Patent Grant
12320138
The parent disclosure provides protection to yard implements exposed to string trimmers, such as downspouts and junctions connected to roof gutter systems used for capture and control of roof diverted storm water. The present disclosure provides protection to a mailbox post in a manner that provides a continuity of appearance with the disclosed protection for downspouts and storm water junctions.
Residential and commercial buildings utilize a variety of gutter and downspout systems for collection of water and control of storm water flow. Failing to properly control storm water impacting the roof of a residential or commercial building can have a critically negative effect on the stability of the foundation supporting the residence or building.
During a storm, an effective gutter system will channel water flow from the roof, through downspouts for redirection to appropriate areas away from the home or building. Without an effective gutter system, storm water may pool non-uniformly around the building and destabilize the soil and therefore the foundation.
Gutter systems are critical where the ground slopes towards the building or home. In addition to maintaining a uniform moisture of the soil around a building's foundation, a good gutter system will prevent water stains on walls.
A residence or building without gutters also results in uneven flow of water from the roof to areas of normal human or vehicle access. Controlling the distribution of storm water also permits collection and reuse of the storm water.
Additionally, roof water that is not collected in a gutter system may drip and coalesce onto the soffit portion of the building, soaking it to the point of the development of mold and premature decay.
A functioning gutter system will do more than protect the residential or commercial building. The gutter system will also preserve the landscaping. Without properly functioning gutters and downspouts to control runoff, storm water will cut pathways through yards and neighboring yards, creating ditches, killing lawns, flowers and vegetation, and pooling in low lying areas, killing lawns and rotting and destabilizing fences, and destabilizing driveways and sidewalks.
When it rains, storm water flows down the slope of the roof to the gutters. As the water begins to pool, it travels through the gutter system to the downspout. Downspouts carry water from the gutters to the base of the house or building. At the base of the house or building, the storm water is diverted to protect basements and foundations from flooding and further water damage.
Gutter systems are believed to have been known since 1500 BC. During the Norman Empire's rule between the 10th and 13th centuries, gutter systems were integrated into the architecture of buildings. Many of these structures included roofs with parapets and gargoyles that allowed the water to flow out of the mouth of the gargoyle.
During the reign of Henry VIII, gutters were popularized in England and made from lead, much of which had been confiscated from the church. Cast iron gutters became popular in the 1700s. When the Industrial Revolution began, gutters started being mass produced. Gutters were also made from wood in a V shape and attached to buildings and homes. These gutters were often lined with zinc.
In the 1900s, gutters were made of steel which became popular due to its resistance to rot. The advent of the Second World War and the shortage of steel gave rise to the use of aluminum as the most common gutter material because of its lightweight and excellent strength. Also, during the 1900s, manufacturers began developing plastic materials for use in association with water systems including sprinkler systems and gutters. The 1960s saw the introduction of seamless gutters which became the standard by the 1980s.
Around the same time (1970s), George Ballas of Houston, TX, invented the Weed Eater® which was soon followed by competing models known generically as string trimmers. Early models were frustrating to use, but development continued and within the next two decades, string trimmers became a stable of lawn service.
String trimmer technology was favored in part for safety reasons to replace the rotating steel blade of an edger. The string trimmer could be operated close to the base of the house without sending sparks or chipping concrete or chipping the blade and risking injury to the operator.
The confluence of the development and popularization of string trimmers, with the half century old technology of aluminum gutters and downspouts and plastic and PVC draining technology, has led to the need for the present invention.
As has been seen most clearly over the past two decades, string trimmers are not as dangerous as the rotating steel blade of an edger, but they are persistent and effective in eventually wearing materials down, especially objects made of plastic, aluminum, or wood. Millions of fences, mailboxes, and rain gutters have met a torturous and slow destruction by the weekly beating of a string trimmer. Though more resistant to degradation than wood, aluminum downspouts and their PVC drainage connectors are not compatible with string trimmers.
A first disadvantage is that aluminum downspouts and PVC connectors are geometrically dissimilar and aesthetically displeasing. The most common gutter styles used on residential homes are K-style and half round gutters. A standard gutter size is five inches. The most common seamless gutter downspouts are two and one-half inches by three inches and three inches by four inches. The downspouts commonly require connection to an underground drain. The underground drains may also be different sizes including most commonly four-inch and five-inch diameters. Since downspouts are most commonly rectangular, and drainage pipes inevitably cylindrical, a PVC downspout adapter is required to allow water to flow from the downspout into the drainage pipe.
A primary disadvantage of the conventional residence and commercial building drainage technology is that aluminum downspouts are highly susceptible to damage by string trimmers, leaving them aesthetically offensive and potentially inoperable. PVC downspout adapters are also susceptible to damage. Damage to both normally requires the services of separate contractors to remove and replace the adapter and downspout.
A second disadvantage of the current state of roof drainage technology is that drainage systems normally require PVC downspout adapters between rectilinear aluminum downspouts to cylindrical drainpipes. The downspout adapters themselves are transitions having two components of geometry that are dissimilar in appearance to the rectilinear aluminum downspout that is most commonly used.
Another disadvantage of the current state of technology is that the downspout adapters are normally located at ground level, but are inevitably unevenly located above the ground, often varying randomly from semi-subsurface to flush to the ground to noticeably above the ground atop a cylindrical drainpipe.
Even when located near to the ground, there is most often a difference in the height of the downspout adapter's mounting as viewed from the curb of a residence or commercial building. This provides a very uneven appearance and degrades the curb appeal of the residence or building.
There is a need for a solution to this problem that is aesthetically pleasing, universally applicable to the union of the rectangular downspout and odd shaped downspout adapters, and wear resistant to the abuse of string trimmers by commercial gardeners.
The following paragraphs relate to the Background of the disclosure new to this application.
Mailbox posts are conventionally made of wood. They are similarly defenseless to destruction by string trimmers. If left unprotected, the damage will eventually require removal and replacement of the mailbox post, which is a very significant and expensive undertaking for a homeowner depending on the depth to which the post was buried and the amount of concrete around it. Removal is made more difficult by the loss of the upper section of the post, which could be used as leverage when removing the subterranean section of the post.
Conventional mailbox post protectors are simple metal boxes or metal wrappings bolted together on the exterior. A disadvantage to these designs is that they require the use of a fastener that is exposed to the elements and subject to corrosion. Another disadvantage to these designs is that they require the use of tools to install.
Another disadvantage to these designs is that there is a risk of inconvenient loss of the fastener needed to secure the device to the post in the landscape covering around the post during installation. Another disadvantage to these designs is that they do not provide a universal common and modern appearance to the other landscaping elements. A more significant disadvantage to these designs is that they are aesthetically unattractive.
As used herein, the terms “substantial” and “substantially” mean mostly.
An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a means and device that solves the above-described problems with conventional intersections of thin metal and plastic downspouts with PVC downspout adapters.
A particular advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device that protects both downspouts and downspout adapters from damage by engagement from string trimmers.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device that is adaptable to existing conventional intersections of downspouts and PVC downspout adapters, with allowance for a range of heights of installation of adapters.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide two internal chambers, including one for the larger transition adapters and a second that converges to the downspout to prevent intrusion of exterior landscape debris and animals.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device that accommodates downspouts mounted adjacent to walls, posts, and other vertical structures.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide an aesthetically pleasing geometry that covers the multiple dissimilar geometries of a conventional intersection between aluminum downspouts and PVC downspout adapters.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide an aesthetically pleasing surface material that covers the multiple dissimilar materials of a conventional intersection between aluminum downspouts and PVC downspout adapters.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide an aesthetically pleasing color that covers the multiple dissimilar colors of a conventional intersection between aluminum downspouts and PVC downspout adapters.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the device accommodates the multiple dissimilar height positions of conventional intersections between aluminum downspouts and PVC downspout adapters with the surface soil.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that by providing an improved and uniform appearance at the base of multiple downspouts, they enhance the curb appeal of the property.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a variable means for securing the device to the soil, allowing avoidance of interference with subsurface drainpipes regardless of the direction of the drainpipes.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide an alternative device of uniform physical appearance when a downspout fails to connect to a drainpipe, but rather extends away from the vertical structure from which water is drained.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a manufacturing means that is efficient and cost effective.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device having a much-improved aesthetic appeal that can be further enhanced with the addition of a desired design on its exterior surfaces.
An advantage of the newly disclosed embodiments is that they provide a means and device that solves the above-described problems with conventional intersections of thin metal and plastic downspouts with PVC downspout adapters.
In one embodiment, a drainage junction shield has a base comprising a base right, a base front, and a base left. A base access spans between the ends of the base left and the base right opposite to the base front. An adapter chamber is formed between the base left, base right, and base front.
An extension has an extension right extending above the base right, an extension front extending above the base front, and an extension left extending above the base left. An extension access spans between ends of the extension left and the extension right opposite to the extension front.
A downspout chamber is formed between the base left, base right, and base front. A base perimeter is formed at the intersection of the base and the extension. An entry perimeter is formed along the top of the extension opposite to the base perimeter and is shorter than the base perimeter. The drainage junction shield is impervious to deformation from engagement with a string trimmer.
In another embodiment, the extension right is inclined over the adapter chamber, towards the extension left. The extension front is inclined over the adapter chamber, towards the extension access, and the extension left is inclined over the adapter chamber, towards the extension right.
In another embodiment, flanges extend laterally outward from one or more of the base left, base right, and base front. Anchor holes are provided on the flanges. The anchor holes are receivable of soil pins for securing the drainage junction shield to a soil surface.
In another embodiment, the number of the anchor holes exceeds the number of soil pins needed to secure the drainage junction shield to the soil, such that the locations of the anchor holes provide multiple non-conflicting locations for insertion of soil pins regardless of the direction of a drainpipe beneath the soil surface.
In another embodiment, the anchor holes are positioned within a distance of 3.25 inches and 4.00 inches to a central point of a drainpipe position at the soil surface.
In another embodiment, all anchor holes are distanced within 0.75 inches equally to a central point of a drainpipe position at the soil surface.
In another embodiment, the adapter chamber is of sufficient volume to receive an adapter connected to a drainpipe and a downspout.
In another embodiment, the base and adapter chamber are of sufficient height to receive an adapter connected to a drainpipe that extends partially above the soil surface.
In another embodiment, the entry perimeter is of sufficient size to receive a gutter system downspout.
In another embodiment the entry perimeter is sized to receive a gutter system downspout in sufficient proximity to limit foreign material entry into the downspout chamber.
In another embodiment, the extension forms a converging enclosure above the base for complementary fit of a downspout into the entry perimeter.
In another embodiment, the entry perimeter and extension access form a polygon of fewer sides than the base perimeter and base access.
In another embodiment, the base perimeter and base access form a rectangle and the entry perimeter and extension access form a rectangle.
In another embodiment, the base perimeter and base access form a hexagon and the entry perimeter and extension access form a rectangle.
In another embodiment, a decorative element is positioned on the base and/or on the extension.
In another embodiment, the drainage junction shield is made of 14 gauge steel.
In another embodiment, a base right chamfer is formed between the base right and the base front. A base left chamfer is formed between the base left and the base front. An extension right chamfer is formed between the extension right and the extension front. An extension left chamfer is formed between the extension left and the extension front. The base perimeter has five sides and forms a hexagon when placed adjacent a wall, and the entry perimeter has three sides and forms a rectangle when placed adjacent the wall.
In another embodiment, a flange extends laterally outward from each of the base left, base left chamfer, base right, base right chamfer, and base front. A plurality of anchor holes is located on each flange. The anchor holes are receivable of soil pins for securing the drainage junction shield to a soil surface.
An alternative embodiment of the drainage junction shield is designed for compatibility with downspout that does not connect to drainpipe, but is for redirection of storm water away from a wall and onto soil surface. In this embodiment, the drainage junction shield includes a drain portal for accommodating a downspout drain.
In another embodiment, a drainage junction shield comprises a base having four sections comprising a base right, a base right chamfer, a base left chamfer, and a base left. A base access spans between the ends of the base left and the base right opposite to the base front. An adapter chamber is formed inside the base right, base right chamfer, base left chamfer, and base left. A flange extends from each of the base right, base right chamfer, base left chamfer, and base left.
An extension has four sections comprising an extension right extending above the base right, an extension right chamfer extending above the base right chamfer, an extension left chamfer extending above the base left chamfer, and an extension left extending above the base left. An extension access spans between the ends of the extension left and the extension right opposite to the extension front.
A downspout chamber is formed between the base right, base right chamfer, base left chamfer, and base left. A base perimeter is formed at the intersection of the base and the extension, and an entry perimeter is formed along the top of the extension opposite to the base perimeter. The entry perimeter is shorter than the base perimeter.
In another embodiment, a base has five sections comprising a base right, a base right chamfer, a base front, a base left chamfer, and a base left. A base access spans between the ends of the base left and the base right opposite to the base front. An adapter chamber is formed between the base right, base left, and base front. A flange extends from each of the base sections.
An extension has five sections comprising an extension right extending above the base right, an extension right chamfer extending above the base right chamfer, an extension front extending above the base front, an extension left chamfer extending above the base left chamfer, and an extension left extending above the base left. An extension access spans between the ends of the extension left and the extension right opposite to the extension front.
A downspout chamber is formed between the base left, base right, and base front. A base perimeter is formed at the intersection of the base and the extension, and an entry perimeter is formed along the top of the extension opposite to the base perimeter. The entry perimeter is shorter than the base perimeter.
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a drainage junction shield having three sides is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a flat sheet metal template for the drainage junction shield, the template in a template plane; bend forming the flanges outward about 90 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension left and extension right inward between 5 and 20 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension front inward between 5 and 20 degrees to the template plane; and bend forming the base left and base right inward between 85 and 90 degrees to the template plane.
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the drainage junction shield having four sides is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a flat sheet metal template for the drainage junction shield, the template in a template plane; bend forming the flanges outward about 90 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension left and extension right inward between 2 and 20 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension left front and extension right front inward between 10 and 45 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the base left chamfer and the base right chamfer inward between 37 and 41 degrees to the template plane; and bend forming the base left and base right inward between 85 and 90 degrees to the template plane.
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the drainage junction shield having five sides is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a flat sheet metal template for the drainage junction shield, the template in a template plane; bend forming the flanges outward about 90 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension left chamfer and extension right chamfer inward between 6 and 10 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension left and extension right inward between 2 and 6 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the extension front inward between 20 and 24 degrees to the template plane; bend forming the base left chamfer and the base right chamfer inward between 37 and 41 degrees to the template plane; and bend forming the base left and base right inward between 85 and 90 degrees to the template plane.
In another embodiment, a drainage junction shield has a base with a base access. An adapter chamber is formed within base and base access. A flange extends outward from the base and has a plurality of anchor holes. An extension is located above the base and has an extension access in the same plane as the base access. A downspout chamber is formed within the extension and the extension access. An entry perimeter is formed at the top of the extension. The base access and extension access allow adjacent placement of the drainage junction shield over a downspout and adapter, and against a vertical wall or structure. The entry perimeter is receivable of the downspout. The anchor holes are receivable of soil pins for attachment of the drainage junction shield to a soil surface.
The following paragraphs provide a Summary of the disclosure new to this application.
One advantage of the additionally disclosed embodiments of this application is that they provide a means and device that solves the above-described disadvantages with wooden mailbox posts.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device that protects wooden mailbox posts from destructive damage by engagement from string trimmers.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide two internal chambers, including a larger lower chamber for containing a latch mechanism and a second that converges to the mailbox post to prevent intrusion of exterior landscape debris and animals.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a connection mechanism that is not externally visible.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a means for securing the device to a mailbox post without tools or fasteners.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the device is adaptable to rectangular mailbox posts of the several conventional dimensions.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that by providing an improved and uniform appearance at the base of the mailbox post, it enhances the curb appeal of the property.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide an aesthetically pleasing geometry that is complimentary in appearance with the geometries of the disclosed mailbox post that enhances the curb appeal of the property.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a manufacturing means that is efficient and cost effective.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device that can be stacked in multiples to create a different aesthetic appeal.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide an extension that forms an enclosure having upwardly extending panels that are inclined inwards to which the incline of the panels are independently adjustable by bending to conform to the perimeter of a mailbox post.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a device that can be further enhanced with the addition of a desired design on its exterior surfaces.
In one embodiment, a post protector is disclosed for the protection of a post, such as a mailbox post. In one embodiment of this invention, the post protector comprises a first half and an opposite second half. Each of the first half and the second half comprises a base having a plurality of panels forming a base perimeter. The base perimeter circumscribes 180 degrees of a polygon. An extension comprises a plurality of panels extending upwards from the base panels that are angled inwards in the direction of the base perimeter. The panels of the extension converge to circumscribe 180 degrees of a rectangular post perimeter, where the apex of the extension defines three sides of the rectangular post perimeter.
A chamber is defined by the difference between the area of the base perimeter and the area of the post perimeter. A latch extends from each of the opposite ends of the base. The latches of the first half are connectable to the second half. The latches of the second half are connectable to the first half. As connected, the first half post perimeter and the second half post perimeter form a rectangular opening (post perimeter) through which a mailbox post may extend.
In another embodiment, the latches of the first half are connectable to the latches of the second half. When connected, the latches connecting the first half and second half have a tab positioned within the chamber of the opposite half, adjacent to a base panel of the opposite half.
In another embodiment, the base panels include a base right and a base left in parallel relation. The first half latches further comprise a transition extending inward from each of the base right and the base left panels. The tab extends from each transition in a direction substantially parallel to that of the base right and base left panels. A slot is located above each transition between the tab and the base right, and between the tab and the base left.
The second half latches further comprise a transition extending inward from each of the base right and the base left panels. The tab extends from each transition in a direction substantially parallel to that of the base right and base left panels. A slot is located below each transition between the tab and the base right, and between the tab and the base left.
Upon connection of the first half with the second half, the slots of the first halflatches are occupied by the transitions of the second half latches, and the slots of the second half latches are occupied by the transitions of the first half latches.
In another embodiment, the latches of the second half are lowered over the latches of the first half to connect the first half and the second half of the post protector together.
In another embodiment, the panels of the base are in the form of a non-rectangular polygon, and the panels of the extension are in a rectilinear form.
In another embodiment, the base comprises a base right, a base front, and a base left. The extension comprises an extension right, an extension front, and an extension left. The extension right is contiguous with and extending above the base right. The extension front is contiguous with and extending above the base front. The extension left is contiguous with and extending above the base left.
In another embodiment, the base comprises a base right, a base right chamfer, a base front, a base left chamfer, and a base left. The extension comprises an extension right, an extension right chamfer, an extension front, an extension left chamfer, and an extension left. The extension right is contiguous with and extending above the base right. The extension right chamfer is continuous with and extending above the base right chamfer. The extension front is contiguous with and extending above the base front. The extension left chamfer is contiguous with and extending above the base left chamfer. The extension left is contiguous with and extending above the base left.
In another embodiment, the extension panels are discontinuous, and are independently adjustable as to their inclination to allow them to conform to the post perimeter.
In another embodiment, the post protector is nest stackable on a post for protection to a greater height and to achieve a modifiable aesthetic effect.
In another embodiment, one or more flanges extend laterally outward from the base to provide a larger surface area for contact with the soil. In another embodiment, one or more flanges extend laterally outward from the base. One or more anchor holes are provided on the flanges. The anchor holes are receivable of a soil pin for securing the post protector to a soil surface.
In another embodiment, the post perimeter is sized to receive a mailbox post in sufficient proximity to limit foreign material and debris from entry into the chamber. In another embodiment, the post perimeter forms a rectangle, and the base perimeter forms an irregular hexagon.
In another embodiment, the post protector is preferably made of between 12 and 16 gauge steel.
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the post protector in an embodiment having three base panels in each of its halves is disclosed, comprising the steps of:
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the post protector in an embodiment having five base panels in each of its halves is disclosed, comprising the steps of:
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the post protector is disclosed, comprising the steps of:
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the disclosed device, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that, in some instances, various aspects of the disclosed device may be shown exaggerated, enlarged or otherwise spatially modified to facilitate an understanding of the disclosed device.
A Brief Description of Additional Drawings new to this disclosure follows.
The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed device, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed device. Thus, the disclosed device is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
As best seen in
Referring back to
As seen in
As seen in
Flange right 132, flange right chamfer 134, flange front 136, flange left chamfer 138, and flange left 140, each have a plurality of anchor holes 142 for receiving soil pins 144 (see
In this embodiment, base right 112 is contiguous with base front 116 and extension right 152. Similarly, base left 120 is contiguous with base front 116 and extension left 160. Extension front 156 is located in adjacent alignment with extension right 152 and extension left 160.
Extension right 152, extension front 156 and extension left 160 are inclined inwards to form rectangular entry perimeter 168 for receiving downspout 20. The convergence of base right 112, base front 116, and base left 120 with extension right 152, extension front 156 and extension left 160, defines rectangular base perimeter 126 that outlines adapter chamber 124, which is sufficiently large to receive adapter 10 and drainpipe 4. Base perimeter 126 is larger than entry perimeter 168.
Flanges 130 extend perpendicularly outward from base right 112, base front 116, and base left 120. Anchor holes 142 are provided on flanges 130 for receiving soil pins 144.
In drainage junction shield 300, base right 112 is contiguous with base right chamfer 114, base left chamfer 118, and base left 120. Base right 112 is contiguous with extension right 152. Base right chamfer 114 is contiguous with extension right chamfer 154. Base left chamfer 118 is contiguous with extension left chamfer 158. Base left 120 is contiguous with the extension left 160.
Extension right 152, extension right chamfer 154, extension left chamfer 158 and extension left 160 are inclined inwards to form rectangular entry perimeter 168 for receiving downspout 20. The convergence of base right 112, base right chamfer 114, base left chamfer 118, and base left 120 with extension right 152, extension right chamfer 154, extension left chamfer 158 and extension left 160, defines a pentagonal base perimeter 126 that outlines adapter chamber 124, which is sufficiently large to receive adapter 10 and drainpipe 4. Base perimeter 126 is larger than entry perimeter 168.
Flanges 130 extend perpendicularly outward from base right 112, base right chamfer 114, base left chamfer 118, and base left 120. Anchor holes 142 are provided on flanges 130 for receiving soil pins 144.
It is readily understandable that base right 112 and extension right 152 may be a unitary structure in this embodiment, along with base left 120 and extension left 160. Thus, with no bend between the base 110 and extension 150 elements. In that configuration, only base front 116 is inwardly inclined.
The data set of 11 points from Table 1 produces an average of 3.47, a standard deviation of 0.23 and the variance0.05. This data set represents a close pattern of distances between a center point of drainpipe 4 and locations for placement soil pins 144. This advantageously provides even force resistance to displacement of drainage junction shield 100 in response to impact from string trimmers and other items associated with work and play in a landscape environment.
The data set of 9 points from Table 2 produces an average of 3.78, a standard deviation of 37 and the variance0.14. This data set represents a less close and less even pattern of distances between a center point of drainpipe 4 and locations for placement soil pins 144. This pattern thus provides less even force resistance to displacement of drainage junction shield 200 in response to impact from string trimmers and other items associated with work and play in a landscape environment.
Drainage junction shields 100, 200, and 300 are impervious to deformation from engagement with a string trimmer, and thus protect the integrity of the connections between downspout 20, downspout adapter 10, and drainpipe 4.
The following Detailed Description relates to the new disclosure of the present application.
Referring to
First half 402 and second half 404 of post protector 400 each has an extension 150. Extension 150 comprises a plurality of extension panels including an extension right 152, an extension right chamfer 154, an extension front 156, an extension left chamfer 158, and an extension left 160.
As seen in
Optional to this embodiment and others are flanges extending from base 110. As seen in
Flange right 132, flange right chamfer 134, flange front 136, flange left chamfer 138, and flange left 140, each have one or more anchor holes 142 for receiving soil pins 144 to further secure post protector 400 to the soil from which the mailbox post 8 extends. This optional flanged base 110 embodiment may be added to or omitted to embodiments of post protector 400, as disclosed herein below.
Latch 410 of first half 402 extends outward from each of base right 112 and base left 120 (see
A tab 414 extends from each transition 412, in a direction approximately parallel to base right 112 and base left 120. A slot 416 is formed above each transition 412, between base right 112 and its connected tab 414, and between base left 120 and its connected tab 414. Slots 416 are at least equal in length to the length of transitions 412. The length of slot 416 plus the length of the transition 412 equals the length of tab 414.
Latch 420 of second half 404 extends outward from each of base left 120 and base right 112 (see
A tab 424 extends from each transition 422, in a direction approximately parallel to base left 120 and base right 112. A slot 426 is formed below each transition 422, between base left 120 and its connected tab 424, and between base right 112 and its connected tab 424. Slots 426 are at least equal in length to the length of transitions 422. The length of slot 426 plus the length of the transition 422 equals the length of tab 424.
By their connection, tabs 414 of latches 410 are positioned adjacent to the interior of base right 112 and base left 120 of second half 404. Reciprocally, tabs 424 of latches 420 are positioned adjacent to the interior of base right 112 and base left 120 of first half 402.
In this configuration, tabs 414 and 424 are located in interior chamber 176 spaces of post protector 400 (see
This embodiment provides the further benefit of enabling manufacture of first half 402 and second half 404 without the requirement of metal fusion, such as welding, brazing, or soldering, and without the need for faster connections. This embodiment provides the further benefit of assembly without tools or fasteners.
If the embodiment includes flanges 130, soil pins may optionally be inserted into optional anchor holes 142 to further increase the stability of post protector 400 in position against mailbox post 8.
An advantage of the disclosed structure is that the incline of the panels of extension 150 are independently adjustable by bending to conform to the perimeter of post 8.
Referring to
First half 502 and second half 504 of post protector 500 each has an extension 150. Extension 150 comprises a plurality of extension panels including an extension right 152, an extension front 156, and an extension left 160.
As seen in
Latch 410 of first half 502 extends outward from each of base left 120 and base right 112 (see
A tab 414 extends from each transition 412, in a direction approximately parallel to base right 112 and base left 120. A slot 416 is formed above each transition 412, between base right 112 and its connected tab 414, and between base left 120 and its connected tab 424. Slots 416 are at least equal in length to the length of transitions 412. The length of slot 416 plus the length of the transition 412 equals the length of tab 414.
As with first half 502 as shown in
On second half 504, a tab 424 extends from each transition 422 in a direction approximately parallel to base left 120 and base right 112. A slot 426 is formed below each transition 422 between base left 120 and its connected tab 424, and between base right 112 and its connected tab 424. Slots 426 are at least equal in length to the length of transitions 422. The length of slot 426 plus the length of the transition 422 equals the length of tab 424.
In this configuration, tabs 414 and 424 are located in interior chamber 176 of post protector 500. This connection provides the benefit of assembly without tools or fasteners. This connection provides the further benefit of a stabilized assembly by proximate adjacency of tabs 414 and 424 with base right 112 and base left 120. This connection provides the further benefit of providing a post protector 500 that substantially conceals its latched connections (410/420) within its interior chambers 176 to provide a unique and improved aesthetic. This connection provides the further benefit of being easily disassembled, without the use of tools. This connection provides the further benefit of providing a unique and improved aesthetic appearance.
If the embodiment includes flanges 130, soil pins may optionally be inserted into optional anchor holes 142 to further increase the stability of post protector 500 in position against mailbox post 8.
An advantage of the disclosed structure is that the incline of the panels of extension 150 are independently adjustable by bending to conform to the perimeter of post 8.
If the embodiment of
While this invention has been described in connection with a limited number of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed device to the particular form set forth, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of disclosed device as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims priority to Provisional Application 63/461,137 filed Apr. 21, 2023, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/642,772 to which this application is a continuation-in-part. This application further claims priority to U.S. Design applications Ser. No. 29/967,402 and 29/967,403 filed Oct. 10, 2024.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29967403 | Oct 2024 | US |
| Child | 18968908 | US | |
| Parent | 29967402 | Oct 2024 | US |
| Child | 18968908 | US | |
| Parent | 18642772 | Apr 2024 | US |
| Child | 18968908 | US |
