It is that the PCT patent application of No.05/30270 and the name submitted on September 17th, 2004 are called " utility fixtures reinforcing bar rifle ", series number is No.60/610 that the application requires to be called " reinforcing bar jockey ", series number with the name of submitting on August 26th, 2005,601 U.S. Provisional Patent Application is as priority, and the content of described application all is incorporated herein by reference at this.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiment
The present invention comprises semi-automatic rebar fastener-distribution applicator or alleged usually " rifle " that comprise the material casket according to preferred implementation, be used at least semi-automatically pushing a plurality of rebar fasteners of a series of interlockings to dispensing head, in the serial there rebar fastener each is applied to corresponding reinforcing bar junction successively by Manual pressure, thus parallel or vertically fastening two sections reinforcing bars with required relative orientation.The semi-automatic wide in range meaning is semi-automatic or full-automatic, and (difference) needs seldom or without any need for manpower between the continuity reinforcement(bar) securing member applies thus.Thereby, in this description and full-automatic embodiment is shown, distribute thus and the rebar fastener that applies a plurality of interlockings in the whole material casket only needs one common alleged " percussion " operation.The embodiment that substitutes within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art near and away from the user supporting hand of rebar fastener rifle of the present invention is called as near-end and far-end respectively at this.In other words, the near-end of rifle is usually that the far-end of the end of more close user's hand or two hands and rifle is usually further from the end of user's hand or two hands.As a rule, are ends that rebar fastener charging and rifle grip according to the near-end of the rifle of one embodiment of the present invention, and are an end that distributes rebar fastener near reinforcing bar link position to be tightened according to the far-end of the rifle of one embodiment of the present invention.Those skilled in the art will recognize that also that rifle of the present invention is applicable to distribute with the securing member that applies described type and are connected any two or more elongated, common columniform object (for example solid or hollow and pin that rigidity is relatively large, bar, conduit, pipeline, electric wire etc.) with parallel with respect to each other. or vertical orientation ground, and it is to be used in the two section reinforcing bars of concrete in constructing that an illustrative examples is only arranged in them.
Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of rebar fastener rifle or applicator (device) 10, and its size is designed and is configured to apply rebar fastener at ground level, and rifle 10 is in vertical substantially orientation.Rifle 10 comprises the elongate frame 12 that is configured to carry a plurality of rebar fastener F (shown in broken lines), and this framework comprises one or more elongated, preferred relative conduit 14a, and 14b is used for smoothly and reliably guiding therein securing member.Rifle 10 also comprises the feeding mechanism 16 that links to each other with framework 12 with the far-end 12a of securing member being pressed to framework.Rifle 10 also comprises the dispensing head 18 near the framework far-end.According to one embodiment of the present invention, elongate frame 12 is configured near its far-end 12a bending 90 degree roughly, makes substantially the power that applies along the major axis of elongate frame outwards transmit from the distal direction of dispensing head 18 in framework.It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that framework 12 and dispensing head 18 are formed at corresponding reinforcing bar junction and distribute one at a time and apply a plurality of securing member F, this will be hereinafter with reference to Fig. 5 C, 5D, and 5C ' and 5D ' are described.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, feeding mechanism 16 comprises elongated helical spring 20 and sliding members 22.Comprise the pass element 24a of one or more shapings according to the elongate frame 12 of one embodiment of the present invention, 24b, they comprise relative conduit 14a, 14b. Relative conduit 14a, 14b are understood that basically to extend to near-end 12b along the whole length of elongate frame 12 from far-end 12a, thus rebar fastener F smoothly and reliably are directed to chargings outlet 28 closed in the dispensing head 18 from open feed entrance 26.Thereby, will recognize that conduit 14a, 14b is formed at pass element 24a, and the guide finger joint by relative extension with rebar fastener in the 24b is locked in a plurality of rebar fastener F that wherein advance.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that this securing member with described guide finger is that the instruction of the PCT patent application of No.05/30270 is made according to the series number of above-mentioned reference preferably.To recognize also that by instruction adjacent securing member F reciprocal interlocking in being commonly referred to " series " makes that they fixedly remain on the series when the near-end 12b of framework 12 moves to the far-end 12a of framework when them according to above-mentioned patent application.In Fig. 1, can see that preferably the size of applicator 10 is designed such that full material casket capacity preferably roughly 24 (short arm) or 39 (spear) securing member F, the size of this securing member F is designed to be applicable to the lengths of rebar of 4-specification (1/2 inch).The securing member F that it will be recognized by those skilled in the art bigger specification reduces the capacity of material casket pro rata.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, can see that straight and elongated pass element 24a and crooked pass element 24b are fixed together mutually effectively and comprise roughly single, continuous, the elongated pass elements of 90 degree curved distal end with formation.It will be recognized by those skilled in the art elongated within the spirit and scope of the present invention pass element 24a, 24b alternatively can be by casting or milling one or whole formation, plays the structure of equivalence basically of equivalent function basically thereby form in the mode of equivalence basically.
Still with reference to Fig. 1, can see that rifle 10 preferably includes the elongate rod 30 that extends in parallel along the outer surface of pass element 24a between the locking mechanism 32 and 34 of two installation frames and this outer surface.But the remote area that will recognize that preferred draft helical spring 20 (have when being a kind of the expansion to shrink and get back to its spring initial, trend that compress usually, relative shorter length) distaff 30 is reeled and is locked between the stopping element 36 and sliding members 22 of installation frame.The end relatively that it will be recognized by those skilled in the art helical spring 20 is locked in the sliding members 22 and in the stopping element 36, when feasible knob 38 on being installed in sliding members 22 was pulled to the near-end of framework 12 by the user, helical spring 20 elongations are storage potential energy also.Thereby, when knob 38 persons of being operated discharge, sliding members 22 and coupled pivoted door 40 are (shown in Figure 1, the latter is in its first closing position) energy by spring 20 storage changes into the far-end that kinetic energy (just produce by tensile force and shrink) is pressed towards framework 12, with continuous feed with distribute the securing member F of continuous a plurality of interlockings.Although according to one embodiment of the present invention, spring 20 provides roughly 5 pounds power, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that alternative spring force is considered to be in the spirit and scope of the present invention.Those of skill in the art also will appreciate that door 40 is in usually and connects stop cam follower 40a, first closing position of 40b (simply with reference to Fig. 4).Those of skill in the art also will appreciate that door 40 alternatively can be pivoted to second open position (simply with reference to Fig. 5 A), will expect that in the zone of framework 12 far-ends casket is loaded on the sliding members 22.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art helical spring 20 alternatively can be the compression spring (have when being a kind of the compression elongation get back to that it is initial, usually elongation, the spring of length relatively), the remote area of this spring distaff 30 is wound on fixing installation elements 32 and movably between the sliding members 22.Replace to adopt helical spring 20, be used for its leverage and can have durable, reliable flexible member, for example weave lastex or have the hollow pipe of suitable elastic force with the device of sliding members 22 being pressed to framework 12 far-ends.Feeding mechanism is applied to enough big power on the sliding members and will be understood that to be fast and reliably the interlocking securing member F of series to be pressed to the far-end of framework 12, and when last securing member is removed in dispensing head 18, the dispensing head 18 that penultimate securing member is snapped over rifle 10 is interior (simply with reference to Fig. 5 C, 5D, 5C ' and 5D '), and have nothing to do with the quality of rifle or the quality of orientation or fastener holder.(will recognize that rifle of the present invention alternatively can be used to vertical orientation, at this moment handle end upwards and distribution end upwards, for example fastening reinforcing bar connects in the preparation process that forms concrete ceiling or roof, must overcome gravity at this situation material casket).Thereby any suitable alternate embodiment of feeding mechanism all is considered to be in the spirit and scope of the present invention.
As can see from Figure 1, the open surface 28 of dispensing head 18 comprises the interconnection 42 that is configured to hold with parallel or vertical relative orientation therein two sections reinforcing bars, 44, be convenient among a plurality of rebar fastener F one of far-end thus around described channel allocation with apply, connect to form reinforcing bar.It is this that distribute and apply the operation of rebar fastener F to the reinforcing bar junction will be hereinafter with reference to Fig. 5 C, 5D, and 5C ' and 5D ' discuss in more detail.Be configured to hold therein temporarily along one or more axis C1 when it will be recognized by those skilled in the art the passage 42 of U-shaped substantially, one or more lengths of rebar that C2 extends, and the passage 44 of the U-shaped substantially of cross-section (and preferred vertical) passage 42 is configured to temporarily hold therein the lengths of rebar of extending along axis C3.
Rifle 10 preferably includes one or more handles and preferably includes two or more handles, for example as shown in the figure near 46,48 of the near-end 12b of elongate frame 12.Can see that preferably handle comprises the comfortable grip part of for example being made by durable contoured rubber.In preferred two handles one for example handle 46 near the near-end of frameworks 12 and as shown in the figure stationary positioned become with minute angle (simply with reference to Fig. 2) and extend downwards, just form slightly acute angle with the major axis of framework 12.But another in preferred two handles for example handle 48 inwardly located from the near-end 12b pivotal adjustment ground of elongate frame 12.Thereby, in use, the user is placed on handle 46 with the left hand or the right hand, fixing rifle 10 on 48, with " aiming " rifle and force dispensing head 18 to connect reinforcing bar to connect, distribute at this place and apply the far-end rebar fastener, thus with orientation parallel with respect to each other. (along axis C1, C2) or two sections reinforcing bars of vertical orientation (along axis C3 and C2) positive lock.It will be recognized by those skilled in the art handle 48 can pivotal adjustment 360 degree with the selection that adapts to various users and raising power and moment efficient and as far as possible fast, effectively and meet ergonomic and do not have strain and have repeating motion ground and use rifle.
Simply with reference to Fig. 2, will recognize that the material casket almost is empty, only there are roughly 9 securing members remain on wherein and sliding members presses stopping element.Thereby Fig. 2 is illustrated in this alleged dry practice, and it need obtain charging again according to the method for Fig. 5 A-5B.Will recognize that also Fig. 2 represents to be used to adapt to a plurality of overall length L of the rifle 10 of different usings method, for example rifle bigger length L on vertical orientation substantially is used for applying securing member or rifle littler length L on horizontal orientation substantially to the horizontal junction of concrete slab and is used for the vertical junction of concrete walls or pillar is applied securing member.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that putting up with concrete size, material and structure detail hereinafter is described the concrete structure according to the rifle 10 of one embodiment of the present invention.It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that preferred implementation described below is exemplary, rather than to being defined by the claims the restriction in this scope of the present invention.
Handle 46 links to each other with the near-end 12b of framework 12 by U-shaped carriage 50, and described carriage 50 comprises two sidewise holes as shown in the figure, be used for by suitable securing hardware for example Allen machine screw selectively carry out the left hand or right hand layout.Door 40 is pivoted on the U-shaped sliding members 22 by the columniform substantially formed channel that rotatable Allen machine screw connects nearly (hinged) end of door.Near-end installed part 32 comprises by opposed member 32a, the suspension hook of the machining that 32b forms and suitable securing hardware be Allen machine screw for example, described opposed member have the relative half-cylindrical passage that forms therein with bar 30 interference engagement that are locked in wherein.The cylindrical hole 22a that the adaptation polymer sleeve 22c size that sliding members 22 has on the 22b of its cam follower zone strengthens is to hold the bar 30 that therefrom passes steadily, slidably.Dispensing head 18 comprises two bracket component 18a that form relatively, 18b, and Allen machine screw is screwed into the terminal of bending channel element 24b.
Most of parts of rifle 10 are preferably by lightweight, durable material aluminium or stone mill is molded, machining or be stamped to form for example.Yet, stopping element 36, bracket component 18a, 18b and machine screw preferably by lightweight more but more durable material for example stainless steel is molded, punching press or casting form.It will be recognized by those skilled in the art and to adopt any suitable material to realize the durability and the reliable operation of rifle.Thereby the embodiment of alternative construction and material are considered to be in the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Dimensionally, be used for vertically extending and the overall length that reaches the rifle 10 on ground roughly is 41 inches according to a kind of embodiment, comprise that the degree of depth of fixed handle roughly is 12 inches, the width that comprises adjustable handle roughly is 8 inches.Alternatively and according to another embodiment of the present invention, be used for horizontal-extending and reach wall or the overall length of the rifle of pillar 10 roughly is 27 inches.Near-end by framework 12 in Fig. 1-4 and the frame element in the middle of the far-end for example on the pass element 24a discontinuous paired curve represent described variable-length (referring to Fig. 2).
It is identical to it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that rifle 10 in these two different embodiments preferably is configured to, and except they have different length dimensions, comprises longer or more framework 12, and it has longer or shorter straight channel element 24a.Longer rifle is considered to be used for fastening horizontal reinforcement connector, is fixed with framework up to waist level substantially with the cardinal principle vertical orientation.Shorter rifle is considered to be used for fastening vertical rebar connector, is fixed with framework high neat with chest with horizontal orientation substantially.The material casket capacity that it will be recognized by those skilled in the art longer rifle is that size is suitable for roughly 39 securing member F of 4-specification (1/2 inch) lengths of rebar and the material casket capacity of littler rifle is roughly 24 securing member F that size is suitable for 4-specification lengths of rebar.Although can adopt the fastening vertical rebar connector of longer rifle, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art the littler slightly capacity of shorter rifle, littler length and littler weight make its be easier to the cantilever orientation with respect to the user support and shorter rifle to be easier to slightly be used in be that the user provides in the littler space of small span more.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention, alternative overall dimension is for example for being feasible than average height or the greater or lesser people of strength and can be satisfactory, distributes and applies rebar fastener to be suitable for comfortable and to meet ergonomic ground.Those of skill in the art also will appreciate that a sliding members 22 and door 40 preferred sizes are designed to therein and pass wherein (difference) and hold for example rebar fastener of specification 3-10 of all size.Thereby rifle manufactured according to the present invention is suitable for the rebar fastener that series number according to above-mentioned reference is all sizes of making of the instruction of 05/30270 PCT patent application.
The embodiment that those of skill in the art also will appreciate that rifle described here is all quite durable and reliable, and lightweight, and for example filling securing member only has several pounds.Make it in use can be very easy to control and reduce labour and stress like this.The embodiment of rifle described here is also without any need for pneumatic or electric power or control cable, because they are manually operated.Although and they are manual operations and adopt littler expense than power boosting rifle thus, but the embodiment of rifle described here very effectively, high yield and operation fast, the full automatic manual cycle time is low to moderate roughly 1-2 second and corresponding productivity ratio up to 2000 securing members roughly per hour.
Totally with reference to Fig. 2 and 3, Fig. 2 is that left view and Fig. 3 of rifle 10 is its front view now.Perhaps, Fig. 2 clearly show that 90 degree curved distal end 12a of the framework of giving by pass element 24b 12.Fig. 2 also the most clearly represents pivotable door 40, it is illustrated second open position that is in freedom (not hinged) end with dotted line, wherein a plurality of interlocked securing member F (in order to simplify and clear, not shown in Fig. 2 or 3) can pass described open position to load rifle.Hereinafter also further describe load characteristic of the present invention with reference to Fig. 5 A-5B.Fig. 2 represents that more clearly second channel 44 extends laterally across dispensing head 18, and that Fig. 3 represents that more clearly first passage 42 front and back extend through 18, two of dispensing heads is cross-section and preferred vertical mutually.Fig. 2 and 3 also represents to install the pivoted slender arm 52 of handle 48 with the location.Will recognize that arm 52 has a plurality of axial arranged hole 52a according to one embodiment of the present invention, 52b, 52c, 52d (last is invisible), handle 48 is installed in required " emission " radius apart from central pivotal axis, and described arm 52 also has adjustable construction bolt 54, the moment scope that provides the user manually to grip rifle 10 thus.Like this, can regulate second handle 48 by dual mode according to one embodiment of the present invention, a kind of is the position, and a kind of is angle.
Fig. 4 is the upward view of rifle 10.It represents the securing member F of last or terminal
USegmentation is to be distributed on the reinforcing bar junction in dispensing head 18.It will be recognized by those skilled in the art the securing member F that interconnection 42,44 and the PCT patent application that in the series number according to above-mentioned reference is 05/30270 are made
UThe interior corresponding pipeline that forms is aimed at.Those of skill in the art also will appreciate that conduit 14a, 14b terminates in the dispensing head, makes last securing member F
UNo longer than shown in move fartherly, it is aimed at exactly, to distribute to the reinforcing bar junction and to apply.At last, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art according to one embodiment of the present invention relative nylon bush 56a is set 56b and have inside groove 58a ', the corresponding binding 58a of 58b ', 58b.Groove 58a ', the size of the 58b ' degree of depth and length and securing member F
UGuide finger at conduit 14a, the interval in the 14b is consistent.Slab 60 (preferably being formed by aluminium machining) is set with enclose distributor 18 and nylon bush and binding are installed partly as shown in the figure.As securing member F
UWhen being fixed on the reinforcing bar junction (will be, 5D, 5C ' and 5D ' describe in detail) hereinafter with reference to 5C, nylon guide finger and nylon bush surrender slightly (distortion) with from the dispensing head 18 of rifle 10 (and from interlock before near last or penult securing member F
PIn) the last securing member F of release
U, finish securing member F thus
UApply.
Thereby, said and shown in be installed in lining 56a on the plate 60,56b and binding 58a, the cooperation of 58b is arranged and is referred to herein as securing member locking-relieving mechanism, it forms the part of dispensing head 18, this locking-relieving mechanism will locate and be oriented in securing member locking wherein usually, but can release by pointing to the axial force of enough far-ends along framework 12 substantially (when securing member is clamped in the reinforcing bar junction and powerfully moves or retract rifle 10 after manual) with release fasteners from dispensing head.(it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the identical power that rifle is moved behind the fastening reinforcing bar junction also makes securing member F
UWith securing member F
PThe protruding annex of interlocking and recessed annex are thrown off).
Thereby, rifle 10 brute forces manually away from fastening reinforcing bar junction after move after, and be used in by the auto spring masterpiece on the rebar fastener series of a plurality of interlockings, will recognize that penult securing member F
PSlip into the securing member F that has distributed fast
UThe position, so that the next one in a plurality of rebar fasteners of continuous interlocking is distributed.
The material casket that it will be recognized by those skilled in the art rifle 10 in Fig. 2 side view almost or has basically been used up securing member F, sliding members 22 moves along bar 30 with its far-end and connects stopping element 36 and obtain engaging, thereby stays seldom 9 or securing member still less at the far-end of framework 12.This moment can be according to hereinafter with reference to the rifle of reloading of the method for the present invention shown in Fig. 5 A and the 5B.
Fig. 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5C ' and 5D ' they are the partial schematic diagram of rifle 10 in the different phase of action required.Specifically, Fig. 5 A and 5B represent to load and " percussion " near the near-end of rifle, Fig. 5 C, and 5D therefrom distributes rebar fastener to be connected the important interstage that applies to be respectively applied for to vertical with parallel reinforcing bar with the far-end of 5C ' and the close rifle of 5D ' expression.
Fig. 5 A represents that door 40 is in its open position, make the rear surface of framework 12 not interrupted, with by securing member being slipped into the open end and their paired guide fingers are bonded on relative conduit 14a, in the 14b and fast and easily in framework, load a plurality of rebar fasteners of interlocking and series.Fig. 5 B represents that door 40 swings get back to the position of its closure and stop, makes its serial and a plurality of rebar fasteners fixing and that can will load along the rear surface of framework 12 push dispensing head 18 to.Loading is easy to.
Fig. 5 C represents directly intersecting the reinforcing bar connection ready last securing member F in top to be tightened of (vertically)
U, interconnection 42,44 is aimed at above it, and the penult securing member F in the series
PAt the heel and be fixed in the material casket of rifle.Last securing member when Fig. 5 D is illustrated in rifle and is pressed against after the junction fixedly reinforcing bar connection.By securing member F
UThe spring clamping action, reinforcing bar connects and to be fixed and securing member is fit to and stably thereon fastening.When after rifle is near the reinforcing bar junction, moving, securing member F
UKeep stably being fastened on reinforcing bar junction and guide finger and lining 56a, 56b surrenders slightly and is enough to spur securing member F
UBreak away from rifle.The spring action of feeding mechanism 16 is with securing member F after it will be recognized by those skilled in the art
PShift position on the terminal of dispensing head 18 onto to distribute and to apply next reinforcing bar and be connected.This process uses up basically until the material casket repeatedly, the rifle and apply down a series of a plurality of rebar fastener of reloading as mentioned above.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that Fig. 5 C ' is identical with 5D with aforesaid Fig. 5 C with 5D ', except the relative orientation of the lengths of rebar that connected, wherein expression applies securing member and is connected or common alleged " prolongation " to form parallel reinforcing bar Fig. 5 C ' with 5D '.
Will recognize that the present invention be not limited to said and shown in method or the details of structure, manufacturing, size, material, application or purposes.In fact, any suitable variation of structure, manufacturing, size, material, application or purposes all is considered to alternate embodiment, and is in the spirit and scope of the present invention thus.
As mentioned above, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that several advantage of the present invention mainly is:
The present invention increases in speed, labor cost reduces and repeating motion and the potential damage few situation relevant with stress, provides a kind of and is used for the securing member conveying, distributed and be applied to relatively low cost, the automanual device that reinforcing bar for example is connected etc.The invention provides a kind of rebar fastener rifle of novelty, its unitary construction forms with the rebar fastener of carrying a series of a plurality of interlockings and distributes one at a time and apply them to form by alleged usually extension system that the reinforcing bar that is arranged in parallel is connected or to form the reinforcing bar connection of arranged vertical by alleged usually interleaved mode.Described rifle comprises high power capacity material casket, and it comprises conduit, spring loaded filling mechanism, the dispensing head that has the inclination angle and one or more handle.In one embodiment, rifle comprises to be fixed and adjustable handle and relative short material casket, is used for for example applying rebar fastener on vertical substantially concrete pillar or wall, and rifle is in the orientation of level substantially.In another embodiment, rifle comprises to be fixed and adjustable handle and relative long material casket, is used for for example applying rebar fastener on the horizontal concrete slab substantially, and rifle is in vertical substantially orientation.
Another is intended that any other embodiment of the present invention that any variation by method, shape, size or the material of the field of use of not stipulating or operation or application or method, manufacturing produces and is considered to obvious or conspicuous to those skilled in the art in the description of the write up that is included in this or example, be in the scope of the present invention.
Therefore, although the above-mentioned embodiment with reference to apparatus of the present invention illustrates and described the present invention, it will be apparent for a person skilled in the art that the change that under the prerequisite that does not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention that limit by accessory claim, to make other forms and details to the present invention.