U.S. patent application number 14/725277 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for fencing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Universal Forest Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Grasman.
Application Number | 20150345173 14/725277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54701119 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150345173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grasman; Michael J. |
December 3, 2015 |
FENCING SYSTEM
Abstract
A fencing system includes fence rails having at least one
opening therein, and fencing pickets configured to be received by
the at least one opening in each of the fence rails. A fence having
the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides can be
formed by passing the pickets into the at least one opening on each
one of the rails.
Inventors: |
Grasman; Michael J.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Universal Forest Products, Inc. |
Grand Rapids |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54701119 |
Appl. No.: |
14/725277 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62006421 |
Jun 2, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 2017/1473 20130101;
E04H 2017/1478 20130101; E04H 17/20 20130101; E04H 17/1439
20130101; E04H 17/1434 20130101; E04H 17/1426 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/14 20060101
E04H017/14; E04H 17/20 20060101 E04H017/20 |
Claims
1. A fencing system comprising: a plurality of pickets having an
outer profile; and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of
rails having a series of spaced openings therein with a shape sized
to receive the outer profile of at least one of the plurality of
pickets; wherein a fence having the same general vertical
appearance from opposite sides, with the plurality of rails
extending generally horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship,
can be formed by passing the plurality of pickets into one of the
spaced openings on each one of the plurality of rails.
2. The fencing system of claim 1 and further comprising a plurality
of posts configured to be mounted into a ground surface with the
plurality of rails installed therebetween.
3. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pickets
and rails are formed of wood.
4. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pickets
have a rectangular cross-section and a pointed top end.
5. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings have a shape corresponding to the outer profile of the
plurality of pickets.
6. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings have an elongated shape relative to the outer profile of
the plurality of pickets.
7. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings in at least one of the plurality of rails extend through
the at least one of the plurality of rails between opposite sides
thereof.
8. The fencing system of claim 7, wherein the series of spaced
openings in at least one other of the plurality of rails extend
into the at least one other of the plurality of rails from one side
thereof and terminate therein.
9. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings in the plurality of rails extend through each of the
plurality of rails between opposite sides of the plurality of
rails.
10. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings in at least one of the plurality of rails extend into the
at least one of the plurality of rails from one side thereof and
terminate therein.
11. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings in the plurality of rails are evenly spaced along the
length of the rails.
12. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced
openings in the plurality of rails are disposed in the center of
the rails.
13. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails
are formed of wood and the series of spaced openings comprise slots
routed into the wood rails.
14. A fencing system comprising: a plurality of pickets; and a
plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails having at least
one opening therein, the at least one opening having a shape
configured to receive at least one of the plurality of pickets;
wherein a fence having the same general vertical appearance from
opposite sides, with the plurality of rails extending generally
horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship, can be formed by
passing the at least one of the plurality of pickets into the at
least one opening on each one of the plurality of rails.
15. The fencing system of claim 14, wherein the at least one
opening in at least one of the plurality of rails comprises a
single elongated opening sized to receive the plurality of
pickets.
16. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
pickets are positioned with the elongated opening in an abutting
relationship to form a privacy fence.
17. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein the elongated opening
extends through the at least one of the plurality of rails between
opposite sides thereof.
18. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein the elongated opening
rails extends into the at least one of the plurality of rails from
one side thereof and terminates therein.
19. The fencing system of claim 14, wherein the at least one
opening in the plurality of rails is disposed in the center of the
rails.
20. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails
are formed of wood and the at least one opening comprises at least
one slot routed into the wood rails.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/006,421, filed Jun. 2, 2014, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fencing is typically constructed from posts, rails and
pickets attached together using nails or screw. Typically, a number
of spaced apart posts are set in the ground using concrete, the
posts extending vertically therefrom. Rails extend horizontally
between the posts and attach thereto using nails or screws. Pickets
are then nailed or screwed to the rails such that the pickets are
perpendicular to the rails. This method of installation is often
labor intensive.
[0003] Other fencing uses alternative materials, i.e. vinyl, and is
offered in preassembled fence panels that can be installed without
having to nail individual pickets into place. This solution is
expensive and does not offer the strength or durability of wood.
Preassembled panels offer little to no installer flexibility and
are `one sided,` meaning it does not look the same on both
sides.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a fencing system
includes a plurality of pickets having an outer profile, and a
plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails having a series
of spaced openings therein with a shape sized to receive the outer
profile of at least one of the plurality of pickets. A fence having
the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides, with the
plurality of rails extending generally horizontally in a spaced
vertical relationship can be formed by passing the plurality of
pickets into one of the spaced openings on each one of the
plurality of rails.
[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, a fencing
system includes a plurality of pickets, and a plurality of rails,
each of the plurality of rails having at least one opening therein,
the at least one opening having a shape configured to receive at
least one of picket. A fence having the same general vertical
appearance from opposite sides, with the plurality of rails
extending generally horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship,
can be formed by passing the at least one of picket into the at
least one opening on each one of the plurality of rails.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the fencing system according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fencing system of FIG. 1
assembled into a fence panel according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fencing system of FIG. 1
assembled into a fence panel according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the fencing system being
installed between two posts according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the fencing system according
to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fencing system of FIG. 5
assembled into a fence panel according to an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a fencing system according
an embodiment of the invention. The fencing system comprises
horizontal fence rails 10 and vertical fence pickets 14. The fence
rails 10 have a series of spaced openings or slots 12 cut partially
or all the way through to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide
through the fence rails 10 or terminate into the fence rails 10.
The slots 12 cut in the fence rails 10 can be cut to fit the exact
fence picket 14 size or the slots 12 can be elongated to allow the
fence pickets 14 to rack horizontally to allow the fence system to
be installed on uneven terrain. A variety of styles can be created
using this method of manufacturing and assembly. Some fence pickets
14 will still need a single nail, through the fence rail 10, into
the fence picket 14 to hold the fence picket 14 in place.
[0014] The pickets 14 can include an outer profile, with the slots
12 having a shape that is sized to receive the outer profile of the
picket 14. The illustrated pickets 14 include a planar body 22
having a rectangular cross-section, with a blunt bottom end 24 and
a pointed top end 26. The slots 12 on the top and bottom rails 10
are accordingly rectangular in shape to receive portions of the
planar body 22, with the blunt bottom end 24 extending below the
bottom rail 10 and the pointed top end 26 extending above the top
rail 10. In other embodiments, the outer profile of the picket 14
may change along the length of the picket 14, such that the slot 12
in one rail 10 may have a different shape or configuration in order
to receive the outer profile of the picket 14.
[0015] The illustrated slots 12 are further configured with a shape
that corresponds to the outer profile of the pickets 14. In other
embodiments, the slots 12 can have a more elongated shape to allow
the pickets 14 to rake horizontally within the slots 12 to allow
the fence to follow the grade of the surface on which the fence is
installed.
[0016] The slots 12 extend through the rail 10, between a top side
32 and a bottom side 34, opposite the top side 32, thereof. The
lateral sides 36 of the rail 10 will look identical from either
side of the fence. The slots 12 can be disposed in the center of
the rail 10 such that the pickets 14 are centered on the rails 10.
Further, the slots 12 can be evenly spaced along the rails 10, such
that the pickets 14 are evenly spaced from each other.
[0017] In another embodiment, a single elongated slot 12 may be
routed in the rails 10 configured to receive multiple fence pickets
14 so that the fence pickets 14 may abut each other to form a
continuous screen.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows the fencing system of FIG. 1 assembled into a
fence panel 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. Both
fence rails 10 have slots 12 (FIG. 1) cut all the way through to
allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence rails 10,
which are in a spaced vertical relationship. In an alternate
embodiment, the fence pickets 14 could terminate in one or both of
the top rail 10 and bottom rail 10. The illustrated fence panel 20
is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical appearance
from opposite sides thereof.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows the fencing system of FIG. 1 assembled into a
fence panel 30 according to another embodiment of the invention.
The upper fence rail 10 has slots 12 (FIG. 1) cut all the way
through to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence
rails 10 and the lower fence rail 10 has slots 12 (FIG. 1) cut
partially through to allow the fence pickets 14 to terminate into
the lower fence rail 10. The fence panel 30 has the rails 10 in a
spaced vertical relationship, and is dual-sided, meaning it has the
same general vertical appearance from opposite sides thereof. The
lower or bottom rail 10 has a series of slots 12 which extend into
the top side 32 of the rail 10, but terminate within the rail 10,
rather passing through the bottom side 34. The bottom ends 24 (FIG.
1) of the pickets 14 are received within the slots 12, and
therefore may be hidden by the bottom rail 10. In an alternate
embodiment, the fence pickets 14 could terminate in the top rail 10
as well.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows the fencing system being installed between two
posts 16. The fence rails 10 are fastened between the posts 16 such
that the slots 12 in each fence rail 10 axially align and the rails
10 are in a spaced vertical relationship. The fence pickets 14 are
then inserted into the slots 12 as indicated by arrows 18. When the
fence pickets 14 are in the desired position, they may be fastened
to the fence rails 10 using fasteners such as screws or nails
driven through the fence rails 10, slots 12 and fence pickets 14.
The fence is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical
appearance from opposite sides thereof
[0021] The posts 16 are configured to be mounted to a ground
surface 38, with the plurality of rails 10 installed there between
and running generally horizontally, which may include rails 10 that
run parallel to or non-parallel to the ground surface 38. The
pickets 14 run generally parallel to the posts 16, or vertically
relative to the ground surface 38.
[0022] The illustrated posts 16 are end posts that mark the end of
a fence line. In other embodiments, one or both of the posts 16 can
alternatively be a corner post at the corner where two lines of
fencing meet, usually at a 90-degree angle, a gate post to which a
gate is attached, a terminal post, which is a load-bearing post for
a line of fencing, and/or a line post located between terminal or
end posts to provide support for the fence.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a fencing system according
an embodiment of the invention. The illustrated fencing system
comprises two horizontal fence rails 10 and a plurality of vertical
fence pickets 14. The bottom rail 10 has a series of spaced
openings or slots 12 cut partially through the rail 10 to allow the
fence pickets 14 to terminate into the bottom rail 10. The top rail
10 has a single elongated slot 42 cut all the way through the rail
10 to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence rails
10. The single elongated slot 42 is configured to receive multiple
fence pickets 14 so that the fence pickets 14 abut each other to
form a continuous screen. The slots 12 in the bottom rail 10 are
routed to fit the exact fence picket 14 size. Some fence pickets 14
will still need a single nail, through the fence rail 10, into the
fence picket 14 to hold the fence picket 14 in place.
[0024] The illustrated pickets 14 include a planar body 44 having a
rectangular cross-section, with a blunt bottom end 46 and a pointed
top end 48. The lateral edges of the body 44 define mating portions
that meet or closely fit with each other, so that the pickets 14
can form a privacy fence when mounted in the rails 10. A stub 50
extends from the bottom end 46 and has a shape smaller than that of
the planar body 44 and which is sized to fit within one of the
slots 12. The illustrated stub 50 and slot 12 can form a
mortise-and-tenon-style joint between the pickets 14 and bottom
rail 10, although other joints are possible, such as a dowel joint
or a biscuit joint.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows the fencing system of FIG. 5 assembled into a
fence panel 40 according to an embodiment of the invention. The
fence panel 40 has rails 10 in a spaced vertical relationship, and
is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical appearance
from opposite sides thereof. The pickets 14 can be assembled with
the rails 10 by sliding the pickets 14 through the slot 42 in the
top rail 10 and inserting the stubs 50 into the slots 12 on the
bottom rails.
[0026] As used herein, a "picket" includes any generally vertical
fence board or member that attaches to and spans between the rails.
The pickets can include a conventional picket with a planar body
having a rectangular cross-section and pointed top, as illustrated
herein, or a baluster or spindle, which may have a square,
rectilinear, or rounded cross-section, with or without a decorative
portion between opposing ends thereof. Accordingly, the slots in
the rails can have a shape corresponding to the outer portion of
the picket that the slots receive.
[0027] As used herein, a "rail" includes any generally horizontal
support element to which fence pickets are attached. While two
rails are shown in the embodiments illustrated herein, the fencing
system may include more than two rails. The fencing systems
illustrated herein include two rails, with a bottom rail formed by
a horizontal member running continuously along a bottom edge of the
fence and a top rail formed by a horizontal member running
continuously along a top edge of the fence. The bottom and top
rails can be placed at the respective bottom and top edges, or may
be spaced inwardly therefrom. A fencing system with more than two
rails includes at least one intermediate rail, formed by a
horizontal member running continuously at any point between the top
and bottom rails of the fence.
[0028] For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the open spaces
between adjacent pickets 14 can be decreased to form a semi-private
or privacy fence. A semi-private fence has a slight spacing between
the pickets 14 to allow light and air to enter a fenced area, while
still offering some privacy. A privacy fence has close fitting
pickets 14 arranged to form a continuous screen that block views
into a fenced area.
[0029] For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the rails 10,
pickets 14, and posts 16 may be formed from wood. The slots 12,
whether passing through the top and bottom sides of the rail 10 or
terminating within the rail 10, can be routed into the rails
10.
[0030] The embodiments of the invention provide for a number of
benefits including it allows installers flexibility for fence
installation, creates a unique wood fence look, reduces the number
of fasteners needed, and it allows the consumer to purchase the
fence and have it shipped to their home at discounted rates because
they can be offered in knockdown kits. Furthermore, by running the
fence pickets 14 though the slots 12 disposed in the center of the
rails 10, the fence system may have the same look from both
sides.
[0031] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible with
the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without
departing from the spirit of the invention which, is defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
* * * * *