EP3341535B1

EP3341535B1 - Spacer for concrete reinforcements

Info

Publication number: EP3341535B1
Application number: EP16762741.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hugo Van den Broecke
Original assignee: Intersig Nv
Current assignee: Intersig Nv
Priority date: 2015-08-25
Filing date: 2016-08-23
Publication date: 2019-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-23
Also published as: SI3341535T1; EP3341535A1; LT3341535T; WO2017032767A1; BE1022796B1; PL3341535T3; PT3341535T; HRP20191969T1; DK3341535T3; ES2762935T3

Description

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.
EP 0 333 897 A1 , NL 7511688 A and JP H10 338995 A show spacing elements comprising longitudinal rods and U- or Π-shaped transverse rods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a spacing element according to claim 1 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.
The spacing element according to the invention comprises 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.
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. In a particular embodiment, the smallest angle between the base element and the first longitudinal rod is an obtuse angle, and the smallest angle between the base element and the second longitudinal rod is an acute angle.
According to the invention, 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. In a particular embodiment, the smallest angle between the base element and the first leg member is an obtuse angle, and 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.
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 or 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, according to claim 8, the present invention relates to the use of a spacing element according to the invention as a construction element.
In a third aspect, according to claim 9, 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, according to claim 10, 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;

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, according to claim 12, 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;

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;

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; 110 - first leg element; 111 - first vertex; 112 - 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); α - 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 +/-1% 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. According to the invention, the spacing elements comprise three parallel straight longitudinal rods. According to the invention, the longitudinal rods include two bottom longitudinal rods and a top longitudinal rod. The longitudinal rods are connected to one another by means of U- or Π-shaped transverse rods. The transverse rods run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods. Also, the transverse rods are connected, laterally connected, to the longitudinal rods. The top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center.
The invention provides a spacing element for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods. The longitudinal rods 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 laterally connected to the longitudinal rods. The top longitudinal rod is positioned off-center, and said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or a single bundle of top longitudinal rods. Also, 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.
According to the invention, 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 typically an obtuse angle. Also, the smallest angle between the base element and the second leg member is typically 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 "111", 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.
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 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. ζ is between 60° and 85°, more preferably about 70°. The angle between the second leg element and the imaginary line is called ε. According to the invention, ε is 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.
According to the invention, 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 preferably the smallest angle between the base element and the first longitudinal rod is an obtuse angle, and preferably 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 α, 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 α 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°.
The angle ε is, according to the invention, between 60° and 85°.
The angle ζ is, according to the invention, 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.
According to the invention, 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.
According to the invention, the spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod or 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 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

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

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

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 .
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 (110), a second leg element (120), and a base element (130). The first leg element (110) and the base element (130) are joined in a first vertex (111). 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 (111,121) 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 (110,120). In particular, a first bottom longitudinal rod (150) is attached to the first leg element (110), and a second bottom longitudinal rod (160) is attached to the second leg element (120). The angle between the first leg element (110) and the base element (130) is an obtuse angle (α). 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 (110) and the second leg element (120) each end in an endpoint (112,122). In particular, endpoint (112) corresponds to the first leg element (110), and the second endpoint (122) corresponds to the second leg element (120). An imaginary line (170) runs through the endpoints (112,122). The angle between the first leg element (110) 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 α-angle (α) is the smallest angle between the first leg element (110) 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 (110) 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

Spacing element (100) for concrete reinforcements and/or concrete structures comprising three parallel straight longitudinal rods (140,150,160) including two bottom longitudinal rods (150,160) and a top longitudinal rod (140), connected to one another by U- or n-shaped transverse rods which run perpendicular to the longitudinal rods (140,150,160), and which are laterally connected to the longitudinal rods (140,150,160);
the U- or n-shaped transverse rods comprising a first leg element (110) and a second leg element (120), the first and second leg elements (110,120) having a proximal end and a distal end, the first leg element (110) being connected at its proximal end to the base element (130) by means of a first connection (111), the second leg element (120) being connected at its proximal end to the base element (130) by means of a second connection (112),
characterized in that in that at least the top longitudinal rod (140) is attached to the outside of the transverse rods;
in that the top longitudinal rod (140) is positioned off-center, the term "off-center" referring to one of the following two situations:
- the distance between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the first connection (111) is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the second connection (112), or

- the distance between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the second connection (112) is smaller than the distance between the top longitudinal rod (140) and the first connection (111);
in that said spacing element (100) comprises a single top longitudinal rod (140) 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 (110) and an imaginary line between the endpoints (112,122) of the first and second leg elements (110,120), and ε being the smallest angle between the second leg element (120) and an imaginary line between the endpoints (112,122) of the first and second leg elements (110,120).
The spacing element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the smallest angle between the base element (130) and the first leg member (110) is an obtuse angle, and wherein the smallest angle between the base element (130) and the second leg member (120) is an acute angle.
The spacing element (100) according to claim 2, wherein the top longitudinal rod (140) does not project beyond the top of the transverse rods.
The spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said spacing element comprises a single top longitudinal rod (140).
The spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said spacing element comprises a single bundle of top longitudinal rods.
The spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transverse rods do not project, or project at most 0.5 mm, beyond the bottom longitudinal rods (150,160).
The spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacing element (100) comprises two or more transverse rods of different diameters.
Use of a spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as a construction element.
Stack (200) comprising two or more spacing elements (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transverse cross section of each subsequent spacing element (100) is a mirror image of transverse cross section of the underlying spacing element (100).
Method for preparing a spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 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 n-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.
Method according to claim 10, wherein each successive spacing element (100) is the mirror of the previous spacing element (100).
Method for preparing a spacing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 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 n-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.
Method according to claim 12, 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.
The method according to claims 10 to 13, additionally comprising the step of stacking the successively produced spacing elements (100).