U.S. patent application number 11/063814 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for adjustable fence post.
Invention is credited to Thomas C. Richards, Kevin A. Seiling.
Application Number | 20060186390 11/063814 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36911729 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060186390 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richards; Thomas C. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Adjustable fence post
Abstract
A fence post (10) wherein first and second angle members (12 and
14) are in sliding engagement with each other. The angle members
have apertures (26 and 40) so as to receive the ends of fence rails
(28) and adjust the elevation of the fence rails by sliding the
angle members (12 and 14) with respect to each other.
Inventors: |
Richards; Thomas C.;
(Cranberry Township, PA) ; Seiling; Kevin A.;
(Monaca, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COHEN & GRIGSBY, P.C.
11 STANWIX STREET
15TH FLOOR
PITTSBURGH
PA
15222
US
|
Family ID: |
36911729 |
Appl. No.: |
11/063814 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1413 20130101;
E04H 17/1465 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/022 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. A fence post that supports lateral fence rails, said post
comprising: a first angle member that has first and second panels
that are joined together to define a predetermined angle between
the first and second panels, the first panel of said first angle
member having an outer edge that defines an elongated lip and the
second panel of said first angle member having an outer edge that
defines a slot; and a second angle member that has first and second
panels that are joined together to define a predetermined angle
between the first and second panels, said first panel of said
second angle member having an outer edge that defines an elongated
lip, said second panel of said second angle member having an outer
edge that defines a slot, with the lip of the first panel of said
second member fitting in sliding engagement with the slot of the
second panel of said first angle member and also with the slot of
said second panel of said second angle member fitting in sliding
engagement with the lip of said first panel of said first angle
member.
2. The fence post of claim 1 wherein said first angle member is
moveable with respect to said second longitudinal member at times
when the lip of said second angle member is engaged in the slot of
said first angle member and when the slot of said second angle
member is engaged with the lip of said first angle member.
3. The fence post of claim 2 wherein at least one of said first and
second panels of said first angle member includes at least one
aperture for receiving the end of a fence rail.
4. The fence post of claim 3 where at least one of said first and
second panels of said second angle member includes at least one
aperture of receiving the end of a fence rail.
5. The fence post of claim 1 wherein the slot of said second panel
of said first angle member defines opposed surfaces having a gap
therebetween.
6. The fence post of claim 5 wherein the lip of said first panel of
said second angle member defines lateral outer surfaces wherein the
separation between said lateral outer surfaces is greater than the
gap between the opposed surface of the slot of said first angle
member.
7. The fence post of claim 1 wherein said first angle member and
said second angle member are arranged in a stacked relationship
with the panels of said first angle member being in a parallel
relationship to respective panels of said second angle member.
8. A method of assembling a fence from a family of angle members,
said method post comprising the steps of: selecting a first angle
member from a group of angle members that includes blanks, single
panel aperture angle members, and double panel aperture angle
members; selecting a second angle member from the same group of
angle members from which said first angle member was selected;
aligning one longitudinal end of the first angle member opposite
one longitudinal end of the second angle member; engaging the first
and second longitudinal angle members together by sliding the lip
of the first angle member into the slot of the second angle member
while simultaneously sliding the lip of the second angle member
into the slot of the first angle member to form a fence post;
adjusting the longitudinal positions of the first angle member with
respect to the longitudinal position of the second angle member to
determine the longitudinal position of at least one aperture in at
least one of said first and second angle members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The presently disclosed invention relates to fences and,
more particularly, posts for use in fences.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Various types of fences have been known and used for many
years. Generally, the fence includes a linear array of vertical
posts with consecutively arranged posts having lateral rails that
extend therebetween. Such fences occur in many types and styles.
Various panels can be attached to the rails in a variety of ways
depending on the particular type or style of fence. The panels are
generally based on the intended purpose of the fence. For example,
in some cases the panels are open while in other instances various
types of planks or balusters are connected vertically between the
rails to establish privacy or for decorative effect. Examples
include privacy fences, picket fences, ranch rail fences, pool
fences, semi-privacy fences, and wrought iron/ornamental
fences.
[0005] Over the years, many improvements have been made to fence
systems. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,955,799 and 4,027,855 show
details of several designs for connecting bars to safety railing.
Various mechanisms for connecting the rails to the posts are also
known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,914 is directed to a
post-and-rail fence assembly wherein the rails and posts are
connected with dovetail joints.
[0006] Prior art fences have had limitations as to appearance.
Namely, when such fences were constructed on inclined terrain, many
prior art fence designs failed to provide a means by which rails on
opposite sides of the same post engage respective rails at the same
spacing above ground surface. Some consider a design in which the
rails generally parallel the terrain surface to be aesthetically
preferable while others would prefer the fence rails to have a
constant elevation along the fence line. Thus, there was a need in
the prior art for a fence post that could readily provide either
design.
[0007] In some prior art applications, when the fence line
traversed an inclined terrain, the rails were maintained in a
substantially horizontal orientation so that, when the fence is
viewed from the side, the rails create a stepped appearance. In
other cases, the rails were inclined at a slope that follows the
general topography. In either case, the rails on opposite side of
the post often engaged the post at a common longitudinal position
along the fence post so that rails on opposite sides of the same
post were not equidistant from the ground. Accordingly, there was a
need in the prior art for a mechanism for connecting lateral fence
rails to a vertical fence post in a manner that the rails on
opposite sides of the post could parallel the terrain surface and
also appear to be substantially equidistant from the ground
surface.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,914 shows dovetail joints that are
vertically slideable so that the rails can be vertically adjusted
with respect to the post. These slideable joints allow the rails to
be adjusted with respect to the ground surface and independently of
each other. As detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,914, the posts are
constructed of two slides that slide within the open ends of an
I-shaped beam. The slides are independently moveable with respect
to the I-shaped beam. When the slides are installed in the I-shaped
beam, they can be independently adjusted to control the elevation
of corresponding rails on opposite sides of the post.
[0009] One difficulty with rail fence systems such as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,914 has been that they require various
fasteners or other means by which the rail elevations could be
secured. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,914 requires crimping or
fastening the slides to the I-shaped post to retain the rails at a
given elevation. Accordingly, there was a need in the prior art for
a rail fence wherein the rails could be vertically adjusted with
respect to ground level independently of each other and without the
need for special tools or fasteners.
[0010] Also in cases such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,914 in which prior
art fence posts have adjustable features, the post design was
relatively complicated. Thus, such prior art posts tended to be
relatively difficult and expensive to manufacture and bulky to
ship. Accordingly there was also a need in the prior art for a
simpler, more compact design of adjustable fence post that would be
easier and less expensive to manufacture and transport.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with the invention that is herein disclosed, a
fence post includes a first angle member that has first and second
panels that are joined together at a predetermined angle. The first
panel of the first angle member has a free or outer edge that
defines an elongated lip and the second panel of the first angle
member has a free or outer edge that defines a slot. The fence post
also includes a second angle member that also has first and second
panels that are joined together at a predetermined angle. The first
panel of the second angle member has a free or outer edge that
defines an elongated lip and the second panel of the second angle
member has a free or outer edge that defines a slot. The lip of the
first panel of the second angle member fits in sliding engagement
within the slot of the second panel of the first angle member.
Also, the slot of the second panel of the second angle member fits
in sliding engagement with the lip of the first panel of the first
angle member.
[0012] Preferably, at least one of the panels of the first angle
member includes at least one opening to receive the end of a fence
rail. Also preferably, at least one of the panels of the second
angle member also includes at least one opening to receive the end
of a fence rail.
[0013] Most preferably, the first and second panels of the first
angle member are integrally joined together and the first and
second panels of the second angle member are also integrally joined
together.
[0014] Other features, objects, and advantages of the presently
disclosed invention will occur to those skilled in the art as a
description of a presently preferred embodiment thereof
proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A presently preferred embodiment of the invention that is
herein disclosed is shown and described in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a fence post in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the fence post that
is shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the fence post that
is shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan cross-section of the fence post that is
shown in FIGS. 1-3 taken along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of a fence in accordance
with the presently disclosed invention wherein rails on opposite
sides of a fence post engage the post at different elevations;
[0021] FIG. 5B is a front elevation view of a fence in accordance
with the presently disclosed invention wherein the rails engage the
fence posts at a constant elevation;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing the structure
of a lip and slot of FIG. 4 in greater detail.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a yard post in accordance
with the presently disclosed invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a top view of the yard post shown in FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a terminal fence post in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a top view of the terminal fence post shown in
FIG. 9.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an in-line fence post in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a top view of the in-line fence post shown in
FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a corner fence post in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a top view of the corner fence post shown in FIG.
13.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative corner fence
post in accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a top view of the alternative corner fence post
shown in FIG. 15.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a T-fence post in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a top view of the T-fence post shown in FIG.
17.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a 4-way fence post in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a top view of the 4-way fence post shown in FIG.
19.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a family of angle members
that are in nested relationship in accordance with the presently
disclosed invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a post 10 for use in a fence includes
a first angle member 12 that cooperates with a second angle member
14. First angle member 12 includes a first panel 16 and a second
panel 18 that are integrally joined together along a longitudinal
side 20. First and second panels 16 and 18 are joined at an angle
such that they define an included angle .alpha. therebetween. In
the preferred embodiment, the angle .alpha. is substantially
90.degree. although other angles are within the scope of the
disclosed invention.
[0039] First panel 16 has an outer longitudinal edge that defines
an elongated lip 22 and second panel 18 has an outer longitudinal
edge with fingers 23a and 23b that define a slot 24 therebetween.
Fingers 23a and 23b have opposing surfaces 24a and 24b that define
a transverse gap G.sub.1 therebetween. Lip 22 defines a neck 57
having a lateral dimension D.sub.1.
[0040] As particularly shown in FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B, first panel 16
further includes at least one aperture 26 for receiving fence rails
28 therein. In the example of the preferred embodiment, first panel
16 includes two apertures 26 that are centered on the centerline of
panel 16 although other patterns of apertures for receiving rails
28 also are within the scope of the presently disclosed
invention.
[0041] Similar to first angle member 12, second angle member 14
includes a first panel 30 and a second panel 32 that are integrally
joined together along a longitudinal side 34. First and second
panels 30 and 32 are joined at an angle such that they define an
included angle {acute over (.alpha.)} therebetween. In the
preferred embodiment, the angle {acute over (.alpha.)} is
substantially 90.degree., but other angles are also within the
scope of the invention.
[0042] First panel 30 has an outer longitudinal edge that defines
an elongated lip 36 and second panel 32 has an outer longitudinal
edge with fingers 37a and 37b that define a slot 38 therebetween.
Fingers 37a and 37b have opposing surfaces 38a and 38b that define
a transverse gap G.sub.2 therebetween. Lip 36 defines a neck 61
having a lateral dimension D.sub.2. The lateral dimension D.sub.1
of neck 57 is less than gap G.sub.2 between fingers 37a and 37b.
The lateral dimension of lip 22 in portions of lip 22 that are
distal from neck 57 are greater than gap G.sub.2 between fingers
37a and 37b. Likewise, the lateral dimension D.sub.2 of neck 61 is
less than gap G.sub.1 between fingers 23a and 23b. The lateral
dimension of lip 36 in portions of lip 36 that are distal from neck
61 are greater than gap G.sub.1 between fingers 23a and 23b.
[0043] As particularly shown in FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B, the first panel
30 further includes at least one aperture 40 for receiving fence
rails 28 therein. In the example of the preferred embodiment, first
panel 30 includes two apertures 40 that are centered on the
centerline of panel 30 although other patterns of apertures for
receiving rails 28 also are within the scope of the presently
disclosed invention.
[0044] As particularly shown in FIG. 4, the lip 22 of the first
panel 16 of first angle member 12 fits in sliding engagement with
the slot 38 of the second panel 32 of the second angle member 14.
Similarly, the lip 36 of the first panel 30 of the second angle
member 14 fits in sliding engagement with the slot 24 of the second
panel 18 of the first angle member 12.
[0045] As particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the slot 24 of the
second panel 18 of the first angle member 12 defines opposed
surfaces 24a and 24b that have a gap G.sub.1 therebetween. Also,
slot 38 of the second panel 32 of the second angle member 14
defines opposed surfaces 38a and 38b that have a gap G.sub.2
therebetween.
[0046] The lip 22 of the first panel 16 of the first angle member
12 defines oppositely disposed lateral outer surfaces 54 and 56
wherein the lateral separation between the outer surfaces 54 and 56
in the area of neck 57 is less than the gap G.sub.2 between the
opposed surfaces 38a and 38b of slot 38 and the lateral separation
between outer surfaces 54 and 56 in portions of lip 22 that are
distal from neck 57 is greater than the gap G.sub.2 between opposed
surfaces 38a and 38b. Similarly the lip 36 of the first panel 30 of
the second angle member 14 defines oppositely disposed lateral
outer surfaces 58 and 60 wherein the lateral separation between the
outer surfaces 58 and 60 in the area of neck 61 is less than the
gap G.sub.1 between the opposed surfaces 24a and 24b of slot 24 and
the lateral separation between outer surfaces 58 and 60 in portions
of lip 36 that are distal from neck 61 is greater than the gap
G.sub.1 between opposed surfaces 24a and 24b. In this way, lip 22
is slideable in a longitudinal direction within slot 38 and lip 36
is slideable in a longitudinal direction within slot 24. At the
same time, when angle member 12 is moved laterally with respect to
angle member 14, lip 22 interferes with the opposed surfaces, of
slot 38 and lip 36 interferes with the opposed surfaces of slot 24.
In this way, angle members 12 and 14 remain engaged with each other
so as to retain their cross-sectional profile.
[0047] In the assembly of post 10, angle members 12 and 14 are
longitudinally aligned with one end of lip 22 located over one end
of slot 38 and with one end of lip 36 located over one end of slot
24. The angle members are then moved longitudinally together to
engage lips 22 and 36 in slots 38 and 24 respectively. To adjust
the vertical position of rails 28, the angle members of 12 and 14
are longitudinally adjusted to position apertures 26 and 40 at the
preferred elevation above ground level. The post 10 is then secured
in the soil or other material to retain apertures 26 and 40 and
rails 28 in their respective vertical positions.
[0048] From the forgoing description, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the disclosed invention affords various advantages
over prior art fencing systems. For example, the apertures (26, 40)
in panels (16, 30) can be punched at the facility where the angle
members are manufactured as opposed to being cut or routed manually
in the field. This decreases the labor and time that is required to
install the fence and thus improves the ease-of-use and
cost-effectiveness of the disclosed fence.
[0049] Another significant advantage of the disclosed fence is that
numerous fence configurations can be constructed from a relatively
small family of angle members. Each member of the family has
essentially the same profile; the difference between family members
being in the location and number of apertures in the panels of the
angle members. For example, one family of angle members is shown in
FIGS. 7-20. A first family member 62 (FIGS. 7 and 8) has no
aperture in either panel. Member 62 of the family of angle members
is referenced to herein as a blank. A second family member 64
(FIGS. 9-12) has the same profile as the first family member 62,
but has at least one aperture 66 in one panel with the other panel
having no apertures (herein "a single angle member"). A third
family member 68 (FIGS. 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20) has the same
profile as the first and second members 62, 64, but has at least
one aperture 70 in both panels (herein "a double angle member").
FIGS. 17 and 18 also show another member 72 having at least one
aperture in the panel that defines the lip with the other panel
having no apertures (herein "an alternative single angle
member").
[0050] This family of four members 62, 64, 68 and 72 could be used
to assemble any fence configuration that employs any of the
following: TABLE-US-00001 Style of Post Combination of Angle
Members yard post (FIGS. 7 and 8) Two blank angle members (62)
terminal fence post One blank combined with one single angle (FIGS.
9 and 10) member (62 and 64) in-line fence post Two single angle
members (64) (FIGS. 11 and 12) corner fence post One double angle
member (68) (FIGS. 13 and 14) alternative corner fence Two single
angle members (64 and 72) post (FIGS. 15 and 16) "T" fence post one
single angle member and one double (FIGS. 17 and 18) angle member
(64 and 68) (Only one style of single angle member (64 or 72) is
required to form a "T" fence post with a blank side on any given
face.) 4-way fence post Two double angle members (68) (FIGS. 19 and
20)
[0051] Because the lip of one angle member slidingly engages in the
slot of another angle member as previously described herein and
because each angle member in a given family has the same profile,
any angle member can engage with any other angle member in the
family. This flexibility is advantageous in that a limited number
of angle members can accommodate many different fence
configurations. Thus, the number of posts that must be
manufactured, shipped and inventoried is also limited. In the
example of the disclosed embodiment, a family of four angle members
is used to compose six categories of fence posts, including some
posts that have a right-hand or left-hand sense.
[0052] Preferably, the angle members 64, 68 and 72 have apertures
at periodic longitudinal positions of the angle members so that the
assembled post can receive multiple rails. As will be understood
from the foregoing description, other families of angle members
with different aperture configurations could also be used. The
apertures in angle members 64, 68 and 72 are preferably stamped
during the manufacturing of the angle members thus avoiding the
need to route or cut such apertures in the field at the time of
installation. Manufacturing in this way is more cost-effective than
such field implementation.
[0053] To further simplify fence installation and limit the number
of inventory pieces, it is preferred that the angle members are
shipped to the job site in relatively long lengths and that the
angle members are thereafter cut to length at the job site
according to the length requirements for specific posts.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 21, the complementary profile shape of
angle members 12, 14, 62, 64, 68 and 72 allows them to nest
together prior to assembly into posts. In this way, the angle
members require a minimum of space during shipment. More
specifically, the first and second panels of two or more angle
members are arranged in parallel relationship so that the first and
second panels form a first array of parallel panels and a second
array of parallel panels that is oriented at an angle with respect
of the first array of parallel panels. This packaging efficiency
enables substantial savings in transporting the post components to
the job site.
[0055] While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has
been shown and described herein, the presently disclosed invention
is not limited thereto but can be otherwise variously embodied
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *