U.S. patent application number 12/447161 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for replaceable panel fencing systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gates & Gardens, LLC. Invention is credited to Donald Ward.
Application Number | 20100025649 12/447161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39325198 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100025649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ward; Donald |
February 4, 2010 |
REPLACEABLE PANEL FENCING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Replaceable fence systems, methods, etc., include at least first
and second vertical posts, a bottom rail coupled to the first and
second posts and typically having a channel on an upper surface of
the bottom rail, and a removable top rail positioned above the
bottom rail and coupled to the first and second posts and having a
channel on a lower surface of the top rail. The posts and rails are
configured to replaceably accept, retain and disgorge replaceable
fence panels, typically using a plurality of connection joints that
permit the panels to be held at differing, adjustable heights and
angles from one post to the next. Each of the channels can include
a flexible centering insert configured to accept a variety of
thicknesses of replaceable panels.
Inventors: |
Ward; Donald; (Puyallup,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GRAYBEAL JACKSON LLP
400 - 108TH AVENUE NE, SUITE 700
BELLEVUE
WA
98004
US
|
Assignee: |
Gates & Gardens, LLC
Puyallup
WA
|
Family ID: |
39325198 |
Appl. No.: |
12/447161 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
October 25, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/22655 |
371 Date: |
April 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60854542 |
Oct 25, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/26 ; 256/24;
256/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1448 20210101;
E04H 17/1456 20210101; E04H 17/1413 20130101; E04H 17/168
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/26 ; 256/24;
256/27 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. A replaceable fence system, comprising: at least two vertical
posts each comprising at least one lower connection joint and at
least one upper connection joint, each connection joint attached to
or integral with the vertical post; for each vertical post, at
least one lower fence panel support element configured to attach to
the lower connection joint and to releasably hold a lower portion
of at least one replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably holding
the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post; for each vertical
post, at least one upper fence panel support element configured to
attach to the upper connection joint and to releasably hold an
upper portion of the replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably
holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post; and the
replaceable fence panel comprising the lower portion and the upper
portion, wherein the replaceable fence panel is configured to be
releasably held, respectively, by the lower fence panel support
elements and the upper fence panel support elements at a desired
height and desired angle determined individually relative to each
to the vertical posts.
2. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein the lower fence
panel support elements comprise the two ends of a bottom rail
extending between the two vertical posts, the bottom rail
comprising a channel disposed in an upper surface of the bottom
rail and sized to receive the replaceable fence panel, and the
upper fence panel support elements comprise the two ends of an
upper rail extending between the two vertical posts, the upper rail
comprising an upper channel disposed in a lower surface of the
upper rail and sized to receive the replaceable fence panel.
3. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein the lower and
upper connection joints each comprise a substantially round joint
extending away from the vertical post and configured to join with a
corresponding socket or channel in a side of the replaceable fence
panel.
4. The replaceable fence system of claim 3 wherein the
substantially round joint is a substantially round ball.
5. The replaceable fence system of claim 3 wherein the
substantially round joint is a substantially round disc.
6. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein each connection
joint is vertically moveable relative to its vertical post to be
positioned at multiple heights along the first vertical post such
that the desired height and the desired angle are variable relative
to each of the vertical posts and can be set differently for each
of the vertical posts.
7. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein each of the
connection joints allows the corresponding rail to rotate in both a
horizontal and a vertical direction.
8. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein the channels in
each of the bottom rail and the upper rail include a flexible
centering element configured to accept and center a plurality of
thicknesses of replaceable panels.
9. The replaceable fence system of claim 8, wherein the flexible
centering element comprises an insert comprising a flexible strip
material attached to the corresponding channel.
10. The replaceable fence system of claim 8, wherein the flexible
centering element comprises the walls of the channel.
11. (canceled)
12. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein each of the
vertical posts comprises a vertical channel coupled to the
corresponding connection joints.
13. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 further comprising a
mounting plate coupled to a bottom end of each post.
14. The replaceable fence system of claim 13, wherein each of the
mounting plates is configured to provide multiple connection angles
between the mounting plate and the corresponding post.
15. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 further comprising a
top cap coupled to a top end of each post.
16. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 further comprising: a
middle fence panel support element comprising a middle rail
positioned between the lower and upper fence panel support
elements, the middle rail coupled to the vertical posts, and having
a channel on both a lower and an upper surface of the middle rail,
wherein each of the middle rail channels includes a flexible
centering element configured to accept and center a variety of
thicknesses of replaceable panels.
17. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein the lower fence
panel support elements and the one upper fence panel support
elements are integral with the replaceable fence panel and project
from the replaceable fence panel into corresponding detents in the
vertical posts.
18. The replaceable fence system of claim 1 wherein the system
further comprises a plurality of different replaceable fence panels
having at least one of different widths, materials or aesthetic
features.
19. A replaceable fence system, comprising: first and second
vertical posts; a bottom rail having a channel on an upper surface
of the bottom rail configured to accept a variety of replaceable
fence panels; a top rail positioned above the bottom rail and
having a channel on a lower surface of the top rail configured to
accept a variety of panels; first and second articulating
connection joints respectively coupling the bottom rail to the
first and second posts; and third and fourth articulating
connection joints respectively coupling the top rail to the first
and second posts, wherein each of the articulating connection
joints allow for multiple connection angles between the
corresponding rail and post in both a horizontal and a vertical
direction, and allow for multiple connection heights between the
corresponding rail and post.
20. The replaceable fence system of claim 19 wherein each of the
connection joints comprises a ball and socket feature.
21. The replaceable fence system of claim 19, wherein each of the
posts is configured to provide multiple connection points for each
of the corresponding articulating connection joints.
22-25. (canceled)
26. The replaceable fence system of claim 19 wherein the channels
in each of the bottom rail and the upper rail include a flexible
centering insert configured to accept a plurality of thicknesses of
replaceable panels.
27. (canceled)
28. The replaceable fence system of claim 19 further comprising: a
middle rail positioned between the bottom and top rails and having
a channel on both a lower and an upper surface of the middle rail
configured to accept a variety of panels; and fifth and sixth
articulating connection joints respectively coupling the middle
rail to the first and second posts, wherein each of the
articulating connection joints allows for multiple connection
angles between the corresponding rail and post in both a horizontal
and a vertical direction.
29. A connection joint for a replaceable fence system, comprising a
substantially round joint extending away from a base, the base
configured to slidably engage a vertical channel in at least one of
a fence post or a corresponding replaceable fence panel such that
the base can be held at a plurality of heights within the channel,
and the substantially round joint configured to releasably engage a
detent in the other of the fence post and the corresponding
replaceable fence panel such that the fence post or replaceable
fence panel can be held at a plurality of angles, both horizontal
and vertical, relative to the base.
30. The connection joint of claim 29 wherein the base is
substantially square or rectangular and the substantially round
joint further comprises two substantially opposed projections
extending substantially laterally from the round joint such that
the weight of the replaceable fence panel bears on the
projections.
31-33. (canceled)
34. A fence post comprising at least one connection joint, the
connection joint comprising a substantially round joint extending
away from the fence post, the substantially round ball joint
configured to releasably engage a detent in a corresponding
replaceable fence panel such that the replaceable fence panel can
be held at a plurality of angles relative to the fence post.
35. The fence post of claim 34 wherein the plurality of angles
comprise both horizontal and vertical angles.
36. The fence post of claim 34 wherein the connection joint is
slidably engaged to the fence post to slide substantially axially
along the fence post such that the replaceable fence panel can be
maintained at a plurality of heights along the fence post.
37-38. (canceled)
39. A replaceable fence panel comprising at least one connection
joint, the connection joint comprising a substantially round joint
extending away from the replaceable fence panel, the substantially
round joint configured to releasably engage a detent in a
corresponding fence post such that the replaceable fence panel can
be held at a plurality of angles, both horizontal and vertical,
relative to the fence post.
40. The replaceable fence panel of claim 39 wherein the connection
joint is slidably engaged to the replaceable fence panel to slide
substantially axially along the replaceable fence panel such that
the replaceable fence panel can be maintained at a plurality of
heights relative to the fence post.
41-42. (canceled)
43. A method of using a replaceable fence system, comprising:
providing at least two fence posts; placing a first replaceable
fence panel between the two fence posts and releasably connecting
the first replaceable fence panel to the two vertical fence posts
to create a fence; permitting the fence to remain in position as a
fence for an extended period; removing the first replaceable fence
panel from the two fence posts; and, placing a second replaceable
fence panel between the two fence posts and releasably connecting
the second replaceable fence panel to the two vertical fence posts
to create a fence.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein the method further comprises
providing at least one additional fence post and placing at least
one additional replaceable fence panel between one of the first two
fence posts and the additional fence post.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein the first replaceable fence
panel is placed at a different height and a different angle
relative to the intervening fence post compared to the first
replaceable fence panel.
46. The method of claim 43 wherein the different height and the
different angle are effected via a connection joint comprising a
substantially round joint releasably connecting the fence post and
the replaceable fence panel.
47-49. (canceled)
50. The method of claim 46 wherein the substantially round joint is
slidably connected to at least one of the fence post and the
replaceable fence panel and the different height between the panels
is effected by sliding the substantially round joint to the desired
level.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from United States
provisional patent application No. Ser. No. 60/854,542, filed 25
Oct. 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety and for all their teachings and disclosures.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Manufactured fences have been known for many years. However,
conventional fencing systems typically do not permit the easy
replacement of fence panels in order to address durability,
appearance and/or design issues. Furthermore, conventional fencing
systems typically are designed to use fence panels of a fixed
thickness and do not permit the use of fence panels having a
variety of thicknesses. In addition, conventional fencing systems
typically do not conform to changes in the level of terrain while
maintaining the fence panels in a desired position.
[0003] One or more of these and/or other issues are addressed by
the embodiments discussed herein.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present systems, devices and methods, etc., are related
to replaceable fences. The replaceable fence systems include at
least two posts, typically vertical, each typically comprising at
least one lower connection joint and at least one upper connection
joint, each connection joint attached to or integral with the
vertical post and/or a replaceable fence panel. For each vertical
post, at least one lower fence panel support element is configured
to attach to the lower connection joint and to releasably hold a
lower portion of at least one replaceable fence panel, thereby
releasably holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical
post. For each vertical post, at least one upper fence panel
support element is configured to attach to the upper connection
joint and to releasably hold an upper portion of the replaceable
fence panel, thereby releasably holding the replaceable fence panel
to the vertical post. The replaceable fence panel includes the
lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the replaceable fence
panel is configured to be releasably held, respectively, by the
lower fence panel support elements and the upper fence panel
support elements at a desired height and desired angle determined
individually relative to each of the vertical posts. In this and
other embodiments, unless expressly stated otherwise or clear from
the context, all embodiments, aspects, features, etc., can be mixed
and matched, combined and permuted in any desired manner.
[0005] In another embodiment, the systems, methods, etc., include
at least first and second vertical posts, a bottom rail coupled to
the first and second posts and typically having a channel on an
upper surface of the bottom rail, and a removable top rail
positioned above the bottom rail and coupled to the first and
second posts and having a channel on a lower surface of the top
rail. The posts and rails are configured to replaceably accept,
retain and disgorge replaceable fence panels, typically using a
plurality of connection joints that permit the panels to be held at
differing, adjustable heights and angles from one post to the next.
Each of the channels can include a flexible centering insert
configured to accept a variety of thicknesses of replaceable
panels.
[0006] In one aspect, the systems, devices, methods, etc., herein
can include a replaceable fence system, comprising: at least two
vertical posts each comprising at least one lower connection joint
and at least one upper connection joint, each connection joint
attached to or integral with the vertical post; for each vertical
post, at least one lower fence panel support element configured to
attach to the lower connection joint and to releasably hold a lower
portion of at least one replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably
holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post; for each
vertical post, at least one upper fence panel support element
configured to attach to the upper connection joint and to
releasably hold an upper portion of the replaceable fence panel,
thereby releasably holding the replaceable fence panel to the
vertical post; and the replaceable fence panel comprising the lower
portion and the upper portion, The replaceable fence panel can be
configured to be releasably held, respectively, by the lower fence
panel support elements and the upper fence panel support elements
at a desired height and desired angle determined individually
relative to each to the vertical posts.
[0007] The lower fence panel support elements can comprise the two
ends of a bottom rail extending between the two vertical posts, the
bottom rail comprising a channel disposed in an upper surface of
the bottom rail and sized to receive the replaceable fence panel,
and the upper fence panel support elements can comprise the two
ends of an upper rail extending between the two vertical posts, the
upper rail comprising an upper channel disposed in a lower surface
of the upper rail and sized to receive the replaceable fence panel.
The lower and upper connection joints each can comprise a
substantially round joint extending away from the vertical post and
configured to join with a corresponding socket or channel in a side
of the replaceable fence panel. The substantially round joint can
be a substantially round ball, a substantially round disc or
otherwise as desired. The connection joint can be vertically
moveable relative to its vertical post to be positioned at multiple
heights along the first vertical post such that the desired height
and the desired angle can be variable relative to each of the
vertical posts and can be set differently for each of the vertical
posts.
[0008] The connection joints can allow the corresponding rail to
rotate in both a horizontal and a vertical direction. The channels
in each of the bottom rail and the upper rail can include a
flexible centering element configured to accept and center a
plurality of thicknesses of replaceable panels. The flexible
centering element can comprise an insert comprising a flexible
strip material attached to the corresponding channel, can comprise
the walls of the channel or be otherwise configured as desired. The
flexible strip material can comprise rubber, metal or plastic. The
vertical posts can comprise a vertical channel can be coupled to
the corresponding connection joints.
[0009] A mounting plate can be coupled to a bottom end of each
post. The mounting plates can be configured to provide multiple
connection angles between the mounting plate and the corresponding
post. And a top cap can be coupled to a top end of each post. The
replaceable fence system can further comprise, a middle fence panel
support element comprising a middle rail positioned between the
lower and upper fence panel support elements, the middle rail can
be coupled to the vertical posts, and having a channel on both a
lower and an upper surface of the middle rail. The middle rail
channels can include a flexible centering element configured to
accept and center a variety of thicknesses of replaceable panels.
The lower fence panel support elements and the one upper fence
panel support elements can be integral with the replaceable fence
panel and project from the replaceable fence panel into
corresponding detents in the vertical posts. The system further can
comprise a plurality of different replaceable fence panels having
at least one of different widths, materials or aesthetic
features.
[0010] In another aspect, the present methods, systems, etc.,
include a replaceable fence system, comprising: first and second
vertical posts; a bottom rail having a channel on an upper surface
of the bottom rail configured to accept a variety of replaceable
fence panels; a top rail positioned above the bottom rail and
having a channel on a lower surface of the top rail configured to
accept a variety of panels; first and second articulating
connection joints respectively coupling the bottom rail to the
first and second posts; and, third and fourth articulating
connection joints respectively coupling the top rail to the first
and second posts. The articulating connection joints can allow for
multiple connection angles between the corresponding rail and post
in both a horizontal and a vertical direction, and can allow for
multiple connection heights between the corresponding rail and
post. The connection joints can comprise a ball and socket feature,
the posts can be configured to provide multiple connection points
for each of the corresponding articulating connection joints, and
the posts can comprise a vertical channel can be coupled to the
corresponding articulating connection joints. The system can
further comprise a middle rail positioned between the bottom and
top rails and having a channel on both a lower and an upper surface
of the middle rail configured to accept a variety of panels; and
fifth and sixth articulating connection joints respectively
coupling the middle rail to the first and second posts,
[0011] In another aspect, the present devices, etc., provide
connection joint for a replaceable fence system, comprising a
substantially round joint extending away from a base, the base
configured to slidably engage a vertical channel in at least one of
a fence post or a corresponding replaceable fence panel such that
the base can be held at a plurality of heights within the channel,
and the substantially round joint configured to releasably engage a
detent in the other of the fence post and the corresponding
replaceable fence panel such that the fence post or replaceable
fence panel can be held at a plurality of angles, both horizontal
and vertical, relative to the base. The base can be substantially
square or rectangular and the substantially round joint further can
comprise two substantially opposed projections extending
substantially laterally from the round joint such that the weight
of the replaceable fence panel bears on the projections. The
substantially round joint can be a substantially round ball, a
substantially round disc or otherwise as desired.
[0012] In a further aspect, the present devices, etc., provide
fence posts and/or replaceable fence panels comprising at least one
connection joint, the connection joint comprising a substantially
round joint extending away from the fence post, the substantially
round ball joint configured to releasably engage a detent in a
corresponding replaceable fence panel such that the replaceable
fence panel can be held at a plurality of angles relative to the
fence post. The plurality of angles can comprise both horizontal
and vertical angles, and the connection joint can be slidably
engaged to the fence post to slide substantially axially along the
fence post such that the replaceable fence panel can be maintained
at a plurality of heights along the fence post.
[0013] In still a further aspect, the present discussion provides
methods of making, using, adjusting, etc., a replaceable fence
system. Such methods can comprise, providing at least two fence
posts; placing a first replaceable fence panel between the two
fence posts and releasably connecting the first replaceable fence
panel to the two vertical fence posts to create a fence; permitting
the fence to remain in position as a fence for an extended period;
removing the first replaceable fence panel from the two fence
posts; and, placing a second replaceable fence panel between the
two fence posts and releasably connecting the second replaceable
fence panel to the two vertical fence posts to create a fence.
[0014] The methods further can comprise providing at least one
additional fence post and placing at least one additional
replaceable fence panel between one of the first two fence posts
and the additional fence post. The first replaceable fence panel
can be placed at a different height and a different angle relative
to the intervening fence post compared to the first replaceable
fence panel. The different height(s) and the different angle(s) can
be effected via a connection joint comprising a substantially round
joint releasably connecting the fence post and the replaceable
fence panel. The substantially round joint further can comprise a
that can be base can be substantially square or rectangular and at
least two substantially opposed projections extending substantially
laterally from the round joint such that the weight of the
replaceable fence panel bears on the projections. The substantially
round joint can be slidably connected to at least one of the fence
post and the replaceable fence panel and the different height
between the panels can be effected by sliding the substantially
round joint to the desired level.
[0015] These and other aspects, features and embodiments are set
forth within this application, including the following Detailed
Description and attached drawings. In addition, various references
are set forth herein, including in the Cross-Reference To Related
Applications, that discuss certain systems, apparatus, methods and
other information; all such references are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety and for all their teachings and
disclosures, regardless of where the references may appear in this
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a top/bottom rail
according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems
herein.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of a base plate of a post according
to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a top view of a base plate of a post according to
an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of a top cap for a post according to
an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a side view of a post according to an embodiment
of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a top view of a post according to an embodiment
of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0022] FIGS. 5A-C are various plan views of an articulating
connector joint according to an embodiment of the devices, methods
and systems herein.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side view of a fence system according to an
embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a top view of a fence system according to an
embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view of rail connection angles according to
an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side view of a non-articulating connector joint
in a fence system according to an embodiment of the devices,
methods and systems herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present devices, methods, etc., herein provide
approaches for replaceable fencing. In one aspect, the replaceable
panel fencing systems discussed herein comprise a post and panel
support system that can be used to create fences, railings, gates,
doors, dividers, enclosures and other similar uses. The system
comprises rigid or semi-rigid rails, tongues, projections (or other
panel support elements) that hold replaceable fence panels such as
full panels and pickets of various styles, materials, and
thicknesses. The panels are mounted with a connection joint between
the post and panel that rigidly or variably holds the panel to the
post, at a set or variety of angles and/or heights. The rails and
posts are configured to cooperatively permit easy replacement of
panels held by the rails and/or posts, and to maintain the panels
in a desired position despite changes in the level of the terrain
(e.g., up or down), angling from one panel to the next, or
otherwise as desired.
[0028] The posts, rails and connection joints of the system may be
constructed from a wide variety of materials or combination of
materials. These include, but are not limited to: various alloys of
steel including mild steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel;
various alloys of aluminum; plastics; fiberglass; rubber; and other
materials that can hold the weight and load of a wide variety of
panels. The various materials can be produced in a variety of ways
including, but not limited to: roll-forming, extruding, casting,
cold or hot forming, welding, gluing, molding, and milling.
[0029] Referring to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the rails
10 of the system may be configured to hold a wide variety of
thicknesses and types of fence panels and pickets without permanent
fasteners (releasable fasteners can be used if desired). Fence
panels 12 may include, but are not limited to: wood, plastic,
glass, fiberglass, metal, stone, stucco, foam and laminated boards,
panels, pickets, and any combination of these. The rails 10 may
have a flexible centering element such as the sides of the channels
13 or an insert 14 within channel 13 that holds different
thicknesses and types of panel material 12 securely in the rails.
The flexible centering insert 14 is typically either the channel
itself or a rubber, plastic, metal or other flexible strip material
attached to the rail 10 that conforms to the fence panels 12. The
lower (or bottom) support elements may be configured to hold the
panel off the ground and provide drainage of water from around the
panel material. The upper (or top) support elements hold the panel
securely and may be removable for panel replacement. Optional
middle rails add strength and allow for multiple combinations of
panels to be used.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the posts 20 of the system may be
configured to connect to the ground or other supporting structure
in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: direct burial
in the ground; set in concrete filled holes; and welded, fastened
or bolted to a supporting structure. The posts 20 may also have a
bottom plate 22 that bolts, fastens or is welded to a mounting
plate that is designed to accommodate a wide variety of post
placement angles.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the posts 20 may accommodate a wide
variety of top caps 30 including, but not limited to: pressed;
cast; molded; machined steel, aluminum, or plastic. The top caps 30
may be attached to the posts 20 in a variety of methods including,
but not limited to: glue, bolts, screws, pressed, or adhesive.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the posts 20 may be configured to
allow the rails 10 to connect to the post at a variety of heights
or levels. The posts 20 may have axial, e.g., vertical, channels 40
or other features such that a connection joint 42 or connection
portion of the panel can slide into or connect onto the post at any
desired point along the height of the post. In one embodiment, the
joint 42 can have at least two opposed projections 44 extending
substantially laterally from the round joint such that the weight
of the replaceable fence panel bears on the projections.
[0033] At least two styles of connection joints/portions are
available with this fencing system. Referring to FIGS. 5A-8, the
connection joints may incorporate a ball connector device 50 with
the ball 46 sized for a socket or other detent, the ball connector
device 50 comprising a substantially round ball 46 extending away
from a base 48 that attaches solidly and typically slidably to the
post 20 at various locations and allows the rails 10 to be attached
at a variety of articulated angles and/or heights to the post. The
articulating connection joints 50 are designed to allow a
connection from the rails 10 to the posts 20 at multiple angles
which allows the system to accommodate a variety of terrain slopes
and features, as well as a variety of layout configurations. If
desired, ball connector device 50 can comprise a round disk 49
instead of the round ball 46. Other geometric configurations for
the connection joint can also be usefully employed, such as rods,
cylinders, cones, ovate projections, etc. Similarly, the base plate
48 can be rectangular or square, or any other desired configuration
such as ovate, semi-spherical, etc.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 9, the system may also have
non-articulating connection joints 90 that may be welded, screwed,
bolted, glued, or other means of solidly attaching the rails 10 to
upright posts 20 for situations that require them such as
constructing gates or free standing divider panels with this
system. In such systems, it may be advantageous to have set screw
holes 70 or other positioning elements to enhance the attachment;
typically the positioning elements are removable such as screws or
bolts so that the positioning can be altered as desired. In
situations where the position of the connection joint 50 is
intended to be permanent relative to the post 20, then permanent
positioning elements such as glues or welding can be useful. In
addition, if desired, the joint itself can be non-articulating as
in the upper right feature of FIG. 9, where rail 10 is welded to
post 20 at weld 80 and configured to receive a replaceable panel(s)
(not shown in this figure); typically, such welds or other
permanent connections of panel support element to the post is at
the connection of the lower panel support element(s) to the posts
so that the panels can be removed and replaced by lifting and
lowering, although other configurations can be used if desired.
[0035] The scope of the present devices, systems and methods, etc.,
includes both means plus function and step plus function concepts.
However, the claims are not to be interpreted as indicating a
"means plus function" relationship unless the word "means" is
specifically recited in a claim, and are to be interpreted as
indicating a "means plus function" relationship where the word
"means" is specifically recited in a claim. Similarly, the claims
are not to be interpreted as indicating a "step plus function"
relationship unless the word "step" is specifically recited in a
claim, and are to be interpreted as indicating a "step plus
function" relationship where the word "means" is specifically
recited in a claim.
[0036] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments have been discussed herein for purposes of
illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating
from the spirit and scope of the discussion herein. Accordingly,
the systems and methods, etc., include such modifications as well
as all permutations and combinations of the subject matter set
forth herein and are not limited except as by the appended claims
or other claim having adequate support in the discussion
herein.
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