US20080134617A1

US20080134617A1 - Rebar positioner

Info

Publication number: US20080134617A1
Application number: US11/940,744
Authority: US
Inventors: Mike Ripley; Theodore Allan Erickson; Ralph O. Johnson
Original assignee: Masonry Reinforcing Corp of America
Current assignee: Masonry Reinforcing Corp of America
Priority date: 2006-11-15
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2008-06-12

Abstract

An apparatus for aiding in the positioning of a reinforcing bar or “rebar” within a core of a masonry block unit includes a mid-section defining at least one substantially confined area for receiving the reinforcing bar therein, and first and second opposed arms extending outward from the midsection. Each of the arms includes a first section extending outward from substantially opposite ends of the mid-section. The first sections of the first and second arms are substantially co-linear and define a center axis of the apparatus. A second section extends at an angle from the first section, and a third section extends at an angle from the second section. A fourth section extends at a substantially acute angle relative to the third section. The third and fourth sections of each of the first and second arms are substantially co-planar relative to each other, and are substantially non-planar relative to the first sections of the arms. The fourth sections of the first and second arms reside on opposite sides of the center axis, so that the third and fourth sections of the arms can rest on a top surface of the masonry block unit proximate opposed diagonal corners of the core of the masonry block unit and support the mid-section, which resides in substantially diagonal orientation within the masonry block core.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/865,927, filed Nov. 15, 2006. The invention of this application relates to a tool for aiding in the positioning of an object. In particular, the invention can be used to maintain the position of a rebar within the core of a masonry block.
It is common in masonry block construction to utilize an elongate steel reinforcing bar, also known as a reinforcement bar or “rebar”, positioned vertically within the cell or core of a concrete block or other masonry block unit to provide added strength and stability to the masonry structure. Generally, it is desirable to have the rebar positioned at or proximate the center of the block core to maximize the stabilizing effect of the rebar. As such, a positioner is often used to maintain the rebar at the desired position within the block core while grout, concrete or other hardening fill material is poured into the block core.
Prior art rebar positioners include brackets with an enclosed or nearly enclosed area within which the rebar is positioned, and opposing members that extend perpendicularly over the block core onto the top surface of the block. These prior art rebar positioners are constructed such that they lie entirely on one plane, and as such they extend over the top of the core block. Therefore, positioners must rely on the next masonry block being positioned on top of it to maintain its proper position, and the positioners are easily disturbed by movement of the block lying on top of it. The perpendicular arrangement of the positioners contributes to their susceptibility to falling out of position. If the rebars are not maintained in their proper position, the strength and stability of the masonry structure is compromised.
In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned problems, the present invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a tool that maintains a rebar in a desired position within a masonry block core.
It is another object of the invention to provide a rebar positioner that resides in diagonal orientation within the core of the masonry block.
These and other objectives of the present invention can be achieved in the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed below. One embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for aiding in the positioning of a reinforcing bar or “rebar” within a core of a masonry block unit having a mid-section defining at least one substantially confined area for receiving the reinforcing bar therein, and first and second opposed arms extending outward from the midsection. Each of the first and second opposed arms includes an inner section extending outward from substantially opposite ends of the mid-section, and the inner sections of the first and second arms are substantially co-linear and define a center axis of the apparatus. The arms also include outer sections extending at acute angles relative to the inner sections that reside on opposite sides of the center axis, so that the outer sections of the arms can rest on a top surface of the masonry block unit proximate opposed diagonal corners of the core of the masonry block unit.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is adapted for use with a masonry block unit having a substantially square core.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a single metal wire, and the mid-section and the first and second arms are integrally formed from the metal wire.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal wire has a circular cross-section.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mid-section has a substantially reversed “S” shape defining first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second substantially confined areas reside on opposite sides of the center axis.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mid-section is substantially “S” shaped, and defines first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein residing on opposite sides of the center axis.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mid-section includes a first substantially reversed “S” shape section defining first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein, and a second substantially reversed “S” shape section defining third and fourth substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer section extends at an angle of about forty-five degrees relative to the inner section.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mid-section is comprised of a substantially circular loop defining an enclosed area for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a rebar positioning apparatus includes a mid-section defining at least one substantially confined area for receiving the reinforcing bar therein, and first and second opposed arms extending outward from the midsection. Each of the arms includes a first section extending outward from substantially opposite ends of the mid-section, and the first sections of the first and second arms are substantially co-linear and define a center axis of the apparatus. A second section extends at an angle from the first section, and a third section extends at an angle from the second section. A fourth section extends at a substantially acute angle relative to the third section, and the third and fourth sections of each of the first and second arms are substantially co-planar relative to each other and are substantially non-planar relative to the first sections of the arms. The fourth sections of the first and second arms reside on opposite sides of the center axis, so that the third and fourth sections of the arms can rest on a top surface of the masonry block unit proximate opposed diagonal corners of the core of the masonry block unit to support the mid-section, which resides in substantially diagonal orientation within the masonry block core.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fourth section extends at an angle of about forty-five degrees relative to the third section of each of the first and second arms.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the apparatus is used in conjunction with the masonry block unit, the second section extends upwardly from the first section of the first and second arms, such that the first sections of the first and second arms and the center section reside within the core of the masonry block unit below the top surface of the masonry block unit, and the third and fourth sections rest on the top surface of the masonry block unit.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second section extends substantially perpendicularly from the first section of the first and second arms, and the third section extends substantially perpendicularly from the second section, and the first and third sections of the first and second arms are substantially parallel to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 1, shown positioned within the core of a masonry block;

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 1, shown being used in conjunction with a rebar;

FIG. 4 is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 6, shown positioned within the core of a masonry block;

FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 6, shown being used in conjunction with a rebar;

FIG. 9 is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 10 is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 11, shown positioned within the core of a masonry block;

FIG. 13 is an environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 11, shown being used in conjunction with a rebar;

FIG. 14 is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 15 is another environmental perspective view of the rebar positioner of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

A rebar positioner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The rebar positioner 10 comprises a center section 12 having a generally reverse “S” shape that defines two rebar positioning areas 14, 16. Each end of the reverse “S” shaped center section 12 leads to two arms 20, 30 on opposite sides of the center section 12.
The arms 20, 30 have substantially straight first segments 21, 31, respectively, that extend in substantially opposite directions from the center section 12. The first segments 21, 31 are substantially co-linear with each other and lie on substantially the same plane as the center section 12. The first segments 21, 31 lead to an outer section that includes second segments 22, 32, respectively, that extend substantially upwardly from the first segments 21, 31, respectively. The second segments 22, 32 are substantially perpendicular to the first segments 21, 31. Top ends of the second segments 22, 32 lead to third segments 23, 33, respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to the second segments 22, 32, and extend in opposite directions away from the center section 12. Fourth segments 24, 34 extend from the third segments 23, 33, respectively, at acute angles, such as at forty-five degrees. As shown in FIG. 1, the fourth segments 24, 34 extend in opposite directions relative to center axis of the positioner 10. That is, for example, one of the fourth segments 24 extends to the right of the first, second and third segments 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, while the other fourth segment 34 extends to the left of the first, second and third segments 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33. Alternatively, the orientation could be reversed with one fourth segment 24 extending to the left of the first, second and third segments 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, while the other fourth segment 34 extends to the right.
Preferably, the positioner 10 is made of a single metal wire having a round cross section. Alternatively, the positioner 10 can be made of other suitable materials, and can be constructed by attaching separate components by welding or other suitable attachment method.
As shown in FIG. 2, the positioner 10 is positioned within a substantially square core 42 of a rectangular masonry block 40. The masonry block 40 can be made of concrete, brick, stone or other suitable masonry material. The positioner 10 is positioned on the masonry block 40 with the third segments 23, 33 and fourth segments 24, 34 lying on the top surface 44 of the block 40. The positioner 10 is positioned within the block core 42 diagonally, such that the second and third segments 22, 23 of one arm 20 are positioned at one corner 46 of the block core 42, while the second and third segments 32, 33 of the other arm 30 are positioned at an opposite diagonal corner 48 of the block core 42. As such, the corners 46, 48 restrict movement of the arms 20, 30, and prevent the positioner 10 from sliding from the desired position. In addition, the opposed arrangement of the fourth segments 24, 34 of the arms 20, 30 further contributes to the stability of the positioner. Furthermore, the counter balanced arrangement of the two loops of the center section 12 also aids in maintaining the positioner 10 in its desired position.
Because the second segments 22, 32 of the arms 20, 30 extend substantially perpendicularly from the first segments 21, 31, the center section 12 resides in a plane below that of the third segments 23, 33 and fourth segments 24, 34, which lie on top of the block 40. As such, the center section 12 resides below the top surface 44 of the block 40 and inside the block core 42, as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment, the center section 12 and the arms 20, 30 are generally co-planar, and as such, the entire positioner resides in the same plane on the top surface 44 of the masonry block unit 40.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a reinforcing bar 50, such as of the type generally used in masonry construction and commonly known as a “rebar”, can be positioned within a rebar positioning area 14 of the center section 12 to maintain the rebar 50 at a approximately the center of the block core 42 while grout, concrete or other desired hardening fill material is poured into the block core 42. Maintaining the rebar 50 at approximately the center of the block core 42 maximizes the strength and stability provided by the rebar 50 to the masonry structure. Alternatively, the rebar 50 can be positioned within the other rebar positioner area 16 of the center section 12. In yet another embodiment, two rebars can be utilized, with each rebar being positioned in one of the areas 14, 16.
As shown in FIG. 1, the rebar positioning areas 14, 16 are substantially, but not completely, enclosed by the center section 12 of the positioner 10. A small gap exists to facilitate placement of the rebar 50 within the rebar positioning areas 14, 16. Alternatively, the center section 12 can have a substantially figure “8” shape that completely encloses the rebar positioning areas 14, 16.
The frictional engagement of the corners 46, 48 of the block core 42 with the arms 20, 30 resulting from the diagonal design of the positioner 10 yields excellent stability that aids in maintaining the rebar 50 at the desired position. In addition, the center section 12 being positioned within the block core 40, below the top surface 44 of the core 40, further contributes to the ability of the positioner 10 to remain in place on the block 40.
FIG. 5 illustrates the rebar positioner 10 in an alternative position on the block 40. In this position, the bed joints on top of the block 40 can be free and clear, and the joint reinforcing and mortar can be applied without the rebar positioner 10 interfering.
A rebar positioner according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6-10, and shown generally at reference numeral 100. The rebar 100 is similar to the previously described rebar positioner 10, with the exception of the center section 112, which is comprised of two generally reverse “S” shaped sections that define four substantially enclosed rebar positioning areas 114, 115, 116, 117. Each end of the center section 112 leads to opposed two arms 120, 130 on opposite sides of the center section 112.
The arms 120, 130 have substantially straight first segments 121, 131, respectively, that extend in substantially opposite directions from the center section 112 and lie on substantially the same plane as the center section 112. The first segments 121, 131 lead to second segments 122, 132, respectively, that extend substantially upwardly from the first segments 121, 131, respectively. The second segments 122, 132 are substantially perpendicular to the first segments 121, 131. Top ends of the second segments 122, 132 lead to third segments 123, 133, respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to the second segments 122, 132, and extend in opposite directions away from the center section 112. Fourth segments 124, 134 extend from the third segments 123, 133, respectively, at acute angles, such as at forty-five degrees. As shown in FIG. 6, the fourth segments 124, 134 extend in opposite directions relative to the center axis of the positioner 100. That is, for example, one of the fourth segments 124 extends to the right of the first, second and third segments 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, while the other fourth segment 134 extends to the left of the first, second and third segments 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133. Alternatively, the orientation could be reversed with one fourth segment 124 extending to the left of the first, second and third segments 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, while the other fourth segment 134 extends to the right.
As shown in FIG. 7, the positioner 100 is positioned within a substantially square core 42 of a rectangular masonry block 40. The masonry block 40 can be made of concrete, brick, stone or other suitable masonry material. The positioner 100 is positioned on the masonry block 40 with the third segments 123, 133 and fourth segments 124, 134 lying on the top surface 44 of the block 40 The positioner 10 is positioned within the block core 42 diagonally, such that the second and third segments 122, 123 of one arm 120 are positioned at one corner 46 of the block core 42, while the second and third segments 132, 133 of the other arm 130 are positioned at an opposite diagonal corner 48 of the block core 42. As such, the corners 46, 48 restrict movement of the arms 120, 130, and prevent the positioner 100 from sliding from the desired position. In addition, the opposed symmetrical arrangement of the fourth segments 124, 134 of the arms 120, 130 further contributes to the stability of the positioner. Furthermore, the counter balanced arrangement of the four loops of the center section 112 defining the four substantially enclosed rebar positioning areas 114-117 also aids in maintaining the positioner 100 in its desired position.
Because the second segments 122, 132 of the arms 20, 30 extend substantially perpendicularly and upwardly from the first segments 121, 131, the center section 112 resides in a plane below that of the third segments 123, 133 and fourth segments 124, 134, which rest on the top surface 44 of the block 40. As such, the center section 112 resides below the top surface 44 of the block 40 and inside the block core 42, as shown in FIG. 7.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rebar 50 can be positioned within any one of the rebar positioning areas 114-117 of the center section 112, such as area 114, in order to help maintain the rebar 50 at a approximately the center of the block core 42 while grout, concrete or other desired hardening fill material is poured into the block core 42. Maintaining the rebar 50 at approximately the center of the block core 42 maximizes the strength and stability provided by the rebar 50 to the masonry structure. It is to be noted that up to four rebars can be utilized simultaneously with positioner 100. For example, two rebars can positioned in rebar positioning areas 114 and 116 at the same time.
As shown in FIG. 6, the rebar positioning areas 114-117 are substantially enclosed by the center section 112 of the positioner 100, with a small gap existing to facilitate placement of the rebar 50 within the rebar positioning areas 114-117.
The frictional engagement of the corners 46, 48 of the block core 42 with the arms 120, 130 resulting from the diagonal design of the positioner 100 yields excellent stability that aids in maintaining the rebar 50 at the desired position. In addition, the center section 112 being positioned within the block core 40 further contributes to the ability of the positioner 10 to remain in place on the block 40.
FIG. 10 illustrates the rebar positioner 10 in an alternative position on the block 40. In this position, the bed joints on top of the block 40 can be free and clear, and the joint reinforcing and mortar can be applied without the rebar positioner 100 interfering.
A rebar positioner according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11-15, and shown generally at reference numeral 200. The rebar positioner 200 is similar to the previously described embodiments, with the exception of a center section 212 comprising a fully enclosed circular loop that defines a single rebar positioning area 214.
As shown in FIG. 11, two arms 220, 230 extend in opposite directions from the center section 212. The arms 220, 230 have substantially straight first segments 221, 231 leading to second segments 222, 232, respectively. The second segments 222, 232 extend substantially upwardly from the first segments 221, 231, respectively. The second segments 222, 232 are substantially perpendicular to the first segments 221, 231. Top ends of the second segments 222, 232 lead to third segments 223, 233, respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to the second segments 222, 232, and extend in opposite directions away from the center section 212. Fourth segments 224, 234 extend from the third segments 223, 233, respectively, at acute angles, preferably forty-five degrees. As shown in FIG. 11, the fourth segments 224, 234 extend in opposite directions relative to the positioner 200. That is, for example, one of the fourth segments 224 extends to the right of the first, second and third segments 221, 222, 223, 231, 232, 233, while the other fourth segment 234 extends to the left of the first, second and third segments 221, 222, 223, 231, 232, 233. Alternatively, the orientation could be reversed with one fourth segment 224 extending to the left of the first, second and third segments 221, 222, 223, 231, 232, 233, while the other fourth segment 234 extends to the right.
As shown in FIG. 12, the positioner 200 is positioned within the substantially square core 42 of the rectangular masonry block 40. The positioner 200 is positioned on the masonry block 40 with the third segments 223, 233 and fourth segments 224, 234 lying on the top surface 44 of the block 40. The positioner 200 is positioned within the block core 42 diagonally, such that the second and third segments 222, 223 of one arm 220 are positioned at one corner 46 of the block core 42, while the second and third segments 232, 233 of the other arm 230 are positioned at an opposite diagonal corner 48 of the block core 42. As such, the corners 46, 48 restrict movement of the arms 220, 230, and prevent the positioner 200 from sliding from the desired position. In addition, the opposed symmetrical arrangement of the fourth segments 224, 234 of the arms 220, 230 further contributes to the stability of the positioner.
Because the second segments 222, 232 of the arms 220, 230 extend substantially perpendicularly from the first segments 221, 231, the center section 212 resides in a plane below that of the third segments 223, 233 and fourth segments 224, 234, which lie on top of the block 40. As such, the center section 212 resides below the top surface 44 of the block 40 and inside the block core 42, as shown in FIG. 12.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the rebar 50 is positioned within the rebar positioning area 214 of the center section 212. This maintains the rebar 50 at approximately the center of the block core 42 while grout, concrete or other desired hardening fill material can be poured into the block core 42.
The frictional engagement of the corners 46, 48 of the block core 42 with the arms 220, 230 resulting from the diagonal design of the positioner 200 yields excellent stability that aids in maintaining the rebar 50 at the desired position. In addition, the center section 212 being positioned within the block core 40, below the top surface 44 of the core, further contributes to the ability of the positioner 200 to remain in place on the block 40.
FIG. 15 illustrates the rebar positioner 200 in an alternative position on the block 40. In this position, the bed joints on top of the block 40 can be free and clear, and the joint reinforcing and mortar can be applied without the rebar positioner 200 interfering.
An apparatus for positioning a rebar and methods of using same are disclosed above. Various embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aiding in the positioning of a reinforcing bar within a core of a masonry block unit comprising:

(a) a mid-section defining at least one substantially confined area for receiving the reinforcing bar therein;

(b) first and second opposed arms extending outward from the midsection, each of the first and second opposed arms comprising:

(i) an inner section extending outward from substantially opposite ends of the mid-section, and wherein the inner sections of the first and second arms are substantially co-linear and define a center axis of the apparatus, and

(ii) an outer section extending at an acute angle relative to the inner section, and wherein the outer sections of the first and second arms reside on opposite sides of the center axis, whereby the outer sections of the first and second arms can rest on a top surface of the masonry block unit proximate opposed diagonal corners of the core of the masonry block unit.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for use with a masonry block unit having a substantially square core.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a single metal wire, and the mid-section and the first and second arms are integrally formed from the metal wire.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the metal wire has a circular cross-section.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mid-section has a substantially reversed “S” shape defining first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first and second substantially confined areas reside on opposite sides of the center axis.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mid-section is substantially “S” shaped, and defines first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein residing on opposite sides of the center axis.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mid-section comprises:

(a) a first substantially reversed “S” shape section defining first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein; and

(b) a second substantially reversed “S” shape section defining third and fourth substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer section extends at an angle of about forty-five degrees relative to the inner section.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mid-section comprises a substantially circular loop defining an enclosed area for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.

11. An apparatus for aiding in the positioning of a reinforcing bar within a core of a masonry block unit comprising:

(i) a first section extending outward from substantially opposite ends of the mid-section, and wherein the first sections of the first and second arms are substantially co-linear and define a center axis of the apparatus,

(ii) a second section extending at an angle from the first section,

(iii) a third section extending at an angle from the second section, and

(iv) a fourth section extending at a substantially acute angle relative to the third section, and wherein the third and fourth sections of each of the first and second arms are substantially co-planar relative to each other and are substantially non-planar relative to the first sections of the first and second arms, and further wherein the fourth sections of the first and second arms reside on opposite sides of the center axis, whereby the third and fourth sections of the first and second arms can rest on a top surface of the masonry block unit proximate opposed diagonal corners of the core of the masonry block unit to support the mid-section residing within the masonry block core.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the apparatus is adapted for use with a masonry block unit having a substantially square core.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises a single metal wire, and the mid-section and the first and second arms are integrally formed from the metal wire.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the metal wire has a circular cross-section.

15. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mid-section has a substantially reversed “S” shape defining first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first and second substantially confined areas reside on opposite sides of the center axis.

17. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mid-section is substantially “S” shaped, and defines first and second substantially confined areas for receiving the reinforcing bar therein residing on opposite sides of the center axis.

18. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mid-section comprises:

19. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fourth section extends at an angle of about forty-five degrees relative to the third section of each of the first and second arms.

20. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the apparatus is used in conjunction with the masonry block unit, the second section extends upwardly from the first section of the first and second arms, whereby the first sections of the first and second arms and the center section reside within the core of the masonry block unit below the top surface of the masonry block unit, and the third and fourth sections rest on the top surface of the masonry block unit.

21. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second section extends substantially perpendicularly from the first section of the first and second arms, and the third section extends substantially perpendicularly from the second section, and further wherein the first and third sections of the first and second arms are substantially parallel to each other.

22. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the fourth section extends from the third section at an angle of about forty-five degrees.