Fence end spacer apparatus

Abstract

A spacer apparatus of the invention is attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes space occupying means, and fence attachment means are connected to the space occupying means, for attaching the space occupying means to the fence post. The space occupying means fills the space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The space occupying means can include horizontal members connected to the fence attachment means and can include vertical members connected to the horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and the vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion. The fence attachment means can include first and second fence attachment members for contacting first and second portions of the fence post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the fence end spacer apparatus of the invention, in use adjacent to a building that has a below-ground footer.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of the fence end spacer apparatus shown in FIG. 1 that is contained in circled region 2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the portion of the embodiment of the fence end spacer apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a reduced edge view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the fence end spacer apparatus of the invention, in use adjacent to a building that has an above-ground footer.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of a top portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, wherein a decoration is supported by the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved fence end spacer apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

Turning to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a first embodiment of the fence end spacer apparatus of the invention generally designated by reference numeral 10. In each of the figures, reference numerals are shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in other figures.

In the first embodiment, a spacer apparatus 10 of the invention is attached to a fence post 17 such as the end of a fence 21, to occupy a space between the fence post 17 and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus 10 includes space occupying means, and fence attachment means are connected to the space occupying means, for attaching the space occupying means to the fence post 17.

The space occupying means can include horizontal members 12 connected to the fence attachment means and can include vertical members 14 connected to the horizontal members 12. Together, the horizontal members 12 and the vertical members 14 provide a space-occupying fence portion.

The fence attachment means can include a first fence attachment member for contacting a first portion of the fence post 17. A second fence attachment member is provided for contacting a second portion of the fence post 17. The second fence attachment member is connected to the space occupying means, and securing means are connected to the first fence attachment member, for securing the fence post 17 between the first fence attachment member and the second fence attachment member.

The first fence attachment member can be a U-bolt 16, and the second fence attachment member can be a plate 18 which is connected to the space occupying means. The securing means can include nuts 20 attached to threaded ends of the U-bolt 16.

Each plate 18 is connected to a horizontal member 12 of the space occupying means. A plate 18 and a horizontal member 12 can be welded together to form a unified, integrated structure. In addition, each of the vertical members 14 can be welded to the horizontal members 12 so that the vertical members 14 and the horizontal members 12 form a unified, integrated structure which serves as a space-filling fence segment for the space occupying means. The vertical members 14 includes bottom ends 22 which are distanced from the ground 19 by a bottom clearance distance 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, with a second embodiment of the invention, the bottom clearance distance 24 of the bottom ends 22 of the vertical members 14 is greater than the height of the above-ground footer 15 of the building 11. In this way, the space-filling fence segment fills the space between the building 11 and the fence post 17 above the above-ground footer 15, and, at the same time does not have interference from the above-ground footer 15.

As shown in FIG. 6, decoration device 26 attached to the space occupying means. More specifically, the decoration device 26 can be attached to a top end of a vertical member 14.

To install an embodiment of the invention on a fence post 17, such as the end of a fence 21, a number of plates 18 are placed against respective outside portions of the fence post 17. Then. A corresponding number of U-bolts 16 are placed on respective inside portions of the fence post 17 so that respective ends of the U-bolts 16 pass through orifices in the plates 18. Then, nuts 20 are screwed onto the ends of the U-bolts 16. When the nuts 20 are tightened onto the U-bolts 16, the fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention is affixed to the fence post 17 to occupy the space between the fence post 17 and the building 11.

If desired, the space occupying means can be in a form that does not have the appearance of a fence. In this respect, the space occupying means can be in the form of a small wall or panel.

The fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention is a universal fence spacer unit. It is especially useful for solving space problems created by buildings 11 and above-ground footers 15.

Conventionally, above-ground footers 15 prevent the fence post 17 from being placed very close to a building 11 when the building 11 has an above-ground footer 15. As a result. A building-to-fence space gap results between the fence post 17 and the building 11 due to the presence of the above-ground footer 15. As a consequence of the building-to-fence space gap, the conventional fence 21 does not provide a secure fence structure. Ordinarily, owners of the building 11 had to solve this building-to-fence space gap problem themselves. Often, when inexperienced owners tried to solve the building-to-fence space gap problem, the attempted solution results in a nondecorative or unattractive result. Such a nondecorative or unattractive result may detract from the appearance of a newly installed fence and may detract from the value of the property.

Large building-to-fence space gaps caused by above-ground footers 15 leave the property unsecured and would enable small children or animals to enter or leave the property when not desired. The problem of the building-to-fence space gap, if left unsolved, could lead to lawsuits for a swimming pool accident and could lead to yard damage caused by unwanted animals. In addition, treasured pets may escape from the property. Clearly, the fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention solves these problems.

The fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention can be easily used in both right-to-left and left-to-right space gap environments. Moreover, the apparatus of the invention provides an aesthetically desirable solution to the building-to-fence space gap problem. More specifically, the apparatus of the invention can have the appearance of a fence, or it can have the appearance of a decorative panel.

The fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention can be fabricated from steel stock and welded for maximum strength. Also, it can be galvanized coated to provide long, durable service. A galvanized coating can match galvanized coatings often used with conventional chain link fences. In addition, the apparatus of the invention can be painted to match any ornamental fence product. In addition, decoration devices 26 can be added to match or complement any welded or ornamental products.

Generally, the components of the fence end spacer apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal and plastic materials.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.

It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved fence end spacer apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to fill the spatial gap between an end fence post and a nearby structure. With the invention, a fence end spacer apparatus is provided which can be swung out of a gap-filling position to allow close access to the nearby structure. With the invention, a fence end spacer apparatus is provided which can have ornamental features.

Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use.

Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A spacer apparatus attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure, comprising: space occupying means, andfence attachment means, connected to said space occupying means, for attaching said space occupying means to the fence post.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said space occupying means include: horizontal members connected to said fence attachment means, andvertical members connected to said horizontal members.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said horizontal members and said vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said vertical members include bottom ends which are distanced from the ground by a bottom clearance distance.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fence attachment means include: a first fence attachment member for contacting a first portion of the fence post,a second fence attachment member for contacting a second portion of the fence post, wherein said second fence attachment member is connected to said space occupying means, andsecuring means, connected to said first fence attachment member, for securing said fence post between said first fence attachment member and said second fence attachment member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: said first fence attachment member is a U-bolt,said second fence attachment member is a plate which is connected said space occupying means, andsaid securing means include nuts attached to ends of said U-bolt.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a decoration device attached to said space occupying means.