PROTECTIVE SLEEVE

Abstract

A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from structural concrete. The cover is in the shape of a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of the receiving bar extending from the structural concrete and having a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No 12/054,594 filed on Mar. 25, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention involves a cover and method for using it for encasing a threaded rod to protect the threaded rod from structural debris as it extends from structural concrete

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Virtually all structural concrete must include steel threaded rods which enhance the structural integrity of the concrete. In addition, it is routine to provide portions of such threaded rods extending beyond the structural concrete mass for a number of reasons including their use as anchors to affix the structural concrete to adjacent structural elements. For example, virtually all buildings begin with concrete foundations. Building codes, particularly in areas prone to earthquakes, require these foundations to be tied into the framework of the structure to prevent it from slipping from the foundation during tremors. As such, threaded rods are virtually always exposed at some point during the construction process.

In practice, it has oftentimes been found to be highly desirable to prevent debris, such as splashed concrete from fouling the grooves of exposed threaded rods as the threaded rods, as noted previously, are intended to tie into other structural members. When structural concrete is formed, the threaded rods are first applied within forms and the concrete then applied either directly from a concrete mixing vehicle or by shoveling the concrete from an intermediate container, such as a wheelbarrow In either instance, the concrete oftentimes splashes and sticks to surfaces proximate the pour. In anticipating this, workers oftentimes, in an attempt to protect the threaded rod surface will apply tape, such as duct tape to it only to be removed after the wet concrete has been applied to its frame or mold Although the application of tape is superior to leaving the threaded rod exposed to splashing concrete, it is oftentimes difficult to remove the tape as splashed concrete hardens about it. In addition, industrial tape, such as duct tape, can oftentimes not be removed without leaving behind a glue-residue which can be almost as unsatisfactory as the hardened concrete that the tape was intended to isolate from the threaded rod surface.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a means of protecting the threaded rod during the application of structural concrete and during construction when debris might otherwise foul it.

These and further objects will be more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from concrete. The cover comprises a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of the threaded rod from the structural concrete surface having a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the cover of the present invention positioned to fit over threaded rod emanating from structural concrete.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted previously, there is an issue involving exposed threaded rod emanating from structural concrete that must be dealt with in the field. Specifically, there is the need to protect the threaded rod from splashing concrete or other debris noting that the threaded rod will oftentimes be used as a tie down for adjacent framing and other structures.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 showing a segment of structural concrete 13 having threaded rod 12 emanate there from. Threaded rod 12 is encased by cylindrical cover 10 having a length l sufficient to fully encircle rod 12 throughout its entire length as measured from the surface of structural concrete 13. The cylindrical cover 10 is produced and made available on a work site in fairly long standard lengths.

In employing the present invention cylindrical covet 10 resides over exposed rod 12. No longer does one have to concern oneself with the rod being compromised by splashing concrete or other debris and nor does one have to wrap rod 12 with tape or other protecting membrane which is difficult not only to apply but to remove. Also no longer does one have to apply a protective cap atop the threaded rod as is current standard practice, leaving the rod sides unprotected. One would merely slide cover 10 over threaded rod 12. Once the concrete is poured cover 10 would simply be withdrawn from threaded rod and inventoried for later use.

The cover is made of plastic and, as a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical body can be color coded to represent differing dimensions. Thus, those in the field could readily identify standard dimensions from a parts bin without the need to measure each cylinder prior to its use.

Claims

1. A cover for encasing a threaded rod extending from structural concrete, said cover comprising a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of said threaded rod extending from said structural concrete and a diameter larger than that of said threaded rod.

2. In combination, a threaded rod and cover for encasing it extending from structural concrete, said cover comprising a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of said threaded rod extending from said structural concrete.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical body is color coded representing differing dimensions.

4. A method of protecting threaded rods from structural concrete comprising applying said threaded rods to and within forms, applying a cover to the full length of said threaded rods that will extend above said structural concrete after being applied to said forms and applying said structural concrete to said forms.

5. In a method of protecting the threads of rods, said rods being contained within and extending from structural concrete, the method comprising applying said rods within frames and subsequently pouring structural concrete to said frames to partially embed said rods therein while exposing at least a threaded length of said rods, the improvement comprising applying covers to the full length of said rods anticipated to extend above said structural concrete once poured, said covers characterized as each having a cylindrical body and a diameter larger than that of the threaded rods, and subsequently pouring said structural concrete within said frames.