Apparatus and method for supporting anchor bolt members when pouring concrete foundations and footings

Abstract

An apparatus provides a means for retaining an anchor bolt in a generally vertical position as concrete slurry is poured around the anchor bolt. The apparatus comprises a generally horizontal first member, fashioned from wire material, which spans between two parallel lengths of rebar material. Each end of the first member is adapted to attach to a length of rebar material. Attached to the first member is a second member, also fashioned from wire material, which clips to the body of the anchor bolt. When installed, the second member and the anchor bolt will be generally transverse to the first member, and oriented in a generally vertical direction.

1 . An apparatus for retaining an anchor bolt in a generally vertical position when pouring a concrete foundation or footing, the apparatus used in combination with a pair of generally parallel rebar members, the apparatus comprising: 
 a first member, fashioned from wire material, spanning between the rebar members, the first member comprising two ends wherein each end is adapted to attach to a respective rebar member;    a second member, fashioned from wire material, attached to the first member, wherein the second member is generally transverse to the first member, wherein the second member comprises a top section configured generally in a U-shape, wherein the “U” is bound on the open side by the first member to form an enclosure and the anchor bolt is contained within the enclosure wherein the second member further comprises means for attaching to the anchor bolt, and means for maintaining the anchor bolt in a generally vertical orientation.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second member comprises a top section and a bottom section.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the means of the second member for attaching the anchor bolt comprises clamping the anchor bolt between the top section and the bottom section of the second member, wherein the top section asserts a first spring force against a first side of the anchor bolt and the bottom section asserts a second spring force against a second side of the anchor bolt, the second side generally opposite facing to the first side, wherein the clamping force generated by the first spring force and the second spring force is sufficient to support the weight of the anchor bolt.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for maintaining the anchor bolt in a generally vertical orientation comprises the application by the second member of a first spring force and a second spring force wherein the anchor bolt pivots against the first member and a first torque generated by the first spring force is equivalent to a second torque generated by the second spring force.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for attaching the anchor bolt to the second member comprises an interference fit between portions of the second member and portions of the anchor bolt.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein each end of the first member comprises a generally semi-circular end having a diameter sized to attach to each rebar member by an interference fit.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein each end of the first member wraps around a respective rebar member.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first member comprises AWG twelve gauge material.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second member comprises AWG thirteen gauge material.  
   
   
       10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the “U” comprises a long leg and a short leg and the short leg comprises a looped end adapted to clip around the diameter of the first member.  
   
   
       12 . (canceled)