US20070138452A1

US20070138452A1 - Self-retaining post protector

Info

Publication number: US20070138452A1
Application number: US11/305,797
Authority: US
Inventors: Edgar Donabedian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-16
Filing date: 2005-12-16
Publication date: 2007-06-21

Abstract

A post protector with integrally molded self-retaining features to help secure this device to the base of wooden posts to prevent damage that is typically caused by corded grass trimming tools. This four panel device can be assembled to free standing posts or posts that are used in pre-existing fence construction, and it contains features to allow the post protector to be modified to accommodate swing set support posts. The integrated self-retaining features of this device can also be used to market or display this device in retail outlets. In another embodiment of this invention, an integrally molded flange or a series of flanges are used to prevent grass or vegetation from growing between the self-retaining post protector and the post itself. In yet another embodiment of this invention this device contains flanges on each of the four panels to prevent the rotating cord from moving over the top edge to further protect the post.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to wooden post protection, and, more particularly, to a new and improved means of protecting such posts from damage typically caused by rotating corded grass trimming tools that can be applied to free standing posts or posts that are used in typical fence, deck or swing set support construction while offering a means of self retention onto said posts.
b. Description of Related Art
During typical grounds and landscape maintenance, many people have and are experiencing a problem with deterioration of the posts caused by powered grass trimming tools with rotating cord or cords. Even the more experienced and diligent of users find it difficult to avoid contacting posts during this process and would require significantly more time to do so. As many homeowners and professional landscape and maintenance crews are interested in completing their tasks in a timely fashion, the special care to avoid posts is typically not taken and subsequent damage occurs. The result of damage is initially an unsightly condition due to wear of the wood, and eventually becomes a structural concern as maintenance continues.
With continued maintenance and contact, the post will become unstable and will eventually need to be replaced. Considering the various types of post applications, the effects of damage, deterioration and replacement can be very costly and time consuming.
As posts are typically used in fence, deck and swing set construction, it is very important to protect these to avoid the aforementioned complication. Thus, the development of such a device that can readily accomplish this would be desirable.
Prior art exists to address this problem, but is limited and restricted in a variety of ways from performing this function efficiently and on a variety of post applications. For example, Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 discloses a three-sided device that is intended for use on pre-existing fence posts, claiming that prior art could not achieve assembly to this type of construction as the vertical fencing panels would prohibit installation of prior devices to the post. Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 references prior art such as Goodrich U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713, which discloses a device to incase a utility pole prior to installation, and Company U.S. Pat. No. 405,658, which discloses a cylindrical pole protector, both of which are deemed unsuitable for assembly on to posts that are previously erected. This is also true for Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1, which defines a device that is suitable for free standing post protection, but due to its design and manufacturing process, is also deemed not suitable for assembly on to posts that are used in pre-existing fence structures. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can not only be used on pre-existing fences, but also is capable of being used on free standing posts as well. Unlike Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713, the present invention can accomplish this with only a single device. Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713 requires the use of two three-paneled devices, installed opposite to each other, to protect free standing posts.
In addition to vertical post applications, such as mailbox or fence posts, there are also post applications where the posts may be at an angle other than 90 degrees to the ground, or posts that are secured to ground with a grade other than 90 degrees to the post, which also require protection. Examples include a swing set with standard A-frame support posts or a backyard deck with post supports secured to a pitched or graded landscape. If prior art such as Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713 were used in these applications, the post protector would not sit flush on the ground, which would allow portions of the post to be exposed and prone to damage. However, Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1 does disclose a device capable of protecting a swing set support post, which is accomplished through a preformed device; it is not capable of also being used on a vertical post application with the same device without leaving portions of the post exposed to damage, as previously described. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that provides provisions to accommodate non-vertical post applications, such as a swing set support posts, with a single device that can also be used for vertical post applications that are again either free standing or used in previously constructed fence applications. As will be further defined, this is accomplished in the present invention by providing integrally molded cut guide grooves that are designed to correspond and equate to the standard angle of the A-frame support posts, and after modification, the present invention will sit flush on the ground.
Also, through the use of the molding process and material selection, the present invention can be customized to fit various grade applications, as may be seen with many backyard deck support posts.
Furthermore, as previously described, the task of lawn maintenance, specifically around post applications, is typically completed in a hurried fashion. Because of this, it is an object of the present invention to include a series of integrally molded flanges on the topmost edge of this device to prevent the rotating cord of the grass trimming tool from moving up and over the post protector.
Equally important to protecting the post, a device should be reliably secured to the post, as it will be subject to contact by not only the grass trimmer, but also others tools, such as the lawn mower. Prior art, such as Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 and Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1, disclose unique means in which to accomplish this, but each have limitations and require additional effort and material. For example, Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 uses spring tension from two panels of a three panel device for the primary means of retention and offer holes for fasteners as a secondary means of attachment. If the fasteners are not used, there is potential for the three-sided device to be disengaged from the post upon contact. Also, Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1 discloses the use of adhesive as a means of securing respective device to a post. In addition to adding material cost, adhesive may be prone to deterioration through exposure to elements that may weaken respective joint. It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique and robust means of securing the post protector to a post through integrally molded self-retention features, resulting in a low cost and efficient design.
Although inventions exist to either protect a post or to control the growth of grass or vegetation around a post, none of these appear to be capable of fulfilling both of these attributes with the same device. As the aforementioned patents do provide a means of post protection, albeit with said limitations, they do not provide a means of controlling the growth of grass or vegetation between the post protector and the post itself. For example, O'Berry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,255 does provide a means to prevent growth of grass or vegetation around posts; it does not provide any means of protection for the post itself. It is an object of the present invention to provide a single device with features capable of not only protecting the post, but also capable of controlling the growth of grass or vegetation between the post protector and the post itself.
With the intention of providing the present invention for mass commercial and residential use, this device was designed to accommodate an ever increasing demand for retail floor and shelving space. This is achieved through manufacturing the present invention in a flat or developed state and the use of integrally molded hinges to ease consumer assembly. In addition to a slender design, the present invention incorporates a unique self-retaining feature as a means for hanging this device for display or marketing in its as-manufactured state. Also, a series of holes are offered to allow this device to be hung in a vertical or horizontal orientation to provide additional flexibility for retail outlets to optimize display arrangements.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a means to secure a post protector to a post in a variety of applications including pitched or graded surfaces, pre-existing fence posts or free standing posts, using integral self-retention features all contained within a single device. Constructed of molded durable plastic material, the present invention can be either molded-in-color or painted.
Furthermore, being constructed of molded material readily allows self-retaining post protector to be designed to accommodate a variety of post sections of either square, rectangular, circular, and octagonal, or variations of these shapes. This process also allows for flanging to be used on topmost edge to prevent inadvertent damage caused if grass-trimming cord slides up and over the post protector. Flanging used on inside surfaces of present invention will prevent grass or vegetation from growing between post protector and the post itself, while creating an opposing force in self-retaining feature to further strengthen this joint.
Another principal object of this invention is the use of a slot feature, which is used in conjunction with self-retaining feature, to be used as a means of hanging present invention in retail businesses for marketing purposes. This advantage is present through the use of molding process and will significantly reduce the required retail floor space, allowing this product to be marketed in a variety of places.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a wood post with typical damage caused by the rotating cord of a grass trimming tool;
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a wood post with first embodiment of the post protector of the present invention shown assembled onto said post;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing self-retention features and integral hinge design;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing a second embodiment of the present invention with inwardly directed flanges;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention with an alternate self retention slot and added holes;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state;
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the post protector assembled to a post with self retention features on the side of the post in lieu of corner attachments as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18;
FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing the post protector assembled to a post with self retention features on the side of the post in lieu of corner attachments as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 showing details of alternate self-retention feature;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 showing details of alternate self-retention feature;
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention showing the post protector assembled to one of two swing set support posts;
FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sixth embodiment of present invention showing integrally molded cut guide grooves;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 5 showing an outwardly directed flange on topmost edge;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 8 showing the eight embodiment of the present invention with alternate self-retention feature;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12 showing integrally molded cut-guide groove(s);
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state being hung by respective self-retention slot using single looped wire hanger;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state being hung by alternate hole features using multiple wire hangers;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a typical fence showing an alternate application of present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates a wooden post 10 showing damage and deterioration to the base of the post that is typically caused by the rotating cord of a grass trimming tool during regular lawn maintenance. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the first embodiment of present invention, where FIG. 2 illustrates self-retaining post protector 12 assembled to wooden post 11 for the purposes of protecting it from damage shown in FIG. 1. Preferred height h of post protector 12 in FIG. 2 is approximately 6 inches. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of wooden post 11 and self-retaining post protector 12 showing the four panel construction with two interior panels 12 b and 12 c, and two exterior panels 12 a and 12 d, which are connected through integrally molded hinges 13 a, 13 b and 13 c. FIG. 3 further illustrates self-retention features comprised of an integrally molded tab 14 that is centrally located and attached to exterior panel 12 d and is inserted through properly sized integrally molded slot feature 15 on the adjacent exterior panel 12 a upon assembly. Each of the interior and exterior panels 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, and 12 d are approximately 0.10 inches thick, and are of sufficient width w and W to protect either a 4×4 inch or a 4×6 inch wooden post. For example, when used with a 4×4 inch post, w and W would have equal dimensions of approximately 3.80 inches to accommodate actual post size of 3.50 inches, and if used with a 4×6 inch post, width w would remain at approximately 3.80 inches, while width W would be approximately 5.80 inches to accommodate actual post size of 5.50 inches. Hinge features 13 a, 13 b and 13 c are comprised of reduced cross sections to a minimum thickness of 0.06 inches to allow for this device to be easily folded and assembled, while providing desired protection. The use of Polypropylene material readily accommodates a molding process, making it possible to develop integrally molded self-retaining features 14 and 15 and hinges 13 a, 13 b and 13 c. Having the ability to protect all four sides of a post with an integral retention feature allows for the present invention to be installed on free standing posts, such as a mail box post, or posts that are previously assembled and used in typical fence construction, as discussed in detail below. As many different colors may be desirable to match existing structures, the use of a molding process and Polypropylene material allows for this device to be either molded in color or painted as desired to match specific applications. Furthermore, the molding process also allows for modification of the mold dies to include graining or texturing of exterior surfaces of panels 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d to further enhance the protective properties of this device, while helping to prevent painted versions from chipping. It should be noted and understood that the aforementioned construction and manufacturing technique of the present invention can be applied to accommodate a variety of post sizes and shapes, including circular or octagonal.
Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention with integrally molded, inwardly directed flanges 16 a, 16 b, 16 c and 16 d that will help prevent the growth of grass or vegetation between this device and the post itself. Said flanges, molded circumferentially and connected to each of the panels 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d described in FIG. 3, will also provide additional strength in the self-retention joint by creating an opposing (outward) force in the joint. It should be noted that respective flanges are not required for sufficient joint or retention performance. A single flange (not shown), or a plurality of flanges, as seen in FIG. 4, can be used with equal effectiveness in their purpose.
Referring next to FIG. 5, the third embodiment of the present invention 12 e is shown in an assembled state with self-retaining tab 14 inserted through corresponding slot feature 15 a. Integrally molded slot feature 15 a and holes 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and 17 d are designed to be used to hang this device for display or marketing.
Referring to FIG. 6, the third embodiment of the present invention 12 e is shown in its as-manufactured or flat state having centrally located retaining tab 14 on exterior panel 12 d and corresponding integrally molded slot feature 15 a on exterior panel 12 a. As previously described, integrally molded hinges 13 a, 13 b and 13 c (13 b not shown in FIG. 6) readily allow for ease of assembly, without compromising integrity and purpose of this invention. Also shown are holes 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and 17 d, which can be used independently with slot feature 15 a, and are not required for post protection.
Referring to FIG. 7, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with the type and location of self-retention features 18 a and 18 b residing on the side of the post protector, in lieu of the corner location as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. This alternative requires the use of four hinges that would be constructed similar to hinges defined in FIG. 3.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with the type and location of self retention features 19 a, 19 b, 19 c and 19 d residing on the side of the post protector, in lieu of the corner location as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. This alternative requires the use of four hinges that would be constructed similar to hinges defined in FIG. 3.
Referring to FIG. 9, which illustrates details of retention features 18 a and 18 b, and engagement for side panel retention feature location.
Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates details of retention features 19 a and 19 b, and engagement for side panel retention feature location. A plurality of retention tabs can be used as shown in FIG. 8, or a single tab that is centrally located on the side panel can be used with equal effectiveness.
Referring next to FIG. 11, a swing and support posts are illustrated, which introduces the sixth embodiment of the present invention 12 f assembled to post 21 to prevent damage to the base of respective posts, as can be seen on post 20. These posts 20 and 21 are secured to the swing set through a standard bracket 22 that is typically used in swing set construction. The resulting angle θ is approximately 50 degrees, which is governed by support bracket 22.
Referring now to FIG. 12, post protector 12 f is shown its as-manufactured or flat state having integrally molded cut-guide groove's 23 a, 23 b and 23 c, with β1 and β2 equal to approximately 25 degrees, which correspond and equate to resultant angles established by standard swing set support bracket 22 shown in FIG. 11. As seen in FIG. 12, cut-guide grooves reside exterior panel 12 a and interior panels 12 b and 12 c only. No cut-guide groove is required on exterior panel 12 d for this application. The resulting configuration, after modification, provides complete perimeter protection to the post by allowing this device to sit flush onto the ground. It should be noted and understood that a plurality of cut guide grooves could be used that correspond and equate to resultant angles of other varying degrees of post installations. Being molded in a flat state allows for the present invention to be placed safely and firmly on a suitable work surface for modification using standard metal shears or razor knife prior to assembly.
Referring to FIG. 13, the seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown by providing integrally-molded outwardly directed flange 24 of length l of approximately 0.5 inches to prevent the cord of the grass trimming tool from inadvertently moving up and over the top edge of this device to further protect the post. Flange 24 could be integrally molded to the top of each of the four panels 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d as illustrated in FIG. 5.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown by providing a slotted tab 25 to engage and secure end panels, as opposed to solid tabs 19 a and 19 cas shown in FIG. 8. It should be noted and understood that this method of retention could be used on either side panel location as seen in FIG. 8, or corner panel application as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 16, 17 and 18.
Referring now to FIG. 15, integrally molded cut-guide grooves 23 a, 23 b and 23 c, as seen in FIG. 12, are comprised of a depth d of approximately 0.08 inches.
Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in its as-manufactured or flat state using self retention feature slot 15 a as a means to hang this device on a typical looped wire hanger 26, while FIG. 17 illustrates holes 17 a and 17 b being used to hang this device by two standard wire hangers 27 a and 27 b. Hole features 17 c and 17 d are also provided to provide flexibility on orientation. For example, to optimize retail space, it may be desirable to hang this device in a horizontal state, as which point 17 a and 17 d or 17 b and 17 c, could be jointly used with hangars 27 a and 27 b.
Referring next to FIG. 18, an alternate application of present invention is shown, which illustrates an advantage of present invention as compared to prior art by being capable of being assembled to a post that is used in pre-existing fence construction. This is made possible by manufacturing present invention in a flat state with integral hinge features to allow the post protector 12 e (shown in FIG. 18 less hole features 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and 17 d) to be slid between fence post 28 and vertical fence boards 29 that are typically secured to stringer board 30 of thickness T of approximately 1.75 inches prior to being folded for assembly. The height h of approximately 6 inches of the present invention 12 e also allows the present invention to have sufficient clearance to stringer boards 30, which are typically constructed to height H of approximately 8 to 12 inches above the ground.
While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples. Modifications in addition to those discussed can be made without departing from the invention. For example, as previously mentioned, use of the aforementioned construction method and features can be applied to posts with a variety of cross sections, including circular or octagonal. Furthermore, the retention features can be comprised of a variety of end fittings, such as barbed, circular or tapered features.

Claims

1. A self-retaining post protector for protecting a square or rectangular post comprised of:

a device having typically four panels integrally connected through continuous material construction, and is further defined by having two interior panels and two exterior panels that are manufactured with appropriately sized reduced cross sections at respective corners to allow this device to be easily folded for assembly, which is made possible through the use of standard molding process that will produce this device in a flat or developed state. Said reduction in cross section creates hinges to connect respective panels for self-retaining continuity and strength. Through the use of features exclusive to this device and respective manufacturing techniques, this device can also be designed to fit a variety of geometrically shaped posts, such as circular or octagonal sections.

2. The post protector of claim 1 wherein the geometry of said post protector is conducive and suitable, but not limited to, the use of Polypropylene material of appropriate grade and composition.

3. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally molded flange on the top edge of each of the panels described in claim 1 that are projected outward with an appropriate length to prevent rotating cord of grass trimmer from moving over top edge of this device to further protect post from inadvertent damage.

4. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally molded tab centrally located on the edge of one of the two exterior panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retention feature on said tab to attach to and through a facilitating opening on the second exterior panel to provide a means of retention upon assembly to secure and locate device described in claim 1 to a post.

5. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally molded tab or a plurality of molded tabs on and along the edge of one of the two exterior panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retention feature on said tab(s) to attach to and through facilitating opening(s) on the second exterior panel to provide a means of retention upon assembly to secure and locate device described in claim 1 to post.

6. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally molded tab on and along the entire edge of one of the two exterior panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retention feature on said tab to attach to a facilitating opening that is integrally molded on and along the entire edge of the second exterior panel to provide a means of retention upon assembly to secure and locate device described in claim 1 to post.

7. The post protector of claim 1, having an integrally molded attachment feature on exterior panel used to accommodate and facilitate attachment of said molded tab described in claim 4 for use in marketing and displaying this device described in claim 1 by means of accommodating standard looped-wire hangers typically used in retail businesses.

8. The post protector of claim 1, having an integrally molded attachment features on exterior panel used to accommodate and facilitate attachments of said molded tabs described in claim 5 for use in marketing and displaying this device described in claim 1 by means of accommodating standard looped-wire hangers typically used in retail businesses.

9. The post protector of claim 1, having integrally molded sets of holes on exterior panels described in claim 1 for use in marketing and displaying of this device described in claim 1 by means of accommodating standard wire rods typically used in retail businesses.

10. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally molded single flange or a plurality of flanges on inside surfaces of the interior and exterior panels described in claim 1 that would be directed inward to contact the post to prevent grass or vegetation from growing between the said post protector and the post itself. Said molded flange(s) can also used to create an opposing force in self-retaining feature described in claim 4 and claim 5 to further strengthen joint.

11. A post protector as in any of the preceding claims that further comprises integrally molded grooves that reside on the inside surfaces of the interior and exterior panels described in claim 1 that correspond and equate to the resultant standard angle of common swing set support posts, to provide a means of guiding modification of present invention prior to assembly and installation on to said posts.