Patent Publication Number: US-2023137587-A1

Title: Fencing attachment devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The subject application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/273,034 filed Oct. 28, 2021. The content of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable fencing systems which may provide flexibility in the positioning and/or engagement between various components of the fencing system. 
     Fencing systems may involve a number of components which are coupled or engaged to one another. For example, a fencing system may include a number of posts which may be positioned in the ground, and a number of linking members such as fence rails may extend between and be coupled to the posts. The positioning and spacing of the fence posts may vary, which may, amongst other things, increase difficulties in coupling the linking members or fence rails to the posts. 
     In view of the foregoing, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology. 
     The claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate examples of where the present disclosure may be utilized. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable fencing systems which may provide flexibility in the positioning and engagement between various components of the fencing system. 
     In one embodiment, a fencing system includes a first support member; a first linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the first linking member including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot; a second linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the second linking member including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot; and a coupling member configured to couple the first linking member and the second linking member with the first support member in an arrangement where the first linking member is positioned on a first side of the first support member, the second linking member is positioned on a second side of the first support member positioned opposite of the first side of the first support member, and the coupling member extends through the first elongated slot of the first linking member and the first elongated slot of the second linking member. 
     In another embodiment, a linking member for a fencing system includes a first portion extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second portion extending along a second longitudinal axis. A hinge is positioned between and couples the first portion and the second portion, and the hinge is configured to facilitate angular variation between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. The hinge includes a spherical head, a radiused receptacle receiving the spherical head, and a retaining member extending around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle. 
     In another embodiment, a method for assembling a fence includes positioning a first linking member on a first side of a first support member. The first linking member extends between a first end and an opposite second end and includes a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot. The method also includes positioning a second linking member on a second side of the first support member and opposite of the first linking member. The second horizontal member extends between a first end and an opposite second end and includes a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot. The method further includes positioning a coupling member through the first elongated slot of the first linking member, the first support member, and the first elongated slot of the second linking member to couple the first and second linking members to the first support member, and adjusting positioning of at least one of the first linking member and the second linking member relative to the first support member by sliding the first elongated slot of the at least one of the first linking member and the second linking member along the coupling member. 
     In alternative embodiments, assemblies, systems, apparatuses, and devices relating to fences, fencing systems and fencing components are provided. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a fencing system; 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of the fencing system illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of an alternative embodiment fencing system; 
         FIG.  4    is an end view of the fencing system illustrated in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is an end view of another alternative embodiment fencing system; 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of a hinged fencing member; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  illustrate top views of different orientations of the hinged fencing member illustrated in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIGS.  7 C- 7 D  illustrate side views of different orientations of the hinged fencing member illustrated in  FIG.  6   ; and 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of a fencing system including the hinged fencing member illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of promoting an understanding of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the following embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the described subject matter, and such further applications of the disclosed principles as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. 
     The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
     By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to fencing systems including components which may provide flexibility in the assembly and arrangement of the fencing system. Turning now generally to  FIGS.  1  and  2    for example, there is illustrated a fencing system  10  that may be used for any number of purposes. The fencing system  10  includes a first support member or post  12  spaced apart from a second support member or post  14 . The fencing system  10  may include a number of posts in addition to the posts  12  and  14 . In the illustrated form, one end of each of the posts  12  and  14  has been positioned in the ground G, and the other end of each of the posts  12  and  14  is positioned above the ground G. Each of the posts  12  and  14  includes a plurality of apertures  16  (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity). The apertures  16  may extend through the posts  12  and  14  and be configured to receive a coupling member, further details of which will be provided below. 
     The fencing system  10  also includes a plurality of linking members or rails  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  and  18   e . The rails  18   a - c  are coupled to the posts  12  and  14 , and one end of the rails  18   d  and  18   e  is coupled to a respective one of the posts  12  and  14 . The fencing system  10  may include more or fewer rails than what is illustrated. Each of the rails  18   a - e  extends between a first end  20  and a second end  22 , and includes a first elongated slot  24  and a second elongated slot  26 . The rails  18   a - e  may, for example, have a hollow tubular configuration, although variations in their configuration are possible. In the illustrated form, the first elongated slot  24  is positioned inwardly from the first end  20  such that the first elongated slot  24  has an enclosed configuration. In other forms however, the first elongated slot  24  may extend to and open at the first end  20 . Similarly, in the illustrated form, the second elongated slot  26  is positioned inwardly from the second end  22  such that the second elongated slot  26  has an enclosed configuration. In other forms however, the second elongated slot  26  may extend to and open at the second end  22 . The first elongated slot  24  and the second elongated slot  26  are spaced from one another, although forms in which the first elongated slot  24  and the second elongated slot  26  communicate with one another to provide a single elongated slot are also possible. 
     As indicated above, the posts  12  and  14  each include a plurality apertures  16  which provide a number of different vertical levels at which the rails  18   a - e  may be coupled and positioned relative to the posts  12  and  14 . As best seen in  FIG.  2    for example, the rail  18   a  is coupled to the posts  12  and  14 , and is positioned on a first side of the posts  12  and  14 . In addition, the first end  20  of the rail  18   a  extends past the post  12  and the second end  22  of the rail  18   a  extends past the post  14 . The rail  18   d  is coupled to the post  12  and is positioned on a second side of the post  12  relative to the rail  18   a . The first end  20  of the rail  18   d  extends past the post  12  in an opposite direction from the first end  20  of the rail  18   a . Similarly, in this arrangement, the rails  18   a  and  18   d  overlap with one another. In addition, the rails  18   a  and  18   d  are positioned on opposite sides of the post  12 , as indicated above. The rail  18   e  is coupled to the post  14  and is positioned on a second side of the post  14  relative to the rail  18   a . The first end  20  of the rail  18   d  extends past the post  12  in an opposite direction from the first end  20  of the rail  18   a . Similarly, in this arrangement, the rails  18   a  and  18   d  overlap with one another. In addition, the rails  18   a  and  18   e  are positioned on opposite sides of the post  14 , as indicated above. While not previously discussed, it is contemplated that the first ends  20  of the rails  18   a ,  18   d  and  18   e  could extend flush with the posts  12  and  14 ; stated alternatively, the first ends  20  would not extend past the posts  12  and  14  as illustrated. 
     In the illustrated arrangement, the first elongated slots  24  of the rails  18   a  and  18   d  align with one another on opposite sides of the post  12 , and the second elongated slot  26  of the rail  18   a  and the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   e  align with one another on opposite sides of the post  14 . A coupling member  28   a  extends through the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   a , one of the apertures  16  of the post  12 , and the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   d  in order to couple the rails  18   a  and  18   d  to the post  12 . A coupling member  28   b  extends through the second elongated slot  26  of the rail  18   a , one of the apertures  16  of the post  14 , and the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   e  in order to couple the rails  18   a  and  18   e  to the post  14 . In one non-limiting form, the coupling members  28   a  and  28   b  may be in the form of a threaded bolt and nut combination, although other variations are possible. In addition, the rails  18   b  and  18   c  may be engaged with the posts  12  and  14  in a similar fashion using coupling members which are the same as or similar to the coupling members  28   a  and  28   b.    
     During assembly of the fencing system  10  for example, the coupling member  28   a  may be positioned through the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   a , one of the apertures  16  of the post  12 , and the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   d  and provisionally couple the rails  18   a  and  18   d  to the post  12  while still allowing adjustments to the positioning thereof. The positioning of the rails  18   a  and  18   d  relative to the post  12  and one another may thereafter be adjusted by sliding the rails  18   a  and  18   d  in one or more directions along the coupling member  28   a  positioned in the first elongated slots  24  of the rails  18   a  and  18   c . When desired positioning of the rails  18   a  and  18   d  relative to one another, the post  12 , and any other posts to which they may be coupled is achieved, the coupling member  28   a  may be tightened in order to secure the desired positioning of the rails  18   a  and  18   d.    
     In a similar fashion, the coupling member  28   b  may be positioned through the second elongated slot  26  of the rail  18   a , one of the apertures  16  of the post  14 , and the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   e  and provisionally couple the rails  18   a  and  18   e  to the post  14  while still allowing adjustments to the positioning thereof. The positioning of the rails  18   a  and  18   e  relative to the post  14  and one another may thereafter be adjusted by sliding the rails  18   a  and  18   e  in one or more directions along the coupling member  28   b  positioned in the second elongated slots  26  of the rail  18   a  and the first elongated slot  24  of the rail  18   e . When desired positioning of the rails  18   a  and  18   e  relative to one another, the post  14 , and any other posts to which they may be coupled is achieved, the coupling member  28   b  may be tightened in order to secure the desired positioning of the rails  18   a  and  18   e . The rails  18   b  and  18   c  may also be coupled to the posts  12  and  14  in this manner, providing adjustability in the positioning of the rails  18   b  and  18   c  relative to the posts  12  and  14  after the rails  18   b  and  18   c  have been provisionally coupled thereto. When desired positioning of the rails  18   b  and  18   c  is provided, the coupling members coupling these rails to the posts  12  and  14  may be tightened to secure the desired positioning thereof. While the rails  18   d  and  18   e  have been illustrated in connection with the rail  18   a , it should be appreciated that one or more similar or identical rails may be associated with one or both the rails  18   b  and  18   c.    
     In view of the above, it should be appreciated that the elongated slots  24  and  26  in the rails  18   a - 18   e  allow for, amongst other things, variations in the positioning of the posts  12  and  14  (and others not illustrated) in the fencing system  10  without custom cutting or fitting the rails  18   a - 18   e  to account for the different spacing that may occur between the posts  12  and  14 . In addition, the manner in which the rails  18   a - 18   e  are coupled to a side of the posts  12  and  14  also enables readily adjusting the rails  18   a - 18   e  relative to the posts  12  and  14 , while the different apertures  16  in the posts  12  and  14  allows the rails  18   a - 18   e  to be placed at a variety of different vertical levels above the ground G. Moreover, while not previously mentioned, in some forms one or more of the rails  18   a - 18   e  could be coupled to one or both of the posts  12  and  14  without another rail being positioned on the opposite side of the posts  12  and  14 . In these forms, the coupling members  28   a  and/or  28   b  could extend through the respective one or ones of the rails  18   a - 18   e  and an aperture  16  of the post  12  and/or the post  14  in order to couple these components together. 
     An alternative embodiment fencing system  110  is illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. The fencing system  110  includes a first support member or post  112  spaced from a second support member or post  114 . A third support member or post  116  engages with the post  114 , and a fourth support member or post (not shown) engages with the post  112 . In this arrangement, the posts of the fencing system  110  may be positioned on the ground G and the engagement between the posts may provide vertical stability for the fencing system  110 . Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the posts of the fencing system  110  may be positioned in the ground G. The post  116  includes an upper portion  118  and a lower portion  120  which is positioned in and adjustable relative to the upper portion  118 . In this configuration, the lower portion  120  may be moved in order to provide a desired orientation of the fencing system  110 , and may likewise account for variations in the surface of the ground G. A locking member  122  may be used to secure the relative positioning of the upper portion  118  and the lower portion  120 . In one form, the locking member  122  may be externally threaded and engage with a threaded aperture in the upper portion  118  such that upon rotation of the locking member  122  it may be threadingly advanced into contact with the lower portion  120  to secure its positioning. 
     As best seen in  FIG.  4    for example, the fencing system  110  includes rails  18   a - g . The rails  18   f  and  18   g  may be configured the same as the rails  18   a - e  as described herein above. The rails  18   a - f  are coupled to the posts  112  and  114 , with the rails  18   a  and  18   d  being positioned on opposite sides of the posts  112  and  114 , the rails  18   b  and  18   e  being positioned on opposite sides of the posts  112  and  114 , and the rails  18   c  and  18   f  being positioned on opposite sides of the posts  112  and  114 . In other forms for example, one or more of the rails  18   a - f  may be coupled to one of the posts  112  and  114  and extend to another post of the fencing system  110  (not shown) in a manner similar to that described above in connection with  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Similarly, in some aspects, the illustration of  FIG.  3    could be considered to be a fencing segment or subsystem included in a larger overall fencing system. The rail  18   g  is coupled to the post  116  and the other post engaged with the post  112  (which is not shown). 
     Each of the posts  112  and  114  includes a plurality of apertures  115  (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity). The apertures  115  may extend through the posts  112  and  114  and be configured to receive a coupling member. Similarly, the fencing system  110  includes coupling members  28   a - g  which are used to couple the rails  18   a - g  to a respective one of the posts  112 ,  114 , and  116 . The coupling members  28   c - g  may be the same or substantially similar to the coupling members  28   a  and  28   b  as described herein above. As such, the fencing system  110  may be assembled in manner similar to that described above in connection with the fencing system  10  where the rails  18   a - g  provide flexibility in assembling the fencing system  110 . 
     The fencing system  110  also includes a bracing member  124  which extends between the posts  112  and  114  to provide longitudinal stability to the fencing system  110  and, in particular, between the posts  112  and  114 . The bracing member  124  may be configured the same or substantially similar as the rails  18   a - e  as described herein above. In one form for example, the rail  18   g  may serve as a bracing member in addition to or in lieu of the bracing member  124 . The bracing member  124  may be coupled to the posts  112  and  114  with a coupling member which is the same as or substantially similar to the coupling members  28   a  and  28   b  as described herein. For example, the ends of the bracing member  124  may be coupled to the posts  112  and  114  on a side thereof which is positioned opposite of the side of the posts  112  and  114  on which the rails  18   a - e  are positioned. It should be understood that the other alternative embodiment fencing systems described herein may also include a bracing member such as the bracing member  124  or a substantially similar bracing member. 
     Another alternative embodiment fencing system  210  is illustrated in  FIG.  5   , where like numerals refer to like features previously described. The fencing system  210  is substantially similar to the fencing system  110 . However, in the fencing system  210 , the posts  214  and  216  intersect and are coupled to one another about a coupling point  218 . In addition, the post  214  and the post  216  each includes a number of apertures similar to the apertures  115  (not shown in  FIG.  5   ), and a number of apertures  215  that extend transversely to the apertures similar to the apertures  115 . More particularly, in one non-limiting form, the apertures  215  may extend orthogonally to the apertures similar to the apertures  115 . The apertures  215  of the posts  214  and  216  provide a number of different potential arrangements for the positioning of the coupling point  218 , and for the posts  214  and  216  relative to one another. For example, if the desired spacing between the posts  214  and  216  at the ground G is larger, then the coupling point  218  may be provided utilizing lower ones of the apertures  215  on the posts  214  and  216 , while the coupling point  218  may be provided utilizing higher ones of the apertures  215  on the posts  214  and  216  if closer spacing between the posts  214  and  216  at the ground G is desired. 
     The fencing system  210  also includes a cross member  220  which extends between and is coupled to the posts  214  and  216 . In the illustrated form, the cross member  220  is coupled to the posts  214  and  216  at a location above the coupling point  218 , although forms in which the cross member  220  may be coupled to the posts  214  and  216  below the coupling point  218  are also possible. The cross member  220  includes a number of apertures  222  which facilitate a range of variations in the positioning of the cross member  220  relative to the posts  214  and  216 . More specifically, the apertures  222  maybe aligned with respective ones of the apertures  215  in the posts  214  and  216  and a coupling member such as a threaded bolt and nut combination may be used to couple the cross member  220  to the posts  214  and  216 . When coupled to the posts  214  and  216 , the cross member  220  may prevent movement of the posts  214  and  216  relative to one another. For example, the cross member  220  may prevent the lower ends of the posts  214  and  216  from moving toward or away from one another near the ground G. Similarly, the cross member  220  may prevent the upper ends of the posts  214  and  216  from moving toward or away from one another. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7 A -D, further details of an alternative embodiment horizontal member or rail  318  will be provided. While only a portion of the rail  318  has been illustrated, it should be appreciated that the rail  318  may be the same as or substantially similar to the rails  18   a - c  as described herein above and illustrated in  FIG.  1   . However, the rail  318  may also be provided in forms having configurations that differ from those as otherwise illustrated and described. The rail  318  may be used in any of the systems described herein, either alone, in multiples, or in combination with the other rails described herein, or in fencing systems not described herein. 
     The rail  318  includes a first portion  320  which extends along a first longitudinal axis  1 . The rail  318  also includes a second portion  322  which extends along a second longitudinal axis  11 . A hinge  324  is positioned between and couples the first portion  320  and the second portion  322  and is configured to facilitate angular variation between the first longitudinal axis  1  and the second longitudinal axis  11 , although forms in which the first longitudinal axis  1  and the second longitudinal axis  11  are aligned with one another are also possible. The hinge  324  includes a spherical head  326  extending from the first portion  320 . In one form for example, the spherical head  326  may be formed on a coupling portion  327  such as a tubular member which is inserted into or otherwise coupled with the first portion  320 , although other configurations are possible. In one aspect, the spherical head  326  may be secured to the first portion  320  by welding or any other suitable coupling technique, although forms in which these components are integrally formed with one another are also possible. In the illustrated form, the spherical head  326  is positioned on a stem  336  which extends from the coupling portion  327  and is sized smaller than the spherical head  326 , although other variations are possible. In one form, the stem  336  may include a concave surface extending between the coupling portion  327  and the spherical head  326 . 
     The hinge  324  also includes a radiused receptacle  328  which may receive the spherical head  326  extending from the first portion  320 . In one form for example, the radiused receptacle  328  may be formed on a coupling portion  329  such as a tubular member which is inserted into the second portion  322 , although other configurations are possible including ones in which these components are integrally formed. In one aspect, the radiused receptacle  328  may be secured to the second portion  322  by welding or any other suitable coupling technique. In the illustrated form, the radiused receptacle  328  includes a semi-circular portion  332  and a flared opening  334  communicating with the semi-circular portion  332 , although other configurations are possible. 
     The hinge  324  further includes a retaining member  330  which extends around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle  328 . In one aspect, the retaining member  330  may be in the form of a ring which is welded, crimped or otherwise coupled to a portion of the radiused receptacle  328 . The retaining member  330  may prevent displacement of the spherical head  326  from the radiused receptacle  328  along a first axis which extends orthogonally to the view plane of  FIG.  6   . 
     In addition, the radiused receptable  328  may prevent displacement of the spherical head  326  therefrom along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis and the longitudinal axes  1  and  11  when the longitudinal axes  1  and  11  are aligned with one another. This second axis would extend parallel to the view plane of  FIG.  6   . The radiused receptacle  328  also limits movement of the spherical head  326  in a first direction along the longitudinal axis  1  as the spherical head  326  bears against a surface of the radiused receptacle  328  facing the spherical head  326 . Moreover, when the first portion  320  and the second portion  322  are both engaged with respective fence posts, movement of the spherical head  326  in a second direction along the longitudinal axis  1  and out of the radiused receptacle  328  is prevented. Forms in which the retaining member  330  may prevent displacement of the spherical head  326  from the radiused receptacle  328  in the second direction along the longitudinal axis  1  are also contemplated. 
     In one aspect, the flared opening  334  of the radiused receptacle  328  may engage against the stem  336  to limit angular variation between the first longitudinal axis  1  and the second longitudinal axis  11  (see  FIG.  7 B  for example). 
       FIGS.  7 A-D  illustrate different arrangements of the hinge  324  in a top view ( FIGS.  7 A and  7 B ) and in a side view ( FIGS.  7 C and  7 D ) where a first arrangement of the hinge  324  is illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 C  and a second arrangement of the hinge  324  is illustrated in  FIGS.  7 B and  7 D . In the first arrangement, the longitudinal axes  1  and  11  of the first portion  320  and the second portion  322  are generally aligned with one another such that the rail  318  could be used in a straight configuration between two posts. In the second arrangement of the hinge  324 , the angle between the longitudinal axes  1  and  11  of the first portion  320  and the second portion  322  has been varied such that the rail  318  could be used to provide a turn or change of direction in a fencing system without the addition of a post where the turn or change of direction occurs. For example, a system  410  utilizing the rail  318  in this configuration is illustrated in  FIG.  8   , where like numerals refer to like features previously described. The rail  318  may also provide flexibility in situations where alignment of posts in a fencing system varies. 
     The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.