PILLAR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A pillar assembly has a first side member, a second side member for connecting to the first side member, a third side member having a first side channel, a second side channel, and an access opening, the third side member for connecting to the second side member, and a fourth side member having an adjustment opening, the fourth side member for connecting to the first side member and the third side member. A pillar assembly having a reinforcing member is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A pillar assembly comprising: a first side member; a second side member for connecting to the first side member; a third side member having a first side channel, a second side channel, and an access opening, the third side member for connecting to the second side member; and a fourth side member having an adjustment opening, the fourth side member for connecting to the first side member and the third side member.

2. The pillar assembly of claim 1 further comprising a hinge assembly for placement in the adjustment opening of the fourth side member.

3. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 2 wherein the reinforcement member further comprises an aperture in the second leg adapted to receive a connecting device.

4. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 1 wherein the fourth side member further comprises a second adjustment opening.

5. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 1 wherein the second side member comprises an adjustment opening.

6. The pillar assembly of claim 5 wherein the second side member further comprises a second adjustment opening.

7. The pillar assembly of claim 6 further comprising a second reinforcement member for fitting within the first side channel and the second side channel of the third side member for providing reinforcement for the third side member and being movable within the first channel, the second channel, and the second adjustment opening.

8. A pillar assembly comprising: a first side member; a second side member for connecting to the first side member; a third side member having a first side channel, a second side channel, and an access opening, the third side member for connecting to the second side member; a fourth side member having an adjustment opening, the fourth side member for connecting to the first side member and the third side member; and a reinforcement member for fitting within the first side channel and the second side channel of the third side member for providing reinforcement for the third side member.

9. The pillar assembly of claim 8 wherein the reinforcement member comprises an L-shaped member having a first leg for spanning between the first side channel and the second side channel and a second leg.

10. The pillar assembly of claim 9 wherein the reinforcement member further comprises an aperture in the second leg adapted to receive a connecting device.

11. The pillar assembly of claim 8 wherein the fourth side member further comprises an access opening.

12. The pillar assembly of claim 8 wherein the reinforcement member is movable within the first channel, the second channel, and the adjustment opening.

13. The pillar assembly of claim 8 wherein the fourth side member further comprises a second adjustment opening.

14. The pillar assembly of claim 13 further comprising a second reinforcement member for fitting within the first side channel and the second side channel of the third side member for providing reinforcement for the third side member and being movable within the first channel, the second channel, and the second adjustment opening.

15. A pillar assembly comprising: a first side member; a second side member for connecting to the first side member; a third side member having a first side channel, a second side channel, and an access opening, the third side member for connecting to the second side member; and a fourth side member having an adjustment opening, the fourth side member for connecting to the first side member and the third side member; and an access panel member for covering the access opening of the third side member.

16. The pillar assembly of claim 15 wherein the access panel further comprises a first side flange and a second side flange and the pillar assembly having a reinforcement member further comprises a of further comprising a pair of rail members with first side flange and the second side flange for sliding on the rail members for the access panel member to held in place to cover the access panel member.

17. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 15 wherein the reinforcement member comprises an L-shaped member having a first leg for spanning between the first side channel and the second side channel and a second leg.

18. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 17 wherein the reinforcement member further comprises an aperture in the second leg adapted to receive a connecting device.

19. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 15 further comprising a second reinforcement member for fitting within the first side channel and the second side channel of the third side member for providing reinforcement for the third side member.

20. The pillar assembly having a reinforcement member of claim 15 wherein the fourth side member further comprises a second adjustment opening and the pillar assembly having a reinforcement member further comprises a second reinforcement member for fitting within the first side channel and the second side channel of the third side member for providing reinforcement for the third side member and being movable within the first channel, the second channel, and the second adjustment opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a pillar assembly constructed according to the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pillar assembly shown in FIG. 1 constructed according to the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pillar assembly shown in FIG. 1 having a pair of fences mounted thereto with the pair of fences being shown partially;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a pillar assembly constructed according to the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pillar assembly shown in FIG. 3 constructed according to the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a reinforcement member, a hinge assembly, and connecting devices; and

[0031] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the pillar assembly shown in FIG. 3 having a gate mounted thereto with a partial view of the gate being shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a pillar assembly constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now to FIG. 1, the pillar assembly 10 is shown comprising a first side member 12, a second side member 14, a third side member 16 having a first side channel 18, a second side channel 20, and an upper access opening 22, and a fourth side member 24 having an upper adjustment opening 26. The second side member 14 also has an upper adjustment opening 28. As can be appreciated, the pillar assembly 10 comprises the side members 12, 14, 16, and 24 that can be connected together to form the assembly 10. Due to this, the pillar assembly 10 may be packed in a knocked down form or state to be shipped or transported in an efficient manner.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the pillar assembly 10 is shown. The first side member 12 has a generally rectangular front side 30, a first side flange 32 having a plurality of apertures 34, a top flange 36, a second side flange 38, and a bottom flange 40. Although not shown in this particular view, the flanges 36, 38, and 40 may also have apertures formed therein. The second side member 14 has a generally rectangular back side 42, a first side flange 44 having a plurality of apertures 46, a top flange 48, a second side flange 50 having a plurality of apertures 52, and a bottom flange 54. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the top flange 48 and the bottom flange 54, however, such apertures are not shown in this drawing figure. As can be appreciated, the apertures (not shown) formed in the second side flange 38 of the first side member 12 may have a bolt, screw, or other suitable fastening member inserted there through to be inserted through the apertures 46 of the first side flange 44 of the second side member 14 to connect the side members 12 and 14 together. The back side 42 also has the upper adjustment opening 28 and a lower adjustment opening 56 formed therein.

[0034] The third side member 16 has a generally rectangular back side 58 having the upper access opening 22, a lower access opening 60, and a plurality of apertures 62. The third side member 16 also has a first side flange 64 which forms the first side channel 18 and a second side flange 66 which forms the second side channel 20. The first side flange 64 also has an upper adjustment opening 68 and a lower adjustment opening 70. The third side member 16 further has a top flange 72 and a bottom flange 74. Although not shown, the flanges 72 and 74 may have apertures formed therein for receiving connecting members or devices. Although not visible in this particular view, the second side flange 66 has an upper adjustment opening and a lower adjustment opening formed therein. These adjustment openings align with the upper adjustment opening 28 and the lower adjustment opening 56 of the second side member 14. The fourth side member 24 has a generally rectangular front side 76 having the upper adjustment opening 26 and a lower adjustment opening 78 formed therein. The fourth side member 24 has a first side flange 80, a top flange 82, a second side flange 84, and a bottom flange 86. An access panel member 88 is also provided for covering the access openings 22 and 60 of the third side member 16. The access panel member 88 has a back side 90, a first side flange 92, and a second side flange 94. A first rail member 96 having a plurality of apertures 98 is provided to be attached to the third side member 16. A second rail member 100 having a plurality of apertures 102 is also provided to be attached to the third side member 16. The apertures 98 and 102 are aligned with the apertures 62 to attach or bolt the rail members 96 and 100 to the third side member 16. The rail members 96 and 100 are used to have have the side flanges 92 and 94 of the access panel member 88 slide thereon to capture and hold the access panel member 88. In this manner, the access panel member 88 covers the access openings 22 and 60 formed in the third side member 16.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pillar assembly 10 being connected between a first fence portion 110 and a second fence portion 112. A partial view of each of the fence portions 110 and 112 are illustrated in this particular drawing. The fence portions 110 and 112 are connected to the pillar assembly 10 through the use of the adjustment openings 26, 28, 56, and 78. For example, nuts and bolts may be positioned in the openings 26, 28, 56, and 78 to connect the assembly 10 to the fence portions 110 and 112. The pillar assembly 10 may be placed on a base assembly 114 that is used to horizontally adjust or level the pillar assembly 10 as needed. The pillar assembly 10 may also have a cap 116 that may be secured to the pillar assembly 10. The access panel member 88 is shown being installed in place to cover the access openings 22 and 78. The access panel member 88 acts as a decorative panel or side member to resemble the side member 12. The pillar assembly 10 may be placed between any number of fence portions 110 and 112 to form a fence, as required.

[0036] In order to install the pillar assembly 10, the ground where the assembly 10 is to be positioned may be excavated and concrete poured into the excavation to form a base or a pad upon which the assembly 10 will be placed. The first side member 12 is bolted or connected to the second side member 14. The third side member 16 is then bolted or connected to the second side member 14. The fourth side member 24 is then connected to the first side member 12 and the third side member 16. The rail members 96 and 100 may be connected to the third side member 16. The pillar assembly 10, at this point of installation, may then be placed on the poured concrete foundation and various measurements are taken to place the assembly 10 into the correct position. Anchor bolt locations are marked for drilling. The assembly 10 is removed from the concrete foundation and the anchor bolt holes are drilled. Washers or spacers may be placed over the anchor bolts to level the assembly 10 and space the assembly 10 up and away from any standing water on top of the concrete foundation. The anchor bolts may be inserted through apertures formed in the bottom flanges 40, 54, 74, and 86 and into the anchor bolt holes to bolt the assembly 10 in place. Alternatively, it is also possible and contemplated that the base assembly 114 may be connected by use of the anchor bolts and the pillar assembly 10 may then be connected to the base assembly 114. The fence portions 110 and 112 may be connected to the pillar assembly 10 through the use of the adjustment openings 26, 28, 56, and 78. The access panel member 88 is then installed on the rail members 96 and 100 to cover the access openings 22 and 60. The cap 116 may then be placed on the pillar assembly 10. Slot covers (not shown) may be used to cover the openings 26, 28, 56, and 78, if needed.

[0037] The pillar assembly 10 may be shipped or transported in a knocked down form or flat configuration. The side members 12, 14, 16, and 24 can be placed on top of each other to be able to ship the members 12, 14, 16, and 24 in a compact form or bundle. The bundle of side members 12, 14, 16, and 24 may be placed in an efficiently sized box and can therefor be shipped at a lower cost. As has been discussed above, the side members 12, 14, 16, and 24 can then be assembled by an end user, an installer, or a contractor on site to form the pillar assembly having a reinforcement member 10. The pillar assembly 10 will have sufficient structural integrity to support and swing a gate or to have a decorative fence panel attached thereto. The side members 12, 14, 16, and 24 are engineered such that the thickness of the metal in key areas is reinforced.

[0038] With reference now to FIG. 4, another preferred embodiment a pillar assembly 200 is shown comprising a first side member 202, a second side member 204, a third side member 206 having a first side channel 208, a second side channel 210, and an upper access opening 212, a fourth side member 214 having an upper adjustment opening 216, and a reinforcement member 218 for fitting within the first side channel 208 and the second side channel 210 of the third side member 206 for providing reinforcement for the third side member 206. The reinforcement member 218 has a first leg 220 that spans across the third side member 206 and a second leg 222 that is attached to a hinge assembly 224 by use of bolts 226. The reinforcement member 218 and the hinge assembly 224 may be adjusted as need be by moving the member 218 and the assembly 224 up or down within the adjustment opening 216.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the pillar assembly having a reinforcement member 200 is shown. The first side member 202 has a generally rectangular front side 250, a first side flange 252 having a plurality of apertures 254, a top flange 256, a second side flange 258, and a bottom flange 260. Although not shown in this particular view, the flanges 256, 258, and 260 may also have apertures formed therein. The second side member has a generally rectangular back side 262, a first side flange 264 having a plurality of apertures 266, a top flange 268, a second side flange 270 having a plurality of apertures 272, and a bottom flange 274. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the top flange 268 and the bottom flange 274, however, such apertures are not shown in this drawing figure. As can be appreciated, the apertures (not shown) formed in the second side flange 258 of the first side member 202 may have a bolt, screw, or other suitable fastening member inserted there through to be inserted through the apertures 266 of the first side flange 264 of the second side member 204 to connect the side members 202 and 204 together.

[0040] The third side member 206 has a generally rectangular back side 276 having the upper access opening 212 a lower access opening 278, and a plurality of apertures 280. The third side member 206 also has a first side flange 282 which forms the first side channel 208 and a second side flange 284 which forms the second side channel 210. The first side flange 284 also has an upper adjustment opening 286 and a lower adjustment opening 288. The third side member 206 further has a top flange 290 and a bottom flange 292. Although not shown, the flanges 290 and 292 may have apertures formed therein for receiving connecting members or devices. The fourth side member 214 has a generally rectangular front side 294 having the upper adjustment opening 216 and a lower adjustment opening 296 formed therein. The fourth side member 214 has a first side flange 298, a top flange 300, a second side flange 302, and a bottom flange 304. An access panel member 306 is also provided for covering the access openings 212 and 278 of the third side member 206. The access panel member 306 has a back side 308, a first side flange 310, and a second side flange 312. A first rail member 314 having a plurality of apertures 316 is provided to be attached to the third side member 206. A second rail member 318 having a plurality of apertures 320 is also provided to be attached to the third side member 206. The apertures 316 and 320 are aligned with the apertures 280 to attach or bolt the rail members 314 and 318 to the third side member 206. The rail members 314 and 318 are used to have the side flanges 310 and 312 of the access panel member 306 slide thereon to capture and hold the access panel member 306. In this manner, the access panel member 306 covers the access openings 212 and 278 formed in the third side member 206. It is also contemplated that the second side member 204 can be the same as the second side member 14 shown in FIG. 2 in that the second side member 204 may also have an upper adjustment opening and a lower adjustment opening. It is further possible that the second channel 210 may have an upper adjustment opening and a lower adjustment opening to be aligned with the adjustment openings formed in the second side member 204.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the reinforcement member 218, the hinge assembly 224, the bolts 226, and a pair of nuts 340. The reinforcement member 218 has the first leg 220 and the second leg 222 that has a pair of apertures 342 and 344. The apertures 342 and 344 are used to receive the pair of bolts 226. The nuts 340 are threaded onto the bolts 226 to secure the reinforcement member 218 and the hinge assembly 224 together. By loosening the nuts 342 and 344, the reinforcement member 218 and the hinge assembly 224 may be adjusted upward or downward within the upper adjustment openings 216 and 286. The reinforcement member 218 may be constructed of any suitable material such as steel, metal, iron, or any alloy or combinations of materials. The purpose of the reinforcement member 218 being to strengthen the third side member 206 during packaging, shipping, and installation so that a lighter or thinner material may be used to form the third side member 206. Although one reinforcement member 218 has been shown and discussed, it is also possible and contemplated that a second reinforcement member or multiple reinforcement members may be used to further reinforce the third side member 206. For example, the second reinforcement member may be inserted into the first channel 208 and the second channel 210 and another hinge assembly may be connected or bolted to the second reinforcement member through the lower opening 88 in the third side member 206 and the lower opening 296 in the fourth side member 214.

[0042] With particular reference now to FIG. 7, a front perspective view of the pillar assembly having a reinforcement member 200 being connected to a gate 350 is shown. A partial view of the gate 350 is illustrated in this particular drawing. The gate 350 is connected to the hinge assembly 224 and to a second hinge assembly 352. The hinge assembly 224 is connected to the reinforcement member 218 (not shown) by use of the bolts 226. The hinge assembly 224 is adjustable within the upper adjustment opening 216. The second hinge assembly 352 may be connected to another reinforcement member (not shown) by use of the pair of bolts 354. The second hinge assembly 352 is adjustable within the lower adjustment opening 296. The pillar assembly 200 may be placed on a base assembly 356 that is used to horizontal adjust or level the pillar assembly 200 as needed. The pillar assembly 200 may also have a cap 358 that may be secured to the pillar assembly 200. The access panel member 306 is shown being installed in place to cover the access openings 212 and 278. The access panel member 306 acts as a decorative panel or side member to resemble the side members 202 and 204.

[0043] During installation of the pillar assembly 200, the ground where the assembly 200 is to be positioned may be excavated and concrete poured into the excavation to form a base or a pad upon which the assembly 200 will be placed. The first side member 202 is bolted or connected to the second side member 204. The third side member 206 is then bolted or connected to the second side member 204. The fourth side member 214 is then connected to the first side member 202 and the third side member 206. The reinforcement member 218 is placed into the channels 208 and 210 and the hinge assembly 224 is bolted or connected to the reinforcement member 218. By use of the bolts 226, the reinforcement member 218 and the hinge assembly 224 may be adjusted within the openings 216 and 296. The second hinge assembly 352 may be bolted or connected to another reinforcement member by use of the bolts 354. The second hinge assembly 352 may be adjusted within the openings 288 and 296. The rail members 314 and 318 may be connected to the third side member 206. The pillar assembly 200, at this point of installation, may then be placed on the poured concrete foundation and various measurements are taken to place the assembly 200 into the correct position. Anchor bolt locations are marked for drilling. The assembly 200 is removed from the concrete foundation and the anchor bolt holes are drilled. Washers or spacers may be placed over the anchor bolts to level the assembly 200 and space the assembly 200 up and away from any standing water on top of the concrete foundation. The anchor bolts may be inserted through apertures formed in the bottom flanges 260, 274, 292, and 304 and into the anchor bolt holes to bolt the assembly 200 in place. Alternatively, it is also possible and contemplated that the base assembly 356 may be connected by use of the anchor bolts and the pillar assembly 200 may then be connected to the base assembly 356. Any other hardware, such as a gate actuator, lighting components, or electrical components may be installed at this time. The access panel member 306 is then installed on the rail members 314 and 318 to cover the access openings 212 and 278. The cap 358 may then be placed on the pillar assembly 200. The gate 350 may then be connected to the hinge assemblies 224 and 352. Slot covers (not shown) may be used to cover the openings 216 and 296. The slot covers may be measured and cut to length prior to being inserted into the openings 216 and 296. The slot covers may be held in place by the hinge assemblies 224 and 352.

[0044] The pillar assembly 200 may be shipped or transported in a knocked down form or flat configuration. The side members 202, 204, 206, and 214 can be placed on top of each other to be able to ship the members 202, 204, 206, and 214 in a compact form or bundle. The bundle of side members 202, 204, 206, and 214 may be placed in an efficiently sized box and can therefor be shipped at a lower cost. As has been discussed above, the side members 202, 204, 206, and 214 can then be assembled by an end user, an installer, or a contractor on site to form the pillar assembly having a reinforcement member 200. The pillar assembly 200 will have sufficient structural integrity to support and swing a gate or to have a decorative fence panel attached thereto. The side members 202, 204, 206, and 214 are engineered such that the thickness of the metal in key areas is reinforced. Further, the reinforcement member 218 is capable of transferring the torque from the hinge assembly 224 to the channel 210 formed in the third side member 206. The channels 208 and 210 also allow the reinforcement member 218 to be adjusted with any adjustment required of the hinge assembly 224. The reinforcement member 218 also transfers the force from the hinge assembly 224 to the channel 210 formed within the third side member.

[0045] From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a pillar assembly. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject pillar assembly are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.