Column cap

Abstract

A column cap to simplify and improve the construction of pergolas and arbors includes a mounting block to which roof beams are attached by means of connecting elements such as a bolt and corresponding nut. The column cap is rectangular to ensure proper connection of roof beams.

1 . An architectural column of the type used in the construction of a pergola and comprising: 
 an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end;    a base attached to the lower end of the shaft and adapted to rest on a supporting surface;    a cap having a lower section, a middle section and an upper section, said lower section being connected to the upper end of said shaft, said upper section protruding above the middle section and being adapted to be connected to a roof beam.    
   
   
       2 . An architectural column according to  claim 1  wherein said upper section of said column cap is adapted to be in operative association with a roof beam.  
   
   
       3 . An architectural column according to  claim 2  wherein said upper section is adapted to support a roof beam and further includes a protrusion adapted to receive connecting elements to hold a roof beam in place.  
   
   
       4 . An architectural column according to  claim 3  wherein said protrusion comprises an upwardly extending mounting block adapted to be connected to a roof beam.  
   
   
       5 . An architectural column according to  claim 4  wherein said protrusion comprises a rectangular mounting block.  
   
   
       6 . An architectural column according to  claim 5  wherein said rectangular mounting block further includes openings adapted to receive connecting elements for attaching the roof beam to the column.  
   
   
       7 . An architectural column according to  claim 6  wherein said mounting block is approximately the same height as the roof beam.  
   
   
       8 . An architectural column according to  claim 6  wherein said mounting block openings are positioned on opposite sides of said mounting block such that connecting elements can pass there through, 
 whereby the roof beam may be connected to the column by passing connecting elements through the roof beam and the mounting block and attaching a nut to the opposite end.    
   
   
       9 . An architectural column of the type used in the construction of a pergola and comprising: 
 an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end;    a base attached to the lower end of the shaft and adapted to rest on a supporting surface;    a cap having a lower section, a middle section and an upper section, said lower section being connected to the upper end of said column, said middle section containing decorative elements and said upper section further including a rectangular rectangular mounting block, said mounting block including a pair of holes defining openings on opposite sides thereof such that a connecting element may pass there through,    whereby a roof beam can be easily attached and removed from the column.    
   
   
       10 . A column cap comprising a lower section, a middle section and an upper section, said lower section being adapted to be connected to the upper end of said column, said middle section containing decorative elements and said upper section protruding above the middle section and being adapted to be connected to a beam.  
   
   
       11 . A column cap according to  claim 10  wherein said upper section of said column cap is adapted to be in operative association with a roof beam.  
   
   
       12 . A column cap according to  claim 11  wherein said upper section further includes a protrusion adapted to receive connecting elements from a roof beam.  
   
   
       13 . A column cap according to  claim 12  wherein said upper section of said protrusion comprises an upwardly extending mounting block adapted to be connected to a roof beam.  
   
   
       14 . A column cap according to  claim 13  wherein said protrusion comprises a rectangular mounting block.  
   
   
       15 . A column cap according to  claim 14  wherein said rectangular mounting block further includes openings adapted to receive connecting elements for attaching the roof beam to the column.  
   
   
       16 . A column cap according to  claim 15  wherein said mounting block openings are positioned on opposite sides of said mounting block such that connecting elements can pass there through, 
 whereby the roof beam may be connected to the column by passing bolts through the roof beam and the mounting block and attaching a nut to the opposite end.