Abstract:
A picket fence system is disclosed wherein pickets are supported by a system which includes a picket support and strengthening bar and rail system which not only strengthens the assembly to act substantially as an integral unit, but avoids having to support pickets on other supports such as a lower rail, for example. In its broadest aspect, the rail system may be eliminated and the picket support and strengthening bar can function as such, and as a rail system, from a structural as well as aesthetic point of view, depending upon its configuration. The invention is adaptable to fences on level ground or sloped terrains as well.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to provisional application Nos. 60/617,325, filed Oct. 8, 2004, and 60/631,105, filed Nov. 24, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present application relates to fences of the type incorporating well known stakes or posts commonly referred to as “pickets.” Although such pickets generally have a pointed upper end, the term “picket” as used herein is intended to mean all types of such stakes, including pointed, rounded, square ended pickets or and the like.  
         [0004]     The present invention relates to fencing construction utilizing vertical rectangular pickets (or any other round, rectangular, elliptical or other shaped material), which pickets are assembled or connected to, into or through, one or more hollow members running perpendicular or at other angles to the pickets.  
         [0005]     While the invention has merit when used to assemble materials other than plastic (e.g., PVC), it has particular advantage in the manufacture and assembly of plastic fencing, and in particular, plastic fencing which must have similar aesthetics when viewed from either side (two sided fencing).  
         [0006]     In particular, the invention relates to a new and unique method for assembling such fencing which method offers strength, beauty, ease and flexibility of construction and installation not heretofore available.  
         [0007]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0008]     Originally, all fencing was made of wood. As the cost of wood increased, and the constant painting and limited life span of wooden fences became burdensome, an industry evolved utilizing plastic substitutes for wood.  
         [0009]     Unfortunately these fences until now have had either visual or structural deficiencies, and  10  especially those of the ‘two sided’ nature.  
         [0010]     Two sided plastic fences constructed to date utilize a hollow top horizontal plastic rail (such as a 2″×4″ or other shape or size) with top and bottom slots cut into it so that pickets maybe inserted through. There are presently several methods of securing the pickets.  
         [0011]     One method is to screw the pickets to the rails. Another is to drill through both and insert a pin. A third method generally utilizes a larger bottom rail (generally 2″×6″ or 2″×8″) with slots cut only into the top of the rail which permits entry of the picket to the point where it rests on the bottom portion of the rail, requiring the rail to support the picket. With this method, which is most commonly used, without additional unsightly fasteners the pickets may not protrude below the bottom rail, an aesthetic feature which is often desired by consumers. The picket itself has a locking crimp at the bottom which permanently snaps into the rail, so that it can not be removed without damaging the material. Partially because of the weight of the pickets, a larger bottom rail is used because the fencing otherwise will have a tendency to warp or bow downwardly in the middle. A steel or aluminum brace is sometimes inserted in the bottom rail to minimize the bowing that occurs.  
         [0012]     All other presently existing two sided designs encase the pickets between two horizontal members, utilizing either visible screws, nuts and bolts, brackets, etc. or clips, caps, clamps or crimps or other such unsightly and less durable materials.  
         [0013]     While a variety of two sided plastic fences are available, utilizing various methods of assembly, none of these offer the method of manufacture and assembly provided by the invention. Nor do they offer the resultant flexibility, strength, durability, beauty and ease of assembly, all of which combines to make a more economical to produce product which at the same time offers higher quality and a type not heretofore available entirely in plastic.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     A fence assembly is disclosed which comprises at least one post member, at least one picket member fixedly positioned in adjacent relation to the post member, and an elongated support member extending between the post member and the picket member to support the picket member in predetermined fixed relation to the post member. The elongated support member extends through at least a portion of the picket member, or entirely therethrough, to support the picket member without need for an external rail member.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment a fence assembly is disclosed which comprises, at least one post member, at least one rail member associated with and adjacent to the post member and oriented at an angle relative to the post member, at least one picket member oriented at an angle relative to the rail member, and an elongated support member extending between the post member and the picket member to support the picket member in predetermined fixed relation to the post member and the rail member.  
         [0016]     In the preferred embodiment, a fence assembly is disclosed which comprises, at least one post member, at least one rail member attached to the post member and oriented at an angle relative to the post member, at least one picket member oriented at an angle relative to the rail member, and an elongated support member extending between the post member and the picket member to support the picket member in predetermined fixed relation to the post member and the rail member.  
         [0017]     The post member is generally upright and the rail member is generally transverse relative to the post member, and the elongated support member in the form of a bar which extends at least partially into the picket member to support the picket member in the fixed position, the support member being of sufficient strength to support a plurality of such picket members while increasing the strength and rigidity of the fence assembly. The picket members are constructed of a relatively lightweight material, and the support member is constructed of a material of strength greater than the strength of the picket members, the support member extending through each picket member. The relatively lightweight material of the picket members is plastic, and the material of the support member is at least one of metal, plastic and wood. The post member defines at least one aperture for receiving and supporting the rail member, and the rail member defines at least one aperture for receiving and supporting the picket member, the picket member defining an aperture for reception of the elongated support bar such that the elongated support bar supports the picket member in the fixed relation to the rail member and the post member.  
         [0018]     In a preferred embodiment, the support member has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. In another embodiment the elongated support member has a channel-like cross-sectional configuration. In still another embodiment the elongated support member is positioned within an aperture formed in a face of the picket member, the support member being associated with the rail member. The support member may be formed integral with the rail member and it may have a generally T-shaped cross-sectional configuration and be supported within the rail member.  
         [0019]     The support member may have a generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration and be supported by the rail member in integral relationship therewith.  
         [0020]     The support member may also be uniformly molded with the rail member so as to be monolithic therewith.  
         [0021]     The support member may also be monolithically molded with the rail member.  
         [0022]     The rail member may be oriented generally perpendicular to the post member, or it may also be oriented at a generally acute angle to the post member.  
         [0023]     In another embodiment the elongated support member has a generally channel-like configuration on one side an on the opposite side the elongated support member has a channel-like member of width less than the first side, the last mentioned channel-like member being configured and dimensioned to receive a support member attached to each picket member to support the picket members. The support member may be attached to each picket member by a tab formed as part of the picket member.  
         [0024]     The elongated support member may have a cross-sectional configuration having a first member and second and third members extending generally perpendicular from the first member, the second and third members extending in relatively opposite directions.  
         [0025]     The elongated support member may comprise at least one member having at least two members extending generally perpendicular from one face, and at least a single member extending in a direction generally opposite the first mentioned member and generally perpendicular to the first mentioned member. Preferably a plurality of such post members, a plurality of such rail members, and a plurality of such picket members are respectively assembled to form the fence assembly.  
         [0026]     A method is disclosed for assembling a fence, comprising, positioning at least one post member in generally upright orientation, positioning at least one rail member adjacent to the post member at an angle relative thereto, positioning at least one picket member relative to the rail member, and connecting at least one elongated support member between the post member and the picket member in a manner to support the picket member in predetermined fixed relation to the post member and the rail member and to provide strength to the assembly of the post member, rail member and picket member. The members are preferably plastic, and a plurality of such members is generally provided.  
         [0027]     The present invention is a marvel of simplicity as it relates to a fence assembly and method of assembling same. It eliminates the need for any screws, nuts and bolts, brackets, clips, caps or other such unsightly and less durable materials. It further permits the replacement if needed of pickets or rails without damaging other components.  
         [0028]     Equally important, the insertion of a bar or shape through each picket dramatically increases the strength and rigidity of the assembled product, virtually eliminating the ‘sagging’ and bowing of the rails in a fashion dramatically superior to any method currently in use, while at the same time allowing for greater lengths to be used between posts.  
         [0029]     Assembly of the fence is unique and simple. Each picket has holes cut into each side. A plastic and/or metal (or any material) bar simply slides through each picket, locking the picket in place without the need for any other method of fastening.  
         [0030]     The size of the hole on the bottom portion of the rail, which hold is generally located directly below the top hole may be extended lengthwise (for example, approximately ½″ longer than the top hole on one end 0 or two)). One advantage of the invention is that the usage of the bar, combined with the extended bottom hole on the rails, allows the assembled fence section to self adjust for landscape that is not horizontal, with the pickets remaining vertical. Depending on the length of extension of the bottom hole in each rail, installation on slopes varying from level (for example, onto a sloping surface of 20 degrees or so) is achievable. Larger slopes can be accommodated by making a slightly larger cut on the upper hole as well. Of course if a desired appearance is to have the pickets slope with the terrain, this is inherent in the invention&#39;s design as well.  
         [0031]     Moreover, the rail can be eliminated and the strengthening bar can act as a rail as well. Further, although the rail may be physically attached to the post, physical attachment is not necessary since “attachment” can mean simply inserting the rail into an aperture in the post to fix their relative positions. Further, in its broadest sense, the invention relates to a fence assembly in which the rail is eliminated and the support and strengthening bar can act as a rail as well as a picket support and strengthening factor.  
         [0032]     It will be seen from the description which follows that various rail/support and strengthening bar configurations and arrangements can be incorporated into a fence system without departing from the true scope of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]     Preferred embodiments are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a front and right side perspective view from above of a picket fence assembled according to the present invention, illustrating one embodiment of a support and strengthening bar to support the pickets on a horizontal rail;  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged front and right side perspective view from above of a typical picket of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the support and strengthening bar inserted therein with the horizontal rail removed for convenience of illustration;  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a front and right side perspective view from above, of an alternative embodiment of my invention, utilizing an elongated picket support and strengthening bar having a “U”-shaped cross-section to support the pickets;  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged front perspective view from above, of a typical picket of  FIG. 3 , with the hollow rail removed, to illustrate the picket support features;  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective cut-away view from above, of another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is an end perspective view from above, of the bar of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 5 , with the picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is an end perspective view from above, of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 7  with the hollow rail and picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 9 , with the picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective cut-away view from above, of one end of another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention formed integral with the hollow rail;  
         [0045]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective cut-away view from above, of one end of the picket and strengthening support bar of  FIG. 11 , with the picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective cut-away view from above, of one end of another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 13 , with the hollow rail and picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0048]      FIG. 15  is a front and right side perspective view of from above, of a picket support system incorporating an alternative embodiment of a picket support and strengthening bar of the invention, with the picket support bar adapted to support a series of pickets on a sloped terrain;  
         [0049]      FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 15 , supporting a typical picket as shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view from above, at one end of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 16 , with the hollow rail and the picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0051]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view from above, of yet another alternative embodiment of a picket support and strengthening bar adapted to support pickets on a sloped terrain;  
         [0052]      FIG. 19  is a left side elevational view of the picket of  FIG. 18  illustrating the cutaway portion for reception of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 20  is a right side elevational view of the picket of  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of an alternate embodiment of a picket support and strengthening system according to the invention;  
         [0055]      FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view from above, of one end of the picket support bar of  FIG. 21  with the picket removed for illustration purposes;  
         [0056]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the picket of  FIG. 21 , illustrating the picket supporting tab formed integral with the picket;  
         [0057]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view from above, of one end of the picket support system in  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 25  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a picket similar to  FIGS. 21-23 , with the picket support tab extending in an upward direction;  
         [0059]      FIG. 26  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a picket support system of the invention, wherein the pickets include an aperture in the front face for reception of a spring biased ball thereunto for supporting the picket in the fence system;  
         [0060]      FIG. 27  is a side elevational view of a picket support system utilizing the picket of  FIG. 26  in combination with a ball/spring arrangement;  
         [0061]      FIG. 28  is a front elevational view, partially in cross section, of another alternative embodiment of a picket support system, according to the invention; and  
         [0062]      FIGS. 29-30  are cross-sectional views of other alternative embodiments of a picket support bar of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0063]     Referring initially to  FIG. 1  there is shown a picket fence  10  constructed according to the present invention. The fence  10  includes post  12  having horizontal rails  14 , 16  inserted into respective apertures  18 ,  20 . The horizontal rails  14 , 16  include pickets  20  inserted into appropriate apertures  22 , 24  in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0064]     As can be seen by referring to  FIG. 2 , the picket includes generally rectangular openings  26 , 28  in the upper portion thereof to accommodate insertion of elongated support member in the form of support and strengthening bar  30 , as shown. The strengthening bar  30  may be fabricated of any suitable material including metal, plastic, wood or the like.  
         [0065]     As can be seen from  FIGS. 1 and 2  horizontal bar  30  is dimensioned to closely fit the apertures in the pickets and thereby substantially increases the strength and rigidity of the assembled product, virtually eliminating the sagging and bowing of the rails in a fashion dramatically superior to any method currently in use, while at the same time allowing for greater lengths between posts.  
         [0066]     In addition, it can be seen that the pickets  20  no longer need to rest on a lower rail but can be suspended from the upper rail by virtue of the support of the bar  30  as well as the relative rigidity to the entire structure which is imparted thereto by such bar  30 .  
         [0067]     Alternatively shaped lengths of material may be slid through the hollow rails (as opposed to the bars which slide through the pickets) which would also accomplish both level and sloping installations, and which would also allow the pickets to slide through the rails, and still lock in place at a predetermined location, and would also help diminish or eliminate the bowing of the rails.  
         [0068]     One such shape would be an extruded material of a modified “U” shape, which would be used as a stiffener. This stiffener would be substituted for the bar  30  described hereinabove in the first described embodiment. This stiffener would have two horizontal ledges, one above the other facing downward from the bottom of the “U”, with a space between the ledges, running the length of the stiffener. This “U”-shaped stiffener would be slid into the rail rotated 90 degrees so that the horizontal bottom of the “U” becomes vertical.  
         [0069]     The stiffener is slid in with the ledges facing the center and the front edge and rear edge of the “U” touching one vertical wall of the rail. It shall occupy a space less than one half the width of the rail interior. The amount less than one half of the rail&#39;s interior is determined by measuring ½ of the picket&#39;s width. This measurement would then be subtracted from the horizontal (i.e., side to side) dimension of the stiffener. When the picket is slid down vertically through the rail, it shall then be pressing against the horizontal running ledges of the stiffener.  
         [0070]     Each picket, instead of having slots on each side for the bar to slide through as described in the first embodiment, shall alternatively have a crimp or multiple crimps made in it of a size and at a point measured to fit between the ledges of the bar, so as to lock the pickets in place vertically. Another alternative method of fastening (instead of the bar or the crimp) is to have a hole cut into either the picket, the “U”-shaped bar, or both, and to insert a device into the hole which would retract so the picket could be slid through the openings in the rail, and pop out or spring out or otherwise protrude when reaching the ledges.  
         [0071]     All of the above beyond the first described embodiment, and variations of them are also unique and new. For the most part they can accomplish much of the same goals as the method described in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , albeit with the probability of higher costs, and the possibility of lower strength. Like the others, they can be dimensioned to compensate for varying terrain adjustments.  
         [0072]     Several shapes other than a “U” shape could be utilized. One such example would be an “L” shape. Among the important and novel advantages to all of these shapes is that they allow a picket to slide through all the rails, and to lock into the rails at a predetermined stop position through the placement of crimps, or of holes with a locking device inserted into the holes to make with a stop position designed either into the bar, or the picket, or both, while at the same time imparting strength to the assembly not envisioned or available with the present art.  
         [0073]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , one such alternative embodiment as described above is shown. In this embodiment picket support and stiffener bar  30  has been substituted with the support/stiffener  40  having a “U”-shaped cross-section as shown. The support/stiffener  40  may be of metal or extruded plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other suitable plastics. Alternatively it may be of extruded metal such as aluminum, or other types of formed metal. The support/stiffener  40  is inserted into two generally horizontal slots  44 , 46  in picket  42  as shown in  FIG. 4  to suspend and support picket  42  on rail  48  while assisting to stiffen the entire system as a single- or quasi-single unit.  
         [0074]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view from above, of another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the invention. In this embodiment bar  48  is formed integral with rail  50  and may be attached to the rail  50  by fastening techniques (not shown) or it may be optionally unitarily molded of plastic or other appropriate material with rail  50 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 6  illustrates the rail  50  of  FIG. 5  with integrally and unitarily molded support and stiffening bar  48 .  
         [0076]     It can be seen that given a certain degree of flexibility and resilience in bar  48 , picket  52  having horizontal transverse groove  54  is simply inserted into opening  56  and made to engage and flex the bar  48  until the bar  48  snaps into groove  54  to support the picket  50  in the same manner as disclosed in the previous embodiments. Although not shown to scale, the groove  54  can be of sufficient thickness to receive the bar  48  in snug fashion so as only to permit shift upward and downward movement of picket  52  when being supported by bar  48  on a fence system.  
         [0077]     Referring now to  FIG. 7  there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein rail  60  includes support and strengthening bar  62  which has a “T”-shaped configuration and is placed or attached within the rail  60  to support the picket  52  as shown. Since the “T”-shaped picket support bar is preferably constructed of extruded plastic, aluminum, or the like, the leg  64  of the “T”-shaped section is easily flexed and snapped into cut-out  66  of the picket upon installation of the fence. Alternately, the cut-out  66  could be tapered between faces of the picket to accommodate slopes in the terrain as will be described in connection with  FIG. 15 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 8  shows an end perspective view of the “T”-shaped support bar of  FIG. 7  with the picket  52  and rail  60  removed. Alternatively the “T”-shaped support and strengthening bar  62  can be formed monolithically with rail  60 .  
         [0079]     Referring now to  FIG. 9  there is shown an alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening system wherein an “L”-shaped picket support and strengthening bar  66  is formed monolithically with rail  60  as shown, or alternatively attached by some suitable means to be integral with the rail to provide picket support as well as strengthening of the entire system apertures  61  for reception of picket  52  are also shown.  
         [0080]      FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of the rail and support bar of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIG. 11  there is shown yet another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening system of the present invention, wherein rail  68  includes picket support and strengthening bar  70  which is either formed monolithically with the rail  68  as shown, or alternatively may be attached by other means to the rail  68  to form an integral system of attachment and strengthening and support.  
         [0082]      FIG. 12  shows an end perspective view of a rail and picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0083]     Referring to  FIG. 13  there is shown still another alternative embodiment of the picket support and strengthening bar of the present invention wherein a rail  72  includes “L”-shaped picket support and strengthening bar  74  which is formed unitarily with rail  72 , or alternatively may be attached by other means so as to be integral therewith. Alternatively rail  72  and bar  74  can be monolithically formed.  
         [0084]      FIG. 14  shows an end perspective view of the rail of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0085]     Referring to  FIG. 15  there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of a picket support system of the present invention wherein a rail  76  includes a “T”-shaped picket support and strengthening bar  78  which may either be attached integrally or formed monolithically with rail  76 . The “T”-shaped bar may be attached to rail  76  by other means so as to form an integral support system. In this embodiment the pickets  52  includes suitable cut-outs (or channels)  80  in their face as shown, with the lower surface of the cut-out  80  at an angle to the horizontal in order to accommodate supporting the pickets on an inclined terrain. In this embodiment any suitable angular terrain can be followed within the limits set by the angle “α” of cut-out  80 . Alternative and various other angles can be used to accommodate all types of angular terrains.  
         [0086]     Referring to  FIG. 16  there is shown a perspective end view showing a partial cross-section taken along lines  16 , 16  of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0087]      FIG. 17  shows an end perspective view of the picket support and strengthening bar of  FIG. 16 .  
         [0088]     Referring now to  FIG. 18  there is shown still another embodiment of the support and strengthening bar for a picket fence systems constructed according to the invention. In this embodiment picket  52  includes an angular cut-out  80  similar to the cut-out  80  shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 15 . In this embodiment the support and strengthening bar  82  is shown in the form of an elongated bar having a generally rectangular cross-section and formed either by extruded plastic or metal such as aluminum. The bar would normally be positioned within a suitable rail similar to rail  76  shown in  FIG. 15  having cut-out openings for reception at the top and bottom faces similar to the cut-outs  84  and  86  as shown in the rail  76  in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0089]      FIG. 19  is a left side elevational view of the picket  52  shown in  FIG. 18  illustrating cut-out openings  80 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 20  is a right side elevational view of picket  52  shown in  FIG. 18  illustrating cut-out openings  80 .  
         [0091]     Referring now to  FIG. 21  there is shown yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein picket  86  is supported by picket support and strengthening bar  88  having dual adjacent parallel elongated ribs  90 ,  92  for supporting the picket on tab  94  which is formed monolithically with the picket  86  as shown. The tab  94  is more clearly shown in  FIG. 24  and is made to engage and snap into position to support picket  86  on elongated ribs  90 , 92  as shown. The bar  96  is generally positioned and supported within rail  100  and can either be positioned in rail  100 , or alternatively attached to rail  100  by any suitable attachment means. In still another alternative embodiment, the bar  96  may be formed monolithically with rail  100  from a suitable material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or the like, or even other extrudable plastic materials, or even a metal such as aluminum or the like.  
         [0092]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of bar  96  of  FIG. 21  with the rail  100  removed for illustration purposes.  
         [0093]      FIG. 23  is a front elevational view of the picket  86  of  FIG. 24  showing the tab  94  which is cut away from an opening  95  which is formed in the front face of the hollow picket. Alternatively, the tab  94  may be a separate item which is attached to the picket to form an integral combination.  
         [0094]      FIG. 24  is a side elevational view similar to  FIG. 21  with the rail  100  removed for illustration purposes.  
         [0095]      FIG. 25  shows yet another alternative embodiment  88  of the picket  86  of  FIG. 23  wherein the tab  94  is turned upwardly as shown. In this embodiment tab  102  will be used to support a picket  88  on a support bar  96  identical to the support bar shown in  FIG. 21 . The assembly sequence of the picket with the rail and support bar may differ in the embodiment of  FIG. 25  from the embodiment of  FIGS. 21-24 .  
         [0096]     Referring now to  FIG. 26  there is shown a front elevational view of an alternative picket  104  having a square aperture  106  or alternative a circular aperture  108  cut into the front face  105  for reception of a spring loaded ball arrangement as shown in  FIG. 27 .  
         [0097]     In  FIG. 27  picket  104  includes circular aperture  108  for example, and support bar  106  includes housing  108  having ball  110  biased against picket  104  by spring  112  as shown. As indicated, circular aperture  108  in  FIG. 27  can alternatively be a square aperture  106  as shown in  FIG. 26 .  
         [0098]     Referring now to  FIG. 28  there is shown still another alternative embodiment of a picket support and strengthening bar system wherein bar  114  has a cross-section as shown and includes an elongated rib  116  having a generally rectangular cross-section as shown and adapted and dimensioned for entry into a corresponding aperture  118  in picket  120  as shown.  
         [0099]      FIG. 29  shows an alternative embodiment of a bar  122  which may be incorporated with a suitable rail as shown in the previous embodiment.  
         [0100]      FIG. 30  shows still another alternative embodiment of a bar  124  which may be incorporated in a suitable rail system as shown in the previous embodiments.  
         [0101]      FIG. 31  shows still another alternative embodiment of a suitable bar  126  which can be incorporated into a suitable rail system as shown in the previous embodiments.  
         [0102]     While the fence assembly of the present invention has been described generally with reference to one example post member, one example rail member, one example picket member, and one example elongated support member (or support and strengthening bar) it should be readily understood that respective pluralities of such major components are contemplated to form most completed fence assemblies according to the invention.  
         [0103]     Further, as can be seen from the description and drawings herein, although the post members are generally upright in most assemblies, it is contemplated that the post members, the rail members and the picket members can be assembled in a variety of orientations, being at right angles or acute angles relative to each other to form a fence assembly which accommodates any terrain, according to the present invention.  
         [0104]     Additionally, while the rail members can be physically attached to the post members by fasteners or the like, it is only necessary to attach the rail members to the post members by fixing their position relative to the post members, as by mere insertion into an aperture in the post member, or by indirect attachment to the post member, as by attaching the rail member to another device such as a bracket, which in turn is attached to the post member. In fact as noted previously, the rail members can be eliminated, and the elongated support member can be configured and structured to function as a rail member as well as a picket support and strengthening member. One example of such structure can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 18 , for example, wherein the fence assembly may be comprised of a post and a plurality of picket members supported by the support and strengthening bar  82 , without the need for one or more external rail members. In  FIG. 2  the support and strengthening bar goes through the picket and in  FIG. 18  the bar extends through a portion of the picket to support it.  
         [0105]     Moreover, it should be understood that although the components of the present invention are preferably made of a suitable extrudable or moldable plastic, specifically PVC and its co-polymers and other polymers and polymer blends known in the art, metals such as aluminum or the like may also be utilized to form the fence system. In addition, combinations of materials may be used. For example the support bar may be made of an extrudable plastic and the pickets may be made of a metal material or vice a versa. Various combinations can be envisioned by those skilled in the art.