Concrete Pouring Device

Abstract

A concrete pouring device is disclosed that provides a funnel-type apparatus removably secured to a concrete chute that efficiently and effectively directs the flow of concrete from the concrete chute to minimize or avoid waste and clean up. It is further desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatus removably secured to a concrete chute which avoids wasting material and assists in the directing of the material flow.

Claims

1. A concrete pouring device that provides a user with a multipurpose and controllable device to accurately pour concrete into a form, the concrete pouring device comprising: a funnel component; and an attachment component; wherein the funnel component is removably secured to a concrete chute from a concrete truck; wherein the funnel component is secured via the attachment component to the concrete chute; and further wherein the funnel component directs flow of concrete to a desired form.

2. The concrete pouring device of claim 1, wherein the funnel component is generally shaped like a triangular prism.

3. The concrete pouring device of claim 2, wherein the funnel component comprises opposing side walls, a front surface, and a back surface.

4. The concrete pouring device of claim 3, wherein the side walls and front and back surfaces provide for a top aperture and a bottom aperture, which allow access to an interior cavity.

5. The concrete pouring device of claim 4, wherein the back surface has a cutout section, sized and shaped to allow for the concrete chute of the concrete truck to be placed within.

6. The concrete pouring device of claim 5, wherein the side walls and the front surface slope toward a center of the funnel component, creating a funnel-type configuration.

7. The concrete pouring device of claim 6, wherein the funnel component allows concrete to be poured into the top aperture and dispensed out through the bottom aperture.

8. The concrete pouring device of claim 7, wherein a pair of attachment components are utilized to secure the funnel component to the concrete truck.

9. The concrete pouring device of claim 8, wherein each of the pair of attachment components are positioned on either side wall, near a top of the funnel component.

10. The concrete pouring device of claim 9, wherein the pair of attachment components secure to rod-shaped handles on either side of the concrete chute.

11. The concrete pouring device of claim 10, wherein the pair of attachment components are hook-shaped members which are welded to the opposing side walls of the funnel component.

12. A concrete pouring device that provides a user with a multipurpose and controllable device to accurately pour concrete into a form, the concrete pouring device comprising: a funnel component shaped like a triangular prism and comprising opposing side walls, a front surface, and a back surface; and an attachment component which is a hook-shaped member welded to the opposing side walls of the funnel component; wherein the side walls and front and back surfaces provide for a top aperture and a bottom aperture, which allow access to an interior cavity; wherein the back surface has a cutout section, sized and shaped to allow for a concrete chute of a concrete truck to be placed within; wherein the side walls and the front surface slope toward a center of the funnel component, creating a funnel-type configuration; wherein the funnel component is removably secured to the concrete chute from the concrete truck via a pair of attachment components; wherein each of the pair of attachment components are positioned on either side wall, near a top of the funnel component; wherein the pair of attachment components secure to rod-shaped handles on either side of the concrete chute; wherein the funnel component allows concrete to be poured into the top aperture and dispensed out through the bottom aperture; and further wherein the funnel component directs a flow of concrete to a desired form.

13. The concrete pouring device of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

14. The concrete pouring device of claim 12, wherein the bottom aperture of the funnel component has a door which opens and closes, to open or close the bottom aperture and allow for a more precise dispensing of concrete into the desired form.

15. The concrete pouring device of claim 14, wherein the door is same shape as the bottom aperture and can be opened and locked in various open positions to control flow of concrete.

16. The concrete pouring device of claim 12, wherein the funnel component is positioned with the top aperture facing upward and the attachment components positioned on either side of the concrete chute, to secure to handles of the concrete chute.

17. The concrete pouring device of claim 16, wherein the concrete pouring device is positioned at a distal end of the concrete chute and then positioned over the desired form, such that the bottom aperture is of appropriate size to only allow concrete to flow into the desired form and not spill outside the desired form.

18. The concrete pouring device of claim 12, wherein the desired form comprises curb forms, footer forms, and cinder block openings.

19. The concrete pouring device of claim 12, wherein the concrete pouring device is comprised of a stainless steel, an aluminum or a steel.

20. A method of pouring concrete into a form to eliminate spillage, the method comprising the following steps: providing a concrete pouring device comprising a funnel component, an attachment component and a concrete truck chute; positioning the concrete pouring device under the concrete truck chute; securing the concrete pouring device to the concrete truck chute; positioning the concrete pouring device and the concrete truck chute over the form; and allowing concrete to flow down the concrete truck chute, into the funnel component and into the form.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a back perspective view of one embodiment of the concrete pouring device of the present invention showing the device and the cutout to fit around the concrete truck chute in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the concrete pouring device of the present invention showing the attachment component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the concrete pouring device of the present invention showing how the attachment component mates with the concrete truck chute in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the concrete pouring device of the present invention showing how the device interacts with the concrete truck chute in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the concrete pouring device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of pouring concrete into a form to eliminate spillage in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved concrete pouring device that can be easily attached to any concrete truck chute and direct concrete accurately into a concrete form. More particularly, there is a long-felt need in the art for a concrete pouring device that comprises a funnel-type apparatus which is removably secured to a concrete chute. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a concrete pouring device that comprises a retainer element coupled to a funnel element having an aperture for directing the flow of concrete to a desired location.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel concrete pouring device. The device is an improved concrete pouring device that can be easily attached to any concrete truck chute and direct concrete accurately into a concrete form. More particularly, a funnel-type apparatus is removably secured to a concrete chute via a retainer element, which is then coupled to a funnel element having an aperture for directing the flow of concrete to a desired location. The present invention also includes a novel method of pouring concrete into a form to eliminate spillage. The method includes the steps of providing a concrete pouring device comprising a funnel component, an attachment component, and a concrete truck chute. The method also comprises positioning the concrete pouring device under the concrete truck chute. Further, the method comprises securing the concrete pouring device to the concrete truck chute. The method also comprises positioning the concrete pouring device and the concrete truck chute over the form. Finally, the method comprises allowing concrete to flow down the concrete truck chute, into the funnel component, and into the form.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the concrete pouring device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the concrete pouring device 100 is an improved concrete pouring device 100 that provides a user with a multipurpose and controllable device to accurately pour concrete 126 into a form 120. More particularly, a funnel component 102 is removably secured to a concrete chute 116 via an attachment component 104. The funnel component 102 comprises an aperture for directing the flow of concrete 126 to a desired location.

[0035] Further, the funnel component 102 of the concrete pouring device 100 is generally shaped like a triangular prism but can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art, as long as the funnel component 102 acts to dispense concrete 126 into a form 120, as needed. Specifically, the funnel component 102 comprises opposing side walls 106, a front surface 108, and a back surface 110. Further, the side walls 106 and front 108 and back 110 surfaces provide for a top aperture 112 and a bottom aperture 114. Specifically, the top aperture 112 and the bottom aperture 114 of the funnel component 102 are open, allowing access to an interior cavity 122.

[0036] Additionally, the back surface 110 has a cutout section, sized and shaped to allow for the concrete chute 116 of a conventional concrete truck 124 to be placed within. Typically, the cutout section has a half-moon or semicircle shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. Further, the side walls 106 and the front surface 108 slope toward the center of the funnel component 102, creating a funnel-type apparatus.

[0037] Generally, the concrete pouring device 100 comprises a funnel component 102 that allows concrete 126 to be poured into the top aperture 112 of the funnel component 102 and dispensed out through the bottom aperture 114 of the funnel component 102. The top aperture 112 of the funnel component 102 is of appropriate size and shape to secure to a conventional concrete chute 116 and allows all concrete 126 that flows from the concrete truck chute 116 to be collected into the funnel component 102. The bottom aperture 114 would be of appropriate size and shape to allow concrete 126 to flow or dispense into a form 120 or mold, without allowing concrete 126 to spill outside the form 120 or mold.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the side walls 106 contain the attachment components 104 that allow the concrete pouring device 100 to be removably attached to the chute 116 of a conventional concrete truck 124. Typically, a pair of attachment components 104 are utilized to secure the funnel component 102 to a conventional concrete truck 124, but any suitable number of attachment components 104 can be utilized as is known in the art. Typically, there is one attachment component 104 positioned on either side wall 106, near the top of the funnel component 104. The attachment component 104 secures to a concrete chute 116 of a conventional concrete truck 124. Specifically, the attachment components 104 secure to the rod-shaped handles 118 or other protrusions on either side of the concrete chute 116.

[0039] Further, the concrete pouring device 100 comprises attachment components 104 to allow the device to be removably attached to the concrete truck chute 116. Typically, the attachment component 104 is generally a hook-shaped member 128, but can be any suitable securing member as is known in the art. The hook-shaped member 128 is typically welded to the side walls 106 but can also be pinned or screwed in place, as well. Further, the attachment component 104 and hook-shaped member 128 are secured to the side walls 106 of the funnel component 104 and positioned, such that the hook-shaped member 128 opens downward. Additionally, there is at least one attachment component 104 but generally, there would be an attachment component 104 secured to each side wall 106 of the funnel component 102. The attachment component 104 would be positioned to protrude above the top of the funnel component 102, so it can be removably secured to the concrete truck chute 116.

[0040] Additionally, the concrete pouring device 100 comprises attachment components 104 that allow the device 100 to be removably attached to the concrete truck chute 116. Specifically, the attachment component 104 is hooked over the concrete truck chute handles 118 or other protrusions, with the top aperture 112 placed under the end of the concrete truck chute 116.

[0041] In one embodiment, the attachment component 104 is removably attached to the concrete chute 116 in a manner that can pivot. Further, by pivoting the funnel component 102, the bottom aperture 114 can be positioned in various locations along the form 120, in which the concrete 126 is poured. Thus, the pivoting funnel component 102 allows for more precision when dispensing the concrete 126 into the form 120.

[0042] In one embodiment, the concrete pouring device 100 can be shaped as a cylinder, instead of a triangular prism, with a larger top aperture 112 and a smaller bottom aperture 114. This may allow a more secure fit to the concrete chute 116 and may allow forms 120 to be filled quicker and more efficiently.

[0043] In another embodiment, the bottom aperture 114 of the funnel component 102 has a door 130 which slides or swings open and close, to open or close the bottom aperture 114 and allow for a more precise dispensing of concrete 126 into the forms 120. Thus, by controlling the size of the opening of the bottom aperture 114, the flow of concrete 126 can be faster or slower based on the needs of the application. Typically, the door 130 is the same shape as the bottom aperture 114 and has a lockable hinge on one side. The door 130 can be opened and locked in various open positions to control the flow of concrete 126, as needed.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, in use, the concrete pouring device 100 is assembled by assuring the attachment components 104 on the funnel component 102 match the coordinating features (i.e., handle 118) on the concrete chute 116. The concrete pouring device 100 is then positioned with the top aperture 112 facing upward and the attachment components 104 positioned on either side 106 of the concrete truck chute 116. The concrete pouring device 100 is then lifted, such that the attachment components 104 mate with handles 118 or features on the concrete truck chute 116. After being secured to the distal end of the concrete chute 116, the concrete truck chute 116 with the concrete pouring device 100 attached to it, is then positioned over the form 120, such that the concrete 126 can be precisely poured into the form 120. Once the concrete pouring device 100 is positioned over the form 120, the concrete truck 124 allows for the flow of concrete 126 down the concrete truck chute 116 and into the top aperture 112 of the funnel component 102. The concrete 126 flows into the top aperture 112 and passes out of the funnel component 102 through the bottom aperture 114 and into the form 120.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the concrete pouring device 100 is positioned at the distal end of the concrete truck chute 116 and then positioned over the form 120. The bottom aperture 114 is of appropriate size and shape to only allow concrete 126 to flow into the form 120 and not spill outside the form 120.

[0046] Further, the concrete pouring device 100 can be utilized with any suitable concrete truck chute 116 and forms 120 as is known in the art, including curb forms, footer forms, and cinder block openings, etc.

[0047] Additionally, the device 100 is made of a durable metal material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or steel, or any other suitable material as is known in the art.

[0048] In another embodiment, the concrete pouring device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The funnel component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the funnel component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be concrete, funnel, or brand related.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of pouring concrete into a form to eliminate spillage. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a concrete pouring device comprising a funnel component, an attachment component, and a concrete truck chute. The method also comprises at 602, positioning the concrete pouring device under the concrete truck chute. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the concrete pouring device to the concrete truck chute. The method also comprises at 606, positioning the concrete pouring device and the concrete truck chute over the form. Finally, the method comprises at 608, allowing concrete to flow down the concrete truck chute, into the funnel component, and into the form.

[0050] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein concrete pouring device, concrete device, pouring device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the concrete pouring device 100 of the present invention.

[0051] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the concrete pouring device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the concrete pouring device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the concrete pouring device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the concrete pouring device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the concrete pouring device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0052] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0053] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.