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

[0008]In one embodiment of the present invention, a utility pedestal cover includes an outer sleeve member, which may be used to encapsulate and conceal a utility pedestal, wherein the sleeve member is designed to allow easy access to the utility pedestal when needed. The material of the sleeve member may be a weatherproof material. The sleeve member may also have a fastening system to allow the sleeve to be selectively opened and closed along at least a portion of its length or height. In another aspect of embodiments of the subject invention, the sleeve member comprises a bottom skirt, which may deter vegetation growth around the utility pedestal.

[0009]In another embodiment of the present invention, a planter arrangement is provided for concealment of a utility pedestal, wherein the planter includes a housing having at least one cavity in which soil or other planting medium may be selectively contained, wherein the housing has at least one central open area configured to surround a utility pedestal. 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 housing may have the at least one cavity formed with at least one shelf having at least one drain hole therein, such that excessive water introduced into the planting medium can be drained as needed. The housing may also be formed in at least two sections, and the at least two sections may be selectively interlocked if desired. In yet another aspect of embodiments of the subject invention, the utility pedestal planter may comprise a bottom skirt, which may deter vegetation growth around the utility pedestal planter.

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.

Images