U.S. patent application number 11/096336 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for architectural capital having an astragal formed thereon.
Invention is credited to Jason Christensen, Roland J. Christensen.
Application Number | 20060236649 11/096336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37185404 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060236649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Christensen; Jason ; et
al. |
October 26, 2006 |
Architectural capital having an astragal formed thereon
Abstract
An architectural capital has an astragal formed on the capital,
the capital configured for use in an architectural column.
Inventors: |
Christensen; Jason;
(Fayette, UT) ; Christensen; Roland J.; (Fayette,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER, FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
10653 SOUTH RIVER FRONT PARKWAY
SUITE 150
SOUTH JORDAN
UT
84095
US
|
Family ID: |
37185404 |
Appl. No.: |
11/096336 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/834 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 3/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/736.3 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/30 20060101
E04C003/30 |
Claims
1. A capital, comprising an astragal formed at a base of said
capital.
2. The capital of claim 1, further comprising: an abacus; an
echinus; and a neck; wherein said astragal is formed at a base of
said neck.
3. The capital of claim 1, comprising: a hollow opening in the
shape of a cross-section of a column body; said opening configured
to allow said column body to extend through said capital until a
top surface of said column body is flush with a top surface of said
capital.
4. The capital of claim 1, wherein said capital is configured to be
fastened to a column body.
5. The capital of claim 4, wherein said column body comprises a
filament-wound column body.
6. The capital of claim 4, wherein said column body comprises one
of a metal, a polymer, wood, concrete, stone, cement, or
fiberglass.
7. A column, comprising: a column body; and a capital having an
astragal formed on said capital.
8. The column of claim 7, wherein said column body comprises a
filament-wound column body.
9. The column of claim 7, wherein said column body comprises one of
a metal, a polymer, wood, concrete, stone, cement, or
fiberglass.
10. The column of claim 7, wherein said capital comprises: an
abacus; an echinus; and a neck; wherein said astragal is formed at
said neck.
11. The column of claim 7, further comprising one of a base, a
plinth or a combination thereof.
12. The column of claim 7, wherein said column body comprises a
plurality of filament-wound layers.
13. The column of claim 7, wherein said column body further
comprises a fiber-reinforced bonding agent.
14. The column of claim 7, wherein said column body comprises an
outer surface.
15. The column of claim 14, wherein said outer surface is
fluted.
16. The column of claim 7, wherein said astragal comprises one of a
bead motif or a bead-and-reel motif.
17. The column of claim 7, wherein said capital comprises: a hollow
opening corresponding to the shape of a cross-section of said
column body; said opening configured to allow said column body to
extend through said capital until a top surface of said column body
is flush with a top surface of said capital.
18. A method of making a capital, comprising: inserting a mold
material in a capital mold, said capital mold comprising an
astragal shape; and curing said mold material.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said mold material comprises a
thermoset polymer.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said capital mold further
comprises an abacus shape, an echinus shape, and a neck shape.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein said capital mold further
comprises: a hollow opening associated with a cross-section of said
column body; said opening configured to allow said column body to
extend through said capital until a top surface of said column body
is flush with a top surface of said capital.
22. A method of manufacturing a column, comprising: making a column
body; and forming a capital with an astragal formed on said
capital.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising fastening said
capital to said column-body.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein said column body comprises a
filament-wound column body.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein said column body comprises one
of a metal, a polymer, wood, concrete, stone, cement, or
fiberglass.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein said capital comprises one of
wood, metal, concrete, fiberglass, plaster, a polymer, or a
composite.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein said forming a capital
comprises inserting a mold material into a capital mold, said
capital mold including an astragal shape.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said mold material comprises a
thermoset polymer.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein said capital mold further
comprises an abacus shape, an echinus shape, and a neck shape.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein said capital mold further
comprises: a hollow opening associated with a cross-section of said
column body; said opening configured to allow said column body to
extend through said capital until a top surface of said column body
is flush with a top surface of said capital.
31. The method of claim 22, further comprising forming one of a
base or a plinth.
32. The method of claim 22, further comprising adding a surface to
said column body.
33. A method of stacking a plurality of columns, comprising:
forming a capital for each column of said plurality of columns;
forming a column body for each column of said plurality of columns;
forming an astragal on each capital; and stacking said column
bodies.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein each of said column bodies
comprises a filament-wound column body.
35. The method of claim 33, wherein each of said column bodies
comprise a taper forming a smaller top end and a larger bottom end;
wherein said column bodies are stacked by inserting a smaller top
end of a first column body in a larger bottom end of a second
column body.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Columns have long been used in architecture for structural
support, aesthetic qualities, and artistic purposes. A column body,
base, plinth and capital form a complete column. The capital, base
and plinth may be separately formed and assembled with the column
body during the work of erecting a building. The complete assembly
must be adequate to take the vertical load forces that may be
applied. The capital forms the crowning member of the column and
projects on each side as it rises to where its square top meets
with the building or other load. An astragal, a semicircular
molding surrounding the column body, is also used in the top
portion of columns to provide an aesthetically pleasing transition
from the column body to the capital.
[0002] Architecturally correct columns that include the
above-mentioned components take on a number of different forms.
Many columns are made from wood, steel, concrete, molded polymers,
or filament-wound composite structures. In these columns, the
astragal is either bonded directly onto the shaft or formed as part
of the column body, such as by a mold. Unfortunately, these
techniques do not allow columns to be efficiently stacked and/or
stored because the astragal forms part of the column. Further,
forming the astragal as part of the column adds extra operations in
the manufacturing process, requires more material and expensive
silicon molds, and increases the amount of laborers needed for
production.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one of many possible embodiments, an architectural
capital includes an astragal formed at a base of the capital. In
another embodiment, the capital is configured to be fastened to the
top of a column body.
[0004] A second exemplary embodiment provides a method of making an
architectural capital having an astragal formed on the capital.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present apparatus and methods and are a part of the
specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and
do not limit the scope of the apparatus and methods.
[0006] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view illustrating a capital
having an astragal formed thereon, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 1B is a top-view of a capital, according to one
exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 1C is a side elevation view illustrating a capital
having an astragal formed thereon, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating a column with a
capital having an astragal formed thereon, according to one
exemplary embodiment
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side-view illustrating a filament wound column
body, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top-view illustrating a cross-section of a
column body, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0012] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] An exemplary system and method for implementing an
architectural capital is disclosed herein. More specifically, a
capital is disclosed that includes an astragal formed as part of
the capital. Numerous specific details are set forth for purposes
of explanation and to provide a thorough understanding of the
present system and method for implementing the capital.
[0014] It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art,
that the present products and methods may be practiced without
these specific details. Reference in the specification to "one
embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance
of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, there is shown an exemplary
architectural capital (110) with an astragal (120) formed thereon.
The capital (110) can be of any design, but generally follows any
of the Greco-Roman architectural orders. The capital (110)
comprises a square abacus (160) at the top of the capital (110), an
echinus (170) underneath the abacus (160), a round neck (180)
underneath the echinus (170), and an astragal (120) encircling the
base of the neck (180). The echinus (170) provides a decorative
interface between the neck (180) and the abacus (160), and thus may
include any number of designs, shapes, or moldings desired.
Generally, the echinus (170) is convex, as in the Doric order;
concave, as in the bell of the Corinthian order; or bracketed out,
as in the Ionic order. The abacus (160) provides a decorative
interface with the building or other load directly above the
capital (110). The abacus (160) is generally square in shape,
having a width slightly larger than the diameter of the top of the
echinus (170), and it may also include moldings or other shapes and
designs as desired. The neck (180) is round and substantially
devoid of any taper. The astragal (120) is generally a small,
substantially semicircular molding encircling the capital (110) at
the base of the neck (180), and is often decorated with beads or a
bead-and-reel motif. Nevertheless, the astragal (120) may contain
any other decorative motif desired.
[0016] The present exemplary capital is a decorative piece
configured to be fastened to the top of a column body, as shown in
FIGS. 1B and 1C. The capital (110) includes a hollow opening (190)
in the shape of a cross-section of a column body (130) and
sufficiently large to allow the column body (130) to extend through
the capital (110) such that the top surface (135) of the column
body (130) is flush with the top surface (165) of the capital
(110). This allows any compressive load to be transferred and
substantially supported by the column body (130). The capital (110)
can be fastened to the column body (130) by any means known to
those of skill in the art, such as by an adhesive or mechanical
fastener. In one exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 1C, the column
body (130) is tapered at the top such that the capital (110) slides
over the column body (130) until the width of the column body (130)
prevents the capital from sliding down further.
[0017] The capital (110) is made by including the astragal on the
capital rather than as part of the column body (130). In one
embodiment the capital is made by including the shape of the
astragal in a capital mold. The capital mold is filled with a mold
material, such as polyurethane, polyester, fiberglass, concrete,
plaster, or other moldable material that cures into a stable shape.
After the mold material has cured, the mold is released, yielding a
capital having an astragal formed at the base of the neck. In
another embodiment, the capital is made by shaping the capital
material to include an astragal. The capital material may include,
but is not limited to, steel, aluminum and other metals; wood;
concrete; glass fiber reinforced concrete; glass fiber reinforced
gypsum; fiberglass; filament wound composites; marble, granite and
other cast and pre-cast stone; synthetic stone; marble/resin
composites and combinations thereof, or other materials known to
those of skill in the art.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exemplary
architecturally correct column (200) having a capital (210) with an
astragal (220) formed thereon. The column (200) includes a column
body (230) and a capital (210). The column (200) may also include a
base (240) and a plinth (250). The column body (230) provides axial
load bearing support for structures directly above the column
(200). While the present exemplary embodiment is described in the
context of an architecturally correct column, the present system
and method may be associated with a column having any number of
cross-sectional profiles.
[0019] According to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,
the column body (230) is a one-piece, unitary, elongate,
cylindrical member having an outer surface (232). Suitable
materials for the column body include steel, aluminum and other
metals; wood; polyurethane, polyester and other polymers; gypsum,
lime, Portland, plaster and other cements; concrete; glass fiber
reinforced concrete; glass fiber reinforced gypsum; fiberglass;
filament wound composites; marble, granite and other cast and
pre-cast stone; synthetic stone; marble/resin composites; and
combinations thereof. According to the present system and method,
the column body (230) may be tubular (having a lumen passing
therethrough) or substantially continuous.
[0020] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the column body (330)
is constructed of filament-wound composite material (310). The
composite material (310) generally comprises a fiber-reinforced
bonding agent. Composite materials offer the unique ability to mix
and match fibers and matrix materials to develop a new material
with new desired properties. The fiber of the composite material
(310) can comprise steel, aluminum, ceramics, carbon, graphite,
aramids, fiberglass or other fibers known to those of skill in the
art, or combinations thereof. The bonding agent of the composite
material (310) can comprise a resin matrix surrounding each fiber
strand. The resin matrix holds the structure together and allows
the fibers to be formed into various shapes. The matrix is
generally a polymer such as polyester, epoxy or vinyl ester, but it
could also be a metal or ceramic matrix. The matrix is also used to
transfer loads from one fiber to another. In one exemplary
embodiment, the composite material (310) comprises an
electrical-grade glass fiber impregnated with a polyester resin
system.
[0021] In another exemplary embodiment the column body (230) of
FIG. 2 includes a plurality of filament-wound layers to provide
increased strength and durability. Additional layers may use
different winding patterns having different fiber orientations,
different fibers, different bonding agents, or a combination
thereof. For example, FIG. 4 depicts the cross-sectional pattern of
a column body (430) having an inner circumferential layer (414)
followed by a series of internal, low angle or axial angle helical
layers (412), followed by an external circumferential layer (410).
The internal and external circumferential layers contain a low
angle helical layer that provides stiffness to resist or support
and axial compression.
[0022] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the
column body also includes an outer surface material (232). The
outer surface may be part of the column body, such as with stone or
wood column bodies. The outer surface may also comprise an
additional layer covering the column body (230), usually a filament
wound column body. Suitable surface materials include thermoset
polymers, fiberglass, a cement, plaster, synthetic wood, metals,
formica, fabrics and other surface coverings known to those of
skill in the art. Generally, the surface (232) may either be
smooth, as shown in FIG. 2, or fluted. The surface (232) is not
limited to these embodiments, but may contain any other design or
shape desirable. The column (200) may also be tapered, such as in
accordance with Greco-Roman architectural orders. The specific
proportions and degrees of taper may vary, depending on the style
of column (200) desired. In one exemplary embodiment, a lower third
of the column body (230) is characterized by an absence of
substantial taper, while the majority of the tapering occurs in the
upper half of the column body (230).
[0023] The column (200) may also include a base (240) and/or plinth
(250). The decorative base (240) the column (200) helps to define
the order or style of the column (200). The base (240), along with
the capital (210) and the column body (230), gives the column (200)
its own distinctive character. The base (240) is typically round
with various designs and moldings. The base (240) rests on the
plinth (250), generally a square or rectangular block or slab with
short legs (252). The plinth (250) provides an interface between
the base (240) and the ground or floor, and can be designed to
raise the column body (230) off the ground to allow air to
circulate in the interior of the column (200). The base (240) and
plinth (250) can be molded in one piece or may constitute separate
pieces, but generally are formed independent of the column body
(230).
[0024] According to one exemplary embodiment, the column (200) may
be made by forming and assembling the above-mentioned components of
the column (210). More specifically, according to one exemplary
embodiment, the column body (230) is made by first drawing a fiber
or bundle of fibers from a creel and directing it into a resin wet
dip or drum bath system where the fibers are impregnated with the
resin matrix. Upon exit from the resin bath system, the fibers are
wound by filament winding equipment onto a mandrel having desired
dimensions. Winding patterns that may be used include, but are not
limited to, hoop, helical and polar windings, or combinations
thereof. These windings can also be followed or preceded by
circumferential windings. After completion of the filament winding
process, the composite structure is then cured by removing it from
the filament-winding machine and placing into an oven while
remaining on the mandrel. After curing, the mandrel can be removed
from the filament-wound column body. The structure of the
filament-wound composite walls provides sufficient strength such
that no additional, reinforcing core material is needed, although
core material may be used if desired. The exterior surface of the
filament-wound column body is then finished or filled with a
decorative, paintable surface. When desired, the capital (210), a
base (240), and a plinth (250) may be fastened to the column body
(230) by any means known to those of skill in the art.
[0025] By forming the astragal as part of the capital, the neck
does not require a custom radius in order to fit the astragal, and
there is less neck build-up on the column. It also allows column
bodies to be stacked on each other since there is no astragal on
the column bodies that inhibits stacking. The column bodies can be
stacked when they each include a taper that forms a smaller top end
and a larger bottom end. These column bodies can be stacked by
inserting a smaller top end of a column body in a larger bottom end
of another column body.
[0026] The present exemplary apparatus and method form the astragal
as part of the capital rather than as part of the column body,
thereby providing several advantages. For example, the present
system and method expedite the column manufacturing process by
eliminating the extra step of making a separate astragal and
bonding it to the column body. Further, the present system and
method decrease the amount of materials and molds used in
formation, resulting in increased cost savings. The present
apparatus and method also use fewer laborers for the manufacturing
process.
[0027] The preceding description is presented only to illustrate
and describe embodiments of the present invention. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise
form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the
system and method be defined by the following claims.
* * * * *