Apparatus for reinforcing structures

Abstract

This is a reinforcing apparatus that can be prefabricated for easy installation at the construction site. The reinforcing members must be properly spaced and supported for reinforcing the structure into which it shall be incorporated. Various spacing members are described for the apparatus. One embodiment folds into a collapsed structure prior to shipping and unfolds on the construction site. Another has a structure where the reinforcing members are snapped onto spacing members at the construction site, making for a quick assembly. Yet another has a structure in which the reinforcing members are clipped into place on the spacing member prior to use. The apparatus, once assembled or unfolded, can be self-supporting.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A reinforcing apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of reinforcing elements each comprising a first segment which is substantially straight, a second segment that is angled away from the first, and a third segment that is further angled away from the first and second segments;    (b) spacing members having means to hold the first segments of the reinforcing elements and to space them apart; and    (c) interconnecting means to mount each of the spacing members to each of the reinforcing elements at corresponding locations along the first segments of the reinforcing elements to be used in the reinforcement apparatus.    
     
     
         2 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising spacing members that are moveable as between a folded position and an open position, said spacing members comprising folding means associated with each spacing member for folding said spacing members to the folded position, and for opening said spacing members to the open position.  
     
     
         3 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the spacing members additionally comprises first snapping means fixed to a retaining member, second snapping means fixed to the reinforcing elements, said first snapping means and said second snapping being adapted to interlock to form a rigid attachment between the spacing members and the reinforcing elements.  
     
     
         4 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spacing member comprises a clipping means for attaching and removing reinforcing elements, said clipping means comprising a retaining member onto which flexible clips are permanently mounted and into which reinforcing elements are removably mounted.  
     
     
         5 . A reinforcing structure comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of reinforcing elements each comprising a first segment which is roughly straight and a second segment that is angled away from the first;    (b) spacing members having means to hold the first segments of the reinforcing elements and to space them apart; and,    (c) interconnecting means to mount each of the spacing members to each of the reinforcing elements at corresponding locations along the first segments of the reinforcing elements to be used in the reinforcement apparatus.    
     
     
         6 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 5 , comprising spacing members that are moveable as between a folded position and an open position, said spacing members comprising folding means associated with each spacing member for folding said spacing members to the folded position, and for opening said spacing members to the open position.  
     
     
         7 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein each of the spacing members additionally comprises first snapping means fixed to a retaining member, second snapping means fixed to the reinforcing elements, said first snapping means and said second snapping being adapted to interlock to form a rigid attachment between the spacing members and the reinforcing elements.  
     
     
         8 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the spacing member comprises a clipping means for attaching and removing reinforcing elements, said clipping means comprising a retaining member onto which flexible clips are permanently mounted and into which reinforcing elements are removably mounted.  
     
     
         9 . A reinforcing structure comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of reinforcing elements; and    (b) spacing members having means to hold the first segments of the reinforcing elements and to space them apart.    
     
     
         10 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 9 , comprising spacing members that are moveable as between a folded position and an open position, said spacing members comprising folding means associated with each spacing member for folding said spacing members to the folded position, and for opening said spacing members to the open position.  
     
     
         11 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein each of the spacing members additionally comprises first snapping means fixed to a retaining member, second snapping means fixed to the reinforcing elements, said first snapping means and said second snapping being adapted to interlock to form a rigid attachment between the spacing members and the reinforcing elements.  
     
     
         12 . A reinforcing structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the spacing member comprises a clipping means for attaching and removing reinforcing elements, said clipping means comprising a retaining member onto which flexible clips are permanently mounted and into which reinforcing elements are removably mounted.  
     
     
         13 . A spacing member comprising: 
 a first member,    two smaller members fixed to the first member, said smaller members being arranged about said first member, each smaller member having a folding means comprising: 
 a channel arm,  
 a springed linking means joining each smaller member to one of the said channel arms  
   said channel arms pivoting about the springed linking means from a closed position adjacent to the first member on either side of the first member, to an open position whereby the channel arms align with each of the smaller members,    whereby said springed linking means forces each of the smaller members into the U-shaped channels of each of the channel arms, locking the channel arms upon the smaller members in the open position.    
     
     
         14 . The spacing member as claimed in  claim 13  with a folding means additionally comprising one or more folding members, each of said folding members joined to at least one of the said smaller members at that smaller member's springed linking means, said folding members having a closed position adjacent the channel arms, and having an open position adjacent to at least one of the channel arms.  
     
     
         15 . A spacing member comprising a snapping means having a retaining member, interlocking fittings mounted to the retaining member, and corresponding interlocking fittings mounted to reinforcing elements; said interlocking fittings and corresponding interlocking fittings detachably interlock, for attaching and removing reinforcing elements to the retaining member.  
     
     
         16 . A spacing member comprising clipping means for removeably attaching reinforcing elements, and a retaining member onto which the clipping means are permanently mounted.