WO2017032767A1 - Spacer for concrete reinforcements - Google Patents

Spacer for concrete reinforcements Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017032767A1
WO2017032767A1 PCT/EP2016/069875 EP2016069875W WO2017032767A1 WO 2017032767 A1 WO2017032767 A1 WO 2017032767A1 EP 2016069875 W EP2016069875 W EP 2016069875W WO 2017032767 A1 WO2017032767 A1 WO 2017032767A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rods
longitudinal
longitudinal rods
transverse
spacing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/069875
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hugo Van den Broecke
Original Assignee
Intersig Nv
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intersig Nv filed Critical Intersig Nv
Priority to LT16762741T priority Critical patent/LT3341535T/en
Priority to ES16762741T priority patent/ES2762935T3/en
Priority to EP16762741.3A priority patent/EP3341535B1/en
Priority to DK16762741.3T priority patent/DK3341535T3/en
Priority to SI201630486T priority patent/SI3341535T1/en
Priority to PL16762741T priority patent/PL3341535T3/en
Publication of WO2017032767A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017032767A1/en
Priority to HRP20191969TT priority patent/HRP20191969T1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C5/00—Reinforcing elements, e.g. for concrete; Auxiliary elements therefor
    • E04C5/16—Auxiliary parts for reinforcements, e.g. connectors, spacers, stirrups
    • E04C5/18—Spacers of metal or substantially of metal
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C5/00—Reinforcing elements, e.g. for concrete; Auxiliary elements therefor
    • E04C5/01—Reinforcing elements of metal, e.g. with non-structural coatings
    • E04C5/06—Reinforcing elements of metal, e.g. with non-structural coatings of high bending resistance, i.e. of essentially three-dimensional extent, e.g. lattice girders
    • E04C5/065—Light-weight girders, e.g. with precast parts

Definitions

  • the present invention includes spacing elements for concrete reinforcements.
  • the spacing elements provided herein can be easily stacked, thereby reducing transport and storage related costs. Further provided herein are uses of the spacing elements, stacks of the spacing elements, methods of stacking the spacing elements, and methods of making the spacing elements.
  • Reinforcements for flat structures in reinforced concrete are usually made from steel reinforcement meshes. Often, one or more reinforcement meshes are provided both at the top and bottom in the flat structure, such that both tensile and compressive stresses can be absorbed in an optimum manner.
  • the reinforcement meshes are usually kept at the desired distance from one another by means of linear spacers (also referred to as high chair spacers).
  • linear spacers also referred to as high chair spacers.
  • spacers include lattice girders and U- or ⁇ -shaped spacers. Spacers are known for offering a high strength while requiring very little material.
  • a type of spacer which is often used is a lattice girder with a triangular or trapezoidal cross section. While some configurations of spacers (e.g. lattice girders) pose no stacking issues, spacers with U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods (U- or ⁇ -shaped spacers or sometimes also referred to as square top high chairs) have the drawback that they are difficult to stack. Accordingly, there is a need for new spacers. There is also a need for new methods of producing spacers.
  • the present invention relates to a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center.
  • a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center, wherein said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or a single bundle of top longitudinal rods, and wherein ⁇ and ⁇ are between 60° and 85°, ⁇ being the smallest angle between the first leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements, and ⁇ being the smallest angle between the second leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements.
  • the spacing element provides that the transverse rods are U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods, the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first longitudinal rod is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second longitudinal rod is an acute angle.
  • the transverse rods are U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods, the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first leg member is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second leg member is an acute angle.
  • the spacing element according to the invention provides that the top longitudinal rod does not project beyond the top of the transverse rods.
  • the spacing element according to the invention provides that at least the top longitudinal rod is attached to the outside of the transverse rods.
  • the spacing element according to the invention provides that said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod.
  • the spacing element according to the invention provides that said spacing element comprises a single bundle of top longitudinal rods.
  • the spacing element according to the invention provides that the transverse rods do not project, or project at most 0.5 mm, beyond the bottom longitudinal rods.
  • the spacing element according to the invention provides that the spacing element comprises two or more transverse rods of different diameters.
  • the present invention relates to the use of a spacing element according to the invention as a construction element.
  • the present invention relates to a stack comprising two or more spacing elements according to the invention, wherein the transverse cross section of each subsequent spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element.
  • the present invention relates to a method for preparing a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
  • the first and third longitudinal rods are peripheral longitudinal rods
  • the second longitudinal rod is the interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods
  • a spacing element comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
  • interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
  • each successive spacing element is the mirror of the previous spacing element.
  • the present invention relates to a method for preparing a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
  • a spacing element comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
  • interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
  • step (a) comprises the step:
  • one further interstitial longitudinal rod preferably only one further interstitial longitudinal rod, is provided eccentrically between each pair of adjacent punching grooves when the longitudinal rods from two or more punching grooves;
  • step b comprises the step:
  • step c is followed by the step:
  • step d comprises the step:
  • the method according to the invention additionally comprises the step of stacking the successively produced spacing elements.
  • Figure 1 shows a spacing element (100).
  • Figure 2 shows a close-up view of a spacing element (100).
  • Figure 3 shows two views of a stack (200) of spacing elements (100).
  • 100 - spacing element 1 10 - first leg element; 1 1 1 - first vertex; 1 12 - endpoint of the first leg element; 120 - second leg element; 121 - second vertex; 122 - endpoint of the second leg element; 130 - base element; 140 - top longitudinal rod; 141 - top of the top longitudinal rod; 142 - bond between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the base element (130); 150 - first bottom longitudinal rod; 160 - second bottom longitudinal rod (second); 170 - imaginary line; 200 - stack.
  • d distance between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod and the bond (142) between the top longitudinal rod and the transverse rod, in the direction perpendicular between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod and the second vertex (121 ); e - distance between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod and the second vertex (121 ); a - angle between the first leg element and the base element; ⁇ - angle between the second leg element and the base element; ⁇ - angle between the first leg element and the second leg element; ⁇ - angle between the direction in which distance (e) is measured and the base element (130); ⁇ - angle between the second leg element (120) and the imaginary line (170); ⁇ - angle between the first leg element (120) and the imaginary line (170);.
  • an object is "elongate" when the length of the object is greater than two times the width of the object; preferably the length is greater than three, four or five times the width of the object.
  • a first rod is considered to be positioned perpendicularly with respect to a plane or a second rod when the smallest angle between the longitudinal axis of the first rod and the plane or the longitudinal axis of the second rod, is between 89° and 91 °; preferably between 89.5° and 90.5°; and most preferably 90°.
  • the spacing elements comprise three parallel straight longitudinal rods.
  • the longitudinal rods typically include two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod.
  • the longitudinal rods are typically connected to one another by means of U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods.
  • the transverse rods run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods.
  • the transverse rods are connected, typically laterally connected, to the longitudinal rods.
  • the top longitudinal rod is typically positioned off-center.
  • a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods.
  • the longitudinal rods typically include two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods.
  • the transverse rods are typically laterally connected to the longitudinal rods.
  • the top longitudinal rod is typically positioned off- center, and generally said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or a single bundle of top longitudinal rods.
  • the transverse rods are U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods, and the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods each comprise two leg elements: a first leg element and a second leg element. Both leg elements have a proximal end and a distal end, and each leg element is connected to a base element via their proximal end.
  • the smallest angle between the base element and the first leg member is an obtuse angle. Also, the smallest angle between the base element and the second leg member is an acute angle.
  • the spacing elements provided herein consists of three longitudinal rods.
  • the term "rod” refers to a shaft or bar as typically used in metal industry to manufacture metal constructions.
  • the rod may have several shapes, including but not limited to circular, oval, square, squircle, ellipse or other geometrical shapes.
  • the surface of the rods may be smooth, ribbed or comprise any other type of surface modification.
  • the spacing elements provided herein can be stacked very densely. According, many spacing elements can be stored and/or transported in a given volume, which allows the spacing elements provided herein to be transported and/or stored at low cost.
  • U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods comprise a first leg element and a second leg element. Both leg elements have a proximal end and a distal end, and the leg elements are connected on their proximal end to a base element.
  • the connection between the base element and the first leg element is called the first connection.
  • the connection between the base element and the second leg element is called the second connection.
  • the first connection corresponds to the vertex labeled "1 1 1 "
  • the second connection corresponds to the vertex labeled "121 ".
  • the term "off-center" as used herein when referring to a top longitudinal rod refers to one of the following two situations:
  • the term "off-center”, when used in connection with U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods, refers to the case in which the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the first connection is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the second connection.
  • the distance by which the top longitudinal rod is "off-center” is equal to or larger than the diameter of the top longitudinal rod.
  • a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center.
  • spacing elements can be stacked very densely, as detailed below.
  • the particular configuration of the spacing elements allows for a dense stacking of the elements, thereby optimizing the space used by the stack.
  • the close fit in the stacking also ensures a more secure and safe stapling.
  • the top longitudinal rod is connected to the proximal end of the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods.
  • the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods typically comprise leg members running from the proximal end of a transverse rod to its distal end.
  • the two bottom longitudinal rods comprise a first bottom longitudinal rod and a second longitudinal rod.
  • the first bottom longitudinal rod is typically attached to the first leg element and the second longitudinal rod is typically attached to the second leg element.
  • the first leg element and the second leg element each end in an endpoint.
  • the first endpoint corresponds to the first leg element and the second endpoint corresponds to the second leg element.
  • An imaginary line runs through the endpoints. The angle between the first leg element and the imaginary line is called ⁇ .
  • the angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line is called ⁇ .
  • ⁇ is between 45° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°, more preferably about 70°.
  • the angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line is called ⁇ .
  • ⁇ is between 45° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°, more preferably about 70°.
  • the angles ⁇ and ⁇ are equal within a margin of ⁇ 5.0°.
  • the base element, the first leg element, and the second leg element of a single transverse rod are coplanar.
  • the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods are U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods, the U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first longitudinal rod is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second longitudinal rod is an acute or obtuse angle.
  • These spacing elements can be stacked very densely, as detailed below.
  • first leg element and a second leg element have a different length.
  • first leg element and a second leg element have the same length.
  • one and only one longitudinal rod is attached to the base element. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
  • the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the first leg element is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the second leg element.
  • the first leg element and the second leg element are straight.
  • the first leg element and/or the second leg element are bent.
  • the angle ⁇ which is the smallest angle between the base element and the line running through the following two points: 1 ) the top of the top longitudinal rod, and 2) the vertex at the interconnection between the second leg element and the base element;
  • the angle ⁇ which is the smallest angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements
  • - the angle ⁇ which is the smallest angle between the first leg element and the imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements
  • the length e which is equal to the distance between the top of the top longitudinal rod, and the vertex between the base element and the second leg element
  • the length d which is equal to the distance between the following two points: 1 ) the bond between the top longitudinal rod and the base element, and 2) the top of the top longitudinal rod, wherein the distance d is measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the length e is measured (where the top longitudinal rod and the base element are attached over a bonding line the lowest attachment point is chosen);
  • the angle a ranges between 91 ° and 150°.
  • the angle ⁇ may range between 60° and 120°, though typically, the angle ⁇ is between 60° and 89°.
  • the angle ⁇ ranges between 1 ° and 40°.
  • the angle ⁇ ranges between 10° and 40°.
  • the angle ⁇ may range between 1 ° and 120°, though typically, the angle ⁇ is between 1 °, and 90°, or between 45°, and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°.
  • the angle ⁇ may range between 1 ° and 120°, though typically, the angle ⁇ is between 1 °, and 90°, or between 45°, and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°.
  • the length e ranges between 5 mm and 50 mm.
  • the length d ranges between 2 mm and 10 mm.
  • the length of the first leg element ranges between 20 mm and 300 mm.
  • the length of the second leg element ranges between 25 mm and 305 mm.
  • the length of the base element ranges between 10 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, and preferably about 30 mm.
  • the distance d is equal to or greater than the diameter of the top longitudinal rod. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
  • the distance d is slightly smaller than the diameter of the top longitudinal rod.
  • the distance d is ranges between -10% and +10% of the diameter of the top longitudinal rod, more preferably between -5% and +5%, and more preferably between -1 % and +1 % of the diameter of the top longitudinal rod.
  • the distance "d” is defined in the examples.
  • at least the top longitudinal rod is attached to the outside of the transverse rods. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
  • the outside of a spacing element corresponds to the convex side of the smallest convex hull enclosing the spacer.
  • the spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
  • the spacing element comprises a single bundle of top longitudinal rods. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
  • single bundle of top longitudinal rods refers to a plurality of closely-spaced, longitudinally aligned longitudinal rods.
  • the recitation "single bundle of top longitudinal rods” as used herein refers to a plurality of longitudinal rods, which are longitudinally aligned, and between which the spacing is less than the diameter of the longitudinal rods, preferably less than half the diameter of the longitudinal rods, more preferably less than four times the diameter of the longitudinal rods, most preferably less than 8 times the diameter of the longitudinal rods.
  • a “single bundle of top longitudinal rods” may comprise longitudinal rods with varying diameters.
  • the transverse rods do not project, or project at most 0.5 mm, beyond the bottom longitudinal rods. Accordingly, the spacing elements can be dragged easily over reinforcement meshes.
  • the spacing element comprises two or more transverse rods of different diameters. This can enhance the trade-off between strength and material efficiency of the spacers provided herein.
  • the spacing element comprises two or more longitudinal rods of different diameters.
  • the top longitudinal rod may have a different diameter compared to the peripheral longitudinal rods. This can enhance the trade-off between strength and material efficiency of the spacers provided herein.
  • the present invention provides the use of a spacing element provided herein as a construction element.
  • Construction elements provided herein may be very effectively used as construction elements.
  • construction elements provided herein can be stacked easily and densely thereby allowing for storage- and transport-related cost reductions and efficiency enhancements in the construction industry.
  • the present invention provides a stack comprising two or more spacing elements provided herein, wherein the transverse cross section of each subsequent spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element.
  • the spacing element is a spacing element according to aspect 1 and/or an embodiment thereof.
  • Such stacks allow very efficient storage and/or transport of the spacing elements provided herein, thereby allowing for storage- and transport-related cost reductions and efficiency enhancements in, for example, the construction industry.
  • a stack comprises at least 5, more preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 25 spacing elements.
  • the particular configuration of the spacing elements according to the present invention allows stacks to comprise up to 100 or more spacing elements.
  • the stacks with the spacing elements according to the present invention have been found to be particularly stable and ensure that the structural integrity of the spacing elements is maintained during transport. As a result, transport of the stacks will not affect the quality of the spacing elements, e.g. during transport.
  • the present invention provides a method of stacking spacing elements.
  • the spacing elements are spacing elements according to aspect 1 and/or an embodiment thereof.
  • the stack of spacing elements obtained by the method is a stack according to aspect 3 and/or a preferred embodiment thereof.
  • the method comprises the steps:
  • a stack of spacing elements is obtained.
  • a stack according to the third aspect of the present invention, or a preferred embodiment thereof, is obtained.
  • the easy and stable stacking of the spacing elements allows the automation of the stacking process.
  • first spacing element and a second spacing element are manufactured parallel to each other, the first spacing element being the mirror of the second spacing element, thereby stacking the first and second spacing element onto each other without the requirement of rotation of at least one of the spacing elements.
  • the method further comprises the step:
  • a stack of spacing elements is obtained wherein the transverse cross section of each spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element. Also, the spacing elements can be stacked very densely by means of a method provided herein.
  • carrier refers to an object which is suitable for carrying a one or more spacing elements. Suitable examples of carriers for spacing elements include: factory floor, wooden pallets, and other spacing elements.
  • a spacing element In a fourth aspect, provided herein are methods for preparing a spacing element.
  • the methods for manufacturing can be either in cross or parallel direction (referring to the direction of the placement of the longitudinal rods).
  • the method provides in a cross direction manufacturing method of a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
  • the first and third longitudinal rods are peripheral longitudinal rods; and, - the second longitudinal rod is the interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
  • a spacing element comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
  • interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
  • each successive spacing element is the mirror of the previous spacing element.
  • subsequent spacing element are produced, each of them separately exiting the machine and transported to the stacking system where the spacing elements are stacked onto each other.
  • Manufacturing successive spacing element each being the mirror of the previous spacing element allows for easy stacking and no need for the stacking machine to rotate the spacing elements. Accordingly only linear movements are required, thereby simplifying the stacking process.
  • the method provides in a parallel direction manufacturing method of a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
  • a spacing element comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or ⁇ -shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
  • the interstitial longitudinal rod forms a top longitudinal rod in the finished spacing element after completion of the steps of the method.
  • the parallel direction manufacturing method provides in an efficient and high- throughput method for manufacturing the spacing elements.
  • these methods are used for producing spacing elements according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the present method allows for the efficient production of spacing elements.
  • the longitudinal rods are fastened to the transverse rods by means of welding.
  • step (a) comprises the step:
  • one further interstitial longitudinal rod preferably only one further interstitial longitudinal rod, is provided eccentrically between each pair of adjacent punching grooves when the longitudinal rods from two or more punching grooves;
  • step b comprises the step:
  • step c is followed by the step:
  • step d comprises the step:
  • spacing elements preferably the spacing elements provided herein, can be produced in a very efficient manner.
  • the spacing elements provided herein are made using a method described in European patent application no. 14193221 .0, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
  • step (aa) comprises unrolling and aligning at least six longitudinal rods in a plane
  • step (d) the following items are cut to a desired length: the peripheral longitudinal rods; the longitudinal rods forming part of a punching groove; and if present, the additional longitudinal rods.
  • a separate roll is provided for each longitudinal rod.
  • Different rolls may be provided with longitudinal rods having different cross sections, which may be unrolled independently. Accordingly, spacing elements of which one or more longitudinal rods have different cross sections than the other longitudinal rods can be efficiently made.
  • the central longitudinal rods are cut to a desired length before performing step (d). Accordingly, spacing elements, preferably the spacing elements provided herein, can be produced in a very efficient manner.
  • a desired length is, for example, the length of a spacing element which is produced using the method.
  • Fig. 1 shows a transverse cross section of a spacing element (100) comprising a first leg element (1 10), a second leg element (120), and a base element (130).
  • the first leg element (1 10) and the base element (130) are joined in a first vertex (1 1 1 ).
  • the second leg element (120) and the base (130) are joined in a second vertex (121 ).
  • the vertices (1 1 1 ,121 ) are formed by bending transverse rods.
  • the spacing element (100) has a proximal side and a distal side.
  • a top longitudinal rod (140) is attached to the base element (130).
  • two bottom longitudinal rods (150,160) are attached to the leg elements (1 10,120).
  • a first bottom longitudinal rod (150) is attached to the first leg element (1 10)
  • a second bottom longitudinal rod (160) is attached to the second leg element (120).
  • the angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the base element (130) is an obtuse angle (a).
  • the angle between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130) is an acute angle ( ⁇ ). It should be noted that the angle between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130) may also be an obtuse angle ( ⁇ )
  • the first leg element (1 10) and the second leg element (120) each end in an endpoint (1 12,122).
  • endpoint (1 12) corresponds to the first leg element (1 10
  • the second endpoint (122) corresponds to the second leg element (120).
  • An imaginary line (170) runs through the endpoints (1 12,122).
  • the angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the imaginary line (170) is called ⁇ .
  • the angle between the second leg element (120) and the imaginary line (170) is called ⁇ .
  • angles ⁇ and ⁇ are both equal to 80° within a margin of +10° and -20°.
  • Fig. 2 shows a close-up of the transverse cross section of the spacing element (100) shown in Fig. 1.
  • the spacing element (100) of Fig. 2 has a particular configuration.
  • the configuration can be described by means of angles ( ⁇ ), ( ⁇ ), ( ⁇ ), and ( ⁇ ).
  • the configuration can be described by means of lengths (d) and (e).
  • the a-angle (a) is the smallest angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the base element (130).
  • the ⁇ -angle ( ⁇ ) is the smallest angle between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130).
  • the ⁇ -angle ( ⁇ ) is the smallest angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the second leg element (120).
  • the ⁇ -angle ( ⁇ ) is the smallest angle between the base element (130) and the line running through the following two points: 1 ) the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod (140), and 2) the vertex (121 ) at the interconnection between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130).
  • the length (d) is equal to the distance between the following two points: 1 ) the bond (141 ) between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the base element (130), and 2) the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod (140), measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the length (e) is measured.
  • the length (e) is equal to the distance between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod (140), and the vertex (121 ) between the base element (130) and the second leg element (120).
  • Fig. 3 shows a stack (200) of spacing elements (100). Each subsequent spacing element (100) is rotated for about 180° about the vertical direction with respect to the orientation of the underlying spacing element (100). Accordingly, a very densely stacked stack (200) is obtained.

Abstract

The present invention includes spacing elements for concrete reinforcements. The spacing elements provided herein can be easily stacked, thereby reducing transport and storage related costs. Further provided herein are uses of the spacing elements, stacks of the spacing elements, methods of stacking the spacing elements, and methods of making the spacing elements.

Description

SPACER FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes spacing elements for concrete reinforcements. The spacing elements provided herein can be easily stacked, thereby reducing transport and storage related costs. Further provided herein are uses of the spacing elements, stacks of the spacing elements, methods of stacking the spacing elements, and methods of making the spacing elements. BACKGROUND
Reinforcements for flat structures in reinforced concrete are usually made from steel reinforcement meshes. Often, one or more reinforcement meshes are provided both at the top and bottom in the flat structure, such that both tensile and compressive stresses can be absorbed in an optimum manner.
During building, the reinforcement meshes are usually kept at the desired distance from one another by means of linear spacers (also referred to as high chair spacers). Various types of spacers are known including lattice girders and U- or Π-shaped spacers. Spacers are known for offering a high strength while requiring very little material.
A type of spacer which is often used is a lattice girder with a triangular or trapezoidal cross section. While some configurations of spacers (e.g. lattice girders) pose no stacking issues, spacers with U- or Π-shaped transverse rods (U- or Π-shaped spacers or sometimes also referred to as square top high chairs) have the drawback that they are difficult to stack. Accordingly, there is a need for new spacers. There is also a need for new methods of producing spacers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center.
Additionally or alternatively, provided herein is a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center, wherein said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or a single bundle of top longitudinal rods, and wherein ζ and ε are between 60° and 85°, ζ being the smallest angle between the first leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements, and ε being the smallest angle between the second leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that the transverse rods are U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first longitudinal rod is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second longitudinal rod is an acute angle.
In a particular embodiment, the transverse rods are U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first leg member is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second leg member is an acute angle.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that the top longitudinal rod does not project beyond the top of the transverse rods.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that at least the top longitudinal rod is attached to the outside of the transverse rods.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that said spacing element comprises a single bundle of top longitudinal rods.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that the transverse rods do not project, or project at most 0.5 mm, beyond the bottom longitudinal rods.
In a particular embodiment, the spacing element according to the invention provides that the spacing element comprises two or more transverse rods of different diameters.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a spacing element according to the invention as a construction element. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a stack comprising two or more spacing elements according to the invention, wherein the transverse cross section of each subsequent spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
(a) providing a plurality of transverse rods in a plane;
(b) subsequently placing and fastening a first, second and third parallel longitudinal rod to said plurality of transverse rods, said longitudinal rods being perpendicular to the transverse rods and wherein
- the first and third longitudinal rods are peripheral longitudinal rods; and,
- the second longitudinal rod is the interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
thus producing a lattice structure;
(c) cutting the transverse rods overhanging the peripheral longitudinal rods; and;
(d) bending the lattice structure, thus producing a spacing element, comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
In a particular embodiment, the method according to the invention provides that each successive spacing element is the mirror of the previous spacing element.
In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
(a) providing at least three parallel longitudinal rods in a plane, comprising
- two peripheral longitudinal rods; and,
- an interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
(b) placing transverse rods perpendicular to the longitudinal rods on top of and/or under the longitudinal rods, and fastening the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, thus producing a lattice structure;
(c) optionally, cutting transverse rods overhanging the peripheral longitudinal rods; and; (d) bending the lattice structure, thus producing a spacing element, comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
In a particular embodiment, the method according to the invention provides that step (a) comprises the step:
(aa) providing at least six parallel longitudinal rods in a plane, comprising
- two peripheral longitudinal rods;
- at least one punching or cutting groove comprising a pair of mutually adjacent longitudinal rods;
- an interstitial longitudinal rod positioned eccentrically between each peripheral longitudinal rod and the adjacent punching or cutting groove;
- optionally, one or more further interstitial longitudinal rods, wherein one further interstitial longitudinal rod, preferably only one further interstitial longitudinal rod, is provided eccentrically between each pair of adjacent punching grooves when the longitudinal rods from two or more punching grooves; and,
- optionally, one or more additional longitudinal rods situated between the peripheral longitudinal rods and outside the punching grooves; wherein step b comprises the step:
(ba) placing transverse rods perpendicular to the longitudinal rods on top of and/or under the latter, and fastening the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, thus producing a lattice structure;
wherein step c is followed by the step:
(ca) punching out or cutting through the transverse rod portions between the adjacent longitudinal rods of the punching groove, thus producing two or more elongate lattices, each lattice comprising three parallel longitudinal rods which are connected to each other by transverse rods which run perpendicular to and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; the transverse rods preferably not projecting or at most projecting 0.5 mm beyond the outer longitudinal rods; and, wherein step d comprises the step:
(da) bending the two or more elongated lattices, thus producing two or more spacers, each comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; the transverse rods preferably not projecting or at most projecting 0.5 mm beyond the bottom longitudinal rods.
In a particular embodiment, the method according to the invention additionally comprises the step of stacking the successively produced spacing elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
Figure 1 shows a spacing element (100).
Figure 2 shows a close-up view of a spacing element (100).
Figure 3 shows two views of a stack (200) of spacing elements (100).
Throughout the figures, the following numbering is adhered to: 100 - spacing element; 1 10 - first leg element; 1 1 1 - first vertex; 1 12 - endpoint of the first leg element; 120 - second leg element; 121 - second vertex; 122 - endpoint of the second leg element; 130 - base element; 140 - top longitudinal rod; 141 - top of the top longitudinal rod; 142 - bond between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the base element (130); 150 - first bottom longitudinal rod; 160 - second bottom longitudinal rod (second); 170 - imaginary line; 200 - stack.
Furthermore, throughout the figures, the following symbols are used: d - distance between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod and the bond (142) between the top longitudinal rod and the transverse rod, in the direction perpendicular between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod and the second vertex (121 ); e - distance between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod and the second vertex (121 ); a - angle between the first leg element and the base element; β - angle between the second leg element and the base element; γ - angle between the first leg element and the second leg element; δ - angle between the direction in which distance (e) is measured and the base element (130); ε - angle between the second leg element (120) and the imaginary line (170); ζ - angle between the first leg element (120) and the imaginary line (170);. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" when referring to recited members, elements or method steps also include embodiments which "consist of" said recited members, elements or method steps.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.
All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
As intended herein, an object is "elongate" when the length of the object is greater than two times the width of the object; preferably the length is greater than three, four or five times the width of the object.
The term "perpendicular" as used herein may comprise a deviation from an exactly perpendicular orientation. More particularly, a first rod is considered to be positioned perpendicularly with respect to a plane or a second rod when the smallest angle between the longitudinal axis of the first rod and the plane or the longitudinal axis of the second rod, is between 89° and 91 °; preferably between 89.5° and 90.5°; and most preferably 90°.
Provided herein are spacing elements for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures. Typically, the spacing elements comprise three parallel straight longitudinal rods. The longitudinal rods typically include two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod. Furthermore, the longitudinal rods are typically connected to one another by means of U- or Π-shaped transverse rods. Typically, the transverse rods run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods. Also, the transverse rods are connected, typically laterally connected, to the longitudinal rods. The top longitudinal rod is typically positioned off-center.
Additionally or alternatively, provided herein is a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods. The longitudinal rods typically include two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods. The transverse rods are typically laterally connected to the longitudinal rods. The top longitudinal rod is typically positioned off- center, and generally said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or a single bundle of top longitudinal rods. Also, ζ and ε are typically between 60° and 85°, ζ being the smallest angle between the first leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements, and ε being the smallest angle between the second leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements. In particular embodiments, the transverse rods are U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, and the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods each comprise two leg elements: a first leg element and a second leg element. Both leg elements have a proximal end and a distal end, and each leg element is connected to a base element via their proximal end. The smallest angle between the base element and the first leg member is an obtuse angle. Also, the smallest angle between the base element and the second leg member is an acute angle.
In particular embodiments, the spacing elements provided herein consists of three longitudinal rods.
It should be noted that as referred to herein, the term "rod" refers to a shaft or bar as typically used in metal industry to manufacture metal constructions. The rod may have several shapes, including but not limited to circular, oval, square, squircle, ellipse or other geometrical shapes.
The surface of the rods may be smooth, ribbed or comprise any other type of surface modification.
The spacing elements provided herein can be stacked very densely. According, many spacing elements can be stored and/or transported in a given volume, which allows the spacing elements provided herein to be transported and/or stored at low cost.
U- or Π-shaped transverse rods comprise a first leg element and a second leg element. Both leg elements have a proximal end and a distal end, and the leg elements are connected on their proximal end to a base element. The connection between the base element and the first leg element is called the first connection. The connection between the base element and the second leg element is called the second connection. In figures 1 and 2, the first connection corresponds to the vertex labeled "1 1 1 ", and the second connection corresponds to the vertex labeled "121 ". For spacing elements comprising U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, the term "off-center" as used herein when referring to a top longitudinal rod refers to one of the following two situations:
• situation 1 ) the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the first connection is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the second connection, or
• situation 2) the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the second connection is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the first connection.
Preferably, the term "off-center", when used in connection with U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, refers to the case in which the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the first connection is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the second connection. Typically, the distance by which the top longitudinal rod is "off-center" is equal to or larger than the diameter of the top longitudinal rod.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, provided herein is a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center.
These spacing elements can be stacked very densely, as detailed below. The particular configuration of the spacing elements allows for a dense stacking of the elements, thereby optimizing the space used by the stack. The close fit in the stacking also ensures a more secure and safe stapling.
Typically, the top longitudinal rod is connected to the proximal end of the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods. Furthermore, the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods typically comprise leg members running from the proximal end of a transverse rod to its distal end. The two bottom longitudinal rods comprise a first bottom longitudinal rod and a second longitudinal rod. The first bottom longitudinal rod is typically attached to the first leg element and the second longitudinal rod is typically attached to the second leg element. The first leg element and the second leg element each end in an endpoint. In particular, the first endpoint corresponds to the first leg element and the second endpoint corresponds to the second leg element. An imaginary line runs through the endpoints. The angle between the first leg element and the imaginary line is called ζ. The angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line is called ε. In particular embodiments, ζ is between 45° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°, more preferably about 70°. The angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line is called ε. In particular embodiments, ε is between 45° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°, more preferably about 70°. Preferably, the angles ζ and ε are equal within a margin of ±5.0°.
Preferably, the base element, the first leg element, and the second leg element of a single transverse rod are coplanar.
In particular embodiments, the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods are U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first longitudinal rod is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second longitudinal rod is an acute or obtuse angle. These spacing elements can be stacked very densely, as detailed below.
In some preferred embodiments, the first leg element and a second leg element have a different length.
In some preferred embodiments, the first leg element and a second leg element have the same length.
Preferably, one and only one longitudinal rod is attached to the base element. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
Preferably, the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the first leg element is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod and the second leg element. Preferably, the first leg element and the second leg element are straight. Preferably, the first leg element and/or the second leg element are bent.
The configuration of such a spacer can be described by means of the following parameters:
the angle a, which is the smallest angle between the first leg element and the base element;
- the angle β, which is the smallest angle between the second leg element and the base element;
the angle γ, which is the smallest angle between the first leg element and the second leg element, at the distal side of the first leg element and the second leg element;
- the angle δ, which is the smallest angle between the base element and the line running through the following two points: 1 ) the top of the top longitudinal rod, and 2) the vertex at the interconnection between the second leg element and the base element;
the angle ε, which is the smallest angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements; - the angle ζ, which is the smallest angle between the first leg element and the imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements; the length e, which is equal to the distance between the top of the top longitudinal rod, and the vertex between the base element and the second leg element;
- the length d, which is equal to the distance between the following two points: 1 ) the bond between the top longitudinal rod and the base element, and 2) the top of the top longitudinal rod, wherein the distance d is measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the length e is measured (where the top longitudinal rod and the base element are attached over a bonding line the lowest attachment point is chosen);
the length of the first leg element;
the length of the second leg element;
the length of the base element;
The precise meaning of these parameters is further clarified in the figures and in the examples provided hereunder.
Typically, the angle a ranges between 91 ° and 150°.
Typically, the angle β may range between 60° and 120°, though typically, the angle β is between 60° and 89°.
Typically, the angle γ ranges between 1 ° and 40°.
Typically, the angle δ ranges between 10° and 40°.
Typically, the angle ε may range between 1 ° and 120°, though typically, the angle ε is between 1 °, and 90°, or between 45°, and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°.
Typically, the angle ζ may range between 1 ° and 120°, though typically, the angle ζ is between 1 °, and 90°, or between 45°, and 90°, preferably between 60° and 85°.
Typically, the length e ranges between 5 mm and 50 mm.
Typically, the length d ranges between 2 mm and 10 mm.
Typically, the length of the first leg element ranges between 20 mm and 300 mm.
Typically, the length of the second leg element ranges between 25 mm and 305 mm.
Typically, the length of the base element ranges between 10 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, and preferably about 30 mm. In particular embodiments, the distance d is equal to or greater than the diameter of the top longitudinal rod. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein. However, it should be clear that similar effect can be obtained if the distance d is slightly smaller than the diameter of the top longitudinal rod. Preferably, the distance d is ranges between -10% and +10% of the diameter of the top longitudinal rod, more preferably between -5% and +5%, and more preferably between -1 % and +1 % of the diameter of the top longitudinal rod.
The distance "d" is defined in the examples. In particular embodiments, at least the top longitudinal rod is attached to the outside of the transverse rods. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein. The outside of a spacing element corresponds to the convex side of the smallest convex hull enclosing the spacer.
In particular embodiments, the spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
In particular embodiments, the spacing element comprises a single bundle of top longitudinal rods. This enhances the stack ability of the spacing elements provided herein.
The recitation "single bundle of top longitudinal rods" as used herein refers to a plurality of closely-spaced, longitudinally aligned longitudinal rods. In other words, the recitation "single bundle of top longitudinal rods" as used herein refers to a plurality of longitudinal rods, which are longitudinally aligned, and between which the spacing is less than the diameter of the longitudinal rods, preferably less than half the diameter of the longitudinal rods, more preferably less than four times the diameter of the longitudinal rods, most preferably less than 8 times the diameter of the longitudinal rods. A "single bundle of top longitudinal rods" may comprise longitudinal rods with varying diameters.
In particular embodiments, the transverse rods do not project, or project at most 0.5 mm, beyond the bottom longitudinal rods. Accordingly, the spacing elements can be dragged easily over reinforcement meshes.
In particular embodiments, the spacing element comprises two or more transverse rods of different diameters. This can enhance the trade-off between strength and material efficiency of the spacers provided herein. In particular embodiments, the spacing element comprises two or more longitudinal rods of different diameters. In particular, the top longitudinal rod may have a different diameter compared to the peripheral longitudinal rods. This can enhance the trade-off between strength and material efficiency of the spacers provided herein. In a second aspect, the present invention provides the use of a spacing element provided herein as a construction element.
Spacing elements provided herein may be very effectively used as construction elements. In particular, construction elements provided herein can be stacked easily and densely thereby allowing for storage- and transport-related cost reductions and efficiency enhancements in the construction industry.
In a third aspect, the present invention provides a stack comprising two or more spacing elements provided herein, wherein the transverse cross section of each subsequent spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element. Preferably, the spacing element is a spacing element according to aspect 1 and/or an embodiment thereof.
Such stacks allow very efficient storage and/or transport of the spacing elements provided herein, thereby allowing for storage- and transport-related cost reductions and efficiency enhancements in, for example, the construction industry.
Preferably, a stack comprises at least 5, more preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 25 spacing elements. Effectively, the particular configuration of the spacing elements according to the present invention allows stacks to comprise up to 100 or more spacing elements.
The stacks with the spacing elements according to the present invention have been found to be particularly stable and ensure that the structural integrity of the spacing elements is maintained during transport. As a result, transport of the stacks will not affect the quality of the spacing elements, e.g. during transport.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of stacking spacing elements. Preferably, the spacing elements are spacing elements according to aspect 1 and/or an embodiment thereof. Preferably, the stack of spacing elements obtained by the method is a stack according to aspect 3 and/or a preferred embodiment thereof. In particular, the method comprises the steps:
(q) providing a plurality of spacing elements comprising a first spacing element and a second spacing element;
(r) placing a first spacing element on a carrier in a first orientation; and,
(s) placing a second spacing element on top of the first spacing element in a second orientation, the second orientation being rotated for about 180° about the vertical direction with respect to the first orientation. Accordingly, a stack of spacing elements is obtained. Preferably, a stack according to the third aspect of the present invention, or a preferred embodiment thereof, is obtained.
The easy and stable stacking of the spacing elements allows the automation of the stacking process.
In a particular embodiment the first spacing element and a second spacing element are manufactured parallel to each other, the first spacing element being the mirror of the second spacing element, thereby stacking the first and second spacing element onto each other without the requirement of rotation of at least one of the spacing elements.
In another preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step:
(t) placing one or more further spacing elements on the top of spacing elements, wherein each subsequent spacing element is rotated for about 180° about the vertical direction with respect to the orientation of the last spacing element which was placed before.
By performing a method provided herein, a stack of spacing elements is obtained wherein the transverse cross section of each spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element. Also, the spacing elements can be stacked very densely by means of a method provided herein.
The term "carrier" as used herein refers to an object which is suitable for carrying a one or more spacing elements. Suitable examples of carriers for spacing elements include: factory floor, wooden pallets, and other spacing elements.
It has been found that while originally the spacing elements need to be positioned on a carrier, once several stacks of spacing elements are positioned next to each other, the carriers are no longer requirements during for instance the transport of the stacks. This is important from a logistics point of view because it saves place during transport and the carriers do not have to be returned afterwards.
In a fourth aspect, provided herein are methods for preparing a spacing element.
The methods for manufacturing can be either in cross or parallel direction (referring to the direction of the placement of the longitudinal rods).
In a preferred embodiment the method provides in a cross direction manufacturing method of a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
(a) providing a plurality of transverse rods in a plane;
(b) subsequently placing and fastening a first, second and third parallel longitudinal rod to said plurality of transverse rods, said longitudinal rods being perpendicular to the transverse rods and wherein
- the first and third longitudinal rods are peripheral longitudinal rods; and, - the second longitudinal rod is the interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
thus producing a lattice structure;
(c) cutting the transverse rods overhanging the peripheral longitudinal rods; and;
(d) bending the lattice structure, thus producing a spacing element, comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
Preferably, each successive spacing element is the mirror of the previous spacing element. As a result of the cross direction manufacturing method subsequent spacing element are produced, each of them separately exiting the machine and transported to the stacking system where the spacing elements are stacked onto each other. Manufacturing successive spacing element each being the mirror of the previous spacing element allows for easy stacking and no need for the stacking machine to rotate the spacing elements. Accordingly only linear movements are required, thereby simplifying the stacking process. In another preferred embodiment the method provides in a parallel direction manufacturing method of a spacing element according to the invention, wherein said method comprises
(a) providing at least three parallel longitudinal rods in a plane, comprising
- two peripheral longitudinal rods; and,
- an interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
(b) placing transverse rods perpendicular to the longitudinal rods on top of and/or under the longitudinal rods, and fastening the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, thus producing a lattice structure;
(c) optionally, cutting transverse rods overhanging the peripheral longitudinal rods; and;
(d) bending the lattice structure, thus producing a spacing element, comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
Accordingly, the interstitial longitudinal rod forms a top longitudinal rod in the finished spacing element after completion of the steps of the method.
As a result of the parallel direction manufacturing method a plurality of spacing elements are produced simultaneously, each of them exiting the machine at the same time and being transported to the stacking system where the spacing elements are stacked onto each other. The parallel direction manufacturing method provides in an efficient and high- throughput method for manufacturing the spacing elements.
Preferably, these methods are used for producing spacing elements according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The present method allows for the efficient production of spacing elements.
In particular embodiments, the longitudinal rods are fastened to the transverse rods by means of welding.
In particular embodiments, step (a) comprises the step:
(aa) providing at least six parallel longitudinal rods in a plane, comprising
- two peripheral longitudinal rods;
- at least one punching or cutting groove comprising a pair of mutually adjacent longitudinal rods;
- an interstitial longitudinal rod positioned eccentrically between each peripheral longitudinal rod and the adjacent punching or cutting groove;
- optionally, one or more further interstitial longitudinal rods, wherein one further interstitial longitudinal rod, preferably only one further interstitial longitudinal rod, is provided eccentrically between each pair of adjacent punching grooves when the longitudinal rods from two or more punching grooves; and,
- optionally, one or more additional longitudinal rods situated between the peripheral longitudinal rods and outside the punching grooves; step b comprises the step:
(ba) placing transverse rods perpendicular to the longitudinal rods on top of and/or under the latter, and fastening the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, thus producing a lattice structure;
step c is followed by the step:
(ca) punching out or cutting through the transverse rod portions between the adjacent longitudinal rods of the punching groove, thus producing two or more elongate lattices, each lattice comprising three parallel longitudinal rods which are connected to each other by transverse rods which run perpendicular to and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; the transverse rods preferably not projecting or at most projecting 0.5 mm beyond the outer longitudinal rods; and, step d comprises the step:
(da) bending the two or more elongated lattices, thus producing two or more spacers, each comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; the transverse rods preferably not projecting or at most projecting 0.5 mm beyond the bottom longitudinal rods.
Accordingly, spacing elements, preferably the spacing elements provided herein, can be produced in a very efficient manner.
In particular embodiments, the spacing elements provided herein are made using a method described in European patent application no. 14193221 .0, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
In particular embodiments,
- step (aa) comprises unrolling and aligning at least six longitudinal rods in a plane; and
- before performing step (d), the following items are cut to a desired length: the peripheral longitudinal rods; the longitudinal rods forming part of a punching groove; and if present, the additional longitudinal rods.
Accordingly, the efficiency of methods for preparing spacing elements can be enhanced.
In particular embodiments, a separate roll is provided for each longitudinal rod.
Different rolls may be provided with longitudinal rods having different cross sections, which may be unrolled independently. Accordingly, spacing elements of which one or more longitudinal rods have different cross sections than the other longitudinal rods can be efficiently made.
In particular embodiments, the central longitudinal rods are cut to a desired length before performing step (d). Accordingly, spacing elements, preferably the spacing elements provided herein, can be produced in a very efficient manner. A desired length is, for example, the length of a spacing element which is produced using the method.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
In a first example, reference is made to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a transverse cross section of a spacing element (100) comprising a first leg element (1 10), a second leg element (120), and a base element (130). The first leg element (1 10) and the base element (130) are joined in a first vertex (1 1 1 ). The second leg element (120) and the base (130) are joined in a second vertex (121 ). During production of the spacing element (100) by means of a method provided herein, the vertices (1 1 1 ,121 ) are formed by bending transverse rods. The spacing element (100) has a proximal side and a distal side. At the proximal side, a top longitudinal rod (140) is attached to the base element (130). At the distal side, two bottom longitudinal rods (150,160) are attached to the leg elements (1 10,120). In particular, a first bottom longitudinal rod (150) is attached to the first leg element (1 10), and a second bottom longitudinal rod (160) is attached to the second leg element (120). The angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the base element (130) is an obtuse angle (a). The angle between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130) is an acute angle (β). It should be noted that the angle between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130) may also be an obtuse angle (β)
The first leg element (1 10) and the second leg element (120) each end in an endpoint (1 12,122). In particular, endpoint (1 12) corresponds to the first leg element (1 10), and the second endpoint (122) corresponds to the second leg element (120). An imaginary line (170) runs through the endpoints (1 12,122). The angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the imaginary line (170) is called ζ. The angle between the second leg element (120) and the imaginary line (170) is called ε. In the present example, angles ε and ζ are both equal to 80° within a margin of +10° and -20°.
Example 2
In a second example, reference is made to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a close-up of the transverse cross section of the spacing element (100) shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the spacing element (100) of Fig. 2 has a particular configuration. The configuration can be described by means of angles (α), (β), (γ), and (δ). Furthermore, the configuration can be described by means of lengths (d) and (e).
The a-angle (a) is the smallest angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the base element (130).
The β-angle (β) is the smallest angle between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130). The γ-angle (γ) is the smallest angle between the first leg element (1 10) and the second leg element (120).
The δ-angle (δ) is the smallest angle between the base element (130) and the line running through the following two points: 1 ) the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod (140), and 2) the vertex (121 ) at the interconnection between the second leg element (120) and the base element (130).
The length (d) is equal to the distance between the following two points: 1 ) the bond (141 ) between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the base element (130), and 2) the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod (140), measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the length (e) is measured.
The length (e) is equal to the distance between the top (141 ) of the top longitudinal rod (140), and the vertex (121 ) between the base element (130) and the second leg element (120). Example 3
As a further example, reference is made to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a stack (200) of spacing elements (100). Each subsequent spacing element (100) is rotated for about 180° about the vertical direction with respect to the orientation of the underlying spacing element (100). Accordingly, a very densely stacked stack (200) is obtained.

Claims

1 . Spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to one another by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center, in that said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or a single bundle of top longitudinal rods, and in that ζ and ε are between 60° and 85°, ζ being the smallest angle between the first leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements, and ε being the smallest angle between the second leg element and an imaginary line between the endpoints of the first and second leg elements.
2. The spacing element according to claim 1 , wherein the transverse rods are U- or Π-shaped transverse rods, the U- or Π-shaped transverse rods each comprising two leg elements, a first leg element and a second leg element, both leg elements having a proximal end and a distal end, the leg elements being connected on their proximal end to a base element, wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the first leg member is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element and the second leg member is an acute angle.
3. The spacing element according to claim 2, wherein the top longitudinal rod does not project beyond the top of the transverse rods.
4. The spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least the top longitudinal rod is attached to the outside of the transverse rods.
5. The spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod.
6. The spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said spacing element comprises a single bundle of top longitudinal rods.
7. The spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transverse rods do not project, or project at most 0.5 mm, beyond the bottom longitudinal rods.
8. The spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spacing element comprises two or more transverse rods of different diameters.
9. Use of a spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 8 as a construction element.
10. Stack comprising two or more spacing elements according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transverse cross section of each subsequent spacing element is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element.
1 1 . Method for preparing a spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said method comprises
(a) providing a plurality of transverse rods in a plane;
(b) subsequently placing and fastening a first, second and third parallel longitudinal rod to said plurality of transverse rods, said longitudinal rods being perpendicular to the transverse rods and wherein
- the first and third longitudinal rods are peripheral longitudinal rods; and,
- the second longitudinal rod is the interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
thus producing a lattice structure;
(c) cutting the transverse rods overhanging the peripheral longitudinal rods; and;
(d) bending the lattice structure, thus producing a spacing element, comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods;
characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
12. Method according to claim 1 1 , wherein each successive spacing element is the mirror of the previous spacing element.
13. Method for preparing a spacing element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said method comprises
(a) providing at least three parallel longitudinal rods in a plane, comprising - two peripheral longitudinal rods; and,
- an interstitial longitudinal rod between the peripheral longitudinal rods;
(b) placing transverse rods perpendicular to the longitudinal rods on top of and/or under the longitudinal rods, and fastening the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, thus producing a lattice structure;
(c) optionally, cutting transverse rods overhanging the peripheral longitudinal rods; and;
(d) bending the lattice structure, thus producing a spacing element, comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; characterized in that the interstitial longitudinal rod positioned between peripheral longitudinal rods is positioned eccentrically.
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein step (a) comprises the step:
(aa) providing at least six parallel longitudinal rods in a plane, comprising
- two peripheral longitudinal rods;
- at least one punching or cutting groove comprising a pair of mutually adjacent longitudinal rods;
- an interstitial longitudinal rod positioned eccentrically between each peripheral longitudinal rod and the adjacent punching or cutting groove;
- optionally, one or more further interstitial longitudinal rods, wherein one further interstitial longitudinal rod, preferably only one further interstitial longitudinal rod, is provided eccentrically between each pair of adjacent punching grooves when the longitudinal rods from two or more punching grooves; and,
- optionally, one or more additional longitudinal rods situated between the peripheral longitudinal rods and outside the punching grooves; wherein step b comprises the step:
(ba) placing transverse rods perpendicular to the longitudinal rods on top of and/or under the latter, and fastening the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, thus producing a lattice structure;
wherein step c is followed by the step:
(ca) punching out or cutting through the transverse rod portions between the adjacent longitudinal rods of the punching groove, thus producing two or more elongate lattices, each lattice comprising three parallel longitudinal rods which are connected to each other by transverse rods which run perpendicular to and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; the transverse rods preferably not projecting or at most projecting 0.5 mm beyond the outer longitudinal rods; and, wherein step d comprises the step:
(da) bending the two or more elongated lattices, thus producing two or more spacers, each comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods including two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod, connected to each other by U- or Π-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods, and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods; the transverse rods preferably not projecting or at most projecting 0.5 mm beyond the bottom longitudinal rods.
15. The method according to claims 1 1 to 14, additionally comprising the step of stacking the successively produced spacing elements.
PCT/EP2016/069875 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacer for concrete reinforcements WO2017032767A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LT16762741T LT3341535T (en) 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacer for concrete reinforcements
ES16762741T ES2762935T3 (en) 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacer for concrete reinforcements
EP16762741.3A EP3341535B1 (en) 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacer for concrete reinforcements
DK16762741.3T DK3341535T3 (en) 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacing element for concrete reinforcements
SI201630486T SI3341535T1 (en) 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacer for concrete reinforcements
PL16762741T PL3341535T3 (en) 2015-08-25 2016-08-23 Spacer for concrete reinforcements
HRP20191969TT HRP20191969T1 (en) 2015-08-25 2019-10-30 Spacer for concrete reinforcements

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE2015/5529 2015-08-25
BE2015/5529A BE1022796B1 (en) 2015-08-25 2015-08-25 DISTANCE FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT

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EP (1) EP3341535B1 (en)
BE (1) BE1022796B1 (en)
DK (1) DK3341535T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2762935T3 (en)
HR (1) HRP20191969T1 (en)
LT (1) LT3341535T (en)
PL (1) PL3341535T3 (en)
PT (1) PT3341535T (en)
SI (1) SI3341535T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017032767A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1135646B (en) * 1959-08-06 1962-08-30 O G Ohlssons Byggnads A B Iron-shaped spacer made of reinforcing steel
FR1408791A (en) * 1964-07-06 1965-08-20 Reinforced concrete beam reinforcement
GB1134546A (en) * 1966-07-25 1968-11-27 Cufflin Engineering And Tradin Improvements in girders for ferro-concrete ceilings
NL7511688A (en) * 1974-10-17 1976-04-21 Arbed SUPPORT DEVICE FOR REINFORCEMENT.
EP0333897A1 (en) * 1988-03-22 1989-09-27 Von Roll Ag Space stirrup for reinforced concrete
JPH10338995A (en) * 1997-06-07 1998-12-22 Hirao Tetsuken Kk Block type mat spacer

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1135646B (en) * 1959-08-06 1962-08-30 O G Ohlssons Byggnads A B Iron-shaped spacer made of reinforcing steel
FR1408791A (en) * 1964-07-06 1965-08-20 Reinforced concrete beam reinforcement
GB1134546A (en) * 1966-07-25 1968-11-27 Cufflin Engineering And Tradin Improvements in girders for ferro-concrete ceilings
NL7511688A (en) * 1974-10-17 1976-04-21 Arbed SUPPORT DEVICE FOR REINFORCEMENT.
EP0333897A1 (en) * 1988-03-22 1989-09-27 Von Roll Ag Space stirrup for reinforced concrete
JPH10338995A (en) * 1997-06-07 1998-12-22 Hirao Tetsuken Kk Block type mat spacer

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Publication number Publication date
BE1022796B1 (en) 2016-09-08
ES2762935T3 (en) 2020-05-26
LT3341535T (en) 2019-12-10
PT3341535T (en) 2019-12-16
EP3341535A1 (en) 2018-07-04
SI3341535T1 (en) 2019-12-31
DK3341535T3 (en) 2020-01-02
PL3341535T3 (en) 2020-07-13
HRP20191969T1 (en) 2020-01-24
EP3341535B1 (en) 2019-10-02

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