REINFORCED FENCE RAIL WITH ENHANCED EXTRUSION PATTERN AND REMOVABLE STEEL INSERT

Reinforced fence rail with enhanced extrusion pattern and removable steel insert is disclosed. The fence rail of the present invention provides a stable reinforcement over conventional designs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional PVC fence rails tend to sag, particularly over an extended period of time or distance, which can compromise the integrity of the fence. Conventional fence rail designs do not allow for vertical support, which also contributes to sagging over time.

The present invention relates to a reinforced fence rail with an enhanced extrusion pattern and a removable steel insert, which provides a stable reinforcement and resist sag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a reinforced fence rail with an enhanced extrusion pattern and a removable steel insert.

In another aspect of the present invention, the enhanced extrusion pattern, together with the steel insert, of the present invention provides a stronger more sag-resistant fence rail as compared to conventional fence rail products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a reinforced fence rail with an enhanced extrusion pattern and a removable steel insert. As noted above, conventional PVC fence rails tend to sag, which compromises the integrity of the fence. The present invention solves this and other problems with conventional designs.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a fence constructed and installed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fencing 10 comprises fence posts 20 that are attached to top and bottom fence rails 12. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, by way of example fence rail 12 comprises a generally U-shaped panel opening 32 that, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, by way of example, is designed and constructed to accept and retain fence panel 18 therein (see FIG. 3, by way of example).

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective and exploded view of fence rail 12 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fence rail comprises a steel insert pocket 14 that is designed and constructed to accept a steel insert 16. In a preferred embodiment, steel insert 16 extends the entire length of fence rail 12. In a preferred embodiment, steel insert 16 is positioned in the center portion of panel opening 32 to engage and directly support the fence panel 18 when inserted within panel opening 32 (see FIG. 6, by way of example).

The enhanced extrusion pattern embodied within fence rail 12 is depicted in FIGS. 2-6. In a preferred embodiment, the enhanced extrusion pattern comprises a first horizontal member 24 that extends across the width of fence rail 12 and is positioned proximate the end opposite the panel opening 32. The enhanced extrusion pattern further comprises first and second angled members 26 that extend from one end of steel insert pocket 14 and are angled to a side wall of fence rail 12. In a preferred embodiment, first and second angled members 26 extend at approximately a 45-degree angle from the side wall of fence rail 12 to the side wall of steel insert pocket 14 (see FIG. 3, by way of example). The enhanced extrusion pattern further comprises first and second side members 28 that extend at a 90-degree angle from the side wall of fence rail 12 proximate the closed end of panel opening 32, and third and fourth side wall members that extend at a 90-degree angle from the panel opening 32 to the side wall of fence rail 12 proximate the open end of panel opening 32.

The steel insert 16, together with the enhanced extrusion pattern, will make the PVC fence more stable and prevent sagging. The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. It provides a reinforcement that will not sag or cause the fence to lose integrity.