U.S. patent application number 11/683650 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for modular vinyl fencing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Simplicity Products, LLC. Invention is credited to John J. Brucker.
Application Number | 20070145341 11/683650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327463 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070145341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brucker; John J. |
June 28, 2007 |
MODULAR VINYL FENCING SYSTEM
Abstract
A new fencing system is provided in the present disclosure that
is constructed from durable polymer components that are
sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated
modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a
do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention
provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and
a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The
fence includes vertical posts with horizontal members extending
therebetween. The horizontal members include grooves therein to
support fence panels in the form of web panels. The horizontal
members are connected to the vertical members utilizing a novel and
uniquely configured connector element.
Inventors: |
Brucker; John J.;
(Providence, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARLOW, JOSEPHS & HOLMES, LTD.
101 DYER STREET
5TH FLOOR
PROVIDENCE
RI
02903
US
|
Assignee: |
Simplicity Products, LLC
Providence
RI
|
Family ID: |
46327463 |
Appl. No.: |
11/683650 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11382941 |
May 12, 2006 |
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11683650 |
Mar 8, 2007 |
|
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|
10687182 |
Oct 16, 2003 |
7090201 |
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11382941 |
May 12, 2006 |
|
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60419502 |
Oct 18, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/163 20130101;
E04H 17/166 20130101; E04H 17/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/059 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/14 20060101
E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A fence system comprising: at least two spaced tubular vertical
support members, each of said vertical support members having side
walls and at least two vertically spaced holes in at least one side
wall thereof; a rail connector, said rail connector configured to
be received and retained in each of said holes in said support
members, said rail connectors including a receiver portion, and a
pair of opposing retention clips extending from a rear surface of
said receiver portion, said retention clips configured to extend
into said hole in said sidewall of said vertical support and engage
said sidewall to retain said rail connector in assembled relation
with said vertical support member, wherein said receiver portion
includes an inner support and an outer support, said inner support
being positioned concentrically within side walls of said outer
support, said receiver portion extending outwardly from said side
wall of said support members when assembled therewith; and at least
two horizontal rails, each of said rails having a first end and a
second end, each of said ends of said rails having openings
therein, said openings configured to be received about said inner
support and within said outer support and, wherein said at least
two horizontal rails are supported in parallel spaced relation
between said at two vertical support members.
2. The fence system of claim 1, said rail connector further
comprising: a shoulder extending from the rear surface of said
receiver portion, said shoulder contacting an outer surface of said
side wall of said vertical supports when said rail connector is in
assembled relation therewith
3. The fence system of claim 1, said rail connector further
comprising: a locking detent extending inwardly from a said outer
support of said receiver portion, said detent configured and
arranged to engage a retention hole in the side of said horizontal
rail when said end of said rail is in assembled relation with said
rail connector.
5. The fence system of claim 1, wherein said vertical supports,
said rail connectors and said horizontal rails are metallic.
6. The fence system of claim 1, wherein said vertical supports and
said horizontal rails are formed from a material selected from the
group consisting of extruded vinyl and PVC.
7. The fence system of claim 1, wherein said rail connector is
formed from a polymer material selected from the group consisting
of ABS, PVC, HDPE and polycarbonate.
8. A connector for attaching vertical and horizontal members of a
fencing system, said connector comprising: a receiver portion
including a back wall, an outer support extending upwardly from
said back wall and an inner support extending upwardly from said
back wall and positioned concentrically within said outer support;
and a pair of opposing retention clips extending from a rear
surface of said receiver portion, said retention clips configured
to extend into a hole in a sidewall of said vertical member and
engage said sidewall to retain said rail connector in assembled
relation with said vertical member, wherein said receiver portion
is configured and arranged to receive and retain said horizontal
member.
9. The connector of claim 8, wherein said connector is
metallic.
10. The connector of claim 8, wherein said connector is formed from
a polymer material selected from the group consisting of ABS, PVC,
HDPE and polycarbonate.
11. The connector of claim 8, wherein said horizontal rail is
received within said outer support and about said inner support,
such that an end of said horizontal rail does not extend to the
back wall of said receiver portion forming a space between said end
of said horizontal rail and said back wall of said receiver
portion, said space allowing thermal expansion of said horizontal
rail.
12. The connector claim 8, further comprising: a locking detent
extending inwardly from a said outer support of said receiver
portion, said detent configured and arranged to engage a retention
hole in the side of said horizontal rail when said end of said rail
is in assembled relation with said rail connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/382,941, filed on May 12, 2006, which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/687,182, filed on Oct. 16, 2003, which is related to and claims
priority from earlier filed provisional patent application No.
60/419,502, filed Oct. 18, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for creating fencing systems. More specifically, the this
invention relates to a new modular configuration that is
particularly suited for fabricating and assembling vinyl fencing
systems that are easier to install and are tailored to the
do-it-yourself marketplace.
[0003] In the prior art, the vertical post members and the
horizontal rail supports used in constructing fences have typically
been made of wood. However, the traditional wood construction has
become less desirable for several reasons. A primary drawback is
that the overall cost of installing and maintaining a wooden fence
system is relatively high due to the escalation in the cost of
lumber materials in recent years and the fact that wood fences
require constant maintenance such as painting or staining and
prevention of rot. This is particularly true when wooden posts
supporting a fence are anchored in the ground. If the posts fail
due to rot, the entire fence is rendered useless. Although
anchoring the posts in concrete can postpone these effects, it does
not eliminate them. In addressing the preservation of the wood
materials, the industry has created a secondary drawback related to
the use of highly toxic preservatives to prevent the wood from
rotting.
[0004] Further, fences have historically been designed and erected
as permanent structures, without providing for subsequent removal
or alteration. These permanent structures are been built on-site
from the desired fencing materials, such as chain link or raw
lumber, yielding integrated structures that cannot be easily
dismantled without damaging the materials. The result is that most
of these prior art fences that are constructed "on site" as unitary
structures, are highly labor intensive and quite expensive to have
initially installed. Additionally, wood fences constructed in this
manner from raw lumber can also be non-uniform in appearance,
detracting from their aesthetic qualities. This problem is further
amplified when the installation process is attempted by a
do-it-yourself installer who has relatively little experience in
working with traditional fencing systems.
[0005] As an alternative to the wood fencing systems, fences having
plastic horizontal rails that snap into vertical plastic posts are
known. Typically, these plastic rails have snap-in connections
formed on their ends and they "snap-in" directly to the plastic
posts. Problems typically encountered with this type of plastic
fence construction include the fact that these constructions do not
take into account the expansion and contraction of the plastic and
also that the support rails may tend to rotate in response to
varying thermal conditions. Further, some of these plastic fences
are made of a material that has sufficient plasticity to result in
sagging rails and bending posts over time.
[0006] There is therefore a need to provide an esthetically
pleasing fence that overcomes the above noted drawbacks associated
with wood fencing systems. Further there is a need for a fencing
system that is relatively inexpensive and durable, yet can be
dismantled and reassembled in sections by a do-it-yourself
consumer, if desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In this regard, the present invention provides for a new
fencing system constructed from durable polymer components that is
sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated
modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a
do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention
provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and
a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The
entire fencing system is configured to snap together in a manner
that eliminates the need for the use of tools during assembly.
[0008] The present invention includes vertical post elements, top
and bottom horizontal rail elements, a novel connector clip and a
webbing panel that is retained therein. The vertical posts are
extruded material and may be of any suitable profile for fencing
posts. At least two openings are provided in the sidewall of the
vertical posts. Retention clips are inserted in to each of the
openings in the vertical posts. When the clips are inserted into
the openings in the posts, a portion of the clips momentarily
deflect and then return to their undeflected state to engage the
wall of the vertical tube. Due to the shape of the clips and the
manner in which they engage the wall of the vertical tube, the
clips resist being withdrawn from the vertical tubes and resist
deflection or rotation.
[0009] The top and bottom horizontal rails each have openings in
the ends thereof, allowing these members to slide over the
retention clips. Small detent openings are provided in the sidewall
of these tubes that engage a mating configuration on the retention
clips when the rails are snapped into place. In this manner, the
top and bottom rails are also firmly retained forming a unitary
structure between the vertical fence posts and the top and bottom
rails. The top and bottom rails also include a continuous
longitudinal groove therein for receiving fencing panels.
[0010] The present invention also anticipates the possibility of
employing intermediate rail members. In this manner the
intermediate rails would have longitudinal grooves provided in both
their top and bottom sides for receiving the top edge of one panel
and the bottom edge of another thereby allowing two or more
different panels to be employed in the same section of fence.
[0011] Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is
the provision of an integrated modular vinyl fencing system.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a
durable vinyl fence system that exhibits improved structural
characteristics as compared to the prior art. Yet another object of
the present invention is the provision of a vinyl fencing system
that is constructed of modular components that can be made to be
easily interchangeable and reconfigurable. A further object of the
present invention is the provision of a modular vinyl fence system
that includes standardized construction components that is further
capable of being easily disassembled and reused in alternate
configurations.
[0012] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention
shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when
considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled fence system
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the connection
between the horizontal rail and the vertical support;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line
3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 3a is an alternative cross-sectional view thereof taken
along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rail connector mounted
to the vertical support with the horizontal rail removed;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the connector element
of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector element
installed in the vertical support as taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
2;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
connector element of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly
manufactured in accordance with the modular principals of the
system of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an assembled view of a latch assembly for use in
the modular fence system of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a latch assembly for use in
the modular fence system of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a corner connector use in
the modular fence system of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 13A is a front elevational view of an alternate
embodiment connector element of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 13B is a plan view of the connector element of FIG.
13A; and
[0029] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the connector element
taken along the line 13C-13C in FIG. 13B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, the fencing system of the
present invention is illustrated and generally indicated at 10 in
FIGS. 1-6. Further, an alternate embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated and generally indicated at 100 in FIG. 7.
In addition, various other components such as alternate rail
connectors, a hinge, a latch and a corner connector are depicted in
FIGS. 8-13. As will hereinafter be more fully described, the
fencing system 10 is assembled in sections wherein each section
includes at least two vertical support posts 12 with at least two
horizontal rails 14 extending therebetween. Each section of the
fence system 10 may also include a fencing panel 16 supported
between the horizontal rails 14 and caps 18 installed onto the
vertical supports 12. The present invention therefore provides a
convenient and economical modular fencing system 10 that is easily
assembled and installed making the system convenient for both
permanent and temporary fence installations that has not been
previously available in the prior art. It should be further noted
that the fencing system 10 of the present invention is particularly
advantageous as compared to the prior art in that every component
is arranged to be snap fit while eliminating the need for using
tools during assembly thereof.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 1, several adjacent sections of the
fencing system 10 of the present invention are shown fully
assembled. The fencing system 10 is configured to be a modular
system that is equally effective when installed as a single
section, two linear adjacent sections or any conceivable
arrangement of any number of interconnected sections. The adjacent
sections of fencing may be disposed linearly, at 90.degree. to one
another, in a "T" configuration or at any relative angle required
in a particular installation. For the purposes of the detailed
description the interrelationship of the various components will be
described in the context of a single fencing section although the
concepts and principals of this disclosure can be extrapolated to
any of the configurations described above with equal success.
[0032] As stated above, the fencing system 10 includes vertical
supports 12 or fence posts. The vertical supports 12 in the present
invention are tubular shaped members. While in the preferred
embodiment the tubular members are shown to have a square
cross-sectional profile, the tubes could be formed in any desired
cross-section including but not limited to rectangular, circular,
elliptical, hexagonal, octagonal and combinations thereof. The
vertical support members 12 are installed in a parallel spaced
apart relation in the desired location where the fencing will be
installed. The vertical supports 12 could be installed by directly
burying a portion of the support 12 into the ground or could be
installed into support member (not shown) that may or may not be
fastened to the ground. By using a support member the
reconfigurability and temporary installation of the fence system 10
of the present invention may be enhanced. It should be understood
that the manner in which the vertical posts 12 are anchored to the
environment where the fence system 10 is installed is not critical
to the present invention. Additionally, if desired for aesthetic
purposes or to prevent moisture from entering the vertical supports
12, caps 18 can be installed on the top of the vertical supports
12.
[0033] Turning now to FIGS. 2, a detailed view of the connection
between the horizontal rails 14 and the vertical supports 12 is
shown. The ends 18 of the horizontal rail 14 contact the outer face
of two of the vertical posts 12 and the horizontal rails 14 are
retained and supported therebetween. Preferably, the present
invention includes at least two horizontal rails 14 extending
between each pair of vertical supports 12. It should be appreciated
that when the present invention is assembled in configurations of
multiple adjacent sections, each section does not require two
distinct and separate vertical supports 12 as the second support
for a preceding section serves also as a first support for a
following section. The horizontal rails 14 are supported by rail
connectors 20 as will be more fully described below. As can best be
seen in FIG. 3, the horizontal rails 14 are also tubular sections.
While the cross-sectional profile is shown as being square, as
stated above any suitable or desirable profile may be used for the
horizontal rails 14.
[0034] It can be further seen in FIG. 3 that the horizontal rails
14 include linear grooves 22 therein to receive a fencing panel 16
should one be desired in the particular fencing application. The
fencing panel 16 is a flexible sheet of fabric material having
pockets 24 extending along the top and bottom edges thereof. The
pockets 24 have a retention member 26 placed therein to increase
the overall thickness of the pocket 24 along the top and bottom
edges. The retention tube 26 may be a dowel, a fiberglass rod, a
piece of polymer tubing or any other suitable material for this
application. To install the panel 16 into the system, the top
pocket 24 including the installed retention member 26 is slid into
the groove 22 in the top horizontal member 14 and the bottom pocket
24 is similarly slid into the groove 22 in the bottom horizontal
rail 14 and the top and bottom rails 14 are installed between the
vertical supports 12. In this manner the panel 16 is held in a
taughtly stretched manner creating a fully closed fencing section.
Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3a, the horizontal rail 14 may
include a reinforcing wall 28 extending on its interior to maintain
the dimensional stability of the cross section of the horizontal
rail 14 and prevent the groove 22 from opening and releasing the
panel 16 when under load. Further, in place of a continuous pocket
24 along the edge of the panels 16, a plurality of tabs that each
include retention members could extend from the top and bottom
edges thereof and be retained within the groove 22 in the
horizontal rails 14.
[0035] The fencing panel 16 may be formed from a woven or knit
fabric in any desired pattern of color. While the preferred
material is polymer based, any other material such as canvas,
laminated sheet goods or coated canvas could also be used and fall
within the scope of the invention. Further the panel 16 may be
formed using interwoven polymer webbing strips to form a basket
weave pattern. As can be appreciated the above disclosure related
to the general pattern and configuration of the panels 16 is meant
to be illustrative and not limiting in any manner.
[0036] Turning now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 details of the rail
connector 20 are shown. The rail connector 20 is installed into
holes located in the sidewalls 30 of the vertical supports 12. The
rail connector 20 includes a retention member 32 that extends
outwardly from the vertical support 12 when the rail connector 20
is in assembled relation with the vertical post 12. The retention
member 32 is configured to frictionally receive and retain the ends
18 of the horizontal rails 14. As can be seen the tubular
configuration of the horizontal rails 14 provide openings in the
ends 18 thereof that are received onto the retention member 32 of
the rail connector 20. The rail connector 20 includes retention
clips 34 that extend from the back of the retention member 32. When
the rail connector 20 is installed onto the vertical post 12, the
retention clips 34 extend into the hole in the wall 30 of the
vertical support 12 and engage the wall 30 to securely hold the
rail connector 20 in assembled relation with the vertical support
12. As can best be seen in FIG. 6, the rail connector 20 includes
shoulders 36 that contact the outer surface of the vertical
supports 12 and cooperate with the retention clips 34 to engage the
wall 30 of the vertical support 12. The retention clips 34 are
spring biased allowing them to deflect as the rail connector 20 is
inserted into the hole in the vertical support 12 and return to
their original, undeflected state wherein the tabs 38 at the ends
of the retention clips 34 engage the wall 30 of the vertical
support 12. Additionally, the rail connector 20 may include a
detent 40 on the side of the retention member 32. The purpose of
the detent 40 is to engage a hole located in the side wall of the
horizontal rail 14 to prevent it from becoming dislodged from the
rail connector 20.
[0037] The materials utilized for the vertical posts 12, horizontal
rails 14 and rail connectors 20 may be either metallic or polymer
based. In the preferred embodiment of the preset invention, polymer
materials are utilized to reduce the cost, make the parts easier to
handle and provide longer term durability and a cleaner appearance.
The vertical supports 12 and the horizontal rails 14 are preferably
formed from extruded vinyl and PVC, although any other suitable
polymer may be employed. Further the rail connector 20 is
preferably formed from a polymer material such as ABS, PVC, HDPE or
polycarbonate.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment 100 of the
present invention is shown. This embodiment is intended to
illustrate a configuration wherein three horizontal rails 102a-c
are used in conjunction with two panels 104a-b to create a
customized fence appearance. As described above, at least two
vertical supports 106 are arranged is spaced parallel relationship.
Three horizontal rails 102a-c are installed between the two
vertical supports 106 utilizing rail connectors 20 as described
above. While the top 102c and bottom 102a rails each include one
longitudinal groove in the walls thereof, the middle rail 102b
includes a groove in both its top and bottom surface. In this
manner a top panel 104b can extend between the top rail 102c and
the middle rail 102b and be retained in the groove in the top of
the middle rail 102b. Further, a bottom panel 104a extends between
the bottom rail 102a and the groove in the bottom of the middle
rail 102b. In this manner, the installed fencing system 100 can
have a custom appearance and can include two panels 104a-b having
two different patterns, textures or appearances.
[0039] FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment rail connector 200.
As was provided above, the rail connector 200 is installed into
holes located in the sidewalls 30 of the vertical supports 12. This
embodiment of the rail connector 200 includes a retention member
210 that extends outwardly from the vertical support 12 when the
rail connector 200 is in assembled relation with the vertical post
12. The retention member 210 is configured to frictionally receive
and retain the ends 18 of the horizontal rails 14. As can be seen
the tubular configuration of the horizontal rails 14 provide
openings in the ends 18 thereof that are received onto the
retention member 210 of the rail connector 200. The rail connector
200 includes two opposing retention clips 212 that extend from the
back of the retention member 210. When the rail connector 200 is
installed onto the vertical post 12, the opposing pair of retention
clips 212 extend into the hole in the wall 30 of the vertical
support 12 and engage the wall 30 to securely hold the rail
connector 200 in assembled relation with the vertical support 12.
The rail connector 200 includes shoulders 214 that contact the
outer surface of the vertical supports 12 and cooperate with the
retention clips 212 to engage the wall 30 of the vertical support
12. The retention clips 214 are spring biased allowing them to
deflect as the rail connector 200 is inserted into the hole in the
vertical support 12 and return to their original, undeflected state
wherein the tabs 216 at the ends of the retention clips 214 engage
the interior of the wall 30 of the vertical support 11. In its
installed position, the shoulders 214 can be seen to contact the
exterior surface of the wall of the vertical support 12 and the
tabs 216 on the retention clips 212 can be seen to engage the
interior surface of the vertical support 12 thereby ensuring that
the rail connector 200 is securely retained in position on the
vertical support 12. Additionally, the rail connector 200 may
include detents 218 on the sides of the shoulders 214 extending
from the rear of the retention member 210. The purpose of the
detents 218 is to engage corresponding holes located in the
sidewall of the horizontal rail 14 to prevent it from becoming
dislodged from the rail connector 200.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 9, a hinge 300 is depicted that employs
the teachings of the system of the present invention thereby
allowing its modular incorporation into the fencing system of the
present invention. The hinge 300 can be seen to include two
opposing hinge panels 302, 304 each of which respectively includes
an upper and lower pivot assembly 306 along a common edge. A pin
308 is inserted into a hole 310 in each of the upper and lower
pivot assemblies 306 thereby fastening the opposing hinge panels
302, 304 in pivoting relationship to one another. It can be further
seen that an optional spring 312 may also be included that is
installed at the juncture between the upper and lower pivot
assemblies 306. The spring 312 can be seen to include first 314 and
second 316 actuator arms that engage the opposing hinge panels 302,
304 in a manner that creates a spring bias urging the two opposing
hinge panels 302, 304 together in a normally closed position. The
opposing hinge panels 302, 304 can also be seen to include two
opposing retention clips 318 that extend from the back surface of
each of the hinge panels 302, 304. When the opposing hinge panels
302, 304 are installed onto the vertical post and or a side rail of
a gate, the opposing pair of retention clips 318 extend into the
hole in the wall 30 of the vertical support 12 as described above
and engage the wall 30 to securely hold the hinge 300 in assembled
relation with the vertical support 12. The retention clips 318 are
spring biased allowing them to deflect as the hinge 300 is inserted
into the hole in the vertical support 12 and return to their
original, undeflected state wherein the tabs 320 at the ends of the
retention clips 318 engage the interior of the wall 30 of the
vertical support 11. In its installed position, the rear surface
322 of the hinge panels 302, 304 contact the exterior surface of
the wall of the vertical support 12 and the tabs 320 on the
retention clips 318 engage the interior surface of the vertical
support 12 thereby ensuring that the hinge 300 is securely retained
in position on the vertical support 12.
[0041] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a snap together latch assembly
400 for use in conjunction with the system of the present
invention. The latch 400 includes a latch faceplate 402 that is
received into a hole in the sidewall of a tubular extrusion. The
latch faceplate 402 has two retention clips 404 with tabs 406 on
the ends thereof that are configured to engage the walls of the
tubular extension as has been described in detail above.
Additionally, the latch faceplate 402 includes a cylindrical bore
408 extending therethrough that slidably receives a latch body 410.
The latch body 410 can be seen to include a latch pin 412 that is
slidably received into the cylindrical bore 410 in the latch
faceplate 402 and has an interface means 414 for receiving and
engaging at least one actuator 416. The latch body 410 is urged
into a first engaged position by a spring 418 that extends from the
latch body 410 to the latch faceplate 402. The at least one
actuator 416 extends through a slotted hole in the sidewall of the
tubular extrusion and is received into the interface means 414 on
the latch body 410. A user actuates the latch 400 by sliding the
actuator 416 rearwardly, which in turn displaces the latch body 410
rearwardly against the spring tension causing the latch pin 412 to
be withdrawn into the bore 408 in the latch faceplate 402. When the
user releases the actuator 416, the spring 418 causes the latch
body 410 to return to the engaged position.
[0042] FIG. 12 depicts a corner connector 500 that facilitates the
connection of two tubular rail members at a 90.degree. angle to one
another without the need for a vertical support post. The corner
connecter 500 includes two rail interfaces 502 extending from a
body 504 and can be seen also to include detents 506 to retain a
rail in the installed position as described above.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 13, a second alternate embodiment rail
connector 600 is provided. As was provided above, the rail
connector 600 is installed into holes located in the sidewalls 30
of the vertical supports 12. The rail connector 600, as described
above, includes two opposing retention clips 618 that extend from
the back of the rail connector 600. When the rail connector 600 is
installed onto the vertical post 12, the opposing pair of retention
clips 618 extend into the hole in the wall 30 of the vertical
support 12 and engage the wall 30 to securely hold the rail
connector 600 in assembled relation with the vertical support 12.
The rail connector 600 includes shoulders 620 that contact the
outer surface of the vertical supports 12 and cooperate with the
retention clips 618 to engage the wall 30 of the vertical support
12. The retention clips 618 are spring biased allowing them to
deflect as the rail connector 600 is inserted into the hole in the
vertical support 12 and return to their original, undeflected state
wherein retention clips 618 engage the interior of the wall 30 of
the vertical support 11. In its installed position, the shoulders
620 can be seen to contact the exterior surface of the wall of the
vertical support 12 and the retention clips 618 can be seen to
engage the interior surface of the vertical support 12 thereby
ensuring that the rail connector 600 is securely retained in
position on the vertical support 12.
[0044] This embodiment of the rail connector 600 includes a
retention member 610 that extends outwardly from the vertical
support 12 when the rail connector 600 is in assembled relation
with the vertical post 12. The retention member 610 includes an
inner support 612 and an outer support 614 to receive and retain
the ends 18 of the horizontal rails 14. As can be seen the tubular
configuration of the horizontal rails 14 provide openings in the
ends 18 thereof that are received onto and about the inner support
612 while the outer support 614 has side walls that encircle the
outer surface of the ends 18 of the horizontal rails 14. In this
manner, the retention member 610 portion of the rail connector 600
fully supports the end of the horizontal rails 14. Beneficially,
this allows the horizontal rails 14 be cut shorter thereby leaving
a gap 616 at the ends thereof that allow room for thermal expansion
of the horizontal rails 14 while also concealing the gap 616 at the
end of the horizontal rails 14 within the outer support 614 walls.
Additionally, the rail connector 600 may include detents 622 on the
inner surface of the outer support 614. The purpose of the detents
622 is to engage corresponding holes located in the sidewall of the
horizontal rail 14 to prevent it from becoming dislodged from the
rail connector 600.
[0045] It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides
a unique modular fencing system 10 that is inexpensive to fabricate
yet is highly durable and requires little maintenance. The fencing
system 10 is easy to install, reconfigure and remove as required
and is well suited to a do-it yourself installer. Further, the
present invention can be modified and reused as required to
facilitate temporary installations. For these reasons, the instant
invention is believed to represent a significant advancement in the
art, which has substantial commercial merit.
[0046] While there is shown and described herein certain specific
structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those
skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of
the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not
limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except
insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
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