CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/492,510, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of concrete pouring devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a concrete pouring device for an accurate and efficient way to fill concrete forms. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in concrete pouring devices. Generally, when pouring a concrete curb, it can be difficult to keep the concrete from spilling over. Further, in order to keep the concrete within the curb wall, an additional person holding an object, such as plywood to guide the concrete, is needed.

Further, ordinary concrete chutes are often inconvenient and difficult to use, especially if the concrete is intended for deposit in a narrow or irregularly shaped form or in a form where the dimensions are exceptionally small. Typically, confined spaces include curb forms, footings, wall forms, masonry block cells, wall framings, casting molds, or other confined spaces. While these forms are very useful, they are difficult to make. The tight space confines in these and other closely confined areas, lead to great difficulties while pouring concrete.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved concrete pouring device that can be easily attached to any concrete truck chute to direct concrete accurately into a concrete form. More particularly, a concrete pouring device is needed that comprises a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute, which comprises a retainer element coupled to a funnel element having an aperture for directing the flow of concrete to a desired location.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a concrete pouring device having a funnel-type apparatus removably securable 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 securable to a concrete chute which avoids wasting material and assists in the directing of the material flow.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a concrete pouring device. The device is designed to assist users in pouring concrete in an efficient manner. The device is a funnel-type device (or triangular chute) that is removably secured to an existing concrete chute of a concrete truck, to accurately direct concrete to a form or mold. There is a spout on the bottom to direct the concrete and hooks are used to attach the device. Thus, the concrete pouring device can be attached to any type of concrete chute and can be controlled to focus the concrete flow into any application needed.

In this manner, the concrete pouring device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides an accurate and directional means to pour concrete into a form. The device is a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute comprising a hook element coupled to a funnel element and having an aperture or spout for directing the flow of concrete to a desired location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a 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 component is removably secured to a concrete chute via a retainer element, which is coupled to a funnel element having an aperture for directing the flow of concrete to a desired location.

In one embodiment, the concrete pouring device comprises a funnel component and an attachment component. In general, the concrete pouring device is generally shaped like a triangular prism but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. Specifically, the funnel component comprises opposing side walls, a front surface, and a back surface. Further, the top and bottom of the funnel component are open, allowing access to an interior cavity. The back surface of the funnel component has a cutout section, sized and shaped to allow for the concrete chute of a conventional concrete truck to be placed within. Further, the side walls and the front surface slope toward the center of the funnel component, creating a funnel-type apparatus.

In one embodiment, the side walls contain the attachment components that allow the concrete pouring device to be removably attached to the chute of a conventional concrete truck. Typically, a pair of attachment components are utilized to secure the funnel component to a conventional concrete truck, but any suitable number of attachment components can be utilized as is known in the art. Typically, there is one attachment component positioned on either side wall, near the top of the funnel component. The attachment component secures to a concrete chute of a conventional concrete truck. Specifically, the attachment components secure to the rod-shaped handles on either side of the concrete chute.

In one embodiment, the funnel component comprises a top aperture for accepting concrete and a bottom aperture for dispensing concrete. Specifically, the funnel component allows concrete to be poured into the top aperture and pass out through the bottom aperture. The top aperture of the funnel component is of appropriate size and shape to secure to a conventional concrete chute and allows all concrete that flows from the concrete truck chute to be collected into the funnel component. The bottom aperture would be of appropriate size and shape to allow concrete to flow or dispense into a form or mold, without allowing concrete to spill outside the form or mold.

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

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

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

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

In use, the concrete pouring device is assembled by assuring the attachment components on the funnel component match the coordinating features on the concrete chute. The concrete pouring device is then positioned with the top aperture facing upward and the attachment components positioned on either side of the concrete truck chute. The concrete pouring device is then lifted, such that the attachment components mate with handles or features on the concrete truck chute. The concrete truck chute with the concrete pouring device attached to it, is then positioned over the form, such that the concrete can be precisely poured into the form.

In one embodiment, the concrete pouring device can be utilized with any suitable concrete truck chute and forms as is known in the art, including curb forms, footer forms, and cinder block openings, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the concrete pouring device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, the method of pouring concrete into a form to eliminate spillage is disclosed. 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.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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;

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;

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;

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;

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.