Patent Publication Number: US-2022228333-A1

Title: Protective Guards for Columns and Other Structures

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
     1. Field of the Inventions 
     The present inventions generally pertain to protective structures, and more particularly to guards for protecting columns and other structures. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is not unusual for buildings such as multi-level storage buildings and warehouses used in various commercial and other settings to include various physical items vertically situated therein. Examples of vertical structures may include vertical concrete columns or steel beams that form part of the structure of the building. These vertical structures might be interspersed throughout the interior spaces of the building and also along the periphery of the building, such as adjacent exterior building walls including in building corners. Other examples of items vertically disposed within open building structures such as storage buildings or warehouses might include pipes and electrical conduits, which again may be disposed in interior spaces and/or adjacent exterior walls of buildings. Other examples of vertically disposed items within such buildings may include internal walls, such as part of an internal room or office disposed within the building structure, which may include, for example, exterior corners. Still further examples of vertically disposed items may include elevated tanks, piping, and machinery supports. 
     It is also not uncommon for movable machinery such as fork-lifts to be used for various reasons within such building structures. It is inevitable that such movable machinery will come into contact with items vertically disposed within the building, examples of which are described above. Accordingly, there is a need and desire for protective guard structures to be constructed adjacent to and/or surrounding such vertically disposed items to act as a protective barrier or guard to prevent the movable machinery from coming into contact with the vertically disposed items, such as to prevent a fork-lift from contacting and damaging a concrete column. 
     Various patent publications exist that may be tangentially related to the above-described need, including for example: U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,301 to Fox entitled “Corrosion-Resistant Encasement For Structural Members”; U.S. Pat. No. 9,732,485 to McCue et al. entitled “Column Protector”; U.S. Pat. No. 10,648,175 to Ryan et al. entitled “Column Protector and Column Protection System”; United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0024335 by Blanco entitled “Service Tower Base Installation and Protective Barrier Assembly Therefor”; and CN Patent No. CN 1080035280 entitled “Novel Concrete Base Safety Guard Device.” These items, however, do not satisfy the present need as described above. 
     There is thus a need for a solution that by virtue of its design and components would be able to address at least one of the above-mentioned needs, or overcome or at least minimize at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As will become apparent from the description and explanation set forth below, the present inventions accomplish such solutions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
     In one aspect, a specific embodiment of the present inventions may be a protective guard comprising: a front wall and a side wall disposed in generally perpendicular relationship and joined at a corner, the intersection of the front wall and the side wall defining a first angled wall at the corner, the first angled wall extending from a top surface of the corner to a first connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the corner, and the front wall having a left edge defining a second angled wall extending from a top surface of the front wall to a second connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the front wall. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the first connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the first connecting tab, and the second connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the second connecting tab. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the front wall and the side wall define an L-shaped cross section. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the side wall may include a right edge defining a third angled wall extending from a top surface of the side wall to a third connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the side wall, the third connecting tab including an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the third connecting tab. 
     In another aspect, a specific embodiment of the present inventions may be a corner protective guard comprising: a front wall and a side wall disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other and joined to form a corner, the intersection of the front wall and the side wall defining a first angled wall at the corner, the first angled wall extending from a top surface of the corner to a first connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the corner, the front wall having a left edge defining a second angled wall extending from a top surface of the front wall to a second connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the front wall, and the side wall including a right edge defining a third angled wall extending from a top surface of the side wall to a third connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the side wall. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the first connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the first connecting tab, the second connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the second connecting tab, and the third connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the third connecting tab. 
     In another aspect, a specific embodiment of the present inventions may be a corner protective guard comprising: a left wall, a front wall, and a right wall, the left wall joined in generally perpendicular relationship to a left edge of the front wall to form a left corner, the right wall joined in generally perpendicular relationship to a right edge of the front wall to form a right corner, a first angled wall disposed adjacent a left edge of the left wall and extending from a top surface of the left wall to a first connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the left wall, a second angled wall disposed adjacent the left corner and extending from a top surface of the left corner to a second connecting tab formed adjacent the bottom edge of the left wall, a third angled wall disposed adjacent the right corner and extending from a top surface of the right corner to a third connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the right wall, and a fourth angled wall disposed adjacent a right edge of the right wall and extending from a top surface of the right wall to a fourth connecting tab formed adjacent the bottom edge of the right wall. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the first connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the first connecting tab, the second connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the second connecting tab, the third connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the third connecting tab, and the fourth connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the fourth connecting tab. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the left wall, the front wall, and the right wall may define a generally U-shaped cross section. 
     In another aspect, a specific embodiment of the present inventions may be a protective guard comprising: a left wall, a front wall, and a right wall, the left wall joined in generally perpendicular relationship to a left edge of the front wall to form a left corner, the right wall joined in generally perpendicular relationship to a right edge of the front wall to form a right corner, a first angled wall disposed adjacent the left corner and extending from a top surface of the left corner to a first connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the left wall, and a second angled wall disposed adjacent the right corner and extending from a top surface of the right corner to a second connecting tab formed adjacent a bottom edge of the right wall. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the first connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the first connecting tab, and the second connecting tab may include an upper surface and a generally vertically-disposed passageway extending through the second connecting tab. Another feature of this aspect of the present inventions may be that the left wall, the front wall, and the right wall may define a generally U-shaped cross section. 
     Other features, aspects and advantages of the present inventions will become apparent from the following discussion and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating two identically-shaped precast concrete half guard sections resting on a floor surface and in the process of being positioned to protect a column. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1 , but showing the half guard sections now moved into position to surround the column and in the process of being secured to the floor surface. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view similar to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but now showing the half guard sections secured to the floor surface. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a front view of one a half guard section. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a back view of the half guard section shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the half guard sections shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a front side of the half guard section shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation view of a right side of the half guard section shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is top plan view of what is shown in  FIG. 3  and illustrates two half guards secured to the floor surface and disposed around a column to be protected. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a corner embodiment of a half guard constructed in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present inventions. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a front side of the half guard shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a back side of the half guard shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of a U-corner embodiment of a guard constructed in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present inventions. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing a front side of the guard shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a back side of the guard shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a face guard embodiment of a guard constructed in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present inventions. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing a front side of the face guard shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a back side of the face guard shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
     
    
    
     While the inventions will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the scope of protection is not intended to limit the inventions to those embodiments. On the contrary, the scope of protection is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals denote identical elements throughout the several views, and referring initially to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view illustrating two half guard sections  10  and  12  resting on a floor surface  14  (e.g., a concrete slab) and in the process of being positioned to protect a column  16 . In a specific embodiment, the half guard sections  10  and  12  may comprise precast concrete structures. In a specific embodiment, the half guard sections  10  and  12  may be identically shaped. A building structure such as a multi-level storage building or warehouse may have numerous columns  16  on each floor of the structure that are exposed to potential damage, such as by fork-lifts or other vehicles moving around within the building. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the half guard sections  10  and  12  have been moved into position to surround the column  16  and are in the process of being secured to the floor surface  14  with anchor bolts  18 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the half guard sections  10  and  12  secured to the floor surface  14  with anchor bolts  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a front side of the half guard sections  10 / 12  is shown. In a specific embodiment, each half guard section  10 / 12  may have a generally “L” shaped cross section, and may include a front wall  20  and a side wall  22 . In a specific embodiment, the front wall  20  and the side wall  22  may be disposed in generally perpendicular relationship, and join at a corner  24 . In a specific embodiment, each half guard section  10 / 12  may include a first angled wall  26  that may be positioned at the corner  24  and may extend from a top surface  28  of the half guard section  10 / 12  to a first connecting tab  30  formed adjacent a bottom edge  32  of the half guard section  10 / 12 . The first connecting tab  30  may include an upper surface  34  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  36  through the first connecting tab  30  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. A left edge  38  of the front wall  20  may be provided with a second angled wall  40  extending from the top surface  28  to a second connecting tab  42  formed adjacent the bottom edge  32 . The second connecting tab  42  may include an upper surface  44  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  46  through the second connecting tab  42  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     The half guard sections  10 / 12  may be formed from any material and in any dimensions. In a specific embodiment, each half guard section  10 / 12  may have an overall height of approximately forty-two inches. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of the front wall  20  and the side wall  22  may be approximately eight inches. In a specific embodiment, each of the first and second connecting tabs  30  and  42  may have a height of approximately six inches, and a depth from outside corner to their respective angled wall  26  and  40  of approximately five inches. In a specific embodiment, each passageway  36  and  46  may be circular and have a diameter of approximately one inch. In a specific embodiment, the respective widths of the front wall  20  and the side wall  22  may be sized according to the size of the column  16  or other structure to be protected. 
     As mentioned above, various embodiments, guard shapes, and applications are contemplated and intended to be encompassed by the present inventions. One application mentioned above is directed to protection of columns or other structures located in an interior corner of a building or room. Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , a corner guard  48  is illustrated. In a specific embodiment, the corner guard  48  may be constructed similarly to the half guards  10 / 12  described above. In a specific embodiment, a front wall  49  and a side wall  51  of the corner guard  48  may have the same width. In a specific embodiment, one difference may be that a right edge  50  of the side wall  51  may be provided with a third angled wall  52  extending from a top surface  53  of the corner guard  48  to a third connecting tab  54  formed adjacent a bottom edge  46  of the corner guard  48 . The third connecting tab  54  may include an upper surface  58  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  60  through the third connecting tab  54  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. In use, the corner guard  48  is positioned in a corner of a building or room around a structure to be protected (e.g., an I-beam column), and then connected to the floor surface at three locations. Another use for the corner guard  48  may be for use for example at the corners of a small office structure (e.g., a manager&#39;s office) located on one of the floors within a warehouse. Another use of a corner guard  48  may be around fuel islands at a gas station. 
     In another specific embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , a U-corner guard  62  may be provided with a generally “U” shaped cross section, and may include a left wall  64 , a front wall  66 , and a right wall  68 . The left wall  64  may be joined in perpendicular relationship to a left edge  70  of the front wall  66  to form a left corner  72 . The right wall  68  may be joined in perpendicular relationship to a right edge  74  of the front wall  66  to form a right corner  76 . 
     In a specific embodiment, a left edge  78  of the left wall  64  may be provided with a first angled wall  80  extending from a top surface  82  of the U-corner guard  62  to a first connecting tab  84  formed adjacent a bottom edge  86  of the U-corner guard  62 . The first connecting tab  84  may include an upper surface  88  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  90  through the first connecting tab  84  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     In a specific embodiment, the left corner  72  may be provided with a second angled wall  92  extending from the top surface  82  of the U-corner guard  62  to a second connecting tab  94  formed adjacent the bottom edge  86  of the U-corner guard  62 . The second connecting tab  94  may include an upper surface  96  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  98  through the second connecting tab  94  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     In a specific embodiment, the right corner  76  may be provided with a third angled wall  100  extending from the top surface  82  of the U-corner guard  62  to a third connecting tab  102  formed adjacent the bottom edge  86  of the U-corner guard  62 . The third connecting tab  102  may include an upper surface  104  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  106  through the third connecting tab  102  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     In a specific embodiment, a right edge  108  of the right wall  68  may be provided with a fourth angled wall  110  extending from a top surface  82  of the U-corner guard  62  to a fourth connecting tab  112  formed adjacent a bottom edge  86  of the U-corner guard  62 . The fourth connecting tab  112  may include an upper surface  114  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  116  through the fourth connecting tab  112  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     In another specific embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , a face guard  118  may be provided with a generally “U” shaped cross section, and may include a left wall  120 , a front wall  122 , and a right wall  124 . The left wall  120  may be joined in perpendicular relationship to a left edge  126  of the front wall  122  to form a left corner  128 . The right wall  124  may be joined in perpendicular relationship to a right edge  130  of the front wall  122  to form a right corner  132 . 
     In a specific embodiment, the left corner  128  may be provided with a first angled wall  134  extending from a top surface  136  of the face guard  118  to a first connecting tab  138  formed adjacent a bottom edge  140  of the face guard  118 . The first connecting tab  138  may include an upper surface  142  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  144  through the first connecting tab  138  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     In a specific embodiment, the right corner  132  may be provided with a second angled wall  146  extending from the top surface  136  of the face guard  118  to a second connecting tab  148  formed adjacent the bottom edge  140  of the face guard  118 . The second connecting tab  148  may include an upper surface  150  and a generally vertically-disposed passageway  152  through the second connecting tab  148  adapted for receiving an anchor bolt  18  as described above. 
     In a specific embodiment, the U-corner guard  62  and the face guard  118  may be placed, for example, against a wall to enclose and protect items such as piping, valves, electrical boxes, ducts, conduit, or other utilities running along the wall. The various embodiments of guards described herein could have many applications in a variety of industrial and manufacturing facilities, and are not limited to the examples included herein. 
     It is to be understood that the inventions disclosed herein are not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described. Although specific embodiments of the inventions have been described, various modifications, alterations, alternative constructions, and equivalents are also encompassed within the scope of the inventions. Although the present inventions may have been described using a particular series of steps, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present inventions is not limited to the described series of steps. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will be evident that additions, subtractions, deletions, and other modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the claims set forth below. Accordingly, the inventions are therefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.