Patent Abstract:
A fence panel can include a plurality of modular fence panel components that can be assembled modularly to form the fence panel. The fence panel components can include a system of keys and keyways that allow the components to interlock with one another when the fence panel is assembled to lock the components to one another to simplify the assembly process and to minimize the number of mechanical fasteners needed to assemble the fence panel.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/705,906, filed May 6, 2015, which is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/037,544, filed Aug. 14, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to fences, fence panels, modular components for forming fence panels, and related methods of forming fence panels. 
         [0004]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Fences are available in a variety of designs. In some cases, a fence can include fence posts and fence panels supported by and spanning between adjacent fence posts. Some fence panels are opaque structures, while others include lattice components for aesthetic or functional purposes. Some fence panels can be assembled on-site at an installation location, while others can be pre-fabricated and transported to an installation location. Many currently available fence panels are time consuming and expensive to construct, or are too large to easily transport. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In some embodiments, a fence panel kit for constructing a fence panel to be installed between adjacent fence posts comprises: one or more packaged arrangements of fence panel components including a base element, a center rail, a top rail, a first side element, a second side element, a plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies each including a plurality of fence boards, and at least one lattice component, the base element, the center rail, the top rail, the lattice divider, the first side element, the second side element, each of the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies, and the at least one lattice component being disconnected from one another for storage and transport in the one or more packaged arrangements, and wherein the base element, the center rail, the top rail, the first side element, the second side element, each of the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies, and the at least one lattice component include interlocking features to assist in joining the fence panel components together to form the fence panel. 
         [0007]    In some cases, the base element includes a bottom rail coupled to a bottom supporting element. In some cases, the plurality of fence boards of each of the interior sub-panel assemblies is at least partially bordered by a plurality of perimeter components. In some cases, the perimeter components include interlocking features to interlock with adjoining components. In some cases, the perimeter components of one or more of the interior sub-panel assemblies comprises a joint member that is configured to insertably receive a portion of an adjacent one of the interior sub-panel assemblies when the fence panel is constructed. In some cases, the base element, the center rail, the top rail, the first side element, the second side element, the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies and a lattice divider are packaged in a first packaged arrangement, and a plurality of lattice components are packaged in a second packaged arrangement separate from the first packaged arrangement. 
         [0008]    In some cases, the lattice components are first lattice elements having a first latticework pattern, and the fence panel kit further comprises a third packaged arrangement of fence panel components including a plurality of second lattice elements disconnected from one another for storage and transport in the third packaged arrangement, and the plurality of second lattice elements have a second latticework pattern different from the first latticework pattern. In some cases, the second and the third packaged arrangements of fence panel components are alternatively combinable with the first packaged arrangement of fence panel components to form a complete fence panel with different lattice structures. In some cases, the base element includes a base male-female mating feature and each of the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies includes a male-female mating feature matching the base male-female mating feature. 
         [0009]    In some cases, the first side element includes a first side male-female mating feature and the second side element includes a second side male-female mating feature, the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies includes a first end interior sub-panel assembly and a second end interior sub-panel assembly, the first end interior sub-panel assembly includes a first end male-female mating feature matching the first side male-female mating feature, and the second end interior sub-panel assembly includes a second end male-female mating feature matching the second side male-female mating feature. 
         [0010]    In some cases, the first end interior sub-panel assembly includes an interior facing male-female mating feature and the second end interior sub-panel assembly includes an interior facing male-female mating feature matching the interior facing male-female mating feature such that one or more additional interior sub-panel assemblies with similar interlocking features can be received between the first end interior sub-panel assembly and the second end interior sub-panel assembly. In some cases, the fence panel components include at least four separate interior sub-panel assemblies arranged in a stack of interior sub-panel assemblies, and the base element, the center rail, the top rail, a lattice divider, the first side element, and the second side element are positioned adjacent the stack. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, a method to facilitate construction of a fence comprising a plurality of fence panels supported by fence posts comprises: providing one or more packaged arrangements of fence panel components including a base element, a center rail, a top rail, a lattice divider, a first side element, a second side element, a plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies, and a plurality of lattice components, the base element, the center rail, the top rail, the lattice divider, the first side element, the second side element, each of the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies, and each of the plurality of lattice components being disconnected from one another for storage and transport in the one or more packaged arrangements, and wherein the base element, the center rail, the top rail, the lattice divider, the first side element, the second side element, each of the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies, and each of the plurality of lattice components include interlocking features to assist in joining the fence panel components together to form the fence panel. 
         [0012]    In some cases, the method further comprises packaging the base element, the center rail, the top rail, the lattice divider, the first side element, the second side element, and the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies in a first packaged arrangement and packaging the plurality of lattice components in a second packaged arrangement separate from the first packaged arrangement. In some cases, the method further comprises shipping the separated first packaged arrangement and the second packaged arrangement to a remote location for storage or use in constructing the fence panel. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, a method of constructing a fence panel comprises: assembling a fence panel from one or more packaged arrangements of fence panel components, the fence panel components of the fence panel including a plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies, a first side element, a second side element, a center rail, a bottom rail, a top rail, a lattice divider, and a plurality of lattice components, and the assembly of the fence panel comprising, joining the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies together laterally between the first and second side elements and longitudinally between the center rail and the bottom rail to form a panel main body, and joining the plurality of lattice components to the panel main body. 
         [0014]    In some cases, joining the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies together laterally between the first and second side elements and longitudinally between the center rail and the bottom rail to form the panel main body includes fitting a male-female mating feature of a first interior sub-panel assembly into a male-female mating feature of a second interior sub-panel assembly. In some cases, joining the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies together laterally between the first and second side elements and longitudinally between the center rail and the bottom rail to form a panel main body comprises: coupling a first end interior sub-panel assembly to the first side element and to the bottom rail, coupling one or more intermediate interior sub-panel assemblies to the first end interior sub-panel assembly and the bottom rail, coupling a second end interior sub-panel assembly to the one or more intermediate interior sub-panel assemblies and to the bottom rail, and coupling the second side element to the second end interior sub-panel assembly. 
         [0015]    In some cases, joining the plurality of lattice components to the panel main body comprises: coupling a first lattice structure to the first side element, coupling a second lattice structure to the second side element, and coupling the lattice divider between the first lattice structure and the second lattice structure. In some cases, coupling the first end interior sub-panel assembly to the first side element and to the bottom rail comprises coupling a first end male-female mating feature of the first end interior sub-panel assembly to a male-female mating feature of the first side element and a bottom male-female mating feature of the first end interior sub-panel assembly to a male-female mating feature of the bottom rail. In some cases, coupling the one or more intermediate interior sub-panel assemblies to the first end interior sub-panel assembly and the bottom rail comprises coupling a plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies together in a side-by-side arrangement. 
         [0016]    In some cases, coupling the second end interior sub-panel assembly to the one or more intermediate interior sub-panel assemblies and to the bottom rail comprises coupling a first end male-female mating feature of the second end interior sub-panel assembly to a male-female mating feature of the one or more intermediate interior sub-panel assemblies and a bottom male-female mating feature of the second interior sub-panel assembly to a male-female mating feature of the bottom rail. In some cases, coupling the second side element to the second end interior sub-panel assembly comprises coupling a male-female mating feature of the second end interior sub-panel assembly to a corresponding male-female mating feature of the second side element. 
         [0017]    In some cases, joining the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies and joining the plurality of lattice components includes: joining the top rail to the first side element, joining a first lattice component to the top rail and to the first side element, joining the lattice divider to the top rail and to the first lattice component, joining a second lattice component to the top rail and to the lattice divider, joining the center rail to the first side element, the first lattice component, the lattice divider, and the second lattice component, joining a first interior sub-panel assembly to the first side element and to the center rail, joining a second interior sub-panel assembly to the center rail and indirectly to the first interior sub-panel assembly, joining the second side element to the top rail, to the second lattice component, to the center rail, and to the second interior sub-panel assembly, and joining the bottom rail to the first interior sub-panel assembly, to the second interior sub-panel assembly, to the first side element, and to the second side element. 
         [0018]    In some cases, joining the plurality of interior sub-panel assemblies and joining the plurality of lattice components includes: joining the bottom rail to the first side element, joining a first interior sub-panel assembly to the bottom rail and to the first side element, joining a second interior sub-panel assembly to the bottom rail and indirectly to the first interior sub-panel assembly, joining the center rail to the first side element, the first interior sub-panel assembly, and to the second interior sub-panel assembly, joining the second side element to the bottom rail, to the second interior sub-panel assembly, and to the center rail, joining a first lattice component to the first side element and to the center rail, joining the lattice divider to the center rail and to the first lattice component, joining a second lattice component to the lattice divider, to the center rail, and to the second side element, and joining the top rail to the first side element, to the first lattice component, to the lattice divider, to the second lattice component, and to the second side element. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a portion of a fence, according to one example embodiment, including a plurality of fence panels positioned between respective pairs of posts. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an isometric exploded view of a fence panel of the fence of  FIG. 1  which illustrates a plurality of fence panel components thereof. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of a fence panel of the fence of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 A- 2 A. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of the fence panel of the fence of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 C- 2 C. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2C . 
           [0025]      FIGS. 3A-3L  illustrate one embodiment of a method of assembling a fence panel according to a top-down assembly methodology. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 4A-4L  illustrate another embodiment of a method of assembling a fence panel according to a bottom-up methodology. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a packaged fence panel kit, according to one example embodiment, which includes all components for constructing a fence panel in a single packaged arrangement. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 5A-5F  illustrate one embodiment of stacking fence panel components to facilitate storage and transport of all components for constructing a fence panel in a single packaged arrangement. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates a packaged fence panel kit, according to another example embodiment, which includes all components for constructing a fence panel in a two packaged arrangements including a base panel kit and a lattice kit. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates different example embodiments of fence panel latticework patterns which may be provided in connection with the fence panels. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, features, devices and techniques associated with fences and fence constructing have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. For example, although not illustrated in the Figures, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the fence panels described herein may be constructed with conventional fasteners, such as nails and/or screws, of suitable size and quantity to form a rigid fence structure. In addition, although example embodiments shown in the Figures are illustrated as wood fence panels, it is appreciated that fence panels may be formed of other materials, such as metal or vinyl, and that aspects of the embodiments described herein may be modified accordingly. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates a portion of a fence  100  and more particularly a portion of a wood fence. Fence  100  is a completed, assembled fence built to stand in and rise vertically from the ground  102 . In different embodiments, the fence  100  can be built in various environments and the ground  102  can include different types of earth, dirt, soil, rock, etc. In some embodiments, the fence  100  may be supported above the ground  102 , such as, for example, by fence post supports extending above the ground  102 . Fence  100  includes a first fence panel  104 , a second fence panel  106 , and a third fence panel  108  all of similar construction. Fence  100  also includes a first fence post  110  and a second fence post  112 . The fence posts  110 ,  112  are positioned and supported within respective post holes  114 ,  116  formed in the ground  102 . The first fence panel  104  is supported at one end by the first fence post  110 , the second fence panel  106  is supported by and spans between the first fence post  110  and the second fence post  112 , and the third fence panel  108  is supported at one end by the second fence post  112 . The fence panels  104 ,  106 , and  108  can be coupled to the fence posts  110 ,  112  using nails, screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners. 
         [0033]    The second fence panel  106  has a length extending from a first end of the second fence panel  106  (which is fixed to the first fence post  110 ) to a second end of the second fence panel  106  (which is fixed to the second fence post  112 ) along a first dimension X, which can be horizontal and aligned with the direction in which the fence  100  runs. The second fence panel  106  also has a height extending from a top of the second fence panel  106  to a bottom of the second fence panel  106  along a second dimension Y, which can be vertical and perpendicular to the first dimension X. The second fence panel  106  also has a width extending from a first major surface or side of the second fence panel  106  visible in  FIG. 1  (e.g., a “front” of the fence panel  106 ) to a second major surface or side of the second fence panel  106  not visible in  FIG. 1  (e.g., a “back” or “rear” of the fence panel  106 ) along a third dimension Z, which can be horizontal and perpendicular to the first dimension X and the second dimension Y. Fence panels can have various dimensions, such as a length of 6 feet or 8 feet, a height of 3, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.75, or 6 feet, and a width of 0.625, 1.5, 2.5, or 3.5 inches. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates various components of a modular fence panel  200  that can be used to form the fence panels  104 ,  106 , and  108  of the fence  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Fence panel  200  includes a horizontal base element or bottom supporting element  202 , a bottom rail  204 , a vertical first side element or column or post  206 , a vertical second side element or column or post  208 , a first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A, three central interior sub-panel assemblies  210 B,  210 C,  210 D, a second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E, a horizontal intermediate or center crossbar or rail  212 , two lattice components  214 ,  216 , a vertical lattice divider post  218 , and an upper or top crossbar or rail  220 . The first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A, three central interior sub-panel assemblies  210 B,  210 C,  210 D, and second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E can be referred to collectively as interior sub-panel assemblies  210 . The lattice components  214 ,  216  can each have a first latticework pattern. Although the two lattice components  214 ,  216  are shown as two separate lattice assemblies separated by the divider post  218 , it is appreciated that a single latticework assembly may be provided without the divider post  218 . 
         [0035]    The fence panel  200  can be assembled or constructed from its various components or modules, and thus can be referred to as a modular fence panel  200  which can be fabricated, shipped, and assembled modularly and can make use of fence panel construction techniques. Thus, individual components of the fence panel  200  can be interchanged or replaced with alternative components as desired, without the need to fabricate or obtain any additional components. To facilitate this aspect of the modular nature of the fence panel  200 , each of the components of the fence panel  200  can be provided with complementary and interchangeable coupling elements, as described further below. Each of the components of the fence panel  200  can have a first end (or edge), second end (or edge), top end (or edge), bottom end (or edge), first side, and second side, consistent with the use of those terms above with respect to  FIG. 1 , fence panel  106 , and the dimensions X, Y, and Z. 
         [0036]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the horizontal base element  202  includes a first end having a vertical key  202 A protruding therefrom and a second end having another vertical key  202 B protruding therefrom. The bottom rail  204  includes a first end having a vertical key  204 A protruding therefrom and a second end having another vertical key  204 B protruding therefrom. The top of the bottom rail  204  includes a keyway  204 C extending along the length of the bottom rail  204 . The bottom rail  204  can be wider than the base element  202  and the bottom rail  204  and base element  202  can be coupled to one another to form an elongate bottom crossbar having a generally T-shaped cross-sectional profile. The bottom rail  204  can be coupled to the base element  202  using various adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The elongate bottom crossbar may be pre-assembled or coupled together prior to receipt by an end-user. Although a two-piece bottom crossbar is shown, a single, unitary bottom crossbar having the same or different cross-sectional profile may be provided in some embodiments. The first end vertical key  202 A can have dimensions matching those of the first end vertical key  204 A, and the second end vertical key  202 B can have dimensions matching those of the second end vertical key  204 B, such that when the bottom rail  204  is coupled to the base element  202 , the first end vertical keys  202 A,  204 A have matching profiles and form a single vertical key that can engage with a corresponding keyway and the second end vertical keys  202 B,  204 B have matching profiles and form a single vertical key that can engage with a corresponding keyway. 
         [0037]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the first side element or post  206  includes a first end having a planar face or surface such that it can bear against and be secured to a fence post, such as the fence posts  110 ,  112  shown in  FIG. 1 , and a second end having a vertical keyway  206 A formed therein for receiving a complementary key (e.g., a key having a matching profile). The first side element or post  206  also includes a top end having a horizontal key  206 B formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The second side element or post  208  includes a first end having a vertical keyway  208 A formed therein for receiving a complementary key and a second end having a planar face or surface such that it can bear against and be secured to a fence post, such as the fence posts  110 ,  112  shown in  FIG. 1 . The second side element or post  208  also includes a top end having a horizontal key  208 B formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. 
         [0038]    The first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A includes a plurality of fence boards  222  interlocked together and partially bordered by a first end perimeter component  224 , a top perimeter component  226 , and a bottom perimeter component  228 . The first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A of the illustrated embodiment includes five fence boards  222 , including partial fence boards, that are interlocked together, however, it is appreciated that in other instances more or fewer fence boards  222  may be provided and the fence boards  222  may abut each other or may be spaced apart. The first end perimeter component  224  includes a first end having a first end vertical key  224 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The vertical key  224 A can be complementary with and thus can engage the keyway  206 A. The top perimeter component  226  includes a top end having a horizontal key  226 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The bottom perimeter component  228  includes a bottom end having a horizontal key  228 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The horizontal key  228 A can be complementary with and thus can engage the keyway  204 C. 
         [0039]    The first end perimeter component  224  also includes a second end having a vertical keyway (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) complementary to a first end of one of the fence boards  222  such that the first end of the fence board can engage with the first end perimeter component  224 , as shown best in  FIG. 2D . The top perimeter component  226  similarly includes a bottom end having a horizontal keyway  226 B complementary to top ends of the fence boards  222  such that the top ends of the fence boards  222  can engage with the top perimeter component  226 . The bottom perimeter component  228  similarly includes a top end having a horizontal keyway  228 B complementary to bottom ends of the fence boards  222  such that the bottom ends of the fence boards  222  can engage with the bottom perimeter component  228 . 
         [0040]    The top perimeter component  226  also includes a first end vertical key  226 C and the bottom perimeter component  228  also includes a first end vertical key  228 C. The vertical keys  226 C,  228 C can both have profiles matching the first end vertical key  224 A such that these three vertical keys can together form a single vertical key of the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A that can engage with the keyway  206 A. In one alternative embodiment, the first end of the top perimeter component  226  can be cut flush and have a planar surface instead of the key  226 C, and the first end of the bottom perimeter component  228  can be cut flush and have a planar surface instead of the key  228 C. The top perimeter component  226  and the bottom perimeter component  228  each extend in the direction of the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E a distance beyond the fence boards  222 , to accommodate a first end perimeter component of the central interior sub-panel assembly  2106 , as described in greater detail below. 
         [0041]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , each of the central interior sub-panel assemblies  210 B,  210 C, and  210 D can have the same structure to each other. Central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B is described in detail herein and can be considered as representative of the other central interior sub-panel assemblies  210 C,  210 D. Central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B includes a plurality of fence boards  222  interlocked together and partially bordered by a first end perimeter component  230 , a top perimeter component  232 , and a bottom perimeter component  234 . The central interior sub-panel assembly  2106  of the illustrated embodiment includes five fence boards  222 , including partial fence boards, that are interlocked together, however, it is appreciated that in other instances more or fewer fence boards  222  may be provided and the fence boards  222  may abut each other or may be spaced apart. The first end perimeter component  230  includes a first end having a vertical keyway  230 A complementary to a second end of one of the fence boards  222  (e.g., one of the fence boards  222  of the first end sub-panel assembly  210 A) such that the second end of the fence board  222  can engage with the first end perimeter component  230 , as shown best in  FIG. 2D . The top perimeter component  232  includes a top end having a horizontal key  232 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The bottom perimeter component  234  includes a bottom end having a horizontal key  234 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The horizontal key  234 A can be complementary with and thus can engage the keyway  204 C. 
         [0042]    The first end perimeter component  230  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B also includes a second end having a vertical keyway (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) complementary to a first end of one of the fence boards  222  such that the first end of the fence board  222  can engage with the first end perimeter component  230 , as shown best in  FIG. 2D . The top perimeter component  232  also includes a bottom end having a horizontal keyway  232 B complementary to top ends of the fence boards  222  such that the top ends of the fence boards  222  can engage with the top perimeter component  232 . The bottom perimeter component  234  also includes a top end having a horizontal keyway  234 B complementary to bottom ends of the fence boards  222  such that the bottom ends of the fence boards  222  can engage with the bottom perimeter component  234 . 
         [0043]    As noted above, the top perimeter component  226  and the bottom perimeter component  228  each extend in the direction of the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E a distance beyond the fence boards  222 , to accommodate the first end perimeter component  230  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  2106  and so that the second ends of the top perimeter component  226  and the bottom perimeter component  228  center on the first end perimeter component  230  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B. Similarly, the top perimeter component  232  and the bottom perimeter component  234  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  2106  each extend in the direction of the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E a distance beyond the fence boards  222  of the assembly  2106 , to accommodate a first end perimeter component of the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 C. 
         [0044]    The top perimeter component  232  and the bottom perimeter component  234  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B each extend in the direction of the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A a distance short of the vertical keyway  230 A of the first end perimeter component  230 , so that a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 A can be received in the vertical keyway  230 A of the first end perimeter component  230  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  2106  such that the second end of the top perimeter component  226  is generally flush with the first end of the top perimeter component  232  and the second end of the bottom perimeter component  228  is generally flush with the first end of the bottom perimeter component  234 . 
         [0045]    As noted above, central interior sub-panel assemblies  210 C and  210 D can have the same form or structure as the assembly  2106 . Thus, the first end perimeter component of the assembly  210 C can engage with a fence board  222  at the second end of the assembly  210 B and the first end perimeter component of the assembly  210 D can engage with a fence board  222  at the second end of the assembly  210 C. 
         [0046]    The second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E includes a plurality of fence boards  222  interlocked together and partially bordered by a first end perimeter component  236 , a top perimeter component  238 , a bottom perimeter component  240 , and a second end perimeter component  242 . The second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E of the illustrated embodiment includes five fence boards  222 , including partial fence boards, that are interlocked together, however, it is appreciated that in other instances more or fewer fence boards  222  may be provided and the fence boards  222  may abut each other or may be spaced apart. The second end perimeter component  242  includes a second end having a second end vertical key  242 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The vertical key  242 A can be complementary with and thus can engage the keyway  208 A. The top perimeter component  238  includes a top end having a horizontal key  238 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The bottom perimeter component  240  includes a bottom end having a horizontal key  240 A formed therein for engaging with a complementary keyway. The horizontal key  240 A can be complementary with and thus can engage the keyway  204 C. The keys  228 A,  234 A,  240 A of the interior sub-panel assemblies  210 A- 210 E have matching profiles and can form a single horizontal key that is complementary to and thus can engage with the keyway  204 C of the bottom rail  204 . Although a single horizontal key may be provided, it is also appreciated that in other instances key portions may be intermittently spaced to collectively from the horizontal key. 
         [0047]    The second end perimeter component  242  also includes a first end having a vertical keyway (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) complementary to a second end of one of the fence boards  222  such that the second end of the fence board  222  can engage with the second end perimeter component  242 . The top perimeter component  238  similarly includes a bottom end having a horizontal keyway (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) complementary to top ends of the fence boards  222  such that the top ends of the fence boards  222  can engage with the top perimeter component  238 . The bottom perimeter component  240  similarly includes a top end having a horizontal keyway (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) complementary to bottom ends of the fence boards  222  such that the bottom ends of the fence boards  222  can engage with the bottom perimeter component  240 . 
         [0048]    The top perimeter component  238  also includes a second end vertical key  238 C and the bottom perimeter component  240  also includes a second end vertical key  240 C. The vertical keys  238 C,  240 C can both have profiles matching the second end vertical key  242 A such that these three vertical keys can together form a single vertical key of the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E that can engage with the keyway  208 A. In one alternative embodiment, the second end of the top perimeter component  238  can be cut flush and have a planar surface instead of the key  238 C, and the second end of the bottom perimeter component  240  can be cut flush and have a planar surface instead of the key  240 C. 
         [0049]    The first end perimeter component  236  includes a first end having a vertical keyway  236 A complementary to a second end of one of the fence boards  222  (e.g., one of the fence boards  222  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 D) such that the second end of the fence board  222  can engage with the first end perimeter component  236 . The first end perimeter component  230  also includes a second end having a vertical keyway (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) complementary to a first end of one of the fence boards  222  such that the first end of the fence board  222  can engage with the first end perimeter component  236 . 
         [0050]    The top perimeter component  238  and the bottom perimeter component  240  of the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E each extend in the direction of the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A a distance short of the vertical keyway  236 A of the first end perimeter component  236 , so that a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 D can be received in the vertical keyway  236 A of the first end perimeter component  236  of the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 E such that the second end of the top perimeter component of the assembly  210 D is generally flush with the first end of the top perimeter component  238  and the second end of the bottom perimeter component of the assembly  210 D is generally flush with the first end of the bottom perimeter component  240 . 
         [0051]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the center rail  212  includes a bottom end or bottom face having a bottom horizontal keyway  212 A formed therein and a top end or top face having a top horizontal keyway  212 B formed therein. The horizontal keys  226 A,  232 A,  238 A can have matching profiles and can form a single horizontal key or intermittent key portions that is/are complementary to and thus can engage with the keyway  212 A. The center rail  212  also includes a first end having a first end key  212 C formed therein and a second end having a second end key  212 D formed therein. 
         [0052]    The vertical lattice divider post  218  includes a first end or face having a first end keyway  218 A formed therein, a second end or face having a second end keyway  2186  formed therein, a top end or face having a top key  218 C formed therein, and a bottom end or face having a bottom key  218 D formed therein. The bottom key  218 D can be complementary to and thus can engage with the top horizontal keyway  212 B of the center rail  212 . 
         [0053]    The top rail  220  includes a bottom end having a bottom keyway  220 A formed therein, a first end having a first end planar surface  220 B, a top end having a top planar surface  220 C, and a second end having a second end planar surface  220 D. When the fence panel  200  is assembled, the first end planar surface  220 B can be generally flush with the planar surface of the first end of the first side element or post  206  to form a flat surface that can bear against a fence post, such as the fence posts  110 ,  112  shown in  FIG. 1 , and the second end planar surface  220 D can be generally flush with the planar surface of the second end of the second side element or post  208  to form a flat surface that can bear against a fence post, such as the fence posts  110 ,  112  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0054]    The first lattice component  214  includes a first end perimeter element  244  having a first end key  244 A formed therein, a second end perimeter element  246  having a second end key  246 A formed therein, a top end perimeter element  248  having a top key  248 A formed therein, a bottom end perimeter element  250  having a bottom key  250 A formed therein, and latticework extending between the first end, second end, top, and bottom elements  244 ,  246 ,  248 , and  250 . Similarly, the second lattice component  216  includes a first end perimeter element  252  having a first end key  252 A formed therein, a second end perimeter element  254  having a second end key  254 A formed therein, a top end perimeter element  256  having a top key  256 A formed therein, a bottom end perimeter element  258  having a bottom key  258 A formed therein, and latticework extending between the first end, second end, top, and bottom elements  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 . 
         [0055]    The keys  250 A,  218 D,  258 A have matching profiles and can form a single horizontal key or intermittent key portions that is/are complementary to and thus can engage with the keyway  212 B of the center rail  212 . The second end key  246 A of the first lattice component  214  can be complementary to the first end keyway  218 A of the divider post  218  and the first end key  252 A of the second lattice component  216  can be complementary to the second end keyway  218 B of the divider post  218 . The keys  248 A,  218 C,  256 A have matching profiles that also match the profiles of the key  206 B of the first side element or post  206  and the key  208 B of the second side element or post  208 , such that the keys  248 A,  218 C,  256 A,  206 B, and  208 B can form a single horizontal key or intermittent key portions that is/are complementary to and thus can engage with the keyway  220 A of the top rail  220 . 
         [0056]    The keys  202 A,  204 A,  228 C,  224 A,  226 C,  212 C,  244 A have matching profiles and can form a single vertical key or intermittent key portions that is/are complementary to and thus can engage with the keyway  206 A of the first side element or post  206 . The keys  202 B,  204 B,  240 C,  242 A,  238 C,  212 D, and  254 A have matching profiles and can form a single vertical key or intermittent key portions that is/are complementary to and thus can engage with the keyway  208 A of the second side element or post  208 . 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, fence posts such as fence posts  110  and  112  can be provided with keys and keyways to engage with respective keys and keyways of the components of a fence panel such as fence panel  200 . In such embodiments, the fence panel can be provided without side elements or posts such as side elements or posts  206  and  208 , and the sub-panel assemblies  210  can be coupled directly to the fence posts  110 ,  112 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross sectional profile of the fully assembled fence panel  200  taken along line  2 A- 2 A shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates a portion of  FIG. 2A  at a larger scale.  FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross sectional profile of the fully assembled fence panel  200  taken along line  2 C- 2 C shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2D  illustrates a portion of  FIG. 2C  at a larger scale. As illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the fence boards  222  can have a first end including a key  274  and a second end including a keyway  276  complementary to the key  274 . When the interior sub-panel assemblies  210  are assembled, the keys  274  of the fence boards  222  can be engaged with corresponding keyways  276  of adjacent fence boards  222 . Thus, the fence boards  222  of an interior sub-panel assembly  210  can be interlocked with one another. In other instances, the fence boards  222  may lack the aforementioned keys  274  and keyways  276  and may have flat or blunt ends that may abut each other or may be spaced apart. 
         [0059]    Any paired key and keyway that are complementary to one another such that they can fit together and engage with one another can allow the key to fit snugly or with some pre-selected clearance, or be received, within the corresponding keyway. The keys and keyways described herein are interlocking features that can assist in joining the various fence panel components together. The keys and keyways described herein can in some embodiments be tongues and grooves or tenons and mortises, and they can include surfaces that can interlock with one another. The keys and keyways described herein can have the same, similar, or different shapes as one another. The components of fence panel  200  are described as having keys and keyways in certain locations, though the locations can be modified as desired. In one simple modification, the locations of any keyway and its corresponding key(s) can be reversed. In some cases, the keys and keyways described herein can be referred to as first and second male-female mating features, where a first male-female mating feature can be a key and a complementary second male-female mating feature can be a complementary keyway, or a first male-female mating feature can be a keyway and a complementary second male-female mating feature can be a complementary key. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, many of the keys described herein can have the same structure, or matching profiles, as one another, such that the keys are standardized and interchangeable with one another. Similarly, many of the keyways described herein can have the same structure, or matching profiles, as one another, such that the keyways are standardized and interchangeable with one another. In such embodiments, manufacturing costs can be reduced and various components can be interchanged and re-arranged as desired. In some cases, the keys and keyways described herein can include recesses for receiving the heads of screws, nails, or other fasteners, and can include gap regions or other features for receiving glue or other adhesives, thereby allowing efficient installation and minimal seepage and expansion of the various components, such as seepage of an adhesive outside of a keyway. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 3A through 3L  illustrate one possible method of assembling a fence panel such as fence panel  200  via a top-down methodology. In the method illustrated in  FIGS. 3A through 3L , the various components can be coupled or joined to one another in various ways, such as by using mechanical fasteners such as nails, screws, or bolts, or by using adhesives such as glue, such as glue rated for outdoor use, moisture activated PUR, epoxy, etc. Two components can be directly coupled or joined to one another, such that they are in direct contact, or can be indirectly coupled to one another, such that one or more other components are located between the two components. The top-down methodology illustrated in  FIGS. 3A through 3L  can be advantageous at least because it allows the user to obtain a relatively tight fit of the components at the top of the fence panel  200 . 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 3A , the second side element or post  208  can be coupled to the top rail  220  to form a partially assembled fence panel, illustrated lying on the ground in  FIG. 3A . For example, the key  208 B can be engaged with the keyway  220 A, and screws can be used to secure the second side element or post  208  to the top rail  220 . In  FIG. 3B , the partially assembled fence panel can be stood upright and the second lattice component  216  can be coupled to the top rail  220  and the second side element or post  208 . For example, the key  256 A can be engaged with the keyway  220 A and the key  254 A can be engaged with the keyway  208 A. 
         [0063]    In  FIG. 3C , the divider post  218  can be coupled to the top rail  220  and to the second lattice component  216 . For example, the key  218 C can be engaged with the keyway  220 A, the key  252 A can be engaged with the keyway  218 B, and screws can be used to secure the divider post  218  to the top rail  220 . In  FIG. 3D , the first lattice component  214  can be coupled to the top rail  220  and to the divider post  218 . For example, the key  246 A can be engaged with the keyway  218 A and the key  248 A can be engaged with the keyway  220 A. In  FIG. 3E , the center rail  212  can be coupled to the second side element or post  208 , the second lattice component  216 , the divider post  218 , and the first lattice component  214 . For example, the key  212 D can be engaged with the keyway  208 A, the keys  258 A,  218 D,  250 A can be engaged with the keyway  212 B, and screws can be used to secure the center rail  212  to the divider post  218  and to the second side element or post  208 . 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 3F , the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E can be coupled to the second side element or post  208  and to the center rail  212 . For example, the key  242 A can be engaged with the keyway  208 A and the key  238 A can be engaged with the keyway  212 A. In  FIG. 3G , the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 D can be coupled to the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E and to the center rail  212 . For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 D can be engaged with the keyway  236 A and the key  232 A of the assembly  210 D can be engaged with the keyway  212 A. In  FIG. 3H , the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 C can be coupled to the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 D and to the center rail  212 . For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 C can be engaged with the keyway  230 A of the assembly  210 D and the key  232 A of the assembly  210 C can be engaged with the keyway  212 A. In  FIG. 3I , the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B can be coupled to the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 C and to the center rail  212 . For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  2106  can be engaged with the keyway  230 A of the assembly  210 C and the key  232 A of the assembly  2106  can be engaged with the keyway  212 A. In  FIG. 3J , the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A can be coupled to the central interior sub-panel assembly  2106  and to the center rail  212 . For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 A can be engaged with the keyway  230 A of the assembly  2106  and the key  226 A of the assembly  210 A can be engaged with the keyway  212 A. 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 3K , the first side element or post  206  can be coupled to the top rail  220 , the first lattice component  214 , the center rail  212 , and the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A. For example, the key  206 B can be engaged with the keyway  220 A, the keys  244 A,  212 C,  226 C,  224 A, and  228 C can be engaged with the keyway  206 A, and screws can be used to secure the first side element or post  206  to the top rail  220  and to the center rail  212 . In  FIG. 3L , the base element  202  can be coupled to the bottom rail  204  (e.g., using screws) to form the elongate bottom crossbar, and the elongate bottom crossbar can be coupled to the first side element or post  206 , the second side element or post  208 , and the sub-panel assemblies  210 A- 210 E. For example, the keys  202 A and  204 A can be engaged with the keyway  206 A, the keys  202 B and  204 B can be engaged with the keyway  208 A, the keys  228 A,  234 A, and  240 A of the sub-panel assemblies  210 A- 210 E can be engaged with the keyway  204 C, and screws can be used to secure the elongate bottom crossbar to the second side element or post  208  and to the first side element or post  206 . 
         [0066]    In the method illustrated in  FIGS. 3A to 3L , each of the sub-panel assemblies  210  and each of the lattice components  214 ,  216  can be pre-assembled. That is, the components of each sub-panel assembly  210  and each lattice component  214 ,  216  can be secured to one another prior to packaging the sub-panel assembly for storage or shipment. In alternative embodiments, however, these components can come disassembled instead of pre-assembled. The elongate bottom crossbar may be pre-assembled or coupled together prior to receipt by an end-user. Although a two-piece bottom crossbar is shown, a single, unitary bottom crossbar having the same or different cross-sectional profile may be provided in some embodiments. 
         [0067]    In the method illustrated in  FIGS. 3A to 3L , the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , top rail  220 , second side element or post  208 , divider post  218 , first side element or post  206 , lattice components  214 ,  216 , center rail  212 , and sub-panel assemblies  210 A- 210 E can be disconnected from one another when packaged for storage and shipment. That is, no mechanical fasteners or adhesives can fasten or affix these components to one another when they are packaged for storage or shipment. 
         [0068]    As described above, screws or other fasteners can be used to secure (i.e., fasten or directly couple) the second side element or post  208 , top rail  220 , divider post  218 , center rail  212 , first side element or post  206 , base element  202 , and the bottom rail  204  to one another. In some embodiments, the pilot holes  260  shown in  FIG. 2  or indentations or depressions indicating fastener locations can be provided in these components prior to packaging for storage and assembly to facilitate the use of screws or other fasteners in this way during assembly of the fence panel  200 . In some embodiments, screws (or alternate fasteners) can be the only mechanism fastening the components of the fence panel  200  to one another. That is, the sub-panel assemblies  210  and the lattice components  214 ,  216  can be secured to the other components of the fence panel  200  only by way of the keys and keyways of the components of the fence panel  200 . That is, they can be held captive within the completely assembled fence panel  200  by the keys and keyways of the various components of the fence panel  200 . Thus, the fence panel  200  can be assembled, for example at an installation location, using a minimal number of mechanical fasteners and no adhesives, minimizing material costs and time required to assemble the fence panel  200 . 
         [0069]      FIGS. 4A to 4L  illustrate another possible method of assembling a fence panel such as fence panel  200  via a bottom-up methodology. In the method illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 4L , the various components can be coupled to one another in various ways, such as by using mechanical fasteners such as nails, screws, or bolts, or by using adhesives such as glue, epoxy, etc. In  FIG. 4A , the base element  202  can be coupled to the bottom rail  204  (e.g., using screws) to form the elongate bottom crossbar, and the first side element or post  206  can be coupled to the elongate bottom crossbar to form a partially assembled fence panel. For example, the keys  202 A,  204 A can be engaged with the keyway  206 A, and screws can be used to secure the first side element or post  206  to the elongate bottom crossbar. 
         [0070]    In  FIG. 4B , the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A can be coupled to the first side element or post  206  and to the elongate bottom crossbar. For example, the key  224 A can be engaged with the keyway  206 A and the key  228 A can be engaged with the keyway  204 C. In  FIG. 4C , the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B can be coupled to the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A and to the elongate bottom crossbar. For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 A can be engaged with the keyway  230 A and the key  234 A of the assembly  210 B can be engaged with the keyway  204 C. In  FIG. 4D , the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 C can be coupled to the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B and to the elongate bottom crossbar. For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 B can be engaged with the keyway  230 A of the assembly  210 C and the key  234 A of the assembly  210 C can be engaged with the keyway  204 C. In  FIG. 4E , the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 D can be coupled to the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 C and to the elongate bottom crossbar. For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 C can be engaged with the keyway  230 A of the assembly  210 D and the key  234 A of the assembly  210 D can be engaged with the keyway  204 C. In  FIG. 4F , the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E can be coupled to the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 D and to elongate bottom crossbar. For example, a fence board  222  of the assembly  210 D can be engaged with the keyway  236 A of the assembly  210 E and the key  240 A of the assembly  210 E can be engaged with the keyway  204 C. 
         [0071]    In  FIG. 4G , the center rail  212  can be coupled to the first side element or post  206  and to the sub-panel assemblies  210 A- 210 E. For example, the key  212 C can be engaged with the keyway  206 A, the keys  226 A,  232 A, and  238 A of the assemblies  210 A- 210 E can be engaged with the keyway  212 A, and screws can be used to secure the first side element or post  206  to the center rail  212 . In  FIG. 4H , the second side element or post  208  can be coupled to the elongate bottom crossbar, the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E, and to the center rail  212 . For example, the keys  202 B,  204 B,  242 A, and  212 D can be engaged with the keyway  208 A and screws can be used to secure the second side element or post  208  to the elongate bottom crossbar and to the center rail  212 . In  FIG. 4I , the first lattice component  214  can be coupled to the center rail  212  and to the first side element or post  206 . For example, the key  244 A can be engaged with the keyway  206 A and the key  250 A can be engaged with the keyway  212 B. 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 4J , the divider post  218  can be coupled to the center rail  212  and to the first lattice component  214 . For example, the key  246 A can be engaged with the keyway  218 A, the key  218 D can be engaged with the keyway  212 B, and screws can be used to secure the divider post  218  to the center rail  212 . In  FIG. 4K , the second lattice component  216  can be coupled to the center rail  212  and to the divider post  218 . For example, the key  228 A can be engaged with the keyway  212 B and the key  252 A can be engaged with the keyway  218 B. In  FIG. 4L , the top rail  220  can be coupled to the first side element or post  206 , the first lattice component  214 , the divider post  218 , the second lattice component  216 , and the second side element or post  208 . For example, the keys  206 B,  248 A,  218 C,  256 A, and  208 B can be engaged with the keyway  220 A and screws can be used to secure the top rail  220  to the first side element or post  206 , divider post  218 , and second side element or post  208 . 
         [0073]    In the method illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 4L , each of the sub-panel assemblies  210  and each of the lattice components  214 ,  216 , can be pre-assembled. That is, the components of each sub-panel assembly  210  and each lattice component  214 ,  216 , can be secured to one another prior to packaging the sub-panel assembly for storage or shipment. In alternative embodiments, however, these components can come disassembled instead of pre-assembled. The elongate bottom crossbar may be pre-assembled or coupled together prior to receipt by an end-user. Although a two-piece bottom crossbar is shown, a single, unitary bottom crossbar having the same or different cross-sectional profile may be provided in some embodiments. 
         [0074]    In the method illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 4L , the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , top rail  220 , second side element or post  208 , divider post  218 , first side element or post  206 , lattice components  214 ,  216 , center rail  212 , and sub-panel assemblies  210 A- 210 E, can be disconnected from one another when packaged for storage and shipment. That is, no mechanical fasteners or adhesives can fasten or affix these components to one another when they are packaged for storage or shipment. 
         [0075]    The components of a fence panel such as fence panel  200  can be referred to collectively as a fence panel kit. A fence panel kit can be packaged in various ways for storage and transportation from a manufacturing or packaging location to an installation location or other location, such as, for example, home improvement and hardware stores for sale to individual consumers, contractors, fence builders or others.  FIG. 5  illustrates that in some embodiments, a fence panel kit  300  can include a plurality of fence panel components  302  packaged within external packaging  304  such as cardboard or plastic to form a single packaged arrangement  306  of fence panel components  302 . In some embodiments, the fence panel components  302  include the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , first side element or post  206 , second side element or post  208 , sub-panel assemblies  210 , center rail  212 , lattice components  214 ,  216 , divider post  218 , and top rail  220 , and each of these components  302  can be disconnected from one another in the single packaged arrangement  306  of the kit  300 . Fasteners may also be included such that an entirety of a fence panel can be constructed or erected from the single packaged arrangement  306 . 
         [0076]      FIGS. 5A through 5F  illustrate one method of efficiently stacking the fence panel components  302  for packaging within the external packaging  304 . In particular,  FIG. 5A  illustrates that many of the components, including the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , first side element or post  206 , second side element or post  208 , center rail  212 , divider post  218 , and top rail  220  can be positioned in a first, bottom layer  330  with these components generally aligned longitudinally in a side-by-side manner, and the first and second lattice components  214 ,  216  can be positioned in a second layer stacked on top of the first layer.  FIG. 5B  illustrates that the second end interior sub-panel assembly  210 E can be positioned in a third layer stacked on top of the second layer. 
         [0077]      FIG. 5C  illustrates that the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 D can be positioned in a fourth layer stacked on top of the third layer, such that the first end perimeter component  230  of the sub-panel assembly  210 D is positioned at a first side of the stack of the components  302 .  FIG. 5D  illustrates that the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 C can be positioned in a fifth layer stacked on top of the fourth layer, such that the first end perimeter component  230  of the sub-panel assembly  210 C is positioned at a second side, opposite to the first side, of the stack of the components  302 , such that the bottom perimeter component  234  of the assembly  210 C is adjacent to and offset from the top perimeter component  232  of the assembly  210 D, and such that the top perimeter component  232  of the assembly  210 C is adjacent to and offset from the bottom perimeter component  234  of the assembly  210 D. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5E  illustrates that the central interior sub-panel assembly  210 B can be positioned in a sixth layer stacked on top of the fifth layer, such that the first end perimeter component  230  of the sub-panel assembly  210 B is positioned at the first side of the stack of the components  302 , such that the bottom perimeter component  234  of the assembly  2106  is adjacent to and offset from the top perimeter component  232  of the assembly  210 C, and such that the top perimeter component  232  of the assembly  2106  is adjacent to and offset from the bottom perimeter component  234  of the assembly  210 C.  FIG. 5F  illustrates that the first end interior sub-panel assembly  210 A can be positioned in a seventh layer stacked on top of the sixth layer, such that the first end perimeter component  224  of the sub-panel assembly  210 A is positioned at the second side of the stack of the components  302 , such that the bottom perimeter component  228  of the assembly  210 A is adjacent to and offset from the top perimeter component  232  of the assembly  2106 , and such that the top perimeter component  226  of the assembly  210 A is adjacent to and offset from the bottom perimeter component  234  of the assembly  210 B. 
         [0079]    Thus, the fence panel components  302  can be stacked in a nested configuration with each assembly  210  interlaid with the adjacent assemblies  210  such that the orientations of the assemblies  210  alternate within the stack of the components  302 . This nested stacking configuration can be particularly efficient, and can allow the stack of fence panel components  302  for constructing a fence panel having overall dimensions of about 72 inches wide by 72 inches tall to have a height of about 9 inches or less than 10 inches, a width of about 16 inches or less than 17 inches, and a length of about 72 inches or less than 73 inches, and be packaged in a single box or external packaging  304  having a height of about 9 inches or less than 10 inches, a width of about 16 inches or less than 17 inches (e.g., 16.25 inches), and a length of about 72 inches or less than or equal to 73 inches. 
         [0080]      FIG. 6  illustrates that in other embodiments, a fence panel kit  310  can include a plurality of fence panel components  312  packaged within external packaging  314  such as metallic or plastic bands wrapped around the components  312  to hold them against one another to form a first packaged arrangement  316  of fence panel components  312 . In some embodiments, the fence panel components  312  include the components of a main body of a fence panel, that is, the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , first side element or post  206 , second side element or post  208 , sub-panel assemblies  210 , center rail  212 , divider post  218 , and the top rail  220 , as well as the fasteners such as screws that allow the components to be fastened to one another, and each of these components  312  can be disconnected from one another in the first packaged arrangement  316  of the kit  310 . The first packaged arrangement  316  can be referred to as a main body packaged arrangement  316 . 
         [0081]    The fence panel kit  310  can also include a plurality of fence panel components  318  packaged within external packaging  320  such as metallic or plastic bands wrapped around the components  318  to hold them against one another to form a second packaged arrangement  322  of fence panel components  318 . In some embodiments, the fence panel components  318  include the first and second lattice components  214 ,  216 , and each of these components  318  can be disconnected from one another in the second packaged arrangement  322  of the kit  310 . The second packaged arrangement  322  can be referred to as a lattice packaged arrangement. In such embodiments, a consumer (e.g., individual homeowner, contractor, fence builder, etc.) can purchase a main body packaged arrangement, and can select a lattice packaged arrangement from a plurality of different lattice packaged arrangements based on their preference for latticework patterns. Additional lattice components having different latticework patterns, such as copper lattice, solid slate filling in the lattice area, stamped tin lattice components, and lattice components having engraved figures such as stars, fish, etc. can also be made available for purchase by the consumer. Some examples of alternate lattice components are shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 6  illustrates a first configuration of the main body packaged arrangement  316  that includes a stack of the sub-panel assemblies  210  stacked on top of the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , first side element or post  206 , second side element or post  208 , center rail  212 , and top rail  220 . The divider post  218  can be adjacent to the stack of sub-panel assemblies  210  on top of the rest of the components  312 . In a second possible configuration, however, at least two sub-panel assemblies  210  are stacked on one another in a first stack, at least two sub-panel assemblies  210  are stacked on one another in a second stack, the first stack and the second stack are longitudinally adjacent to one another, and the first stack and the second stack are positioned on top of the rest of the components of the main body packaged arrangement  316 . In such a configuration, the rest of the components of the main body packaged arrangement  316  span across and hold the first and second stacks together. 
         [0083]    Both of these configurations of the main body packaged arrangement are compact and space-efficient. In particular, a main body packaged arrangement  316  having the second configuration can have overall dimensions of about 99″ by about 16″ by about 6″, and can weigh about 65 lbs. or less. The lattice packaged arrangement can have overall dimensions of about 47″ by about 13″ by about 3″, and can weigh about 13 lbs. or less. A complete fence panel having a height of about 69″ and a length of about 72″ can be assembled from these two packaged arrangements of fence panel components. 
         [0084]    As explained above, the lattice components  214 ,  216  each have a first latticework pattern.  FIG. 7  illustrates that fence panels can include various other lattice components that have various other latticework patterns. The components of the fence panels described herein other than the lattice components, e.g., the base element  202 , bottom rail  204 , first side element or post  206 , second side element or post  208 , sub-panel assemblies  210 , center rail  212 , divider post  218 , and top rail  220 , can be referred to collectively as a main body of the fence panel when assembled, and various different lattice components can be provided and can be interchangeably combined with the main body to form a fully assembled fence panel. 
         [0085]    For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates that some lattice components  262 ,  264  can have a generally diagonal latticework pattern that is different from the latticework pattern shown in  FIG. 1  and can be combined with a fence panel main body to form a fully assembled fence panel. As another example,  FIG. 7  illustrates that some lattice components  266 ,  268  can have a generally horizontal and vertical latticework pattern that is different from the aforementioned latticework patterns and can be combined with a fence panel main body to form a fully assembled fence panel. As yet another example,  FIG. 7  illustrates that lattice components  270 ,  272  can have a solid latticework pattern that is still yet different from the other illustrated latticework patterns and can be combined with a fence panel main body to form a fully assembled fence panel. 
         [0086]      FIG. 7  illustrates that individual components of the fence panels described herein (e.g., the lattice components) can be interchanged or replaced with alternative components as desired, without the need to fabricate or obtain any additional components.  FIG. 7  illustrates that the lattice components are interchangeable or replaceable, although all of the components of the fence panels described herein are similarly interchangeable or replaceable. For example, the sub-panel assemblies  210  can be replaced with sub-panel assemblies of another style or design. In some cases, the sub-panel assemblies  210  can be replaced with interior lattice elements having a latticework pattern matching the latticework pattern of one of the lattice elements described herein. 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, any of the fence panels described herein can include a cable or wire such as a ⅛″ galvanized wire rope coupled to and spanning between the first side post and the second side post to provide tension between the side posts, such as to add lateral wind load stability for longer fence panels such as 96″ long fence panels. In some cases, the cable can be coupled to the first and second side posts using threaded bolts, which can be turned to adjust the tension in the cable. In some cases, additional coupling elements such as clips can be used to structurally tie the cable to an interior portion of the fence panel to reduce frictional wear of the fence panel caused by motion of the cable. Such an embodiment can be used to provide additional wind strength if desired in high wind load areas. 
         [0088]    Any of the fence panel components described herein can be fabricated from any suitable material or materials, such as various wood materials, plastic materials, vinyl, or metal materials. The fence panels and fence panel components described herein can have any suitable dimensions. The fence panels described herein can have any number of lattice components and any number of interior sub-panel assemblies. For example, a fence panel can have two lattice components and five interior sub-panel assemblies. In other embodiments, a fence panel can have 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more lattice components, and the fence panel can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more interior sub-panel assemblies. 
         [0089]    Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/037,544 is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. Aspects of the embodiments described herein can be combined with any additional aspects shown or described in the &#39;544 application to provide yet further embodiments. 
         [0090]    These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4