Abstract:
A protective and stylized cover for the pedestal of a pedestal style seat is presented which comprises an outer sheath into which indicia is through-cut, an inner sheath which slides into the outer sheath and provides a backdrop for the through-cut indicia, and sizing fittings which fit into the outer sheath at each end to provide a snug fit on the seat pedestal. Optionally, end caps may be employed to provide additional stability.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit and priority date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/757,447, filed Jan. 9, 2006. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to covers that protect, beautify, and individualize the pedestal of a seat and, more particularly, to a seat pedestal cover in which customizing indicia is through-cut the cover outer sheath and the body of the device is adapted to receive multiple size seat pedestals. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Pedestal seats are those in which a single pedestal extends vertically from a floor with a seat attached to the upper end of the pedestal. In many cases, this type of seating is designed to be adjustable in height and the seat will swivel. Also, while in most cases the seat and pedestal unit are permanently mounting to a floor, the pedestal may be mounted to a moveable base. The use of pedestal seats are often an aesthetic decision, other times they are used for convenience and in yet other cases they are used for their utilitarian aspects. 
         [0004]    Pedestal seats are used in many settings such as restaurants, recreational vehicles, and boats. The use of pedestal seats is widespread in boats. In this setting, pedestal seats offer particular advantage in that they can be mounted securely to the boat flooring thereby increasing boater safety and they will swivel thereby offering optimal visual and comfort attributes in what is usually limited space. Fishing boats almost exclusively employ the use of pedestal seats wherein one or more seats is mounted, usually on a riser, in such a manner that the fisherman can easily swivel about while fishing from one side or the other of the boat. 
         [0005]    The pedestals themselves are traditionally of utilitarian design with maximum strength and durability the chief concern of the manufacturer. In doing so, pedestals can be unsightly and, in the case of an out doors environment such as those encountered on boats, the pedestal is subjected to the elements and can deteriorate rapidly, showing signs of rusting or other signs of decay quickly. 
         [0006]    Moreover, many boaters spend a great deal of money and time on their boats and take pride in the looks of them and, especially in the case of performance boats, like to display the type or make of the boat or other feature regarding the boat, such as its name. Also, from a manufacturing standpoint, in this day and age of placing logos on virtually every surface, the seat pedestal offers a unique heretofore neglected opportunity for advertising or displaying a feature of the boat or its owner. 
         [0007]    There is need, therefore, for a pedestal seat pedestal cover which offers protection to the pedestal, can be individualized to owner or manufacturer requirements or desires, is economical to produce and easy to install, and can be used with varying diameters of pedestals. The present invention provides such a pedestal cover. 
       OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which protects a seat pedestal. 
         [0009]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover on which indicia can be placed to individualize or highlight a desired feature. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which is easy to install. 
         [0011]    It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which fits snuggly against a pedestal and, further, is adapted for use with pedestals of different diameters. 
         [0012]    It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which economical to produce. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The above objects are provided for in the disclosed pedestal cover. According to the invention, the preferred embodiment comprises an outer sheath, an inner sheath, sizing fittings, and end caps. The outer sheath is of a predetermined length and thickness and, further, has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Indicia are through cut the entire thickness of the outer sheath. The inner sheath is of a predetermined length shorter than that of the outer sheath, has an inner diameter and an outer diameter and is sized to fit within the outer sheath. The inner sheath is placed into the outer sheath and positioned to provide a backdrop to the through cut indicia, thereby highlighting the indicia and helping to seal the interior of the inventive apparatus. 
         [0014]    The sizing fittings are of a design such that they fit securely within the inner diameter of the outer sheath and include features, such as those seen in a wisker fitting, or disk brush fitting, that enable the inventive device to receive pedestals of different diameters. End caps having an open center portion to receive a pedestal are placed at either end of the outer sheath to provide additional stability, additional protection from the elements, and a finished look. 
         [0015]    In use, the inventive apparatus outer sheath has the desired indicia through cut is thickness and the apparatus is assembled. Once the inventive apparatus is assembled, it is slid over a pedestal free end and positioned so that the indicia are in view with the sizing fittings holding the inventive device in secure position. 
         [0016]    There has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the invention. 
         [0017]    For non-limiting example, malleable foam may be used in place of a wisker fitting in the sizing fitting, or the sizing fitting as a separate piece may be eliminated and the sizing feature and function may be contained within the inner diameter of the inner sheath. 
         [0018]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0019]    Further, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the US patent and trademark office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from what cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any way. 
         [0020]    These together with other objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an exploded front view of the inventive apparatus illustrating the various pieces making up the preferred embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cut away perspective view of the inventive apparatus without end caps. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the preferred embodiment sizing fitting. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an assembled inventive apparatus with end caps. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the inventive apparatus receiving a pedestal. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the inventive apparatus in position on a pedestal with a seat secured to the pedestal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]    Before explaining the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0028]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , inventive apparatus  20  is seen in an exploded format. Outer sheath  22  is a hollow member having a first end  24  and a second end  26 . The preferred embodiment utilizes a cylindrical outer sheath  22 . However, the shape of the outer sheath  22  is not critical and may be of any shape, such as elliptical or square. Outer sheath  22  is preferable made of cold rolled steel but can be made of any strong, durable material into which indicia can be through cut its thickness. Non-limiting examples of other suitable materials include aluminum or plastic. 
         [0029]    While the size, i.e., outer sheath inner diameter  28  and outer sheath outer diameter  30  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is not critical, they must be of a size to contain inner sheath  32  (described in more detail below) and receive pedestal  34 . The inventor has found that an outer sheath comprising a 2.5 inches OD and a 0.049 inches wall thickness works best, although sizes of an outer diameter ranging in size from about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches and a wall thickness ranging in size from about 0.03 inches to about 0.075 inches may be used. The diameter and thickness ranges are not meant to be limiting or critical. Any diameter or thickness may be used and is dependent upon the application for apparatus  20  and the manufacturing capabilities of the manufacturer. 
         [0030]    Indicia  36  are through cut the entire wall thickness A (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The indicia can be through cut in any conventional manner, such as lasering or stamping. Indicia  36  offer the ability to customize inventive apparatus  20  with any wording or design that suits a manufacturer or owner. In the case of boats, the indicia may include, for example, the name of the boat manufacturer, the name of the boat itself, a product logo, or a unique design. The indicia can be of any nature. Once indicia  36  is through cut onto outer sheath  22 , outer diameter  30  is finished fro aesthetic purposes. For example, in the case of clod rolled steel, it may be triple chrome plated. 
         [0031]    Inner sheath  32  is a hollow member having a shape corresponding to that of outer sheath  22  and of a length shorter than outer sheath  22 . Inner sheath  32  further comprises an inner sheath first end  38  and an inner sheath second end  40 . Inner sheath outer diameter B (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is of such a size that it will fit snuggly and securely within outer sheath  22 . Any commercially acceptable size and thickness will do. For example, in the case of an outer sheath comprising a 2.5 inch OD and a 0.049 inch wall thickness, an inner sheath having a 2.375 inch OD and a 2.185 inch ID works best. Inner sheath  32  can be made of any suitable durable material but the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of PVC for the reason that it is strong, lightweight and comes in a variety of colors. 
         [0032]    Inner sheath  32  is placed within outer sheath  22  by inserting inner sheath second end  40  into outer sheath first end  24  and positioning inner sheath  32  so that it provides a backdrop to indicia  36 , highlighting indicia  36  through the use of inner sheath  32  color. In addition to providing aesthetic appeal to apparatus  20 , inner sheath  32  provides additional stability and protection in that it seals the interior of apparatus  20  from the elements. While the preferred embodiment contemplates an inner sheath that is a complete cylinder or other selected shape, inner sheath  32  can also be a sectional piece that is positioned and secured over through cut indicia  36 . For example, inner sheath  32  may be a half cylinder or in the case of a square outer sheath  22 , inner sheath  32  may be but one side of the square. The important feature is that it covers through cut indicia  36 . 
         [0033]    Once inner sheath  32  is positioned, sizing fittings  42 ,  44  are inserted into outer sheath  22  by placing sizing fitting  42  into outer sheath first end  24  and sizing fitting  44  into outer sheath second end  26 . Sizing fittings  42 ,  44  serve two functions: securing inner sheath  32  and enabling the use of apparatus  20  with a variety of different sized and shaped pedestals. Securing inner sheath  32  in outer sheath  22  is accomplished, in the preferred embodiment, through the use of a compression fitting  46  ( FIG. 3 ) feature of sizing fittings  42 ,  44 . While a compression fitting is used in the preferred embodiment, other means may be employed, for non-limiting example, a threaded member, an expansion bushing, or a welded member. To enable apparatus  20  to be used with a variety of different size pedestal  34  diameters, sizing fittings  42 ,  44  comprise flexible horizontally directed members  48  which fit snuggly and securely against pedestal  34 . The preferred embodiment contemplates use of a wisker fitting, or disk brush, but the manner in which apparatus  20  is held snuggly against pedestal  34  is not critical. 
         [0034]    Moreover, sizing fittings  42 ,  44  may be eliminated as separate pieces. In an alternative embodiment, the sizing function may be accomplished through the use of the inner sheath. In this embodiment, the inner sheath is lined with a flexible material, such as foam, which will enable apparatus  20  to be used with differing diameters of pedestals. 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , a cut away perspective view of an assemble apparatus  20  is shown. Outer sheath  22  has indicia  36  through cut its thickness A. Inner sheath  32  is positioned within outer sheath  22  and flexible horizontally directed members  48  are fit snuggly and securely against pedestal  34 . 
         [0036]    Once inner sheath  32  and sizing fittings  42 ,  44  are positioned within outer sheath  22 , the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of end caps  48 ,  50 . While optional, end caps  48 ,  50  provide a finished look to apparatus  20  and add additional stability and protection to pedestal  34 . End caps  48 ,  50  can be made of any material such as rolled steel or PVC. The inventor has found that the use of PVC is best in that it is inexpensive to produce, is easy to install, glues into place easily, and provides flexibility that that harder materials do not, which is advantageous in providing additional protection to pedestal  34  if apparatus  20  is knocked into. Each of end caps  48 ,  50  contain an opening  52 ,  54  in its center to permit pedestal  34  to slide though apparatus  20  outer sheath  22 , sizing fittings  42 ,  44 , and inner sheath  32 . Opening  52 ,  54  should be sized to accept pedestals of varying diameters without obstructing the function of sizing fittings  42 ,  44 . 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , an assembled apparatus  20  is shown. Outer sheath  22  has indicia  36  through cut its thickness with inner sheath  32  being seen through the through cut indicia  36 . Sizing fittings  42 ,  44  ( 44  not shown) are positioned within outer sheath  22  and end caps  48 ,  50  are secured into place. 
         [0038]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , a view of apparatus  20  receiving pedestal  34  is shown in the preferred embodiment. Seat  56  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) is removed from the pedestal top  58  and pedestal top  58  is then inserted into end cap opening  54 . Pedestal  34  is then slid through the length of outer sheath  22 , passing through sizing fitting  44 , inner sheath  32 , sizing fitting  42 , and end cap opening  52 . Once apparatus  20  is positioned, seat  56  is attached with apparatus  20  in assembled and installed position as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0039]    It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the preferred and alternative embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.