Upright structure with base
The present invention comprises a moveable upright structure. The structure can be a column having a top and a bottom, and with an outside surface. The column can have a longitudinal axis. One or more holes can extend through the column or upward from the bottom a selected amount into the column in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis. The holes can be generally circular in cross-section or can be generally rim shaped. The base can have a plate for engaging the ground, and can have one or more members for mating with the one or more holes in the column. The base can alternatively or additionally engage the outside of the column. The base can further have one or more depending members that can extend into a surface below the structure. The structure can further incorporate a wedge for use on a sloped surface.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an upright structure with a base, and more particularly to an upright structure that is light weight and that has a removable base that engages the body of the structure to maintain the selected orientation of the structure with respect to a surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Art can take on several forms and can show up in many places. One type of artwork is free standing structures, including free standing columns or statues. Venues for the display of free standing columns are vast, limited only be imagination. Some of the more common venues include wedding reception halls, stores, yards, gardens and movie sets.
A traditional free standing column can be made of materials such as marble or concrete. The columns of this type are generally solid in cross-section. While columns of this type can be quite aesthetically appealing, they are not without some limitations. For example, columns having a solid cross-section tend to be quite heavy. As such, any solid column that is larger than a minimal size can be difficult to move, and may require more than one person to move them. Further, as shipping costs continue to increase, the freight charged to move the columns from one venue to another tends to increase accordingly. This can limit the transport of the columns between selected venues.
Further, the traditional free standing columns made of solid material can have a relatively high center of gravity. For example, assuming that the column is symmetrical between the top half and the bottom half, the center of gravity of the column would generally be located at the midpoint of the structure. The higher the center of gravity, the more likely a free standing structure is to tip or topple over in response to a given side load or impact. Further, the heavier that a tipping object is, the more likely that occurrence of significant injury or death to anyone in the falling objects path, and the more likely that there will be significant damage to the surroundings and to the object itself. Of course, the heavier the column, the less likely it is to topple. However, the heavier the column, the more severe the consequences of the tip are likely to be.
One approach attempting to overcome these limitations is to construct the columns out of hollow fiberglass. This approach may reduce the overall weight of the column. However, the center of gravity is still located generally in the middle of the column. Further, given the weight reduction coupled with the relatively high center of gravity, and the column may still be prone to tipping.
One approach used to lower the center of gravity of a hollow column is to dump sand or the like into the bottom of the column to lower the center of gravity of the column. Such an approach may work well for its intended purpose. However, such an approach is not without limitations. For example, the lower center of gravity comes at the expense of increased overall weight. Further, it can be difficult, time consuming and messy to retrieve the sand from inside the column after it is initially put in the column.
When placing an item outdoors on the ground or in a garden on the surface of the garden, the ground may not be able to provide adequate structural integrity to support for the item. This may be especially true when the item comprises a heavy structure. Even if the structure could be supported, it could nevertheless be quite difficult to achieve or maintain a selected vertical alignment of the structure with respect to the ground. Such problems can be magnified during wet soil conditions or when the ground settles or shifts.
Still further yet, these columns will only be upright when they are placed on flat horizontal surfaces. It may be difficult use place them on sloped ground. A person can excavate the surface around the intended location of the columns to achieve a generally horizontal surface for the structure to be placed on. Yet, this approach will permanently alter the landscape.
Columns can also be constructed of cardboard material. Columns of this type are extremely light weight. However, these columns also have some limitations. For example, the durability of the cardboard columns is suspect, as best. Cardboard is susceptible to being crushed, and is not typically resistant to moisture. Further, affixing an exterior appearing surface to the cardboard may not achieve the intended aesthetic qualities. Still further, the cardboard is susceptible to being blown over or away in outdoor applications.
Thus there exists a need for an upright structure that solves these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an upright structure with a base, and more particularly to an upright structure that is light weight and has a removable base that engages the structure to maintain the selected orientation of the structure with respect to a surface.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structure can be a column having a top and a bottom, and with an outside surface. The column or other body can have a longitudinal axis. One or more holes can extend through the column upward from the bottom a selected amount in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis. The holes can be generally circular in cross-section or can be generally rim shaped. The base can have a plate for engaging the ground, and can have one or more members for mating with the one or more holes in the column. The base can alternatively or additionally engage the outside of the column. The base can further have one or more depending members that can extend into a surface, such as the ground. The structure can further incorporate a wedge for being used on a sloped surface to insure that the longitudinal axis of the body is generally upright.
One advantage of the present invention is that it can be aesthetically appealing and durable, while being relatively light weight. The column can be easily disengaged from the base by lifting the column off from the base, and a single person can move each component. Advantageously, the present invention is easily transportable. Being easily transportable or moveable can increase the applications for which the present invention can be used, and can increase the number of venues that will choose to temporarily display the upright structure of the present invention. For example, it may be practical to rent the present invention for a day or weekend for a special occasion. Further, a person on a movie set may easily move the present invention in accordance with the director's wishes.
A further advantage of the present invention is that is has a weighted base. Having a weighted base engage the structure effectively lowers the center of gravity of the structure while avoiding the limitations of using a heavier structure. The overall structure is resistant to tip, and is still easily portable. Further, there is no sand or liquid that needs to be removed prior to transport or that could spill and make a mess. In the event that the structure absorbs a sufficient blow to cause tipping, the light weight nature of the present invention will minimize the damage caused by the tipping.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to vertically center the structure of the present invention. The base can be placed directly onto a horizontally flat surface to maintain the vertical orientation in common indoor applications. For outdoor applications, the base can incorporate a depending member to penetrate the ground to provide added stability. The added stability can be useful as outdoor structures can encounter soggy ground conditions subject to settling and/or high wind.
A still further advantage yet of the present invention is that it can incorporate a wedge to provide a horizontal surface for the selected upright orientation of the present invention. The wedge has a bottom designed to engage the surface, and has a top at an angle from the bottom such that the top is substantially horizontal when the bottom engages the ground. Incorporation of such a wedge allows for the present invention to be displayed on sloped surfaces without permanently altering the sloped surface.
Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the invention will be described in connection with several preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is an upright structure having a body that can have many sizes and shapes. One preferred shape is a column having a size of a between 1 and 3 feet in diameter and between 3 and 12 feet in height. Of course, shapes other than columns can be used, and the size of the columns can be larger and smaller without departing from the broad aspect of the present invention. For sake of clarity, the present invention will be illustrated with columns. However, it is understood that other structures, such as statues, could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.
The columns can be made of many materials. However, being durable, strong and light weight are desirable qualities. Expanded polystyrene is a preferred material. However, other materials such as wood, plastic, fiberglass and molding materials could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.
Turning now to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is shown that a column 10 is provided in
An interior hole 21 extends upward from the bottom 12 of the column, and preferably extends through the entire column 10. The hole 21 preferably is a circular hole and preferably has a diameter of between 1 and 3 inches, and most preferably approximately 1.25 inches. The hole 21 is preferably centrally located in the column 10. An inlet 24 is preferably formed into the bottom 14 of the column. The inlet 24 has a first step 25 preferably having a generally circular cross-section. The inlet 24 also has a second step 26 above the first step 25. The second step has a generally circular cross-section with a diameter smaller than the first step 24. The column 10 preferably has a weight of approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 50 pounds.
Turning now to
Turning now to
According to another aspect of the present invention, a sleeve 390 can be provided. The sleeve 390 has a top 391 with an opening 392, and a bottom 393 which is closed. The bottom 393 can be driven into the surface. A level can be used to insure that the sleeve enters the surface in a vertical orientation. In this regard, the bottom 184 of the depending arm 181 can be removeably inserted into the sleeve 390 for temporarily anchoring the column in a selected position.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a wedge 370 can be provided. A preferred wedge 370 is shown in
The wedge 370 can be used in connection with base 160. In this regard, the slope of the surface 5 is first determined. Next, the wedge 370 is customized so that the top plane is offset from the bottom plane by an amount equal fo the slope of the surface 5. The top 371 lies in a generally horizontal plane when the bottom 372 lies on the sloped surface 5. A sleeve 390 can be used with the wedge 370. The bottom of the second plate 162 of base 130 can contact the top 371 of the wedge 370 and be centrally aligned thereon. The depending arm 181 of the base 160 can extend through the slot 377 in the wedge 370 and be received within the sleeve 390.
An alternative preferred wedge 380 is shown in
Turning now to
A first interior hole 41 extends upward from the bottom 32 of the column, and preferably extends through the entire column 30. The hole 41 preferably is a circular hole and preferably has a diameter of between 1 and 3 inches, and most preferably approximately 1.25 inches. A second interior hole 42 and a third interior hole 43 are also provided. Holes 42 and 43 are similar in size and dimension as hole 41. The holes 41, 42 and 43, respectively, are generally aligned in a triangular pattern.
An inlet 44 is preferably formed into the bottom 34 of the column. The inlet 44 has a first step 45 preferably having a generally circular cross-section. The inlet 44 also has a second step 46 above the first step 45. The second step has a generally circular cross-section with a diameter smaller than the first step 44. The column 30 preferably has a weight of approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 50 pounds.
Still referring to
Base 190 further has three upstanding members. The members are preferably upstanding arms 201, 205 and 209. The arms are generally arranged in a generally triangular pattern, as best shown in
Column 30 can selectably be placed in removeable engagement with base 190. The longitudinal axis 31 of the base generally parallel to and alignable with the longitudinal axis 202 of the base 190. The top end 203 of arm 201 of the base is extendable into the hole 41 in column 30. The top end 207 of arm 205 of the base is extendable into the hole 42 in column 30. The top end 211 of arm 209 of the base is extendable into the hole 43 in column 30. Plate 191 can be mated with, or engage, the second step 46. Plate 192 can be mated with, or engage, the first step 45. When the base 190 and column 30 are engaged, or in a mating position, the center of gravity of the structure is lower than the center of gravity of the column 30. The longitudinal axis 31 of the column is preferably in an upright or vertical orientation when the base 190 lies on a flat horizontal surface.
A further alternative preferred embodiment is shown in
An inlet 64 is preferably formed into the bottom 54 of the column. The inlet 64 has a first step 65 preferably having a generally circular cross-section. The inlet 64 also has a second step 66 above the first step 65. The second step has a generally circular cross-section with a diameter smaller than the first step 64. The column 50 preferably has a weight of approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 50 pounds.
A further alternative preferred base 220 is provided. The base 220 has a first plate 221 and a second plate 222. The first plate 221 is preferably generally circular shaped. The second plate 222 is preferably circular shaped as well, and has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first plate 221. The diameter of the second plate 222 is preferably no larger than the column 50. The first plate 221 and second plate 222 are preferably steel plates. However, other materials can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The first plate 221 has a top and a bottom. The second plate 222 also has a top and a bottom. The bottom of the first plate 221 is in contact with the top of the second plate 222, and the two plates are preferably welded together. Base 220 further has a third plate 223 connected to the bottom of plate 222. Base 220 further has a member. The member is preferably a shoe 231. The shoe has a bottom 234 that is preferably connected to the third plate 223, a top 233, an interior surface 235 and an exterior surface 236. The exterior surface 236 can be a finished surface. The interior surface 235 preferably has a generally circular cross-sectional area and is preferably has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the outside surface 56 of column 50. The base 220 preferably weighs approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 55 pounds.
Column 50 can selectably be placed in removeable engagement with base 220. The bottom 54 of column 50 can be received with the shoe 231 of the base 230. Plate 221 can be mated with, or engage, the second step 66. Plate 222 can be mated with, or engage, the first step 65. When the base 220 and column 50 are engaged, or in a mating position, the center of gravity of the structure is lower than the center of gravity of the column 50. The longitudinal axis 51 of the column is preferably in an upright or vertical orientation when the base 220 lies on a flat horizontal surface.
Turning now to
An interior hole 81 extends upward from the bottom 72 of the column, and preferably extends through the entire column 70. The hole 81 preferably is a circular hole and preferably has a diameter of between 1 and 3 inches, and most preferably approximately 1.25 inches. A threaded receiver 85 is preferably formed into the bottom 74 of the column. The threaded receiver 85 has threads 86. An inlet 87 is also provided at the bottom 74 of the column 70. The column 70 preferably has a weight of approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 50 pounds.
An alternative preferred base 250 is also provided. Base 250 has a first plate 251, which is preferably circular shaped. The diameter of the plate 251 is preferably no larger than the diameter of flange 75. Base 250 further has a member. The member can be a screw 261 that is connected to the plate 251 and be upstanding there from. The screw 261 has threads 262. The base may further have a depending member. The depending member is preferably an arm 271. The arm 271 is preferably a bar of metal having a longitudinal axis 272, a top 273 and a bottom 274. The arm 271 is preferably a solid piece of steel having a generally circular cross-section. The top 273 is preferably welded to the plate 251. The base 250 preferably weighs approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 55 pounds.
Column 70 can selectably be placed in removeable engagement with base 250. The longitudinal axis 71 of the base generally parallel to and alignable with the longitudinal axis 272 of the depending arm 271 of the base 250. The screw 261 can be in threadable engagement with the treaded receiver 85 of the column 70. Plate 251 engages, or mates with, inlet 87 when the screw 261 is engaged with the threaded receiver 85. The center of gravity of the structure is lower than the center of gravity of the column 70.
A further alternative preferred embodiment is shown in
An interior hole 101 extends upward from the bottom 94 of the column, and preferably extends through the entire column 90. The hole 101 preferably is a circular hole and preferably has a diameter of between 1 and 3 inches, and most preferably approximately 1.25 inches. Hole 101 is preferably centrally located in the column 90. An inlet 104 is preferably formed into the bottom 94 of the column. The inlet 104 has a first step 105 preferably having a generally circular cross-section. The inlet 104 also has a second step 106 above the first step 105. The second step has a generally circular cross-section with a diameter smaller than the first step 104. The column 90 preferably has a weight of approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 50 pounds.
A further alternative preferred base 280 is provided. The base 280 has a first plate 281 and a second plate 282. The first plate 281 is preferably generally circular shaped. The second plate 282 is preferably circular shaped as well, and has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first plate 281. The diameter of the second plate 282 is preferably no larger than the column 90. The first plate 281 and second plate 282 are preferably steel plates. However, other materials can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The first plate 281 has a top and a bottom. The second plate 282 also has a top and a bottom. The bottom of the first plate 281 is in contact with the top of the second plate 282, and the two plates are preferably welded together. Base 280 further has a third plate 283 connected to the bottom of plate 282. Base 280 further has a member. The member can be an upstanding arm 291. The arm 291 has a longitudinal axis 292, a top 293 and a bottom 294. The member can also be a shoe 301. The shoe 301 has a bottom 304 that is preferably connected to the third plate 283, a top 303, an interior surface 305 and an exterior surface 306. The exterior surface 306 can be a finished surface. The interior surface 305 preferably has a generally circular cross-sectional area and is preferably has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the outside surface 96 of column 90. The base 280 preferably weighs approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 55 pounds.
Column 90 can selectably be placed in removeable engagement with base 280. The bottom 94 of column 90 can be received with the shoe 281 of the base 280. Plate 281 can be mated with, or engage, the second step 96. Plate 282 can be mated with, or engage, the first step 95. Arm 291 can extend into hole 101 of the column 90. When the base 280 and column 90 are engaged, or in a mating position, the center of gravity of the structure is lower than the center of gravity of the column 90. The longitudinal axis 91 of the column is preferably in an upright or vertical orientation when the base 280 lies on a flat horizontal surface.
Calling attention now to
Column 10 can selectably be placed in removeable engagement with base 310. The longitudinal axis 11 of the base generally parallel to and alignable with the longitudinal axis of the base 310. The top end 323 of the arm 321 of the base 310 is extendable into the hole 21 in the column 10. Plate 311 can be mated with, or engage, the second step 26. Plate 312 can be mated with, or engage, the first step 25. Arms 331, 335 and 339 can be removeably inserted into sleeves. When the base 310 and column 10 are engaged, or in a mating position, the center of gravity of the structure is lower than the center of gravity of the column 10.
Looking now to
An interior rim 121 extends upward from the bottom 112 of the column a predetermined amount. The rim 121 has an interior side 122 and an exterior side 123. The interior side 122 preferably has a generally circular cross-section. An inlet 124 is preferably formed into the bottom 114 of the column. The inlet 24 has a generally circular cross-section. The column 110 preferably has a weight of approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 50 pounds.
An alternative preferred base 350 is provided. The base 350 has a plate 351. The plate 351 is preferably generally circular shaped. The diameter of the plate 351 is preferably no larger than the diameter of flange 115. Base 350 further has a member. The member is preferably a tube 261. The tube 361 has a top 362 and a bottom 363. The tube 361 has an interior 364 and an exterior 354. The bottom 363 is preferably welded to the plate 351. The base 130 preferably weighs approximately between 20 and 80 pounds, and more preferably between 40 and 55 pounds.
Column 110 can be selectably placed in removeable engagement with base 350. The top end 362 of the tube 361 of the base 350 is extendable into the rim 121 in the column 110. Plate 351 can be mated with, or engage, the inlet 124. When the base 350 and column 110 are engaged, or in a mating position, the center of gravity of the structure is lower than the center of gravity of the column 110. The longitudinal axis 111 of the column 110 is preferably in an upright or vertical orientation when the base 350 lies on a flat horizontal surface.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, an upstanding column that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An upstanding structure comprising:
- an body having an outside surface, a top and a bottom, said body having a center of gravity near midway between said top and bottom; and
- a base having a member for removeably engaging said body,
- wherein when said body and said base are engaged, the center of gravity of said upstanding structure is below the center of gravity of said body.
2. The upstanding structure of claim 1 wherein:
- said body has a longitudinal axis and further comprises at least 1 hole extending into said body from said bottom of said body, said at least 1 hole having a selected diameter and being generally parallel with said longitudinal axis; and
- said member of said base comprises at least 1 vertical bar having a selected diameter smaller than said selected diameter of said at least 1 hole, said at least 1 bar being received within said at least 1 hole of said body, respectively.
3. The upstanding structure of claim 2 wherein:
- said at least 1 hole consists of a hole centrally located at said bottom of said body and extending between said bottom and said top of said body; and
- said at least 1 bar consists of a bar centrally located on said base and extendable a selected distance into said hole.
4. The upstanding structure of claim 3 wherein said body is a column having a height of approximately 8 feet and a diameter of approximately 2 feet, and said bar of said base extends approximately 2 feet into said hole in said body.
5. The upstanding structure of claim 3 wherein:
- said body has an inlet at said bottom, said inlet being generally circular in diameter and having a selected depth; and
- said base has a first plate for contacting said bottom of said body and a second plate for being removeably inserted into said inlet.
6. The upstanding structure of claim 2 wherein said base further comprises at least 1 downward depending bar for being inserted into the ground.
7. The upstanding structure of claim 6 wherein:
- said base has a bottom; and
- said upstanding structure further comprises a wedge having a top lying in a top plane and a bottom lying in a bottom plane, said angle between said top plane and said bottom plane being determined by the slope of the surface for which the upstanding structure will stand, said top of said wedge being substantially horizontal when said bottom of said wedge contacts a sloped surface,
- wherein said body is substantially vertical when said bottom of said base contacts said top of said wedge.
8. The upstanding structure of claim 1 wherein said member is a shoe that engages said outside surface of said body near said bottom of said body.
9. The upstanding structure of claim 8 wherein:
- said body has a longitudinal axis and further comprises at least 1 hole extending into said body from said bottom of said body, said at least 1 hole having a selected diameter and being generally parallel with said longitudinal axis; and
- said base further comprises at least 1 vertical bar having a selected diameter smaller than said selected diameter of said at least 1 hole, said at least 1 bar being received within said at least 1 hole of said body, respectively.
10. The upstanding structure of claim 1 wherein said body weighs approximately 50 pounds and said base weighs approximately 50 pounds.
11. An assembly comprising:
- a structure having a top and a bottom that define a length, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis and at least 1 hole that is generally parallel with said longitudinal axis that extends from said bottom at least partially through said body, said bottom of said structure having being a selected size; and
- a base for being removeably engaged with said structure and comprising: first plate having a top for being in contact with said bottom of said structure and a bottom for contacting the ground; and at least 1 member for being inserted into said at least 1 hole in said body.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein:
- said at least 1 hole in said structure comprises at least 1 circular hole having a selected diameter; and
- said at least 1 member comprises at least 1 bar having a selected diameter that is smaller than said selected diameter of said at least 1 hole and having a selected length.
13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said hole extends completely through said body from said bottom to said top.
14. The assembly of claim 12 wherein:
- the selected diameter of said hole in said body is approximately 1.25 inches; and
- the selected length of said bar of said base is approximately 2 feet.
15. The assembly of claim 12 wherein:
- said body has an inlet at said bottom, said inlet being generally circular in diameter and having a selected depth; and
- said base has a second plate for being removeably inserted into said inlet when said bar is inserted into said hole.
16. The assembly of claim 11 wherein:
- said at least 1 hole comprises 1 generally ring shaped hole having a selected width, a selected depth and a selected inside diameter; and
- said at least 1 member comprises 1 generally tube shaped member having a selected width smaller than said selected width of said ring, a selected height smaller than said selected depth of said ring and a selected inside diameter larger than said selected inside diameter of said ring.
17. The upstanding structure of claim 11 wherein said base further comprises at least 1 downward depending bar for being inserted into the ground.
18. The upstanding structure of claim 17 wherein:
- said base has a bottom; and
- said assembly further comprises a wedge having a top lying in a top plane and a bottom lying in a bottom plane, said angle between said top plane and said bottom plane being determined by the slope of the surface for which the upstanding structure will stand, said top of said wedge being substantially horizontal when said bottom of said wedge contacts a sloped surface,
- wherein said structure is substantially vertical when said bottom of said base contacts said top of said wedge.
19. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said first plate has a selected size that is no larger than said selected size of said bottom of said structure.
20. A free standing column comprising:
- a base having: a first plate for contacting the ground and having a first plate size; a second plate connected to said first plate, said second plate having a size that is smaller than said first plate size and said second plate lying in a second plate plane; and a bar that extends from said second plate in a direction generally perpendicular to said second plate plane; and
- a column having: a top; a bottom; a longitudinal axis; a hole extending a selected distance into said column from said bottom, said hole being generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said bar being able to receive said bar of said base; and an inlet at said bottom being able to receive said second plate of said base,
- wherein said base is a weighted base that enhances the ability of said free-standing column to resist tipping over.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 29, 2005
Publication Date: Nov 2, 2006
Inventor: Michael Koerner (Fond du Lac, WI)
Application Number: 11/118,960
International Classification: E04C 3/34 (20060101);