U.S. patent application number 09/748689 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-20 for decorative post cover.
Invention is credited to Gifford, Thomas.
Application Number | 20010022056 09/748689 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26867592 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010022056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gifford, Thomas |
September 20, 2001 |
Decorative post cover
Abstract
A simple and cost-efficient decorative post covering. The
decorative post covering has two L-shaped members that are sized
and shaped to fit around a post. The decorative post cover includes
an attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second members
together and around the post. The attachment mechanism is formed
integral to the L-shaped members. The attachment mechanism includes
a lip end and a receiving end on each of the first and second
members. The lip end of the first member is connected to the
receiving end of the second member and the lip end of the second
member is connected to the receiving end of the first member. The
first and second members are identical and therefore
interchangeable. The first and second members have longitudinal
scalloped grooves molded therein to increased the rigidity of
members and give the appearance of a pillar or column.
Inventors: |
Gifford, Thomas; (Elkhart,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel Tychonievich
Baker & Daniels
Suite 250
205 West Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend
IN
46601
US
|
Family ID: |
26867592 |
Appl. No.: |
09/748689 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60171931 |
Dec 22, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/311.1 ;
52/311.2; 52/313; 52/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0733 20130101;
E04F 13/18 20130101; E04F 13/0736 20130101; E04F 2011/1897
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/311.1 ;
52/311.2; 52/313; 52/316 |
International
Class: |
E04F 013/00 |
Claims
1. A decorative post cover, comprising a pair of L-shaped members,
each member having first and second longitudinal edges and an
attachment mechanism located on each edge of the L-shaped members
for connecting the L-shaped members together and around a post.
2. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a lip formed on the first
longitudinal edge of one L-shaped member that fits into a mating
receiving end on the second longitudinal edge of the other L-shaped
member.
3. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
pair of L-shaped members are identical.
4. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
L-shaped members have scalloped grooves formed along the length of
said members.
5. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
attachment mechanism is formed integral to the L-Shaped
members.
6. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
lip includes an offset and a protrusion extending from said
offset.
7. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 6, wherein the
receiving end includes a U-shaped channel defined by an inner leg,
an outer leg and a base portion.
8. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 7, wherein said
receiving end includes a receiving protrusion, and the inner leg is
longer than the outer leg.
9. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 8, wherein said
receiving protrusion interlocks with said offset and said lip
protrusion.
10. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 9, wherein at
least one of either the lip protrusion or the receiving protrusion
have a bulbous shape.
11. A decorative post cover, comprising identical first and second
members, said first and second members shaped to fit completely
around a post, and an integral attachment mechanism for attaching
the first and second members together around the post.
12. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a lip and a receiving end formed on
opposite longitudinal edges of both the first and second members,
and wherein the lip of the first member is interconnected to the
receiving end of the second member, and the lip of the second
member is interconnected is connected to the receiving end of the
first member.
13. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 11, wherein
said first and second members have scalloped grooves formed along
the length of said members.
14. The decorative post cover, as set forth in claim 11, wherein
said first member and said second member have an L-shaped cross
section.
15. A decorative post cover, comprising a pair of identical members
for fitting around a post, each member having a first and second
longitudinal edge and an attachment mechanism having portions
located along each edge for connecting the members together and
around a post.
16. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 15, wherein the
attachment mechanism includes a lip formed on said first
longitudinal edge of one member that interlocks with a mating
receiving end on said second longitudinal edge of the other
member.
17. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 16, wherein the
members have scalloped grooves formed along the length of the
members.
18. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 16, wherein the
attachment mechanism is formed integral to the members.
19. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 16, wherein the
attachment mechanism includes a second lip formed on said first
longitudinal edge of said other member that interlocks with a
second mating receiving end on said second longitudinal edge of the
one member.
20. The decorative post cover as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said first and second lips include an offset and a protrusion from
said offset and said first and second receiving ends include a
U-shaped channel defined by inner and outer legs and a base, and
wherein one of said legs has a receiving protrusion that interlocks
with the protrusion on said lips.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a decorative cover for placing
around a post, and more specifically to a decorative cover
including two members with integral connections for connecting the
members around the post.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of Prior Art
[0004] In construction it is common to use pillars or columns,
which are typically either circular or square in cross section, to
support porch roofs and over hangs. It is also common to provide
ornate decorative features such as scalloped grooves running a
vertical length of the pillars. The materials commonly used to
manufacture columns and pillars include concrete, metal, or carved
wood. Although columns or pillars of this type, provide a sturdy
decorative appearance, they are expensive to purchase and may be
costly to maintain.
[0005] Simple wooden posts may be used as a less expensive, but
also less attractive, alternative to the pillars or columns
described above to support porches, overhangs, and other
projections extending from a building structure. Vertical posts are
also used to support wooden decks, as lamp posts and for playground
equipment among other things. Typically wooden posts have a square
cross section. The most common sizes of posts are four by four
(with actual size of 31/2".times.31/2") and six by six (with actual
size of 51/2".times.51/2").
[0006] Wood posts may be made from standard wood or, it is common
to use pressure treated wood in outdoor construction. Pressure
treated wood inhibits the decay and insect infestation that is
problematic when using standard non-treated wood outdoors. When
new, pressure treated wood has a greenish hue which fades to a dull
gray over time. Non-pressure treated wood also turns to a dull gray
when used outside without a surface finish.
[0007] To improve the appearance of both pressure treated and
non-pressure treated wood that has dulled and grayed, it may be
bleach washed, treated with water repellants, stained and/or
painted. These procedures require costly materials and extensive
labor and may have to be repeated in order to keep the desired
appearance of the wood. Furthermore, wooden posts, as with all
wood, pose the risk of splinters to those individuals coming in
contact with the surfaces.
[0008] It would be desirable therefore to have a decorative post
covering that could be placed around inexpensive wooden posts in
order to provide the appearance of expensive columns or pillars.
Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative post
covering that will maintain an attractive appearance without the
need for preservatives, staining, painting or other maintenance
procedures and that will prevent the risks of splinters from
contact with wooden posts. It is also an object of the invention to
provide a decorative post covering that can compliment or color
match the vinyl siding that is common on homes of new construction
or remodeled homes. A further object of the invention is to provide
a decorative post covering that can be easily assembled around an
existing installed post.
[0009] A further object of the invention is to accomplish the above
desired goals in a simple and cost-efficient manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The object of the invention has been accomplished by
providing a simple and cost-efficient decorative post covering. The
decorative post covering has two L-shaped members that are sized
and shaped to fit around a post. The decorative post cover includes
an integral attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second
members together and around the post.
[0011] It is a further feature of the invention to have the
attachment mechanism formed integral to the L-shaped members. The
attachment mechanism includes a lip end and a receiving end on each
of the first and second members. The lip end of the first member is
connected to the receiving end of the second member and the lip end
of the second member is connected to the receiving end of the first
member.
[0012] It is a further feature of the invention that the first and
second members are identical and therefore interchangeable. Lastly,
it is a feature of the invention that the first and second members
have longitudinal scallops molded therein to provide the appearance
of a pillar or column.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of L-shaped members
surrounding a post.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows an end view of one L-shaped member.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the lip end of the L-shaped
member.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the receiving end of the
L-shaped member.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an end view of two L-shaped members connected
together and around the post.
[0018] FIG. 5A is an end view of two L-shaped members connected
together around the post with reinforcing supports.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the lip end of one
L-shaped member connected to the receiving end of the other
L-shaped member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a pair of decorative cover members generally
indicated as 10, 10a connected to one another and surrounding a
wooden post 11. In the example in FIG. 1, post 11 protrudes
slightly from the end of the decorative cover members 10, 10a. This
protruding end may be covered by a decorative end trimming member
(not shown) or in the alternative decorative cover members 10, 10a
may be made or cut to the same length as post member 11.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the decorative
cover member 10 looking at said member from an end view, whereby
the longitudinal dimension of decorative cover member 10 extends
into the paper. Decorative cover member 10 includes a lip or male
end 12, which extends along a first longitudinal edge generally
indicated as 13; a receiving or female end 14, which extends along
a second longitudinal edge generally indicated as 15; and
decorative scallops 16. Lip 12 is formed on the first longitudinal
edge 13 and receiving end 14 is formed on the second longitudinal
edge 15.
[0022] In FIG. 2, decorative cover member 10 as shown from an end
view, forms an L shape. In the preferred embodiment, decorative
cover member 10 is manufactured by an extrusion process from a
plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene.
Accordingly, decorative element 10 can be extruded and cut in
lengths sufficient to cover the anticipated range of post
lengths.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, lip 12 includes an offset 20 that is
formed askew from a major plane 22 of decorative cover member 10.
Lip 12 also includes a bulbous lip protrusion 24 which is molded
into offset 20 and has a substantially circularly shaped cross
section.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows the enlarged detail of receiving end 14, which
includes a substantially U shaped channel 30, defined by an inner
leg 32, a base 33, and an outer leg 34. Base 33 is molded and
aligned with a second major plane 22a of decorative cover member
10. Inner leg 32 extends a greater distance from base 33 than does
outer leg 34. A receiving bulbous protrusion 36 is located on inner
leg 32 and has a substantially circular cross section, which serves
to reduce the opening of channel 30.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts an end view of decorative cover members 10
and 10a attached around a post 40 having a smaller cross section
than post 11. The lip end 12 of the first decorative cover member
10 is attached to the receiving end 14 of the second decorative
cover member 10a. Likewise, the receiving end of the first
decorative cover member 10 is attached to the lip end of the second
decorative cover member 10a. In this configuration, decorative
cover members 10 and 10a completely surround post 40 forming an air
gap 42. Air gap 42 is defined by the exterior surfaces 41 of post
40 and the interior surfaces 11 and 11a of decorative cover members
10 and 10a, respectively. In order to provide a firm backing for
decorative members 10 and 10a, wooden boards or other reinforcing
supports 44a-d can be attached to exterior surfaces 41 of post 40
as shown in FIG. 5A, thereby reducing or eliminating air gap 42.
Reinforcing supports 44a-d may run along the entire length of post
40 or said reinforcing supports may be fastened intermittently
along the length of post 40 such that spacing between said supports
is close enough to provide sufficient structural stability to cover
members 10, 10a.
[0026] An enlarged view of lip 12 attached in receiving end 14 is
shown in FIG. 6. As can be seen, lip 12 is firmly held within
receiving end 14 because the thickness of offset 20 combined with
the additional thickness of bulbous lip protrusion 24 on lip 12 is
greater than the opening in channel 30 between the upper end of
outer leg 34 and receiving bulbous protrusion 36, thereby creating
an interlock with lip 12 in channel 30. As can further be seen in
FIG. 6, lip 12 and receiving end 14 are sized such that lip
protrusion 24 and the free end of offset 20, which extends past lip
protrusion 24, are interposed between receiving protrusion 36 and
base 33 of channel 30.
[0027] Insertion of lip 12 into receiving end 14 is accomplished by
sliding the lips along the length thereof into the receiving
channels or by forcing offset 20 and lip protrusion 24 through the
opening in channel 30 towards base 33. The latter forcing method
would be required to install the cover members about a pre-existing
post which is pre-attached at both ends. The forcing method
requires that outer leg 34 and inner leg 32 of lip 14 must spread
apart far enough under the force of insertion such that offset 20
and lip protrusion 24 will fit through the opening between the
upper end of outer leg 34 and receiving protrusion 36. As such,
outer leg 34 and inner leg 32 must be flexible enough to spread
apart to permit entry of lip 12, but not so flexible that receiving
end 14 will not retain lip 12 in place. Also, the material used to
make the cover members must be resilient enough so that the
receiving channel returns to its original configuration when not
being forced apart. Lip 12 may be removed from receiving end 14 by
pulling lip 12 away from base 33 with enough force to spread outer
leg 34 and inner leg 32.
[0028] It should be appreciated that the L-shaped members would be
extruded into pre-selected lengths of material, wherein the closest
size to the job application would be used. A typical application
would be for covering post supports of a covered porch or the like
where the posts extend from a concrete floor or deck upward to
where they support the roof. The L-shaped members would be cut to
length if necessary and secured about the porch posts with the
method described above. If there is a gap between the post and the
L-shaped members, intermediate supports such as 2".times.4" boards,
could be added at various vertical intervals to fill the gap
between the cover members and posts.
[0029] It should be obvious to one skilled in the art that one of
the advantages of the preferred embodiment is that the proposed
invention can be carried out using a single extrusion mold design.
Decorative cover members 10 and 10a have an identical cross
sections and attachment is accomplished merely by aligning the
cover members so that the lip of one mates with the receiving end
of the other. It should also be noted that the invention may be
carried out using any attachment design that sufficiently holds the
mating ends of the decorative cover members together. Furthermore,
although the preferred embodiment utilizes two L-shaped decorative
cover members, it would also be possible to carry out the purpose
of the invention utilizing any other desirable shape or cross
section that can be matched with a similar member around the post.
For example, the decorative cover members could be molded in a
semi-circular shape having similar attachment means and decorative
scallops. When attached together it would give the post the
appearance of a circular column or pillar. Also, two C-shaped
decorative cover members may be used wherein the lips and receiving
ends may be mated centrally in opposing faces of cover members
instead of mating at the comers as do the L-shaped members. In
addition, one member may be U-shaped and the other a straight
length wherein the straight length would mate at the upper ends of
the U-shaped member. However, this design would require two
separate molds instead of a singular mold that can be used to make
the decorative cover members of the preferred embodiment.
[0030] Lastly, the decorative scallops could be changed to embody
any desired configuration. Or in the alternative decorative cover
members 10 could be flat without any scallops or any other
decorative features. It is also possible to mold the decorative
cover members in any desired color, for example to match or
compliment the color of the siding on a house.
[0031] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
used as the basis for designing of other structures, methods, and
systems will carry out the several purposes of the present
invention. Further, the abstract is neither intended to define the
invention of the application which is measured by the claims,
neither is it intended to limit the scope of the invention in any
way.
* * * * *