Supporting rebar with interchangeable crowns

Abstract

A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar (“rebar”). Such a structure includes a rebar engaging portion, where the rebar engaging portion includes a receptacle. The receptacle includes a channel sized to receive the rebar, where the channel includes a first portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from a first end to a second end. The retaining features are disposed on the walls of the channel, where the sidewalls are configured to spread so that the rebar passes the retaining features and rests in the bar retaining portion as the rebar moves down the channel. Additionally, the support structure includes a support portion supporting the rebar engaging portion, where the support portion includes a plurality of legs which project outward from a central axis. In addition, the support structure includes a base configured to distribute weight of the support structure.

1 . A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar comprising:
 a reinforcing bar engaging portion, wherein said reinforcing bar engaging portion comprises a receptacle to receive said reinforcing bar, wherein said receptacle comprises a channel sized to receive said reinforcing bar, wherein said channel comprises a first portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from a first end to a second end, wherein retaining features are disposed on the walls of said channel, wherein said sidewalls are configured to spread so that said reinforcing bar passes said retaining features and rests in said bar retaining portion as said reinforcing bar moves down said channel;   a support portion supporting said reinforcing bar engaging portion, wherein said support portion comprises a plurality of legs which project outward from a central axis; and   a base configured to distribute weight of said support structure.   
     
     
         2 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of legs comprise feet on which said support portion rests. 
     
     
         3 . The support structure as recite din  claim 2 , wherein said base comprises foot receptacles to receive said feet. 
     
     
         4 . The support structure as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said foot receptacles are sized to form an interference fit with said feet to inhibit removal of said base. 
     
     
         5 . The support structure as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said foot receptacles and said feet comprise a snap-on fitting to inhibit removal of said base. 
     
     
         6 . The support structure as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said foot receptacles are shaped so that there are no gaps between the walls of said foot receptacles and said feet. 
     
     
         7 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of legs taper toward a respective foot to leave an area open thereby allowing concrete to flow beneath said plurality of legs and between each said respective foot. 
     
     
         8 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said base is ring shaped. 
     
     
         9 . A support structure for retaining a wire mesh comprising:
 a wire mesh engaging portion, wherein said wire mesh engaging portion comprises a receptacle to receive said wire mesh, wherein said receptacle comprises a channel sized to receive said wire mesh, wherein said channel comprises a first portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from a first end to a second end, wherein retaining features are disposed on the walls of said channel, wherein said sidewalls are configured to spread so that said wire mesh passes said retaining features and rests in said bar retaining portion as said wire mesh moves down said channel;   a support portion supporting said wire mesh engaging portion, wherein said support portion comprises a plurality of legs which project outward from a central axis; and   a base configured to distribute weight of said support structure.