Patent ID: 6561499
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
A dual use clip for fence assemblies for non-removably securing a first cap to a first profile, and a second cap to a second profile; said first cap including a closed top portion, a bottom portion having a circumference configured to cover the circumference of a top opening of said first profile, and at least two opposing tabs protruding outward from inside wall surfaces within an opening at the bottom thereof, said tabs being configured to fit snugly against inside wall surfaces of said first profile when said first cap is installed thereon; said second cap including a closed top portion terminating in a bottommost circumferential apron about a bottom opening thereof, said apron being configured to fit snugly about sidewall portions proximate a top opening in said second profile upon installing said second cap thereon, said clip comprising:a single U-shaped piece of material having a front face including at least one first barb bent away from an interior portion, a bottom portion, and a back face including at least one second barb bent into an interior portion toward said bottom portion, said bottom portion being dimensioned for maintaining a distance between said front and back faces in opposition to permit a said clip to be frictionally fitted onto respective end portions of the tabs of said first cap, and edge portions about the circumference of the top opening of said second profile; a said clip being installed on each of said at least two opposing tabes of said first cap, each said clip being oriented with their respective first barb facing toward an exterior of said first cap, whereby when said first cap is installed on said first profile, upon movement of said first cap away from said first profile, said at least one first barb of each said clip digs into an inside wall portion of said first profile, and said at least one second barb digs into an inside wall portion of an associated said tab, thereby preventing removal of said first cap from said first profile; and a said clip being installed on each of at least two opposing side edges of said second profile, each said clip being oriented with its at least one second barb against an inside wall portion of said second profile, when said second cap is installed on said second profile, whereby upon movement of said second cap away from said second profile, said at least one first barb of each said clip digs into an inside wall portion of the apron of said second cap, and said at least one second barb of each said clip digs into the inside wall portion of said second profile, thereby preventing removal of said second cap from said second profile.