US20060255327A1

US20060255327A1 - Tubular post and rail fencing system

Info

Publication number: US20060255327A1
Application number: US11/432,919
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith Johnston
Original assignee: Johnston Keith A
Current assignee: TRI COUNTY FENCING AND Manufacturing LLC
Priority date: 2005-05-13
Filing date: 2006-05-12
Publication date: 2006-11-16

Abstract

A tubular post and rail fencing system having a plurality of generally upright posts interconnected with one or more generally horizontal rails that connect to the posts so as to reduce the cost and time of installation. The posts have an upper and lower rail aperture for receiving an end section of the upper and lower rails, respectively. The end sections of the rails have a rod hole therethrough that is disposed in an interior chamber of the post when the rails connect to the posts. The lower end of a locking rod is inserted through the rod holes. The upper end of the locking rod is configured to keep the locking rod in the rod holes and secure the rails to the post. A post cap is placed on top of the posts. A gate can be easily and quickly added to the fence between any pair of posts.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/680,885 filed on May 13, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates generally to fencing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to fencing systems that are of the rail and post type having a plurality of generally horizontal rails that interconnect with a plurality of generally upright fence posts to enclose or separate an area, such as livestock corrals and the like. Even more particularly, this invention relates to such fencing systems that are relatively quick and easy to install and which provide a strong, durable and relatively low maintenance fence.
B. Background
The use of fencing systems to enclose an area or separate one area from another has been well known for a very long time. In particular, the use of fencing to provide an enclosure for animals has likely been in use since humans first began domesticating animals. Fences have also been commonly utilized to separate property boundaries, prevent entry into a particular area and keep people in an area, such as a prison. Over the years, fences have been made out of wood, stone, brick, cement block, wire, stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, plastic and a variety of other materials. In fact, it is likely that fences have been made out of most known, reasonably affordable materials that can be suitably configured into a substantially rigid enclosure barrier. Relatively recently, there has been in an increase in the use of less expensive, durable and more environmentally resistant materials, such as vinyl and certain plastics, that do not require the amount of maintenance as is typically required for wood fences or the installation difficultly or expense of metal fences. As with the materials used for fences, there is a wide variety of different configurations of fences that are commonly used. As is well known, fences can be solid across the length of the fence, such as stone, brick or block fences, or substantially open, such as commonly used for wire or stainless steel (i.e., chain link) fences.
For purposes of enclosing animals, the most common type of fence is a corral-type, post and rail fence that comprises a series of generally vertical or upstanding posts mounted in the ground in spaced apart relation with each other with one or more generally horizontally disposed rails interconnecting each pair of adjacent posts. Although such fences are generally not configured to be solid enclosures, they must be suitably configured to effectively enclose the animals within the fence boundaries, which generally depends on the animals to be enclosed. Often, a particularly property may utilize the fencing to either provide a number of separate enclosures to segregate or otherwise keep certain animals away from each other or provide a large, pasture-sized area for the animals. In either configuration, this can result in a large amount of fencing material being necessary to provide the desired enclosure(s). As such, the cost of the fencing materials, cost of installation and the need to maintain the fence are very important factors for those choosing a fence for an animal enclosure.
Many in the agricultural industry utilize vinyl fencing for corrals and the like. Unfortunately, although it has some advantages over metal fencing, a significant number of people in the industry have been somewhat disappointed in vinyl fencing due to its expense, lack of strength for livestock purposes and the fact that it has to be washed yearly to prevent the build-up of mildew or related problems. As a result, many people in the agricultural industry still prefer to use a metal tubular or pipe fence even though the cost of installation is generally much higher due to the fittings and welding that is typically required. For instance, if galvanized pipe is used, the welds have to be painted with cold galvanizing paint. Besides the time and cost issues, this often leaves the owner with a somewhat spotted fence. In addition, generally no matter how well the welds are painted, they will usually still rust. A number of non-welded metal pipe fences are also available, however, these generally are bolted together with relatively unattractive brackets. One style of these fences, not necessarily popular with many people due to the “look” that results, places the rails along the outside of the fence posts. Another style of pipe fence places the rails between the posts and connects the rails to the posts with a bulky bracket that is attached using set screws. In addition to being somewhat unattractive and taking a relatively long time to install all of the brackets, the fence is generally limited to substantially flat ground due to the interconnection of the brackets with the rails and posts. Another available pipe fence that does not require welding uses pre-fabricated, galvanized panels that are held together with a clamp. With most of the above systems, it is common to install a post in concrete at every other panel. One particular problem with the aforementioned fencing systems is that if a section of the fence is damaged, for instance due to a vehicle mishap or an errant animal, it can be somewhat difficult to remove and replace the damaged section. This is particularly the situation for those fence systems that are welded.
Improved fence systems to reduce the cost and time required to install a fence have been the subject of prior art patents. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,960 to Bright discloses a tubular rail and post fencing system having a number of pre-formed fence sections made up of rails, intermediate posts and end posts. Apertures in the intermediate posts allow the rails to pass completely therethrough. The end posts have blind apertures that receive an end of a rail, which is configured with a groove to receive a hairpin-shaped locking rod inside the posts or an aperture to receive a rod that is held in place with locking spacers. This system is for a portable corral that locks the rails tight to the posts, which requires that the fence be laid out precisely prior to installation. Due to the configuration of the intermediate posts and locking mechanism, the fence system of Bright has very limited or no utility over inclined or uneven ground and the only way to extend the fence length beyond its factory length (i.e., 24 feet) is to clamp two end posts together. In addition, the locking rod mechanism does not allow rails to be inserted into the post from more than one direction and it requires the locking rod spacers to be wedged or frictionally secured to and within the end posts. As such, although the fencing system of Bright may be useful as a portable corral for temporary or semi-permanent installations (i.e., for horse shows, rodeos or the like), it has limited utility as a fencing system for use to enclose relatively large areas of land or to separate one area from another.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,925 to Schultz, et al. describes a fence connector assembly having a vertical post configured to receive a connector bracket comprising a post-receiving sleeve and a pair of laterally extending flange members that connect with the rails, with an L-shaped stud connecting the bracket to the post and to the rails. U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,123 to Larsen, et al. discloses a picket fence and rail mounting system having vertical pickets and rails, with the rails having openings to receive a picket, and a channel along the bottom surface. The rails are secured to the pickets by use of a retaining rod along the longitudinal length of the rail or a spring clip. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0035341 to Montgomery discloses a fence system having fence posts comprising a two piece post, with its inner surface configured as a C-shaped channel that are joined together with an adhesive, having a rail aperture that receives the end of the rail into a cavity of the post. Adhesive is also utilized to affix the rail to the post.
Although the foregoing and other prior art disclose fence systems that have certain benefits and, to some extent, are configured to reduce the cost and time of fence installation, they do not appear to have been widely accepted. What is needed, therefore, is an improved cost effective, relatively simple to install, corrosion resistant and low maintenance tubular post and rail fencing system that is particularly useful for animal corral fencing and the like. The preferred fencing system will be installed without the use of welding and utilize materials that are known to resist corrosion and not require any significant maintenance. The preferred fencing system should also be suitable for use over uneven ground and allow the user thereof to relatively easily replace damaged sections of the fence. The preferred fencing system should be adaptable to a variety of different lengths and configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The tubular post and rail fencing system of the present invention provides the benefits and overcomes the limitations identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a fencing system made up of a plurality of tubular posts and rails which are mechanically joined to form a fence. The fencing system of the present invention has a minimal number of components that are cooperatively configured to quickly and easily be interconnected to form a fence of virtually any length and configuration. The fencing system of the present invention can be installed on level or uneven ground. The fence system of the present invention can be manufactured out of materials which are relatively lightweight, strong, durable and which do not corrode or require any maintenance.
In one general aspect of the present invention, the tubular post and rail fencing system comprises a plurality of substantially vertical posts that define a plurality of pairs of such posts, including a first post and an adjacent second post, with one or more rails disposed between the posts that connect thereto with a locking rod disposed inside the post. The first posts and second posts are disposed in spaced apart relation to each other. In the preferred embodiment, the posts and rails are tubular. Preferably, each of the posts have an upper end, an upper rail aperture that is disposed generally towards the upper end, a lower end, a lower rail aperture that is disposed below the upper rail aperture and an interior chamber in the post. In the preferred embodiment, the upper and lower rail apertures on each post are mutually spaced on the post to provide a substantially uniform post and rail fence that is adaptable to a variety of fencing needs and suitable for use on level or uneven ground.
The preferred embodiment has a generally horizontal upper rail and a generally horizontal lower rail that interconnect each pair of posts. Both the upper rail and lower rail have a first end section at the first end, a second end section at the second end and an upper rod hole disposed completely through each of the first and second end sections. The first end section of the upper rail is received into the interior chamber of the first post through the upper rail aperture to dispose the upper rod hole in the interior chamber of the first post and the second end section is received into the interior chamber of the second post, through its upper rail aperture, to dispose its upper rod hole in the interior chamber of the second post. The first end section of the lower rail is received into the interior chamber of the first post through the lower rail aperture to dispose the lower rod hole in the interior chamber of the first post and the second end section is received into the interior chamber of the second post, through its lower rail aperture, to dispose its lower rod hole in the interior chamber of the second post. The locking rod has an upper end and a lower end and is configured to be received in the interior chamber of each of the first post and the second post. The lower end of the locking rod, which is generally straight in the preferred embodiment, passes through both the upper and lower rod holes to secure each of the upper rail and the lower rail to each of the first post and the second post. The upper end of the locking rod is sized and configured to prevent complete passage of the locking rod through the upper rod hole so as to maintain the locking rod in position and the upper and lower rails connected to the posts. In the preferred embodiment, the upper end comprises an angled section that prevents the upper end from passing through the upper rod holes.
The preferred embodiment also comprises gate. In the preferred configuration, the gate has an upper gate rail, a lower gate rail, a first gate post, a second gate post and a gate rod attached to either or both of the upper gate rail and the second gate post. The first gate post has an upper retaining collar that is hingedly attached to an upper post sleeve and a lower retaining collar that is hingedly attached to a lower post sleeve. The upper and lower post sleeves are slidably received over the first post and then connected to the upper and lower rails to hold the gate in position. The gate rod is configured to cooperatively engage a post latch that is received on the second post.
Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a tubular post and rail fencing system that provides the benefits and advantages and overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available post and rail fencing systems.
Specifically, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an improved tubular post and rail fencing system that is relatively economical, easy and quick to install and which uses materials that will not corrode and which do not require significant maintenance.
It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a tubular post and rail fence system that is configured with posts having rail apertures for receiving an end of a rail inside the post, rod holes at the ends of the rails disposed inside the posts and a locking rod that is inserted through the rod holes to lock the rails to the posts.
It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a tubular post and rail fence system that is adaptable for use on level or uneven ground and which can be easily adapted to include a gate.
The above and other objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the fencing system configured according to the various principles and concepts of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing an assembled section of the fence with a pair of posts having rails interconnecting the posts;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a disassembled section of the fencing system from FIG. 1 showing the post, upper rail and lower rail turned to face the reader so as to better illustrate the rail apertures and rod holes thereon;
FIG. 3 is a top view of a post with the cap removed to show the connection of two in-line upper rails to the post by way of a locking rod having an angled section;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a post with the cap removed showing two upper rails joined to a post with one of the upper rails at a 45° angle relative to the centerline of the other;
FIG. 5 is a top view of a post with the cap removed showing an end post having a single upper rail connected thereto;
FIG. 6 is a top view of a post with the cap removed showing a corner post having two upper rails connected thereto at a substantially 90° angle;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a post with the cap removed showing a post having four upper rails connected thereto;
FIG. 8 is a top view of a post with the cap removed showing a post having two rails joined thereto, one at approximately 90° and the other at approximately 300° location;
FIG. 9 is a top view of a post with the cap removed showing a post having three upper rails connected thereto;
FIG. 10 is a side view of a gate configured for use with the fencing system of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the post latch for use with the gate system of FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is a front or gate side view of the post latch of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the tubular post and rail fencing system of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the enclosed figures and drawings are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments and represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein.
A tubular post and rail fencing system that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the figures. The improved fencing system 10 of the present invention comprises a plurality of substantially vertical posts 12 and a plurality of substantially horizontal upper rails 14 and lower rails 16 that connect together to form a fence to enclose an area or separate adjacent areas of land. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of posts 12 generally define a plurality of pairs of posts 18 comprising a first post 12 a and a second post 12 b in spaced apart relation to each other. In a preferred configuration, the posts 12 and rails 14/16 are tubular shaped, preferably round. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, the fencing system 10 of the present invention can be configured with non-tubular posts 12 and rails 14/16 that are otherwise configured to interconnect in the manner described herein to form a fence and/or with other, non-round shapes of tubular posts 12 and rails 14/16.
In the preferred embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each post 12 has at least one upper rail aperture 20 generally at or towards an upper end 22 thereof and a lower rail aperture 24 that is disposed below upper rail aperture 20 between it and the lower end 26 of post 12 (i.e., typically one-third to one-half the distance between upper end 22 and lower end 26). As also best shown in FIG. 2, upper rail 14 has a first end section 28 at first end 30 and a second end section 32 at a second end 34 and lower rail 16 has a first end section 36 at first end 38 and second end section 40 at second end 42, with an upper rod hole 44 in each of the first 28 and second 32 end sections of upper rail 14 and a lower rod hole 46 in each of the first 36 and second 40 end sections of lower rail 16. The post 12 and upper 14 and lower 16 rails in FIG. 2 are rotated to face the apertures 24 and 26 towards the reader so as to better illustrate their relative positioning on posts 12 and rails 14/16. Each of the upper rail apertures 20 of posts 12 are shaped and configured to freely, but preferably snugly, receive the first 28 and second 32 end sections of upper rail 14 and each of the lower rail apertures 24 of posts 12 are shaped and configured to freely, but also preferably snugly, receive the first 36 and second 40 end sections of lower rail 16, as best shown in FIG. 1. The snug fit is preferred, which can be achieved by sizing the upper 20 and lower 22 rail apertures to be only slightly larger than the ends of rails 14 and 16, so that there is not an undue amount of movement available to rails 14 and 16 when they installed as set forth herein. In the preferred embodiment of the fencing system 10 of the present invention, the upper 20 and lower 24 rail apertures are mutually spaced from one post 12 to another, meaning that the upper rail aperture 20 on each post is approximately the same distance below upper end 22 and lower rail aperture 24 on each post is approximately the same distance below upper rail aperture 20 (or above lower end 26).
As set forth above and best shown in FIGS. 2 through 9, both end sections 28 and 32 of each upper rail 14 are provided with at least one upper rod hole 44 and both end sections 36 and 40 of each lower rail 16 are provided with at least lower one rod hole 46 that are configured to receive a connecting or locking rod 48 in the interior chamber 50 of posts 12 when end section 28 and 32 are in upper rail aperture 20 and end section 36 and 40 are in lower rail aperture 24, as shown in FIG. 1. Locking rod 48 can be made out of metal, plastic, fiberglass, composites or other materials. Locking rod 48 is shaped and configured such that its lower end 52 is able to pass through upper rod hole 44 to secure upper rail 14 to post 12 and through lower rod hole 46 to secure lower rail 16 to post 12, as best shown in FIG. 1. Upper end 54 of locking rod 48 is provided with a stopping mechanism that is configured to prevent the entire locking rod 48 from passing through upper rod hole 44. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the entire locking rod 48 is substantially straight except for the upper end 52 which is shaped and configured so as to prevent its passage through upper rod hole 44. In the preferred embodiment, due primarily to cost of manufacturing and ease of use, the upper end 54 of locking rod 48 is provided with angled section 56 that is of suitable size and angle to prevent upper end 54 from falling through upper rod hole 54. In an alternative configuration, the upper end 54 of locking rod 48 is provided with an enlarged section, not shown, that is of suitable size to prevent passage through upper rod hole 44. As explained in more detail below, locking rod 48 is utilized to securely (i.e., such that the ends of upper rails 14 and lower rails 16 cannot be pulled out of post 12) interconnect rails 14 and 16 to post 12. Also in the preferred embodiment, a post cap 58 is utilized at the upper end 22 of post 12 to close or seal the interior of posts 12 so as to prevent water, debris or other materials from getting inside post 12 and possibly causing corrosion problems.
To install the fencing system 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower end 26 of posts 12 are placed into pre-dug holes in the ground 60 to stand at the desired height. Dry concrete is then placed around the lower end 26 of posts 12 and the area around post 12 is tamped to hold the post 12 in a generally upright position. When placed in ground 60, posts 12 must be configured such that upper rail apertures 20 and lower rail apertures 24 are substantially aligned with the desired fence line. The end sections 28 and 32 of upper rail 14 is inserted in the upper rail apertures 20 of two adjacent posts 12, such as posts 12 a and 12 b, and the end sections 36 and 40 of lower rail 16 is inserted in lower rail apertures 24 of the two adjacent posts 12 a and 12 b to dispose the upper 44 and lower 46 rod holes inside interior chamber 50 of posts 12 a and 12 b. The lower end 52 of locking rod 48 is inserted through rod hole 44 of the upper rail 14 and then through rod hole 46 of lower rail 16 until angled section 56 at upper end 54 is abutting or resting against the top side of upper rail 14, as best shown in FIG. 1. Post cap 58 is placed on top of posts 12 a and 12 b to close of the interior chamber 50. Once this process is complete for the fence and the posts 12 and rails 14 and 16 are substantially level, water is added to the dry concrete, which is allowed to set for three to four days before placing livestock in the enclosure.
In a preferred embodiment, posts 12, upper rails 14, lower rails 16 and post caps 34 are made out of galvanized steel or other strong, generally corrosion resistant metals or a plastic, such as PVC material, and posts 12, and rails 14 and 16 are pipes. As well known to those in the art, galvanized steel is generally durable, strong and it does not readily corrode or require significant maintenance. In addition, it can be painted or powder coated as desired to improve its looks and corrosion resistance. In a preferred embodiment posts 12 and rails 14 and 16 are manufactured in eight foot lengths, making the components easy to carry and ship, and the system is based on posts 12 being placed on eight foot centers.
The fence post system of FIGS. 1 and 3 show upper rails 14 connecting to post 12 on the opposite sides thereof, providing an essentially straight fence line. The post of FIG. 4 is configured for one of the upper rails 14 to extend outwardly from post 12 at an angle of approximately 45° from the centerline of the other upper rail 14. The post 12 of FIG. 5 is configured as an end post, with only one upper rail 14 (as well as only one lower rail 16, not shown) connecting thereto. Typically, the end post 12 of FIG. 5 will be utilized next to a building, rock or other object where a fence line dead ends into the object. The post 12 of FIG. 6 is configured as a corner post where two rails, such as upper rail 14 shown, are positioned at 90° angles to each other. FIG. 7 shows a fence post 12 where four upper rails 14 connect to post 12, as would be used at a junction of four separately fenced areas. The post 12 of FIG. 8 illustrates one upper rail 14 connecting to post 12 at an angle of approximately 30° from the centerline of the other upper rail 14 that connects to post 12 and is provided to illustrate that upper 14 and lower 16 rails can connect to post 12 at virtually any angle desired by the user or necessary to obtain the desired enclosure or separation of areas. FIG. 9 shows a post having three upper rails 14 connected thereto, as would be utilized for a pair of adjoining enclosed areas that share the same dividing fence line. Although FIGS. 3 through 9 show upper rails 14 being connected to post 12, those skilled in the art will readily understand that lower rails 16 connect in like fashion. In each configuration of rails 14 or 16 connecting to post 12, the end sections 28, 32, 36 or 40 are inserted through the rail aperture 20 or 24, as appropriate, such that upper rod hole 44 and lower rod hole 46 are disposed inside interior chamber 50 of post 12. In this configuration, locking rod 48 is received in interior chamber 50 to pass through upper 44 and lower 46 rod holes, with the upper end 54 of locking rod 48 configured to hold locking rod 48 in position, to prevent upper rail 14 and lower rail 16 from unintentionally disengaging from post 12.
As shown in FIG. 10, fencing system 10 of the present invention includes a gate 62 having an upper gate rail 64 and a lower gate rail 66 connected to a first gate post 68 and a second gate post 70 to form the central section of gate 62 disposed between a pair of posts 12 a and 12 b. Attached to first gate post 68 is upper retaining collar 72 and lower retaining collar 74. Hingedly connected to upper retaining collar 72 is upper post sleeve 76 and hingedly connected to lower retaining collar 74 is lower post sleeve 78. Each of upper post sleeve 76 and lower post sleeve 78 have a sleeve rail opening 80 configured to receive an end of upper 14 and lower 16 rails, respectively, therein to hold upper 76 and lower post sleeves 78 in place, as shown in FIG. 10. Upper post sleeve 76 and lower post sleeve 78 are configured to slide over post 12 a. Attached at second gate post 70 is gate latch 82, having a gate rod 84 slidably received therein, that is configured to engage post latch 86, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, attached to post 12 b that is substantially aligned with second gate post 70. Post latch 86 can attach to post 12 b by a variety of attaching mechanisms, such as adhesive, welding, bolts, screws or the like, or it can be provided with a latch rail opening 88 that is sized and configured to receive a third rail, shown as 90, therein to secure post latch 86 in place on post 12 b. Post latch 86 is configured to slide over post 12 into the desired position alongside second gate post 70 and is provide with opening 92 to receive the lower end of gate rod 84, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12.
To install the fencing system 10 according to the configuration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention requires only use of a post hole digger to dig the hole in the ground, stakes, string and level to align the fence, pipe cutter or hack saw to cut materials to length, and a drill to drill holes. No welding, screwing, bolting or other such operations are required. With the above tools, the following steps are taken (as an example):
1) Layout the fence with string, spacing posts 12 on eight foot centers (plus or minus one-half inch);
2) Dig the holes in ground 60 to the required depth (based on fence style);
3) Using dry concrete in sacks, set the first post 12 a (end or corner post from FIG. 4 or 5, as an example) to height, filling the hole with dry concrete mix. Tamp the concrete with the handle of a shovel or the sharp end of a tamping bar;
4) Follow step 3 and install the second post 12 b (line post from FIG. 3) at eight foot centers (plus or minus one-half inch), then set to height;
5) Install the rails 14 and 16 by inserting one end into the rail apertures 20 and 24 of post 12 a, sliding the rail 14 or 16 into interior chamber 50 far enough to then insert the other end of the rail 14 or 16 into the rail apertures 20 and 24 of post 12 b;
6) Install the locking rods 48 in the interior chamber 50 of posts 12 a and 12 b through the rod holes 44 and 46 of rails 14 and 16;
7) Repeat these steps for all of the fence sections, installing post cap 58 as each section is completed;
8) Once the fence is installed, go back and soak the concrete with water and let it set for about four days, or as may be required, before using the fence;
9) Once the concrete is set, the user installs any gates 62 by first creating the gate opening by removing the locking rod 48 from the posts 12 where the gate is desired and slide the rails 14 and 16 out of apertures 20 and 24, lifting the gate 62 high enough to slide both upper post sleeve 76 and lower post sleeve 78 over the post 12 a, inserting the ends of upper 14 and lower 16 rails through the sleeve rail openings 80 to secure gate 62 on post 12 a and then installing the locking rod 48 and post cap 34; and
10) Install the post latch 86 onto the post 12 b by removing upper rail 14 post 12 b, sliding post latch 62 over the upper end 22 of post 12 b and securing it to post 12 b, reinserting upper rail 14, and then replacing the locking rod 24 inside the interior chamber 50 of post 12 b and the post cap 58 on post 12 b.
As set forth above, the fencing system 10 is designed to be Simple, Affordable, Fast, and Efficient (SAFE). In one installation, a crew of four installed 520 linear feet and two gates 62 with the new design in two days. A typical welded fence of similar configuration would have taken at least two weeks. With the fencing system 10 of the present invention, if any of the rails 14 or 16 are damaged, the owner only has to remove the locking rods 48, disengage the bad rails 14 or 16 from the apertures 20 or 24 in posts 12, install new rails 14 or 16 and replace the locking rods 48. No welding or bolting is required. Even the gate hinge mechanism and latching mechanism do not require welding or bolting. The hinges are fabricated on the gate 62. To install the gate 62, just lift it and slide the post sleeves 76 and 78 (i.e., the hinges) onto the post 12 a. The upper 14 and lower 16 rails then locks the hinge in place. As long as the post 12 a is level, the gate 62 will hang as desired.
As set forth above, the fencing system 10 of the present invention accomplishes it objectives by being simple to manufacture, simple to install, and its forgiving of uneven terrain. It can be made out of galvanized steel or plastic pipe, so there is no rusting. There is no welding or bolting, so it is quickly installed. Finally, the materials are made from pipe, therefore, it is generally much stronger than vinyl fences presently available. The fencing system 10 can be manufactured with any weight of pipe, for different strengths. The fencing system 10 can accommodate small inclines, or large inclines with a custom post 12 that is drilled at an angle. The components of fencing system 10 can be powder coated to offer virtually any color desired. Known variations to the fencing system 10 include: (1) heavier rails for larger livestock, such as cattle and the like; (2) five rail, four rail, three rail, and two rail configurations, such as having a twelve inch spacing on the rails; (3) multiple post configurations for ends, corners, three way, four way, line, 45° line, and 225° line posts 12, to allow virtually any configuration of fence. The 45° and 225° can be utilized to provide an essentially rounded corner. The three and four way allow branching off to create cross-fences.
In an alternative configuration, upper rail 14 and lower rail 16 do not have to be tubular, just have holes in the ends that are inserted in posts 12. Likewise, post 12 can be configured to not be tubular, just have openings 20 and 24 that are configured to receive rails 14 and 16 and a top opening to receive locking rod 48 therein to engage the rod holes 44 and 46 of rails 14 and 16 to hold the rails 14/16 in place. In addition, the fencing system can be provided with three or more rails, as may be desired by the user of fencing system 10.
While there are shown and described herein a specific embodiment of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to the dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention. One such modification is the use of different materials than those set forth herein.

Claims

1. A fencing system, comprising:

a plurality of substantially vertical posts, each of said posts having one or more rail apertures opening to an interior chamber of said post;

one or more substantially horizontal elongated rails connected to each of said posts, each end of said rails having an end section with a rod hole passing completely therethrough, said end section received in one of said rail apertures so as to dispose said rod hole in said interior chamber of said post; and

a locking rod having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end of said locking rod disposed through said rod hole to secure said rail to said post, said upper end of said locking rod shaped and configured to prevent complete passage of said locking rod through said rod hole.

2. The fencing system according to claim 1 further comprising a post cap on each of said posts, said post cap configured to close said interior chamber.

3. The fencing system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of posts comprises a first post and an adjacent, spaced apart second post.

4. The fencing system according to claim 3 further comprising a gate.

5. The fencing system according to claim 4, wherein said gate comprises an upper gate rail, a lower gate rail, a first gate post, a second gate post and a gate rod attached to at least one of said upper gate rail and said second gate post, said first gate post having an upper retaining collar hingedly attached to an upper post sleeve and a lower retaining collar hingedly attached to a lower post sleeve, said upper post sleeve and said lower post sleeve slidably received over said first post, said gate rod configured to cooperatively engage a post latch received on said second post.

6. The fencing system according to claim 5, wherein said post latch is connected to a third rail.

7. The fencing system according to claim 1, wherein said upper end of said locking rod comprises an angled section.

8. The fencing system according to claim 1, wherein said each of said posts and rails are tubular.

9. A fencing system, comprising:

a plurality of substantially vertical posts, each of said posts having an upper end, an upper rail aperture generally towards said upper end, a lower end, a lower rail aperture below said upper rail aperture and an interior chamber;

a plurality of generally horizontal elongated upper rails, each of said upper rails having an end section at an end thereof, said end section of each of said upper rails having a upper rod hole passing completely therethrough, said end section of each of said upper rails disposed in said interior chamber through said upper rail aperture so as to dispose said upper rod hole in said interior chamber;

a plurality of generally horizontal elongated lower rails, each of said lower rails having an end section at an end thereof, said end section of each of said lower rails having a lower rod hole passing completely therethrough, said end section of each of said lower rails disposed in said interior chamber through said lower rail aperture so as to dispose said lower rod hole in said interior chamber; and

a locking rod having an upper end and a lower end, said locking rod received in said interior chamber of said post, said locking rod disposed through said upper rod hole and said lower rod hole to secure said upper rail and said lower rail to said post, said upper end of said locking rod configured to prevent complete passage of said locking rod through said upper rod hole.

10. The fencing system according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of posts comprises a first post and an adjacent, spaced apart second post.

11. The fencing system according to claim 10 further comprising a gate.

12. The fencing system according to claim 11, wherein said gate comprises an upper gate rail, a lower gate rail, a first gate post, a second gate post and a gate rod attached to at least one of said upper gate rail and said second gate post, said first gate post having an upper retaining collar hingedly attached to an upper post sleeve and a lower retaining collar hingedly attached to a lower post sleeve, said upper post sleeve and said lower post sleeve slidably received over said first post, said gate rod configured to cooperatively engage a post latch received on said second post.

13. The fencing system according to claim 9, wherein said upper end of said locking rod comprises an angled section.

14. The fencing system according to claim 9, wherein said each of said posts and rails are tubular.

15. A fencing system, comprising:

a plurality of substantially vertical posts defining a plurality of pairs of posts comprising a first post and an adjacent second post, each of said first posts and said second posts disposed in spaced apart relation to each other, each of said posts having an upper end, a mutually spaced upper rail aperture generally towards said upper end, a lower end, a mutually spaced lower rail aperture disposed below said upper rail aperture and an interior chamber;

a generally horizontal upper rail interconnecting each of said pairs of posts, said upper rail having a first end section, a second end section and an upper rod hole disposed completely through each of said first end section and said second end section, said first end section received into said interior chamber of said first post through said upper rail aperture thereof so as to dispose said upper rod hole in said interior chamber of said first post, said second end section received into said interior chamber of said second post through said upper rail aperture thereof so as to dispose said upper rod hole in said interior chamber of said second post;

a generally horizontal lower rail interconnecting each of said pairs of posts, said lower rail having a first end section, a second end section and a lower rod hole disposed completely through each of said first end section and said second end section, said first end section received into said interior chamber of said first post through said lower rail aperture thereof so as to dispose said lower rod hole in said interior chamber of said first post, said second end section received into said interior chamber of said second post through said lower rail aperture thereof so as to dispose said lower rod hole in said interior chamber of said second post; and

a locking rod having an upper end and a lower end, said locking rod received in said interior chamber of each of said first post and said second post, said locking rod disposed through said upper rod hole and said lower rod hole of each of said first end section and said second end section so as to secure each of said upper rail and said lower rail to each of said first post and said second post, said upper end of said locking rod configured to prevent complete passage of said locking rod through said upper rod hole.

16. The fencing system according to claim 15 further comprising a gate.

17. The fencing system according to claim 16, wherein said gate comprises an upper gate rail, a lower gate rail, a first gate post, a second gate post and a gate rod attached to at least one of said upper gate rail and said second gate post, said first gate post having an upper retaining collar hingedly attached to an upper post sleeve and a lower retaining collar hingedly attached to a lower post sleeve, said upper post sleeve and said lower post sleeve slidably received over said first post, said gate rod configured to cooperatively engage a post latch received on said second post.

18. The fencing system according to claim 15, wherein said upper end of said locking rod comprises an angled section.

19. The fencing system according to claim 15, wherein said each of said posts and rails are tubular.