U.S. patent application number 14/967275 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for method and apparatus for constructing and repairing fence or railings.
This patent application is currently assigned to American Fence System, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Gerardo Molina, Jesus Molina. Invention is credited to Gerardo Molina, Jesus Molina.
Application Number | 20160097216 14/967275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55632446 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160097216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Molina; Jesus ; et
al. |
April 7, 2016 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING AND REPAIRING FENCE OR
RAILINGS
Abstract
An apparatus including a first picket having a first slot on a
first side of the first picket and a second slot on a second side
which opposes the first side of the first picket. The apparatus may
further include a first locking strip having including a first
opening including a first section having a first width and a second
section having a second width, wherein the first width is larger
than the second width. The apparatus may further include a first
railing having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the
first opening of the railing is substantially perpendicular to the
second opening of the first railing. The first locking strip may be
adapted to be inserted into the first opening in the first railing,
and slid into the first railing and used to lock the first picket
with respect to the first railing.
Inventors: |
Molina; Jesus;
(Martinsville, NJ) ; Molina; Gerardo; (Edison,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Molina; Jesus
Molina; Gerardo |
Martinsville
Edison |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
American Fence System, Inc.
South Plainfield
NJ
|
Family ID: |
55632446 |
Appl. No.: |
14/967275 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14505091 |
Oct 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
14967275 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.12 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
E04H 17/1439 20130101; E04F 2011/1819 20130101; E04H 2017/1465
20130101; E04H 17/1443 20130101; E04F 11/1817 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/14 20060101
E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a first picket having a first slot on a
first side of the first picket and a second slot on a second side
which opposes the first side of the first picket; a first locking
strip having including a first opening including a first section
having a first width and a second section having a second width,
wherein the first width is larger than the second width; a first
railing having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the
first opening of the railing is substantially perpendicular to the
second opening of the first railing; wherein the first locking
strip is adapted to be inserted into the first opening in the first
railing, and slid into the first railing into a first state in
which the first section of the first opening of the first locking
strip is aligned with the second opening of the first railing;
wherein the first picket is adapted to be inserted in a second
state into the second opening in the first railing and
simultaneously into the first section of the first opening of the
first locking strip; and wherein first locking strip is adapted to
be placed in a third state in which the second section of the first
locking strip is aligned with the second opening of the first
railing, and first part of the first locking strip is within the
first slot of the first picket and a second part of the first
locking strip is within the second slot of the first picket.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second section of the first
opening of the first locking strip is centrally located with
respect to the first section of the first opening of the first
locking strip, such that in the third state the first part of the
first locking strip within the first slot of the first picket and
the second part of the first locking strip within the second slot
of the first picket are substantially equal.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first post; and a
second post; wherein the first railing is adapted to be inserted
into the first post at a first end of the first railing and
inserted into the second post at a second end of the first railing
which is opposite the first end of the first railing.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first picket has a third
slot on the first side of the first picket, spaced apart from the
first slot, and a fourth slot on the second side of the first
picket, spaced apart from the second slot; a second locking strip
having including a first opening including a first section having a
first width and a second section having a second width, wherein the
first width of the first section of the second locking strip is
larger than the second width of the second section of the second
locking strip; a second railing having a first opening and a second
opening, wherein the first opening of the second railing is
substantially perpendicular to the second opening of the second
railing; wherein the second locking strip is adapted to be inserted
into the first opening in the second railing, and slid into the
second railing into a fourth state in which the first section of
the first opening of the second locking strip is aligned with the
second opening of the second railing; wherein the first picket in
the second state is inserted into the second opening in the second
railing and simultaneously into the first section of the first
opening of the second locking strip; and wherein second locking
strip is adapted to be placed in a fifth state in which the second
section of the second locking strip is aligned with the second
opening of the second railing, and a first part of the second
locking strip is within the third slot of the first picket and a
second part of the second locking strip is within the fourth slot
of the first picket.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second picket
having a first slot on a first side of the second picket and a
second slot on a second side of the second picket which opposes the
first side of the second picket; wherein the first locking strip
has a second opening including a first section having a first width
and a second section having a second width, wherein the first width
of the second opening of the first locking strip is larger than the
second width of the second opening of the first locking strip;
wherein the first railing includes a third opening which is
substantially parallel to the first opening of the first railing;
wherein the first locking strip is adapted to be inserted into the
first opening in the first railing, and slid into the first railing
into the first state such that the first section of the first
opening of the first locking strip is aligned with the second
opening of the first railing and the first section of the second
opening of the first locking strip is aligned with the third
opening of the first railing; wherein the second picket is adapted
to be inserted in a fourth state into the third opening in the
first railing and simultaneously into the first section of the
second opening of the first locking strip; and wherein first
locking strip is adapted to be placed in the third state, such that
the second section of the first opening of the first locking strip
is aligned with the second opening of the first railing, and the
first part of the first locking strip is within the first slot of
the first picket and the second part of the first locking strip is
within the second slot of the first picket, and such that the
second section of the second opening of the first locking strip is
aligned with the third opening of the first railing, and a third
part of the first locking strip is within the first slot of the
second picket and a fourth part of the first locking strip is
within the second slot of the first picket.
6. A method comprising placing a first locking strip and a first
railing into a first state, wherein the first locking strip is
inserted in the first railing so that a first section of a first
opening of the first locking strip aligns with a first opening of
the first railing; while the first locking strip and the first
railing are in the first state, placing a first picket into a
second state, wherein the first picket is inserted into the first
opening of the first railing and into the first section of the
first opening of the first locking strip; and after the first
locking strip and the first railing have been placed in the first
state and the first picket has been placed in the second state,
moving the first locking strip into a third state in which the
first section of the first opening of the first locking strip is no
longer aligned with the first opening of the first railing, but a
second section of the first opening of the first locking strip is
aligned with the first opening of the first railing, and first and
second portions of the first locking strip are located within first
and second slots, respectively, of the first picket.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising inserting a first end
of the first railing into a first post so that the first railing is
substantially perpendicular to the first post.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising inserting a second end
of the first railing, into a second post so that the first railing
is substantially perpendicular to the second post, wherein the
second end is opposite the first end.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein in the first state the first
locking strip is inserted in the first railing so that a first
section of a second opening of the first locking strip aligns with
a second opening of the first railing; while the first locking
strip and the first railing are in the first state, placing a
second picket into a fourth state, wherein the second picket is
inserted into the second opening of the first railing and into the
first section of the second opening of the first locking strip; and
after the first locking strip and the first railing have been
placed in the first state and the second picket has been placed in
the fourth state, moving the first locking strip into the third
state in which the first section of the second opening of the first
locking strip is no longer aligned with the second opening of the
first railing, but a second section of the second opening of the
first locking strip is aligned with the second opening of the first
railing, and third and fourth portions of the first locking strip
are located within first and second slots, respectively, of the
second picket.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application is a continuation in part of and
claims the priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/505,091
titled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTION WHEN VERTICAL AND
HORIZONTAL MEMBERS ARE USED", filed on Oct. 2, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus
concerning constructing and repairing fences or railings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are various devices known for constructing and
repairing fences and railings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In at least one embodiment, an apparatus is provided
comprising a first picket having a first slot on a first side of
the first picket and a second slot on a second side which opposes
the first side of the first picket. The apparatus may further
include a first locking strip having including a first opening
including a first section having a first width and a second section
having a second width, wherein the first width is larger than the
second width. The apparatus may further include a first railing
having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first
opening of the railing is substantially perpendicular to the second
opening of the first railing.
[0005] The first locking strip may be adapted to be inserted into
the first opening in the first railing, and slid into the first
railing into a first state in which the first section of the first
opening of the first locking strip is aligned with the second
opening of the first railing. The first picket may be adapted to be
inserted in a second state into the second opening in the first
railing and simultaneously into the first section of the first
opening of the first locking strip. The first locking strip may be
adapted to be placed in a third state in which the second section
of the first locking strip is aligned with the second opening of
the first railing, and first part of the first locking strip is
within the first slot of the first picket and a second part of the
first locking strip is within the second slot of the first
picket.
[0006] The second section of the first opening of the first locking
strip may be centrally located with respect to the first section of
the first opening of the first locking strip, such that in the
third state the first part of the first locking strip within the
first slot of the first picket and the second part of the first
locking strip within the second slot of the first picket are
substantially equal.
[0007] The apparatus may further include a first post, and a second
post. The first railing may be adapted to be inserted into the
first post at a first end of the first railing and inserted into
the second post at a second end of the first railing which is
opposite the first end of the first railing.
[0008] The first picket may have a third slot on the first side of
the first picket, spaced apart from the first slot, and a fourth
slot on the second side of the first picket, spaced apart from the
second slot. A second locking strip may be provided having
including a first opening including a first section having a first
width and a second section having a second width, wherein the first
width of the first section of the second locking strip is larger
than the second width of the second section of the second locking
strip. The apparatus may include a second railing having a first
opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening of the
second railing is substantially perpendicular to the second opening
of the second railing.
[0009] The second locking strip may be adapted to be inserted into
the first opening in the second railing, and slid into the second
railing into a fourth state in which the first section of the first
opening of the second locking strip is aligned with the second
opening of the second railing. The first picket in the second state
may be inserted into the second opening in the second railing and
simultaneously into the first section of the first opening of the
second locking strip; and
[0010] The second locking strip may be adapted to be placed in a
fifth state in which the second section of the second locking strip
is aligned with the second opening of the second railing, and a
first part of the second locking strip is within the third slot of
the first picket and a second part of the second locking strip is
within the fourth slot of the first picket.
[0011] The apparatus may further include a second picket having a
first slot on a first side of the second picket and a second slot
on a second side of the second picket which opposes the first side
of the second picket. The first locking strip may have second
opening including a first section having a first width and a second
section having a second width, wherein the first width of the
second opening of the first locking strip is larger than the second
width of the second opening of the first locking strip. The first
railing may include a third opening which is substantially parallel
to the first opening of the first railing. The first locking strip
may be adapted to be inserted into the first opening in the first
railing, and slid into the first railing into the first state such
that the first section of the first opening of the first locking
strip is aligned with the second opening of the first railing and
the first section of the second opening of the first locking strip
is aligned with the third opening of the first railing.
[0012] The second picket may be adapted to be inserted in a fourth
state into the third opening in the first railing and
simultaneously into the first section of the second opening of the
first locking strip. The first locking strip may be adapted to be
placed in the third state, such that the second section of the
first opening of the first locking strip is aligned with the second
opening of the first railing, and the first part of the first
locking strip is within the first slot of the first picket and the
second part of the first locking strip is within the second slot of
the first picket, and such that the second section of the second
opening of the first locking strip is aligned with the third
opening of the first railing, and a third part of the first locking
strip is within the first slot of the second picket and a fourth
part of the first locking strip is within the second slot of the
first picket.
[0013] In at least one embodiment, a method is provided which
includes placing a first locking strip and a first railing into a
first state, wherein the first locking strip is inserted in the
first railing so that a first section of a first opening of the
first locking strip aligns with a first opening of the first
railing. The method may also include, while the first locking strip
and the first railing are in the first state, placing a first
picket into a second state, wherein the first picket is inserted
into the first opening of the first railing and into the first
section of the first opening of the first locking strip; and after
the first locking strip and the first railing have been placed in
the first state and the first picket has been placed in the second
state, moving the first locking strip into a third state in which
the first section of the first opening of the first locking strip
is no longer aligned with the first opening of the first railing,
but a second section of the first opening of the first locking
strip is aligned with the first opening of the first railing, and
first and second portions of the first locking strip are located
within first and second slots, respectively, of the first
picket.
[0014] The method may further include inserting a first end of the
first railing into a first post so that the first railing is
substantially perpendicular to the first post. The method may
further include inserting a second end of the first railing, into a
second post so that the first railing is substantially
perpendicular to the second post, wherein the second end is
opposite the first end. In the first state the first locking strip
may be inserted in the first railing so that a first section of a
second opening of the first locking strip aligns with a second
opening of the first railing. The method may further include while
the first locking strip and the first railing are in the first
state, placing a second picket into a fourth state, wherein the
second picket is inserted into the second opening of the first
railing and into the first section of the second opening of the
first locking strip; and after the first locking strip and the
first railing have been placed in the first state and the second
picket has been placed in the fourth state, moving the first
locking strip into the third state in which the first section of
the second opening of the first locking strip is no longer aligned
with the second opening of the first railing, but a second section
of the second opening of the first locking strip is aligned with
the second opening of the first railing, and third and fourth
portions of the first locking strip are located within first and
second slots, respectively, of the second picket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A shows a top, front, and right side view of a
horizontal member or rail in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B shows a top, front, and left side view of the
horizontal member or rail of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 1C shows a bottom, rear, and right side view of the
horizontal member or rail of FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 1D shows a bottom, rear, and left side view of the
horizontal member or rail of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1E shows a top, front,
and right side closeup perspective view of part of the horizontal
member or rail of FIG. 1A;
[0019] FIG. 1F shows a top, front, and left side closeup
perspective view of part of the horizontal member or rail of FIG.
1A;
[0020] FIG. 1G shows a bottom, rear, and right side closeup
perspective view of part of the horizontal member or rail of FIG.
1A;
[0021] FIG. 1H shows a bottom, rear, and left side closeup
perspective view of part of the horizontal member or rail of FIG.
1A;
[0022] FIG. 2A shows a top, front, and left side view of a locking
strip for use with the rail of FIG. 1A in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2B shows a top, rear, and left side view of the locking
strip of FIG. 2A;
[0024] FIG. 2C shows a top, front, and left side closeup view of
part of the locking strip of FIG. 2A;
[0025] FIG. 2D shows a top, rear, and left side closeup view of
part of the locking strip of FIG. 2A;
[0026] FIG. 3A shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of a vertical member or picket for use with the rail of FIG. 1A and
the locking strip of FIG. 2A;
[0027] FIG. 3B shows a top, rear, and left side perspective view of
the vertical member or picket of FIG. 3A;
[0028] FIG. 3C shows a top, front, and right side perspective
closeup view of part of the vertical member or picket for use with
the rail of FIG. 1A and the locking strip of FIG. 2A;
[0029] FIG. 3D shows a top, rear, and left side perspective closeup
view of part of the vertical member or picket of FIG. 3A;
[0030] FIG. 4A shows a top, front, and right side view of the
horizontal member or rail of FIG. 1A along with a perspective view
of the locking strip of FIG. 2A;
[0031] FIG. 4B shows a top, front, and right side closeup view of
part of the horizontal member or rail of FIG. 1A along with a
perspective closeup view of part of the locking strip of FIG. 2A
with the locking strip partially inserted into the rail of FIG.
1A;
[0032] FIG. 5A shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
of FIG. 1A, and a rear view of the locking strip of FIG. 2A;
[0033] FIG. 5B shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
of FIG. 1A and a rear view of the locking strip of FIG. 2A with the
locking strip inserted into the rail of FIG. 1A;
[0034] FIG. 5C shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
of FIG. 1A, a rear view of the locking strip of FIG. 2A, and a top
view of a plurality of pickets identical to the picket of FIG. 3A,
with the locking strip inserted into the rail of FIG. 1A, and the
plurality of pickets inserted into openings of the rail and of the
locking strip, with the locking strip in a first state;
[0035] FIG. 5D shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
of FIG. 1A, a rear view of the locking strip of FIG. 2A, and a top
view of a plurality of pickets identical to the picket of FIG. 3A,
with the locking strip inserted into the rail of FIG. 1A, and the
plurality of pickets inserted into openings of the rail and of the
locking strip, and with the locking strip in a second state;
[0036] FIG. 6A shows a top, rear, and left side view of a plurality
of pickets identical to the picket of FIG. 3A and a bottom, rear,
and right side view of the rail of FIG. 1A, with the locking strip
of FIG. 2A inserted into the rail, and the locking strip in a first
state;
[0037] FIG. 6B shows a top, rear, and left side view of a plurality
of pickets identical to the picket of FIG. 3A and a bottom, rear,
and right side view of the rail of FIG. 1A, and the locking strip
of FIG. 2A inserted into the rail, and with the locking strip in a
second state, and with the plurality of pickets inserted into the
rail;
[0038] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the plurality of pickets
shown in FIG. 6B connected to the rail of FIG. 1A, and an identical
rail to form a fence section;
[0039] FIG. 8A shows a top, rear, and left side closeup view of a
picket of FIG. 3A inserted into a locking strip of FIG. 2A, with
the locking strip in a first state; and
[0040] FIG. 8B shows a top, rear, and left side closeup view of a
picket of FIG. 3A inserted into a locking strip of FIG. 2A, with
the locking strip in a second state;
[0041] FIG. 9A shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of a post for use with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 9B shows a bottom, rear, and left side perspective view
of the post of FIG. 9A; FIG. 10A shows a top, front, and right side
perspective view of another rail for use with one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 10B shows a top, front, and left side perspective view
of the rail of FIG. 10A; FIG. 10C shows a bottom, rear, and right
side perspective view of the rail of FIG. 10A;
[0044] FIG. 10D shows a bottom, rear, and left side perspective
view of the rail of FIG. 10A; FIG. 11A shows a top, front, and left
side perspective view of another locking strip for use with one or
more embodiments of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 11B shows a bottom, rear, and right side perspective
view of the locking strip of FIG. 11A;
[0046] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the rail of FIGS.
10A-10D along with an identical rail; and the locking strip of
FIGS. 11A-11B along with an identical locking strip, with the
locking strips shown separated from the rails;
[0047] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the rails of FIG. 12 and
the locking strips of FIG. 12 with each locking strip of FIG. 12
inserted into a rail of FIG. 12, and along with a plurality of
pickets, which are shown separated from the rails and locking
strips;
[0048] FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of the pickets of FIG. 13
inserted into the rails of FIG. 13, and each of the locking strips
of FIG. 13 inserted into one of the rails, with the locking strips
shown in a non locked or open state;
[0049] FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the pickets of FIG. 13
inserted into the rails of FIG. 13, and each of the locking strips
of FIG. 13 inserted into one of the rails, with the locking strips
shown in a locked state;
[0050] FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of the pickets of FIG. 13
inserted into the rails of FIG. 13, and each of the locking strips
of FIG. 13 inserted into one of the rails, with the locking strips
of FIG. 14B shown in a locked state, and along with the post of
FIGS. 9A-9B and an identical post, and the locking strip of FIGS.
11A-11B and an identical locking strip, wherein the locking strips
of FIGS. 11A-B are not inserted into a post;
[0051] FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of the pickets of FIG. 13
inserted into the rails of FIG. 13, and each of the locking strips
of FIG. 13 inserted into one of the rails, with the locking strips
of FIG. 14B shown in a locked state, and along with the post of
FIGS. 9A-9B and an identical post, and the locking strip of FIGS.
11A-11B and an identical locking strip, wherein the locking strips
of FIGS. 11A-B are inserted into a post, but are in an open or non
locked state;
[0052] FIG. 15C shows a perspective view of the pickets of FIG. 13
inserted into the rails of FIG. 13, and each of the locking strips
of FIG. 13 inserted into one of the rails, with the locking strips
of FIG. 14B shown in a locked state, and along with the post of
FIGS. 9A-9B and an identical post, and the locking strip of FIGS.
11A-11B and an identical locking strip, wherein the locking strips
of FIGS. 11A-B are inserted into a post, but are in a locked
state;
[0053] FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of the locking strip of
FIGS. 11A-11B and the rail of FIGS. 10A-10B, separate from each
other;
[0054] FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the locking strip of
FIGS. 11A-11B and the rail of FIGS. 10A-10B, connected together in
a non locked or open state;
[0055] FIG. 16C shows a perspective view of the locking strip of
FIGS. 11A-11B and the rail of FIGS. 10A-10B, connected together in
a locked state;
[0056] FIG. 17A shows a perspective view of one of the pickets of
FIG. 13 and a locking strip of FIG. 12, separate from each
other;
[0057] FIG. 17B shows a perspective view of one of the pickets of
FIG. 13 and a locking strip of FIG. 12, connected together in a non
locked or open state;
[0058] FIG. 17C shows a perspective view of one of the pickets of
FIG. 13 and a locking strip of FIG. 12, connected together in a
locked state;
[0059] FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of an alternative locking
strip having one or more serrated edges;
[0060] FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of another alternative
locking strip having one or more serrated edges
[0061] FIG. 19A shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
a picket, such as a fence picket, or railing picket, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 19B shows a bottom, rear, left side perspective view of
the picket of FIG. 19A; FIG. 20A shows a top, front, right side
perspective view of a locking strip in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 20B shows a top, rear, and left side perspective view
of the locking strip of FIG. 20A; FIG. 21A shows a top, front,
right side perspective view of a rail in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 21B shows a bottom, front, and left side perspective
view of the rail of FIG. 21A; FIG. 22 shows a top, front, right
side perspective view of the locking strip of FIG. 2A and the rail
of FIG. 3A;
[0065] FIG. 23 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip of FIG. 20A, and the rail of FIG. 21A, with the
locking strip of FIG. 21A inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A, in a
first or non locking state, along with a top, front and right side
perspective view of the fence or railing picket of FIG. 19A shown
not inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A;
[0066] FIG. 24 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip of FIG. 20A, and the rail of FIG. 21A, with the
locking strip of FIG. 20A inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A, in a
first or non locking state, along with a top, front and right side
perspective view of the fence or railing picket of FIG. 19A shown
inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A;
[0067] FIG. 25 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip of FIG. 20A, and the rail of FIG. 21A, with the
locking strip of FIG. 20A inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A, in a
second or locking state, along with a top, front and right side
perspective view of the fence or railing picket of FIG. 19A shown
inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A; FIG. 26 shows a top, front, and
right side perspective view of the fence or railing picket of FIG.
19A and an identical fence or railing picket inserted into the rail
of FIG. 21A with the rail of FIG. 21A having a first end inserted
into a first post and a second end inserted into a second post, and
with the posts driven or inserted into a ground surface; and
[0068] FIG. 27 shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of the fence or railing picket of FIG. 19A and an identical fence
or railing picket inserted into the rail of FIG. 21A with the rail
of FIG. 21A having a first end inserted into a first post and a
second end inserted into a second post, and with the posts driven
or inserted into a ground surface, and with a second rail,
identical to the rail of FIG. 21A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] FIG. 1A shows a top, front, and right side view of a
horizontal member or rail 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 1B shows a top, front, and left side view
of the horizontal member or rail 1. FIG. 1C shows a bottom, rear,
and right side view of the horizontal member or rail 1. FIG. 1D
shows a bottom, rear, and left side view of the horizontal member
or rail 1. FIG. 1E shows a top, front, and right side closeup
perspective view of part of the horizontal member or rail 1. FIG.
1F shows a top, front, and left side closeup perspective view of
part of the horizontal member or rail 1. FIG. 1G shows a bottom,
rear, and right side closeup perspective view of part of the
horizontal member or rail 1. FIG. 1H shows a bottom, rear, and left
side closeup perspective view of part of the horizontal member or
rail 1.
[0070] The rail 1 includes sides 2, 4, and 6 which form a U-shape
as shown in FIG. 1A-1H. The side 4 includes a plurality of openings
8, which includes openings 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, and
8j as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. The openings 8a-8j may be square
shaped or substantially square shaped, and each of the openings
8a-8j may have a side length of L1, as shown in FIG. 1C which may
be about one inch. The rail 1 may have an overall length L2, which
may be about fifty-four inches, an overall width W2, which be about
one and five eighth of an inch, and an overall width W3 which may
be about one and five eighths inches, as shown by FIGS. 1C and
1D.
[0071] The side 6 may have a protrusion or inner rail 6c, a
protrusion or inner rail 6a, and a groove or indentation 6b as
shown in FIGS. 1E-1H. In at least one embodiment, the inner rails
6c and 6a and the groove 6b run for the entire overall length L2 of
the rail 1. Similarly or identically the side 2 may have a
protrusion or inner rail 2c, a protrusion or inner rail 2a, and a
groove or indentation 2b as shown in FIGS. 1E-1H. In at least one
embodiment, the inner rails 2c and 2a and the groove 2b run for the
entire overall length L2 of the rail 1. The inner rails 6a and 2a
provide additional strength to the rail 1, and reduces or
eliminates rattle for the rail 1.
[0072] The rail 1 may be made entirely of a hard material, such as
steel, other material such as aluminum, plastic, or composites or
other fence material. The rail 1 may have an end 1a and an opposing
end 1b, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. The rail 1 may have an opening
or slot 1c, shown in FIG. 1A, leading to an inner chamber 1d which
is substantially enclosed by the sides or walls 2, 4, and 6; and
both slot 1c and chamber 1d run the entire length L2 of the rail
1.
[0073] FIG. 2A shows a top, front, and left side view of a locking
strip 10 for use with the rail 1 of FIG. 1A in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B shows a top, rear, and
left side view of the locking strip 10. FIG. 2C shows a top, front,
and left side closeup view of part of the locking strip 10. FIG. 2D
shows a top, rear, and left side closeup view of part of the
locking strip 10.
[0074] The locking strip 10 includes top surface 12, rear surface
14, left edge 16, right edge 18, first end 10a, and second opposing
end 10b. The locking strip 10 also includes a plurality of openings
20, which includes opening 20a. Each of the openings 20, including
opening 20a may be identical and therefore only opening 20a will be
described in detail. Opening 20a includes top semicircular portion
26a, a central rectangular portion 24a, and a bottom portion 22a.
The top portion 26a may have a diameter D5, which may be about one
quarter of an inch. The central portion 24a may have a length L4 of
about one and one quarter inches, and a width W4 which may be about
three quarters of an inch. The width W4 of the rectangular section
24a is preferably less than the width W6 of the picket 30, shown in
FIG. 3D. These dimensions enable and/or assist in locking the
picket 30 in place in the with the locking strip 10. The portion
22a has a width W5 which may be shown in FIG. 2C which may be about
one inch or about the side length L1 of each of the openings 8 of
the rail 1 shown in FIG. 1C. The bottom portion 22a may have a
length L3 which may be one and one quarter inches. The bottom
portion 22a, in at least one embodiment is at least as large as
each of the openings 8 of the rail 1, to allow picket 30 shown in
FIG. 3A to pass through both the bottom portion 22a of the locking
strip 10, and the opening 8 of the rail 1 as shown for example by
FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6B, and 7A.
[0075] The slots 40 and 42 may have a dimension L7 along the length
of the picket 30, shown in FIG. 3D, which may be substantially less
than the width D6 of the picket 30 and the slots 40 and 42. For
example the length L7 may be one half or less than one half of the
width W6.
[0076] The locking strip 10 may be replaced by a locking strip
similar or identical to locking strip 260 having square or
substantially square openings 264, 266, and 268, as shown in FIG.
12, and the locking strip may have any number of square openings
analogous to opening 264.
[0077] There is a distance D2, which may be two inches, between
each pair of the plurality of openings 20. The uniform distance D2
is used to allow the bottom openings of the openings 20 (such as
bottom opening 22a of the opening 20a, and corresponding bottom
openings for other openings of 20b-20k) to be aligned with the
openings 8 of the rail 8. I.e. bottom openings of openings 20a-20j
shown in FIG. 2A are configured so that they can be aligned with
openings 8a-8j, respectively, of rail 1 of FIG. 1. The bottom
openings of 20b-20k could also be aligned with openings 8a-8j,
respectively or rail 1 or if the locking strip is turned upside
down, openings 20k-20b could be aligned with 8a-8j or openings
20j-20a could be aligned with openings 8a-8j, respectively.
[0078] The locking strip 10 may be made of hard plastic or metal or
any other material shaped in locking strip fashion.
[0079] FIG. 3A shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of a vertical member or picket 30 for use with the rail 1 of FIG.
1A and the locking strip 10 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B shows a top, rear,
and left side perspective view of the vertical member or picket 30.
FIG. 3C shows a top, front, and right side perspective closeup view
of part of the vertical member or picket 30 for use with the rail 1
and the locking strip 10. FIG. 3D shows a top, rear, and left side
perspective closeup view of part of the vertical member or picket
30.
[0080] The vertical member or picket 30 includes sides or walls 32,
34, 36, and 38. The picket 30 may be substantially in the form of a
rectangular tube. However, the picket 30 may be, or may be replaced
by a round picket, or solid picket, as long has typically the
picket has notches or slots similar or identical to notches or
slots 40 and 42.
[0081] The picket 30 has openings 44a and 44b at ends 31a and 31b
respectively. The openings 44a and 44b lead to inner chamber 46
which is enclosed or substantially enclosed by walls 32, 34, 36,
and 38. The picket 30 has slots 40 and 42. The slots 40 and 42 cut
through the entire wall 36, and through about half of each of walls
38 and 34, in at least one embodiment. The slots 40a and 42 allow
access to the inner chamber 46.
[0082] The picket 30 may be square hollow tube or a substantially
square hollow tube, with the exception of slots 40 and 42, and the
picket 30 may have a width W6 which is about one inch and which is
slightly less than the length L1 of each of the openings 8a-8j of
the rail 1 shown in FIG. 1A. This allows the picket 30 to be
inserted into any one of the openings 8a-8j of the rail 1 as shown
in FIGS. 5C-5D, and 6B. The picket 30 may be made of a hard
material, such as aluminum, steel, plastic, or composite.
[0083] FIG. 4A shows a top, front, and right side view of the
horizontal member or rail 1 of FIG. 1A along with a perspective
view of the locking strip 10. In FIG. 4A the rail 1 and the locking
strip 10 are separated from each other. FIG. 4B shows a top, front,
and right side closeup view of part of the horizontal member or
rail 1 of FIG. 1A along with a perspective closeup view of part of
the locking strip 10 of FIG. 2A with the locking strip 10 partially
inserted into the rail 1 of FIG. 1A.
[0084] In FIG. 4B, the locking strip 10 has been partially inserted
so that the strip is between the side 4 and the inner rails 6c and
2c. The locking strip 10 is thus prevented from moving in the
direction D4 beyond the inner rails 6c and 2c and prevented from
moving in the direction D5 beyond the wall 4. However, the locking
strip 10 can slide in the directions U1 and D6 in the channel
formed by the space between wall 4 and the combination of the inner
rails 6c and 2c.
[0085] FIG. 5A shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
1 of FIG. 1A, and a rear view of the locking strip 10 with the rail
1 and the locking strip 10 separate from each other. FIG. 5B shows
a front view of the horizontal member or rail 1 and a rear view of
the locking strip 10 with the locking strip 10 inserted into the
rail 1, such that the locking strip is in a channel between the
wall 4 and the combination of the inner rails 2c and 6c as in FIG.
4B. In addition, in FIG. 5B, the locking strip 10 has been slid
into a position in which the bottom portions (analogous to bottom
portion 22a of opening 20a) of openings 20k-20a are aligned with
the openings 8a-8j respectively. The arrangement of FIG. 5B allows
the picket 30 to be inserted through any of the aligned
combinations of openings 20k-a and 8a-j, respectively.
[0086] FIG. 5C shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
1 and a rear view of the locking strip 10, and a top view of a
plurality of a pickets 30a-j, each identical to the picket 30, with
the locking strip 10 inserted into the rail 1, and the plurality of
pickets 30a-j inserted into openings 8a-j, respectively of the rail
1 and openings 20k-20a, respectively of the locking strip 10, with
the locking strip 10 in a first state, in which the portion 22a of
opening 20a (and the analogous portions of openings 20b-20j) are
aligned with the openings 8j-8a.
[0087] FIG. 5D shows a front view of the horizontal member or rail
1 of FIG. 1A, a rear view of the locking strip 10 and a top view of
a plurality of pickets 30a-j identical to the picket 30 of FIG. 3A,
with the locking strip 10 inserted into the rail 1 of FIG. 1A, and
the plurality of pickets 30a-j inserted into the openings 8a-8j of
the rail 1 and the openings 20k-20a of the locking strip 10,
respectively and with the locking strip 10 in a second state, in
which the locking strip 10 has been slid up in the direction U1
shown in FIG. 5D, with respect to the rail 1. In FIG. 5D, the
portion 24a shown in FIG. 2C of the opening 20a is now aligned with
the opening 8j of the rail 1. Analogously the corresponding
portions of the openings 20b-20k are now aligned with the openings
8i-8a of the rail 1. The slots 40 and 42 of the picket 30 allow the
solid portion, flange, or protrusion 28a shown in FIG. 2C to move
into the slots 40 and 42 of the picket, and of the analogous slots
of pickets 30a-j. This permits the locking strip 10 to move into
the second state or locking state. When the locking strip 10 is in
the locking state of FIG. 5D with respect to the pickets 30a-j, the
pickets 30a-j cannot be removed from the openings 8a-j of the rail
8, because they are prevented by the protrusion, flange or solid
portion 28a shown in FIG. 2C.
[0088] FIG. 6A shows a top, rear, and left side view of the
plurality of pickets 30a-j, each identical to the picket 30 of FIG.
3A and a bottom, rear, and right side view of the rail 1 of FIG.
1A, with the locking strip 10 inserted into the rail 1, and the
locking strip in a first state. FIG. 6B shows a top, rear, and left
side view of a plurality of pickets 30a-j, each identical to the
picket 30 of FIG. 3A and a bottom, rear, and right side view of the
rail 1 of FIG. 1A, and the locking strip 10 of FIG. 2A inserted
into the rail 1, and with the locking strip 10 in a second state,
and with the plurality of pickets 30a-j inserted into the rail 1.
In the second state, as in FIG. 5D, the locking strip 10 has been
slid up in the direction U1, so that the pickets 30a-j cannot be
moved out of the rail 1 in the directions D7 or D8, due to portion
28a of opening 20a and analogous portions or openings 20b-20k,
which sit in slots 40a-40j, shown in FIG. 6A (each of which may be
identical or analogous to slot 40 of picket 30).
[0089] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the plurality of pickets
30a-j shown in FIG. 6B connected to the rail 1 of FIG. 1A, and an
identical rail 101 to form a fence section. The locking strip 10 is
shown inserted into the rail 1 and in a locked position in FIG. 7,
as in FIG. 6B. A locking strip 110, identical to the locking strip
10, is shown inserted into the rail 101 in FIG. 7, in a manner
similar to or identical to the manner in which locking strip 10 is
inserted into rail 1. The ends of the pickets 30a-j near slots
42a-j shown in FIG. 6A are inserted into opening of rail 101 in a
manner similar or identical to the manner in which ends of pickets
30a-j near slots 40a-j are inserted into openings of rail 1. After
the particular end of pickets 30a-j is placed through the
particular opening of rail 1 or 101 and through locking strip 10 or
110, similar or identical to as shown in FIG. 8A, then the locking
strip 10 or 110 is slid into a locking position similar or
identical to that shown in FIG. 8B. In this manner the pickets
30a-j shown in FIG. 7 are locked into position with respect to the
rails 1 and 101 by use of locking strips 10 and 110.
[0090] FIG. 8A shows a top, rear, and left side closeup view of the
picket 30 of FIG. 3A inserted into the locking strip 10 of FIG. 2A,
with the locking strip 10 in a first state, such that the picket 30
goes through the portion 22a of the opening 20a. In the state of
FIG. 7A, the picket 30 can be removed from the locking strip 10
because the opening 22a is large enough to allow the picket 30 to
be removed in the directions D7 or D8. This also occurs in the
configuration of FIG. 6A, since the openings 8a-8j of rail 1 are
also large enough to allow movement of the pickets 30a-30j.
[0091] FIG. 8B shows a top, rear, and left side closeup view of a
picket 30 of FIG. 3A inserted into the locking strip 10, with the
locking strip 10 in a second state, in which the portion 28a of the
locking strip 10 is inside of the slot 40. The portion 28a prevents
the picket 30 from moving in the directions D7 and/or D8 in the
configuration of FIG. 8B. This also occurs for the pickets 30a-30j
in the configuration of FIG. 6B, i.e. pickets 30a-30j cannot move
in the directions D7 and/or D8 due to portions analogous to portion
28a in slots 40a-40j, unless the locking strip 10 is slid back down
in the direction D6.
[0092] One or more rails, locking strips, and pickets, identical or
analogous to rail 1, locking strip 10, and picket 30 may be used in
a method for assembling fence, railing, window guards and or any
other structure constructed using horizontal and vertical members,
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0093] The inner rails or protrusions 6c, 6a, 2c, and 2a, serve to
strengthen the rail 1. The inner rails 6c and 2c define a channel
and/or cavity along with wall 4 for locking strip 10 to pass
through. through to secure one or more vertical pickets, such as
30a-j and one or more horizontal rails, which may be identical or
analogous to rail 1, creating a finished product.
[0094] The locking strip will be specifically designed with an
opening to allow the vertical picket to slide through and an
adjacent lock feature to secure the vertical pickets and horizontal
rails into place creating a finished product when engaged.
[0095] The locking strip has a depth L6, shown in FIG. 2C which may
be about one eight of an inch and which is less than a channel
width L5 shown in FIG. 1F, or distance between the wall 4 and the
inner rails 2c and 6c; and this allows the locking strip 10 to be
inserted into the channel between wall 4 and the combination of
inner rails 6c and 2c, so that the locking strip 10 slides on the
rails 6c and 2c as shown by FIG. 4B. The locking strip 10 has an
overall width W7 shown in FIG. 2C which may be about one and three
eighths inches which is slightly less than the distance between
opposing walls 2 and 6 shown in FIG. 4B, to allow the locking strip
10 to slide in the channel between wall 4 and the combination or
inner rails 2c and 6c, which being held up by the inner rails 2c
and 6c.
[0096] In operation, in at least one embodiment, a plurality of
horizontal rails, identical to rail 1, may be placed onto a flat
surface, and a plurality of locking strips 10 may be slid up into
the horizontal rail rib/cavity area or channel between wall 4 and
inner rails 2c and 6c so that the holes 8a-8j on the horizontal
metal rail 1 line up with the holes 20j-a in the locking strip 10
as shown in FIG. 5C. A plurality of sets of pickets 30a-j may then
be slid through a plurality of sets of holes 8a-8j in the plurality
of horizontal metal rails identical to rail 1 and also the holes
20j-a, in the plurality of locking strips. Each of the plurality of
locking strips, identical to 10, may be engaged by pulling it
horizontally (shown as the direction U1 of FIG. 5D), to lock the
plurality of sets of vertical pickets 30a-j with the plurality of
horizontal rails creating a finished product. Note that FIG. 6A
shows rail 1 as vertical, but rail 1 would typically be horizontal,
and the pickets 30a-j would be perpendicular to the rail 1, and
typically pickets 30a-j would be vertical.
[0097] FIG. 9A shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of a post 201 for use with one or more embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 9B shows a bottom, rear, and left side perspective
view of the post 201. The post 201 may be made of a hard material
such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or composites. The post 201
includes walls 202, 204, 206, and 208. The post 201 has an opening
210 and an opposing opening 214, both of which lead to inner
chamber 212. The post 201 has openings 203 and 205, which may be
square or substantially square and which lead to inner chamber 212.
The post 201 has ribs, protrusions or flanges 216 and 218.
[0098] FIG. 10A shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of a rail 220 for use with one or more embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 10B shows a top, front, and left side perspective
view of the rail 220. FIG. 10C shows a bottom, rear, and right side
perspective view of the rail 220. FIG. 10D shows a bottom, rear,
and left side perspective view of the rail 220. Referring to FIGS.
10A-D, the rail 220 includes walls 222, 224, and 226. The rail 220
has an opening 228 and an opposing opening 232, both of which lead
to inner chamber 230. The rail 220 has slots 234 and 236. The rail
220 further has openings 221, 223, and 225, which may be square or
substantially square. The rail 220 further includes inner rails,
flanges, ribs, or protrusions 229 and 231, and grooves or
indentations 227 and 233. The rail 220 may be made of a hard
material such as steel, aluminum, plastic or composites. The rail
220 may be elongated and may have a slot 238, opposite wall 224 and
running the length of the rail 220.
[0099] The rail 220 also includes the protrusion or ribs 235 and
237. The rail 220 may be elongated with a length substantially
greater than its width. The ribs 235 and 237 may run the entire
length of the rail 220.
[0100] FIG. 11A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view
of a locking strip 240 for use with one or more embodiments of the
present invention. FIG. 11B shows a bottom, rear, and right side
perspective view of the locking strip 240. The locking strip 240
may be made of a hard metal, such as steel, or a hard plastic
material. The locking strip 240 may include openings 244 and 246
which may be square or substantially square. The locking strip 240
may include a body portion 242.
[0101] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the rail 220 of FIGS.
10A-10D along with an identical rail 220a; and the locking strip
260 of FIGS. 11A-11B along with an identical locking strip 260a,
with the locking strips 260 and 260a shown separated from the rails
220 and 220a, respectively. The locking strip 260a may include
openings 264a, 266a, and 268a and a body portion 262a analogous to
openings 264, 266, 268, and body portion 262 of the locking strip
260.
[0102] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the rails 220 and 220a
and the locking strips 260 and 260a with locking strips 260 and
260a inserted into rails 220 and 220a, respectively, and along with
a pickets 330a, 330b, and 330c, which are shown separated from the
rails 220 and 220a and locking strips 260 and 260a. Each of the
pickets 330a-c may be substantially identical to the picket 30 of
FIGS. 3A-3B, except that the pickets 330a-c may be a different
length and/or width from the picket 30 of FIGS. 3A-3B. The pickets
330a-c may include slots 340a-c, slots 342a-c, ends 331a-c, and
ends 332a-c, respectively.
[0103] FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of the pickets 330a-c of
FIG. 13 inserted into the rails 220 and 220a of FIG. 13, and with
the locking strips 260 and 260a inserted into the rails 220 and
220a, respectively, with the locking strips 260 and 260a shown in a
non locked or open state. FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the
pickets 330a-c of FIG. 13 inserted into the rails 220 and 220a of
FIG. 13, and the locking strips 260 and 260a inserted the rails 220
and 220a, respectively, with the locking strips 260 and 260a shown
in a locked state.
[0104] FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of the pickets 330a-c of
FIG. 13 inserted into the rails 220 and 220a of FIG. 13, the
locking strips 260 and 260a inserted into the rails 220 and 220a,
with the locking strips 260 and 260a shown in a locked state, and
along with the post 201 of FIGS. 9A-9B and an identical post 201a,
and the locking strip 240 of FIGS. 11A-11B and an identical locking
strip 240a, wherein the locking strips 240 and 240a of FIGS. 11A-B
are not inserted into a post of posts 201 and 201a. The locking
strip 240a includes openings 244a and 246a, and body portion 242a,
analogous to openings 244 and 246, and body portion 242 of locking
strip 240.
[0105] FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of the pickets 330a-c of
FIG. 13 inserted into the rails 220 and 220a of FIG. 13, and each
of the locking strips 260 and 260a of FIG. 13 inserted into one of
the rails (locking strips 260 and 260a not visible in FIG. 15B),
with the locking strips of FIG. 14B shown in a locked state, and
along with the post 201 of FIGS. 9A-9B and the identical post 201a,
and the locking strip 240 of FIGS. 11A-11B and the identical
locking strip 240a, wherein the locking strips 240 and 240a into
posts 201 and 201a, respectively, but are in an open or non locked
state.
[0106] FIG. 15C shows a perspective view of the pickets 330a-c of
FIG. 13 inserted into the rails 220 and 220a of FIG. 13, and each
of the locking strips 260 and 260a of FIG. 13 inserted into one of
the rails 220 and 220a (strips 260 and 260a not visible in FIG.
15C), with the locking strips of FIG. 14B in a locked state, and
along with the post 201 of FIGS. 9A-9B and the identical post 201a,
and the locking strip 240 of FIGS. 11A-11B and the identical
locking strip 240a, wherein the locking strips 240 and 240a are
inserted into posts 201 and 201a, but are in a locked state.
[0107] FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of the locking strip 240
of FIGS. 11A-11B and the rail 220 of FIGS. 10A-10B, separate from
each other. FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the locking strip
240 of FIGS. 11A-11B and the rail 220 of FIGS. 10A-10B, connected
together in a non locked or open state. FIG. 16C shows a
perspective view of the locking strip 240 of FIGS. 11A-11B and the
rail 220 of FIGS. 10A-10B, connected together in a locked
state.
[0108] FIG. 17A shows a perspective view of picket 330a of FIG. 13
and the locking strip 260 of FIG. 12, separate from each other.
FIG. 17B shows a perspective view of picket 330a of FIG. 13 and a
locking strip 260 of FIG. 12, connected together in a non locked or
open state. FIG. 17C shows a perspective view of one of picket 220a
of FIG. 13 and the locking strip 260, connected together in a non
locked or open state.
[0109] In operation, referring to FIG. 12, an end of locking strip
260 nearest the opening 264 can be inserted into the opening 228 of
the rail 220 shown in FIG. 12. The locking strip 260 is inserted
into the inner chamber 230 shown by FIGS. 10A-10D, so that the
locking strip 260 lies flat, inside the inner chamber 230 on the
protrusions or flanges 231 and 229, or on the ribs, protrusions or
flanges 237 and 235 shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 12, between the
protrusions 231 and 229 (or protrusions 237 and 235) and the wall
224, and so that the openings 264, 266, and 268 of the locking
strip 260 are aligned with the openings 225, 223, and 221,
respectively, of the rail 220. When the locking strip 260 is inside
the inner chamber 230 as described, with the openings 264, 266, and
268 aligned with the openings 225, 223, and 221, the locking strip
260 is in an unlocked state with respect the rail 220. The openings
264, 266, and 268 may be about the same size and shape as the
openings 225, 223, and 221, respectively. Although shown as square
shaped, the openings 264, 266, 268, 225, 223, and 221 may be
another shape which would generally correspond to the shape of the
pickets. In the example of FIG. 13, the pickets 330a-330c have a
square cross section and therefore the openings 264, 266, 268 and
221, 223, and 225 generally would have a square cross section in
that case.
[0110] Similarly, or identically, an end of locking strip 260a
nearest the opening 264a can be inserted into the opening 228a of
the rail 220a shown in FIG. 12. The locking strip 260a is inserted
into the inner chamber 230a, so that the locking strip 260a lies
flat, inside the inner chamber 230a on the protrusions or flanges
231a and 229a (or on the protrusions, flanges, or ribs 237a and
235a shown in FIG. 12, between the protrusions 231a and 229a (or
237a and 235a) and the wall 224a, and so that the openings 264a,
266a, and 268a of the locking strip 260a are aligned with the
openings 225a, 223a, and 221a, respectively, of the rail 220a. When
the locking strip 260a is inside the inner chamber 230a as
described, with the openings 264a, 266a, and 268a aligned with the
openings 225a, 223a, and 221a, the locking strip 260a is in an
unlocked state with respect the rail 220a. The openings 264a, 266a,
and 268a may be about the same size and shape as the openings 225a,
223a, and 221a, respectively. Although shown as square shaped,
other shapes are possible as previously described.
[0111] Next, the pickets 330a-c may be inserted into the rails 220
and 220a. Ends 331a-c are inserted through the openings 264, 266,
and 268 of the locking strip 260 and aligned openings 221, 223, and
225 of rail 220, respectively. Ends 332a-c are inserted through the
openings 264a, 266a, and 268a of the locking strip 260a and aligned
openings 221a, 223a, and 225a of rail 220a, respectively. The ends
331a-c and 332a-c are inserted so that parts of the locking strips
260 and 260a will be able to be slid into the slots 340a-c and
342a-c of the pickets 330a-c, respectively, to lock the pickets
330a-c in place so that they cannot move up in the direction U3 or
down in the direction D13 as shown in FIG. 14B. FIG. 14A shows the
pickets 330a-c inserted into the rails 220 and 220a with the
locking strips 260 and 260a in an unlocked state. To put the
locking strips 260 and 260a in a locked state, the locking strips
260 and 260a are slid in a direction D9 from the state of FIG. 14A
to the state of FIG. 14B. Sliding the locking strips 260 and 260a
in the direction D9 causes parts of the locking strips 260 and 260a
to be inserted into the slots 340a-c and 342a-c. For example, FIG.
17A shows picket 330a. End 331a of picket 330a is inserted into the
opening 264 of locking strip 260 (and through corresponding opening
of rail 220 not shown in FIG. 17A). FIG. 17B shows the end 331a
inserted through the opening 264 until the slot 340a is in a
position where part of the locking strip 260 can slide into the
slot 340a. The locking strip 260 can then be slid in the direction
D11 with respect to the picket 330a until a substantial part of the
locking strip 260 lies in the slot 340a, so that the picket 330a is
prevented from moving, substantially up in the direction U3 or down
in the direction D13 as shown in FIG. 17C. The picket 330a is thus
locked into position, unless and until the locking strip 260 is
slid back in the direction opposite D11 with respect to the picket
330a so that no part of the lock strip body portion 262 lies inside
of the slot 340a, as in FIG. 17B. In the unlocked state of FIG.
17B, the picket 330a can be moved up in the direction U3 and down
in the direction D13 in order to remove the picket 330a from the
locking strip 260 (and thus from the rail 220 not shown in FIGS.
17A-C).
[0112] The ends 332a-c are inserted through the openings 221a,
223a, and 225a of the rail 220a and through the openings 264a,
266a, and 268a of the locking strip 260a in a similar or an
identical manner as explained with reference to rail 220 and
locking strip 260. The rail 220a and locking strip 260a is locked
in place in a similar or identical manner with respect to pickets
330a-c as rail 220 and locking strip 260.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 15A, after the pickets 330a-c have been
locked in place at both ends, next the ends of locking strips 240
and 240a, nearest openings 246 and 246a, respectively are inserted
into the inner chambers 212 and 212a, respectively of posts 201 and
201a. The locking strip 240 is inserted into the inner chamber 212
of post 201 so that the locking strip 240 lies flat on the
protrusions 216 and 218, and between the wall 208 and the
protrusions 216 and 218, and so that the openings 244 and 246 of
the locking strip 240 align with the openings 203 and 205,
respectively, of the post 201. Similarly or identically, the
locking strip 240a is inserted into the inner chamber 212a of post
201a so that the locking strip 240a lies flat on the protrusions
216a and 218a, and between the wall 208a and the protrusions 216a
and 218a, and so that the openings 244a and 246a of the locking
strip 240a align with the openings analogous to openings 203 and
205 for post 201a, respectively, of the post 201a.
[0114] After the locking strips 240 and 240a have been inserted in
the previously described manner in the posts 201 and 201a, an end
of the rail 220 is inserted into the opening 203, an opposing end
of the rail 220 is inserted into an opening corresponding to 203
but for 201a (not shown), an end of the rail 220a is inserted into
the opening 205 of the post 201, an opposing end of the rail 220a
is inserted into a corresponding opening to opening 205, but for
post 201a, not shown. The ends of the rails 220 and 220a (along
with the ends of locking strips 260 and 260a) are also inserted
through the appropriate openings of locking strips 240 and 240a
which are aligned with openings of the posts 201 and 201a. For
example, an end of rail 220 is inserted through opening 203 and
through opening 244. An end of rail 220a is inserted through
opening 205 and opening 246. The opposing end of rail 220 is
inserted through opening 244a and opening of post 201a
corresponding to opening 203. The opposing end of rail 220a is
inserted through opening 246a and opening of post 201a
corresponding to opening 205.
[0115] After the rails 220, 220a, locking strips 260 and 260a (not
shown in FIG. 15C), posts 201 and 201a, and locking strips 240 and
240a have been assembled as in FIG. 15B, next the locking strips
240 and 240a are pushed downwards in the direction D10 to lock the
rails 220 and 220a to the posts 201 and 201a, in the locked
position of FIG. 15C. In the locked position of FIG. 15C the rails
220 and 220a cannot be moved substantially in the directions D9 or
opposite D9, without moving the locking strips 240 and 240a back
upwards in the direction U3, with respect to the posts 201 and
201a, to the position shown in FIG. 15D. In addition, the pickets
330a-c cannot be moved substantially up in the direction U3 or down
in the direction D13.
[0116] In operation, the rail 220 can be locked or engaged (within
inner chamber 212 of post 201) by the locking strip 240 as shown by
FIGS. 16A-C. The end of the rail 220 nearest slot 234 can be
inserted into the opening 244 of the locking strip 240, as shown by
FIGS. 16A-B. Next, the rail 220 can be moved upwards in the
direction U2 so that part of the body portion 242 of the locking
strip 240 will be inserted into the slot 244 of the rail 240. The
locking position of FIG. 16C, prevents the rail 220 from being
moved in the direction D9 or opposite D9, unless the locking strip
240 is slid back down in the direction opposite U2 to the position
of FIG. 16B. The end of the rail 220 near slot 236 may be locked to
locking strip 240a in a similar or identical manner (within inner
chamber 212a of post 201a). The ends of the rail 220a may be locked
to locking strips 240 and 240a in a similar or identical manner
(within inner chambers 212 and 212 of posts 201 and 201a,
respectively), to the rail 220.
[0117] In one or more embodiments the present invention there may
be a plurality of further ribs or protrusions, like the ribs or
protrusions 6c and 2c shown in FIG. 1E, in addition to the ribs
and/or protrusions 6c and 2c. The dimensions for the rails 1, 101,
220, locking strip 10, pickets 30a-j, posts 201 and 201a, locking
strips 240 and 240a, locking strips 260 and 260a, and pickets
330a-330c, may vary depending on the particular type of fence
desired. Although three pickets 330a-c are shown in FIG. 15C, the
number of pickets used may vary depending upon the type of fence
desired.
[0118] Although various openings, such including but not limited to
openings 8a-8j of rail 1 shown in FIG. 1C, openings 203 and 205
shown of post 201 shown in FIG. 9A, openings 221, 223, and 225 of
rail 220 shown in FIG. 10A, openings 244 and 246 of locking strip
240 shown in FIGS. 11A-B, openings 264, 266, and 268 of locking
strip 260 shown in FIG. 12, are shown as square or substantially
square, the openings could be replaced by openings of another shape
for which a picket or rail is available. For example, The rail 220
shown in FIG. 16A could be replaced by a cylinder having a slot or
notch, similar to notch 234, but semicircular shaped, and the
locking strip 240 may have a circular opening in place of opening
244.
[0119] The post 201 of FIG. 9A may be modified so that the
protrusions 218 and 216 connect together or are replaced by a plate
going from the side 204 to the side 206, and having openings
aligned with the openings 203 and 205. The openings of a plate
replacing the protrusions 218 and 216 allow the rails 220 and 220a
to be inserted through the openings 203 and 205 as shown by FIGS.
15A and 15B, then through the openings of the plate which replaces
the protrusions 218 and 216, and then through the aligned openings
244 and 246 of the locking strip 240.
[0120] FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of an alternative locking
strip 410 having one or more serrated edges. The locking strip 410
may be identical to locking strip 10 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B with
the exceptions that locking strip 410 has less openings analogous
to openings 20 of strip 10, and there are internal serrated edges
shown for locking strip 410. Locking strip 410 includes a plurality
of openings 420, including opening 420a, each of which may be
identical to each of openings 20 of locking strip 10 of FIGS.
2A-2B, with the exception of serrated edge 421 for opening 420a and
similar serrated edges for the other openings of openings 420. The
serrated edge 421 helps to reduce or eliminate rattling when the
strip 410 is connected to the picket 30, in the manner shown in
FIG. 8A for strip 10.
[0121] FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of another alternative
locking strip 440 having one or more serrated edges. The locking
strip 440 may be identical to locking strip 240 shown in FIGS. 11A
and 11B with the exceptions that locking strip 440 has internal
serrated edges shown for openings 444 and 446, corresponding to
openings 244 and 246 of strip 240. Locking strip 440 has openings
444 and 446 which may be identical to openings 244 and 246,
respectively, with the exception of serrated edges 445a and 445b
for opening 444 and similar serrated edges for opening 446. The
serrated edges 445a and 445b and similar or identical opening 446
helps to reduce or eliminate rattling when the strip 440 is
connected to the rail 220, in the manner shown in FIG. 16C for
strip 240.
[0122] FIG. 19A shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
a fence or railing picket 501 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 19B shows a bottom, rear, left side
perspective view of the fence picket 501. The fence or railing
picket 501 includes sides and/or surfaces 502, 504, 506, and 508,
slots 504a, 504b, 506a, and 506b, and openings and/or ends 501a and
501b. The fence or railing picket 501 may be hollow and may have a
central opening or shaft running the length of the fence or railing
picket 501 from end or opening 501a to end or opening 501b. The
fence or railing picket 501 may be made entirely of a hard metal,
such as steel or aluminum, or wood, vinyl or any other known fence
or railing material.
[0123] FIG. 20A shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
a locking strip 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 20B shows a top, rear, and left side perspective
view of the locking strip 600. The locking strip 600 includes body
portion 602, openings 604, 606, and 608. The opening 604 may
include a substantially square or rectangular opening section or
portion 604a, a graduated or tapered portion or section 604b, and a
rectangular portion or section 604c. The section 604c is more
narrow than the section 604a.
[0124] The openings 604, 606, and 608 may be identical. The opening
606 may include a substantially square or rectangular opening
section or portion 606a, a graduated or tapered portion or section
606b, and a rectangular portion or section 606c. The section 606c
is more narrow than the section 606a. The opening 608 may include a
substantially square or rectangular opening section or portion
608a, a graduated or tapered portion or section 608b, and a
rectangular portion or section 608c. The section 608c is more
narrow than the section 608a.
[0125] The locking strip 600 may be made of a hard plastic
material.
[0126] FIG. 21A shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
a rail 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 21B shows a bottom, front, and left side
perspective view of the rail 700. The rail 700 may include flanges
or protrusions 708a, 708b, 710a, 710b, 712a, 712b, 714a, and 714b.
Each of the flanges or protrusions 708a-b, 710a-b, 712a-b, and
714a-b may run the length of the rail 700. The rail 700 may include
sides or surfaces 702, 704, and 706. The side or surface 702 has
openings 702a and 702b which may be substantially square.
[0127] The rail 700 may be made of a hard metal such as steel or
aluminum, wood, vinyl or any other known fence or railing
material.
[0128] FIG. 22 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip 600 and the rail 700, separated from each
other.
[0129] FIG. 23 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip 600 and the rail 700, with the locking strip 600
inserted into the rail 700, in a first or non locking state, along
with a top, front and right side perspective view of the fence or
railing picket 501 shown not inserted into the rail or railing
700.
[0130] FIG. 24 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip 600 of FIG. 20A, and the rail or railing 700 of
FIG. 21A, with the locking strip 600 of FIG. 20A inserted into the
rail 700 of FIG. 21A, in a first or non locking state, along with a
top, front and right side perspective view of the fence or railing
picket 501 shown inserted into the opening 702a of the rail
700.
[0131] FIG. 25 shows a top, front, right side perspective view of
the locking strip 600 of FIG. 20A, and the rail 700 of FIG. 21A,
with the locking strip 600 of FIG. 20A inserted into the rail 700
of FIG. 21A, in a second or locking state, along with a top, front
and right side perspective view of the fence or railing picket 501
shown inserted into the rail or railing 700. In FIG. 25 the locking
strip 600 has been moved or slid upwards in the direction U to
cause edges or of section 606c to be inserted into slots 504b and
506b of the fence or railing picket 501, so as to lock the fence or
railing picket 501 in place, i.e. keep fence or railing picket 1
from moving substantially up or down or side to side. In the second
or locking state a first part or portion of the locking strip 600
is in the slot 504b and a second part or portion of the locking
strip 600 is in the slot 506b.
[0132] FIG. 26 shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of the fence or railing picket 501 of FIG. 19A and an identical
fence or railing picket 801 inserted into the rail 700 of FIG. 21A
with the rail 700 of FIG. 21A having its end 701b inserted into an
opening 902 of a first post 900 and its end 701a inserted into an
opening 912 of its second post 910, and with the posts 900 and 910
driven or inserted into a ground surface 1000. In FIG. 26, the
locking strip 600 is within the rail 700 and in the second or
locking state so that a first part of the locking strip 600 is in
the slot 504b and a second part of the locking strip 600 is in the
slot 506b, i.e. the section 606c of the locking strip 600 is
aligned with the opening 702a; and at the same time a third part of
the locking strip 600 is in a first slot, not shown, of picket 801
corresponding to slot 504b, and a fourth part of the locking strip
600 is in a second slot, not shown, of picket 801 corresponding to
slot 506b, i.e. section 608c of the locking strip 600 is aligned
with the opening 702b.
[0133] FIG. 27 shows a top, front, and right side perspective view
of the fence or railing picket 501 of FIG. 19A and the identical
fence or railing picket 801 inserted into the rail 700 of FIG. 21A
with the rail 700 of FIG. 21A having a first end inserted into a
first post 900 and a second end inserted into a second post 910,
and with the posts 900 and 910 driven or inserted into a ground
surface 1000, and with a second rail 750, identical to the rail 700
of FIG. 21A. A second locking strip, identical to locking strip 600
may be inserted into the rail or railing 750 (identically, or
similar to locking strip 600 inserted into the rail 700), and slid
into a locking state. I.e. the second locking strip, not shown,
would have a first part inserted into slot 504a, a second part
inserted into slot 506a, a third part inserted into slot 804a, and
a fourth part inserted into slot 806a, and thus a section identical
or similar to section 606c would be aligned with an opening 752a of
the rail 750, and a section identical or similar to section 608c
would be aligned with an opening 752b of the rail 750.
[0134] Although the invention has been described by reference to
particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and
modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent
all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly
be included within the scope of the present invention's
contribution to the art.
* * * * *