Modular fence

A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical separated posts and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. A plurality of vertical pickets are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures. A locking member is assembled inside each end portion of the vertical picket. The locking member has spring biased stoppers extending through the transverse apertures at the end portion of the vertical picket, and further extending into and engaging inside the horizontal rail when the end portion of the vertical picket is inserted into one of the apertures of the horizontal rail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of fences. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of modular picket fences.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Specifically, prior art wrought iron fences are well known in the art. These prior art wrought iron fences have become especially popular in recent years as protective fencing around swimming pools, gardens and serve as security barriers around patios and entryways. The wrought iron fences are formed from rods or tubes of metal which are welded to upper and lower rails to form panels or sections. The panels are either welded between upright metal posts or bolted to the upright posts. The iron fences are sturdy but have a number of problems such as the welded areas are susceptible to rusting even when painted and if galvanized components are used the welding destroys the coating at the welded area that leads to rust. The wrought iron fences are usually assembled and joined together at the job site and require considerable skill and time on the part of the professional artisans. For this reason, they are relatively expensive.

Mapson discloses an ornamental iron stair rail structure with means of securing the separate members of the side railing of stairs together.

Cusack discloses a modular picket fence having horizontal rails and vertical pickets interconnected by a plurality of bolt and nut sets. However, each bolts and nuts set (40,42and44) must be separately and individually fastened, which is very laborious and time consuming.

Leone discloses a picket fence assembly which comprises an upper rail, a lower rail and a plurality of vertically disposed pickets. Each rail has a plurality of non-circular apertures that extend therethrough in substantial vertical alignment. Each picket extends through one of the apertures in the upper rail and through one of the aligned apertures in the lower rail. The pickets have upper and lower indentations for engaging the upper and lower rails. The pickets are respectively held in the apertures and are axially movable in the apertures to a locking position at which the indentations in the pickets are engaged by the rails and axial movement of the pickets relative to the rails is prevented. The rails are provided with a frictional locking means, such that the pickets are engaged in a frictional fit therewith in the locking position wherein rotational movement of the pickets is restrained. The frictional locking means comprises a plurality of paired opposed indentations in the flanges of the rails. The indentations conform with the perimeter configuration of the pickets in the locking position.

Gibbs discloses a rolled metal rail that is incorporated into a picket fence which utilizes multiple such rails.

Reinbold discloses a modular fence structure which includes a plurality of posts having vertically spaced ribs on confronting surfaces for supporting the respective end portion of inverted U-shaped rails. The rails have a plurality of longitudinally equally spaced vertically aligned apertures with each aperture having a tab portion of the U-shaped rail bight portion projecting into the aperture. A plurality of pickets are cooperatively received by the respective aligned apertures with each picket having a pair of transverse longitudinally spaced slots in its wall cooperatively nesting a respective tab projecting into each slot. An inverted L-shaped spring clip enters the respective aperture on that side of the post opposite its slot to engage upper and lower surfaces of the bight portion of the respective rail adjacent the aperture and lock the respective picket against movement relative to the rails.

Scheide discloses a security fence rail bracket for supporting a fence rail which includes a hollow body with an open-topped cavity and an end wall with a cross-shaped aperture through which a bolt is passed into a fence post. The angularity of the body with respect to the post surface is adjusted by installing one or more tapered spacers between the body and the post. The spacers have nesting bosses and recesses, and offset slots through which the bolt passes.

It is desirable to provide a modular picket fence which may be formed from metal or other materials and easily and conveniently assembled on the job site by a professional or homeowner. It is also desirable to provide a modular picket fence which includes separate interconnecting modular parts that can be assembled together without any welding or using special tools or equipment, thereby reducing costs and lowing assembled labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a unique modular picket fence.

The modular picket fence comprises a pair of vertical posts positioned at a suitable distance and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. At least one horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The horizontal upper rail has a plurality of vertical apertures which are substantially aligned with a plurality of vertical apertures on the horizontal lower rail. A plurality of vertical pickets are respectively inserted through the vertical apertures of the upper rail and through aligned vertical apertures of the lower rail. Each picket has at least two transverse locking slotted apertures for respectively receiving an H-shaped locking clip to secure the picket to the rail.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular picket fence which has a decorative and functional enclosure for any physical area formed from modular components permitting a complete customized fencing section which may be erected at the installation site, preferably from prefabricated metallic material.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a modular picket fence in the form that may be readily assembled from a set of modular components by a person or homeowner of ordinary skill and experience without the use of welding equipment or other special tools.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular picket fence which the manufactured components are reduced to a small number of very simple and inexpensive components.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular picket fence which includes an insertable locking means that engages the picket and rail for precluding vertical movement of the pickets with respect to the rails.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Described briefly, the present invention is a modular picket fence. In the first arrangement of the present invention, the modular picket fence may be assembled with a pair of horizontal upper rails and one horizontal lower rail as shown inFIGS. 1,2,6(f), and6(g). In the second arrangement of the present invention, the modular picket fence may be assembled with at least one horizontal upper rail and at least one horizontal lower rail as shown inFIGS. 6(a)–6(e).

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown at10a first arrangement of the present invention modular picket fence which comprises a pair of hollow vertical posts or columns12and14usually spaced apart approximately 6–8 feet and positioned to be secured to a support surface or any other suitable surface, a plurality of hollow vertically disposed pickets or poles16which have pointed ends, a pair of spaced apart elongated hollow horizontal upper rails18and20, and an elongated hollow horizontal lower rail22. In the example shown, the posts12and14are square shaped tubular but obviously may be of other cross-sectional configuration as desired.

For clarity purposes, only three vertical pickets16are illustrated. It will be appreciated that the vertical pickets16are not limited to the number of pickets illustrated inFIG. 1. In addition, pickets without pointed ends, numbered16(a) as illustrated inFIGS. 3,6(b) and6(c), are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is emphasized that while the three vertical pickets are depicted, it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have a plurality of vertical pickets which can be used as shown inFIGS. 6(b)–6(g). It will also be appreciated that at least one elongated horizontal upper rail18and at least one elongated horizontal lower rail22can be used with the present invention modular fence assembly as shown inFIGS. 6(a)–6(e). The fence configuration illustrated inFIG. 6(e) has been designated as10(a).

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, each of the vertical posts12and14are substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail in the interest of brevity. At least three U-shaped metal brackets50are attached to the post12and located at three different locations along the length of the post12, where the brackets50of each post face each other as shown inFIG. 1. Each bracket50is held against the inner wall or surface of the post12by at least two screws fasteners52which are threadedly engaged to the bracket50and the post12. As depicted inFIG. 2, the ends of the rails18,20and22are removably attached between the posts12and14by the U-shaped metal brackets50, which receive and retain the rails thereto by using bolts54and nuts56. Each bolt54is inserted through the hole58on one side of the bracket50and then inserted through a slotted adjustment aperture62of the rail for allowing a horizontal adjustment of the rails. An ornamental cover or cap60is inserted in the upper end of the vertical post12for decorative and sealing purposes.

Each of the horizontal rails18,20and22are substantially identical, and to the extend they are, only one will be described in detail in the interest of brevity. The rail18has a plurality of longitudinally equally spaced apart vertically aligned non-circular apertures30, preferably four-sided apertures for receiving the plurality of non-circular pickets16, preferably four-sided pickets. The non-circular apertures30are being of shape and size equal to the cross sectional shape and size of the pickets16such that the pickets16may be inserted therethrough. The rail18also has two slotted apertures62extending through the side of rail and located at opposite ends.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, there are provided ornamental caps24for each aperture30on the rails18,20and22, and which is slidable on the picket16to position the ornamental cap24for covering and sealing the aperture30when the pickets16are in a locking position. The pickets16have a uniform square cross-section and have at least one transverse upper locking slotted aperture32and at least one transverse lower locking slotted aperture34extending therethrough (seeFIG. 3) and located along the length of the picket16and cooperating with the rails18and22for precluding movement of the pickets16with respect to the rails18,20and22. The upper and lower locking slotted apertures32and34are generally rectangular shape as shown inFIG. 5(a). Each picket16is held in position by at least two H-shaped locking clips or means40(seeFIG. 3).

It will be appreciated that the upper and lower locking slotted apertures32and34are not limited to the rectangular shape illustrated inFIG. 5(a). It is emphasized that while the rectangular shape of the locking slotted aperture is preferred, it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have a plurality of different shapes for the locking slotted apertures as shown inFIGS. 5(b) and5(c).

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown the H-shaped locking clip or means40that includes a middle section42and two leg sections44which are formed at opposite ends of the middle section42. The middle section42and the two leg sections44form four separate recesses46at locations where the middle section42and the two leg sections44are connected together. The H-shaped locking clip40is installed by having one of the leg sections44inserted into the locking slotted aperture, where the middle section42is concealed within the locking slotted aperture and the two leg sections are outside of the slotted aperture as shown inFIG. 3.

Referring toFIGS. 6(a)–6(e), in order to assemble the modular fence10, the two vertical posts12and14are positioned at remote locations, where the brackets50of each post face each other as shown inFIG. 6(a). The pickets16are respectively inserted through the apertures30in the upper rail18and then II inserted through the apertures30in the lower rail22as shown inFIG. 6(b). The pickets16are thereby in the assembly position as shown. The ends of the upper rail18are then attached to the bracket50of each post as shown. Each H-shaped locking clip40is respectively inserted into each upper and lower locking slotted apertures32and34of each picket16as shown inFIGS. 6(c) and6(d), where the middle section42is located within the slotted locking aperture while the leg sections44are located external to the picket16as shown inFIG. 3. The upper H-shaped locking clips40engage against the upper surface or wall of the upper rail18(seeFIG. 6(c)) while the lower H-shaped locking clips40engage against the lower surface or wall of the lower rail22. The ends of the lower rail22are then attached to the bracket50of each post to provide a finish product as shown inFIG. 6(e).

In the locking position, the H-shaped locking clips40frictionally abut the exterior walls of the rails, thereby preventing vertical displacement of the pickets16. Once the pickets16are in the locking position, ornamental caps24are pushed downwardly such that the ornamental caps24are respectively inserted into the apertures30to form a tight smooth joint between picket and rail, thereby further preventing picket displacement, and preventing erosion of the joint through environmental wear and tear. Each picket is inserted and locked into place in the same manner.

The present invention may further include ornaments80which can be used with the first arrangement of the present invention. These ornaments80are attached to and between the pair of horizontal upper rails18and20as shown inFIGS. 1,2and6(g) for decorative purposes.

Referring toFIG. 6(f), in this arrangement of the present invention, the modular picket fence is assembled as shown inFIG. 3.

The modular fence further includes bolts and nuts, where each bolt is inserted through a respective horizontal rail and picket for further securing the pickets to the rails.

The present invention conforms to conventional forms of manufacture or any other conventional way known to one skilled in the art.

Referring toFIG. 7, there is shown at110another alternative embodiment of the present invention modular picket fence. This alternative embodiment of the present invention modular picket fence110comprises a pair of hollow vertical posts or columns112and114positioned to be secured to a support surface or any other suitable surface, a plurality of hollow vertically disposed pickets or poles116, and a pair of spaced apart elongated hollow horizontal rails118. In this example shown, the posts112,114, the pickets116, and the rails118each has a square or rectangular shaped cross section configuration, but obviously may be of other cross-sectional configuration as desired.

In addition, for clarity purposes, only three vertical pickets116are shown. It will be appreciated that the vertical pickets116are not limited to the number of pickets illustrated inFIG. 7. It is emphasized that while three vertical pickets116are depicted, it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have greater or smaller number of vertical pickets116.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, each of the vertical posts112and114are substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail in the interest of brevity. A U-shaped metal bracket120is attached to the post112by screws122for removably attaching the proximal end of rail118by fastening bolts124and nuts126through the holes128on the U-shaped bracket150and also through the slotted aperture159at the proximal end of the rail118.

Each of the horizontal rails118and120are substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail in the interest of brevity. The rail118has a plurality of non-circular apertures130, preferably four-sided apertures for receiving the plurality of pickets116, preferably four-sided pickets.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 12, there are provided sealing caps124for each aperture130on the rails118and which is slidable on the picket116to position the sealing cap124for covering and sealing the aperture130after the pickets116are assembled.

As shown inFIGS. 8,9(a),9(b) and10, at the end portion of each picket116there is provided two oppositely aligned transverse apertures134each having a locking tongue135. A generally reversed U or V-shaped spring clip140is inserted at the end portion of the picket116.

The spring clip140may be made of metal or other suitable material with a memory to return to its pre-deformed shape after being compressed or squeezed. The spring clip140has a generally reversed U or V-shaped configuration with a bent middle portion142and two opposite end portions where there are provided outwardly protruding stoppers144which, when the spring clip140is inserted into the end portion of picket116, will extend outwardly through the transverse apertures134thereof. Each stopper144has an opening145which receives the locking tongue135of the picket116, thereby preventing movement of the spring clip140inside the picket116.

Each stopper144of the spring clip140has a ramp side147and a right-angle side149. As the end portion of the picket116(with the spring clip140inserted) is inserted through the aperture130of the rail118, the ramp side147of the spring clip140will engage with the edges of the aperture130of the rail118first, causing the spring clip140to be compressed, thereby allowing end portion of the picket116to be inserted further through the aperture130.

Once the ramp side147of the spring clip140passes the edges of the aperture130of the rail118, the spring clip140will expand back, causing the ramp side147of the spring clip140to engage and rest upon the interior surface of the hollow rail118(as shown inFIG. 8).

Once the stoppers144of the spring clip snap in place inside the aperture130of the rail118, the end portion of the picket116is locked therein and cannot be removed. This mechanism secures the picket116to the rail118.

Another variation on the design of the modular fence is shown as10(b) inFIG. 6(a).

Other similar embodiments of the present invention spring clip are shown inFIGS. 10(b)–10(e).

An alternative embodiment of the present invention spring clip is shown inFIG. 11. In this alternative embodiment, spring clip150includes a hollow block152which is inserted into the end portion of a picket160. Two oppositely disposed stoppers154are assembled inside the clip150and biased by an internal spring156. The stoppers154are extending through corresponding openings162at the end portions of the picket160. The stoppers154can be compressed inwardly to allow the end portion of the picket160to be inserted into the aperture130of the rail118. Once inside the rail118, the stoppers154will extend back, which secures the end portion of the picket160to the rail118.

The present invention has been described in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent laws by providing full public disclosure of at least one of its forms. However, such detailed description is not intended in any way to limit the broad features or principles of the present invention, or the scope of the patent to be granted. Therefore, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.