Abstract:
The invention relates to a device which is coupled to a standard conventional disk or lateral type spacer and which can be used to fix it to a relatively soft material into which the device is stick in, by pushing the device against a reference surface, which may be an adjoining wall or any form, thereby ensuring: the correct positioning of the structural elements to which the spacer is fixed, and therefore, the thickness of the concrete layer between said structural elements and the reference surface, which can provide insulation or serve as a construction joint; and hence the correct position and operation of the panel or wall of soft material serving as a construction joint or as a thermal or sound insulation material.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention is related to devices for the positioning and fixing reinforcement structural elements for concrete, and specifically, the invention is related to one of these devices that is attached to a disk or lateral type spacer or to any other accessory, and allows to fix it with respect to a reference surface, as the own centering or another relatively soft material, especially in constructive joints or thermal insulation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In building of concrete houses and some similar constructions, the concrete is poured using forms commonly by using modules for one or several houses simultaneously, in such a way to form monolithic structures; with a complication when finishing a module and initiating the following one, it is impossible to use the two faces of the form, and one of the walls, the one that was poured first, turns into an form sometimes. 
         [0003]    The use of devices for lateral spacing and/or separating structural elements for production of walls or other concrete bodies, it is known in the art. Some spacer elements have the form of cylindrical or essentially as a truncated cone-shaped supports on which the structural elements are supported; this class of spacers receive the conventional name of separators; an example of them is described in the document PCT/MX2005/000017 (Ferro, 2005), whose teachings are incorporated by reference. 
         [0004]    Others, used typically in production of columns, walls with two or more structures of steel and other reinforcement structures that require of lateral distancing, take the form of discs with an entrance or mouth through which a structural element pass, so that it occupies the center of the device, co-lineal with its rotation axis; these devices have several advantages, such as the distance between the structural element and any point on the outer surface of the device that is in contact with a surface, is approximately constant, due to the circular form of this device; an example of this type of devices is described in the document PCT/MX2005/000031 (Ferro, 2004), whose teachings are incorporated by reference. 
         [0005]    In these and other cases known in the art, a problem that usually appears is to maintain in position the spacers, when the concrete is poured on the structure, in order to assure that the design is fulfilled and that there is a constant thickness of concrete between structural elements and at least one of the reference surfaces, as it can be the surface of the finished wall. 
       PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the limitations and problems of the developments proposed in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device that fixes panels of soft materials which it is in contact with, so that it will act as a constructive joint between two walls or concrete structures. 
         [0007]    It is another purpose that the device of the invention, being in contact with panels of soft materials, fixes them so that they act as thermal or acoustic insulation between two walls or concrete structures or between a wall or concrete structure and the exterior. 
         [0008]    Another purpose of the invention is to provide a device that maintains a separator and the reinforcement steel in their operational position. 
         [0009]    Yet another purpose of invention is to provide a device that assures to obtain 
         [0010]    the coatings of concrete with the projected thickness. 
         [0011]    Another purpose of invention is to provide a device that maintains the panels of soft materials in their operation position. 
         [0012]    It is another additional purpose of the present, to provide a fixing element designed to be attached to a spacer or lateral spacer of conventional disc type or any other type. 
         [0013]    Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a connectable fixing element with a spacer or lateral spacer of conventional disc type or any other type that does not interfere with the function of the spacer or lateral spacer and that guarantees its operation in accordance with its design. 
         [0014]    These and other purposes and advantages of the present invention become evident in view of the following description, with a series of Figures of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which must be understood as illustrative and non-limitative aims of the teachings of invention. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Regarding the modular constructive systems before referred, it is known that between the adjacent walls of said modules, it is located a constructive joint that allows the structures to release tensions and move without hitting or damaging each other. Nevertheless usually it is observed that displacements between the elements exist which result in an unequal distribution of the thicknesses of concrete once “pouring” is finished. 
         [0016]    In the following description, the use of some of the terms: disc, separator, lateral spacer, spacer or conventional support for structures, will be understood that refers to anyone of them without distinction, that is commercially available or that is comprised in the state of the art. 
         [0017]    The device of the invention, to be described ahead, when connected to the disc or lateral spacer and stick in the constructive joint, pushes it towards the wall of concrete of the adjacent module that at this moment act as form, it maintains the disc and the steel of reinforcement in their position, and allows to close the form correctly to be ready to pour the concrete. 
         [0018]    When maintaining the constructive joint aligned and stuck to the starting wall of concrete, it is allowed to work completely; when pushing it, it avoids that the disc sticks in it and detach from the adjacent wall, allowing all the elements of the wall to work correctly; in other way the connective joint is misaligned causing that concrete pours between each panel resulting a wall with smaller thickness than projected and with bad position of the reinforcement steel. 
         [0019]    Additionally, in an alternative use, the device helps to correct positioning of the panel, generally made of polystyrene, so that acts as thermal or acoustic insulation between a wall or concrete structures and the exterior. 
         [0020]    The fixation device of the invention consists basically of: a) a post destined to be “stick in” in a relatively soft surface, such as polystyrene panels or similar materials, to maintain a spacer device or lateral spacer fixed, for example of the type of a conventional disc or a lateral spacer, to a perpendicular section projected almost at the end of the post working as limit and stop, of the maximum space to stride in the body of the soft material; and b) fixation means of “clip” type, in order to fix the device to a section of a conventional spacer or lateral spacer, consisting of a pair of clamps inter-engaging and joined in a common point that forms a hinge, and that surrounds a perimeter zone of the body of the spacer or lateral spacer to be engaged. 
         [0021]    One of the clamps is an extended element essentially straight that projects upwards from the union point with the post of the fixation device, and that runs in parallel direction, although displaced of the central line of the inferior post, in order to surround one coupling section with the spacer or lateral spacer; the second clamp is an extended element that projects from the union point with the post, in perpendicular direction, that can move more or less freely in the point of union of the clip with the post, forming a hinge. Both clamps are laterally moved respect to the central line of the post so that they can surround the fixation zone in the body of the spacer or lateral spacer to which they engage so that their free ends can be coupled with fixation means located near their ends, being fixed to the body of said spacer. 
         [0022]    Once the device of the invention is connected to the spacer or lateral spacer, the set is susceptible to fix to a predetermined position, initially fixing the set of spacer or lateral spacer and device of the invention to the structural element, and later fixing the set to a reference surface, as a wall made of soft expanded polystyrene material, for example, in which the device of the invention can be inserted by pressure (“stick in”), allowing to fix it to the structural element to its position respect to the surface of reference. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a lateral schematic view of the device of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a view in simple perspective of the device of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a view in simple perspective of the device of the invention in assembly process on a conventional spacer of disc type. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a view in simple perspective of the device of the invention in his closed or “in use” position on a conventional spacer of the disc type of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view in simple perspective of an installation where two devices of the invention are connected to a conventional spacer of disc type mounted in a structure, in the process to fix or to stick them to a panel of soft material 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view in simple perspective of the installation in  FIG. 5 , with both devices placed, in their final position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the device of the invention in its “in use” position, when the soft panel acts as a constructive joint. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the device of the invention in its “in use” position, when the soft panel acts as a thermal or acoustic insulator. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a view in simple perspective of the device of the invention mounted on a conventional separator for pipes. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]    Following description will be referred to the drawings before being described, same that must be understood as illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and non-limitative of the scope of the inventive concept. The common elements in the Figures have the same numerical references in all of them. 
         [0033]    Description of the device of the invention that follows will be made in reference to the  FIG. 1 , a lateral view of the typical device of the invention, where the terms “lower” and “upper” refer to figure as appears, because the device can assume any position in its “in use” position. 
         [0034]    The device of the invention ( 100 ) has a “lower” section and an “upper” section. Lower section or “insertion leg” is constituted by a straight element ( 110 ) essentially a rectangular prism that projects downwards with its lower end beveled structured to allow its introduction in a relatively soft material, that constitutes the reference surface, such as polystyrene foam or a material of similar consistency, to which the device will fix, and the other end is united to upper section in a point that acts as a hinge for at least one of the arms of the clip. Upper section includes appropriate, fixing means for the attachment of the device to the disc type spacer or lateral or any other spacer type as in the following Figures. 
         [0035]    The fixing means are constituted by:
       a) A first substantially straight rigid arm ( 120 ), united to the lower section ( 110 ) of the device ( 100 ), forming a single body,   b) A second arm ( 130 ), semi-flexible,   c) A hinge element ( 180 ) between said second arm and said body of the device,   d) A projection or stop ( 140 ), which projects perpendicularly to the central axis of the device and that defines the maximum depth for insertion of the device in the reference surface,   e) Co-operable connection elements, the first one located ( 170 ) in the end of the second arm ( 130 ), and the second ( 160 ), in a place on the inner face of the first arm ( 120 ), allowing the connection with the first connection element ( 170 ).       
 
         [0041]    The first straight rigid arm ( 120 ), essentially is a projection of the lower section ( 110 ), being parallel to the central axis of said lower section ( 110 ) but displaced of this central axis by a distance such that its inner face (respect to this central axis) coincides with the plane of one of the faces of the spacer, for example of disc type or lateral spacer, forming the main body of the device ( 100 ). 
         [0042]    The second arm ( 130 ) that in “not in use” position of the device projects perpendicularly to the body of the device, in opposite direction to the one of displacement of the first arm, and that is united to the body of the device in a zone ( 180 ) whose thickness is enough to offer flexibility since it works as a hinge that allows flexion of the arm ( 130 ) in the direction shown by the arrow “A” arc in order to connect the element of connection ( 170 ) as a hook, in its free end, with the corresponding connection element ( 160 ) located as a projection from the inner face of the first arm ( 120 ), to a distance so that the securing between both elements of connection is allowed. 
         [0043]    One projection ( 140 ) perpendicular to the lower section ( 110 ) of the device ( 100 ) from the outer face of the first arm, moving outwards, determines the maximum depth of insertion of the lower section ( 110 ) of the device ( 100 ), and is located so that its lower face is coplanar and “horizontal” with the upper surface ( 190 ) of the zone of union of the elements of the device, as shown by line B-B in  FIG. 1 , and will correspond to the “in use” position with a distal point of the spacer or lateral spacer, and determines the distance between the structural element to which it is destined with respect to a reference surface; the distance between this lower face and the beveled end of the element ( 110 ) is equal to the thickness of the panel of polystyrene, constructive joint or thermal or acoustic insulation. 
         [0044]    It will be observed from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , that the first arm has a thickness greater than the second arm although smaller to the one of the lower section of the device, in order to guarantee its rigidity; the displacement with respect to the central axis of the device, allowing that the axis of the spacer or lateral spacer be collinear with the one of the device, assures that the stresses transmitted by the spacer or lateral spacer are lead directly to the lower section, aligning with the radius of stress transmission of said separator; the first arm has its two ends curved, the one of union with the lower section ( 110 ) and the free end, so that any force on this arm is derived to the lower section ( 110 ). 
         [0045]    The first arm ( 120 ) has means (grooves and rims) ( 150 ) that adjust to the profile of the spacer or lateral spacer to which it is desired to attach the device ( 100 ) in its “in use” position, for example, in the case illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it will admit and retain the rib ( 210 ) that is located throughout inner perimeter of the hollow ( 220 ) of a conventional spacer of disc ( 200 ), which is destined to retain an extended structural element in its center, such as a rod, as it is known in the art and illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0046]    Additionally, the first arm ( 120 ) shows a projection ( 195 ) on its inner face, with an appropriate profile to adapt to that produced in the spacer ( 200 ), the “lower” section ( 230 ) of the rib ( 210 ) in combination with the outer ring ( 240 ) of this disc ( 200 ) (that is why the sinuous profile). Thus, when inserting the rib ( 210 ) in the groove-rim ( 150 ) and placing in its site the projection ( 195 ) respect to the element ( 230 ) and the perimeter disc ( 240 ), the device of the invention ( 100 ) fits perfectly within the hollow ( 220 ) of the disc ( 200 ); the projection ( 250 ) will be oriented coincidently with the central axis of the device ( 100 ), allowing then transmission of the stresses caused by the elements of the structure, towards the lower section ( 110 ) of the device ( 100 ) and finally, towards the surface of reference, as will be illustrated and described ahead. 
         [0047]    In order to maintain in its site the device ( 100 ) already located in its “in use” position, the second arm ( 130 ) bends on itself (as indicated by the arc “A”; in  FIG. 1 ) in the zone of hinge ( 180 ), conventionally thinner than the rest of the arm ( 130 ) to obtain that function, so that the element of connection ( 170 ) in its free end, reaches, couples and fixes to the corresponding element of complementary connection ( 160 ) that projects from the internal face of the first arm ( 120 ). By effect of the resistance of the material of fabrication of the device, the second arm ( 130 ) will tend to recover its original position, exerting a force in opposite direction to the arc “A” of  FIG. 1  and by effect of design of the connection elements ( 160 ), ( 170 ), this force will promote the securing in its site of both arms ( 120 ) and ( 130 ), holding firmly to the disc ( 200 ), forming the set ( 300 ) shown in  FIG. 4 , where the device of the invention ( 100 ) is in gray shadows. 
         [0048]    When the set ( 300 ) is “in use”, as in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a structural steel reinforcement or an individual structural element of armed steel with the numeral ( 400 ) is inserted in the central hollow of the disc ( 200 ), and then the lower section ( 110 ) of the device of the invention ( 100 ) can be used to establish a predefined distance with respect to the inner surface of the panel which is used as reference surface, and to maintain in its place the soft panel ( 500 ). In practice, this panel ( 500 ) is a “soft” material, for example, polystyrene foam, in which the end bevels of the lower section ( 110 ) of the device of the invention ( 100 ) can “stick in” with relative facility, anchoring the set ( 300 ) and therefore, stabilizing armed of steel or the structural steel reinforcement ( 400 ). 
         [0049]    When “stick in” the plurality of devices of the invention until the “lower” face of projection ( 140 ) of each one of them reaches the reference surface, it is assured that armed steel or the structural reinforcement of steel ( 400 ) is located to the same predefined distance from this surface of reference, obtaining a constant thickness of concrete. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  shows an arrangement in which the soft panel ( 500 ) acts as a constructive joint between a wall of concrete ( 600 ) set or hardened and the structural constructive elements ( 400 ) that will form the adjacent wall before being poured. The adapter ( 100 ) places the constructive joint ( 500 ) in its position of operation completely parallel and adjacent (glued or adhered) with said finished wall ( 600 ), maintains the disc ( 200 ) in correct position holding and separating the reinforcement steel ( 400 ) in position in which the projected coverings of concrete are fulfilled, and maintaining when appropriate, the form to the distance at which the thickness of the wished wall will be obtained; can be observed in the figure, that thickness of the wall of concrete of the new wall is determined by position of the centering ( 700 ) and it is defined as well by the size of the spacer ( 200 ). 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  shows an arrangement where the soft panel ( 500 ) acts as thermal or acoustic insulation covering the exterior of the concrete walls, in this case, the device ( 100 ) also places the panel ( 500 ) in its position of operation completely parallel and adjacent with the external or perimeter part of the wall delimited by the outer face of the form, maintains the disc ( 200 ) in correct position holding and separating the reinforcement steel ( 400 ) in position in which the projected coats of concrete will be obtained, and maintaining the internal form ( 700 ) to the distance in which the desired thickness of the wall will be obtained. 
         [0052]    Finally, in  FIG. 9  an alternative of use of the device of the invention ( 100 ) is illustrated, in this case connected to a pipe spacer ( 800 ), and where it is observed that the adjustment means ( 160 ) can be modified without separating from the original concept of the device. 
         [0053]    Although use has been made for a particular design of disc spacer to illustrate the inventive concept of the invention, it is evident for a person with knowledge in the art, that modifications to the configuration of this device can be made in order to adjust to the profiles of other spacers well-known and commonly available, specially as far as localization of the projections and grooves that will admit the elements of contact with the spacer device in question, and therefore, it must be understood that these modifications do not carry the device obtained with such adjustments, beyond the scope of the present invention, which must be considered according to the following claims.