US20040105741A1 - Wet (plastic) and dry concrete reclamation/disposal device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device and method for residual concrete collection for disposal or reclamation of same, wherein a bag is formed, generally prismatic in structure, with a rectangular opening in the top. Suspension straps serve to attach the bag and support it below the outflow of concrete mixing or delivery equipment such that concrete and/or water will flow into the device, wherein water will subsequently pass therethrough. The device and collected concrete can then be moved and/or stored for disposal or reclamation of the concrete.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, Provisional Application No. 60/486,961, filed Jul. 14, 2003, entitled “Wet (Plastic) And Dry Concrete Reclamation/Disposal Device”.[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to concrete handling equipment, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for cleaning or purging of concrete mixing, holding and pumping equipment, and reclamation or disposal of the residual concrete and like materials obtained thereby.[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• There are various types of equipment that handle concrete at a job site. Among these are the mixer, typically a hopper with agitator, wherein concrete, grout and/or primers are kept fluid and then pumped or gravity-fed to the point-of-use or to other equipment that will be utilized to feed the concrete to the point-of-use. The hopper/agitator generally includes screws or blades to facilitate such fluidizing. Concrete ready mix trucks are another piece of equipment that handle the mixing and delivery of concrete, wherein the concrete is mixed with water through rotation of a barrel and internal blades or screws.[0003]
• Once mixed, concrete is generally delivered to the point-of-use. Delivery may be accomplished via the hopper or ready mix trucks as described above, or via the use of a conveyor or hose. Concrete delivered via flexible hoses or metal pipe from a pump located on a trailer or boom pump. Concrete may also be pumped to a deck placer, which has an extension boom and framework that can be transported to support locations within a building undergoing construction, for placement at a specific point on a roof or floor deck.[0004]
• Most concrete mixing and handling equipment require cleaning for purposes of maintaining useable life of the equipment and for removal of residual set and unset product. Set concrete will interfere with the operation of equipment and the delivery of the concrete product by restricting and impeding movement of the flowable concrete through the equipment. Thus, it is necessary to rinse unset concrete out of the equipment prior to the setting or hardening of the concrete because, once hardened or set, concrete is extremely difficult to remove.[0005]
• When rinsing the concrete out, an excess amount of water is typically used to carry out the residual concrete and leave the equipment clean. Since concrete mixing and applying equipment is located at a construction site, there is often little or no containment for materials that are discharged either deliberately through cleaning or through spillage. Thus, some means to provide for containment of the concrete and water while being mixed or during cleaning is critical. Once the concrete has been contained in a storage device, it will set and harden. Excess concrete can be reclaimed in this manner for disposal or recycling of its component materials.[0006]
• Additionally, due to environmental concerns, concrete can no longer be flushed out of ready mix trucks or pumps onto vacant land. The water used for cleaning concrete off tools and equipment may no longer run into storm sewer systems. The responsibility of cleanup and removal of this concrete falls on the ready mix supplier and/or the pump service company.[0007]
• In addition to cleaning, many concrete delivery methods require the priming of the system. In this operation, the interior walls of the hose or pipe must be coated with a substance that encourages the concrete to flow to the delivery point. A priming agent consists of grout (sand, cement and water), and/or a specialized lubricant. It is usually undesirable for this priming agent to be allowed to enter the concrete pour, as its characteristics differ from the concrete to be applied. This material requires a containment apparatus to collect it, as it comes out of the tip-hose prior to the onset of actual concrete pumping. Currently, this prime is collected in jury-rigged apparatus or forms made by each contractor.[0008]
• Although various devices and methods for disposal or recycling of residual concrete are known, all are disadvantageous when compared to the present invention.[0009]
• For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,805,535 to Van Weele teaches a method of forming a concrete post in a hole in the ground by placing a bag of water-permeable flexible material designed to block concrete and retain it in the bag. Such a method presents disadvantages, as the concrete remains in the ground and is not recycled.[0010]
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,978 to Danna, Jr. teaches a concrete mixer apparatus for separation and reclamation of gravel, stones, pebbles and the like, from the concrete mixer by suspending the residual concrete in an excess of water with settling of the adjunct materials. However, such a method is disadvantageous, as the aggregates only are reclaimed and the concrete is not, it is water intensive and must be located next to a large batch plant where ready mix trucks return the unused portion of the order.[0011]
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,671 to Borges, U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,439 to Arbore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,277 to Barry and U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,978 to Petrick et al. teach the use of screens or strainers to recover cement/concrete and/or aggregates left in concrete mixing and delivery trucks. However, due to the use of such screens to separate the solid materials, these methods are disadvantageous in that they require separate and additional apparatus for transportation of the concrete to be reclaimed or discarded.[0012]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,065 to Bell et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,468 to Kowalcyk teach a cleaning system for concrete mixing trucks, wherein the concrete is recycled on-board and, thus, the concrete trucks are highly specialized and disadvantageous in being unable to handle waste from other standard trucks used in the field.[0013]
• While some or all of the above-referenced patents may well be utilized for reclamation of residual concrete, they do not adequately provide an on-site containment vessel without requiring a large volume for storage of unfilled, heavy and overly complicated rigid vessels. Accordingly, a device and method of containment and reclamation of concrete and related materials is desirable.[0014]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention began out of a need for a device to contain and hold excess concrete, waste primers, and the like at construction job sites and to allow for the convenient disposal or reclamation of the materials so captured.[0015]
• The present invention is suitable for use as a container for the recovery, disposal, and reclamation of concrete, waste primers, and the like. The invention is a preferably box-shaped structure with suspension straps that can be attached to any of the various forms of construction equipment used in the mixing, application, or installation of concrete or other cementitious products.[0016]
• Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a method and apparatus for receipt and retention of waste concrete material at a construction site via lightweight and collapsible containers that do not take up a large volume.[0017]
• According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a bag constructed of woven polypropylene having a top opening for receipt of waste concrete therethrough.[0018]
• More specifically, the present invention is bag-like device that allows water to weep through its containment surface and, thus, reduce the weight of concrete material to be recycled. For those applications where all the material, including water, must be removed, the present invention utilizes a water impermeable bag or liner as an alternative. This is most typical when waste material occurs on a deck of a building, where water run-off would be unsuitable.[0019]
• The present invention relates to a device that could be used to collect the discharge of concrete, grout or primer from a concrete ready mix truck, a boom hose, a conveyor, a deck placer, a hopper, or the like. A further embodiment describes a bag that could serve as a containment area under a truck or other concrete applying or mixing apparatus.[0020]
• Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be utilized with a variety of concrete mixing and delivery apparatuses.[0021]
• A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it is easily transported, of low volume and weight, and is suitable for storage on a concrete delivery or mixing truck for use on an as-needed, on-demand basis.[0022]
• A feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can be used to contain concrete spills, along with hydraulic and oil spills from equipment, thus preventing environmental contamination.[0023]
• A further feature and advantage of the present invention is ease of manufacture and low cost of production.[0024]
• A feature and advantage of the present invention is that it is useful either for reclamation of concrete for recycling, or for convenient transport and disposal thereof.[0025]
• An additional feature and advantage of the present invention is that it is easily moved within, through and/or atop tall buildings during construction thereof.[0026]
• A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it easily accommodates uneven terrain and surfaces attendant construction sites.[0027]
• These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.[0028]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Having thus described the invention in general terms, the present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structures and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:[0029]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art device;[0030]
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;[0031]
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;[0032]
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown below a concrete remixing hopper and ready for installation thereon;[0033]
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting the device installed on a concrete remixing hopper;[0034]
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on the outlet of a hose from a boom truck;[0035]
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown installed on the chute of a ready mix truck;[0036]
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown forming a conical shape around a concrete discharge hose;[0037]
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention having reinforcing strips;[0038]
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;[0039]
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to an alternate embodiment depicted in place under a concrete mixing apparatus;[0040]
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and,[0041]
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a concrete reclaim and disposal device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention shown installed on the chute of a ready mix truck.[0042]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
• In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.[0043]
• The present invention is suitable for use as a concrete reclamation and disposal device and method at construction sites, wherein the device of the present invention can be easily transported due to its light weight and low collapsed volume.[0044]
• FIG. 1 shows[0045]prior art device10 utilized for containing residual concrete and concrete-like materials. Prior-art device10 is a heavy metal, fiberglass orwood shell50 having support hooks20a,20b,20cand20dfor lifting and moving. Prior-art device10 rests on ground G. Residual concrete is allowed to fall by gravity or pumping intobottom40 of prior-art device10. Concrete is retained bywalls30a,30b,30cand30d,whereinwalls30a,30b,30cand30dform a perimeter preventing leakage of concrete from prior-art device10. Upon completion of filling prior-art device10, it may be moved by heavy equipment to trucks that can then return it, along with the concrete within it, for disposal or recycling. Prior-art device10 is large, heavy and rigid, takes up substantial space within a delivery truck, and adds significantly to the weight to be transported to and from a construction site when utilized for reclamation of concrete.
• Referring now to FIG. 2,[0046]apparatus100 overcomes the disadvantages of previous equipment, such as, for exemplary purposes only, prior-art device10.Apparatus100 preferably has a prismatic shape preferably defined byfirst side180a,second side180b,third side180candfourth side180d,top120 and bottom110, which preferably rests on ground G. The respective heights offirst side180a,second side180b,third side180candfourth side180dare preferably less than or equal to their respective lengths.Opening130 is preferably centrally formed throughtop120 and preferably provides access to the interior ofapparatus100.Straps140a,140b,140cand140dare preferably attached atedges155a,155b,155cand155d,preferably formed betweensides180a,180b,180cand180d,such thatapparatus100 may preferably be suspended by attachment ofstraps140a,140b,140cand140dpreferably over posts or hooks located on equipment for mixing, re-mixing or delivery of concrete, or by extension straps located between the equipment and straps140.Apparatus100 is preferably constructed from woven polypropylene and/or any other suitable material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, polyolefins, nylon, and other polymers. In particular, the material chosen must preferably possess sufficient porosity to permit water seepage or weepage therethrough, yet preferably retain concrete pieces and/or particles within the bag. The material must be strong enough to prevent puncture and tearing, and must allow lifting and transport of the concrete-laden device.
• [0047]Apparatus100 overcomes the disadvantages of previous equipment, such as prior-art device10, by preferably being made of lightweight material and by preferably being collapsible.Apparatus100 preferably hasfirst side180a,second side180b,third side180candfourth side180d.First side180apreferably hastop edge150a,side edge155a,side edge155b,andbottom edge160a,whereintop edge150aandbottom edge160aare preferably of equal or greater dimension thanside edge155aandside edge155b.Second side180bpreferably hastop edge150b,side edge155b,side edge155c,andbottom edge160b,whereintop edge150bandbottom edge160bare preferably of equal or greater dimension thanside edge155bandside edge155c.Third side180cpreferably hastop edge150c,side edge155c,side edge155d,andbottom edge160c,whereintop edge150candbottom edge160care preferably of equal or greater dimension thanside edge155candside edge155d.Fourth side180dpreferably hastop edge150d,side edge155d,side edge155a,andbottom edge160d,whereintop edge150dandbottom edge160dare preferably of equal or greater dimension thanside edge155dand side edge155a.First side180ais preferably attached tosecond side180batedge155b.Second side180bis preferably attached tothird side180catedge155c.Third side180cis preferably attached tofourth side180datedge155d.Fourth side180dis preferably attached tofirst side180aatedge155a.
• Preferably located along[0048]periphery125 formed bysides180a,180b,180cand180dare preferablytop edges150a,150b,150cand150d,respectively, whereintop edges150a,150b,150cand150dpreferably comprise reinforcement strips151a,151b,151cand151d,respectively. Additionally, reinforcement strips190a,190b,190cand190d,are preferably located around theperiphery127 ofhole130.
• Preferably located within[0049]sides180a,180b,180cand180dofapparatus100 are correspondingfold lines170a,170b,170cand170d.Apparatus100 may preferably be collapsed by folding alonglines170a,170b,170cand170d,such thatlines170a,170b,170cand170dare folded in towards each other and firsttop edge150ais preferably brought into proximity to firstbottom edge160a,secondtop edge150bis preferably brought into proximity to secondbottom edge160b,thirdtop edge150cis preferably brought into proximity to thirdbottom edge160c,and fourthtop edge150dis preferably brought into proximity to fourthbottom edge160d.In such a fashion,apparatus100 is preferably in collapsed form and consumes very little space on, or folded and placed in the cab of, a transport vehicle. When it is desired to utilizeapparatus100,apparatus100 is opened and expanded. Upon attachingstraps140a,140b,140cand140dto equipment posts or hooks,apparatus100 can be raised to any desired height, but preferably is positioned such thatbottom110 is retained on ground G.
• Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment is shown. This alternative embodiment is substantially similar in construction and material choice to the embodiment of FIG. 2, except as provided herein.[0050]Apparatus100 has opening130 located in top120, such thatopening130 is located off-center withintop120. By positioning opening130 off-center,apparatus100 may now be suspended under mixing or delivery equipment having a spout or other opening located away from the central support, wherein the central support can still be provided toapparatus100 by suspension viastraps140a,140b,140cand140d.
• Referring now to FIG. 4, a hopper/agitator HM is shown, wherein[0051]apparatus100 is shown preparatory to installation while still in collapsed form onground G. Opening130 ofapparatus100 will preferably be installed either under clean-out CO or on outlet O of hopper/agitator HM, such that concrete emitting from outlet O or clean-out CO, after opening door D via handle L, will preferably fall intoopening130 and preferably be contained withinapparatus100.
• FIG. 5[0052]shows apparatus100 now raised, expanded and preferably installed under clean-out CO of hopper/agitator HM, after opening door D via handle L, whereinstraps140a,140b,140cand140dofapparatus100 are preferably attached over posts P of hopper/agitator HM in order to preferably suspendapparatus100 under hopper/agitator HM such that concrete, either residual or mixed with wash water, will preferably fall through outlet O and intoapparatus100 via opening130 intop120.
• [0053]Apparatus100 is preferably attached and held in place via support mounts175a,175b,175cand175d,wherein support mounts175a,175b,175cand175dpreferably includeloops177a,177b,177c(occluded in drawing) and177d,respectively formed therein. Support mounts175a,175b,175cand175dare preferably attached tostraps140a,140b,140cand140dofapparatus100, preferably via carabiners orclevises165a,165b,165cand165d,respectively, or the like. Having been so attached, support mounts175a,175b,175cand175dare then preferably installed over posts P of hopper/agitator HM preferably by slidingloops177a,177b,177c(occluded in drawing) and177dover posts P. In such a fashion,apparatus100 is preferably expanded and held in place below outlet O so that concrete and/or water will fall intoapparatus100 and be contained therein. Alternatively, loops177 may be attached directly to posts P via carabiners, clevises, or the like.
• FIG. 6[0054]shows apparatus100 preferably installed over the tip hose H of a boom pump truck BT, such that when residual concrete is pumped out of hose H, it preferably passes throughtube105 intoapparatus100, which is placed on ground G in a suitable location.Tube105 is held in place on tip hose H by removable fastening means107, such as, for exemplary purposes only, hook-and-loop fasteners.
• During the discharge of concrete into[0055]apparatus100, excess pressure will be vented throughholes108 intop120.Apparatus100 may be supported and/or transported by means ofstraps140a,140b,140cand140d.
• FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of[0056]apparatus100 installed under chute S of a ready mix truck RT, such that residual concrete material will fall intoapparatus100 via opening130 in top120, wherein opening130 is offset from the center of top120, and wherein chute S of ready mix truck RT is located to the side of the centerline of ready mix truck RT.Apparatus100 is secured under chute S of ready mix truck RT by use ofstraps140a,140b,140cand140d,whereinstraps140a,140b,140cand140dinclude carbiners195a,195b,195cand195dlocated thereon, and whereincarabiners195a,195b,195cand195dattach to hooks or rings K on spout S of ready mix truck RT.
• Referring now to FIG. 8A, in an alternate embodiment of[0057]apparatus100,tube105 ofapparatus100 exits top120 and can be conformed to generally fit over a hose H, while apparatus rests onground G. Tube105 may be secured by fastening means107, such as, for exemplary purposes only hook-and-loop fasteners.Straps140a,140b,140cand140dmay be used to supportapparatus100 and may be used for lifting for transport. During the discharge of concrete intoapparatus100, excess pressure will be vented throughholes108 intop120.
• In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, for use in locations having inadequate vertical space above[0058]apparatus100,tube105 ofapparatus100 exitsside180d,and can be conformed to generally fit over a hose H, while apparatus rests onground G. Tube105 may be secured by fastening means107, such as, for exemplary purposes only hook-and-loop fasteners.Straps140a,140b,140cand140dmay be used to supportapparatus100 and may be used for lifting for transport. During the discharge of concrete intoapparatus100, excess pressure will be vented throughholes108 intop120.
• Referring now to FIG. 9, in an alternate embodiment,[0059]apparatus100 has formed therein opening130 in top120, where reinforcingstrips310a,310b,310cand310dare located between thecorners192a,192b,192cand192dof top120 and thecorners193a,193b,193cand193dof opening130, so as to strengthen opening130 to permit retention of its shape once concrete has enteredapparatus100 and place tension onwalls180a,180b,180cand180dthereof. More specifically,corner192a is located at the juncture oftop edges150aand150bofsides180aand180b,respectively.Corner192bis located at the juncture oftop edges150band150cofsides180band180c,respectively.Corner192cis located at the juncture oftop edges150cand150dofsides180cand180d,respectively.Corner192dis located at the juncture oftop edges150dand150aofsides180dand180a,respectively.Corner193ais located at the juncture of reinforcingstrip190awith reinforcingstrip190b.Corner193bis located at the juncture of reinforcingstrip190band reinforcingstrip190c.Corner193cis located at the juncture of reinforcingstrip190cand reinforcingstrip190d.Corner193dis located at the juncture of reinforcingstrip190dand reinforcingstrip190a.
• While resting on ground G,[0060]apparatus100 may be held in place under a discharge clean-out or chute viabelts197a,197b,197cand197d.Belts197a,197b,197cand197dare attached to top120 ofapparatus100 atcorners193a,193b,193cand193d,respectively.Belts197a,197b,197cand197dpass throughretainers198a,198b,198cand198b,then throughstraps140a,140b,140cand140d.Belts197a,197b,197cand197dmay be secured viabelt loops199a,199b,199cand199bto attachment points on a suitable apparatus. Lifting ofapparatus100 may be accomplished by means ofstraps140a,140b,140cand140d.Alternatelyapparatus100 may be lifted by means ofattachment belts197a,197b,197cand197dviabelt loops199a,199b,199cand199d.
• As shown in FIG. 10, in an alternative embodiment,[0061]apparatus200 sits on ground G and includesside walls280a,280b,280cand280dformed therein.Side walls280a,280b,280cand280dform anupper enclosure250.Lower enclosure230 is formed bybase walls290a,290b,290c,290dand bottom210, whereinbase walls290a,290b,290cand290doflower enclosure230 preferably are double-walled and may be inflated with air. Following inflation,side walls280a,280b,280cand280dmay be manipulated to extend upward frombase walls290a,290b,290cand290d,thus forming an opencontainer having opening220 therein. In this fashion,base walls290a,290b,290cand290dserve to contain any residual concrete and/or water therein, whileside walls280a,280b,280cand280dhelp to contain the residual concrete and/or water by directing the residual concrete and/or water intobase walls290a,290b,290cand290d.Upon setting and/or hardening of the concrete,base walls290a,290b,290cand290dmay be deflated for further transportation.Apparatus200 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, woven or film polypropylene. In such an embodiment,apparatus200 is particularly suited for installation under vehicles or mixing/conveying apparatuses as is more fully described below, whereinapparatus200 provides containment for any spillage that might occur during normal operation.Apparatus200 may be suspended from a vehicle or mixing/conveying apparatus viastraps240a,240b,240cand240d,whereinstraps240a,240b,240cand240dare located at the tops of the junctures ofside walls280a,280b,280cand280d.
• [0062]Apparatus200 also may provideanti-sag webs260aand260b,whereinanti-sag webs260aand260bare attached tobase walls290aand290c.More specifically,anti-sag web260aattaches tobase wall290aatattachment point270aand tobase wall290catattachment point270d.Anti-sag web260battaches tobase wall290aatattachment point270band tobase wall290catattachment point270c.
• FIG. 11[0063]shows apparatus200 installed under hopper/agitator HM, or similar truck. Concrete that may spill from hopper/agitator or truck HM, or residual concrete that is removed from hopper/agitator or truck HM through clean-out CO, will be contained byapparatus200, thereby preventing environmental contamination.Apparatus200 is placed on ground G in the area where the hopper/agitator or truck HM will be stationed. The hopper/agitator or truck HM will then drive ontofloor212 ofapparatus200, such that the discharge area of hopper/agitator HM will be overapparatus200.Wall214 is then inflated to contain any material flow preventing it from exitingapparatus200. Upon completion of operations,wall214 may be partially deflated and hopper/agitator or truck HM may then drive away, leaving waste contained withinapparatus200.Straps240a,240b,240cand240d(occluded in drawing) may be used to transport apparatus once it is full and solidified, or otherwise no longer needed.
• Turning now to FIG. 12, an alternate embodiment of[0064]apparatus100 is shown, wherein top122 is open. This embodiment is suitable for areas needing a larger entrance for concrete discharge.
• FIG. 13 depicts an alternate embodiment of[0065]apparatus100 installed over chute S of a ready mix truck RT, such that residual concrete material will fall intoapparatus100 via opening130 in top120, whereintube105 is extends from the center of top120 and covers chute S, wherein chute S of ready mix truck RT discharges from rear of ready mix truck RT.Apparatus100 is secured over chute S of ready mix truck RT by fastening means107, such as, for exemplary purposes only, hook-and-loop fasteners. Apparatus may be transported via use ofstraps140a,140b,140cand140d.
• It is envisioned in an alternative embodiment that[0066]apparatus100,200 may be fabricated from any porous material that would permit water to seep or weep therethrough, yet be strong and puncture resistent enough to function for the uses and purposes provided herein.
• It is further envisioned in alternate embodiments that[0067]apparatus100,200 of the present invention may be made from a water impermeable material; or, may be lined, internally or externally, with a water impermeable material; or, may be chemically treated in order to obtain water impermeable characteristics. This would facilitate the capture of priming agent and the first concrete material to pass out of a pump in areas where it would be undesirable for liquid, including water, to exit the bag.
• In still further an alternate embodiment, it is envisioned that[0068]apparatus100 could be attached to a support frame, wherein the frame has attachment points forstraps140a,140b,140cand140dofapparatus100, and wherein the support frame is independent of any other equipment. In such fashion,apparatus100 would be expanded from its collapsed configuration and straps140a,140b,140cand140dwould be attached to the support frame, thereby retainingapparatus100 open and ready to receive discharge of concrete. The supporting frame could be made from any suitable structural material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, metal, plastic, or wood, and could further include webbing supports. Such an embodiment may have application, for example, when used as a bulk ready mix equipment clean-out receiving station, or the like.
• It is also conceived that in an alternate embodiment, straps[0069]140a,140b,140cand140dmay be bungee-type cords, springs, resilient rubber cords, or the like.
• It is further conceived that[0070]straps140a,140b,140cand140dcould be made of webbing material.
• It is still further conceived in an alternate embodiment that[0071]apparatus100 could be generally of round cross-section.
• It is still further conceived in an alternate embodiment that[0072]apparatus100 could be of any round-bottomed or generally circular shape, as in, for example, a parachute-like configuration.
• It is yet further contemplated in an alternate embodiment that[0073]apparatus100 could be of generally prismatic shape or of generally polygonal cross section.
• As has been described with regard to the various embodiments of FIGS.[0074]2-13, the present invention is suitable for use in collection of concrete. Accordingly, in use and operation, a source of concrete to be collected is provided. At least oneapparatus100,200 for containing concrete to be collected is attached to the source.Apparatus100,200 may be supported by the source of concrete to be collected, as by hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, clamps, or the like, or may otherwise be oriented under, proximate, or adjacent to the source of concrete to be collected. The concrete to be collected then is allowed or made to flow intoapparatus100,200 through an opening therewithin.
• Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawing Figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.[0075]

Claims (109)

What is claimed is:

1. A device for collection of concrete-like materials from a storage reservoir or material distribution means, said collection device comprising:

a collapsible container adapted to be received proximate the material reservoir or distribution means; and,

means adapted for at least partially supporting a portion of said container,

whereby said container may receive the materials therewithin.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said collapsible container further comprises:

four sides, top and bottom, wherein said four sides comprise length dimensions and height dimensions, and wherein said height dimensions are less than or equal to said length dimensions.

3. The device ofclaim 2, wherein said bottom comprises dimensions, and wherein said length dimensions of said four sides are equal to said dimensions of said bottom to which said sides are attached.

4. The device ofclaim 2, wherein said top is at least partially enclosed.

5. The device ofclaim 4, further comprising means for permitting entry of concrete-like materials into said collapsible container.

6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein said means for permitting entry is a substantially rectangular opening.

7. The device ofclaim 6, wherein said means for permitting entry is substantially centrally located within said top.

8. The device ofclaim 6, wherein said top has a center and wherein said means for permitting entry is located between said center of said top and one of said sides.

9. The device ofclaim 5, wherein said means for permitting entry is a tube.

10. The device ofclaim 9, wherein said tube is carried by said top.

11. The device ofclaim 9, wherein said tube is carried by one of said sides.

12. The device ofclaim 9, wherein said tube is substantially cylindrical.

13. The device ofclaim 4, wherein said collapsible container further comprises vents, whereby air can exit from said device.

14. The device ofclaim 2, wherein said top is substantially open.

15. The device ofclaim 2, wherein said top has a periphery.

16. The device ofclaim 15, further comprising reinforcements around said periphery of said top.

17. The device ofclaim 5, wherein said means for permitting entry has a periphery.

18. The device ofclaim 17, further comprising reinforcements around said periphery of said means for permitting entry.

19. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said means adapted for at least partially supporting a portion of said container comprises loop supports.

20. The device ofclaim 19, wherein said sides form junctions therebetween, and wherein said loop supports are carried by said junctions.

21. The device ofclaim 19, wherein said loop supports are constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, metal, reinforced fabric, and plastic.

22. The device ofclaim 21, wherein said means adapted for partially supporting comprises loop supports and reinforcement extensions, and wherein said reinforcement extensions pass through said loop supports.

23. The device ofclaim 22, wherein said reinforcement extensions further comprise support attachment means.

24. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said collapsible container further comprises a material that permits water to exit therefrom without permitting concrete particles to exit therefrom.

25. The device ofclaim 24, wherein said material comprises a polymer.

26. The device ofclaim 24, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins and nylon.

27. The device ofclaim 26, wherein said material comprises woven polypropylene.

28. The device ofclaim 19, further comprising extension straps attached to said loop supports.

29. The device ofclaim 28, wherein said extension straps comprise bungee cords.

30. The device ofclaim 28, further comprising means for affixing said extension straps to a support point.

31. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said collapsible container is of round cross-section.

32. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said collapsible container comprises any generally prismatic shape.

33. A device for collection of concrete-like materials from a storage reservoir or material distribution means, said collection device comprising:

a collapsible container adapted to be received proximate the material reservoir or distribution means; and,

means adapted for at least partially supporting a portion of said container by the material reservoir or distribution means.

34. The device ofclaim 33, wherein said collapsible container further comprises:

four sides, top and bottom, wherein said four sides comprise length dimensions and height dimensions, and

wherein said height dimensions are less than or equal to said length dimensions.

35. The device ofclaim 34, wherein said bottom comprises dimensions, and wherein said length dimensions of said four sides are equal to said dimensions of said bottom to which said sides are attached.

36. The device ofclaim 34, wherein said top is at least partially enclosed.

37. The device ofclaim 36, further comprising means for permitting entry of concrete-like materials into said collapsible container.

38. The device ofclaim 37, wherein said means for permitting entry is a substantially rectangular opening.

39. The device ofclaim 38, wherein said means for permitting entry is substantially centrally located within said top.

40. The device ofclaim 38, wherein said top has a center and wherein said means for permitting entry is located between said center of said top and one of said sides.

41. The device ofclaim 37, wherein said means for permitting entry is a tube.

42. The device ofclaim 41, wherein said tube is carried by said top.

43. The device ofclaim 41, wherein said tube is carried by one of said sides.

44. The device ofclaim 41, wherein said tube is substantially cylindrical.

45. The device ofclaim 36, wherein said collapsible container further comprises vents, whereby air can exit from said device.

46. The device ofclaim 34, wherein said top is substantially open.

47. The device ofclaim 34, wherein said top has a periphery.

48. The device ofclaim 47, further comprising reinforcements around said periphery of said top.

49. The device ofclaim 37, wherein said means for permitting entry has a periphery.

50. The device ofclaim 49, further comprising reinforcements around said periphery of said means for permitting entry.

51. The device ofclaim 33, wherein said means adapted for at least partially supporting a portion of said container comprises loop supports.

52. The device ofclaim 51, wherein said sides form junctions therebetween, and wherein said loop supports are carried by said junctions.

53. The device ofclaim 51, wherein said loop supports are constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, metal, reinforced fabric, and plastic.

54. The device ofclaim 53, wherein said means adapted for partially supporting comprises loop supports and reinforcement extensions, and wherein said reinforcement extensions pass through said loop supports.

55. The device ofclaim 54, wherein said reinforcement extensions further comprise support attachment means.

56. The device ofclaim 33, wherein said collapsible container further comprises a material that permits water to exit therefrom without permitting concrete particles to exit therefrom.

57. The device ofclaim 56, wherein said material comprises a polymer.

58. The device ofclaim 56, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins and nylon.

59. The device ofclaim 58, wherein said material comprises woven polypropylene.

60. The device ofclaim 51, further comprising extension straps attached to said loop supports.

61. The device ofclaim 60, wherein said extension straps comprise bungee cords.

62. The device ofclaim 60, further comprising means for affixing said extension straps to a support point.

63. The device ofclaim 33, wherein said collapsible container is generally of round cross-section.

64. The device ofclaim 33, wherein said collapsible container comprises any generally prismatic shape.

65. A device for collection of concrete-like materials from a storage reservoir or material distribution means, said collection device comprising:

a collapsible container adapted to be received proximate the material reservoir or distribution means; and,

means adapted for at least partially supporting an upper portion of said container for receipt of the materials therewithin.

66. The device ofclaim 65, wherein said collapsible container further comprises:

four sides, top and bottom, wherein said four sides comprise length dimensions and height dimensions, and

wherein said height dimensions are less than or equal to said length dimensions.

67. The device ofclaim 66, wherein said bottom comprises dimensions, and wherein said length dimensions of said four sides are equal to said dimensions of said bottom to which said sides are attached.

68. The device ofclaim 67, wherein said top is at least partially enclosed.

69. The device ofclaim 68 further comprising means for permitting entry of concrete-like materials into said collapsible container.

70. The device ofclaim 69, wherein said means for permitting entry is a substantially rectangular opening.

71. The device ofclaim 70, wherein said means for permitting entry is substantially centrally located within said top.

72. The device ofclaim 70, wherein said top has a center and wherein said means for permitting entry is located between said center of said top and one of said sides.

73. The device ofclaim 69, wherein said means for permitting entry is a tube.

74. The device ofclaim 73, wherein said tube is carried by said top.

75. The device ofclaim 73, wherein said tube is carried by one of said sides.

76. The device ofclaim 73, wherein said tube is substantially cylindrical.

77. The device ofclaim 68, wherein said collapsible container further comprises vents, whereby air can exit from said device.

78. The device ofclaim 66, wherein said top is substantially open.

79. The device ofclaim 66, wherein said top has a periphery.

80. The device ofclaim 79, further comprising reinforcements around said periphery of said top.

81. The device ofclaim 69, wherein said means for permitting entry has a periphery.

82. The device ofclaim 81, further comprising reinforcements around said periphery of said means for permitting entry.

83. The device ofclaim 65, wherein said means adapted for at least partially supporting a portion of said container comprises loop supports.

84. The device ofclaim 83, wherein said sides form junctions therebetween, and wherein said loop supports are carried by said junctions.

85. The device ofclaim 83, wherein said loop supports are constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, metal, reinforced fabric, and plastic.

86. The device ofclaim 85, wherein said means adapted for partially supporting comprises loop supports and reinforcement extensions, and wherein said reinforcement extensions pass through said loop supports.

87. The device ofclaim 86, wherein said reinforcement extensions further comprise support attachment means.

88. The device ofclaim 65, wherein said collapsible container further comprises a material that permits water to exit therefrom without permitting concrete particles to exit therefrom.

89. The device ofclaim 88, wherein said material comprises a polymer.

90. The device ofclaim 88, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins and nylon.

91. The device ofclaim 90, wherein said material comprises woven polypropylene.

92. The device ofclaim 83, further comprising extension straps attached to said loop supports.

93. The device ofclaim 92, wherein said extension straps comprise bungee cords.

94. The device ofclaim 92, further comprising means for affixing said extension straps to a support point.

95. The device ofclaim 65, wherein said collapsible container is generally round.

96. The device ofclaim 65, wherein said collapsible container comprises any generally prismatic shape.

97. A device for collection of concrete-like materials comprising:

bag section, having top, bottom and at least one side;

support loops; and

inflatable section carried by said at least one side proximate said bottom.

98. The device ofclaim 97, wherein said at least one side comprises four sides.

99. The device ofclaim 98, wherein said inflatable section further comprises tying supports, wherein said tying supports extend between at least two of said four sides.

100. The device ofclaim 97, wherein said at least one side is circular.

101. A method for collection of concrete-like materials comprising the steps of:

a. providing a source of concrete to be collected;

b. providing at least one collapsible container for containing concrete to be collected;

c. providing an opening in said at least one collapsible container to permit flow of concrete to be collected;

d. providing means for supporting said at least one collapsible container under the source of concrete to be collected;

e. expanding said at least one collapsible container;

f. at least partially supporting said at least one collapsible container from the source of concrete to be collected; and,

g. flowing the concrete to be collected into said at least one collapsible container through said opening.

102. The method ofclaim 101, further comprising the step, between steps f and g, of securing said at least one collapsible container via means for attachment to said source of concrete to be collected.

103. The method ofclaim 101, further comprising the step of:

allowing water to seep out of said container, whereby the concrete is dewatered and solidified.

104. The method ofclaim 101, further comprising the steps of:

h. removing said container; and

i. recycling contents of said container.

105. A method of collecting concrete-like materials comprising the steps of:

obtaining at least one collapsible container;

expanding said at least one collapsible container;

placing said at least one collapsible container to receive discharge from a concrete-like material source;

attaching at least one collapsible container to a support point; and

discharging concrete-like materials into said at least one collapsible container.

106. A method for collecting concrete-like materials comprising the steps of:

obtaining at least one collapsible container, wherein said collapsible container comprises at least one inflatable section;

placing said at least one collapsible container under a source of concrete-like material;

inflating said at least one inflatable section; and

discharging concrete-like material into said at least one collapsible container.

107. The method ofclaim 106, further comprising removing said source of concrete-like material.

108. A device for collection of concrete-like materials from a storage reservoir or material distribution means, said collection device comprising:

a water impermeable, collapsible container adapted to be received proximate the material reservoir or distribution means; and,

means adapted for at least partially supporting a portion of said container,

whereby said container may receive the materials therewithin.

109. The device ofclaim 108 wherein said water impermeable container comprises a liner.

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