Fixture and mounting assembly for a fence post

Abstract

A post assembly for a hollow post includes an elongated support, preferably a standard pipe, at least one fixture, and, optionally, a mount. The fixture includes a fitting having a bore for receiving the elongated support, and a web that extends from the fitting to support a plurality of friction plates adapted to engage the inner walls of the hollow post. When employed, the mount allows for adjustment of the vertical alignment of the elongated support. The elongated support is attached to a bracket which is positioned over a base having a plurality of members extending upward through holes in the bracket. Movement of adjustment members positioned between the base and bracket allow for adjustment of the angle of the elongated support. A method of installation using the fixtures and mounts of the invention is also provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] In recent years, plastic, and particularly vinyl fences have become common and popular as an alternative to traditional wood fencing. These fences are stronger, longer lasting, safer, and virtually maintenance free. They are also largely weather resistant and impervious to pests such as termites. The color of the vinyl is integral to the fence, and the vinyl composition is often modified to incorporate ultraviolet protective agents (such as titanium oxide), eliminating the need for paints or stains. Vinyl fencing can come in a variety of styles, mimicking traditional picket, semi-private, privacy, and even wrought iron fencing. Most fence posts for vinyl fencing are of hollow construction, and while a variety of shapes are possible, the most common has a square cross-section -and a corresponding square inner cross-section. [0002] The conventional method for installing a post, including vinyl fence posts, has been to excavate a post hole, place the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] Another embodiment of the invention relates to an adjustable mount for a hollow post. The adjustable mount includes an elongated support structure, such as a pipe, which is adapted for positioning within a hollow fence post. The support structure extends from a mounting bracket which is positioned over a base. Extending upwardly from the base are a number of threaded members which extend through a number of holes in the mounting bracket. Adjustment members, such as a conventional nut, are positioned onto each of the threaded members between the base and the mounting bracket, so that movement of the adjustment members adjusts the angle of the elongated support structure relative to the base.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback of the device disclosed in Speece is that the fence post is supported from the base only.

While there are many advantages to using hollow vinyl posts, the conventional method of using screws to attach such hardware is problematic because the thickness of the walls of the posts is often insufficient.

One problem associated with the mounts of the prior art lies in adjusting the vertical alignment of the post.

Variations in the surface of, for example, a wood deck, can cause a post using such mounts to lean at an undesirable angle.

In some instances, the structure may simply not be appropriately level.

To correct the vertical alignment, it is often necessary to use a shim, which can be unsightly and unstable.

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