Column cap
A column cap to simplify and improve the construction of pergolas and arbors includes a mounting block to which roof beams are attached by means of connecting elements such as a bolt and corresponding nut. The column cap is rectangular to ensure proper connection of roof beams.
This application claims priority from provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/513,128 filed Oct. 21, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to the field of decorative and structural architectural columns, and specifically to architectural columns which are used in the construction of pergolas and arbors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPergolas and arbors are well known and have been in constructed for hundreds of years. A pergola generally consists of a series of columns arranged about of the perimeter of a rectangle or square shaped area to be shaded or upon which vine type plants are grown. Mounted above the columns are support members upon which cross members are placed. Thus, a grid is created which provides shade and a support surface upon which vegetation can grow.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is non-trivial to attach the support members to the column caps so that the entire structure is square and the support members are secure. Current practice is to use nails which are hammered diagonally into the column caps which can damage the wooden member or the column cap. Proper alignment and spacing of support members is also difficult to achieve. Another method currently employed to attach the support members to the column cap is with L-shaped brackets and screws or nails which rust and can eventually discolor the column.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a column cap that simplifies the construction of a pergola.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved column cap that enhances the structural integrity of pergolas.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved column cap that reduces the amount of time necessary to construct a pergola.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a column cap that enhances the appearance of pergolas.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved column cap that is inexpensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONFor a more complete understanding of this invention reference should now be had to the embodiment illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention:
While the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter, it is to be understood at the outset that persons of skill in the art may modify the invention herein described while still achieving the favorable results of the invention. Accordingly, the description which follows is to be understood as a broad teaching disclosure directed to persons of skill in the appropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to
The column cap includes a lower section 140, a middle section 142 and an upper section 144. As shown in
In operation, a series of columns are erected in the desired configuration according to conventional construction methods. Thereafter, a series of roof beams R are installed above the columns such that they rest upon the column caps as best shown in
The foregoing embodiments and examples are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive of the invention, and those modifications which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are to be included therein.
Claims
1. An architectural column of the type used in the construction of a pergola and comprising:
- an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end;
- a base attached to the lower end of the shaft and adapted to rest on a supporting surface;
- a cap having a lower section, a middle section and an upper section, said lower section being connected to the upper end of said shaft, said upper section protruding above the middle section and being adapted to be connected to a roof beam.
2. An architectural column according to claim 1 wherein said upper section of said column cap is adapted to be in operative association with a roof beam.
3. An architectural column according to claim 2 wherein said upper section is adapted to support a roof beam and further includes a protrusion adapted to receive connecting elements to hold a roof beam in place.
4. An architectural column according to claim 3 wherein said protrusion comprises an upwardly extending mounting block adapted to be connected to a roof beam.
5. An architectural column according to claim 4 wherein said protrusion comprises a rectangular mounting block.
6. An architectural column according to claim 5 wherein said rectangular mounting block further includes openings adapted to receive connecting elements for attaching the roof beam to the column.
7. An architectural column according to claim 6 wherein said mounting block is approximately the same height as the roof beam.
8. An architectural column according to claim 6 wherein said mounting block openings are positioned on opposite sides of said mounting block such that connecting elements can pass there through,
- whereby the roof beam may be connected to the column by passing connecting elements through the roof beam and the mounting block and attaching a nut to the opposite end.
9. An architectural column of the type used in the construction of a pergola and comprising:
- an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end;
- a base attached to the lower end of the shaft and adapted to rest on a supporting surface;
- a cap having a lower section, a middle section and an upper section, said lower section being connected to the upper end of said column, said middle section containing decorative elements and said upper section further including a rectangular rectangular mounting block, said mounting block including a pair of holes defining openings on opposite sides thereof such that a connecting element may pass there through,
- whereby a roof beam can be easily attached and removed from the column.
10. A column cap comprising a lower section, a middle section and an upper section, said lower section being adapted to be connected to the upper end of said column, said middle section containing decorative elements and said upper section protruding above the middle section and being adapted to be connected to a beam.
11. A column cap according to claim 10 wherein said upper section of said column cap is adapted to be in operative association with a roof beam.
12. A column cap according to claim 11 wherein said upper section further includes a protrusion adapted to receive connecting elements from a roof beam.
13. A column cap according to claim 12 wherein said upper section of said protrusion comprises an upwardly extending mounting block adapted to be connected to a roof beam.
14. A column cap according to claim 13 wherein said protrusion comprises a rectangular mounting block.
15. A column cap according to claim 14 wherein said rectangular mounting block further includes openings adapted to receive connecting elements for attaching the roof beam to the column.
16. A column cap according to claim 15 wherein said mounting block openings are positioned on opposite sides of said mounting block such that connecting elements can pass there through,
- whereby the roof beam may be connected to the column by passing bolts through the roof beam and the mounting block and attaching a nut to the opposite end.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 28, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2005
Inventor: Jeffrey Davis (Wilmington, NC)
Application Number: 10/951,404