U.S. patent application number 10/040111 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for fence cap system.
Invention is credited to Fischer, Larry D..
Application Number | 20020125468 10/040111 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26716730 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020125468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer, Larry D. |
September 12, 2002 |
Fence cap system
Abstract
A multi-part fence cap system. The fence cap system has a base
unit sized and shaped for attachment to a fence post. A cap
portion, selectable from a plurality of different shaped cap
portions, is sized and shaped for interfitting mating engagement
with an upper attachment flange of the base unit. Available cap
portion include a pyramidal shaped cap, a flat top cap with sloping
peripheral edges, and a cardinal hat shaped dome cap. For
convenience, in one embodiment the cap portion is provided with a
snap-on feature to allow a substantially leakless finished fence
cap design. For over size posts, an adapter sub-base unit is
provided for receiving therein the base unit. In one embodiment,
the fence posts are rectangular, and the base unit is adapted to
fit over the exposed upper end of the fence post.
Inventors: |
Fischer, Larry D.; (Des
Moines, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R REAMS GOODLOE JR
10725 SE 256TH STREET
SUITE 3
KENT
WA
980316426
|
Family ID: |
26716730 |
Appl. No.: |
10/040111 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60244158 |
Oct 26, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/006 20210101;
E04H 17/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/19 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/14 |
Claims
1. A post cap system, said cap system adapted for mounting on a
fence post or other post, said post cap system comprising: (a) a
base unit, said base unit comprising (i) a downwardly extending
peripheral edge flange, and (ii) an upwardly extending attachment
portion, said attachment portion further comprising a first
component of a ridge/groove attachment system; (iii) extending from
said downwardly extending peripheral edge flange to said upwardly
extending attachment portion, an architectural sidewall of
preselected height; (b) a cap portion, said cap portion comprising
(i) a lower attachment rim, said lower attachment rim further
comprising a second component of a ridge/groove attachment system,
said second component sized and shaped for complementary mating
engagement with said first component of said ridge/groove
attachment system, and (ii) an upwardly extending leakless weather
tight roof portion.
2. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 1, wherein a single
cap portion is selected from a plurality of cap portion candidates,
and wherein said cap portion candidates comprise at least two
different architectural design weather tight roof portions.
3. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
different architectural design weather tight roof portions are
selected from the set consisting of (a) a flat roof portion design,
(b) a pyramidal roof portion design, and (c) a cardinal hat shaped
domed roof portion design.
4. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said base
unit is comprised of plastic.
5. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cap
portion is comprised of plastic.
6. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said base
unit further comprises a cross-fastener support, and wherein said
cross fastener support comprises at least on support member having
a bore therein defined by a sidewall portion, said bore sized and
shaped to accommodate a fastener therethrough for attachment of
said base unit to a substrate.
7. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising
an adapter sub-base, said adapter sub-base comprising (a) a
peripheral flange (b) a sidewall portion, (c) a base receiving
portion, said base receiving portion sized and shaped for receiving
therein said downwardly extending peripheral edge flange of said
base unit therein.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said base
receiving portion comprises a generally U-shaped upwardly opening
receiving trough.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7,whrein said generally
U-shaped upwardly opening receiving trough comprises a water tight
receiver, so that any water received therein cannot penetrate
therethrough to attack a fence post on which said adapter sub-base
is mounted.
10. A fence cap system for covering an exposed upper end and
adjacent upper edges of a fence post, said fence cap system
comprising: (a) a base means, said base means having (i) a
peripheral edge portion adapted to snugly fit about said upper
edges of said fence post, and (ii) a an upwardly extending
attachment portion, said attachment portion further comprising a
first component of a ridge/groove attachment system, and (iii)
extending from said downwardly extending peripheral edge flange to
said upwardly extending attachment portion, a sidewall; and (b) a
cap means, said cap means having (i) a lower rim, said lower rim
further comprising a second component of a ridge/groove attachment
system, said second component sized and shaped for complementary
mating engagement with said first component of said ridge/groove
attachment system, and (ii) an upwardly extending roof portion.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said base means
further comprises mounting means, said mounting means comprising a
support member having at least one passageway therethrough for
receiving a fastener therethrough.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, or in claim 7, or in
claim 10, wherein said base means is sized and shaped to fit on an
exposed end of a rectangular fence post.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said base unit
is sized and shaped to fit on an exposed upper end of a rectangular
fence post that is of a nominal four inch by four inch (4.times.4)
size.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said adapter sub
base is sized and shaped to fit on an exposed upper end of a
rectangular fence post that is of a nominal five inch by five inch
(5.times.5) size.
15. A fence cap system, said fence cap system adapted for mounting
on a fence post, to protect the upper end thereof, said fence cap
system comprising: (a) a base unit, said base unit comprising (i) a
downwardly extending peripheral edge, and (ii) an upwardly
extending attachment portion, said attachment portion further
comprising a first component of an attachment system; (iii)
extending from said downwardly extending peripheral edge to said
upwardly extending attachment portion, a sidewall of preselected
design and height; (iv) at least one attachment member, said
attachment member comprising a receiving portion sized and shaped
to receive therein a fastener for securing said base unit to said
fence post; (b) a cap portion, said cap portion comprising (i) a
lower rim, said lower rim further comprising a second component of
an attachment system, said second component sized and shaped for
complementary engagement with said first component of said
attachment system, and (ii) an upwardly extending roof portion.
16. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 15, wherein a single
cap portion is selected from a plurality of cap portion candidates,
and wherein said cap portion candidates comprise at least two
different architectural design weather tight roof portions.
17. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 15, wherein said
different architectural design weather tight roof portions are
selected from the set consisting of (a) a flat roof portion design,
(b) a pyramidal roof portion design, and (c) a cardinal hat shaped
domed roof portion design.
18. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 15, wherein said
base portion is configured to rest evenly on said fence post.
19. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 15, wherein said at
least one attachment member comprises a plurality of cross-fastener
support members, and wherein one or more of said cross-fastener
support members further comprise guides having bores thereon sized
and shaped to receive fasteners therethrough for affixing said base
unit to said fence post.
20. The fence cap system as set forth in claim 19, wherein at least
four guides are provided.
21. A cap system for posts having a peripheral upper end portion,
said cap system comprising: (a) a base unit, said base unit having
(i) a lower peripheral flange portion having interior sides; said
interior sides sized and shaped to be complementary to said
peripheral upper end of the post (ii) an attachment portion having
a first element of a complementary attachment system; (b) a cap
portion having (i) an lower rim portion including a second element
of a complementary attachment system, and (ii) an upper cap portion
integrally provided with said lower rim portion, said upper cap
portion including a roof adapted for sheltering said post from
rainwater intrusion.
22. The cap system for posts as set forth in claim 21, further
comprising a means for fastening said base unit to the post.
23. The cap system for posts as set forth in claim 22, wherein said
fastening means comprises a screw.
24. The cap system for posts as set forth in claim 23, wherein said
fastening means comprises a nail.
25. The cap system for posts as set forth in claim 21, wherein said
base unit and said cap portion are made of plastic.
26. The cap system as set forth in claim 25, wherein said plastic
is provided in a preselected color.
27. The cap system as set forth in claim 21, wherein said base unit
has four downwardly extending peripheral flange portions adapted
for fitting said base unit on a rectangular post.
28. A cap system configured for covering an upper end of a post,
said cap system comprising: (a) collar means for placement on the
upper end of a post, said collar means including a downwardly
extending peripheral flange portion configured to circumscribe the
upper end of the post when the collar means is placed thereon, said
peripheral flange portion having a lower end; one or more
cross-members, said cross-members each further comprising one or
more fastener guides; an attachment portion, said attachment
portion including a first member of an attachment system; a
sidewall extending from said peripheral flange portion to said
attachment portion; (b) cap means for placement on the collar means
to cover the upper end of the post, said cap means including (i) a
lower rim portion having thereon a second element of an attachment
system, and (ii) a roof wall portion extending outwardly
sufficiently to cover the upper end of the post (c) wherein said
first attachment means and said second attachment means are
configured for complementary mating engagement to provide snap-on
assembly.
29. The cap system as set forth in claim 28, wherein the first
element of the attachment system on said collar means unit
comprises a recessed portion, and wherein the second element of the
attachment system comprises an inwardly extending ridge portion of
preselected length along a portion of a lower rim portion of said
cap means, said ridge portion shaped for at least a portion
therealong complementary to the said recessed portion in said first
portion of said attachment system.
30. The cap system as set forth in claim 28, wherein said cap
portion includes an inner wall attached to said collar means, and
an outer wall extending beyond the peripheral edge of said
post.
31. The cap system as set forth in claim 30, wherein said inner
wall extends upwardly and vertically, and wherein said outer wall
includes an outward sloping portion.
32. The cap system as set forth in claim 31, wherein said outer
wall further comprises a generally vertical outermost portion.
33. The cap system as set forth in claim 32, wherein the collar
means comprises an attachment portion having a perimeter with a
groove formed therein, and wherein said cap means has an interior
rim portion which nests in said groove when said at least ridge
portions engage said groove.
34. The combination of a post and a cap for said post, said
combination comprising: a post having an upper end; a base unit
having a lower peripheral edge flange sized and shaped to receive
therein the upper end of said post, said base unit having four
sides and further comprising an architectural sidewall and a first
attachment portion having a recessed groove; a cap portion having a
second attachment portion with a protruding bead shaped ridge
portion, said ridge portion complementary in size and shape for
complementary mating engagement with said recessed groove in said
base unit, and an upper roof portion, said roof portion adapted, in
combination with said base unit, to prevent rain from directly
reaching said upper end of said post.
35. The combination as set forth in claim 34, wherein said cap
portion further comprises a cap having a first interior rim portion
having a second component of said attachment system adapted for
engagement with said base unit, and a second flange extending
downwardly and outwardly sufficiently to cover the upper end of the
post.
36. A method of installing a cap on a post having an upper end
portion, said method comprising the steps of: providing a base
unit, said base unit having a downwardly extending flange sized and
shaped to closely fit said upper end portion of the post, the base
unit having an architectural sidewall and a first element of an
attachment system, affixing said base unit to the upper end of said
post; fastening said base unit to said post; providing a cap
portion having a lower rim portion with a second element of an
attachment system thereon; placing said cap portion on said base
unit so that said second element of said attachment system is
brought in to complementary mating engagement with said first
element of said attachment system in said base unit.
Description
PRIORITY, INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/244,158, filed Oct. 26, 2000, which was
based on Disclosure Document No. 475,571, filed Jun. 13, 2000, the
disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by this
reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no
objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and
Trademark Office patent file records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates to fence posts, and more
particularly, to caps for fence posts.
BACKGROUND
[0004] In residential and light commercial construction, it is
common practice to provide a fence, often of wood. In such cases,
the fences normally utilize wooden fence posts. Many workable fence
designs, and thus wooden fence post designs, have been developed
over centuries of practical experience. However, such wooden fence
posts are subject to degradation from exposure to the elements, and
in particular, from exposure to water. To avoid such problems,
fence posts of alternate materials, such as recycled plastic or
concrete, have been occasionally utilized, more particularly in
recent years. Yet, fence posts are often provided without fence
post caps, which caps would be advantageous from either a
practical, useful life perspective, or for aesthetic reasons.
[0005] Even where fence posts have been provided with caps, often,
a fence post cap of little aesthetic value has been provided.
Resultantly, even though various workable fence post caps have been
developed over the years, it would still be quite desirable to
produce caps having a pleasing aesthetic impression, while still
accomplishing the basic task of protecting the fence post from the
elements. Moreover, it would be advantageous to reduce the overall
costs that must necessarily be incurred in the manufacture and
installation of such improved fence post caps. In particular, labor
saving techniques, i.e., changes in the basic fence post cap
structure that would simplify installation, and thus reduce the
labor hours and resultant cost involved in an installation, would
be welcome by the contractors charged with installing such fence
post caps.
[0006] I am aware of various attempts in which an effort has been
made to provide an improved fence post cap. One of the more
pertinent designs which resembles the instant invention to some
remote extent is disclosed by Bender, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,536,
issued May 30, 1995, for a FENCE POST CAP. He shows a fence post
cap that is fastened to a fence post by use of a nail extending
vertically downward through the center of the cap. Although he
provides a lip which extends outward around the periphery of the
upper end of the post, the use of a centrally located fastener or
nail leaves open the possibility of rain seepage into and through
the top of the post, thus defeating the basic purpose of a cap,
i.e., protecting the wooden post from the elements.
[0007] Importantly, the Bender patent does not provide a design
which includes the feature of multiple components, including post
caps with interlocking components for mating engagement of the
fence post cap to a base portion. Nor does his method of attachment
avoid the leakage of water on to the uppermost portions of a fence
post. Moreover, his design does not does not include provisions for
attachment of his cap via multiple fasteners, and thus is not
particularly sturdy.
[0008] Thus, there remains a substantial and as yet unsatisfied
need for a workable fence post cap design that would provide the
combination of a choice in cap appearance while providing simple
installation in a substantially weather resistant design.
FEATURES AND ASPECTS OF THE FENCE CAP SYSTEM
[0009] The substantial advantages of my simple, multi-component
fence post cap system, which include (a) a standardized support
base unit, and (b) multiple, alternative cap shape designs that are
each provided for interlocking engagement on a selected base unit,
are important and self evident. My interlocking fence post caps are
designed for easy, quick assembly for mounting on a fence post of
pre-selected size, to provide a strong, substantially leak
resistant, and visually pleasing fence post cap.
[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a base unit that
fits tightly around the outer periphery of the top of a selected
fence post.
[0011] In one embodiment, to assist in mounting a base portion on
the fence post, a base unit is provided with cross fastener support
members with bores defined by vertical sidewall portions, for
receiving fasteners to attach the base unit to the fence post.
[0012] In various embodiments, an advantage provided by my fence
cap system design is that the base unit has an upper mating surface
designed to receive any one of alternately chosen fence post cap
portions.
[0013] In some embodiments, it is an advantage that the novel fence
post cap system that is easily assembled, since the cap portion is
provided having a "snap-on" mating engagement to a base portion
that has been affixed to the top of a fence post.
[0014] From the foregoing, it will be apparent to the reader that
one advantage of some embodiments disclosed herein resides in the
provision of a novel, multi-part fence cap system which simplifies
the installation of fence caps on a variety of fence posts of
various dimensions. This is done by providing a base unit and a
selection of cap portions, each of which cap portions can be
affixed to the applicable base unit by use of interlocking docking
recessed edges and complementary bead shaped flanges for precisely
and securely interfitting the mating surfaces of each of the base
unit and cap portions, so that they are easily joined into a
finished, sealed, substantially leakless fence cap.
[0015] Other important but more specific objects of the invention
reside in the provision of a fence cap as described herein
which:
[0016] can be manufactured in preselected size and height by
joining a chosen base unit with a chosen cap portion, each of which
has been provided in an appropriate preselected size so that the
base unit lower dimensions, when joined into a fence post of
selected size, provides a tight fitting finished fence post
system;
[0017] can be manufactured in a simple, straightforward manner to
provide a sturdy, strong, fence post cap system;
[0018] provide a design which allows assembly from a base unit and
a cap portion, each of which have a strong internal structural
support members, so that the final, finished fence cap system is
sturdy;
[0019] can in a relatively inexpensive manner reduce inventory
costs at the distribution level, and can increase the flexibility
of the field assembly to provide a selected fence post cap with a
desired visual appearance;
[0020] can be manufactured in a suitable plastic to unobtrusively
match the desired fence or landscaping;
[0021] can be provided ready to install, with pre-set fastener
apertures as an integral part of the fence cap system package;
[0022] can be finished with a substantially liquid tight snap-on
sealed joint between the base unit and the cap portion, and is thus
is likely to substantially resist leakage of water through the
joint therebetween; and
[0023] can be provided with a sub-base adapter suitable for
attachment to over sized fence posts, which adapter is sized and
shaped to receive a standard base unit, with both the adapter and
the base unit being easily affixed to a fence post.
[0024] Other important features, aspects, and advantages of my
invention will become apparent to the reader from the foregoing and
from the appended claims and as the ensuing detailed description
and discussion proceeds in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing.
SUMMARY
[0025] Disclosed herein is a novel multi-part fence cap system. The
fence cap system includes a base unit and a cap portion.
Importantly, any one of a variety of cap portions are mountable on
a chosen base unit. The base unit has a lower exterior peripheral
edge flange, and, extending downwardly therefrom a sidewall portion
of preselected height H. The lower exterior peripheral edge flange
fits tightly around the outer dimensions of the upper edge portion
at the top end of a selected fence post. Extending inwardly from
the lower exterior peripheral edge are one or more, and preferably
a plurality of cross fastener support members with bores therein
sized and shaped to receive fasteners therethrough.
[0026] In the base units, a standardized docking recesses are
provided, sized and shaped for firm mating engagement with
corresponding standardized slotted snap attachment raised ridge
bead shaped flange portions provided in a cap portion. Alternately,
these interlocking attachment system components can be reversed in
location with respect to the base unit and the cap unit.
Alternately, a leveling feature can be provided in both the base
unit and in the cap unit.
[0027] My novel fence cap system provides a simple, virtually
foolproof design for installation and assembly of fence caps
utilizing a selected cap portion design. This fence cap system
provides a significant improvement in the art by reducing
complexity of manufacture of fence caps, by providing a uniform
base unit design, and thus reduces inventory costs for carrying the
necessary parts to provide various shaped fence post cap portions.
Importantly, while only a few exemplary shaped caps are
illustrated, namely pyramidal shaped cap portions, cardinal hat
domed shaped cap portions, and flat top cap portions with sloping
sidewalls and vertical edgewalls, many different desired ornamental
cap portion shape can be provided utilizing the fence cap system
components described and claimed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0028] In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete
appreciation of the invention, and of the novel features and the
advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed
description when considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
multi-part fence cap, showing a base unit installed on a fence post
and having affixed thereto a pyramidal cap portion.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective, showing the embodiment of
a multi-part fence cap as first shown in FIG. 1, now showing in
detail the base portion, including cross fastener support members
provided with tubular cylindrical guides for receiving fasteners,
such as nails or screws, to join the base unit to a fence post, as
well as showing a raised, bead shaped attachment ridge of
preselected length X within the lower interior rim of the cap
portion.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, showing the embodiment of
a multi-part fence cap system as first shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
above, where screws are used as fasteners to affix the base unit to
a wooden fence post.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fence
post system, now showing a "cardinal" design cap portion located on
the same design common base portion as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fence
post system, now showing a "flat" cap portion with "sloping edges",
and "vertical sidewalls" which cap portion is mounted on the same
design common base portion as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates the use of an adapter sub-base, located
under and configured for receiving engagement of the downwardly
extending peripheral edge flange portion of the same base portion
as shown in FIG. 2, and wherein the adapter sub-base is sized and
shaped for slightly larger fence post sizes than that selected for
a complementary embodiment of the base unit.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the details of
utilizing an adapter sub-base of the type first shown in FIG. 6,
provided so that an oversized fence post can be accommodated by
first securing the sub-base adapter to the fence post via
fastener(s), then securing the base unit to the fence post via
fastener(s), and then affixing the snap-on cap portion to the base
unit.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a detail of one embodiment for a snap-lock
attachment of a fence cap portion to a base portion, showing the
use of internal snap-on ridges in a cap unit that are designed to
interfittingly and snugly engage in firm mating engagement with the
corresponding depressions in a selected base unit.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view as taken through line
9-9 of FIG. 7, looking down on an adapter sub-base, now showing one
embodiment for a pattern for including cross fastener support
members having integral tubular cylindrical guides for receiving
fasteners to join the adapter sub-base and a base unit to a fence
post.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates the mounting of a flat top cap portion
on a base unit that is affixed to a wooden fence post.
[0039] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 8, but now showing an alternate
embodiment for a snap-lock attachment of a fence cap portion to a
base portion, showing the use of internal snap-on ridges in a base
unit that are designed to interfittingly and snugly engage
corresponding depressions in the lower interior rim portion of a
selected cap portion.
[0040] The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain
various elements that may be present or omitted from actual
implementations depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has
been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least
those elements that are significant for an understanding of the
various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various
other elements of the fence cap system are also shown and briefly
described to enable the reader to understand how various features
may be utilized in order to sturdy, aesthetically pleasing,
substantially weather tight fence post cap system.
DESCRIPTION
[0041] Attention is directed to FIG. 1 of the drawing, where a base
unit 30 is shown as placed over a fence post 32. As better seen in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the base unit 30 is one of
two components in this embodiment of a multi-component fence cap
system, the other component being a cap portion, such as cap 40 as
will be better understood by reference to FIG. 2. Importantly, cap
portions of various designs can be provided, in the alternative,
for mounting on the common base unit 30. This is clearly
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, where (a) in FIG. 3 (like FIGS. 1
and 2) a pyramidal cap 40 is provided on base unit 30, (b) in FIG.
4 a domed or "cardinal hat" shaped cap 42 is provided on base unit
30, and (c) in FIG. 5 a flat cap 44 is provided on base unit
30.
[0042] Base member 30 and the various cap portions 40, 42, and 44
are most advantageously formed by injection molding of a suitable
substrate, such as plastic. In one embodiment of a multi-component
fence cap system, the base member 30 remains of constant size and
shape, no matter what shape is provided for the cap portion to be
used on that particular base member 30. Likewise, in such an
embodiment, the lower interior rim 50 portion of each injection
molded cap portion, such as in caps 40, 42, and 44, remains
standardized and of constant size and shape to interfittingly and
matingly engage base 30 no matter which cap portion architectural
design is provided with respect to the upper reaches of such cap.
The standardization of the lower interior rim 50 of cap portions
includes raised ridges 52 which fit over corresponding depressions
54 in the standardized base unit 30. This allows for different cap
designs, such as caps 40, 42, or 44, to be used interchangeably
with the same base unit 30. Also, the location of ridges 52 and of
depressions 54 could be easily reversed, i.e., ridges 52' in the
base 30' and depressions 54' in the cap 40', this being considered
an equivalent within the teachings hereof, and could easily be
practiced without departing from the teaching and claims hereof, as
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0043] As further detailed in FIGS. 2, 3, and 9, the base unit 30
has at least one, and in one advantageous embodiment, preferably
four fastener mounting points 60 defined by sidewalls 62 of
substantially cylindrical tubular guides or bores 64 provided in
cross members 66 and 67. Fasteners F such screws or nails are
utilized to affix the base unit to the wooden fence post 32. In
addition to being used as anchor points to post 32, the fastener
mounting points can also be used as leveling adjusters. Also, note
the leveling shoulder features 68 in cap 44 depicted in
cross-section in FIG. 10.
[0044] As seen in various figures, including FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and
FIG. 3, base unit 30 can optionally include a visually pleasing
sidewall design, such as the indentation design 70 along an
upwardly extending sidewall 72 of height H.sub.S. The first
component of a ridge/groove attachment system, namely indentation
54, is ideally provided throughout the perimeter of an upwardly
extending attachment portion 78 of height H.sub.A. A downwardly
extending peripheral edge flange 80 of height H.sub.F extends
downward from the sidewall portion 72 of base unit 30. The
peripheral edge flange 80 has an interior sidewall 82 that closely
matches in size and shape the upper exterior peripheral portion 84
adjacent to top 86 of post 32. In one embodiment, the peripheral
edge flange 80, the sidewall 72, and the attachment portion 78, are
molded to provide an integral, a one-piece base unit 30. In a
particularly advantageous embodiment, the one-piece base unit also
includes first and second cross-members 66 and 67. With respect to
the integrally provided sidewall 72, ideally, a radiused visually
appealing sidewall element 70 is provided with one or more suitable
visual features, but any desired visual design of suitable size and
shape can be furnished along sidewall 72.
[0045] For the pyramidal cap portion 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, and 5, note that since posts are often rectangular, a four sided
pyramid having four side roof panels 88 and for vertical lower
panels 90 are provided. Similarly, as illustrated, the flat top cap
portions have sloping side panels 142 and four vertical lower
panels 144. Other shapes are easily provided within the teachings
hereof.
[0046] For those situations where an oversized post 32 is provided
(for example, in a nominal five inch by five inch size, rather than
in a four inch by four inch size), an adapter sub-base 100 can be
provided, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9. Such an adapter sub-base
100 includes a peripheral flange 102 for fitting about the
perimeter of the post 32, a sidewall portion 104 extending from the
peripheral flange 102 and above the post 32, and a base receiving
portion 104. The base receiving portion 104 is sized and shaped for
receiving therein the downwardly extending peripheral edge flange
80 of the base unit 30. In one embodiment shown, the base receiving
portion 104 comprises a generally U-shaped upwardly opening
receiving trough 110. Importantly, the generally U-shaped upwardly
opening receiving trough 110 is provided in a water tight material,
so that any water received therein cannot penetrate therethrough to
attack the upper end 86 of post 32 on which the adapter sub-base
100 is mounted.
[0047] Attachment of the adapter sub-base 100 is done much like
attachment of the base unit, in that cross members 120 and 122 are
each provided with at least one, and preferably a plurality of
tubular cylindrical fastener receiving guides 124 defined by
interior edgewall portions 126. Also, note that since the cross
members 120 and 122 leave an open void in the interior of the
adapter sub-base 100, fasteners F.sub.30 (see FIG. 7) affixing the
base unit to post 32 can be passed through such voids to solidly
affix the base unit 30 and the adapter sub-base 100 to the post
32.
[0048] In another variation, note in FIGS. 5 and 10 that with a
flat roof type cap portion 44, with a flat top 128, and an inner
wall 130 provided having an interior rim portion 132 with the
second element of an attachment system thereon, namely ridges 134.
This inner wall 130 extends upwardly and vertically. The outer wall
140 includes an outwardly sloping portion 142 and a vertical
outermost portion 144. Thus, the attachment system utilizes the
base unit (collar means) having an attachment portion with
perimeter with a groove 54 formed therein, and wherein said cap
means has an interior rim portion 52 in inner wall 130 which nests
in the groove 54 when the ridge portions engage the groove.
[0049] For purposes of configuring the component of my fence cap
system, the desired dimensions, including heights and thickness of
various components, can be varied to suit the particular
circumstances, and should be easily determined without undue
experimentation by those familiar with the art and to which this
specification is directed. Also, it is preferred that standardized
base units be utilized (for example, uniformly provided in
injection molded plastic), so that a single base unit design can be
(but this is an advantage, not a necessity) utilized for mating
with a variety of cap portion designs. In this manner, the lower
rim of each injection molded cap portion is standardized in size
and shape as well, and thus this dimension remains constant no
matter what shape or appearance the cap takes on thereabove. In one
embodiment, this standardization extends to a standardized
attachment system, in which slotted depressions in identical
locations on one component are adapted to receive raised ridges
molded into a complementary companion component. Thus, this
attachment system design allows different cap portion designs to be
used interchangeably with the same base unit design. In one
embodiment, this attachment system is provided with raised snap
attachment ridges which can be snapped on and off manually, but
which allow the cap portion to be firmly mounted on the base unit.
The attachment ridges can be of any convenient preseleted length X,
as noted in FIG. 2, but a length of at least one inch provides
satisfactory results in many cases, so that the inwardly extending
ridge portion of preselected length easily grasps the recessed
portion 54 in the base unit (also called a collar means). Also, as
illustrated, the cap portion locks over the mating surface of the
attachment system that is located in the base unit, so as to
conceal from view any unsightly fasteners such as nails or screws,
as well as substantially preventing moisture from reaching the
upper end portion of the fence post.
[0050] Although any desired overall thickness and dimensions can be
utilized consistent with a fence post of selected size, it is
important to provide components with the important flange
peripheral edge flange 80, and a suitable attachment system,
whether it be an interfitting mating engagement system, with the
disclosed ridge 52 and depression 54 system as depicted, or another
functional equivalent.
[0051] It is to be appreciated that various aspects and embodiments
of the fence cap system design described herein are an important
improvement in such articles of manufacture. Although only a few
exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, various
details are sufficiently set forth in the drawings and in the
specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further
described by additional writing in this detailed description.
Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed
herein may be modified from those shown without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided by this
invention, and may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.
Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this
disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and
not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent
structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention(s) may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Thus,
the scope of the invention(s), as set forth in the appended claims,
and as indicated by the drawing and by the foregoing description,
is intended to include variations from the embodiments provided
which are nevertheless described by the broad interpretation and
range properly afforded to the plain meaning of the claims set
forth below.
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