Paperboard shell for supporting concrete reinforcement element during concrete pour

Abstract

A reinforcement support is provided for use in connection with concrete reinforcement elements and poured concrete. The reinforcement support includes a tubular paperboard shell having first and second ends with a channel extending therebetween. At least a first notch is formed into the first end extending towards the second end with the first notch being configured to supportingly accommodate at least one concrete reinforcement element.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reinforcement support for use in connection with concrete reinforcement elements and poured concrete, the reinforcement support comprising a tubular paperboard shell having first and second ends with a channel extending therebetween, the shell having a first notch formed into the first end extending towards the second end, the first notch being configured to supportingly accommodate at least one concrete reinforcement element. 
     
     
         2 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein a second notch being formed into the first end extending towards the second end, the second notch being configured to supportingly accommodate one concrete reinforcement element. 
     
     
         3 . The reinforcement support of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second notches being aligned along a common axis which extends across a portion of the channel. 
     
     
         4 . The reinforcement support of  claim 2 , wherein the shell having third and fourth notches formed into the first end extending towards the second end, the first, second, third and fourth notches being spaced apart approximately uniformly around the first end. 
     
     
         5 . The reinforcement support of clam  4 , wherein the alignment of the first and second notches being at approximately right angles to the alignment of the third and fourth notches. 
     
     
         6 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein the first notch has sides extending convergently away from a mouth at the first end. 
     
     
         7 . The reinforcement support of  claim 6 , wherein the mouth having a mouth width, the first notch extending a distance from the first end defining a notch depth. 
     
     
         8 . The reinforcement support of  claim 7 , wherein, the first notch has an aspect ratio where the notch depth is greater than the mouth width. 
     
     
         9 . The reinforcement support of  claim 7 , wherein the first notch has an aspect ratio where the notch depth is equal to or less than the mouth width. 
     
     
         10 . The reinforcement support of  claim 6 , wherein said sides extend to an enlarged opening. 
     
     
         11 . The reinforcement support of  claim 6 , wherein a generally straight end extends between said sides. 
     
     
         12 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein the first notch has an arcuate shape. 
     
     
         13 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein the first notch terminates at an arcuate end. 
     
     
         14 . The reinforcement of  claim 13 , wherein the first notch includes at least one side extending between the first end and the arcuate end. 
     
     
         15 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein the shell is polygonal in cross-section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shell. 
     
     
         16 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein the shell is generally circular in cross-section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shell. 
     
     
         17 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein, the shell having at least one vent hole extending therethrough so as to allow flow of concrete into the shell. 
     
     
         18 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the shell is of double thickness construction with overlapping material joined together. 
     
     
         19 . The reinforcement support of  claim 1 , wherein a second notch is formed into the second end extending towards the first end, the second notch being configured to supportingly accommodate at least one concrete reinforcement element. 
     
     
         20 . A method of reinforcing concrete, said method comprising:
 providing a tubular paperboard shell having first and second ends with at least one notch;   disposing said shell at a location where concrete is to be poured;   placing at least one concrete reinforcement element into engagement with said at least one notch; and,   pouring concrete about said shell and said engaged at least one concrete reinforcement element.   
     
     
         21 . The method of reinforcing concrete of  claim 20 , wherein the concrete reinforcement element is selected from the group consisting of wire mesh, rebar, cabling, electrical conduit, piping and tubing.