Finial with concealed torch for hollow post

Abstract

A finial/torch assembly for mounting atop a hollow post portion of a fence or railing and a fence/railing assembly including the same includes a base adapted to be fitted securely atop the post, a burner including a fuel reservoir and a wick extending into the fuel reservoir, and a removable cover adapted to be fitted over the base to at least partially conceal the burner and to protect the burner from weather. The burner is secured to the base and the fuel reservoir extends from beneath the base and is adapted to be fitted substantially within an upper portion of the hollow post.

1 . A combined finial and torch for mounting atop a hollow post portion of a fence or railing, the combined finial and torch comprising:
 a base adapted to be fitted securely atop the post;   a burner including a fuel reservoir and a wick extending into the fuel reservoir, the burner being secured to the base and the fuel reservoir extending from beneath the base and adapted to be fitted substantially within an upper portion of the hollow post; and   a removable cover adapted to be fitted over the base to at least partially conceal the burner and to protect the burner from weather.   
     
     
         2 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the fuel reservoir is rectangular and when the combined finial and torch is positioned atop the hollow post the fuel reservoir is substantially completely positioned within the post. 
     
     
         3 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a twist-lock connection. 
     
     
         4 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a threaded connection. 
     
     
         5 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a magnet. 
     
     
         6 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the removable cover partly nests over the base and is removably, but firmly, held in place by a slight interference fit between the two. 
     
     
         7 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a tether attached to both the removable cover and the base for securing the removable cover to the base when the removable cover is not positioned atop the base. 
     
     
         8 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the removable cover has a substantially spherical dome-shaped upper portion. 
     
     
         9 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the removable cover has a substantially Gothic-shaped upper portion. 
     
     
         10 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the removable cover has a substantially bell-shaped upper portion. 
     
     
         11 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the base is snugly fitted to the top of the post and is held in place by an interference fit between the base and the top of the post. 
     
     
         12 . A combined finial and torch as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the post is solid and the base is snugly fitted to the top of the solid post and is held in place by one or more fasteners extending from the base into the top of the solid post. 
     
     
         13 . A fence or rail assembly comprising:
 a plurality of hollow posts;   rails extending between the posts;   combined finials/torches mounted atop some of the hollow posts, each combined finial and torch comprising a base adapted to be fitted securely atop the solid post, a burner including a fuel reservoir and a wick extending into the fuel reservoir, the burner being secured to the base and the fuel reservoir fitting substantially within the hollow post, and a removable cover adapted to be fitted over the base to at least partially conceal the burner and to protect the burner from weather; and   torchless finials mounted atop others of the posts, the torchless finials having substantially the same outward appearance as that of the combined finials/torches.   
     
     
         14 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the fuel reservoir is rectangular and when the combined finial and torch is positioned atop the hollow post the fuel reservoir is substantially completely positioned within the post. 
     
     
         15 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a twist-lock connection. 
     
     
         16 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a threaded connection. 
     
     
         17 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a magnet. 
     
     
         18 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the removable cover partly nests over the base and is removably, but firmly, held in place by a slight interference fit between the two. 
     
     
         19 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  further comprising a tether attached to both the removable cover and the base for securing the removable cover to the base when the removable cover is not positioned atop the base. 
     
     
         20 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the removable cover has a substantially spherical dome-shaped upper portion. 
     
     
         21 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the removable cover has a substantially Gothic-shaped upper portion. 
     
     
         22 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the removable cover has a substantially bell-shaped upper portion. 
     
     
         23 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the base is snugly fitted to the top of the post and is held in place by an interference fit between the base and the top of the post. 
     
     
         24 . A fence or rail assembly as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the post is solid and the base is snugly fitted to the top of the solid post and is held in place by one or more fasteners extending from the base into the top of the solid post.