A cover is provided in modular form for covering support structures, including columns supporting overpasses on roadways. The cover is formed of cover segments that are connected together laterally and vertically. The cover segments are provided with multiple techniques for vertical and horizontal c
A cover is provided in modular form for covering support structures, including columns supporting overpasses on roadways. The cover is formed of cover segments that are connected together laterally and vertically. The cover segments are provided with multiple techniques for vertical and horizontal connection, air channels, stand offs, worker viewing areas, and drainage spaces. The cover is made of a lightweight material and allows for tolerance for expansion of the support structure material.
대표청구항▼
1. A cover segment of a modular cover in which two or more of said cover segments are connectable for surrounding a support structure, comprising: the cover segment having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposing sides, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface facing a support structure
1. A cover segment of a modular cover in which two or more of said cover segments are connectable for surrounding a support structure, comprising: the cover segment having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposing sides, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface facing a support structure when the two or more cover segments are connected;at least one lateral connector disposed on the opposing sides of the cover segment in a lateral direction;a top connecting member having a ledge extending inwardly substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment and extending along the top edge of the cover segment;a bottom connecting member having a ledge extending inwardly substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment and extending along the bottom edge of the cover segment;one or more pockets each disposed in the outer surface of the cover segment and open to the top edge of the cover segment and extending downward from the top edge;one or more bottom flanges extending in a downward direction from the bottom edge of the cover segment; anda plurality of protrusions projecting inwardly from the outer surface of the cover segment toward a support structure;wherein the at least one lateral connector of one of the two opposing sides of the cover segment is configured to connect to a corresponding at least one lateral connector disposed on a corresponding one of the opposing sides of a laterally adjacent cover segment when two or more of the cover segments are connected,wherein the top ledge of the top connecting member of one said cover segment is configured to correspond with the ledge of the bottom connecting member of a vertically adjacent said cover segment such that the ledge of the top connecting member and the ledge of the bottom connecting member abut one another when the two or more cover segments are connected, andwherein the one or more pockets of the cover segment are configured to accept corresponding ones of the one or more bottom flanges of the cover segment of a vertically adjacent said cover segment when the two or more cover segments are connected. 2. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment has top and bottom concave surfaces,the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment has top and bottom concave surfaces and is configured to accept the at least one lateral connector on the one side of a cover segment, andat least one of the top concave surface and the bottom concave surface of the at least one lateral connector on the opposite side of the cover segment engage with a flexible fastener. 3. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover segment, the lateral connectors, the top connecting member, the bottom connecting member, the one or more pockets, and the one or more bottom flanges are all formed as one piece. 4. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the top connecting member has a plurality of C shaped channels disposed along the top connecting member, the bottom surface of each channel is a top surface of the top connecting member,wherein the bottom connecting member has a plurality of tongue members extending inward substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment, andwherein the tongue members of the bottom connecting member of one said cover segment is configured to correspond with the channel of the top connecting member of a vertically adjacent said cover segment such that the tongue of the bottom connecting member engages with corresponding channels of the top connecting member when the two or more cover segments are connected. 5. A cover segment of a modular cover in which two or more cover segments are connectable for surrounding a support structure, comprising: the cover segment having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposing sides, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface facing a support structure when two more cover segments are connected;at least one lateral connector disposed on the opposing sides of the cover segment in lateral direction;a top connecting member having a ledge extending inwardly substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment and extending along the top edge of the cover segment;a bottom connecting member having a ledge extending inward substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment and extending along the bottom edge of the cover segment;one or more bottom flanges each extending from the bottom connecting member downward substantially perpendicular to the bottom connecting member; anda plurality of protrusions projecting inwardly from the outer surface of the cover segment toward a support structure;wherein the at least one lateral connector of one of the two opposing sides of the cover segment is configured to connect to a corresponding at least one lateral connector disposed on a corresponding one of the opposing sides of a laterally adjacent cover segment when two or more of the cover segments are connected,wherein the top connecting member has one or more notches disposed in the top connecting member, andwherein the one or more bottom flanges of one said cover segment is configured to correspond with the notches of the top connecting member of a vertically adjacent said cover segment such that the bottom flanges fit within the notches when the two or more cover segments are connected, and the top ledge of the top connecting member of one said cover segment is configured to correspond with the ledge of the bottom connecting member of a vertically adjacent said cover segment such that the ledge of the top connecting member and the ledge of the bottom connecting member abut one another when the two or more cover segments are connected. 6. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the cover segment is formed of high density polyethylene. 7. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein each of the bottom flanges has a rib structure and the top surface of the rib structure and the bottom surface of the bottom connecting member form a channel. 8. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein, the plurality of protrusions include one or more first protrusions and one or more second protrusions,wherein the first protrusions are formed vertically between the second protrusions,wherein the inner surface of the first protrusions each have a flange member extending in at least one of a lateral direction and a vertical direction, andwherein the second protrusions consist of cavities and at least one cavity is formed in a stepped manner having portions of the cavity deeper than other portions of the cavity. 9. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the cover segment, the lateral connectors, the top connecting member, the bottom connecting member, and the bottom flanges, are formed as one piece. 10. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment has top and bottom concave surfaces,the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the has top and bottom concave surfaces and is configured to accept the at least one lateral connector of the one side of a cover segment, andat least one of the top concave surface and the bottom concave surface of the at least one lateral connector on the opposite side of the cover segment engage with a flexible fastener. 11. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the outer surface of each of the bottom flanges are set back in an inward direction from a plane of the outer surface of the cover segment. 12. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment and the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment have first protruding members protruding outward from the outer surface of the cover segment, and each first protruding member has a notch extending vertically from the top of the first protruding member and a bump formed on an outer surface of the first protruding member. 13. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover segment is formed of high density polyethylene. 14. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment and the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment have first protruding members protruding outward from the outer surface of the cover segment, and each first protruding member has a notch extending vertically from the top of the first protruding member and a bump formed on an outer surface of the first protruding members. 15. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment and of the opposite side of the cover segment have first protruding members protruding outward from the outer surface of the cover segment, and each first protruding member has a notch extending vertically from the top of the first protruding member,wherein the outer surface of the notch engages with a flexible fastener. 16. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment have a protrusion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one lateral connector disposed on the opposite side of the cover segment,wherein the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment is hollow with an open face configured to accept a corresponding at least one lateral connector on the one side of the cover segmentwherein, the shape of the at least one lateral connector of the one side of the cover segment and the shape of the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment are such that a mechanical connection is formed between the at least one lateral connector of the one side and the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of a laterally adjacent cover segment when the lateral connectors are connected. 17. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment and of the opposite side of the cover segment have first protruding members protruding outward from the outer surface of the cover segment, and each first protruding member has a notch extending vertically from the top of the first protruding member,wherein the outer surface of the notch engages with a flexible fastener. 18. The cover segment of a modular cover surrounding a support structure according to claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment has a protrusion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one lateral connector disposed on the opposite side of the cover segment,wherein the at least one lateral connector on the opposite side of the cover segment is hollow with an open face configured to accept a corresponding at least one lateral connector on the one side of the cover segmentwherein, the shape of the at least one lateral connector of the one side of the cover segment and the shape of the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment are formed such that a mechanical connection is formed between the at least one lateral connector of the one side and the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of a laterally adjacent cover segment when the lateral connectors are connected. 19. A modular cover for surrounding a support structure, comprising: a plurality of cover segments, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposing sides, an outer surface, and an inner surface facing a support structure connected to form the cover surrounding a support structure,wherein each cover segment comprises:at least one lateral connector disposed on the opposing sides of each cover segment in a lateral direction;a top connecting member formed having a ledge extending inwardly substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment and extending along a top edge of the cover segment;a bottom connecting member having a ledge extending inwardly substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover segment and extending along a bottom edge of the cover segment;one or more bottom flanges each extending from the bottom connecting member downward substantially perpendicular to the bottom connecting member; anda plurality of protrusions projecting inwardly from the outer surface of the cover segment toward a support structure;wherein the at least one lateral connector of one of the two opposing sides of a cover segment is connected to a corresponding at least one lateral connector disposed on a corresponding one of the opposing sides of a laterally adjacent cover segment,wherein the top connecting member has one or more notches disposed in the top connecting member, andwherein the one or more bottom flanges of a cover segment are configured to correspond with the notches of the top connecting member of a vertically adjacent said cover segment, and the bottom flanges fit within the corresponding notches of the top connecting member of a vertically adjacent cover segment, andwherein the top ledge of the top connecting member of one said cover segment is configured to correspond with the ledge of the bottom connecting member of a vertically adjacent said cover segment, and the ledge of the top connecting member and the ledge of the bottom connecting member abut one another. 20. The modular cover of claim 19, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment has top and bottom concave surfaces,wherein the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment has top and bottom concave surfaces and are configured to accept the corresponding at least one lateral connector on the one side of a cover segment, andwherein a flexible fastener is used to secure the connection made between the lateral connectors of a cover segment and a laterally adjacent cover segment and the lateral connector on the opposite side of the cover segment engages with the flexible fastener. 21. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein each of the bottom extending members has a rib structure and the top surface of the rib structure and the bottom surface of the bottom extending member form a channel, andwherein an edge of each notch of the top connecting member of the vertically adjacent cover segment engages with the corresponding channel of a cover segment. 22. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein each of the cover segments are formed of high density polyethylene. 23. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein the outer surface of each of the bottom flanges is set back in an inward direction from a plane of the outer surface of the cover segment. 24. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein, the plurality of protrusions include one or more first protrusions and one or more second protrusions,wherein the first protrusions are formed vertically between the second protrusions,wherein the inner surface of the first protrusions each have a flange member extending in at least one of a lateral direction and a vertical direction, andwherein the second protrusions consist of cavities and at least one cavity is formed in a stepped manner having portions of the cavity deeper than other portions of the cavity. 25. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein each cover segment, the lateral connectors, the top connecting member, the bottom connecting member, and the bottom flanges, are formed as one piece. 26. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment and the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment have first protruding members protruding outward from the outer surface of the cover segment, and each first protruding member has a notch extending vertically from the top of the first protruding member and a bump formed on an outer surface of the first protruding member, andwherein when the at least one lateral connector of an opposing side of a cover segment is connected with the corresponding at least one lateral connector of an opposing side of a laterally adjacent cover segment, a c-shaped sleeve secures the connection of the at least one lateral connectors and open ends of the sleeve fit within the notches formed in each of the first protrusions and the bump of each first protrusion supports the sleeve. 27. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein the at least one lateral connectors of one side of the cover segment and of the opposite side of the cover segment have first protruding members protruding outward from the outer surface of the cover segment, and each first protruding member has a notch extending vertically from the top of the first protruding member,wherein when the at least one lateral connector of an opposing side of a cover segment is connected with the corresponding at least one lateral connector of an opposing side of a laterally adjacent cover segment, a flexible fastener having an open middle secures the connection of the lateral connectors and the open middle of the flexible fastener engages with the surfaces of the notches of the first protruding members. 28. The modular cover according to claim 19, wherein the at least one lateral connector of one side of the cover segment has a protrusion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one lateral connector disposed on the opposite side of the cover segment,wherein the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment is hollow with an open face configured to accept the at least one lateral connector on the one side of the cover segmentwherein, the shape of the at least one lateral connector of the one side of the cover segment and the shape of the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of the cover segment are such that a mechanical connection is formed between the at least one lateral connector of the one side and the at least one lateral connector of the opposite side of a laterally adjacent cover segment when the lateral connectors are connected.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (8)
Waters, Eric Scott; Nachreiner, Michael William; Jacobs, Gregory F.; Zarynow, John, Cladding assembly and method of cladding posts.
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