Fence post cap

A fence post cap is provided which is formed from plastic materials and having a fastener support member, which resists cap deformation during application of the fastener and includes fluid sealing portions about the fastener, and locating studs adjacent the perimeter sides of the cap to facilitate positive seating of the cap on the fence post. The plastic material can be molded in any desired color to match or contrast the fence color. The fastener is received within a counter bore such that the fastener head is more isolated from inadvertent contact after installation.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to caps covering the ends of 
longitudinally extending structural members and, more particularly, to 
caps covering the exposed ends of wooden fence posts. 
Wooden, plastic, and metal fences are typically mounted on wooden fence 
posts having one end thereof sunk into the ground or secured to a support 
base. These fence posts are typically formed from square or rectangular 
cuts of wood, such as "4.times.4" beams. These beams extend longitudinally 
upward from the ground or support base and, after the fence is attached, 
typically have an exposed end. 
The exposed ends of such fence posts are often relatively rough in 
appearance and texture. Also, these exposed ends can form a ledge for 
collection of water from rain or snow. In some circumstances such water is 
more readily absorbed into the post end than from any other surface and, 
thus, facilitates wood rot. Therefore, it has been considered advisable to 
cover the ends of fence posts with a cap to beautify and protect the fence 
as well as protect those persons and animals coming into physical contact 
with the fence posts from injury. 
Prior fence post caps have often been formed from metal into a generally 
domed configuration with post-engaging perimeter sides. These caps had, in 
the dome area, a central hole of slightly larger dimension than the nail 
which was used to secure the cap to the post. When the nail was pound into 
the post, a depression was sometimes created in the dome area at the 
location of the central hole. In addition to detracting from the finished 
appearance of the cap, this depression formed a basin or ledge to collect 
water and funnel it through the central hole to the fence post end where 
it could again accumulate and cause premature wood rot. 
Further, prior fence post caps allowed the securing nail to protrude above 
the dome area, at least by the thickness of the nail head. This protrusion 
created the potential for snags against the clothing or body of persons 
coming into contact with the fence post. When securing nail was pound down 
to reduce the incidences of snagging, a greater likelihood of creating a 
water collecting depression in the dome area arose. 
Another difficulty with respect to prior fence caps was in maintaining 
precise seating on the end of the post. The recess perimeter of these caps 
was slightly larger than the post perimeter, and the perimeter sides 
generally paralleled the longitudinal direction of the post. The dome area 
joined the perimeter sides as an inclined surface. Thus, since the 
perimeter sides extended down along the posts sides for only a short 
distance, it was possible for the cap to be seated slightly off center on 
the end of the post with an edge of that end actually resting on the 
underside of the dome area away from the perimeter sides. Such off center 
seating also detracted from the desired appearance of the end post, 
increased the likelihood of dents being formed and, particularly as the 
post wood shrank over time, contributed to the susceptibility of the post 
cap to rattle in the wind. 
Finally, prior post caps tended to present only a metallic finish because 
of the cost of painting and the susceptibility for the paint to flake off 
during installation or thereafter. Particularly with respect to all-wood 
fences, such metallic coloring was incongruous to the overall appearance 
of the fence. 
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved 
fence post cap. Other specific objects of the present invention include 
provision of the fence post cap that: 
1. more effectively shields the end of the fence post from water, 
2. is less susceptible to damage during installation, 
3. is less likely to cause injury to persons, animals or articles coming 
into contact with it, 
4. seats more securely and properly on the fence post, and 
5. is attractive, durable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
These and other objects of the present invention are attained by a fence 
post cap molded from plastic materials and having a fastener support 
member, which resists cap deformation during application of the fastener 
and includes fluid sealing portions about the fastener, and locating studs 
adjacent the perimeter sides of the cap to facilitate positive seating of 
the cap on the fence post. The plastic material can be molded in any 
desired color to match or contrast the fence color. The fastener is 
received within a counter bore such that the fastener head is more 
isolated from inadvertent contact after installation. 
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will 
become apparent upon consideration of the drawings and specification below 
.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1, which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 
shows cap 10 mounted on exposed end 12 of a fence post 13 with fastener 14 
provided to secure cap 10 in the desired location. The fence post is, for 
example, a "4.times.4" beam of treated wood measuring approximately 31/2 
inches on each side. Thus, cap 10 would have a square sided configuration 
to its recess for receiving end 12. Fastener 14 is, for example, a 
galvanized steel nail of sufficient length to pass through cap 10 and well 
into end 12 in the same manner as with prior fence post caps. 
Cap 10 includes perimeter sides 20 and dome area 30. Perimeter sides 20 are 
preferably dimensioned to closely overlay for a short distance the 
longitudinally extending sides of fence post 13 near end 12. Thus, 
perimeter sides 20 limit exposure of end 12 to inclement weather, such as 
rain and snow. Dome area 30 spans perimeter sides 20 as a generally 
concave surface having an underside 32 and an exposed side 34. Thus, a 
recess is formed by cap 10 for receiving and covering end 12 therein. 
Preferably, as viewed in a longitudinal cross section, dome area 30 is 
trapazoidal in configuration, forming a truncated pyramid from a top or 
side plan view. 
Support member 36 is formed on underside 32 and extends downwardly to the 
level at which perimeter sides 20 join dome area 30. Support member 36 is, 
for example, a hollow column having a base 38 at the region it joins 
underside 32 and a support surface 40 at its furthest extension from 
underside 32. Preferably, base 38 is wider in diameter than support 
surface 40 and the hollow column tapers evenly between these diameters. 
Base 38 is formed with an aperture 42 for receiving fastener 14 and a ledge 
44 about aperture 42 which is recessed below exposed side 34. Aperture 42 
is preferably slightly wider in its diameter than the diameter of that 
portion of fastener 14 which passes through cap 10 and penetrates end 12. 
Ledge 44 is preferably slightly wider in its diameter than head 15 of 
fastener 14 and slightly deeper in recession below exposed side 34 than 
the thickness of head 15. Thus, upon full insertion of fastener 14 into 
aperture 42, head 15 will rest on ledge 44 and be countersunk to or 
slightly below the level of exposed side 34. 
Support surface 40 is formed with an aperture 46 for receiving a length of 
fastener 14. Aperture 46 is preferably initially slightly smaller in its 
diameter than the diameter of that portion of fastener 14 which would 
remain within aperture 46 after full insertion of fastener 14 into 
aperture 42. Thus, penetration of aperture 46 by fastener 14 will 
initially be resisted by aperture 42 and later result in a close, 
interference fit of support member 36 about fastener 14. 
A plurality of locating studs or projections 48 are formed on underside 32 
adjacent perimeter sides 20. Projections 48 are, for example, cylindrical 
columns spaced apart from perimeter sides 20 and extending downwardly to 
the level at which perimeter sides 20 join dome area 30. Flat surfaces 50 
are formed at the furthest extension of projections 48 from domed area 30. 
Cap 10 is preferably molded as an integral unit from plastic material, such 
as APG 112 polypropylene, in any desired color. This material has been 
found to be sufficiently flexible and water impervious that a water seal 
is created at the juncture of ledge 44 and head 15 as well as at the 
engagement of fastener 14 and aperture 46. In the orientation shown in 
FIG. 1, the former seal is along a horizontal plane and the latter seal is 
vertically oriented. 
At the same time, in the preferred configuration such plastic material has 
been found to be sufficiently sturdy so as to resist denting or breaking 
as fastener 14 is secured, typically by hammering, into fence post 13. For 
example, support member 36 helps the top of dome area 30 resist permanent 
depression when fastener 14 is being pound. 
When end 12 is fully inserted within the recess of cap 10, flat surfaces 50 
and support surface 40 preferably rest on or adjacent end 12. These 
surfaces assist in positively locating fence post 13 within cap 10, 
particularly when perimeter sides 20 overlay fence post 13 for a 
relatively short longitudinal distance. For example, and especially in 
those embodiments where support member 36 is omitted or a shorter length 
than in the embodiment of FIG. 1, projections 48 can prevent one side or 
edge of end 12 from penetrating cap 10 too far and riding up underside 32 
above the level at which perimeter sides 20 join dome area 30. Further, in 
those embodiments where cap 10 is molded from plastic, projections 48 can 
serve additionally as ejection points for removal of cap 10 from the mold 
during the fabrication process. 
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in 
detail, that description is by way of example and not as limitation. Those 
of ordinary skill in the art will now readily understand that various 
modifications of structure can be made to permit various embodiments of 
the present invention. For example, although two fluid seals are shown in 
support member 36, one or both of these seals may be omitted in specific 
embodiments. Also, the recess of cap 10 can be formed in other 
configurations to fit over fence post ends having other configurations. 
Further, fastener 14 has been shown herein as a standard, cylindrical 
nail. If a differently shaped fastener is used, apertures 42 and 46 can be 
configured correspondingly to provide the same functions as the 
embodiments shown herein. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present 
invention is limited only by the terms of the claims defined below.