The present report describes an Invention Patent that is related to an improvement introduced in machines used to allow for the assembly of steel reinforcements for beams, pillars, brackets, blocks, poles, caissons and other to allow for the assembly of steel reinforcements for beams, pillars, brackets, blocks, poles, caissons and other, whereby such improvement refers to a new constructive solution for the ordered positioning of the stirrups that will be used in the wire reinforcements that will later be used to integrate pieces of reinforced concrete . The state of the art comprises manufacturing of wire reinforcements that will be employed as structural core in components or parts of structures produced in reinforced concrete.

Generally, the wire reinforcements may be previously produced through assembly of longerons and stirrups which are designed according to the general project of the reinforced concrete structure to be produced.

The mutual fastening between the stirrups and longerons may be done as much by means of fastening with annealed wire, as well as through the welding process of the joints between components.

In this context, the matter

described in patent application PI 0306001-2, made by the plaintiff to this case on 11/24/2003 and on the "SYSTEM FOR A SERIAL CUTTING AND FOLDING LINE FOR STEEL BARS, BOOMS AND ROLLS FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF STIRRUPS AND LONGERONS AS WELL AS THE ASSEMBLY OF STEEL REINFORCEMENTS FOR BEAMS, PILLARS, BRACKETS, BLOCKS, POLES, CAISSONS, AND OTHER STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE" .

The mentioned document PI

0306001-2 describes the system for a serial cutting and folding line, as well as a wire reinforcement assembly line, where the use of an organized provision of conventional equipment together with the use of a innovative Machine exclusively designed and constructed to serve as model for the assembly of the reinforcements and other equally innovative equipment allows high speed production of such enforcements .

Also full part of the concept proposed in the document PI 0306001-2 is the use of one or more welding machines with detachable head assembled on a pivoting arm, which, among other aspects, has brought along higher movement capacity for the professional who executes the welding of the structure.

Generally, the system proposed in document PI 0306001-2 presents a series of advantages in relation to the state of art to which it belongs and that is characterized through the cutting and folding processes of the wire elements, as well as through assembly processes of the reinforcements such as is done in the usual way, i.e. in

a fashion almost handicraft-like or through the use of absurdly expensive and complex equipment.

Specifically as far as the

Machine that allows the assembly of the wire reinforcements, such as described in document PI 0306001-2 and that is indicated in such document by reference number 14, it is composed of a steel tube structure of appropriate portion, featuring vertical angle bars 15 provided in couples and in uniform distance according to the spacing desired for the stirrups.

Machine 14 of PI 0306001-2 comprises also mobile supports 16, adjustment and positioning of the upper longitudinal bars or booms, as well as small rolls 17 to allow for the movement of the bars or booms in the extent of the Machine itself.

Machine 14 also includes a device of handle 18 which is coupled with a screwed axis, connected on its part to bush 19 welded to the fix part of the workbench. The vertical angle bars 15 are fastened, in an ordered way, on the two longerons 20, whereby one longeron is fastened to the structure of the Machine and the other longeron is mobile with relation to such structure, whereby the movement of the mobile longeron is obtained exactly through the device of handle 18.

In general, the movement of the mobile longeron 20 dislocates in an ordered way akk vertical angle bars 15 that are fastened to it and cause, as

a consequence of such movement, an ordered and relative dislocation in relation to the vertical angle bars 15 fastened to the other longeron 20, which is not mobile.

Thus , the movement of the mobile longeron 20 causes the relative dislocation between the two sets of vertical angle bars 15, creating or eliminating the space between each adjacent pair of vertical angle bars 15 which is formed by each angle bar vertical 15 assembled on the mobile longeron and its correspondent angle bar 15 assembled on the fastened longeron.

It can be well understood from the designs that illustrate document PI 0306001-2, that Machine 14 allows that the stirrups are positioned between each adjacent pair of vertical angle bars 15 fulfilling the spacing of the reinforcement project to be produced.

Once the stirrups are distributed, the mobile longeron 20 is dislocated in a way as to tie the previously positioned stirrups between the corresponding vertical angle bars 15, thus allowing that then the bars or booms be positioned.

Machine 14 actually operates as a model where the components that make up the wire reinforcement are previously positioned, immobilized (in the case of the stirrups) and later connected through welding. The construction philosophy of machine 14 allows that each wire reinforcement may be produced in minimum time, with total alignment guarantee of the wire components, as well as with total freedom for the

execution of the welding procedure, which may be executed by one professional only, as it may also be executed simultaneously by two or more professionals .

In the case of Machine 14 described in document PI 0306001-2 the minimum spacing between the stirrups is determined by the ordered provision of the vertical angle bars 15 together with the two longerons 20 (one fix and the other mobile) .

Thus , the minimum spacing measure or the a spacing variation measure (intervals) of the possible positions, that equal the measure of space between the stirrups are parameters determined in the moment of constructing Machine 14 and may not be changed later, whereby in fact such spacing may not be a lot less than five centimeters between the spaces of the adjacent pairs of vertical angle bars 15, whereby, for example and as described in document PI 0306001-2, there may be spacings of twenty and of twenty-five centimeters for the provision of the stirrups. In view of such fact and in spite of the undeniable advances brought about by Machine 14, the plaintiff to this case has realized that such equipment might also be subject to improvements, notably concerning the introduction of details that allow for more flexibility in the distribution of the spaces for the stirrups, as well as it may reduce drastically the possible minimum spacing between the stirrups (previously considering minimum distances not much less than five centimeters) .

On the other hand, it has realized that Machine 14 described, illustrated and claimed in document PI 0306001-2 could even be improved concerning the fashion how to produce the movement of the mobile longeron 20 in relation with the fix longeron 20, whereby such operation may be executed not through the device of handle 18, but through adequate motorization means, however, the possibility of using the device of the handle in specific cases is not excluded, such as for example in the event of a black-out.

Finally, and still within the concept of allowing more flexibility in the distribution of the spaces to the stirrups, the plaintiff to this case has developed a type of element for the positioning of the stirrups operating in a totally mobile and adjustable way as much in the extent of the fix longeron, as also in the extent of the mobile longeron of the Machine.

All the details mentioned above have introduced to the Machine used in the system for serial line, such as the proposal in the previous patent document (PI 0306001-2) a series of technical solutions that have allowed for a great number of advantages from a practical point of view, whereby those advantages are positively reflected as more versatility of the equipment, reconfiguration speed due to the fulfilling of new wire reinforcement projects, among others.

In the present patent application, two improvement versions are dealt with

concerning the improvement of the Machine on which the assembly of the wire reinforcements is executed, and these versions consider a first model where the spacing between the stirrups may vary in previously determined and quite reduced distance, in the region of about one centimeter, i.e. the stirrups may be distributed in intervals that may vary every centimeter in the extent of the Machine structure; in the second model, however, the stirrups may be positioned in a totally variable fashion without previously defined positions according to minimum dislocations that may be quantified for the mere effect of description, as every millimeter or less.

The Machine here described represents, therefore, a clear advance in relation to the analog model illustrated in document PI 0306001-2.

The Machine that is object of this Invention Patent will be described in detail with reference to the designs listed below, in which: figure 1 shows a general view and a perspective of the Machine in question, which is configured as first proposed model ; figure 2 shows a view, also in the perspective of the Machine in figure 1, where such machine is depicted from a different, more open angle, yet in a partial cut in its central area ; figure 3 shows an enlarged detail taken from figure 2, where the basic components of the Machine are depicted in exploded perspective view,-

figure 4 shows a schematic view from above taken from figure 2; figure 5 shows a view in the perspective of the Machine in question, which is configured as the second model proposed; figure 6 shows an enlarged view taken from figure 5, where the basic components of the Machine are depicted in exploded perspective; figure 7 shows a schematic cut taken from figure 5; figure 8 shows schematic cut similar to the picture in figure 7; figure 9 shows a perspective view of the positioning and fastening device that is part of the Machine dealt with here; and figure 10 shows a variety of the of the Machine structure as here proposed, that may be implemented as much in the first model depicted in figures 1 to 4, as well as regarding the second model depicted in figures 5 to 9. In accordance with what the above mentioned figures illustrate, the present invention patent that deals with the improvement introduced in the machine for the assembly of steel reinforcements for beams, pillars, brackets, blocks, poles, caissons and other, here described comprises a first model of machine 1, where the provision of the stirrups 7 and the other iron fittings

(bars, or booms) occurs that will compose the wire reinforcement to be produced.

The first model of the Machine in question, indicated by reference number 1, comprises the same concept dealt with by document PI 0306001-2, where two longerons are foreseen, of which one is fix and the other mobile.

In the specific case of the

Machine described in this Invention Patent, the longerons are generically indicated by the references 2M and 2F, where 2M corresponds to the mobile longeron and 2F corresponds to the fix longeron.

In the specific case of the present patent, the longerons are not themselves incorporated into the vertical angle bars (indicated by the reference number 15 in document PI 0306001-2) , but each one is incorporated into a continuous alignment of cavities 3 provided in straight spacing (distance between the centers of the cavities around one centimeter) .

The cavities 3 incorporated into the longerons are defined as gaps that feature, each one, a length measure substantially higher than the width measure and do therefore have a substantially prolonged drawing.

The definition of the construction form of the cavities 3 may determine, for example, the machining of the longeron body or also the construction of it based on the metal bar sectors cut and welded in appropriate fashion.

The important aspect of the

configuration of the cavities 3, more so than the fashion in which they are produced, lies in the fact that they act as resting place for the projecting flaps 4 that are part and provided in the extreme lower part 5 of the vertical tubular sticks 6 that act in an analog way to the vertical angle bars foreseen in document PI 0306001-2.

The projecting flaps 4 are produced in a way that they can be fitted justly and exactly into any of the cavities 3 of any of the longerons 2M or 2F. This concept marks a difference when compared to the constructive concept foreseen in the Machine described in document PI 0306001-2, where the vertical angle bars are firmly connected (welded) to their respective longerons. In the present case, the tubular sticks may be positioned at any point of the longerons 2M or 2F defined by any of the cavities 3.

In other words, as the cavities 3 are distributed with straight spacing (in the region of about one centimeter between the centers) , the vertical tubular sticks 6 may be distributed in spacings that may practically vary at each centimeter, thus differing from the solution dealt with in document PI 0306001-2, where this variation may not be much less than five centimeters. The possibility of providing the stirrups 7 in spacings that may vary at each centimeter grants the machine here dealt with higher versatility in the fulfillment of the spacing details of the wire

reinforcements projects that may be executed in this machine .

Thus, and on as an example only, Machine 1 here described may be used to construct a wire reinforcement (not illustrated) that has an initial part where the stirrups 7 are distributed (exaggeratedly) at each centimeter for a first part, at every two or three centimeters in a second part, every four or five centimeters in a third part, and so forthwith any variation (from centimeter to centimeter) that may be necessary.

Machine 1 here dealt with also features another difference compared to the analog equipment described in document PI 0306001-2, and this different characteristics is represented by the fact that the movement of the longeron 2M is executed by a motor system 8 that includes an electric motor 9, a transmission system that connects the electric motor 9 to the screw 10, and this system is made up of chain 11 and gear-wheels 12. The motor system 8 may as much be fed in through the conventional electricity system, as also by using a conventional type generator. The mentioned motor system 8 is configured in such a manner that its adoption does not mean the elimination of the possibility of using the handle device in special cases, such as, for example, in the case of black- out .

The motor system 8 acts in an analog way to the handle device (indicated in document PI 0306001-2 by reference number 18) , but allows for more

comfort and speed in the moment of acting to determine the movement of the mobile longeron 2M.

Machine 1 here dealt with, as opposed to the analog equipment exhibited in document PI 0306001-2, may have a spacing configuration of the stirrups modified due to the project of the wire reinforcement to be manufactured, and such modification only requires the simples distribution of the vertical tubular sticks 6.

As may be observed better in figure 4, the vertical tubular sticks 6 are produced in a manner that an area of superposition between its contact sides is determined, and by the way, this is where stirrup 7 is positioned.

The present patent also deals about a second model or variety of the Machine 1, which is indicated by reference IA.

Machine IA features the same concept that includes the use of two longerons, where one is mobile and the other one fix. In the case of Machine IA the longerons are indicated by the references 2M"e 2W~ , where by reference 2M' corresponds to the mobile longeron and reference 2F' corresponds to the fix longeron.

In Machine IA the longerons assume the configuration of monobloc profiles that serve as paths where the angle bars 6A are positioned at any point of the length of the mentioned longerons.

The angle bars 6A have a

positioning and fastening device below 13, which contains a fix portion that is solidly united with the stick body 6A in a stricter sense, which is indicated by reference 14, whereby together with the fix portion 14 a mobile portion is foreseen 15, that pivots around the axis 16.

Between the mobile 15 and fix

14 portions of the positioning device and the fastening 13 a mechanical expansion component 17 is foreseen that operates with an internal screw added by an external crank 18, said mechanical expansion component 17 is anchored between two vertical bolts 15' foreseen in the mobile portion 15 of the positioning and fastening device 13. The mechanical expansion component 17, when activated, causes the pivoting of the mobile portion 15 of the positioning and fastening device 13 against the contact side of the longerons.

Thus, the positioning and and fastening device 13 may be opened or closed along the longerons, and, when closed, the device determines that the angle bar 6A remains totally immobile in relation to the longeron body.

The positioning and fastening device 13 foreseen in Machine IA grants the angle bar 6A a technical advantage over the .vertical tubular stick 6 of Machine 1 in the sense that it allows the angle bar 6A to be positioned at any point on the longerons, or in other

words, there are no previously determined points on the longeron.

This simplification brings about the advantage that practically the stirrups may be positioned according to any spacing pattern .

The positioning and fastening device 13, as figure 8 well shows, may be totally open, which allows the angle bar 6A to be removed vertically, thus making the reconfiguration of Machine IA easier whenever an addition or taking out of one or more units of the angle bars 6A is necessary to fulfill a specific wire reinforcement project to be produced. Optionally, Machine IA may incorporate, along its longerons, metric scales that will serve as positioning parameters for the angle bars 6A.

The metric scales may be configured through the impression of the scale directly on the longeron fronts, or through the fastening of a previously printed physical piece with metric standard also applied onto the fronts of the longerons . Another alternative of the use of metric scales may be the use of an LED bus (not illustrated) that may act as visual reference for the spacing of the positioning and fastening devices 13

(and consequently serve as positioning reference for the stirrups 7) .

The use of the above-mentioned bus foresees the utilization of LED programming means to be activated, and this operation may be executed through a panel P schematically depicted in figure 10. Panel P may also incorporate the activation commands of the motor system 8, as well as other related electro-electronic components, for example, the safety devices, such as activation timers or retarders of motor system 8, visual and/or sound signalization devices the precede the actual activation of motor system 8, etc.

Figure 10 depicts a structure variety of the Machine here proposed, and this variety may, concerning its constructive concept, be implemented as much in the first model depicted in figures 1 to 4 , as well as regarding the second model depicted in figures 5 to 9.

The variety of figure 10 depicts a version of the Machine that is generally indicated by reference IB, which features its respective longerons (2m"'- mobile longeron - and 2F""~ fix longeron) - provided in the proximities of one of the sides of the general structure of the Machine. Such dislocation of the longerons 2F"" and 2M" ' "together with the provision of telescope extensions 19 that widen the support area for the stirrups 7, allow reinforcements with greater

width and thickness to be produced.

The telescopic extensions 19 are incorporated into the direct alignment with the mobile supports 20 (items foreseen in the previous patent, where they are indicated by reference number 16) .

The telescopic extensions 19 comprise, each one, a tubular sector with a square transversal section 19A, that is embodied in the tubular crossbars 19B of the structure of the Machine. Each tubular sector 19A has a vertical leg 19A", which is equipped with a gyrating device 19C that simplifies the dislocation of each telescopic extension set 19.

Each telescopic extension 19 has a vertical column that is equally telescopic 19D and divided into two parts 19D" and 19D", whereby a support in form of a "U" 19E is foreseen for the upper extreme of part 19D'', on which the free extreme of the mobile support 20 may be placed. The structure of the Machine in question also comprises folders G especially destined for the holding of gauges employed as reference for the spacing between the stirrups, as well as for the holding of tools in general . It should be clarified that the possibility of relying on electronic resources to advise positioning of the vertical tubular sticks 6A along the longerons of the Machine 1 for the dislocation of the sticks

is not excluded.