Abstract:
A synthetic fence post assembly for realizing enhanced decorative capabilities of a synthetic fence. The assembly provides an apparatus for securely attaching accessories to the end of a synthetic fence post without structurally degrading the fence post. The apparatus comprises a connector member with a first and second interface surface one of which securely interfaces with the top of a synthetic post and the second of which is available to interface with various fencing accessories. In one embodiment, the connector member is substantially transparent, such that the connector forms a lens that is securely fastenable to a fence post and is capable of supporting a light mounted thereon.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention relates generally to fencing, particularly synthetic fencing components constructed of synthetic materials such as plastic and vinyl. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for attaching various components to the top of a hollow fence post. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of synthetic fencing products. The popularity of synthetic fencing is due in part to its low maintenance; for example, vinyl fencing retains its color and need not be stained or otherwise treated every year to prevent decay. Additionally, synthetic fencing can take on the natural, attractive appearance of wood while exhibiting superior durability. Furthermore, since synthetic posts and their connecting members are hollow, electrical connections can be routed through the fence and hidden from view, allowing electrical accessories to be easily wired along the fence. Finally, synthetic fencing components are less expensive to mass-produce and easier to assemble than their wood counterparts. 
     Synthetic fencing does present several design challenges. For example, people often desire to mount various accessories on their fence posts such as rain gauges, bird feeders, lights, etc. Unlike a wooden post on which an accessory may be easily mounted using nails or screws, securely attaching accessories to a synthetic fence can be difficult as synthetic fence posts are typically hollow and lack the internal structure to support heavy objects attached to their side using conventional means such as nails or screws. Additionally, the use of nails or screws may cause structural damage to the fence post, possibly causing splitting or cracking. Another design challenge is to provide a means to securely attach decorative or functional accessories to the synthetic fence where the attachment means shares the aesthetic and durability qualities of the synthetic fence such that the appearance of the synthetic fence may be enhanced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for realizing enhanced decorative capabilities with synthetic fencing. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securely attaching accessories to a synthetic fence post without structurally degrading the fence post, which is aesthetically pleasing. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means to enhance the decorative appearance of a synthetic fence that is easily retrofit to the fence. 
     In accordance with the above objectives, the inventors have recognized that most synthetic fences contain a simple cap covering the open end of a hollow post and that by replacing this cap with attachments that are more decorative or styled a synthetic fence can take on an appearance more like that of a sculpted wooden fence. Accordingly, the inventors recognized the need to provide an apparatus that allows various sized accessories to interface with the synthetic fence posts while providing good structural support and not degrading the fence posts&#39; integrity. Additionally, the inventors have recognized that the apparatus should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, easy to manufacture, and should be made such that it may be retrofit onto an existing synthetic fence with minimal effort. 
     These and other objects are achieved by the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a synthetic fence post assembly comprising a connector member with two substantially parallel interface surfaces for placement on the end of a synthetic fence post and a top member for placement on the connector member. More particularly, the connector member is designed such that a first interface surface may engages the top end of a synthetic fence post and a second interface surface may engage the top member. Additionally, these interface surfaces contain engaging means for attaching the connector member to the interfacing structures (e.g., the post and top member). Once the connector member is attached to the fence post, a secure base is provided for mounting an accessory to the fence post without degrading the post&#39;s structural qualities. 
     The engaging means refer to one or more members that extend from the connector member across the interface plane as defined by the connector member and an interfacing structure. These members may extend perpendicular from the interface planes and be slidably received within their respective interfacing structure or slidably receive their respective interfacing structure. For example, the member(s) that make up the engaging means may comprise multiple tabs that fit within the hollow opening of an interfacing structure, such as a fence post, or may comprise a continuous wall that fits over and slidably receives the end of an interfacing structure. Additionally, the connector member may be configured such that both interface surfaces have the same engaging means or such that each interface surface contains a different engaging means. 
     The top member may be any attachment configured such that it interfaces with, and is supported by the connector member, such as a decorative cap (e.g., a ball, tetrahedron, etc.) or an accessory such as a lamp. In one embodiment, the top member has a hollow elongate body that, when used with the connector member, allows the synthetic fence to take on the appearance of a sculpted wooden fence. In another embodiment, the top member comprises a housing for a lamp that contains apertures along its body that allow light to pass from within the structure upon assembly. In this embodiment, the apertures may be left open or covered with translucent caps that may diffuse the light as it passes from within the top member while sealing the top member from the elements. 
     The use of a hollow top member (e.g., an elongate tube) with the connector member will generally require using a cap to seal the top member&#39;s second end from the elements. This cap may be anything configured to interface with and seal the top member from the elements, such as, for example, the simple caps that were originally on the synthetic fence posts. Additionally, the cap may itself be a decorative or functional accessory. For example, in one embodiment the cap may be a solar light apparatus comprising a solar panel oriented on top its top, a battery operable to receive an electrical charge from the solar panel, and a light connected to the battery on the bottom of the cap such that the light is enclosed within the top member upon assembly. As will be appreciated, when using a solar cap assembly, a light may be retrofit onto an existing synthetic post using the connector member and apertured top member of the present invention without having to perform any electrical wiring through the synthetic fencing. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a synthetic fence post assembly comprising: a connector member comprising two substantially parallel interface surfaces for placement on the end of a synthetic fence post, an exterior sidewall and an interior sidewall disposed between the interface surfaces that collectively define an opening, an internal support mount connected to the internal sidewall within the opening, and a top member for placement on the connecting member. 
     The connector member&#39;s internal support mount may be connected to the interior sidewall using a plurality of interconnecting members that extend from the interior sidewall to the edge of the support mount. The support mount will generally be configured such that it forms an enclosure for receiving and holding an accessory in axial alignment with the center of the post. For example, the support mount may be formed as a ring where the ring&#39;s internal edge is open to receive/hold an accessory with a circular base. However, other configurations of the support mount are possible, such as, for example, a pin that is slidably receivable within an accessory. As will be appreciated, use of the internal support in conjunction with the connector member allows the synthetic fence post to support an accessory with a significant weight, since the post will carry the entire weight of an accessory so mounted in compression across its cross section. Additionally, this arrangement allows for supporting an accessory without any degradation of the fence post&#39;s structural integrity caused by mechanical fasteners such as nails and screws applying a force to a concentrated point on the post&#39;s sidewall. 
     In another embodiment, a fence post assembly is provided comprising a substantially transparent connector member and a top member for placement on the substantially transparent connector member. The translucent connector member comprises two substantially parallel interface surfaces each of which contain engaging means for engaging an interfacing structure, one of these engaging means may be designed to interface with the end of a fence post. The transparent connector further comprises an interior and exterior sidewall disposed between the interface surfaces that integrally define an opening which is axially aligned with the fence post. As will be appreciated, this sidewall area may provide an enclosed space within the transparent connector member for placement of an accessory such as a light. In this regard, the connector member forms a lens having one engaging means for interfacing with the end of a fence post and another engaging means for interfacing with a lamp. The transparent connector member also comprises a diffusing means on the surface of at least one of the interior and exterior sidewall. This diffusing means may be any coating or physical variation on the sidewall surfaces which act to disperse light that may emanate from within the transparent connector member. In one embodiment using a physical variation of the sidewall surface, the diffusing means comprises a plurality of ridges integrally formed on the interior surface. These ridges may be continuously spaced on the surface and may be oriented perpendicular to said first and second interface surfaces. In this regard, the ridges may be easily formed in, for example, an injection molding process. 
     In all aspects of the present invention, the connector member may be formed in a variety of geometric shapes as long as it provides a first interface surface for engaging the synthetic post and a second interface surface for engaging a top member. For aesthetic purposes the connector member will typically share the geometry of the fence post (e.g., square post, square connector); however, the connector member may be formed such that it interfaces a post and top member of different cross sectional geometries (e.g., square to circular etc.) and/or diameters. 
     A method is also provided in accordance with the present invention for attaching an accessory to a synthetic fence post. The method includes the steps: defining an opening on the end of a fence post, providing a connector member with two interface surfaces that contain engaging means, positioning the connector member on the fence post such that the engaging means engage the post, placing an accessory on the connecting member such that the engaging means engage the accessory, and securing the engaging means to the post and accessory using a fastening means. 
     Additional aspects advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the further description that follows. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the synthetic fence post assembly as oriented atop a synthetic fence post. 
     FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the connector member and its internal support mount. 
     FIG. 3 shows a plan side view of the connector member. 
     FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the synthetic fence post assembly incorporating a light fixture. 
     FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a translucent connector member with a solar light cap top assembly. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a synthetic fence post assembly  5  is placed on the upper end of a synthetic fence post  10 , allowing a homeowner to add a decorative accessory to their synthetic fence posts such that these fence posts look more like sculpted wooden posts with a notch engraved about their circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, the synthetic fence post  10  is hollow such that the upper end forms a cavity  12 . The connector member  20  interfaces with the hollow end of the synthetic fence post  10  using a plurality of downward-facing tabs  22  arranged about the connector member&#39;s lower peripheral edge and oriented such that they are perpendicular to the interface plane between the post  10  and the connector member  20 . These downward-facing tabs  22 , only two of which are shown in FIG. 1, are disposed such that they are slidably receivable within the fence post cavity  12 . Typically, the tabs  22  will be constructed such that they nest securely within the cavity  12  and thereby prevent undesired lateral movement of the connector member  20  and provide some resistance to removal. To further secure the connector member  20 , the engaged tabs may be affixed to the interior post wall using an adhesive or, if removal of the connector is required in the future, a mechanical means such as a screw. 
     The top member  50  of the synthetic fence post assembly  5  interfaces with the connector member  20  and is supported thereby. In FIG. 1 the top member  50  is shown with a hollow elongate body. This top member may be made of the same material as the synthetic fence post and contain the same geometric cross-section. The top member  50  is connected to the connector member  20  using upward-facing tabs  24  on the connector member&#39;s upward peripheral edge. These upward-facing tabs  24  are again disposed such that they are perpendicular to the interface plane between the connector member and the top member and are slidably receivable within the top member  50 . Last, a cap  70  is placed atop the top member  50  to seal the assembly from moisture and debris. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap  70  contains downward-facing tabs  72  that slidably fit within the top member  50 . 
     FIGS. 2 and 3, show a perspective and side view of the connector member  20  respectively. As shown, the connector member  20  contains a recessed main body  26 , a lower shoulder  28  with a lower interface surface  29 , an upper shoulder  30  with an upper interface surface  31 , a plurality of downward-facing tabs  22  and a plurality of upward-facing tabs  24 . More particularly, the main body  26 , located between the interface surfaces  29  and  31 , comprises an exterior sidewall  32  as shown in FIG.  3  and an interior sidewall  34  as shown in FIG.  2 . The exterior sidewall  32  and interior sidewall  34  form an opening  36  that, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, shares the same basic geometry as the end of the synthetic fence post  10 . This opening  36  is axially aligned with the synthetic fence post cavity  12  when the connector member  20  is interfaced with the synthetic fence post  10 . Contained within the opening  36  is a support mount  38  for axially aligning and supporting accessories on and/or within the fence post  10 . The support mount  38  is connected to the interior sidewall  34  by a plurality of interconnecting members  40 . The interconnecting members  40  are shown disposed in an opposing relationship with one another but may be arranged in any fashion that effectively supports the support mount  38 . As shown, support mount  38  comprises a ring with an open center for receiving and supporting accessories; however, this mount  38  may be made of any geometrical shape that will fit inside the opening  36  and provide an attachment surface for an accessory. For example, if an accessory had an octagonal base, the support mount may be formed accordingly to support this geometry. 
     The connector shoulder members  28  and  30  each contain a smooth interface surface  29  and  31  on which their respective interfacing structures rest. The upper interface surface  31  supports the top member&#39;s lower sidewall  61  (see FIG.  1 ), while the lower interface surface  29  rests atop the fence post sidewall  11 . As shown, interface surfaces  29  and  31  are oriented such that the interface planes defined by each are parallel. As will be appreciated this ensures that an accessory mounted to the fence will be squarely aligned with the end of the fence post. Additionally, the connector shoulder members  28  and  30  are sized such that they match the outside perimeter of their respective interface structures upon assembly. For example, as shown in the side view of FIG. 3, the bottom shoulder  28  and interface surface  29  extend a short distance beyond the downward-extending tab  22 . This distance is equal to the sidewall thickness of the synthetic fence post  10  such that when the connector member  20  is placed on top of the synthetic fence post  10  the downward-facing tabs  22  will fit inside the fence post cavity  12  and the shoulder  28  will extend to match the peripheral edge of the synthetic fence post. The top shoulder  30  interfaces in a similar manner with accessories attached thereto. 
     Connector member  20  and post  10  are shown in the illustrations with a square cross-sectional shape; however, it will be understood that other shapes may be utilized depending on aesthetic preferences. For example, the connector member may be configured such that the lower shoulder  28  interfaces with a post with a square cross-section while the upper shoulder supports a top member with a round cross-section, or vice-versa. Additionally, the connector member  20  may be sized such that it connects a post of one diameter to an accessory of a second diameter. For example, synthetic posts typically come in diameters of four and five inches and various accessories exist for either of these sizes. However, an accessory for a five-inch fence post will not generally fit a four-inch post. Therefore, the connector member may be sized such that the bottom interface surface fits a post of a first size and the top interface surface supports an accessory of a second size, thus increasing the amount of options for homeowners in decorating their fences. 
     Generally, the connector member  20  will be made of a plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other suitable plastic material such that it shares the durability and aesthetic qualities of the synthetic fence. Additionally, for structural integrity the support member  38  connecting members  40  and the interior sidewall  34  may be an integrally formed unit. 
     FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, hollow top member  50  further comprises a plurality of apertures  52  about its elongate body to allow light to pass from within. Translucent lenses  54  may be attached to these apertures  52  to seal the top member  50  from the elements and diffuse the light as it passes through. Further, a light assembly  80 , supported by the support mount (not shown), extends into the top member  50  upon assembly such that the light bulb  81  is nearly level with the apertures  52 . As will be appreciated, the embodiment of FIG. 4 allows for an enclosed light assembly to be mounted on the end of a synthetic fence post  10  wherein all wiring  82  may be routed through the post and thus, hidden from view. If desired, the connector member  20 , the top member  50 , and the cap member  70  may be made of the same material and color as the fence post  20 , providing an aesthetically pleasing light assembly that is easily retrofit onto an existing synthetic fence. 
     FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a differently configured connector member  90  is shown that may be used to interconnect the synthetic fence post  10  and a top member  50 . In this embodiment, the connector member  90  is substantially transparent such that light may pass from within the member. In this regard, the connector member  90  forms, in effect, a lens for placement/mounting on the end of a post where the lens is also capable of supporting a light mounted thereon. Again, the connector member  90  contains downward extending tabs  22  that are disposed such that they are slidably received within the post cavity  12 . However, the main body  26  is not recessed in relation to the upper and lower shoulders  30  and  28 . Additionally, in place of upward facing tabs for engaging a top member or accessory, connector member  90  has a continuous upward-facing side wall  92  connected around the periphery of the upper shoulder  30  which fits over the outside perimeter of a top member. Alternatively, the upward-facing sidewall  92  may be slidably received within a top member  50  such that the top member  50  rests on the upper edge  93  of the upward facing side wall  92 . In this configuration, the top member  50  may be attached to the upward-facing sidewall  92  using an adhesive or mechanical fastener. In this embodiment, the connector member  90  again contains an exterior sidewall  32  and an interior sidewall  34  which integrally define an enclosure. However, in this embodiment, the interior sidewall  32  contains a plurality of continuously spaced ridges  97  oriented perpendicular to the interface plane formed by the connector member  90  and the fence post  10  upon assembly. As shown, the ridges  97  extend between the lower shoulder  28  and the upper shoulder  30 . These ridges are designed to diffuse any light emanating from within the assembly  5 . FIG. 5 also shows a solar voltaic cap  100  as the top member  50 . The solar voltaic cap member  100  comprises a solar collector  102  that is mounted on top of the cap  100 , a battery (not shown) in electrical communication with and charged by the solar collector, and a light  104 . The light may be configured such that it only operates at night using energy stored by the battery during the daylight hours. As will be appreciated, if the solar voltaic cap member is used with a translucent connector member  90 , a lighting assembly is provided that may be retrofit onto a synthetic fence without the requirement of any wiring. In addition, the translucent connector&#39;s  90  downward facing engaging means may be configured with a continuous downward facing wall that is operative to fit over and slidably receive the end of a fence post. In this regard, this connector member  90  may be retrofit onto existing wooden fence posts that lack an internal cavity to slidably receive an attachment means such as tabs. 
     In accordance with the above apparatus, a method is provided for connecting an accessory to the end of a synthetic fence post using a dual interface connector member. In particular, the method requires defining an opening on the end of an existing synthetic fence post. As will be appreciated, this is typically a simple process, as most synthetic fence posts are hollow and the existing caps may be pried off; however, in some instances, this may entail cutting the synthetic post&#39;s sidewall about its circumference such that the existing cap may be removed. Next, a dual interface connector member containing engaging means on each interface is provided. 
     The connector member is positioned atop the synthetic fence post such that the engaging means are properly aligned with the post. For example, in the case where tabs are used, the end of the tabs must be oriented inside the post sidewall. Once the engaging means is properly aligned, pressure is applied such that the engaging means seat with the fence post. Once the connector member is securely interfaced with the fence post (i.e., flushly mounted), an accessory may be placed on the connector member&#39;s second interface surface such that the second engaging means are properly aligned with the accessory. Again, force is applied to set the engaging means with the accessory. Additionally, in the case of an electrical accessory, the step of placing may further entail routing wires through the connector member and into the hollow of the post so they are hidden from view. 
     Once both interface surfaces are flushly mounted with their respective interfacing structures, they may be secured thereto using a fastening means. Generally, an adhesive or mechanical means will be used to secure the connector member to the interfacing structures. As will be appreciated, if further access is required to within the accessory, a removable mechanical fastener such as a screw is preferable. 
     The embodiment described above is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various adaptations, modifications and extensions of the described assembly will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.