KIT FOR CONSTRUCTING A STACKABLE COLUMN

Abstract

A kit for constructing a stackable column, the kit including at least four pre-fabricated interlocking members. Each interlocking member also includes a lower segment wall and an upper segment wall. The lower segment wall extends in a first direction as well as a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The upper and lower segments each have at least three edges with locking features for engagement with an adjacent interlocking member. The plurality of interlocking members surround and are secured to a post with a brick tie. The interlocking members include features on the at least three edges for locking engagement with an adjacent interlocking member.

Claims

1. A kit for constructing a stackable column, the kit comprising; at least four pre-fabricated interlocking members, each interlocking member further comprising a lower segment wall and an upper segment wall, the upper segment wall disposed atop the lower segment wall, the upper and lower segment walls each extending in a first direction as well as a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the upper and lower segments each having at least three edges for engagement with an adjacent interlocking member.

2. The stackable column kit of claim 1, wherein the interlocking members are fabricated from a concrete composition.

3. The stackable column kit of claim 2, wherein the interlocking members have interior surfaces and exterior surfaces.

4. The stackable column kit of claim 3, wherein the exterior surface of each interlocking member is fabricated with a faux stone appearance.

5. The stackable column kit of claim 4, wherein at least one panel of expanded polystyrene foam is secured to the interior surfaces of the interlocking members.

6. The stackable column kit of claim 5, wherein the at least one panel of expanded polystyrene foam is adhesively secured to the interior surfaces.

7. The stackable column kit of claim 5, wherein the at least one panel of expanded polystyrene foam is secured to the interlocking member with a shutter plug.

8. The stackable column kit of claim 5, wherein a brick tie extends outwardly from at least one interior surface of each interlocking member.

9. The stackable column kit of claim 8, wherein the brick tie is securely anchored into an interior portion of the at least one interlocking member.

10. The stackable column kit of claim 8, wherein, in operation, the brick tie is secured to a post around which the at least four prefabricated interlocking members are positioned.

11. The stackable column kit of claim 1, wherein the at least three edges of the upper and lower segment walls of the interlocking members include a locking feature to facilitate alignment between adjacent interlocking members.

12. The stackable column kit of claim 11, wherein the locking feature further comprises a tongue for engagement with a groove of an adjacent interlocking member.

13. The stackable column kit of claim 1, wherein the interlocking members are fabricated from a concrete composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed technology are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled stackable column kit;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembled stackable column kit detailing the engagement of the four interlocking members;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one interlocking member during the fabrication process detailing the attachment of the foam panel and the brick tie;

[0019] FIG. 4 is perspective view of an embodiment of the single interlocking panel detailing an embodiment of a locking feature;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a view of the top surface of an embodiment of the interlocking member; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interior surfaces of an interlocking member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Disclosed herein and shown in FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of a kit 10 that includes four pre-fabricated interlocking members 12, 14, 16, 18. In the preferred embodiment of the kit 10, as seen in FIG. 2, four interlocking members are utilized to build each course, or layer, of the stackable column. Each interlocking member is comprised of a lower segment wall 20 and an upper segment wall 22. The upper segment wall 22 is positioned atop the lower segment wall 20. The upper and lower segment walls each extend in a first direction D1 as well as a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The upper and lower segments 22, 20 each have at least three edges 32-42 for engagement with an adjacent interlocking member. The interlocking engagement provides a solid connection between the interlocking members and greatly diminishes any visually perceptible indication that a seam exists or that there are separate components joined together.

[0023] The interlocking members 12-18 are preferably fabricated from a durable and color fade resistant concrete composition, the various formulations of which are well known in the industry. As shown in FIG. 2, the interlocking members include interior 44 and exterior 46 surfaces. The exterior concrete surface of each interlocking member is preferably fabricated with a faux stone 48 appearance as seen in FIG. 1; however, a multitude of exterior finishes are also contemplated.

[0024] The kit 10 disclosed herein, as shown in FIG. 3 in a fabrication setting. The faux stone fabrication methodology is as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,839,593 titled Pre-cast blocks for use in column construction. The fabrication methodology also includes at least one panel 50 of expanded polystyrene foam secured to the interior surfaces of the interlocking members by either an adhesive, or preferably with a shutter plug 54. If using a shutter plug 54, the shaft (not shown) of the shutter plug passes through the polystyrene foam panel 50 and into the concrete of the interlocking member while a wide head 60 rests atop the panel 50 securing it in position and minimizing the potential for the panel 50 being pulled away from the interior surface of the interlocking member.

[0025] In addition, a brick tie 64 extends outwardly from at least one interior surface of each interlocking member. The flexible metal, or plastic, brick tie 64 is secured to a post (not shown) around which the four prefabricated interlocking members are positioned. The brick tie 64 secures the interlocking member and specifically the foam panel 50 against the center post (not shown). As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, both the upper and lower segment walls 22, 20 of the interlocking members include a locking feature 70 to prevent slippage between adjacent interlocking members. The locking feature is preferably a tongue 72 for engagement with a groove 74 of an adjacent interlocking member.

[0026] The bottom edge 80 of the lower segment wall 20 is preferably configured with a groove 74 for accepting the tongue 72 of an interlocking member that is positioned beneath it. Also, should the interlocking member 12-18 be positioned at ground, as shown in FIG. 6, it can be positioned such that the bottom of the plurality of interlocking members rest upon the ground, or more precisely upon the concrete pad.

[0027] Should the plurality of interlocking members 12-18 of one course, or level, be stacked atop another course the tongue 72 of the lower course is received into the groove of the upper course. This engagement of the tongue 72 and groove 74 eliminates, or at least greatly diminishes, the prospect that an upper course will become disengaged from a lower course.

[0028] Should the full height of another course of the interlocking members 12-18 not be required to attain the desired ceiling height, the final course of interlocking members may be cut at the desired height for placement atop the column.

[0029] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology. Embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0030] It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.