U.S. patent application number 11/071486 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for fence panel with interlock.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kroy Building Products. Invention is credited to Eric Dickey.
Application Number | 20060196147 11/071486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36942762 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060196147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickey; Eric |
September 7, 2006 |
Fence Panel with interlock
Abstract
A panel is provided for construction of a fence and for
connection to a similar panel in interlocking relationship. The
panel includes a receiver, a mounting portion and a side wall. The
side wall is disposed between the receiver and the mounting portion
wherein the receiver of a first panel is interlocked with the
mounting portion of a second panel. The rounded features of the
mounting portion facilitate insertion into the receiver forcing the
receiver to expand beyond its original dimension. Once inserted a
base leg of the receiver and a flange of the mounting portion
remain in biased contact forcing the shoulder of the mounting
portion into contact with the contact wall of the receiver and
effectively interlocking the two panel members and thereby limiting
lateral movement.
Inventors: |
Dickey; Eric; (Overland
Park, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LATHROP & GAGE LC
2345 GRAND AVENUE
SUITE 2800
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108
US
|
Assignee: |
Kroy Building Products
|
Family ID: |
36942762 |
Appl. No.: |
11/071486 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/782.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20130101;
E04C 2/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/782.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/00 20060101
E04C002/00 |
Claims
1. An interlocking fence panel assembly comprising: a first panel
with a sidewall interposed between a mounting portion and a
receiver, a second panel with a sidewall interposed between a
mounting portion and a receiver, the mounting portion of the first
and second panel comprising a shoulder and a flange with a contact
feature; the receiver of the first and second panels comprising a
base leg and a contact wall, wherein when the mounting portion of
the first panel is received into the receiver of the second panel
the flange of the mounting portion of the first panel remains in
biased contact with the base leg of the receiver of the second
panel thereby urging the shoulder of the mounting portion into
contact with the contact wall of the receiver and thereby limiting
relative movement between the first and second panel.
2. The interlocking fence panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the
mounting portion of the first and second panels further comprises a
knee for providing flexure to the flange.
3. The interlocking fence panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the
receiver of the first and second panels further comprises a base
curve for providing flexure to the base leg.
4. An interlocking fence panel assembly comprising: a sidewall
comprising a first side and a second side; a mounting portion
comprising a series of three bends of approximately 90 degrees
each, a mounting shoulder interposed between the first and second
bend and a strut interposed between the second and third bend,
wherein the third bend extends into an upright for supporting a
cantilevered flange that extends from a knee, the knee directing
the flange transversely away from the sidewall and terminating in a
contact edge; a receiver disposed opposite the mounting portion on
the sidewall, the receiver comprising an elbow of about 90 degrees
extending into a contact wall, the contact wall extending into a
base curve with a base leg extending transversely from the base
curve toward the second side of the sidewall and terminating in a
cantilever base leg following a return bend, a gap being formed
between the base leg and the second side of the side wall; wherein
the mounting portion of a first panel is inserted into the receiver
of a second panel through the gap and wherein the flange remains in
biased contact with the base leg of the receiver thereby urging the
shoulder of the mounting portion into contact with the contact wall
of the receiver and interlocking the first and second panel
limiting relative lateral movement of the first and second
panels.
5. In a process for producing an interlocking fence panel assembly
that limits relative movement between the fence panels, the process
being of the type including the steps of: extruding a sidewall
comprising a first side and a second side; extruding a mounting
portion into a first end of the sidewall, the mounting portion
comprising a first bend of about 90 degrees extending into a
shoulder, the shoulder extending into a second bend of about 90
degrees to form a strut, the strut extending into a third bend of
about 90 degrees forming an upright that extends partially to the
second side of the sidewall, the upright extending into a knee that
further extends into a cantilevered flange that extends generally
transversely away from the side wall of the fence panel terminating
at a contact edge; extruding a receiver disposed opposite the
mounting portion on the sidewall, the receiver comprising an elbow
of about 90 degrees extending into a contact wall, the contact wall
extending into a base curve with a base leg extending transversely
from the base curve toward the second side of the sidewall and
terminating in a cantilever base leg with a serpentine loop, a gap
being formed between the base leg and the second side of the side
wall wherein upon inserting the mounting portion of a first panel
into the receiver of a second panel through the gap the flange
remains in biased contact with the base leg of the receiver thereby
urging the shoulder of the mounting portion into contact with the
contact wall of the receiver limiting relative lateral movement
between the first and second panels.
6. In a process for constructing an interlocking fence panel
assembly that limits relative movement between the fence panels,
the process being of the type including the steps of: inserting a
mounting portion of a first fence panel into a receiver of a second
fence panel; placing in biased contact a flange of the mounting
portion of the first panel with a base leg of the receiver of the
second fence panel; creating an audible confirmation of the biased
contact between the flange and the base leg; and repositioning of a
shoulder of the mounting portion of the first fence panel into
contact with a contact wall of the receiver of the second side
panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an interlocking fence panel with
an interlock useful for holding fence panels in engagement and
presenting a pleasing ornamental appearance. More particularly, it
is concerned with a panel having an improved interlock structure
which provides improved means for determining interlocking
engagement of the panels, increased durability and greater rigidity
of the panel and improved windload resistance.
[0002] Vinyl fencing is used to provide a decorative and protective
barrier or boundary for property owners. The panels are typically
located between posts firmly anchored into the ground and the
panels are supported by horizontal guide rails at the upper and
lowermost reaches of the panels thereby holding the fence panels in
a vertical orientation.
[0003] It is desirable to provide a rigid interlock structure to
connect adjacent fence panels. Fencing panels with a loosely
connecting interlock are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,904,343 and
5,725,201 which provide for adjustable width panel assemblies.
While these siding panels have certain advantages, it is believed
that structural improvements would enhance the performance of the
fencing panels in use.
[0004] Thus, there has developed a need for a fencing panel which
is not only attractive, but also provides improved rigidity an
audible confirmation of the interlock and increased durability of
the final assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] These objectives have largely been solved by the fencing
panels of the present invention. That is to say, the fence paneling
hereof retains the attractive appearance of the prior art panels
but yields improved performance by greater resistance to wind and
other applied loads and provides the user with an audible
confirmation of the interlocking of the panels sections.
[0006] The fence panel hereof is preferably formed as an elongated
panel with a receiver and a mounting portion with a side wall
disposed between the receiver and mounting portion. The receiver of
a first panel is configured to receive the mounting portion of a
second panel thereby allowing a fence of varying length to be
constructed depending upon the number of panel sections
utilized.
[0007] The mounting portion is a continuation of the side wall
configured generally in the shape of the letter "G" that rolls
under the side wall and is comprised of a series of bends that
ultimately terminate in a cantilevered flange. The third bend,
upright and knee of the mounting portion are the features that are
initially inserted into the gap that exists between the upper end
of the base leg of the receiver and the second side of the side
wall. The receiver gap is of a lesser dimension than the combined
height of the third bend, upright and knee; however, the rounded
corners of the third bend and the knee coupled with the flexibility
of the cantilevered base leg allows the gap to spread a sufficient
amount to receive the mounting portion. Once fully received into
the receiver the cantilevered flange audibly snaps into biased
contact with the base leg of the receiver causing the shoulder of
the mounting portion to move into contact with the contact wall of
the receiver. It is the resulting biased contact between the
mounting portion and the receiver that serves to interlock the
fence panels and minimize the relative movement between the panel
sections.
[0008] As a result, a superior panel is provided which yields both
qualitative and quantitative levels of improvements over prior art
panels. The benefits noted above and other improvements will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the
drawings and the attached description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fence panel in accordance
with the present invention in a vertical orientation, showing a
series of adjacent panels positioned within the lower fence rail
with the upper fence rail elevated to reveal the interlocking
configuration;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a single fence panel;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mounting portion of a first fence
panel approaching a receiver of a second fence panel and
immediately prior to insertion;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mounting portion of a first
fence panel passing midway through the gap of the receiver of the
second panel and further showing the receiver base leg deflected to
its extreme open position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a plan view, similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the
mounting portion of a first fence panel inserted into the receiver
of a second panel in interlocking engagement;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of several interlocking fence
panels inserted into the fence rails; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of an isolated fence rail
utilized to support the fence panels.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, interlocking fence panels 10, 11 in
accordance with the present invention are preferably manufactured
as single elongated articles from a unitary sheet of synthetic
resin such as polyvinyl chloride. One preferred technique is
extruding the fence panels 10, 11 which are shaped by passing
through dies to achieve the desired configuration. As further
depicted in FIG. 2, the panels 10, 11 present a side wall 12
further comprised of a first side 14 and a second side 16. Broadly
speaking, and as seen in FIG. 2, the fence panels present a
mounting portion 18, a receiver 20 and the side wall 12.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 18 and the receiver
20 are disposed opposite one another with the side wall 12 disposed
there between. Successive fence panel 10, 11 sections can be
interlocked by snapping the mounting portion 18 into the receiver
20 thereby ensuring a rigid connection between the two panel 10, 11
sections. The locking engagement of the panel sections 10, 11 is
audibly confirmed by the snapping into position of several key
features of the receiver and mounting portion and will be discussed
in more detail in the following sections.
[0018] As seen in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 18 comprises a
generally "G" shaped configuration and relies upon a biased contact
between various features of the mounting portion 18 and the
receiver 20 to accomplish the rigid interlock between the adjacent
panels 10, 11. The various features of the interlocking panel that
will be discussed in detail below are preferably 0.070 inch in
thickness but may vary depending upon the specific requirements of
the fence. It should be understood that the above referenced
dimension is only exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope
of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts the side wall 12 transitioning into the
mounting portion 18 which comprises a first bend 24 of about 90
degrees that transitions into a shoulder 26. The mounting portion
shoulder 26 transitions into a second bend 28 of about 90 degrees
that leads into a strut 30 before encountering a third bend 32. The
third bend 32 of about 90 degrees extends upwardly toward the
second side 16 and leads into an upright 34 before encountering a
knee 36. The knee 36 extends into a flange 38 that extends
angularly away from the second side 16. At the furthest most reach
of the flange 38 is the contact edge 40 wherein force is applied
against the base leg 66 of the receiver 20 when the mounting
portion 18 is inserted into the receiver 18. An alternative
configuration as will be discussed in more detail below utilizes
the entire, or potentially a portion, of the flange 38 for
engagement against the base leg 66. It is the biasing force of the
base leg 66 against the contact edge 40 or a greater portion of the
flange 38 that drives the mounting portion 18 further into the
receiver 20, securely interlocks the two components and provides
for an audible confirmation of the interlock. This rigid
interlocking characteristic of the fence panels 10, 11 will be
described more fully below following a description of the receiver
20.
[0020] FIG. 2 further reveals that the receiver 20 is disposed
opposite the mounting portion 18 with the side wall 12 interposed
between the receiver 20 and mounting portion 18. The receiver 20,
similar to the mounting portion 18, is comprised of several
critical features. The side wall 12 transitions through a 90 degree
elbow 60 forming a contact wall 62. The contact wall 62 transitions
into a base curve 64 that extends upwardly toward the second side
16 to form a base leg 66. At the upper end 68 of the base leg 66 a
return bend 70 in the shape of a serpentine loop is formed
transitioning into a cantilever leg 72. The cantilever leg 72
terminates at a tip 74.
[0021] FIG. 3 reveals a mounting portion 18 of a first panel
section 10 immediately prior to insertion into the receiver 20 of a
second panel section 11. The gap identified by G in FIG. 3
represents the receiver opening in its relaxed position which is
narrower than the width W of the mounting portion 18 that will be
inserted there through.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting portion 18 during insertion
into the receiver 20 spreads the opening with an initial dimension
of G to an opening width equivalent to W. This widest dimension for
G occurs when the knee 36 of the mounting portion 18 passes
directly over the upper end 68 of the receiver 20. The mounting
portion 18 readily slides into the receiver 20 because the rounded
knee 36 32 readily slides over the rounded upper end 68 of the base
leg 66 when pressure is applied to the fence panels 10, 11 that are
being interlocked. The thermoplastic material comprising the fence
panels 10, 11 allows the cantilevered base leg 66 of the receiver
20 to flex primarily through deflection at the base curve 64. Once
the mounting portion 18 fully penetrates into the receiver 20, the
gap G rapidly returns to its original or resting separation
distance. Moreover, once the mounting portion is fully inserted
into the receiver there is an audible snap confirming that the
contact edge 40 of the flange 38 has moved into contact with the
base leg 66 and pressure is being applied along the line of contact
P.
[0023] An alternative embodiment of the interlocked configuration
has some portion, or potentially all, of the surface of the flange
38 in biased contact with the base leg 66 thereby distributing the
pressure exerted by the two surfaces against one another over a
wider area than just along line of contact P. This alternative
embodiment would function equally as well to drive the shoulder 26
into contact with the contact wall 62 thereby forming a rigid
interlock between the two panels 10, 11 and would not detract from
the interlocking functionality of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 depicts the mounting portion 18 fully inserted into
the receiver 20 with the contact edge 40 of the flange 38 in biased
contact with the base leg 64 at line of contact P. The flange 38
and the base leg 66 are subject to oppositely disposed forces
because of the pressure being applied along line of contact P
against one another. The pressure along line of contact P further
forces the shoulder 26 of the mounting portion 18 against the
contact wall 62 of the receiver 20. The pressure along P maintains
the fence panels 10, 11 in a rigid and interlocked state minimizing
relative lateral movement of the fence panels and increasing their
ability to withstand high wind and other types of loads that may be
applied against the fence.
[0025] The fence panels 10, 11 when in operation are positioned
within fence rails 100 and 102 as seen in FIG. 6. The fence rails
100, 102 contain channels 104, 106 and are of a width appropriate
for receiving the fence panels 10, 11. Multiple fence panels 10, 11
are assembled to cover the length of the fence rail except for the
end segments 110, 112 that will be inserted into the openings 120,
122 of the fence post 125. The protruding end segments 110, 112 of
the fence rails 100, 102 are slid into the openings and can be
appropriately secured in position using various techniques known by
those skilled in the art. Both ends of the fence rails 100, 102 are
supported in place by being inserted into the openings 120, 122 of
separate fence rails.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows an elevation view of a fence rail 104. The
fence rail is comprised of side walls 150, 152 and a base portion
154 for supporting and securing the fence panels in position. The
fence rails are preferably constructed of a thermoplastic material
and can be produced in a variety of dimensions to accommodate
varying fence panel dimensions.
[0027] While the present invention has been described with respect
to particular embodiments, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize that the present invention is not limited to those
specific embodiments. Different formats, embodiments, and
adaptations besides those shown and described as well as many
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements may also be
used to implement the invention. Accordingly, the invention is
limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *