BACKGROUND
Conventional vinyl fences are multitudinous across neighborhoods everywhere to delineate boundaries of neighboring yards. While remarkably effective in marking boundaries, in general, the fence components are essentially the same with minor to no variation across the industry with exception perhaps in some design or stylistic characteristics that may exist between different suppliers. As such, when one stands in a position high enough to see over one's own fence, the site of back to back neighbors all with vinyl fencing may feel somewhat monotonous.
Some owners of vinyl fences have added items that hang from a fence panel via a hook that hangs across a portion of the fence panel and is supported against a side of the fence. For example, flower baskets (or other planters) having a flat back or other outdoor-durable items may be hung or otherwise attached to the fence in various ways. Other sufficient fastening means may be used to attach or secure items to the fence panel, including suction cups, bolts, screws, etc. However, the fence caps of the posts between fence panels have remained essentially untouched. While there may be some forms of securing items to the fence posts, it appears at this time to be uncommon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings may be considered as providing an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of the individual components within individual figures. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components, both within individual figures and between the different figures, may vary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures may depict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures may depict the same components on a larger scale or differently shaped for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example fence post accessory bracket.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example fence post accessory bracket. The front view of the example fence post accessory bracket shows internal delineation of hidden structural components thereof in broken lines.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top-down view of an example fence post accessory bracket. The top-down view of the example fence post accessory bracket shows internal delineation of hidden structural components thereof in broken lines.
FIG. 4A illustrates a top-down view of a cap of an example fence post accessory bracket in an unfolded state.
FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the cap of an example fence post accessory bracket in a folded state.
FIG. 5A illustrates a top-down view of a first anchor bracket of an example fence post accessory bracket in an unfolded state.
FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the first anchor bracket of an example fence post accessory bracket in a folded state.
FIG. 6A illustrates a top-down view of a second anchor bracket of an example fence post accessory bracket in an unfolded state.
FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the second anchor bracket of an example fence post accessory bracket in a folded state.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an attachment bracket of an example fence post accessory bracket in a folded state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As described previously, there are many accessories available that are attachable to a fence panel. However, there are limited methods and devices that attach fence accessories to fence posts. This disclosure is directed generally to a fence post accessory bracket. Specifically, the fence post accessory bracket described herein is configured to secure various types of fence accessories to a fence post. For example, the fence post accessory bracket may be inserted into a hollow portion of a fence post proximate an upper portion of the fence post. Once the fence post accessory bracket is inserted into the fence post, one or more accessories may be secured by the fence post accessory bracket. In an embodiment, the fence post accessory bracket includes a hole, into which, a stem of the one or more accessories may be inserted in order to be held by the fence post accessory bracket. The accessories may include any type of fence accessory such as bird houses, flags, planters, signs, banners, fence extensions, support structures, lights, poles (or other structures) for holding lights, or any other type of fence accessory or additional structure.
The fence post accessory bracket may be referred to herein below simply as “the bracket.” The bracket may include one or more anchor brackets that are configured to be insertable into a hollow portion of a vinyl fence post. The one or more anchor brackets may sit below a top surface of the fence post. Furthermore, the one or more anchor brackets may include holes sized to receive and secure a stem (or other portion) of a fence accessory therein. The bracket may also include a cap sized and configured to sit atop the one or more anchor brackets and the top portion of the fence post. The cap may be attached to the one or more anchor brackets. In an embodiment, the bracket may replace a fence post cap. These and additional details of the bracket are described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fence post accessory bracket referred to herein as “the bracket 100”. The bracket 100 may be configured to be insertable into an upper portion of hollow fence post. In such an example, a cap 102 of the bracket 100 may be sized to rest on a top surface of the fence post. While the cap 102 rests on the top surface of the fence post, one or more anchor brackets 104 are sized to be insertable into the hollow portion of the fence post. In an embodiment, the anchor brackets 104 may slide onto an outside portion of the fence post. Such a configuration may be advantageous when the fence post is a solid fence post (i.e., not hollow) and/or the fence post is narrower than the anchor brackets 104. In an embodiment, the anchor brackets 104 may include a first anchor bracket 104(1) and a second anchor bracket 104(2). The first anchor bracket 104(1) is sized to be inserted within an upper portion of a hollow fence post. The second anchor bracket 104(2) is sized to be inserted within the upper portion of the hollow fence post and is sized to abut an inner portion of the first anchor bracket 104(1). Such a configuration will be described further herein below with respect to FIGS. 2-4.
In an embodiment, the various components of the bracket 100 may be formed from stamped sheet metal. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the bracket 100 and the various components thereof may be formed from any suitable material such as vinyl, metal, plastic, rubber, among many possible materials. Suitable materials may include materials that have property characteristics such as: resistance to degradation from UV rays and precipitation, and stability of material durability over a wide temperature range. In general, the physical properties of the material selected should at least meet minimum values according to the fence material. That is, in an example, if the fence is vinyl, the bracket 100 may be selected from materials at least roughly as strong, durable, etc. as vinyl, if not better, such as metal.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cap 102 includes a hole 106 through a center thereof and through which a fence accessory (or a portion thereof) may be inserted. The first anchor bracket 104(1) may also include a first hole 108 through a center thereof. The first hole 108 may be positioned in the first anchor bracket 104(1) such that the hole 106 in the cap 102 and the first hole 108 in the first anchor bracket 104(1) align. The second anchor bracket 104(2) includes a second hole 110 through a center thereof. When placed in the fence post, the hole 106 in the cap 102, the first hole 108 in the first anchor bracket 104(1), and the second hole 110 in the second anchor bracket 104(2) may each be aligned with one another. In an embodiment, a portion of the fence accessory is inserted at least partially into the hole 106 in the cap 102, the hole 108 in the first anchor bracket 104(1), and/or the hole 110 in the second anchor bracket 104(2). Additionally, and/or alternatively, the fence accessory may include mounting hardware configured to be mounted to the bracket 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the bracket 100 shown and described in FIG. 1. For illustrative purposes, components and/or features that would be hidden by outer structure in a front view are shown in broken lines. FIG. 2 shows the bracket 100 having the cap 102, the first anchor bracket 104(1) and the second anchor bracket 104(2). As mentioned previously, the cap 102 may be positioned on a top surface of the first anchor bracket 104(1). In an embodiment, the cap 102 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded, bonded, etc.) to the top surface of the first anchor bracket 104(1). Alternatively, the cap 102 may be removably attached to the top of the anchor brackets 104 and may rest on at least a portion of the anchor brackets 104 and the fence post. Furthermore, the cap 102 may be sized to rest on and to enclose a top portion of the hollow fence post.
As mentioned previously, the first anchor bracket 104(1) is inserted within an upper portion of a hollow fence post. In such an example, an exterior surface 202 of the first anchor bracket 104(1) abuts an interior surface of the fence post. The first anchor bracket 104(1) also includes an interior surface 204 that forms a cavity 206. The second anchor bracket 104(2) may be shaped to be insertable into the cavity 206 such that ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) abut the interior surface 204 of the first anchor bracket 104(1). The ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be attached to the interior surface 204 of the first anchor bracket 104(1). For example, the ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be welded to the interior surface 204 of the first anchor bracket 104(1). Alternatively, the ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be attached to the interior surface 204 of the first anchor bracket 104(1) via other means such as one or more fasteners, bonding material, etc. In an embodiment, the bracket 100 may include a single first anchor bracket 104(1) and multiple second anchor brackets 104(2) that are disposed in various locations along a length of the first anchor bracket 104(1).
FIG. 3 illustrates a top-down view of the bracket 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the hole 106 in the cap 102, the first hole 108 in the first anchor bracket 104(1), and the second hole 110 in the second anchor bracket 104(2) may each be aligned with one another. Since the holes (e.g., hole 106, the first hole 108, and the second hole 110) are aligned with one another in the top-down view shown in FIG. 3, only the hole 106 in the cap 102 is labeled for reference. While shown as square holes, the holes may be a different shape. For example, the holes (e.g., hole 106, the first hole 108, and the second hole 110) may be circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape. In an embodiment, the holes may each be the same shape in order to provide alignment between the various holes. Alternatively, the holes may include different shapes. Additionally, the holes may each be a substantially similar size. Alternatively, the holes may include different sizes. The size of the holes of the bracket 100 may vary and may be relatively larger or smaller than the holes shown in the figures. Furthermore, the cap 102 may be shaped such that a portion of the fence post fits in a space 302 between the cap 102 and the first anchor bracket 104(1).
FIG. 4A illustrates a top-down view of the cap 102 in an unfolded state 400. As mentioned previously, the components of the bracket 100 may be formed from stamped sheet metal. As such, the cap 102 may be cut into the shape shown in FIG. 4A in the unfolded state 400. Once the cap 102 is formed from (e.g., cut, stamped, etc.) a piece of sheet metal, the edges 402 of the cap 102 may be bent along fold lines 404 to form the shape of the cap 102 in a folded state 406, as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the edges 402 of the cap 102 may be folded along fold lines 404 in a same direction such that the edges 402 of the cap 102 form a vertical portion 408 around a perimeter of a horizontal portion 410 of the cap 102. The horizontal portion 410 of the cap 102 may be substantially square. However, the cap 102 may be formed to be rectangular. In an embodiment, the cap 102 may be welded along the fold lines 404 once the cap 102 has been folded. Furthermore, in the folded state 406, the cap 102 may be welded along seems 412 where the edges 402 of the cap abut one another. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cap 102 includes the hole 106 through which a fence accessory or a portion thereof may be inserted.
FIG. 5A illustrates a top-down view of the first anchor bracket 104(1) in an unfolded state 500. As mentioned previously, the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be formed from stamped sheet metal. As such, the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be cut into the shape shown in FIG. 5A in the unfolded state 500. Once the first anchor bracket 104(1) is formed from (e.g., cut, stamped, etc.) a piece of sheet metal, the first anchor bracket 104(1) is folded along fold lines 502. In an embodiment, portions of the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be folded in a substantially similar or same direction to form the shape of the first anchor bracket 104(1) in the folded state 504, as shown in FIG. 5B. In an embodiment, the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be welded along the fold lines 502 once the first anchor bracket 104(1) has been folded. Furthermore, in the folded state 504, the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be welded along seems 506 where portions of the first anchor bracket 104(1) abut one another.
In the folded state 504 shown in FIG. 5B, the first anchor bracket 104(1) includes a horizontal portion 508. The horizontal portion 508 of the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be square in an embodiment. However, the horizontal portion 508 of the first anchor bracket 104(1) may be rectangular or any other shape. In an embodiment, the cap 102 may be attached to the horizontal portion 508. For example, the cap 102 may be welded to the horizontal portion 508 or otherwise attached thereto. As mentioned above, the first anchor bracket 104(1) includes a hole 108 located in the horizontal portion 508 of the first anchor bracket 104(1). In an embodiment, a fence accessory or a portion thereof may be inserted at least partially through the hole 108 in the first anchor bracket 104(1). The first anchor bracket 104(1) further includes at least two opposing vertical portions 510. The vertical portions 510 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion 508. Furthermore, the vertical portions 510 extend in a similar direction such that the vertical portions 510 are substantially parallel to each other. The vertical portions 510 are located on opposing sides of the horizontal portion 508 such that the first anchor bracket 104(1) forms an upside-down U shape when in the folded state 504, as seen in FIG. 5B. While showing and describing two vertical portions 510, the first anchor bracket 104(1) may include additional vertical portions.
An inside portion of the two vertical portions 510 define an interior portion 512 of the first anchor bracket 104(1). As shown above, the second anchor bracket 104(2) is inserted into the interior portion 512 of the first anchor bracket 104(1) such that ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) abut the interior portion 512 of the first anchor bracket 104(1). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first anchor bracket 104(1) includes multiple edge portions 514. When in the folded state 504, the edge portions 514 may be welded to each other, thereby strengthening the first anchor bracket 104(1).
FIG. 6A illustrates a top-down view of the second anchor bracket 104(2) in an unfolded state 600. As mentioned previously, the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be formed from stamped sheet metal. As such, the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be cut into the shape shown in FIG. 6A in the unfolded state 600. Once the second anchor bracket 104(2) is formed from (e.g., cut, stamped, etc.) a piece of sheet metal, the second anchor bracket 104(2) is folded along fold lines 602. In an embodiment, portions of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be folded in a substantially similar or same direction to form the shape of the second anchor bracket 104(2) in a folded state 604, as shown in FIG. 6B. For example, the ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may each be folded in a same direction (e.g., downward or upward relative to the position shown in FIG. 6A) such that the ends 208 are parallel to one another, resulting in the shape shown in the folded state 602 in FIG. 6B. The second anchor bracket 104(2) may include the two ends 208 located on opposing sides of the horizontal portion 606 of the second anchor bracket 104(2). However, in an embodiment, the second anchor bracket 104(2) may include additional ends on additional sides of the second anchor bracket 104(2). In an embodiment, the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be welded along the fold lines 602 once the second anchor bracket 104(2) has been folded into the folded state 604.
In the folded state 604 shown in FIG. 6B, the second anchor bracket 104(2) includes a horizontal portion 606. The horizontal portion 606 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be square in an embodiment. However, the horizontal portion 606 of the first anchor bracket 104(2) may be rectangular or any other shape. As mentioned previously, the second anchor bracket 104(2) includes a hole 110 and the hole 110 is located in the horizontal portion 606 of the second anchor bracket 104(2). In an embodiment, a fence accessory or a portion thereof may be inserted at least partially through the hole 110 in the second anchor bracket 104(2). Furthermore, in the folded state 604, the ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion 606 such that the ends 208 of the second anchor bracket 104(2) may be substantially parallel to each other.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an attachment bracket 700. In an embodiment, the attachment bracket 700 is shaped to correspond with the holes (i.e., holes 106, 108, and 110) in the bracket 100. For example, the attachment bracket 700 may include a horizontal portion 702 and the dimensions of the horizontal portion 702 may correspond with the holes in the bracket 100. While being shown as being substantially square, the horizontal portion 702 of the attachment bracket 702 may be designed to have any shape so as to correspond with the holes in the bracket 100. For example, if the holes in the bracket 100 were rectangular, the attachment bracket 702 would be shaped to include a rectangular horizontal portion 702. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the attachment bracket may be any shape including circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape.
The attachment bracket 700 may be inserted upwards through the holes in the bracket 100 and may be secured to the bracket 100. The attachment bracket 700 may include a height 704 such that the attachment bracket 700 extends above the cap 102 of the bracket 100 when the attachment bracket 700 is inserted into the bracket 100. In an embodiment, various types of fence accessories may be attached to the attachment bracket 700. For example, if a fence accessory is not compatible to be inserted into the holes (i.e., holes 106, 108, and 110) of the bracket 100, the attachment bracket 700 may be inserted into the holes (i.e., holes 106, 108, and 110) in the bracket 100 and the fence accessory may be attached thereto. By way of example, if a user desired to attach lights to the fence post, a user may insert the attachment bracket 700 through the holes in the bracket 100 and may attach the lights to the attachment bracket 700. In an embodiment, the attachment bracket 700 may be formed from sheet metal. However, in an embodiment, the attachment bracket 700 may be formed from other materials such as vinyl, metal, plastic, rubber, or any other type of material. Similar principles of material selection are similar to those of material selection, as described above.
In an embodiment, the attachment bracket 700 includes flanges 706 that may abut a surface of the anchor brackets 104 and/or the cap 102. For example, the attachment bracket 700 may be inserted into the bracket 100 such that a top surface of the flanges 706 abuts a bottom surface of the second attachment bracket 104(2). The attachment bracket 700 may be welded (or otherwise attached) to the bottom of the second anchor bracket 104(2). Additionally, and/or alternatively, the attachment bracket 700 may be placed on a top surface of the first anchor bracket 104(1). In such an example, the cap 102 may be placed over the top of the attachment bracket 700 such that the attachment bracket 700 is held between the cap 102 and the first anchor bracket 104(1).
CONCLUSION
Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.
Patent Application
20220106810
