Reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook

Abstract

A reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook combines the functions of a concrete rebar spacer and a cast-in anchor into a single, pre-installable unit. The spacer block includes a base plate, a support cushion with a seating groove for positioning a reinforcement bar (rebar), and a rotatable anchor hook mounted within a tube on the base. The upper portion of the hook is able to be moved across the bar to enable securing the rebar within the groove. The lower portion of the hook features a threaded attachment hole for post-construction connection of a hanging component or system. Embodiments eliminate the need for post-installation drilling into hardened concrete, mitigate the risk of damaging embedded utilities, reduce labor and supervision costs, and enhance structural safety. The mechanical interlock between the hook and the rebar, when further encapsulated by concrete, provides a high load-bearing capacity resistant to vibrations and seismic forces.

Description

[0001] REINFORCEMENT SPACER BLOCK WITH INTEGRATED ANCHOR HOOK

[0002] [1] Embodiments of the disclosed and / or described invention pertain to the field of construction. More specifically, embodiments relate to a reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook . The function of this integrated spacer and anchor block (referred to as C-Connect or simply C-C herein) is twofold: it serves both to support steel bars during the casting of reinforced concrete components and especially to provide a mechanism for connecting structures, equipment, or technical systems, collectively referred to as "CSES" (such as air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, technical ceilings, suspension cables, etc.), to the steel framework of the reinforced concrete components.

[0003] Background

[0004] [2] Currently, after casting reinforced concrete components, builders need to connect CSES with or to the reinforced concrete components. To achieve this, designers have created devices for connecting CSES to reinforced concrete components called concrete anchors. The market currently offers two types of concrete anchors classified based on the installation stage: concrete anchors installed after pouring concrete (post-installed anchors) and concrete anchors installed before pouring concrete (cast-in-place anchors).

[0005] [3] For post-installed concrete anchors, labor is required to drill holes with the correct technical specificationsinto the reinforced concrete components, then clean the drilled holes before inserting these concrete anchor components. These anchors are connected to the reinforced concrete components using structural adhesive or by expanding the anchor to create frictional force wiih the concrete surface inside the holes. The advantages of this method are flexibility in CSES positioning and low component cost.

[0006] [4] However, this method faces the following issues: during the drilling process, there is a risk of drilling into technical details embedded within the reinforced concrete components, such as reinforcement bars, prestressing cables, concealed electrical conduits, or water pipes, as nonlimiting examples. Furthermore, because the anchor is connected to the reinforced concrete component by adhesive bonding or by increasing frictional force on the concrete surface, the loadbearing capacity heavily depends on the quality of the concrete. If the concrete lacks sufficient compressive strength or is subjected to vibrations / shocks, the anchor can become dislodged, resulting in damage to the CSES and / or concrete components.[5] The construction process requires the involvement of multiple personnel, such as drilling laborers, installation laborers, engineers for hole positioning, technical supervisors for drilling and installation, etc. After installation, the anchor force must be checked randomly to assess its loadbearing capacity. This random installation poses the risk of overlooking technically incorrect installations, compromising safety.

[0007] [6] For cast-in-place anchors, these are attached to the formwork system before concrete is poured. These anchors have surface ribs and are fixed to the formwork surface by screwing or nailing, followed by concrete pouring. As the concrete hardens, it bonds with the anchor ribs, helping to integrate the anchor into the reinforced concrete component.

[0008] [7] The advantages of this method include mitigating the risks associated with drilling into reinforced concrete components, reducing the number of steps, and decreasing installation labor. However, the disadvantages are that when fixed with screws or nails, they can only be used for wooden formwork systems; aluminum formwork systems cannot be secured, and the cost of these anchors is high. Additionally, the load -bearing capacity of these anchors still depends on the quality and strength of the surrounding concrete. Therefore, if the concrete lacks sufficient bond or is subjected to strong vibrations, the concrete can crack and lose its bond with the anchor, causing safety issues.

[0009] [8] A concrete spacer or reinforcement spacer (aka plastic spacer or rebar chair) is an accessory used during the casting of reinforced concrete. The function of a concrete spacer is to maintain the standard distance between the reinforcement and the formwork to ensure the protective concrete cover over the reinforcement achieves the designed thickness, thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcement and increasing the service life and durability of the reinforced concrete component. Concrete spacers are typically made from materials such as high-strength concrete, metal, or plastic. Currently, the installation of concrete spacers is necessary to ensure the technical standaids for pouring reinforced concrete. The installation density forms a network of concrete spacers distributed evenly across the formwork surface.

[0010] [9] Each of the technical solutions mentioned above serves its specific purpose and requirements. However, it would be preferable to have a single integrated device (so called C-Connect or C-C) that combines both of the above devices, i.e. the reinforcement spacer and the concrete (ceiling) anchor, to fulfill the aforementioned dual purposes.

[0011]

[0010] There is a need for a device that replaces conventional concrete spacers, capable of supporting and distributing steel within the concrete . Furthermore, there is a need for a device that replaces conventional ceiling anchors, capable of performing the hanging function for suspended systems while ensuring load-bearing capacity and stability during emergency usage situations.Additionally, it is preferable for such a device to be relatively easy to install, have low production and installation costs, and be convenient for connecting hanging systems later.

[0012]

[0011] Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed and / or described herein are directed to solving these and other problems in the construction and use of reinforced concrete components both individually and collectively.

[0013] Summary

[0014]

[0012] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” “the present invention,” “the present disclosure,” or “the disclosure” as used herein are intended to refer broadly to the subject matter disclosed in this document, the drawings or figures, and to the claims. Statements containing these terms do not limit the subject matter disclosed or the meaning or scope of the claims. Embodiments covered by this disclosure are defined by the claims and not by this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the disclosure and introduces some of ihe concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key, essential or required features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification, to any or all figures or drawings, and to each claim.

[0015]

[0013] In one embodiment, the disclosure pertains to a steel reinforcement spacer block (100) with an integrated anchor hook (130) that serves as a combined concrete spacer and concrete anchor, with the following elements, components, and characteristics:

[0016] • Common (integrated) base: the base (110) of the concrete spacer (120) also serves as a fixed base for the concrete anchor (214 &130), thus preventing it from tilting during concrete pouring;

[0017] • The steel reinforcement (340) rests on and mechanically connects with the concrete spacer (120), helping to keep the concrete anchor (214 & 130) from shifting position during concrete pouring;

[0018] • The concrete anchor hooks (130) onto the reinforcement, enhancing the connection capability of the concrete anchor to the reinforced concrete component. Consequently, if the concrete cracks or breaks, the concrete anchor will not fall out or lose connection with “the reinforced concrete component;

[0019] • Utilizing the labor from the concrete spacer installation process to install the concrete anchor system implicates minimal extra effort, helping to reduce cost, labor, and installation time;• The density and grid layout of concrete spacers are quite dense, making them consistent and compatible with the density andgrid layout of the concrete anchor system, as illustrated in FIG. 5 ; and

[0020] • The concrete anchor is pre-embedded in the concrete, eliminating the need for drilling during CSES installation. Furthermore, the concrete anchor is hooked onto the reinforcement, making it impossible to be pulled out, thus minimizing supervision, force testing, and product acceptance work.

[0021]

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed and / or described herein may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the detailed description and the included Figures. Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the embodiments disclosed and / or described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, embodiments of the disclosure are notlimitedto the exemplary or specific forms described. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

[0015] The accompanying drawings are integrated and form a part of this disclosure to illustrate the independent and dependent claims of one or more embodiments, as well as to explain the operating principles of the overall technical solution disclosed, wherein:

[0024]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional drawing illustrating a steel reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (abbreviated as C-C);

[0025]

[0017] FIG. 2 is a drawing of the individual components that make up the C-C, where;

[0026]

[0018] FIG. 2A is a three-dimensional drawing illustrating the connection base;

[0027]

[0019] FIG. 2B is a three-dimensional drawing illustrating the support cushion;

[0028]

[0020] FIG. 2C is a three-dimensional drawing illustrating the anchor hook;

[0029]

[0021] FIG. 2D is a three-dimensional drawingillustratingthe monolithic option between the base plate and the support cushion;

[0030]

[0022] FIG. 3 shows cross-sectional views of the C-C structure, where;

[0031]

[0023] FIG. 3A is a cross-section illustrating the internal structure of the C-C;

[0032]

[0024] FIG. 3B is a cross-section illustrating the C-C when installed on formwork with a loadbearing steel bar placed on it;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows three-dimensional drawings illustrating the installation steps of the C-C, where;

[0033]

[0026] FIG. 4A shows the C-C being fixed to the formwork surface;

[0034]

[0027] FIG. 4B shows the reinforcement being placed onto the C-C;

[0035]

[0028] FIG. 4C shows the hook arm of the C-C being bent to hook onto the reinforcement, and being fixed together with the reinforcement and formwork;

[0036]

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates how the C-C is installed as a network to adapt to various installation plans, where;

[0037]

[0030] FIG. 5 A illustrates the installation of C-C on a reinforcement grid in a straight-line pattern;

[0038]

[0031] FIG. 5B illustrates the installation of C-C on a reinforcement grid in a staggered pattern;

[0039]

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates drawings of the C-C made by folding steel from a single sheet, where;

[0040]

[0033] FIG. 6A illustrates the C-C after stamping in the form of a flat metal sheet;

[0041]

[0034] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the C-C after being folded and shaped;

[0042]

[0035] FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional drawing of the C-C showing the threaded hole created directly on the surface of the folded steel;

[0043]

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates drawings of the C-C made by welding or monolithic casting, where;

[0044]

[0037] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the C-C made by welding or monolithic casting;

[0045]

[0038] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-section of the C-C made by welding or monolithic casting;

[0046]

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates drawings of the C-C formed by the method of folding steel combined with a separate attached anchor hook, where;

[0047]

[0040] FIG. 8 A illustrates a perspective view of the steel anchor hook of the C-C processed by bending and threading;

[0048]

[0041] FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the base and support cushion of the C-C formed by folding steel;

[0049]

[0042] FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of the C-C after assembling the components;

[0050]

[0043] FIG. 8D illustrates a cross-section of the C-C after assembling the components;

[0051]

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates drawings of the C-C made by plastic injection molding and steel processing, where;

[0052]

[0045] FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the steel anchor hook of the C-C processed by bending and threading;

[0053]

[0046] FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the base and support cushion of the C-C formed by plastic injection molding;

[0054]

[0047] FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of the C-C after assembling the components;

[0055]

[0048] FIG. 9D illustrates a cross-section of the C-C after assembling the components;

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates drawings of the C-C made by concrete casting and steel processing, where;

[0056]

[0050] FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the steel anchor hook of the C-C processed by bending and threading;

[0057]

[0051] FIG. 10B illustrates aperspective view of the base and support cushion of the C-C formed by concrete casting;

[0058]

[0052] FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of the C-C after assembling the components;

[0059]

[0053] FIG. 10D illustrates a cross-section of the C-C after assembling the components;

[0060]

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates drawings of the C-C made by plastic injection, concrete casting, and steel processing, where;

[0061]

[0055] FIG. 11 A illustrates a perspective view of the steel anchor hook of the C-C processed by bending and threading;

[0062]

[0056] FIG. 1 IB illustrates a perspective view of the support cushion of the C-C formed by concrete casting;

[0063]

[0057] FIG. 11C illustrates a perspective view of the base of the C-C formed by plastic injection molding;

[0064]

[0058] FIG. 1 ID illustrates aperspective view of the C-C after assembling the components; and

[0059] FIG. 1 IE illustrates a cross-section of the C-C after assembling the components.

[0065]

[0060] The drawings are notnecessarily to scale and may be illustrated using dashed lines, arrows, schematic diagrams, cross-sections, and disparate views. In certain cases, details unnecessary for illustrating the options orthose that could obscure other details may be omitted.

[0066] Detailed Description

[0067]

[0061] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description does not limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or later developed technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any required order or arrangementamongorbetween various steps orelements exceptwhenthe order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly noted as being required.

[0068]

[0062] Embodiments of the disclosure are described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments by which the disclosure may be practiced. The disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy the statutory requirements and convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0069]

[0063] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific methods, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications described in this document, as these may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The terms "comprising" or "including," when used in this detailed description, indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0070]

[0064] What follows is the description of embodiments of an integrated device that replaces a conventional concrete spacer, with the ability to support and distribute steel within the concrete. Simultaneously, it functions as an alternative to typical ceiling anchors, providing a secure means of hanging components or systems while maintaining load -bearing capacity and stability, even in emergency scenarios. Additionally, the device is designed for relatively straightforward installation, with low production and installation costs, and offers convenient connectivity for hanging components or systems.

[0071]

[0065] In one embodiment, the disclosed and / or described device is an anchor block integrated with an anchor hook that combines the features of a concrete spacer and a concrete anchor, with one or more of the following characteristics:

[0072] • The base of the concrete spacer serves as a stable base for the concrete anchor, preventing it from tilting during the concrete pouring process;

[0073] • The steel reinforcement (as an example, although other materials may be suitable) rests on and mechanically connects with the concrete spacer, helping to keep the concrete anchor in position during concrete pouring;

[0074] • The concrete anchor hooks onto the steel reinforcement, enhancing the anchoring capability of the concrete anchor to the reinforced concrete component. In this way, should the concrete crack orbreak,the concrete anchor does notfalloutor lose its connection with the reinforced concrete component;

[0075] • The labor involved in installing the integrated concrete anchor system is essentially the same as the labor for installing the concrete spacer, thereby reducing overall costs, labor, and installation time;

[0076] • The density and grid layout of the concrete spacers are sufficiently dense, making them consistent and compatible with the density and grid layout of the concrete anchor system; and• The concrete anchor is pre-embedded in the concrete, eliminating the need for drilling during installation. The concrete anchor hooks onto the steel reinforcement, ensuring it does not slip out, thus minimizing the need for supervision, force testing, and product inspection.

[0077]

[0066] Referringto FIG. 1 , which is athree-dimensional drawing illustrating a steel reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook 100 ("spacer block 100"). The spacer block 100 comprises a base part 110, a support cushion 120, and an anchor hook 130.

[0078]

[0067] Referring further to FIGS. 2 A through 2D, the base part 110 includes a base plate 210 configured as a flat rectangular plate / box shape, used to stabilize the spacer block 100. According to one embodiment of the invention, the base part 110 is made or fabricated from materials such as one or more of high-strength plastic, concrete, or metal. According to another embodiment of the invention, the base part 110 is made from recycled plastic material.

[0079]

[0068] The upper surface of the base plate 210 is provided with a hook mounting tube 212, which is vertical and offset to one side of the centerline passing through the midpoint of the two coplanar edges of the base plate 210. The hook mounting tube 212 is configured as a hollow circular tube, with its lower end mechanically fixedto the base plate 210. According to an embodiment of ihe invention, the hook mounting tube 212 is manufactured from the same material and is integral with the base plate 210. Near the upper surface of the hook mounting tube 212, a swivel ridge 214 with a circular profile is configured on the inner surface; when mechanically connected with the anchor hook 130, it prevents the anchor hook 130 from moving up and down while allowing it to rotate inside the hook mounting tube 212.

[0080]

[0069] Referring further to FIG. 3 A or 3B, at the bottom of the hook mounting tube 212, a shield (or cover) 320 is configured as a thin material sheet, used to seal the lower end of the hook mounting tube 212 to prevent concrete from spilling in and clogging it during pouring. The shield 320 has a suitable thickness, providing protection for the hook mounting tube 212 during concrete pouring, while also being destructible for the later installation of hanging components or systems. The shield 320 can be configured integrally with the base part 110 or can be a separate attached part, for example, an adhesive layer or a plug.

[0081]

[0070] The upper surface of the base plate 210 is provided with stopper ridges 216, configured and arranged to maintain the support cushion 120 in position on the base part 110. In one embodiment, the stopper ridges 216 are in the form of blocks arranged along and parallel to the perimeter of the base plate 210 (as shown in Fig. 2A), extending from the upper surface of the base plate 210 upward and towards the center of the base plate 210.

[0071] Along the top edges of the stopper ridges 216, retention eyes 218 with an inward circular profile are configured; therefore, during connection, the support cushion 120 is more easily inserted and held firmly. According to an embodiment of the invention, the number of stopper ridges is four, the ridges have an L-shape when viewed from above the base plate 210 and are arranged at the four comers, thereby forming a rectangle of suitable size to connect with the support cushion 120. According to another embodiment of the invention, the base plate 210 and the support cushion 120 can be manufactured integrally from the same material, thereby potentially eliminating the need for stopper ridges 216.

[0082]

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2B, the support cushion 120 is a solid material block with a flat bottom surface for contact with and mechanical connection to the base plate 210. The support cushion 120 may be fabricated from one or more of concrete, plastic, or steel. According to one embodiment of the invention, the support cushion 120 may be made from recycled plastic.

[0083]

[0073] According to an embodiment of the invention, the support cushion 120 has a pyramidal or square block structure . The upper surface of the support cushion 120 is configured with a seating groove 220 running horizontally along the length of the base part 110 and having a fixed depih. According to an embodiment of the invention, the seating groove 220 has a circular and concave profile and is used to securethereinforcement340(seeFIG.3B) when placed during construction. The support cushion 120 can be manufactured integrally with the base plate 210 and the hook mounting tube 212 if made from the same type of material. According to one embodiment of the invention, the support cushion 120, base plate 210, and hook mounting tube 212 are manufactured integrally together and made from recycled plastic material.

[0084]

[0074] Referring more closely to FIG. 2C, which illustrates the anchor hook 130, and FIG. 3 A, which illustrates the internal structure of the spacerblock 100, the anchor hook 130 is configured as a cylindrical rod with a diameter smaller than that of the hook mounting tube 212. In one embodiment, it may be made from corrosion-resistant metal or other metal coated with an anticorrosion layer.

[0085]

[0075] On the outer surface of the anchor hook 130, a swivel groove 230 is configured, having a circular profile that fits mechanically with the swivel ridge 214 inside the hook mounting tube 212. At the lower part of the anchor hook 130, an attachment hole 310 is configured internally along the centerline of the anchor hook 130. The attachment hole 310 has a circular profile and is threaded and is used for connection with a hanging component or system. According to an embodiment of the invention, the size of the attachment hole 310 is M8 or Ml 0 (as used herein, 'M8' or 'M10’ refers to a standard metric screw thread with a nominal 8 mm or 10 mm major diameter, respectively). In other embodiments, other sizes of the attachment hole maybe suitable.

[0076] The upper part of the anchor hook 130 is bent or curved and can rotate horizontally across the seating groove 220 to firmly anchor the reinforcement 340 lying or resting on the seating groove 220. Accordingto an embodiment ofthe invention, when the anchorhook 130 is assembled with the hook mounting tube 212, its lower end will contactor be close to the shield 320, with the upper end beingpre-bentor curvedandcontactingthe reinforcement 340 when rotatedhorizontally across the seating groove 220.

[0086]

[0077] Referring further to FIG. 3B, when placed on the formwork surface 330 (where formwoik refers to a temporary or permanent concrete mold or form), the underside ofthe spacer block 100 will be in contact with and connected to the formwork 330 using an adhesive layer (not shown), such as one commonly used in the construction field. This adhesive layer both helps connect the spacer block 100 to the formwork 330 and serves as a secondary protective layer to prevent concrete from spilling in and blocking the lower end of the hook mounting tube 212.

[0087]

[0078] Next, the reader is referred to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, which illustrate an example of the installation process of the spacer block 100 during a construction project:

[0088] • First, the spacerblock 100 ispositionedandconnectedtothe formwork 330usingasuitable adhesive or similar material; at this time, the anchor hook 130 is not above the seating groove 220 but is rotated to one side to avoid obstructing the placement of the reinforcement 340 as shown in FIG. 4A;

[0089] • Next, a worker will place the reinforcement bar 340 into the seating groove 220 and rotate the anchor hook 130 perpendicular to the reinforcement 340 as shown in FIGS. 4B and4C. At this point, the anchor hook 130 and the reinforcement 340 are nearly in contact; • Next, the worker pours the concrete slab, covering both the reinforcement 340 and the spacer block 100. After the concrete hardens, the formwork 330 is removed, and the cover or shield 320 is removed by peeling, drilling, or chiseling (as examples) to enable proceeding with hanging a component or system such as an air conditioning or file protection system, as non-limiting examples.

[0090]

[0079] Among others, embodiments ofthe disclosed integrated block may provide one or more of the following benefits:

[0091] • Serves the dual roles of a reinforcement spacer and a concrete anchor;

[0092] • Efficient use of installation labor: Utilizes the inherent installation process of the concrete spacer to automatically install the array of concrete anchors, thus saving on overall installation labor;• Utilizes the base of the concrete spacer block to hold the anchor hooks fixed and to allow the threaded surface to contact the formwork, reducing manufacturing costs;

[0093] • Utilizes the connection between the concrete spacer block and the reinforcement to secure the anchors, helping to prevent them from shifting during concrete pouring, while the weight of the reinforcement presses the visible surface of the spacer block firmly against the formwork;

[0094] • The integrated spacer block saves costs and labor compared to using two independent devices;

[0095] • The integrated spacer block saves costs related to pricing, construction installation, and supervision compared to implementing traditional drilling solutions;

[0096] • Embodiments provide a high load-bearing capacity for safety improvement: the disclosed integrated anchor block provides high load-bearing capacity. The hook connection between the anchor and the steel reinforcement, further fixed by concrete, ensures the structure can withstand external forces such as machinery vibrations or in some cases earthquakes, thus improving the safety factor and reliability.

[0097]

[0080] In addition to the embodiments disclosed, other embodiments may include a combination of materials and specific manufacturing methods to optimize cost and fabrication efficiency:

[0098] Monolithic metal embodiments (Methods 1 & 2) (FIGS. 6 & 7):

[0099] • Method 1 (Continuous Sheet): The support cushion, anchor hook, and connection base are formed from a single steel sheet using a continuous folding process, thereby maintaining material homogeneity and load -bearing capability, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0100] • Method 2 (Welding Monolith): Components are separately fabricated from steel and then welded together into a durable monolithic unit, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0101] Modular and hybrid embodiments (Methods 3 - 6) (FIGS. 8 - 11):

[0102] • Method 3 (Folded Base with Separate Hook): Uses a folded steel base with a pre-drilled hole, and a separately fabricated and threaded steel hook attached to the hole on the base, thereby providing greater flexibility in use of anchor hook sizes, as illustrated in FIG. 8.• Method 4 (Plastic-Steel Hybrid): Uses monolithic plastic injection molding for the support cushion and connection base to reduce weight and resist corrosion, combined with a steel anchor hook to ensure hanging strength, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0103] • Method 5 (Concrete-Steel Hybrid): The support cushion and connection base are cast in monolithic concrete, helping the component achieve compatibility in thermal expansion and bonding adhesion when the floor concrete is poured, combined with a threaded steel anchor hook, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0104] • Method 6 (Three-Component Hybrid): Simultaneously combines plastic injection, concrete casting, and steel processing to optimize each part of a different material (e.g., waterproof plastic base, load-bearing concrete body, steel hanging hook), as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0105]

[0081] These additional embodiments provide one or more of the following advantages or benefits:

[0106] • Integrated Threading: In the continuous sheet embodiment (Method 1), the anchor hook features internal threading created by tapping directly into the folded profile. The top is sealed using a plug or by flattening the head to prevent concrete ingress;

[0107] • Material Versatility: The support spacer and the connection base may be formed or fabricated from one or more of metal plate, molded plastic, and cast concrete variations to suit different construction environments and requirements.

[0108]

[0082] Among others, the disclosure includes the following clauses and embodiments:

[0109] 1. A reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) for use in a construction project, comprising:

[0110] a base part (110) comprising:

[0111] a base plate (210) configured as a sheet and used to mechanically connect wiih other components;

[0112] a hook mountingtube (212) arranged above the base plate (210), the hookmounting tube forming a circular tube extending upward, with a hollow inside and having one end mechanically fixed to the base plate (210);a shield (320) mechanically connected to the bottom of the hook mounting tube (212), and configured to seal the lower end of the hook mounting tube (212);

[0113] a support cushion (120) formed from a block of material capable of withstanding a compressive force, and mechanically fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (210), wherein an upper surface of the support cushion (120) is configured with a seating groove (220) having a fixed depth, the seating groove for supporting a reinforcement (340); and

[0114] an anchor hook (130) configured as a cylindrical rod, having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the hook mounting tube (212), and configured to mechanically connect with the hook mounting tube (212);

[0115] wherein the lower part of the anchor hook (130) is configured with an attachment hole (310) internally alongthe centerline of the anchorhook(130),the attachmenthole having a circular profile and being threaded, and configured for connection with a hanging component or system and wherein the upper part of the anchor hook (130) is bent or curved and is able to rotate horizontally over the seating groove (220) to anchor the reinforcement (340) lying on the seating groove (220).

[0116] 2. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base part (110) is manufactured or fabricated from one or more of plastic, concrete, or metal.

[0117] 3. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 2, wherein the base part(l 10) is manufactured orfabricatedfrom arecycledplastic material.

[0118] 4. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (210) is configured as a flat rectangular sheet.

[0119] 5. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the hook mounting tube (212) is configured to be vertical and offset to one side of the centerline passing through a midpoint of two coplanar edges of the base plate (210).

[0120] 6. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the hook mounting tube (212) is manufactured or fabricated from the same material as the base plate (210) and is integral with the base plate (210).7. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein on the inner surface of the top of the hook mounting tube (212) is configured a circular swivel ridge (214) with a circular profile, and wherein on the outer surface of the anchor hook (130) is configured a circular swivel groove (230) having a circular profile corresponding to and compatible with the swivel ridge (214) so that when the hook mounting tube (212) is mechanically connected with the anchor hook (130), the anchor hook (130) is substantially prevented from moving up and down, but is capable of rotating inside the hook mounting tube (212).

[0121]

[0083] This written description uses examples to disclose certain implementations ofthe disclosed technology, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain implementations ofihe disclosed technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain implementations of the disclosed, technology is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural and / or functional elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include structural and / or functional elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0122]

[0084] As used herein (i.e ., the claims, figures, and specification), the term “or” is used inclusively to refer to items in the alternative and in combination.

[0123]

[0085] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

[0124]

[0086] In the following claims, the drawing annotations mentioned correspond to the indicated drawing elements shown in the figures.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) for use in a construction project, comprising:a base part (110) comprising:a base plate (210) configured as a sheet and used to mechanically connect wiih other components;a hook mounting tube (212) arranged above the base plate (210), the hook mounting tube forming a circular tube extending upward, with a hollow inside and having one end mechanically fixed to the base plate (210);a shield (320) mechanically connected to the bottom of the hook mounting tube (212), and configured to seal the lower end of the hook mounting tube (212);a support cushion (120) formed from a block of material capable of withstanding a compressive force, and mechanically fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (210), wherein an upper surface of the support cushion (120) is configured with a seating groove (220) having a fixed depth, the seating groove for supporting a reinforcement (340); andan anchor hook (130) configured as a cylindrical rod, having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the hook mounting tube (212), and configured to mechanically connect with the hook mounting tube (212);wherein the lower part of the anchor hook (130) is configured with an attachment hole (310) internally along the centerline of the anchorhook (130), the attachment hole having a circular profile and being threaded, and configured for connection with a hanging component or system and wherein the upper part of the anchor hook (130) is bent or curved and is able to rotate horizontally over the seating groove (220) to anchorthe reinforcement (340) lying on the seating groove (220).

2. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the base part ( 110) is manufactured or fabricated from one or more of plastic, concrete, or metal.

3. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 2, wherein the base part (110) is manufactured or fabricatedfrom arecycledplastic material.

4. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (210) is configured as a flat rectangular sheet.

5. The reinforcement spacer block with integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the hook mounting tube (212) is configured to be vertical and offset to one side of the centerline passing through a midpoint of two coplanar edges of the base plate (210).

6. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the hook mounting tube (212) is manufactured or fabricated from the same material as the base plate (210) and is integral with the base plate (210).

7. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1 , wherein on the inner surface of the top of the hook mounting tube (212) is configured a circular swivel ridge (214) with a circular profile, and wherein on the outer surface of the anchor hook (130) is configured a circular swivel groove (230) having a circular profile corresponding to and compatible with the swivel ridge (214) so that when the hook mounting tube (212) is mechanically connected with the anchor hook (130), the anchor hook (130) is substantially prevented from moving up and down, but is capable of rotating inside the hook mounting tube (212).

8. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the shield (320) is configured integrally with and from the same material as the base part (110).

9. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the shield (320) is a separate attached part.

10. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support cushion (120), base plate (210), and hook mounting tube (212) are manufactured or fabricated together and from the same material.

11. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 10, wherein the support cushion (120), baseplate (210), and hook mounting tube (212) are manufactured or fabricated from recycled plastic.

12. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (210) and support cushion (120) are manufactured or fabricated separately from each other and are mechanically fixed together through stopper ridges (216) arranged on and mechanically fixed to the base plate (210).

13. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 12, wherein the stopper ridges (216) are one or more blocks arranged along and parallel to a perimeter of the base plate (210), and extend from the upper surface of the base plate (210) upward and towards the center of the base plate (210), and wherein retention eyes (218) with an inward circular profile are configured along the top edges of the stopper ridges (216).

14. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 13, wherein the number of stopper ridges (216) is four and have an L-shape when viewed from above the base plate (210) and are arranged at the four comers of a rectangle of suitable size to connect with and support the support cushion (120).

15. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support cushion (120) is manufactured or fabricated from one or more of concrete, plastic, or steel.

16. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support cushion (120) has a pyramidal or square block structure.

17. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the seating groove (220) has a circular profile.

18. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor hook (130) is manufactured or fabricated from corrosion -resistant metal or from metal coated with an anti-corrosion layer.

19. The steel reinforcement spacer block with an integrated technical anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, installed as a grid on a ceiling to enable more rapid installation and compatibility with hanging components or systems.

20. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) accordingto claim 1, wherein the spacer block is installed and fixed on a section of formwork (330) using a double-sided adhesive, the adhesive layer also functioning as the shield (320).

21. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer block is installed on a section of formwork (330) using nails.

22. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer block is maintained on a section of formwork (330) by the pressing force of the reinforcement (340).

23. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook ( 100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer block and hook are manufactured or fabricated monolithically by folding steel from a single continuous flat sheet, and wherein the attachment hole (310) is threaded directly on the surface of the folded steel.

24. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer block and hook are manufactured or fabricated monolithically by welding multiple steel plates or monolithic steel casting, and wherein the attachment hole (310) is threaded directly on the surface of the welded or cast component.

25. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook ( 100) according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer block and hook are manufactured or fabricated as two components, and wherein the base part (110) and the support cushion are folded steel, the anchor hook (130) is bent or curved and threaded, and the two parts are attached together.

26. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer block and hook are manufactured or fabricated as two components,and wherein the base part (110) and the support cushion are plastic injection molded, the anchor hook (130) is bent or curved and threaded, and the two parts are attached together.

27. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer block and hook are manufactured or fabricated as two components, and wherein the base part (110) and the support cushion are concrete cast, the anchor hook (130) is bent or curved and threaded, and the two parts are attached together.

28. The reinforcement spacer block with an integrated anchor hook (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer block and hook are manufactured or fabricated as three components, and wherein the base part (110) is plastic injection molded, the support cushion is concrete cast, the anchor hook (130) is bent or curved and threaded, and the three parts are attached together.

Images