US Patent 7118096 Protective guard for a fence

A combination includes a fence and a protective guard. The fence has vertical posts with upper ends and at least one top support bar extending between the vertical posts. The protective guard includes a tubular member having first and second ends, an outer surface extending between the first and second ends, an inner surface extending between the first and second ends that defines an interior space, and a slot extending between the inner and outer surfaces and the first and second ends of the tubular member. The tubular member is secured over an upper edge of the fence so that the upper ends of the vertical posts and the at least one top support bar are captured within the interior space of the tubular member. The combination also includes a spacer positioned between the inner surface of the tubular member and the at least one top support bar for supporting the tubular member between the vertical posts, and insulation material disposed in the slot and the interior space of the tubular member for sealing the interior space of the tubular member.