US20100025649A1 - Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods - Google Patents

Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100025649A1
US20100025649A1 US12/447,161 US44716107A US2010025649A1 US 20100025649 A1 US20100025649 A1 US 20100025649A1 US 44716107 A US44716107 A US 44716107A US 2010025649 A1 US2010025649 A1 US 2010025649A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
fence
replaceable
post
posts
vertical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/447,161
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Donald Ward
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gates and Gardens LLC
Original Assignee
Gates and Gardens LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gates and Gardens LLC filed Critical Gates and Gardens LLC
Priority to US12/447,161 priority Critical patent/US20100025649A1/en
Publication of US20100025649A1 publication Critical patent/US20100025649A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/16—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using prefabricated panel-like elements, e.g. wired frames
    • E04H17/168—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using prefabricated panel-like elements, e.g. wired frames using panels fitted in grooves of posts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
    • E04H17/1447—Details of connections between rails and posts
    • E04H17/1448—Adjustable, angled or hinged connections
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
    • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
    • E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
    • E04H17/1447—Details of connections between rails and posts
    • E04H17/1452—Details of connections between rails and posts the ends of the rails are fixed on the lateral sides of the posts
    • E04H17/1456—Details of connections between rails and posts the ends of the rails are fixed on the lateral sides of the posts the ends of the rails being located in vertical channels extending along a substantial portion of the length of the post

Definitions

  • Manufactured fences have been known for many years.
  • conventional fencing systems typically do not permit the easy replacement of fence panels in order to address durability, appearance and/or design issues.
  • conventional fencing systems typically are designed to use fence panels of a fixed thickness and do not permit the use of fence panels having a variety of thicknesses.
  • conventional fencing systems typically do not conform to changes in the level of terrain while maintaining the fence panels in a desired position.
  • the present systems, devices and methods, etc. are related to replaceable fences.
  • the replaceable fence systems include at least two posts, typically vertical, each typically comprising at least one lower connection joint and at least one upper connection joint, each connection joint attached to or integral with the vertical post and/or a replaceable fence panel.
  • at least one lower fence panel support element is configured to attach to the lower connection joint and to releasably hold a lower portion of at least one replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post.
  • At least one upper fence panel support element is configured to attach to the upper connection joint and to releasably hold an upper portion of the replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post.
  • the replaceable fence panel includes the lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the replaceable fence panel is configured to be releasably held, respectively, by the lower fence panel support elements and the upper fence panel support elements at a desired height and desired angle determined individually relative to each of the vertical posts.
  • the systems, methods, etc. include at least first and second vertical posts, a bottom rail coupled to the first and second posts and typically having a channel on an upper surface of the bottom rail, and a removable top rail positioned above the bottom rail and coupled to the first and second posts and having a channel on a lower surface of the top rail.
  • the posts and rails are configured to replaceably accept, retain and disgorge replaceable fence panels, typically using a plurality of connection joints that permit the panels to be held at differing, adjustable heights and angles from one post to the next.
  • Each of the channels can include a flexible centering insert configured to accept a variety of thicknesses of replaceable panels.
  • the systems, devices, methods, etc., herein can include a replaceable fence system, comprising: at least two vertical posts each comprising at least one lower connection joint and at least one upper connection joint, each connection joint attached to or integral with the vertical post; for each vertical post, at least one lower fence panel support element configured to attach to the lower connection joint and to releasably hold a lower portion of at least one replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post; for each vertical post, at least one upper fence panel support element configured to attach to the upper connection joint and to releasably hold an upper portion of the replaceable fence panel, thereby releasably holding the replaceable fence panel to the vertical post; and the replaceable fence panel comprising the lower portion and the upper portion,
  • the replaceable fence panel can be configured to be releasably held, respectively, by the lower fence panel support elements and the upper fence panel support elements at a desired height and desired angle determined individually relative to each to the vertical posts.
  • the lower fence panel support elements can comprise the two ends of a bottom rail extending between the two vertical posts, the bottom rail comprising a channel disposed in an upper surface of the bottom rail and sized to receive the replaceable fence panel
  • the upper fence panel support elements can comprise the two ends of an upper rail extending between the two vertical posts, the upper rail comprising an upper channel disposed in a lower surface of the upper rail and sized to receive the replaceable fence panel.
  • the lower and upper connection joints each can comprise a substantially round joint extending away from the vertical post and configured to join with a corresponding socket or channel in a side of the replaceable fence panel.
  • the substantially round joint can be a substantially round ball, a substantially round disc or otherwise as desired.
  • the connection joint can be vertically moveable relative to its vertical post to be positioned at multiple heights along the first vertical post such that the desired height and the desired angle can be variable relative to each of the vertical posts and can be set differently for each of the vertical posts.
  • connection joints can allow the corresponding rail to rotate in both a horizontal and a vertical direction.
  • the channels in each of the bottom rail and the upper rail can include a flexible centering element configured to accept and center a plurality of thicknesses of replaceable panels.
  • the flexible centering element can comprise an insert comprising a flexible strip material attached to the corresponding channel, can comprise the walls of the channel or be otherwise configured as desired.
  • the flexible strip material can comprise rubber, metal or plastic.
  • the vertical posts can comprise a vertical channel can be coupled to the corresponding connection joints.
  • a mounting plate can be coupled to a bottom end of each post.
  • the mounting plates can be configured to provide multiple connection angles between the mounting plate and the corresponding post.
  • a top cap can be coupled to a top end of each post.
  • the replaceable fence system can further comprise, a middle fence panel support element comprising a middle rail positioned between the lower and upper fence panel support elements, the middle rail can be coupled to the vertical posts, and having a channel on both a lower and an upper surface of the middle rail.
  • the middle rail channels can include a flexible centering element configured to accept and center a variety of thicknesses of replaceable panels.
  • the lower fence panel support elements and the one upper fence panel support elements can be integral with the replaceable fence panel and project from the replaceable fence panel into corresponding detents in the vertical posts.
  • the system further can comprise a plurality of different replaceable fence panels having at least one of different widths, materials or aesthetic features.
  • the present methods, systems, etc. include a replaceable fence system, comprising: first and second vertical posts; a bottom rail having a channel on an upper surface of the bottom rail configured to accept a variety of replaceable fence panels; a top rail positioned above the bottom rail and having a channel on a lower surface of the top rail configured to accept a variety of panels; first and second articulating connection joints respectively coupling the bottom rail to the first and second posts; and, third and fourth articulating connection joints respectively coupling the top rail to the first and second posts.
  • the articulating connection joints can allow for multiple connection angles between the corresponding rail and post in both a horizontal and a vertical direction, and can allow for multiple connection heights between the corresponding rail and post.
  • connection joints can comprise a ball and socket feature
  • the posts can be configured to provide multiple connection points for each of the corresponding articulating connection joints
  • the posts can comprise a vertical channel can be coupled to the corresponding articulating connection joints.
  • the system can further comprise a middle rail positioned between the bottom and top rails and having a channel on both a lower and an upper surface of the middle rail configured to accept a variety of panels; and fifth and sixth articulating connection joints respectively coupling the middle rail to the first and second posts,
  • connection joint for a replaceable fence system comprising a substantially round joint extending away from a base, the base configured to slidably engage a vertical channel in at least one of a fence post or a corresponding replaceable fence panel such that the base can be held at a plurality of heights within the channel, and the substantially round joint configured to releasably engage a detent in the other of the fence post and the corresponding replaceable fence panel such that the fence post or replaceable fence panel can be held at a plurality of angles, both horizontal and vertical, relative to the base.
  • the base can be substantially square or rectangular and the substantially round joint further can comprise two substantially opposed projections extending substantially laterally from the round joint such that the weight of the replaceable fence panel bears on the projections.
  • the substantially round joint can be a substantially round ball, a substantially round disc or otherwise as desired.
  • the present devices, etc. provide fence posts and/or replaceable fence panels comprising at least one connection joint, the connection joint comprising a substantially round joint extending away from the fence post, the substantially round ball joint configured to releasably engage a detent in a corresponding replaceable fence panel such that the replaceable fence panel can be held at a plurality of angles relative to the fence post.
  • the plurality of angles can comprise both horizontal and vertical angles, and the connection joint can be slidably engaged to the fence post to slide substantially axially along the fence post such that the replaceable fence panel can be maintained at a plurality of heights along the fence post.
  • the present discussion provides methods of making, using, adjusting, etc., a replaceable fence system.
  • Such methods can comprise, providing at least two fence posts; placing a first replaceable fence panel between the two fence posts and releasably connecting the first replaceable fence panel to the two vertical fence posts to create a fence; permitting the fence to remain in position as a fence for an extended period; removing the first replaceable fence panel from the two fence posts; and, placing a second replaceable fence panel between the two fence posts and releasably connecting the second replaceable fence panel to the two vertical fence posts to create a fence.
  • the methods further can comprise providing at least one additional fence post and placing at least one additional replaceable fence panel between one of the first two fence posts and the additional fence post.
  • the first replaceable fence panel can be placed at a different height and a different angle relative to the intervening fence post compared to the first replaceable fence panel.
  • the different height(s) and the different angle(s) can be effected via a connection joint comprising a substantially round joint releasably connecting the fence post and the replaceable fence panel.
  • the substantially round joint further can comprise a that can be base can be substantially square or rectangular and at least two substantially opposed projections extending substantially laterally from the round joint such that the weight of the replaceable fence panel bears on the projections.
  • the substantially round joint can be slidably connected to at least one of the fence post and the replaceable fence panel and the different height between the panels can be effected by sliding the substantially round joint to the desired level.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a top/bottom rail according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 2A is a side view of a base plate of a post according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 2B is a top view of a base plate of a post according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a top cap for a post according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 4A is a side view of a post according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 4B is a top view of a post according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIGS. 5A-C are various plan views of an articulating connector joint according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of a fence system according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of a fence system according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of rail connection angles according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of a non-articulating connector joint in a fence system according to an embodiment of the devices, methods and systems herein.
  • the replaceable panel fencing systems discussed herein comprise a post and panel support system that can be used to create fences, railings, gates, doors, dividers, enclosures and other similar uses.
  • the system comprises rigid or semi-rigid rails, tongues, projections (or other panel support elements) that hold replaceable fence panels such as full panels and pickets of various styles, materials, and thicknesses.
  • the panels are mounted with a connection joint between the post and panel that rigidly or variably holds the panel to the post, at a set or variety of angles and/or heights.
  • the rails and posts are configured to cooperatively permit easy replacement of panels held by the rails and/or posts, and to maintain the panels in a desired position despite changes in the level of the terrain (e.g., up or down), angling from one panel to the next, or otherwise as desired.
  • the posts, rails and connection joints of the system may be constructed from a wide variety of materials or combination of materials. These include, but are not limited to: various alloys of steel including mild steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel; various alloys of aluminum; plastics; fiberglass; rubber; and other materials that can hold the weight and load of a wide variety of panels.
  • various materials can be produced in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: roll-forming, extruding, casting, cold or hot forming, welding, gluing, molding, and milling.
  • the rails 10 of the system may be configured to hold a wide variety of thicknesses and types of fence panels and pickets without permanent fasteners (releasable fasteners can be used if desired).
  • Fence panels 12 may include, but are not limited to: wood, plastic, glass, fiberglass, metal, stone, stucco, foam and laminated boards, panels, pickets, and any combination of these.
  • the rails 10 may have a flexible centering element such as the sides of the channels 13 or an insert 14 within channel 13 that holds different thicknesses and types of panel material 12 securely in the rails.
  • the flexible centering insert 14 is typically either the channel itself or a rubber, plastic, metal or other flexible strip material attached to the rail 10 that conforms to the fence panels 12 .
  • the lower (or bottom) support elements may be configured to hold the panel off the ground and provide drainage of water from around the panel material.
  • the upper (or top) support elements hold the panel securely and may be removable for panel replacement.
  • Optional middle rails add strength and allow for multiple combinations of panels to be used.
  • the posts 20 of the system may be configured to connect to the ground or other supporting structure in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: direct burial in the ground; set in concrete filled holes; and welded, fastened or bolted to a supporting structure.
  • the posts 20 may also have a bottom plate 22 that bolts, fastens or is welded to a mounting plate that is designed to accommodate a wide variety of post placement angles.
  • the posts 20 may accommodate a wide variety of top caps 30 including, but not limited to: pressed; cast; molded; machined steel, aluminum, or plastic.
  • the top caps 30 may be attached to the posts 20 in a variety of methods including, but not limited to: glue, bolts, screws, pressed, or adhesive.
  • the posts 20 may be configured to allow the rails 10 to connect to the post at a variety of heights or levels.
  • the posts 20 may have axial, e.g., vertical, channels 40 or other features such that a connection joint 42 or connection portion of the panel can slide into or connect onto the post at any desired point along the height of the post.
  • the joint 42 can have at least two opposed projections 44 extending substantially laterally from the round joint such that the weight of the replaceable fence panel bears on the projections.
  • connection joints may incorporate a ball connector device 50 with the ball 46 sized for a socket or other detent, the ball connector device 50 comprising a substantially round ball 46 extending away from a base 48 that attaches solidly and typically slidably to the post 20 at various locations and allows the rails 10 to be attached at a variety of articulated angles and/or heights to the post.
  • the articulating connection joints 50 are designed to allow a connection from the rails 10 to the posts 20 at multiple angles which allows the system to accommodate a variety of terrain slopes and features, as well as a variety of layout configurations.
  • ball connector device 50 can comprise a round disk 49 instead of the round ball 46 .
  • Other geometric configurations for the connection joint can also be usefully employed, such as rods, cylinders, cones, ovate projections, etc.
  • the base plate 48 can be rectangular or square, or any other desired configuration such as ovate, semi-spherical, etc.
  • the system may also have non-articulating connection joints 90 that may be welded, screwed, bolted, glued, or other means of solidly attaching the rails 10 to upright posts 20 for situations that require them such as constructing gates or free standing divider panels with this system.
  • connection joints 90 may be welded, screwed, bolted, glued, or other means of solidly attaching the rails 10 to upright posts 20 for situations that require them such as constructing gates or free standing divider panels with this system.
  • permanent positioning elements such as glues or welding can be useful.
  • the joint itself can be non-articulating as in the upper right feature of FIG.
  • rail 10 is welded to post 20 at weld 80 and configured to receive a replaceable panel(s) (not shown in this figure); typically, such welds or other permanent connections of panel support element to the post is at the connection of the lower panel support element(s) to the posts so that the panels can be removed and replaced by lifting and lowering, although other configurations can be used if desired.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Fencing (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
US12/447,161 2006-10-25 2007-10-25 Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods Abandoned US20100025649A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/447,161 US20100025649A1 (en) 2006-10-25 2007-10-25 Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US85454206P 2006-10-25 2006-10-25
US12/447,161 US20100025649A1 (en) 2006-10-25 2007-10-25 Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods
PCT/US2007/022655 WO2008051601A2 (fr) 2006-10-25 2007-10-25 Systèmes et procédés de clôture à panneaux remplaçables

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100025649A1 true US20100025649A1 (en) 2010-02-04

Family

ID=39325198

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/447,161 Abandoned US20100025649A1 (en) 2006-10-25 2007-10-25 Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20100025649A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008051601A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120165664A1 (en) * 2010-12-27 2012-06-28 Hill Anthony D Refinement of an anatomical model using ultrasound
US8398058B2 (en) 2010-06-21 2013-03-19 Azek Building Products, Inc. Universal bracket
US20200318381A1 (en) * 2016-06-03 2020-10-08 N. Eric Knudsen Rail insert

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3035140B1 (fr) * 2015-04-16 2017-04-14 Aluminium Berthon Sintes Cloture notamment de type persienne
EP3399124B1 (fr) * 2017-05-03 2020-08-19 Kompan A/S Système de mur modulaire

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US481980A (en) * 1892-09-06 Fence
US1130287A (en) * 1914-10-19 1915-03-02 John Horvath Portable fence.
US3140858A (en) * 1962-08-24 1964-07-14 Albert W Westphal Fence assembly
US3711066A (en) * 1971-08-06 1973-01-16 L Niemiec Snap lock plastic fencing
US5452880A (en) * 1992-08-21 1995-09-26 Bailey; William Fence coupling

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2280687A (en) * 1993-07-19 1995-02-08 Kevin Barry Ramsbottom Replaceable fence post and coupling
GB2373260B (en) * 2001-03-08 2004-07-21 Heras Uk Fencing Systems Ltd Adjustable fence and method of assembly

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US481980A (en) * 1892-09-06 Fence
US1130287A (en) * 1914-10-19 1915-03-02 John Horvath Portable fence.
US3140858A (en) * 1962-08-24 1964-07-14 Albert W Westphal Fence assembly
US3711066A (en) * 1971-08-06 1973-01-16 L Niemiec Snap lock plastic fencing
US5452880A (en) * 1992-08-21 1995-09-26 Bailey; William Fence coupling

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8398058B2 (en) 2010-06-21 2013-03-19 Azek Building Products, Inc. Universal bracket
US20120165664A1 (en) * 2010-12-27 2012-06-28 Hill Anthony D Refinement of an anatomical model using ultrasound
US20200318381A1 (en) * 2016-06-03 2020-10-08 N. Eric Knudsen Rail insert

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008051601A2 (fr) 2008-05-02
WO2008051601A3 (fr) 2008-07-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7240388B2 (en) Adjustable quick disconnect portable wheel chair ramp
US20100025649A1 (en) Replaceable panel fencing systems and methods
US8844083B2 (en) Adjustable, modular handicap-access-ramp system
US7802351B2 (en) Compression post mount
US20200018082A1 (en) Formwork mechanism for casting and moulding concrete which comprises a coffer with a sheet and four plates disposed on the perimeter of the sheet
CN210341661U (zh) 一种t梁底纵横坡楔型块调节装置
US20060059636A1 (en) Modular platform, walkway or ramp
US10835059B2 (en) Fence panel display systems and methods
KR101952924B1 (ko) 난간 연결장치
KR101631566B1 (ko) 난간의 가로대 결합장치 및 이의 설치방법
JP2004316355A (ja) ガラス床用の支持構造
CN220318516U (zh) 一种用于公路桥梁的桩基加固装置
CN212801214U (zh) 一种桥面横断布置结构
CN220815156U (zh) 一种建筑施工用护栏
WO2009122164A1 (fr) Ensemble plate-forme
CN219316111U (zh) 一种天幕幕墙支撑结构
CN221073795U (zh) 一种便捷拆卸管理围栏
CN220301919U (zh) 地埋式园林护栏结构
US20240102608A1 (en) Foot plate
CN214006315U (zh) 一种房建阳台护栏结构
CN218092416U (zh) 一种施工现场安全施工防护栏
CN213897955U (zh) 一种自带支撑及固定的预制构件干法地暖模块
CN217054621U (zh) 一种稳定性能好的临时护栏
CN215471908U (zh) 一种装配式建筑预制飘窗混凝土模板
CN220621359U (zh) 一种基坑护栏

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION