Upright structure with base

Abstract

The present invention comprises a moveable upright structure. The structure can be a column having a top and a bottom, and with an outside surface. The column can have a longitudinal axis. One or more holes can extend through the column or upward from the bottom a selected amount into the column in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis. The holes can be generally circular in cross-section or can be generally rim shaped. The base can have a plate for engaging the ground, and can have one or more members for mating with the one or more holes in the column. The base can alternatively or additionally engage the outside of the column. The base can further have one or more depending members that can extend into a surface below the structure. The structure can further incorporate a wedge for use on a sloped surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an upright structure with a base, and more particularly to an upright structure that is light weight and that has a removable base that engages the body of the structure to maintain the selected orientation of the structure with respect to a surface. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Art can take on several forms and can show up in many places. One type of artwork is free standing structures, including free standing columns or statues. Venues for the display of free standing columns are vast, limited only be imagination. Some of the more common venues include wedding reception halls, stores, yards, gardens and movie sets. [0005] A traditional free standing column can be made of materials such as marble or concrete. The columns of this type are generally solid in cross-section. While columns of this type can be quite aesthetically appealing, they are not without some lim...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] One advantage of the present invention is that it can be aesthetically appealing and durable, while being relatively light weight. The column can be easily disengaged from the base by lifting the column off from the base, and a single person can move each component. Advantageously, the present invention is easily transportable. Being easily transportable or moveable can increase the applications for which the present invention can be used, and can increase the number of venues that will choose to temporarily display the upright structure of the present invention. For example, it may be practical to rent the present invention for a day or weekend for a special occasion. Further, a person on a movie set may easily move the present invention in accordance with the director's wishes.

[0016] A further advantage of the present invention is that is has a weighted base. Having a weighted base engage the structure effectively lowers the center of gravity of the structure while avoiding the limitations of using a heavier structure. The overall structure is resistant to tip, and is still easily portable. Further, there is no sand or liquid that needs to be removed prior to transport or that could spill and make a mess. In the event that the structure absorbs a sufficient blow to cause tipping, the light weight nature of the present invention will minimize the damage caused by the tipping.

[0017] A still further advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to vertically center the structure of the present invention. The base can be placed directly onto a horizontally flat surface to maintain the vertical orientation in common indoor applications. For outdoor applications, the base can incorporate a depending member to penetrate the ground to provide added stability. The added stability can be useful as outdoor structures can encounter soggy ground conditions subject to settling and / or high wind.

[0018] A still further advantage yet of the present invention is that it can incorporate a wedge to provide a horizontal surface for the selected upright orientation of the present invention. The wedge has a bottom designed to engage the surface, and has a top at an angle from the bottom such that the top is substantially horizontal when the bottom engages the ground. Incorporation of such a wedge allows for the present invention to be displayed on sloped surfaces without permanently altering the sloped surface.

Problems solved by technology

Venues for the display of free standing columns are vast, limited only be imagination.

While columns of this type can be quite aesthetically appealing, they are not without some limitations.

For example, columns having a solid cross-section tend to be quite heavy.

As such, any solid column that is larger than a minimal size can be difficult to move, and may require more than one person to move them.

Further, as shipping costs continue to increase, the freight charged to move the columns from one venue to another tends to increase accordingly.

This can limit the transport of the columns between selected venues.

Further, the heavier that a tipping object is, the more likely that occurrence of significant injury or death to anyone in the falling objects path, and the more likely that there will be significant damage to the surroundings and to the object itself.

However, the heavier the column, the more severe the consequences of the tip are likely to be.

Further, given the weight reduction coupled with the relatively high center of gravity, and the column may still be prone to tipping.

However, such an approach is not without limitations.

For example, the lower center of gravity comes at the expense of increased overall weight.

Further, it can be difficult, time consuming and messy to retrieve the sand from inside the column after it is initially put in the column.

When placing an item outdoors on the ground or in a garden on the surface of the garden, the ground may not be able to provide adequate structural integrity to support for the item.

Even if the structure could be supported, it could nevertheless be quite difficult to achieve or maintain a selected vertical alignment of the structure with respect to the ground.

Such problems can be magnified during wet soil conditions or when the ground settles or shifts.

It may be difficult use place them on sloped ground.

Yet, this approach will permanently alter the landscape.

Columns of this type are extremely light weight.

However, these columns also have some limitations.

For example, the durability of the cardboard columns is suspect, as best.

Cardboard is susceptible to being crushed, and is not typically resistant to moisture.

Further, affixing an exterior appearing surface to the cardboard may not achieve the intended aesthetic qualities.

Still further, the cardboard is susceptible to being blown over or away in outdoor applications.

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