Abstract:
A concrete reinforcing bar connector is described as a resilient clip to hold together two intersecting reinforcing bars, said clip comprising two open longitudinal ‘C’ shaped (grooves), with at least one triangular gusset connecting said ‘C’ shaped faces of said clip, said clip is aligned with said intersecting reinforcing bars and forcibly engaged over said reinforcing bars, said bars configured to intersect at right angles to each other. In one preferred reinforcing bar configuration, the first bar terminates at the second bar, in a second configuration the first bar continues beyond the second bar.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    Not Applicable  
         FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
         [0002]    Not Applicable  
         FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0003]    This invention relates specifically to a type of clip used to assemble a skeletal framework of steel reinforcing bars to be subsequently encased within a concrete structure.  
         BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0004]    Concrete is commonly used construction material used to cast the framework of an entire building or building components. Steel reinforcing bars are commonly used to provide the primary tensile reinforcing component within these concrete cast components. The reinforcing bars must first be assembled into a skeletal framework. Said skeletal framework consists of many separate bars are cut to length, sometimes bent into a specific shape. Typically said bars are assembled in a grid with said bars intersecting at right angles to each other. The common method of assembling said framework together is to attach one bar to another bar with a short piece of steel 16 gauge tie wire, 1.5 mm (0.065 inches) in diameter. A short length of said tie wire is tightly wrapped around these intersecting bars in a plane at 45 degrees to said bars, generally with two loops then ends of said wires are tightened against said bars and twisted together to secure said bars together. Said skeletal framework in commonly consists of one or two layers of parallel bars in both directions. Skeletal framework tied together in this manner in a single plane has very little resistance to racking. The wire tied joints do not resist diagonal racking of said skeletal framework. If it is necessary to preassemble said skeletal framework in separate location with said skeletal framework relocated into its final location then racking of said skeletal framework easily occurs. (To resist this racking additional temporary diagonal bracing bars are added to directly resist racking.)  
           [0005]    Closer observation will reveal that individual bars in said skeletal framework cannot be easily manipulated Typically it is desirable to maintain the intersecting bars firmly together then apply the connecting means. With larger diameter bars it is difficult to separate these intersecting bars to insert connecting devices between said bars. Similarly with parallel bars intersecting at relatively closely to each other it is difficult to separate these bars at said intersecting points to insert connecting devices between said bars.  
           [0006]    Another type of commercially available reinforcing is trussed reinforcing bars. These trusses comprise an assembly of at least three bars. Upper and lower parallel are resistance welded to a continuous interconnecting bar formed between the parallel bars. These bars are typically smaller in diameter than regular reinforcing bars. The common  16  gauge tie wire is ineffective in tying these smaller diameter bars.  
           [0007]    These trussed reinforcing bars are commonly preassembled into a skeletal frame then manhandled into place. Trussed reinforcing bars of the same depth typically lay parallel to each other, spatially divided. These parallel trusses commonly terminate at secondary trusses of the same depth. The connection between said terminating bar of said parallel bars and said secondary truss cannot be connected with tie wire. One method of connecting said parallel trusses is to extend these trusses, nave these extended ends bent at right angles, parallel with the end trusses, then use a common tie wire. Tying two parallel bars together creates an unstable connection, with said bars being able to partially rotate around each other. This rotating action destroys the desired rigidity of the skeletal framework. Another connection means could be welding these parallel bars together, but welding is a labor intensive.  
           [0008]    Several types of connectors have been proposed—for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,546, Westover (1999) describes a double pivotally connected resilient clip designed to connect intersecting concrete reinforcing bars. This pivotal joint does not provide diagonal rigidity to the skeletal framework. To use this type of connecter, all of Westover&#39;s connectors must first be assembled to the first layer of spatially separated parallel bars. Individual bars of the second layer of bars can then be clipped into the first layer. Both levels of bars are relatively rigid, so that clipping individual joints one at a time is not possible. Each second level bar must be progressively engaged, starting with the first connection being fully engaged, then having many connections with progressively reduced engagement The total number of partially engaged connections depends primarily on the rigidity of the reinforcing bars. Thus progressive engagement process greatly restricts the practicality of this connector.  
           [0009]    Another type of proposed—for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,991, Bechtel (1994) describes a ‘Rebar clamp assembly’ in which plastic clips are provided to secure intersecting reinforcing rods together. Again to use this type of connecter, all of Bechtel&#39;s connectors must first be assembled to the first layer of spatially separated parallel bars. Individual bars of the second layer of bars can then be clipped into the first layer. Similarly. this progressive engagement process greatly restricts the practicality of this connector.  
           [0010]    For rebar connectors to be effective these connecting devices are preferably applied to stationary intersecting bars, without separating or prying these bars apart. For a connection device to be effective it is preferable to apply this connector to one of the four open quadrants between the intersecting bars. Like the common wire tie commence applying this connector from the same direction. Preferably this connection device is snapped, clipped, or tightened from the middle of this open quadrant at approximately 45 degree angle to said bars. Preferably also this connector can be effectively used on intersecting small diameter reinforcing bars and intersecting bars trussed reinforcing. This includes connecting one terminating truss to an intersecting truss.  
           [0011]    The present clip arrangement provides a solution to the above problems by providing a simple and quick method of attaching intersecting reinforcing bars together in a rigid skeletal framework without the disadvantages of the aforementioned connectors. The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become further evident from the following detailed description.  
         OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION  
         [0012]    Accordingly the objects and advantages of the reinforcing bar connection described in this patent application are;  
           [0013]    (a) To provide a means whereby an end of a reinforcing bar can be connected to a side of a second bar.  
           [0014]    (b) To provide a means whereby with the use of a simple hand held pliers, a clip can provide a simple one-click-on connection between two reinforcing bars in a number of configurations.  
           [0015]    (c) To provide a rigid connection that restrains the reinforcing skeleton from racking.  
           [0016]    (d) To provides a means whereby clips can be randomly applied to a reinforcing bar skeleton without the need to preset all clips on the first layer of spatially separated parallel reinforcing bars, then progressively applying each separate bar of the second layer to the reinforcing bar skeleton  
           [0017]    (e) To provide a means whereby reinforcing bars are not held apart by the connector mechanism.  
           [0018]    (f) To provide a means whereby reinforcing bars do not have to be separated in order to install the connector.  
           [0019]    (g) To provide a means whereby trussed reinforcing bars with relatively small diameter bars can be assembled into a rigid skeletal framework.  
           [0020]    Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS  
       [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 Plan view on reinforcing bar connector  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 Reinforcing bar connector for terminating reinforcing bar  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 Reinforcing bar connector for intersecting reinforcing bars  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 Twist on reinforcing bar connector for intersecting reinforcing bars  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 Clip profile in free position against reinforcing bar  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 Clip profile being engaged over reinforcing bar  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 Clip fully engaged on reinforcing bar 
     
    
     DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS &amp; NAMES  
       [0028]    R—Reinforcing bar  
         [0029]    R 1 —Reinforcing bar of the first or lower level  
         [0030]    R 2 —Reinforcing bar of the second or upper level  
         [0031]    x-x—X axis  
         [0032]    y-y—Y axis  
         [0033]    [0033] 10 —Reinforcing bar connector  
         [0034]    [0034] 11 —First clip member  
         [0035]    [0035] 12 —Second clip member  
         [0036]    [0036] 14 —Outer clip lip  
         [0037]    [0037] 15 —Inner clip lip  
         [0038]    [0038] 16 —Connecting gusset  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0039]    Before proceeding with detailed descriptions of preferred forms of present connector, brief account will be given of several forms of reinforcing bars used in concrete structures.  
         [0040]    The common larger bars are hot rolled steel bars and are substantially circular in section with relatively small intermittently spaced projections along said bar. These standard bars are manufactured and used in accordance with ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) ranging from sizes  3  through size  18 . The number corresponds to nominal diameter in ⅛″ increments, number 3 bar is ⅜″ diameter, number 4 bar {fraction (4/8)}″ or ½″ diameter, through to number 18 bar {fraction (18/8)}″ or 2¼″ diameter. Some of these bars sizes are available in other composite non-metallic materials.  
         [0041]    Another type of commercially available steel reinforcing is welded wire trusses. These trusses comprise an assembly of at least three bars. Upper and lower parallel are resistance welded to a continuous interconnecting bar formed between said parallel bars. These bars consist of cold drawn steel wire commonly ranging in diameter 8 Gauge (0.162″) in diameter to 0 Gauge (0.306″) in diameter and 3/8″ in diameter. These bars can supplied with smooth surface or deformed surface similar to aforementioned hot rolled bars.  
         [0042]    The present connector is provided to enable assembly of two intersecting reinforcing bars in an assembly of numerous bars comprising a skeletal framework. Said framework is subsequently suspended and cast within concrete to provide tensile strength to cast concrete objects.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 1 Outlines the connector  10  in plan view, with intersecting axis x-x and y-y. More descriptive details are outlined in isometric drawings FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 2 illustrates a connector  10  comprising first and second elongated resilient clip members  11  and  12  interconnected with connecting gusset  16  of same material. It is preferred that the entire clip is formed of a spring steel or other resilient metal. Alternatively clip members could be molded in an appropriate resilient plastic material. The specific configuration shown in FIG. 2 describes a assembly with one reinforcing bar R 1  terminating at another bar reinforcing bar R 2   
         [0045]    The first clip member  11  extends along axis x-x of rebar  11 , the second clip  12  member extends along axis y of rebar R 2 . Said clip members  11  and  12  commence a short distance away from the intersection point in order to function independently of each other. Each clip is formed in a semi-circular “C” shaped cross section that extends along each axis. The length of clip members may vary according to the size of reinforcing bars, but should be sufficient to grip said reinforcing bar securely. The “C” shape encompasses 270 degrees and both opening in this “C” shape face the plane of the X and Y axis.  
         [0046]    Receiving openings in the “C” shaped clips has one longitudinal outer lip  14  extended for full length said clips and parallel to axis of reinforcing bars. Said lips are bent outwards until face of said clip aligns with central axis of reinforcing bar. Inner longitudinal lips  15  are bent in direction of axis of second clip and continues to second clip as the connecting gusset  16 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3 similarly illustrates a connector  10  connecting reinforcing bar R 1  to reinforcing bar R 2 . The specific configuration shown in FIG. 3 describes an assembly with one continuing reinforcing bar R 1  over another intersecting bar reinforcing bar R 2   
         [0048]    The connecting gusset  16  in FIG. 2 is in a plane that is not parallel with plane of the X and Y axis.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 4 similarly illustrates a connector  10  connecting reinforcing bar R 1  to reinforcing bar R 2 . The specific configuration shown in FIG. 4 describes an assembly with one continuing reinforcing bar R 1  over another intersecting bar reinforcing bar R 2 . One open face of first resilient clip member  11  faces the X Y plane and second open face of clip member  12  is rotated 90 Degrees around reinforcing bar R 2 , facing towards opposite axis of clip  11 .  
         [0050]    The connecting gusset  16  in FIG. 3 is in a plane that is parallel with plane of the X and Y axis.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 5 illustrates profile of “C” clip  11  and  12  in ‘as manufactured state’ or free state, in position ready for installation over reinforcing bar R. The internal diameter of “C” clip is smaller than diameter of corresponding reinforcing bar R. The outer lip  14  and inner lip  15  of each side of each “C” are positioned over intersecting reinforcing bars before being forced over the reinforcing bar with an appropriate clamping tool. For sake of clarity only one reinforcing bar R and one “C” clip is shown.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 6 illustrates profile of “C” clip  11  and  12  in fully open state, being forced over reinforcing bar R. The internal diameter of “C” clip is temporarily increased, being larger than diameter of corresponding reinforcing bar R. Outer lip  14  and inner lip  15  are shown at their maximum distance apart. It is necessary for temporarily opened “C” members of connecting clips to maintain their resilience at this fully open position.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 7 illustrates profile of “C” clip  11  and  12  in final position over reinforcing bar R. The internal diameter of “C” clip now matches diameter of corresponding reinforcing bar R. The residual clamping force of “C” clips and outer lip  14  and inner lip  15  retain reinforcing bar R.  
       ADVANTAGES  
       [0054]    From descriptions above, a number of advantages of my reinforcing bar connector will become evident.  
         [0055]    (a) The present clip arrangement provides a means whereby an end of reinforcing bar can be connected to a side of a second bar. This connector is suitable for connecting separate reinforcing bars and ends of trussed reinforcing bars to a second truss.  
         [0056]    (b) The present clip arrangement provides a means whereby with use of a simple hand held pliers, present clips can provide a simple one-click-on connection between two reinforcing bars in a number of configurations.  
         [0057]    (c) The present clip provides a connection with rigidity, restraining the reinforcing skeleton from racking.  
         [0058]    (d) The present clip provides a means whereby clips can be randomly applied to a reinforcing bar skeleton without need to preset all clips on first layer of spatially separated parallel reinforcing bars, then progressively applying each separate bar of second layer to reinforcing bar skeleton.  
         [0059]    (e) The present clip provides a means whereby reinforcing bars are not held apart by connector mechanisms.  
         [0060]    (f) The present clip provides a means whereby reinforcing bars do not have to be separated in order to install connectors.  
         [0061]    (g) The present clip provides a means whereby trussed reinforcing bars with relatively small diameter bars can be assembled into a rigid skeletal framework.  
         [0062]    Diameters of the clip portion of connector maybe identical as shown, or may be manufactured to accommodate different diameter reinforcing bars. FIG. 1 indicates a typical right angle connection between intersecting reinforcing bars. Said clips can be manufactured to accommodate any desired angle up to 180 degrees.  
         [0063]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as to limiting the scope of the invention but merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example this connector could have two interconnecting gussets and fit symmetrically over one bar and connect to a second bar. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given