FENCING SYSTEM AND POST INSERT FOR USE THEREWITH
A fencing system typically includes hollow posts with rail structures extending therebetween. Post mount assemblies are configured to mount on a foundation and are slidably received within the hollow posts to provide suitable support for the posts. In one embodiment, each post mount assembly includes a wedge which is wedged in a wedged position against the post mount assembly adjacent its upper end to apply an outward force thereon and/or move a portion of the post mount assembly outwardly within the hollow post. The wedged position typically forces the post mount assembly adjacent its upper end to frictionally engage an inner surface of the post in order to brace and secure the post adjacent its upper end. The hollow post may include strengthening ribs to provide additional structural integrity.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/818,738 filed on Jun. 15, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/046,499 filed on Jan. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,152, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field
The invention relates generally to a fencing system or railing system. More particularly, the invention relates to a fencing system having a post support which provides sturdy mounting of the railing structure. Specifically, the invention relates to such a post support or post mount assembly typically having a post insert mounted atop a post mount with the railing structure secured to the post insert and/or hollow post in which the post support is received. The post support may include an expandable portion which braces the post from within and is adjustable to be used with different sized posts.
2. Background Information
Fencing and railing systems commonly utilize vertically mounted post structures with horizontal railing structures extending between and mounted on adjacent post structures. It is known in the art to utilize a post mount which is mounted on the ground or to a floor structure of some sort with the post mount slidably received within a hollow post whereby various types of structure attached to the post mount engages the inner surface of the post in order to provide support to the post. The various structure mounted on the post mount to help support the post either is disposed closely adjacent the inner surface of the post or in contact with said inner surface. One example of such a configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,928 granted to the Applicant. Said patent discloses a post mount having fins or other outwardly projecting structure formed integrally therewith which frictionally engage the inner surface of the post to provide support thereto. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,710 granted to the Applicant. Said patent discloses a post mount having a head seated atop the post mount with a plurality of tabs extending outwardly therefrom which frictionally engage the inner surface of the post to provide support thereto. Both of said patents are incorporated herein by reference. Other post mounts are known in the art which have somewhat similar structures.
While these patents and other structures provide suitable support to the post for many purposes, there remains a need in the art for a connection between the railing structure and the post structures whereby said connection is substantially sturdier than those presently known. Most typically, the railing structures are secured by a fastener typically in the form of a screw or bolt to the post itself. Especially for railing structures that are elevated substantially above the ground or floor to which the post mount is attached, such a connection is not as sturdy as desired for certain applications. There is also a need for post supports which are sturdy, simple and easy to install.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a fencing system comprising: a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation and a central vertical axis; a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable; a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable downwardly within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall; wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof moves away from the central vertical axis in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position.
The present invention also provides a fencing system comprising: a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation and a central vertical axis; a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable; a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position; a first cam surface on the first wall; a second cam surface on the wedge; and a sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces which translates movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position into movement of the first wall away from the central vertical axis.
The present invention further provides a fencing system comprising: a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation; a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable; a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall; and a force created by the wedge in the wedged position and applied by the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof to the inner surface of the post.
Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which applicant contemplates applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONA first embodiment of the fencing system of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in
In accordance with a feature of the invention and with continued reference to
Lower rail structure 34 likewise includes a rail 46 having a first end 48 and the second end 50 opposed thereto and being elongated between ends 48 and 50. Lower rail structure 34 also includes a rail mounting bracket 52 mounted on each post 28 for supporting rail 46 adjacent first end 48 thereof. Another rail mounting bracket 54 is mounted on each post 28 opposite a respective rail mounting bracket 52 whereby each rail mounting bracket 54 supports one of rails 46 adjacent respective second end 50 thereof. Lower rail structure 34 is mounted in a conventional manner to a pair of adjacent posts 28.
With reference to
With continued reference to
With reference to
With further reference to
With continued reference to
When assembled (
With continued reference to
Thus, in accordance with a feature of the invention, rail mounting bracket 42 is connected to post insert 24 as opposed to being connected solely to post 28, thereby providing a substantially sturdier connection. In addition, because upper sidewall 56 of post insert 24 extends upwardly of upper end 22 of post mount 12, rail mounting bracket 42 is disposed upwardly of upper end 22 of post mount 12. Indeed, bracket 42 is disposed entirely above upper end 22 of post mount 12 whereby first end 38 of rail 36 is also disposed entirely above upper end 22. Since each rail 36 is substantially straight and substantially horizontal, each rail 36 therefore is disposed entirely above upper end 22 of post 12 so that the entire rail structure 32 is disposed entirely above upper end 22 of post 12. Rail mounting bracket 44 has the same configuration as rail mounting bracket 42 or is a mirror image thereof, is numbered similarly and mounted as described with regard to bracket 42. Thus, second end 40 of second rail 36 is received in cavity 120 of mounting bracket 44 with second end 40 disposed closely adjacent or in contact with base wall 116 of bracket 44. Similar to bracket 42, rail mounting bracket 44 is secured to post insert 24 by a pair of threaded screws 124 extending via respective counterbore holes 122 through respective holes 112 and 68 with each screw 124 threadably engaging hole 68. Cap member 30 is seated atop post 28 to protect the hollow interior chamber 106 thereof from the elements and provide preferred aesthetics.
With reference to
Thus, fencing systems 10 and 200 provide a sturdier mounting system than is known of in the prior art. In particular, post insert 24 provides a sturdier mounting structure to which upper rail structure 32 may be mounted. In particular, post inserts 24 and 202 each provide a structure other than the post itself to which the rail structures or rail mounting brackets are directly secured. Further, outer surface 58 of post insert 24 provides a substantial surface area which is disposed closely adjacent or in contact with inner surface 104 of post 28, thus providing greater stability or sturdiness via a surface area which is larger than in known prior art as well as a substantial area which is closely adjacent or in abutment with the inner surface of the post. Post insert 24 or 202 is also firmly mounted atop post mount 12 as previously described with engagement with post mount 12 and inward projections 86 of post insert 24 or the elongated inner surface 208 of post insert 202. In addition, lower end 57 of post insert 24 or 202 abuts legs 94 of projections 26 to enhance the stable mounting of post inserts 24 and 202. Fasteners such as screws 214 may also increase this stability. Moreover, post mounts 24 and 202 extend primarily upwardly of upper end 22 of post mount 12, thereby allowing post mount 12 to be shorter while the post mount provides sufficient height for mounting of the rail structure.
It will be evident to one skilled in the art that a variety of changes could be made to present embodiments described which are within the scope of the present invention. For example, as previously mentioned or implied, the cross-sectional shapes of the post, the post insert and the post mount may take on a variety of shapes other than square while still being within the scope of the present invention. As previously noted, preferably these cross-sectional shapes are non-circular in order to facilitate the alignment of the various pieces and related holes and fasteners. In addition, it is preferred that the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the post insert upper sidewall is substantially the same as that of the inner surface of the post. It is also preferred that this be the case for the outer surface of the post mount and the inner surface of the lower sidewall of the post insert in the area where they engage one another.
Most typically, post mount 12 is formed of a metal or metal alloy to provide the desired strength, although this may vary for certain applications. Most typically, the post mounts are formed of an extrudable shape to keep costs lower. Similarly, the posts and rails are most preferably formed of extrudable materials and shapes. Most commonly, the rails, rail mounting brackets, post and post insert will be formed of a sturdy plastic material, although again this may vary in accordance with the application.
In addition, rail structures 36 and 46 are shown in the drawings as being formed from more than one piece, namely a rail 36 and rail mounting bracket 42 or 44. Such a configuration allows the rail to be extrudable as previously noted. However, it is contemplated that the rail structure may be a one-piece member which may be formed integrally and has suitable flanges or other structure suitable for mounting to the post insert. Most preferably, the rail structures are mounted to the post insert via fasteners which extend through holes as described and most preferably involve a threaded engagement between the fastener and the post insert. However, other types of suitable fasteners may be used to secure the rail structure to the post insert. For example, fasteners which extend through holes analogous to those described herein and which engage a second fastening member such as a nut may be used. Although this type fastener may require additional effort during assembly, the upwardly opening cavity of the post insert provides access from above to permit the use of these types of fasteners.
In addition, the collars of the post inserts as described herein define a cavity which slidably receives an upper end of the post mount in order to mount the post insert atop the post mount. However, it is contemplated that the first insert may be mounted with a downwardly extended projection which is inserted into the hollow interior of the post mount. However, a collar or similar structure disposed outwardly in the post mount is preferred to provide greater stability. Further, outward projections such as projections 26 which extend from the post mount may be eliminated although they provide additional support to the post insert as well as the post. The specific heights detailed herein may vary. However, the heights which are specified represent typical relationships between various structures of which those heights are given. Other changes within the scope of the invention will be evident to one skilled in the art.
A third embodiment of the post insert is shown generally at 302 in
Upper sidewall 308 has a substantially square cross-sectional configuration as viewed from above or below and includes four substantially flat vertically extending mounting walls 322A-D which are respectively connected to one another at four corners of upper sidewall 308 and collectively form an outer surface 324 thereof. Outer surface 324 on each mounting wall 322 thus includes a respective external flat portion 326. Upper sidewall 308 has an inner surface 328 which defines an upper cavity 330 which opens upwardly at upper end 304 and is closed at the bottom by a laterally extending separating wall 332 which is typically horizontal and from which sidewall 308 extends upwardly. Upper cavity 330 is substantially rectangular as viewed from the side and substantially square as viewed from above.
A pair of upper holes 334 (
Lower sidewall 310 has a substantially square cross-sectional configuration and is connected centrally to wall 332 and extends downwardly from lower surface 312. The cross-sectional configuration of lower sidewall 310 is substantially smaller than that of upper sidewall 308. Lower sidewall 310 includes four substantially flat vertically extending walls 338A-D which are respectively parallel to mounting walls 322A-D and together define an outer surface 340 of sidewall 310 including four external flat portions or surfaces 342 respectively on walls 338. Outer surface 340 also includes vertically extending beveled corners or surfaces 343 which extend downwardly from surface 312 to adjacent lower end 306 and each of which is typically at an angle of about 45 degrees to each of outer surfaces 342 which it intersects. Beveled surfaces 343 may also be rounded or otherwise shaved to eliminate sharp corners which might otherwise engage post mount 12 to prevent insertion of lower sidewall 310 therein or make it more difficult to insert. Sidewall 310 has an inner surface 344 defining a substantially square lower cavity 346 which is bounded at the top by lower surface 312 of wall 332 and extends and opens downwardly at lower end 306. Lower sidewall 310 tapers inwardly at respective tapered surfaces 348 extending respectively along walls 338A-D such that surfaces 348 communicate with lower end 306. Tapered surfaces 348 facilitate the insertion of lower sidewall 310 into cavity 318 of post mount 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the walls of 338 of lower section 310 have a thickness extending in the horizontal direction which is about the same as the thickness of wall 332 extending in a vertical direction. Walls 322 of upper section 308 are substantially thicker than either of walls 338 or 332 and more particularly in the exemplary embodiment have a thickness extending in the horizontal direction which is approximately twice that of either of walls 332 and 338.
Referring to
Post insert 302 has a body which includes a lower section having an outer surface 340 which extends substantially vertically and abuts vertical inner surface 316 of post mount 12 adjacent its upper end, preferably providing a snug frictional engagement therebetween so that post insert 302 either is not or is only minimally laterally movable relative to post mount 12 even without the use of a fastener. The body of post insert 302 includes a laterally extending downwardly facing surface 312 which extends laterally outwardly from surface 340 to engage upwardly facing surface 320 and in the exemplary embodiment is substantially horizontal. The body of post insert 302 further includes an outer surface 324 which extends upwardly from laterally extending surface 312 and abuts the substantially vertical inner surface 104 of post 28 when received therein. In the exemplary embodiment, first section 308 is disposed entirely above post mount 12. Thus, no portion of post insert 302 is disposed below the upper end 320 of post mount external to post mount 12 and thus no portion of post insert 302 engages outer surface 90 of post mount 12. However, it is contemplated that a post insert may be formed similar to post insert 302 which also incorporates a structure similar to sidewall 74 of post insert 24 (
Fencing system 360 (
Referring to
As best seen in
An upwardly facing horizontal notch surface 468 extends parallel to and upwardly of top surface 448 of horizontal wall 444 and defines the bottom of the respective notch 458. Each surface 468 extends from the bottom of one of edges 466 one of fingers 450 to the adjacent inner surface 460 of the adjacent finger 450 near the respective corner. Surfaces 468 define the top of bottom section 452 of sidewall 442 and the bottom of fingers 450. Each finger 450 is formed so as to be flexible about lower end 456 whereby fingers 450 flex between a first position (
Lower section 440 of post insert 424 is similar to collar or lower section 204 of post insert 202 (
Referring to
Lower section 501 includes an angled or tapered sidewall 511 which is rigidly secured to and extends downwardly from the bottom of wall 503. More particularly, tapered wall 511 has the shape of an inverted right rectangular pyramid which extends downwardly from the bottom of wall 503 and is truncated at bottom wall 516. Tapered sidewall 511 in the exemplary embodiment has a square cross-sectional shape as viewed from above and includes four flat tapered walls 512A-D which are rigidly secured respectively to the flat vertical walls 502A-D of sidewall 503 and extend downwardly therefrom. Tapered walls 512A-D are rigidly secured to one another at four tapered corners 518A-D. Thus, tapered wall 511 may be described as tapering downwardly and inwardly from the bottom of sidewall 503 to bottom wall 516, or alternately as tapering upwardly and outwardly from bottom wall 516 to the bottom of sidewall 503. Flat walls 512A-D thus taper downwardly and inwardly with respect to the associated vertical walls 502A-D.
Tapered sidewall 511 has an outer surface 513 and an inner surface 515 each extending downwardly from the bottom of sidewall 503 and terminating into square flat horizontal bottom wall 516. Outer surface 513 serves as a cam surface and tapers upwardly and outwardly from a downwardly facing bottom surface 519 to the bottom of outer surface 505 at a square horizontal intersection 514 therebetween. Outer surface 513 more particularly includes four flat outer surfaces 513A-D respectively of flat tapered walls 512A-D wherein each of outer surfaces 513A-D tapers downwardly and inwardly respectively from outer surfaces 505A-D of sidewall 503. Square horizontal intersection 514 thus includes four straight horizontal intersections 514A-D wherein the bottom of outer surface 505A intersects the top of outer surface 513A at intersection 514A, the bottom of outer surface 505B intersects the top of outer surface 513B at intersection 514B, the bottom of outer surface 505C intersects the top of outer surface 513C at intersection 514C, and the bottom of outer surface 505D intersects the top of outer surface 513D at intersection 514D. Each of tapered corners 518A-D tapers downwardly and inwardly from the bottom of corners 504A-D respectively. Thus, outer surface 513 of tapered wall 511 tapers as described when viewed from the side in any direction when wedge 497 is in the upright position shown in
Referring to
The assembly and operation of fencing system 10 is now described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 15-20. As shown in
After post mount 12 is secured to foundation 14, and post insert 424 is secured to upper end 22 of post mount 12, the user then slides post 531 (
Before providing additional description of the assembly and operation of fencing assembly 400, additional structural relationships are discussed. As previously noted, axis X serves as the central vertical axis for post insert 424. Axis X is thus midway between vertical corners 406A and 406C as well as midway between vertical corners 406B and 406D. Axis X is likewise between the opposed and substantially parallel inner surfaces of opposed fingers 450A and 450C, said surfaces 460 facing one another. Axis X is also midway between the outer surfaces 462 of said fingers 450A and 450C. Similarly, axis X is midway between the inner surfaces 460 of fingers 450B and 450D, as well as midway between the outer surfaces 462 of fingers 450B and 450D. Axis X passes through the center of wedge cavity 446 and lower cavity 481.
As previously noted, vertical axis X serves as the central vertical axis of wedge 497 and thus passes through the center of keyhole 521 and the cavity defined by sidewalls 503 and 511 and bottom wall 516. Axis X is thus centered or midway between corners 504A and 504C, as well as midway between corners 504B and 504D. Axis X is midway between the vertical inner surfaces of walls 502A and 502C, as well as midway between the vertical inner surfaces of walls 502B and 502D. Axis X is thus also midway between the outer surfaces of walls 502A and 502C, as well as midway between the outer surfaces of walls 502B and 502D.
When post 531 is slid over post mount assembly 400 so that assembly 400 is received within cavity 535, vertical axis X also serves as the central vertical axis of post 531. Axis X is thus midway between corners 534A and 534C, as well as midway between corners 534B and 534D. Axis X is also midway between inner surfaces 537 of opposed walls 533A and 533C, as well as midway between the inner surfaces 537 of walls 533B and 533D. Axis X is thus also midway between outer surfaces 539 of opposed walls 533A and 533C, as well as midway between outer surfaces 539 of walls 533B and 533D.
When post mount assembly 400 is disposed in post cavity 535 and with reference to FIGS. 9,16,18 and 20, the outer tips or edges of projections 26 engage tips 541 of ribs 543 in the same manner as described with the use of post mount 12 in fencing system 10 other than the fact that projections 26 are engaging the tips of the ribs in system 400 whereas projections 26 engage the flat inner surfaces of post 28 in system 10. In addition, the projections 26 in system 400 are positioned at a height adjacent the height of lower rails 46 in system 400 to provide additional strength for the mounting of lower mounting brackets 52 and 54 whereas projections 26 in system 10 are at a height just below the post insert 24 thereof and closer to the upper mounting brackets 42 and 44. When post mount assembly 400 is disposed in post cavity 535, corners 406A-D of post insert 424 are respectively adjacent and inward of corners 534A-D of post 531.
To flex fingers 450 from the first or home position (
Thus, the outer surfaces 513, intersections 514 and/or outer surfaces 505 serve as cam surfaces which slidably engage the respective inner surfaces 460 so that the vertically downward movement of wedge 497 is translated into the radially outward movement of the upper ends 454 of the respective fingers 450 away from axis X. In the exemplary embodiment, the movement of upper ends 454 of fingers 450 is substantially horizontal between the first and second positions. The downward force on wedge 497 is thus translated into a radially outward forces on fingers 450, said radially outward forces detailed below. Once wedge 497 is in its wedged position shown in
Referring to
In the wedged position in the exemplary embodiment, bottom wall 516, tapered wall 511 and sidewall 503 are all disposed entirely within wedge cavity 446 whereby wedge 497 is entirely within wedge cavity 446 below the top or upper ends 446 of the fingers 450 and post insert 424. In the wedged position, wedge 497 is in its entirety lower than upper end 464 and spaced upwardly from and out of contact with horizontal wall 444. In the exemplary embodiment in the wedged position, no portion of wedge 497 extends radially outwardly relative to axis X beyond inner surfaces 460 of fingers 450 or the generally vertical planes in which inner surfaces 460 lie, nor beyond outer surfaces 462 of fingers 450 nor the generally vertical planes in which surfaces 462 lie. Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment, wedge 497 in the wedged position is entirely within post cavity 535 adjacent and spaced downwardly from top 545 of post 531 whereby no portion of wedge 497 extends radially outwardly beyond the inner or outer surfaces of post 531. Similarly, post assembly 400 in its entirety is exposed within post cavity 535 such that no portion of assembly 400 extend radially and outwardly beyond the inner or outer surfaces of post 531 in the exemplary embodiment.
Fingers 450 may be moved from the second position (
After wedge 497 has been moved to the wedged position to secure the upper end of post 531, cap member 30 is slid over the top of post 531, which is received within the cavity defined by cap member 30. In addition, the rail structures may be secured to posts 531 adjacent its upper end in the vicinity of post insert 424 as illustrated in
The wedging apparatus and method of the present invention creates a “universal fit” between a given size of post insert 424 and expander wedge 497, and varying cross-sectional sizes of post 531. As shown in
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims
1. A fencing system comprising:
- a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation and a central vertical axis;
- a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;
- a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and
- a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable downwardly within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall; wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof moves away from the central vertical axis in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a tapered outer surface of the wedge which tapers upwardly and outwardly; and wherein the tapered outer surface contacts the first wall during movement from the first position to the wedged position.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the first wall moves away from the central vertical axis in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position.
4. The system of claim 3 further comprising a first section of the post mount assembly;
- and wherein the first wall is cantilevered from the first section.
5. The system of claim 3 wherein the first wall is substantially flat and vertically oriented.
6. The system of claim 3 wherein the first wall flexes to move away from the axis.
7. The system of claim 3 further comprising a second wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and wherein the first wall moves away from the central vertical axis in a first direction in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position; and the second wall moves away from the central vertical axis in a second direction different from the first direction in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the second direction is transverse the first direction.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the first wall is substantially flat and vertically oriented.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a post mount of the post mount assembly which has an upper end, a lower end and an outer surface which extends therebetween, the post mount adjacent the lower end thereof adapted to mount on the foundation; and a post insert of the post mount assembly which is mounted on the upper end of the post mount and has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface which extends therebetween and is spaced outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a first cam surface on the first wall; a second cam surface on the wedge; and a sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces which translates downward movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position into movement of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof away from the central vertical axis.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof abuts the inner surface of the post in the wedged position.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the first wall abuts the inner surface of the post in the wedged position.
15. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sidewall of the post which circumscribes the post cavity and has an inner surface; and a strengthening rib which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the sidewall adjacent the upper end of the post mount assembly.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the strengthening rib is vertical.
17. The system of claim 15 wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof abuts the strengthening rib in the wedged position.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the first wall abuts the strengthening rib in the wedged position.
19. A fencing system comprising:
- a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation and a central vertical axis;
- a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;
- a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and
- a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position;
- a first cam surface on the first wall;
- a second cam surface on the wedge; and
- a sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces which translates movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position into movement of the first wall away from the central vertical axis.
20. A fencing system comprising:
- a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation;
- a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;
- a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and
- a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall; and
- a force created by the wedge in the wedged position and applied by the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof to the inner surface of the post.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 1, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 4, 2010
Inventor: Robert E. Platt (Mineral Ridge, OH)
Application Number: 12/571,887
International Classification: E04H 17/22 (20060101);