Patent ID: 8167276

Claim:
A closed fence system comprising: a post having a hollow cavity and at least one sidewall with an outer surface, said sidewall including a downwardly facing opening defined by a generally horizontal portion with opposing ends, and a pair of vertical portions each extending downwardly and generally perpendicular to the generally horizontal portion to define a generally concave cross-sectional shape, said vertical portions being inwardly offset from the ends of the horizontal portion and extending parallel to one another to define a tab of uniform width extending upwardly into the opening the length of the vertical portions, each vertical portion having a uniform width that extends substantially from top to bottom of each vertical portion, each vertical portion having a uniform width that extends substantially from top to bottom of each vertical portion; and an open fence rail connected to said post, said rail having an exterior profile configured to be received within said opening of said post, said rail having a generally horizontal portion with opposing ends, and a pair of generally vertical portions that are parallel to one another, the vertical portions of the rail being inwardly offset from the ends of the horizontal portion, the generally horizontal portion cooperating with the generally vertical portion to define a generally concave cross-sectional shape complementary to the shape of the opening in the post resulting in a minimal gap between said opening and said rail such that insects are precluded by said rail from entering the opening in said post into said cavity of the post; wherein the wall of the post supports the weight of the rail.