Decorative topper system and method

Abstract

A system includes a top rail configured at an initial position. The system also includes one or more plugs positioned underneath the top rail. The one or more plugs and top rail are positioned within a same connected device. The one or more plugs include spring clips to enable the top rail and one or more plugs to be connected to a top portion of a fence. The system also includes a mid-rail positioned at the top portion of the fence, wherein the mid-rail is configured to receive the one or more plugs.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A decorative topper system comprising:
 a top rail;   a decorative panel positioned beneath the top rail;   a plurality of plugs positioned beneath the decorative panel, each plug including a spring clip;   a mid-rail configured with a plurality of openings to receive the plugs; and   a foam connector positioned at least partially around the top rail and the decorative panel, the foam connector securing the top rail to the decorative panel.   
     
     
         22 . The decorative topper system of  claim 21 , wherein the foam connector and a plurality of locking shim parts secure the top rail to the decorative panel. 
     
     
         23 . The decorative topper system of  claim 21 , further comprising a plurality of pickets provided below the mid-rail opposite the decorative panel, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned over the pickets and between the pickets. 
     
     
         24 . The decorative topper system of  claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of plugs are inserted into at least a portion of the plurality of openings positioned over the pickets. 
     
     
         25 . The decorative topper system of  claim 21 , further comprising one or more external clips configured to secure the decorative panel to the mid-rail. 
     
     
         26 . The decorative topper system of  claim 21 , further comprising an external clip positioned around the decorative panel and the mid-rail, wherein the foam connector and external clip collectively ensure secure connection of the decorative topper system. 
     
     
         27 . A method of assembling a decorative topper system onto a fence, the method comprising:
 positioning a plurality of plugs beneath the decorative panel, each plug including a spring clip;   inserting the plugs into corresponding openings of a mid-rail positioned at a top portion of the fence;   connecting a top rail to a decorative panel; and   placing a foam connector at least partially around the top rail and the decorative panel to secure the top rail to the decorative panel.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising securing the decorative panel to the mid-rail with an external clip. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising providing a plurality of pickets below the mid-rail and opposite the decorative panel, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned over the pickets and between the pickets. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of plugs are inserted into at least a portion of the plurality of openings positioned over the pickets. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising securing, with one or more external clips, the decorative panel to the mid-rail. 
     
     
         32 . A foam connector for a decorative topper system, the foam connector comprising:
 a body formed of a foam material;   a first surface configured to engage a portion of a top rail; and   a second surface configured to engage a portion of a decorative panel positioned beneath the top rail;   wherein the foam connector is configured to secure the top rail to the decorative panel between the first surface and the second surface.   
     
     
         33 . The foam connector of  claim 32 , wherein the body includes a slot or channel configured to receive an edge of the decorative panel.