Abstract:
A method of attaching and aligning reinforcing bars includes providing a plurality of molded plastic clips having first and second parallel seats and a third transverse seat, all seats of equal size. A lower seat of a clip is pressed over a first reinforcement bar, then a second reinforcement bar is pressed into the upper seat to attach two bars of equal size in parallel. Another identical clip can be used to attach a third bar transverse to the first two bars, all the bars being of equal size.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method of attaching and aligning reinforcing bars in a framework for supporting a concrete matrix. More particularly, this invention pertains to clips for joining reinforcing bars in a framework. Even more particularly, this invention pertains to a clip with flared legs for joining pairs of reinforcing bars in a parallel orientation. 
         [0002]    It has been long known in the art of reinforced concrete structures to provide fastening means for aligning and attaching reinforcing bars in a framework prior to encasing such bars in a concrete matrix. One well known fastening means used in forming a framework of reinforcing bars is to wrap adjacent bars with wire ties, or other similar binding materials. Another well known fastening means is to attach such reinforcing bars by welding instead of wrapping. Both of these fastening means provide for attaching bars arranged in either transverse or parallel orientations. However, both means are labor intensive and, thus, more expensive when compared to the use of more recently developed reinforcing bar clips. 
         [0003]    Plastic clips have been developed to provide a means of rapidly attaching adjacent reinforcing bars that are arranged in transverse orientations. For example, Padrum, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,951, teaches a plastic U-shaped clip formed by two opposing flanges extending from a base. Each of the flanges is split to form opposing and aligned openings within each flange. The clip is positioned and aligned above two reinforcement bars that are in a transverse orientation to each other. Pressure applied to the base causes the first reinforcing bar to be forced between the flanges and held in an upper position. Continued application of pressure upon the base causes the second reinforcing bar to be forced between the opposing split opening in the flanges and held in a lower position independent of the first bar. 
         [0004]    A second example of prior art plastic clips is shown in U.S. Pat. No. to Dragone. The Dragone clip is a U-shaped assembly comprising two parallel longitudinal members connecting two opposed hook assemblies. Each hook assembly comprises two connecting members, each extending from one of the longitudinal members, and a fulcrum section. A hook is formed by two opposing fingers, each attached at an opposite end of the fulcrum section and extending from the fulcrum section in a direction away from the longitudinal members. A gap is formed between each pair of opposing fingers. To install the Dragone clip, a first reinforcing bar is forced between the two opposed hook assemblies and held in an upper position against the parallel longitudinal members. The parallel longitudinal members are squeezed together by the user, causing each pair of opposing fingers to spread apart. The user slips the spread fingers of the opposing hooks over a second reinforcing bar that is positioned transverse to the first bar. The user then releases the parallel longitudinal members. As the parallel longitudinal members separate, each pair of opposing fingers close around the second bar and hold it in a lower position. The Dragone clip is sized so as to hold the second bar against the first bar. 
         [0005]    One shortcoming of these two plastic clips is the limited orientations in which they can be used. These clips can only be used with transversely oriented reinforcement bars. However, frameworks of reinforcement bars frequently require attachment of bars in parallel orientations as well as transverse orientations. Previously, no clips existed to attach reinforcement bars in parallel orientations. Where frameworks are constructed using either of the prior art clips, the user can only use such clips to attach transversely oriented bars. All other attachment orientations require the user to employ more labor intensive methods of attaching the bars, such as wire wrap. What is needed, then, is a reinforcement bar clip that can be used to attach adjacent reinforcing bars arranged in a parallel orientation. 
         [0006]    To make the task of attaching reinforcement bars in a framework as simple as possible, it would be advantageous if only one type of clip were necessary to join reinforcement bars in either a transverse orientation or in a parallel orientation. Therefore, what is additionally needed is a reinforcement bar clip that can be used to attach adjacent reinforcing bars arranged in either a transverse orientation or in a parallel orientation. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In the preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a color coded molded plastic clip including a pair of opposing clasp assemblies. Each clasp assembly has an upper clasp and a lower clasp for holding, respectively, first and second reinforcement bars in a parallel orientation. Each upper clasp includes a pair of opposing, convexly curved fingers that extend upwards from a transverse support and are attached to a pair of parallel longitudinal supports. Each clasp assembly further includes a second pair of opposing, convexly curved fingers extending downward from either end of the transverse support so as to form a lower clasp. 
         [0008]    One novel aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a pair of flared guides attached to the lower ends of the opposing fingers of each lower clasp. During installation of the clip&#39;s lower clasps upon a reinforcement bar, each pair of flared guides engages the bar and guides it to the lower clasp gaps for insertion into the lower clasps. 
         [0009]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention additionally includes two alternative upper clasps formed from the longitudinal supports cooperating with the opposed clamp assemblies. Each alternative upper clasp includes an alternative upper seat and an alternative upper clasp gap for receiving and holding a reinforcement bar in an orientation transverse to a reinforcement bar received and held by the lower clasp. Advantageously, the clip of this alternative preferred embodiment can be selectively used to attach and hold two reinforcement bars arranged in either a parallel orientation or in a transverse orientation. 
         [0010]    Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a reinforcement bar clip that can be used to attach adjacent reinforcing bars arranged in a parallel orientation. 
         [0011]    It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a reinforcement bar clip that can be used to attach adjacent reinforcing bars arranged in either a transverse orientation or in a parallel orientation. 
         [0012]    Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means of guiding a reinforcement bar into a clasp during installation of the clip. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a preferred embodiment of the reinforcement bar clip of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the clip of  FIG. 1  along the longitudinal axis. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the clip of  FIG. 1  along the transverse axis. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is oblique view of the clip of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an oblique view of the clip of  FIG. 1  shown holding two reinforcement bars in a transverse orientation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    One preferred embodiment of the reinforcement bar clip  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein orientation of the clip  10  is shown with reference to the vertical direction arrow  15 , the longitudinal direction arrow  12  and the transverse direction arrow  14 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  is a molded plastic clip  10  made of a resilient plastic material having a color selected to indicate the appropriate gauge of reinforcement bars upon which it may be installed. The clip  10  comprises a plurality of clasp assemblies. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a pair of opposing first and second clasp assemblies  20 ,  21 . Each first and second clasp assembly  20 ,  21  is attached to parallel first and second longitudinal supports  16 ,  18  and extends downward from the longitudinal supports  16 ,  18 . The opposing first and second clasp assemblies  20 ,  21 , together with the first and second longitudinal supports  16 ,  18 , form a U-shaped profile, as is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0019]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the first and second clasp assemblies  20 ,  21  each comprise an upper clasp  22  for holding a first reinforcement bar and a lower clasp  24  for holding a second reinforcement bars in a parallel orientation to the first reinforcement bar. For each first and second clasp assembly  20 ,  21 , opposing, convexly curved fingers  34  extend upward from either end of a transverse support  26  so as to form the upper clasp  22 . One finger  34   a  is shown attached to the first longitudinal support  16  and the opposing finger  34   b  is shown attached to the second longitudinal support  18 . Together with the transverse support  26 , the opposing fingers  34   a ,  34   b  form an upper seat  32 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , an upper clasp gap  42  is disposed between the first and second longitudinal supports  16 ,  18  so as to provide a means of inserting the first reinforcement bar into the upper clasp  22 . The upper clasp gap  42  is selected so as to be narrower than the diameter of the first reinforcement bar, while the upper seat  32  is adapted in size and shape to compressively engage the first reinforcement bar when such bar is placed within the upper clasp  22 . 
         [0020]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , for each first and second clasp assembly  20 ,  21 , opposing, convexly curved fingers  34   c ,  34   d  extend downward from either end of the transverse support  26  so as to form the lower clasp  24 . Together with the transverse support  26 , the pair of opposing fingers  34   c ,  34   d  form a lower seat  30 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , a lower clasp gap  40  is disposed between the opposing fingers  34   c ,  34   d  so as to provide a means of inserting a reinforcement bar into the lower clasp  24 . The lower clasp gap  40  is selected so as to be narrower than the diameter of the second reinforcement bar, while the lower seat  30  is adapted in size and shape to compressively engage the second reinforcement bar when such bar is placed within the lower clasp  24 . 
         [0021]    The term ‘gauge of a clip’ is used herein to indicate the size of bar that the clip can attach and hold. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gauge of the clip  10  is indicated by the color of the material used to fabricate the clip  10 . For example, a clip  10  having a red color may have a gauge of 0.425 inches and a clip  10  having a white color may have a gauge of 0.525 inches. Other color coding schemes would be obvious to one skilled in the skilled in the art. Optionally, the gauge of the clip is cast, printed or otherwise numerically indicated on the surface of the clip  10 . Preferably, the gauge of the clip is indicated by both color of the clip  10  and by the color of the material used to fabricate the clip  10 . 
         [0022]    A preferred method of installing the clip  10  upon parallel oriented reinforcement bars is described. The gauge of the reinforcement bars is determined and the appropriate size of clip  10  is selected as indicated above. The receiver tip in the preferred embodiment of the application tool (not shown) is interchangeable and is selected by the gauge appropriate for installation into the upper clasp gap  42 . The clip  10  is removably installed upon the application tool by sliding the receiver tip into the upper clasp gap  42  so as to form a rigid assembly held together by a friction fit between the receiver tip and the first and second longitudinal supports  16 ,  18 . 
         [0023]    One novel aspect of the present invention is the flared guide  35  attached to the lower ends of each opposing finger  34   c ,  34   d  of the lower clasp  24 . During installation of the lower clasp  24  of the clip  10  upon a reinforcement bar  52 , each pair of flared guides  35  engage the bar  52  and guide it to the lower clasp gap  40  for insertion into the lower clasp  24  of each clasp assembly  20 ,  21 . As the lower clasp  24  is pressed against the reinforcement bar  52 , the flaring of guides  35  cause the opposing fingers  34   c ,  34   d  to spread open so as to enlarge the lower clasp gap  40  sufficiently for the insertion of the bar  52 . After the bar  52  is inserted into the lower clasp  24 , the opposing fingers  34   c ,  34   d  close so as to hold the bar in the lower seat  30 . 
         [0024]    Once the reinforcing bar  52 , is inserted into the lower clasp  24 , the receiver tip of the application tool  100  is removed from the upper clasp gap  42 . With the upper clasp gap  42  clear, another reinforcement bar  50 , is positioned above the upper clasp gap  42  and in a parallel orientation to the reinforcement bar  52  held in the lower clasp  24 . The bar  50  and the clip  10  are forced together so as to cause the opposing fingers  34   a ,  34   b  to spread open so as to enlarge the upper clasp gap  42  sufficiently for the insertion of the bar  50 . After the bar  50  is inserted into the upper clasp  22 , the opposing fingers  34   a ,  34   b  close so as to hold the bar in the upper seat  32 . In this configuration, the preferred embodiment of the clip  10  of the present invention holds the two reinforcement bars  50 ,  52  independent of the other bar and a parallel orientation with the other bar. 
         [0025]    In an alternative preferred embodiment (not shown), flared guide  35  are attached to the upper ends of each opposing finger  34   a ,  34   b  and longitudinal supports  16 ,  18  of the upper clasp  22 . During installation of the upper clasp  22  of the clip  10  upon a reinforcement bar  50 , each pair of flared guides  35  engage the bar  50  and guide it to the upper clasp gap  42  for insertion into the upper clasp  22  of each clasp assembly  20 ,  21  in the same manner described above for the lower clasp  24 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , an additional preferred embodiment is shown. In the embodiment shown, longitudinal supports  16 ,  18  each cooperate with the opposed clamp assemblies  20 ,  21  to form two aligned and opposing alternative upper clasps  23 . Each alternative upper clasp  23  includes an alternative upper seat  33  and an alternative upper clasp gap  44 . This additional preferred embodiment also includes upper and lower clasps  22 ,  24  as previously described. In one application of this additional preferred embodiment, a first reinforcement bar is placed into the alternate upper clasps  23  by forcing the bar  50  into the alternate upper clasp gaps  44  and against the alternative upper seats  33 . A second reinforcement bar  52  is oriented in a position transverse to the first bar. The second bar  52  is then forced into the lower clasps  24  so as to contact the first bar  50  and to hold it against the alternative upper seats  33 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , the clip  10  of this additional preferred embodiment attaches and holds two reinforcement bars  50 ,  52  in a transverse orientation. 
         [0027]    Advantageously, the clip  10  of this alternative preferred embodiment can selectively attach and hold two reinforcement bars  50 ,  52  in either a parallel orientation, as described above, or in a transverse orientation as shown in  FIG. 5 . This aspect of the invention allows a single type of clip to be used to attach adjacent reinforcing bars arranged in either a transverse orientation or in a parallel orientation. 
         [0028]    Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Method of Attaching Reinforcing Bars, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.