WO2008031154A1

WO2008031154A1 - Modular fencing system

Info

Publication number: WO2008031154A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001350
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Carroll; Andrew Mackenzie
Original assignee: Vinidex Pty Limited
Priority date: 2006-09-14
Filing date: 2007-09-13
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: AU2007295945A1

Abstract

A modular fencing system; said system comprising: (a) lengths of flexible tubular rails, (b) a selection of fittings, (c) rigid support posts; characterised in that said fittings are adapted to interconnect and support said tubular rails at said support posts, and wherein said fencing comprises a lowermost rail, at least one intermediate rail and an uppermost rail. Also disclosed is a spacer element for use with the modular fencing system.

Description

MODULAR FENCING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to fencing and, more particularly, to post and rail fencing suitable for cattle and equine management , and other fencing applications.

BACKGROUND

Post and rail fences, for example for cattle and horse yards, traditionally have been constructed of timber, often rough-sawn from that available on the property. More recently, welded steel fabrication has also been used.

Both these materials and the methods of construction they dictate have disadvantages. For timber there is of course the deterioration due to weathering and the injury to both humans and animals from sharp edges of posts, and splinters. Steel fences are subject to rust and corrosion and once erected allow little opportunity for rearrangement or adjustment. Both require considerable labour to erect

It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate soma of the above disadvantages. Notes

1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of" .

2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. BRIKF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a modular fencing system; said system comprising: (a) lengths of flexible tubular rails,

(b) a selection of fittings,

(c) rigid support posts;

characterised in that said fittings are adapted to interconnect and support said tubular rails at said support posts, and wherein said fencing comprises a lowermost rail, at least one intermediate rail and an uppermost rail.

Preferably, interconnection between said lowermost rail, said at least one intermediate rail and said uppermost rail is provided exclusively at said support posts.

Preferably, separation between a first lower rail and a second upper rail is determined by vertically abutting ones of said fittings.

Preferably, said rails are formed of an extruded polymer.

Preferably, said fittings are injection moulded polymer fittings.

Preferably, said rigid support posts are of tubular steel.

Preferably, said polymer is polyethylene.

Preferably, said rails are extruded and prepared for use by cutting to length only,- cutting being to predetermined lengths to suit spacing between adjoining ones of said rigid support posts.

Preferably, said moulded polymer fittings include:

(a) a rail-end joiner,

(b) a rail support saddle (C) a top rail locking cap.

Preferably, rail elements each comprise a tubular rail section extending between, but not beyond, two adjacent said support posts,- said tubular rail section terminating at each end in a said rail-end joiner.

Preferably, said rail-end joiner comprises a connector sleeve portion and a projecting connector portion; said sleeve portion adapted to accept insertion of an end of a said rail section.

Preferably, said projecting connector portion comprises a half-cylindrical body projecting from a closed end wall of said connector sleeve portion,- said half-cylindrical body having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said connector sleeve portion.

Preferably, a said projecting connector portion of a first said rail-end joiner is adapted to interlock with a said projecting connector portion of a second said rail-end joiner.

Preferably, said projecting connector portion is provided with at least one projecting lug and a plurality of recesses in a flat surface of said half-cylindrical body,- said at least one projecting lug and said recesses providing interlocking structures of said rail-end joiners.

Preferably, said at least one projecting lug comprises two rectangular sectioned projecting lugs disposed transversely to, and symmetrically either side of the longitudinal axis of said rail-end joiner.

Preferably, said plurality of recesses includes a pair of rectangular section recesses; said pair disposed parallel to said longitudinal axis, and adjacent opposite edges of said flat surface; said recesses further including a pair of transverse rectangular sectioned recesses disposed symmetrically either side of said longitudinal axis and adjacent the outer end of said flat surface.

Preferably, connection between a said first rail-end joiner and a said second rail-end joiner is at 180 degrees.

Preferably, connection between a said first rail-end joiner and a said second rail-end joiner is at 90 degrees.

Preferably, said projecting connector portion is further provided with a through hole,- the axis of said through hole normal to said flat surface and intersecting said longitudinal axis,- said through hole having a diameter adapted to accept insertion therethrough of a said rigid support post.

Preferably, said rail support saddle comprises an integrally moulded tubular sleeve and arcuate saddle portion; said tubular sleeve having an internal diameter adapted to allow insertion therethrough of a said rigid support post; the bore of said sleeve extending through said saddle portion; said saddle portion having an internal diameter adapted to accept nesting of a said half- cylindrical projecting portion of a said rail-end joiner.

Preferably, said top rail locking cap comprises an integrally moulded shaft portion and an arcuate cap portion; said shaft portion having a diameter adapted for insertion into a tubular said rigid support post; said arcuate cap portion having an internal diameter adapted to accept nesting of a said half-cylindrical projecting portion of a said rail-end joiner. In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a modular fence; said method including the steps of :

(a) extruding and cutting to pre-determined lengths flexible tubular rails,

(b) fitting each end of said tubular rails with a rail-end joiner to form rail elements,

(c) erecting rigid support posts at predetermined intervals along a fence line,

(d) fitting a rail support saddle to each of said rigid support posts,

(e) assembling a first rail element between a first two adjacent said rigid support posts of a fence line by threading through-holes in said rail-end joiners over said posts; each said rail-end joiner nesting in a respective said rail support saddle.

Preferably, said method includes the further steps of repeating steps (a) to (d) of claim 22 for each panel of said fence line,- thereafter assembling a next said rail element for each successive pair of support posts of each said panel along said fence line so as to complete a first or bottom rail of said modular fence.

Preferably, rail-end joiners at opposite ends of a rail element are assembled to a tubular rail so that a flat surface of a lowermost projecting connector portion of a rail-end joiner at a first end faces downwards and a flat surface of an. uppermost projecting connector portion of a rail-end joiner at a second opposite end faces upwards,- said connector portions of adjacent rail elements forming an interlocking assembly of said rail-end joiners at each said support post.

Preferably, said method includes the further step of providing a next higher or intermediate rail of said modular fence; said method including the steps of:

(a) placing a first inverted rail support saddle over each assembly of said connector portions of said rail-end joiners at each of said support posts, and

<b) placing a second upright said rail support saddle over each said support post so that respective ends of sleeve portions of each said first inverted and said second upright rail support saddle are in abutment .

Preferably, providing a next higher or intermediate rail of εaid fence line includes the steps of assembling next higher or intermediate rail elements between successive pairs of adjacent said tubular support posts; each said interlocking assembly of said rail-end joiners nesting in a respective said upright rail support saddle.

Preferably, an uppermost rail of said fence line is assembled and secured to εaid .support posts; said method including the steps of: o

(a) repeating steps (a) and (b) of claim 25,

(b) assembling uppermost rail elements between successive pairs of adjacent said tubular support posts; each said interlocking assembly of said rail-end joiners nesting in a respective said upright rail support saddle, (c) inserting a shaft of a top rail locking cap into an upper end of each said support post so as to nest an arcuate cap portion of said locking cap against the surface of said uppermost projecting connector portions,

(d) driving a securing screw through each sleeve portion of a said upright support saddle below each interlocking assembly; said securing screw further driven through at least one wall of said supporting post and at least partly into said shaft of said top rail locking cap.

Preferably, a curved fence line is followed by said modular fence by introducing arcuate bends in individual rail elements between pairs of successive support posts; said bends facilitated by flexibility of said tubular rails.

Preferably, a 90 degree change of direction in a fence line is provided for at a selected support post by assembling adjoining projecting connector elements at 90 degrees.

According to a further broad form of the present invention there is provided a spacer for maintaining a space between rails of a fence, the spacer including: a tubular body having first and second open ends and adapted to receive a fence post therethrough; and a shoulder portion arranged at the first end of the body and extending transverse to the body, the shoulder portion having a shape which conforms to the exterior of a rail; wherein, in use, the shoulder portion abuts the exterior of a rail slidably connected to the fence post, and the body extends along the post so as to operatively maintain the rail in a desired position. Preferably, at least one spacer is provided in a kit which further includes at least one space extension member, wherein the space extension member includes a tubular body with opposed open ends, wherein the length between the opposed open ends is less than the length of the body of the spacer; wherein one or more space extension members can be selectively placed adjacent the second end of the spacer to provide increased spacing. The kit provides the advantage of allowing adaptability in spacing between rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a partially assembled section of a post and rail modular fencing system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rail-end joiner component of a rail element of the fencing system of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rail support saddle component of the system of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a top rail locking cap component of the system of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rail element assembly of the system of Figure 1, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a 180 degree junction of two of the rail element assemblies of Figure 5

Figure 7 iε a perspective partly exploded view of a top rail and intermediate rail junction at a 90 degree corner. Figure 8 is a front elevational view of a spacer in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the spacer of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a plan view of the spacer of Pig. 8;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the spacer of Fig. 8;

Figure 12 is a plan view of an extension member; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the extension member of Figure 12 ;

Figure 14 shows a fence employing the spacer of Fig. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The fencing system of the present invention provides for a "post and rail" type fence assembly 100, a partly assembled section of which is shown in Figure l . Fence assembly 100 includes upright steel support posts 40 and high density polyethylene or similar material tubular rails 62, suitable for livestock containment and management as well as for other fencing applications.

Fences around holding paddocks and yards will typically comprise a lowermost rail, at least one intermediate rail and an uppermost rail strung between adjoining support posts. The tubular rails of the present system are sufficiently flexible to allow arcuate bending of a rail element between adjoining support posts so as to permit curved fence lines or circular animal enclosures. The present system includes various injection moulded fittings, also of high density polyethylene or similar material, which may be assembled with lengths of tubular rails in. various ways, depending on' the particular arrangement of fences and yards, and the number of rails required. These posts, raxls and fittings will be described individually, with following descriptions of their combination for various applications. Support Poete Support posts 40 (shown by dashed lines in Figure 1) are of a rigid material, preferably tubular steel, and preferably with an outside diameter of 60τnm and with 2.3mm wall. The length of posts for a particular installation is sufficient to embed the post in the ground or in a. concrete base, with the top of the post reaching to just below the upper surface of the top rail .

Tubular Rails

The rails 62 of the present system comprise lengths of flexible tubing, in a preferred form being extruded high density polyethylene or similar material tubing. Lengths may preferably be pre-cut as they emerge from an extruder, to suit a design for a livestock management yard or length of fencing. Rails 62 of the present system extend only between adjoining upright support posts 40, and are not drilled to provide any holes along a rail length. There is no need and no provision in the system, for any interconnection between the rails making up one fence panel between adjacent support posts, other than at the support posts.

Rails 62 are of relatively large diameter, preferably 110mm outside diameter with heavy 6.5mm wall section, providing strength and yet sufficient flexibility to allow arcuate bending of rail lengths where it is desired to construct a circular holding or training yard for example.

Rail-End Joiners

With reference to Figure 2, a rail-end joiner 10 comprises a cylindrical connector sleeve portion 12 and a projecting connector portion 14. Sleeve portion 12 is closed at an inner end 16, with projecting connector portion 14 projecting from end wall 18. Projecting connector portion 14 comprises a half cylindrical body somewhat smaller in diameter than the diameter of sleeve portion 12. A through hole 20, of diameter adapted to accept a support post 40 (as can be seen in Figures 1, 6 and 7), is provided through projecting connector portion 14 with its axis normal to flat surface 22 and intersecting the longitudinal axis 28 of the rail-end connector 10.

Preferably through hole 20 is structured with radial ribs 24 , at least at two points on its periphery, the ends of ribs 24 terminating at the diameter of hole 20. Ribs 24 provide for some flexibility within the confines of hole 20 so as to allow insertion of a rigid, preferably steel, support post as a mild interference fit.

Projecting upwardly from the flat surface 22 of the half cylindrical body of connector portion 14, are a pair of rectangular section connector lugs 26 disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis 28 of rail end connector 10, and symmetrically on either side of the axis 28. The half cylindrical body of connector portion 14 is further provided with a pair of transverse rectangular section recesses 30 at outer end 32, also symmetrically disposed on either side of axis 28. Two further longitudinal recesses 33 and 34 are provided, disposed along opposite side edges of flat surface 22.

It can be seen, for example in Figures 1 and 7, that two of the rail-end joiners 10 detailed in Figure 2, may be interconnected by placing the flat surface 22 of the projecting connector portion 14A of a first rail end joiner, surface to surface with the flat surface 22 of the connector portion 14B of a second joiner. If the two joiners are so placed with their longitudinal axes aligned (as in Figure 1) , the raised lugs 24 of each will be inserted into the transverse recesses 28 of the other. If on the other hand the axes of the two joiners are at 90 degrees (as shown in Figure 7) , then the raised lugs 24 of each will be inserted into one of the longitudinal recesses 33 or 34 of the other.

When two rail end joiners 14A and 14B are placed together in either of these two alignments, through hole 20 of each will be axially aligned, so that a steel support post 40 may pass through the projecting connector portion

14 of each joiner 10, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7.

Rail Support Saddle with reference to Figure 3, a rail support saddle 42 of the fencing system according to the invention, comprises an integral moulding of a sleeve portion 44 and a concave saddle portion 46. The internal diameter of through hole 48, is such as to allow rail support saddles 42 to slide over a steel support post 40 (as may be seen in Figures 1 and 7) . The internal diameter of concave saddle portion 46 is equal to the outer diameter of the projecting connector portion 14 of rail-end joiners 10, described above.

Sleeve portions 44 may be provided in a range of lengths to allow for a selection of spacing between rails when two rail support saddles are abutted as shown in Figures 1 and 7. Separation between a first lower rail and a second upper rail is determined by the vertical abutting of two oppositely oriented rail support saddles.

Sleeve portion 44 may also be provided with one or more securing holes 49 so as to allow the locking of a rail support saddle 42 to a steel support post 40 by means of a suitable fastener (s) . Top Rail Locking Cap

Also included in the fencing system of the present invention is a top rail locking cap 50 as shown in Figure 4. Top rail locking cap 50 comprises an integrally moulded 5 shaft portion 52 and an arcuate cap portion 54. Shaft portion 52 is of an outer diameter adapted to slide into the bore of a support post 40 as indicated in Figures i and 7. The length of shaft portion 52 is sufficient to extend through both projecting connector portions 14A and 14B of

10 an assembly of two rail-end connectors 10, and into the region of the sleeve portion 44 of a rail support saddle 42, when assembled rail-end connectors 10 are nested in a support saddle 42.

Arcuate cap portion 54 has an internal diameter equal

]5 to that of the half-cylinder projecting connector portion 14 of a rail-end joiner 10 as described above.

MODULAR ASSEMBLIES Rail Elements 0 With reference to Figure 5, a rail element 60 is comprised of a pre-cut length of extruded tubular rail 62, and two rail-end connectors 1OA and 1OB respectively assembled to each end of the length of tubular rail 62. Rail-end connectors 1OA and 1OB at opposite ends of a5 tubular rail 62, are assembled to the rail so that the flat surface 22A of projecting connector portion 14A a.t one end is at 180 degrees to the flat surface 22B of the connector portion 14B at the other end. This is to allow a rail of a fence can to be assembled sequentially. 0 Ends of length of extruded tubular rail 62 may be inserted into sleeve portions 12A and 12B of rail-end connectors 1OA and IOB as a press fit, with or without a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, suitable fasteners may be driven trough sleeve portions 12A and 12B and into tubular rail 62 to secure the rail-end joiners to the rail.

Lowermost or Intermediate Rail Junctions at 180 degrees After support posts 40 have been erected at the designed interval along a proposed fence line, base supports are placed over the posts 40 ready to receive the rail elements 60 of the lowermost rail shown in Figure 1. Rail elements 60 of the lowermost rail are progressively added at successive panels of the fence assembly 100, so that adjoining projecting connector portions 14A and 14B of rail-end connectors 10 combine to form cylindrical assemblies 68 nested in the base supports 42 as can be seen in Figure 6. With reference to Figures 1 and 6, for an intermediate rail, firstly inverted rail support saddles 42 are placed over support posts 40 to nest over the cylindrical assemblies 68 of the rail below (the lowermost rail described above if the intermediate rail is the next higher rail) . Next, upright support saddles 42 are placed over the support posts so that the ends of the sleeve portions 44 of the inverted and upright saddles 42, abut as can be seen in Figure 1. Rail elements 60 are then progressively added to form the intermediate rail as described above.

Top Rail Junctions at 180 degrees The top rail is added in the same manner as an intermediate rail as described above. In this case, as can be seen in Figure 1, the support posts 40 will now no longer project above the cylindrical assemblies 68 formed by interconnected rail-end connectors 14A and 14B, with the upper ends 41 of the support posts 40 located just below the upper surface of the uppermost half cylindrical body, that is, projecting connector portion 14B.

Top locking caps 50 are now assembled to the top rail by inserting their shafts 52 into the bores of the support posts 40, and nesting the arcuate caps 54 onto the uppermost connector portion 14B. Because the length of the shaft 52 is such that it extends into the sleeve portion 44 of the upright rail support saddle 42 immediately under the top rail, a securing screw or screws 70 (as shown in Figure

7) can be driven through the outer wall of the sleeve portion 44, at least one wall of the support post 40 and into the shaft 52 of the cap 50.

Top Rail Junctions at 90 degrees

With reference to Figures I₁ a top rail junction at 90 degrees at a corner post may be formed from the two rail- end joiners IOA and 1OB of two rail elements 6OA and 60B, a rail support saddle 42 and a top locking cap 50 all assembled to a steel post 40.

Support saddle 42 is' placed over support post 40 to rest on the inverted support saddle previously assembled over the rail below, such that the projecting portion of the post above saddle portion 46, is sufficient to engage • with both projecting connector portions 14A and 14B of the two rail-end joiners 1OA and 1OB, but not project above the surface of the upper projecting connector portion 14B.

Following placement of support saddle 42 over support post 40, rail element 6OA is assembled to the support post (not shown) of the fence panel to the left of the corner, and to support post 40 at the corner. Rail element 62B is then assembled to the support post (not shown) of the fence panel to the right of the corner and to support post 40 at the corner. Lastly the shaft portion 52 of top rail locking cap 50 is forced into the bore of the post 40 and snugged down onto the uppermost connector portion 14B. A fastener 70 may then be driven trough sleeve portion 44, at least one wall of support post 40 and into shaft portion 52.

Lowermost or intermediate Rail Junction at 90 degrees

Figure 7 also shows the assembly of components for a 90 degree join of a lowermost or intermediate rail at a corner .support post 40. Here the arrangement is similar to that described for top rail junction above, but now two rail support saddles 42 are used, one below to support the connected rail end joiners 14A and 14B as before, and the other above, providing a spacer for location of an abutting rail support saddle of the next higher or top rail. Ends Of Fences and Gate Posts

In one form free standing ends of a fence line, or gate posts at either side of a gate opening may be formed by use of simple abutment of the fencing arrangement as illustrated in Fig 14.

In Use

The post and rail assembly of the present invention provides numerous advantages over conventional timber or steel construction. These advantages include: • Reduced injury to livestock from collisions with the fence due to its smooth surfaces and its flexibility and resilience at impact,

• Ease and speed of assembly,

• Maintenance free, • No purchase for gnawing by animals and nontoxic

• Non-corrosive Further preferred embodiment

With reference to Figs 8 to 14 there will now be described a further preferred embodiment of a spacer and a fence assembly arising from its application. Figs. 8-11 show a spacer 110 having a tubular body 112 with, open opposing ends 114, 116. The tubular body 112 can have a length of lOOπun, although different lengths could be used. Arranged at one of the open ends 114 is a shoulder portion 118 which extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the tubular body 112. The shoulder portion 118 is shaped such that it conforms with the exterior of a fence rail so that the shoulder portion 118 can abut the fence rail in use. In the spacer HO shown, the shoulder portion llβ has an arcuate shape for abutting a tubular rail of circular cross-section.

As will be appreciated, the spacer 110 can have a conveniently unitary structure. As such the spacer no can be manufactured by molding, or other suitable techniques, and be made from many suitable materials, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) .

In Figs 12 and 13, there is shown an extension member 120. The extension member 120 is effectively a short tubular structure and can be manufactured using the same type of materials and techniques as the spacer 110. The length of the extension member 120 is intended to be much smaller than the spacer 110. For example, where the spacer 110 has a length of 100mm, the extension member 120 could have a length of about 20mm. In use, the extension member 120 can be selectively arranged next to the open end 116 of the spacer 110 opposite the shoulder portion 118, thereby effectively providing an overall longer tubular spacing. More extension members 120 can be added depending upon the desired spacing length required. In practice, a number of spacers 110 and extension members 120 would be provided as a kit.

In Fig. 14 there is shown a portion of fencing 130 utilising the spacers 110. The fence 130 includes fence posts 132 driven into a ground surface and three cylindrical fence rails 134, 136, 138 which have holes to receive the fence posts 132 and allow the rails 134, 136, 138 to be mounted onto the posts 132. When forming the fence, a spacer 110a is first fitted onto and slid down the fence post 132 by having the fence post 132 received through the tubular body 112. The first open end 116 abuts the ground and the shoulder portion 118 is spaced above the ground to receive the bottom fence rail 134, as shown. Thus the bottom fence rail 134 is spaced from the ground by 100mm. If a longer spacing is required between the ground and the bottom rail 134, one or more extension members 120 could be initially filled onto and slid down the fence post 132 before fitting the spacer HOa.

After the bottom rail 134 is positioned and abutting the bottom spacer 110a, two more spacers HOb, 110c are fitted. The first spacer llOb has its shoulder portion 118 lowermost for abutting the bottom rail 134, and the second spacer 110c has its shoulder portion 118 uppermost for receiving and abutting the middle rail 136. In this arrangement a combined spacing of 200mm is provided between the bottom and middle rails 134, 136. If further spacing is required between the rails 134, 136, then one or more extension members 120 can be arranged between the spacers HOb, 110c. A similar arrangement of spacers 11Od, 11Oe, with any required extension members 120, is provided between the middle and upper rails 136, 138. The above describee only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular fencing system; εaid system comprising:

(a) lengths of flexible tubular rails,

(b) a selection of fittings,

(c) rigid support posts j

2. The system of claim 1 wherein interconnection between said lowermost rail, said at least one intermediate rail and said uppermost rail is provided exclusively at said support posts .

3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein separation between a first lower rail and a second upper rail is determined by vertically abutting ones of said fittings .

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said rails are formed of an extruded polymer.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein εaid fittings are injection moulded polymer fittings.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said rigid support posts are of tubular steel.

7. The system of claim 4 or 5 wherein said polymer is polyethylene.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said rails are extruded and prepared for use by cutting to length only; cutting being to predetermined lengths to suit spacing between adjoining ones of said rigid support posts.

9. The system of any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein said moulded polymer fittings include:

(a) a rail-end joiner,

(b) a rail support saddle

(c) a top rail locking cap.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein rail elements each comprise a tubular rail section extending between, but not beyond, two adjacent said support posts; said tubular rail section terminating at each end in a said rail-end joiner.

11. The system of claim 9 or 10 wherein said rail-end joiner comprises a. connector sleeve portion and a projecting connector portion; said sleeve portion adapted to accept insertion of an end of a said rail section.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said projecting connector portion comprises a half-cylindrical body projecting from a closed end wall of said connector sleeve portion; said half-cylindrical body having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said connector sleeve portion.

13. The syste™. of clairr. 11 or 12 wherein a said projecting connector portion of a first said rail-end joiner is adapted to interlock with a said projecting connector portion of a second said rail-end joiner.

14. The system of any one of claims Ii to 13 wherein said projecting connector portion is provided with at least one projecting lug and a plurality of recesses in a flat .surface of said half-cylindrical body; said at least one projecting lug and said recesses providing interlocking structures of said rail-end joiners.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein said at least one projecting lug comprises two rectangular sectioned projecting lugs disposed transversely to, and symmetrically either side of the longitudinal axis of said rail-end joiner.

16. The system of claim 14 or 15 wherein said plurality of recesses includes a pair of rectangular section recesses; said pair disposed parallel to said longitudinal' axis, and adjacent opposite edges of said flat surface; said recesses further including a pair of transverse rectangular sectioned recesses disposed symmetrically either side of said longitudinal axis and adjacent the outer end of said flat surface.

17. The system of any one of claims 9 to 15 wherein connection between a said first rail-end joiner and a said second rail -end joiner is at ISO degrees.

18. The system of any one of claims 9 to 15 wherein connection between a said first rail-end joiner and a said second rail-end joiner is at 90 degrees.

19. The system of any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein said projecting connector portion is further provided with a through hole; the axis of said through hole normal to said flat surface and intersecting said longitudinal axis,- said through hole having a diameter adapted to accept insertion therethrough of a. said rigid support post.

20. The system of any one of claims 12 to 19 wherein said rail support saddle comprises an integrally moulded tubular sleeve and arcuate saddle portion; said tubular sleeve having an internal diameter adapted to allow insertion therethrough of a said rigid support post; the bore of said sleeve extending through said saddle portion; said saddle portion having an internal diameter adapted to accept nesting of a said half- cylindrical projecting portion of a said ra.il-end joiner.

21. The system of any one of claims 12 to 20 wherein said top rail locking cap comprises an integrally moulded shaft portion and an arcuate cap portion; said shaft portion having a diameter adapted for insertion into a tubular said rigid support post; said arcuate cap portion having an internal diameter adapted to accept nesting of a said half-cylindrical projecting portion of a said rail-end joiner.

22. A method of erecting a modular fence,- said method including the steps of:

(a) extruding and cutting to pre-determined lengths flexible tubular rails,

(c) erecting rigid support posts at predetermined intervals along a fence line,

(d) fitting a rail support saddle to each of said rigid support posts, (e) assembling a first rail element between a, first two adjacent said rigid support posts of a fence line by threading through-holes in said rail-end joiners over said posts; each said rail-end joiner nesting in a respective said rail support saddle.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said method includes the further steps of repeating steps (a) to (d) of claim 22 for each panel of said fence line; thereafter assembling a next said rail element for each successive pair of support posts of each said panel along said fence line so as to -complete a first or bottom rail of said modular fence .

24. The method of claim 22 or 23 wherein rail-end joiners at opposite ends of a rail element are assembled to a tubular rail so that a flat surface of a lowermost projecting connector portion of a rail-end joiner at a first end faces downwards and a flat surface of an uppermost projecting connector portion of a rail -end joiner at a second opposite end faces upwards,- said connector portions of adjacent rail elements forming an interlocking assembly of said rail-end joiners at each said support post.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein said method includes the further step of providing a next higher or intermediate rail of said modular fence; said method including the steps of :

(a) placing a first inverted rail support saddle over each assembly of said connector portions of said rail-end joiners at each of said support posts, and (b) placing a second upright said rail support saddle over each said support post so that respective ends of sleeve portions of each, said first inverted and said second upright rail support saddle are in abutment .

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein providing a next higher or intermediate rail of said fence line includes the steps of assembling next higher or intermediate rail elements between successive pairs of adjacent said tubular support posts; each said interlocking assembly of said rail- end joiners nesting in a respective said upright rail support saddle .

27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26 wherein an uppermost rail of said fence line is assembled and secured to said support posts,- said method including the steps of:

(a) repeating steps (a) and (b) of claim 25,

(b) assembling uppermost rail elements between successive pairs of adjacent said tubular support posts; each said interlocking assembly of said rail-end joiners nesting in a respective said upright rail support saddle,

(c) inserting a shaft of a top rail locking cap into an upper end of each said support post so as to nest an arcuate cap portion of said locking cap against the surface of said uppermost projecting connector portions,

28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein a curved fence line is followed by said modular fence by introducing arcuate bends in individual rail elements between pairs of successive support posts; said bends facilitated by flexibility of said tubular rails.

29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein a 90 degree change of direction in a fence line is provided for at a selected support post by assembling adjoining projecting connector elements at 90 degrees .

30. A modular fencing system as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. A spacer for maintaining a space between rails of a fence, said spacer including:

a tubular body having first and second open ends and adapted to receive a fence post there through; and

a shoulder portion arranged at the first end of said body and extending transverse to said body, said shoulder portion having a shape which conforms to the exterior of a rail,-

wherein, in use, said shoulder portion abuts the exterior of a rail slidably connected to said fence post, and said body extends along said post so as to operatively maintain the rail in a desired position.

32. The spacer according to claim 31, wherein said spacer is integrally formed.

33. The spacer according to claim 32, wherein said spacer is formed of PVC.

34. A spacer kit for maintaining a space between rails of a fence, said kit including:

at least one spacer according to any one of the preceding claims ,- and

at least one space extension member, wherein said space extension member includes a tubular body with opposed open ends, wherein the length between said opposed open ends is less than the length of the body of said spacer,- wherein one or more space extension members can be selectively placed adjacent the second end of said spacer to provide increased spacing.

35. The spacer kit according to claim 34, wherein said space extension member is formed of PVC-