GB2581875A

GB2581875A - Fencing system, set of components for constructing a fence, and mounting Members(S)

Info

Publication number: GB2581875A
Application number: GB2000335.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Moore Robert; Wollacott Martin
Original assignee: Saige Longlife Decking Ltd
Current assignee: Saige Longlife Decking Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-17
Filing date: 2020-01-10
Publication date: 2020-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-10
Also published as: GB202000335D0; GB2581875B; GB201900644D0

Abstract

The set of components for constructing a fence includes substantially rectangular posts 12 with similar undercut grooves on multiple sides, rails each with a longitudinal opening, and mounting members 40. Each mounting member has a first part 64 fitting the undercut groove, a second part 66 fitting the longitudinal opening, and a hole 72 to receive a fastening for securing the member to the post. The first and second parts have a movable connection 68 allowing adjustment of the relative orientation of the rail and post. Posts may have grooves on at least three sides, and the longitudinal openings may extend along the rails. Non-adjustable perpendicular mounting members may be included. There may be gate hinges, latches and/or inserts fitting into the undercut grooves. Second mounting members, optionally adjustable, may be provided for connecting uprights to undercut grooves in the rails. There may be fence panels with channels to receive intermediate rails. The rails and posts may have similar cross section and/or be extruded. Also claimed is a mounting member.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII2000335.6 RTM Date:15 June 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: SAiGE Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo FENCING SYSTEM, SET OF COMPONENTS FOR CONSTRUCTING A FENCE, AND MOUNTING MEMBER(S)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a fencing system, to a set of components for constructing a fence, and to one or more mounting members. The invention relates in particular to a set of components for a modular fencing system which can be io assembled or constructed at a chosen location from a limited number of components. The fencing system may also be disassembled and removed (or repaired/replaced) if required. The mounting member is configured to interconnect a rail to a post and/or to interconnect an upright to a rail.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many types of fencing system are known, having different structures and components. The present invention is directed to a fencing system having a number of generally vertical posts interconnected by two or more rails. The rails can in turn be interconnected by a number of uprights (often called pales or pickets) to form a balustrade fence, or a solid panel or panels can be mounted between the posts and rails to form a solid fence. On level ground the rails are ideally horizontal and the uprights if present are vertical; on an inclined surface the rails are inclined and the uprights if present are vertical.

Fences having a modular structure are also known. One example is described in UK patent application 2 548 677. This patent application describes a fencing system comprising a number of vertical posts which are erected along a line defining the fence. The posts have an undercut groove formed in two of their vertical faces. The grooves can accommodate the side edge of a fence panel so that a line of fence panels may be constructed with each fence panel mounted between two adjacent posts.

Another modular fence is described in US 2010/0025649. In this structure the vertical posts are interconnected by a bottom rail and a top rail, the bottom rail having a channel in its upper surface and the top rail having a channel in its lower surface. The top and bottom edges of the fence panels are mounted in the channels in the respective top and bottom rails.

UK patent application 2 259 924 discloses a fencing system in which a number of transverse members are mounted between each pair of adjacent vertical posts. The transverse members may comprise fence panels which together substantially fill the space between the posts. Alternatively the transverse members are rails to which are mounted uprights to form a balustrade fence. The ends of the transverse members can be cut at an angle to suit sloping ground.

International patent application W02009/025626 discloses a modular balustrade is fence in which a number of rails are mounted between each pair of adjacent posts and a number of uprights are mounted to the rails. Alternatively, a gate can be mounted between two adjacent posts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have set out to provide a modular fence which can be assembled at a chosen location from a limited number of components. The components can typically be cut to their desired size and shape on site so that the task of assembling the fence is simplified and the cost of assembling the fence is minimised. In some embodiments the components from which the fence is constructed are secured together by fastenings which may be removed if desired to permit the fence to be disassembled.

According to the invention there is provided a fencing system constructed from a set of components, the set of components comprising: at least two posts, the posts being substantially rectangular in cross section with an undercut groove along at least two of the edges, each of the undercut grooves having a similar shape and dimensions, at least two rails, each rail having a longitudinal opening, a number of mounting members, each mounting member being configured to interconnect a rail and a post, each mounting member having a first part which can slide along the undercut groove in the post and a second part which can fit into the longitudinal opening in the rail, the mounting members having preformed fastening holes configured to receive respective fastenings by which the mounting io member is secured at a chosen position relative to the post, the mounting member having an adjustable connection between the first part and the second part whereby the orientation of the rail relative to the post can be adjusted during assembly.

is The provision of an adjustable mounting member permits a single component to be used to mount the rails to the posts for a fence on horizontal ground and on sloping ground. It also permits the same componentry to be used to assemble a fence alongside steps or the like.

The provision of a longitudinal opening in the rails into which the second part of the mounting member can fit enables the rails to be cut to length at the site of use without adversely affecting the interconnection of the rail to a post. Ideally the rails are extruded and the longitudinal opening is continuous along the length of the rail (and has the same dimensions along the length of the rail).

Desirably the posts are substantially square in cross section. Desirably also the posts have an undercut groove along at least three of the edges. Such a post allows the construction of a linear fence or a corner in the fence.

Preferably, the set of components includes an additional non-adjustable mounting member in which the first part is perpendicular to the second part. Notwithstanding that a non-adjustable mounting member is an additional component, and is suited to a fence assembled on horizontal ground, it may nevertheless be cost-effective in certain situations.

Desirably, the set of components includes a pair of hinges, each hinge having a 5 first part which can slide along the undercut groove in the post. The same post can therefore be used to mount the rails, or to mount the hinges of a gate or the like.

Desirably also, the set of components includes a latch, the latch having a first part io which can slide along the undercut groove in the post. The same post can therefore be used to mount the latch of a gate or the like. The latch preferably includes a handle which can be mounted to the gate.

Preferably, the set of components includes an insert which can slide along an is undercut groove in the post. Ideally, the insert obscures the fastenings by which the mounting member is secured to the post. Desirably, the insert substantially fills the undercut groove so that the edge of the post with a fitted insert has a substantially continuous surface. A substantially continuous surface is aesthetically pleasing and also obscures the means by which the fence is 20 assembled, thereby making the unauthorised disassembly less likely.

In applications in which the fencing system is used to create a balustrade fence, the mounting member between the posts and rails is a first mounting member and the set of components includes a second mounting member configured to interconnect the rails and the uprights. Preferably, the rails have an undercut groove and each second mounting member has a first part which can slide along the undercut groove in the rail. Preferably also the uprights each have a longitudinal opening and the second mounting member has a second part which can fit into the longitudinal opening in the upright. Desirably, the second mounting members having preformed fastening holes configured to receive respective fastenings by which the second mounting member is secured at a chosen position relative to the rails.

Preferably, the second mounting member has an adjustable connection between the first part and the second part whereby the orientation of the upright relative to the rail can be adjusted during assembly. An adjustable second mounting member can be used for a horizontal balustrade fence and for an inclined balustrade fence (such as a balustrade fence alongside steps for example).

Desirably, the second mounting member and the first mounting member are similarly-formed so that a number of similarly-formed mounting members is provided in the set of components. This arrangement requires the undercut io groove in the post to be similarly formed to the undercut groove in the rails, and requires the longitudinal opening in the rails to be similarly formed to the longitudinal opening in the uprights. This can readily be arranged if it is desired to commonise the mounting members and reduce the number of different components.

If the fence is to include continuous (or substantially continuous) fence panels, the respective ends of the fence panels may be mounted directly into the undercut grooves of the neighbouring posts. Alternatively, the rails can be mounted at the top and bottom of the fence panel and can have one of a tongue and groove formed therealong to cooperate with a corresponding groove or tongue along the top and bottom edges of the fence panel. Alternatively again, the ends of the fence panel may be mounted in the undercut grooves of the posts and the top and bottom of the fence panel may be mounted in channels (or by way of cooperating tongue and groove formations) of the rails.

It is likely that the rails are more rigid than the fence panel, in which case one or more intermediate rails may be mounted to the posts between the top and bottom rails to provide additional support for the fence panel. For example, the fence panel may have a number of hollow channels running between its vertical edges and an intermediate rail may be located in one or more of the hollow channels.

It can be arranged that the post and the rail have a similar cross section, for example being a common extrusion. In such an arrangement one of the undercut grooves in the rails can accommodate the top and bottom edges respectively of the fence panel. Whilst this arrangement minimises the number of different components (and in particular minimises the number of different extrusions) required for the fencing system, in many applications it will increase the cost of the fencing system unacceptably and it will be preferable in those applications to have rails with a different (and simpler) structure than the posts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.1 shows a view of part of a fence; Fig.2 shows a view of the rails and a fence panel of the fence of Fig.1; Fig.3 shows a part of a post and a part of the gate of the fence of Fig.1; Fig.4 shows an exploded view of the components of Fig.3; Fig.5 shows two different embodiments of rail suitable for use in the fencing system; Fig.6 shows another alternative design of rail suitable for use in a fencing system; Fig.7 shows a mounting member for interconnecting a rail and post in a fencing system according to the present invention; Fig.8 shows the mounting member of Fig.7 mounted to a post; Fig.9 shows a non-adjustable mounting member for interconnecting a rail and an upright in the fencing system; Fig.10 shows a part of a post and a handle for the gate of the fence of Fig.1; Fig.11 shows a transparent view of some of the components of Fig.10; Fig.12 shows a bottom rail to which a number of mounting members of Fig.9 have been assembled in an early stage of assembly of a balustrade io fence; Fig.13 shows a subsequent stage in the assembly of a balustrade fence; Fig.14 shows an insert used to obscure the fastenings in an assembled balustrade fence; Fig.15 shows a post with an insert of Fig.14 fitted to two of its undercut grooves; Fig.16 shows a late stage in the assembly of an inclined balustrade fence; and Fig.17 shows an assembled balustrade fence comprising an inclined fence section and a horizontal fence section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A small part of a fence 10 is shown in Fig.1. Fig.1 shows four vertical posts 12a,b,c,d which are erected along a chosen line of the fence. In practice the fence will likely include a much larger number of posts 12.

The posts 12a-d are all identically formed, and each has a foot 14 by which they may be secured to a horizontal hard surface such as concrete. Alternatively, if the fence is to be erected in a garden or upon a non-rigid surface, a support may first be driven into the ground at the chosen location for the post and to which the foot 14 may be secured, in known fashion. Alternatively again, the posts could extend into the ground and be embedded in concrete.

The fence panel 16 and the rails 20, 22 by which it is mounted to the posts are shown in Fig.2. In this embodiment the fence panel 16 is a continuous panel which extends between neighbouring posts 12 (not shown in Fig.2), and also extends between top and bottom rails 20, 22. It will be seen that the fence panel 16 and rails 20,22 have cooperating longitudinal tongue and groove formations by to which they are connected together. It will also be seen that the rail 22 has a tongue along its top edge and a groove along its bottom edge whereby it can accommodate another fence panel 16 if it is desired to increase the height of the fence.

is In the embodiment of Fig.2 therefore the rails 20 and 22 are not identically formed. In an alternative embodiment the rails of a fence are identically formed, for example two rails 20 could be provided at the top and bottom of a fence panel, with the bottom rail inverted and the fence panel having a projecting tongue along its top and bottom edges.

The fence panel 16 is of hollow structure with longitudinal hollow channels 24 which extend between its side edges. An intermediate rail 26 is shown located in one of the hollow channels 24, the intermediate rail 26 extending for the full width of the fence panel and being supported at the posts to either side of the fence panel. The intermediate rail 26 provides additional structural support to the fence panel 16, which in this embodiment is of composite construction.

Each of the posts 12 has three undercut grooves 30 as seen in Fig. 3 and 4. Fig.2 shows a mounting bracket 32, one of which is secured (as by screws) to each end of each of the rails 20, 22. The mounting bracket 32 is wider than the rails 20 22. The end of the rails 20, 22 fit into the undercut groove 30 and the mounting bracket 32 fits into the enlarged section of the undercut groove 30 to secure the rail 20,22 (and thereby the fence panel 16) to the posts 12. The fence panel is mounted to the posts by inserting the end of the rails 20,22 and their respective mounting brackets 32 into the open top end of the undercut groove 30 and then sliding the panel downwardly into position.

The rails 20 and 22 are metallic extrusions and the rail 26 is an electrical resistance welded steel section. It will be understood, however, that different methods of manufacture could be used for these and other components of the system and the method of manufacture of the various components is not relevant to the invention.

The fence may comprise a number of posts with a fence panel 16 mounted between each neighbouring pair of posts. In this embodiment, however, a gate 18 is mounted between the posts 12b and 12c to demonstrate the versatility of the fence system.

A part of the gate 18 is shown in more detail in Fig.3 and in this embodiment comprises a frame 42 and a panel 44 (in this embodiment the panel 44 is a smaller version of the fence panel 16). The frame 42 is made as a metallic extrusion which is mitred at the corners and completely surrounds and supports the panel 44 which is of composite construction. A pair of hinges 46 is mounted to the frame 42, each hinge having a first part 50 which is of T-shape sized to fit into an undercut groove 30 of the post 12. The first part 50 is ideally a sliding fit in the undercut groove 30 so that it can be moved to a chosen position suitable for the position and height of the gate 18. The first part 50 can have a fastening hole formed therethrough which can accommodate a self-tapping screw by which the first part 50 (and thereby the hinge 46) can be secured to the post 12b. It will be understood, however, that when the hinge 46 is secured to the first part 50 the hinge will clamp into the groove 30.

The latch 52 of the gate 18 is shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The latch 52 also has a first part 54 which is of T-shape sized to fit into the undercut groove 30 of the post 12c. The first part 54 is similarly ideally a sliding fit in the undercut groove 30 so that it can be moved to a chosen position suitable for the position and height of the latch 52. Again, the first part 54 can have a fastening hole formed therethrough which can accommodate a self-tapping screw by which the first part 54 can be secured to the post 12c, or the latch 52 can be clamped to the groove 30 similarly to the hinges.

The latch 52 also has a pair of handles 56 which can be mounted to the frame 42 of the gate 18. The latch 52 is itself assembled from separate components and it is arranged that many of the components are common whether the handles 56 are fitted to the left-hand side of the gate or to the right-hand side of the gate. In particular, to reverse the latch 52 it is only necessary in this embodiment to reverse the orientation of the spring 58 and to change the position of the pin mounted to the escutcheon 60. Also, since in this embodiment the striker 62 is permanently mounted to the first part 54 it is necessary to replace the first part and striker with components of opposite form.

Figs. 3, 10 and 11 all show the hinge 46 and latch 52 mounted to a chosen undercut groove 30. In this embodiment there are only three undercut grooves although it will be understood that four undercut grooves, one in each of the sides of the post, could be provided if desired. Unlike the representations of Figs. 3, 10 and 11, in a fence such as that of Fig.1 the hinge and latch would be fitted to one of the two opposing undercut grooves 30 so that the fence panels 16 could be fitted to the opposing undercut groove in the linear fence 10.

Fig.5 shows an alternative design in which the bottom rail 122 (and also the top rail which is not shown) have the same cross-sectional form as the posts 12. This embodiment therefore minimises the number of different extrusions which are required in the set of components. However, it is expected that the cost of the rail 122 will be greater than the cost of the rail 22 (and the rail 20) and this embodiment may not be economically viable for all fencing applications.

Fig.6 shows another alternative rail design. This rail 222 has a square cross-section like the posts 12 but has only a single undercut groove 230. It is expected that the cost of the rail 222 will be somewhere between the cost of the rails 22 and 122. If it is intended to use a rail similar to that of Fig.6 as the top rail of a balustrade fence for example, the surface opposite to the groove 30 (and which will be the upper surface in use) can be curved to provide a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing handrail.

The mounting member 40 is shown in Fig.7. The mounting member 40 has a first part 64 and a second part 66. The first part 64 is of T-shape and is designed to be a sliding fit in the undercut groove 30 of the post 12.

in Connected to the first part 64 is a first extension 70 which has a preformed fastening hole 72. During assembly the mounting member 40 is located at its desired position relative to the post and a self-tapping screw (not shown) is passed through the fastening hole 72 and into the underlying material of the post 12, thereby securing the mounting member 40 at a chosen position relative to the is post 12. A grub screw could be used to secure the first part 64 instead of a self-tapping screw if desired.

In this embodiment the mounting member 40 has a second extension 74 with a chamfered end and a fastening hole is preformed through the chamfered end of 20 the second extension. The fastening hole is angled relative to the second extension and contains a grub screw 76, the purpose of which is explained below.

The second part 66 is sized to fit snugly into the longitudinal opening 34 of the rail 122, 222 as utilised in the particular fence. Importantly, there is an adjustable connection between the first part 64 and the second part 66, the adjustable connection in this embodiment being provided by a pivot joint 68. The pivot joint 68 permits the orientation of the rail 20, 122, 222 to be adjusted relative to the (vertical) post 12.

The ability to adjust the orientation of the rails is not relevant to the fence 10 having continuous fence panels 16, but it is relevant for a balustrade fence 310 or 410 as shown in Figs. 13 and 17. The ability to adjust the orientation is also not relevant to a fence constructed on flat ground but it is relevant to a fence constructed on sloping ground.

It will be understood that if a fence 10 having continuous fence panels 16 is 5 constructed on sloping ground it is necessary to "step" the panels, i.e. the posts 12 are erected vertically and the rails and fence panels are mounted horizontally, with neighbouring rails and fence panels being positioned ("stepped") as required to match the slope of the ground. Alternatively, with a balustrade fence for example, the rails can be inclined to follow the slope of the ground, with the posts to and uprights being vertical. An extreme example of an inclined fence is shown in Fig.17 with the balustrade fence 410 matching the slope of a set of steps.

The fitment of the mounting member 40 to a post 12 as might be suitable at the bottom end of a set of steps is shown in Fig.8. As seen, the second part 66 is is adjusted to an angle suitable to match the incline of the steps (and a similarly angled second part is shown in Fig.7).

The sequence of operations to assemble the (horizontal) balustrade fence 310 of Fig.17 is shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The posts 312a and 312b are erected at their chosen locations, but are left somewhat loose so that the mounting members may be fitted as described below. Because the fence 310 is horizontal, rigid mounting members 340 (Fig.9) are used. The bottom rail 322 is first assembled, i.e. a number of mounting members 340 are slid along the undercut channel in the rail 322 to their chosen positions. Preferably the extensions of neighbouring mounting members abut so that the mounting members 340 (and thereby the fitted uprights) are automatically spaced apart by the required distance.

The mounting member 340 is similar to the mounting member 40 except that it does not have a pivot joint and is therefore not adjustable. In this embodiment the dimensions of the first part 364 and the second part 366 match those of the mounting member 40 and it would be possible to use a mounting member 40 if desired. It is, however, expected that the cost of a rigid mounting member 340 will be less than the adjustable mounting member 40 and since a large number of mounting members is used it may be more economic to utilise two different types of mounting member despite the increase in the number of components.

The top rail (not shown) is similarly assembled with its mounting members to 5 match the bottom rail shown in Fig.12.

A mounting member 340 (or 40 as desired) is then fitted to each end of the bottom rail 322, with the respective second part 366 located in the longitudinal opening of the bottom rail. The first parts 364 of the mounting members 340 are then slid to into the facing undercut grooves 30 of the posts 312a,b. It will be understood that the loose mounting of the posts 312a,b assists the installer in sliding the mounting members along the undercut grooves 30 to their chosen position. Self-tapping screws are used to secure the bottom rail 320 to the posts 312a,b.

is The uprights 316 are then assembled to the bottom rail, the uprights being of hollow section with a longitudinal opening to receive the (upstanding) second part 366. When all of the uprights 316 have been assembled, mounting members 340 (or 40 if desired) are fitted to each end of the top rail and the first parts of the mounting members are slid into the undercut grooves of the posts 312a,b. At the same time, the second parts 366 of each of the mounting members 340 which project downwardly from the top rail are located into the longitudinal opening of the assembled uprights 316.

The mounting brackets 340 are secured to their respective posts 312a,b as seen 25 in Fig.13 and the posts are then tightened and secured in position.

The inclined fence 410 is constructed in a similar fashion, except that the adjustable mounting member 40 is used, the adjustable mounting member permitting the inclination of the rails 420, 422 relative to the posts 312a, 412a, and 30 the inclination of the uprights 416 relative to the rails.

It is expected that the top rail 420 of a balustrade fence 410 would obstruct the tightening of a fastening above the top rail. It is for this reason that the mounting member 40 has dissimilar first and second extensions, and that the second extension has a chamfered end. In particular, it is arranged that the mounting member 40 is fitted with the second extension 74 uppermost, so that the chamfered end lies above the top rail. The chamfered end permits easier access to the fastening above the top rail. Also, it is expected that the angle of the fastening hole in the chamfered end is too great to enable a self-tapping screw to reliably cut into the underlying material of the post. The grub screw 76 is therefore provided instead, and Fig.16 shows the grub screw being tightened (by an Allen key) during a late stage of the assembly of the fence 410.

It will be understood that the second part 66, 366 of the mounting members 40, 340 are not fastened to the uprights, or to the rails, respectively. Such fastening is not necessary since the rails are retained between adjacent posts and the uprights are retained between the top and bottom rails. Once the fence is assembled therefore the second parts cannot be released from their respective longitudinal openings. Also, it is preferably arranged that the second part is an interference fit into the respective longitudinal opening so that the uprights and rails do not rattle in the assembled fence.

The top of each post of the fence 10, 310, 410 may be fitted with a decorative cap 80 such as that shown in Fig.16.

It will be understood that all of the fastenings of the fence 10, 310, 410 are releasable and removable. The fence may therefore be disassembled if no longer 25 required, or can be partially or fully disassembled if it is necessary to repair or replace any of the components.

In order to obscure the fastenings, and thereby to inhibit the unauthorised disassembly of the fence, an insert 82 is provided (Fig.14). As seen in Fig. 15, the insert 82 is sized to fit into the undercut groove 30 of the posts 12, and can fit over the first extension 70 and the second extension 74. In use therefore, the insert abuts the first part 64, 364 of each of the mounting members and obscures the fastenings by which those mounting members are secured.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A set of components for constructing a fence, the set of components including: at least two posts, the posts being substantially rectangular in cross section with an undercut groove along at least two of the edges, each of the undercut grooves having a similar shape and dimensions, at least two rails, each rail having a longitudinal opening, a number of mounting members, each mounting member being configured io to interconnect a rail and a post, each mounting member having a first part which can fit into the undercut groove in the post and a second part which can fit into the longitudinal opening in the rail, each mounting member having a preformed fastening hole configured to receive a fastening for securing the mounting member to the post, is the mounting member having a movable connection between the first part and the second part whereby the orientation of the rail relative to the post is adjustable.
2. The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 1 in which the posts have an undercut groove along at least three of the edges.
3. The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 2 in which the longitudinal opening is continuous along the length of the rail.
4. The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-3 in which the set of components further includes a non-adjustable mounting member in which the first part is perpendicular to the second part.
5. The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-4 in which the set of components further includes a pair of hinges, each hinge having a first part which can fit into the undercut groove in the post.
The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-5 in which the set of components further includes a latch, the latch having a first part which can fit into the undercut groove in the post.
The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-6 in which the set of components further includes an insert which fit into an undercut groove in the post.
The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 7 in which, in the constructed fence the insert obscures the fastening by which the mounting member is secured to the post.
The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 7 or claim 8 in which the insert substantially fills the undercut groove so that the edge of the post with a fitted insert has a substantially continuous surface.
The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-9 in which each mounting member which is configured to interconnect a rail and a post is a first mounting member, the set of components further including a number of second mounting members which are configured to interconnect one of the rails to a respective upright, each rail having an undercut groove along at least one of its edges, each upright having a longitudinal opening, each second mounting member having a first part which can fit into the undercut groove of the rail and a second part which can fit into the longitudinal opening of the upright.
11. The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 10 in which each second mounting member has a preformed fastening hole configured to receive a fastening by which the second mounting member is secured to the rail. 6. 7. 8. 9. is 10.
12. The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 10 or claim 11 in which the second mounting member has a movable connection between the first part and the second part whereby the orientation of the upright relative to the rail is adjustable.
13. The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-12 in which the set of components further includes a number of fence panels, and in which each fence panel has a number of hollow channels extending between its vertical edges, and in which the set of components also includes an intermediate rail which can be located in one of the hollow channels.
14. The set of components for constructing a fence according to any one of claims 1-13 in which the rails are extruded and the posts are extruded.
15. The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 14 in which the posts and the rails have a similar cross section.
16. The set of components for constructing a fence according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the posts and the rails are a common extrusion.
17. A mounting member for use in a set of components according to any one of claims 1-16.
18. A mounting member configured to interconnect a rail and a post in a fence, the post having an undercut groove, the rail having a longitudinal opening, the mounting member having a first part which can fit into the undercut groove in the post and a second part which can fit into the longitudinal opening in the rail, the mounting member having a preformed fastening hole configured to receive a fastening for securing the mounting member to the post, the mounting member having a movable connection between the first part and the second part whereby the orientation of the rail relative to thepost is adjustable. is
19. A mounting member configured to interconnect a rail and an upright in a fence, the rail having an undercut groove, the upright having a longitudinal opening, the mounting member having a first part which can fit into the undercut groove in the rail and a second part which can fit into the longitudinal opening in the upright, the mounting member having a movable connection between the first part and the second part whereby the orientation of the rail relative to the post is adjustable.