Abstract:
A fence-frame-to-post connector comprises two separate members joined by one or more fasteners separate from the members. One member is attached to the fence frame with additional fasteners separate from those used to join the two members and also separate from the connector. One of the fasteners that joins the two members of the connector can be a hinge that is preferably made by a key tab and key slot combination in which the key pivots in the keyhole.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a connector for making a fence-frame-to-post connection. A primary use of the present invention is in the connection of wood fence members to a metal post member. Prior art patents do not disclose an equally simple and easy to install fence-frame-to-post connection. Several unpatented fence-frame-to-post connections are in use, but none are as simple to manufacture and easy to install as the present invention. The present invention improves on the prior art by providing a connector that aligns its halves along one axis, easing installation. A preferred embodiment of the present invention improves on the prior art by providing a connector that has a hinged connection between its halves, further easing installation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector having two separate members joined by one or more fasteners. The fasteners that join the members are separate from the members and separate from the fasteners that attach the connector to the fence frame. This allows the connection to the post to be made separately from, and prior to, the connection to the fence frame. One member is attached to the fence frame with additional fasteners separate from those used to join the two members and also separate from the connector. One of the fasteners that joins the two members of the connector can be a hinge that is preferably made by a key tab and key slot combination in which the key pivots in the keyhole. 
         [0003]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector with tabs that shield the ends of the fasteners used to join the connector members and that also align the connector members horizontally, easing installation. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector that is formed to mate with the outer surface of a cylindrical metal post, thereby easing installation. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector that has two members connected by a hinge, allowing the members to be pivoted together around the fence post. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector with a key tab and key slot combination that allows the hinge to be formed by the installer, which in turn facilitates one-handed installation on the fence post. Still a further object of the invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector integral fastener retainers, either in the form of simple fastener openings or in the form of attached nuts. Still a further object of the invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector that has horizontally self-aligning members by virtue of matched bend lines in the two members. Still a further object of the invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector with enhanced support of the fence frame member by virtue of tabs that extend beneath the fence frame member. Still a further object of the invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector that connects a metal post and a wood fence frame member. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fence-frame-to-post connector that eases installation on the post by snapping onto the post. These and other object of the invention are explained and illustrated below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a key tab and key slot hinged connection of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation cross-sectional view of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan, partially cross-sectional view of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a left side elevation view of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is a right side, partially cross-sectional, elevation view of a key tab and key slot hinged connection of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another key tab and key slot hinged connection of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0015]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a connection of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0016]      FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of a connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0017]      FIG. 14  is a top plan, partially cross-sectional view of a connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0018]      FIG. 15  is a inverted rear elevation view of a connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0019]      FIG. 16  is a right side elevation view of a connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0020]      FIG. 17  is a left side elevation view of a connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0021]      FIG. 18  is a right side, partially cross-sectional elevation view of a connection of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0022]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0023]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another connection of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0024]      FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of another connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0025]      FIG. 22  is a top plan, partially cross-sectional view of another connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0026]      FIG. 23  is an inverted rear elevation view of another connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0027]      FIG. 24  is a right side elevation view of another connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0028]      FIG. 25  is a left side elevation view of another connector of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0029]      FIG. 26  is a right side, partially cross-sectional, elevation view of another connection of the present invention in which the connector halves are joined by a plurality of separate fasteners. 
           [0030]      FIG. 27  is a top plan view of the sheet metal blank of the retention member of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 28  is a top plan view of the sheet metal blank of the interface member of a key tab and key slot hinged connector of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    The present invention is a fence-frame-to-post connection  1 . The connection  1  comprises an elongated fence post member  2 , a fence frame member  3  disposed closely adjacent to the elongated post member  2 , and a fence-frame-to-post connector  4  for attaching the frame member  3  and the post member  2 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  10 ,  12  and  20  the fence post member  2  preferably supports connector  4 , which supports the fence frame member  3 , which supports a plurality of fence boards  30 . 
         [0033]    The connector  4  includes an interface member  5  and a retention member  11 . Preferably, the interface member  5  is between the post member  2  and the frame member  3 . The retention member  11  preferably clamps the post member  2  to the interface member  5 . 
         [0034]    The interface member  5  includes a central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10 . The interface member  5  preferably has a top edge  37 , a bottom edge  38 , and two side edges  39 . 
         [0035]    In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , inclusive, the central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10  are created by cutting two separate sections out of the interior of the interface member  5 . This creates two interior openings  35  in the interface member  5 , each having an inner edge  36 . Preferably, the inner edges  36  are interrupted by two straight, vertical and mutually parallel bends; the inner edge  36  of each has two straight, horizontal and mutually parallel portions that are also parallel to the top edge  37  and the bottom edge  38  of the interface member  5 ; these horizontal portions are joined by arched portions near the two side edges  39 . In these embodiments, the central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10  have an upper edge  40  and a lower edge  41  at different levels than the top edge  37  and the bottom edge  38  of the whole interface member  5 . The first and section interface portions  10  are the two horizontally-separated ends of the horizontally-oriented rectangle of the interface member  5 . 
         [0036]    In all preferred embodiments, the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and the first and second interface portions  10  are substantially planar. 
         [0037]    In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-26 , inclusive, the central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10  occupy the vertical center of the interface member  5  and have an upper edge  40  and a lower edge  41  that are coincident with the top edge  37  and the bottom edge  38  of the whole interface member  5 . 
         [0038]    Preferably, the shape of the interface member  5  is horizontally symmetrical (the left and right sides mirroring each other), with a concave vertical cylinder section in the center of the central portion  6 . The first and second ends  6  are the straight, vertical edges of the cylinder section, and the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  are planar rectangles, the inner sides of which are the first and second ends  6 , the outer sides of which are parallel first and second outer edges  9 , the same length as the first and second ends  6 . The fastening portions  8  are parallel to the outer side  25  of the fence frame member  3 . The first and second connection portions  23  are joined to the first and second ends  6  and angle toward the fence frame member  3 . The connection portions  23  are also planar. The top edge  37  of the interface member  5  is horizontal in the central portion  6 , through the fastening portions  8 , and into the connection portions  23 . The same is true of the bottom edge  38  of the interface member  5 . Approximately midway through the connection portions  23 , the top edge  37  and the bottom edge  38  both angle downward until they reach the first and second interface portions  10  of the interface member  5 . The interface portions  10  branch out to either side of the connection portions  23 , are planar, and are parallel to the outer side  25  of the fence frame member  3 . The bottom edge  38  is horizontal in the interface portions  10 , and the top edge  37  is horizontal and parallel except where the outermost upper corners of the interface member  5  are notched. The first and second support tabs  27  are planar, meet the bottom edges  38  of the interface portions  10  at ninety-degree angles, and point toward the fence boards  30 , interfacing with the bottom side  26  of the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0039]    In all preferred forms, the central portion  6  is at least partially curvilinear, with an inner surface  31  that partially matches the outer surface  32  of the post member  2 , which is preferably a vertically-oriented cylinder. In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , inclusive, the curvilinear part  34  of the central portion  6  is interrupted where the central portion  6  attaches to the first and second interface portions  10 . In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-26 , inclusive, the curvilinear part  34  of the central portion  6  is uninterrupted. In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , inclusive, the central portion  6  includes two short spacer portions  33  that hold the frame member  3  away from the post member  2  so that moisture does not collect between the two. In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-26 , inclusive, the whole central portion  6  is held away from the frame member  3 . 
         [0040]    The retention member  11  includes a middle portion  12 , third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14 , and first and second tabs  16 . In all of the preferred embodiments, the middle portion  12  of the retention member  11  is curvilinear, with an inner surface  42  that partially matches the outer surface  32  of the post member  2 . In all of the preferred embodiments, the third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14 , and the first and second tabs  16  are substantially planar. 
         [0041]    A first plurality of fasteners  19  fastens the interface member  5  to the fence frame member  3 . A second plurality of fasteners  28  fastens the retention member  11  to the interface member  5 . 
         [0042]    Preferably, fasteners  19  that fasten the interface member  5  to the fence frame member  3  are self-tapping wood screws  19 . In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , inclusive, one of the second plurality of fasteners  28  is a key tab  17  that interlocks with a key slot  18 , forming a hinged connection  29  between the interface member  5  and the retention member  11 . As shown, the key tab  17  is cut out of the material of the third laterally-spaced fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  and is bent toward the interface member  5  and fence frame member  3 . The key tab  17  has a constricted portion  43  that extends from the fastening portion  14  and the key tabs  17  ends in an expanded portion  44 . The key slot  18  is cut in the first laterally-spaced fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  and has a restricted portion  45  and an enlarged portion  46 . The expanded portion  44  of the key tab  17  is passed through the enlarged portion  46  of the key slot  18  and the constricted portion  43  of the key tab  17  is then slid into the restricted portion  45  of the key slot  18 , trapping the expanded portion of the key tab  17  on one side of the key slot  18  and preventing the key tab  17  from withdrawing from the key slot  18 . The other of the second plurality of fasteners  28  is preferably a metal screw  28 . 
         [0043]    Although the key tab  17  is preferably part of the retention member  11  and the key slot  18  is preferably part of the interface member  5 , the locations of the two can be reversed, so that the key tab  17  is in the interface member  5  and the key slot  18  is in the retention member  11 . The disadvantage in such a reversal is that the key tab  17  would project out. 
         [0044]    The central portion  6  of the interface member  5  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The central portion  6  has first and second ends  7  laterally spaced from one another. Preferably, the first and second ends  7  are vertical and linear. 
         [0045]    The first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5  are attached to the first and second ends  7  of the central portion  6 . The first and second fastening portions  8  have first and second outer edges  9 , respectively. The first and second outer edges  9  are laterally spaced away from the first and second ends  7 , respectively, of the central portion  6 . In the preferred embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , inclusive, the first and second outer edges  9  are arced. 
         [0046]    The first and second interface portions  10  adjoin and are fastened to the fence frame member  3 . Preferably, each of the first and second interface portions  10  is fastened with two fasteners  19 . Preferably, each of the first and second interface portions  10  includes two fastener openings  49 . 
         [0047]    The middle portion  12  of the retention member  11  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The middle portion  12  has third and fourth ends  13  laterally spaced from one another. Preferably, the third and fourth ends  13  are vertical and linear. 
         [0048]    The third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14  of the retention member  11  are attached to the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  have fifth and sixth ends  15  laterally spaced away from the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  are fastened to the first and second fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . Preferably, the fifth and sixth ends  15  are vertical and linear. 
         [0049]    The first and second tabs  16  of the retention member  11  are angularly attached to the fifth and sixth ends  15  of the third and fourth fastening portions  14  along first and second bend lines  55 , respectively. The first and second bend lines  55  are aligned with at least a portion of the first and second outer edges  9 , respectively, of the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . This means that the retention member  11  is horizontally self-aligning against the interface member  5 . Preferably, the first and second tabs  16  each have an arced outer edge  47 . 
         [0050]    A first plurality of fasteners  19 , separate from the connector  4 , fasten the first and second interface portions  10  of the interface member  5  to the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0051]    A second plurality of fasteners  28 , separate from the first plurality of fasteners  19 , fasten the third and fourth fastening portions  14  of the retention member  11  to the first and second fastening portions  8  of the interface member, respectively. 
         [0052]    The first and second tabs  16  of the retention member  11  preferably are bent toward the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0053]    Preferably, at least one of the fasteners  28  of the second plurality of fasteners  28  has a pointed tip  48  oriented toward the fence frame member  3 . The first and second tabs  16  shield the pointed tips  48  of the fasteners  28  of the second plurality of fasteners  28  that have pointed tips  48 . 
         [0054]    The central portion  6  of the interface member  5  preferably is channel-shaped. Preferably, the middle portion  12  of the retention member  11  is also channel-shaped. 
         [0055]    The first and second interface portions  10  of the interface member  5  preferably extend laterally beyond the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , respectively. 
         [0056]    Preferably, each of the first and second tabs  16  is attached to one of the fifth and sixth ends  15  at an angle that is neither 90 nor 180 degrees. 
         [0057]    The first and second interface portions  10  of the interface member  5  preferably interface with and are fastened to the fence frame member  3 . The middle portion  12  of the retention member  11  registers with and partially embraces the post member  2 . 
         [0058]    Preferably, the interface member  5  is joined to the retention member  11  by a hinged connection  29 . 
         [0059]    The third fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  preferably is fastened to the first fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  with an integral key tab  17  that extends from the third fastening portion  14  and is received by a key slot  18  in the first fastening portion  8 . The integral key tab  17  and the key slot form the hinged connection  29 . 
         [0060]    Preferably, the fourth fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the second fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  with a separate fastener  28 . 
         [0061]    The first plurality of fasteners  19  preferably are identical to each other. Preferably, the second plurality of separate fasteners  28  are identical to each other when not in a hinged connection. 
         [0062]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-18 , the first and second fastening portions  8  each preferably supports a nut  20  that receives one of the second plurality of fasteners  28 . 
         [0063]    Preferably, the first and second fastening portions  8  each supports one of the nuts  20  with a dimple  21  in each of the first and second fastening portions  8 . 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the first and second interface portions  10  preferably are connected to the first and second fastener-receiving portions  8  by intervening first and second connection portions  23  that are attached to the first and second outer edges  9  of the fastening portions  8  and are angularly related to both the interface portions  10  and the fastening portions  8 . Preferably, the first connection portion  23  of the interface member  5  includes a nut-restraining tab  22  that restrains the nut  20  that is supported by the dimple  21  in the first fastening portion  8  against rotation. The second connection portion  23  of the interface member  5  preferably includes a nut-restraining tab  22  that restrains the nut  20  that is supported by the dimple  21  in the first fastening portion  8  against rotation. The nut-restraining tabs  22  are cut out of the central material of the first and second connection portions  23  of the interface member  5  adjacent the first and second outer edges  9  of the first and second fastening portions. Preferably, matching nut-restraining tabs  22  are cut out of the central material of the central portion  6  of the interface member  5  adjacent the first and second ends  7  of the central portion  6 . 
         [0065]    Preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 11-26 , inclusive, the first and second interface portions  10  are connected to the first and second fastener-receiving portions  8  by intervening first and second connection portions  23  that are attached to the first and second outer edges  9  of the fastening portions  8  and are angularly related to both the interface portions  10  and the fastening portions  8 . The angle between the first and second connection portions  23  and the fastening portions  8  is the same as the angle of the attachment between the first and second tabs  16  and the fifth and sixth ends  15  of the retention member  11 . 
         [0066]    The fence frame member  3  preferably is a substantially horizontal fence runner  3  with a top side  24 , an outer side  25 , and a bottom side  26 . The interface member  5  includes first and second support tabs  27  projecting from the first and second interface portions  10  and interfacing with the bottom side  26  of the fence runner  3 . 
         [0067]    Preferably, the majority of the post member  2  is a cylinder having a radius dimension, and the central portion  6  of the interface member  5  has a radius dimension substantially equal to or greater than the radius dimension of the post member. 
         [0068]    The post member  2  preferably is metal. Preferably, the frame member  3  is wood. 
         [0069]    The post member  2  preferably has a circumference dimension, and the central portion  6  of the interface member  5  has an arc dimension greater than half of the circumference dimension of the post member  2 . 
         [0070]    The present invention includes a method of forming a fence-frame-to-post connection  1 . The method comprises providing an elongated fence post member  2 , disposing a fence frame member  3 , providing a fence-frame-to-post connector  4 , snapping the post member  2  into place, closing the connector  4  and fastening the connector  4  to the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0071]    The majority of the elongated fence post member  2  is a cylinder having a radius dimension and a circumference dimension. The fence frame member  3  is disposed closely adjacent to the elongated post member  2 . The fence-frame-to-post connector  4  is for attaching the frame member  3  and the post member  2 . 
         [0072]    The connector  4  includes an interface member  5  and a retention member  11 . 
         [0073]    The interface member  5  includes a central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10 . 
         [0074]    The central portion  6  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The central portion  6  has first and second ends  7  laterally spaced from one another. The first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  are attached to the first and second ends  7  of the central portion  6 . The first and second fastening portions  8  have first and second outer edges  9 , respectively. The first and second outer edges  9  are laterally spaced away from the first and second ends  7 , respectively, of the central portion  6 . The first and second interface portions  10  adjoin and are fastened to the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0075]    The retention member  11  includes a middle portion  12 , third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14 , and first and second tabs  16 . 
         [0076]    The middle portion  12  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The middle portion  12  has third and fourth ends  13  laterally spaced from one another. Third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14  are attached to the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  have fifth and sixth ends  15  laterally spaced away from the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  are fastened to the first and second fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . First and second tabs  16  are angularly attached to the fifth and sixth ends  15  of the third and fourth fastening portions  14  along first and second bend lines  55 , respectively. The first and second bend lines  55  are aligned with at least a portion of the first and second outer edges  9 , respectively, of the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . 
         [0077]    The post member  2  is snapped into the central portion  6  of the interface member  5 . The third fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the first fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5 . The fourth fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the second fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5 . 
         [0078]    Preferably, the first and second interface portions  10  of the interface member  5  interface with and are fastened to the fence frame member  3 . The middle portion  12  of the retention member  11  registers with and partially embraces the post member  2 . 
         [0079]    The present invention includes another method of forming a fence-frame-to-post connection  1 . This method also comprises providing an elongated fence post member  2 , disposing a fence frame member  3 , providing a fence-frame-to-post connector  4 , snapping the post member  2  into place, closing the connector  4  and fastening the connector  4  to the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0080]    An elongated fence post member  2  is provided, a fence frame member  3  is disposed closely adjacent to the elongated post member  2 , and a fence-frame-to-post connector  4  for attaching the frame member  3  and the post member  2  is provided. 
         [0081]    The connector  4  includes an interface member  5  and a retention member  11 . 
         [0082]    The interface member  5  includes a central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10 . 
         [0083]    The central portion  6  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The central portion  6  has first and second ends  7  laterally spaced from one another. The first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  are attached to the first and second ends  7  of the central portion  6 . The first and second fastening portions  8  have first and second outer edges  9 , respectively. The first and second outer edges  9  are laterally spaced away from the first and second ends  7 , respectively, of the central portion  6 . The first and second interface portions  10  adjoin and are fastened to the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0084]    The retention member  11  includes a middle portion  12 , third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14 , and first and second tabs  16 . 
         [0085]    The middle portion  12  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The middle portion  12  has third and fourth ends  13  laterally spaced from one another. Third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14  are attached to the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  have fifth and sixth ends  15  laterally spaced away from the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  are fastened to the first and second fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . First and second tabs  16  are angularly attached to the fifth and sixth ends  15  of the third and fourth fastening portions  14  along first and second bend lines  55 , respectively. The first and second bend lines  55  are aligned with at least a portion of the first and second outer edges  9 , respectively, of the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . 
         [0086]    The third fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the first fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  with an integral key tab  17  that extends from the third fastening portion  14  and is received by a key slot  18  in the first fastening portion  8 . 
         [0087]    The retention member  11  is pivoted on the interface between the integral key tab  17  and the key slot  18  to bring the fourth fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  together with the second fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5   
         [0088]    The fourth fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the second fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  with a separate fastener  28 . 
         [0089]    Preferably, the first and second interface portions  10  of the interface member  5  interface with the fence frame member  3 . The middle portion  12  of the retention member  11  registers with the post member  2 . 
         [0090]    In a preferred embodiment, the fence-frame-to-post connection  1  comprises an elongated fence post member  2 , a fence frame member  3 , and a fence-frame-to-post connector  4 . 
         [0091]    The fence frame member  3  is disposed closely adjacent to the elongated post member  2 . The fence-frame-to-post connector  4  attaches the frame member  3  and the post member  2 . 
         [0092]    The connector  4  includes an interface member  5  and a retention member  11 . 
         [0093]    The interface member  5  includes a central portion  6 , first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8 , and first and second interface portions  10 . The retention member  11  includes a middle portion  12 , third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14 . The interface member  5  is joined to the retention member  11  by a hinged connection  29 . 
         [0094]    The central portion  6  of the interface member  5  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The central portion  6  has first and second ends  7  laterally spaced from one another. The first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5  are attached to the first and second ends  7  of the central portion  6 . The first and second fastening portions  8  have first and second outer edges  9 , respectively. The first and second outer edges  9  are laterally spaced away from the first and second ends  7 , respectively, of the central portion  6 . The first and second interface portions  10  adjoin and are fastened to the fence frame member  3 . 
         [0095]    The middle portion  12  of the retention member  12  partially encompasses the post member  2 . The middle portion  12  has third and fourth ends  13  laterally spaced from one another. The third and fourth laterally-spaced fastening portions  14  are attached to the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  have fifth and sixth ends  15  laterally spaced away from the third and fourth ends  13  of the middle portion  12 . The third and fourth fastening portions  14  are fastened to the first and second fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . 
         [0096]    Preferably, the third fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the first fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  with an integral key tab  17  that extends from the third fastening portion  14  and is received by a key slot  18  in the first fastening portion  8 . The integral key tab  17  and the key slot form the hinged connection  29 . The fourth fastening portion  14  of the retention member  11  is fastened to the second fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5  with a separate fastener  28 . 
         [0097]    Alternately, the hinged connection  29  can be a barrel-and-pin hinge  28 , or the hinged connection  29  can be a strap hinge  28 . 
         [0098]    Preferably, first and second tabs  16  are angularly attached to the fifth and sixth ends  15  of the third and fourth fastening portions  14  along first and second bend lines  55 , respectively. The first and second bend lines  55  are aligned with at least a portion of the first and second outer edges  9 , respectively, of the first and second laterally-spaced fastening portions  8  of the interface member  5 . 
         [0099]    The connector  4  is preferably formed from 12 gauge G90 A-653 SS Gf33 galvanized sheet steel, with a minimum thickness of 0.099 inches, a minimum yield strength of 33 ksi, and a minimum tensile strength of 45 ksi, but any other suitable material can be used. 
         [0100]    In the most preferred form of the invention, best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the greatest distance between the arced outer edges  47  of the retention member  11  is 5 19/32 inches. The retention member  11  preferably has an upper edge  51  and a lower edge  52  and these are 1 inch apart and generally parallel. Preferably, there is an obround fastener opening  50  in the fourth fastening portion  11  with a width of 7/16 inches and a width of 9/32 inches. The fastener opening is preferably 11/16 inches from the most distant part of the nearest arced outer edge  47 . The key tab  17  is preferably 9/16 inches long and ⅝ inches away from the most distant part of the nearest arced outer edge  47 . The center of the expanded portion  44  of the key tab  17  is 13/16 inches away from the most distant part of the nearest arced outer edge  47 . Preferably, there is an additional round opening  53  in the center of the retention member  11 . 
         [0101]    In the most preferred form of the invention, best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the fastener openings  49  in the interface member  5  are round and 9/32 inches in diameter. These fastener openings  49  preferably are centered 13/32 inches from the nearest of the top edge  37  and the bottom edge  38  of the interface member  5 . Preferably, the top edge  37  and bottom edge  38  of the interface member  5  are 2 inches apart and generally parallel. The distance between the bottom edge  38  of the whole interface member  5  and the lower edge  41  of the central portion  6  preferably is ½ inches. Preferably, the side edges  39  of the interface member  5  are 7¼ inches apart and generally parallel. The restricted portion  45  of the key slot  18  is preferably ¼ inches squared. The enlarged portion  46  of the key slot  18  preferably extends 3/16 inches beyond the restricted portion  45  and preferably is 7/16 inches wide. Preferably, the enlarged portion  46  of the key slot  18  is 11/16 inches from the first outer edge  9  of the first fastening portion  8  of the interface member  5 . Preferably, there is an additional round opening  54  in the center of the interface member  5 .