Foam-concrete rebar tie

Abstract

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

1 . A rebar holding member configured to be positioned in a foam material having an outer surface, the rebar holding member comprising:
 a. an extension portion having a longitudinal axis, the extension portion having a plurality of barb members extended radially outward from the longitudinal axis;   b. a base portion having a base surface located in a forward longitudinal direction;   c. a stirrup portion having a base region and a rebar holding region, the rebar holding region comprising first and second arms comprising an interior surface configured to hold a rebar member therein;   d. whereas the base region maintains a minimum prescribed distance from the base surface which is configured to be placed adjacent to the foam material.   
   
   
       2 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 1  where the plurality of barb members are arranged such that a longitudinally rearward barb member extends radially further outward than a longitudinally forward barb member. 
   
   
       3 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 1  where the plurality of barb members comprise a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis where a first set of barbs are aligned substantially in the direction of the first transverse axis and a second set of barbs are aligned substantially in the second transverse axis direction. 
   
   
       4 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 3  where the first set of barbs are spaced so as to be longitudinally offset and interposed between the second set of barbs. 
   
   
       5 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 4  where the second set of barbs substantially extend in the second transverse direction and comprise a perimeter flange portion which extends in the first transverse direction. 
   
   
       6 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 1  where the interior surface of the rebar holding region has a plurality of radially inward extensions having a width sufficiently narrow so the extensions undergo plastic deformation when the rebar is placed between the first and second arms of the rebar holding region. 
   
   
       7 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 6  where the width of the radially inward extensions are less than one half the width of the first and second arms. 
   
   
       8 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 7  where the rebar holding member is configured to hold the rebar in an inverted manner. 
   
   
       9 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 1  where the first and second arms each provide an inward slanting surface defining a central open region configured to have a portion of rebar pass therethrough. 
   
   
       10 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 9  where the rebar is operatively configured to be held within the interior surface of the rebar holding region when the rebar holding region is positioned beneath the extension portion. 
   
   
       11 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 1  where the extension portion, base portion, and stirrup portion are formed a s a unitary structure. 
   
   
       12 . The rebar holding member as recited in  claim 11  where the unitary structure is substantially formed as a polymer. 
   
   
       13 . A device comprising:
 a. an extension portion operatively configured to be inserted into a portion of resilient material wherein the extension portion further comprises;
 i. a plurality of orthogonally extending base members; and 
 ii. a plurality of barb members; 
   b. a base portion having a first side and a second side, the first side coupled to the extension portion;   c. a stirrup portion coupled to the second side of the base portion, the stirrup portion operatively configured to hold a portion of construction material.   
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the extension portion, base portion, and stirrup portion are formed as a unitary structure. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the unitary structure is formed of a polymer. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the resilient material is substantially a foam material. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the portion of construction material is a length of rebar. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the portion of construction material is a length of tubing.