US20070180784A1 - Universal post top cap - Google Patents
Universal post top cap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070180784A1 US20070180784A1 US11/729,493 US72949307A US2007180784A1 US 20070180784 A1 US20070180784 A1 US 20070180784A1 US 72949307 A US72949307 A US 72949307A US 2007180784 A1 US2007180784 A1 US 2007180784A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- threaded
- top cap
- cap
- post top
- post
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
- E01F9/623—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by form or by structural features, e.g. for enabling displacement or deflection
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/006—Caps or covers for posts
Definitions
- the field of the invention is post top caps, particularly those used in street signs and traffic signs.
- a post top cap is a cup-like structure that fits over the top of the support pole which is mounted into the ground.
- the post top cap supports the rod which extends upwardly from the cap, the rod being the structure to which the sign is bracketed.
- the post top cap is made of case iron, and the steel rod is welded into the cast iron cap. Because the cap and the rod are permanently attached to each other, if the cap rusts or otherwise becomes deteriorated, the entire top assembly must be replaced.
- the invention is a post top cap that has a threaded opening into which threaded bar stock such as a rod, a flat blade double-faced street sign, or an ornamental top can be inserted and held in position by a threaded locking nut.
- threaded bar stock such as a rod, a flat blade double-faced street sign, or an ornamental top
- the cap is a universal post top cap that can be used interchangeably with any sign.
- the cap is made of a rustproof and corrosion-resistant material, preferably die-cast zinc.
- An advantage of the invention is that a street sign can be changed from a two-way to a four-way to a six-way sign by changing the length of the rod to be inserted into the post top cap. It is not necessary to change the cap itself as it is with conventional sign structures. Therefore the city or other governmental body responsible for installing and maintaining the sign can mix and match different components as needed in mounting signs.
- Another advantage of the invention is that, because it resists rust and corrosion, it is more durable than conventional caps, and if it does need to be replaced, it can be replaced more easily and cheaply.
- Still another advantage of the invention is that the cap and the rod can be shipped disassembled in a smaller box than conventional post top cap assemblies, and can be assembled at the site where the sign is to be installed, thus saving money on shipping costs and allowing for easy installation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top and side of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view.
- the post top cap is a generally cup-shaped structure.
- the cap is made of galvanized zinc and is manufactured by a conventional die-casting process.
- the cap has a generally cylindrical side wall 1 and a generally frusto-conical top 2 formed integrally with the side wall 1 .
- the cap is open at its bottom end, which is of sufficient size to allow the cap to fit over the top end of a pipe-like support post (not shown) mounted into the ground.
- the conventional size for these support posts is two and three-eighths inches outside diameter.
- a plurality of (preferably six, alternating rectangular and semi-circular) reinforcement ribs 3 are formed as an integral part of the interior surface of the side wall 1 , and the ribs 3 grip onto the support post.
- Small threaded holes 4 are formed into the side wall 11 through at least some of the ribs 3 , preferably one hole 4 through every other rib 3 (preferably the rectangular ribs). Set screws (not shown) fit into each of these holes 4 in order to hold the cap onto the support post.
- a threaded opening 5 is formed into and vertically through the center of the top 2 of the cap.
- Central opening 5 preferably has five-eighths inch National Fine threads which are suitable to receive threaded bar stock (for example, the rod 15 ) that has five-eighths inch National Fine threads at its generally cylindrical bottom end.
- the rod 15 has a different type of threads, preferably three-quarter inch National Coarse threads, at its top end (upon which a ball, finial, or other topper can be mounted) so that it is easy to assemble the parts correctly.
- a taper 7 is countersunk into the flat part of the top 2 of the cap and surrounds the threaded opening 5 .
- the taper 7 accepts the corners (saddles) of four-sided threaded bar stock such as rod 15 to ensure a snug fit.
- On the underside of the top 2 of the cap and formed as an integral part of the top 2 is a flange-like protuberance 11 that surrounds the threaded opening 5 .
- the threaded bottom end of the rod 15 penetrates the threaded central opening 5 and extends beyond the flange 11 .
- a threaded jam nut also called a stop nut or a self-locking nut
- the jam nut 12 prevents the cap from being unscrewed by high winds or vandalism.
- the jam nut 12 has nylon inserts between its threads for a better grip.
- At least two grooves 14 are formed into the top 2 of the cap. On opposite sides of the threaded opening 5 .
- the grooves 14 serve as drain channels to prevent the buildup of moisture on the cap.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
Abstract
A universal post top cap for street signs and traffic signs. The cap has a threaded central opening that allows threaded bar stock of different lengths to be inserted into the opening and to be locked into position by a threaded locking nut. Thus allowing the cap to be used interchangeably for different signs.
Description
- This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/044,451, filed Jan. 28, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- The field of the invention is post top caps, particularly those used in street signs and traffic signs.
- A post top cap is a cup-like structure that fits over the top of the support pole which is mounted into the ground. The post top cap supports the rod which extends upwardly from the cap, the rod being the structure to which the sign is bracketed. In a conventional sign structure, the post top cap is made of case iron, and the steel rod is welded into the cast iron cap. Because the cap and the rod are permanently attached to each other, if the cap rusts or otherwise becomes deteriorated, the entire top assembly must be replaced.
- The invention is a post top cap that has a threaded opening into which threaded bar stock such as a rod, a flat blade double-faced street sign, or an ornamental top can be inserted and held in position by a threaded locking nut. Thus the cap is a universal post top cap that can be used interchangeably with any sign. The cap is made of a rustproof and corrosion-resistant material, preferably die-cast zinc.
- An advantage of the invention is that a street sign can be changed from a two-way to a four-way to a six-way sign by changing the length of the rod to be inserted into the post top cap. It is not necessary to change the cap itself as it is with conventional sign structures. Therefore the city or other governmental body responsible for installing and maintaining the sign can mix and match different components as needed in mounting signs.
- Another advantage of the invention is that, because it resists rust and corrosion, it is more durable than conventional caps, and if it does need to be replaced, it can be replaced more easily and cheaply.
- Still another advantage of the invention is that the cap and the rod can be shipped disassembled in a smaller box than conventional post top cap assemblies, and can be assembled at the site where the sign is to be installed, thus saving money on shipping costs and allowing for easy installation.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top and side of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view. - The post top cap is a generally cup-shaped structure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cap is made of galvanized zinc and is manufactured by a conventional die-casting process. The cap has a generally
cylindrical side wall 1 and a generally frusto-conical top 2 formed integrally with theside wall 1. The cap is open at its bottom end, which is of sufficient size to allow the cap to fit over the top end of a pipe-like support post (not shown) mounted into the ground. The conventional size for these support posts is two and three-eighths inches outside diameter. A plurality of (preferably six, alternating rectangular and semi-circular) reinforcement ribs 3 are formed as an integral part of the interior surface of theside wall 1, and the ribs 3 grip onto the support post. Small threadedholes 4 are formed into the side wall 11 through at least some of the ribs 3, preferably onehole 4 through every other rib 3 (preferably the rectangular ribs). Set screws (not shown) fit into each of theseholes 4 in order to hold the cap onto the support post. - A threaded
opening 5 is formed into and vertically through the center of thetop 2 of the cap.Central opening 5 preferably has five-eighths inch National Fine threads which are suitable to receive threaded bar stock (for example, the rod 15) that has five-eighths inch National Fine threads at its generally cylindrical bottom end. Therod 15 has a different type of threads, preferably three-quarter inch National Coarse threads, at its top end (upon which a ball, finial, or other topper can be mounted) so that it is easy to assemble the parts correctly. - A taper 7 is countersunk into the flat part of the
top 2 of the cap and surrounds the threadedopening 5. The taper 7 accepts the corners (saddles) of four-sided threaded bar stock such asrod 15 to ensure a snug fit. On the underside of thetop 2 of the cap and formed as an integral part of thetop 2 is a flange-like protuberance 11 that surrounds the threadedopening 5. The threaded bottom end of therod 15 penetrates the threadedcentral opening 5 and extends beyond the flange 11. A threaded jam nut (also called a stop nut or a self-locking nut) fits over the threaded bottom end of therod 15 and tightens flush against the flange 11. Thejam nut 12 prevents the cap from being unscrewed by high winds or vandalism. Thejam nut 12 has nylon inserts between its threads for a better grip. - At least two
grooves 14 are formed into thetop 2 of the cap. On opposite sides of the threadedopening 5. Thegrooves 14 serve as drain channels to prevent the buildup of moisture on the cap.
Claims (2)
1. A universal post top cap for street signs and traffic signs, and post top cap comprising:
a generally cylindrical side wall and a generally frusto-conical top formed integrally with said side wall, said post top cap being open at its bottom end;
a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed as an integral part of said post top cap, said ribs being positioned on the interior surface of said side wall, at least some of said ribs being provided with threaded holes therethrough;
a threaded central opening formed vertically through said top, said opening being adapted to receive threaded bar stock therethrough;
a taper formed into said top surrounding said threaded central opening;
at least two drain channels formed into said top, said drain channels being positioned on opposite sides of said threaded central openings;
a flange formed as an integral part of said post top cap on the underside of said top, said flange surrounding said threaded central opening;
a threaded jam nut adapted to fit around said threaded bar stock and to tighten flush against said flange to hold said threaded bar stock in position.
2. The post top cap of claim 1 wherein said post top cap is comprised of die-cast zinc.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/729,493 US20070180784A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2007-03-29 | Universal post top cap |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US4445105A | 2005-01-28 | 2005-01-28 | |
US11/729,493 US20070180784A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2007-03-29 | Universal post top cap |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US4445105A Continuation | 2005-01-28 | 2005-01-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070180784A1 true US20070180784A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
Family
ID=38332579
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/729,493 Abandoned US20070180784A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2007-03-29 | Universal post top cap |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070180784A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080229668A1 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2008-09-25 | Quanex Corporation | Astragal Boot |
US20110163213A1 (en) * | 2010-01-05 | 2011-07-07 | Jeffery Borowiak | Mailbox mounting system |
US8844907B1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2014-09-30 | James E. Davis | Fence/railing post cap system |
US20150108419A1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2015-04-23 | Mark Ostheller | System and method for supporting an item on a fence terminal post |
USD749239S1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2016-02-09 | Dee Volin | Top rail end cup |
US9540839B1 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2017-01-10 | William Powers Gross | Adjustable universal post cap |
WO2017031546A1 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2017-03-02 | Cmi Construction & Mining Industries Supplies Pty Ltd | Protective safety caps for posts |
US20220356664A1 (en) * | 2021-05-10 | 2022-11-10 | Foundation Technologies, Inc. | High-capacity threaded bar micropile and caisson reinforcement compression spacer |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1803733A (en) * | 1928-08-11 | 1931-05-05 | Sheras Morris | Designating device |
US1995869A (en) * | 1933-12-28 | 1935-03-26 | Sprung Abraham | Sign frame support |
US2622357A (en) * | 1951-08-09 | 1952-12-23 | Sprung Abraham | Street sign |
US3078063A (en) * | 1960-11-25 | 1963-02-19 | Plametron Corp | Pedestal base assembly |
US3250050A (en) * | 1963-06-17 | 1966-05-10 | Millmont Ind Inc | Pole cap |
USD300350S (en) * | 1985-12-12 | 1989-03-21 | Cherne Industries, Inc. | Expansible sealing plug for pipelines and the like |
US5685343A (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1997-11-11 | Smith; Richard D. | Decorative pipe tubing cover |
US6106912A (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 2000-08-22 | Balog; Leonard John | Emblem mounting assembly |
-
2007
- 2007-03-29 US US11/729,493 patent/US20070180784A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1803733A (en) * | 1928-08-11 | 1931-05-05 | Sheras Morris | Designating device |
US1995869A (en) * | 1933-12-28 | 1935-03-26 | Sprung Abraham | Sign frame support |
US2622357A (en) * | 1951-08-09 | 1952-12-23 | Sprung Abraham | Street sign |
US3078063A (en) * | 1960-11-25 | 1963-02-19 | Plametron Corp | Pedestal base assembly |
US3250050A (en) * | 1963-06-17 | 1966-05-10 | Millmont Ind Inc | Pole cap |
USD300350S (en) * | 1985-12-12 | 1989-03-21 | Cherne Industries, Inc. | Expansible sealing plug for pipelines and the like |
US5685343A (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1997-11-11 | Smith; Richard D. | Decorative pipe tubing cover |
US6106912A (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 2000-08-22 | Balog; Leonard John | Emblem mounting assembly |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080229668A1 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2008-09-25 | Quanex Corporation | Astragal Boot |
US7694471B2 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2010-04-13 | Quanex Corporation | Astragal boot |
US8844907B1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2014-09-30 | James E. Davis | Fence/railing post cap system |
US20110163213A1 (en) * | 2010-01-05 | 2011-07-07 | Jeffery Borowiak | Mailbox mounting system |
US20150108419A1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2015-04-23 | Mark Ostheller | System and method for supporting an item on a fence terminal post |
USD749239S1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2016-02-09 | Dee Volin | Top rail end cup |
WO2017031546A1 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2017-03-02 | Cmi Construction & Mining Industries Supplies Pty Ltd | Protective safety caps for posts |
CN108350703A (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2018-07-31 | Cmi建筑采矿工业供给私人有限公司 | Protection safety cap for column |
AU2016312976B2 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2021-07-01 | Cmi Construction & Mining Industries Supplies Pty Ltd | Protective safety caps for posts |
US9540839B1 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2017-01-10 | William Powers Gross | Adjustable universal post cap |
US20220356664A1 (en) * | 2021-05-10 | 2022-11-10 | Foundation Technologies, Inc. | High-capacity threaded bar micropile and caisson reinforcement compression spacer |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20070180784A1 (en) | Universal post top cap | |
US7677000B2 (en) | Post system for a railing | |
US20060180729A1 (en) | Leg support | |
US9140286B2 (en) | Omnidirectional breakaway support system and connector | |
US6523808B1 (en) | Mounting fixture for hollow fence posts | |
US10890316B2 (en) | Lighting fixture with high structural integrity | |
US20060169966A1 (en) | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith | |
US8353488B2 (en) | Bicycle parking structure | |
KR101903411B1 (en) | wood fence | |
US20100025650A1 (en) | Adjustable Fencing System | |
US8881669B2 (en) | Wrap preventing flag apparatus | |
KR101615202B1 (en) | A rigid reinforcement of streetlights | |
KR100955424B1 (en) | Anchor post | |
KR101589159B1 (en) | A rigid reinforcement of streetlights | |
KR20210012125A (en) | Column for street light | |
US7604446B2 (en) | Housing mountable with drywall anchor | |
US20080053362A1 (en) | Flagpole ornament | |
KR20180068633A (en) | Mounting method and structure of roof carrier | |
US10197214B2 (en) | Securing assembly | |
KR200190668Y1 (en) | An opening and closing device on the steel pole for wiring the signal lamp | |
CA3101814C (en) | Nut clips for attaching objects to a pole | |
KR200329519Y1 (en) | Foundation bolt for base block for facilities | |
US20220298823A1 (en) | Modular pole, joint for modular pole, and fastener for connecting modular pole modules | |
KR200211315Y1 (en) | an overflow lid to prevent brakeaway and to eliminate noise | |
KR200210981Y1 (en) | the flag pole holding pipe |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GOPHER SIGN COMPANY, MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SMITH, J. BRADNER;REEL/FRAME:019203/0644 Effective date: 20070329 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |