FENCE POST CAP FOR ENTERTAINING

Abstract

A fence post cap comprising an apparatus for holding small objects for entertaining (e.g. food and beverages). In a preferred embodiment, the cap comprises a small table, such as a round, square, or rectangular table, and/or a serving bowl, affixed to the top of a fence post that is part of an outdoor deck railing. The apparatus may be permanently affixed to the post, or non-permanently affixed wherein it may be easily exchanged with another cap suitable to an occasion. The cap may further comprise a means to attach the cap to the fence post, such as a base that affixes to the underside of the table/bowl and slides over the fence post. In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a collar affixed to the underside of a pan that holds the apparatus (table top), and wherein the pan is the same dimensions as the table top.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of fence post caps, and more particularly to the caps on the railing of a patio, or deck posts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The rails of patios and decks serve primarily two functions: 1) aesthetics for the overall appearance of the area and the building to which it may attach (e.g. a home); and 2) safety to prevent users of the deck from falling off, or children wandering off a patio.

Decks and enclosed patios primarily comprise “post and rail” like fences with caps sitting atop the posts. Historically the caps have served safety and aesthetic functions, although there are a few exceptions where the caps have utility beyond this. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,196 entitled “Fence Post End Cap” discloses a cap that functions as a bird feeder, planter, flag holder and/or garden hose holder.

The prior art does not disclose, though, the use of the deck rail as an additional surface for use by individuals for their entertainment, leisure, and so forth, wherein the post cap may be replaced with an apparatus that functions as a surface for holding small objects (e.g. drinks and food, game boards, etc.).

Therefore, there is a need for attachments to the posts of deck railing that provide functionality to the railing beyond a barrier for safety concerns, such as to facilitate the use of the deck rail for entertaining and leisure by holding small objects.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises a fence post cap comprising an apparatus for holding small objects, such as food and beverages and board games. The purpose of using this alternative fence post cap is to solve the problem of creating additional outdoor serving and eating surfaces, especially when entertaining.

In one embodiment, the apparatus/cap may comprise a small table, such as a round, oval, square, or rectangular table, affixed to the top of the fence post via, for example, a collar with a rigid plate attached to the bottom of the table top.

In another embodiment, the apparatus/cap may comprise a serving bowl affixed to the top of the fence post via, for example, a collar with a rigid plate attached to the bottom of the table top.

The apparatus/cap of the present invention may further comprise a means to attach the apparatus to the fence post. One aspect of the invention is that the apparatus/cap may be permanently or non-permanently affixed to the post and further comprise commercially available bases, or bases and means of attachment as disclosed herein.

Permanently affixed caps comprise, for example, bases screwed or bolted into the fence post. Non-permanently affixed caps may be easily removed, such as via unscrewing a collar attached to the underside of the apparatus/cap, and exchanged with other caps.

In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a hollow square collar that tightly fits over the fence post, wherein it is permanently or non-permanently affixed to the post. A flat rigid plate sits atop the collar, wherein the underside of the flat plate is permanently affixed to the top of the collar so as to form a 5 sided hollow cube. The upper-side of the flat plate (i.e. top of the flat plate) is affixed to the underside of the table top or serving bowl cap.

In an alternative embodiment, the table top sits snugly within a pan comprising a bottom surface and side surfaces of dimensions nearly exact to that of the table top. The bottom of the pan is permanently attached to the hollow square collar, and in the absence of a rigid plate. For example, a square table apparatus would sit snuggly within a one piece pan, wherein the pan would comprise a square bottom, and four sides of the nearly the exact dimensions as the table so as to have complete surface contact. The pan may further comprise one or more drainage holes for liquids, such as rain water, or spilled beverages, to remove any fluids that collect between the underside of the table top and the pan.

Additionally for the pan embodiment, the table top may comprise merely a top surface or lid that fits atop the pan, therefore creating a hollow or empty closed pan container (versus a solid table top resting within the pan).

And in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fence post cap may comprise a one piece unit which includes a table top or bowl surface and the base formed into one article of manufacturer. The user could then merely slip the unit on and off a fence post as needed.

Another aspect of the invention is that the apparatus/cap may be affixed to one side rail, or to the corner of a deck or fence (i.e. where two rails intersect at 90 degrees).

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a round table in a round pan.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a round table apparatus without a pan.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a prospective bottom-right view comprising a round table apparatus in a round pan.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a rectangular table apparatus in a rectangular pan.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a prospective bottom-right view comprising a rectangular table apparatus in a rectangular pan.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a serving bowl apparatus.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a rectangular table apparatus.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a rectangular “corner” table apparatus.

FIGS. 6A and 6B (magnified) are illustrations of commercial type collars used with the table top of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7I refer to the embodiment of the table top without a pan, and the method of assembling.

FIGS. 7A and 7B (magnified) are illustrations of the table top, rigid plate and two pieces of the collar in the first step of assembling the cap (all exploded).

FIGS. 7C and 7D (magnified) are illustrations of the table top, rigid plate and two pieces of the collar in the second step of assembling the cap (collar welded).

FIGS. 7E and 7F (magnified) are illustrations of the table top and welded collar in the third step of assembling the cap (collar attached to table).

FIGS. 7G and 7H (magnified) are illustrations of the table top with the welded collar in the fourth step of assembling the cap (install on fence).

FIG. 7I is an illustration of the collar before and after welding.

FIGS. 8A-8H refer to the embodiment of the table top with a collar attached, and the method of assembling.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are illustrations of the round table top, pan and two pieces of collar in the first step of assembling the cap (all exploded).

FIGS. 8C and 8D are illustrations of the table top, pan and two pieces of collar in the second step of assembling the cap (collar welded to and table top inserted in the pan).

FIGS. 8E and 8F are illustrations of the table top inside a pan with the welded collar in the fourth step of assembling the cap (installed on fence).

FIG. 8G is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising a pan for a round table top and the two parts forming the collar.

FIG. 8H is an illustration of a prospective bottom-right view comprising a pan for a round table before and after affixing the collar to the bottom of the pan.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are illustrations for installing a table top with a commercial base.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of the prospective bottom-right view comprising a table top and a commercial base.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of affixing the base to under-surface of the table top.

FIG. 9C is an illustration of installing the table top with a commercial base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Glossary of Terms

As used herein, the term “fence” refers to “post and rail fence” structures comprising vertical posts evenly spaced apart and connected together with horizontal rails, and further comprising “fence post caps” sitting atop each post. The post cap may be decorative or functional.

As used herein, the term “fenced patio” refers to an open space situated directly on the ground and enclosed by a “post and rail fence”.

As used herein, the term “deck” refers to elevated structures enclosed with a “post and rail fence” otherwise known as “deck railing”. Decks may be attached to a house or freestanding.

Types of Fence Post Caps

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, 2, and 3 there are two primary embodiments of the present invention's fence post caps comprising table top surfaces. In the first embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, the fence post cap 100 (e.g. a round table top) sits within a round pan 300, wherein the bottom of the pan is permanently affixed (e.g. welded or manufactured as one piece) to a collar 400 which is attached to the outside of the fence post 200. In the second embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 1B, the fence post cap 100 is directly affixed to the unit 400 comprising a rigid plate attached to the top of the collar. The user then slides the table top with the attached collar unit onto the outside surface of the fence post 200.

For example, the second embodiment is further illustrated in FIG. 3A, which shows a rectangular table top 110 directly attached to a collar without a rigid plate, and wherein the table top/with collar slides over the fence post. And the first embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3B showing a rectangular table top that sits within a pan 310, wherein the bottom of the pan is affixed to a collar with a rigid plate (unit 400) which is attached to the outside of the fence post 200.

Furthermore, the fence post cap of the present invention is not limited to flat table tops. Any cap that would provide a utility for entertaining and leisure is appropriate for use, such as to hold food and/or beverages. For example, the cap may comprise a serving bowl of sufficient size to hold snacks, such as chips, candy, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the bottom of the bowl 120 is affixed to a collar 400 which is attached to the outside of the fence post 200.

Nor is the fence post cap of the present invention required to be oriented aligned with the deck railing. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a square table top cap 130 may be aligned with the deck railing 500 as per FIG. 5A; or the square table top cap 130 may reside on the corner of the deck railing 500 and be aligned at an angle with the railing 500.

Materials and Sizes for Caps, Collars, and Pans

The two primary embodiments of the table top may comprise a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. A round table top (and a pan if used) may comprise the dimensions of about 2 to 3 feet in diameter and about 1 to 2.5 inches in height. In a preferred embodiment, the round table is about 2 feet in diameter and 2 inches in height.

A rectangular table (and a pan if used) may comprise the dimensions of about 1.5 to 2.5 feet in length, 8 to 16 inches in width, and 1 to 2.5 inches in height. In a preferred embodiment, the rectangular table is 2 feet in length, 1 foot in width, and 2 inches in height.

A square table (and a pan if used) may comprise the dimensions of about 1.5 to 2.5 feet in width and length, and about 1 to 2.5 inches in height. In a preferred embodiment, the square table is 1.5 feet in length and width, and 2 inches in height.

A serving bowl may comprise a wide range of sizes and shapes that are of sufficient size to serve food and snacks. In a preferred embodiment, the serving bowl is about one foot in diameter at the rim, and about 5 inches in vertical depth.

As pertaining to the size of the collar: it would fit the size of commercially available fence posts, especially those used for home deck railing. In a preferred embodiment, the collars would be 6 inches in length and width for 6 inch wide fence posts, or 4 inches in length and width for 4 inch wide fence posts.

As pertaining to the size of the flat rigid plate affixed to the collar, in a preferred embodiment it would be the same size as the collar. So a 4 by 4 inch collar would comprise a plate 4 inches in length and width welded to the top side of the square collar so as to form a 5 sided hollow cube. And a 6 by 6 inch collar would comprise a plate 6 inches in length and width welded in the same manner to the collar. The thickness of the plate and collar may range from about 0.1 inch to 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment the rigid plate 430 and the collar 420 are about one eight inches in thickness.

The material of a table top with a metal base (i.e. FIG. 1B without a pan, and with a collar and rigid plate attached directly to the table top under-surface) may comprise wood, PVC, metal, a composite, or other materials used in outdoor tables.

When a table top resides within a pan (i.e. FIG. 1A), it is preferred that the material of the table be somewhat flexible, and cut to dimensions so that it will fit within the outer frame of the pan to form the table top surface. Therefore, a table top insert within a pan may comprise the materials of: wood, PVC, metal, composite, glass, ceramics, slate, stone, and/or actual decking boards cut to fit within the pan.

Additionally, the present invention may comprise a one piece mold base and top combination. In a preferred embodiment, the one piece would be made of materials comprising a composite, PVC, and/or vinyl.

The material of a serving bowl may be any non-breakable plastic, such as materials routinely used in durable serving bowls.

The material of the collar, rigid plate and pan is plastic, or metal. In a preferred embodiment, the material is stainless steel (i.e. 12 or 14 gauge) or thin walled aluminum.

Although the preferred sizes and materials of the present invention have been disclosed herein, it is noted that the skilled artisan would readily know of similar types of material and cap sizes to utilize.

Table Top or Serving Bowl with a Collar and Method of Assembly

The fence post cap of the present invention may further comprise a means to attach the apparatus to the fence post, such as collar 400 (FIGS. 2, 3B, & 4). The collar may be permanently or non-permanently affixed to the post. Permanently affixed caps comprise, for example bases screwed or bolted into the fence post. Non-permanently affixed caps may be easily removed, such as via unscrewing or unclipping a collar attached to the underside of the cap, and exchanged with other caps. For example, a collar attached to the bottom of a square table top cap could be removed (along with the table top) and be replaced by a serving bowl with a collar attached to its underside Likewise, the caps may be replaceable while the collar is fixed to the post. For example, the table top cap could be removed from the collar and replaced with a serving bowl cap which attaches to the same collar. It is noted that other means of attachment of a fence post cap to a post, permanently or non-permanently, are widely known to the skilled artisan.

The present invention may further comprise the use of commercially available collars (otherwise known as bases). For example, the collar 410 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B may comprise a base adapter widely known in the art for use with traditional fence post caps (e.g. decorative in nature only).

In a preferred embodiment, such as is illustrated in the FIG. 7A-7H, the base 400 comprises a hollow square collar 420 that tightly fits over the outside of the fence post, wherein it is permanently or non-permanently affixed to the post. FIG. 7A displays the two individual identical parts of the collar for one embodiment, wherein the two rectangular parts of the collar are bent 90 degrees and welded together to form a hollow square collar (see also FIG. 7I). FIG. 7B is a magnified view of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7I is a view of the collar's rectangular parts welded together. Additionally, a flat rigid plate 430 is permanently affixed (e.g. welded) to the top surface of the collar 420 so as to form a 5 sided hollow cube (see FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7I). Then the collar with the rigid plate is affixed either to: 1) the underside of the cap, such as the underside of the table top or serving bowl; or 2) to a pan holding the table top cap. Preferably, the means of affixing comprises four screw holes in the underside of the cap or pan 440 (FIG. 7D). FIG. 7E and 7F illustrate the collar and table top welded together as per the preferred embodiment. The table top or bowl with the attached collar is then affixed to the fence post by sliding the collar over the post (FIGS. 7G and 7H). It may be secured in place permanently or non-permanently via screwing or bolting at holes 450 in the collar (see FIGS. 7H and 7I). Alternatively, the collar may be of such a tight fit that it may merely slide onto the post and be stable enough that no further means of fixation is required. The user could then merely slide the table top and its collar off the post and replace it with the original post after the entertainment event is concluded.

It is noted that the skilled artisan would readily know of other methods of affixing the table top, serving bowl, or other entertainment caps to the fence post using a different type of attachment other than the collar as demonstrated herein. For example, the base that fits over the fence post may be manufactured as one piece with the table top or serving bowl affixed on top.

Circular Table Top with Pan and Method of Attachment

FIGS. 8A-8H comprise an exemplification of affixing a circular table top housed within a pan to a fence post. The steps disclosed in FIGS. 8A-8H are similar to the steps in FIGS. 7A-7I with the exception of not requiring the use of a rigid plate 430 atop a collar 420. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, the two rectangular parts of the collar 420 are bent 90 degrees and welded together to form a hollow square collar 420. The pan 300 is then affixed to the collar 420 either before or after inserting the table top 100 into the pan.

The pan 300 is fitted to the table top with a minimal gap between the sides of the pan and the sides of the table top. The height of the pan is also the same as the height of the table top. The purpose of the pan is to protect the table top from the weather elements, and to provide a secure, steady base to affix the table top to the fence post cap.

The pan may further comprise one or more holes for draining of rainwater and spilled fluids that collect between the bottom of the table top and the pan. In a preferred embodiment, there is a drainage hole in each corner of a square pan, and two or more locations about one-half inch from the seam of a circular pan.

Commercial Bases/Collars

The caps of the present invention can also be used with commercially available fence post cap bases in lieu of using the collar 420 with or without the rigid plate 430, and with or without the table top being inserted into the pan 500.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are illustrations of assembling a table top with or without a pan attached to a commercial base. As per FIG. 9A, the components comprise the base 410 (see also FIGS. 6A and 6B); and the table top 100, or the pan 300 with the table top 100 inserted within it. In a preferred embodiment, the base 410 is affixed to the bottom of the table top (FIG. 9B); and then the unit is slipped over the fence post 200 (FIG. 9C). One of skill in the art would readily know of methods to modify an existing fence post cap base for use with the caps of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

Claims

1. A cap for a fence post, comprising an apparatus for holding small objects in a stable manner, wherein said apparatus comprises:

a) an upper-surface suitable for securely holding objects larger than the fence post's cross-sectional area;

b) an under-surface comprising a means for securing said apparatus to the top of the fence post.

c) wherein said fence post is part of a deck railing or fenced patio; and,

d) wherein said cap is non-permanently or permanently affixed to said post.

2. The fence post cap of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is a small table or serving bowl of sufficient size to hold food and beverage containers for one or more individuals.

3. The fence post cap of claim 2, wherein said table is round, oval, square, or rectangular.

4. The fence post cap of claim 3, wherein said table comprises a rectangular table about 2 feet in length, 1 foot in width, and 2 inches in height.

5. The fence post cap of claim 3, wherein said means comprises a five sided hollow cubed collar comprising four square sides that encircle said fence post, and one top edge that attaches said collar to the center of the under-surface of said apparatus.

6. The fence post cap of claim 1, wherein said means comprises pan housing said apparatus, and wherein the center of the under-surface of said pan comprises a four sided hollow square collar affixed to said pan.

7. The fence post cap of claim 6, wherein said pan comprises a flat bottom surface and sides of dimensions about the same as said apparatus's.

8. The fence post cap of claim 7, wherein said pan further comprises at least one hole within said pan's bottom surface of sufficient size to adequately drain fluid collected with said pan and beneath said apparatus.

9. The fence post cap of claim 8, wherein said pan and collar are manufactured as one unit.

10. The fence post cap of claim 7, wherein said upper-surface of the apparatus comprises a lid sitting upon said pan, and wherein the contents of the pan is hollow.

11. A cap for a fence post, comprising an apparatus for use in entertaining and leisure, wherein said apparatus comprises:

a) a small table or serving bowl of sufficient size to hold food and beverage containers for one or more individuals, wherein the under-surface of said apparatus comprises a means for securing said apparatus to the top of the fence post;

b) wherein said fence post is part of a deck railing or fenced patio; and,

c) wherein said cap is non-permanently or permanently affixed to said post.

12. The fence post cap of claim 11, wherein said table is round, oval, square, or rectangular.

13. The fence post cap of claim 11, wherein said means comprises a five sided hollow cubed collar comprising four square sides that encircle said fence post, and one top edge that attaches said collar to the center of the under-surface of said apparatus.

14. The fence post cap of claim 11, wherein said table is round and about 2 feet in diameter and 2 inches in height.

15. The fence post cap of claim 11, wherein said means comprises pan housing said apparatus, and wherein the center of the under-surface of said pan comprises a four sided hollow square collar affixed to said pan.

16. The fence post cap of claim 15, wherein said pan comprises a flat bottom surface and sides of dimensions about the same as said apparatus's.

17. The fence post cap of claim 16, wherein said pan further comprises at least one hole within said pan's bottom surface of sufficient size to adequately drain fluid collected with said pan and beneath said apparatus.

18. The fence post cap of claim 17, wherein said pan and collar are manufactured as one unit.

19. The fence post cap of claim 15, wherein said upper-surface of the apparatus comprises a lid sitting upon said pan, and wherein the contents of the pan is hollow.

20. The fence post cap of claim 12, wherein said table is mounted on a corner of said deck railing or fenced patio.