Utility pedestal cover or planter

Abstract

The invention relates to a utility pedestal cover which may be used to encapsulate and conceal a utility pedestal. The material of the sleeve member may be of a weatherproof material, and may include a fastening system to allow the sleeve to be selectively opened and closed along at least a portion of its length or height, or to attach sections of the cover. The invention also relates to a planter arrangement for concealment of a utility pedestal, wherein the planter includes at least one housing section with at least one planting well. The housing may have a height such that upon introducing plants in the planting medium, the plantings and the housing effectively conceal the utility pedestal. The planting well may have at least one drain hole therein. The housing may be formed in at least two sections, which may be selectively attached around the pedestal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 555,989 filed on Sep. 9, 2009, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 095,426 filed on Sep. 9, 2008, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to utility pedestal covers and planters, and more particularly, to covers and planters that have a particular configuration to assist in the concealment of utility pedestals.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Currently, many building codes for residential dwellings or owner's preferences have resulted in utility lines, such as telephone, electric, cable TV, high speed Internet lines, being located underground. Utility pedestals project upwardly from the ground in order to provide access to these underground lines. These utility pedestals are located around the resi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a way to easily access and conceal a utility pedestal. One embodiment includes a weatherproof outer sleeve made of a bottom skirt to deter vegetation growth. The sleeve can be opened and closed along its length or height. Another embodiment is a planter arrangement that contains soil or other planting medium and has a central open area to surround the utility pedestal. The planter may also have a drain hole to control excess water, and it may be formed in two sections that can be interlocked. Overall, this invention provides a simple yet effective way to conceal and protect utility pedestals.

Problems solved by technology

These utility pedestals are located around the residence and are not conducive to the aesthetic appearance of the property because they are unsightly and unattractive.

Although utility pedestals allow utility workers the ability to quickly perform maintenance on the lines, as well as the ability to diagnose or enhance the performance of the lines using active and passive devices that are attached to the utility lines, these utility pedestals are unattractive because of their location, configuration, color, and shape.

The area around the utility pedestals is also difficult to maintain because one has to be careful not to damage the utility pedestal.

In this case, there are times when the immediate landscape area around the utility pedestal cannot be maintained and unwanted grass or weed growth occurs, which adds to the unsightly appearance of the utility pedestal.

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