Patent Application
20210025194
The present application relates to the field of fencing systems, and more particularly to fence support structures and fence gates.
Fencing systems are used to create a land enclosure through artificial barriers. Fence systems generally have a vertical fence post that is secured to the ground by partially burying one end of the post underground and then securing the buried end with poured concrete. Firmly anchored to the ground, the vertical fence post serves as structural support for further fence attachments. In some fence systems, horizontal struts (typically two or three) are a mounted between a pair of vertical fence posts wherein a plurality of fence boards are mounted vertically along the horizontal struts. The arrangement of the plurality of fence boards form a planar barrier spanning between the two vertical fence posts via the horizontal struts.
While this system is widely used in constructing fences, this system has several drawbacks. To construct this system, a craftsman must make careful alignment of the horizontal struts with respect to corresponding vertical posts to ensure that the plurality of fence boards stand vertically as well as forming a plane perpendicular to the horizon. Furthermore, the craftsman must ensure careful alignment of each fence board among the plurality of fence boards to ensure each board is positioned vertically and properly spaced against adjacent fence boards to prevent an unsightly crooked alignment. The required careful alignment of this system is a burden in time and manpower for the craftsman, thus an improved fencing system is desired that allows quick alignment of fencing members to quickly construct of a fence.
Embodiments of the present application disclose a method and system of a fence post assembly. In one embodiment of the present application, an assembly is provided comprising: a vertical member, wherein the vertical member has a first end and a second end, the vertical member having a plurality of faces; one or more channel rails coupled correspondingly to one or more faces of the plurality of faces, the channel rail extending between the first end and the second end, the channel rail including a plurality of mating apertures; and an array of mating apertures running along the one or more channel rails for coupling a plurality of rails.
In another embodiment, a fence post assembly is provided comprising: a first vertical member, wherein the vertical member has a first end and a second end, the vertical member having a plurality of faces; a second vertical member, wherein the second vertical member has a first end and a second end, the vertical member having a plurality of faces; one or more channel rails coupled correspondingly to one or more faces of the plurality of faces of the first vertical member; one or more channel rails coupled correspondingly to one or more faces of the plurality of faces of the second member; wherein at least one channel among the one or more channel rails of the first vertical member and the second vertical member face one another; each channel rail of the one or more channel rails of the first vertical member and the one or more channel rails of the second vertical member extending between the first end and the second end, each channel rail including a plurality of mating apertures; and a plurality of rails positioned between the first vertical member and the second vertical member according to the at least one channel among the one or more channels rails of the first vertical member and the second vertical member facing one another, the plurality of rails coupled the corresponding channel rails via the plurality of mating apertures.
Ultimately the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art.
The more important features have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and to ensure that the present contribution to the art is appreciated. Additional features will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.
Many objects of the present application will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present application in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the various purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application.
The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
While the embodiments and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.
Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the embodiments described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.
The system and method in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with traditional fence systems. In particular, the system of the present application is a fence system that comprise a plurality of vertical posts each having a set of vertical mating channels where opposing vertical mating channels corresponding to two vertical posts of the plurality of fence posts serves as a placement guide for a plurality of rails stacked horizontally along the corresponding mating channels between the two vertical posts. The opposing vertical mating channels restricts motion of the plurality of rails along the mating channel prior to fastening the plurality of boards to the respective vertical posts, thus allowing for quick alignment and construction of the fence assembly. An advantage of this system is not only a reduction time for constructing the fence assembly, but also a reduction in materials as horizontal struts generally needed for securing the plurality of fence boards are no longer required since the present invention utilizes the plurality of fence boards as horizontal struts between the two vertical posts. Further embodiments of the present application include a gate assembly utilizing an opposing set of vertical mating channels in similar form and fashion of the disclosed fence system, wherein the gate assembly is configured to integrate with the fence system disclosed herein. These and other unique features of the system are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The system and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system may be presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.
The system and method of the present application is illustrated in the associated drawings. As used herein, “system” and “assembly” are used interchangeably. As used herein, a “fastener” is a rod-like hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more members together through a respective concentric set of apertures. For example, a fastener can be a screw, bolt, nail, stud, dowel, rivet, staple, etc. in conjunction with any applicable nuts and washers generally known in the art of fastening. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Additional features and functions are illustrated and discussed below.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views.
Referring now to
In
In this embodiment, a first end of vertical member 101 (i.e., member end 106) and a portion thereof (i.e., length 104) is submerged in a foundation, wherein the foundation can include, but is not limited to, ground/dirt, a hole in the ground filled with poured concrete, a mobile concrete block, etc. In this embodiment, length 104 is a length along vertical member 101 bounded by member end 106 and a first end of channel rail 103 (i.e., channel end 110)
In some embodiments, vertical member 101 has set of apertures (i.e., foundation apertures 107a) located on opposing planar faces of vertical member 101 and are located on the portion of vertical member 101 (length 104) that is intended for submersion in the foundation (i.e. member end 106). In other words, foundation apertures 107a are located within length 104 measuring from the first end of vertical member 101 (i.e., member end 106) to a first end of channel rail 103 (i.e., channel end 110). Various sizes of foundation apertures 107a are contemplated. In one embodiment, foundation apertures 107a allow for material of the foundation to enter into vertical member 101 via foundation apertures 107a to structurally connect vertical member 101 with the foundation (i.e., concrete enters foundation apertures 107a, thereby locking vertical member 101 with the foundation). In a further embodiment, a set of foundation apertures 107a are concentrically positioned across opposing planar faces to allow foundation support bar 129 to pass through the set of apertures. In this embodiment, a user passes foundation support bar 129 (e.g., rebar) through vertical member 101 via a set of foundation apertures 107a, then submerges the first end of vertical member 101 and portions thereof into a foundation, wherein the foundation support bar adds structural stability in keeping vertical member 101 vertical.
In a further embodiment, vertical member 101 has a set of apertures (i.e., foundation apertures 107b) located on adjacent planar faces of foundation apertures 107b. Foundation apertures 107b has similar form and function as foundation apertures 107a. In a further embodiment, foundation apertures 107b are offset a distance other than a distance locating foundation apertures 107a from the first end of vertical member 101. In other words, a set of foundation apertures 107b and set of foundation apertures 107a are positioned such that a first foundation support bar passing through the set of foundation apertures 107b do not intersect with a second foundation support bar passing through the set of foundation apertures 107a (see aperture 107a and aperture 107b configuration illustrated in
In this embodiment, channel rail 103 is a metal member that forms a rectangular U-shaped channel with vertical member 101, wherein the U-shaped channel serves as a mating channel for aligning and mounting a plurality of rails 127, such as fence boards for example (see
In some embodiments, channel rail 103 is welded (e.g., tack, spot, or step) to vertical member 101. In another embodiment, channel rail 103 and vertical member 101 are formed together as an integrated component through casting in a single pour mold. It is also understood that the mating apertures 109a, although shown having equidistant spacing and concentric opposing aperture alignment, such is not required. Mating apertures 109a on opposing sides of channel rail 103 may be staggered out of alignment to permit a fastener to pass into rail 127 by only engaging a single aperture 109a. Additionally, the spacing vertically of mating apertures 109a may be varied along the length of vertical member 101 in accordance with particular rails 127 or design constraints.
For embodiments wherein vertical member 101 is hollow, a further embodiment includes endcap 105, wherein endcap 105 is a removable endcap that covers a hollow opening at the second end of vertical member 101. In this embodiment, endcap 105 can be, but is not limited to, plastic or metal. In this embodiment, endcap 105 fits concentrically within a hollow opening (i.e., hollow opening 114; see
Referring now to
In this embodiment, configuration 200 is a configuration for vertical post 100 wherein the vertical post serves as an end post of a fence system such that any mounted plurality of rails to vertical post 100 only splay outwards in one direction. In this configuration, only one mating channel (i.e., a U-shaped channel formed by channel rail 103) is attached to vertical member 101. In other words, vertical post 100 illustrated in
Referring now to
In this embodiment, configuration 300 is a configuration for vertical post 100 wherein the vertical post serves as a corner post of a fence system such that any mounted plurality of rails to vertical post 100 splay outwards in two directions according to two mating channels configured to a quadrilateral cross section of vertical member 101, wherein the two directions are not in line. For example, in one embodiment, the two mating channels are configured 90 degrees apart such as shown in
Referring now to
In this embodiment, configuration 400 is a configuration for vertical post 100 wherein the vertical post serves as a mid-post of a fence system such that any mounted plurality of rails to vertical post 100 splay outwards in two directions according to two mating channels configured, wherein the two directions are in line. For example, in one embodiment, the two mating channels are configured 180 degrees apart such as shown in
In a further embodiment, a configuration for vertical post 100 can have a combination of configuration 300 and configuration 400. For example, vertical post 100 can have a configuration having three mating channels that splay in three directions, thus forming a “T” junction for a fence assembly. In another example, vertical post 100 can have a configuration having four mating channels that splay in four directions, thus forming a “+” junction for a fence assembly.
Referring now to
In this embodiment, configuration 500 is a configuration for vertical post 100 wherein the vertical post serves as a latch post of a fence system such that a gate having a latch can latch to vertical post 100 via a gate latch punchout according to configuration 500. Configuration 500 include aperture 113, wherein aperture 113 is a gate latch punchout. In further embodiments, a vertical post utilizing configuration 500 is combinable with configurations 200, 300, and 400, but is limited to having at most three mating channels splaying in three directions with no mating channel on a face of vertical member 101 having aperture 113.
Referring now to
In this embodiment, configuration 600 is a configuration for vertical post 100 wherein the vertical post serves as a hinge post of a fence system such that a gate having a hinge is mountable to vertical post 100 via a hinge bracket according to configuration 600. Configuration 600 include hinge bracket 115, wherein hinge bracket 115 has aperture 117 such that a hinge of a gate pivots with respect to aperture 117. See
Referring now to
In this embodiment, channel cap 119 is a rectangular U-shaped member that covers the second end of channel rail 103 that forms a mating channel. Channel cap 119 adds further stability by preventing rails from sliding out of the mating channel. Furthermore, Channel cap 119 adds weather protection to portions of rails mounted within the mating channel. Channel cap 119 has a set of opposing apertures (i.e., mating apertures 109b), wherein the opposing apertures mount via a fastener with a corresponding set of mating apertures 109a located towards the second end of channel rail 103 (i.e., channel end 112). In this embodiment, channel rail 103 that form the mating channel fit concentrically within the U-shaped body of channel cap 119.
Referring now to
In this embodiment, brace 121 is a support strap for securing a plurality of rails, thus preventing the plurality of rails from warping. Brace 121 comprises hook member portion, wherein the hook member is a metal hook-shaped member that positions around a rail among a plurality of rails (see rail 127 in
Referring now to
In this embodiment, spacer 125 is an object that serves as a separator between a plurality of rails within a mating channel formed by channel rail 113. Dimensions of spacer 125 are confined so as to allow spacer 125 to fit within the mating channel, however, in alternative embodiments, various heights of spacer 125 are contemplated to allow various separations between the plurality of rails. In some embodiments, spacer 125 is assembled as part as a permanent structure of the fence assembly. In an alternate embodiment, spacer 125 is removable once spacing between the plurality of rails is acquired and the plurality of rails are fastened to channel rail 103. Spacer 125 is further illustrated in
Referring now to
In this embodiment, fence assembly 1000 is an example setup demonstrating an assembly method using a simple two vertical post layout. In this example, two vertical posts 100 utilizing configuration 200 are employed.
To construct fence assembly 1000, a user locates a plurality of fence posts such that a vertical member (i.e., vertical member 101) of each fence post is oriented in a vertical orientation on a foundation, wherein a channel rail (i.e., channel rail 103) of a first fence post faces towards a channel rail of a second post.
The user anchors each vertical post to a foundation, wherein each vertical post has a mating channel (formed by channel rail 103) aligned and facing a mating channel of an opposing vertical post. In this example, the user anchors each vertical post to a foundation by digging a set of post holes (i.e., post holes 130) in a foundation (i.e. foundation 131), wherein the set of post holes correspond to each vertical post 100. In this example, the user digs a set of post holes to any desired depth such that a diameter of the set of post holes accommodates a length of foundation support bar. The distance between the set of post holes should be no greater than corresponding lengths of a plurality rails to be used for the fence assembly. In this example, the user inserts a set of foundation support bar (i.e., foundation support bar 129) through each vertical member 101 respective to each vertical post 100 via foundation apertures 107a and foundation apertures 107b. The user then submerges a first end of vertical member 101 (i.e., member end 106) and portions thereof to include foundation support bar 129 (i.e., length 104) of each vertical post into the corresponding set of post holes while ensuring vertical member 101 is vertical with respect to the horizon. The user completes the anchoring process by filling each respective post hole with a foundation filler (i.e., cement/concrete, dirt, gravel, etc.).
The user locates a plurality of rails (i.e., rails 127) between the first fence post and the second post based on the channel rail of the first fence post and the channel rail of the second fence post, wherein the plurality of rails form a planar barrier based on the channel rail of the first fence post and the channel rail of the second fence post. In some embodiments, a user locates a set of spacers (i.e. spacers 125) within the channel rail of the first fence post and a set of spacers within the channel rail of the second fence post, wherein each spacer is located between a set of boards of the plurality of boards.
The user then conjoins the plurality of rails to the channel rail of the first fence post and the channel rail of the second fence post based on an array of mating apertures (i.e., mating apertures 109a) corresponding to the channel rail of the first fence post and the channel rail of the second fence post. The user conjoins the plurality of rails using a plurality of fasteners.
In some embodiments, a user locates a set of braces (i.e., hook member 121) across the plurality of rails, wherein the set of braces add structural support to the plurality of rails and prevents the plurality of rails from warping. The set of braces are conjoined to the plurality of boards via mating apertures 123. In some embodiments, the set of braces overlap (illustrated in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, vertical member 132 has a hole punchout (i.e., aperture 135 as seen in
In an alternate embodiment, vertical member 132 has hinge members (i.e., hinges 133) that protrude from the planar face of vertical member 132 opposing that of the planar face of vertical member 132 that is conjoined with channel rail 103. In this embodiment, hinge members are an L-shaped member having a first end integrated with the body of vertical member 132 and a second end pointing at a first end or a second end of vertical member 132. In one embodiment, each hinge member of a plurality of hinge members has each respective end pointing in a uniform direction (i.e., all hinge members point towards the first end of vertical member 132, or all hinge members point towards the second end of vertical member 132). In an alternate embodiment, a set of hinges among the plurality hinges have a corresponding second end that is oriented opposite of a corresponding second end of the remaining plurality of hinges. In other words, a first set of hinges have a second end facing towards a first end of vertical member 132, while a second set of hinges have a second end facing towards a second end of vertical member 132 (see hinge 133 orientation illustrated in
Horizontal frame 1200 has horizontal member 137 and brackets 139. Horizontal member 137 is a rectangular bar with a set of brackets (i.e., brackets 139) splaying outward from a planar face of the rectangular bar, wherein a bracket among the set of brackets is located at each end of the rectangular bar. Brackets 139 have mating apertures 134b that planarly mate with mating apertures 134a of vertical frame 1100 such that bracket 139 slides in an end of vertical member 132 such that mating aperture 134a and mating aperture 134b concentrically align. Vertical frame 1100 and horizontal frame 1200 are conjoined using a fastener via mating aperture 134a and mating aperture 134b.
Referring to
In this embodiment, gate assembly 1300 is a door that couples with a fence system. Gate assembly 1300 comprises two vertical frame 1100, two horizontal frame 1200, and rails 127. Vertical frames 1100 and horizontal frames 1200 are conjoined via mating apertures 139a and mating apertures 139b to form a door frame. A plurality of rails (i.e., rails 127) are cut to size such as to permit the plurality of rails to slide into corresponding mating channels formed by channel rails 103. The plurality of rails conjoined to each respective mating channel by a plurality of fasteners via a plurality of mating apertures (i.e., mating apertures 109a). In this embodiment, gate assembly 1300 has a first vertical frame having lock punchout 135 to permit installation of a latching mechanism. In this embodiment, gate assembly 1300 has a second vertical frame having a plurality of L-shaped hinges (i.e., hinges 133) that are configured to pivot with respect to a plurality of hinge brackets associated with a fence post (i.e., hinge brackets 115).
Referring to
In general, collar anchor 1400 and collar anchor 1500 are floating collar anchors that can be positioned at variable distances within length 104 along vertical member 101. Floating collar anchors distribute loads and torques carried by a vertical post. For instance, in some embodiments the floating collar anchors are used in conjunction with a vertical post to support a gate (i.e., gate assembly 1300) that is cantilevered from the vertical post. In this example, floating collar anchors prevent the vertical post from flexing within a post hole that would otherwise make the vertical post loose from the post hole after continuous load and gate use. In some embodiments, floating collar anchors are buried in a post hole using cement, concrete, or any other foundational material.
In one embodiment, collar anchor 1400 includes collar 141a and support rods 143. In this embodiment, collar 141a is a member that fits concentrically and flush with the plurality of planar faces of vertical member 101 while allowing collar 141a to be positioned at various positions within length 104 at installation. In this embodiment, collar 141a has a plurality of support rods (i.e., support rods 143) that splay outwards from a corresponding plurality of planar faces of collar 141a. In this embodiment, loads and torques carried by a vertical post are transferred to collar 141a and subsequently to the plurality of support rods in conjunction with a foundation.
In further embodiments, a plurality of U-shaped stakes (i.e., stakes 145) are positioned correspondingly to the plurality of support rods. The plurality of U-shaped stakes adds additional structural support by serving as a restraining brace against the plurality of support rods within the foundation. In one embodiment, each U-shaped stake is positioned around a corresponding support rod such that each end of the U-shaped stake points towards member end 106 (see positioning and orientation illustrated in
In another embodiment, collar anchor 1500 includes collar 141b and support disk 147. In this embodiment, collar 141b is a member that fits concentrically and flush with the plurality of planar faces of vertical member 101 while allowing collar 141b to be positioned at various positions within length 104 at installation. In this embodiment, collar 141b has an integrated support disk (i.e., support disk 147) that splays radially outward from a corresponding plurality of planar faces of collar 141b. In this embodiment, loads and torques carried by a vertical post are transferred to collar 141b and subsequently to the support disk in conjunction with a foundation.
In further embodiments, the integrated support disk has a plurality of foundation apertures (i.e., foundation apertures 149) wherein a plurality of U-shaped stakes (i.e., stakes 145) hook into the support disk via the corresponding foundation apertures. In this embodiment, each U-shaped stake is positioned such that a first end of stake 145 passes through a corresponding foundation aperture 149 and the second end of stake 145 lays outside a radius of the support disk. The first end and the second end of stake 145 points towards member end 106 (see positioning and orientation illustrated in
It is understood that collar anchor 1400 and collar anchor 1500 may be made from one or more parts allowing for the option of assembly to aid in construction of the fence assembly. For example, collar anchor 1400 may have support disk 147 in two parts that engage around vertical member 101. This allows a user not to have to slide the disk 147 along the length of the vertical member. Likewise, the same principle may apply to collar anchor 1500. Additionally, it is understood that collar anchors 1400 and 1500 may be formed to fit flush with any shaped vertical member, be that round, rectangular, or other shape.
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
