FENCE PANEL

This application claims priority from GB2305787.0 filed Apr. 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present application concerns fence panels, component parts thereof and methods of assembling said fence panels.

BACKGROUND

Fence panels often comprise one or more rails, to which pickets are attached. The rails may extend between fence posts, with the pickets extending vertically, parallel to the fence posts and positioned along the rails, thereby creating a fence. There is a requirement for fence panels that can be sold disassembled and then be assembled on-site, as this reduces the cost of shipping and means that the fence panel can be tailored for the specific requirements of the site.

Such fence panels must therefore be easy to assemble, without requiring specialised equipment to do so. Additionally, such fence panels must be simple and preferably have as few different component parts as possible, so that they are easy to manufacture, ship and assemble.

The resulting fence panel must be secure, so that the pickets cannot be easily removed from the rail and do not rattle relative to the rail. However, there is also a need for the fence to be rackable so that it can be installed on a slope. This requires the pickets to be able to rotate relative to the rails.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the application is a fence panel comprising: at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises a plurality of holes therethrough; a plurality of pickets comprising apertures in opposite side walls thereof, such that the apertures create a channel extending through the picket width, wherein each of the plurality of pickets extends through a different hole in the rail, such that the apertures in the pickets are aligned; and a rod extending along at least part of the length of the rail, wherein the rod extends through the channel between the apertures in each of the pickets.

In certain embodiments, the rod extends along at least 75% of the length of the rail, preferably along at least 90% of the length of the rail.

In certain embodiments, the rod has a circular cross-section and the apertures in the pickets have an oval or an elongated oval cross-section.

In certain embodiments, the width of the rod is between 70% and 95% of the width of the aperture, preferably between 75% and 90%.

In certain embodiments, the height of the rod is between 55% and 85% of the height of the apertures in the picket, preferably between 60% and 80%.

In certain embodiments, the apertures on opposite side walls of the picket are identical.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the ends of the rod is pointed.

In certain embodiments, the holes in the rail are larger than a cross-section of the picket.

In certain embodiments, the rail is a horizontal rail.

In certain embodiments, the distance between the edge of the aperture furthest from the end of the picket and the end of the picket itself is less than the width of the rail.

In certain embodiments, the rail has a square, rectangular or U-shaped cross section and/or wherein the pickets have a circular, square or rectangular cross-section.

In certain embodiments, the rail is connected to a fence post at one or both ends thereof.

In certain embodiments, comprising two or more rails, wherein the pickets extend through holes in each of the rails, optionally wherein each of the two or more rails are connected to a fence post at one or both ends thereof.

An aspect of the application is a kit of parts for creating a fence panel as described herein, comprising: at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises a plurality of holes therethrough; a plurality of pickets comprising apertures in opposite side walls thereof, such that the apertures create a channel extending through the picket width, wherein each of the plurality of pickets is sized to extend through a hole in the rail; and a rod sized to extend through the apertures in the pickets and to extend along at least part of the length of the rail.

An aspect of the application is a method of assembling a fence panel as described herein, comprising the steps of: inserting an end of each picket of a plurality of pickets into a different hole in a surface of the rail; and passing a rod through the apertures in the pickets, thereby connecting the pickets together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following examples and figures, which are not intended to be limiting on the scope of protection provided, in which;

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a fence panel according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fence panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fence panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a connection between a rail and a fence post;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another fence panel;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fence panel of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another fence panel;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the fence panel of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the fence panel of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a cap used in a fence panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made in detail to certain aspects and exemplary embodiments of the application, illustrating examples in the accompanying structures and figures. The aspects of the application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, including methods, materials and examples, such description is non-limiting and the scope of the application is intended to encompass all equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, either generally known, or incorporated here. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. One of skill in the art will recognize many techniques and materials similar or equivalent to those described here, which could be used in the practice of the aspects and embodiments of the present application. The described aspects and embodiments of the application are not limited to the methods and materials described.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to the value”, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan.

The present application therefore aims to provide secure fence panels that are easy to assemble on-site, without requiring specialised equipment and with few different component parts.

As used herein, the term “length” refers to the longest dimension of a component part. Thus, the length of a fence post is generally the vertical height of said fence post and the length of a horizontal rail is the horizontal dimension, with the pickets attached at points along the length. The terms “width” and “depth” are used to refer to the remaining two dimensions. Where applicable, the width is the dimension extending perpendicular to the user's line of sight and the depth is the dimension extending parallel to the user's line of sight. Thus, the width of a picket is the dimension parallel to the length of the rail. The width of a fence post is the dimension parallel to the length of the rail.

The term “fence panel” is used herein to refer to a panel that is, in use, supported by fence posts to create a fence. Fence panels are not self-supporting and instead, must be supported in some manner to create a fence.

“Pickets” are straight, rigid components of a fence panel, that are connected to the rail. They generally extend parallel to the fence posts, in use.

A “rail channel” is an at least partly enclosed channel within a rail. The rail channel will generally be enclosed on at least three sides, potentially on four sides thereof, although there may be apertures on one or more of the sides.

By “racking” or “rackable” it is meant that the pickets can rotate relative to the rail, such that the fence can be assembled on a slope. The rotation will be about an axis perpendicular to the length of the rail and to the length of the picket. In this racked arrangement, the pickets will not extend perpendicular to the rail and instead will be at an angle thereto.

According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a fence panel comprising at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises a plurality of holes therethrough, a plurality of pickets comprising apertures in opposite side walls thereof, such that the apertures create a channel extending through the picket width, wherein each of the plurality of pickets extends through a different hole in the rail, such that the apertures in the pickets are aligned and a rod extending along at least part of the length of the rail, wherein the rod extends through the channel between the apertures in each of the pickets.

This provides a simple fence arrangement that is easy to assemble on-site from repeating parts, without requiring tools. The rod extends between the pickets, preventing them from being pulled through the holes in the rail.

There may be more than 5 pickets on each fence panel, preferably more than 10.

The rail may define a rail channel, and the apertures in the pickets may be aligned within the rail channel such that the rod extends along at least part of the rail channel. The rod may be loose within the rail channel and only held in position by the apertures on the pickets. This improves the ease of assembly, as fewer component parts are needed and the rod does not need to be aligned with any parts other than the pickets.

The rod may be held in position against an inner surface of the rail. Thus, the rod may be held in position between an inner surface of the rail and an edge of an aperture in the picket. There may be no other means for holding the rod in position. This is a simple way in which to hold the rod in place.

The rod may also be held within the rail channel by the posts and/or the fixators attaching the fence panel to the posts at either end of the channel. The rod may be able to move parallel to the length of the rail channel when in position.

The side of the rail opposite that containing holes may not contain any holes. Alternatively, the side of the rail opposite that containing holes may also contain holes. The holes on opposite sides of the rail may be aligned to ensure that the picket can pass through the rail. The pickets may extend through the opposite holes in the rail, such that they extend out of both sides of the rail channel. This can allow the pickets to extend out of the top of the fence panel, thereby making the fence panel more difficult to climb over.

The fence panel may be rackable, such that it can be installed on an incline.

The rod and/or the apertures in the pickets may be circular, oval or rectangular. The dimensions of the rod may correspond to the dimensions of the apertures in the picket. At least one dimension of the rod may be within 10% of the corresponding dimension of the apertures in the picket, preferably within 5%, with the rod being smaller than the apertures in the picket. This provides a secure connection between the rod and the pickets.

The width of the aperture (perpendicular to the length of the rod and the length of the picket) may be similar to the corresponding width of the rod, but still narrow enough to allow easy positioning of the rod. The width of the rod may be between 70% and 95% of the width of the aperture, preferably between 75% and 90%. This also allows the pickets to rotate relative to the rod and therefore relative to the rail. This means that the fence panel can be rackable, such that it can be installed on a slope.

The rod may be circular in cross-section. The apertures in the pickets may be oval or an elongated oval in cross-section. The longer dimension of the aperture in the picket may extend vertically along the picket. Again, this allows the pickets to rotate relative to the rod and therefore relative to the rail, allowing the fence panel to be rackable, such that it can be installed on a slope.

The height of the apertures in the picket (parallel to the length of the picket) may be greater than the corresponding height of the rod. The height of the rod (e.g. its diameter when circular) may be between 55% and 85% of the height of the apertures in the picket, preferably between 60% and 80%. This allows the pickets to rotate relative to the rod and therefore relative to the rail. This means that the fence panel can be rackable, such that it can be installed on a slope

The channel extending through the picket may be perpendicular to the length of the picket.

The rod may extend parallel to the rail. The rod may extend perpendicular to the pickets. Alternatively, in the racked configuration, the rod may extend at an angle to the pickets.

The apertures on the picket may be identical. In other words, the apertures on either side of the picket may be the same, i.e. have the same shape and dimensions. This improves the ease of assembly, as the pickets can be inserted in either orientation.

The rod may extend along at least 75% of the length of the rail, preferably along at least 90% of the length of the rail. The rod may extend along all of the length of the rail. The rod at least extends between all of the pickets connected to the rail.

The rod may have a pointed end. Both ends of the rod may be pointed. This improves the ease of assembly of the fence panel. The rod may have the same diameter along its length, other than one or both pointed ends.

The distance between the edge of the aperture furthest from the end of the picket and the end of the picket itself is less than the width of the rail. Said distance may be between 20% and 80% of the width of the rail, preferably between 30% and 70%. The width of the rail is defined as the distance between the side containing the holes and the opposite side.

If there are only holes on one side of the rail, the picket preferably does not reach the side of the rail opposite that containing the holes. Preferably, there is a gap between the end of the picket and the side of the rail opposite that containing the holes to allow the picket to rotate, such that the fence panel is rackable. This gap may be at least 20% of the width of the rail.

The holes in the rail may be larger than a cross-section of the picket. This can be in one dimension, or in all dimensions. There is therefore preferably a space between the picket and the edge of the hole in the rail such that the picket can rotate relative to the rail. This allows the fence panel to be rackable, such that it can be installed on a slope.

The space is preferably along the sides of the hole that extend perpendicular to the length of the rail, such that the picket can pivot along an axis perpendicular to the length of the rail and the length of the picket. The length of the hole parallel to the length of the rail may be 10% to 40% bigger than the corresponding width of the picket, preferably between 15% and 35% bigger. The length of the hole perpendicular to the length of the rail may be within 10% of the corresponding width of the picket.

If the pickets extend through the rail, the holes on both sides are preferably larger than the cross-section of the picket. The holes in the rail may be larger on the bottom of the rail than on the top. The lengths of the holes parallel to the length of the rail may therefore be greater on the bottom of the rail than on the top. This improves the aesthetics of the fence. Alternatively, the holes on the side of the rail nearest the rod may be smaller than the holes on the opposite side of the rail. The lengths of the holes parallel to the length of the rail may therefore be smaller on the side of the rail closest to the rod than on the opposite side. This allows racking with the smallest holes possible, which also improves the aesthetics of the fence.

Alternatively, the holes may be the same on each side of the rail. This improves the ease of assembly.

The rail may be a horizontal rail in the fence panel. The rail may have a square, rectangular or U-shaped cross section. As used herein “U-shaped” does not necessarily require curved surfaces and instead can refer to a rectangular cross-section having an opening along one side thereof. The rail may have three or four sides arranged perpendicular to one another to create a rail channel. An opening may be along one side of the rail, preferably along the bottom or the top of the rail. The rail may define a rail channel.

The pickets may be circular, square or rectangular in cross-section. Pickets may extend perpendicular to the rail(s). Pickets may extend at an angle other than 90° to the rail.

The rail, rod and picket may be metal, for example steel or aluminium. Other components may be metal or may be plastic.

The rail may be connected to a fence post at one or both ends thereof. One end may be connected to a fence post and the other may be connected to a wall. Conventional connections may be used. For example, a bracket may be connected to the fence post, which is then connected to the rail. The bracket may be screwed to the fence post and/or the rail. A bolt may extend through the bracket and the rail and be secured by a nut.

The fence panel may comprise two or more rails. For example, the fence panel may comprise three rails. Each of the two or more rails may be connected to a fence post at one or both ends thereof. The pickets may be connected to each of the rails in the same manner. Alternatively, the connections between a picket and a first rail may be different to the connections between the picket and a second rail.

According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a kit of parts for creating a fence panel discussed above comprising at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises a plurality of holes therethrough, a plurality of pickets comprising apertures in opposite side walls thereof, such that the apertures create a channel extending through the picket width, wherein each of the plurality of pickets is sized to extend through a hole in the rail, as well as a rod sized to extend through the apertures in the pickets and to extend along at least part of the length of the rail.

A kit according to this aspect of the present application therefore provides an easily transportable means to create a secure fence panel on-site, without requiring additional tools.

According to an third aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of assembling a fence panel discussed above, comprising the steps of inserting an end of each picket of a plurality of pickets into a different hole in a surface of the rail, such that the apertures in the pickets align, and passing a rod through the apertures in the pickets, thereby connecting the pickets together.

Thus, the present application provides a simple way to assemble a fence panel that is strong and stable, without requiring additional tools.

Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a clip for connecting a picket to a rail, wherein the clip comprises a flexible portion, wherein a width of the clip at the flexible portion is greater than a width of another part of the clip and wherein the flexible portion can be flexed to reduce said greater width on the application of a force, as well as a resiliently deformable portion at an end of the clip away from the flexible portion, wherein said resiliently deformable portion is resiliently deformable in a direction perpendicular to the width of the clip.

The flexible portion may be at one end of the clip. The width of the flexible portion may increase towards the end of the clip. Said increase may be linear or may be curved. Thus, the width at the end of the clip is greater than the width of a middle portion of the clip. The flexible portion may be the end of the clip and so the greatest width of the clip may be at the end thereof.

The flexible portion may comprise one or more flexible tabs. The flexible portion may comprise two flexible tabs, which may be on opposite sides of the clip. The tabs can be pushed together on the application of force. The one or more flexible tabs may increase in width towards the end of the clip. The tabs may be symmetrical. There may be a space between the tabs, so that they can easily be pushed together to reduce the width of the clip.

The flexible portion may comprise a surface that, in use, presses against the inside of a rail of a fence in order to hold the clip and a corresponding picket in position. The flexible portion may comprise one or more surfaces perpendicular to the length of the clip, parallel to the width of the clip. The surface may be at the end of the clip. The surface may be at the widest portion of the clip. The surface may be flat.

The flexible portion is preferably resiliently deformable, such that it returns to the initial, wider width after it has been flexed to reduce the width. The width may be reduced to the width of the thinnest portion of the clip on the application of a force. It will be understood that the wider dimension of the clip in the assembled fence can be positioned either parallel to the rail or perpendicular thereto.

The resiliently deformable portion may be any portion that is capable of being deformed in a direction perpendicular to the width of the clip. For clarity, the deformation must have a degree of deformation in the direction perpendicular to the width of the clip, but the actual direction of deformation may be at an angle to this plane. The resiliently deformable portion is therefore able to be deformed in a direction towards the flexible portion. This may include one or more angled extensions or a spherical shape protruding from the end of the clip.

The resiliently deformable portion is preferably the end of the clip. Thus, on the application of a force, the length of the clip can be reduced. When the force is removed, the resiliently deformable portion returns to approximately its original position.

The clip may also comprise a main body portion, between the flexible portion and the resiliently deformable portion. The main body will have a smaller width than the greatest width of the flexible portion. The flexible portion may be deformable to be the same width as the main body. The resiliently deformable portion will be resiliently deformable towards the main body portion. The main body portion may be square or rectangular, so that it corresponds to the size and shape of the picket.

In the arrangement in which the flexible portion comprises two flexible tabs, these may extend from opposite sides of the main body. The resiliently deformable portion will extend from the opposite end of the main body to the flexible portion.

Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a fence panel comprising at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises a plurality of holes therethrough and wherein the rail has another side opposite the side comprising the plurality of holes, a plurality of pickets, wherein an end of each picket has been inserted through a different hole in the rail, wherein said end is open and wherein there is an aperture on a surface of the picket towards said end, and a plurality of clips as discussed above, wherein a clip is partially inserted into the open end of each picket, such that the wider portion of the clip extends through the aperture on the surface of the picket, and such that the resiliently deformable portion extends from the open end of the picket and is in contact with the rail side opposite that comprising the plurality of holes.

The clip may be formed from a resilient plastic material. Said material is protected from UV/sunlight degradation as it is present inside the picket. However, the clip secures the picket to the rail and prevents movement or rattling. This arrangement also allows a fence panel to be created on-site using simple, repeating component parts without requiring any specialised tools.

The picket may comprise a first aperture on a first surface thereof and a second aperture on a second surface thereof. The first and second surfaces may be opposite one another.

The one or more apertures are towards an end of the picket. The edge of the aperture closest to the end of the picket may therefore be less than 10% along the length of the picket, preferably less than 5% along the length of the picket. The distance between the edge of the aperture furthest from the end of the picket and the end of the picket itself is less than the width of the rail. Said distance may be between 20% and 80% of the width of the rail, preferably between 30% and 70%. The width of the rail is defined as the distance between the side containing the holes and the opposite side.

The one or more apertures in the picket may correspond to the size of the flexible portion. For example, the length of the apertures (parallel to the length of the picket) may be the same as the portion of the clip over which the width starts to increase. The width of the apertures (perpendicular to the length of the picket) may be the same as the corresponding dimension of the flexible portion. The clip is sized to fit at least partially within the picket and all internal surfaces of the picket may be in contact with the clip, for example with the main body of the clip.

The width of the rail may be within 10% of the length of the clip, preferably within 5%. In other words, the distance between the end of the flexible portion and the end of the resiliently deformable portion may be about the same as the distance between the side of the rail containing the holes and the side opposite thereto. Preferably, the length of the clip is slightly greater than the width of the rail.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a kit of parts for creating a fence panel discussed above, comprising at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises a plurality of holes therethrough and wherein the rail has another side opposite the side comprising the plurality of holes, a plurality of pickets, at least one end of each picket sized such that it can be inserted through a hole in the rail, wherein said end is open and wherein there is an aperture on a surface of the picket towards said end, and a plurality of clips as discussed above, each clip comprising a flexible portion, wherein a width of the clip at the flexible portion is greater than a width of another part of the clip, such that said wider portion can extend through the aperture on the surface of the picket and the thinner portion can be inserted into the picket in use, and wherein the flexible portion can be flexed to reduce the greater width on the application of a force, such that the clip can be inserted into the open end of the picket in use. This kit of parts is easily transported and allows for a fence panel to be assembled on-site using repeating modular parts, without requiring additional tools.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a method for assembling a fence panel as discussed above comprising the steps of applying a force to the flexible portion of the clip to reduce the width thereof, partially inserting the clip into an open end of a picket until the flexible portion of the clip extends through the aperture on the surface of the picket and the resiliently deformable portion of the clip extends from the open end of the picket, and inserting the picket and the clip into a hole in the rail.

During insertion of the clip into the picket, as the wider part of the clip reaches the aperture on the picket, it returns to approximately its original width, such that it extends through the aperture. The picket and clip are inserted into a hole in the rail until the flexible portion is has passed through the hole in the rail. This means that the flexible portion can return to its greater width, thereby pressing against the inside of the rail and holding the picket and the clip in position. The clip may be entirely contained within the rail channel. This provides a simple way to assemble a fence panel that is strong and stable, without requiring additional tools.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a picket comprising a first indent extending across one side thereof and a second indent extending across an opposite side thereof, wherein the first and the second indents are parallel to one another at the same position along the length of the picket and wherein both the first and the second indents extend across the entire side of the picket and are open at both ends thereof. Thus, the picket comprises two parallel indents that provide an uninterrupted passage from one side of the picket to another, across a side thereof. The indents may be symmetrical.

The indents are towards an end of the picket. The indents may therefore be less than 10% along the length of the picket, preferably less than 5% along the length of the picket. The depth of an indent may be less than 20% of the depth of the picket. The indents may extend in both dimensions perpendicular to the length of the picket. The indents may extend at an angle to the length of the pickets, towards the centre of the picket. The angle may be between 20 and 85°.

The indents may be closed channels, which may be square or rectangular in cross-section. Alternatively, the indents may be cut-outs that provide access into a hollow centre of the picket.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a fence panel comprising at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises an aperture extending at least part of the length of the rail, wherein said aperture is open at one end of the rail and a plurality of pickets discussed above, wherein securing portions of the rail extend along the length of the aperture on opposite sides thereof and at an angle to the surface of the pickets, such that each securing portion extends into an indent on each picket.

The rail therefore comprises a single aperture that extends at least part of the length of the rail. The aperture may extend the entire length of the rail and may be open at each end thereof. Alternatively, the aperture may be open at only one end thereof, thereby preventing the pickets from sliding off the rail at one end.

The rail may have a generally U-shaped cross-section, with the securing portions of the rail extending towards one another, from the ends of the U-shape. The securing portions may be perpendicular to the side walls of the rail, which may form a U-shape. The securing portions may extend towards one another at an angle other than 90° to the side walls of the rail.

The securing portions extend towards the picket at an angle to the length of the picket. The securing portions of the rail may extend at an angle of between 10 and 170° to the surface/length of the picket, preferably between 30 and 150° and most preferably at 90° to the surface/length of the pickets. The securing portions of the rail may extend towards one another from opposite sides of the rail, at an angle. Said angle may be between 10 and 170° to the side of the rail, preferably between 30 and 150° and most preferably at 90° to the side of the rail.

The indents may extend perpendicular to the surface/length of the picket towards the centre of the picket, particularly when the securing portions of the rail extend at 90° to the surface/length of the picket and/or at 90° from the side walls of the rail. The indents may extend at an angle to the length of the pickets towards the centre of the picket. Said angle may correspond to the angle of the securing portions to the surface/length of the picket.

The distance between the edge of the indent furthest from the end of the picket and the end of the picket itself is less than the width of the rail. Said distance may be between 20% and 80% of the width of the rail, preferably between 30% and 70%. The width of the rail is defined as the distance between the side containing the holes and the opposite side. In embodiments in which the securing portions of the rail are not at 90° to the side walls of the rail, the width of the rail is measured from the end of the securing portions adjacent the aperture to the side of the rail opposite the side containing the aperture.

Each securing portion may extend along the entire length of the aperture. Each securing portion of the rail may be wider than the depth of the corresponding indent. The width of the aperture may correspond to the difference between the width of the picket and the combined depth of the indents (within 10% of one another, preferably within 5%). Thus, the securing portions of the rail extend into the indent, leaving space between the sides of the picket and the internal sides of the rail. The rail may define a rail channel.

The fence panel may further comprise a spacer between at least two of the pickets. The fence panel may comprise a spacer between all of the pickets. The fence panel may comprise more than one spacer between at least two of the pickets. The fence panel may comprise more than one spacer between some or all of the pickets. The spacer may comprise indents on opposite sides thereof, such that the securing portions of the rail can extend into said indents. Thus, the spacer can be slid along the rail, in the aperture.

Each securing portion of the rail may be wider than the depth of the corresponding indent. The width of the aperture may correspond to the difference between the width of the spacer and the combined depth of the indents (within 10% of one another, preferably within 5%).

The spacer may be located within a rail channel defined by the rail. The rail may at least partially surround the spacer. The width and/or depth of the spacer may correspond to the width and/or depth of the rail. The rail may therefore hold the spacer in position. The securing portions of the rail may extend over at least part of the spacer, thereby holding it within the rail channel.

The spacers may be formed from plastic. The spacers may be formed from a resilient plastic. This arrangement therefore allows a fence panel to be created on-site using simple, repeating parts without requiring any specialised tools. The spacing between the pickets of the fence panel can also be tailored depending on the requirements.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a kit of parts for creating a fence panel discussed above comprising at least one rail, wherein a side of the rail comprises an aperture extending at least part of the length of the rail wherein said aperture is open at one end, and wherein securing portions of the rail extend along the length of said aperture on opposite sides thereof, and a plurality of pickets discussed above.

The kit may further comprise one or more spacers, as discussed above. Thus, the one or more spacers may comprise indents on opposite sides thereof such that the securing portions of the rail can extend into said indents, or in embodiments in which the rail comprises a rail channel, the spacer may be sized to be located within said rail channel. This kit therefore provides an easily transportable means to create a secure fence panel on-site, without requiring additional tools. The distance between the pickets in the fence panel can be tailored to meet the requirements.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a method of assembling a fence panel discussed above comprising the steps of inserting the securing portions of the rail into the indents on either side of a first picket, such that the first picket can be slid along at least part of the length of the rail and inserting the securing portions of the rail into the indents on either side of a second picket, such that the second picket can be slid along at least part of the length of the rail. In this arrangement, the pickets will therefore extend through the aperture of the rail when they are in position.

The method may also include the step of connecting a spacer to the rail, as outlined above. This can be done by inserting the securing portions of the rail into indents on either side of the spacer, or by sliding the spacer along the rail channel of the rail. One or more spacers may be positioned between adjacent pickets. This provides a simple way to assemble a fence panel that is strong and stable, without requiring additional tools. The position of the pickets within the fence panel can also be tailored depending on the requirements.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a fence panel comprising a rail defining a rail channel, comprising one or more apertures on a first side thereof and one or more apertures on a second side thereof, and a plurality of pickets, wherein each of the plurality of pickets extends through a different aperture on the first side of the rail such that an end of each picket is in the rail channel. A cap is attached to the end of each picket in the rail channel, wherein the cap is positioned within the rail channel and wherein a width and/or depth of the cap is greater than both a width and/or depth of the picket and a width and/or depth of the aperture on the first side of the rail, such that the end of the picket cannot be pulled out of the rail channel through the aperture on the first side thereof.

The width and depth of the cap are the dimensions perpendicular to the length of the picket. One or more dimension of the cap may be greater than the corresponding dimension of both the picket and the aperture on the first side of the rail. The cap is therefore sized such that it cannot be pulled out of the rail channel through the aperture on the first side thereof.

The cap may be positioned entirely within the rail channel. This improves the security of the arrangement and stops the cap being removed easily. The cap may only be connected to the picket and so may not be connected to the rail. This improves the ease of assembly, as only connection to the picket is required.

The second side of the rail may be opposite the first side of the rail. This improves the ease with which the cap may be connected to the end of the picket. The second side of the rail may be adjacent to the first side of the rail, and may be perpendicular thereto. The cap may comprise a thread and the end of the picket may comprise a complementary thread. The cap may therefore be a nut, such as a crown nut. The cap may therefore be connected to the side(s) of the picket parallel to the length thereof, or may be connected to a surface perpendicular to the length of the picket.

The cap may comprise a collar in order to increase the width and/or depth thereof. The collar may be circular, in which case the width and/or depth is the diameter. The collar may be square. The collar may not extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap (i.e. the length of the cap) and so may not meet the thread perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof. This increases the resistance to the cap being pulled through an aperture on the side of a rail and can improve the ease of connecting the cap to the picket. The collar may be made of a different material to the thread. The collar may be plastic, while the thread may be metal. This therefore provides a simple fence arrangement that is easy to assemble on-site from repeating parts, without requiring tools.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a kit of parts for creating a fence panel according to the twelfth aspect, comprising a rail defining a rail channel comprising one or more apertures on a first side thereof and one or more apertures on a second side thereof, a plurality of pickets, and a plurality of caps, wherein a width and/or depth of the cap is greater than both a width and/or depth of the picket and a width and/or depth of the aperture on the first side of the rail. This kit therefore provides an easily transportable means to create a secure fence panel on-site, without requiring additional tools.

Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a method of assembling a fence panel according to the twelfth aspect, comprising the steps of inserting an end of a picket into an aperture on a first side of the rail, inserting a cap into the rail channel through an aperture on the second side of the rail, and attaching said cap to the end of the picket in the rail channel. This provides a simple way to assemble a fence panel that is strong and stable, without requiring additional tools.

A feature described in general terms in relation to one embodiment may equally apply to any of the other embodiments discussed above.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a fence panel 21 according to the invention, comprising a rail 22 and pickets 23. The rail 22 comprises a plurality of holes 24 on one side thereof. The pickets 23 comprise apertures 25 on opposite sides thereof, which are identical and create a continuous channel extending through the width of the picket 23. The channel is perpendicular to the length of the picket 23 and parallel to the length of the rail 22.

The fence panel 21 also comprises rod 26, which is sized to extend through the apertures 25 and to extend along most of the rail 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pickets 23 are inserted through the holes 24, such that the apertures 25 are located within the rail 22. The rod 26, which has a pointed end 26a, is then extended through the apertures 25. The rod 26 therefore extends through the continuous channel extending through the width of each picket 23 and connects each of the pickets together. The rod 26 also prevents the pickets 23 from being pulled through hole 24, thereby connecting the pickets 23 to the rail 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, the picket 23 does not extend all the way through the rail 22. Instead, the end is within the rail channel. This allows the picket 23 to rotate within the rail 22, such that the fence is rackable.

The rod 26 is circular in diameter and is smaller than the aperture 25 in the side of the picket 23. The height of the rod 26 is about 60% of the height of the aperture 25. The width of the rod 26 is about 75% of the width of the aperture 25. The aperture 25 in the side of the picket 23 has an elongated oval shape, with the longer dimension of the oval extending vertically. This also allows the picket 23 to rotate around the rod 26, thereby allowing the fence to be rackable.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of connecting a rail 32 to a fence post 33. In this embodiment, a bracket 34 is screwed to the post 33. The bracket contains apertures 35a, 35b, which are then aligned with apertures 36 on the rail 32. A nut 37 and bolt 38 extend through the apertures 36 on the rail 32 and the apertures 35a, 35b on the bracket 34, thereby connecting the two. The fence post 33 comprises a cover 39.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of another fence panel 1 comprising a rail 2 and pickets 3. The rail 2 comprises a plurality of holes 4 on one side thereof and a side 5 opposite the holes 4, wherein side 5 does not comprise any holes. The pickets 3 comprise apertures 6 on opposite sides thereof, towards an end thereof.

The fence panel 1 also comprises clips 7, which are to be inserted into the open end of the pickets 3. The clips 7 comprise a flexible portion 8 at one end, which is formed from two flexible tabs 8a, 8b positioned on opposite sides of the clip, both of which increase in width towards the end of the clip 7. These flexible tabs 8a, 8b can be flexed to reduce the width of the clip 7 (i.e. to reduce the distance between the two tabs 8a, 8b), on the application of a force. The clips 7 also comprise a resiliently deformable portion 9 at the end opposite the flexible portion 8. The resiliently deformable portion 9 is deformable in a direction perpendicular to the width of the clip 7 (towards the flexible tabs 8a, 8b).

As shown in FIG. 6, when the fence panel 1 is assembled, the clip 7 is partially inserted within the end of the picket 3, such that the flexible tabs 8a, 8b extend through the apertures 6 on either side of the picket 3. In order to do this, the flexible tabs 8a, 8b are pushed together as the clip 7 is inserted into the picket 3. The flexible tabs 8a, 8b then return to their original position when they align with the apertures 6 on the picket 3. When the end of the picket 3 is inserted through the hole 4, the flexible tabs 8a, 8b are pushed together to allow passage through the hole 4. The flexible tabs 8a, 8b then return to their original position when inside the rail channel, and press against the side of the rail 2 that contains the holes 4, thereby keeping the picket 3 in position.

The resiliently deformable portion 9 of the clip 7 extends from the end of the picket 3, into the rail channel. This resiliently deformable portion 9 presses against the side 5 of the rail 2 that does not have holes 4, thereby pressing the flexible tabs 8a, 8b against the rail 2. This therefore provides a secure and stable connection between the pickets 3 and the rail 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates another fence panel 11, comprising a rail 12 and pickets 13. The rail 12 comprises an aperture 14 extending along at least part of one side thereof. Adjacent to the aperture 14, extending along the entire length of said aperture, are securing portions of the rail 12a and 12b, on either side of the aperture. The securing portions 12a, 12b extend towards the picket at an angle of 90° to the surface of the picket and towards one another at an angle of 90° to the side wall of the rail.

The picket 13 contains indents 15a, 15b on opposite sides thereof. Indents 15a, 15b extend the entire width of the picket 13 and are parallel to one another at the same position along the length of the picket 13. Both indents 15a, 15b are open at both ends, creating an uninterrupted path along the indent, from one side of the picket 13 to the other. As shown in FIG. 7, securing portions of the rail 12a, 12b extend into indents 15a, 15b, thereby holding the pickets 13 in position relative to the rail 12, as the pickets 13 extend through the aperture 14.

FIG. 8 shows the pickets 13 before they are slid into aperture 14 of the rail 12, during which the securing portions of the rail 12a and 12b extend into the indents 15a, 15b on each of the pickets. Thus, the pickets 13 can be slid along at least part of the length of the rail 12, through the aperture 14. Also shown in FIG. 8 are spacers 16, which are positioned between pickets 13 in use. The spacers 16 comprise indents 17 on opposite sides thereof, into which the securing portions of the rail 12a and 12b can extend. Thus, the spacers 16 can be slid along at least part of the length of the rail 12 and can help to position the pickets 13. This means that the picket position can be tailored as desired.

An alternative is shown in FIG. 9, in which spacers 18 are positioned between pickets 13. The spacers 18 are sized to fit within the rail channel 19, as defined by the rail 12. The spacers 18 can therefore be slid along at least part of the length of the rail 12, within the rail channel 19, and can help to position the pickets. Thus, the picket position can be tailored as desired.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cap 27 which may be used in a fourth embodiment of a fence panel. The cap 27 comprises a thread 28 to attach it to the end of a picket in a rail channel, such that the cap 27 is positioned within the rail channel. The cap 27 also comprises a collar 29, which extends around the thread 28. The width and/or depth (i.e. the diameter) of the collar 29 of the cap 27 is greater than both a width and/or depth of the picket to which it is attached and a width and/or depth of an aperture on the first side of the rail, such that the end of the picket cannot be pulled out of the rail channel through the aperture on the first side thereof. As shown here, the cap 27 may be a round crown nut 27a or a square crown nut 27b, i.e. having a round collar 29 or a square collar 29. The collar 29 does not meet the thread perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof and is instead, angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cap 27.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that such disclosures have been presented by way of example only and are not limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the subject compositions and methods should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

The above description is for the purpose of teaching the person of ordinary skill in the art how to practice the present application, and it is not intended to detail all those obvious modifications and variations of it which will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such obvious modifications and variations be included within the scope of the present application, which is defined by the following claims. The claims are intended to cover the components and steps in any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.

FENCE PANEL

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)