Method and apparatus for installing a fencing structure to a fence pole

Abstract

A method and apparatus for assisting a fence installer while erecting and installing a fence, which includes at least one fence pole, as well as a fencing structure to be hung and fastened to the poles. A fence installer utilizes a fence pole cap as a third hand, while hanging the fencing structure. The fence pole cap includes at least one sidewall and at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of a fence pole. A cover is coupled to an upper portion of the at least one sidewall. The cantilever member extends from the sidewall, and includes a channel formed on an upper surface of the cantilever member. The fence pole cap is positioned on a top of a pole, and the channel of the cantilever member temporarily supports a structural member of the fencing structure while the fencing structure is fastened to the pole.

1 . A fence pole cap to assist in hanging a fencing structure on a fence pole, comprising: 
 at least one sidewall having an upper portion and at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe a portion of the fence pole;    a cover coupled to said upper portion of said at least one sidewall, said inner surface defining a first channel for engaging the top of the fence pole, wherein said first channel is sized to permit installation and removal of said fence pole cap from the top of said fence pole; and    at least one cantilever member extending from said at least one sidewall, said at least one cantilever member having a second channel formed on its upper surface.    
   
   
       2 . The fence pole cap of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one base support extending from the external surface of said at least one sidewall.  
   
   
       3 . The fence pole cap of  claim 2 , wherein each of said at least one base support comprises a base extension extending outwardly from said at least one sidewall.  
   
   
       4 . The fence pole cap of  claim 3 , wherein each said base extension comprises an aperture.  
   
   
       5 . The fence pole cap of  claim 1 , wherein said removal of said fence pole cap includes slidable disengagement of the inner walls defining the first channel from the top of the fence pole after said fencing structure is secured to the fence pole.  
   
   
       6 . The fence pole cap of  claim 3 , wherein each said second channel is positioned a distance from said at least one sidewall greater than a length of said at least one base extension.  
   
   
       7 . The fence pole cap of  claim 1 , wherein said second channel is semi-circular in shape.  
   
   
       8 . The fence pole cap of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one sidewall comprises two opposing sidewalls each having a first end.  
   
   
       9 . The fence pole cap of  claim 8 , wherein each said opposing sidewall further comprises a second end, wherein said second ends define a first opening to the first channel formed by said at least one inner surface.  
   
   
       10 . The fence pole cap of  claim 8 , wherein said cover is coupled along an upper perimeter of said opposing sidewalls.  
   
   
       11 . The fence pole cap of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one cantilever member comprises a pair of cantilever members formed proximate said upper portion of said opposing sidewalls.  
   
   
       12 . The fence pole cap of  claim 11 , wherein each of said pair of cantilever members is respectively formed proximate each second end of said opposing sidewalls.  
   
   
       13 . The fence pole cap of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one base support comprises a pair of base supports, each base member respectively being formed proximate a lower portion of each said opposing sidewalls.  
   
   
       14 . The fence pole cap of  claim 13 , wherein said pair of base supports is formed proximate said second end of said opposing sidewalls.  
   
   
       15 . The fence pole cap of  claim 14 , wherein said apertures are adapted to receive a common fastener therethrough.  
   
   
       16 . The fence pole cap of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one inner surface of said at least one sidewall is shaped to accommodate the top of the fence pole.  
   
   
       17 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . The fence pole cap of  claim 8 , further comprising a rear sidewall formed substantially perpendicularly between said first ends.  
   
   
       22 . The fence pole cap of  claim 8 , wherein said opposing sidewalls define a second opening that opposes the interior surface of said rear wall.  
   
   
       23 . The fence pole cap of  claim 22 , wherein said second opening is sized to permit installation and removal of said fence pole cap with the top portion of said fence pole via said first channel.  
   
   
       24 . The fence pole cap of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one cantilever member includes a cantilever member extending from each of said opposing sidewalls.  
   
   
       25 . A fence pole cap tool for hanging a fencing structure on a fence pole, comprising: 
 at least one sidewall having an upper portion, opposing ends, and at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe a portion of the fence pole;    a cover coupled to said upper portion of said at least one sidewall, said inner surface defining a first channel, wherein said opposing ends and first channel are sized to permit installation with a top portion of the fence pole and removal of said fence pole cap tool from said fence pole;    a cantilever member extending from each of said opposing ends and proximate the upper portion of said at least one sidewall, each cantilever member including a second channel formed on an upper surface of said cantilever member and sized to receive said fencing structure; and    a base support member extending from each of said opposing ends and proximate a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, each base support member including an aperture sized to receive a fastener for temporarily securing said fence pole cap tool to the top portion of said fence pole.