---

Register or Login To Download This Patent As A PDF

United States Patent Application	20060156646
Kind Code	A1
Evans; R. Donald	July 20, 2006

---

---

---

Claims

---

1. An alignment-affixing device for affixing a steel reinforcing bar through a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle, comprising: at least a first cylindrical collar, said first collar dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar of varying sizes; a bridging section affixed orthogonally to said first collar; and a pair of arm flexures affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of said bridging section and parallel to said first collar, for releasably securing the alignment-affixing device to the concrete masonry unit; wherein, when the steel reinforcing bar is placed through said first collar and when said pair of arm flexures is engaged with the concrete masonry unit and said bridging section is placed against the concrete masonry unit, the steel reinforcing bar is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the concrete masonry unit.

2. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, wherein each arm flexure of said pair of arm flexures further comprise a distal catch, and wherein each catch temporarily fastens said pair of arm flexures to the concrete masonry unit and prevents the alignment-affixing device from inadvertently disengaging the concrete masonry unit.

3. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, further comprising at least a first handle for facilitating removal of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit.

4. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first collar has inward extending fins for releasably securing the steel reinforcing bar to the alignment-affixing device.

5. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, wherein said bridging section is approximately 8'' long.

6. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, wherein each arm flexure of said pair of arm flexures is approximately 8'' long.

7. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, wherein said first cylindrical collar intersects said bridging section at a midpoint of said bridging section.

8. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, further comprising second and third cylindrical collars substantially adjacent to said first cylindrical collar, said second and third collars dimensioned to receive the steel reinforcing bar.

9. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment-affixing device is comprised of plastic.

10. A method for affixing a steel reinforcing bar through a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle using an alignment-affixing device, comprising the steps of: mounting the steel reinforcing bar through a first cylindrical collar of the alignment-affixing device; and mounting the alignment-affixing device over an opening on the concrete masonry unit, such that the alignment-affixing device affixes the steel reinforcing bar substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: securing the steel reinforcing bar to the concrete masonry unit, and removing the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit and the steel reinforcing bar.

12. An alignment-affixing device for affixing a projecting member through a support structure substantially at a right angle, comprising: at least a first cylindrical collar, said first collar dimensioned to receive a projecting member of varying sizes; a bridging section affixed orthogonally to said first collar; and a pair of arm flexures affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of said bridging section and parallel to said first collar, for releasably securing the alignment-affixing device to the support structure; wherein, when the projecting member is placed through said first collar and when said pair of arm flexures is engaged with the support structure and said bridging section is placed against the support structure, the projecting member is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the support structure.

13. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein each arm flexure of said pair of arm flexures further comprise a distal catch, and wherein each catch temporarily fastens said pair of arm flexures to the support structure and prevents the alignment-affixing device from inadvertently disengaging the support structure.

14. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, further comprising at least a first handle for facilitating removal of the alignment-affixing device from the support structure.

15. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of said first collar has inward extending fins for releasably securing the projecting member to the alignment-affixing device.

16. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein said bridging section is approximately 8'' long.

17. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein each arm flexure of said pair of arm flexures is approximately 8'' long.

18. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein said first cylindrical collar intersects said bridging section at a midpoint of said bridging section.

19. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, further comprising second and third cylindrical collars substantially adjacent to said first cylindrical collar, said second and third collars dimensioned to receive a projecting member of varying sizes.

20. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein the alignment-affixing device is comprised of plastic.

21. The alignment-affixing device according to claim 12, wherein the projecting member is a steel reinforcing bar, and wherein the support structure is a concrete masonry unit.

22. A method for affixing a projecting member through a support structure substantially at a right angle using an alignment-affixing device, comprising the steps of: mounting the projecting member through a first cylindrical collar of the alignment-affixing device; and mounting the alignment-affixing device over an opening on the support structure, such that the alignment-affixing device affixes the projecting member substantially at a right angle to the support structure.

23. A method according to claim 22, further comprising the steps of: securing the projecting member to the support structure, and removing the alignment-affixing device from the support structure and the projecting member.

---

Description

---

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to precision mechanical bracing and, more particularly, relates to the alignment and affixation of a projecting member through a support structure at a fixed angle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] In various fields, it is often required to temporarily or permanently affix a projecting member through a support structure at a specified angle or orientation. In the field of construction, for example, there are several situations which require the precise mechanical bracing of a steel reinforcing bar (or "rebar") and/or an anchor bolt through concrete masonry.

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates one such situation, in which a reinforced masonry wall is constructed using concrete masonry units ("CMUs") and anchor bolts, using conventional masonry techniques. Specifically, conventional reinforced masonry wall section 100 is constructed by laying bottom row 101 of adjacent CMUs, then laying middle row 102 atop bottom row 101, then stacking top row 104 of adjacent CMUs above middle row 102. Typical CMU 200, illustrated in detail in FIG. 2, is a hollow brick measuring 8''.times.8''.times.16'' and is comprised of Portland cement and suitable aggregates combined with water, although variations in design, shape, size or consistency are prevalent. Typical CMU 200 includes hollow cells 201 and 202, and two hollow half-cells 204 and 205, where the half cells form whole cells when placed adjacently with other similar CMUs (not shown).

[0004] Using convention reinforcement techniques, masonry walls are reinforced by placing rebar through hollow cells of CMUs in the top row. The rebar is then fed through hollow cells of CMUs which lie below the top row, so that the rebar runs vertically from the footing to the tie beam of the wall section.

[0005] Returning to FIG. 1, conventional reinforced masonry wall 100 is reinforced by placing rebar 105 through hollow cell 106 of CMU 107 in top row 104, then feeding rebar 105 through hollow cells in CMUs 109 and 110, located below CMU 107. Using conventional manual positioning techniques, rebar is fed through the entire height of the wall and held in a vertical position by hand, while grout is poured into the hollow cells. Once the grout has set and the rebar is secured into place, a continuous load path is created, giving the masonry wall superior tensile strength.

[0006] There are several problems associated with conventional manual rebar positioning techniques. Initially, rebar is oftentimes not positioned substantially at a 90 degree angle relative to the CMUs, and is thus not vertical with relation to the partially-constructed wall. Rebar 112, for example, materially deviates from an "ideal" 90 degree angle (denoted by reference 114) by an error angle, .theta.. Each piece of manually positioned rebar has its own corresponding error angle, which may differ from the error angle of adjacent pieces. As depicted in FIG. 1, when all of the rebar on a particular wall are secured, each piece of rebar points in a slightly different direction and has inconsistent spacing. This problem makes it difficult to stack additional CMU layers above the highest completed layer without manually correcting the orientation of each piece of rebar.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a side-view close up of CMU 107 in a masonry wall 100, shown in a state where rebar 105 and 112 have been secured with grout. Specifically, CMU 107 includes cells 201 and 106, in which rebar 112 and 105 has been placed and set, respectively, however, rebar 112 and 105 both materially deviate from a substantially vertical orientation. In order to partially correct for this error angle, rebar 112 has been manually adjusted by repeatedly hitting rebar 112 with a heavy blunt object, such as a sledgehammer or a hickey bar.

[0008] Although conventional, manual adjustment techniques marginally redirect rebar 112 towards ideal path 114, manual adjustment leaves rebar 112 with multiple bends and twists, and still not substantially perpendicular to CMU 107. Furthermore, manual adjustment often causes fissures 202 to form within hardened grout, negatively effecting the structural integrity of conventional masonry wall 100, and decreasing its overall tensile strength.

[0009] Although the problems related to securing a projecting member through a support structure have been discussed above with respect to reinforced concrete masonry, broader applications exist in other construction specialties, such a poured concrete. Furthermore, improved alignment-affixing technology would be beneficial in a wide range of fields such as medicine, for example to precisely affix a projecting member through a corporeal support structure, such as bone.

[0010] It is therefore considered highly desirable to overcome the deficiencies of conventional techniques for securing a projecting member through a support structure at a specified angle, by providing an alignment-affixing device which can be temporarily or permanently affixed to the support structure, holding the projecting member in place substantially at a right angle with respect to the support structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates generally to precision mechanical bracing and, more particularly, relates to the alignment and affixation of a projecting member through a support structure at a desired angle.

[0012] According to a first arrangement, the present invention is an enhance alignment-affixing device for affixing a projecting member, such as a steel reinforcing bar, through a support structure, such as a concrete masonry unit, substantially at a right angle. The enhanced alignment-affixing device includes at least a first cylindrical collar, the first collar dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar of varying sizes. The alignment-affixing device further includes a bridging section affixed orthogonally to the first collar, and a pair of arm flexures affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of the bridging section and parallel to the first collar, for releasably securing the alignment-affixing device to the CMU. When the steel reinforcing bar is placed through the first collar, and when the pair of arm flexures is engaged with the CMU and the bridging section is placed against the CMU, the steel reinforcing bar is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the CMU.

[0013] The alignment-affixing device according to the present invention has many advantages over conventional manual positioning techniques, including:

[0014] Increased production for each worker, reducing labor costs.

[0015] Eliminating the lifting of support structures (such as CMUs) over projecting members (such as rebar), reducing the danger of harmful contact between a steel reinforcing bar and a workers face.

[0016] Reduced material waste, by facilitating the accurate and secure placement of rebar the first time, each time.

[0017] Increased tensile strength in construction applications, by effectuating the precise positioning of rebar through supporting structures, and allowing reinforcing materials to meet or exceed building codes and architectural designs.

[0018] Reduced need to individually secure and set steel reinforcing bars in a piecemeal fashion, allowing a plurality of steel reinforcing bars to be secured through a CMU at the same time.

[0019] Allowing both vertical and horizontal positioning of steel reinforcing bars through a CMU, providing natural mechanical bonding with securing materials such as concrete, with no gaps therebetween, meeting codified lap requirements.

[0020] Allowing vertical steel reinforcing bars to cross horizontal steel reinforcing bars in a predictable fashion, with multi-collar designs.

[0021] Allowing the use of custom-sized steel reinforcing bars, without involving additional costs

[0022] Each arm flexure of the pair of arm flexures further include a distal catch, where each catch temporarily fastens the pair of arm flexures to the CMU. As such, each catch prevents the alignment-affixing device from inadvertently disengaging the CMU.

[0023] The alignment-affixing device also includes at least a first handle for facilitating removal of the alignment-affixing device from the CMU. At least a portion of the first collar has inward extending fins for releasably securing the steel reinforcing bar to the alignment-affixing device.

[0024] The bridging section and/or each arm flexure of the pair of arm flexures are approximately 8'' long, and the first cylindrical collar intersects the bridging section at a midpoint of the bridging section.

[0025] The alignment-affixing device, which is comprised of plastic, further includes second and third cylindrical collars substantially adjacent to the first cylindrical collar, the second and third collars dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar of varying sizes.

[0026] According to a second arrangement, the present invention is a method for affixing a projecting member, such as a steel reinforcing bar, through a support structure, such as a concrete masonry unit, substantially at a right angle using an alignment-affixing device. The method includes the step of mounting the steel reinforcing bar through a first cylindrical collar of the alignment-affixing device. The method also includes the step of mounting the alignment-affixing device over an opening on the CMU, such that the alignment-affixing device affixes the steel reinforcing bar substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

[0027] The method further includes the steps of securing the steel reinforcing bar to the CMU, and removing the alignment-affixing device from the CMU and the steel reinforcing bar. Using this method, a continuous load path can be created, giving the masonry wall superior tensile strength without requiring manual repositioning of the steel reinforcing bar which negatively affects structural integrity. Furthermore, additional CMU layers can be stacked above the highest completed layers, without manually correcting the orientation of each individual steel reinforcing bar.

[0028] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a typical masonry wall, in which rebar has been inserted and secured through multiple CMUs using conventional affixation techniques;

[0031] FIG. 2 depicts a conventional CMU;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a side-view close up of a CMU in a conventional masonry wall, in a state in which rebar has been secured with grout using known affixation techniques, and subsequently manually redirected;

[0033] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a top view and a side perspective, respectively, of an enhanced alignment-affixing device according to the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates the FIG. 4 enhanced alignment-affixing device, being used to affix an anchor bolt and rebar into a CMU, at a 90 degree angle;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for affixing a steel reinforcing bar through a CMU substantially at a right angle, according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates the FIG. 4 enhanced alignment-affixing device, being used to affix a piece of rebar into a poured concrete mold at a 90 degree angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] FIG. 4A and 4B depict a top view and a side perspective, respectively, of an enhanced alignment-affixing device according to the present invention. Briefly, the enhanced alignment-affixing device for affixing a projecting member, such as a steel reinforcing bar, through a support structure, such as a CMU, substantially at a right angle. The alignment-affixing device includes at least a first cylindrical collar, the first collar dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar of varying sizes. The alignment-affixing device further includes a bridging section affixed orthogonally to the first collar, and a pair of arm flexures affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of the bridging section and parallel to the first collar, for releasably securing the alignment-affixing device to the CMU. When a steel reinforcing bar is placed through the first collar and when the pair of arm flexures is engaged with the CMU and the bridging section is placed against the CMU, the steel reinforcing bar is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the CMU.

[0038] In more detail, enhanced alignment-affixing device 400 includes at least first cylindrical collar 401, first collar 401 dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar, for example, of varying sizes (not shown). Alignment-affixing device 400 further includes bridging section 402 affixed orthogonally to first collar 401, and a pair of arm flexures, including arm flexures 404 and 405, affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of bridging section 402 and parallel to first collar 401, for releasably securing alignment-affixing device 400 to a support structure, such as a CMU (also not shown). When a steel reinforcing bar is placed through first collar 401 and when the pair of arm flexures (arm flexures 404 and 405) is engaged with the CMU, and when bridging section 402 is placed against the CMU, the steel reinforcing bar is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the CMU.

[0039] Enhanced alignment-affixing device 400 has several distinct advantages over conventional steel reinforcing bar affixing and alignment techniques. For instance, enhanced alignment-affixing device 400 increases production for each worker, reducing labor costs, and eliminating the need for lifting support structures, such as CMUs, over projecting members, such as rebar. These advantages reduce the danger of harmful contact between a steel reinforcing bar and a workers face, and reduce material waste by facilitating the accurate and secure placement of steel reinforcing bars the first time, each time. Furthermore, enhanced alignment-affixing device 400 allows both vertical and horizontal positioning of steel reinforcing bars through a CMU, providing natural mechanical bonding with securing materials such as grout, with no gaps.

[0040] Arm flexure 404 further includes distal catch 406, and arm flexure 405 further includes distal catch 407. Catches 406 and 407 temporarily fasten arm flexures 404 and 405 to the CMU, respectively. Catches 406 and 407 also prevent alignment-affixing device 400 from inadvertently disengaging the CMU. In a further arrangement, catch 406 and/or catch 407 are omitted.

[0041] The alignment-affixing device also includes first handle 409 and second handle 410 for facilitating placement and removal of alignment-affixing device 400 from the CMU. In an additional arrangement of the present invention, first handle 409 and/or second handle 410 are omitted, or additional handles (not shown) are included. First handle 409 can be any type of handle, such as a grab strap or a finger pull, and can be mounted on alignment-affixing device in any manner which facilitates its use.

[0042] At least a portion of first collar 401 has inward extending fins, including fins 411, 412, 414 and 415, for releasably securing the steel reinforcing bar to alignment-affixing device 400. When the steel reinforcing bar is placed through first collar 401, fins 411, 412, 414 and 415 flex around the steel reinforcing bar, allowing the steel reinforcing bar to pass through first collar 401 while maintaining a snug fit on all sides of the steel reinforcing bar. Furthermore, fins 411, 412, 414 and 415 removably affix steel reinforcing bar in a direction parallel to elongated first collar 401. In another arrangement, first collar 401 does not include fins, and is instead arranged to receive steel reinforcing bars of varying sizes in another fashion. Each of these arrangements, however, allows the alignment-affixing device to be used with custom-sized steel reinforcing bars, without incurring additional costs

[0043] Bridging 402 section and/or arm flexures 404 and 405 are approximately 8'' long. Since a standard CMU measures 8''.times.8''.times.16'', an 8'' bridging section or arm flexure allows alignment-affixing device 400 to be affixed on most CMUs typically used in the construction or masonry industry. With increased customization in masonry designs, however, non-standard-sized CMUs and, correspondingly, non-standard-sized alignment-affixing devices with increased or decreased bridging section or arm flexure lengths are required.

[0044] First cylindrical collar 414 intersects bridging section 402 at a midpoint of bridging section 402. In reinforced masonry applications, rebar is ordinarily placed at the center of a cell of a CMU. By placing the cylindrical collar at the midpoint of a bridging section, a worker can easily place the steel reinforcing bar in the preferred location within the CMU, with little or no measurement or effort. In other applications, however, since specifications may require customized placement of a steel reinforcing bar (such as 1/3 or 1/4 of the distance across a gap in the CMU), the collar may be disposed at other positions along bridging section 402.

[0045] The alignment-affixing device further includes second cylindrical collar 416 and third cylindrical collar 417 substantially adjacent to first cylindrical collar 401. Similar to first adjacent collar 401, second and third collars 416 and 417 are dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar of varying sizes. Alternatively, second and third collars 416 and 417 are omitted from alignment-affixing device 400. With multi-collar designs, however, vertical rebar can be easily oriented to cross horizontal rebar in a highly predictable fashion.

[0046] Alignment-affixing device 400 is comprised of plastic, although in alternate arrangements alignment-affixing device 400 is comprised of other materials, including metals, ceramics, glass, or wood. Material selection for alignment-affixing 400 device depends on several factors, including the type of steel reinforcing bar and/or CMU. As one example, alignment-affixing device 400 can be manufactured out of plastic if it is to be re-used, or manufactured out of wood if it is intended to be used once then destroyed.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates the FIG. 4 enhanced alignment-affixing device, being used to affix an anchor bolt and rebar into a CMU at a 90 degree angle. CMU 501 is a modified CMU known as `a bond block,` and is cut out from a conventional CMU (such as CMU 201). Bond blocks are normally used at the top of a wall, and require an anchor bolt to vertically protrude from a cell at a 90 degree angle, where each anchor bolt is secured by a horizontal steel reinforcing bar.

[0048] In more detail, enhanced alignment-affixing device 400 has been placed over a hollow cell (not shown) in CMU 501, as described more fully below. Alignment-affixing device 400 includes first, second and third cylindrical collars 401, 416 and 417 dimensioned to receive anchor bolt 502, where anchor bolt 502 is comprised of an L-shaped 1/2'' or 5/8'' steel rod with threads at one end, to secure a top plate (not depicted).

[0049] A portion of first collar 401 has inward extending fins (not shown) for releasably securing anchor bolt 502 (which may be of variable size) to alignment-affixing device 400. When anchor bolt 502 is placed through first collar 401, the fins flex around the anchor bolt 502 while maintaining a tight fit on all sides of anchor bolt 502. The fins also removably affix anchor bolt 502 in a direction parallel to elongated first collar 401.

[0050] Alignment-affixing device 400 further includes bridging section 402 affixed orthogonally to first collar 401, and arm flexures 404 and 405 affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of bridging section 402 and parallel to first collar 401, for releasably securing alignment-affixing device 400 to CMU 501. In FIG. 5, CMU 501 is a bond block made from a standard-sized, 8''.times.8''.times.16'' CMU. According to this design, alignment-affixing device 400 increases tensile strength by effectuating the precise positioning of anchor bolt 502, such that the bent portion of anchor bolt 502 is secured by steel reinforcing bar 505 at a 90 degree angle. As such, a top place can be secured substantially orthogonally to anchor bolt 502, allowing reinforcing materials to meet or exceed building codes and architectural designs.

[0051] Anchor bolt 502 has been placed through first collar 401, and arm flexures 404 and 405 have been slidably engaged with CMU 501. In this state, anchor bolt 502 is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to CMU 501.

[0052] FIG. 5 also depicts the CMU in a state after an alignment-affixing device (not shown) has been removed from CMU 501. Specifically, anchor bolt 503 has been secured to cell 504 in CMU 501 with an alignment-affixing device in place, using grout poured into hollow cell 504. After the grout has set, the alignment-affixing device is removed from CMU 501 using finger pulls or handles similar to first handle 409 and second handle 410.

[0053] After the removal of the alignment-affixing device, anchor bolt 503 is affixed through CMU 501 substantially at a right angle. Furthermore, if anchor bolt 503 was placed in a collar at the midpoint of the bridging section of the removed alignment-affixing device, anchor bolt 503 would be centered within cell 504.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for affixing a steel a projecting member, such as a steel reinforcing bar, through a support structure, such as a CMU, substantially at a right angle, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Briefly, the method involves the steps of mounting the steel reinforcing bar through a first cylindrical collar of the alignment-affixing device, and mounting the alignment-affixing device over an opening on the CMU, such that the alignment-affixing device affixes the steel reinforcing bar substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

[0055] In more detail, the process begins (step S601), and a steel reinforcing bar is mounted though a first cylindrical collar of the alignment-affixing device (step S602). The mounting step would ordinarily be performed by sliding the steel reinforcing bar through a cylindrical collar, where the cylindrical collar is dimensioned to receive a steel reinforcing bar of varying sizes.

[0056] The alignment-affixing device is then mounted over an opening on the CMU, such that the alignment-affixing device affixes the steel reinforcing bar substantially at a right angle to the CMU (step S604). When the alignment-affixing device is engaged to the CMU, the steel reinforcing bar is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the CMU.

[0057] In an additional arrangement, steps S602 and S604 can be reversed, and the alignment-affixing device can be mounted on the CMU before the steel reinforcing bar is mounted through the first cylindrical collar of the alignment-affixing device.

[0058] After the alignment-affixing device has been mounted to the CMU, the steel reinforcing bar is secured to the CMU (step S605). In the reinforced masonry example described in detail above, the steel reinforcing bar is secured to the CMU by pouring concrete or other grout material into the hollow cell in which the steel reinforcing bar has been fed, and then waiting for the grout material to harden or set.

[0059] Once the steel reinforcing bar has been secured to the CMU, the alignment-affixing device is removed from both the CMU and the steel reinforcing bar (step S606), and the process ends (step S608). The alignment-affixing device can be removed in many ways, such as destructively cutting the device from the CMU and steel reinforcing bar, or by using the integrated handles or finger pulls to remove the device from the mechanical load of the CMU and steel reinforcing bar.

[0060] Using the above-described method, a continuous load path can be created, giving the masonry wall superior tensile strength, without requiring manual repositioning of the steel reinforcing bar which negatively affects structural integrity. Furthermore, additional CMU layers can be stacked above the highest completed layers, without manually correcting the orientation of each individual steel reinforcing bar.

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the FIG. 4 enhanced alignment-affixing device, being used to affix a piece of rebar into a poured concrete mold, substantially at a 90-degree angle. As discussed in more detail above, alignment-affixing device 400 includes first cylindrical collar 401, second cylindrical collar 416, and third cylindrical collar 417, where collars 401, 416 and 417 are dimensioned to receive variable size steel reinforcing bar 701. Alignment-affixing device 400 further includes bridging section 402 affixed orthogonally to first collar 401, and arm flexures 404 and 405 affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of bridging section 402, and parallel to first collar 401.

[0062] In FIG. 7, the support structure is not a single CMU, rather it is a two-piece support structure (composed of wood pieces 702 and 704). Wood pieces 702 and 704 together form a mold into which concrete can be poured, to construct a solid concrete wall. In this regard, arm flexures 404 and 405 are used to releasably secure alignment-affixing device 400 to the two-piece support structure, composed of wood pieces 702 and 704. When steel reinforcing bar 701 is placed through collar 416 and arm flexures 404 and 404 engage the two-piece support structure, steel reinforcing bar 701 is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the two-piece support structure.

[0063] Once alignment-affixing device 400 is placed over the two-piece support structure, steel reinforcing bar 701 can be secured by pouring concrete into the gap between wood pieces 702 and 704. Once the concrete has set, alignment-affixing device 400 can be removed from both the support structure and steel reinforcing bar 701. By predictably affixing the aligned steel reinforcing bars, the present invention eliminates the need to individually secure and set steel reinforcing bars in a piecemeal fashion, allowing a plurality of steel reinforcing bars to be secured through a support structure at the same time.

[0064] Finally, wood pieces 702 and 704 can be removed, leaving a concrete wall with a steel reinforcing bar orthogonal to the top surface 705 of the poured concrete wall. Both vertical and horizontal positioning of steel reinforcing bars through support structures of this type can be accomplished, providing natural mechanical bonding with securing materials.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described above using examples relating to reinforced concrete masonry and poured concrete construction techniques, broader applications exist in other construction specialties. In particular, the present invention has been demonstrated using a CMU as the support structure, and using a steel reinforcing bar as the projecting member. In any instance where a CMU or a steel reinforcing bar are discussed, it should be understood that other types of support structures or projecting members are contemplated. In one example, improved alignment-affixing technology can be used in the field of medicine, to precisely affix a projecting member or structure through a corporeal support structure, such as a broken bone.

[0066] The invention has been described with particular illustrative embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

* * * * *