SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING AN ITEM ON A FENCE TERMINAL POST

Abstract

A support system is configured to support an external load on a chain link fence terminal post.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/892,282, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING AN ITEM ON A CHAIN LINK FENCE”, filed Oct. 17, 2013; in which, to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

TransformaFence (TM) support system turns a utilitarian-looking chain link fence terminal post into a support for a decorative or functional item such as a planter, bird feeder, solar lights, etc. A support system includes a cap, a threaded rod configured to be vertically supported by the cap, and a stabilizer configured to couple to the threaded rod inside the terminal post and to stabilize the threaded rod to minimize movement of the threaded rod out of parallel with the terminal post. The height of the threaded rod is adjustable so a to be adaptable to various item support heights above the cap.

A user can attach a decorative or functional item to the threaded rod, and then swap the item for any of a variety of different items. The support system is simple to install (without tools) by sliding an assembled threaded rod, stabilizer, and cap into a terminal fence post into the terminal post until the cap is firmly on top of the post. Optionally, the support system can be installed onto a terminal post with an attached decorative or functional item mounted on the threaded rod. Alternatively, a user can select an item (also referred to as an accessory herein) for mounting after the support system is installed and/or change an installed accessory at a later time. to the user can easily move the support system to a different post. For example, if the user wants to mount flower baskets in the spring and bird feeders in the fall, the change can be made by simply unscrewing the flower basket(s) and screwing on the bird feeder. The support system can be added to an existing fence by simply removing a standard cap and sliding on the support system.

According to an embodiment, a support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post includes a post cap assembly including post cap configured to fit onto a top of a chain link fence terminal post and defining an axial threaded hole, the axial threaded hole having an axis substantially parallel to a centerline of the terminal post. A threaded rod is configured for threaded coupling to the axial threaded hole. A stabilizer assembly is configured for operative coupling to the threaded rod to an inside wall of the post, the stabilizer assembly being configured to stabilize the threaded rod against lateral loads above the post cap assembly.

According to an embodiment, a method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post includes providing a threaded rod, screwing a post cap assembly over a top end of the threaded rod to leave a projecting portion of the threaded rod, coupling a stabilizer assembly to a bottom end of the threaded rod, and sliding the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly into a chain link fence terminal post until the post cap assembly rests against a top end of the chain link fence terminal post. A functional or decorative item can be screwed onto or slid over the projecting portion of the threaded rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a support system 100 for mounting items 101 onto a chain link fence terminal post 102, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a support system 200 for mounting items 101 onto a chain link fence terminal post 102, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 of the post cap assembly 104, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a support system 400, including an example of a mounted item 101 on a chain link fence terminal post 102, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for using the support system of FIGS. 1-4, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a support system 100 for mounting items 101 onto a chain link fence terminal post 102, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a support system 200 for mounting items 101 onto a chain link fence terminal post 102, similar to FIG. 1, with an example item 101 mounted on the chain link fence terminal post 102, according to an embodiment. The support system 100 includes a post cap assembly 104 including post cap 106 configured to fit onto a top 107 of a chain link fence terminal post 102 and defining an axial threaded hole 108. The axial threaded hole 108 has an axis 109 substantially parallel to a centerline 110 of the terminal post 102. A threaded rod 112 is configured for threaded coupling to the axial threaded hole 108. A stabilizer assembly 114 is configured for operative coupling to the threaded rod 112 and an inside volume 115 of the terminal post 102, the stabilizer assembly 114 being configured to stabilize the threaded rod 112 against lateral loads above the post cap assembly 104.

According to an embodiment, the post cap assembly 104 can be configured to support a vertical load on the threaded rod 112. The threaded rod 112 can be configured for threaded coupling through the axial threaded hole 108. Additionally or alternatively, the post cap assembly 104 can be configured as a monolithic threaded structure.

In another embodiment, a sleeve (see FIG. 3, 320) can be mounted over the threaded rod 112 above the post cap assembly 104. The sleeve 320 can hide the threads from view when an item is placed above a projecting portion of the threaded rod. The decorative or functional item 101 can be mounted onto the threaded rod 112 by sliding a mounting hole down over the sleeve or into the sleeve 320. Threaded and slidably mounted items 101 can be interchangeably mounted by adding or removing the sleeve.

Additionally or alternatively, the sleeve 320 can be selected to support the mounted item 101. In some embodiments, vertical support can be provided essentially by the threaded rod 112, with the sleeve maintaining alignment between the mounted item 101 and the threaded rod 112. In another embodiment, the sleeve can form a compression member that supports the vertical load of the item 101 against the post cap assembly 104 top, with the threaded rod providing lateral support to the sleeve to prevent buckling.

A chain link fence terminal post 102 normally has an outside diameter of about 2.375 inches and an inside diameter of about 2.25 inches. Such a post is normally referred to as a 2⅜″ post but is sometimes referred to as a 2½″ post. This is the normal size of terminal post used in residential fences.

Other types of cylindrical posts can be substituted for a chain link terminal post. In particular, the inventor has used the mounting system in conjunction with 2⅜″ posts that are freestanding on a tripod base. Other types of bases can be substituted.

In other embodiments, the size of the post cap assembly 104 and the stabilizer 114 can be varied to accommodate posts other than 2⅜″ posts. For example, in an embodiment, a 1½ inside diameter post can provide support for a suitably sized post cap assembly 104 and stabilizer 114.

FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 of a portion of the post cap assembly 104, according to an embodiment. The post cap assembly 104 can include an injection-molded post cap 106 defining a fastener hole 302. A threaded fastener 304 can be disposed in the fastener hole 302 and can define the axial threaded hole 108. The post cap assembly 104 can include a stamped steel post cap 106 including a punched tube carrying an inner axial threaded surface forming the axial threaded hole 108.

The post cap assembly 104 can include a cast metal post cap 106 carrying an axial tube. The axial tube can define threads forming the axial threaded hole 108. The cast metal post cap 106 can be formed from a near net shape casting operation. The threads can be formed in the cast metal post cap 106 by a secondary machining operation performed on the near net shape.

The post cap assembly 104 can further include a Galvanized stamped steel post cap 106 configured to fit a chain link fence terminal post 102, the post cap 106 defining an axial hole 302 therethrough. A threaded fastener 304 can extend from an upper surface 306 of the post cap 106 through the hole 108. A washer 308 can be disposed subjacent to a lower surface 310 of the post cap 106 and aligned with the threaded fastener 304. The threaded fastener 304 and the washer 308 can be adhesively joined to the post cap 106.

The threaded rod 112 can include 1/16 inch to ¾ inch galvanized steel continuous threaded rod. For example, the threaded rod 112 can include ⅜ inch galvanized steel continuous threaded rod 112 having a length of between about one and four feet. According to another embodiment, wherein the threaded rod 112 includes ⅜ inch galvanized steel continuous threaded rod having a length of about one and one-half foot. Optionally, threads can be omitted from portions of the rod that do not need to couple to a threaded fastener 304 or threaded hole. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded rod is zinc-plated steel nominal ⅜ inch with 16 threads per inch.

The stabilizer can further include a cylindrical body 316 configured to fit inside the terminal fence post. A second axial hole 314 can be defined by the cylindrical body 316, and can be configured for operable coupling to the threaded rod 112 below the post cap assembly 104. The second axial hole 314 can include threads configured for threaded coupling to the threaded rod 112. The stabilizer 114 can further include a second threaded fastener 304 disposed in the second axial hole 314. The second threaded fastener 304 can be configured for threaded coupling to the threaded rod 112. The stabilizer 114 can further include, operatively coupled to a lower end of the cylindrical body 316, an end wall 318. The second axial hole 314 can be formed in the end wall 318.

The stabilizer 114 can be formed at least partially from glued-together polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe fittings 312, 318. The cylindrical body 316 can be formed at least partially from a section of PVC pipe 312.

The stabilizer 114 can consist essentially of an injection-molded thermoplastic part. In this example, the axial hole can include threads formed in a secondary operation.

The stabilizer 114 can include an injection-molded body and a threaded fastener 304 fixedly coupled to the injection-molded body. The threaded fastener 304 can be co-molded with the injection-molded body, for example.

The stabilizer 114 can be formed as a die cast metal part. The axial hole can include threads formed in a secondary operation. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilizer 114 can be formed as a deep drawn sheet metal part.

The depictions of FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a stabilizer 114 having an end wall 318 that defines a second axial hole 314 and which couples or is continuous with a cylindrical portion 316 at the outer radius of the end wall 318. As illustrated, the end wall can be positioned at a lower extent of the stabilizer 114 with the cylindrical portion 316 extending upward from the end wall 318.

The inventor contemplates alternative stabilizer configurations. In the configuration depicted in FIG. 2, the stabilizer 114 can be coupled to the threaded rod 112 such that the end wall 318 is positioned at an upper extent of the stabilizer 114 and the cylindrical portion 316 extends downward from the end wall 318. In other words, the stabilizer 114 can be mounted upside-down relative to the depictions of FIGS. 1-3. In another stabilizer configuration, an intermediate wall (not shown) can be substituted for the end wall 318, and the cylindrical portion 316 can extend both upward and downward from the intermediate wall.

The end wall 318 or intermediate wall can be continuous or can be formed as a discontinuous surface such as a surface formed as one or more planes of spokes extending from near the second axial hole 314 to the cylindrical portion 312. Alternatively, the end wall 318 or intermediate wall can be formed to include peripheral apertures between the second axial hole and the cylindrical portion 312. The peripheral apertures (or spokes) can be used, for example to affect compliance of the end wall 318 or intermediate wall. In another example, the peripheral apertures (or spokes) can be included essentially to reduce the amount of material in the stabilizer 114 and/or to reduce the weight of the stabilizer 114. In another embodiment, the peripheral apertures (or spokes) can be included primarily to allow passage of humidity upward and downward within the terminal post 102 so as to reduce or prevent condensation.

The cylindrical portion 316 can be continuous or discontinuous. For example, the cylindrical portion 316, illustrated in sectional view in FIGS. 1-3 can be rotationally symmetric such that the cylindrical portion 316 forms a solid cylinder, and the views 100, 200, 300 would be substantially identical in any vertical plane. In another embodiment, the cylindrical portion 316 can define holes formed in the cylindrical portion such that the cylindrical portion resembles a perforated pipe (and indeed, the cylindrical portion 316 can be formed from a perforated PVC pipe). In another embodiment, the cylindrical portion 316 can include grooves formed in its outer diameter such that, in some vertical sections, the groove lifts off the inside surface of the terminal post 102. Such grooves can be used, for example, to provide for passage of humidity upward and downward in the cavity 115 of the terminal post to reduce or prevent condensation. Additionally or alternatively, inclusion of grooves in the cylindrical portion 316 can increase mechanical compliance of the stabilizer 114. In such a case, the stabilizer 114 may be provided to have an interference fit against the inside surface of the terminal post 102. An interference fit can improve, for example, earthquake or wind resistance, and/or can be used to reduce an incidence of theft of the support system 100, 200, 300 and/or a mounted item by making it difficult to slide the support system 100, 200, 300 out of the terminal post 102.

In another embodiment, the views 100, 200, 300 can represent a stabilizer 114 in which the cylindrical portion 316 is formed as a plurality of discrete or discontinuous sections, each section being supported by a continuous or discontinuous end wall 318 or intermediate wall. For example, the cylindrical portion 316 can be formed as a discontinuous radial surface defined by a plurality of projections from a region of the end wall 318 or intermediate wall peripheral to the second axial hole 314, such that the distal end of each projection, independently of others of the projections, positions or urges its radial surface against the inside of the terminal post 102.

Referring to FIG. 3, the mounting system 100, 200, 300 can optionally include a sleeve 320 configured to slide over or screw onto the projecting portion of the threaded rod 112. The item 101 can include a downward projecting portion, as shown, that slides into the sleeve 320. Alternatively, the item 101 can slide over the sleeve 302 to rest upon the top of the post cap assembly 104 (configuration not shown).

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a support system 400, including an example of a mounted item 101, 402 on a chain link fence terminal post 102, according to an embodiment. The stabilizer 114 can further include, an operatively coupled upper end of the cylindrical body 316, a lip configured to support the cylindrical body 316 from the top 107 of the terminal fence post. The second axial hole 314 can be configured for slidable coupling to the threaded rod 112.

In one embodiment, second axial hole 314 is sufficiently large to clear the threads of the threaded rod 112. For example, the second axial hole 314 can be sized to provide 0.01 to 0.10 inch of clearance between the tips of the threads of the threaded rod 112 and the second axial hole 314. In another embodiment, the second axial hole 314 is sized for partial interference with the threads of the threaded rod 112. For example, the partial interference can allow the threads to pass through the second axial hole 314 with resistance sufficiently low to allow manual insertion without additional tools. In another embodiment, the threaded rod 112 includes a non-threaded region, and the second axial hole 314 is sized for slidable coupling to the non-threaded region of the threaded rod 112. Slidable coupling can, for example, refer to 0.01 to 0.035 inches of clearance between the non-threaded region of the threaded rod 112 and the second axial hole 314.

The stabilizer 114 can optionally be formed as a toric (stiff) foam body.

While description heretofore has focused on providing a mounting system for mounting items on a chain link fence terminal post, the inventor contemplates using the mounting system to mount items on other hollow non-cylindrical posts, such as a hollow square post.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 for using the support system of FIGS. 1-4, according to an embodiment. The method 500 for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post includes, in step 502, providing a threaded rod. In step 504 a post cap assembly is screwed over a top end of the threaded rod to leave a projecting portion of the threaded rod. Proceeding to step 506, a stabilizer assembly is coupled to a bottom end of the threaded rod. Coupling the stabilizer assembly to the bottom end of the threaded rod in step 506 can include screwing the stabilizer assembly to the bottom end of the threaded rod.

In step 508, the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly is slid into a chain link fence terminal post until the post cap assembly rests against a top end of the chain link fence terminal post. Sliding the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly into a chain link fence terminal post in step 508 can optionally include sliding a stabilizer having an interference fit with an inside wall of the chain link fence terminal post into the terminal post.

The method 500 can include optional step 510, wherein a sleeve is slid or screwed over the projecting portion of the threaded rod.

According to an embodiment, the method 500 includes step 512, wherein a decorative or functional item is coupled to the projecting portion of the threaded rod. For embodiments including optional step 510, step 512 includes sliding the decorative or functional item into or onto the sleeve. For embodiments that do not use the sleeve, step 512 includes screwing a decorative or functional item onto the projecting portion of the threaded rod.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post, comprising:

a post cap assembly including post cap configured to fit onto a top of a chain link fence terminal post and defining an axial threaded hole, the axial threaded hole having an axis substantially parallel to a centerline of the terminal post;

a threaded rod configured for threaded coupling to the axial threaded hole; and

a stabilizer assembly configured for operative coupling to the threaded rod and to an inside wall of the post, the stabilizer assembly being configured to stabilize the threaded rod against lateral loads above the post cap assembly.

2. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the post cap assembly is configured to support a vertical load on the threaded rod.

3. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the threaded rod is configured for threaded coupling through the axial threaded hole.

4. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the post cap assembly is configured as a monolithic threaded structure.

5. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the post cap assembly further comprises:

an injection-molded post cap defining a fastener hole; and

a threaded fastener disposed in the fastener hole and defining the axial threaded hole.

6. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the post cap assembly comprises:

a stamped steel post cap including a punched tube carrying an inner axial threaded surface forming the axial threaded hole.

7. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the post cap assembly comprises:

a cast metal post cap carrying an axial tube;

the axial tube defining threads forming the axial threaded hole.

8. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 7, wherein the cast metal post cap is formed from a near net shape casting operation; and

wherein the threads are formed in the cast metal post cap by a secondary machining operation performed on the near net shape.

9. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the post cap assembly further comprises:

a Galvanized stamped steel post cap configured to fit a chain link fence terminal post, the post cap defining an axial hole therethrough;

a threaded fastener extending from an upper surface of the post cap through the hole; and

a washer disposed subjacent a lower surface of the post cap and aligned with the threaded fastener.

10. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 9, wherein the threaded fastener and the washer are adhesively joined to the post cap.

11. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the threaded rod includes ⅜ inch galvanized steel continuous threaded rod having a length of between about one and four feet.

12. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer further comprises:

a cylindrical body configured to fit inside the terminal fence post; and

a second axial hole defined by the cylindrical body, the second axial hole configured for operable coupling to the threaded rod below the post cap assembly.

13. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 12, wherein the second axial hole includes threads configured for threaded coupling to the threaded rod.

14. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 12, wherein the stabilizer further comprises:

a second threaded fastener disposed in the second axial hole, the second threaded fastener being configured for threaded coupling to the threaded rod.

15. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 12, wherein the stabilizer further comprises:

operatively coupled to a lower end of the cylindrical body, an end wall;

wherein the second axial hole is formed in the end wall.

16. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is formed at least partially from glued-together polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe fittings.

17. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 16, wherein the cylindrical body is formed at least partially from a section of PVC pipe.

18. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer consists essentially of:

an injection-molded thermoplastic part.

19. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 18, wherein the axial hole includes threads formed in a secondary operation.

20. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer comprises:

an injection-molded body; and

a threaded fastener fixedly coupled to the injection-molded body.

21. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 20, wherein the threaded fastener is co-molded with the injection-molded body.

22. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is formed as a die cast metal part.

23. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 22, wherein the axial hole includes threads formed in a secondary operation.

24. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is formed as a deep drawn sheet metal part.

25. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 24, wherein the stabilizer further comprises:

operatively coupled to an upper end of the cylindrical body, a lip configured to support the cylindrical body from the top of the terminal fence post;

wherein the second axial hole is configured for slidable coupling to the threaded rod.

26. The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer includes a toric foam body.

27. A method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post, comprising:

providing a threaded rod;

screwing a post cap assembly over a top end of the threaded rod to leave a projecting portion of the threaded rod;

coupling a stabilizer assembly to a bottom end of the threaded rod; and

sliding the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly into a chain link fence terminal post until the post cap assembly rests against a top end of the chain link fence terminal post.

28. The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 27, further comprising:

sliding a sleeve over the projecting portion of the threaded rod; and

sliding a decorative or functional item into or onto the sleeve.

29. The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 27, further comprising:

screwing a decorative or functional item onto the projecting portion of the threaded rod.

30. The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 27, wherein coupling the stabilizer assembly to the bottom end of the threaded rod includes screwing the stabilizer assembly to the bottom end of the threaded rod.

31. The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of claim 27, wherein sliding the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly into a chain link fence terminal post includes sliding in the stabilizer having an interference fit with an inside wall of the chain link fence terminal post.