Patent Publication Number: US-8112964-B2

Title: Clip for joining reinforced members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/967,769, filed Dec. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,498, which is incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to a system and method of joining reinforcing members for use in concrete slabs and/or columns, and more particularly, a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the manufacture of reinforced concrete structures, such as concrete pipes or columns, walls, slabs, and the like, it is important that the steel reinforcement, typically in the form of welded-wire mesh, be properly positioned in the cross section of the designed structure. Improper positioning of the reinforcement degrades the structural integrity of the unit and, in a severe case, can lead to structural failure. Moreover, as labor skill and costs are significant factors in the manufacture of reinforced concrete structures, it is also important that the positioning of the reinforcement be carried out in an accurate, and as simple and straightforward manner as possible. Heretofore it has been the practice of manually wrapping a tie wire around the intersecting steel reinforcing members (i.e., rebar) in walls, mats, piers, tie beams, slabs, etc. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a clip for joining reinforcing members comprises: a first wire member having an upper mid-portion and pair of legs, each of the legs having a hook portion adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; and a second wire member having a lower mid-portion and a handle portion, the lower mid-portion sized to seat on an upper surface of a second reinforcing member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a system for joining reinforcing members comprises: a first reinforcing member; a second reinforcing member, which resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member; and a clip comprising: a first wire member having an upper mid-portion and pair of parallel legs, each of the parallel legs having a hook portion adapted to wrap around a lower surface of the first reinforcing member; and a second wire member having a lower mid-portion sized to seat on an upper surface of the second reinforcing member, each end of the lower mid-portion extending outward and wrapping around an outer portion of the upper mid-portion of the first wire member at least once and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member to form a handle portion. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, a method of joining reinforcing members comprises: positioning a first reinforcing member perpendicular to a second reinforcing member; and attaching the first reinforcing member to the second reinforcing member with a clip, the clip comprising: a first wire member comprising an upper mid-portion and pair of parallel legs, each of the parallel legs having a hook portion adapted to wrap around a lower surface of the first reinforcing member; and a second wire member having a lower mid-portion sized to seat on an upper surface of the second reinforcing member, each end of the lower mid-portion extending outward and wrapping around an outer portion of the upper mid-portion of the first wire member at least once and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member to form a handle portion. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a clip for joining reinforcing members comprises: a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, a system for joining reinforcing members comprises: a first reinforcing member; a second reinforcing member, which resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member; and a clip comprising a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a method of joining reinforcing members comprises: positioning a first reinforcing member perpendicular to a second reinforcing member; and attaching the first reinforcing member to the second reinforcing member with a clip, the clip comprising: a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following, exemplary embodiments will be explained in greater detail in reference to drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns as shown in  FIG. 5  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with a further embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns of  FIG. 8  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns wherein the clip is securing a pair of reinforcing members to one another. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a clip  100  for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the clip  100  is comprised of a first wire member  200  and a second wire member  300 , which join or attach a pair of structural members  400 ,  500  together. The first wire member  200  includes an upper mid-portion  230  and pair of legs  220 , which are preferably parallel to one another. Each of the legs  220  has a hook portion  210 , which is adapted to wrap around a lower surface  520  of a first reinforcing member  500 . The hook portion  210  of the first wire member  200  includes a pair of first ends  240  ( FIG. 2 ), which preferably extend around the lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 . In accordance with an embodiment, the ends  240  of the first wire member  200  extends slightly upward towards an upper surface  510  of the first reinforcing member  500  along a side edge or surface  530  of the first reinforcing member  500 . 
     The second wire member  300  has a lower mid-portion  320  sized to seat on an upper surface  410  of a second reinforcing member  400 , which resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member  500 . Each end  330  of the lower mid-portion  320  extends outward, wraps around an outer portion  250  of the upper mid-portion  230  of the first wire member  200  at least once, and extends parallel to the second reinforcing member  400  to form a handle portion  310 . 
     It can be appreciated that the handle portion  310  can be rectangular, oval or any other suitable shape. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the handle portion  310  is comprised of a pair of parallel handle members  312 , which extend parallel to the second reinforcing member  400 . In accordance with an embodiment, the pair of parallel handle members  312  each has an end  314 , which are preferably welded together so that the handle portion  310  has a smooth feel without abrasive edges and/or corners. However, it can be appreciated that for ease of manufacturing, in an alternative embodiment, the ends  314  of the second wire member  300  are not welded together, and are bent or formed into the handle portion  310 . 
     The clip  100  (i.e., the first and the second wire members  200 ,  300 ) is preferably made of a stiff resiliently yielding material, such as spring steel. In accordance with an embodiment, the clip  100  (i.e., the first and second wire members  200 ,  300 ) can be made from a high-carbon spring steel, an alloy spring steel, a stainless spring steel, a copper-base spring alloy, and/or a nickel-base spring alloy. 
     The first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  can be a wire mesh, steel reinforcing rods or members (i.e., steel rebar) or any other suitable material, which is used for reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures, including concrete slabs and/or columns. In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  are steel reinforcing members (i.e., rebar) formed from carbon steel with a plurality ridges (or grooves)  600 , which extend around the outer circumference of the reinforcing members  400 ,  500 , and also extending longitudinally or lengthwise. In accordance with an embodiment, the ridges (or grooves)  600  can be a plurality of circular rings or other suitable circular pattern or shape. Alternatively, it can be appreciated that other non-circular patterns can be used. It can be appreciated that in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns, the ridges (or grooves)  600  provide frictional adhesion for the concrete. In addition, the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  preferably have a coefficient of expansion, which is approximately equal to that of the concrete to provide for a stable slab and/or column. 
       FIG. 2  is another perspective view of a clip  100  for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hook portions  210  of the first wire member  200  extend from the mid-portion  230  outward and then extend downward. The hook portions  210  of the first wire member  200  are preferably dimensioned (i.e., length thereof) to extend around the lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 , and optionally, the hook portions  210  of the first wire member  200  can have a slight upward curve on the end thereof, such that a portion of the hook portions  210  extend along a side edge  530  of the first reinforcing member  400 . 
     During use, upon movement of the handle portion  310  from an open position (i.e., first position) to a closed position (i.e., second position), the lower mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  imparts a downward load (or pressure) on the second reinforcing member  400 , which translates into an upward lift or pressure on the displacement of the hook portions  210  about the lower surface  520  and the side edge  530  of the first reinforcing member  500 . In accordance with an embodiment, the lower mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  imparts the downward load on the second reinforcing member  400  by movement of the handle portion  310  of the clip  100  to the same side of the first reinforcing member  500  as the hook portion  210  (i.e., as shown in  FIG. 1  and by movement of the handle portion  310  in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, in accordance with another embodiment, the clip  100  can impart a downward load (or pressure) on the second reinforcing member  400  by movement of the handle portion  310  to the opposite side of the first reinforcing member  500  as the hook portion  210  (i.e., as shown in  FIG. 2  and by movement of the handle portion in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, it can be appreciated that by adjusting the relative positions of the upper mid-portion  230 , the hook portion  210 , the lower mid-portion  320  and the handle portion  310  to one another, the clip  100  can be designed such that the handle portion  310  of the clip  100  can be in a closed position by the positioning the handle portion  310  on either the same or the opposite side of the first reinforcing member  500  as the hook portion  210 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of a clip  100  for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  in an open position (i.e., a first position) in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the clip  100  includes a first wire member  200 , which includes a pair of parallel legs  220 , which are configured to wrap around a lower surface  520  of a first reinforcing member  500 . The first wire member  200  also includes an upper mid-portion  230 . The second wire member  300  includes a lower mid-portion  320 , which extends outward and wraps around at least once an outer portion  250  of the upper mid-portion  230  of the first wire member  200 . The second wire member  300  also includes a handle portion  310 . During use, the handle portion  310  is preferably configured to be grasped by an installer or user and moved from a first position, wherein the lower mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  is seated on an upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400  and a second position, wherein the handle portion  310  moves from the first position to the second position, wherein the lower mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  asserts a downward pressure or load on the upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400  and wherein the hook portions  210  of the first wire member  200  asserts an upward pressure or load on the lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 , which results in the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  be held in a fixed position, which is preferably perpendicular to one another. 
       FIG. 4  is an end view of a clip  100  for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the lower mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  rests on the upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400  when the clip  100  is initially applied or attached to the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500 . In accordance with an embodiment, the lower mid-portion  320  has a curved saddle  322 , which is adapted to wrap around an upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400  and more preferably the curved saddle portion  322  fits within the ridge (or groove)  600  of the second reinforcing member  400 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are side views of a clip  100  showing a method of joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the method of joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  includes positioning a first reinforcing member  500  perpendicular to a second reinforcing member  400 , and attaching the first reinforcing member  500  to the second reinforcing member  400  with a clip  100 . The clip  100  includes a first wire member  200  having an upper mid-portion  230  and pair of parallel legs  220 , each of the parallel legs  220  having a hook portion  210  adapted to wrap around a lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 . A second wire member  300  having a lower mid-portion  320  is sized to rest on an upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400 , each end  330  of the lower mid-portion  320  extends outward and wraps around an outer portion of the upper mid-portion  230  of the first wire member  200  at least once and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member  400  to form a handle portion. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the step of attaching the first reinforcing member  500  to the second reinforcing member  400  with a clip  100  further includes hooking the hook portion  210  around the lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 . The handle portion  310  is then moved from a first position wherein the lower mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  is resting on an upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400  to a second position wherein the mid-portion  320  of the second wire member  300  imposes a downward load (or pressure) on the second reinforcing member  400 . The downward load (or pressure) on the second reinforcing member  400  translates into upward lift or force of the hook portions  210  around the lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of a clip  100  for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and columns in accordance with another embodiment. The clip  100  includes a first wire member  200  an upper mid-portion  230  and pair of parallel legs  220 , each of the parallel legs  220  having a hook portion  210  adapted to wrap around a lower surface  520  of a first reinforcing member  500 , and a second wire member  300  having a lower mid-portion  320  sized to seat on an upper surface  410  of a second reinforcing member  400 , which resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member  500 . Each end  330  of the lower mid-portion  320  extends outward and wraps around an outer portion of the upper mid-portion  230  of the first wire member  200  at least once and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member  400  to form a handle portion  310  of the clip  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with an embodiment, the handle portion  310  includes a narrow neck portion  316  and a wide handle portion  318 . The wide handle portion  318  extends outward from the narrow neck portion  316 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the wide handle portion  318  is sized to fit within the palm of the installer and/or user. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are side views of a clip  100  showing another method of joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the method of joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  includes positioning a first reinforcing member  500  perpendicular to a second reinforcing member  400 , and attaching the first reinforcing member  500  to the second reinforcing member  400  with a clip  100 . The clip  100  includes a first wire member  200  having an upper mid-portion  230  and pair of parallel legs  220 , each of the parallel legs  220  having a hook portion  210  adapted to wrap around a lower surface  520  of the first reinforcing member  500 . A second wire member  300  having a lower mid-portion  320  is sized to rest on an upper surface  410  of the second reinforcing member  400 , each end  322  of the lower mid-portion  320  extends outward and wraps around an outer portion of the upper mid-portion  230  of the first wire member  200  at least once and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member  400  to form a handle portion  310 . The handle portion  320  is preferably open, such that the ends  314  of the handle portion  310  are configured to hook and/or wrap around a lower surface  420  of the second reinforcing member  400 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a clip  700  for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the clip  700  has a first pair of legs (or first set of fork-like members)  710 , a second pair of legs (or second set of fork-like members)  730 , and a mid-portion  720 , which extends between the first and second pairs of the legs  710 ,  730 . Each of the legs  712 ,  714  of the first pair of legs  710  preferably has a portion  718  having a curvature therein, which is adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member  400 . An inner surface of each of the legs  732 ,  734  of the second pair of legs  730  is preferably adapted or configured to wrap around at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member  500 . A mid-portion (or connection member)  720  connects the first pair of legs  710  to the second pair of legs  730 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first pair of legs  710  includes a pairs of legs  712 ,  714 , each of which includes a slight bend and/or curvature thereto  718 , which assists with the securing of an upper edge thereof to an underneath portion of the second reinforcing member  500 . The pairs of legs  710  are preferably approximately 1.0 inches to 5.0 inches in length for securing reinforcing members  400 ,  500  having an outer diameter of approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, and more preferably approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length to the mid-portion  720  of the clip  700 . It can be appreciated that the length of the legs  712 ,  714  of the first pair of legs  710  is preferably a function of the size (i.e., diameter) of the reinforcing members  400 ,  500 . 
     The second pair of legs  730  extends from the opposite end  728  of the mid-portion  720  downward and around each side or edge of the first reinforcing member  400 . The second pair of legs  730  can be comprised of one or more wires, which extends downward to form a loop at lower end thereof as shown in  FIG. 10 . It can be appreciated that the loop at the other end (i.e., second end)  728  of the mid-portion  720  of the clip  700  as shown in  FIG. 10  is optional, and the clip  700  can be manufactured with a single wire pair of legs  720  rather the looped pair of legs  730  as shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second pair of legs  730  can be a pair of single wires or members (i.e., no looping of the wire), which can be a weld or affixed by any suitable means to the other end or second end  728  of the mid-portion of the clip  700 . Each of the legs  732 ,  734  of the second pair of legs is preferably approximately 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches in length for securing reinforcing members  400 ,  500  having an outer diameter of approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, and more preferably approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length to the mid-portion  720  of the clip  700 . It can be appreciated that the length of the legs  732 ,  734  of the second pair of legs  730  is preferably a function of the size (i.e., diameter) of the reinforcing members  400 ,  500 . 
     The mid portion  720  of the clip  700  extends between the first and second pair of legs  710 ,  730 , and provides leverage to secure the clip  700  to the two reinforcing member  400 ,  500 . The mid portion  720  is preferably between approximately 0.5 to 5 inches, and more preferably approximately 1.0 to 3.0 inches in length. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the clip  700  can be manufactured from one or more wires or other members. As shown in  FIG. 10 , when constructed from a pair of wires, at each end  716 ,  728  (i.e., a first end and a second end, respectively) of the mid-portion  720 , the wires are preferably wrapped around one another. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown, the clip  700  can be manufactured without the need to weld the pair of wires to one another. Alternatively, the clip  700  can be manufactured or formed from one or more wires, which are welded to another. As such, rather than having the wires wrapped around one another as shown in  FIG. 10 , the mid-portion  720  can be a single wire or member, which is welded to a pair of legs (or fork-like members)  710  at one end  716  and a second pair of legs (or fork-like members)  730  at the other end  728 . 
       FIG. 11  is perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members  400 ,  500  for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns wherein the clip  700  is securing a pair of reinforcing members  500 ,  600  to one another. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first pair of legs  710  is configured to portion adapted to wrap underneath and/or around a lower surface of a second reinforcing member  500 . The second pair of legs  730  is configured to wrap around each of the respective sides of the first reinforcing member  400 . The mid-portion  720  extends from the first pair of legs  710  to the second pair of legs  730  and creates tension on the second reinforcing member  500  and the second reinforcing member  400  such that during use, the two reinforcing members  400 ,  500  are pressed tightly together and cannot move in any directions including vertically and/or horizontally. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 11 , the first pair of legs  710  extends from an upper portion of the first reinforcing member  400  and underneath a lower portion or surface of the second reinforcing member  500 . If, the first pairs of legs  710  has a curvature thereto, which exceed the diameter (or width) of the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500 , the ends of the first pair of legs  710  will extend partially around a lower side or portion of the first reinforcing member  400 . The mid-portion  720  rests on or slightly above, an upper surface of the first reinforcing member  400 . The second pair of legs  730  extends from the opposite end  728  of the mid-portion  720  downward and around each side or edge of the first reinforcing member  400 . Although the ends of the second pair of legs  730  are shown as extending towards the first pair of legs  710 , it can be appreciated that the second pair of legs  730  can extend slightly towards the first pair of legs  710 , approximately perpendicular to the side or edge of the first reinforcing member  400  upon which it sits, and/or slightly away from the first pair of legs  710 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the clip  700  is preferably made of a stiff resiliently yielding material, such as spring steel. However, it can be appreciated that the clip  700  can be made from a high-carbon spring steel, an alloy spring steel, a stainless spring steel, a copper-base spring alloy, a nickel-base spring alloy and/or any combination thereof. 
     The first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  can be a wire mesh, steel reinforcing rods or members (i.e., steel rebar) or any other suitable material, which is used for reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures, including concrete slabs and/or columns. In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  are steel reinforcing members (i.e., rebar) formed from carbon steel with a plurality ridges (or grooves)  600 , which extend around the outer circumference of the reinforcing members  400 ,  500 , and also extending longitudinally or lengthwise. In accordance with an embodiment, the ridges (or grooves)  600  can be a plurality of circular rings or other suitable circular pattern or shape. Alternatively, it can be appreciated that other non-circular patterns can be used. It can be appreciated that in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns, the ridges (or grooves)  600  provide frictional adhesion for the concrete. In addition, the first and second reinforcing members  400 ,  500  preferably have a coefficient of expansion, which is approximately equal to that of the concrete to provide for a stable slab and/or column. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a clip  700  for joining reinforcing members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with another embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the clip  700  can be manufactured or formed from one or more wires, which are twisted together and/or alternatively, welded to one another. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the mid-portion  720  can be a single or pair of wires or members, which is welded to a pair of legs (or fork-like members)  710  at one end  716  and a second pair of legs (or fork-like members)  730  at the other end  728 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , each of the second pair of legs  730  can be a single leg (or member), which extends downward from the second end  728  of the mid portion  720  of the clip  700 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, if the clip is formed by welding one or more wires to one another, each of the legs of the first and second pair of legs  710 ,  730  is preferably a single wire and/or member, and the mid-portion  720  is a single wire and/or member, rather than a pair of wires as shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . 
     It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the system and methods of use of the same. It can be appreciated that many variations and modifications of the different embodiments in light of the above teachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.