Molded Polymer Cap with Conformable Internal Structure

Abstract

A molded polymer cap generally including a hollow body defining a central channel, a closed cap end, an open receiving end, and a plurality of resilient internal fins. A first portion of each internal fin runs longitudinally down the body from the closed cap end toward the open receiving end, extending laterally inward from the body into the central channel, and deflecting toward the cap body to contact to the side surfaces of an inserted object. A second portion of each internal fin runs partially longitudinally and partially laterally down the body from the end of the first portion toward the receiving end of the device, extending laterally inward from the body into the central channel, and exposing a broad side of each fin to the advancing end of an inserted object. The first and second portions of each internal fin are connected to each other, so that a deflection will propagate ahead of the advancing end of an inserted object.

1 . A molded polymer cap for attachment to a reinforcing accessory support leg, the cap comprising:
 a hollow body defining a central channel;   a closed cap end;   an open receiving end; and   a plurality of resilient internal fins, wherein a first portion of each internal fin runs longitudinally down the body from the closed cap end toward the open receiving end, and a second portion of each internal fin runs partially longitudinally and partially laterally down the body from the end of the first portion toward the receiving end of the device.   
     
     
         2 . The molded polymer cap of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of each internal fin extends laterally inward from the body into the central channel and resiliently deflects toward the body, whereby the broad sides of the fins frictionally engage the side surfaces of an inserted object to retain the cap on the object. 
     
     
         3 . The molded polymer cap of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion of each internal fin extends laterally but not merely radially inward from the body into the central channel. 
     
     
         4 . The molded polymer cap of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of each internal fin extends laterally inward from the body into the central channel, exposing a broad side of each fin to the advancing end of an inserted object, whereby forward motion of the object deflects the fins toward the body for engagement with the side surfaces of the inserted object. 
     
     
         5 . The molded polymer cap of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of each internal fin is integrally connected to the second portion of the respective fin, whereby a deflection will propagate ahead of an advancing end of an inserted object and cause a deflection of the first portion of the internal fin. 
     
     
         6 . The molded polymer cover of  claim 1 , wherein the second portions of the internal fins have a helical configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The molded polymer cover of  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a frusto-conical entry adjacent the receiving end of the cap. 
     
     
         8 . A slab bolster for positioning steel reinforcing bars within a concrete mold, the slab bolster comprising:
 a bridge for supporting steel reinforcing bars;   at least one supporting leg for elevating the bridge above a surface, the leg including a surface engaging end; and   a molded polymer cap placed over the surface engaging end, the molded polymer cap further comprising:
 a hollow body defining a central channel; 
 a closed cap end; 
 an open receiving end; and 
 a plurality of resilient internal fins, wherein a first portion of each internal fin runs longitudinally down the body from the closed cap end toward the open receiving end, and a second portion of each internal fin runs partially longitudinally and partially laterally down the body from the end of the first portion toward the receiving end of the device, at least the first portion of each internal fin frictionally engaging the surface engaging end of the supporting leg. 
   
     
     
         9 . A rebar protective cap for placement over the end of a projecting portion of rebar, the cap comprising:
 a collar defining a central channel;   a protective cap end;   an open receiving end; and   a plurality of resilient internal fins, wherein a first portion of each internal fin runs longitudinally down the collar from the closed cap end toward the open receiving end, and a second portion of each internal fin runs partially longitudinally and partially laterally down the collar from the end of the first portion toward the receiving end of the device.   
     
     
         10 . The rebar protective cap of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion of each internal fin extends laterally inward from the collar into the central channel and resiliently deflects toward the collar, whereby the broad sides of the fins frictionally engage the side surfaces of inserted rebar to retain the cap on the end of the rebar. 
     
     
         11 . The rebar protective cap of  claim 10 , wherein the first portion of each internal fin extends laterally but not merely radially inward from the collar into the central channel. 
     
     
         12 . The rebar protective cap of  claim 9 , wherein the second portion of each internal fin extends laterally inward from the collar into the central channel, exposing a broad side of each fin to the advancing end of inserted rebar, whereby forward motion of the rebar deflects the fins toward the collar for engagement with the sides of the rebar. 
     
     
         13 . The rebar protective cap of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion of each internal fin is connected to the second portion of the respective fin, whereby a deflection will propagate ahead of inserted rebar and cause a deflection of the first portion of the internal fin. 
     
     
         14 . The rebar protective cap of  claim 9 , wherein the second portions of the internal fins have a helical configuration.