Abstract:
A portable and collapsible fence that can be conveniently stored and transported in a lightweight carrying case. The fence includes panels having telescopic rail sections and telescopic posts. The middle section of each fence panel includes a series of spaced “rail pairs.” The use of the rail pairs adds structural stability to the fence panels and allows the fence panels to utilize many identical parts, such that the panels can be manufactured efficiently and economically. The fence is also preferably formed of lightweight polymer so that it is resilient and easily transported by hand in a relatively small carrying case provided therefor.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/347,956, filed Jan. 12, 2002. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to barriers and more particularly to portable fences and other structures that enclose an area.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    Animals such as horses are typically transported for endurance, rodeo and other events by trailers that are known in the art. Once the trailer arrives at the destination of the event, it is desirable to provide a secure and comfortable area for the horses. It is known in the art to provide fence panels that can be assembled together once the trailer arrives at the destination. Unfortunately, these known systems have many drawbacks.  
           [0004]    For example, one known and commercially available portable corral consists of multiple panels that are available in 5 foot or 8 foot widths, 50 inch height, and are 18 to 25 pounds per panel. A mounting system is available to mount the panels exteriorly of the trailer during transport. Undesirably, the trailer becomes rather unsightly and aesthetically unpleasing with the panels mounted thereto. Further, the disassembled fence occupies an undesirably large amount of space. As mentioned, the panels are 5 to 8 feet wide, and the six to eight panels required for an adequate size fence can occupy about a foot depth when stacked and attached to the trailer. In addition to the cost of the panels, a person using this type of trailer mounted system must also separately purchase a trailer mounting kit.  
           [0005]    Another known portable horse corral consists of a reel attached to the outside of the trailer from which a plastic fence having about 2 inch square grids is unrolled. Self-driving posts are provided with this system to hold the plastic fence. While lighter than the portable panels just described, this plastic fence is still mounted to the outside of the trailer and therefore is undesirable from an aesthetic standpoint. Further, the fence, itself is unsightly when assembled, appearing much like the standard fencing that is erected around construction sites.  
           [0006]    It is known to provide various barriers that can be expanded or contracted. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,262 discloses a portable barrier which includes two panels that are slidable horizontally relative to one another by means of sleeves and pins. Each of the panels includes two sections telescoped together and moveable vertically relative to each other to expand or contract the barrier. The sections are held in the desired telescoped position by means of screws. Applications of the disclosed barrier are directed to using it as a barrier between room, e.g., to provide a barrier for toddlers.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,685 discloses a temporary guard rail system that includes a plurality of upright stanchions having mounting brackets integrally formed or attached thereto that are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced, generally horizontal side rails extending end to end. The tubular guard rails are fabricated in a plurality of sections that may be slidably engaged, one inside another, to provide a telescoping adjustment of length.  
           [0008]    It is desirable to improve upon the prior art noted above to provide a lightweight portable fence and to avoid mounting the fence panels to the outside of the trailer in order to transport them.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention is a portable and collapsible fence that can be conveniently stored and transported in a lightweight carrying case. The fence includes panels having telescopic rail sections and telescopic posts. The fence panels utilize many identical parts such that the panels can be manufactured economically.  
           [0010]    In one form thereof, the present invention provides a portable and collapsible fence panel. The panel comprises a plurality of rail sections connected to one another, the rail sections being expandable and contractible with respect to one another in a substantially horizontal direction. A first of the rail sections comprises a plurality of spaced rails disposed substantially parallel to one another. A second of the rail sections comprises a plurality of rail pairs disposed substantially parallel to one another.  
           [0011]    Preferably, the separate rails of the pairs are fixed relative to one another and occupy a common vertical plane. The rail section that includes the rail pairs is typically provided in the middle of a fence panel, thereby increasing the strength of the panel. The rails sections on either side expand away from the middle section and include identical clamping members, which include connecting members. The clamping members on either side of the panels are positioned vertically at different elevations (i.e., vertically offset) such that the clamping members mate with one another when connecting two fence panels.  
           [0012]    More preferably, the fence panel includes end posts that are expandable in a vertical direction, such that the panels are expandable and collapsible in vertical and horizontal directions. More preferably, expanding and collapsing the fence panel is accomplished structurally by utilizing telescopic segments or rails.  
           [0013]    Preferably, the fence panels are constructed of polymeric material, more preferably uv-stabilized polymer material. A variety of shapes may be utilized for the individual posts or rails of the fence, such as rectangular, square, cylindrical, polygonal, etc.  
           [0014]    One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a lightweight fence that is easy to carry in a single carrying case. Indeed, in one embodiment, the carrying case with eight (8) panels therein is about 34 inches wide by about 30 inches tall by about sixteen (16) inches deep and weighs about 45-55 pounds.  
           [0015]    Another advantage of the present invention is that it eliminates the unsightly panels mounted to the side of the trailer as in prior art fences for horses. Furthermore, when prior art panels are mounted to the side of a trailer, they limit the space for horses to be tied to the trailer.  
           [0016]    Another advantage of avoiding the trailer mounting system just noted is that a person owning horses may travel with a friend, i.e. without his or her trailer and trailer-mounted fence panels. Instead, an owner of a fence in accordance with the present invention can simply transport his or her fence in the trunk or backseat of a car, for example.  
           [0017]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is made from polypropylene or other suitable plastic material that has sufficient resilience. Other plastics suitable for the present invention include, without limitation, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), PBS, etc. The plastic material may be treated or stabilized to resist or eliminate the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Thus, unlike prior art metal (aluminum) panels that can be bent when a horse presses against or bumps into them, the panels of the present invention are resilient. Further, unlike the prior art metal panels, fence panels in accordance with the present invention are less likely to corrode.  
           [0018]    Still another advantage of the present invention is the versatility it provides. With one set of eight panels, numerous geometric fence configurations are possible. Numerous applications are possible, including crowd control, barriers construction sites, etc. For example, large discount department stores may use such portable fences as provided by the present invention to create a barrier for nonpermanent or seasonal areas, such as lawn and garden centers. Similarly, food vendors at the county fair may also utilize portable fences in accordance with the present invention. Numerous other applications are within the scope of the present invention.  
           [0019]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is “self standing.” In most configurations other than straight line the fence does not need feet to support itself. In straight line applications, however, feet members or stakes can be provided to erect the fence, and such feet may be used when additional vertical stability is desired. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    The above-mentioned and other advantages of the present invention, and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable fence in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the fence being used in combination with a horse trailer and also illustrating horses within the fence;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a fence panel of the fence illustrated in FIG. 1;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 a  is a fragmentary view in partial cross-section illustrating the telescopic engagement of the fence rails of the panel shown in FIG. 2;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the pivotable attachment mechanism of two panels like that illustrated in FIG. 2;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating that the rail sections are formed from substantially identical halves as shown in FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b;    
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 5 a - 5   c  are perspective views illustrating the pivotable capability of fence panels relative to one another in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 6 a - 6   c  are top views of possible geometric configurations using fence panels in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 is a perspective view partially in phantom, illustrating the expanding and contracting feature of a fence panel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b  are a fragmentary perspective view and an end view, respectively, illustrating the attachment of two rail section halves to form a rail section in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 9 a - 9   c  illustrate a pet carrier which is another embodiment utilizing the principles of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 10 a  and  10   b  illustrate another embodiment of a fence panel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a carrying case for a series of fence panels in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fence panel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, showing the expandable and contractible ability of the panel shown in FIG. 12;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the panel shown in FIG. 12 in the fully contracted position;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the panel shown in FIG. 14;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 in the fully expanded position;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 17 is a perspective view one embodiment of a rail section or end post;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a clamping member;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of a connecting member;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamping member;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view showing how two panels may be releasably and pivotally connected;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a foot;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 22 a  is a perspective view of a base peg; and  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing how one panel of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 may be releasably and pivotally connected to a trailer.  
         [0046]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0047]    The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 1, fence  20  includes panels  22  that are removably and pivotably connected to one another. One side of fence  20  is formed by trailer  24  so that an enclosed fence is provided for horses  26 . As shown with reference to FIG. 2, each panel  22  includes three rail sections  28 ,  30  and  32 . Each rail section includes three spaced and substantially parallel rails  34 ,  34   a  and  34   b,  respectively. The difference it rails  34 ,  34   a  and  34   b  is that they are sized differently so as to telescopically fit into one another, rails  34  being larger than rails  34   a  and rails  34   a  being larger than rails  34   b.  Turning briefly to FIG. 7, it can be appreciated that the rail sections are expandable and contractible as a unit in a substantially horizontal direction. Further, sections  38  are also telescopically expandable as noted. In its fully collapsed state the fence panel  22  of the illustrated embodiment is approximately 34 inches wide by 30 inches tall. In its full expanded configuration fence panel  22  of the illustrated embodiment is approximately 77 inches wide by 51 inches tall. Thus, it can be appreciated that the collapsed panel takes up approximately 26% of the space of the fully expanded panel.  
         [0049]    Continuing in reference to FIG. 2, it can be appreciated that panel  22  includes left end post  36  and right end post  37  that are expandable and contractible in a direction substantially orthogonal to rails  34 . This is accomplished by means of end post telescopic sections  38  that telescope in and out of posts  36  and  37  as shown in FIG. 7. A locking mechanism  40  (FIG. 2) is provided on each end post  36  and  37  such that post extension  38  can be locked in place in their outwardly extended position. The locking mechanism can be any one of a variety of mechanisms known in the art, and in the (one) illustrated embodiment it comprises a depressable button that protrudes from post extension  38  and mates within a complementary sized opening in sections (left end post  36  and right end post  37 . Optionally, a foot  39  can be removably attached to segment (post extension)  38  as shown to provide extra stability to the assembled fence and allow the fence to be free-standing without sinking segments  38  into the ground. The foot  39  may be weighted to provide increased stability of the fence and to allow the panels  22  to be arranged in a straight line. Panel  22  also includes mid-posts  35  which provide structural stability to the rail sections and in turn to the fence panel.  
         [0050]    As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 8 a  and  8   b,  each rail section is formed from two substantially identical rail section halves. The half sections can be formed form (from) polypropylene or other suitable polymer by an injection molding process. A portion of half  42  into which half  44  fits is illustrated in FIG. 4. Returning now to FIG. 2, it is important that top and bottom connectors or connecting members  46  on the left post  36  are both spaced the same distance ‘d’ from the top and bottom of the panel as shown. In this manner, two identical halves  42  can be formed and connected together to form rail section  28 , whereupon connector halves  43  (FIG. 4) will align and mate with one another. Thus, only one mold is needed to make both halves  42 , which represents substantial manufacturing savings. For the reasons just noted, it is also important that top and bottom connectors  48  on right post  37  are spaced the same distance ‘D’ from the top and bottom of the panel as shown. In this manner, two identical halves can be formed and connected together to form rail section  32 .  
         [0051]    With further reference to FIG. 2, another important feature that maintains the rail section halves of rail sections  28  and  32  substantially identical and thus able to be formed from a single mold is that panels (rail sections)  28  and  32  have substantially identical fitting, members  50  and  52  that extend in substantially opposite directions. The top fitting members are adapted for an accessory such as a cap  54  (FIG. 3) and the bottom fitting members receive end post telescopic sections  38  (FIG. 2). Rail section  30  has no fitting members, since it is the central rail section of panel  22 . The round opening (locking mechanism)  40  can be molded as a “pre-punch” such that only the bottom fitting members  52  will be punched through after the parts are molded. With reference to FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b,  the molds that form the halves can be adjusted such that top half (cap)  54  shown in FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b  is formed with pointed connection member  56  and notch  58 . Bottom half  60  is formed with complementary square hook  62  that is received into notch  58  in a snap-fit engagement.  
         [0052]    Even though the attachment mechanisms are not identical (compare FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b ), only one mold is needed for both halves of each rail section. This is because the mold parts that form the top and bottom connection members can be interchanged on the mold. Thus, only one mold is required that has interchangeable parts to form one of the connection mechanisms illustrated in either FIG. 8 a  or  8   b.    
         [0053]    Once the halves are locked together, they do not come apart. As illustrated in FIG. 4, halves  44  of section  30  must be snapped together and installed into one half  42  of section  28  before the other half  42  of section  28  call be snapped over the first half  42 . This assembly process is similar with regard to all rail sections. That is, the halves of rail section  32  must be snapped together and placed into one of the halves  44  (FIG. 4) of section  30  before the other half  44  can be snapped to the first half  44 .  
         [0054]    With reference to FIG. 2 a,  it can be appreciated that rails  34   a  telescopically slide into the cylindrical recesses formed by corresponding rails  34 . Importantly, cylindrical recesses  64  are formed with a smaller bearing surface  66  which holds rails  34   a  in place and keeps them from wobbling within cylinders  64 . With further reference to FIG. 2 a,  a stop member  68  is disposed at the end of rail  34   a  and mates with bearing surface  66  to prevent rail  34   a  from being removed from cylinder  64  of rail  34  once the halves of section  28  are snapped together.  
         [0055]    Turning now to FIG. 3, the connection mechanism that pivotably and removably connects fence panels  22  can be appreciated. Right end post  37  includes connector  48  extending therefrom that mates with connector  46  of left end post  36 . A pin  70  has a handle  72  and a cylindrical body  74  having locking tabs  76  extending outwardly from the bottom thereof. A recess  78  having a shape that corresponds to the cylinder with locking tabs is formed in both connectors  46  and  48 . As shown in phantom in FIG. 3, once pin  74  is inserted all of the way through recess  78  in both connectors  46  and  48 , handle  72  is turned and the locking tabs  76  thereby hold the sections together.  
         [0056]    It is to be understood that a connector such as connector  46  or  48  can be mounted to trailer  24  (FIG. 1) so that the panels can be removably attached thereto in much the same fashion as the connection depicted in FIG. 3. In such case, one of the connectors would be mounted to the trailer instead of post  36  or  37 . A small flange member (not shown) would be formed or attached to the connectors to mount them to the trailer. Of course, such connectors will occupy a minimum amount of space on the trailer, quite unlike mounting a multitude of panels to the outside of a trailer as is taught by the prior art.  
         [0057]    The advantages of the pivotable and removable connection just described can be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 5 a - 5   c.  In FIG. 5 a,  panel  80  is pivoted about panel  82  such that there is an angle of about 55 degrees therebetween, which represents about the minimum angle of pivot between these two panels. In FIG. 5 b,  panel  80  has been rotated such that there is an angle of about 180 degrees between it and panel  82 . Finally, panel  80  is further rotated as shown in FIG. 5 c  such that there is again an angle of about 75 degrees between it and the other side of panel  82  as shown. It can be appreciated with reference to FIG. 3 that the 55 degree limit shown in FIGS. 5 a  occurs as a result of end posts  36  and  37  abutting against one another. Connectors  46  and  48  could be formed so that they extend further from end posts  36  and  37 , respectively, in order to allow the panels to be pivoted closer to one another, if so desired.  
         [0058]    With reference to FIGS. 6 a - 6   c,  it can be appreciated that eight panels  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  and  100  can be configured into an open rectangle (FIG. 6 a ), a closed octagon (FIG. 6 b ) and a closed square (FIG. 6 c .) It should be readily recognized that numerous other configurations (open or closed) are possible depending upon the number of panels chosen and the geometric shape desired.  
         [0059]    Turning now to FIGS. 9 a - 9   c,  another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated for use in transporting a pet, such as a dog or cat. Transportable kennel  102  is expandable and collapsible as illustrated by contrasting FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b.  Kennel  102  includes rail sections  104 ,  106  and  108  that include rectangular telescopic rails  110 ,  112  and  114 , respectively, each being successively smaller so as to telescope. Kennel  102  also includes a telescopic bottom portion  116  having telescopic rectangular sections  118 ,  120  and  122  as shown. Kennel  102  also includes a front door  124  and carrying handle  126 , as are known in the art.  
         [0060]    With reference to FIGS. 10 a  and  10   b,  another fence panel embodiment is illustrated which includes telescopic rail sections that span virtually the entire height of panel  136  ( 22 ).  
         [0061]    Turning now to FIG. 11 a carrying case  136  is provided to hold and transport several panels  22  as shown. Carrying case  136  includes handles  138 , shoulder strap  140  and an opening  142 , preferably zippered. In the illustrated embodiment, case  136  holds eight (8) panels  22 . Advantageously, the total weight of case  136  having eight panels  2 ( 22 ) therein is only about 45-55 pounds. Thus, it can be appreciated that the present invention provides a convenient, lightweight, easily transportable fence that offers a significant improvement over the prior art.  
         [0062]    It can now be understood that the present invention provides a convenient method for assembling a portable corral for horses. First, panels  22  are removed from carrying case or bag  136 . Next, the panels are vertically and horizontally expanded. A geometric shape and configuration is selected for the assembled fence. Then, the panels are connected together and pivoted about one another to form the desired geometric configuration.  
         [0063]    It is also to be understood that the present invention has applications beyond containing horses. For example, it is contemplated that a series of perhaps sixty (60) panels, providing 360 linear feet of fence, can be housed in a container whose dimensions are approximately 34 inches wide by 30 inches high by 10 feet length. A single container of these dimensions could be transported on a pick-up truck, whereas several of such containers could be transported on a conventional trailer.  
         [0064]    Referring to FIG. 12, panel  200  comprises a plurality of rail sections  201 ,  201   a  and  201   b.  Section  201   a  serves as the middle section of panel  200  and is slidably engaged with, at opposite ends, respectively, sections  201  and  201   b.  Section  201   a  comprises a plurality of paired rails  204  and  204   a,  each pair having a rail  204  positioned in a common vertical plane with a rail  204   a.  Rails  204  and  204   a  do not move relative to one another. Section  201  serves as one end of panel  200  and comprises a plurality of first rails  202  affixed to first end post  208 . A first bottom extension post  212  is slidably engaged with first end post  208  and extends downward therefrom in a telescopic arrangement as described above. Section  201   b  serves as the other end of panel  200  opposite of, and substantially parallel to section  201 . Section  201   a  slidably engages section  201 , and at its opposite end slidably engages section  201   b.  Specifically, rail  204   a  allows for movement of section  201   b  with respect thereto in a substantially horizontal direction, whereas rail  204  allows for horizontal movement of section  201  in all opposite direction with respect to section  201   a.  Sections  201 ,  201   a  and  201   b  are positioned in substantially the same vertical plane, thereby forming panel  200 . However, rails  202  are vertically offset from rails  206 , meaning that rails  202  are positioned at a different (in this case higher) vertical elevation relative to rails  206 .  
         [0065]    With reference to FIG. 15, end posts  208  and  210  include a plurality of clamping bodies or clamping members  220 ,  220 ′ and  222 , which support rails  202  of section  201  and rails  206  of section  201   b.  Clamping bodies or members  224  support the middle rails  202 ,  206  of sections  201  and  201   b,  respectively. Turning now to FIG. 13, section  201  on the left hand side thereof moves horizontally with respect to section  201   a  and section  201   b  moves horizontally in the opposite direction with respect to section  201   a.  In the embodiment illustrated, it is apparent that the inside diameter of second rails  204  and  204   a  is larger than the outside diameter of both the first rails  202  of section  201  and the third rails  206  of section  201   b.  Preferably, rails  202  and  206  are identically sized so as to reduce the number of different parts required for manufacturing inventive panel  200 .  
         [0066]    Rails  202  are moved in a generally horizontal direction so that they slide into or out of second rails  204 , thereby collapsing or expanding panel  200 . Rails  206  move with respect to rails  204   a  in substantially the same manner as just described, but in an opposite direction, thereby collapsing or expanding panel  200 . Furthermore, posts  212  and  214  are also expandable and collapsible with respect to end posts  208  and  210  respectively, in a vertical direction, whereby panel  200  is also expandable and collapsible in a vertical direction.  
         [0067]    The vertical disposition of rails  204  and  204   a  (i.e., aligned in the same vertical plane) reduces the width of panel  200 , thereby allowing compact storage of two panels  200 . The vertical disposition of rails  204  and  204   a  also provides increased rigidity and strength to panel  200 . For example, middle rail section  201   a  is spaced a rail section away from end post  208  and  210  and thus does not obtain as much structural support from end posts  208  and  210  as do sections  201  and  201   b,  respectively. Thus, providing rail pairs  204 ,  204   a  (as opposed to single rails) at the center of fence panel  200  compensates for the spacing of section  201   a  from the end posts and thus enhances the strength and rigidity of section  201   a  and the entire fence panel  200 . As noted, sections  201  and  201   b  slide into opposite ends of section  201   a,  thereby collapsing the panel  200  for storage or transport. A collapsed panel  200  is shown in FIG. 14.  
         [0068]    Returning now to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the upper and lower rail pairs  204 ,  204   a  are secured together using clamping body  224 , whereas the middle rail pair  204 ,  204   a  is secured by clamping bodies  226 . Clamping bodies  224  and  226  maintain substantially vertical disposition of second rails  204  and  204   a.  Clamping bodies  224  are connected and secured to clamping bodies  226  by vertical tubular members  230  which have a length chosen to space the multiple rail pairs  204 ,  204   a  a desired distance from one another. Tubular members or vertical post  230  are provided in separate sections such that rails  202  can slide within rails  204  and rails  206  can slide within rails  204   a  because tubular members  230  do not extend through clamping bodies  226 . Furthermore, the tubular bodies  230  prevent sagging of the horizontal rails  202 ,  204  and  206 . In this connection, the disclosed embodiment illustrates three rail pairs spaced from one another. However, it should be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention contemplates different numbers of rail pairs  204 ,  204   a  which can be spaced apart any desired distance from one another. In some applications, only one rail pail  204 ,  204   a  may be required, whereas in other applications, four or more rail pairs may be needed. The design is thus versatile and encompasses different numbers of rail pairs depending on the desired application. For preferred applications involving rodeo horses, the desired number of rail pairs  204 ,  204   a  is three.  
         [0069]    It is apparent that by arranging the first rail sections  201  and third rail sections  201   b  as shown in FIG. 12, when two panels  200  are aligned end-to-end, the first connecting member  216  of one panel  200  becomes aligned along the same vertical axis as connecting member  218  of the other panel  200 , thereby facilitating releasable and pivotable connection of several panels with pin  264  shown in FIG. 21. Advantageously, connecting members  218  and  216  are identical and indeed are formed as part of identical clamping members  220  and  220 . They align conveniently on top of one another because of their respective vertical locations where they are affixed to posts  208  and  210 .  
         [0070]    Referring now to FIG. 16, rails  204  and  204   a  of section  201   a  allow insertion to and extension from first rail section  201  and third rail section  201   b.  To lock rail sections  201  and  201   b  in their extended position with respect to section  201   a,  a locking mechanism is provided. For example, rails  202  may be configured with the depressible protrusions (not shown) which extend into mating openings  238  in rails  204  and  204   a.  In other words, the interior surface of rail  204  holds the protrusion against the outside surface of rail  202  until the protrusion aligns with opening  238 , whereupon the protrusion expands and pops into opening  238 , thereby holding section  201  in its expanded configuration. To collapse the fence, a thumb or finger pushes against the protrusion extending from opening  238  while simultaneously pushing the sections together. This type of locking mechanism is well known in the art and others readily substitutable would be recognizable by persons of ordinary skill. In the illustrated embodiment, only two locking mechanisms are provided for each section  201  and  201   b.  Otherwise, the person assembling the fence may have difficulties, in that he or she only has two hands.  
         [0071]    Referring to FIG. 17, a perspective view of the general design of either the first rails  202 , second rails  204  and  204   a,  third rails  206 , end posts  208  and  210 , and vertical members  230  is shown. The illustrated embodiment uses material that is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, it should be recognized that other shapes, such as squares, triangular or polygonal, will also perform suitably. In fact, it is anticipated that non-cylindrical shapes may be preferable in certain applications because they may provide increased stability to the fence panel, as opposed to cylindrical telescopic segments which may rotate relative to one another.  
         [0072]    Referring now to FIG. 18, clamping members  224  are manufactured in halves  229  using the same mold. Clamping members  224  include fasteners, in this case, cylindrical protrusions  246  and  248  which secure rails  204  and  204   a  thereto. Protrusion  250  secure vertical members  230  to rail sections  204  and  204   a  of section  201   a.  Protrusions  246 ,  248  and  250  fit into openings  249  formed in the rails and vertical members as illustrated in FIG. 17.  
         [0073]    Turning now to FIG. 19, the assembly of clamping body  220  which forms a top portion of panel  200  can be appreciated. Clamping body  220  includes identical half sections  221  and  223 , as shown. Each half section includes cylindrical protrusions  253  and  255 , as shown. During assembly, tube or rail  206  is placed against half  221  and protrusion  253  aligned with opening  257  formed in rail  206 . (Two openings  257  are formed in rail  206 , only one of which is shown in FIG. 19.) Similarly, post  210  is placed against half  221  and opening  261  aligned with protrusion  255  such that protrusion  255  mates with opening  261 . (Post  210  is configured with two openings  261  on opposite sides thereof, but only one opening  261  is shown in FIG. 19.) Next, half section  223  is placed over rails  206  and  210  such that the protrusions align with the openings and fit therein. Then, halves  221  and  223  are secured together by heat welding, glue, sonic welding or other suitable bonding mechanism known in the art. It is also in vision that clamps wore a tapered sleeves or collars could also be used to secure halves  221  and  223  together. For example the tapered sleeve could be positioned over the halves and the further the tapered sleeve is slid the tighter the connection between halves  221  and  223  become. Referring to FIG. 20, a half  225  of clamping body  226  is depicted. Clamping body  226  secures vertical members  230  and the middle pair of rails  204  and  204   a.  Clamping members  226  are manufactured in identical halves  225  shown in FIG. 20. Protrusions  260   a  fit into an mate with complimentary openings in rail sections  204  and  204   a,  as described above, whereas protrusions  262   a  fit into and mate with complimentary openings in vertical members  230 , as also described above.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 21 shows how two panels  200  may be releasably and pivotably connected using first connecting member  216 , second connecting member  218  and pin  264 . First clamping member  220  and second clamping member  220 ′ are arranged on posts  208  and  210 , respectively, so that the first connecting member  216  and the second connecting member  218  align end-to-end along the same vertical axis to form pin receptacle to  270 . Advantageously, connecting members  220  and  220 ′ are identical, differing only in where they are affixed to end posts  208  and  210 . As noted above, this also means that connecting members  216  and  218  are identical.  
         [0075]    Pin  264  has a head end  266  having a circumference larger than the body of the pin. Pin  264  has a bottom end  268  having flared and outwardly biased members  267  suitable for securing pin  264  in pin receptacle  270 . This connection mechanism allows panels  200  to be rotated to change the angle of one panel with respect to another, as described above. To release the pin, nubs  269  are pressed together and the head  266  of pin  264  can be pulled upwardly, releasing it from receptacle  270 .  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 22 shows one embodiment of foot  272  having base  274  which includes support members  278  which circumscribe female tubular member  276 , which in turn is adapted to receive a bottom post  212  or  214 . Feet  272  can advantageously be used when a plurality of fence panels  200  are aligned end-to-end in a straight-line relationship, which would not be self-supporting without feet  272 . FIG. 22 a  shows another embodiment of a foot  280 , in this case formed as a stake. Foot  280  has at its upper end a tubular receptor  276 ′, again for slidable receipt of bottom posts  212  or  214 . The stake member  282  as shown can be inserted into soil to secure panel  200  to the ground.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 23 shows a panel  200  secured to a trailer  24 . A trailer bracket  284  is securely mounted to trailer  24  and includes a plurality of trailer connecting members  286  similar to connecting members  216  and  218 , described above. Members  286  are arranged to align with members  216  and  218  such that pins  264  can be inserted thereinto, thereby securing panel  200  to trailer  24 .  
         [0078]    The fence panels  200  of the present invention may be manufactured by a variety of methods known in the art, including blow molding, extrusion molding, injection molding or rotational molding, the preferred method currently being extrusion molding. The preferred method currently being extrusion molding for the rails and cylindrical members and injection molding for the clamping bodies.  
         [0079]    While a preferred embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention has been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.