Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-21
2001-02-27
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S301000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192646
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a system for covering columns and poles with a cladding, as well as providing curved cladding end members for stationery objects, such as fuel pumps and the like.
BACKGROUND ART
Numerous buildings and places of businesses today have columns and poles which are used to support canopies and other overhead structures and also typically have permanent ground structures and other utility members exposed to the public. The columns or poles are typically made of posts, box-beam or I-beam construction and typically are not aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, fuel pumps and other utility structural members which are exposed to the public at service stations and other businesses are typically unpleasing in structure and/or appearance.
Various systems are known for covering poles and columns with various types of cladding or facings, or for forming semi-circular decorative facing structures. Examples of these are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,823,533 and 4,696,136. Some known systems have panels pre-formed in their final sizes and shapes. Also, a panel framing system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,223. Similarly, there are known systems for improving the appearance of gasoline pumps and other utility structures.
Known systems often are expensive and/or difficult to manufacture, transport and assemble. The panel members used with such systems often require extensive forming and shaping procedures. Also, some systems utilize a large number of different parts with different sizes and shapes causing difficulty in assembly and installation. Known systems with preformed panels are usually difficult and expensive to package and ship to installation sites. Typically, larger and more expensive carton and crating materials are required, thus also causing high freight costs. Further, known systems are often not sufficiently sturdy or durable for their expected purpose and are difficult to replace or change if it becomes necessary to do so.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved covering or cladding for poles, columns and utility structures, such as fuel (gasoline) pumps. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost system for covering or highlighting such items which also can be easily assembled.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide cladding systems which have a minimum of parts and are easy to install and replace where necessary. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide systems which have mostly flat and/or non-preformed components in order to minimize packaging and freight expenses.
It is another object of the invention, with respect to columns and posts, to provide a column cladding system which is tightly sealed at its ends and can compensate for thermal expansion and contraction during use.
These and other objects and purposes of the present invention are secured by the present invention. The present invention is an improvement over known systems for covering poles and column, and for enhancing the appearance of utility structures, and provides low-cost, easily assembled systems.
The present invention includes a structural system, such as supporting brackets, which are attached to the pole, column or utility structure. For a column or pole, elongated vertical frame members are provided on two sides of the pole or column, substantially 180° apart. For utility structures, elongated frame members are provided along the corners or the ends of the structures. The frame members have elongated channels and are secured to a support mechanism, which, in turn, is attached or secured to a pole or column or attached to the utility structure itself. Flexible panel members formed into half-circles are positioned between pairs of vertically-oriented elongated frame members. The formed panels create rigid panels which maintain a curved shape with a true radius.
A plurality of retainer clips or posts can be positioned on the edges of the panel members in order to retain the panel members in the channels in the frame members. Retaining clips can be secured to the edges of the panels by barbs or tangs. Protruding spring tabs or members can be utilized to hold the clips in place in the channels. The posts can be inserted through openings in the panel members.
Vertically joined panel members are secured together by splice members positioned inside the curved cladding members. The splice members hold adjacent panel members together and are secured in place, preferably by an adhesive or double-sided tape.
In alternate embodiments, edge trim members can be provided which mate with the vertical frame members and cover the vertical frame members. The trim members can also help hold the panels in place and can add to the aesthetics of the cladding system. In still another embodiment, the panel members are riveted or otherwise securely affixed to the vertical frame members by fasteners and an edge trim member is provided covering the fasteners from view.
Alternate support mechanisms can be used to secure the frame members to a pole or column. A “universal”-type supporting mechanism can be provided which can accommodate poles and columns of various sizes and cross-sectional shapes.
Other alternative systems use raised edges or tab members along the edges of the panel member instead of retainer clips, or pins or rivets positioned adjacent the panel edges. The latter system is particularly useful in high wind situations.
In order to provide a tight seam or seal along the upper edge of the cladding system under all environmental conditions, top cap members are provided which allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the cladding system during use. The top cap members are positioned between the uppermost panel member and the canopy or ceiling structure and have slots which allow for movement of the cap members relative to the panel members.
Other features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, when viewed in accordance with the attached drawings and appended claims.
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Adams Matthew
Grewe Ronald E.
Hillstrom Brian J.
Glessner Brian E.
Marketing Displays Inc.
Stephan Beth A.
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