Fence post cap

[0001] The present invention pertains generally to cap structures for posts and particularly an attractive cap structure for residential fence posts.

[0002] Cap structures are used primarily for aesthetic purposes to add to the attractiveness of a residential fence. Additional purposes include protection of the post end from the elements. Cap structures for posts should be weatherproof, attractive and preferably resistant to vandalism.

[0003] In general, earlier U.S. patents directed toward caps for both fence posts and for commercial or industrial tubular steel posts or poles.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,514 discloses a cap of molded synthetic material insertable for a friction fit with the upper end of a tubular fence post.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,536 discloses a fence post cap having a pedestal at its center apertured to receive a nail securing the cap to the post end. The cap is of synthetic material.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,556 discloses a fence post cap having projections inside the cap perimeter to seat within openings in the upper end of the fence post which is of tubular construction.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,167 discloses a decorative post cap structure including a collar which fits about the post upper end with inward projections for insertion into openings in multiple flanges depending from a cap proper Additionally, the cap includes outwardly projecting walls forming the cap perimeter with the walls in frictional engagement with upper extremities of the collar.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,614 discloses a cap for a utility pole wherein cap retention is achieved by inwardly projecting flexible fingers which flex to engage the pole end during cap placement on the utility pole.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,422 discloses a two-piece cap structure having a base with a conical marginal area forming an annular wall from which projects flanges apertured for securement to the top end of a pole. A cap frictionally engages an annular wall of the base with provision made for periodic removal of the cap for pole inspection and/or treatment.

[0010] The present invention is directed toward the provision of a cap structure for placement on a fence post and having an insert selected from an array of inserts at the user's choice.

[0011] The present post cap structure includes a base having wall for placement about the upper end segment of a fence post. Projections on the wall seat against the post wall surfaces for securement of the cap structure in place. A crown of the cap base is inclined upwardly and inwardly and terminates to define an open area for reception of an insertable lid. Clips depend from the lid for locked engagement with an internal horizontal edge of the cap base to confine the lid against upward separation from the cap base. A web in place on the cap permits securement to the post end by fastener elements.

[0012] Important objectives of the present cap structure is the provision of a cap base of attractive configuration having an opening at its upper end for insertion of an insert of a design or shape selected by the user; the provision of a cap insert which is not susceptible to removal or vandalism; the provision of a cap structure providing the user with an opportunity to select a lid insertable with the cap structure of a configuration compatible with architectural features of a house adjacent the fence.

[0013] In the accompanying drawings:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present cap structure in place atop a fence post;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the present cap structure elevated from the fence post;

[0016] FIG. 3 is an additional perspective exploded view taken from the underside of the present cap structure; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of an alternative insert.

[0018] With continuing attention to the drawings wherein applied reference numerals indicate parts similarly hereinafter identified, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally the upper end segment of a fence post which may be of polygonal section or other desired section.

[0019] The present cap structure is indicated generally at 2 in place atop the upper end segment of post 1 and having a perimetrical wall 3 providing a cap base. Integral with wall 3 is a crown portion 4 of the base which extends upwardly and inwardly from the wall 3 and terminates at internal wall or lip 5 having a bottom edge at 6. Lugs at 9 engage the post walls during seating of the cap base with lug edges 9A penetrating the post side walls to secure the base to the post.

[0020] A web at 7 extends between a pair of parallel walls 5 and rests upon post end 1A.

[0021] For securement of the cap base to post end, apertures as at 8 in web 7 receive fasteners at F.

[0022] An insertable lid at 11 includes flexible clips 12 which depend from an insert lower edge 13 and terminate in shoulders 14 each of which seat against the bottom edge 6 of wall 5. The perimeter 15 of insert 11 rests on an inner margin 16 of the cap base. Once lid 11 is installed, the shoulders 14 on clip 12 prevent upward extraction of the insert, Upon installation of cap base 3, the user selects the insert 11 desired. While only two inserts 11 and 11 are disclosed, it is believed to be readily apparent that a wide range of inserts may be made available for use to select from.

[0023] While I have shown but one embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied still otherwise without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0024] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be secured by a Letters Patent is: