U.S. patent application number 10/394413 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for extruded fence post and rail system.
Invention is credited to Dodson, Gordon Charles, Kise, Kazuhiko, Takagi, Kyozaburo.
Application Number | 20030213947 10/394413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28678168 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030213947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takagi, Kyozaburo ; et
al. |
November 20, 2003 |
Extruded fence post and rail system
Abstract
A fence assembly including a post and interconnecting rails. The
post includes an interior chamber structure defined by numerous
compartments, an exterior wall structure and a plurality of
inwardly projecting rail-receiving channels. The rail-receiving
channels at least partially define the geometry of the interior
chamber structure. The assembly may be made of extruded plastic
material such that the post, rails and additional components, such
as channel inserts, are generally hollow along their respective
elongate dimensions. Each of the components within the assembly may
be cut to user-defined lengths. The purpose of the abstract is to
enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public
generally to determine from a cursory inspection the nature and
gist of the technical disclosure, and is not to be used for
interpreting the scope of the claims.
Inventors: |
Takagi, Kyozaburo;
(Centerville, OH) ; Dodson, Gordon Charles; (Lewis
Center, OH) ; Kise, Kazuhiko; (Chiba, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Killworth, Gottman, Hagan & Schaeff, L.L.P.
One Dayton Centre, Suite 500
Dayton
OH
45402-2023
US
|
Family ID: |
28678168 |
Appl. No.: |
10/394413 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60366382 |
Mar 21, 2002 |
|
|
|
60398062 |
Jul 24, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.06 ;
256/65.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/168 20130101;
E04H 17/1456 20210101; E04H 17/20 20130101; E04H 17/1413
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/65.06 ;
256/65.02 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A post defined by a generally hollow construction along an
elongate axis thereof, said post comprising: an exterior wall
structure; an inwardly projecting elongate channel formed into said
exterior wall structure, said channel defining a depth therein that
is perpendicular to said elongate axis and extending from a plane
of said exterior wall structure to a termination of said channel; a
channel insert disposed within said channel, said channel insert
comprising: an outwardly-facing exterior surface; and an
inwardly-facing interior surface opposite said exterior surface,
wherein said channel and said insert are configured to define an
insert securement to restrict movement of said insert along said
channel depth, said securement disposed closer to said exterior
surface of said insert than to said interior surface of said
insert.
2. A post according to claim 1, wherein said securement is defined,
at least in part, by said exterior wall structure.
3. A post according to claim 1, wherein said securement comprises:
a plurality of laterally-spaced tabs disposed on said insert; and a
throat disposed in said channel, said throat defining a plurality
of slots that accept said tabs therein.
4. A post according to claim 3, wherein said tabs are disposed
substantially adjacent said exterior surface.
5. A post according to claim 1, wherein said insert is of
substantially hollow construction.
6. A post according to claim 3, wherein each said tab is spaced
away from said exterior surface by an amount not greater than the
thickness of said tab.
7. A post according to claim 1, wherein said insert is shaped to
form a substantially flush surface with said exterior wall
structure.
8. A post according to claim 3, wherein said exterior surface
connects to said tabs via transition zone that is bevelled
outward.
9. A post according to claim 3, wherein said exterior surface
connects to said tab via right angle transition zone.
10. A post according to claim 3, wherein said exterior surface
connects to said tab via transition zone that is bevelled
inward.
11. A post according to claim 1, wherein said insert comprises a
depth-wise dimension that is significantly smaller than said depth
of said channel.
12. A post according to claim 11, wherein said significantly
smaller depth-wise dimension of said insert is less than half of
said depth of said channel.
13. A post according to claim 1, further comprising a rigid support
pole coupled to said post and configured to provide increased
resistance to rotation of said post about said elongate axis when
said post and said rigid support pole are coupled to a mounting
surface.
14. A fence assembly comprising: a post defined by a generally
hollow construction along an elongate axis thereof, said post
comprising: an exterior wall structure; an inwardly projecting
elongate channel formed into said exterior wall structure, said
channel defining a depth therein that is perpendicular to said
elongate axis and extending from a plane of said exterior wall
structure to a termination of said channel; a channel insert
disposed within said channel, said channel insert comprising: an
outwardly-facing exterior surface; and an inwardly-facing interior
surface opposite said exterior surface, wherein said channel and
said insert are configured to define an insert securement to
restrict movement of said insert along said channel depth, said
securement disposed closer to said exterior surface of said insert
than to said interior surface of said insert; and at least one rail
disposed in said channel.
15. A fence assembly according to claim 14, wherein said at least
one rail comprises a plurality of rails.
16. A fence assembly according to claim 14, wherein at least two of
said plurality of rails are disposed in said channel and vertically
spaced relative to one another by at least one of said inserts.
17. A fence assembly according to claim 14, wherein said rail
defines an exaggerated surface that protrudes from a lateral
surface on an end thereof, said exaggerated surface configured to
engage said securement.
18. A fence assembly according to claim 17, wherein said
exaggerated surface comprises a hinged flap.
19. A fence assembly according to claim 18, wherein said hinged
flap is integrally formed with said rail to define a unitary
construction.
20. A fence assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a
rigid support pole coupled to said post.
21. A fence assembly according to claim 14, wherein said rail
defines apertures in an end thereof such that said apertures are
substantially vertically-aligned relative to one another, said
fence assembly further comprising a securing pin disposed within
said apertures and said inserts, said securing pin configured to
mount to a mounting surface to inhibit translational movement of
said rail along a longitudinal axis thereof when said rail is
disposed in said channel and said securing pin is positioned
through said apertures.
22. A fence assembly comprising: a post defined by a generally
hollow construction along an elongate axis thereof, said post
comprising: an exterior wall structure; and an inwardly projecting
elongate channel formed into said exterior wall structure; at least
one rail disposed in said channel, said rail defines apertures in
an end thereof such that said apertures are substantially
vertically-aligned relative to one another; and a securing pin
disposed within said apertures and extending along at least a
portion of said channel, said securing pin configured to mount to a
mounting surface to inhibit translational movement of said rail
along a longitudinal axis thereof when said rail is disposed in
said channel and said securing pin is positioned through said
apertures.
23. A fence assembly according to claim 22, further comprising an
insert securement disposed in at least one of said channels, said
securement defining a narrowed throat region configured to restrain
translation of a rail disposed in said channel, said narrowed
throat region defining a plurality of slots therein.
24. A fence assembly according to claim 22, further comprising: at
least one channel insert selectively disposable in one of said
rail-receiving channels, said insert comprising: an
outwardly-facing exterior surface; and an inwardly-facing interior
surface opposite said exterior surface; and an insert securement
disposed between said channel and said insert to restrict movement
of said insert along said channel depth, said securement disposed
closer to said exterior surface than to said interior surface, said
securement configured such that upon placement of said insert into
said channel, said securement is disposed substantially against
said exterior wall structure.
25. A fence assembly according to claim 24, wherein said inserts
are substantially hollow such that said securing pin is configured
to fit within said inserts.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 60/366,382 filed Mar. 21, 2002, and 60/398,062
filed Jul. 24, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to fence structures,
and more particularly to extruded plastic fence rails and posts
that can form connections with one another that improve the ease
with which fence assemblies can be fabricated.
[0003] Fences have traditionally been constructed of wood, stone or
metal. The use of plastic componentry in fence structures, which
typically include posts, rails, pickets and related parts, has been
in its ascendancy in recent years due to the ability to manufacture
inexpensive, environmentally durable systems. Contributing to the
desirability of using plastic fence assemblies is that once
installed, they require comparatively little maintenance, such as
painting, rust and vermin protection.
[0004] Despite these advantages, plastic fence assemblies continue
to suffer from various shortcomings. For example, many of the
constructions are overly complex, requiring multiple pieces or
hybrid metal/plastic structures, as well as detailed steps to piece
together the myriad components. In addition, if all or portions of
the fence need to be disassembled for access, maintenance or
replacement of damaged parts, the cumbersome process has to be
repeated. Moreover, accommodations are often required at the time
of fence installation for various contingencies, such as topography
of the land and natural or artificial structures that could get in
the way of the installation. In such cases, the installer may have
to make minor adjustments to the dimensions of the post, rails and
inserts. For example, an installer, especially if working alone, is
faced with the difficult, if not impossible task of establishing a
neat, secure assembly unless there are features built into the
rails or posts to secure the two while determining placement of
other components, such as subsequent posts. This task is
exacerbated when additional component reinforcement, in the form of
metal structure surrounded by plastic sleeves or covering, is used,
as the additional weight makes the maneuvering of long parts (such
as rails) even more unwieldy. Furthermore, once installed, the
fence posts can be subject to rotational movements about its
vertical axis unless they are adequately secured into the
ground.
[0005] The present inventors have recognized a need for extruded
plastic fence assemblies that are made up of components that are
inexpensive to manufacture. They have further recognized a need for
features within the components of the fence assembly that
facilitate the rapid, secure anchoring of the components to one
another, as well as to a mounting surface, such as the ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, a post
defined by a generally hollow construction along its elongate axis
is disclosed. The post includes an exterior wall structure, an
inwardly projecting elongate rail-receiving channel formed into the
exterior wall structure and a channel insert disposed in the
channel. Each of the inserts include an outwardly-facing exterior
surface and an inwardly-facing interior surface opposite the
exterior surface. The channel and insert are configured to define
an insert securement to restrict movement of the insert along the
direction of the channel depth. The securement is disposed closer
to the insert's exterior surface than its interior surface.
[0007] Optionally, the securement is defined at least in part by
the exterior wall structure of the post. In another option, the
securement is made up of a plurality of laterally-spaced tabs
disposed on the insert and a throat defining a plurality of slots
is disposed in the channel. The slots of the throat accept the tabs
to secure the insert to the channel. Preferably, the tabs are
disposed substantially adjacent the exterior surface so that
precise dimensional control between otherwise spaced-apart
components is not required. In the present context, the term
"substantially" refers to an arrangement of elements or features
that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact
correspondence or behavior, may, in practice embody something
slightly less than exact. As such, the term denotes the degree by
which a quantitative value, measurement or other related
representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting
in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
In a similar vein, each tab is spaced away from the exterior
surface by an amount not greater than the thickness of the tab.
Additionally, the exterior surface connects to the tabs via
transition zone in the insert in one of at least three ways,
including one that is bevelled outward, one that is bevelled
inward, and one that connects through a right-angle transition
zone. In another option, the insert is of substantially hollow
construction, while in another still, the insert is shaped to form
a substantially flush surface with the exterior wall structure,
giving the post an aesthetically-pleasing appearance. In another
option, the insert comprises a depth-wise dimension that is
significantly smaller than the depth of the channel. In one
embodiment, the significantly smaller depth-wise dimension of the
insert is less than half of the depth of the channel. In an
additional option, a rigid support pole is coupled to the post to
provide increased resistance to rotation of the post about the
post's elongate axis when the post and the rigid support pole are
coupled to a mounting surface.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a fence
assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a post as previously
described plus at least one rail disposed in the channel.
Optionally, the fence assembly includes a plurality of rails.
Furthermore, at least two of the plurality of rails are disposed in
the channel and vertically spaced relative to one another by at
least one of the inserts. In addition, the rail defines an
exaggerated surface that protrudes from a lateral surface on the
rail end, the exaggerated surface configured to engage the
securement. In one form, the exaggerated surface comprises a hinged
flap, where more particularly, the hinged flap is integrally formed
with the rail to define a unitary construction. As with the
previous aspect, a rigid support pole can be coupled to the post.
To additionally secure the rail once its end is disposed in the
channel, the rail defines apertures in its end such that the
apertures are substantially vertically-aligned relative to one
another. A securing pin can be passed through the apertures and the
inserts. In addition, the securing pin and post can be secured to a
mounting surface (such as the ground, plate, platform or related
structure) to inhibit translational rail movement along the rail's
longitudinal axis when the rail is disposed in the channel and the
securing pin is positioned through the apertures.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a fence
assembly is disclosed. The fence assembly includes a post defined
by a generally hollow construction along its elongate axis with an
exterior wall structure and an inwardly projecting elongate channel
formed into the exterior wall structure, at least one rail disposed
in the channel, and a securing pin disposed within apertures formed
in the ends of the rail. The securing pin is configured to mount to
a mounting surface to inhibit translational movement of the rail
similar to that of the previous aspect. Optionally, the fence
assembly further includes an insert securement disposed in at least
one of the channels, the securement defining a narrowed throat
region configured to further restrain translation of the rail
disposed in the channel. The narrowed throat region defines a
plurality of slots therein. In another option, at least one channel
insert can be placed into a rail-receiving channel, where the
insert configuration is similar to that of the previous aspects. As
previously discussed, the inserts can be substantially hollow such
that the securing pin is configured to pass through the hollow
portion of the insert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when
read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like
structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a fence assembly according
to an aspect of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a fence post and
two channel insert variants;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a section of fence
using the fence assembly of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the positioning of the rails, channel
inserts, a rigid support pole and end cap relative to the fence
post shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an alternate fence post
configuration, showing the addition of a rigid support pole
inserted therein;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another alternate fence
post configuration;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the fence post of FIG. 6, including a
rail, channel inserts and a rigid support pole offset-mounted along
the post's elongate axis; and
[0018] FIGS. 8A through 8C show the various channel inserts that
can be used with the fence post of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring first to FIG. 5, a top view of a post 10 according
to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Post 10 may be
formed into a single, unitary construction from a plastic material
(such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) by known methods (such as
extrusion) and as such, defines an extrudable cross sectional
profile. In the present context, a structural member defines an
extrudable cross sectional profile if respective cross sections of
the member, taken along a length or width-wise axis of the member,
each define substantially identical dimensions. In such case, the
member defining the extrudable profile may be produced by an
extrusion process where a semi-soft plastic is forced through the
orifice of an extrusion die to produce a continuously formed piece
having a cross-sectional shape defined by the orifice or other
shaping members downstream of the orifice. It is contemplated that
a structural member having an extrudable cross-sectional profile
may also include portions along its axis that are subject to post
extrusion cutting, drilling, bending, deforming or related
operations. Post 10 includes an interior chamber structure 15 made
up of numerous hollow, elongate compartments 80, 82, 84 and 86 the
last three of which are offset from and substantially parallel with
a post centerline defined along a longitudinal (elongate) axis. By
having the pole-receiving compartment 86 offset from the post
centerline and at least partially against outer wall 12, it is
easier for an installer to place the post 10 directly on a property
line and without recourse to visual estimation, as the post side
adjacent the pole/compartment combination can be placed closest to
such property line. The post 10 is also made up of an exterior wall
structure 12 and numerous inwardly projecting elongate
rail-receiving channels 20 formed into exterior wall structure 12.
Interior wall structure 14 defines the boundary between the
rail-receiving channels 20 and the various compartments 80, 82, 84
and 86. This commonality allows each of the channels 20 to
partially define the interior chamber structure 15. An interface in
the form of a locking mechanism 60 is defined between the channel
20 and the exterior wall structure 12 such that channel 20 can
engage a complementary end surface of a rail (as shown and
described below) to substantially prohibit translation of the rail
along its longitudinal dimension once the rail and channel are
engaged. In the configuration shown, locking mechanism 60 includes
a pair of lateral detents that form a throat in channel 20 to
provide a narrowed contact region.
[0020] At least one compartment 86 is made up of a plurality of
projections 45 that can engage a rigid support pole 50. Together,
the projections and rigid support pole 50 define a pole-engaging
axis that is parallel to the longitudinal, or elongate, axis of
post 10, but radially offset relative to the post centerline. By
coupling the pole 50 to the post 10 and having both secured to a
mounting surface, such as the ground (not shown), a reinforced post
is formed that exhibits increased resistance to torsional forces
acting on it, thereby maintaining proper post orientation.
Resistance to rotation is important to maintaining the integrity of
a fence assembled with posts 10, as forces due to weather or
animal, human or related contact otherwise would have a tendency to
cause the rails and posts to shift relative to one another, causing
the assembly to come apart. The rigid support pole 50 is shaped to
include non-axisymmetric features to improve the tightness of the
fit between rigid support pole 50 and the projections 45 that are
formed in the offset compartment 86. In the configuration shown,
rigid support pole 50 is substantially T-shaped, such that its
various radial detents 51, 52, 53 and 54 fit in narrowly-defined
spaces 40 formed by substantially triangular-shaped projections 45.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the
projections 45 are shown as being triangular-shaped, the invention
is not so limited, as other shapes configured to securely engage
the rigid support pole 50 would also suffice. The projections 45
can be integrally formed with the remainder of post 10 through the
aforementioned extrusion process. Moreover, the T-shape of the
rigid support pole 50 is such that the interlocking fit between the
detents 51, 52, 53 and 54 is only possible over a substantially
singular angular orientation about the reinforcing axis. This sort
of "keyed" connection ensures that the post 10 and rigid support
pole 50 are placed in proper angular orientation to one another,
subject only to the tolerance in the space 40 between the rigid
support pole 50 and the projections 45. The longitudinal dimension
of the rigid support pole 50 extends along a substantial length of
the post 10, plus an additional distance beyond the lowermost
portion of post 10 to ensure secure anchoring into the ground or
other mounting surface.
[0021] Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, details of connection
between the post 10 and rails 30 and channel inserts 70A, 70B are
shown. In the present figure, the post 10 is structurally similar
to that shown in FIG. 5, except for the lack of pole-engaging
features in compartment 86. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that either variant can be employed, depending on
individual user needs, such as how much torsional resistance is
required. Referring with particularity to FIG. 2, two variants 70A,
70B of the inserts, as well as how they fit into channel 20 of post
10, are depicted. The first variant 70A, with its conventional box
shape, emphasizes simplicity of structure and manufacture, while
the second 70B, with its additional faceted surfaces to produce a
step structure complementary with that of the throat in channel 20
(as shown in FIG. 1 and discussed below), is used to provide a
smooth, flush finish with outer wall structure 12. Referring with
particularity to FIG. 3, in addition to providing an
aesthetically-pleasing finished surface to post 10, the inserts
70A, 70B (only the latter presently shown) maintain vertical
spacing between rails 30, providing both a neat finished product
and additional resistance to rail 30 movement. The construction of
post 10 is such that it can function equally well as an end post,
corner post or intermediate post, the last two being shown in the
figure. As with the post 10, the inserts 70A, 70B are extrudable,
and in situations where made of plastic, can be easily cut to any
desired length. Similarly, rails 30 can be made from plastic such
that they can be cut to desired lengths, and extrudable such that
they can be produced economically in large quantities. As with the
fit between the channel 20 and rails 30 described above, locking
mechanism 60 may also be used to engage a complementary surface on
the inserts 70A, 70B.
[0022] Referring next to FIG. 1, a top view showing connection
details of a fence assembly constructed using the post 10, rails 30
and channel insert 70B of FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown. Two of channels
20 of post 10 are shown engaged to rails 30, while a third has a
channel insert 70B disposed therein. In the present figure, the
post 10 is used as a corner post, such that inserts 70B provide
flush surface finish features for channel 20 not being used. The
faceted surfaces of insert 70B complement those the locking
mechanism 60 formed at the throat of channel 20 such that the
insert 70B cannot be removed other than by sliding it out along the
elongate axis of post 10. The gaps shown between inner wall 14 and
insert 70B are shown exaggerated for clarity; it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that tolerances can be made
much tighter to ensure a secure, relatively smooth surface finish.
Each of the rails 30 show a different protrusion extending
laterally from the ends of the rails 30. In the present context,
the "end" of the rail 30 includes not just the remote edge, but all
portions of rail 30 that are designed to fit into the channel 20.
These protrusions are sized to allow a locking interconnection
between the rails 30 and the locking mechanism 60 of channels 20.
In one variation, the rail 30 includes a pair of pins 37 that are
axially aligned with one another so that the lateral dimension of
rail 30 is greater than throat produced between locking mechanisms
60. Thus, once the rail 30 is disposed in channel 20 (such as by
aligning the rail end with channel 20 and dropping the rail 30 down
into the channel along the elongate axis of post 10), the
interference fit between pins 37 and locking mechanism 60 prohibits
movement between them, save the movement equal to the relatively
small gap G, which, like the gap earlier described between the
between channel 20 and insert 70B, is shown exaggerated for
clarity. In another variation, the rail 30 includes a pair of flaps
33 integrally formed in the opposing lateral walls. Flaps 33 are
shown as rectangular members defined by cut-outs on three sides
such that when the rail is ready to be placed in channel 20, the
flaps can be bent away from the rails 30 to provide an interference
fit similar to that described for the pins 37 above. In addition to
the protrusions in the form of flaps 33 and pins 37 to allow a
locking interconnection between the rails 30 and the locking
mechanism 60, rail 30 can include a securing pin 95 placed
vertically through apertures 35 in the end of the rails 30. Details
of the securing pin will be discussed in conjunction with FIG. 4
below.
[0023] Referring next to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the details
of the fence assembly of FIG. 3 is shown. The assembly highlights
how the inserts 70B act not only top establish a smooth surface
finish along the exterior wall structure of post 10, but also
vertical spacing between rails 30. In addition to the post 10,
rails 30 and channel inserts 70B, the above-mentioned securing pin
95 is shown. The hollow nature of the inserts 70B along the
longitudinal dimension of securing pin 95 improves the ease of pin
placement through apertures 35 in the ends of each rail 30. The
securing pin 95 can be configured to be long enough to extend
through all of the inserts 70B and the ends of rails 30 stacked
with the inserts, and can, like the rigid support pole 50 (shown in
FIG. 5), extend into a mounting surface, such as the ground. The
fence assembly also includes a cap 90 releasably connected to the
top of post 10. Not only does this improve post aesthetics, it
prevents debris and moisture from accumulating in the interior
chamber structure of post 10.
[0024] Referring next to FIGS. 6 and 7, a top view of an alternate
embodiment of the post and a reinforced fence assembly,
respectively, are shown. As with the previous embodiment, numerous
hollow, elongate compartments 180-190 define an interior chamber
structure, including a trapezoidal-shaped pole-receiving
compartment 186 with projections 145. In addition, as shown with
particularity in FIG. 6, post 110 includes a removable channel
cover 113 integrally formed across at least one of the
rail-receiving channels 120 to form a substantially flush surface
with exterior wall structure 112. One or more lines of weakness 115
are formed into exterior wall structure 112 such that cover 113 can
be easily removed. In one form, the lines of weakness are made up
of score lines. The cover 113 preserves the smooth appearance of
the exterior wall structure 112 until such time as access to the
channel 120 disposed below the cover 113 is required. The lines of
weakness 115 permit a user to easily remove the cover 113 with a
conventional utility knife or the like. In addition, insert
securement 160 shows a variation of locking mechanism 60 shown in
FIG. 5, where it now defines an interface between the exterior wall
structure 112 and channel 120 that includes two pair of lateral
detents such that not only does securement 160 define a throat in
channel 120, but also an additional slot 161 for receiving a
complementary surface on inserts 170A, 170B and 170C (shown and
described below). Referring with particularity to FIG. 7, rigid
support pole 150 (still possessive of a substantially T-shaped
construction similar to the one shown in FIG. 5) can fit in a
particular angular orientation relative to the projections 145 and
pole-receiving compartment. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that other rigid support pole 150 configurations are
possible, including cylindrical and non-axisymmetric
configurations. For example, a plurality of cylindrical poles (not
shown) can be used, each disposed within each of the various
semi-autonomous spaces formed by the projections 145. An additional
pole (not shown) could be placed within pole-receiving compartment
186 adjacent the exterior wall structure 112 such that the
plurality of poles provide additional support. Also as with the
previous embodiment, the pole-receiving compartment 186 is disposed
offset relative to the centerline of post 110, disposed against the
exterior wall structure 112 so that the entire assembly can be
accurately placed along the property line. Tabs (shown and
described below) on the inserts 170B promote a secure fit with
securement 160. Also as shown in FIG. 7, the stacking of rail 130
on top of insert 170B in the same channel 120 is highlighted. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the
present invention shows particular components depicted within two
separate embodiments, it can embody any combination of the
aforementioned interior chamber structure, pole-receiving
compartment structure, securement configuration, and rail end and
channel insert construction.
[0025] Referring next to FIGS. 8A-8C, details of various
embodiments of channel inserts 170A, 170B and 170C are shown. All
three include tabs 172A, 172B and 172C, respectively, that are
disposed adjacent an outermost face of the inserts and used to
engage the slot 161. As such, the slot 161 and any one of tabs
172A-172C together make up securement 160 (as shown previously in
FIG. 7). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while what is referred to herein as securement 160 is made up of
laterally-disposed slots 161 formed into the post 110 with
corresponding tabs 172A-172C that extend from the lateral ends of
the inserts 170A-170C, slot 161 could alternately be disposed in
the inserts 170A-170C, while the tabs 172A-172C could be disposed
on the throat 160. The nature of securement 160 is to be broadly
construed to include both variants. The tabs 172A-C, in conjunction
with the relatively thin depth-wise profile of the insert 170A-C,
allow manufacturing tolerances to be relaxed on the inserts. By
having the depth-wise distance from the outermost face to the tabs
172A-C kept to a minimum, precise dimensional tolerances for the
securement 160, the tabs 172A-C and transition zones 171A-C between
the insert outermost faces and the tabs is not required. The three
insert configurations shown highlight different transition zones
along the outermost face, including a transition zone 171A bevelled
inward (FIG. 8A), right angle transition zone 171B (FIG. 8B) and
transition zone 171C bevelled outward (FIG. 8C). The locking
between the tabs 172A-C and slots 161 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7)
relieves the requirement of having large depth-wise insert
dimensions to ensure adequate coupling between the insert and
channel. Thus, unlike conventional inserts, where the relatively
large depth-wise dimension necessitates manufacturing to a
relatively tight tolerance to ensure a good fit between the insert
and the channel, the present inserts 170A-C are constructed to
allow for some dimensional variation.
[0026] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to
preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that
modifications and variations are possible without departing from
the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More
specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are
identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is
contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited
to these preferred aspects of the invention.
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