US20110198551A1

US20110198551A1 - Finial with concealed torch for a post

Info

Publication number: US20110198551A1
Application number: US13/030,338
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith Howard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-02-18
Filing date: 2011-02-18
Publication date: 2011-08-18

Abstract

A finial/torch assembly for mounting atop a solid or 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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/305,754, filed Feb. 18, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people use outdoor candles or oil burners to provide a pleasant scent outdoors, for illumination, or to ward off pesky insects during an outdoor function. Outdoor illuminating torches, for example, TIKI TORCHES® (sold by Lamplight Farms, Inc.), are among the most popular means of providing an outdoor candle or oil burner to accomplish one or more of these tasks. Outdoor torches are, however, cumbersome in that they must first be set up, used, uninstalled, and placed back in storage if they are not to be used for extended periods of time. Outdoor torches can also be an aesthetic eyesore, as they may not fit well with the overall aesthetic of a user's backyard or home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first preferred form, the present invention relates to a combined finial and torch for mounting atop a solid or hollow post portion of a fence or railing. The combined finial and torch comprises a base adapted to be fitted securely atop the post, a burner including a fuel reservoir and a wick extending into the fuel reservoir, wherein the burner is secured to the base, and a removable cover is adapted to be fitted over the base to at least partially conceal the burner and to protect the burner from weather.
Optionally, the removable cover is secured to the base by any of several techniques, such as a twist-lock connection, a threaded connection, or a magnet.
In one optional form, the removable cover partly nests over the base and is removably, but firmly, held in place by a slight interference fit between the two.
Optionally, a tether can be 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.
In one optional form, the removable cover has a substantially spherical dome-shaped upper portion. In another optional form, the removable cover has a substantially Gothic-shaped upper portion. In yet another optional form, the removable cover has a substantially bell-shaped upper portion.
Optionally, 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. In another optional form, 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.
Optionally, the fuel reservoir extends above the base.
In a second preferred form, the present invention relates to a fence or rail assembly comprising a plurality of posts, rails extending between the posts, combined finials/torches mounted atop some of the posts, and torchless finials mounted atop the other posts. The combined finial and torch each comprises 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 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 torchless finials have substantially the same outward appearance as that of the combined finials/torches when the removable covers are covering the burners of the combined finials/torches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a combined finial/torch according to a first example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the combined finial/torch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a combined finial/torch according to a second example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a combined finial/torch according to a third example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a fence/railing assembly according to a fourth example embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-2 show a combined finial and torch 10 comprising a base 20, a burner 30, and a removable cover 40, according to a first example embodiment. The finial and torch 10 rests atop a post P. In this embodiment, the post P is solid wood and has a square shaped cross-section. However, the finial and torch 10 can optionally be used with a hollow post P, as seen in FIG. 3. The post P can additionally be constructed out of metal, resin, plastic, or any other suitable material. Moreover, the post P can have a cross-section of various sizes and shapes. For example, the post P could have a circular shape and the base 20 can have a corresponding similar shape.
The base 20 rests on the top of the post P and can be made out of metal, plastic, resin, or any other suitable material. The base 20 comprises a base platform 22, a base lip/skirt 24, and a cover connector 26. The base 20 preferably has a shape to match that of the post P. In this embodiment, the platform 22 has a square shape and an outer periphery slightly larger than that of the cross-section of the post P. The lip/skirt 24 optionally extends downwardly from the outer periphery of the platform 22 and preferably is designed to partially cover the top of the post P. The lip/skirt 24 additionally can be designed to provide a friction or interference fit between the base 20 and the post P, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Additionally, the base 20 optionally can be secured to the post P by a plurality of fasteners 28, such as nails, screws, or any other type of fastener. Alternatively or additionally, adhesive can be used to help secure the base 20.
The cover connector 26 rests on the top surface of the platform 22. The cover connector 26 is used to removably secure the cover 40 to the base 20 and in the example form shown is depicted to comprise a plurality of rectangular nubs, as seen in FIGS. 1-2. These nubs provide a friction or interference fit between the base 20 and the cover 40. Other types of connections, such as a twist-lock connection, a snap-fit connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, etc. or a combination of connections, can be employed as well.
The burner 30 is secured to and extends upwardly from the base 20. The burner 30 comprises a body or housing 32, a fuel reservoir 34, a wick 36, and a burner cap 38. The reservoir 34 is recessed within the body 32 and acts as a container for fuel, such as oil or any other suitable or purposeful liquid fuel. The wick 36 extends into the reservoir 34 and has a portion extending above the burner 30. The burner cap 38 is removable from the burner 30 to allow fuel to be poured therein and replenished.
The cover 40 normally rests on the top of the base 20 and comprises an upper portion 42 and a lower periphery 44. The cover 40 can be made of metal, plastic, resin, or any other suitable material. The cover 40 is adapted to be fitted over the base 20 to at least partially conceal the burner 30 and protect the burner 30 from weather. It also can act to snuff the burner. The cover 40 shown in FIGS. 1-2 has a substantially Gothic-shaped upper portion 42.
In FIGS. 1-2, the lower periphery 44 is a circular ring designed and dimensioned to have its inner surface engage the outer sides of the rectangular nubs 26 by a friction or interference fit. Other features and mechanisms can be added to the outer periphery 44, depending on the type of cover connector 26 used.
FIG. 3 shows a finial and torch 110 in another preferred example form, generally similar to the finial and torch 10, and having a substantially bell-shaped upper portion 142. FIG. 4 shows a finial and torch 210, similar to the finial and torch 10, having a substantially spherical dome-shaped upper portion 242 according to yet a third example embodiment. Accordingly, it can be seen that other shapes can be employed to suit particular design or aesthetic needs.
The finial and torch 10 can optionally include a tether 50 that secures the cover 40 to the base 20. In this example embodiment, the tether 50 comprises a metal chain connected to two metal plates that are attached at opposite ends to the base 20 and the cover 40. The tether 50 can be constructed of metal or plastic chain, rope, webbing, or any other suitable material. Further, the tether can be a bit of monofilament or woven line, string, leather, etc. Additionally, the tether 50 can be dimensioned to be any desired length, depending on the size of the finial and torch 10, mounting locations of the tether 50, etc. Optionally, the tether 50 can be removable from the base 20 and/or the cover 40.
In use, the finial and torch 10 initially rests atop the post P. A user can remove the cover 40 and optionally let the cover 40 hang from the base 20 by the tether 50. The user can then ignite the wick 36 with a match, lighter, or the like, burning the fuel to create a pleasant scent, provide illumination, ward off insects, etc., depending on the type of fuel contained inside the reservoir 34. If the fuel in the reservoir 34 runs out, the user can refill the reservoir 34 with more fuel by removing the burner cap 38 and pouring fuel into the reservoir 34. When the burner 30 is no longer needed, the user can extinguish the flame on the wick 36, re-cover the burner 30 with the cover 40, and re-secure the cover 40 to the base 20 by means of the cover connector 26. Optionally, the user can simply replace the cover 40 on the base 20 to snuff the flame.
As seen in FIG. 5, a fence or rail assembly 18 is shown according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The fence or rail assembly 18 comprises a plurality of posts 12, a plurality of rails 14 extending between the posts 12, a plurality of combined finials/torches 10 mounted atop some of the posts 12, and a plurality of torchless finials 16 mounted atop the other posts 12. The combined finials/torches 10 are substantially similar to the first example embodiment finial and torch 10. The combined finials/torches 10 can optionally be placed in sequential, alternating, or random order among the fence posts 12, allowing the user to determine the most favorable setup for his/her fence assembly. As seen in the example of FIG. 5, the combined finials/torches 10 are placed in alternating order with the torchless finials 16 atop the posts 12. The torchless finials 16 have substantially the same outward appearance as that of the combined finials/torches 10 so that the combined finials/torches 10 and the torchless finials 16 match each other aesthetically. The fence or rail assembly 18 can be sold as a prefabricated unit, an assembly kit, or as separate components to allow for complete customization by the user.
While this invention has been described in detail with particular reference to exemplary embodiments and variations thereof, it is to be understood that other variations and modifications can be effected within the scope and spirit of the invention, as described above and as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combined finial and torch for mounting atop a solid or 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

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 extends above the base.

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 posts;

rails extending between the posts;

combined finials/torches mounted atop some of the posts, the 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 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 removable cover is secured to the base by a twist-lock connection.

15. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a threaded connection.

16. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the removable cover is secured to the base by a magnet.

17. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 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.

18. 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.

19. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the removable cover has a substantially spherical dome-shaped upper portion.

20. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the removable cover has a substantially Gothic-shaped upper portion.

21. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the removable cover has a substantially bell-shaped upper portion.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. A fence or rail assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the fuel reservoir extends above the base.