US1798753A - Protective cap for metallic fence posts - Google Patents

Description

March 31, 1931. E. .1. PAQUE 1,798,753

PROTECTIVE CAP FOR METALLIC FENCE POSTS Filed Sept. 8, 1928 gwuenlo o [46m raf Pa aae W MM Patented Mar. 31, 1931 UNITE STATES PATP @FFICE EDWARD J. PAQ'UE, 0F CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TOTHE LPOLLAK STEEL COMPANY,

OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO l rnornomvn CAP non METALLIC Fnnon Pos'rs Application filed September 8, 1928. Serial No. 304,775.

This invention relates to metallic fence posts and especially to a protective cap or cover for application to the top of such posts after they have been driven into the ground.

An object of the invention is to provide means whereby metallic fence posts especially of a T-shaped type are protected against the effects of the elements and the subsequent unsightly appearance which results from the mar-ring or breaking away of paint or weather proofing coating at the top of the post when the post is driven into the ground.

Another object is to provide a simple, inexpensive means for the purpose stated and one which is easy to apply and which is capable of rendering the post more attractive.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fraginental elevation of a T- shaped fence post having a cap of the invention applied thereto.

ig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a cap of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the device shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4: is a front elevational view of the ca of the invention.

Ietallic fence posts are usually and preferably coated with some suitable weather resisting paint or coating which is usually intended to be somewhat decorative so that the resultant fence structure of which they form a part will not he unsightly. Aluminum paint is frequently used for the purpose. The fence posts which are usually T-shaped and comprise a table portion such as 8, see Fig. 1, and a leg 9, have a suitably sharpened point on their lower end, not shown. The entire post after fabrication is usually dipped in or coated with a suitable paint so as to prevent rusting. The posts are set up by driving the sharpened end into the ground with blows from a hammer or mall directed on the top 10. The hammer blows on top of the postwill break off the paint on the top of the post and leave exposed uncovered metal which subsequently rusts and not only shortens the period of usefulness of the post but causes almost immediate disfiguration of the 'of this invention to appearance of the post as a Whole because the exposed metal will rust and'the rusty water will run down the various faces of the post and stain the painted surfaces. In the herein disclosed embodiment of the invention a single sheet of metal is shown in a form pro vided for application to a T-shaped fence post. It will be understood that the mode of construction may be altered within the scope provide protective caps for various other shaped posts, examples of which are U-shaped and L shaped fence posts.

The cap comprises a substantially rectangular portion 11 which abuts the front face of the table of the post, flanges 12 extending from opposite sides thereof to embrace the edges 13 of the post and which have their end portions 14 turned toward one another so as to substantially abut the rear faces 15 of the table of the post and to terminate at the opposite sides of the leg 9. The top 15 of the cap is continuous with the top edge of the side 11 and is formed into a T-shape which covers the top end of the post by slotting it at opposite edges to points 16 and bending down the portions 17 to cover the opposite sides of theleg 9. The caps which are of a suitably heavy gauge of sheet metal are then dipped, sprayed or otherwise treated to provide a weather resisting finish whereupon they are ready for application to fence posts. The mode of application of the caps to the posts is obvious, consisting'merely of entering the leg 9 between the portions 17 of the can and the table portions in the pocket formed between the walls l t, 12 and 11. The cap is merely pressed down over the top of the post until it rests thereon. If desired the flanges may be indented as at 18 to insure good frictional binding on the fence post. The protective coating or paint for the cap may be uniform with the finish of the post or if desired may be in suitable color contrast therewith.

The cap of any suitable construction may broadly be said to consist of a top 15 which extends over the top end of a postand flanges arranged to frictionally retain the cap on the post. The toppreferably conforms to the top cross section as in the herein disclosed embodiment, but, it will be understood, such conformity is of secondary importance to the invention.

What isclaimed is: v 1. As a new article of manufacture a sheet 5 metal cap, for a T-shaped post comprising a leg and a table, the cap comprising a portion I adapted to surround the sides and end of the table and a'portion surrounding the sides and end of the leg, one ofthe surrounding porlo ,tions having addepression forming an inwardly extending boss to augment frictional binding thereof on the leg.

2. In combination with a T-shaped metallic fence post treated to prevent rusting and 15 adapted to be driven into the ground by repeatedly directing blows upon its top, therby .destroying the rust-proofing at said top end, a protective quickly applied frictionally held cap having a top of T-shape, and in.-

0 te ral ortions extendin therefrom for cov- Z a p 7 a:

' ering the damaged end ofthe fence post and ,precludingentry of moisture and subsequent streaking of the post with rusty water.

, In testimony whereof, I have hereunto sub- ,25 scribedmy name this 1st day of September,

EDWARD J. PAQUE.

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