Utility pedestal cover or planter

Abstract

The invention relates to a utility pedestal cover which may be used to encapsulate and conceal a utility pedestal. The material of the sleeve member may be of a weatherproof material, and may include a fastening system to allow the sleeve to be selectively opened and closed along at least a portion of its length or height, or to attach sections of the cover. The invention also relates to a planter arrangement for concealment of a utility pedestal, wherein the planter includes at least one housing section with at least one planting well. The housing may have a height such that upon introducing plants in the planting medium, the plantings and the housing effectively conceal the utility pedestal. The planting well may have at least one drain hole therein. The housing may be formed in at least two sections, which may be selectively attached around the pedestal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A utility pedestal cover comprising:
 an outer cover member having a shape matched to the shape of a predetermined utility pedestal, the predetermined utility pedestal having at least a width and height, and the outer cover member formed to dimensions to encase the predetermined utility pedestal width and height; and   at least one fastener provided in association with the cover, wherein the cover is positioned over the predetermined utility pedestal to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance in association therewith while being removable for access to the utility lines contained in the utility pedestal.   
     
     
         2 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the material of the outer cover member is weatherproof material. 
     
     
         3 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fastener is a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         4 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover member is formed of a flexible material able to conform to the shape of the predetermined utility pedestal. 
     
     
         5 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover member further comprises a bottom skirt that extends outwardly at the bottom of the outer cover member from the base of the predetermined utility pedestal, to substantially prevent vegetation growth around the predetermined utility pedestal. 
     
     
         6 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover member includes a plurality of sections. 
     
     
         8 . The cover as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of sections are formed of a rigid material, and are attached to one another. 
     
     
         9 . The cover as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of sections are clamped to one another. 
     
     
         10 . The utility pedestal planter as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of sections are formed of a molded material. 
     
     
         11 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover member has the shape of an ornamental object. 
     
     
         12 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the cover has at least one slit along at least a portion of its height, with at least one fastener provided to close the slit. 
     
     
         13 . The cover as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the cover has a plurality of slits and associated fasteners. 
     
     
         14 . The cover as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover member has graphic design features on its outer surface. 
     
     
         15 . A method for concealing a utility pedestal comprising the steps of:
 designating a predetermined utility pedestal having at least a width and height,   providing an outer cover member having a shape matched to the shape of the designated predetermined utility pedestal, the outer cover member formed to dimensions to encase the predetermined utility pedestal width and height,   placing the outer cover member in association with the predetermined utility pedestal to conceal the entire utility pedestal.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the outer cover member is formed of a flexible material able, and upon placement on the predetermined utility pedestal, it conforms to the shape of the predetermined utility pedestal. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the outer cover member comprises a bottom skirt that extends outwardly at the bottom of the outer cover member from the base of the predetermined utility pedestal, to substantially prevent vegetation growth around the predetermined utility pedestal after the predetermined utility pedestal is encased in the outer cover member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the outer cover member includes a plurality of sections formed of a rigid material, with the plurality of sections attached to one another to encase the predetermined utility pedestal. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the outer cover member has at least one slit along at least a portion of its height, wherein the outer cover member is opened along the at least one slit to facilitate positioning over the predetermined utility pedestal, and at least one fastener is provided to close the slit. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the outer cover member has a plurality of slits along at least a portion of its height, wherein the outer cover member is opened along the plurality of slits to facilitate positioning over the predetermined utility pedestal, and at least one fastener is provided to close each slit.