Post trim system

Abstract

A component for forming a post wrap about a rectangular support member comprises an elongate plastic extruded component having two arms defining a generally “L” shaped cross section with an interior corner rounded recess at a junction of said arms. One of said arms includes a female connector extending the length of said arm and the other arm includes a male connector at a free end thereof. The male connector extends outwardly and at an angle to the other arm and is sized for receipt in the female connector. The component further includes a rounded corner transition joining the male connector to the other arm with the rounded corner transition forming a finished exterior surface of the component. Two of these components can be placed about a post after it is secured in place to provide a sleeve about the post. A trim frame can be provided to provide a finished periphery about the sleeved post at a horizontal surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to trim systems for posts and in particular to a post wrap arrangement and a collar arrangement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is common with many building projects to use wood products for both the vertical support structure as well as horizontal support surfaces. Outdoor wood decks and fencing projects typically use standard sized wood products such as a 4×4 post for vertical supports. More recently it has been proposed to use plastic extruded products with respect to decking. The advantage of a plastic extruded product is weather resistance and quality control. In spite of the number of advantages associated with plastic extruded building components, wood products are often the material of choice particularly for home handyman applications. Plastic systems continue to make in-roads and in some cases a combination of different products are used such as a wood deck in association with a plastic railing system. [000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In a preferred aspect of the invention, each extruded plastic component has a thin profile male and female connector which are positioned on opposite longitudinal edges of the component. These connectors are of a relatively shallow thickness allowing the overall thickness of the post sleeve to be relatively low. The recess port for the female connector is several times deeper than the width of the opening and the male connector has a series of engaging surfaces along its length to improve the mechanical connection. Preferably, the male and female connectors are of a thickness less than 0.25 inches. Basically, the extruded component includes a series of standoff ribs intermediate the length of planar surfaces of the component and these ribs serve to add strength as well as act as stand off faces along the planar surface. These ribs are provided on the interior of the component whereby the outer surface of the component is smooth. With this arrangement and with a particular curved corner portion of reduced thickness, the component has the ability to flex and accommodate minor variations in the configurations of the post. The thin profile male / female connector allows the post sleeve to be kept in close proximity to outer faces of the post. The male / female connector has a number of securing points and if necessary some extensions of the sleeve is provided by using only the first securing point without compromising securement.

Problems solved by technology

This variation leads to difficulty in producing a plastic sleeve that confirms to the wood post.

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