Patent Abstract:
A bollard including a series of at least two nested, inverted U-shaped forms of decreasing height set around a common vertical axis. Each form has an upper transverse portion and two parallel, vertical legs extending therefrom. The U-shaped forms are made of metal pipes, and have physical characteristics such that on impact by a moving vehicle, including an automobile or a truck, the U-shaped forms will initiate a “crumple zone” type reaction, so as to meet governmental standards addressing the threats posed by vehicular traffic.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present patent application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/252,538, filed Sep. 24, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 29/165,862, filed Aug. 20, 2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to public-space fixtures. More specifically, the invention relates to a universal public-space fixture that is adaptable to use as a bollard, usable alone or in a system of bollards, and/or with accessories including but not limited to seating, shelters, signage, lamps, ash-urns, and litter receptacles.  
         [0004]     2. Related Art  
         [0005]      1  As a result of the newly defined threat to people occupying ordinary public places in their daily activities, it has now become apparent that conventional public-space fixtures (for example, benches and chairs, litter receptacles, lamps, etc.) must evolve into devices that enhance security, provide conventional function (for example, seating, litter control, lighting, etc.) and allow for the subtle directing of pedestrian traffic. They also must allow for a pleasing, cohesive design system that integrates multiple functions.  
         [0006]     Such devices must also eventually meet standards now being written to accommodate the threats posed by vehicular traffic in or near pedestrian spaces. They must likewise provide reasonable barrier protection to entrances, plazas, city streets, areas of congestion, etc. They must simultaneously be cost effective and flexible in design to provide multiple functions. Their design must be easily modified to provide increased strength and protection without inordinately higher cost or significantly larger size, as larger size can easily overwhelm public spaces, making the function of providing protection a deterrent to the successful use of public spaces. Scale is important given the limited space available, the footprint of such devices, and the necessity for the safe movement of pedestrians.  
         [0007]     In addition, as a standard requirement, public-space fixtures must be sufficiently attractive to provide permanent and otherwise successful replacement for the concrete slabs and “Jersey Walls” that have been placed temporarily to provide safety.  
         [0008]     The same design fixture must be adaptable to seating, shelters, bollards, signage, lamps, and the holding of such elements as ash-urns and litter receptacles. In all such configurations, the fixture must be easily installable as an in-ground or above-ground (bolted-down) structure. The fixture must be configurable to accommodate the evolving standards for the spacing of bollards and barriers, while meeting conventional requirements of accessibility for all people.  
         [0009]     These diverse and constantly changing criteria make it necessary to design the elements of public fixtures as part of a set of safety, protective, informational, and convenience requirements.  
         [0010]     It is to the solution of these and other problems that the present invention is directed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide a bollard that is cost effective and flexible in design to provide multiple functions.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a bollard that can be easily modified to provide increased strength and protection without inordinately higher cost or significantly larger size.  
         [0013]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bollard that is adaptable to be used with seating, shelters, signage, lighting, and the holding of such elements as ash-urns and litter receptacles.  
         [0014]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bollard that is usable alone or in a grouping of other bollards, or with accessories including but not limited to seating, shelters, signage, lighting, ash-urns, and litter receptacles.  
         [0015]     These and other objects of the invention are achieved by the provision of a bollard comprising a series of at least two nested, inverted substantially U-shaped forms of decreasing height set around a common vertical axis. “Nested,” as used herein, refers to a set of objects of graduated size that can be stacked together, each fitting within the one immediately larger. Each substantially U-shaped form has an upper transverse portion and two parallel, vertical legs extending from the upper transverse portion. The upper transverse portion can be curved, either symmetrically or asymmetrically, with a smooth transition to the legs, or it can be linear and joined to the legs at a miter joint.  
         [0016]     In one aspect of the invention, the fixture further comprises means for joining the substantially U-shaped forms together as a unit, for example, at least one center joining plate located below the upper transverse portions of the forms, the forms being fastened to the at least one center joining plate. The at least one center joining plate is substantially perpendicular to the forms, and can comprise a disc having notches at the perimeter thereof for engaging the substantially U-shaped forms, or a spider having radiating arms that engage the substantially U-shaped forms.  
         [0017]     In another aspect of the invention, the forms are substantially vertical and the at least one center joining plate is substantially horizontal.  
         [0018]     In another aspect of the invention, the fixture further comprises means for anchoring the forms to a support surface, for example, an anchor plate attached to the forms at or adjacent their bottom.  
         [0019]     In still another aspect of the invention, the fixture can be used in a public-space system comprising at least one other bollard and/or at least one site amenity (for example, seating, lighting, signage, a shelter, a trash can receptacle, and an ash urn). Where the public-space system includes at least one site amenity, the site amenity is associated with the bollard, for example by being attached thereto.  
         [0020]     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of this specification including the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0021]     The invention is better understood by reading the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, and in which:  
         [0022]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are respectively perspective and top plan views of a first embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2A and 2B  are respectively perspective and top plan views of a second embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the joining plate of the bollard of  FIG. 3B .  
         [0027]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a joining plate.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a joining plate.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an anchor plate of the bollard of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a universal public-space figure anchored in a concrete footing.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 7A, 7B , and  7 C are respectively perspective, side elevational, and top plan views of a grouping of bollards in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C are respectively perspective, side elevational, and top plan views of a first embodiment of a single bollard having seating associated therewith.  
         [0033]      FIGS. 9A, 9B , and  9 C are respectively perspective, side elevational, and to plan views of a second embodiment of a single bollard having seating associated therewith.  
         [0034]      FIGS. 10A, 10B , and  10 C are respectively perspective, side elevational, and top plan views of a third embodiment of a single bollard having seating associated therewith.  
         [0035]      FIGS. 11A, 11B ,  11 C, and  11 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a first embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0036]      FIGS. 12A, 12B ,  12 C, and  12 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a second embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 13A, 13B ,  13 C, and  13 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a third embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0038]      FIGS. 14A, 14B ,  14 C, and  14 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a fourth embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0039]      FIGS. 15A, 15B ,  15 C, and  15 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a fifth embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0040]      FIGS. 16A, 16B ,  16 C, and  16 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a sixth embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0041]      FIGS. 17A, 17B ,  17 C, and  17 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views showing a seventh embodiment of a grouping of bollards having seating associated therewith.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 18A, 18B , and  18 C are respectively perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views of a first embodiment of a grouping of bollards having a shelter associated therewith.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 19A, 19B , and  19 C are respectively perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views of a second embodiment of a grouping of bollards having a shelter associated therewith.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are respectively perspective and side elevational views of a grouping of a third embodiment of a grouping of bollards having a shelter associated therewith.  
         [0045]      FIGS. 21A and 21B  are respectively perspective and side elevational views of a bollard having a lamp associated therewith.  
         [0046]      FIGS. 22A, 22B , and  22 C are respectively perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views of a first embodiment of a bollard having a matching ash urn and trash can receptacle associated therewith.  
         [0047]      FIGS. 23A, 23B ,  23 C, and  23 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a second embodiment of a bollard having a matching ash urn and trash can receptacle associated therewith.  
         [0048]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are respectively perspective and side elevational views of a first embodiment of a bollard having a trash can receptacle associated therewith.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 25A and 25B  are respectively perspective and side elevational views of a second embodiment of a bollard having a trash can receptacle associated therewith.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 26A, 26B , and  26 C are respectively perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views of a first embodiment of a bollard having an ash urn associated therewith.  
         [0051]      FIGS. 27A, 27B , and  27 C are respectively perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views of a second embodiment of a bollard having an ash urn associated therewith.  
         [0052]      FIGS. 28A, 28B ,  28 C,  28 D, and  28 E are respectively perspective, front elevational, left and right side elevational, and top plan views of a grouping of bollards having seating and a matching ash urn and trash can receptacle associated therewith.  
         [0053]      FIGS. 29A, 29B ,  29 C, and  29 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a grouping of bollards having seating and signage associated therewith.  
         [0054]      FIGS. 30A, 30B ,  30 C, and  30 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a fifth embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0055]      FIGS. 31A, 31B ,  31 C, and  31 D are respectively perspective, front elevational, side elevational, and top plan views of a sixth embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0056]      FIGS. 32A, 32B ,  32 C, and  32 D are respectively first perspective, second perspective, first side elevational, and second side elevational views of a seventh embodiment of a bollard in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0057]     In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.  
         [0058]     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B, there are shown first and second embodiments  10  and  10 ′ of a bollard that can be used individually or in combination with other similar bollards. The structure of the bollard  10  and  10 ′ is based on the formation of continuous cross-sections in a series of at least two nested, inverted U-shaped forms ( 10   a  and  10   b  in shown  FIGS. 1A and 1B ;  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) set around a common vertical axis A. In order to achieve a nested configuration, the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  are of decreasing height. Each substantially U-shaped form has an upper transverse portion  12  and two parallel, vertical legs  14  extending from the upper transverse portion  12 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B, the upper transverse portion  12  is curved, with a smooth transition to the legs  14 , although other configurations are possible, as discussed below.  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 3A , an embodiment of a bollard  100  is shown that includes means such as at least one centerjoining plate for joining the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  together as a unit. In this embodiment, the center joining plate is in the form of a disc  20 . Preferably, the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  are fastened to the joining means below the upper transverse portions  12  of the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c . Means such as an anchor plate  24  attached to the bottom of the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  can also be provided to anchor the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  to a support surface. The “footprint” of the assembly is governed by the transverse cross-sections of the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  and the number of such forms that are nested.  
         [0060]     The forms are not limited to tubing of circular cross-section, but can be made of tubing of other cross-sections including, but not limited to square or rectangular cross-sections.  FIGS. 30A-30D  and  FIGS. 31A-30D  show fifth and sixth embodiments  110  and  110 ′, respectively, of a bollard in which the forms  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  are made of tubing having a square cross section. Each substantially U-shaped form has an upper transverse portion  112  (which in the embodiment of  FIGS. 30A-30D  and  31 A- 31 D is linear) and two parallel vertical legs  114 . In this configuration, the upper transverse portion  112  and the legs  114  can be fit together using miter joints that are welded together to provide a continuous structure. Preferably, the bollards  110  and  110 ′ include joining means such as at least one center joining plate for joining the forms  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  together as a unit below the upper transverse portion  112 . In this embodiment, the center joining plate is in the form of a square  120 . Anchoring means are also provided to anchor the substantially U-shaped forms  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  to a support surface, as discussed hereinafter.  
         [0061]     Also, the widths of the forms (that is, the distance between the outside edges of the legs) can either be the same for all forms, which will yield a substantially circular footprint (as shown, for example,  FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  30 A- 30 D, and  31 A- 31 D), or they can be varied to yield a non-circular footprint. For example, in a bollard comprising four forms set around a common vertical axis to form an angle of 45° between adjacent forms, alternating forms can have widths in a ratio of  1: √{square root over (2)}, which will yield a square footprint (not shown). Thus, a bollard in which the substantially U-shaped forms are made from tubing with a circular cross-section can have a circular or non-circular footprint; and a bollard in which the substantially U-shaped forms are made from tubing with a square cross-section also can have a circular or non-circular footprint.    
         [0062]     For most applications, the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  and  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  will have a substantially vertical orientation, and where the joining means is a center joining plate, the joining means will have a substantially horizontal orientation. However, it is contemplated that in some applications, the bollard may have a substantially horizontal or other orientation, and the centerjoining plate will have a substantially vertical orientation or an orientation otherwise substantially perpendicular to that of the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  and  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d.    
         [0063]     The centerjoining plate can be a disc  20  (as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 4A ), a square  120  (as shown in  FIGS. 30A-30D  and  31 A- 31 D), a rectangle, or other shape with notches  20   b  at the perimeter complimentary in shape to the cross-section of the legs  14  or  114  to engage facing surfaces of the legs  14  or  114 . The center joining plate can also be a spider  20 ′ or  20 ″ ( FIGS. 4B and 4C ) having radiating arms  22 ′ or  22 ″, respectively, that engage the facing surfaces of the legs  14  or  114 .  FIG. 4B  shows a first embodiment of a spider  20 ′, in which the sides of the arms  22 ′ are parallel, while  FIG. 4C  shows a second embodiment of a spider  20 ″, in which the sides of the arms  22 ″ converge. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a center joining plate in the form of a spider, such as the spiders  20 ′ and  20 ″ as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C  can also be adapted to forms made from tubing of non-circular cross-section, such as forms  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d . It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other configurations of center joining plate can be used.  
         [0064]     The center joining plate can have a central aperture  20   b  therein (as shown in FIGS.  3 B and  4 A- 4 C), for example to receive a center shaft (as discussed in greater detail below) for enclosing electrical lines and supporting at least one electrically-operated device, such as a lamp, or to receive a center pole for supporting a second fixture above the bollard; although the central aperture  20   b  can be omitted, as shown and described in connection with the bollard of  FIG. 3A .  
         [0065]     Referring again to  FIGS. 3A-3B , and also to  FIG. 5  and  FIGS. 31A-31D , the anchoring means can be an anchor plate attached to the bottoms of the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  and  110 A,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , for example by welding. The anchor plate can be a disc  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B  and  5 , or a square  124 , as shown in  FIGS. 31A-31D , and is also fastened to a support surface (for example, pavement) by bolts or the like inserted through apertures  24   b  spaced around the anchor plate  24  or  124  inward of its perimeter. Like the joining means and for the same purpose, the anchor plate can have a central aperture  24   a , as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 5  in connection with the anchor plate  24 . Alternatively, the bottoms of the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  and  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  can be buried in the ground, preferably anchored in a concrete footing  26 , as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIGS. 30A-30D . When the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  are anchored in a concrete footing  26 , the anchor plate  24  can be omitted.  
         [0066]     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the bollard has three substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  of 2⅜ inch O.D. steel pipe, with the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  being at an angle of 120° to each other. The footprint formed represents a circle.  
         [0067]     The size and strength of the material used can have a significant effect on the behavior and strength of the finished bollard. For example, with no change in general appearance, using standard schedule  40  pipe will provide one set of characteristics, while using high-tensile-strength tubular steel of the same outer diameter will yield far different characteristics. Moving the center joining plate up or down, or changing the cross-section of the tubing used to make the forms, or increasing the heights of the substantially U-shaped forms, or changing the configuration of the joining plate, or adding additional joining plates will also have a significant effect on the characteristics of the fixture. Filling the inside of the substantially U-shaped forms with concrete or other filler materials will yield other results. Using multiple bollards of different heights (the height of each bollard being determined by the height of its tallest substantially U-shaped form) placed adjacent to each other as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 7A-7C  will also result in different characteristics, as will joining or linking bollards together using seating sections shown and described in connection with  11 A- 11 C,  12 A- 12 D,  13 A- 13 D,  14 A- 14 D, and  14 A- 15 D, or a sign frame as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 29A-29D , or the canopy of a shelter as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 18A-18C ,  19 A- 19 C, and  20 A- 20 B, as functional and structural elements. There are conflicting requirements for strength, rigidity, and ductility that must be addressed.  
         [0068]     Assume, for example, that a car is deliberately or accidentally driven toward a facility in which a plurality of the bollards in accordance with the invention are arrayed in front of it. Also assume, for example, that the strength of the anchoring means anchoring the bollards to the ground is sufficient to restrain the fastened portion of each bollard over a known and defined range. Such anchoring means include but are not limited to an anchor plate  24  or  124  held in place by anchor bolts, the extended ends of the legs  14  or  114  held in concrete footings  26 , and an in-ground assembly acting as a receiver for the legs  14  or  114  or a joining plate (which would make the bollard removable), etc. Such anchoring means can also include a radially-extending assembly below ground.  
         [0069]     When a vehicle strikes the outer circumference of the vertical bollard either used by itself or as part of a larger assembly, it is intended that the bollard will initiate a reaction similar to the concept of the “crumple zone” in automobile design. The energy of the impact will deform the bollard significantly. The horizontal energy of the crash will be deflected in a series of distortions that are both vertical and horizontal, with most of the horizontal energy being deflected in the vertical legs  14 . The steel will deform, stretch, and translate energy to the adjacent sections of the substantially U-shaped forms, the joining plates, and any other elements attached to them.  
         [0070]     The energy needed to tear, bend, or deform each element of the bollard can be defined by the grade, weight, and characteristics of the material used. In the absorption of energy, the bollard will deform such that enormous energy is absorbed in the translating of the horizontal vector of the collision into the vertical and horizontal distortion of the bollard elements into the bollard cross-section itself. The relationship of the height of the arches, the placement of the joining plates, the number of joining plates, the number of arches, the combination of bollards, etc., all provide enormous flexibility in a homogeneous design motif. Similarly, using other attached elements, including benches, increases the area and function of the “crumple zone” significantly, distributing energy over more space, material, linked bollards, etc.  
         [0071]     As discussed above, the joining plates can be in the form of a steel or other disc  20  ( FIGS. 3B and 4 ), a square ( FIGS. 30A-30D  and  31 A- 31 D) or “spider” framework ( FIGS. 4B and 4C ) that allows for more or less movement of the individual sections of each substantially U-shaped form. Likewise, changing the height of the inverted substantially U-shaped forms and the number, type, and placement of the joining elements can provide design flexibility in matching sections of the bollard to the intended use.  
         [0072]     Examples of applications of the bollard to public-space systems or assemblies are shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 7A-7C ,  8 A- 8 C,  9 A- 9 C,  10 A- 10 C,  11 A- 11 D,  12 A- 12 D,  13 A- 13 D,  14 A- 14 D,  15 A- 15 D,  16 A- 16 D,  17 A- 17 D,  18 A- 18 C,  19 A- 19 C,  20 A- 20 B,  21 A- 21 B,  22 A- 22 C,  13 A- 23 D,  24 A- 24 B,  25 A- 25 B,  26 A- 26 C,  27 A- 27 C,  28 A- 28 D, and  29 A- 29 D, and include, but are not limited to barriers, seating, lighting, signage, shelters, and litter control. The bollard can be used in a system comprising one or more other bollards and/or site amenities (for example, seating, lighting, signage, shelters, trash can receptacles, and ash urns) that adds security to the usual functions of site amenities. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , a plurality of bollards  100  in accordance with the invention can be placed in a grouping  30  for use as a barrier, with a bollard  30   a  of a first height at the center, and the other bollards  30   b  of a second, shorter height spaced circumferentially around the first, center bollard  30   a . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7C , four bollards  30   b  are equidistantly spaced around the center bollard  30   a . However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the number of second, circumferential bollards  30   b , as well as their size and spacing, can be varied according to the intended use, available space, and esthetic considerations. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that it is possible to vary the configuration of the bollards used in a grouping  30 , for example by changing the number and/or cross-section of substantially U-shaped forms (as shown and described, for example, in connection with  FIGS. 30A-30D  and  FIGS. 31A-31D ), by changing the number and configuration or type of the joining means (as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4C ), and by changing the configuration or type of anchoring means.  
         [0073]     With minor changes in fastening hardware, one or more bollards can be used as supports for installing seating, lighting, signage, shelters, etc., with secure and protected electrical connections (where needed), flexible spacing, etc. For example, seating can be installed around a single bollard  100  ( FIGS. 8A-8C ,  9 A- 9 C, and  10 A- 10 C) or around a grouping of two or more bollards  100  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ,  12 A- 12 D,  13 A- 13 D,  14 A- 14 D,  15 A- 15 D,  16 A- 16 D, and  17 A- 17 D); lamps can be installed within or above a bollard  100  (FIGS.  21 A- 21 B); signage can be supported by a single bollard  100  or between a pair of bollards  100  (FIGS.  29 A- 29 D); a shelter can be supported by two or more bollards  100  ( FIGS. 18A-18C ,  19 A- 19 C, and  20 A- 20 B); and trash can receptacles and/or ash urns can be supported by a single bollard  100  ( FIGS. 22A-22C ,  23 A- 23 D,  24 A- 24 B,  25 A- 25 B,  26 A- 26 C, and  27 A- 27 C) or between a pair of bollards (not shown) or on separate bollards  100  in a system of at least one bollard and at least one site amenity ( FIGS. 28A-28D ). In some embodiments the at least one site amenity will function to join or link together at least two bollards  100  to provide a public-space system having different behavior and strength characteristics than a single bollard  100 .  
         [0074]     It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that it is possible to vary the configuration of the bollard combined with the site amenities, for example by changing the number and/or cross-section of substantially U-shaped forms (as shown and described, for example, in connection with  FIGS. 30A-30D  and  FIGS. 31A-31D ), by changing the number and configuration or type of the joining means (as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4C ), and by changing the configuration or type of anchoring means.  
         [0075]     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8C ,  9 A- 9 C, and  10 A- 10 C, there are shown three embodiments in which a single bollard  100  has seating fixtures in the form of fan-shaped benches  40  associated therewith. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , the fan-shaped benches  40  are installed around the bollard  100 , supported by pedestals  42  set into a support surface radially outwardly from the bollard  100 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C  and  10 A- 10 C, the fan-shaped benches  40  are attached to the bollard  100  by different styles of brackets  44  and  44 ′. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that either multiple seating fixtures or a single, continuous seating fixture can be associated with the bollard  100 , that the seating fixture can be solid, slatted, latticed, and other styles; and that the style of brackets and pedestals used to support the seating fixtures are not limited to those illustrated, but can be selected from any other style suitable to the intended use.  
         [0076]     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11D ,  12 A- 12 D,  13 A- 13 D,  14 A- 14 D,  15 A- 15 D,  16 A- 16 D, and  17 A- 17 D, there are shown seven embodiments in which groupings of at least two bollards  100  have at least one seating fixture associated therewith.  FIGS. 11A-11D ,  12 A- 12 D, and  13 A- 13 D show embodiments in which the bollards  100  are arranged in a line. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11A-11D , two bollards  100  are spaced apart, and brackets  44  attached to the universal public-space figures support an elliptical bench  50 , the vertical axes of the bollards  100  being positioned approximately at the foci of the ellipse. The embodiment of  FIGS. 12A-12D  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 11A-11D , except that three, rather than two bollards  100  are provided. The embodiment of  FIGS. 13A-13D  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 11A-11D , except that the curved portions of the bench  50  and their supporting brackets  44  are omitted, so that the seating fixture comprises two separate rectangular benches  52 , between which the two bollards  100  are sandwiched.  
         [0077]      FIGS. 14A-14D ,  15 A- 15 D show embodiments in which three bollards  100  are arranged in a triangle. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14A-14D , brackets  44  attached to the bollards  100  support a separate rectangular bench  52  on each side of the triangle. In  FIGS. 15A-15D , brackets  44  attached to the bollards  100  support a triangular bench  54  around the bollards  100 .  
         [0078]     In  FIGS. 16A-16D , four fan-shaped benches  40  are associated (by attachment with brackets  44 ) with the exterior bollards  100  in a grouping  30  of five bollards  100  arranged as described in connection with  FIGS. 7A-7C . The embodiment of  FIGS. 17A-17D  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 16A-16D , except that the bollards  100  are more closely spaced to each other.  
         [0079]     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the configuration of the seating fixtures and their supports can be varied in any manner suitable to their intended use, and taking into account esthetic considerations. For example, a pair of bollards  100  can be surrounded by an elliptical bench  50 , as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 11A-11D , sandwiched between a pair of rectangular benches  52 , as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 13A-13D , or can even be associated with a single bench  52  between them; and more than two bollards  100  can be arranged in a line between the seating fixtures, as shown in  FIGS. 12A-12D . The embodiments of  FIGS. 14A-14D  and  FIGS. 15A-15D  can be modified for use with more than three bollards  100 , with the bollards  100  being positioned at the vertices of a polygon, and the seating fixture or fixtures being configured accordingly, with a separate seating fixture (for example, a rectangular bench  52 ) on each side of the polygon or a polygonal bench extending around the bollards  100 . Similarly, the embodiments of  FIGS. 16A-16D  and  17 A- 17 D can be modified for use with two, three, or more than four bollards  100 , with the shape of the fan-shaped benches  40  being adjusted in accordance with the spacing of the bollards  100 ; and can also be modified by adjusting the spacing between the bollards  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 17A-17D . Also, the seating fixtures can be attached to the universal public space fixtures  100  by brackets of any suitable configuration, such a s brackets  44  or  44 ′ as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C ,  10 A- 10 C,  11 A- 11 D,  12 A- 12 D,  13 A- 13 D,  14 A- 14 D, and  15 A- 15 D; or can be supported on pedestals, such as pedestals  42  as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , in close proximity to the universal public space fixtures  100 .  
         [0080]     It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that it is possible to vary the configuration of the bollard combined with the various seating fixtures and their supports, for example by changing the number and/or cross-section of substantially U-shaped forms (as shown and described, for example, in connection with  FIGS. 30A-30D  and  FIGS. 31A-31D ), by changing the number and configuration or type of the joining means (as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4C ), and by changing the configuration or type of anchoring means.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIGS. 18A-18C ,  19 A- 19 C, and  20 A- 20 C, there are shown three embodiments  60 ,  60 ′, and  60 ″ of shelters in which a canopy is supported by multiple bollards. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 18A-18B , the shelter  60  comprises a pair of bollards I  00 , a canopy  62  above and spaced from the bollards I  00 , and a pair of brackets  64  extending outwardly from opposite sides of the upper transverse portion  12  of on one of the forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c , in this case shortest of the forms,  10   c . Alternatively, the canopy  62  can be supported by center poles  64 ′ extending through and above a pair of spaced bollards  100 ′, as shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C . The center poles  64 ′ extend through the bollards  100 ′ to the bottom of the substantially U-shaped forms  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c , and the centerjoining plates  20  of the bollards  100 ′ have a central aperture  20   a  therein, for receiving the center poles  64 ′. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 20A-20B , the shelter  60 ″ comprises a canopy  62 ″ supported by four center poles  64 ′ arranged in a rectangle and extending from four correspondingly arranged bollards  1000 . Each of the bollards  1000  has two center joining plates  20 , spaced vertically along the vertical axis of the bollards  1000 .  
         [0082]     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the shape and size of the canopy can be varied according to the intended use and esthetic considerations. Such variations include, but are not limited to, a shape that is elliptical in outline, as shown in  FIGS. 18A-18C  and  19 A- 19 C, a shape that is peaked, as also shown in  FIGS. 18A-18C  and  19 A- 19 C, a shape that is rectangular in outline, as shown in  FIGS. 20A-20B , and a shape that is bowed, as also shown in  FIGS. 20A-20B . Similarly, the number of bollards used to support the canopy can be varied, for example by arranging at least two in spaced linear fashion, as shown in  FIGS. 18A-18C  and  19 A- 19 C, or by using multiple pairs as shown in  FIGS. 20A-20B . As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the length of the shelter can be increased by increasing the number of bollards used to support the canopy. As also will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the shelter can also include other site amenities, such as one or more fan-shaped benches  40  associated with each bollard  100  or  100 ′, or at least one rectangular bench  52  or elliptical bench  50  associated with pairs of the universal public-spaced fixtures  100  or  100 ′.  
         [0083]     Referring to  FIGS. 21A and 21B , there is shown a bollard  100 ′ having a lamp  70  installed therein. In this embodiment, both the center joining plate  20  and the anchor plate  24  have apertures  20   a  therethrough to accommodate a center shaft  72  for enclosing electrical lines (not shown) and supporting the lamp  70 , and the shaft  72  terminates just above the center joining plate  20  so that the lamp  70  supported thereby is fully enclosed by the upper end of the bollard  100 ′. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the shaft  72  can be extended above the bollard  100 ′ so that the lamp  70  is above it, rather than enclosed by it.  
         [0084]     Referring to  FIGS. 22A-22B  and  23 A- 23 B, there are shown two embodiments of an ash urn  80   a  and matching trash can receptacle  80   b , associated with a bollard  100 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 22A-22B , the brackets  82  are attached at one end between adjacent legs  14  of two substantially U-shaped forms and at the other end to the sides of the ash urn  80   a  and trash can receptacle  80   b . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 23A-23B , a single bracket  82 ′ is provided, attached at its center portion to the top of the anchor plate  24  and at the ends to the bottoms of the ash urn  80   a  and the trash can receptacle  80   b . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the ash urn  80   a  and trash can receptacle  80   b  can have a variety of configurations (examples of different configurations include, but are not limited to the designs of U.S. Pat. Nos. D304,253, D304,632, D314,461, D322,347, D322,348, D322,702, D353,250, D417,053, D441,932, D445,982, D450,166, D452,760, D454,238, D458,431, D460,591, D460,592, D460,593, D461,939, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties), they can be attached to the bollard  100  relative to different pairs of legs  14 , and they can be associated singly with the bollard  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 24A-24B ,  25 A- 25 B,  26 A- 26 C, and  27 A- 27 C, rather than together (that is, an ash urn  80   a  alone can be associated with the bollard  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 26A-26C  and  FIGS. 27A-27C , as can the trash can receptacle  80   b , as shown in  FIGS. 24A-24B  and  26 A- 26 B).  
         [0085]     It is contemplated that the bollard  10 ,  10 ′,  100 ,  100 ′, and  1000  in accordance with the present invention can be combined with multiple types of public space fixtures, to provide a multi-function public-space system. For example, two or more bollards fixture  10 ,  10 ′,  100 ,  100 ′, and  1000  can be used to support both seating and litter control fixtures, such as the benches  40  and  52  and ash urn  80   a  and trash can receptacle  80   b  as shown in  FIGS. 28A-28D ; and two or more spaced bollards  10 ,  10 ′,  100 ,  100 ′, and  1000  can be used to support both seating and signage fixtures, such as the bench  50  and sign  90  as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 29A-29D , which are respectively attached to the bollards  100  by brackets  44  and brackets  92 .  
         [0086]     As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the esthetic requirement for public-space fixtures is well-served by the bollard in accordance with the invention, as opposed to conventional concrete or other protective fixtures. The system of the bollard and associated site amenities is also extremely cost effective in that for little more than the cost of the amenities themselves, the added element of security can be addressed. The bollard alone or the system can be installed with relatively common and available materials and equipment at relatively low cost.  
         [0087]     Modifications and variations of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are possible, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 32A-32D  with respect to a seventh embodiment  110 ″ of a universal public-space fixture, the upper transverse portion  12 ″ of the substantially U-shaped forms can be asymmetrically inclined, rather than symmetric about the axis A. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4