Fence cap and assembly

Abstract

A flexible elongated cap for topping a fence panel. The elongated cap comprises a durable casing surrounding a foam core wherein the casing defines a channel for receiving the upper end of the fence panel. The side walls of the channel are angled inward to provide a clamping affect over the upper end of the fence panel. The cap is aesthetically shaped and is flexible to allow for adaptation to a variety of fence panel shapes.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fence assembly comprising: 
 a vertical panel having an upper end and comprising one or more vertical pieces; and    a U-shaped cap substantially surrounding and grippingly engaging the upper end of the vertical panel.    
     
     
         2 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the U-shaped cap is further defined by a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third wall wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are generally parallel to each other and wherein the third upper wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall.  
     
     
         3 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the first and second side walls are angled slightly toward each other.  
     
     
         4 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend from the third upper wall at an angle of between 67.5 degrees and 89.9 degrees relative to the upper wall.  
     
     
         5 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the cap comprises an elongated casing defining a channel and an interior cavity, the channel being dimensioned for receiving the upper end of the vertical panel therein and a core material substantially filling the interior cavity.  
     
     
         6 . A fence assembly comprising: 
 a vertical panel having an upper end and comprising one or more vertical pieces; and    an elongated, at least somewhat casing having a peripheral wall defining a channel, the channel being shaped and dimensioned for receiving the upper end of the vertical panel therein.    
     
     
         7 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the channel is further defined by a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third upper wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend transversely to the third upperwall and wherein the third upper wall is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall.  
     
     
         8 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the first and second side walls are canted slightly toward each other.  
     
     
         9 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend from the third upper wall at an angle of between 67.5 degrees and 89.9 degrees relative to the third upper wall.  
     
     
         10 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the cap substantially surrounds and grippingly engages the upper end of the vertical panel.  
     
     
         11 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the casing comprises molded plastic.  
     
     
         12 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the casing defines an interior cavity which is filled with a rigid foam core material.  
     
     
         13 . A fence assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the peripheral wall of the casing is between about 0.010 and 0.100 inches thick.