The present disclosure relates generally to construction safety devices and more specifically to a rebar safety cover and methods of using the same.
Rebar caps are typically used to cover the end of a rebar during construction of a structure. Metal rebar often have sharp metal ends that require a cover to meet safety standards in a construction environment. Rebar is often disposed partially into a structure or into the ground, leaving an end of the rebar exposed to the environment. Rebar caps are typically used to reduce the possibility of a person being injured by impacting or falling on top of a rebar. Rebar is often disposed in horizontal and vertical positions that require a rebar cover to be placed over the rebar in various positions. Rebar covers are typically made of a single solid material. Rebar covers are typically placed on top of rebar with varying degrees of stability and are often loosely fit on the end of a rebar.
The present disclosure describes rebar safety cover devices and related methods of use. In one aspect, the rebar safety cover is provided. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover includes a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical body defines a hollow channel between the first end and the second end, and the hollow channel has a first central axis. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover also includes a cap coupled to the first end of the cylindrical body. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover includes a locking support coupled to at least one of the cylindrical body and the cap. The locking support has a first end and a second end. The second end of the locking support extends beyond the second end of the cylindrical body. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover also includes a locking tab coupled to the locking support. The locking tab has a first surface, a second surface, and an opening. The opening extends from the first surface to the second surface, and the opening has a second central axis. In some implementations, the locking tab is configured for moving relative to the cylindrical body from a first position in which a first angle is defined between the first central axis and the second central axis to a second position in which a second angle is defined between the first central axis and the second central axis. In some implementations, the second angle is less than the first angle.
In some implementations, the rebar safety cover is configured for elastically deforming from the first position to the second position. In some implementations, the first position corresponds to a natural state of the locking tab. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover includes a plurality of circumferential ribs disposed on an interior wall of the cylindrical body. Each of the circumferential ribs defines an interior diameter of the hollow channel. In some implementations, the circumferential ribs are arranged in series along the interior wall of the cylindrical body in a direction of the first central axis. In some implementations, the interior diameter of the hollow channel decreases in a direction from the second end toward the first end of the cylindrical body. In some implementations, an outer diameter of the first end of the cylindrical body is greater than an outer diameter of the second end of the cylindrical body.
In some implementations, the rebar safety cover includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs disposed along an exterior wall of the cylindrical body. In some implementations, the first surface of the locking tab includes a connection segment. A plane of the connection segment is angled away from a plane of the second surface of the locking tab. In some implementations, the locking tab is coupled to the second end of the locking support via the connection segment.
In some implementations, the cylindrical body, the cap, the locking support, and the locking tab each are formed from a metal core and a high-density polymer shell. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover includes a circular body. In some implementations, the opening in the locking tab has a circular shape.
In some implementations, the rebar safety cover includes a first barrier and a second barrier. The first barrier and the second barrier are each coupled to the cap and extend away from the cylindrical body. The first barrier and the second barrier each include a platform portion having an inner surface and a wall portion having an inner surface. A height of the inner surface of the wall portion is greater than a height of the inner surface of the platform portion. In some implementations, the inner surface of the wall portion of the first barrier is opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface of the wall portion of the second barrier. In some implementations, each of the wall portions includes at least one hole disposed therein. In some implementations, the cap includes at least one hole disposed therein. In some implementations, the platform portions and the wall portions are each formed as semi cylinders. The wall portions form smaller semi cylinders than the platform portions.
In another aspect, a method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar is provided. In some implementations, the method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar includes positioning a safety cover relative to the end of the rebar such that the rebar extends through an opening in a locking tab of the safety cover, and a portion of the rebar is received within a hollow channel defined by a cylindrical body of the safety cover. The locking tab is in a first position, in which a first angle is defined between a first central axis of the hollow channel and a second central axis of the opening. In some implementations, the method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar includes moving the locking tab relative to the cylindrical body from the first position to a second position. A second angle is defined between the first central axis and the second central axis. In some implementations, the second angle is less than the first angle. In some implementations, the method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar includes removing the safety cover from the rebar. In some implementations, the method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar includes placing a beam between a first barrier and a second barrier of the safety cover. The first barrier and the second barrier are coupled to a cap of the safety cover and extend away from the cylindrical body. In some implementations, the method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar includes securing the beam to the safety cover with at least one fastener extending through at least one hole formed in the first barrier or the second barrier. In some implementations, the method of covering and uncovering an end of a rebar includes securing the beam to the safety cover with at least one fastener extending through at least one hole formed in the cap.
In the following description, specific details are set forth describing some implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that some implementations may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. The specific implementations disclosed herein are meant to be illustrative but not limiting. One skilled in the art may realize other elements that, although not specifically described here, are within the scope and the spirit of this disclosure. In addition, to avoid unnecessary repetition, one or more features shown and described in association with one implementation may be incorporated into other implementations unless specifically described otherwise or if the one or more features would make an implementation non-functional. In some instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.
Implementations of rebar safety covers as well as related methods for covering and uncovering the end of a rebar are provided. As described herein, the rebar safety cover can include a cylindrical body defining a hollow channel. The rebar safety cover can also include a cap coupled to the cylindrical body, a locking support coupled to the cylindrical body and/or the cap, and a locking tab that is coupled to the locking support. The locking tab can have an opening that is configured to accept a rebar through it, releasably securing the rebar when the rebar is inserted into the opening of the locking tab and the hollow channel. The locking tab can move between a first position, where the rebar is secure, to a second position, where the rebar is less secure. The rebar safety cover can advantageously provide a protective cover for exposed rebar and secure the rebar in a protected position, minimizing the possibility of accidental uncovering of the end of a rebar. The rebar safety cover can be formed from a metal core with a high-density polymer outer coating that increases resistance to wear, such as weather conditions and impact, and increases the safety of use by providing a more beneficial interface surface.
Referring now to
The rebar safety cover 100 also has a cap 104. In some implementations, the cap 104 is a circular disk-shaped body having a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 102. In some implementations, the diameter of the cap 104 is 4⅜ inches, although larger or smaller diameters may be used in other implementations. In some implementations, the diameter of the disk-shaped cap 104 is greater than the outer diameter of the first end 102a of the cylindrical body 102. Although a circular disk-shaped cap 104 is shown in
The rebar safety cover 100 also has a locking support 106. The locking support 106 has a first end 106a and a second end 106b. In the example shown in
The rebar safety cover 100 also includes a locking tab 108. In some implementations, the locking tab 108 has a rectangular shape with rounded ends and has a first surface 108a and a second surface 108b spaced apart and opposite the first surface 108a. The locking tab 108 is formed such that it can elastically deform from a natural state or position to a deformed state or position. For example, the locking tab 108 can be formed from a thin piece of metal or polymer that can deform when force is applied to the first surface 108a, or the second surface 108b. But, the locking tab 108 returns to an undeformed state once the force is removed. The locking tab 108 has an opening 108c extending from the first surface 108a to the second surface 108b. The opening 108c has a second central axis 108d that passes through the radial center of the opening 108c and is perpendicular to the second surface 108b. In some implementations, the locking tab 108, also has a connection segment 108e such that a portion of the first surface 108a of the locking tab 108 is at an angle away from the plane of the second surface 108b of the locking tab 108. The opening 108c can be circular, square, or any other shape suitable for a rebar 109 to pass through.
In some implementations, the cap 104 is coupled to the first end 102a of the cylindrical body 102 such that a radial center of the cap 104 is aligned with the first central axis 102f of the cylindrical body 102. The cap 104 is rigidly coupled to the cylindrical body 102. The locking support 106 is rigidly coupled to the exterior wall 102d of the cylindrical body 102 and conforms to the shape of the cylindrical body 102. In some implementations, the locking support 106 is coupled to the cylindrical body 102 and the cap 104. In some implementations, the locking support 106 is only coupled to the cap 104 and is disposed on or along the exterior wall 102d of the cylindrical body 102 without being coupled to it. The second end 106b of the locking support 106 extends beyond the second end 102b of the cylindrical body 102. The locking tab 108 is coupled to the locking support 106. In some implementations the connection segment 108e is coupled to the second end 106b of the locking support 106. The opening 108c in the locking tab 108 is positioned in line with the cylindrical body 102, such that the first central axis 102f of the hollow channel 102e passes through the opening 108c of the locking tab 108. The locking tab 108 is disposed in a first position in which a first angle is defined between the first central axis 102f and the second central axis 108d. The locking tab 108 is movable relative to the cylindrical body 102, such that it can be moved between the first position and a second position. For example, when the locking tab 108 is in the first position, the first axis 102f and the second axis 108d form a first angle, and when the locking tab 108 is disposed in the second position, the first axis 102f and the second axis 108d form a second angle, that is less than the first angle. The locking tab 108 can elastically deform between the first position and the second position, where the first position is the natural state of the locking tab. But, the locking tab 108 is formed such that the locking tab 108 is biased to return to the first position, when no force is applied to it as described above.
In some implementations, the rebar safety cover 100 also includes circumferential ribs 110 that are disposed on the interior wall 102c of the cylindrical body 102. The circumferential ribs 110 are coupled to the interior wall 102c and protrude into the hollow channel 102e such that the interior diameter of the hollow channel 102e varies according to the radial thickness of each circumferential rib 110. The circumferential ribs 110 can also be formed from the surface of the interior wall 102c. For example, the surface of the interior wall 102c can be molded into the shape of the circumferential ribs 110, or the circumferential ribs 110 can be etched into the surface of the interior wall 102c. The circumferential ribs 110 are arranged in a series along the interior wall 102c of the cylindrical body 102. For example, the interior wall 102c can be formed in sections of various diameters, decreasing in a direction from the second end 102b of the cylindrical body 102, to the first end 102a of the cylindrical body 102. In some implementations, each circumferential rib 110 is formed as a uniform body along the interior wall 102c. In some implementations, each circumferential rib 110 is separated into segments, dispersed circumferentially around the hollow channel 102e and disposed on the interior wall 102c. In some implementations, the diameter of the hollow channel 102e is ⅜ inch at the first end 102a and 1 inch at the second end 102b, although larger or smaller diameters may be used at the first end 102a and the second end 102b in other implementations.
In some implementations, the rebar safety cover 100 also includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 112. The longitudinal ribs 112 are each formed longitudinally along the length of the cylindrical body 102, and parallel to the first central axis 102f. The longitudinal ribs 112 are each formed on the exterior wall 102d of the cylindrical body 102. In some implementations, the longitudinal ribs 112 are spaced apart evenly about a circumference of the cylindrical body 102 and conform to the shape of the cylindrical body 102. The longitudinal ribs 112 can form reinforcing structures around the cylindrical body 102 to increase the structural rigidity of the cylindrical body 102. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover 100 is formed from a metal material, such as aluminum, steel, or any other material suitable for forming a rebar safety cover. The rebar safety cover 100 can also have a shell. In some implementations, the shell can be formed from a high-density polymer, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene. Still other types of suitable polymers may be used in other implementations. In some implementations, the rebar safety cover 100 is formed from a metal core and a high-density polymer shell. In some implementations, the metal core may be present only in the cap 104. In other implementations, the metal core may be present in one or more, or all, of the cylindrical body 102, the cap 104, the locking support 106, and the locking tab 108. In some implementations, the metal core may be omitted, and the entire structure of the rebar safety cover 100 may be formed from a suitable uniform material, such as a high-density polymer, throughout the structure. In some implementations, a combination of suitable materials may be used to form the rebar safety cover 100.
Referring now to
The first barrier 206 and the second barrier 208 are coupled to the cap 104 and extend away from the cylindrical body 102. The inner surfaces 204b, 206b of the platform portions 204a, 206a and the inner surfaces 204d, 206d of the wall portions 204c, 206c are each respectively opposite and spaced apart from each other. The space between the inner surfaces 204b, 206b of the platform portions 204a, 206a of the barriers 204, 206 is smaller than the space between the inner surfaces 204d, 206d of the wall portions 204c, 206c of the barriers 204206.
In some implementations, the wall portions 204c, 206c of the first barrier 204 and the second barrier 206 each have at least one hole 204e, 206e disposed in it. Each hole 204e, 206e is configured such that a fastener, such as a nail or a screw, can pass through it. In some implementations, each wall portion 204c, 206c also has a cut-out section 204f, 206f opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 204d, 206d and configured to allow a fastening tool such as a drill or a hammer to interface with the at least one hole 204e, 206e with minimal obstruction. In some implementations, each wall portion 204c, 206c has two holes 204e, 206e. In some implementations, the cap 104 has at least one hole 104a disposed in it. Each hole 104a is configured such that a fastener, such as a nail or a screw, can pass through it.
During use, the rebar safety cover 100 is placed on an end of a rebar 109. The locking tab 108 is first positioned around the rebar 109 such that the rebar 109 is disposed in the opening 108c in the locking tab 108. The cylindrical body 102 is placed over the end of the rebar 109 such that the rebar 109 is disposed inside the hollow cylindrical portion. In some implementations, the locking tab 108 helps hold the rebar 109 in place by interfacing with threads of the rebar 109 or using friction generated between the surfaces of the rebar 109 and the locking tab 108. The rebar safety cover 100 is placed over the end of the rebar 109 and advanced until the rebar 109 contacts the cap 104 or the rebar 109 comes into contact with one of the circumferential ribs 110 such that the circumferential rib 110 is of a smaller diameter than a diameter of the rebar 109. In some implementations, a beam, such as a wooden beam is placed between the first barrier 204 and the second barrier 206. The beam is fastened in place with fasteners, such as nails or screws, driven through a hole 204e, 206e in the barriers 204, 206 or a hole 104a in the cap 104.
In some implementations, the rebar safety cover 100 is removed from the end of the rebar 109 by moving the locking tab 108 from the first position to the second position where the second central axis 108d is at an angle closer to the first central axis 102f of the hollow channel 102e. For example, the locking tab 108 can be pulled, by applying pressure to the second surface 108b of the locking tab 108. This disengages the locking tab 108 from thread or friction connection with the rebar 109. The cylindrical body 102 is removed from the end of the rebar 109, and the locking tab 108 is removed from the rebar 109. The locking tab 108 is released, returning the locking tab 108 to the first position. In some implementations, fasteners holding the beam in are removed and the beam is removed from between the first barrier 204 and the second barrier 206.
Although implementations have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the described subject matter. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain implementations could include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more implementations.
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Number | Date | Country |
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