BOLLARD HOLDER

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a device and associated method for aiding in supporting a bollard into concrete.

BACKGROUND

A construction contractor may have to spend a lot of time building supports or formwork to support one or more bollards before concrete can be poured to hold the bollards in place. If the supports/formwork is not good, the bollards can become out of plumb, causing an aesthetic issue. Time to build supports/formwork is extra labor cost for the contractor.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a bollard holder to be temporarily secured to a temporary concrete form for concrete and temporarily holding a bollard. With the bollard holder temporarily holding the bollard, concrete may be poured and finished to permanently hold the bollard. The bollard holder includes an encircling portion that encircles a portion of the bollard. The bollard holder includes at least one adjustable member located on the encircling portion. The adjustable member is movable relative to the encircling portion.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of temporarily holding a bollard relative to a temporary concrete form that is to receive concrete. With the bollard holder temporarily holding the bollard, concrete may be poured and finished to permanently hold the bollard. The method includes providing a bollard holder. The bollard holder includes an encircling portion, and at least one adjustable member located on the encircling portion. The method includes temporarily securing the bollard holder to the concrete form. The method includes encircling a portion of the bollard with the encircling portion. The method includes adjusting the at least one adjustable member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 is a first perspective illustration of an example removable, reusable bollard holder in accordance with at least an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a second perspective illustration, inverted of the bollard holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of another example removable, reusable bollard holder in accordance with at least an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a first sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a second sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of another example removable, reusable bollard holder in accordance with at least an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a first sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a second sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a plan view type picture of another example removable, reusable bollard holder in accordance with at least an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective picture of the bollard holder of FIG. 13 temporarily secured to a temporary framework for concrete and temporarily holding a bollard, such that concrete may be poured and finished to permanently hold the bollard.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective picture of the bollard holder of FIG. 13 showing details of the bollard holder temporarily secured to the framework and also showing spacing of portions of the bollard holder from a level of the framework to permit concrete finishing.

FIG. 16 is another enlarged perspective picture of the bollard holder of FIG. 13 showing details of the bollard holder temporarily secured to the framework and spacing to permit concrete finishing.

FIG. 17 is a perspective picture of four the bollard holders of FIG. 13 temporarily secured to a temporary framework for concrete and temporarily holding four bollards, such that concrete may be poured and finished to permanently hold the bollards, and also shows an example item that may be protected by the bollards once the bollards are permanently held when the concrete is sufficiently cured.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective picture of the bollard holders of FIG. 17 showing details of the bollard holders temporarily secured to the framework.

FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of another example removable, reusable bollard holder in accordance with at least an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a first sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a second sideview illustration of the bollard holder of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. This description is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion of known concepts. Details that are known generally to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may have been omitted, or may be handled in summary fashion.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosed subject matter. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, in the drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. The drawing sheets, and content contained thereon, are incorporated into this specification, and thus the patent application, by reference.

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, devices, components, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any illustrative embodiments set forth herein as examples. Rather, the embodiments are provided herein merely to be illustrative.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. may differ from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of temporarily holding a bollard relative to a temporary concrete form for concrete. With the bollard holder temporarily holding the bollard, concrete may be poured and finished to permanently hold the bollard. The method includes providing bollard holder. The bollard holder includes an encircling portion, and at least one adjustable member located on the encircling portion. The method includes temporarily securing the bollard holder to the concrete form. The method includes encircling a portion of the bollard with the encircling portion. The method includes adjusting the at least one adjustable member.

The present disclosure provides a reusable part designed to quickly mount to wooden edge frame or form work, or simply concrete forms, for concrete slabs. The part will securely hold the bollard plumb until concrete can be poured. This should greatly reduce the amount of labor needed to finish a concrete form, and will also assist in plumbing the bollards.

It is to be appreciated that the aspect of use with a bollard is to be broadly interpreted and the term “bollard” is to be broadly interpreted. It is contemplated that any member for which it is desired to be held while concreted is finished, set, etc. is to be considered a bollard. Some non-limiting examples may include poles or similar, light poles or similar, barriers or similar, projections or similar, etc. So, the term “bollard” is to be mean any member for which it is desired to be held while concreted is finished, set, etc.

The part is a single steel piece that is able to be screwed into wooden concrete forms, either in the corner of the form or along an edge. The part is able to receive a standard 6-inch bollard. The bollard is placed through the center of the part, and set screws in the part are tightened to keep the bollard tight and plumb in the part. A 4-inch bollard can also be used with this pail by simply using longer set screws to secure the smaller diameter bollard. Once all bollards are tightened, concrete can be poured. The part can be removed when the rest of the form work for the concrete is removed, and can be reused for future jobs.

Focusing now upon FIGS. 1-4, an example bollard holder 10 is shown. The bollard holder 10 is for holding a bollard (not shown in FIGS. 1-4) during construction in which the bollard is positioned and held into concrete (not shown in FIGS. 1-4). Once the concrete sets, the bollard holder 10 may be removed, leaving the bollard in place in the set concrete. Thus, the use of the bollard holder 10 is temporary. The bollard holder 10 may be reused to position and hold another bollard into other concrete.

Bollards are typically cylindrical. However, bollards need not be cylindrical and the example bollard holders presented within the present disclosure may accommodate bollards that are not cylindrical. Such accommodation may be via use/adjustment of the example bollard holders presented within the present disclosure or may be via modifications. Such is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The example bollard holder 10 of FIGS. 1-4 includes an encircling portion (e.g., a ring portion) 12. The encircling portion 12 has an inner diameter that is at least slightly greater than an outer diameter of the bollards for which the bollard holder 10 is to provide the positioning and holding into respective concrete.

The encircling portion 12 includes at least one threaded bore 14. The example of FIGS. 1-4 includes a threaded member (e.g., a bolt) 16 extending through each threaded bore 14. The example of FIGS. 1-4 includes two threaded bores 14 and two associated threaded members (e.g., bolts) 16. The two threaded bores 14 and two associated threaded members 16 are spaced from each other along a circumference of the encircling portion 12. In other words, the two threaded bores 14 and two associated threaded members 16 are spaced along an arc from each other. Within one example, the two threaded bores 14 and two associated threaded members 16 are spaced at an arc length of about 90° from each other. Of course, a different arc-length spacing is contemplated and is within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is contemplated that more than two threaded bores and associated threaded members may be provided. Such threaded bores and associated threaded members may be located at various arc length spacings.

Each threaded member 16 is rotatable to variably extend/retract an end or tip 22 of the threaded member relative to the inner diameter of the encircling portion 12. As such, each threaded member 16 is an example or type of adjustable member so as to be adjustable relative to the encircling portion 12. Such adjustment allows the end 22 of the threaded member 16 to engage against the bollard located within the bollard holder 10. The engagement by the threaded member 16 provides for holding of the bollard relative to the bollard holder 10. Also, the threaded member(s) 16 may be used to press upon and thus adjust the orientation (e.g., vertical tilt) of the associated bollard. Typically, it is desired that the bollard is adjusted to be vertical (e.g., no tilt). However, it is to be appreciated that the adjustment provided by each threaded member 16 may be used to achieve vertical or tilt as needed.

It is to be appreciated that, although threaded bore(s) and associated threaded member(s) are shown within the example of this disclosure, other adjustable members, mechanisms, structures, etc. are contemplated (e.g., ratcheting, telescoping, etc.). Such other adjustable members, mechanisms, structures, etc. are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Attached to the encircling portion 12, the example bollard holder 10 includes at least one arm 28. The shown example includes two arms 28. Within the shown example, the arms 28 extend from the encircling portion 12 at approximately a 90° angle relative to each other. In other words, the arms 28 are at an arc length of about 90° from each other. It is to be appreciated that a different number of arms and/or placement at different arc lengths are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Each arm 28 is for attachment to a concrete form (not shown in FIGS. 1-4) during the construction associated with setting the bollard into concrete. Such a concrete form is typically made of wood. Within the shown example, each arm 28 has at least one opening 32 through which a fastener (e.g., screw, lag bolt or similar, not shown in FIGS. 1-4) may extend and into the concrete form.

It is to be appreciated that once concrete is placed (e.g., poured) into the concrete form, the concrete is “worked,” which may include leveling, smoothing, troweling, etc. Such working is typically done with a top edge of the concrete form providing a leveling guide. In other words, the concrete is leveled, smoothed, etc. to be at the top edge of the concrete form. As such, the bollard holder 10 is constructed/configured such that the bollard holder does not become embedded into, stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets. Such aids in the removal and reuse of the bollard holder 10.

As an example of structures to help the bollard holder 10 from becoming embedded into or stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets, at least one arm 28 includes one or more extensions (e.g., fingers, feet, flange, etc.) 34 that extend to engage the concrete form while other portions (e.g., the encircling portion 12 and the remainder of the arm) of the bollard holder 10 are spaced away from the concrete (e.g., at an elevation above an uppermost surface of the concrete). Within the shown example, each arm 28 has two extensions 34 that engage the concrete form. With the remainder of bollard holder 10 spaced from the concrete, the concrete under such remainder of bollard holder may be accessed for working (e.g., smoothing) via use of a trowel or other concrete working tools. In particular, note that the arms 28 within the shown example each has a portion that is spaced, via the two extensions 34, away from the top of the concrete form and thus away from the concrete therein.

It is to be appreciated that within an example, the bollard holder 10 is made of metal (e.g., steel). However, other materials (e.g., fiberglass, plastic) for the bollard holder 10 are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

It is to be appreciated that various example embodiments of bollard holders in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. As such, the various example embodiments of bollard holders are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Focusing now upon FIGS. 5-8, another example bollard holder 110 is shown. The bollard holder 110 is for holding a bollard (not shown in FIGS. 5-8) during construction in which the bollard is positioned and held into concrete (not shown in FIGS. 5-8). Once the concrete sets, the bollard holder 110 may be removed, leaving the bollard in place in the set concrete. Thus, the use of the bollard holder 110 is temporary. The bollard holder 110 may be reused to position and hold another bollard is into other concrete.

The example bollard holder 110 of FIGS. 5-8 includes an encircling portion (e.g., a ring portion) 112. The encircling portion 112 provided as a generally flat ring, with the flat ring being generally in a plane that would be generally parallel to a surface of finished concrete. The encircling portion 112 has an inner diameter that is at least slightly greater than an outer diameter of the bollards for which the bollard holder 110 is to provide the positioning and holding into respective concrete.

The encircling portion 112 includes at least one tab 118 that extends generally perpendicular to the generally flat extent of the ring. Within the shown example, the encircling portion 112 includes three tabs 118. Each tab includes a threaded bore 114. A threaded member (e.g., a bolt, not shown in FIGS. 5-8) extends through each threaded bore 114. The three tabs 118 and associated threaded members are spaced from each other along a circumference of the encircling portion 112. In other words, the three tabs 118 and associated threaded members are spaced along an arc from each other. Within one example, the three tabs 118 and associated threaded members are spaced at an arc length of about 120° from each other. Of course, a different arc-length spacing is contemplated and is within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is contemplated that a different number (e.g., two or more than three), tabs 118, threaded bores 114 and associated threaded members may be provided. Such tabs 118, threaded bores 114 and associated threaded members may be located at various arc length spacings.

Each threaded member is rotatable to variably extend/retract an end or tip of the threaded member relative to the inner diameter of the encircling portion 112. As such, each threaded member is adjustable relative to the encircling portion 112. Such adjustment allows the end of the threaded member to engage against the bollard located within the bollard holder 110. The engagement by the threaded member provides for holding of the bollard relative to the bollard holder 110. Also, the threaded member(s) may be used to press upon and thus adjust the orientation (e.g., vertical tilt) of the associated bollard. Typically, it is desired that the bollard is adjusted to be vertical (e.g., no tilt). However, it is to be appreciated that the adjustment provided by each threaded member may be used to achieve vertical or tilt as needed.

It is to be appreciated that, although threaded bore(s) and associated threaded member(s) are presented within the example of this disclosure, other adjustable members, mechanisms, structures, etc. are contemplated. Such other adjustable members, mechanisms, structures, etc. are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Attached to the encircling portion 112, the example bollard holder 110 includes at least one arm 128. The shown example includes one arm 128. Within the shown example, the arm 128 primarily extends from the encircling portion 112 in generally the same plane. Also within the shown example, the arm 128 is relatively short but also relatively broad (e.g., approximately the width of the encircling portion 112). It is to be appreciated that a different number of arms and/or different configuration, size, etc. of the arm(s) are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The arm 128 is for attachment to a concrete form (not shown in FIGS. 5-8) during the construction associated with setting the bollard into concrete. Such a concrete form is typically made of wood. Within the shown example, the arm 128 has at least one opening 132 through which a fastener (e.g., screw, lag bolt or similar, not shown in FIGS. 5-8) may extend and into the concrete form. Within the shown example, two openings 132 are provided.

Within the shown example, the arm 128 includes extensions (e.g., fingers or feet) 134 that extend to engage the concrete form. One of the openings 132 is located at each of the extensions 134. Within the shown example, the arm 128 has two extensions 134 that engage the concrete form. It is to be appreciated that a difference number of extensions is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The bollard holder 110 is constructed/configured such that the bollard holder does not become embedded into, stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets. Such aids in the removal and reuse of the bollard holder 110. As an example of structures to help the bollard holder 110 from becoming embedded into or stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets, the arm 128 includes the extensions 134 that extend to engage the concrete form while other portions (e.g., the encircling portion 112 and the remainder of the arm) of the bollard holder 110 are spaced away from the concrete (e.g., at an elevation above an uppermost surface of the concrete). Within the shown example, each extension 134 has a portion that extends away from the general plane of the remainder of the arm 128 and the encircling portion 112 to provide such spacing. With the remainder of bollard holder 110 spaced from the concrete, the concrete under such remainder of bollard holder may be accessed for working (e.g., smoothing) via use of a trowel or other concrete working tools.

It is to be appreciated that within an example, the bollard holder 110 is made of metal (e.g., steel). However, other materials (e.g., fiberglass, plastic) for the bollard holder 110 are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Focusing now upon FIGS. 9-12, another example bollard holder 210 is shown. The bollard holder 210 is for holding a bollard (not shown in FIGS. 9-12) during construction in which the bollard is positioned and held into concrete (not shown in FIGS. 9-12). Once the concrete sets, the bollard holder 210 may be removed, leaving the bollard in place in the set concrete. Thus, the use of the bollard holder 210 is temporary. The bollard holder 210 may be reused to position and hold another bollard is into other concrete.

The example bollard holder 210 of FIGS. 9-12 includes an encircling portion (e.g., a ring portion) 212. The encircling portion 212 provided as a generally flat ring, with the flat ring being generally in a plane that would be generally parallel to a surface of finished concrete. The encircling portion 212 has an inner diameter that is at least slightly greater than an outer diameter of the bollards for which the bollard holder 210 is to provide the positioning and holding into respective concrete.

The encircling portion 212 includes at least one tab 218 that extends generally perpendicular to the generally flat extent of the ring. Within the shown example, the encircling portion 212 includes two tabs 218. Each tab includes a threaded bore 214. A threaded member (e.g., a bolt, not shown in FIGS. 9-12) extends through each threaded bore 214. The two tabs 218 and associated threaded members are spaced from each other along a circumference of the encircling portion 212. In other words, the two tabs 218 and associated threaded members are spaced along an arc from each other.

Within one example, the two tabs 218 and associated threaded members are spaced at an arc length of about 90° from each other. Of course, a different arc-length spacing is contemplated and is within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is contemplated that a different number of tabs 218 and threaded bores 214 and associated threaded members may be provided. Such tabs 218, threaded bores 214 and associated threaded members may be located at various arc length spacings.

Each threaded member is rotatable to variably extend/retract an end or tip of the threaded member relative to the inner diameter of the encircling portion 212. As such, each threaded member is adjustable relative to the encircling portion 212. Such adjustment allows the end of the threaded member to engage against the bollard located within the bollard holder 210. The engagement by the threaded member provides for holding of the bollard relative to the bollard holder 210. Also, the threaded member(s) may be used to press upon and thus adjust the orientation (e.g., vertical tilt) of the associated bollard. Typically, it is desired that the bollard is adjusted to be vertical (e.g., no tilt). However, it is to be appreciated that the adjustment provided by each threaded member may be used to achieve vertical or tilt as needed.

Within the shown example of FIGS. 9-12, the bollard holder 210 may include additional structure to help the bollard holder 210 hold and/or align the bollard. Within the shown example, such additional structure includes at least one bearing tab 236. Specifically, the shown example includes two bearing tabs 236. The held bollard may be pressed against such bearing tabs 236.

It is to be appreciated that the bearing tabs 236 may be placed at various locations about the encircling portion 212. It is to be appreciated that various combinations of locations and number of bearing tabs 236 are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Attached to the encircling portion 212, the example bollard holder 210 includes at least one arm 228. The shown example includes one arm 228. Within the shown example, the arm 228 primarily extends from the encircling portion 212 in generally the same plane. Also within the shown example, the arm 228 is relatively short but also relatively broad (e.g., approximately the width of the encircling portion 212). It is to be appreciated that a different number of arms and/or different configuration, size, etc. of the arm(s) are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The arm 228 is for attachment to a concrete form (not shown in FIGS. 9-12) during the construction associated with setting the bollard into concrete. Such a concrete form is typically made of wood. Within the shown example, the arm 228 has at least one opening 232 through which a fastener (e.g., screw, lag bolt or similar, not shown in FIGS. 9-12) may extend and into the concrete form. Within the shown example, two openings 232 are provided.

Within the shown example, the arm 228 includes extensions (e.g., fingers or feet) 234 that extend to engage the concrete form. One of the openings 232 is located at each of the extensions 234. Within the shown example, the arm 228 has two extensions 234 that engage the concrete form. It is to be appreciated that a difference number of extensions is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The bollard holder 210 is constructed/configured such that the bollard holder does not become embedded into, stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets. Such aids in the removal and reuse of the bollard holder 210. As an example of structures to help the bollard holder 210 from becoming embedded into or stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets, the arm 228 includes the extensions 234 that extend to engage the concrete form while other portions (e.g., the encircling portion 212 and the remainder of the arm) of the bollard holder 210 are spaced away from the concrete (e.g., at an elevation above an uppermost surface of the concrete). Within the shown example, each extension 234 has a portion that extends away from the general plane of the remainder of the arm 228 and the encircling portion 212 to provide such spacing. With the remainder of bollard holder 210 spaced from the concrete, the concrete under such remainder of bollard holder may be accessed for working (e.g., smoothing) via use of a trowel or other concrete working tools.

It is to be appreciated that within an example, the bollard holder 210 is made of metal (e.g., steel). However, other materials (e.g., fiberglass, plastic) for the bollard holder 210 are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Focusing now upon FIGS. 13, another example bollard holder 310 is shown. The bollard holder 310 is similar to the bollard holder 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4. One difference between the bollard holder 310 of FIG. 13 and the bollard holder 10 of FIGS. 1-4, is that the bollard holder 310 of FIG. 13 includes four threaded bores 314 and four associated threaded members (e.g., bolts) 316. Such again shows the aspect that variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Other structures may be generally similar and descriptions of such provided in connection with the bollard holder 10 of FIGS. 1-4 are applicable to the bollard holder 310 of FIGS. 13. For the bollard holder 310 of FIGS. 13, the structures that are generally similar to structures of the bollard holder 10 of FIGS. 1-4, the same two-digit reference numerals are used, but with an additional prefix digit of “3” added.

The four threaded bores 314 and two associated threaded members 316 are spaced from each other along a circumference of an encircling portion 312. In other words, the two threaded bores 314 and two associated threaded members 316 are spaced along an arc from each other. Within one example, the four threaded bores 314 and four associated threaded members 316 are spaced at an arc length of about 90° from each other. Of course, a different arc-length spacing is contemplated and is within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14-16 show the bollard holder 310 of FIG. 13 within an example use environment. Specifically, a concrete form 360 is placed about an area into which concrete is to be poured and eventually finished. The bollard holder 310 is secured (e.g., via fasteners, such as screws 362) to the concrete form 360.

The bollard holder 110 is for holding a bollard 370 during construction in which the bollard is positioned and held into concrete (concrete not shown in FIGS. 14-16) that is to be poured into the concrete form 360. Once the concrete sets, the bollard holder 310 may be removed, leaving the bollard 370 in place in the set concrete. The bollard holder 310 may be reused to position and hold another bollard is into other concrete.

It is to be appreciated that any number (e.g., four as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18) of bollards 370 may be positioned within a concrete pour area. As such any number (e.g., four as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18) of bollard holders 310 may be utilized. Each bollard holder 310 is respectively secured (e.g., via fasteners, such as screws 362) to the concrete form 360 at respective locations. All of the bollard holders 310 may be reused to position and hold other bollards is into other concrete.

Again, it is to be appreciated that various example embodiments of bollard holders in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure, such as shown within FIGS. 19-22.

Focusing now upon FIGS. 19-22, another example bollard holder 410 is shown. The bollard holder 110 is for holding a bollard (not shown in FIGS. 19-22) during construction in which the bollard is positioned and held into concrete (not shown in FIGS. 19-22). Once the concrete sets, the bollard holder 410 may be removed, leaving the bollard in place in the set concrete. Thus, the use of the bollard holder 410 is temporary. The bollard holder 410 may be reused to position and hold another bollard into other concrete.

The example bollard holder 410 of FIGS. 19-22 includes an encircling portion (e.g., a ring portion) 412. The encircling portion 412 provided as a generally flat ring, with the flat ring being generally in a plane that would be generally parallel to a surface of finished concrete. The encircling portion 412 has an inner diameter that is at least slightly greater than an outer diameter of the bollards for which the bollard holder 410 is to provide the positioning and holding into respective concrete.

The encircling portion 412 includes at least one tab 418 that extends generally perpendicular to the generally flat extent of the encircling portion 412. Within the shown example, the encircling portion 412 includes three tabs 418. Each tab includes a threaded bore 414. A threaded member (e.g., a bolt, not shown in FIGS. 19-22) extends through each threaded bore 414. The three tabs 418 and associated threaded members are spaced from each other along a circumference of the encircling portion 412. In other words, the three tabs 418 and associated threaded members are spaced along an arc from each other. Within one example, the three tabs 418 and associated threaded members are spaced at an arc length of about 120° from each other. Of course, a different arc-length spacing is contemplated and is within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is contemplated that a different number (e.g., two or more than three), tabs 418, threaded bores 414 and associated threaded members may be provided. Such tabs 418, threaded bores 414 and associated threaded members may be located at various arc length spacings.

Each threaded member is rotatable to variably extend/retract an end or tip of the threaded member relative to the inner diameter of the encircling portion 412. As such, each threaded member is adjustable relative to the encircling portion 412. Such adjustment allows the end of the threaded member to engage against the bollard located within the bollard holder 410. The engagement by the threaded member provides for holding of the bollard relative to the bollard holder 410. Also, the threaded member(s) may be used to press upon and thus adjust the orientation (e.g., vertical tilt) of the associated bollard. Typically, it is desired that the bollard is adjusted to be vertical (e.g., no tilt). However, it is to be appreciated that the adjustment provided by each threaded member may be used to achieve vertical or tilt as needed.

Attached to the encircling portion 412, the example bollard holder 410 includes at least one arm 428. The shown example includes one arm 428. Within the shown example, the arm 428 primarily extends from the encircling portion 412 in generally the same plane. Also within the shown example, the arm 428 is relatively short but also relatively broad (e.g., approximately the width of the encircling portion 412). It is to be appreciated that a different number of arms and/or different configuration, size, etc. of the arm(s) are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The arm 428 is for attachment to a concrete form (not shown in FIGS. 19-22) during the construction associated with setting the bollard into concrete. Such a concrete form is typically made of wood. Within the shown example, the arm 428 has at least one opening 432 through which a fastener (e.g., screw, lag bolt or similar, not shown in FIGS. 19-22) may extend and into the concrete form. Within the shown example, two openings 432 are provided.

Within the shown example, the arm 428 includes extensions (e.g., fingers or feet) 434 that extend to engage the concrete form. One of the openings 432 is located at each of the extensions 434. Within the shown example, the arm 428 has two extensions 434 that engage the concrete form. It is to be appreciated that a difference number of extensions is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Of course, it is contemplated that other structures, features, etc. may be provided regarding the bollard holder 410. Such are within the scope of the present disclosure. As some examples, the bollard holder 410 of FIGS. 19-22 includes notches 480 and an indicia provision area 482.

The bollard holder 410 is constructed/configured such that the bollard holder does not become embedded into, stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets. Such aids in the removal and reuse of the bollard holder 410. As an example of structures to help the bollard holder 410 from becoming embedded into or stuck to the concrete as the concrete sets, the arm 428 includes the extensions 434 that extend to engage the concrete form while other portions (e.g., the encircling portion 412 and the remainder of the arm) of the bollard holder 410 are spaced away from the concrete (e.g., at an elevation above an uppermost surface of the concrete). Within the shown example, each extension 434 has a portion that extends away from the general plane of the remainder of the arm 428 and the encircling portion 412 to provide such spacing. With the remainder of bollard holder 410 spaced from the concrete, the concrete under such remainder of bollard holder may be accessed for working (e.g., smoothing) via use of a trowel or other concrete working tools.

It should be appreciated that one or more bollard holder(s) in accordance with the present disclosure may be utilized within a method of temporarily holding a bollard relative to a temporary concrete form for concrete. With the bollard holder temporarily holding the bollard, concrete may be poured and finished to permanently hold the bollard. The method includes providing bollard holder. The bollard holder includes an encircling portion, and at least one adjustable member located on the encircling portion. The method includes temporarily securing the bollard holder to the concrete form. The method includes encircling a portion of the bollard with the encircling portion. The method includes adjusting the at least one adjustable member. The method associated with each bollard holder may be varied, including variations to the method that may be dependent upon different details associated with the different example bollard holders.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first location and a second location correspond to location A and location B or two different or two identical locations or the same location.

Moreover, “exemplary” and/or the like is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to “comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

BOLLARD HOLDER

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