U.S. patent application number 11/406683 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for fencing system in particular for deer control.
Invention is credited to Norman Campbell.
Application Number | 20070246696 11/406683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38618633 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070246696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; Norman |
October 25, 2007 |
Fencing system in particular for deer control
Abstract
Fencing system including elongate posts adapted to be secured to
the ground, fence sections each arranged between an adjacent pair
of posts and including downward-facing mounting pins, and post
clips arranged on the posts. Each post clip includes a tubular
mounting collar slidable along and rotatable relative to the posts,
a locking mechanism for locking the mounting collar in a fixed
vertical position and a pin-receiving ring defining an aperture for
receiving one of the mounting pins to enable engagement of the
mounting pins with the post clips and thus engagement of the fence
sections with the posts. Assembly of the fencing system includes
positioning the post clips on the posts, securing the posts to the
ground, and placing the mounting pins through the pin-receiving
rings of the post clips once the posts are secured to the ground
and the post clips are set at the desired vertical location.
Inventors: |
Campbell; Norman;
(Callicoon, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF, HOLTZ, GOODMAN & CHICK, PC
220 Fifth Avenue
16TH Floor
NEW YORK
NY
10001-7708
US
|
Family ID: |
38618633 |
Appl. No.: |
11/406683 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 3/00 20130101; E04H
17/161 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/021 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. A fencing system, comprising: elongate posts adapted to be
secured to the ground; fence sections each arranged between an
adjacent pair of said posts and including downward-facing mounting
pins; and post clips arranged on said posts, each of said post
clips including a tubular mounting collar slidable along and
rotatable relative to said posts, locking means for locking said
mounting collar in a fixed vertical position and a pin-receiving
ring defining an aperture for receiving one of said mounting pins
to thereby enable engagement of said mounting pins with said post
clips and thus engagement of said fence sections with said
posts.
2. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein said locking means
comprise a set screw arranged in a threaded channel formed in said
mounting collar.
3. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein each of said fence
sections includes upper and lower horizontal rails and vertical
rails connected to said horizontal rails, said mounting pins being
arranged at ends of said horizontal rails.
4. The fencing system of claim 3, wherein said mounting pins are
substantially perpendicular to said horizontal rails.
5. The fencing system of claim 3, wherein said mounting pins are
arranged such that on each side of said fence section, a lowermost
one of said mounting pins is longer than an uppermost one of said
mounting pins and the uppermost one of said mounting pins on one
side of said fence section is longer than the lowermost one of said
mounting pins on the other side of said fence section.
6. The fencing system of claim 3, wherein said mounting pins are
arranged such that on one side of said fence section, a lowermost
one of said mounting pins has a length of about 6'' and an
uppermost one of said mounting pins has a length of about 5'' and
on the other side of said fence section, a lowermost one of said
mounting pins has a length of about 4'' and an uppermost one of
said mounting pins has a length of about 3''.
7. The fencing system of claim 3, further comprising gate clips
arranged on at least one of said posts, each of said gate clips
including a tubular mounting collar slidable along and rotatable
relative to said at least one of said posts, locking means for
locking said mounting collar in a fixed vertical position and a
substantially L-shaped pin fixed to said mounting collar and
defining a support for one of said horizontal rails.
8. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein said posts are
constructed to be removably securable to the ground.
9. The fencing system of claim 1, further comprising a ground stop
plate attached to each of said posts at a predetermined, fixed
distance from a bottom end of each of said posts such that when
said posts are placed into the ground up to said ground stop
plates, a remaining portion of said posts above said ground stop
plates is substantially equal.
10. The fencing system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
lock clip for locking one of said fence sections in engagement with
said posts.
11. The fencing system of claim 10, wherein said at least one lock
clip is arranged to engage with one of said posts.
12. The fencing system of claim 11, wherein said at least one lock
clip includes a tubular mounting collar slidable along said one of
said posts, locking means for locking said mounting collar in a
fixed vertical position and a plate fixed to said mounting collar,
said at least one lock clip being arranged relative to said one of
said post clips such that said plate extends over one of said
mounting pins when said mounting pin is engaged with said post clip
and the distance between said lock clip and said pin-receiving ring
of said post clip is less than the length of said mounting pin.
13. The fencing system of claim 11, wherein said at least one lock
clip includes a plate have an aperture with a diameter
substantially corresponding to a diameter of said one of said posts
such that said at least lock clip must be slid on said one of said
posts straight upward to enable release of the locking provided by
said at least one lock clip, said at least one lock clip being
arranged relative to said one of said post clips such that said
plate extends over one of said mounting pins when said mounting pin
is engaged with said post clip and the distance between said lock
clip and said pin-receiving ring of said post clip is less than the
length of said mounting pin.
14. The fencing system of claim 10, wherein said at least one lock
clip is arranged to engage with one of said mounting pins.
15. The fencing system of claim 14, wherein said at least one lock
clip includes a tubular mounting collar slidable along said one of
said mounting pins, locking means for locking said mounting collar
in a fixed vertical position and a plate fixed to said mounting
collar, said plate having a cross-sectional size which prevents its
passage through the aperture defined by said pin-receiving ring of
said post clips engaging with said one of said mounting pins.
16. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein said mounting pins have
different lengths, said at least one lock clip engaging with one of
said mounting pins have the smallest length.
17. A fencing system, comprising: elongate posts adapted to be
secured to the ground; fence sections each arranged between an
adjacent pair of said posts and including upper and lower
horizontal rails, vertical rails connected to said horizontal rails
and downward-facing mounting pins arranged at end regions of said
horizontal rails, said mounting pins being arranged such that on
each side of said fence section, a lowermost one of said mounting
pins is longer than an uppermost one of said mounting pins and the
uppermost one of said mounting pins on one side of said fence
section is longer than the lowermost one of said mounting pins on
the other side of said fence section; and post clips arranged on
said posts, each of said post clips defining an aperture for
receiving one of said mounting pins to thereby enable engagement of
said mounting pins with said post clips and thus engagement of said
fence sections with said posts.
18. The fencing system of claim 17, wherein said mounting pins are
arranged such that on one side of said fence section, a lowermost
one of said mounting pins has a length of about 6'' and an
uppermost one of said mounting pins has a length of about 5'' and
on the other side of said fence section, a lowermost one of said
mounting pins has a length of about 4'' and an uppermost one of
said mounting pins has a length of about 3''.
19. A fencing system, comprising: elongate posts adapted to be
secured to the ground; fence sections each engaged with an adjacent
pair of said posts and including upper and lower horizontal rails
and vertical rails connected to said horizontal rails; and gate
clips arranged on at least one of said posts, each of said gate
clips including a tubular mounting collar slidable along and
rotatable relative to said at least one of said posts, locking
means for locking said mounting collar in a fixed vertical position
and a substantially L-shaped pin fixed to said mounting collar and
defining a support for one of said horizontal rails to thereby
engage said fence section with said at least one of said posts.
20. The fencing system of claim 19, wherein said locking means
comprise a set screw arranged in a threaded channel formed in said
mounting collar.
21. A fencing system, comprising: elongate posts adapted to be
secured to the ground; fence sections each engaged with an adjacent
pair of said posts and including upper and lower horizontal rails
and vertical rails connected to said horizontal rails; and at least
one lock clip for locking one of said fence sections in engagement
with said posts.
22. The fencing system of claim 21, wherein said at least one lock
clip is arranged to engage with one of said posts.
23. The fencing system of claim 21, wherein each of said fence
sections further comprises downward-facing mounting pins arranged
at end regions of said horizontal rails, the fencing system further
comprising: post clips arranged on said posts, each of said post
clips defining an aperture for receiving one of said mounting pins
to thereby enable engagement of said mounting pins with said post
clips and thus engagement of said fence sections with said
posts.
24. The fencing system of claim 23, wherein said at least one lock
clip includes a tubular mounting collar slidable along said one of
said posts, locking means for locking said mounting collar in a
fixed vertical position and a plate fixed to said mounting collar,
said at least one lock clip being arranged relative to said one of
said post clips such that said plate extends over one of said
mounting pins when said mounting pin is engaged with said post clip
and the distance between said lock clip and said pin-receiving ring
of said post clip is less than the length of said mounting pin.
25. The fencing system of claim 23, wherein said at least one lock
clip includes a plate have an aperture with a diameter
substantially corresponding to a diameter of said one of said posts
such that said at least lock clip must be slid on said one of said
posts straight upward to enable release of the locking provided by
said at least one lock clip, said at least one lock clip being
arranged relative to said one of said post clips such that said
plate extends over one of said mounting pins when said mounting pin
is engaged with said post clip and the distance between said lock
clip and said pin-receiving ring of said post clip is less than the
length of said mounting pin.
26. The fencing system of claim 23, wherein said at least one lock
clip is arranged to engage with one of said mounting pins.
27. The fencing system of claim 26, wherein said at least one lock
clip includes a tubular mounting collar slidable along said one of
said mounting pins, locking means for locking said mounting collar
in a fixed vertical position and a plate fixed to said mounting
collar, said plate having a cross-sectional size which prevents its
passage through the aperture defined by said pin-receiving ring of
said post clips engaging with said one of said mounting pins.
28. The fencing system of claim 27, wherein said mounting pins have
different lengths, said at least one lock clip engaging with one of
said mounting pins have the smallest length.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a fencing system
and more particularly to a fencing system for installation around
an area to be protected in order to prevent animals such as deer
from entering into the area and damaging the protected area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Deer consume a significant amount of vegetation and as their
population increases without effective curbs on growth, they
encroach on suburban and urban areas consuming homeowner's shrubs,
flowers and trees. The presence of deer is typically a seasonal
phenomena dependent on the present of sufficient vegetation in
natural forests. When there is insufficient vegetation in the
forest, deer will travel to suburban areas in search of
vegetation.
[0003] Fencing systems are known which are installed around areas
to be protected or enclosed, some of which invariably could be used
to keep deer out of the protected or enclosed area. One simple
construction comprises a series of wood posts and wood fence
sections attached to the posts, e.g., by nails. Other fencing
systems are made of steel or similar material and typically include
posts and fence sections welded to the posts. In such fencing
systems, the fence sections, once nailed or welded to the posts,
are not adjustable and cannot be easily taken apart. Thus, such
fencing systems are not conducive to a seasonal or temporary
installation.
[0004] These types of fencing system also do not allow for easy
adjustment of the vertical position of the fence sections to the
posts.
[0005] However, fencing systems which allow for variation in the
vertical position of the fence sections to the posts are disclosed,
for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,304,683 (Ferreira) and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,645,271 (Nunez). Ferreira discloses a post having channels on
two sides in which L-shaped bracket members slide. The position of
the bracket members is vertically adjustable and when the desired
vertical position is obtained, the bracket members are tightened by
threaded members and nuts. Fence sections are then attached to pins
of the bracket members. Nunez discloses a metal fence post assembly
with an inner sleeve and two-part outer sleeve. An upper part of
the outer sleeve can be mounted at different vertical positions to
the inner sleeve in view of the presence of a plurality of screw
holes formed in the outer sleeve. This enables variations between
the height of a fence section on one side of the post assembly and
the height of a fence section on the other side of the post
assembly.
[0006] Other fencing systems which include posts and fence sections
coupled thereto include U.S. Pat. No. 54,794 (Thompson), U.S. Pat.
No. 134,624 (Anderson), U.S. Pat. No. 194,724 (Reed et al.), U.S.
Pat. No. 1,730,936 (High), U.S. Pat. No. 1,776,785 (Davidson), U.S.
Pat. No. 3,096,079 (Winn), U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,877 (Turner), U.S.
Pat. No. 3,942,763 (Helterbrand et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,478
(Bermudez), U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,096 (Campbell), U.S. Pat. No.
6,481,697 (Brown) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,827 (McCracken).
[0007] The prior art fencing systems described in these references
do not provide a fencing system which is easy to install, has the
potential to be only a seasonal or temporary installation, can
easily contour to the terrain, allows for variations in the
vertical mounting height of fence sections thereof and enables the
fence sections to be securely locked to posts.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
fencing system designed primarily to prevent deer from gaining
access to areas sought to be protected from their intrusion.
However, the fencing system need not be only used to prevent deer
from entering a specific location, but can also be used to prevent
other animals or children from entering an area, or used for
decorative purposes.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new fencing system comprised of posts and fence sections coupled
thereto which is easier to install than similar prior art fencing
systems.
[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a new fencing system which is capable of contouring to
uneven terrain.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a new fencing system comprised of posts and fence sections coupled
thereto which allows adjacent fence sections to be vertical spaced
from one another and thereby allow the fencing system to contour to
the ground.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new fencing system which prevents large foraging animals, in
particular deer, from entering yards, vegetable gardens and
estates, and protects plantings, small trees and shrubbery around
houses and other buildings from such foraging animals.
[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new fencing system which can be used either as a permanent
installation or as a temporary or seasonal installation.
[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a new fencing system which is exceptionally light in
material as well as weight, making it inexpensive as well as easy
to move, this being achieved by its ability to be set up in a
slight zigzag or room screen fashion creating an exceptionally
strong structure.
[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a new fencing system which has the ability to be easily and
quickly removed and reinstalled to allow access to enclosed areas
by large equipment such as commercial lawn mowers, backhoes, etc.,
while not leaving a breach in the enclosed area for even a short
period of time.
[0016] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a new fencing system which has the ability to be easily and
quickly removed and reinstalled in the event that an unwanted
animal which has gained access to the enclosed area through an open
gate or other breach in the enclosure can be herded through a large
opening of 10'-20' or more, as opposed to a small gate of only 3 or
so feet, since this may be nearly impossible to do with a large,
wild and frightened animal.
[0017] In order to achieve these objects and others, a first
embodiment of a fencing system in accordance with the invention
includes elongate posts adapted to be secured to the ground, fence
sections each arranged between an adjacent pair of posts and
including downward-facing mounting pins, and post clips arranged on
the posts. Each post clip includes a tubular mounting collar
slidable along and rotatable relative to the posts, a locking
mechanism for locking the mounting collar in a fixed vertical
position and a pin-receiving ring defining an aperture for
receiving one of the mounting pins to thereby enable engagement of
the mounting pins with the post clips and thus engagement of the
fence sections with the posts. Assembly of the fencing system
entails securing the posts to the ground, positioning the post
clips at desired vertical positions, locking them in those
positions and then placing the mounting pins through the
pin-receiving rings of the post clips once the posts are secured to
the ground and the post clips are set at the desired vertical
location.
[0018] The fence sections typically include at least upper and
lower horizontal rails and vertical rails connected thereto. The
mounting pins are arranged at end regions or ends of the horizontal
rails and may be angled relative thereto to face downward, e.g.,
substantially perpendicular to the horizontal rails.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the length of the mounting
pins on the horizontal rails is set to provide for easy
installation of the fence sections onto the posts. Specifically,
the mounting pins are arranged such that on each side of the fence
section, there are two mounting pins and the lowermost mounting pin
is longer than the uppermost mounting pin, and moreover such that
the uppermost mounting pin on one side of the fence section is
longer than the lowermost mounting pin on the other side of the
fence section. For example, the mounting pins can be arranged such
that on one side of the fence section, the lowermost mounting pin
has a length of about 6'' and the uppermost mounting pin has a
length of about 5'' and on the other side of the fence section, the
lowermost mounting pins has a length of about 4'' and the uppermost
mounting pin has a length of about 3''. This variation in length of
the mounting pins allows for the longest mounting pin to be engaged
with a post clip first, then the next longest mounting pin and then
the next longest mounting and finally the smallest mounting pin,
while maintaining any previously engaged mounting pin(s) in
position.
[0020] When using this particular relative dimensioning of the
mounting pins, it is possible to use clips or brackets for securing
the mounting pins to the posts other than the post clips described
above.
[0021] In another embodiment of a fencing system in accordance with
the invention, gate clips are used to form a gate from one of the
fence sections. A set of gate clips is arranged on at least one
post and each gate clip includes a tubular mounting collar slidable
along and rotatable relative to the post, a locking mechanism for
locking the mounting collar in a fixed vertical position and a
substantially L-shaped pin fixed to the mounting collar and
defining a support for one of the horizontal rails of the fence
section. In this manner, the fence section is engaged with the
posts. Such gate clips can be used independent of the post clips
described above and indeed, it is envisioned that other clips or
brackets for securing the sides of fence sections, or mounting pins
when present on the fence sections, to the posts can be used in
combination with the gate clips.
[0022] Another embodiment of a fencing system in accordance with
the invention includes elongate posts adapted to be secured to the
ground, fence sections each engaged with an adjacent pair of posts
and including upper and lower horizontal rails and vertical rails
connected to the horizontal rails and at least one lock clip for
locking one of the fence sections in engagement with the posts. The
lock clip can engage with one of the posts or with one of the
mounting pins on a fence section, when present.
[0023] In the former situation, post clips are arranged on the
posts, each defining an aperture through which one of the mounting
pins passes to thereby enable engagement of the mounting pins with
the post clips and thus engagement of the fence sections with the
posts. One embodiment of a lock clip can include a tubular mounting
collar slidable along the post, a locking mechanism for locking the
mounting collar in a fixed vertical position and an annular plate
fixed to the mounting collar. The lock clip is arranged relative to
the post clip such that the plate extends over one of the mounting
pins when it is engaged with the post clip and the distance between
the lock clip and the pin-receiving ring of the post clip is less
than the length of the mounting pin. Removal of the mounting pin
from the space between the pin-receiving ring of the post clip and
the lock clip is precluded. Another lock clip includes an annular
plate having an aperture with a diameter substantially
corresponding to a diameter of the post such that the lock clip
must be slid on the post straight upward to enable release of the
locking provided thereby. The lock clip is arranged relative to the
post clip such that the plate extends over one of the mounting pins
when it is engaged with the post clip and the distance between the
lock clip and the pin-receiving ring of the post clip is less than
the length of the mounting pin. Instead of annular plates, any size
and shape plate may be used provided it restricts upward movement
of the horizontal rail and mounting pin.
[0024] When the lock clip is engaged with a mounting pin, the lock
clip can include a tubular mounting collar slidable along the
mounting pin, a locking mechanism for locking the mounting collar
in a fixed vertical position on the mounting pin and a plate fixed
to the mounting collar. The plate has a cross-sectional shape and
size which prevents its passage through the aperture defined by the
pin-receiving ring of the post clip engaging with the mounting pin.
When the mounting pins have different lengths, a single lock clip
can be provided in engagement with the mounting pin having the
smallest length so that none of the mounting pins can be removed
from engagement with the respective post clip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and
wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a fencing system in
accordance with the invention shown contouring to a small hill.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of a fencing system in accordance with
the invention shown in a zig-zag configuration.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a fence section of a
fencing system in accordance with the invention.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a front view of a post of a fencing system in
accordance with the invention.
[0030] FIG. 4B is a side view of the post shown in FIG. 4A.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a basic construction of a
pair of posts and a fence section in a fencing system in accordance
with the invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a view showing a portion of a fence in accordance
with the invention contouring to an uneven surface.
[0033] FIG. 7A is a top view of a post clip used in a fencing
system in accordance with the invention.
[0034] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the post clip shown in
FIG. 7A taken along the line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A.
[0035] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the post clip shown in
FIG. 7A taken along the line 7C-7C of FIG. 7A.
[0036] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the post clip shown in
FIG. 7A taken along the line 7D-7D of FIG. 7A.
[0037] FIG. 8A is a side view of a gate clip used in a fencing
system in accordance with the invention.
[0038] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the gate clip shown in
FIG. 8A taken along the line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A.
[0039] FIG. 8C is a side view of a gate clip shown in FIG. 8A.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a front view showing a gate-forming portion of a
fencing system in accordance with the invention.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the gate-forming portion of
the fencing system shown in FIG. 9.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a view showing the extent of opening of a
gate-forming portion of the fencing system in accordance with the
invention.
[0043] FIG. 12A is a top view showing a post lock fence clip of a
fencing system in accordance with the invention.
[0044] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the post lock fence
clip shown in FIG. 12A taken along the line 12B-12B of FIG.
12A.
[0045] FIG. 13A is a top view showing a cantilever post lock fence
clip of a fencing system in accordance with the invention.
[0046] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the cantilever post
lock fence clip shown in FIG. 13A taken along the line 13B-13B of
FIG. 13A.
[0047] FIG. 14A is a top view showing a fence pin lock clip of a
fencing system in accordance with the invention.
[0048] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the fence pin lock
clip shown in FIG. 14A taken along the line 14B-14B of FIG.
14A.
[0049] FIG. 15 is a view showing the post lock fence clip of FIGS.
12A and 12B on a post.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a view showing the fence pin lock clip of FIGS.
14A and 14B on a post.
[0051] FIG. 17 is a view showing the cantilever post lock fence
clip of FIGS. 13A and 13B on a post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like
reference numbers refer to the same or similar objects, FIG. 1
shows a fencing system in accordance with the invention which is
designated generally as 10 and comprises a plurality of elongate
posts 12 secured to the ground 8 and a fence section 14 arranged
between each adjacent pair of posts 12 and engaged therewith.
[0053] Posts 12 are designed to be either removably or permanently
secured into various different terrains by any known method in the
fencing industry. In their simplest configuration, posts 12 are
elongate rods, either tubular or solid, having a spike 16 at their
bottom end and can be pushed into the ground 8 until they can
maintain a firm, upright position. Spikes 16 may be about 12'' long
and 3/4'' in diameter. Posts 12 can be made of steel or another
rigid material.
[0054] A ground stop plate 18 is optionally attached at a
predetermined distance from the bottom end of each post 12 and
limits the insertion of the spike 16 into the ground (see FIGS. 2
and 6). As such, ground stop plates 18 enable a plurality of posts
12 to be inserted while maintaining a substantially consistent
height of the remaining portion of the posts 12 above the ground
stop plate 18. Ground stop plates 18 could also be used without
spikes 16 and thus could be at the bottom of the posts 12. In this
case, the ground stop plates 18 could be attached to the terrain or
buried underground.
[0055] Other techniques for either removably or permanently fixing
posts 12 in a firm, upright position can also be applied in
accordance with the invention, e.g., embedding a lower end portion
of the posts 12 in concrete.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, fence 10 can conform to the contour of
the terrain to which it is being secured. To this end, the height
of the posts 12 and the height of the fence sections 14 must be
considered when securing the posts 12 to the ground 8. Generally,
the posts 12 are secured a distance apart from one another
substantially equal to the length of the fence section 14. When
securing a new post 12 adjacent a previously secured post, the post
12 must also be secured to the ground 8 so that it has an
overlapping vertical portion with the previously secured, adjacent
post 12 at least equal to the height of the fence section 14 to
enable the fence section 14 to be secured to these two, adjacent
posts 12. As the length of the fence sections 14 is smaller, the
fence 10 is better able to conform to the terrain.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, a non-linear fence, e.g., a zig-zag
fence, can be formed by arranging posts 12 in a non-linear manner,
but maintaining the same distance between the posts 12
substantially equal to the length of the fence sections 14. The
variation in the linearity of the fence is enabled by the placement
of posts 12 not in line with one another.
[0058] The ability to form a non-linear fencing system is also
useful if rocks are located at one or more desired post-securing
positions and it is therefore necessary to displace the post 12
slightly from the linear alignment of the other posts 12.
[0059] To engage the fence sections 14 with the posts 12, post
clips 20 are slidably attached to each post 12. Post clips 20 are
shown most clearly in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, and each includes a
tubular mounting collar 22 have a diameter which enables it to
slide along the respective post 12 to a desired vertical position
on the post 12, a locking mechanism, e.g., a set screw 24, arranged
in connection with the mounting collar 22 to lock the mounting
collar 22 in the desired vertical position and a pin-receiving ring
26 fixed to the mounting collar 22. The pin-receiving rings 26 each
define an aperture through which downward-facing mounting pins 28
on the fence sections 14 pass to thereby engage the fence sections
14 with to the posts 12, or couple the fence sections 14 to the
posts 12.
[0060] Mounting collar 22 can rotate around the post 12 to any
rotational position relative to the post 12. This increases the
possible variations in the orientation of adjacent fence sections
14.
[0061] Set screw 24 is inserted into a threaded channel formed in
the mounting collar 22 and, when turned in one direction, presses
against the post 12 and thereby fixes the mounting collar 22 to the
post 12. Sliding movement of the post clip 20 along the post 12 is
enabled by turning the set screw 24 in the opposite direction which
loosens the post clip 20. Instead of a set screw 24, other
mechanisms known to those skilled in the art for fixing a tubular
structure to a member which passes through an interior of the
tubular structure can be used in the invention.
[0062] Mounting collar 22 and pin-receiving ring 26 of each post
clip 20 are preferably made of a rigid material, such as steel or
plastic, which is capable of providing a secure and sturdy
connection between the fence sections 14 and the posts 12 to which
they are coupled. Mounting collar 22 and pin-receiving ring 26 are
connected together, e.g., by welding.
[0063] For a post 12 in the middle of a fencing system 10 in
accordance with the invention, there will be two sets of one or
more post clips 20 oriented in different directions, one set
preferably oriented toward the adjacent post 12 on one side and the
other set preferably oriented toward the adjacent post 12 on the
other side. Orientation of a post clip 20 relates to the direction
in which the pin-receiving ring 26 extends outward from the post
12. The number of post clips 20 in each set depends on the number
of mounting pins 28 on each side of the fence sections 14 to be
used in combination with the posts 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, each fence section 14 includes two mounting pins 28 on
each side and therefore, two sets of post clips each having two
post clips 20 are mounted on each post 12 to be used in the middle
of a fencing system 10 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B).
[0064] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the uppermost post clips 20 of the two
sets adjoining one another and the lowermost post clips of the two
sets adjoining one another, and this relative positioning is
usually used when the terrain to which the fencing system 10 is
being secured is level (see the two complete fence sections 14 on
the right of FIG. 1). When the terrain is not level, the post clips
20 in the two sets are usually spaced apart from one another (see
the remaining complete fence sections 14 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6).
Variation in the height of the post clips 20 on the posts 12 is
provided by loosening the set screw 24, sliding the post clip 20 to
the desired vertical position and then tightening the set screw
24.
[0065] For a post at the end of a fencing system 10, there would
only be one set of post clips 20.
[0066] In a preferred installation technique, the position of the
lower post clip 20 of each set is fixed so that the bottom of the
fence section 14 engaged therewith is proximately located to the
ground (see FIG. 1). The position of the post clips 20 would thus
depend on the contour of the ground 8 if it is desired that the
fencing system 10 follow the contour of the ground 8 while also
maintaining a small gap between the bottom of the fence section 14
and the ground.
[0067] Referring now in particular to FIG. 3, each fence section 14
is made of an upper horizontal rail 30, an intermediate horizontal
rail 32 and a lower horizontal rail 34, all of which are preferably
substantially parallel to one another. Vertical pickets or rails 36
are connected to the horizontal rails 30, 32, 34, e.g., by welding.
The number of vertical rails 36 can vary depending on, for example,
the length of the fence section 14, the length of horizontal rails
30, 32, 34 and the desired spacing between the vertical rails 36.
The spacing between vertical rails 36 can also depend on the
intended use of the fence 10, e.g., a fence for keeping deer and
other large, wild animals away could have a larger spacing between
vertical rails 36 than a fence for keeping small animals away.
Although fence sections 14 are shown in with three horizontal rails
30, 32, 34, each fence section 14 can include only two horizontal
rails, namely horizontal rails 30, 34.
[0068] Horizontal rails 30, 32, 34 and vertical rails 36 are
preferably made of a rigid material such as steel. In one
embodiment, the horizontal rails 30, 32, 34 are made of 5/16''
diameter steel rods and the vertical rails 36 are made of 1/4''
diameter steel rods. Since it is desired that the fence sections 14
have a manageable weight, the materials of the rails 30, 32, 34 and
spacing of vertical rails 36 can be selected so that for a 46''
wide fence section, the weight can be less than about 15
pounds.
[0069] At end regions or exactly at their ends as shown, upper and
lower horizontal rails 30, 34 include the mounting pins 28 which
enable the fence section 14 to be engaged with or coupled to a pair
of adjacent posts 12. When the fence section 14 is properly coupled
to a pair of posts 12, the horizontal rails 30, 34 will rest on the
post clips 20 with the mounting pins 28 extending through the
apertures defined by the pin-receiving rings 26 of the post clips
20, which proper positioning can be achieved by adjusting the
vertical portion of the post clips 20. When the horizontal rails
30, 34 are formed from a linear piece of material, mounting pins 28
can be formed by bending the ends of these pieces downward about
90.degree. such that the mounting pins 28 are substantially
perpendicular to the horizontal rails 30, 34.
[0070] An important feature of the invention is that the height of
the four mounting pins 28 is coordinated to enable easy
installation of the fence section 14 on a pair of adjacent posts
12. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, mounting pins 28A, 28B, 28C
and 28D all have different lengths with the lowermost mounting pin
28B, 28D on each side having a larger length than the uppermost
mounting pin 28A, 28C on the respective side, i.e., mounting pin
28B is longer than mounting pin 28A and mounting pin 28D is longer
than mounting pin 28C. Moreover, mounting pin 28C is longer than
mounting pin 28B so that mounting pin 28A has the smallest length
of all of the mounting pins 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D, mounting pin 28B is
longer than mounting pin 28A, mounting pin 28C is longer than
mounting pin 28B and mounting pin 28D is longer than mounting pin
28C. For example, mounting pin 28A can be about 3'', mounting pin
28B can be about 4'', mounting pin 28C can be about 5'' and
mounting pin 28D can be about 6''.
[0071] By making the lower mounting pin 28D on one side of the
fence sections 14 longer than the upper mounting pin 28C on that
side, and the mounting pins 28A, 28B on the other side shorter, and
with the lower mounting pin 28B longer than the upper mounting pin
28A, installation of the fence sections 14 on the posts 12 is
easier.
[0072] Specifically, it becomes possible to first insert lower
mounting pin 28D into the aperture defined by the pin-receiving
ring 26 of the lower one of a pair of post clips 20 on a post 12
and then insert the upper mounting pin 28C into the aperture
defined by the pin-receiving ring 26 of the upper one of the pair
of post clips 20 on the post 12 without concern that the lower
mounting pin 28D will come out of the pin-receiving ring 26 of the
lower post clip 20. That is, while the lower mounting pin 28D
extends through the pin-receiving ring 26 of the lower post clip
20, the fence section 14 can be adjusted until the upper mounting
pin 28C aligns with the aperture in the pin-receiving ring 26 of
the upper post clip 20 and once this alignment is attained, the
fence section 14 is then lowered. Both mounting pins 28C, 28D
extend through the pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post
clip 20 and the rails 30, 34 rest thereon (until installation of
the fence section to an adjacent post is started).
[0073] An alternative technique to install the side of fence
section 14 having mounting pins 28C, 28D to a post 12 would be to
simultaneously align both mounting pins 28C, 28D with the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clip 20 and then lower
the fence section 14 until the rails 30, 34 rest on the
pin-receiving rings 26 of the post clips 20.
[0074] Coupling of the fence section 14 to the adjacent post 12 via
mounting pins 28A, 28B is also easier since the installer now moves
over the side of the fence section 14 with mounting pins 28A, 28B
and lifts the fence section 14 up (with rails 30, 34 being raised
off of the post clips 20 on the side with mounting pins 28C, 28D)
and adjusts its position until mounting pin 28B aligns with the
aperture in the pin-receiving ring 26 of the lower post clip 20 on
the adjacent post 12. During this time, the fence section 14 does
not disengage from the post 12 to which it is engaged via mounting
pins 28C and 28D because mounting pins 28C and 28D are longer than
mounting pin 28B. Thus, mounting pins 28C, 28D do not have to be
lifted completely out of the pin-receiving ring 26 of the post
clips 20 in order to enable alignment of mounting pin 28B with the
pin-receiving ring 26 of its post clip 20 and placement
therein.
[0075] Thus, as a result of the length variations of the mounting
pins 28B, 28C and 28D, it is possible to both maintain mounting
pins 28C, 28D in position extending through the pin-receiving ring
26 of their respective post clip 20 and also lift the fence section
14 slightly above the aperture in the pin-receiving ring 26 of the
lower post clip 20 on the adjacent post 12 into which mounting pin
28B will be placed. Once lower mounting pin 28B aligns with the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clip 20, the fence
section 14 is lowered, e.g., until the rail 34 contacts the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the post clip 20 alongside mounting pin
28B.
[0076] Mounting pin 28A is then engaged with its respective post
clip 20 by lifting the fence section 14 up and adjusting its
position until mounting pin 28A aligns with the aperture in the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the upper post clip 20 on the adjacent
post 12. During this time, care is exercised not to disengage the
fence section 14 from the post 12 to which it is engaged via
mounting pins 28B, 28C and 28D, as such disengagement is not
required because mounting pins 28B, 28C and 28D are longer than
mounting pin 28A. Thus, mounting pins 28B, 28C, 28D do not have to
lifted completely out of the pin-receiving ring 26 of the post
clips 20 in order to enable alignment of mounting pin 28A with the
pin-receiving ring 26 of its post clip 20 and placement
therein.
[0077] In view of the length variations of the mounting pins 28A,
28B, 28C and 28D, it is possible to both maintain mounting pins
28B, 28C, 28D in position extending through the pin-receiving ring
26 of their respective post clip 20 and also lift the fence section
14 slightly above the aperture in the pin-receiving ring 26 of the
upper post clip 20 on the adjacent post 12 into which mounting pin
28A will be placed. Once lower mounting pin 28A aligns with the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clip 20, the fence
section 14 is lowered, e.g., until the rail 30 contacts the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the post clip 20 alongside mounting pin
28A.
[0078] An alternative technique to install the side of fence
section 14 having mounting pins 28A, 28B to the adjacent post 12
would be to simultaneously align both mounting pins 28A, 28B with
the pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clip 20 and then
lower the fence section 14 until the rails 30, 34 rest on the post
clips 20 alongside mounting pins 28A, 28B, respectively.
[0079] When installation is complete, all mounting pins 28 extend
through the pin-receiving ring 26 of their respective post clip 20
and rails 30, 34 rest on the pin-receiving rings 26 of the post
clips 20. Fence section 14 is thus secured to the posts 12 as shown
in FIG. 5.
[0080] In addition to the installation advantage achieved by the
specific variation in the length of the mounting pins 28 described
above, another important advantage is that each fence section 14
can act as a gate. When using the fence section 14 as a gate, the
side of the fence section 14 coupled via mounting pins 28A, 28B to
the post 12 is lifted up until mounting pins 28A, 28B are clear of
the pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clips 20, i.e.,
the lower edge of the mounting pins 28A, 28B are above the level of
the respective pin-receiving ring 26. The fence section 14 is then
swivelled in one direction or the other to create an opening
between the post 12 and the fence section 14. During this time,
mounting pins 28C, 28D engaged with post clips 20 attached to the
adjacent post 12 are not removed entirely from the pin-receiving
ring 26 of the respective post clips 20 in view of their longer
lengths than mounting pins 28A, 28B. Maintaining this engagement
allows the fence section 14 to be lowered immediately after the
mounting pins 28A, 28B are swivelled out of alignment with the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clips 20 until the
rails 30, 34 of the fence section 14 rests on pin-receiving rings
26 of the post clips 20 alongside mounting pins 28C, 28D. Fence
section 14 can continue to be swivelled while supported on the
pin-receiving rings 26 of the post clips 20.
[0081] When the gate is no longer needed, the fence section 14 is
re-engaged with the post 12 via mounting pins 28A, 28B in the
manner described above.
[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-11, instead of using post clips 20
to secure the fence sections 14 to the posts 12, it is possible to
use gate clips 38. When forming a gate with fence section 14, gate
clips 38 are designed to allow an easier swivel motion of a fence
section 14 apart from a post 12 than with post clips 20 as
described above, because it is not necessary to lift the fence
section 14 up until a pair of mounting pins on one side of the
fence section 14, e.g., mounting pins 28A, 28B, is above the
pin-receiving ring 26 of the respective post clip 20. Rather, a
smaller lifting movement is required.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, each gate clip 38 includes
a tubular mounting collar 40 have a diameter which enables it to
slide along the respective post 12 to a desired vertical position
on the post 12, a locking mechanism, e.g., set screw 42, arranged
in connection with the mounting collar 40 to lock the mounting
collar 40 in the desired vertical position and a substantially
L-shaped pin 44 fixed to the mounting collar 40. Pin 44 defines a
support surface on which the horizontal rails 30, 34 can rest. The
pin 44 may be formed from a rod of rigid material, such as steel,
bent upward at an angle of about 90.degree. and is attached to the
mounting collar 40 by, e.g., welding. Mounting collar 40 can rotate
around the post 12 to any rotational position relative to the post
12.
[0084] Set screw 42 is inserted into a threaded channel formed in
the mounting collar 40 and, when turned in one direction, presses
against the post 12 and thereby fixes the mounting collar 40 to the
post 12. Sliding movement of the gate clip 38 along the post 12 is
enabled by turning the set screw 42 in the opposite direction which
loosens the gate clip 38. Instead of a set screw 42, other
mechanisms known to those skilled in the art for fixing a tubular
structure to a member which passes through an interior of the
tubular structure can be used in the invention.
[0085] In use, gate clips 38 are secured at a vertical position
along a post 12 to support the rails 30, 34 on one side of a fence
section 14 (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 9, the upper support
surface of the pins 44 of the gate clips 38 on a post 12 on one
side of a fence section 14 can be substantially level with the
upper surface of the pin-receiving rings 26 of the post clips 20 on
a post 12 on the other side of the fence section 14. In this
position, the rails 30, 34 rest at one end region on the post clips
20 and at an opposite other end region on the gate clips 38.
Although the side of fence section 14 having mounting pins 28A, 28B
is shown engaged with gate clips 38 in FIG. 9, the other side of
the fence section 14 can alternatively be engaged with gate clips
38.
[0086] To open the gate, the fence section 14 is lifted slightly
upward until the rails 30, 34 are above the vertical portion of the
pins 44 and then the fence section 14 is swivelled outward away
from the post 12 to create an opening between the post 12 and the
fence section 14. During this time, mounting pins 28C, 28D engaged
with post clips 20 are not removed entirely from the pin-receiving
ring 26 of the respective post clips 20. Maintaining this
engagement allows the fence section 14 to be lowered immediately
after the rails 30, 34 are passed over the vertical portion of the
pins 44 until the rails 30, 34 of the fence section 14 rest on
pin-receiving rings 26 of the post clips 20. Fence section 14 can
continue to be swivelled while supported on post clips 20. When the
gate is no longer needed, the fence section 14 is re-engaged with
the gate clips 38 by passing the rails 30, 34 over the vertical
portion of the pins 44 and then lowering the rails 30, 34 until
they rest on the horizontal portion of the pins 44.
[0087] FIG. 11 shows the possible use of a gate-forming fence
section 14 in the middle of a fencing system. For this
construction, the post 12 having the gate clips 38 is also provided
with a set of post clips 20 oriented in such a manner to avoid
interfering with the swinging of the gate-forming fence section
14.
[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-17, fencing system 10 in
accordance with the invention also preferably includes various lock
clips which prevent inadvertent or unauthorized movement or
adjustment of the components of the fencing system 10, e.g., the
fence sections 14.
[0089] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a post lock fence clip 46 which is
used to prevent a fence section 14 from being removed out of
engagement with the post 12 to which it is engaged. Post lock fence
clip 46 includes a tubular mounting collar 48 have a diameter which
enables it to slide along the post 12 to a desired vertical
position on the post 12, a locking mechanism, e.g., set screw 50,
arranged in connection with the mounting collar 48 to lock the
mounting collar 48 in the desired vertical position and an annular
plate 52 fixed to the mounting collar 48. Set screw 50 is inserted
into a threaded channel formed in the mounting collar 48 and, when
turned in one direction, presses against the post 12 and thereby
fixes the mounting collar 48 to the post 12. Sliding movement of
the post lock fence clip 46 along the post 12 is enabled by turning
the set screw 50 in the opposite direction which loosens the post
lock fence clip 46. Instead of a set screw 50, other mechanisms
known to those skilled in the art for fixing a tubular structure to
a member which passes through an interior of the tubular structure
can be used in the invention.
[0090] The diameter of annular plate 52 is sufficiently large such
that it extends over the rail 30 when the post lock fence clip 46
is positioned over a post clip 20 (see FIG. 15). When post lock
fence clip 46 is positioned such that the distance between the
annular plate 52 and the pin-receiving ring 26 of the post clip 20
is less than the length of the mounting pin 28A passing through the
pin-receiving ring 26, it is not possible to remove the mounting
pin 28A completely from the pin-receiving ring 26. Thus, unless
post lock fence clip 46 is first raised upward or removed, the
fence section 14 cannot be raised and lifted off of the posts 12
and therefore will be maintained or locked in position engaging
with the post 12.
[0091] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a cantilever post lock fence clip 54
which is also used to prevent a fence section 14 from being removed
out of engagement with the post 12 to which it is engaged. Post
lock fence clip 54 includes an annular plate 56 have a central
aperture 58 with a diameter which substantially corresponds to the
diameter of the post 12 so that if the post lock fence clip 54 is
not slid on post 12 straight upward, it will lock up. That is,
there is a very tight tolerance between the diameter of the central
aperture 58 and the diameter of the post 12.
[0092] The diameter of annular plate 56 is sufficiently large such
that it extends over the rail 30 when the post lock fence clip 54
is positioned over a post clip 20 (see FIG. 17). When post lock
fence clip 54 is positioned such that the distance between the
annular plate 56 and the pin-receiving ring 26 of the post clip 20
is less than the length of the mounting pin 28A passing through the
pin-receiving ring 26, it is not possible to remove the mounting
pin 28A completely from the pin-receiving ring 26. Thus, unless
post lock fence clip 54 is raised upward or removed, the fence
section 14 cannot be raised and lifted off of the posts 12 and
therefore will be maintained or locked in position engaging with
the post 12.
[0093] FIGS. 14A and 14B show another lock clip 60 which in
contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12A-13B does not engage
with the post 12. Rather, lock clip 60 is a fence pin lock clip
which prevents a mounting pin 28 of fence section 14 from being
removed completely out of engagement with the pin-receiving ring 26
of the post clip 20. Fence pin lock clip 60 includes a tubular
mounting collar 62 have a diameter which enables it to slide along
one of the mounting pins 28, a locking mechanism, e.g., set screw
64, arranged in connection with the mounting collar 62 to lock the
mounting collar 62 in a locking position and an annular plate 66
fixed to the mounting collar 62.
[0094] In use, mounting collar 62 is slid along the mounting pin
28, e.g., to a position in which the plate 66 contacts the
pin-receiving ring 26 with which the mounting pin 28A is engaged
(see FIG. 16-note that fence pin lock clip 60 can be used for any
mounting pin 28 on fence section 14 and is not limited to use with
the smallest mounting pin 28A as shown). The diameter of annular
plate 66 is sufficiently large such that it cannot pass through the
opening defined by the pin-receiving ring 26 of the post clip 20.
Thus, the presence of fence pin lock clip 60 on the mounting pin
28A prevents disengagement of the mounting pin 28 from the post
clip 20. Even without contact between the plate 66 and the
pin-receiving ring 26, disengagement of the mounting pin 28A from
the post clip 20 is not possible.
[0095] Set screw 64 is inserted into a threaded channel formed in
the mounting collar 62 and, when turned in one direction, presses
against the mounting pin 28A and thereby fixes the mounting collar
62 to the mounting pin 28. Sliding movement of the post lock fence
clip 46 along the mounting pin 28A is enabled by turning the set
screw 64 in the opposite direction which loosens the fence pin lock
clip 60. Instead of a set screw 64, other mechanisms known to those
skilled in the art for fixing a tubular structure to a member which
passes through an interior of the tubular structure can be used in
the invention.
[0096] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12A-17, an annular plate
is provided it is envisioned that other shapes or plates can be
used which achieve the same function, i.e., prevent upward movement
of the rail and/or mounting pin.
[0097] One of the primary intended uses of fencing system 10 in any
of the constructions described above is as a seasonal barrier to
deer. For this use, fencing system 10 would be installed around an
area to be protected from deer and controls the deer to the extent
that they would not be able to enter into the protected area and
cause damage thereto. Once the deer are no longer in the vicinity
of the area being protected, the fencing system could be
removed.
[0098] Fencing system 10 is designed to be easy to install in that
all that is required to enable placement of the fence sections 14
is for the installer to drive the spikes 16 of the posts 12 into
the ground 8 and adjust the set screws 24 on the post clips 20 and
any set screws on gate clips and/or locking clips. The first step
would therefore be to determine the position of the posts 12, which
would determine the path of the fencing system 10. The spikes 16
are then driven into the ground at these positions. If ground stop
plates 18 are provided on the posts 12, then the spikes 16 are
driven into the ground until the ground stop plates 18 contact the
ground 8. The next step is to position the post clips 20 and gate
clips and/or lock clips, if any are present. This involves rotating
the set screws 24 and sliding the mounting collars 22 up or down
until they are at the desired position and then tightening the set
screws 24 to lock the post clips 20 in place. Spacing between the
post clips 20 is controlled to be substantially the same as the
distance between the rails 30, 34 of the fence sections 14, which
defines the width of the fence sections 14. Post clips 20 on
adjacent posts 12 are positioned to be substantially level with one
another. Once the post clips 20 are locked in place, the fence
sections 14 are engaged with the post clips 20 in the distinctive
manner described above, i.e., first engaging mounting pins 28C and
28D and then engaging mounting pins 28A and 28B. Fencing system 10
is now complete.
[0099] If any gate clips 36 are used to form a gate, the gate clips
36 are positioned on one post 12 level with the post clips 20 on
the post 12 on the other side of the gate-forming fence section and
then tightened. The rails 30, 34 are then placed onto the gate
clips 36.
[0100] If any lock clips 46, 54, 60 are used, they are placed at an
appropriate location and fixed thereat.
[0101] Using the particular posts 12, fence sections 14, post clips
20 and optional gate clips 38 and lock clips 48, 54, 60, a fencing
system 10 of about 60 feet can be installed in as little as one
hour, or even less, depending on, for example, the ground
conditions and the level of the terrain.
[0102] Another advantage of fencing system 10 in accordance with
the invention is that, when used on a seasonal basis, it can be
disassembled at the end of the season and easily stored.
Disassembly involves removing any lock clips 46, 54, 60, then
removing the fence sections 14 from engagement with the post clips
20 and then lifting the posts 12 out of the ground 8. The latter
step could be aided by a pry bar. The fence sections 14 can be
readily stacked either one on top of the other or next to each
other and the posts 12 piled up. Stored in this manner, the fence
sections 14 of a 60' fencing system 10 (each being about 46'' wide)
could occupy as little as a 10'' by 4' space. In contrast to
chain-link fences, there are no heavy rolls of material to handle
nor any possibility of plants or weeds being stuck in the fence and
impeding rolling of the fence.
[0103] When used on a seasonal basis, to aid in re-assembly of the
fencing system 10, the posts 12 could be numbered. In this manner,
it would not be necessary to adjust the post clips 20, unless the
terrain has changed.
[0104] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that changes and modifications may be made without departing from
the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in
the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications
as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. For
example, although the description above describes mounting pins and
a pin-receiving aperture constructed to receive the mounting pins,
other male-type connectors can be arranged on the horizontal rails
and the post clips can include other female-type connectors.
* * * * *