Abstract:
A fence attachment system includes a fence post clamp, a first anchoring device and an adapter with a second anchoring device for standardized attachment of any type fence panels to any type fence posts, wherein the fence post clamp has for example a ring-shaped configuration and contractible via a straining screw such that the clamp fits a variety of different fence posts, wherein the first anchoring device are preferably elongated holes distributed across the circumference of the ring-shaped clamp for fastening the adapters; with specialized fence post clamps for gate joints or disposition of a gate lock stop integration of a fence gate is also realized.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of German Patent Application Serial No. 10 2007 002 601.5, filed Jan. 12, 2007, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a fence attachment system for connecting fence posts with fence panels. The invention relates further to specifically configured posts for providing a fence with such posts and a system incorporating the forgoing elements. 
         [0003]    Fences of all types for bordering private and/or public property are well known. Generally these fence systems consist of fence posts fixed in the ground at predetermined distances from which the fence panels extend between the fence posts. In industrially manufactured fences the fence panels are normally matched to the fence post, such that a fence system incorporates only those components that are mutually matched. 
         [0004]    It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved fence system which, relative to its construction, is highly flexible in its need for matched components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the fence attachment system serves in general the attachment of fence posts to fence panels and includes the following components: 
         [0006]    A fence post clamp which can be connected to a fence post and which comprises at least a first anchoring device. In principle, the attachment of the fence post to the clamp can be carried out in a variety of ways, for example by means of a hook, by means of screws or also by means of gluing, soldering or welding. Especially preferred is the attachment through force-fitting engagement by clamping. 
         [0007]    The fence attachment system further includes an adapter for fastening to a fence panel and which provides a second anchoring device, which can be connected with the first anchoring device. 
         [0008]    The present invention resolves prior art problems by allowing a flexible combination of components where any type of fence post can be combined with any type fence panel, because only suitable post clamps need be provided for the fence posts and only suitable adapters have to be provided for the fence panels which are then coupled to each other via the uniform connection between the first and the second anchoring devices. Thus, in a production program which includes for example four different types of fence posts and four different types of fence panels maximally eight different construction components, that is, only four different post clamps and four different adapters are necessary in order to produce 16 different combinations of post and panels. As a consequence a considerable increase of the product assortment is realized at a minimal additional production cost. Optionally the system also provides utilization of products from other manufacturers which are realized with the respective post clamps or adapters. 
         [0009]    A variety of embodiments of the fence post clamp are possible. According to a preferred embodiment, the fence post clamp is constructed as radially or circumferentially contractible ring. In an extended condition, such a fence post clamp is slid over a fence post and at a predetermined height can be clamped to the post by tightening the ring to a contracted position. This type of attachment has, among others, the advantage of a simple handling and to realize the attachment of the clamp at any height, while at the same time dimensional tolerances of the fence posts are balanced out. 
         [0010]    In order to make the afore-described ring contractible, the ring is preferably provided with gap which is bridged by a screw, whereby the screw head is held back at a first end of the ring, for example through the edge of a bore and the thread of the screw engages a corresponding counter thread in the other end of the ring. When tightening the screw the gap is decreased and the ring form fittingly attached around the post. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ring shaped fence post clamp, the ring has at least one section where a cross section, which by definition is perpendicular to the ring&#39;s extension, has straight inner and/or outer sides, that is, the side facing the post and the side facing away from the post. In particular, the ring can have an essentially rectangular cross section, where the inner and outer side as well as the top surface and the bottom surfaces are straight. 
         [0012]    A straight inner side of the ring has the advantage that the ring, instead of abutting the fence post only at certain points can sit flush against the fence post, which provides for a more firm positioning of the ring. With suitable dimensioning the slightly canted ring can be fixed to the post in an immovable manner. 
         [0013]    A straight outer side of the ring has the advantage of an aesthetically pleasing look. Furthermore, straight surfaces at the outer side of the fence post clamp can serve as a substrate for some decorating elements or can serve as an information carrier such as for example signs or placing the name of the manufacturer. For affixing decorations or informational elements, the ring is optionally provided with a groove at its outer side for affixing such elements in a removable manner for example by means of a clamping device to the fence post clamp, thereby allowing decorations in a simple manner. 
         [0014]    The shape of the ring can essentially be variable as long as interiorly an opening remains for sliding the ring over a post. According to a preferred embodiment, the ring is conceived in an essentially oval shape, wherein the longer sides of the oval are advantageously extending straight. In this case the shape of the ring fits a correspondingly shaped fence post, as further described in the following paragraphs. 
         [0015]    The first anchoring device at the fence post clamp can be of variable shape. In an especially simple embodiment, the first anchoring device is conceived as a through hole in the fence post clamp, into which an adapter can be fastened via a corresponding second anchoring device, for example by hooking into the through hole. The through hole can also be an elongated hole in order to balance dimensional tolerances. 
         [0016]    The fence post clamp may optionally be provided with only one first anchoring device. It is however preferred that either two or four of the first anchoring devices are located circumferentially at the clamp at even distances. Thus, several adapters can be fasted at the fence post clamp simultaneously and/or an adapter can be can be fasted at different locations. In particular two adapters can be attached at opposite sides on the fence post clamp, as is required when mounting the fence post between two fence panels. When providing four anchoring devices, then a fence corner can be made where two fence panels are meeting at right angle with a fence post. 
         [0017]    Optionally, the fence attachment system can include plugs with which the unused clearance holes at the fence post clamp are closed. Such as closure could be desired due to aesthetic reasons or to avoid the intake of water. 
         [0018]    The connection between the fence post clamp and an adapter is predominantly prone to tension stress which it has to withstand. Thus, the connection can be configured that when coupling the first and second anchoring devices, the adapter is still mobile relative to the fence post clamp, especially, that the adapter is still rotatable around one or two axes. Alternative to the foregoing, this connection can be also fixed such that the adapter is not movable relative to the fence post clamp. In the preferred case there is rotatable mobility around at least one axis in order to compensate for permissible variation during installation of the fence, or to realize the angular configuration of the fence posts and the fence panels relative to the plane of the posts, for example when installing the fence on a hillside and/or also in a plane perpendicular thereto, for example when installing fence corners. 
         [0019]    One of the many possible variations for embodiments of the adapter or its second anchoring device includes at least a bracket provided with a screw hole. This embodiment is compatible with the first anchoring device at the fence post clamp which is configured as a through hole whereby a simple and secure connection of fence post clamp and adapter is realized by means of a pin element such as a bolt or screw inserted through a screw hole and the through hole. 
         [0020]    The fence post clamp can optionally include a joint element for connection of a fence gate. Such a fence post clamp thus permits the installation of a fence gate onto any type fence post. 
         [0021]    The joint element of the fence post clamp may include two parallel extending brackets with aligned holes and a joint bolt. The eye bolt of a fence gate is guided between the brackets and fixed with the joint bolt thereby forming the gate joint. 
         [0022]    According to a variation of this embodiment, the joint bolt includes a preferably broadened head such that when installed the joint bolt does not project beyond the corresponding bracket. In that case the head does not become a starting point for a grasping tool, so that the head cannot easily be removed from the joint to avoid unauthorized removal. 
         [0023]    An alternative or additional securement against removal is realized when the hole in one of the brackets of the fence post clamp is narrowed at its outer side to under the diameter of the joint bolt. In particular, the hole can have a very small diameter of typically a few millimeters so that a special and pointy tool is required in order to move back the installed joint bolt from the outside through the hole. 
         [0024]    In another variant, the fence attachment system includes a stop for the gate lock for fastening to the fence post clamp or a special form of the fence post clamp and likewise usable for the installation of any type fence gate of a fence. The attachment of the stop to the fence post clamp can be made for example by a screw connection. 
         [0025]    The fence post clamp has optionally a flat surface acting as a limit at which the door lock stop can bear against. Thus, only a single bolt is necessary for a stable connection between fence post clamp and stop whereby the two components, save for a possible relative rotational movement are mutually connected in a formfitting manner. 
         [0026]    In accordance with a further variant, the gate lock stop has at least one fitting strip for at least partially encompassing the fence post in order to avoid that the stop when in a mounted position is still able to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the fence post. In this manner, the remaining rotational movement around the axis of a single connection bolt between the fence post clamp and the stop can be eliminated and an absolutely stable position of the stop is realized. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the stop is constructed for mounting at the fence post clamp in two different positions that are turned at 180 degree to each other. Thus the stop can be used as a stop for either right hand swinging or left hand swinging gates. In particular, to realize the turning capacity, the stop has a symmetric construction relative to its central plane. 
         [0028]    In another variation, the stop is provided with at least one device such as for example a plug hole for disposition of an elastic buffer. Thus, a rubber buffer or similar can be provided at the stop and suitably dimensioned to the respective door system. 
         [0029]    Optionally, the fence attachment system also comprises a supplemental component which is provided with a second anchoring device for connecting with the first anchoring device of the fence post clamp and serving a variety of purposes. For example, the supplemental component can be a holder for a flower pot, for a hose or similar garden equipment or just a decorative element for the fence. Supplemental components such as these can be fastened especially at those anchoring devices not used for the installation of the fence. Of course, any supplemental component can be attached to the fence by means of a separate fence post clamp at any place at the fence post. 
         [0030]    The components of the afore-described fence attachment system, that is, the fence post clamp, the adapter, gate lock stop or the supplemental component are preferably manufactured from aluminum because it is a flexible and cost-efficient material for producing differently shaped parts, for example through a die casting process. 
         [0031]    The invention refers also to the discrete products of a fence post clamp or an adapter, which are suitable for the afore-described fence attachment system and which are configured as afore-described. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the invention refers also to a fence post having a profile with a cross section of two opposite facing curved portions and two opposite facing straight portions. Due to the profile&#39;s oppositely disposed straight portions, the production of the fence post is for example cost efficiently done by an extrusion process. Optionally the fence can be configured as an “angular” or a “round” Design, depending on whether the rounded or the straight portion are oriented visible and vertical relative to the plane of the fence. 
         [0033]    Preferably, the post will be protected with a cap suitably shaped to the cross section of the post to provide the post a finish and to protect it from water damage. 
         [0034]    The invention also refers to a fence with at least one fence panel and at least one fence post as described herein. Furthermore, the invention includes a fence with at least one fence panel and at least one fence post, which are connected by means of the fence post attachment system described herein. 
         [0035]    Preferably the fence panel for the fence as described herein includes vertical bars and cross brackets which are flexibly connected to each other and permitting conversion of the panel into a trapezoidal shape if desired. With this configuration a fence can be installed even on a hillside with a bar grate type construction of a fence and without the need for stepped edges of the fence panels. 
         [0036]    In another variant of the fence system, a lighting system is integrated either in the fence panels, the fence post and/or in the fence attachment system. In particular, the lighting can be integrated into the fence post clamp or the post caps. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0037]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a cross section through a fence post according to the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fence post cap for the fence post in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fence post clamp according to the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a section through the center plane (upper left); two side views (upper right, lower left) and a perspective view of the fence post clamp of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a fence post clamp with gudgeons for a gate joint; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is a section along the vertical center plane of fence post clamp of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is a further embodiment of a fence post clamp having a flattened stop face; 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is a rear view, a section view, a side view and a perspective view of a stop for a fence gate for fastening to the fence post clamp of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a supplemental component for attachment to the fence post clamp according to  FIG. 7  or at a wall; 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adapter; 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  is a top view (upper left), front view (upper right) and a section (lower center) through the adapter of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  is a top view (upper left), a front view (upper right); a section (lower left) and a perspective view (lower right) of a second embodiment of the adapter; 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  is two perspective views of two variants of the adapter of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  is a top view (upper left), a section (upper right), a side view (center) and a perspective view (lower center) of the adapter for receiving grate bar panels; 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  shows a inside top view of a fence post cap (upper left), a perspective view (upper right) and a perspective inside view (lower right) of an alternative embodiment of a fence post cap according to  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  shows a section in the center plane of an alternative embodiment of a fence post clamp according to  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  shows a section in the center plane of an alternative embodiment of a fence post clamp according to  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  shows the front view (upper left), a side view (upper center), a rear view (upper right), a top view (lower left) a front perspective view (lower center), rear perspective view (lower right) of an alternative embodiment of a stop according to  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  shows stops according to  FIG. 18  with fence post adapters; 
           [0057]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fence post adapter, 
           [0058]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a variation of a fence post adapter; 
           [0059]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adapter according to  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adapter according to  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an adapter according to  FIG. 14  and an alternative embodiment thereof; 
           [0062]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a post clamp with a groove; 
           [0063]      FIG. 26  is a side view of a fence with a fence attachment system according to the invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 27  is a side view of a fence on a hillside. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0065]    Throughout all the Figures, same or corresponding elements are generally indicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. While the figures are especially suitable for oval fence posts ( FIG. 1 ), the fence attachment system is not limited to such, but can in suitable shape be basically applied to any type fence post, for example circular, quadrilateral or multilateral fence posts. 
         [0066]    It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. 
         [0067]    Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a cross section of a fence post  1  of oval shape, which, along its axial extension (perpendicular to the drawing plane) is configured as an (extrusion) profile with a constant cross section. The fence post can be produced from various materials for example metal such zinc covered steel or aluminum or of plastic. The cross section of fence post  1  includes two rounded portions  1   b  and  1   d , which can be semicircular and which are connected by two straight portions  1   a  and  1   c . The advantage of this is that fence post  1  can be installed into the fence in one of two positions that are turned 90 degree relative to each other, such that either the curved surfaces or alternatively the straight surfaces  1   a  and  1   c  are visible in the plane of the fence. 
         [0068]      FIG. 2  shows a post cap  2  which is produced for example of plastic for fastening to the upper terminal end of the fence post  1  according to  FIG. 1  in order to protect the fence post terminal end from water damage and to give the post a finished look. Optionally, a light can be integrated into the post cap  2  (not shown). In the following described figures, components of the fence attachment system are explained which are suitable for oval fence posts according to  FIG. 1 . The fence attachment system is in no way limited to this form and upon modifications is applicable to any type fence post, for example those that circular-, quadrilateral- or multilateral-shaped fence posts. 
         [0069]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a post clamp  100 ; further illustrations are shown in  FIG. 4 . The fence post clamp shows essentially an oval ring  101  having a rectangular or square cross section, such that the inner contour of the ring  101  is dimensioned for easy sliding over the fence post  1  according to  FIG. 1 . Within the ring&#39;s circumference there is a narrow gap  102 . As shown especially in the top and perspective view in  FIG. 4  laterally at each side of the gap are aligned screw holes  103 , one of which is configured with an inner thread, such that the gap  102  can be bridged by a threaded bolt (not shown). When tightening the bolt the ends terminating at the gap are drawn together so the size of the gap  102  decreases or disappears altogether and the radius of the ring  101  is decreased and the fence post clamp  100  is clamped tightly to the respectively dimensioned fence post. Thus advantageously the clamping location of the fence post clamp  100  can be realized in a continuous manner at any level on the fence post. 
         [0070]    As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the fence post clamp  100  has first anchoring devices which are in the form of elongated holes  104  which are symmetrically placed around the circumference of the ring  101  in crosswise manner. These holes  104  are used together with an adapter to attach a fence panel at the fence post clamp  100  and its corresponding fence post. With the disposition of the four holes  104  oriented in four different directions a straight alignment of the fence as well as corner- or T connections is realized. 
         [0071]    Normally not all of the holes  104  are necessary for attachment action; the fence post attachment system includes optionally stoppers (not shown) for those holes  104  not used. It is furthermore practical to utilize the holes  104 , aside from the use with adapters also for other purposes such as for ornamentation or tool holders. 
         [0072]    The fence post clamp  100  is advantageously produced form aluminum by means of a die cast process.  FIG. 4  depicts the respective hollows  105  provided at the underside of the clamp  100  for the purpose of reducing material use. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show a special embodiment of a fence post clamp  200  which differs from the afore-described clamp  100  by the addition of joint element for a fence gate joint. The joint element includes two parallel extending brackets  206   a ,  206   b , each having holes  208 ,  209  the axes of which are aligned and extend parallel to the axis of the post. A joint bolt  210  is placed through the holes  208 ,  209  for fixing the eye of an eye bolt at the fence gate (not shown) in a rotatable manner. According to  FIG. 6 , the joint bolt  210  has a wider head  211  which is countersunk into the recess  207  provided at the outside of for example hole  208 . In mounted condition of the fence post clamp  200 , the recess  207  is typically at the upper side, so that the joint bolt  210  can be placed from above into the holes  208 ,  209  until head  211  is stopped to avoid further sliding. The recess  207  is preferably deep enough to receive the entire head  211  and either ending flush with the bracket or sunk deeper as a security measure against any unauthorized lifting. 
         [0074]    As an additional security measure for joint bolt  210 ,  FIG. 6  shows a bore  212  which leads to the lower joint bolt hole  209  for receiving a stud screw, for securing the joint bolt  210 . In yet another security measure for the joint bolt  210  (not shown here), the lower joint bolt plug hole  209  is reduced in diameter down to a few millimeters at the lower end of the hole  209  such that the joint bolt cannot fit through and a special pointy tool is needed to push the bolt back. 
         [0075]      FIG. 6  also shows a rectangular cross-section of the ring  201  with straight inner sides  213   a  and outer sides  213   b.    
         [0076]    In  FIG. 7  various views of a further embodiment of the fence post clamp  300  are seen, which embodiment differs from the fence post clamp  100  by a flat surface  306  with a central passage  307 ; the flat surface  306  is in lieu of the rounded surface in clamp  100 . Various items can be affixed at the flat surface  306  and fastened by means of a bolt fed through hole  307 . Optionally, the hole  307  is provided with an inner thread for screwing in the bolt. 
         [0077]      FIG. 8  shows a fence gate stop  350  for attachment to the flat surface  306  of fence post clamp  300 . The fence gate stop  350  is attached at a suitable height to a border post of the fence. The fence gate stop  350  includes at each terminal end a fitting strip  352  flanking a concave curvature facing the fence post thus corresponding to the roundness  1   b ,  1   d  of fence post  1  of  FIG. 1 . Through the formfitting connection, stop  350  is already in a fixed position except for an axial displacement along the fence post and a rotation around the axis of the fence post. These remaining motilities of the stop  350  can be eliminated through use of the special fence post clamp  300 . The flat surface  306  of fence post clamp can bear against a central flat surface  355  of stop  350  and stop  350  can then be fixed through the elongated hole  354  by means of a bolt guided through hole  307  of fence post clamp  300 . Optionally two or more fence post clamps spaced from each other can be utilized in order to firmly fix stop  350 . 
         [0078]    Stop  350  is provided with a nose rib  351  such that when the stop is installed the nose rib  351  points away from the post and acts as a gate lock stop for the catch of the lock and stop  353  for the frame of the fence gate. Optionally one or more rubber buffers can be provided in the stop  353  (for example plugged into the bores not shown) in order to balance measurement tolerances depending on the actual measurements of the fence gate and to realize a soft action stop. 
         [0079]      FIG. 9  shows an attachment element  360  in perspective view and in a section cut along line A-A. From a top view, the attachment element  360  is approximately of semicircular shape with a flat surface  365  for attachment, for example, to a wall. For this purpose, the attachment element  360  has a radially extending through bore  361  for guiding a screw into the wall. The attachment element  360  also includes three elongated holes  364  oriented at 45 degrees to each other and which correspond to the elongated holes  304  of the fence post clamp  300  for fastening the adapter when attaching the fence panels. Thus, with the attachment element  360 , bends of 45 degrees are realized whereby at horizontal or respectively a vertical orientation of the attachment element  360 , the bends are seen in a plan view or respectively in the side view of a fence. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 10 and 11  show a first embodiment in a perspective- and other views of an adapter  500  which serves as a connecting member between a fence post clamp  100  to  300 , or an attachment element  360  and a fence panel. 
         [0081]    Adapter  500  for a “second anchoring device” has two parallel spaced brackets  501   a  and  501   b  for attachment at an elongated hole  104 ,  204 ,  304  (“first anchoring device”), wherein each bracket  501   a  and  501   b  has an aligned screw hole  502  and spaced at slightly greater distance than the thickness of fence post clamps  100 ,  200  or  300  or the attachment element  360 . Optionally, one of the screw holes  502  includes an inner thread. In mounted position, the brackets  501   a ,  501   b  encompass a fence post clamp/attachment element in the area of an elongated hole  104 - 304 ,  354  such that a screw is guided through screw holes  502  and the elongated hole for attachment of the adapter  500 . 
         [0082]    Adapter  500  is further provided with means for attachment of a fence panel to the adapter, which in the depicted example is directed to the installation of the fence panels of the fence system type “MADRID” from the Gustav Alberts GmbH &amp; Co. KG, Herscheid or comparable systems. These means consists of a bracket with an elongated hole  503  therein, whereby the axis of this elongated hole extends vertical to the axis of screw holes  502 . A screw which is guided through the elongated hole  503  serves to attach a fence panel (not shown). 
         [0083]    In  FIG. 12  an alternative embodiment of an adapter  600  is shown, wherein the means for attachment of a fence panel is constructed as a rectangular blind hole  603  for receiving a correspondingly shaped bar (not shown) of a fence panel. 
         [0084]    Two further embodiments  700  and  800  of an adapter of  FIG. 12  are shown in  FIG. 13 , where the blind hole has a square cross section. The neck of adapter  700  is suitable for insertion into a rectangular tube. 
         [0085]      FIG. 14  shows several views of an adapter  900  which is especially constructed for a stable attachment of grate bar panels. For that purpose, adapter  900  includes two elongated U-shaped parallel extending legs  904   a ,  904   b . Each leg has a centrally disposed and aligned through-bore  903 . The length of each of the legs  904   a ,  904   b  is dimensioned (here for example 58 mm) so it can hold at least two vertical bars of a grate bar panel, whereby the panel is then fixed by means of a screw guided through holes  903  or clamped tight. The capacity of holding two vertical bars prevents a rotational movement of the grate bar panel relative to the adapter  900  and thereby realizes a stable fence installation. 
         [0086]      FIG. 15  shows and alternative fence post cap  1002 , which is for example made by an aluminum die-cast process for fixing at the upper end of the fence post  1  in accordance with  FIG. 1 . At its interior surface, the fence post cap  1002  has a pin  1012  which provides means for allowing the cap to be suspended during a production coating process for example, while being powder coated. The collar for inserting into the fence post is divided into four segments  1013  leaving room in-between the segments for accommodating possible welding seams of the fence posts, if necessary. The segments  1013  preferably are provided with a draft of typically 4 degree, for a better release form the mold after the die-cast process. They also generally provide a small slot toward the inner wall of the fence post for receiving glue. The extending edge  1011  of the fence post cap should be sharp edged and circumferentially provided with a groove at the inner side of the edge, allowing a tight fit after being placed on the fence post. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 16 and 17  show sections through the center plane of alternative embodiments  1100 , respectively  1300  of the fence post clamps  100  respectively  300 . The slot  1102  respectively  1302 , by means of which the fence post clamp is contracted, is configured straight. 
         [0088]    The variation of gate lock stop  1350  shown in  FIG. 18  is at the axial rear ends provided with two projections  1352  which are configured as a rounded curve for formfitting placement at the respective curve of a round fence post. In accordance with  FIG. 19 , optionally fence post adapters can be disposed in the adapters  1352  in order to accommodate an attachment to fence posts of a different shape. The first fence post adapter  1360  as separately shown in  FIG. 20  has a round post side  1361  for disposition at a round post with a small curvature radius, while the stop side  1362  of the adapter fits into a corresponding square recess of the fence gate lock stop  1350 . The fence post adapter  1370  separately shown in  FIG. 21 , shows the same stop side  1372  (corresponding to gate lock stop  1350 ). However, the side facing the post  1371  is configured flat to correspond to the projection of a fence post having a straight outer surface (a square cross section). 
         [0089]    In the fence gate lock stop  1350 , the center straight surface  1355  and corresponding whole  1354  are elongated. In the surface of the also elongated nose rib  1351 , a recess is provided for attachment of, for example, steel scuff plate which protects the surface from being scratched when coming in contact with the latch of the lock. A hole  1353  is provided by which the latch can be suspended during the coating process, for example a powered coating during production. Recesses may also be provided in the stop surfaces  1353  for example for receiving a rubber buffer. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show modified embodiments  1600  respectively  1800  of adapter  600  respectively  800 . Parallel to each of the plug holes are interiorly protruding ridges  1601  respectively  1801  which facilitate positioning of an inserted bar. 
         [0091]      FIG. 24  again shows the adapter  900  of  FIG. 14  and a mirror image variation  1900 . Advantageously, two variants of an adapter allows that at the right end as well as at the left end of a grate rod panel, the recesses  905  or  1905  for receiving the screw nut, are located at the same side of the panel, which optically improves the look of the installation and makes for an easier assembly. It should be noted that the top- and bottom surface of the adapter  900 ,  1900  are different due to the countersink hole  907 ,  1907  in the upper attachment bracket. 
         [0092]      FIG. 25  shows the fence post clamp in a side view and in  FIGS. 26 and 27  the grate bar panel  5  and  5 ′ are shown, with  FIG. 27  showing the nature of the installment system effective in an installation at a hillside. 
         [0093]      FIG. 25  shows in a side view (comparable to the bottom left drawing of  FIG. 4 ) a modification of a fence post clamp  400  with a ring  401  similar to that described with respect to  FIG. 3 ,  5 , or  7 . As an additional feature, the fence post clamp  400  comprises a groove  406  extending over a part of its outer side for affixing some decorating elements or an information carrier. 
         [0094]      FIG. 26  shows a part of a fence comprising two fence posts  1  to which a fence panel  5  is attached by fence post clamps  100  with associated adapters  500  as they were described above. Moreover, one of the fence posts comprises a light  3  that is integrated into its cap. 
         [0095]      FIG. 27  shows the fence of  FIG. 26  when installed on a hillside. Due to vertical bars and cross brackets which are flexibly connected to each other, a conversion of the panel into a trapezoidal shape  5 ′ is possible as desired. 
         [0096]    While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a fence installation, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.