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US 5,421,556 AGranted
Modular fencing components
AssigneeAssociated Materials, LLC
InventorsMark E. Dodge, Michael A. Fiume, Brian K. McGarry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A plastic fence post and cap are secured to each other by a spring tab arrangement which is completely concealed after assembly. In one embodiment, a bottom section of the cap fits over the end of the post and tabs projecting inwardly from opposed panels of the bottom section extend into holes extending through opposed sides of the post. In a second embodiment, a bottom part of the cap is received within the tubular post and has outwardly extending tabs that spring into recesses provided along inner sidewall surfaces of the post.
Claims7
A modular post and cap assembly, comprising:
- an elongated tubular post having a post sidewall of generally uniform wall thickness extending longitudinally to a first end;
- an end cap attachable to said first end, said cap having an upper section for covering said first end and a bottom section comprising a cap sidewall that extends about the periphery of said upper section and fits over said first end of the post in overlapping relation therewith;
- and
- a spring tab arrangement for attaching said cap to said tubular post, said spring tab arrangement comprising a spring tab provided on an inside surface of said cap sidewall, and a cavity provided on an outside surface of the post side wall, for mating with said spring tab;
- wherein:
- during assembly of the cap onto said post, said spring tab is elastically displaceable in a direction away from said cavity then able to spring into said cavity;
- and
- neither of said spring tab or said cavity extends beyond a lower edge of said cap sidewall when said post and cap are assembled, wherein said spring tab arrangement is completely concealed by said cap sidewall.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.