Patent Publication Number: US-2023151631-A1

Title: Pole cover assembly for a street pole, sign and other objects for improving visibility and aesthetic appeal

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to a U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/280,937, filed Nov. 18, 2021 with Attorney Docket No. JSEL001USP and title of POLE COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A STREET POLE, SIGN AND OTHER OBJECTS FOR IMPROVING VISIBILITY AND AESTHETIC APPEAL; which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present subject matter generally relates to pole covers. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to a pole cover assembly including sleeves for covering poles or posts such as sign poles, shopping cart corrals, billboards, playgrounds, mailboxes, fences, handrails, light poles, signal poles, utility poles, piping, flagpoles, parking meter poles, exposed pipes, trees, columns, etc. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Poles or posts exist in every city and town throughout the world. The poles are often used for traffic signs, parking lot signs, light signals, decorative lights, directional signs, flagpoles, utilities, etc. Most poles are affixed directly to the ground, in concrete, or via a bolt system. Typical sign poles come in square, U-channel or round shaped structures. Some poles such as the sign poles come in the same dimensions as they follow the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). A typical sign pole is 8, 10, or 12 feet tall for street signs, stop signs, etc., but can be any length. Poles for other purposes such as signal poles or telephone poles are much taller and have wider diameters. 
     Generally, sign poles are made of bare metal and are not visually appealing. Further, the poles are cheap but functional. In addition to bare metal, the poles rust, lean, or bend. Cities collectively spend billions of dollars annually on beautification. However, very few cities can afford to purchase expensive decorative metal street poles. 
     To address the above problems, decorative poles are preferred. Decorative poles are typically round and fluted. Most decorative poles are metallic or fiberglass and come in black or some other colour that matches the brand of the community. The decorative poles are crash rated as they need to satisfy DOT or other safety requirements. Poles carry the weight of signs, lights, flowers, banners, signals, etc. As a result, they are heavy and can be expensive. 
     Other solutions include providing a sleeve assembly that fits around the pole. One such example is disclosed in a United States patent publication No. 20210207376, entitled, “Post sleeve assembly” (“the &#39;376 Publication”). The &#39;376 Publication discloses a post sleeve that provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve. 
     Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 9,909,270, entitled “Sign post cover” (“the &#39;270 Patent”). The &#39;270 Patent discloses a sign post cover comprised of a series of segments that are stacked to fit around a traffic control sign post. Segments have on one side facing the same direction as the sign on the sign post differing visual patterns that alternate between successive segments. A rear side of each segment includes an alternate pattern. This allows an observer from any direction to determine the nature of the sign and the direction which that sign faces. 
     Another example is disclosed in a United States patent publication No. 20040148831, entitled, “Pole advertising device” (“the &#39;831 Publication”). The &#39;831 Publication discloses a sign comprising two or more housings which are interlockingly connected together around a pole. Each housing has a selectively adjustable collar arrangement which can be adjusted to size to fit around the pole. 
     The above discussed disclosures provide a variety of solutions such as the decorative poles and the sleeve assembly for covering a pole. However, they cannot be used for covering different type of poles as they are configured for use with a particular type of poles only. Further, the decorative poles are installed replacing the exiting poles. It is far too expensive to replace all the existing poles with the decorative poles. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a pole cover assembly that can be used for connecting to almost all types and sizes of poles and present an inexpensive way to safely install and beautify the poles without removing existing signs or losing their functionality. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a pole cover assembly and that avoids the drawbacks of known decorative poles and sleeve assemblies. 
     It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a pole cover assembly that can be used to cover any poles such as sign poles, shopping cart corrals, billboards, playgrounds, mailboxes, fences, handrails, light poles, signal poles, utility poles, piping, flagpoles, parking meter poles, exposed pipes, trees, columns, etc. 
     It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a pole cover assembly that can be easily snapped around a pole such as square, round, and U-channel having different shapes and sizes. 
     In order to achieve one or more objectives, the present subject matter presents a pole cover assembly having first sleeves (or base sleeves), second sleeves (or middle sleeves), and third sleeves (or top sleeves or top cap). Each of the first sleeves, the second sleeves, and the third sleeves come in segments of varying lengths. The first sleeves, the second sleeves, and the third sleeves come in front and rear halves that snap together via inconspicuous tabs. Further, each of the first sleeves, the second sleeves, and the third sleeves include a series of internal disks that accommodate the three most common pole types i.e., square, round, and U-channel poles. Once connected, the tabs are depressed and the pole cover assembly is removed to expose the pole for maintenance. 
     The pole cover assembly is installed over the pole by snapping the third sleeves around the pole. The second sleeves are installed by snapping each half around the pole, piece by piece depending on the length of the pole. Once the two halves are snapped together around the pole, they are then snapped into the third sleeves. Subsequently, the first sleeves are snapped together and then snapped into the second sleeves. This order may be reversed depending on the height of the pole and preference of the installer. 
     The first sleeves, the second sleeves, and the third sleeves snap together based on the height of the pole. Other sleeves are also available to function as “spacers” to ensure the covers reach their desired height. The total height of the pole assembly is selected such that the third sleeves terminate below the actual sign board. 
     In one advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the pole cover assembly can be used to snap around most standard metallic poles. In other words, the pole cover assembly includes internal disks made of a hardened High-density polyethylene (HDPE) that fit around most standard metal sign poles, but can also be designed to fit around all types and dimensions of poles. The pole cover assembly may present all the external appearances of a decorative sign or may be utilitarian depending on the specific use. Pole Covers are manufactured with a UV stabilizer to prevent them from fading or cracking in the sun. They have a retroreflective additive to be more visible at night. They may also be produced with different coloured dyes. The poles that can be covered using the pole cover assembly include, but not limited to, sign poles, shopping cart corrals, billboards, playgrounds, mailboxes, fences, handrails, light poles, signal poles, utility poles, piping, flagpoles, parking meter poles, exposed pipes, trees, columns, etc. 
     In another advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the pole cover assembly is not affixed to the ground or pole. Rather, the sleeves are snapped as covers around the pole. As such, they aren&#39;t affixed to the ground nor have need to be crash rated. Internal rubber shims affix to the disks and hold the covers tightly against any dimension pole. The rubber shims also act as shock absorbers from pole vibrations and prevent damage to the pole and covers. The pole cover assembly costs a fraction of traditional decorative metal or fiberglass poles, and doesn&#39;t require time-consuming installation and other maintenance costs. As the sleeves are snapped as covers around the pole, there is no risk of water harmlessly seeping out the bottom during a storm. The sleeves include a hole allowing the fresh air to pass through. This helps to prevent any sort of algae since there is fresh air blowing through the pole cover assembly. 
     In another advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the pole cover assembly acts as a cover for poles and can snap around almost all types and sizes of poles. The pole cover assembly beautifies and brings visibility to any pole and won&#39;t fade or crack in the sun. The pole cover assembly can be installed at a fraction of the cost of decorative metal and/or fiberglass poles and can be customized to any colour, shape, and design. The pole cover assembly allows to add text and other decorative aspects on them. The pole cover assembly enhances safety with night retro-reflectivity. The pole cover assembly can be manufactured with additives to protect them against fading and cracking, and as a result the lifespan can be increased. 
     In another advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the pole cover assembly includes internal disks that are specifically notched to accommodate multiple styles of poles. The pole cover assembly provides ornamental or decorative appeal. 
     Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realised, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an environment of a pole cover assembly placed around a pole, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a front view and an exploded perspective view, respectively of the pole cover assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a side perspective view of a first sleeve, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of front or rear half of a base, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom view of disks, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a front perspective view of front half of a first sleeve, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates the first sleeve connecting the base, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a side perspective view of a second sleeve, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a side perspective view of a second semi-cylindrical tube encompassing tabs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates the connection between the second sleeves, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates the semi-cylindrical tube including holes, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a side view of the second sleeve including the holes, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a side perspective view of third sleeves, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates the sleeves aligned the pole, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; and 
         FIG.  15    illustrates the sleeves covering the pole, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Before the present features and working principle of a pole cover assembly is described, it is to be understood that this subject matter is not limited to the particular device as described, since it may vary within the specification indicated. Various features of a pole cover assembly might be provided by introducing variations within the components/subcomponents disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter, which will be limited only by the appended claims. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. 
     It should be understood that the present subject matter describes a pole cover assembly for covering a pole. The pole cover assembly includes first sleeves or base sleeves, second sleeves or middle sleeves, and third sleeves or top sleeves or top cap. Other spacer sleeves of varying heights may also be added to the construction of each assembly. The first sleeves, the second sleeves, and the third sleeves come in front and rear halves that snap together via inconspicuous tabs. Further, each of the first sleeves, the second sleeves, the third sleeves, and spacer sleeves, include a series of internal disks that accommodate most type of poles i.e., square, round, and U-channel poles. The pole cover assembly acts as a cover for the poles and can snap around almost all types and sizes of poles. The pole cover assembly beautifies and brings visibility to any pole or post. 
     Various features and embodiments of a pole cover assembly for covering a pole are explained in conjunction with the description of  FIGS.  1 - 14   . 
     The present subject matter discloses a pole cover assembly for covering a pole.  FIG.  1    shows an environment  10  of pole cover assembly  12  placed around pole  14 , in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  show a front view and an exploded perspective view, respectively of pole cover assembly  12 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Pole cover assembly  12  includes first sleeves or base sleeves  20 , one or more pair of second sleeves or middle sleeves  24 , and third sleeves or top sleeves  26 . Here, first sleeves  20  indicate base sleeves. One or more pair of second sleeves  24  indicate middle sleeves that mount over stack over one another. The bottom middle sleeves connect above first sleeves  20 . Third sleeves  26  indicate top sleeves that connect at the top of middle sleeves  24 . As can be seen in  FIG.  2 B , each of first sleeves  20 , pair of second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  come as front halves  28  and rear halves  29  that intersect and snap together to form a complete first sleeves  20 , pair of second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26 , respectively. 
     In the present subject matter, each front half  28  of first sleeves  20 , pair of second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  have similar shape and size with that of rear half  29  of first sleeves  20 , pair of second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26 . Front halves  28  and rear halves  29  snap together and appear as a complete structure.  FIG.  3    shows a side perspective view of front half  28  of first sleeve  20 , in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of present subject matter. First sleeve  20  presents elongated semi-cylindrical tube  30  made of metal, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or any other material. Elongated semi-cylindrical tube  30  encompasses first end  31  and second end  32 . First end  31  indicates a top end and second end  32  indicates a bottom end of elongated semi-cylindrical tube  30 . At second end  32 , elongated semi-cylindrical tube  30  presents disk  34  (i.e., semi-circular disk). In one example, disk  34  includes a cushion member or rubber portion  35 . Further, semi-cylindrical tube  30  includes tabs  36 . Tabs  36  position at equal or varied distance from one another at both ends of the semi-cylindrical tube  30 . Tabs  36  help to connect to the other half of semi-cylindrical tube  30  and form a complete first sleeve  20 . In one example, semi-cylindrical tube  30  includes extending portions or ridges  38  at outer side for providing decorative appeal. In addition, semi-cylindrical tube  30  encompasses elongated sections  39  at outer side for providing decorative appeal. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, pole cover assembly  12  includes a base. The base provides additional stability to the first sleeves and comes in contact with the ground.  FIG.  4    shows a perspective view of front or rear half of base  22 , in accordance with the present subject matter. Base  22  presents a semi-circular tube  30  made of plastic such as High-density polyethylene (HDPE). Semi-circular tube  40  encompasses disks  41  (i.e., semi-circular disks) at the top and the bottom. In one example, each disk  41  includes a cushion member  47 . Cushion member  47  indicates a rubber part placed between disk  41  and semi-circular tube  40 . Cushion member  47  helps to prevent the transmission of impact from semi-circular tube  40  to disk  41  and extends the life of cover  41 . In other words, cushion member  47  acts as a protection for cover  41 . Each disk  41  includes cut-section  42  having a square section  43   a , circular section  43   b  and U-channel section  43   c . Disks  41  connect and help to receive poles  14  having elongated rod of different shapes such as square poles, round poles, or U-channel poles, depending on the need.  FIG.  5    shows a bottom view of disks  41  receiving poles  14  having elongated rod  96  (as shown in  FIG.  14   ) in square, round, or U-channel shape, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Further, semi-circular tube  40  presents tabs  44  having tab connecting portions  45 . Tabs  44  extend from the distal ends of semi-circular tube  40 . Tab connecting portions  45  extend from the outer surface of tabs  44  and help to connect opposite disk  41 . Here, tabs  44  at first half  28  of semi-circular tube  40  face tabs  44  at second half  29  of semi-circular tube  40 . This way, semi-circular tubes  40  of both first half  28  and second half  29  can be snapped together with the help of tabs  44  to form a complete base  22 . 
     In one implementation, disks  41  further include first buttons  46  and first holes  48  for connecting first sleeves  20 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . As can be seen in  FIG.  7   , first buttons  36  that extend from the surface of disk  41 . Here, first buttons  36  connect to second holes  60  and second buttons  62  connect to first holes  38  in order to connect base  22  and first sleeves  20 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a front perspective view of front half  28  of first sleeve  50 , in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of present subject matter.  FIG.  6    is presented to show alternate embodiment of first sleeve  50  having second holes  60  and second buttons  62  that allow to connect to first buttons  46  and first holes  48  of base  22 . A user of pole cover assembly  12  can choose any of first sleeve  20  or first sleeve  50  as base sleeves depending on the need. When the user selects first sleeve  20  as base sleeve, the user avoids using base  22 . On the other hand, when the user selects first sleeve  50  as base sleeve, the user uses base  22  underneath first sleeve  50 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     In accordance with the present embodiment, first sleeve  50  presents elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52  made of plastic. Elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52  encompasses first end  53  and second end  54 . First end  53  indicates a top end and second end  54  indicates a bottom end of elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52 . Elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52  encompasses disks  56  (i.e., semi-circular disks) at the top and the bottom. Each disk  56  includes cut-section  57  having a square section  58   a , circular section  58   b  and U-channel section  58   c . Disks  56  having cut-sections  57  connect and help to receive poles  14  having elongated rod  96  of different shapes such as square poles, round poles, or U-channel poles depending on the need. The top and bottom disks  56  include second holes  60  and second buttons  62 . Second holes  60  and second buttons  62  at second end  54  helps to connect first sleeve  50  to base  22  via first buttons  46  and first holes  48 .  FIG.  7    shows the feature of first buttons  46  connecting second buttons  62  and first holes  48  connecting second holes  60  in order to connect base  22  and first sleeve  50 . Similarly, second holes  60  and second buttons  62  at first end  52  help to connect second sleeves  24  (via buttons and holes at second sleeves  24 ). Further, first sleeve  50  encompasses tabs  64  extending from ends of elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52 . As explained above, tabs  64  at first half  28  of elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52  face tabs  64  at second half  29  of elongated semi-cylindrical tube  52 . This way, elongated semi-cylindrical tubes  52  of both first half  28  and second half  29  can be snapped together with the help of tabs  64  to form a complete first sleeve  50 . 
       FIG.  8    shows a side perspective view of second sleeve  24 , in accordance with one embodiment of the subject matter. The user selects one or more second sleeves  24  depending on the height/length of elongated rod  96  of pole  14 . Each second sleeve  24  presents second semi-cylindrical tube  70  made of plastic. Second semi-cylindrical tube  70  encompasses first end  71  and second end  72 . First end  72  indicates a top end and second end  72  indicates a bottom end of second semi-cylindrical tube  70 . Second semi-cylindrical tube  70  encompasses disks  74  (i.e., semi-circular disks) extending at equal or varied distance across the length of semi-cylindrical tube  70 . In one example, each disk  74  encompasses a cushion member (not shown, similar to cushion member  35  and cushion member  47 ). The cushion member indicates a rubber part placed between disk  74  and semi-cylindrical tube  70 . The cushion member helps to prevent the transmission of impact from semi-cylindrical tube  70  to disk  74  and extends the life of covers and pole  74 . Each disk  74  includes cut-section  76  having a square section  78   a , circular section  78   b  and U-channel section  78   c . Disks  74  connect and help to receive poles  14  having elongated rod of different shapes such as square poles, round poles, or U-channel poles, depending on the need. Further, second sleeve  24  encompasses tabs  80  extending from the side ends of second semi-cylindrical tube  70 .  FIG.  9    shows the feature of second semi-cylindrical tube  70  encompassing tabs  80 . Tabs  80  extend from the side ends of second semi-cylindrical tube  70 . Tabs  80  include tab connecting portions  82 . Tab connecting portions  82  position at the outer surface of tabs  80  and help to connect opposite half of second sleeve  24 . In one example, second semi-cylindrical tube  70  includes extending portions or ridges  84  at outer side for providing decorative appeal. 
     As presented above, middle sleeves include one or more pair of second sleeves  24 . Further, one or more pair of second sleeves  24  come in the same shape and size and are stacked over one another. In the present subject matter, when one or more pair of second sleeves  24  are stacked, disks  74  at the bottom of above positioned second sleeves  24  intersect with disks  74  at the top of second sleeves  24  positioned below, as shown in  FIG.  10   . Further, cut-sections  76  at one or more pair of second sleeves  24  align such cut-sections  76  can receive poles  14  of varied shapes and sizes. In one example, disks  74  include holes  86 . Holes  86  allow for an optional set screw (not shown) to prevent separation of the sleeves by securing tabs  82  on each cylindrical tube  70 . 
     In another example, tabs  82  at the end of semi-cylindrical tube  70  include holes  88  as shown in  FIG.  11   . When semi-cylindrical tubes  70  are snapped together to form a complete second sleeves  24 , tabs  82  snap connect aligning holes  88 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . Here, holes  88  allow for an optional set screw to prevent separation of the sleeves by securing tabs  82  on each cylindrical tube  70 . Further, holes  88  maintain the structural integrity of tabs  82  and prevents them from breaking when they are connected or in use. In addition, holes  76  and  95  help to pass fresh air into the structure and prevent algae from forming inside pole cover assembly b 12 . 
     As specified above, pole cover assembly  12  includes third sleeves  26  i.e., top sleeves.  FIG.  13    shows a perspective view of third sleeves  26  positioned over second sleeves  24 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Third sleeves  26  includes disk  90 . Disk  90  presents curved section  92  underneath that connects at the top of second sleeves  24 . Further, disk  90  includes circular head section  94  extending from the surface of disk  90 . Head section  94  terminates just below where sign board  98  starts. In one example, disk  90  includes cut-section  95  for receiving pole  14  of various shapes and sizes as explained above. 
       FIGS.  14  and  15    show the feature of placing pole cover assembly  12  over pole  14  for covering it, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. At first, front halves  28  of first sleeves  20 , second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  are stacked and connected over one another. Further, rear halves  29  of first sleeves  20 , second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  are stacked and snap connected over one another. Subsequently, first sleeves  20 , second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  are aligned with elongated rod  96  of pole  14  such that third sleeves  26  position just underneath sign board  98  ( FIG.  15   ). Alternatively, pole cover assembly  12  is installed by snapping the top cap i.e., third sleeves  26  around elongated rod  96  of pole  14  first. Second sleeves  24  i.e., middle sections and spacers are installed by snapping each half around elongated rod  96  of pole  14 , piece by piece depending on the length of pole  14 . Once the two halves are snapped together around pole  14 , they are then snapped into third sleeves  26 . The bottom section i.e., first sleeves  20  is also snapped together and then snapped into the middle section i.e., second sleeves  24 . 
     Subsequently, first sleeves  20 , second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  are snapped together via inconspicuous tabs such that pole cover assembly  12  covers elongated rod  96  of pole  14 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . When connected, the disks accommodate the shape of elongated rod  96  of pole  14 . 
     Although the example illustrated in the above description shows the pole as a traffic sign post, it is obvious to use the presently disclosed pole cover assembly for covering other poles such as shopping cart corrals, billboards, playgrounds, mailboxes, fences, handrails, light poles, utility poles, piping, flagpoles, parking meter poles, exposed pipes, trees, columns, etc., without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     In case of maintenance or removal, tabs are depressed and first sleeves  20 , second sleeves  24 , and third sleeves  26  are removed exposing elongated rod  96  of pole  14 . 
     Although the above description is explained considering the sleeve halves come in a cylindrical shape, it is possible to provide each of the first sleeves (base sleeve), second sleeves (middle or center sleeve), and third sleeves (top sleeve or cap) in different shapes and sizes depending on the need without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. For example, the pole cover assembly can include a tapered base, tapered center, and tapered cap. In another example, the pole cover assembly can include a fluted base, a fluted center, a standard cap. The pole cover assembly can also include various spacer sleeves to account for varying pole heights. Further, the pole cover assembly can include tight square smooth sections with multi-coloured, and retroreflective surfaces. 
     In one implementation, the sleeves include a narrow plastic strip that snaps around the exterior of any sign, thus creating a decorative border that also brings attention to the sign. The strip is notched so as to be flexible allowing it to accommodate signs with different angles. The strip includes a deep groove on one side which fits along the edge of the sign. The plastic is manufactured so that the strip holds tightly and is not easily removable. The plastic is manufactured with retroreflective material so as to be visible at night. The plastic can be manufactured in any color. A decorative border can also be added to the strip to include logos or shapes. In this way a community may, for example, create a mold of its logo as a combined piece with the plastic strip and place it atop its street signs. Decorative shapes could be combined with the strips and placed all the way around a STOP sign or any other type of sign. 
     The presently disclosed pole cover assembly can be designed for almost any style of pole, including shopping cart corrals, billboards, playgrounds, mailboxes, fences, handrails, light poles, signal poles, utility poles, piping, flagpoles, parking meter poles, exposed pipes, trees, columns, etc. Further, each of the sleeves can be manufactured with specific designs and colours including logos and lettering depending on the need. Additional signs can be added to the outside of the pole cover assembly by drilling through the sleeves and attaching a long-threaded bolt to the inner aluminium pole. Signs may also be added by screwing directly into the plastic sleeves. 
     The presently disclosed pole cover assembly can come in a variety of colors to provide more visibility. This can be achieved by alternating the colors of the sleeves e.g., orange/white, red/white, or combination thereof. In addition, the pole cover assembly can be changed as per occasion such as Christmas or Valentine&#39;s day, or depending on the brands e.g., blue for Walmart™, red for Target™, etc. 
     As specified above, the sleeves are made of HDPE material. As such, in case of an accident e.g., a vehicle hits the pole cover assembly, the sleeves crack or crumple without becoming a flying projectile. Even if the sleeves crack and become airborne, the small pieces do not penetrate the windshield of the vehicle or become lethal unlike metallic poles. 
     Still further improvements to the preferred embodiment are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For instance, electronic circuitry may be placed within the covers to include sensors, cameras, electricity, Internet, etc. Pole Covers are a great way to hide these components. The internal ribs of the preferred embodiments provide a highly attractive space as well to locate this equipment. Or, a telescoping power pole further providing a solar panel for powering such circuitry. The presently disclosed system may further provide, for example, a 12″ cover for such telescoping power poles when fully retracted. 
     Other improvements within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter may include a spacer which may be offered for sale to provide an extending hook(s) to hold a hanging planter or a flag pole. Still other possibilities for extra pieces as well, may include a mounting bracket for speakers, banner flags, doggie waste bags, etc. The top cap could also include LED lights that shine up to illuminate the sign. Conversely, there could be LED lights in the toppers that shine down and illuminate the sign. A separate spacer may be designed to fit under the base to account for uneven terrain. For example, a wedge piece could be attached to the bottom for a sign on a slope to prevent unsightly gaps between the bottom and the ground. 
     A person skilled in the art appreciates that the pole cover assembly may come in a variety of sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present subject matter. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed pole cover assembly. 
     In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter. 
     In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.