Bond beam rebar positioner

A bond beam rebar positioner including a center segment having an undulating form positioned between first and second legs, each of the legs including a first segment arranged perpendicular to a notional straight line longitudinally bisecting the curves of the center segment, a second segment perpendicular to the first segment, parallel to the straight line, and in a direction away from the center segment, and a third segment perpendicular to the second segment, coplanar with the second segment, and perpendicular to a common plane of the center, first and second segments.

BACKGROUND

Bond beams are structural beams used in concrete masonry construction. In exemplary applications, bond beams can be installed as a continuous course of a wall or above and below windows to provide structural support. Bond beams are typically constructed by arranging blocks having a specific sectional profile in an end-to-end manner such that the blocks form a continuous channel. Rebar is then positioned in the channel, and the channel is filled with concrete to embed the rebar and form a substantially solid beam.

Bond beam concrete clocks typically have either a U-shaped or a W-shaped cross-sectional profile, depending on wall thickness. U-shaped blocks arranged end-to end thus form a single continuous channel, and W-shaped blocks arranged end-to-end form two parallel, continuous channels.

It is desirable to position the rebar within the bottom one third of the channel(s). It is also desirable to position the rebar elevated off the bottom of the block and positioned apart from the sides of the block to ensure proper embedding within the poured concrete. Conventional methods for positioning rebar within a channel include using tables, which are essentially stands that the rebar sits on during the concrete pouring process. Tables are disadvantageous in that they often tip or shift in position during the pouring process, resulting in uneven spacing of the rebar with respect to the walls of the channel and/or with respect to parallel positioned lengths of rebar, both of which degrade the structural performance of the bond beam.

Accordingly, what is desired is a way of positioning rebar within a channel(s) of a bond beam to maintain the position of the rebar during the concrete pouring process to ensure proper embedding, proper spacing of the embedded rebar with respect to the bottom and sides of the block, and proper spacing with respect to parallel lengths of rebar, in the finished bond beam. Various embodiments of such devices are provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, various embodiments of rebar positioners are provided herein for use in bond beam construction.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners ensure proper spacing of rebar with respect to the bottom and sides of a channel of a bond beam.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners ensure proper spacing between parallel lengths or rebar within a channel or within adjacent channels of a bond beam.

In another aspect, rebar positioners are provided herein for positioning rebar within bond beams having generally U-shaped and W-shaped sectional profiles.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners are constructed from a continuous length of bent wire.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners can be positioned within a single bond beam concrete block or between adjacent blocks.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners seat upon and are supported by the tops of the bond beam blocks.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners are positioned at spaced-apart intervals along the length of a bond beam channel.

In another aspect, the rebar positioners are universal and configured to accommodate any rebar diameter.

To achieve the forgoing and other aspects, in a first embodiment a rebar positioner is provided herein for positioning rebar within a channel of a bond beam. The rebar positioner is constructed from a single continuous piece of wire bent to generally define a center segment centered between first and second legs. The center segment has an undulating form including a plurality of successive curves in alternate directions. The first and second legs extend vertically upwardly from the center segment in substantially the same direction. Each of the first and second legs generally include three segments: a first segment arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a notional straight line longitudinally bisecting the undulating center segment; a second segment arranged perpendicular to the first segment, substantially parallel to the notional straight line bisecting the center segment, and in the direction away from the center segment; and a third segment arranged substantially perpendicular to the second segment, coplanar with the second segment, and in a direction perpendicular to a common plane of the center segment, first segment and second segment. The third segments of the first and second legs are substantially parallel, but extend in opposite directions perpendicular from the common plane of the center segment, first segment and second segment.

In a further embodiment, the first embodiment of the rebar positioner has a width and depth corresponding to a U-shaped bond beam block such that the center segment is positioned at least about 1″ from a bottom surface of a channel of the block and the first segments of each of the first and second legs are positioned at least about ½″ from the sidewalls of the channel of the bond beam block.

In a second embodiment, a rebar positioner is provided herein for positioning rebar within parallel channels of a bond beam. The rebar positioner is constructed from a single continuous piece of wire bent to generally define a center segment centered between first and second legs. The center segment has an undulating form including a plurality of successive curves in alternate directions. The first and second legs extend vertically upwardly from the center segment. Each of the first and second legs generally include three segments: a first segment arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a notional straight line longitudinally bisecting the undulating center segment; a second segment arranged perpendicular to the first segment, substantially parallel to the notional straight line bisecting the center segment, and in the direction away from the center segment; and a third segment arranged substantially perpendicular to the second segment, coplanar with the second segment, and in a direction perpendicular to the common plane of the center segment, first segment and second segment. The third segments of the first and second legs are substantially parallel but extend in opposite directions perpendicular from the common plane of the center segment, first segment and second segment. The center segment has a length sufficient to span portions of adjacent channels and a center vertical portion of the bond beam block.

In a further embodiment, the second embodiment of the rebar positioner has a width and depth corresponding to a W-shaped bond beam block such that the center segment is positioned at least about 1″ from a bottom surface of adjacent channels of the block and the first segments of each of the first and second legs are positioned at least about ½″ from the sidewalls of the channels of the bond beam block.

In a third embodiment, a rebar positioner is provided herein for positioning rebar within a channel of a bond beam. The rebar positioner is constructed from a single continuous piece of wire bent to generally define first and second parallel arranged, spaced-apart center segments, each center segment being arranged between first and second legs. Each center segment has an undulating form including a plurality of successive curves in alternate directions. The first and second legs of each center segment extend vertically upwardly from the center segment. Each of the first and second legs generally include three segments: a first segment arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a notional straight line longitudinally bisecting the undulating center segment; a second segment arranged perpendicular to the first segment, substantially parallel to the notional straight line bisecting the center segment, and in the direction away from the center segment; and a third segment arranged substantially perpendicular to the second segment, coplanar with the second segment, and in a direction perpendicular to the common plane of the center segment, first segment and second segment. The third segments of the first legs of each of the center segments are connected to form a single, common third segment. The third segments of each of the second legs of each of the center segments are arranged in the direction toward one another but are separated by a break, necessitated by constructing the third embodiment of the rebar positioner from a single continuous piece of wire.

In a further embodiment, the third embodiment of the rebar positioner has a width and depth corresponding to a U-shaped bond beam block such that the center segments are positioned at least about 1″ from a bottom surface of the channel of the block and the first segments of each of the first and second legs of each of the center segments are positioned at least about ½″ from the sidewalls of the channels of the bond beam block.

Additional features, aspects and advantages of the rebar positioners are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a rebar positioner for use in the construction of a bond beam are provided herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numbers are used in the drawings to refer to like elements. Although the embodiments of a rebar positioner are described herein as being used in connection with the construction of a bond beams and bond beam masonry blocks, it is envisioned and intended that the embodiments provided herein may be utilized with other construction materials, for other building purposes, and/or for other purposes than rebar support and positioning.

First Embodiment

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, a first embodiment of a rebar positioner is shown generally at reference numeral20. Referring specifically toFIGS. 1-2, rebar positioner20, in the exemplary application shown, functions to properly position at least one length of rebar within a channel of a bond beam such that the rebar is properly positioned with respect to the bottom and sides of the channel, and with respect to additional lengths or rebar, during bond beam construction.

Exemplary bond beam masonry block22, referred to herein as simply “block22,” is generally U-shaped and defines a single channel24open to the top of the block22. To construct a structural bond beam, one or more blocks having a common sectional profile are arranged end-to-end to form a continuous channel. Rebar is positioned within the channel using positioner20, and the channel is subsequently filled with poured concrete, or other material, to embed the rebar and form a substantially solid bond beam. Bond beams can be used, for example, as structural beams between courses of standard concrete blocks.

Block22generally defines a flat top surface upon which portions of the legs of positioner20seat upon and are supported by. The shape of rebar positioner20, which is described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 3-9, positions a center segment of positioner20elevated from the bottom26of the channel24and apart from the sides28of the channel24. The center segment of the positioner has an undulating shape for supporting rebar30having any diameter. As shown, rebar positioner20supports and maintains the position of two parallel-arranged, spaced-apart lengths of rebar30. In the preferred embodiment, the rebar30is spaced-apart from the bottom26of the channel24at least about 1″, and spaced-apart from the sides28of the channel24at least about ½″. These distances may vary depending upon bond beam specifications. Rebar30is preferably positioned within the bottom one-third of the bond beam.

Rebar positioners20can be installed spaced-apart along the length of the bond beam to support the lengths of rebar30. The number of rebar positioners20required, and the spacing of the intervals, is dependent upon the length and structural specifications of the bond beam. Although rebar positioner20is shown inFIG. 1as being supported by a single block, it is envisioned that portions of the legs may seat upon and be supported by adjacent blocks. The undulating shape of the center segment of rebar positioner20allows the positioner to accommodate various diameters of rebar, wherein rebar having a smaller diameter may sit slightly lower in the center segment than rebar having a larger diameter.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 3-9, various perspective, plan and elevation views of rebar positioner20are shown. Rebar positioner20can be constructed from a single continuous piece of wire bent to generally define a center segment32centered between first and second legs34,36. The center segment32has an undulating form including a plurality of successive curves in alternate directions, preferably at least about five. The first and second legs34,36extend vertically upwardly from the center segment32in substantially the same direction.

Each of the first and second legs34,36generally include three segments: a first segment38arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a notional straight line40longitudinally bisecting the undulating center segment32; a second segment42arranged perpendicular to the first segment38, substantially parallel to the notional straight line40bisecting the center segment32, and in a direction away from the center segment32; and a third segment44arranged substantially perpendicular to the second segment42, coplanar with the second segment42, and in a direction perpendicular to a common plane of the center segment32, first segment38and second segment42. The third segments44of the first and second legs34,36are substantially parallel, but extend in opposite directions perpendicular from the common plane of the center segment32, first segment38and second segment42.

In an exemplary embodiment, rebar positioner20has a width and depth corresponding to a U-shaped bond beam block such that the center segment32is positioned at least about 1″ from the bottom surface of the channel of the block and the first segments38of each of the first and second legs34,36are positioned at least about ½″ from the sidewalls of the channel of the bond beam block. In another embodiment, the center segment32is suspended such that the rebar30is positioned within the bottom one-third of the bond beam.

As shown, the wire has a circular cross-section, although it is envisioned and intended that the wire can have any cross-sectional shape. The gauge of the wire may be selected based upon the diameter and weight of the rebar, and the number of rebar pieces being supported by each rebar positioner20. The rebar positioner20may be constructed from a continuous length of wire or constructed from individual segments attached together, for example, by welding. The wire may be bare or galvanized dipped for resistance to corrosion. The number of undulating curves of the center segment32may vary based upon the desired spacing between rebar, the number of rebar being supported, and the width of the corresponding block.

Second Embodiment

Referring toFIGS. 10-18, a second embodiment of a rebar positioner is shown generally at reference numeral50. Referring specifically toFIGS. 10-11, rebar positioner50, in the exemplary application shown, functions to properly position a plurality of rebar within adjacent channels of a bond beam such that the rebar is properly positioned with respect to the bottom and sides of the channels, and with respect to other rebar, during bond beam construction.

Exemplary bond beam masonry block52, referred to herein as simply “block52,” is generally W-shaped and defines adjacent channels54that open to the top of the block52. To construct a structural bond beam, one or more blocks having a common sectional profile are arranged end-to-end to form continuous, adjacent channels. Rebar is positioned within the channels using positioner50, and the channels are subsequently filled with poured concrete or other material to embed the rebar and form a substantially solid bond beam. Bond beams constructed using positioner50can be used, for example, as structural beams between courses of standard block.

The “W” shape of block52, and particularly the center vertical extension of block52, prevents the positioner50from being installed mid-span along the length of a single block, and thus requires that the rebar positioner50be positioned between adjacent blocks, and in the exemplary embodiment shown, be cooperatively supported by adjacent blocks. As described in detail below with regard to the geometry of rebar positioner50, the third segment of the first leg of the positioner is supported on one of the adjacent blocks, and the third segment of the second leg of the positioner is supported on the other of the adjacent blocks.

The shape of rebar postioner50, which is described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 12-18, positions a center segment of positioner50elevated from the bottom56of the channels54and apart from one of the sides58of each channel54. The center segment of the positioner has an undulating shape for supporting rebar30having any diameter. As shown, rebar positioner50supports and maintains the position of two parallel arranged, spaced-apart lengths of rebar30in each channel54. In the preferred embodiment, the rebar30is spaced-apart from the bottom56of the channels54at least about 1″, and spaced-apart from the sides58of the channel54at least about ½″. These distances may vary depending upon bond beam specifications.

The number of rebar positioners50required along the length of a bond beam can be dependent upon the length of the beam, number of rebar positioned in the channels, and structural specifications of the bond beam. The undulating shape of the center segment of the rebar positioner50allows the positioner to accommodate various diameters of rebar.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 12-18, various perspective, plan and elevation views of rebar positioner50are shown. Rebar positioner50can be constructed from a single continuous piece of wire bent to generally define a center segment32centered between first and second legs34,36. The center segment32has an undulating form including a plurality of successive curves in alternate directions, preferably at least about ten, more preferably at least about thirteen. The first and second legs34,36extend vertically upwardly from the center segment32in substantially the same direction. As compared with the first embodiment of the rebar positioner20, the second embodiment of the rebar positioner50has a longer center segment32with a greater number of successive curves.

Each of the first and second legs34,36generally include three segments: a first segment38arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a notional straight line40longitudinally bisecting the undulating center segment32; a second segment42arranged perpendicular to the first segment38, substantially parallel to the notional straight line40bisecting the center segment32, and in a direction away from the center segment32; and a third segment44arranged substantially perpendicular to the second segment42, coplanar with the second segment42, and in a direction perpendicular to a common plane of the center segment32, first segment38and second segment42. The third segments44of the first and second legs34,36are substantially parallel, but extend in opposite directions perpendicular from the common plane of the center segment32, first segment38and second segment42.

In an exemplary embodiment, rebar positioner50has a width and depth corresponding to a W-shaped bond beam block such that the center segment32is positioned at least about 1″ from the bottom surface of the channel of the block and the first segments38of each of the first and second legs34,36are positioned at least about ½″ from the sidewalls of the channels of the bond beam block. In another embodiment, the center segment32is suspended such that the rebar30is positioned within the bottom one-third of the bond beam.

As shown, the wire has a circular cross-section, although it is envisioned and intended that the wire can have any cross-sectional shape. The gauge of the wire may be selected based upon the diameter and weight of the supported rebar, and the number of rebar pieces being supported by the rebar positioner50. The rebar positioner50may be constructed from a continuous length of wire or constructed from individual segments attached together, for example, by welding. The wire may be bare or galvanized dipped for resistance to corrosion. The number of undulating curves of the center segment32may vary based upon the desired spacing between rebar, the number of rebar being supported, and the width of the corresponding block.

Third Embodiment

Referring toFIGS. 19-27, a third embodiment of a rebar positioner is shown generally at reference numeral70. Referring specifically toFIGS. 19-20, rebar positioner70, in the exemplary application shown, functions to properly position at least one length of rebar within a channel of a bond beam such that the rebar is properly positioned with respect to the bottom and sides of the channel, and with respect to additional lengths or rebar, during bond beam construction.

Exemplary bond beam masonry block22, referred to herein as simply “block22,” is generally U-shaped and defines a single channel24open to the top of the block22. To construct a structural bond beam, one or more blocks having a common sectional profile are arranged end-to-end to form a continuous channel. Rebar is positioned within the channel using positioner70, and the channel is subsequently filled with poured concrete or other material to embed the rebar and form a substantially solid bond beam. Bond beams can be used, for example, as structural beams between courses of standard block.

Block22generally defines a flat top surface upon which portions of the legs of positioner70seat upon and are supported by. The shape of rebar postioner70, which is described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 21-27, positions center segments of positioner70elevated from the bottom26of the channel24and apart from the sides28of the channel24. The center segments of the positioner have an undulating shape for supporting rebar30having any diameter. As shown, rebar positioner70supports and maintains the position of two parallel arranged, spaced-apart lengths of rebar30. In the preferred embodiment, the rebar30is spaced-apart from the bottom26of the channel24at least about 1″, and spaced-apart from the sides28of the channel24at least about ½″. These distances may vary depending upon bond beam specifications.

The number of rebar positioners70required, and the spacing of the intervals, is dependent upon the length and structural specifications of the bond beam. Although rebar positioner70is shown being supported by a single block, it is envisioned that the positioner may be cooperatively supported by adjacent blocks. The undulating shape of the center segments of rebar positioner70allow the positioner to accommodate various diameters of rebar.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 21-27, various perspective, plan and elevation views of rebar positioner70are shown. Rebar positioner70can be constructed from a single continuous piece of wire bent to generally define center segments32each centered between first and second legs34,36. Each of the center segments32have an undulating form including a plurality of successive curves in alternate directions. The first and second legs34,36of each of the center segments32extend vertically upwardly from the center segment32in substantially the same direction.

The first and second legs34,36of each of the center segments32generally include three segments: a first segment38arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a notional straight line40longitudinally bisecting its respective undulating center segment32; a second segment42arranged perpendicular to the first segment38, substantially parallel to the notional straight line40bisecting the center segment32, and in a direction away from the center segment32; and a third segment44arranged substantially perpendicular to the second segment42, coplanar with the second segment42, and in a direction perpendicular to a common plane of the center segment32, first segment38and second segment42. The third segments44of the first legs34of each of the center segments32are connected to form a single, common third segment44. The third segments44of each of the second legs36of each of the center segments32are arranged in the direction toward one another, but are separated by a break72, necessitated by constructing the third embodiment of the rebar positioner70from a single continuous piece of wire.

In an exemplary embodiment, rebar positioner70has a width and depth corresponding to a U-shaped bond beam block such that the center segments32are positioned at least about 1″ from the bottom surface of the channel of the block and the first segments38of each of the first and second legs34,36of each of the center segments32are positioned at least about ½″ from the sidewalls of the channel of the bond beam block. In another embodiment, the center segments32are suspended such that the rebar30is positioned within the bottom one-third of the bond beam.

As shown, the wire has a circular cross-section, although it is envisioned and intended that the wire can have any cross-sectional shape. The gauge of the wire may be selected based upon the diameter and weight of the supported rebar, and the number of rebar pieces being supported by the rebar positioner70. The rebar positioner70may be constructed from a continuous length of wire or constructed from individual segments attached together, for example, by welding. The wire may be bare or galvanized dipped for resistance to corrosion. The number of undulating curves of the center segments32may vary based upon the desired spacing between rebar, the number of rebar being supported, and the width of the corresponding block. The third embodiment of the rebar positioner70can be used as a substitute for the first embodiment of the rebar positioner20when the rebar is either heavy or has a short length.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of rebar positioners has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the rebar positioners to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.