Patent Publication Number: US-8122675-B2

Title: Rebar positioner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part patent application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/940,744 filed Nov. 15, 2007 and entitled “REBAR POSITIONER”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/865,927 filed Nov. 15, 2006, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of reinforcing bar positioners, and more particularly, to a rebar positioner including a center section having an S-shape oriented in a first plane and interconencting first and second end sections in a second, parallel plane for being supported upon the block surface, the second end section defining a telltale oriented away from the center section such that improper placement in the cell of the block results in the telltale protruding laterally beyond the side of the block, and thus providing a visual and physical indication of improper installation. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is common in masonry block construction to utilize an elongate steel reinforcing bar, also known as a reinforcement bar or “rebar”, positioned vertically within the cell or core of a concrete block or other masonry block unit to provide added strength and stability to the masonry structure. Generally, it is desirable to have the rebar positioned at or proximate the center of the block core to maximize the stabilizing effect of the rebar. As such, a positioner is often used to maintain the rebar at the desired position within the block core while grout, concrete or other hardening fill material is poured into the block core. 
     Prior art rebar positioners typically include brackets with an enclosed or nearly enclosed area within which the rebar is positioned, and opposing members that extend perpendicularly over the block core onto the top surface of the block. These prior art rebar positioners are constructed such that they lie entirely in one plane, and as such they extend over the top of the core block. Therefore, positioners must rely on the next masonry block being positioned on top of it to maintain its proper position, and the positioners are easily disturbed by movement of the overlying block. The perpendicular arrangement of the positioners contributes to their susceptibility to falling out of position. If the rebars are not maintained in their proper position, the strength and stability of the masonry structure is compromised. 
     To overcome the disadvantages of the prior art positioner designs, a reinforcing bar positioner is provided herein including a continuous length of wire bent to provide a geometry that advantageously spans the corresponding diagonal length of the core of the block, seats only end portions of the positioner in the plane of the surface of the block, positions the looped rebar maintaining portions down within the core, and includes a telltale for indicating proper installation of the positioner within the core to ensure alignment of the rebar along the longitudinal axis of the block. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a tool for properly positioning rebar within a core of a masonry block. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a rebar positioner that locks in diagonal orientation within the core of the masonry block to prevent shifting of the positioner upon instllation of an overlying block. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-planar rebar positioner including a telltale that indicates proper installation within the core of a block to ensure proper alignment of the rebar along the longitudinal axis of the block. 
     These and other objects of the invention are achieved in the embodiments of the invention described herein. In one embodiment, a rebar positioner configured for being placed in a diagonal orientation within a cell of a masonry block is provided herein and includes a single, continuous wire bent to define first and second end sections oriented coplanar in a first plane, a center section having a general S-shape oriented in a second plane parallel to the first plane, laterally offset first and second linear sections extending in opposing directions from the center section and oriented in the second plane, and first and second connecting sections interconnecting the first and second end sections with the first and second linear sections, respectively, and oriented parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second planes, and wherein the second end section terminates in a linear telltale extending away from the center section. 
     According to a further embodiment, the linear telltale is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the second linear section. 
     According to a further embodiment, the first end section terminates in a first linear portion oriented at an acute angle toward and with respect to the first linear section. 
     According to a further embodiment, the linear telltale is oriented at about a 30 degree angle relative to the second linear section. 
     According to a further embodiment, opposing loops of the center section define centers laterally offset with respect to a centerline of the positioner. 
     According to a further embodiment, the rebar positioner is positioned within the cell such that the first and second end sections do not extend laterally beyond sides of the block and the telltale extends over a portion of an adjacent cell of the masonry block. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of installing a rebar positioner within a cell of a concrete block is provided herein including the steps of: (i) providing a concrete block having sides, an opposing top and bottom, and a cell open to the opposing top and bottom; (ii) providing a rebar positioner comprising a single, continuous wire bent to define first and second end sections oriented coplanar in a first plane, a center section having a general S-shape oriented in a second plane parallel to the first plane, laterally offset first and second linear sections extending in opposing directions from the center section and oriented in the second plane, and first and second connecting sections interconnecting the first and second end sections with the first and second linear sections, respectively, and oriented parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second planes, wherein the second end section terminates in a linear telltale extending away from the center section; and (iii) positioning the rebar positioner diagonally within the cell and spanning a distance between opposing corners thereof such that the center section and laterally offset first and second linear sections are positioned within an interior of the cell spaced-apart from the opposing top and bottom, and with the first and second ends seated on the top of the block and not extending laterally beyond the sides of the block. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 1 , shown positioned within the core of a masonry block; 
         FIG. 3  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 1 , shown being used in conjunction with a rebar; 
         FIG. 4  is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 6 , shown positioned within the core of a masonry block; 
         FIG. 8  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 6 , shown being used in conjunction with a rebar; 
         FIG. 9  is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 6 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 11 , shown positioned within the core of a masonry block; 
         FIG. 13  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 11 , shown being used in conjunction with a rebar; 
         FIG. 14  is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rebar positioner including a telltale; 
         FIG. 17  is an overhead plan view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 16  shown correctly installed within a cell of a concrete block; and 
         FIG. 20  is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of  FIG. 16  shown incorrectly installed within a cell of a concrete block. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The rebar positioner  10  comprises a center section  12  having a generally reverse “S” shape that defines two rebar positioning areas  14 ,  16 . Each end of the reverse “S” shaped center section  12  leads to two arms  20 ,  30  on opposite sides of the center section  12 . 
     The arms  20 ,  30  have substantially straight first segments  21 ,  31 , respectively, that extend in substantially opposite directions from the center section  12 . The first segments  21 ,  31  are substantially co-linear with each other and lie on substantially the same plane as the center section  12 . The first segments  21 ,  31  lead to an outer section that includes second segments  22 ,  32 , respectively, that extend substantially upwardly from the first segments  21 ,  31 , respectively. The second segments  22 ,  32  are substantially perpendicular to the first segments  21 ,  31 . Top ends of the second segments  22 ,  32  lead to third segments  23 ,  33 , respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to the second segments  22 ,  32 , and extend in opposite directions away from the center section  12 . Fourth segments  24 ,  34  extend from the third segments  23 ,  33 , respectively, at acute angles, such as at forty-five degrees. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fourth segments  24 ,  34  extend in opposite directions relative to center axis of the positioner  10 . That is, for example, one of the fourth segments  24  extends to the right of the first, second and third segments  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 , while the other fourth segment  34  extends to the left of the first, second and third segments  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 . Alternatively, the orientation could be reversed with one fourth segment  24  extending to the left of the first, second and third segments  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 , while the other fourth segment  34  extends to the right. 
     Preferably, the positioner  10  is made of a single metal wire having a round cross section. Alternatively, the positioner  10  can be made of other suitable materials, and can be constructed by attaching separate components by welding or other suitable attachment method. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the positioner  10  is positioned within a substantially square core  42  of a rectangular masonry block  40 . The masonry block  40  can be made of concrete, brick, stone or other suitable masonry material. The positioner  10  is positioned on the masonry block  40  with the third segments  23 ,  33  and fourth segments  24 ,  34  lying on the top surface  44  of the block  40 . The positioner  10  is positioned within the block core  42  diagonally, such that the second and third segments  22 ,  23  of one arm  20  are positioned at one corner  46  of the block core  42 , while the second and third segments  32 ,  33  of the other arm  30  are positioned at an opposite diagonal corner  48  of the block core  42 . As such, the corners  46 ,  48  restrict movement of the arms  20 ,  30 , and prevent the positioner  10  from sliding from the desired position. In addition, the opposed arrangement of the fourth segments  24 ,  34  of the arms  20 ,  30  further contributes to the stability of the positioner. Furthermore, the counter balanced arrangement of the two loops of the center section  12  also aids in maintaining the positioner  10  in its desired position. 
     Because the second segments  22 ,  32  of the arms  20 ,  30  extend substantially perpendicularly from the first segments  21 ,  31 , the center section  12  resides in a plane below that of the third segments  23 ,  33  and fourth segments  24 ,  34 , which lie on top of the block  40 . As such, the center section  12  resides below the top surface  44  of the block  40  and inside the block core  42 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In an alternative embodiment, the center section  12  and the arms  20 ,  30  are generally co-planar, and as such, the entire positioner resides in the same plane on the top surface  44  of the masonry block unit  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a reinforcing bar  50 , such as of the type generally used in masonry construction and commonly known as a “rebar”, can be positioned within a rebar positioning area  14  of the center section  12  to maintain the rebar  50  at a approximately the center of the block core  42  while grout, concrete or other desired hardening fill material is poured into the block core  42 . Maintaining the rebar  50  at approximately the center of the block core  42  maximizes the strength and stability provided by the rebar  50  to the masonry structure. Alternatively, the rebar  50  can be positioned within the other rebar positioner area  16  of the center section  12 . In yet another embodiment, two rebars can be utilized, with each rebar being positioned in one of the areas  14 ,  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the rebar positioning areas  14 ,  16  are substantially, but not completely, enclosed by the center section  12  of the positioner  10 . A small gap exists to facilitate placement of the rebar  50  within the rebar positioning areas  14 ,  16 . Alternatively, the center section  12  can have a substantially figure “8” shape that completely encloses the rebar positioning areas  14 ,  16 . 
     The frictional engagement of the corners  46 ,  48  of the block core  42  with the arms  20 ,  30  resulting from the diagonal design of the positioner  10  yields excellent stability that aids in maintaining the rebar  50  at the desired position. In addition, the center section  12  being positioned within the block core  40 , below the top surface  44  of the core  40 , further contributes to the ability of the positioner  10  to remain in place on the block  40 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the rebar positioner  10  in an alternative position on the block  40 . In this position, the bed joints on top of the block  40  can be free and clear, and the joint reinforcing and mortar can be applied without the rebar positioner  10  interfering. 
     A rebar positioner according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-10 , and shown generally at reference numeral  100 . The rebar  100  is similar to the previously described rebar positioner  10 , with the exception of the center section  112 , which is comprised of two generally reverse “S” shaped sections that define four substantially enclosed rebar positioning areas  114 ,  115 ,  116 ,  117 . Each end of the center section  112  leads to opposed two arms  120 ,  130  on opposite sides of the center section  112 . 
     The arms  120 ,  130  have substantially straight first segments  121 ,  131 , respectively, that extend in substantially opposite directions from the center section  112  and lie on substantially the same plane as the center section  112 . The first segments  121 ,  131  lead to second segments  122 ,  132 , respectively, that extend substantially upwardly from the first segments  121 ,  131 , respectively. The second segments  122 ,  132  are substantially perpendicular to the first segments  121 ,  131 . Top ends of the second segments  122 ,  132  lead to third segments  123 ,  133 , respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to the second segments  122 ,  132 , and extend in opposite directions away from the center section  112 . Fourth segments  124 ,  134  extend from the third segments  123 ,  133 , respectively, at acute angles, such as at forty-five degrees. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the fourth segments  124 ,  134  extend in opposite directions relative to the center axis of the positioner  100 . That is, for example, one of the fourth segments  124  extends to the right of the first, second and third segments  121 ,  122 ,  123 ,  131 ,  132 ,  133 , while the other fourth segment  134  extends to the left of the first, second and third segments  121 ,  122 ,  123 ,  131 ,  132 ,  133 . Alternatively, the orientation could be reversed with one fourth segment  124  extending to the left of the first, second and third segments  121 ,  122 ,  123 ,  131 ,  132 ,  133 , while the other fourth segment  134  extends to the right. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the positioner  100  is positioned within a substantially square core  42  of a rectangular masonry block  40 . The masonry block  40  can be made of concrete, brick, stone or other suitable masonry material. The positioner  100  is positioned on the masonry block  40  with the third segments  123 ,  133  and fourth segments  124 ,  134  lying on the top surface  44  of the block  40 . The positioner  10  is positioned within the block core  42  diagonally, such that the second and third segments  122 ,  123  of one arm  120  are positioned at one corner  46  of the block core  42 , while the second and third segments  132 ,  133  of the other arm  130  are positioned at an opposite diagonal corner  48  of the block core  42 . As such, the corners  46 ,  48  restrict movement of the arms  120 ,  130 , and prevent the positioner  100  from sliding from the desired position. In addition, the opposed symmetrical arrangement of the fourth segments  124 ,  134  of the arms  120 ,  130  further contributes to the stability of the positioner. Furthermore, the counter balanced arrangement of the four loops of the center section  112  defining the four substantially enclosed rebar positioning areas  114 - 117  also aids in maintaining the positioner  100  in its desired position. 
     Because the second segments  122 ,  132  of the arms  20 ,  30  extend substantially perpendicularly and upwardly from the first segments  121 ,  131 , the center section  112  resides in a plane below that of the third segments  123 ,  133  and fourth segments  124 ,  134 , which rest on the top surface  44  of the block  40 . As such, the center section  112  resides below the top surface  44  of the block  40  and inside the block core  42 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the rebar  50  can be positioned within any one of the rebar positioning areas  114 - 117  of the center section  112 , such as area  114 , in order to help maintain the rebar  50  at a approximately the center of the block core  42  while grout, concrete or other desired hardening fill material is poured into the block core  42 . Maintaining the rebar  50  at approximately the center of the block core  42  maximizes the strength and stability provided by the rebar  50  to the masonry structure. It is to be noted that up to four rebars can be utilized simultaneously with positioner  100 . For example, two rebars can positioned in rebar positioning areas  114  and  116  at the same time. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the rebar positioning areas  114 - 117  are substantially enclosed by the center section  112  of the positioner  100 , with a small gap existing to facilitate placement of the rebar  50  within the rebar positioning areas  114 - 117 . 
     The frictional engagement of the corners  46 ,  48  of the block core  42  with the arms  120 ,  130  resulting from the diagonal design of the positioner  100  yields excellent stability that aids in maintaining the rebar  50  at the desired position. In addition, the center section  112  being positioned within the block core  40  further contributes to the ability of the positioner  10  to remain in place on the block  40 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the rebar positioner  10  in an alternative position on the block  40 . In this position, the bed joints on top of the block  40  can be free and clear, and the joint reinforcing and mortar can be applied without the rebar positioner  100  interfering. 
     A rebar positioner according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 , and shown generally at reference numeral  200 . The rebar positioner  200  is similar to the previously described embodiments, with the exception of a center section  212  comprising a fully enclosed circular loop that defines a single rebar positioning area  214 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , two arms  220 ,  230  extend in opposite directions from the center section  212 . The arms  220 ,  230  have substantially straight first segments  221 ,  231  leading to second segments  222 ,  232 , respectively. The second segments  222 ,  232  extend substantially upwardly from the first segments  221 ,  231 , respectively. The second segments  222 ,  232  are substantially perpendicular to the first segments  221 ,  231 . Top ends of the second segments  222 ,  232  lead to third segments  223 ,  233 , respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to the second segments  222 ,  232 , and extend in opposite directions away from the center section  212 . Fourth segments  224 ,  234  extend from the third segments  223 ,  233 , respectively, at acute angles, preferably forty-five degrees. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the fourth segments  224 ,  234  extend in opposite directions relative to the positioner  200 . That is, for example, one of the fourth segments  224  extends to the right of the first, second and third segments  221 ,  222 ,  223 ,  231 ,  232 ,  233 , while the other fourth segment  234  extends to the left of the first, second and third segments  221 ,  222 ,  223 ,  231 ,  232 ,  233 . Alternatively, the orientation could be reversed with one fourth segment  224  extending to the left of the first, second and third segments  221 ,  222 ,  223 ,  231 ,  232 ,  233 , while the other fourth segment  234  extends to the right. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the positioner  200  is positioned within the substantially square core  42  of the rectangular masonry block  40 . The positioner  200  is positioned on the masonry block  40  with the third segments  223 ,  233  and fourth segments  224 ,  234  lying on the top surface  44  of the block  40 . The positioner  200  is positioned within the block core  42  diagonally, such that the second and third segments  222 ,  223  of one arm  220  are positioned at one corner  46  of the block core  42 , while the second and third segments  232 ,  233  of the other arm  230  are positioned at an opposite diagonal corner  48  of the block core  42 . As such, the corners  46 ,  48  restrict movement of the arms  220 ,  230 , and prevent the positioner  200  from sliding from the desired position. In addition, the opposed symmetrical arrangement of the fourth segments  224 ,  234  of the arms  220 ,  230  further contributes to the stability of the positioner. 
     Because the second segments  222 ,  232  of the arms  220 ,  230  extend substantially perpendicularly from the first segments  221 ,  231 , the center section  212  resides in a plane below that of the third segments  223 ,  233  and fourth segments  224 ,  234 , which lie on top of the block  40 . As such, the center section  212  resides below the top surface  44  of the block  40  and inside the block core  42 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the rebar  50  is positioned within the rebar positioning area  214  of the center section  212 . This maintains the rebar  50  at approximately the center of the block core  42  while grout, concrete or other desired hardening fill material can be poured into the block core  42 . 
     The frictional engagement of the corners  46 ,  48  of the block core  42  with the arms  220 ,  230  resulting from the diagonal design of the positioner  200  yields excellent stability that aids in maintaining the rebar  50  at the desired position. In addition, the center section  212  being positioned within the block core  40 , below the top surface  44  of the core, further contributes to the ability of the positioner  200  to remain in place on the block  40 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the rebar positioner  200  in an alternative position on the block  40 . In this position, the bed joints on top of the block  40  can be free and clear, and the joint reinforcing and mortar can be applied without the rebar positioner  200  interfering. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-20 , a rebar positioner in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral  300 . It should be understood that the disclosure and description provided herein with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16-20  can be used to further define the geometry of the embodiments shown in the previous figures, with the exception of the telltale or “safety”. Rebar positioner  300  is configured for installation in a diagonal orientation within a generally rectangular cell of a masonry block, such as a concrete block, and includes a physical indicator, i.e. “telltale”, for ensuring correct positioner installation and consequentially rebar alignment within the cell, as described in detail below. 
     Rebar positioner  300  generally includes a single, continuous wire  302  bent to define first and second end sections  304 ,  306  oriented coplanar and in a first plane, center section  308  having a general S-shape oriented in a second plane parallel to the first plane, laterally offset first and second linear sections  310 ,  312  extending in opposing directions from the center section  308  and oriented in the second plane, and first and second connecting sections  314 ,  316  interconnecting the first and second end sections  304 ,  306  with the first and second linear sections  314 ,  316 , respectively, and oriented parallel to one other and perpendicular to the first and second planes. 
     First end section  304  is supported on the surface of the associated block about one end thereof and terminates in first linear portion  318  oriented at about a 45 degree angle toward and with respect to first linear section  310 , as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . It is intended that the angle of first linear portion  318  with respect to first linear section  310  may vary from 45 degrees, so long as first linear portion  318  is generally supported at least in part on a surface of the block and does not extend laterally beyond the perimeter of the top surface of the block, i.e. past the sides. 
     Second end section  306  terminates in linear telltale  320 , or “safety” that extends away from center section  308  as shown. As best shown in  FIG. 17 , telltale  320  is oriented at an acute angle with respect to second linear section  312 . In a further embodiment, telltale  320  is oriented at about a 30 degree angle with respect to telltale  320 , shown at angle  322 . It is envisioned that telltale  320  may be oriented about parallel with respect to second linear section  312  while accomplishing its intended function of indicating correct installation. Specifically, telltale  320  is oriented and has a sufficient length such that telltale  320  is supported on the top surface of the associated block and extends over a portion of the opening to the adjacent cell, as best shown in  FIG. 19 . This extension beyond the surface of an internal wall and over a portion of an adjacent cell is sufficient such that when installed incorrectly, as shown in  FIG. 20 , telltale  320  extends laterally beyond the perimeter of the top surface of the associated block, i.e. beyond the wall. Thus, telltale  320  is a physical and visual indicator that ensures correct installation of positioner  300  within its respective cell, and consequentially the proper alignment of at least one reinforcing bar within the cell, as described in detail below. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 19 , rebar positioner  300  is shown correctly installed within a cell of a concrete block. Concrete block  324  generally includes sides  326 ,  328 ,  330 , top surface  332 , and at least one cell  334  open to top surface  332 . In the specific block shown, block  324  includes adjacent cells  334 ,  336  separated by internal wall  338 , with each cell having a generally rectangular cross section and four corners. Rebar positioner  300 , when correctly installed, spans the length between opposing corners of cell  334  with first and second connecting sections  314 ,  316  seated in and parallel to a portion of the length of their respective corners. Center section  308  and first and second linear sections  310 ,  312 , all lying in the second plane, are positioned apart from top surface  332  toward the interior of cell  334 . First and second end sections  304 ,  306 , lying in the first plane, seat upon and are parallel to surface  332  of block  324  such that they lie flush against the surface and do not interfere with the seating of an overlying block. As can be seen in  FIG. 19 , the angle of first linear portion  318  is such that it is fully supported on top surface  332 . 
     When rebar positioner  300  is correctly positioned within cell  334 , the openings defined by the S-shape of center section  308  define centers generally aligned along longitudinal axis  340  of block  324 . Thus, reinforcing bars  350  maintained within openings  342 ,  344  are consequentially aligned in a generally vertical orientation along longitudinal axis  340 . Should rebar positioner  300  be incorrectly installed within cell  334 , such as shown in  FIG. 20 , openings  342 ,  344  are aligned along lateral axis  346  of block  324 , and reinforcing bars  350  maintained within openings  342 ,  344  are consequentialy misaligned in a generally vertical orientation along lateral axis  346 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , further geometric features of rebar positioner  300  include end  352  of first linear portion  318  is generally perpendicular to end  354  of telltale  320 , opposing loops of center section  308  define centers laterally offset with respect to centerline  356  of positioner  300 , center section  308  does not extend laterally beyond axes  358 ,  360  of first and second linear sections  310 ,  312 , respectively, and the wire has a generally circular cross-section. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of installing rebar positioner  300  within a cell of a concrete block is providing including the steps of: (i) providing a concrete block  324  having sides  326 ,  328 ,  330 , top surface  332 , and cell  334  open to top surface  332 ; (ii) providing a rebar positioner  300  comprising a single, continuous wire bent to define first and second end sections  304 ,  306  oriented coplanar and in a first plane, a center section  308  having a general S-shape oriented in a second plane parallel to the first plane, laterally offset first and second linear sections  310 ,  312  extending in opposing directions from center section  308  and oriented in the second plane, and first and second connecting sections  314 ,  316  interconnecting the first and second end sections  304 ,  306  with the first and second linear sections  310 ,  312 , respectively, and oriented parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second planes, wherein the second end section  306  terminates in a linear telltale  320  extending away from center section  308 ; and (iii) positioning rebar positioner  300  diagonally within the cell  334  and spanning a distance between opposing corners thereof such that center section  308  and laterally offset first and second linear sections  310 ,  312  are positioned within an interior of cell  334  spaced-apart from top surface  332 , and with first and second ends  304 ,  306  seated on top surface  332  of block  324  and not extending laterally beyond sides  326 ,  328 ,  330  of block  324 . 
     Various embodiments of rebar positioners and methods for positioning said positioners within a cell of a masonry block have been provided herein. It is envisioned that modifications can be made to the positioners to accommodate masonry blocks of varying shapes, sizes, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.