Anchor recess former

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention generally relates to anchor recess formers for concrete items. The present invention also relates to an anchor recess former for use in concrete items such as manholes. The present invention more specifically relates to anchor recess formers that provide for holding an anchor in a desired position during the formation of the concrete item. The present invention also more specifically relates to anchor recess formers that are simple to attach to the reinforcement bars used in concrete items such that after the concrete item cures, the anchor recess is properly positioned and the anchor is available for use.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor recess former of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

#With reference to the figures in which like numerals represent like elements throughout, embodiments of the present invention are shown. The figures and the following description are for a limited number of embodiments for ease of understanding. However, the invention is not limited to these illustrative embodiments.

#Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor recess former 10 of the present invention is shown. The anchor recess former 10 is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall 12 and a hollow interior 14. The anchor recess former 10 preferably comprises an upper section 16, a lower section 18, upper rebar braces 20A, 20B, lower rebar braces 22A, 22B, and anchor holes 24. Upper rebar braces 20 are attached to the outer curved rear surface 44 (see FIG. 3) of upper section 16 via upper brace supports 26, and lower rebar braces 22 are attached to the outer curved rear surface 46 (see FIG. 3) of lower section 18 via lower brace supports 28. Anchor holes 24 extend through the anchor recess former 10 providing for a passage from the hollow interior 14 to the outside. In this embodiment, upper section 16 and lower section 18 can be separate pieces separated by split 30, or can be a single hinged piece having at least one hinge (not shown) connecting upper section 16 and lower section 18 located along front edge 34 generally at approximately position H. As can be seen, front edge 34 is located along a contiguous portion of side walls of the outer forming wall 12 and the rear surface 44 wall. Optional faceplate attachment dimples 38 allow faceplate 40 (shown in later FIGs.) to be attached to the anchor recess former 10.

#Although the size of the anchor recess former 10 can be determined by those of skill in the art for various different uses, the preferred multi-use size is approximately 9.5″ high by approximately 3.0″ wide by approximately 3.5″ deep. A suitable size range is in the 6″ to 13″ high range by 1.5″ to 4.5″ wide range by 2″ to 5″ deep range. Other sizes can be suitable for specific uses and circumstances. The preferred anchor recess former 10 is constructed from a plastic or other polymer for ease of forming, light weight, and cost benefits, although other materials of construction are contemplated, such as metal, rubber, composites, carbon or graphite fiber materials, ceramics, and the like.