1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a pillar which is constructed of plastic; has a decorative surface resembling brick, stone, stucco, or the like; and is comprised of stackable sections. Such a pillar can be used alone, with a fence, with a gate, to hold a mailbox, to hold a lamp, or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
The closest patent to the present invention of which the inventors are aware is U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,035, which involves the stacking of “precast brick layers.”
The basic explanation for the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,035 is given within lines 26 through 39 in column 4: “The brick body of modular pillar 10 is made up of a plurality of brick layers 12. These layers may be made of standard fired clay bricks and concrete. Each layer is shaped like a square doughnut. Where interior reinforcing is accomplished by PVC pipe 16, each successive layer 12 is stacked over PVC pipe 16 so as to journal pipe 16 through cavity 18. Each layer 12 interlocks with the previous layer so as to vertically align and strengthen the pillar. Layers 12 interlock by means of raised male mating elevation 20, raised above upper surface 22, into snug mating engagement with a correspondingly-sized depression 21 (shown in dotted outline within mortar simulating layer 26 in FIG. 4 and formed by form 25 seen in FIG. 12) in the underside of the layer 12, that is, in the side opposite upper surface 22.”
Significantly, the preceding patent, in lines 20 through 31 of column 2, further clarifies that the technology of that patent involves only (1) single layers with (2) such single layers being formed from “precast brick layers,” the examples for which are: “The brick layers are preassembled by moulding, as for example casting of concrete, which may be colorized on the exterior surface, or by other moulding or assembly means such as cementing a layer of bricks within a form. It is within the scope of the invention that each layer be cast as a block or slab in such a fashion so as to, firstly, simulate the appearance of brick and mortar on the exterior surface and so as to, secondly, result in a block of solid construction, with the exception of a central cavity extending between corresponding apertures on upper and lower opposite generally horizontal surfaces of the block or slab . . . .”
Additionally, lines 47 through 48 in column 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,035 provide, “Caulking may be applied between adjacent the [sic] simulated brick layers.”
Published European patent application no. 0030510 has a concrete cast similar to the option mentioned in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,035.
And published Canadian patent application no. 2,106,545 describes a framework constructed about a post with cladding panels eventually covering the framework.
The inventors have, moreover, publicly sold a non-stackable pillar made of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) with an outer surface simulating brick or stone that is bolted to a pedestal.
The present Modular, Stackable Pillar is, similarly to the previously sold pillar constructed of plastic, preferably MDPE; and has a decorative outer surface (meaning herein that the surface simulates brick, stone, stucco, or the like); and optionally employs an crown section having a cap on top.
Unlike the previously sold pillar, however, the present Modular, Stackable Pillar is, as its name implies, stackable. This is accomplished by having a substantially centrally located projection on the top of each stackable section, preferably covering at least fifty percent of the top of each stackable section; by having a mating substantially centrally located depression in the bottom of each stackable section, preferably covering at least fifty percent of the bottom of each stackable section; and preferably by having the cross section of the projection and the mating depression shaped such that adjoining sections cannot be rotated.
The Modular, Stackable Pillar is, in use placed around a vertical support placed in gravel or concrete. By having this support near a side of the Modular, Stackable Pillar, it can be used to support a gate.
A significant feature of the Modular, Stackable Pillar 1 is a stackable section 2 shown in
One stackable sections 2 may be used with a crown section 3, as illustrated in
A cap 4 is placed upon the crown section 3, when the crown section 3, is utilized or upon the uppermost stackable section 2 when the crown section 3 is not employed.
Each stackable section 2, crown section 3, and cap 4 is composed of plastic, preferable medium-density polyethylene (MDPE).
On the top 5 of each stackable section 2 is, as seen in
Each stackable section 2 and the crown section 3 have a decorative outer surface 18 on at least one side 27, but, preferably, on all sides 27, as defined above. These sections are constructed of plastic, preferably MDPE, although a composite material could alternatively be employed. Adjacent sections 2, 3 (two stackable sections 2 or a stackable section 2 and a crown section 3) are joined to each other with mechanical fasteners 19, preferably bolts and nuts, as portrayed in
When installed, the sections 2, 3 are, as shown in
Because the preferred technique for manufacturing the sections 2, 3 and the cap 4 is rotational molding and because rotational molding does not lend itself to creating apertures 24, when such preferred method is utilized, the apertures 24 must be cut into the sections 2, 3 after such sections 2, 3 have been manufactured. Also when rotational molding is utilized, the crown section 3 and the cap 4 are created as a unitary structure, which is shown in
Similarly when rotational molding is used, apertures 25 must be cut into the sections 2, 3 to accommodate fence rails 26, when desired, as portrayed in
And when it is desired to have the Modular, Stackable Pillar 1 support a gate 28, as depicted in
As used herein, the term “substantially” indicates that one skilled in the art would consider the value modified by such terms to be within acceptable limits for the stated value. Also as used herein the term “preferable” or “preferably” means that a specified element or technique is more acceptable than another but not that such specified element or technique is a necessity.