Stanchion cover

Abstract

A stanchion with sleeve includes an elongated member secured to a fixed structure and extending generally linearly away from the fixed structure. The sleeve has an elongated body extending curvilinearly between two opposing ends. An interior cavity extends along the sleeve and through one end of the sleeve. The interior cavity has a cross-sectional shape adapted for slip fit engagement with the stanchion post. The sleeve is formed with a curve for receiving the stanchion post in the interior cavity in force fit engagement.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/597,318, filed Jun. 19, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/054,342, filed May 30, 1996, now abandoned, which is a divisional of U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/019,652, filed Mar. 7, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. D374,941, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/038,676, filed Mar. 26, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,583, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to protective covers, and more particularly relates to a protective cover for a stanchion or post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Guard rail systems, including individual stanchions or posts, are commonly found in industrial settings where protection of a building structure or fixed equipment from vehicular traffic and the like is desired. Further, guard posts or protective stanchions are commonly found in public parking lots to preserve a drive-up telephone booth, or otherwise provide a protective function.

[0004] Commonly known guard posts and protective stanchions often comprise a round or square steel post set in the ground or pavement with a portion of the post projecting above the pavement surface about four feet. To enhance the durability of such a steel pipe stanchion, the interior may be filled with concrete. This both closes the interior of the pipe to environmental deterioration and enhances the structural integrity and impact absorbing qualities of the stanchion. I-beams are also sometimes used as stanchions. Stanchions or posts are typically painted to preserve the exterior of the stanchion and to provide a high visibility color.

[0005] Such prior known steps to enhance the durability of a protective stanchion, including painting, are typically labor-intensive and require repetitive maintenance to repair chipped paint, worn surfaces, or discoloration over time. Thus, one will readily recognize a present need for a protective stanchion with a durable exterior to minimize repetitive maintenance requirements.

[0006] Various attempts have been made to provide posts with a more durable exterior finish. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,756 to Beatty provides a wood core picket fence element with a plastic sheath conforming tightly to the sides and top of the wood core. While helpful for wooden fences, the Beatty design is not particularly useful for other applications.

[0007] A variety of ornamentally shaped posts, apparently molded or formed from plastic, are shown in the following U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D446,330, D442,312, and D398,412 to Metchear, III; D377,541 to Porter; and D377,229 to Shalvi. These designs are not suitable for use in covering a post or stanchion, but instead are lighting fixtures for independent use.

[0008] Hollow plastic posts are also known, such as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,167 to West et al. The West patent is directed to a decorative cover for these hollow posts. Hollow plastic posts may be used to create a plastic fence with a durable finish. However, they are not designed for security or protective use and are not designed to cover a stanchion or post.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The above addressed failings of present stanchions and the identified need for a low maintenance stanchion are addressed by the present invention which provides a protective sleeve for use on a stanchion or post. The post is an elongated member having one end secured to a fixed structure. The post extends generally linearly away from the one end, at the fixed structure, to an opposing terminal end. A sleeve is provided, having an elongated generally cylindrical body extending between two opposing ends. The sleeve has an interior cavity extending along the sleeve and through at least one of the two opposing ends. Further, the interior cavity has a cross-sectional shape adapted for slip fit engagement with the post.

[0010] These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by those skilled in the art, from the specification, the claims which follow, and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a sleeve for a protective stanchion according to the invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a protective stanchion according to the invention in a partially assembled state;

[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of detail 3 of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of detail 4 of FIG. 2;

[0015] FIG. 5 is the view similar to FIG. 2 with the stanchion fully inserted into the sleeve;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6—6 of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a protective stanchion according to the invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of a protective stanchion according to the invention;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a protective stanchion according to the invention;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a sleeve having a more pointed top according to a different embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a sleeve having a plurality of side facets according to yet a further embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a stanchion with a cover according to the present invention fitted thereon;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional top view of the stanchion and cover of FIG. 12 taken along lines 13-13;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional top view of a rectangular stanchion sleeve fitted over an I-beam stanchion;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a prospective view of one embodiment of a rectangular stanchion cover;

[0026] FIG. 16 is a prospective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a stanchion cover with a rectangular cross-section;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a prospective view of another embodiment of a stanchion cover with a rectangular cross-section;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a prospective view of yet another embodiment of a stanchion cover with a rectangular cross-section; and

[0029] FIG. 19 is a prospective view of a portion of a stanchion cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] A preferred embodiment of a protective stanchion is generally shown in FIGS. 1-5 and indicated by the reference numeral 10. Stanchion 10 comprises an elongated member of post 12 and a sleeve 14.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, post 12 is secured at a first end 16 to a fixed structure 18, and extends generally linearly away from fixed structure 18 to an opposing terminal end 20. Post 12 may extend about four feet from first end 16 to terminal end 20, but this distance may vary and be adapted according to the requirements of the particular installation.

[0032] Post 12 may be any suitable elongated structural member, and is most preferably a length of structural steel pipe, ranging in size from about three inches to about eight inches in diameter and having a wall thickness commonly designated by “standard strength” or schedule 40 (SCH 40) pipe, “extra strong”, or “double extra strong” as is known in the trade. The requirements of the specific installation will dictate the size and strength of post 12, which may range beyond the above examples. Further, post 12 may include structural members other than steel pipe and may include members having other geometric or irregular cross-sectional shapes. Square pipe and I-beams are two examples.

[0033] First end 16 extends into fixed structure 18, and preferably extends about three feet into fixed structure 18 (FIGS. 2 and 5). Again, depending upon the specific installation, the length which first end 16 extends into fixed structure 18 may also be varied. If fixed structure 18 is the ground, for example, the length of first end 16 may be dictated by local frost conditions, which may require that first end 16 extend about four to five feet into fixed structure 18 to avoid winter frost heaving and displacement of stanchion 10.

[0034] While FIGS. 2 and 5 may give the impression that stanchion 10 extends only generally vertically upwardly from a generally horizontal surface of fixed structure 18, stanchion 10 is not constrained to a particular spatial origin or origin relative to fixed structure 18. Rather, stanchion 10 may be oriented in any manner according to the requirements of the specific installation.

[0035] Sleeve 14 has an elongated body 22 extending generally curvilinearly between two opposing ends 24 and 26 (FIG. 1). An interior cavity 28 extends along sleeve 14 and through at least one of the two opposing ends 24 and 26. Most preferably, cavity 28 extends through only one end 24 and the opposing end 26 is closed to provide protection for post 12. Cavity 28 has a cooperating cross-sectional shape adapted to receive post 12 in slip fit engagement with a clearance “T,” as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0036] Sleeve 14 may be formed of a number of suitable, malleable structural materials, and is preferably formed of a structural plastic, including, for example, generally available low density polyethylenes or LEXAN® brand polycarbonate, available from General Electric Company. Sleeve 14 is conveniently molded by well-known rotary molding processes. As is also known in the molding of plastics, various coloring agents may be mixed into the material of which sleeve 14 is formed to provide a durable coloring throughout sleeve 14, and a variety of material enhancing additives may be used, including, but not limited to, additives to resist ultraviolet (UV) deterioration. Alternatively, the sleeves according to the present invention may be extruded, blow-molded, injection-molded, or formed in other ways as would be clear to those with skill in the plastic forming art. If the cover is extruded, preferably a cap or end-piece is attached to form the closed end of the sleeve. The cap or end-piece may be glued on, welded on, or may be attached via a frictional fit or mechanical interconnection.

[0037] As noted above, sleeve 14 extends curvilinearly between opposing ends 24 and 26. Preferably, sleeve 14 extends along a curve 30 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Curve 30 is spaced at least about one-half inch to about eight inches away from a tangent line 32 at a distance of about four feet from the intersection of tangent line 32 with curve 30, as shown at “S” in FIG. 1. The curvature of sleeve 14 may be specifically formed into the sleeve during molding. The curvature of sleeve 14 may also be formed by molding sleeve 14 as a straight cylindrical member, removing sleeve 14 from a fabrication mold while still hot, and supporting sleeve 14 on a cooling rack, near the ends 24 and 26, to allow the sleeve to sag and, thus, acquire the curvature.

[0038] Stanchion 10 is assembled by inserting terminal end 20 of post 12 through end 24 of sleeve 14 and into cavity 28 (FIG. 2). Because cavity 28 has a cooperating cross-sectional shape adapted to receive post 12 in slip fit engagement, terminal end 20 and post 12 are readily received in cavity 28, and sleeve 14 is initially slipped over post 12 with relative ease.

[0039] However, as sleeve 14 slides over post 12 toward first end 16, the curvature of sleeve 14 causes binding between the sleeve and post 12. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the curvature of sleeve 14 will bias post 12 against one side of cavity 28 at end 24, bias terminal end 20 against the same side of cavity 28 near end 26, and bias a mid-portion 34 of post 12 against an opposing side of cavity 28. Thus, as sleeve 14 slides over post 12, binding between curvilinear sleeve 14 and linear post 12 generates a resistance so that sleeve 14 must ultimately be force fit into its final position on post 12. Sleeve 14 is thus securely mounted on post 12 and resists subsequent removal (FIG. 5).

[0040] In a second embodiment of a stanchion 10′, as shown in FIG. 7, post 12′ is provided with a resilient portion 40 near first end 16′. Therefore, terminal end 20′ may deflect generally arcuately about first end 16′ from an original position to a deflected position when a generally lateral force “F” is applied to post 12′ between first end 16′ and terminal end 20′. This may occur when stanchion 10′ is struck by a vehicle. Resilient portion 40 may be a helical coil spring, a leaf spring mount, a resilient rubber-like insert, or the like. The resilient portion 40 biases terminal end 20′ toward its original position so that when force F is removed, terminal end 20′ returns from the deflected position to its original position. Including resilient portion 40 in stanchion 10′ minimizes damage caused to stanchion 10′ and to a striking vehicle without compromising the boundary defining function of stanchion 10′.

[0041] A third embodiment 10″ of a stanchion is shown in FIG. 8. According to this embodiment, stanchion 10″ has a flange 42 at first end 16″ for bolting stanchion 10″ to fixed structure 18. A fourth embodiment 10′″ of a stanchion is shown in FIG. 9, and combines the resilient portion 40 and flange 42 features of stanchions 10′ and 10″.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a sleeve 50 having a more pointed top according to a different embodiment of the invention. In addition to a decorative effect, the top, which may come to a point 52 or rounded end 54 may be useful in keeping birds from coming to rest thereon, particularly in a marine post covering application. The sleeve 50 preferably has a generally cylindrical body 56 with a generally cylindrical interior cavity therein. The interior cavity extends along the body and is accessible via the open lower end 58 of the sleeve 50. The other end of the body 52 is closed and may be integrally formed with the remainder of the sleeve 50 such that the body 56 smoothly transitions to the end 52 without any discontinuities. Alternatively, according to some molding approaches, a seam may exist at the transition from the body to the end. As yet further alternatives, the body 15 may be extruded or otherwise formed with two open ends. Then an auxiliary cap or a closure member is attached to the upper end to close it off. The closure member may be attached by gluing, welding, frictional fit, or mechanical interconnection.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a sleeve 60 having a plurality of side facets 62 according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention. Again, the top may be pointed, shown with numerical reference 64, or curved 66, depending upon the appearance desired. In addition, although only a few facets are shown in the figure, many more may be used, and may also be fluted. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 11, the sleeve 60 has four sides 62 with a generally rectangular or square cross section. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sleeve 60 is shown fitted over a stanchion or post 70. As with earlier embodiments of the present invention, the stanchion or post 70 extends from a fixed structure 72, such as the ground. As shown in FIG. 13, the stanchion may be a hollow steel member 74 with a square cross section. The member 74 may be filled with concrete or other filler materials 76 to increase the strength and durability of the stanchion 70. FIG. 14 shows an alternative design wherein the post is an I-beam style post 80. A sleeve 82 may be fit over the post 80. In each case, the sleeve is preferably a slip fit over the post. The sleeve may be generally linear, or maybe curvilinear, as discussed with previous embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the sleeve preferably closely fits the post. For example, there may be less than one inch of total clearance between the post and the sleeve.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the post 70 has a height. The sleeve preferably has a length similar to or slightly longer than the height of the post 70.

[0045] The closed end of the sleeve 60 in FIG. 11 may have a variety of designs and shapes, including the pointed or curved tops as shown in FIG. 11. An alternative design is shown in FIG. 15. This design has a generally square or rectangular cross section body 84 with a closed top 86. In this embodiment, the top 86 has a generally pointed or pyramid shaped central portion 88 and a circumferential outwardly extending ridge 90 at the transition between the body 84 and the central portion 88. Alternative top shapes are shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 shows as generally hemispherical dome shaped top similar to the design of the generally cylindrical sleeves of earlier embodiments. FIG. 17 shows a body portion of a sleeve with decorative elements around the sleeve. The body portion of the sleeve may also have different exterior designs. As an example, FIG. 18 shows a sleeve wherein the faces 96 are generally fluted along their length. As shown, the flutes may be slots or grooves 100 formed in the faces 96 which extend most of the length of the sleeve. The upper end 98 may transition to a smooth face, with the slots or grooves 100 ending below the upper end 98. Any of the various shapes and designs of the closed upper ends may be attached or formed onto the upper end 98. FIG. 19 shows an alternative seven sided sleeve 104. The sleeves according to the present invention may be formed with any number of flat sides so as to give a variety of appearances. The interior cavity 106 may have the same number of flat sides so as to fit on to a post with the same number of sides. Alternatively, the sleeve may fit over a differently shaped post, such as a round or square post and may have an inferior cavity with a cross-section different than the exterior cross-section. For example, a cover with a square exterior cross-section could have an interior cavity with a round cross-section.

[0046] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed concept. For example, fluorescent or phosphorescent materials may be added to the sleeve in any one of the various embodiments described herein to provide a glow-in-the-dark capability. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined by the following claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.

Claims

1.-6. (Canceled)

7. A protective cover for a stanchion extending upwardly from a ground surface, comprising:

an elongated, generally cylindrical plastic sleeve having an open end and a dome-shaped closed end; and

an inner wall with a constant and uniform circular cross section running the entire length of the sleeve, from the opening to the dome-shaped closed end.

8. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is polyethylene.

9. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is polycarbonate.

10. The protective cover of claim 7, further including an outwardly extending flange disposed at the open end.

11. The protective cover of claim 7, further including a resilient portion between the inner wall and a stanchion over which the sleeve is placed.

12. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the dome-shaped top is a separate piece that is attached to the sleeve.

13. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the dome-shaped top is a separate piece that is glued to the sleeve.

14. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the dome-shaped top is a separate piece that is welded to the sleeve.

15. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the dome-shaped top is a separate piece that is frictionally fit or mechanically interconnected to the sleeve.

16. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the dome-shaped top is a separate piece that is attached to an extruded sleeve.

17. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve rotary-molded.

18. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve blow-molded.

19. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is injection-molded.

20. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is extruded.

21. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is extruded and the dome-shaped top is a separate piece that is attached to the sleeve.

22. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the inner wall has a diameter that range from about 3 inches to about 8 inches.