Lifting fixture for concrete structures

Abstract

A lifting fixture for a concrete structure having reinforcing wires embedded therein and an outer surface with a recess. The lifting fixture generally comprises an anchor having a first end adapted to be operatively coupled to the lifting hardware of a hoist and a second end configured to be securely embedded within the concrete structure. At least one clip member is coupled to the second end of the anchor for securing the lifting fixture to the reinforcing wires and positioning the first end of the anchor within the recess during the formation of the concrete structure.

1 . A lifting fixture for a concrete structure having reinforcing wires embedded therein and an outer surface with a recess, the lifting fixture comprising: 
 an anchor having a first end adapted to be operatively coupled to lifting hardware of a hoist and a second end configured to be securely embedded within the concrete structure, the first end having a strength sufficient to support the weight of the concrete structure; and    at least one clip member coupled to the anchor for securing the lifting fixture to a reinforcing wire and positioning said first end within the recess in the outer surface, said clip member including a first portion coupled to said anchor and a second portion adapted to be coupled to the reinforcing wire.    
     
     
         2 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover member releasably secured to said first end and covering at least a portion of said first end when secured thereto.  
     
     
         3 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , wherein each clip member comprises: 
 a body;    a first clasp positioned on said body and sized to operatively engage a first one of the reinforcing wires; and    a second clasp positioned on said body and sized to operatively engage a second one of the reinforcing wires, said second clasp spaced from said first clap a distance corresponding to a spacing of the reinforcing wires.    
     
     
         4 . The lifting fixture of  claim 3 , wherein said clip member is formed from a metal rod, said metal rod including bends defining said first and second clasps.  
     
     
         5 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , wherein said clip member is removably secured to said anchor.  
     
     
         6 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , wherein said clip member is welded to said anchor.  
     
     
         7 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , wherein said clip member further comprises a receiving member positioned on said body and includes opposing surfaces adapted to receive a portion of said anchor.  
     
     
         8 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , wherein said clip member is adjustably coupled to said anchor for selective positioning of said clip member relative to said first end of said anchor.  
     
     
         9 . The lifting fixture of  claim 1 , wherein said anchor has an apex at said first end and first and second legs extending downwardly on opposing sides of said apex to said second end.  
     
     
         10 . The lifting fixture of  claim 9 , wherein said clip member is configured to support said anchor such that said first and second legs intersect a plane containing at least some of the reinforcing wires.  
     
     
         11 . The lifting fixture if  claim 9 , wherein said clip member is configured to support said anchor such that said first and second legs are spaced a distance from the reinforcing wires.  
     
     
         12 . A concrete structure, comprising: 
 a concrete body having an outer surface with a recess formed therein;    a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing wires embedded within said concrete body; and    a lifting fixture for lifting the concrete structure, said lifting fixture comprising:    an anchor having a first end adapted to be operatively coupled to lifting hardware of a hoist and a second end securely embedded within said concrete body, and at least one clip member positioning said first end of said anchor within said recess, said clip member including a first portion operatively coupled to said anchor and a second portion operatively coupled to said reinforcing wire.    
     
     
         13 . The concrete structure of  claim 12 , further comprising a cover member releasably secured to said first end of said anchor and covering at least a portion of said first end when secured thereto.  
     
     
         14 . The concrete structure of  claim 12 , wherein each said clip member comprises: 
 a body;    a first clasp positioned on said body and sized to operatively engage a first one of said reinforcing wires; and    a second clasp positioned on said body and sized to operatively engage a second one of said reinforcing wires, said second clasp spaced from said first clap a distance corresponding to the spacing of said reinforcing wires.    
     
     
         15 . The concrete structure of  claim 14 , wherein said clip member is formed from a metal rod bent into the appropriate shape.  
     
     
         16 . The concrete structure of  claim 12 , wherein said clip member is removably secured to said anchor.  
     
     
         17 . The concrete structure of  claim 12 , wherein said clip member is welded to said anchor.  
     
     
         18 . The concrete structure of  claim 12 , wherein said clip member further comprises a receiving member positioned on said body and includes opposing surfaces adapted to receive a portion of said anchor.  
     
     
         19 . The concrete structure of  claim 18 , wherein said receiving member is adjustably coupled to said anchor for selective positioning of said clip member relative to said first end of said anchor.  
     
     
         20 . The concrete structure of  claim 12 , wherein said anchor has an apex at said first end and first and second legs extending downwardly on opposing sides of said apex to said second end.  
     
     
         21 . A method of forming a concrete structure in a mold, comprising: 
 securing at least one anchor to at least one reinforcing wire with at least one clip member;    positioning a removable cover over a first end of the anchor, the removable cover defining a recess to be formed in an outer surface of the formed concrete structure;    positioning the reinforcing wire in the mold; and    supplying concrete to the mold to form the concrete structure.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising: 
 separating the formed concrete structure from the mold; and    removing the removable cover to expose the recess in the outer surface of the formed concrete structure, the recess having the first end of the anchor positioned therein to facilitate lifting the concrete structure.