Funnel-Type Apparatus Removably Securable to a Concrete Chute

Abstract

A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through, and the aperture may be any shape or size. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation. The retainer element may be hingedly secured to the concrete chute allowing the retainer element to be adjusted such that it is substantially horizontal while pouring concrete, independent of the angle of the concrete chute. The funnel-type apparatus may be in communication with the concrete truck, thus allowing the rotation and adjustment of the funnel-type apparatus to be controlled by electronics, such that the operator may be located in the cab of the truck or other location.

1 . A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute, comprising:
 a retainer element having a sidewall and a receiving section for receipt of said concrete chute;   a funnel element having a downwardly sloping rigid base and forming an aperture through which concrete flows to a desired point;   wherein said retainer element is coupled to said funnel element.   
   
   
       2 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said retainer element is coupled to said funnel element to form a unitary funnel-type apparatus. 
   
   
       3 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said retainer element further comprises a gasket. 
   
   
       4 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupled to said funnel element. 
   
   
       5 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said retainer element further comprises a collar having a plurality of bearings rotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel element. 
   
   
       6 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel element. 
   
   
       7 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupled to said lip of said funnel element using a lever lock ring. 
   
   
       8 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said lever lock ring includes a plurality of bearings. 
   
   
       9 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said sidewall is generally U-shaped having a first terminal end and a second terminal end; wherein said first terminal end and said second terminal end of said U-shaped sidewall include a primary hinge hole to adjustably secure said funnel-type apparatus to said concrete chute. 
   
   
       10 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said first terminal end and said second terminal end of said U-shaped sidewall include a plurality of adjustment holes circumferentially spaced from said primary hinge hole; said adjustment holes capable of receipt of an alignment bolt allowing said funnel-type apparatus to be adjusted independent of the angle of said concrete chute. 
   
   
       11 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one handle. 
   
   
       12 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a remote operating mechanism allowing an operator to rotate or adjust said funnel-type apparatus from a cab of a mixer truck or other location. 
   
   
       13 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said funnel-type apparatus is constructed of a light-weight, non-reactive polymer, plastic or metal. 
   
   
       14 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said aperture formed in said base of said funnel element is adjustable to accurately control the flow of concrete. 
   
   
       15 . A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute, comprising:
 a retainer element having a substantially annular lower section, a sidewall and a receiving section for receipt of said concrete chute;   a substantially annular funnel element having a downwardly sloping base and forming an aperture through which concrete flows to a desired point;   wherein said lower section of said retainer element is coupled to said funnel element.   
   
   
       16 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said retainer element is coupled to said funnel element to form a unitary funnel-type apparatus. 
   
   
       17 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said lower section of said retainer element includes a gasket. 
   
   
       18 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupled to said funnel element. 
   
   
       19 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said retainer element further comprises a collar having a plurality of bearings rotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel element. 
   
   
       20 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel element using a lever lock ring having a plurality of bearings. 
   
   
       21 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said sidewall is generally U-shaped having a first terminal end and a second terminal end; said first terminal end and said second terminal end of said U-shaped sidewall having a primary hinge hole to adjustably secure said funnel-type apparatus to said concrete chute; said first terminal end and said second terminal end of said U-shaped sidewall having a plurality of adjustment holes circumferentially spaced from said primary hinge hole; and wherein said adjustment holes capable of receipt of an alignment bolt allowing said funnel-type apparatus to be adjusted independent of the angle of said concrete chute. 
   
   
       22 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising at least one handle. 
   
   
       23 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising a remote operating mechanism allowing an operator to rotate or adjust said funnel-type apparatus from a cab of a mixer truck or other location. 
   
   
       24 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said funnel-type apparatus is constructed of a light-weight, non-reactive polymer, plastic or metal. 
   
   
       25 . The funnel-type apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said aperture formed by said base of said funnel element is adjustable to accurately control the flow of concrete.