System and method for supporting an item on a fence terminal post

Abstract

A support system is configured to support an external load on a chain link fence terminal post.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post, comprising:
 a post cap assembly including post cap configured to fit onto a top of a chain link fence terminal post and defining an axial threaded hole, the axial threaded hole having an axis substantially parallel to a centerline of the terminal post;   a threaded rod configured for threaded coupling to the axial threaded hole; and   a stabilizer assembly configured for operative coupling to the threaded rod and to an inside wall of the post, the stabilizer assembly being configured to stabilize the threaded rod against lateral loads above the post cap assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the post cap assembly is configured to support a vertical load on the threaded rod. 
     
     
         3 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the threaded rod is configured for threaded coupling through the axial threaded hole. 
     
     
         4 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the post cap assembly is configured as a monolithic threaded structure. 
     
     
         5 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the post cap assembly further comprises:
 an injection-molded post cap defining a fastener hole; and   a threaded fastener disposed in the fastener hole and defining the axial threaded hole.   
     
     
         6 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the post cap assembly comprises:
 a stamped steel post cap including a punched tube carrying an inner axial threaded surface forming the axial threaded hole.   
     
     
         7 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the post cap assembly comprises:
 a cast metal post cap carrying an axial tube;   the axial tube defining threads forming the axial threaded hole.   
     
     
         8 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 7 , wherein the cast metal post cap is formed from a near net shape casting operation; and
 wherein the threads are formed in the cast metal post cap by a secondary machining operation performed on the near net shape.   
     
     
         9 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the post cap assembly further comprises:
 a Galvanized stamped steel post cap configured to fit a chain link fence terminal post, the post cap defining an axial hole therethrough;   a threaded fastener extending from an upper surface of the post cap through the hole; and   a washer disposed subjacent a lower surface of the post cap and aligned with the threaded fastener.   
     
     
         10 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 9 , wherein the threaded fastener and the washer are adhesively joined to the post cap. 
     
     
         11 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the threaded rod includes ⅜ inch galvanized steel continuous threaded rod having a length of between about one and four feet. 
     
     
         12 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer further comprises:
 a cylindrical body configured to fit inside the terminal fence post; and   a second axial hole defined by the cylindrical body, the second axial hole configured for operable coupling to the threaded rod below the post cap assembly.   
     
     
         13 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 12 , wherein the second axial hole includes threads configured for threaded coupling to the threaded rod. 
     
     
         14 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 12 , wherein the stabilizer further comprises:
 a second threaded fastener disposed in the second axial hole, the second threaded fastener being configured for threaded coupling to the threaded rod.   
     
     
         15 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 12 , wherein the stabilizer further comprises:
 operatively coupled to a lower end of the cylindrical body, an end wall;   wherein the second axial hole is formed in the end wall.   
     
     
         16 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer is formed at least partially from glued-together polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe fittings. 
     
     
         17 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 16 , wherein the cylindrical body is formed at least partially from a section of PVC pipe. 
     
     
         18 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer consists essentially of:
 an injection-molded thermoplastic part.   
     
     
         19 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 18 , wherein the axial hole includes threads formed in a secondary operation. 
     
     
         20 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer comprises:
 an injection-molded body; and   a threaded fastener fixedly coupled to the injection-molded body.   
     
     
         21 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 20 , wherein the threaded fastener is co-molded with the injection-molded body. 
     
     
         22 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer is formed as a die cast metal part. 
     
     
         23 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 22 , wherein the axial hole includes threads formed in a secondary operation. 
     
     
         24 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer is formed as a deep drawn sheet metal part. 
     
     
         25 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 24 , wherein the stabilizer further comprises:
 operatively coupled to an upper end of the cylindrical body, a lip configured to support the cylindrical body from the top of the terminal fence post;   wherein the second axial hole is configured for slidable coupling to the threaded rod.   
     
     
         26 . The support system for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer includes a toric foam body. 
     
     
         27 . A method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post, comprising:
 providing a threaded rod;   screwing a post cap assembly over a top end of the threaded rod to leave a projecting portion of the threaded rod;   coupling a stabilizer assembly to a bottom end of the threaded rod; and   sliding the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly into a chain link fence terminal post until the post cap assembly rests against a top end of the chain link fence terminal post.   
     
     
         28 . The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 sliding a sleeve over the projecting portion of the threaded rod; and   sliding a decorative or functional item into or onto the sleeve.   
     
     
         29 . The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 screwing a decorative or functional item onto the projecting portion of the threaded rod.   
     
     
         30 . The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 27 , wherein coupling the stabilizer assembly to the bottom end of the threaded rod includes screwing the stabilizer assembly to the bottom end of the threaded rod. 
     
     
         31 . The method for mounting items onto a chain link fence terminal post of  claim 27 , wherein sliding the threaded rod and stabilizer assembly into a chain link fence terminal post includes sliding in the stabilizer having an interference fit with an inside wall of the chain link fence terminal post.