GB2549540A

GB2549540A - Fence system

Info

Publication number: GB2549540A
Application number: GB1607082.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ferguson David
Original assignee: F-Tech Tech Ltd
Current assignee: F-TECH, TECH LIMITED
Priority date: 2016-04-22
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2017-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-22
Also published as: GB2549540B

Abstract

The fence 1 comprises two outer rail supports 30, a central rail support 10, and rails 40, each support having slots 12, 32 in which the rails are located. The slots may be contiguous along the supports, and rotationally offset from the longitudinal axes 10a, 30a of the supports. The slots on the central support may be angled downwards and the slots on the outer supports angled upwards, or vice versa, such that the entrances to the slots are on opposite sides of the fence. The rails may be attached to the supports. The supports may have ground penetrating portions. Also claimed is a corresponding method of assembling the fence. The method may comprise attaching upper and lower rails to the supports, and securing the supports to the ground. The fence may be wood, plastic, aluminium, or alloy. The fence may provide quicker assembly.

Description

Fence System Field of the invention

This invention relates to a fence system and particularly, but not exclusively, a fence system comprising angled rails and a method of assembling the same.

Background to the invention

Conventional fence systems can be assembled by attaching fence slats to support structures such as fence posts, such that a number offence rails form the fence. However, such known fence systems are time consuming to assemble and disassemble. In addition, known panelled fencing use nails and are fixed permanently. Fence systems made from single rails are prone to theft, as single rails may be detached.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a means for assembling a fence in a quicker manner than conventional fence systems, and for providing a fence that was not prone to warping. A system for reducing the likelihood of theft is also desirable by providing a panel type fence comprised of fence rails that is robust and whereby each fence rail may be removed for the purposes of re-design, maintenance and for temporary fence solutions.

The present inventor has appreciated the shortcomings with such conventional fence systems.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence system comprising: two outer fence rail support members; a central fence rail support member, the central fence rail support member being beatable between the two outer fence rail support members, wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; and a plurality offence rails, each fence rail being beatable in a fence rail slot of each fence rail support member.

Each fence rail slot may receive and support at least a portion of a fence rail therein.

Each fence rail may be configured to be beatable between each outer fence rail support member. Each fence rail may have a length which substantially matches the distance between each outer fence rail support member.

The fence rail support members may be configured to be arranged vertically. In use, the fence rail support members may be arranged vertically. The fence rail support members may be vertical members.

The fence rails may be configured to be arranged horizontally. In use, the fence rails may be arranged horizontally. The fence rails may be horizontal rails.

The fence rail slots may be arranged along the length of the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be arranged contiguously along the length of the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be arranged to be parallel with respect to one another. The fence rail slots may be equidistant from one another along the length of the fence rail support members. In this arrangement the fence rail slots are arranged, or stacked, vertically, or in the vertical direction when in use. In this arrangement the fence system provides a plurality of vertically arranged horizontal fence rails.

The fence rail slots may be defined by the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be apertures in the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be cut-out, or cut-away portions, or notches, in the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may exist between protrusions in the support member.

Each aperture may extend to a side portion, or edge, of the fence rail support member, such that the aperture, or slot, includes a mouth or entrance portion.

The fence rail slots may have a fence rail entrance. The fence rail entrance may be located at an edge portion, or side portion, of the fence rail support member. In this arrangement fence rails may be slotted, or slid, into the slots. The side portion, or edge, of the fence rail support member thus provides an entrance to the fence rail slot for the fence rail.

The fence rail slots may be configured such that the fence rails are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the fence rail support members when located therein.

Each fence rail support member may have a longitudinal axis. In use, the longitudinal axes of the fence rail support members are arranged vertically.

Each fence rail slot may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the fence rail slots may be parallel.

The longitudinal axes of the fence rail slots may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s). The longitudinal axes of the fence rail slots may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s). The longitudinal axes of the fence rail slots may be non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s).

The fence rail slots may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s). The fence rail slots may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s). The fence rail slots may be non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s).

The fence rail slots may be angled upwards or downwards with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s). That is, when the fence rail support member(s) are in use and their longitudinal axes are vertical, the fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rail slots, may be angled upwards or downwards with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s).

In the arrangement where the fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes thereof, are angled upwards with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s), the entrances, or openings, to the fence rail slots point generally upwards.

In the arrangement where the fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes thereof, are angled downwards with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s), the entrances, or openings, to the fence rail slots point generally downwards.

In the arrangement where the fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes thereof, are rotationally offset, angled, or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s), the fence rails are angled, rotated, or tilted, with respect to the longitudinal axes of the fence rail support member(s).

The fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s) by fifteen degrees. The fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s) by sixteen degrees. The fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s) by between ten and thirty degrees.

The fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members may be configured to point in the opposite direction to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are located on one side of the fence system and the entrances to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support members are located on the opposite side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members may be configured to point upwards and the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member may be configured to point downwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are located on one side of the fence system and the entrances to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support members are located on the opposite side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members may be configured to point downwards and the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member may be configured to point upwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are located on one side of the fence system and the entrances to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support members are located on the opposite side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots may be configured such that in use when the fence rails are located in the fence rail support members there is at least a partial overlap of each adjacent fence rail. In use, this partial overlap is in the vertical direction.

The fence rail support members may be planar members. The fence rail support members may be substantially rectangular members. The fence rail support members may be planks. The fence rail support members may be planks of wood. The fence rail support members may be made from fabricated materials, composites, aluminium, polyvinyl chloride, timber, polypropylene, synthetic materials, alloys, medium density fibreboard and all other materials that form a solid structure. The fence rail support members may be elongate cuboid members.

The fence rail support members may have a length of 1800mm, a width of 61 mm and a thickness of 20mm. The fence rail support members may have a width of 71.5mm. The fence rail support members may have a width of 75mm. The fence rail support members may have a width of 85mm. The fence rail support members may be between 900mm and 1800mm long. The fence rail support members may be between 61mm and 150mm wide. The fence rail support members may be between 20mm and 80mm thick.

The fence rail slots may have a width of 20mm. The fence rail slots may have a thickness of 20mm. The fence rail slots may have a length of between 100mm and 300mm, a thickness of between 20mm and 80mm and a width of between 20mm and 50mm.

The fence rail slots may be pitched 149mm apart along the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member. The fence rail slots may be pitched 99mm apart along the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member. The fence rail slots may be pitched between 70mm and 300mm apart along the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member.

The fence rails may be planar members. The fence rails may be substantially rectangular members. The fence rails may be planks. The fence rails may be planks of wood. The fence rails may be made from fabricated materials, composites, aluminium, polyvinyl chloride, timber, polypropylene, synthetic materials, alloys, medium density fibreboard and all other materials that form a solid structure.

The fence rails may have a length of 1800mm, a width of 85mm and a thickness of 20mm. The fence rails may be between 900mm and 1800mm long. The fence rails may be between 85mm and 150mm wide. The fence rails may be between 20mm and 50mm thick.

The fence rails may be configured to be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the fence rail support members. The fence rails may be configured to be arranged substantially perpendicularly to each fence rail support member.

The fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members. The fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members by a releasable or non-releasable fastening device. The uppermost and lowermost fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members.

The fence rail support members may be substantially identical in shape. The two outer fence rail support members may be identical to the central fence rail support member.

In use, the central fence rail support member may be located equidistantly from each outer fence rail support member.

The two outer fence rail support members may include ground penetrating lower portions. The ground penetrating lower portions may be spikes, spiked portions, or the like. The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be secured to the ground.

The central fence rail support member may include a ground penetrating lower portion. The ground penetrating lower portion may be a spike, a spiked portion, or the like. The central fence rail support member may be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The central fence rail support member may be configured to be secured to the ground. The fence rail support members may be latched on to a structure embedded in the ground by an attachment means. The structure may be a hook. The attachment means may be a hook.

The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable to a further support member, or members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post. The further support member(s) may be an elongate cuboid.

The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable between opposing faces of two further support members.

Each fence rail support member may include between twelve and eighteen fence rail slots. The fence system may comprise between twelve and eighteen fence rails.

Each fence rail support member may include between two and thirty fence rail slots. The fence system may comprise between two and thirty fence rails.

The fence system may comprise two or more pairs of outer fence rail support members, each pair of outer fence rail support members including a central fence rail support member.

The fence system may further comprise one or more further support members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post. The further support member(s) may be an elongate cuboid.

The outer fence rail support members may be attachable to the further support members.

The one or more further support members may include a ground penetrating lower portion. The ground penetrating lower portion may be a spike, a spiked portion, or the like. The one or more further support members may be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The one or more further support members may be configured to be secured to the ground.

The two outer fence rail support members, the central fence rail support member and the fence rails may be beatable between two further support members.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a fence system comprising: two fence rail support members; wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; and a plurality offence rails, each fence rail being beatable in a fence rail slot of each fence rail support member.

Each fence rail may be configured to be beatable between each fence rail support member. Each fence rail may have a length which substantially matches the distance between each fence rail support member.

The fence rail slots may be defined by the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be apertures in the fence rail support members.

The fence rail slots may be cut-out, or cut-away, portions, or notches, in the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may exist between protrusions in the support member.

The fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s) by between ten and thirty degrees.

The fence rail slots of the fence rail support members may be configured to point in the same direction. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the same side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of the fence rail support members may be configured to point in opposite directions. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on opposite sides of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of the fence rail support members may be configured to point upwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the same side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of one fence rail support member may be configured to point upwards and the fence rail slots of the other fence rail support members may be configured to point downwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the opposite sides of the fence system.

The fence rail support members may have a length of 1800mm, a width of 61 mm and a thickness of 20mm. The fence rail support members may be between 900mm and 1800mm long. The fence rail support members may be between 61mm and 150mm wide. The fence rail support members may be between 20mm and 80mm thick.

The fence rails members may have a length of 1800mm, a width of 85mm and a thickness of 20mm. The fence rails may be between 900mm and 1800mm long. The fence rails may be between 85mm and 150mm wide. The fence rails may be between 20mm and 50mm thick.

The fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members. The fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members by a releasable or non-releasable fastening device.

The fence rail support members may be substantially identical in shape.

The fence rail support members may include ground penetrating lower portions. The ground penetrating lower portions may be spikes, spiked portions, or the like. The fence rail support members may be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The fence rail support members may be configured to be secured to the ground.

The fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable to a further support member, or members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post. The further support member may be an elongate cuboid.

The fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable between opposing faces of two further support members.

The fence system may comprise two or more pairs offence rail support members.

The fence rail support members may be attachable to the further support members.

The fence rail support members and the fence rails may be beatable between two further support members.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention or their embodiments.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a fence system comprising the steps of: providing two outer fence rail support members; providing a central fence rail support member; wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; and providing a plurality offence rails; locating the fence rails in the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member; locating the central fence rail support member and fence rails between the two outer fence rail support members; and locating the fence rails in the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members.

The method may comprise the step of attaching one or more of the fence rails to the central fence rail support member. The method may comprise attaching at least one fence rail to the central fence rail support member. The method may comprise attaching an upper fence rail to the central fence rail support member. The method may comprise attaching a lower fence rail to the central fence rail support member. The method may comprise attaching an upper and a lower fence rail to the central fence rail support member.

The method may comprise the step of attaching one or more of the fence rails to the outer fence rail support member(s). The method may comprise attaching at least one fence rail to the outer fence rail support member(s). The method may comprise attaching an upper fence rail to the outer fence rail support member(s). The method may comprise attaching a lower fence rail to the outer fence rail support member(s). The method may comprise attaching an upper and a lower fence rail to the outer fence rail support member(s).

The method may comprise the step of securing the two outer fence rail support members to the ground.

The method may comprise the step of securing the central fence rail support member to the ground.

The method may comprise the further step of attaching the outer fence rail support member(s) to one or more further support members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post. The further support member(s) may be an elongate cuboid.

The assembled fence system may be attached between two further support members.

The fence rail support members may be configured to be arranged vertically. The method may comprise the step of arranging the fence rail support members vertically. In use, the fence rail support members may be arranged vertically. The fence rail support members may be vertical members.

The fence rails may be configured to be arranged horizontally. The method may comprise the step of arranging the fence rails horizontally. In use, the fence rails may be arranged horizontally. The fence rails may be horizontal rails.

The fence rail slots may be defined by the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be apertures in the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may be cut-out, or cut-away, portions, or notches, in the fence rail support members. The fence rail slots may exist between protrusions in the support member.

The fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s) by fifteen degrees. The fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, may be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member(s) by between sixteen degrees.

The fence rails may have a length of 1800mm, a width of 85mm and a thickness of 20mm. The fence rails may be between 900mm and 1800mm long. The fence rails may be between 85mm and 150mm wide. The fence rails may be between 20mm and 80mm thick.

The fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members. The fence rails may be attachable to the fence rail support members by a releasable or non-releasable fastening device. The method may comprise the step of attaching the fence rails to the fence rail support members by one or more releasable or non-releasable fastening devices.

In use, the central fence rail support member may be located equidistantly from each outer fence rail support member. The method may comprise the step of locating the fence rails in the central fence rail support member such that the central fence rail support member is positioned substantially in the centre of each fence rail.

The two outer fence rail support members may include ground penetrating lower portions. The ground penetrating lower portions may be spikes, spiked portions, or the like. The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be secured to the ground. The fence rail support members may be latched on to a structure embedded in the ground by an attachment means. The structure may be a hook. The attachment means may be a hook.

The central fence rail support member may include a ground penetrating lower portion. The ground penetrating lower portion may be a spike, a spiked portion, or the like. The central fence rail support member may be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The central fence rail support member may be configured to be secured to the ground.

The two outer fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable between opposing faces of two further support members. The method may comprise the further step of attaching the fence system between opposing faces of two further support members.

The method may comprise the step of providing two or more pairs of outer fence rail support members, each pair including a central fence rail support member, and a plurality offence rails and assembling two or more fence systems.

The fence system may further comprise one or more further support members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post.

The further support member(s) may be an elongate cuboid.

The method may comprise attaching the outer fence rail support members to the one or more further support members. The fence system may be located between two further support members. The outer fence rail support members may be attachable to the further support members.

The two outer fence rail support members, the central fence rail support member and the fence rails may be beatable between two further support members. The method may include the step of securing the two outer fence rail support members, the central fence rail support member, the fence rails and two further support members to the ground.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the present invention or their embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a fence system comprising the steps of: providing two fence rail support members; wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; providing a plurality offence rails; and locating the fence rails in the fence rail slots of the support members.

The method may comprise the step of attaching one or more of the fence rails to at least one of the fence rail support members. The method may comprise attaching an upper fence rail to at least one of the fence rail support members. The method may comprise attaching a lower fence rail to at least one of the fence rail support members. The method may comprise attaching an upper and a lower fence rail to at least one of the fence rail support members.

The method may comprise the step of securing the fence rail support members to the ground.

The method may comprise the further step of attaching the fence rail support member(s) to one or more further support members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post. The further support member may be an elongate cuboid.

The assembled fence system may be attached between two further support members.

The fence rail slots of each fence rail support member may be configured to point in the same direction. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the same side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of each fence rail support member may be configured to point in opposite directions. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are on opposite sides of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of the fence rail support members may be configured to point downwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the same side of the fence system.

The fence rail slots of one fence rail support member may be configured to point downwards and the fence rail slots of the other fence rail support member may be configured to point upwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on opposite side of the fence system.

The fence rail support members may be substantially identical in shape. The fence rail support members may be identical to the central fence rail support member.

The fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable to a further support member, or members. The further support member(s) may be a post, column, or the like. The further support member(s) may be a vertical support member. The further support member(s) may be at least partially located in the ground. The further support member(s) may be an existing fence post. The further support member(s) may be an elongate cuboid.

The fence rail support members may be configured to be attachable between opposing faces of two further support members. The method may comprise the further step of attaching the fence system between opposing faces of two further support members.

The fence system may comprise two or more pairs of rail support members.

The method may comprise the step of providing two or more pairs offence rail support members and a plurality offence rails and assembling two or more fence systems.

The further support member may be an elongate cuboid.

The method may comprise attaching the fence rail support members to the one or more further support members. The fence system may be located between two further support members. The fence rail support members may be attachable to the further support members.

The fence rail support members and the fence rails may be beatable between two further support members. The method may include the step of securing the fence rail support members, the fence rails and two further support members to the ground.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention or their embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fence system according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the fence system of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3a to 3c are side views of the outer fence rail support members of the fence system of Fig. 1;

Figs. 4a to 4c are side views of the central fence rail support members of the fence system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate arrangement of the fence system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a partially exploded view of the fence system of Fig. 5;

Figs. 7a to 7c are side views of the outer fence rail support members of the fence system of Fig. 5;

Figs. 8a to 8c are side views of the central fence rail support members of the fence system of Fig. 5; and

Figs. 9a and 9b are perspective views of the fence system of Fig. 1 being attached to further support members.

Description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figs. 1 to 4c, a fence system 1 is illustrated. The fence system 1 includes two outer fence rail support members 30, a central fence rail support member 10 and a plurality offence rails 40. Flowever, it should be appreciated that the fence system 1 could comprise two or more pairs of outer fence rail support members 30, each pair of outer fence rail support members 30 including a central fence rail support member 10.

It should be appreciated that the term “fence rail” used in the present application should be considered to mean a fence board or slat, or the like.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the fence rail support members 10 and 30 are planar members that are substantially rectangular. The fence rail support members 10 and 30 are planks. That is, the fence rail support members 10 and 30 are planks of wood. Flowever, it should also be appreciated that the fence rail support members 10 and 30 could be made from fabricated materials, composites, aluminium, polyvinyl chloride, timber, polypropylene, synthetic materials, alloys, medium density fibreboard and all other materials that form a solid structure.

The fence rail support members 10 and 30 are configured to be arranged vertically. That is, the fence rail support members 10 and 30 are vertical members.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the fence rail support members 10 and 30 have a longitudinal axis 10a, 30a. The longitudinal axes 10a, 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30 are arranged vertically.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the outer fence rail support members 30 have a length of 1800mm, a width of 85mm and a thickness of 20mm. However, it should be understood that the outer fence rail support members 30 could have a length of between 900mm -1800mm, a width of between 75mm - 150mm and a thickness of between 20mm - 80mm. Similarly, the central fence rail support members 10 have a length of 1800mm, a width of 71.5mm and a thickness of 20mm. However, it should be understood that the central fence rail support members 10 could have a length of between 900mm - 1800mm, a width of between 61mm - 150mm and a thickness of between 20mm - 80mm. Also, the fence rail support members 10 and 30 could have a length of between 900mm - 1800mm, a width of between 61mm - 150mm and a thickness of between 20mm - 80mm.

It should be understood that the fence rail support members 10 and 30 could be substantially identical in shape. That is, the two outer fence rail support members 30 could be identical to the central fence rail support member 10.

The central fence rail support member 10 is configured to be beatable between the two outer fence rail support members 10 and 30 and may therefore be located equidistantly from each outer fence rail support member 30.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, each fence rail support member includes a plurality offence rail slots 12, 32. Each fence rail slot 12 and 32 is configured to receive and support at least a portion of a fence rail 40.

The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are arranged along the length of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. Furthermore, the fence rail slots 12 and 32 are arranged contiguously along the length of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are arranged to be parallel with respect to one another. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are also equidistant from one another along the length of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. In this arrangement the fence rail slots 12 and 32 are arranged, or stacked, vertically, or in the vertical direction when in use. In use, the fence system 1 thus provides a plurality of vertically arranged horizontal fence rails 40.

The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are defined by the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 being cut-out, or cutaway, portions, or notches, in the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rail slots are located between protrusions 11 and 31 in the support members 10 and 30. Flowever, it should be understood that the fence rail slots 12 and 32 may alternatively be apertures in the fence rail support members 10 and 30, wherein each aperture may extend to a side portion, or edge 11 ’ and 31 of the fence rail support member 10 and 30, such that the aperture, or slot, includes a mouth or entrance portion 12’, 32’.

The fence rail slots 12 and 32 therefore have a fence rail entrance 12’ and 32’ for slotting a fence rail 40 into the fence rail support member 10, 30. The fence rail entrance 12’, 32’ is located at the edge portion IT and 3T, or side portion, of the fence rail support member 10 and 30. In this arrangement fence rails 40 are slotted, or slid, into the slots 12 and 32.

The side portion 11 ’ and 3T, or edge, of the fence rail support member 10 and 30, and thus provides an entrance to the fence rail slot 12 and 32 for the fence rail 40.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4c, each fence rail slot 12 and 32 has a longitudinal axis 12a and 32a. The longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rail slots 12 and 32 are rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. That is, the longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rail slots 12 and 32 are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rail slots 12 and 32 are thus non-parallel to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 themselves are therefore rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are thus non-parallel to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30.

The longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rail slots 10 and 32 are arranged to be substantially parallel to one another.

It should be appreciated that the fence rail slots 12 and 32 may be configured such that the fence rails 40 are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the fence rail support members 10 and 32 when located therein.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the fence rail slots 12 and 32, or longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rail slots 12 and 32, are rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members by fifteen degrees. However, it should be understood that the fence rail slots 12 and 32, or longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rails slots 12 and 32, could be rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30 by between ten and thirty degrees, or any other suitable angle as required by the application of the fence system 1.

As best illustrated in Fig. 2, in the embodiment illustrated and described here, the fence rail slots 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 are configured to point in the opposite direction to the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10. In this arrangement the fence rail slots 12 and 32 of each fence rail support member 10 and 30 are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances 32’ to the fence rail slots 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 are located on one side of the fence system 1 and the entrances 12’ to the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10 are located on the opposite side of the fence system 1.

The fence rail slots 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 are therefore configured to point upwards and the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10 are configured to point downwards.

In this arrangement the fence rail slots 12 and 32 of each fence rail support member 10 and 30 are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances 12’ and 32’ to the fence rail slots 12 and 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 are located on one side of the fence system 1 and the entrances 12’ to the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10 are located on the opposite side of the fence system 1. It should be appreciated that this arrangement could be swapped, such that the fence rail slots 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 could be configured to point downwards and the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10 could be configured to point upwards.

However, it should also be appreciated that the fence rail slots 12 and 32 could be angled upwards or downwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. That is, when the fence rail support members 10 and 30 are in use and their longitudinal axes 10a and 30a are vertical, the fence rail slots 12 and 32, or longitudinal axes 12a and 32a of the fence rail slots 12 and 32, could be angled upwards or downwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30.

In the arrangement where the fence rail slots 12 and 32, or longitudinal axes 12a and 32a thereof, are angled upwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30, the entrances 12’ and 32’, or openings, to the fence rail slots 12 and 32 point generally upwards.

In the arrangement where the fence rail slots 12 and 32, or longitudinal axes thereof 12a and 32a, are angled downwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30, the entrances 12’ and 32’, or openings, to the fence rail slots 12 and 32 point generally downwards.

In the arrangement where the fence rail slots 12 and 32, or longitudinal axes 12a and 32a thereof, are rotationally offset, angled, or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30, the fence rails 40 are angled, rotated, or tilted, with respect to the longitudinal axes 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30.

As described above, it should also be appreciated that the fence rail slots 12 and 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 could be configured to point downwards and the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10 could be configured to point upwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots 12 and 32 of each fence rail support member 10 and 30 are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances 32’ to the fence rail slots 32 of the two outer fence rail support members 30 are located on one side of the fence system 1 and the entrances 12’ to the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10 are located on the opposite side of the fence system 1.

The fence rail slots 12 and 32 are configured such that in use when the fence rails 40 are located in the fence rail support members 10 and 30 there is at least a partial overlap of each adjacent fence rail 40. When arranged vertically, this partial overlap is in the vertical direction.

The fence rail slots 12 and 32 have a width of 20mm. However, it is understood that the fence rail slots 12 and 32 could have a width of between 20mm and 50mm, a length of between 100mm - 300mm and a thickness of between 20mm and 80mm.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the fence rail slots 12 and 32 are pitched 149mm apart along the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. However it should be understood that the fence rail slots 12 and 32 may be pitched between 70mm and 300mm apart along the longitudinal axis 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, each support member 10 and 30 comprises twelve fence rail slots 12 and 32. However, it should be understood that each fence rail support member 10 and 30 could include between two and thirty fence rail slots 12 and 32. Each support member 10 and 30 may be configured to receive and support between two and thirty fence rails 40.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, each fence rail 40 is configured to be beatable between each outer fence rail support member 30. Each fence rail 40 has a length which substantially matches the distance between each outer fence rail support member 30. The fence rails 40 are configured to be arranged horizontally. In use, the fence rails 40 are arranged horizontally. That is, the fence rails 40 are horizontal rails.

The fence rails 40 are substantially rectangular, planar members. The fence rails 40 are planks, planks of wood, or the like. However, it is understood that the fence rails may be made from fabricated materials, composites, aluminium, polyvinyl chloride, timber, polypropylene, synthetic materials, alloys, medium density fibreboard and all other materials that form a solid structure.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the fence rails 40 have a length of 1800mm, a width of 85mm and a thickness of 20mm.

However, it is understood that the fence rails 40 could be between 900mm and 1800mm long. The fence rails 40 could be between 85mm and 150mm wide. The fence rails 40 could be between 20mm and 50mm thick.

The fence rails 40 are configured to be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the fence rail support members 10 and 30. That is, the fence rails 40 are configured to be arranged substantially perpendicularly to each fence rail support member 10 and 30.

The fence rails 40 are also attachable to the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The fence rails 40 are attachable to the fence rail support members 10 and 30 by a releasable or non-releasable fastening device. The fence rails 40 may be attachable to the fence rail support members 10 and 30 by one or more screw fixing devices, nails, or the like.

It should be appreciated that not all fence rails 40 are required to be attached to the fence rail support members 10 and 30. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the uppermost 40” and lowermost 40’ fence rails are attachable to the fence rail support members 10 and 30.

It should be appreciated that when the fence system 1 is assembled, as illustrated in Fig. 1, it is not possible to remove any fence rails 40 in the vertical direction, as each fence rail 40 is locked in position by the opposite facing slots 12 and 32 of the fence rail support members 10 and 30. The present invention thus makes it very difficult for someone to steal the fence rails 40.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the fence system 1 comprises twelve rails 40. However, it should be understood that the fence system 1 could also comprise between two and thirty fence rails 40.

Figs. 5 to 8c illustrate the fence system 1 of Figs. 1 to 4c, but with an eighteen rail 40 implementation. Therefore, each support member 10 and 30 has eighteen fence rail slots 12 and 32. In this arrangement, the fence rails 40 are rotationally offset by sixteen degrees with respect to the longitudinal axes 10a and 30a of the fence rail support members 10 and 30 in this embodiment. The arrangement of the fence system 1 of Figs. 5 to 8c is otherwise the same as the fence system 1 of Figs. 1 to 4c.

In this eighteen rail embodiment, the outer fence rail support members 30 have a length of 1800mm, a width of 75mm and a thickness of 20mm and the central support member 10 has a length of 1800mm, a width of 61mm and a thickness of 20mm. However, it should be understood that the outer fence rail support members 30 could have a length of between 900mm -1800mm, a width of between 75mm - 150mm and a thickness of between 20mm - 80mm. Similarly, the central fence rail support members 10 have a length of 1800mm, a width of 61 mm and a thickness of 20mm.

However, it should be understood that the central fence rail support members 10 could have a length of between 900mm - 1800mm, a width of between 61 mm - 150mm and a thickness of between 20mm - 80mm. Also, the fence rail support members 10 and 30 could have a length of between 900mm - 1800mm, a width of between 61mm - 150mm and a thickness of between 20mm - 80mm.

As illustrated in Figs. 9a and 9b, the two outer fence rail support members 30, the central fence rail support member 10 and the fence rails 40 are beatable between two further support members 20. Figs. 9a and 9b serve to highlight the attachment of the fence system 1 to two further support members 20.

The fence system 1 may comprise two further support members 20. The further support members 20 are vertical support members. The further support members 20 are at least partially located in the ground. The further support members 20 are elongate cuboids, such as posts, or the like. However, it should be understood that the further support member(s) could be, columns, existing fence posts, or the like.

The outer fence rail support members 10 and 30 are attachable to the further support members 20. The outer fence rail support members 10 and 30 may be attachable to the further support members 20 via releasable or non-releasable fastening devices. Typically, the outer fence rail support members 10 and 30 may be attached to the further support members 20 by one or more screw devices, nails, or the like.

The two further support members 20 include a ground penetrating lower portion 22. The two further support members 20 are configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The two further support members 20 are configured to be secured to the ground. The ground penetrating lower portion 22 is a spike. However, it is understood that the ground penetrating portion could be a spiked portion, or the like. The lower portion of the further support members 20 could be spike-shaped.

The two outer fence rail support members 30 may include ground penetrating lower portions 33. The ground penetrating lower portions 33 could be spikes, spiked portions, or the like. The two outer fence rail support members 30 could be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The two outer fence rail support members 30 could be configured to be secured to the ground.

However, it is also understood that the central fence rail support member 10 could include a ground penetrating lower portion 13. The ground penetrating lower portion 13 could be a spike, a spiked portion, or the like. The central fence rail support member 10 could be configured to be at least partially beatable within the ground. The central fence rail support member 10 could be configured to be secured to the ground. The fence rail support members 10 and 30 could be latched on to a structure embedded in the ground by an attachment means. The structure may be a hook. The attachment means may be a hook.

In use, assembling the fence system 1 comprises the steps of providing two outer fence rail support members 30, a central fence rail support member 10 and a plurality offence rails 40.

The outer fence rail support members 30 may then be arranged substantially vertically with the outer fence rail support members 30 being parallel. The fence rails 40, beginning with the lowermost rail 40’, are slotted into the fence rail slots 32 of the outer fence rail support members 30. As described above, the length of the fence rails 40 substantially matches the spacing between the outer fence rail support members 30, and, when arranged in the outer fence rail support members 30, the fence rails 40 substantially overlap.

The central fence rail support member 10 is then positioned with respect to the fence rails 40 and the fence rails 40 are slotted into the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10. Typically, this would be done by lowering the central fence rail support member 10 onto the fence rails 40 suspended between the fence rail support members 10 and 30.

The lowermost fence rail 40’ is attached to the central fence rail support member 10 and/or the outer fence rail support member(s) 30. The uppermost fence rail 40” is attached to the central fence rail support member 10 and/or the outer fence rail support member(s) 30.

Where the fence system 1 is to be attached to further support members, the assembled fence system 1 is then attached to the two further support members 20. The further support members 20 may be fence posts. It should be understood that the two outer fence rail support members 30 are configured to be attachable between opposing faces 20a and 20b of two further support members 20. That is, the fence system 1 could be attached between opposing faces 20a and 20b of the two further support members 20.

However, it should also be understood that the fence system 1 could be assembled by slotting the fence rails 40 into the fence rail slots 12 of the central fence rail support member 10, and then slotting the fence rails 40 into the fence rail slots 32 of the outer fence rail support members 30.

As described above, it should also be understood that more of the fence rails 40 could be attached to the central fence rail support member 10. It should also be understood that one or more of the fence rails 40 could be attached to the outer fence rail support member(s) 30. That is, at least one fence rail 40 could be attached to the outer fence rail support member(s) 30. An upper fence rail 40” could be attached to the outer fence rail support member(s) 32. A lower fence rail 40’ could be attached to the outer fence rail support member(s) 30. An upper 40” and lower 40’ fence rail could be attached to the outer fence rail support member(s) 30.

It should be understood that the two outer fence rail support members 30 could be secured to the ground. The central fence rail support member 10 could also be secured to the ground.

The fence system 1 of the present invention may be assembled quickly with only two connections, and may be disassembled rapidly. The fence rails 40 are held in an angled, overlapped manner, thus achieving a robust, panel type fence system 1 that is less prone to warping and theft. The opposite facing slots 12 and 32 of the fence rail support members 10 and 30 prevent removal of the fence rails 40 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, providing the central fence rail support member 10 provides support to the fence rails 40, preventing warping thereof.

Assembly of the fence system 1 of the second embodiment as shown in Figs 5 to 8c, is executed in the same manner, albeit with eighteen fence rail slots 12 and 32, and eighteen fence rails 40. Assembly follows the same procedure for any number of fence rails 40.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, although the fence system 1 has been illustrated and described above as comprising two outer fence rail support members and a central fence rail support member, it should be appreciated that the fence system 1 could comprise two fence rail support members and a plurality of fence rails. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members could be configured to point in opposite directions.

In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on opposite sides of the fence system. However, the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members could be configured to point in the same direction. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the same side of the fence system. The fence rail slots of the fence rail support members could be configured to point upwards. In this arrangement the fence rail slots of each fence rail support member are parallel. In this arrangement the entrances to the fence rail slots of the fence rail support members are located on the same side of the fence system. The fence system 1 could be assembled by providing two fence rail support members, each comprising fence rail slots, and a plurality of fence rails. For example, two fence rail support members could be positioned such that they are vertical members. Fence rails could be slotted into the fence rail slots of the two fence rail support members. The fence rails could be attached at one or more locations to the support members. The two fence rail support members could be attached to further support members. The further support members could be fence posts. The fence posts could have a ground penetrating member, such that the fence posts could be at least partially beatable in the ground. It should also be appreciated that the two fence rail support members could comprise ground penetrating members, such that they could be at least partially located in the ground.

It should be understood that this alternative arrangement of the fence system comprising two fence rail support members and a plurality offence rails could include one or more features of any other embodiments of the fence system. It will be appreciated that the main difference in this arrangement is that there is no central fence rail support member.

Furthermore, any number offence rails 40 may be supported using this fence system 1 by modifying the number offence rail slots 12 and 32, the angle of the fence rail slots 12 and 32, the dimensions of the fence rail support members 10 and 30 or the fence rails 40. The fence rail slots 12 and 32 may be angled in different ways to hold the fence rails 40 in place. The fence rails 40 may also be assembled with spaces in the fence system 1. The shape of the support members 10 and 30 and the fence rails 40 may be altered, such as is commonplace for hill environments.

Also, more than one central fence rail support member 10 may be used to add more stability to the fence system 1. This may be particularly relevant for fence systems with a large gap between the outer fence rail support members 30, and the central support member 10. Numerous fence rail support members 10 and 30 may be used for larger fence systems 1. Any of the fence rail support members 30 may engage with common fence post materials and designs, such as concrete pillars, wooden posts, metal frames and posts and the like.

Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that the fence system 1 may include two or more central fence rail support members, each member being locatable between the two outer fence rail support members. This may be beneficial for providing additional support to longer length fence rails.

The fence may be made from wood, but it is understood that a plastics material, metal, fabricated materials, composites, aluminium, polyvinyl chloride, timber, polypropylene, synthetic materials, alloys, medium density fibreboard and all other materials that form a solid structure may readily be used.

Claims

1. A fence system comprising: two outer fence rail support members; a central fence rail support member, the central fence rail support member being beatable between the two outer fence rail support members, wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; and a plurality of fence rails, each fence rail being beatable in a fence rail slot of each fence rail support member.

2. The fence system of claim 1, wherein the fence rail slots are arranged contiguously along the length of the fence rail support members.

3. The fence system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fence rail slots are apertures, cut-outs, or cut-away portions, or notches, in the fence rail support members.

4. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rail slots have a fence rail entrance located at an edge portion, or side portion, of the fence rail support member.

5. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rail slots are configured such that the fence rails are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the fence rail support members when located therein.

6. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein each fence rail support member has a longitudinal axis and each fence rail slot has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axes of the fence rail slots are rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axes of the fence rail support members, such that the fence rail slots are rotationally offset with respect to the fence rail support members.

7. The fence system of claim 6, wherein fence rail slots are angled upwards or downwards with respect to the fence rail support members, such that the fence rail entrances face upwards or downwards.

8. The fence system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the fence rail slots, or longitudinal axes of the fence rails slots, are rotationally offset with respect to the longitudinal axes of the fence rail support members by between ten and thirty degrees.

9. The fence system of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are configured to point in the opposite direction to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member, such that the entrances to the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are located on one side of the fence system and the entrances to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support members are located on the opposite side of the fence system.

10. The fence system of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are configured to point upwards and the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member may be configured to point downwards, such that the entrances to the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are located on one side of the fence system and the entrances to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support members are located on the opposite side of the fence system.

11. The fence system of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are configured to point downwards and the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member may be configured to point upwards, such that the entrances to the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members are located on one side of the fence system and the entrances to the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support members are located on the opposite side of the fence system.

12. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rail support members are between 900mm and 1800mm long, between 61mm and 150mm wide and between 20mm and 80mm thick.

13. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rail slots have a length of between 100mm and 300mm, a width of between 20mm and 50mm, and a thickness between 20mm and 80mm.

14. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rail slots are pitched between 70mm and 300mm along the longitudinal axis of the fence rail support member.

15. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rails are between 900mm and 1800mm long, 85mm and 150mm wide, and between 20mm and 50mm thick.

16. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rails are attachable to the fence rail support members.

17. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence rail support members are substantially identical in shape.

18. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the two outer fence rail support members include ground penetrating lower portions.

19. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the central fence rail support members include ground penetrating lower portions.

20. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the two outer fence rail support members are configured to be attachable to a further support member, or members.

21. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence system further comprises two or more pairs of outer fence rail support members, each pair of outer fence rail support members including a central fence rail support member.

22. The fence system of any preceding claim, wherein the fence system further comprises one or more further support members, the outer fence rail support members being attachable to the one or more further support members.

23. The fence system of claim 22, wherein the one or more further support members include a ground penetrating lower portion.

24. A method of assembling a fence system comprising the steps of: providing two outer fence rail support members; providing a central fence rail support member; wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; providing a plurality offence rails; locating the fence rails in the fence rail slots of the central fence rail support member; locating the central fence rail support member and fence rails between the two outer fence rail support members; and locating the fence rails in the fence rail slots of the two outer fence rail support members.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method comprises the further step of attaching one or more of the fence rails to the central fence rail support member.

26. The method of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the method comprises the further step of attaching an upper and/or a lower fence rail to the central fence rail support member.

27. The method of any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the method comprises the further step of attaching one or more of the fence rails to the outer fence rail support members.

28. The method of any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the method comprises the further step of attaching an upper and a lower fence rail to the outer fence rail support members.

29. The method of any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the method comprises the further step of securing the two outer fence rail support members to the ground.

30. The method of any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the method comprises the further step of securing the central fence rail support member to the ground.

31. The method of any of claims 24 to 30, wherein the method comprises the further step of attaching the outer fence rail support members to one or more further support members.

32. The method of any of claims 24 to 31, wherein the method comprises the further step of arranging the fence system vertically.

33. The method of any of claims 24 to 32, wherein the method comprises the further step of providing two or more pairs of outer fence rail support members, each pair including a central fence rail support member, and a plurality of fence rails and assembling two or more fence systems.

34. The method of any of claims 24 to 32, wherein the method comprises the further step of providing one or more further support members and attaching the fence rail support members to the one or more further support members.

35. A fence system comprising: two fence rail support members; wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; and a plurality of fence rails, each fence rail being beatable in a fence rail slot of each fence rail support member.

36. A method of assembling a fence system comprising the steps of: providing two fence rail support members; wherein each fence rail support member includes a plurality of fence rail slots for receiving at least a portion of a fence rail therein; providing a plurality offence rails; and locating the fence rails in the fence rail slots of the support members.