Foam-concrete rebar tie

Abstract

A fastener is disclosed having a an extension portion configured to be inserted into a first construction material such as foam, and having a stirrup portion configured to retain portion of a second construction material, such as rebar at a distance from the first construction material. A third construction material such as concrete can then be inserted (poured) in contact with the first construction material and surrounding the second construction material such that the second construction material is not directly in contact with the first construction material.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 047,036, which was filed on Mar. 12, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Foam concrete structures are utilized in various capacities ranging from concrete stairs, driveways, ramps, floating docks, precast walls, abutments, retaining walls with lightweight fill load distribution slabs, roadways and applications for concrete foam systems such as Geofoam™ and other applications for concrete foam structures. In general, a foam concrete structure has a central region comprised of foam material which may be expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XEPS) with a perimeter portion of concrete therearound. Oftentimes, a tensile strength member such as rebar is positioned within the concrete. At present time, rebar, which is comprised of steel or other iron-based compositions, is a primary form of enhancing the strength of concrete to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The extension portion in one form as shown in FIGS. 1-7 comprises a plurality of base members with barbs which extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the extension portion. These barb members are constructed to add rigidity to the structure, and assist in proper positioning within the rigid construction material. These barb members are especially helpful in preventing rotational and longitudinal movement of the holding member in relation to the foam. In one form, a plurality of barb members extends from the barb members to further maintain the position of the extension within the first construction material. The extension portion may be directly coupled to or formed with the stirrup portion, or an intermediate base portion may be provided between the two. This base portion can provide a stop which will limit the depth to which the extension member can be inserted into the foam. All three elements may also be formed as a unitary structure, say of a polymer or metal.

[0010]The extension portion in one form as shown in FIGS. 8-10 comprises a plurality of base members with spiral threads which extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the extension portion. These barb members are constructed to add rigidity to the structure, and assist in proper positioning within the rigid construction material. These spiral threads are especially helpful in preventing rotational and longitudinal movement of the holding member in relation to the foam. As with the previous embodiment, the extension portion may be directly coupled to or formed with the stirrup portion, or an intermediate base portion may be provided between the two. This base portion can provide a stop which will limit the depth to which the extension member can be inserted into the foam. All three elements may also be formed as a unitary structure, say of a polymer or metal.

Problems solved by technology

In general, concrete is very poor in tension, and having an insert therein, for example a metallic member such as a longitudinally extending piece of rebar, significantly enhances the strength of the concrete structure.

The prior art has failed to present a system, apparatus and method for properly positioning and orienting rebar at a proper depth within the outer concrete perimeter region.

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