Fixative device for decorative finial

Abstract

A fixative device for a decorative finial capable of being press fit onto a picket or post includes a pair of contact tabs arranged to bridge across a bend or corner formed by the inner surface of the free end of a tubular picket or post. A fit may be provided by a channel and protrusion or o-ring.A plurality of contact tabs, each having two contact surfaces may accommodate manufacturing defects and variations in the wall thickness of tubular, extruded posts.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field relates to decorative finials.BACKGROUND[0002]Decorative finials are known that are press fit onto tubular posts. However, irregularities in the wall thickness of commercially available tubular posts makes press fittings unreliable resulting in loose or displaced finials. An improved, yet inexpensive and easy to fix finial that overcomes this disadvantage is a long standing and unresolved need.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]A device for fixing a decorative finial on a tubular post has a tubular portion shaped to fit on and / or in the top of a tubular post. A tubular post, having various cross sections shaped as square, rectangular, triangular, round and other cross sectional shapes, are well known in the art. The tubular portion extends downwardly from an end wall, the end wall at least partially closing a first end of the tubular portion, a second end of the tubular portion being open, whereby the tubular end of the tubular post is insertable ove...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In another example, contact tabs may be disposed diagonally at each corner of a triangular, square or rectangular cross sectional shape. One advantage of diagonally positioned contact tabs is that redundancy is provided, when more than two tabs are provided. Another advantage is that the width of one or more of the contact tabs or the position of one or more of the contact tabs may be varied compared to one or more of the other contact tabs, such that two or more different wall thicknesses of tubular posts may be accommodated with a single decorative finial.

[0010]One advantage of a fixative using corner tabs is that each corner tab provides two contact surfaces, which may contact two different walls of a tubular post. Another advantage is that a single pair of corner tabs in opposite corners of a post having a square or rectangular cross section is sufficient to secure the decorative finial on the post. Yet another advantage is that a decorative finial may be fixed in place by corner tabs without the need for any tubular portion extending outwardly from the bottom of the decorative finial. A plurality of corner tabs may be pinched within the cavity formed by an open tubular end of a post, fixing the decorative finial on the post by a press fit. Yet another advantage is that the corner tabs may be made of a substantially rigid material, such as metal or a stiff polymer, yet may also provide some elasticity based on a material's elastic modulus and the thickness and design of the corner tabs. Thus, the decorative finial may be positively clamped in place by the elastic and compression forces acting on the corner tabs.

[0011]Still another advantage is that additional tabs may be added to improve retention and to provide damage tolerance, if one or more tabs is broken or defective. Yet another advantage is that tubular posts having substantially different wall thicknesses may be accommodated using a single decorative finial with tabs having a plurality of gap widths. Still yet another advantage is accommodating tubular posts having substantial irregularities in wall thickness using the fixative device. Yet another advantage is accommodating tubular posts with substantial irregularities in the wall thickness at corners, because the contact surfaces of the tabs avoid contact of the diagonally disposed tabs with the walls at the corners.

Problems solved by technology

However, irregularities in the wall thickness of commercially available tubular posts makes press fittings unreliable resulting in loose or displaced finials.

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