non-limiting embodiment pivotally couple to outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 30.2, in this example via first, pivoting or proximal portions 88 thereof. The proximal portions of the positioning members pivotally couple to inner peripheral portion 34A.2 of outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2. Proximal portions 88 of positioning members 50.2 may be referred to as first end portions or proximal end portions of the positioning members. For each positioning member 50.2 the proximal portion thereof extends radially inwards in part and tangentially in part in the unlocked position thereof as seen in Figure 14 and extend generally, substantially or relatively more radially inwards when the positioning members are in their locked position thereof seen in Figure 13; however, this is not strictly required. As seen in Figure 16, proximal portions 88 of positioning members 50.2 are generally or substantially planar and rectangular in shape in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0067] Referring back to Figure 14, each positioning member 50.2 includes an elongate portion 90. For each positioning member, proximal portion 88 thereof pivotally and / or resiliently couples to the elongate portion thereof in this non-limiting embodiment. For each positioning member 50.2, elongate portion 90 thereof is shaped to extend about a radially inward-facing portion 91 of a respective reinforcing bar 22.2 as seen in Figure 13. The positioning members (or at least the elongate portions thereof) are resilient in this non-limiting example. Elongate portions 90 of positioning members 50.2 are bendable so as to extend about at least in part respective reinforcing bars 22.2 in this non-limiting embodiment; however, this is not strictly required and the elongate portions may be pre-formed to receive the reinforcing bars in other examples. As seen in Figure 14, for each positioning member the elongate portion thereof is shaped to selective facilitate bending thereof in this non-limitingembodiment. To this end, for each positioning member 50.2, elongate portion 90 thereof is hollow and / or has a slot 92 extending therethrough in this non-limiting example. The positioning members so shaped have an elasticity while maintaining their shape thereof overall on the one hand, while additionally functioning to accommodate size variance of the reinforcing bars on the other hand.

[0068] Still referring to Figure 14, each positioning member includes a second, locking or distal portion 94. The distal portions may be referred to as second end portions or distal end portions of the positioning members. For each positioning member 50.2, distal portion 94 thereof pivotally and / or resiliently couples to elongate portion 90 thereof in this non-limiting embodiment. For each positioning member, the elongate portion thereof couples to and extends between proximal portion 88 and distal portion 94 thereof. The distal portions of positioning members 50.2 are radially inwardly spaced from outer body 34.2 in unlocked positions thereof in this non-limiting embodiment. Distal portions 94 of the positioning members are spaced-apart from catches 86 in the unlocked positions thereof in this non-limiting example.

[0069] The distal portions of positioning members 50.2. selectively couple to outer body 34.2 via male and female members: in this non-limiting example, distal portions 94 of the positioning members are shaped to selectively couple with respective catches 86 to enable locking of the positioning members as seen in Figure 13. Distal portions 94 of positioning members 50.2 may thus be catchshaped as well and / or have profiles shaped to mate with catches 86. Each positioning member biases a respective reinforcing bar 22.2 against inner peripheral portion 34A.2 of outer body 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 in its locked position thereof in this non-limiting example. Distal portions 94 of positioning members 50.2 are adjacent the inner peripheral portion of the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus in the locked positions thereof in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0070] Each positioning member 50.2 is C-shaped or U-shaped in top / bottom profile in this nonlimiting embodiment; however, this is not required and the positioning members may have other shapes in other examples. For each positioning member, proximal portion 88 and distal portion 94 thereof extend generally or substantially in parallel with each other and generally or substantially perpendicular to elongate portion 90 thereof in this non-limiting example; however, here too this is not strictly required. Each positioning member 50.2 may be said to comprise a channel that is radially outwardly- facing in its locked position thereof as seen in Figure 13.

[0071] Referring back to Figure 14, each positioning member in this non-limiting example includes a protrusion, grip or handle 96 that facilitates selective gripping and / or movement thereof. For each positioning member 50.2, the handle thereof is adjacent and / or a part of distal portion 94 thereof in this non-limiting embodiment. Each handle 96 in this non-limiting embodiment includes a first portion, finger / thumb-receiving recess and / or outwardly-concave surface 96A and a second portion, finger / thumb-receiving recess and / or outwardly-concave surface 96B. As seen in Figure 13, each handle is shaped to facilitate application thereon of a radially-outwardly extending force as seenby arrow 98, to promote selective locking of its positioning member 50.2. For each positioning member, outwardly-concave surface 96A of handle 96 thereof is shaped to facilitate movement of the positioning member in a first radial direction as seen by arrow 98 and / or shaped to facilitate rotation of the positioning member in the first direction of rotation 85 seen in Figure 14.

[0072] Referring back to Figure 13, each handle is shaped to facilitate application thereon of a radially-inwardly extending force as seen by arrow 100, to promote selective unlocking of the positioning member. For each positioning member 50.2, outwardly-concave surface 96B of handle 96 thereof is thus shaped to facilitate movement of the positioning member in a second radial direction as seen by arrow 100 which is opposite first radial direction seen by arrow 98, and / or to facilitate rotation of the positioning member in a second direction of rotation 87 which is opposite the first direction of rotation 85 seen in Figure 14. For each positioning member 50.2, handle 96 extends generally parallel to elongate portion 90 thereof in this non-limiting example.

[0073] Figures 17 and 18 show a non-limiting example of an assembly 102 for manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup 30.2. The assembly in this non-limiting embodiment includes two-part mold 103 seen in Figure 18. The mold via portions 103A and 103B thereof, is shaped to form for each concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2: outer body 34.2 thereof seen in Figure 13; positioning members 50A.2, 50B.2, 50C.2 and 50D.2 thereof shaped to position reinforcing bars 22A.2, 22B.2, 22C.2 and 22D.2 in place; and spacers 52A.2, 52B.2 and 52C.2 thereof shaped to situate formwork 26.2 in place. This first step in the method of manufacturing concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2 is shown as box 140 in Figure 19. Referring back to Figure 18, mold 103 is configured to form bobbins 73 with each being shaped to support winding of epoxy-coated reinforcing fiber, such as glass fiber roving, thereabout.

[0074] Referring back to Figure 17, assembly 102 includes a winding system 104 for coupling hoop reinforcements 56.2 to respective concrete stirrup apparatuses. The following is a non-limiting embodiment which achieves this functionality.

[0075] Winding system 104 includes a mandrel 106, a shaft 108 to which the mandrel couples, and an actuator, in this example a motor 110 coupled to the shaft and via which the mandrel is rotated. The rotatable mandrel is shaped to receive thereon bobbins 73 so molded, with the mandrel rotating via the motor about common axis 24.2 thereof. This second step in the method of manufacturing concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2, namely, mounting each of the bobbins so molded about the rotatable mandrel, is shown as box 142 in Figure 19.

[0076] Referring back to Figure 17, assembly 102 includes an epoxy dispensing system 112. The dispensing system includes a mixing device or extruder 113 comprises a screw 114, a shaft 116 to which the screw couples, an actuator in this example a motor 118 coupled to the shaft and via which the extruder rotates, and a barrel 120 within which the screw is positioned and rotates. The barrel has an inlet 120 A and a tapered end portion or outlet 120B.

[0077] Dispensing system 112 includes an epoxy resin 122 and hardener 124 that are mixed together and combined in barrel 120 to form an epoxy 125 that is selectively directed to the inlet of barrel 120 via rotation of screw 114. The dispensing system includes a portion control system 126 for regulating / adjusting the portion or ratio of epoxy resin 122 to hardener 124, with the control system in this non-limiting example comprising a pair of solenoid valves 126A and 126B which are selectively actuated to this end. The epoxy resin and hardener may be directed towards barrel 120 via pressurized reservoirs and / or via pumps (not shown) in some non-limiting embodiments. Dispensing system 112 includes a mount 127 to which extruder 113 and valves 126A and 126B couple in this non-limiting example. The mount is L-shaped in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0078] Assembly 102 includes a two-part resin receptacle, in this example an epoxy receptacle, or epoxy bath 128 in fluid communication with and in this example positioned below outlet 120B of barrel 120 to receive epoxy 125 therewithin. The epoxy bath operatively connects to dispensing system 112 in this example via mount 127. Epoxy bath 128 includes a pair of elongate side walls 128A and 128B and a plurality of elongate members or rods 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F, 130G, 130H and 1301 coupled to and extending between the side walls thereof.

[0079] The epoxy bath is shaped to receive and apply epoxy 125 to an elongate strand of fiber, in this example a fiberglass roving 132 arranged to be woven or moved upwards and downwards between adj acent rods. The fiberglass roving is a non-limiting example of a type of reinforcement material made of continuous strands of glass fibers which are bundled together in a continuous strip. Fiberglass roving 132 may be relatively soft / delicate and this arrangement may function to facilitate a tension on the fiberglass roving of about 400 grams in one non-limiting embodiment which guides the roving on the one hand, while inhibiting damage / breaking thereof on the other hand. This third step in the method of manufacturing concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2, namely, epoxy-coating / dipping the roving in the epoxy bath, is shown as box 144 in Figure 19.

[0080] Referring back to Figure 17, winding system 104 includes a linear actuator 134 via which alignment of epoxy bath 128 and dispensing system 112 relative to mandrel 106, is selectively adjustable as seen by arrows 135. The epoxy bath rests upon and operatively connects to the linear actuator in this non-limiting example, with the dispensing system also operatively connecting to the linear actuator in this example via mount 127

[0081] Winding system 104 includes a guide 136 via which fiberglass roving 132 so epoxy - coated / dipped is guided / directed to channel 74 of a given concrete stirrup apparatus 32A.2. The guide is channel-shaped in this non-limiting example, with an enlarged inlet 136A shaped to facilitate receiving therein of the fiberglass roving and a tapered outlet 136B.

[0082] A given concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2A so mounted on mandrel 106 is rotated via motor 110 about axis 24.2, with fiberglass roving 132 so epoxy-coating / dipped being directed / wound about channel 74 via guide 136 thereby so as to form hoop reinforcement 56.2. When the hoop reinforcementis sufficiently formed for the given concrete stirrup apparatus, linear actuator 134 incrementally / selectively directs / re-positions winding system 104 (including guide 136 thereof) so as to align with the next concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2B, directing the fiberglass roving thereto and causing the fiberglass roving to wind thereabout and form its hoop reinforcement. This pattern may be repeated sequentially until outer bodies 34.2 of each of the concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2 include hoop reinforcements 56.2 coupled thereto. This fourth step in the method of manufacturing concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2, namely, guiding the roving onto each bobbin sequentially and including configuring the winding system to place a minimum / correct / desired / pre-determined number of loops thereof thereabout to form hoop reinforcements shaped to meet a minimum / correct / desired / predetermined tensile and / or shear threshold, is shown as box 146 in Figure 19.

[0083] Once each bobbin has been wound with epoxy-coated roving in the desired manner, the fifth step in the method of manufacturing the concrete stirrup apparatuses as shown by box 148 comprises heat curing the epoxy so wound about the bobbins, in this example by moving the mandrel to an oven 147. The oven is thus part of assembly 102 seen in Figure 17.

[0084] For each concrete stirrup apparatus, peripheral portion 84 of the outer body thereof seen in Figure 15 promotes positioning of a connecting portion 138 between fiberglass roving of adjacent concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2A and 32.2B seen in Figure 17 to the periphery. This facilitates access to the connecting portions subsequently for cutting and / or grinding therethrough to separate / disconnect the concrete stirrup apparatuses so wound thereafter. The final step in the method of manufacturing concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2 is thus separating out the bobbins having epoxy so heat cured thereon, by grinding off the strands or connecting portions of roving between the bobbins and thereafter removing the bobbins from the mandrel, as seen in Figure 19 by box 150.

[0085] There is thus provided in the non-limiting embodiment a method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2 to promote a desired positioning of reinforcing bars 22.2 seen in Figure 13, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete 28.2 adjacent thereto, and situate formwork 26.2 in place thereabout. Referring to Figure 18, the method includes providing mold 103 shaped to form a plurality of concrete stirrup apparatuses 32A.2, 32B.2, 32. C.2, 32D.2, 32E.2, 32F.2, 32G.2 and 32H.2 seen in Figure 17, each comprising outer body 34.2 seen in Figure 13, positioning members 50A.2, 50B.2, 50C.2 and 50D.2 shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and spacers 52A.2, 52B.2 and 52C.2 shaped to situate the formwork in place. The method includes arranging / shaping the outer body, positioning members and spacers to facilitate injection forming thereof via a two-part said mold seen in Figure 18.

[0086] Referring back to Figure 17, the method includes coating a continuous strand of reinforcing fibers or fiberglass roving 132 with epoxy 125. The method may include forming the epoxy in realtime via epoxy resin 122 and hardener 124 mixed together via extruder 113 and directing the epoxy soformed into epoxy bath 128. The coating step may include weaving fiberglass roving 132 via a plurality of rods 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F, 130G, 130H and 1301 to ensure that the fiberglass roving is thoroughly coated with epoxy 125 on the one hand, while inhibiting tension / damage thereto on the other hand.

[0087] The method includes winding fiberglass roving 132 so coated with epoxy 125, about respective outer bodies 34.2 of concrete stirrup apparatuses 32.2 so as to form hoop reinforcements 56.2. The method may include within the winding step, aligning the fiberglass roving with a respective said concrete stirrup apparatus via linear actuator 134 and directing the fiberglass roving so aligned to the respective said concrete stirrup apparatus via guide 136. The method may include within the winding step, mounting concrete stirrup apparatuses 32A.2, 32B.2, 32. C.2, 32D.2, 32E.2, 32F.2, 32G.2 and 32H.2 to mandrel 106 and rotating the mandrel and concrete stirrup apparatuses so mounted thereto via motor 110. This process may next be repeated for each concrete stirrup apparatus in sequence.

[0088] The method next includes coupling each of concrete stirrup apparatuses 32A.2, 32B.2, 32.C.2, 32D.2, 32E.2, 32F.2, 32G.2 and 32H.2 to reinforcing bars 22A.2, 22B.2, 22C.2 and 22D.2 seen in Figure 13 via positioning members 50A.2, 50B.2, 50C.2 and 50D.2 and catches 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D. Within the coupling step, the method may include receiving the reinforcing bars within respective positioning members in unlocked positions thereof seen in Figure 14. Within the coupling step, the method may include next moving positioning members 50A.2, 50B.2, 50C.2 and 50D.2 from said unlocked positions, to locked positions seen in Figure 13 so as to bias reinforcing bars 22A.2, 22B.2, 22C.2 and 22D.2 towards and / or adjacent outer bodies 34.2 and / or reinforcement hoops 56.2. Within the coupling step, the method may include shaping the positioning members to extend about and / or selectively bend at least in part to receive respective the respective reinforcing bars.

[0089] Still referring to Figure 13, the method may next include positioning in place formwork 26.2 via spacers 52A.2, 52B.2 and 52C.2. The method may next includes pouring concrete 28.2 into the formwork, whereby for each concrete stirrup apparatus 32.2, outer body 34.2 and / or hoop reinforcement 56.2 thereof are shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

[0090] Many advantages result from the structure of the present invention. Concrete stirrup apparatuses 32 / 32. 1 / 32.2 as herein described may function as or to provide a concrete cover for the reinforcement. The concrete stirrup apparatuses as herein described may function to hold the longitudinal steel reinforcement or steel reinforcing bars 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D seen in Figure 2 in position, promote a desired positioning thereof and / or inhibit dislodgement / displacement thereof. Concrete stirrup apparatuses 32 / 32.1 / 32.2 as herein described may provide shear strength to concrete 28 (or promote or improve the shear strength thereof), so as to be substantially equivalent to or better than steel reinforcing. In view of the above, concrete stirrup apparatus 32 / 32. 1 / 32.2 as herein described may provide at least three different functions within a single unitary whole / product: i) functioning asa concrete cover for the reinforcement; ii) promoting and / or maintaining steel reinforcing bar positioning; and iii) providing concrete poured into the formwork with shear strength and / or promoting / improving the same. The concrete stirrup apparatuses as herein described are configured to provide / enable a versatility in shapes thereof, including round, polygonal, rectangular and / or square configurations.

[0091] Formwork assembly 20 / 20.1 / 20.2 as herein described is configured to facilitate / enable longitudinal spacing of respective ones of the plurality of concrete stirrup apparatuses thereof to be changed / adjusted as required by engineering and / or the specification of a given project.

[0092] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. Where a component (e.g. an apparatus, member, assembly, device etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which perform the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.Interpretation of Terms

[0093] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:• “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;• “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;• “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;• “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;• the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (“a”, “an”, and “the”) mean one or more unless stated otherwise;• “and / or” is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and / or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B);• “approximately” when applied to a numerical value means the numerical value ± 10%;• where a feature is described as being “optional” or “optionally” present or described as being present “in some embodiments” it is intended that the present disclosure encompassesembodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as "solely," "only" and the like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of "negative" limitation(s)” to exclude the presence of other features; and• “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

[0094] Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0095] Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

[0096] Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by "about". In this context, "about" provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value ±5%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in “about” a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of “about 10” is to be interpreted as: the set of statements:• in some embodiments the numerical value is 10;• in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.5 to 10.5; and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then “about 10” also includes:• in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10

[0097] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and / or acts with equivalent features, elements and / or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and / or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and / or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and / or acts of other technology; and / or omitting combining features, elements and / or acts from described embodiments.

[0098] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0099] Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

[0100] Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternatives or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

[0101] Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and / or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the caseeven if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and / or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

[0102] Concrete stirrup apparatuses, formwork assemblies comprising the same, assemblies for and methods of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatuses, and methods of forming a concrete reinforced structure, have been described.

[0103] The following clauses are offered as further description.(1) Apparatus including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or subcombination of features as described herein.(2) Methods including any new and inventive steps, acts, combination of steps and / or acts or sub-combination of steps and / or acts as described herein.

[0104] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and subcombinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a hoop reinforcement; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement.

2. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars.

3. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of positioning members are shaped to couple with and promote a desired positioning of the plurality of reinforcing bars.

4. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said reinforcing bar is a steel reinforcing bar.

5. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of spacers are shaped to abut a formwork and / or promote positioning of the formwork thereabout.

6. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to concrete poured into the formwork so positioned.

7. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP).

8. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises fiberglass.

9. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.

10. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a basalt fiber-reinforced polymer.

11. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is loop-shaped.

12. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises one or more loops.

13. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein said one or more loops are coupled together so as to form a unitary whole.

14. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the one or more loops are shaped to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar.

15. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the one or more loops are shaped to have a shear resistance that functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

16. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement comprises a plurality of fiberglass loops.

17. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of fiberglass loops are coupled together so as to form a unitary whole.

18. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the fiberglass loops are shaped to have a shear resistance substantially equal to or greater than that of a steel reinforcing bar.

19. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the fiberglass loops are shaped to have a shear resistance which functions as a substitute for a steel reinforcing bar.

20. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is rectangular in top / bottom profile.

21. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body and / or hoop reinforcement is circular in top / bottom profile.

22. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of positioning members, the plurality of spacers and / or the outer body are made of a polymer, a thermoplastic and / or a thermoset plastic.

23. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body has an inner peripheral surface that is outwardly concave in lateral profile.

24. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body has a top which extends within a first plane, and wherein the outer body has a bottom spaced-apart from the top thereof and which extends within a second plane parallel to the first plane.

25. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of positioning members extend between and / or are inwardly positioned from said top and said bottom of the outer body and wherein the plurality of spacers extend between and / or are inwardly positioned from the top and the bottom of the outer body.

26. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer is coaxial with the outer body and / or hoop reinforcement.

27. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member is shaped to receive at least in part a respective reinforcing bar or rebar.

28. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member is at least partially arc-shaped in top / bottom profile.

29. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member is U-shaped or C-shaped in top / bottom profile.

30. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the concrete stirrup apparatus comprises a structural positioning member for locating reinforcing bars in a concrete reinforced structure so as to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars, provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete, as well as to situate a formwork in place.

31. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the concrete stirrup apparatus includes an outer body which extends about a longitudinal axis thereof and to which the hoop reinforcement couples.

32. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body is U-shaped in lateral section.

33. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body is C-shaped in lateral section.

34. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is wound about the outer body.

35. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body comprises a channel.

36. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the channel is annular.

37. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the channel is radially outwardly- facing.

38. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the channel is shaped to receive the hoop reinforcement therewithin.

39. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is wound about the channel.

40. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the channel includes an annular inner wall which is outwardly convex, and wherein the channel includes a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart side portions coupling together via and extending radially outwards from the inner wall thereof.

41. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the spacers extend radially outwards past the side portions of the channel.

42. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the side portions of the channel have generally or substantially zero overlap when viewed in top / bottom profile.

43. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein a first said side portion of the channel has a plurality of spaces or apertures extending therethrough, and wherein a second said side portion of the channel is shaped to align with said spaces.

44. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein a first said side portion of the channel has a plurality of spaces or apertures extending therethrough, and wherein a second said side portion of the channel is shaped have an extent generally or substantially equal to that of the span of said spaces.

45. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said side portion of the channel comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending ribs.

46. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body comprises a first plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending ribs extending along a top thereof.

47. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body comprises a second plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending ribs extending along a bottom thereof.

48. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body includes a peripheral portion which extends about and couples together distal ends of one of the first and second plurality of ribs.

49. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the peripheral portion of the outer body is annular.

50. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the first plurality of ribs form a first plurality of spaces therebetween, wherein the second plurality of ribs form a second plurality of spaces therebetween, wherein the second plurality of ribs align with the first plurality of spaces, and wherein the first plurality of ribs align with the second plurality of spaces.

51. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body is configured to be formed via a two-piece injection mold.

52. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member pivotally couples to the outer body.

53. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including a plurality of circumferentially spaced catches coupled to the outer body.

54. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said catch is positioned adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the outer body.

55. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of catches extend radially-inwards from the outer body.

56. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the positioning members selectively couple with respective said catches to selectively enclose and / or couple with respective reinforcing bars or rebars.

57. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member has an unlocked position and is moveable therefrom to a locked position.

58. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member has an unlocked position in which a respective said reinforcing bar or rebar is receivable therein / therewithin, and wherein each said positioning member is moveable from the unlocked position to a locked position, in which removal / dislodgement of the respective said reinforcing bar or rebar so received is inhibited.

59. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the positioning members are resilient.

60. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member includes an elongate portion shaped to extend about a radially inward-facing portion of a respective said reinforcing bar or rebar.

61. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the elongate portions of the positioning members are bendable so as to extend about at least in part respective said reinforcing bars or rebars.

62. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member includes a proximal or pivoting portion which extends generally radially when the positioning member is in a locked position thereof.

63. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the proximal or pivoting portions of the positioning members pivotally couple to the outer body.

64. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member includes a distal or locking portion shaped to selectively couple with a catch to enable locking of the positioning member.

65. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member includes a distal or locking portion which selectively couples to the outer body thereof via male and female members.

66. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member forms a receptacle or enclosure at least when in the locked position thereof.

67. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member includes a protrusion, grip or handle which facilitates selective gripping and / or movement thereof.

68. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member includes a protrusion, grip or handle which facilitates application thereon of a radially- outwardly extending force to promote locking of the positioning member and which facilitates application thereon of a radially-inwardly extending force to promote unlocking of the positioning member.

69. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member, the protrusion, grip or handle thereof extends generally parallel to the elongate portion thereof.

70. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member, the protrusion, grip or handle thereof includes a first portion, finger / thumb-receiving recess and / or outwardly-concave surface to facilitate rotation of the positioning member in a first direction of rotation and / or to facilitate movement of the positioning member in a first radial direction.

71. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member, the protrusion, grip or handle thereof includes a second portion, finger / thumb-receiving recess and / or outwardly-concave surface to facilitate rotation of the positioning member in a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation and / or to facilitate movement of the positioning member in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction.

72. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member the distal or locking portion thereof pivotally and / or resiliently couples to the elongate portion thereof.

73. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member the proximal portion thereof pivotally and / or resiliently couples to the elongate portion thereof.

74. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member the elongate portion thereof is shaped to selective facilitate bending thereof.

75. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said positioning member the elongate portion thereof is hollow and / or has a slot extending therethrough.

76. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a hollow spool; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the hollow spool; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the hollow spool.

77. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hollow spool comprises an outer body.

78. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including a hoop reinforcement which extends about the hollow spool.

79. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including strands of epoxy-coated fiber that extend about the hollow spool.

80. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including epoxy-coated hoops of fiberglass that extend about the hollow spool.

81. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a bobbin; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the bobbin; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the bobbin.

82. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the bobbin is made of plastic.

83. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including strands of epoxy-coated fiber that extend about the bobbin.

84. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including epoxy-coated hoops of fiberglass that extend about the bobbin.

85. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body is generally or substantially a bobbin.

86. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile and outwardly C-shaped in lateral section; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

87. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, pivotally coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body; a plurality of catches circumferentially spaced about the outer body, the positioning members having unlocked positions in which distal portions thereof are spaced-apart from the catches and the positioning members being moveable from the unlocked positions to locked positions in which the distal portions thereof couple to the catches; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially- outwardly extending from the outer body.

88. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member is U-shaped and / or C-shaped in top / bottom profde.

89. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member comprises a channel which is radially outwardly- facing in the locked position thereof.

90. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member biases a respective reinforcing bar or rebar against an inner peripheral portion of the outer body in the locked position thereof.

91. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member biases a respective reinforcing bar or rebar against and / or towards the hoop reinforcement in the locked position thereof.

92. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profde; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, pivotally coupled to and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body, the positioning members having unlocked positions in which distal portions thereof are inwardly spaced from the outer body and the positioning members being moveable from the unlocked positions to locked positions in which the distal portions thereof are adjacent and / or couple to the outer body; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

93. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body which is annular or rectangular in top / bottom profile; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, coupled to andradially-inwardly extending from the outer body, the positioning members being moveable from unlocked positions to receive respective reinforcing bars or rebars, to locked positions in which movement of the reinforcing bars or rebars is inhibited, with each said positioning member comprising a channel which is radially outwardly-facing in the locked position thereof; and a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, coupled to and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

94. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars; a first plurality of positioning members or spacers operatively connected to the hoop reinforcement and shaped to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars; and a second plurality of positioning members or spacers operatively connected to the hoop reinforcement and shaped to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout.

95. A concrete stirrup apparatus comprising: an outer body shaped to extend about a plurality of reinforcing bars; a plurality of positioning members coupled to the outer body and shaped to promote a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars; a plurality of spacers coupled to the outer body and shaped to promote positioning of a formwork thereabout; and a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around an exterior peripheral surface of the outer body.

96. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the spacers are U-shaped or C-shaped in top / bottom profile.

97. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the spacers are substantially planar.

98. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the spacers couple to and extend outwards from one of the top or the bottom of the outer body.

99. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is formed by hoops of fiber-reinforced polymer via pultrusion in which one or more strands of fiber are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiber so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and / or removed.

100. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is formed by hoops of fiberglass via pultrusion in which one or more strands of said fiberglass are dipped in a bath epoxy and thereafter wound on a bobbin, with the one or more strands of fiberglass so dipped and wound being thereafter heat cured, and with the bobbin thereafter being split and / or removed.

101. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is D-shaped in lateral profile.

102. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of positioning members and the plurality of spacers are formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement via an injection mold so as to form a unitary whole.

103. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of positioning members and the plurality of spacers are formed by and couple to the hoop reinforcement via rapid injection molding.

104. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the concrete stirrup apparatus has a longitudinal axis about which an outer body thereof and / or the hoop reinforcement thereof extends.

105. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement has an inner peripheral portion or surface which is radially-inwardly extending and outwardly convex in lateral profile.

106. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement has an outer peripheral portion or surface opposite the inner peripheral portion thereof, with the outer peripheral surface of the hoop reinforcement extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis and / or being substantially planar relative thereto.

107. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned and via which the plurality of positioning members and spacers couple to the hoop reinforcement.

108. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, including an outer body within which the hoop reinforcement is positioned.

109. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body has an inner peripheral surface that is outwardly convex in lateral profde.

110. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body includes a plurality of outwardly-extending ridges positioned around an exterior peripheral surface thereof.

111. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the plurality of ridges are circumferentially spaced about the outer body.

112. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body extends about an axis and wherein the plurality of ridges are angled by an acute angle from a lateral / side perspective relative to said axis.

113. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body includes an inner ridge which couples to and extends outwards from an inner peripheral surface thereof.

114. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body includes an outer ridge which couples to and extends outwards from an outer peripheral surface thereof.

115. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the outer body, including the inner ridge and / or the outer ridge thereof, extend about a longitudinal axis.

116. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein the inner ridge and / or outer ridge intersect with the plurality of outwardly-extending ridges so as to form a unitary whole.

117. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer is outwardly rectangular.

118. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer couples to the outer body via a fin.

119. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said fin is radially- extending.

120. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said fin is rectangular in side profile.

121. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein for each said spacer, the corresponding said fin thereof couples thereto between spaced-apart ends thereof.

122. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer couples to its corresponding said fin so as to extend substantially perpendicular thereto.

123. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer couples to its corresponding said fin so as to extend substantially tangential thereto.

124. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer is outwardly convex.

125. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer has a radius of curvature which is equal to that of the outer body and / or hoop reinforcement.

126. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said spacer is T- shaped in top / bottom profile.

127. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member is open and / or faces the longitudinal axis of the concrete stirrup apparatus.

128. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member comprises a semi-cylindrical shell.

129. A concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, wherein each said positioning member is shaped to receive a reinforcing bar with a radius of curvature substantially equal to or greater than the reinforcing bar.

130. A formwork assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced- apart reinforcing bars; a hoop reinforcement shaped to extend about the reinforcing bars; a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement so as to promote a desired positioning or spacing of the reinforcing bars; a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; and a formwork shaped to extend about and be positioned in place via the plurality of spacers.

131. A form work assembly comprising: a formwork; and one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses according to any claim herein.

132. A formwork assembly according to any claim herein, including a plurality of longitudinally- extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars positioned in place via the one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses.

133. A formwork assembly according to any claim herein, wherein each said reinforcing bar is a steel reinforcing bar.

134. A formwork assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced- apart reinforcing bars; and one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses according to any claim herein.

135. A formwork assembly according to any claim herein, including a formwork positioned in place via the one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses.

136. A formwork assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the formwork is shaped to receive concrete therein.

137. A formwork assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete.

138. A concrete reinforced structure made via one or more concrete stirrup apparatuses according to any claim herein.

139. A concrete reinforced structure made via a formwork assembly according to any claim herein.

140. A method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatus of any claim herein, to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: providing a mold shaped to form as one integral part an outer body, a plurality of positioning members shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and a plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place; and providing the hoop reinforcement about the outer body.

141. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, extending the hoop reinforcement about the outer body.

142. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, winding the hoop reinforcement about the outer body.

143. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, providing the hoop reinforcement with fiber-reinforced polymer and / or one or more loops made of fiber-reinforced polymer.

144. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, dipping strands of fiber in a bath of epoxy.

145. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, winding the strands of fiber so coated with epoxy about a bobbin.

146. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, winding the strands of fiber so coated with epoxy about the outer body.

147. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, heat curing the strands of fiber so dipped / wound so as to form said hoop reinforcement comprising one or more loops or hoops made of fiber-reinforced polymer.

148. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, forming the hoop reinforcement with fiberglass and / or fiberglass loops.

149. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, dipping strands of fiberglass in a bath of epoxy.

150. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, winding the strands of fiberglass so coated with epoxy about a bobbin.

151. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, winding the strands of fiberglass so coated with epoxy about the outer body.

152. A method according to any claim herein, including within the providing the hoop reinforcement step, heat curing the strands of fiberglass so dipped / wound so as to form said hoop reinforcement comprising one or more loops or hoops of said fiberglass.

153. A method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatus of any claim herein, to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: providing a mold shaped to form as one integral part an outer body, a plurality of positioning members shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and a plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place; coating a continuous strand of reinforcing fibers with resin; and winding the reinforcing fibers so coated about the outer body.

154. A method according to any claim herein, including winding the reinforcing fibers so coated about the outer body so as to form a hoop reinforcement.

155. A method according to any claim herein, including splitting and / or removing the bobbin from the hoop reinforcement so formed or cured.

156. A method according to any claim herein, wherein each said reinforcing bar is a steel reinforcing bar.

157. A method of forming a concrete reinforced structure according to any claim herein, the method comprising: extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiber-reinforced polymer about a plurality of longitudinally-extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; promoting a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars via a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; and pouring concrete into the formwork, whereby the hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

158. A method of forming a concrete reinforced structure according to any claim herein, the method comprising: extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiberglass about a plurality of longitudinally- extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; promoting a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars via a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; and pouring concrete into the formwork, whereby the hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

159. A method of forming a concrete reinforced structure, the method comprising: extending a hoop reinforcement made of fiber-reinforced polymer or fiberglass about a plurality of longitudinally- extending and laterally spaced-apart reinforcing bars; promoting a desired positioning of the reinforcing bars via a plurality of positioning members circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-inwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; positioning in place a formwork via a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced about, operatively connected to and radially-outwardly extending relative to the hoop reinforcement; and pouring concrete into the formwork, whereby the hoop reinforcement is shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

160. A method of manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: injection molding as one part an annular outer body, a plurality of positioning members coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body, and a plurality of spacers coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body; and winding a continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers about the outer body so as to form a reinforcement hoop.

161. A method according to any claim herein, including within the winding step, rotating the outer body relative to the continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers.

162. A method according to any claim herein, including within the winding step, rotating the outer body via a motor, relative to the continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers.

163. A method according to any claim herein, including mixing an epoxy resin and a hardener via an extruder to form in real-time an epoxy to which the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers are coated.

164. A method according to any claim herein, including coating and / or dipping the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers in an epoxy bath to promote coating of the epoxy thereon.

165. A method according to any claim herein, including weaving the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers through an epoxy bath to promote coating of the epoxy thereon while inhibiting tension and / or damage thereto.

166. A method according to any claim herein, including weaving the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers through a plurality of elongate members within the epoxy bath to promote coating of the epoxy thereon while inhibiting tension and / or damage thereto.

167. A method according to any claim herein, including within the winding step, aligning the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers with the outer body via a linear actuator.

168. A method according to any claim herein, including within the winding step, operatively connecting the extruder and / or the epoxy bath to the linear actuator.

169. A method according to any claim herein, including within the winding step, directing the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers so epoxy coated to the outer body via a channel-shaped guide having an enlarged inlet and a tapered outlet.

170. A method according to any claim herein, including within the molding step, shaping the outer body, the positioning member and the spacers to be formed via a two-part mold.

171. A method according to any claim herein, including mounting a plurality of outer bodies about a rotatable mandrel and selectively winding the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers so epoxy coated about each said outer body to form respective said hoop reinforcements thereon.

172. A method according to any claim herein, including within the molding step, forming a radially outwardly- facing channel in the outer body; and within the winding step, winding the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers so epoxy-coated about said channel.

173. A method according to any claim herein, including coupling the concrete stirrup apparatus to reinforcing bars via the positioning members.

174. A method according to any claim herein, including within the coupling step, receiving the reinforcing bars within respective said positioning members in unlocked positions thereof.

175. A method according to any claim herein, including within the coupling step, next moving the positioning members with the reinforcing bars so received therein, from said unlocked positions to locked positions so as to bias the reinforcing bars towards and / or adjacent the outer body and / or reinforcement hoop.

176. A method according to any claim herein, including within the coupling step, shaping the positioning members to extend about and / or selectively bend at least in part to receive respective the respective reinforcing bars.

177. A method according to any claim herein, including positioning in place the formwork via the spacers.

178. A method according to any claim herein, including pouring concrete into the formwork so positioned in place, whereby the concrete stirrup apparatus (and / or the outer body thereof and / or hoopreinforcement thereof) is shaped to provide shear strength to the concrete and / or promote or improve the shear strength of the concrete so poured.

179. A method of manufacturing or forming concrete stirrup apparatuses to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: injection molding a plurality of bobbins, each having a plurality of radially-inwardly extending positioning members and a plurality of radially-outwardly extending spacers; mounting the bobbins so molded about a rotatable mandrel; coating / dipping a continuous strand or roving of fiberglass in epoxy; guiding the roving so coated / dipped with epoxy, about each said bobbin sequentially; and heat curing the epoxy so wound about the bobbins.

180. A method according to any claim herein, including within the guiding / winding step for each said bobbin and / or outer body, placing a minimum / correct / desired / pre-determined number of loops thereabout to form a hoop reinforcement which meets a minimum / desired / predetermined tensile and / or shear threshold.

181. A method according to any claim herein, including after the heat curing step, separating the bobbins with epoxy so heat cured thereon, by grinding off strands or connection portions of roving between the bobbins and thereafter removing the bobbins from the mandrel.

182. A method of manufacturing or forming the concrete stirrup apparatus of any claim herein, to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: forming the hoop reinforcement via pultrusion; providing a mold shaped to form an outer body, a plurality of positioning members shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and a plurality of spacers shaped to situate the form work in place; positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold; and injecting a polymer, thermoplastic and / or a thermoset plastic into the mold so as to form said outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with said positioning members and said spacers coupled thereto so as to form a unitary whole comprising said concrete stirrup apparatus.

183. A method of manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a form work in place thereabout, the method comprising: forming a hoop reinforcement via pultrusion; providing a mold shaped to form an outer body, a plurality of positioning members shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place and a plurality of spacers shaped to situate the formwork in place; positioning the hoop reinforcement within the mold; and injecting a polymer, thermoplastic and / or a thermoset plastic into the mold so as to form the outer body about the hoop reinforcement, together with the positioning members and the spacers coupled thereto, so as to form a unitary whole comprising said concrete stirrup apparatus.

184. A method of manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein, to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the method comprising: injection molding an outer body; and winding a continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers about the outer body so as to form a reinforcement hoop.

185. A method according to any claim herein, including forming said hoop reinforcement via pultrusion.

186. A method according to any claim herein, including positioning the hoop reinforcement within an injection mold so as to form and couple thereto the plurality of positioning members and the plurality of spacers.

187. An assembly for manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus according to any claim herein to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the assembly comprising: a mold via which the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus is formed via injection molding; and a winding system via which for each said concrete stirrup apparatus so molded, a continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers is wound about the outer body thereof to form a reinforcement hoop.

188. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the mold forms as one integral part an annular said outer body, a plurality of positioning members coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body, and a plurality of spacers coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body.

189. An assembly for manufacturing or forming a concrete stirrup apparatus to promote a desired positioning of a plurality of reinforcing bars, promote or improve the shear strength of concrete adjacent thereto, and situate a formwork in place thereabout, the assembly comprising: a mold via which is formed an annular outer body, a plurality of positioning members coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-inwardly extending from the outer body, and a plurality of spacers coupled to, circumferentially spaced and radially-outwardly extending from the outer body; and a winding system via which a continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers extends about the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus to form a reinforcement hoop.

190. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the positioning members are shaped to position the reinforcing bars in place, and wherein the spacers are shaped situate the formwork in place.

191. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the winding system includes a mandrel about which the concrete stirrup apparatus mounts and an actuator via which the mandrel and thus the concrete stirrup apparatus rotate.

192. An assembly according to any claim herein, including an epoxy dispensing system comprising an extruder which receives and mixes together an epoxy resin and a hardener so as to output an epoxy.

193. An assembly according to any claim herein, including an epoxy bath in fluid communication with and / or positioned to receive the epoxy194. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the epoxy bath includes a plurality of elongate members or shafts via which the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers are woven to promote coating thereof and inhibit tension and / or damage thereto.

195. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the winding system includes a linear actuator, with selective actuation thereof enabling the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers to align with the concrete stirrup apparatus for selectively winding thereabout.

196. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the mold forms a radially outwardly- facing channel in the outer body and wherein the channel is shaped to receive the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers so epoxy-coated thereabout.

197. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the dispensing system and / or the epoxy bath operatively connect to the linear actuator.

198. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the winding system includes a guide which is channel-shaped with an enlarged end to receive from the epoxy bath the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers so epoxy-coated and with a tapered end via which the continuous strand of reinforcing fibers so epoxy-coated is directed about the outer body.

199. An assembly according to any claim herein, wherein the mold is a two-part mold.

200. An assembly according to any claim herein, including an oven via which the continuous strand of epoxy-coated reinforcing fibers extending about the outer body of the concrete stirrup apparatus, are heat cured to form the reinforcement hoop.

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