WO2011075785A1

WO2011075785A1 - A multi-shape cage making apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011075785A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001736
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne Barden
Original assignee: Wayne Barden
Priority date: 2009-12-23
Filing date: 2010-12-23
Publication date: 2011-06-30
Also published as: AU2010336028A1; AU2010336028B2

Abstract

An apparatus for making reinforcing cages, the apparatus including a frame, one or more support members held in place by the frame, and a plurality of holding members that receive and hold reinforcing rods, wherein the holding members are retainable at various positions on the support member(s).

Description

A MULTI-SHAPE CAGE MAKING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi shape cage making apparatus and method of use thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for making different shaped reinforcing cages, wherein the apparatus is relatively portable to enable construction of reinforcing cages on site.

BACKGROUND ART

[Mere reference to background art herein should nofbe construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in relation to the invention.]

Reinforcing cages are often utilised in constructions, particularly to reinforce concrete. The reinforcing cages typically have a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods arranged in a particular manner to have a shaped cross section such as, for example, a circle, square, triangle, or other polygon. The arrangements of reinforcing rods is typically maintained with a plurality of reinforcing bands (or ligatures) that extend about the rods at locations along the length of the cage. The bands are typically the shape of the desired cross section (e.g. circular) and are usually welded to the reinforcing rods at predetermined locations to provide the requisite structural integrity. Sometimes a continuous spiral band is utilised instead of, or in addition to, the reinforcing bands.

The manufacture of such reinforcing cages is generally labour intensive. Although reinforcing cages can be made by hand, they have a tendency to be inconsistent (e.g. skewed, twisted, or with varying cross sections) which can reduce structural integrity or, in some cases, the usefulness of the cage. Although cage making machines which can improve the consistency are known, the reinforcing cages then have to be made off site (e.g. at the location of the machine) and the cage is then transported to the site for use. However, due at least partly to their bulkiness, haulage of reinforcing cages can be difficult and the cages can also be damaged in transit. Furthermore, the cage making machines are typically fixed, allowing for the making of only certain shaped reinforcing cages (e.g. round cross section only), and in some cases partial disassembly of a jig is required to remove the finished cage therefrom. It is an aim of this invention to provide a multi-shape cage making machine which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for making reinforcing cages from a plurality of reinforcing rods, the apparatus comprising: a frame;

one or more support members held in place by the frame; and

a plurality of holding members that receive and hold reinforcing rods, wherein the holding members are retainable at various positions on the support members).

The frame may be any suitable shape, but preferably, the frame is generally rectangular. Furthermore, the frame is preferably hollow. In a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises 12 beam members that form the edges of a rectangle. Alternatively, the frame may comprise at least some solid walls, or may comprise more than one element (e.g. beam, wall, or the like) held in place by some other means such as, for example, affixing each element to a surface, or affixing each element together via the support member(s).

Preferably the apparatus of the present invention is formed from a plurality of members which are adapted for ready assembly and dis-assembly. In this way, the apparatus of the present invention preferably provides a mobile or portable cage making apparatus which can be transported to a site and to allow cages to be easily made on site.

The frame is preferably formed from a plurality of frame members. At least one and typically each member preferably has a positioning means along its length for positioning the one or more support members. According to one preferred embodiment, the positioning means may be provide along at least one edge.

The positioning means may be any suitable means that allows placement of the support members) at various locations in relation to the frame. The positioning means preferably allows placement of the support member(s) at various predetermined locations in relation to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the positioning means is a rack with teeth. Preferably the teeth are shaped and sized to receive a portion of a support member. Even more preferably, the teeth are generally rectangular (or square). However, it will be appreciated that other shaped teeth may also be utilised. Furthermore, the positioning means may not comprise teeth and may instead comprise other positioning means such as, for example, dividing members, rollers, lockable elements (e.g. moveable and then lockable to the frame), holes in the frame, a track, or the like.

The rack is preferably located relative to a surface of the frame and, more preferably, to an outer surface of the frame. However, the rack may also be located elsewhere, or may even be integral with the frame. Preferably, a pair of lower elongate rack members are provided, one extending along and abutting a pair of opposed lower beam members of the frame. Preferably, a pair of upper elongate rack members are provided, one extending along and abutting a pair of opposed upper beam members of the frame parallel to the opposed lower beam members having the lower elongate rack members.

The rack members are preferably permanently fixed to the beam members (but may be temporarily fixed thereto) typically to an outer surface thereof. The guard plate or member then sandwiches the rack members to the respective beam member.

Positioned thusly, the preferred teeth of the rack members stand proud of an upper (or lower) surface of the respective beam member.

The rack preferably has a guard plate which is located relative to an outer surface of the rack. The guard plate may limit movement of the rack. The guard plate is preferably similarly sized to the rack, but without cut-outs for the teeth. The guard plate may be affixed to the rack after the support member(s) have been placed in the rack to securely fasten the support members) therein, and to prevent in inadvertent removal or repositioning of the support member(s). Furthermore, the guard plate provides protection for the teeth of the rack.

The support members are preferably held substantially within the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the support members fit between upper and lower beams of the frame and extend partially over the edges of a pair of opposed side beams, to be received by the rack, which is located on the outer surface of the side beam members. Once the support member(s) is/are located in the rack, the guard plate is placed over the rack and fastened thereon.

Preferably the support members are substantially planar. In use, the support members are preferably perpendicular to the positioning means. In a preferred embodiment, the support members are plates of similar, but not identical, size and shape according to a cross section of the frame. In this embodiment, the support members are plates that can fit between upper and lower beams of the frame and rest thereon. The width of the support members is slightly greater than the width of the frame, to allow the support members to engage with teeth of a rack affixed to an outer surface of the frame. The support members may have reinforcing means such as, for example, one or more stiffening bars. The stiffening bars preferably traverse at least a portion of the support members to provide additional strength thereto. In a preferred embodiment, three stiffening bars are provided that extend the height of a support member. Other arrangements of stiffening bars may also be provided such as, for example, horizontal bars, diagonal bars, curved bars, combinations of different sized/shaped bars, and the like. In use, the stiffening bars are preferably opposite a side of the support member to which a retained holding member is located.

The holding members may be retained relative to the support members by any suitable means. For example, the support members may have guides, or support brackets thereon through which the holding members are received.

Preferably the support members have one or more tracks which a portion of the holding members can be located and retained thereby. Each track preferably extends the height of the support member, allowing placement of a holding member at various heights in relation to the support member. Each track preferably comprises at least one series of opposed teeth that are offset such that the teeth of one side of the track are opposed by troughs (i.e. between the teeth) of the other side of the track. Each support member preferably has two parallel tracks which can both engage with the holding members simultaneously to retain and provide support to each holding member from at least two points.

The holding members are preferably elongate members that pass into or through the frame, preferably between the support members and parallel thereto. Preferably the holding members are tubular, or pipe shaped. Alternatively, the holding members may be semicircular, supporting the reinforcing rods from below, or include clamps that releasably engage with the- reinforcing rods. Any shape holding members may be used provided that they support and maintain the reinforcing rods in position relative to the frame whilst allowing longitudinal movement of the reinforcing rods into or through the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding members are elongate hollow members or pipes that receive the reinforcing rods therethrough. The hollow members or pipes may be any suitable length to securely hold the reinforcing rods, but in a preferred embodiment the pipes extend beyond the sides of the frame. The portion of the pipes that extends beyond the frame may be utilised to hold/store reinforcing bands (e.g. ligatures) thereon. The ends of the pipes may be flanged outward (e.g. a circumferential rim). The flanged end is preferably sized to prevent reinforcing bands or ligatures which are used in the manufacturing process being held on the pipes from inadvertently sliding off the end of the pipe.

In use, the holding members receive and hold reinforcing rods and, therefore, the holding members are preferably shaped and sized to hold the reinforcing rods therein. The holding members preferably have at least one protrusion that is received by a portion of a support member to retain the holding member thereto. The protrusion is preferably sized and shaped to be received by the track of the support members. The holding members or support members may comprise a locking mechanism to releasably lock the holding member to the support member once in position. The locking mechanism may be any suitable mechanism including, for example, a nut and bolt.

For use, the support members are preferably arranged in the frame at locations in order to define the desired position of the reinforcing rods in the finished reinforcing cage. The support members are normally located to define the horizontal parameters of a cross section of the reinforcement cage. The holding members are preferably arranged on the support members at locations corresponding to the desired location of the reinforcing rods to define the vertical parameters of a cross section of the reinforcement cage. Accordingly, by altering the locations of the support members and holding members, the reinforcing rods can be arranged at different positions to make reinforcing cages with cross sections of different sizes and shapes.

Once positioned, the reinforcing rods are typically attached to an indexing apparatus to draw the reinforcing rods through the frame whilst the ligatures are attached to the reinforcing rods to form the cage.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for making a reinforcing cage, the method comprising:

positioning one or more support members within a frame;

positioning a plurality of holding members on the support members to be retained thereon;

placing reinforcing rods in or on the holding members; and

welding reinforcing bands to the reinforcing rods.

Preferably, the method initially comprises the step of manoeuvring and positioning the frame at a location where the reinforcing cage is to be made. Preferably the step of positioning one or more support members within a frame and/or positioning a plurality of holding members comprises positioning the support members and holding members at locations where reinforcing rods are required for a particular size and/or shape cage. Preferably the locations are predetermined locations.

The method may further comprise the step of placing reinforcing bands on a portion of the holding members. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of taking a J reinforcing band from the holding member and placing the reinforcing band on the reinforcing rods contained therein (and then welding the reinforcing band to the reinforcing rod). Preferably the reinforcing bands are welded at or near the holding members.

Preferably the reinforcing cage is an elongate cage with longitudinally extending reinforcing rods and reinforcing bands welded thereto to hold the reinforcing rods in a0 desired shape/configuration. After welding a reinforcing band to the reinforcing rod, the method preferably further comprises the step of pulling the reinforcing rods (with band welded thereon) out of the holding members by a predetermined distance, and then welding a further band to the reinforcing rods. Preferably this step is repeated to create a reinforcing cage comprising a plurality of reinforcing rods with reinforcing bands welded thereto at5 predetermined distances apart. Once the cage is complete, it may be removed from the apparatus and utilised as desired.

In an alternative embodiment, the frame may be a two-dimensional frame rather than a three-dimensional box frame. According to this embodiment, the frame will typically be formed from four members in a substantially coplanar configuration. At least one of and0 typically more than one of the frame members will be provided with a portion of an assembly to allow the removable mounting of the support members thereto.

One possible method of removable mounting of the support members is that described above.

An alternative method of removable mounting of the support members is to provide5 a plurality of openings in opposed frame members. Preferably, at least two rows of openings can be provided and typically, the openings in each row will be offset from one another. In use, the frame members are oriented so that the openings in opposed frame members are aligned and receive a portion of a support member in order to temporarily fixed the position of the support member relative to the frame.

The support members may be configured as described above the alternatively, could be any elongate member or mechanism adapted to support a holding member. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the support members may be elongate rods. The support members typically extend between opposed frame members and may do so in any direction. The holding members are preferably movable relative to the support members but temporarily fixable in position relative to the support members.

Any mechanism may be used for example a pin and opening mechanism, a clamp mechanism, a clip mechanism or the like.

It is preferred that the holding members are easily detachable from the support member. It is also preferred that each holding member, particularly when configured in the tubular embodiment, a relatively short in length, as this will both support the reinforcing rods as required but also allow manipulation of the tubular holding members about any curved or bent section of the reinforcing rods as may be provided, particularly at the end of the cage, where the reinforcing rods are typically bent towards the centre of the cage.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, ohe or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for making reinforcing cages according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure la illustrates a close up of the region identified as 'a' in figure 1.

Figure lb illustrates a close up of the region identified as '6' in figure 1.

Figure 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a holding member according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a side elevation view of a rack according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a support member according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 5 illustrates a side elevation view of an apparatus for making reinforcing cages according to the embodiment illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of an apparatus for making reinforcing cages according to the embodiment illustrated in figure 1

Figure 7 illustrates a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1 in a first configuration.

Figure 8 illustrates a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1 in a second configuration. Figure 9 illustrates a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1 in a third configuration.

Figure 10 illustrates a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1 in a fourth configuration.

Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for making reinforcing cages according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 11.

Figure 13 illustrates a close-up isometric view of the portion identified in Figure 11 using reference letter "A".

Figure 14 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for making reinforcing cages according to yet a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 illustrates a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 16 illustrates a close-up isometric view of the portion identified in Figure 14 using reference letter "B". DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 illustrates a cage making machine 10 having a frame 20, support members in the form of plates 30 (sometimes referred to as 'jig' plates), and holding members in the form of pipes 40 (sometimes referred to as 'guide' pipes). The frame 20 is made of beams connected to form a hollow rectangular shape, with the support members/plates 30 held in place therein. The jig plates 30 are generally planar, and are a similarly shaped to a cross section of the frame (square/rectangular) but slightly shorter such that the plates 30 can slide between, and perpendicularly to, the top and bottom of the frame 20.

As illustrated more clearly in figures la and lb, the jig plates 30 are held in place by racks 21 affixed to the outer side surfaces of the frame 20. Although figures la and lb only illustrate the racks 21 on the lower sides of the frame 20, racks 21 are also provided on the upper sides of the frame 20 (i.e. in the illustrated embodiment there are four racks, two on the lower sides of the frame and two on the upper sides of the frame). The jig plates 30 are positioned between respective pairs of teeth on the racks 21 at predetermined locations, depending on the desired position of the longitudinal reinforcing rods (not illustrated) for the cage to be made. Of course, jig plates 30 may be utilised in locations where longitudinal reinforcing rods are not required, but such plates 30 are generally considered to be redundant and therefore it is preferred that jig plates 30 are only placed where reinforcing rods are to be located. Once the jig plates 30 are in position, guard plates 22 are affixed to the outer surface of the racks 21 which prevents the jig plates 30 from being able to be slid out of the racks 21. As will be appreciated, guard plates 22 on one side of the frame 20 may be left in place (or even be part of a rack 21) and only guard plates 22 on one side of the frame need be 5 removed or affixed to allow or prevent the jig plates 30 from being removable from, or repositionable within, the frame 20. Although only two jig plates 30 are illustrated in figure I, it will be appreciated that any reasonable number of jig plates 30 may be utilised, preferably depending on the number and/or locations of the reinforcing rods (for example, figures 8 to 10 illustrate the use of more than two jig plates 30). .

10 The guide pipes 40 are placed and retained in the jig plates 30 at desired heights on the jig plates 30. The guide pipes 40 are placed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame 20, pass through the frame 20, and extend out of either side of the frame 20. The guide pipes 40 are arranged on the jig plates 30 in a desired arrangement to create cages having reinforcing rods at the guide pipe 40 locations. In this regard, in use the guide pipes

15 40 securely hold the reinforcing rods therein, ensuring the cross sectional shape of the reinforcing cage is consistent with the guide pipe 40 locations. In the arrangement illustrated in figure 1 (and figure 7), the guide pipes 40 are arranged in a rectangular arrangement, which is considered to be particularly suitable for making cages with a rectangular cross section.

20 As illustrated in figure 2, the guide pipes 40 have a pair of protrusions, or 'keys' 41.

The protrusions 41 are spaced apart the same distance as tracks 31 in the jig plates 30 and are received therein, as illustrated in figures la and 2b. Once a guide pipe 40 is located at a desired locate on a jig plate 30, the guide pipe 40 is locked in place using a nut and bolt (not shown). Two projections 41 are provided on each guide pipe 40 to provide a secure

25 attachment with the jig plates 30. The projections 41 are shaped to be receivable within the tracks 31 of the jig plates 30, which will be described in more detail in relation to figure 4.

The rack 21 is illustrated in isolation in figure 3, with the teeth 22 shown extending the full length of the rack 21. The rack 21 also has apertures 23 which are utilised to receive fastening members therethrough, such as a bolts. Although the rack 21 is affixed to

30 the frame 20 in the illustrated embodiment, it is envisaged that the rack 21 could be integral with the frame 20. For example, side beams of the frame 20 may have teeth therein, obviating the need to affix a separate rack 21 to the frame 20. The size of the troughs (i.e. distance between adjacent pairs of teeth) preferably corresponds substantially with the width of the jig plates 30, so that the jig plates 30 are received securely therein. The height of the teeth is preferably sufficient to securely hold the jig plate 30 therein, and the lowest point of the troughs of the teeth is preferably at the same height as the inner surface of the frame 20 beam such that the weight of the jig plate 30 can be distributed over the frame 20.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a jig plate 30 having two parallel tracks 31 cut out 5 of the plate that extend substantially the height of the jig plate 30. The tracks 31 have opposed teeth that are offset, such that the teeth on one side of the track 31 is opposed by the troughs (or spaces between the teeth) of the other side of the track 31. The tracks 31 are adapted to receive the protrusions 41 of the guide pipes 40, namely between corresponding opposed teeth and troughs. The height of a guide pipe 40 relative to the jig plate 30 can

10 therefore before chosen at any of the teeth locations. A locking mechanism (not shown) is preferably provided to secure guide pipes 40 in their retained position on the jig plate 30. The locking mechanism may be any suitable mechanism but in the preferred embodiment is a relatively simple nut and bolt.

The jig plates 30 have reinforcing means in the form of stiffening bars 32. The

15 stiffening bars 32 extend substantially the vertical length of the jig plate 30 and provide additional strength and rigidity to the jig plates 30. The stiffening bars 32 extend from the surface of the jig plates 30, as most clearly illustrated in figures 1 (perspective view) and 6 (plan view). There are three stiffening bars 32 in the illustrated embodiment, one centrally located and one near each track 31. The stiffening bars 32 may be welded to the jig plates

20 30, folded out of a sheet of material that the jig plates 30 are made from, or attached/formed using any suitable means. The jig plates 30 also have an indicator 33 that indicates the correct, or at least preferred, direction for the jig plates 30 to face in the frame 20. By ensuring each indicator 33 of a plurality of jig plates are facing the same direction, the tracks of each jig plate will be aligned ensuring that the guide pipes 40 can be located at

25 corresponding positions on respective jig plates 30.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate side elevation and plan views of an embodiment, respectively. As can be seen clearly in these figures, the guide pipes 40 extend considerably beyond the sides of the frame 20. This is primarily due to the protrusions 41 on the guide pipes 40 being biased to one side of the guide pipes 40. In any event, the

30 extension of the guide pipes 40 beyond the edge of the frame 20 provides region upon which reinforcing bands (not shown) can be stored (preferably temporarily). Namely, the reinforcing bands can be slid over the outer surface of the guide pipes 40, and rest on the extended portion of the guide pipes 40 until required. As illustrated in figures 7 to 10, the positioning of jig plates 30 within the frame 20, and of guide pipes 40 on the jig plates 30, allows the reinforcing rods of a cage to be arranged in different configurations, providing for the creation of cages of different cross sectional sizes and/or shapes. For example, in figure 7 two jig plates 30 are illustrated each having two guide pipes 40 retained at the same heights. This positioning results in a generally rectangular arrangement for the reinforcing rods, which can be utilised to make square/rectangular cages. In figure 8, an additional jig plate 30 is added with a guide pipe 40 at a higher location. Assuming the additional, guide pipe 40 is utilised, the arrangement of the reinforcing rods, and therefore the likely cross section of the cage produced thereby, is substantially different. Not all of the guide pipes 40 illustrated in figure 8 may be utilised and, in fact, only the upper three may be utilised to make a cage having a triangle cross section. Illustrated in figures 9 and 10 are further arrangements, tending towards a circular cage cross section.

The placement of the jig plates 30 and the guide pipes 40 thereon allows for any number of different shaped and sized cages arrangements to be created. In order to construct a reinforcing cage using the apparatus 10, the frame 20 is located at or near a location where the reinforcing cages are to be made (e.g. on site). The jig plates 30 are then arranged in the frame 20 at horizontal locations where reinforcing rods are required, and the guide pipes 40 are then arranged on the jig plates 30 at vertical locations where reinforcing rods are required. The reinforcing rods are then inserted into the guide pipes 40 and reinforcing bands (or ligatures) are welded thereto. Once a reinforcing band is welded as required (e.g. to all of the reinforcing rods) the incomplete portion of the cage is pulled away from the cage making machine 10 a distance to allow a further reinforcing band to be welded to the cage. This process is repeated until the reinforcing cage is complete.

Although the frame 20 is generally rectangular, the jig plates 30 are arranged vertically within the frame 20, and the guide pipes 40 are affixed horizontally to the side of the jig plates 30, other arrangements could also be utilised. For example, the frame may comprise two separate two dimensional frames affixed to a surface such as, for example, the ground. Also, the jig plates may be arranged horizontally within the frame, and the guide pipes may therefore traverse either an upper or lower surface of the jig plates (for example, imagine the illustrated embodiment rotated 90° about the longitudinal axis of the guide pipes).

Advantageously, the cage making machine 10 is modular and can be separated into separate components (some of which are illustrated separately in figures 2 to 4), allowing the parts to be moved to a site where it is desired to make the reinforcing cage. In this regard, the cage making machine 10 is considered portable, and allows for different sized and shaped cages to be manufactured at, or near, a site of choice such as, for example, a building site. The components of the cage making machine 10 are preferably sized to enable them to be carried to a variety of different sites including, for example, in to high rise buildings.

The portability of the cage making machine 10 is considered to be particularly beneficial in that cages can be made to particular requirements on at site, and it is therefore not necessary to move relatively bulky reinforcing cages (made at another site) to the desired location. Furthermore, in some situations ready made reinforcing cages may be too big to enter the area of use and, therefore, it may be cut down (or made smaller than required) into separate parts which are then welded, or the like, back together. By being able to locate the portable cage making machine 10 on site, the reinforcing cages may not need to be cut down, potentially improving structure integrity.

Furthermore, use of the cage making machine 10 ensures that manufactured cages are consistent, and the same over their whole length (e.g. cross section). The cage making machine 10 also ensures that reinforcing bands (or ligatures) are not twisted or welded at an angle, which may weaken or distort the reinforcing cage.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrates a cage making machine 10 according to an alternative embodiment having a frame 11, support members in the form of elongate rods or bars 34, and holding members in the form of pipes 40 (sometimes referred to as 'guide' pipes). The frame 11 is made of beams connected to form a hollow rectangular two dimensional shape (contrasted with the three dimensional "box" illustrated in Figure 1), with the elongate rods or bars 34 held in place therein. The rods or bars 34 extend perpendicularly to the top and bottom members of the frame 11 and are removably located relative to these members.

As illustrated more clearly in Figure 13, the elongate rods or bars 34 are held in place by insertion of a portion of the elongate rods or bars 34 into one of a plurality of openings 12 provided on facing surfaces of the frame 11. Although Figure 13 only illustrates the openings 12 on the lower frame member, openings 12 are also provided on the facing side of the upper frame member (i.e. in the illustrated embodiment there are four frame members, one on the lower side 13 of the frame and one on the upper side 14 of the frame and two end 15 frame members which may also have openings depending upon the orientation of the apparatus in use). The elongate rods or bars 34 are positioned between respective pairs of openings 12 at predetermined locations, depending on the desired position of the longitudinal reinforcing rods (not illustrated) for the cage to be made.

The position of the pipes 40 relative to the upper and lower frame members can be adjusted through the use of a collar 17 which is removably clamped in position relative to the rods or bars 34. A threaded member 16 is located in a threaded opening through the collar 17 and rotation of the threaded member 16 causes the end of the threaded member to either abut the rod or bar 34, fixing its position or free of the rod or bar 34 allowing movement.

By manipulation of the position of the rods or bars 34 and the collars and pipes relative to the rods or bars 34, the shape of the cage to be made can be defined.

Figures 14 to 16 illustrate a cage making machine 10 having a frame 20, support members in the form of plates 30 (sometimes referred to as 'jig' plates), and holding members in the form of pipes 40 (sometimes referred to as 'guide' pipes). Overall, this apparatus is similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, however the apparatus is a two dimensional model rather than the three dimensional model illustrated in Figures 1 to 10.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of. description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The foregoing embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Throughout this specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprise" and variants thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A reinforcing cage making apparatus for making reinforcing cages, the apparatus comprising a frame, one or more support members held in place by the frame, and a plurality of holding members that receive and hold reinforcing rods, wherein the holding members are retainable at various positions on the support member(s).

2. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the frame is a two. dimensional frame with a plurality of members attachable to one another in a coplanar configuration.

3. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the frame is a three dimensional frame with a plurality of members attachable to one another to define a rectangular prism shaped frame.

4. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame has a positioning means at least partially along at least one frame member to position the one or more support members.

5. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the positioning means is a rack with teeth shaped and sized to receive a portion of a support member therebetween.

6. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein, the rack is located on at least two opposed frame members.

7. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein a pair of racks are provided,^' one adjacent either side of the frame to hold the support members against twisting.

8. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein at least one rack is provided with a guard member attachable adjacent the rack to secure the support member in the rack.

9. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding members are elongate members that pass into or through the frame parallel to the support members and are oriented perpendicularly thereto.

10. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding members are tubular.

11. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding members extend beyond the sides of the frame.

12. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least some holding members are provided with flanged outward end.

13. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support members are elongate member and the holding members are movable relative to the support members but temporarily fixable in position relative to the support members with a clamp mechanism.

14. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding members are easily detachable from the support member.

15. A reinforcing cage making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims formed from a plurality of members which are adapted for ready assembly and disassembly.

16. A method for making a reinforcing cage, the method comprising positioning one or more support members within a frame, positioning a plurality of holding members on the support members to be retained thereon, placing reinforcing rods in or on the holding members, and welding reinforcing bands to the reinforcing rods.

17. A method for making a reinforcing cage as claimed in claim 13 wherein the step of positioning one or more support members within a frame and/or positioning a plurality of holding members comprises positioning the support members and holding members at locations where reinforcing rods are required for a particular size and/or shape cage.

18. A method for making a reinforcing cage as claimed in claim 13 or clam 14 further comprising the step of placing reinforcing bands on a portion of the holding members.