FENCING SYSTEM AND POST INSERT FOR USE THEREWITH
A fencing system includes a post mount typically mountable on a foundation and having an outer surface extending upwardly therefrom. A post insert mounted adjacent the top of the post mount has an outer surface disposed outwardly of the post mount outer surface to abut an inner surface of a post which defines a cavity in which the post mount and post insert are slidably received. The post insert provides stability to the post such that a rail may be mounted on the post via a rail mounting bracket or otherwise.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/818,738, filed Jun. 15, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/046,499 filed Jan. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,152 issued Aug. 5, 2008; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by references.
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 having a post insert mounted atop a post mount with the railing structure secured to the post insert.
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 arts 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a fencing system comprising a post; an inner surface of the post defining a post cavity; a post mount which has upper and lower ends and an outer surface extending therebetween; wherein the post mount is adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower end to a foundation and is slidably receivable in the post cavity with the inner surface of the post spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the post mount; an inner surface of the post mount defining a post mount cavity in the upper end of the post mount; a post insert comprising a lower section which is insertable downwardly into the post mount cavity and an upper section connected to and extending upwardly from the lower section; and an outer surface of the upper section disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount and abutting 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. 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 INVENTIONThe 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.
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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 (
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;
- an inner surface of the post defining a post cavity;
- a post mount which has upper and lower ends and an outer surface extending therebetween; wherein the post mount is adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower end to a foundation and is slidably receivable in the post cavity with the inner surface of the post spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the post mount;
- an inner surface of the post mount defining a post mount cavity in the upper end of the post mount;
- a post insert comprising a lower section which is insertable downwardly into the post mount cavity and an upper section connected to and extending upwardly from the lower section; and
- an outer surface of the upper section disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount and abutting the inner surface of the post.
2. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface of the lower section abutting the inner surface of the post mount.
3. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a lower end on the lower section which tapers downwardly and inwardly to facilitate downward insertion of the lower section into the post mount cavity.
4. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a laterally extending wall connected to the lower section and extending outwardly of the outer surface of the lower section.
5. The fencing system of claim 4 wherein the upper end of the post mount has an upwardly-facing surface; and the laterally extending wall abuts the upwardly-facing surface.
6. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface of the lower section which comprises a plurality of flat surfaces and a plurality of beveled corners each extending between an adjacent pair of the flat surfaces.
7. The fencing system of claim 6 wherein the flat surfaces comprise four flat surfaces; and the beveled corners comprise four beveled corners.
8. The fencing system of claim 1 wherein the post insert is formed as an integral one-piece member.
9. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface of the lower section; and a hole formed in the lower section extending inwardly from the outer surface adapted to receive therein a fastener.
10. The fencing system of claim 9 further comprising first and second opposed sides on the outer surface of the lower section; and wherein the hole is a through hole extending from the first side to the second side.
11. The fencing system of claim 10 wherein the lower section is formed as an integral one-piece member.
12. The fencing system of claim 9 further comprising a fastener disposed in the hole.
13. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface on the lower section; and a fastener extending from the outer surface of the lower section to the inner surface of the post mount to secure the post insert to the post mount.
14. The fencing system of claim 13 further comprising a hole formed in the post mount in which the fastener is disposed.
15. The fencing system of claim 14 further comprising a hole formed in the lower section in which the fastener is disposed.
16. The fencing system of claim 13 further comprising a hole formed in the lower section in which the fastener is disposed.
17. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a fastener extending from the post to the upper section to secure the post to the post insert.
18. The fencing system of claim 17 further comprising a rail mounting bracket; and wherein the fastener extends from the rail mounting bracket through the post to the upper section to secure the mounting bracket and post to the post insert.
19. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a rail mounted on and extending laterally outwardly from the post.
20. The fencing system of claim 19 further comprising a rail mounting bracket; and wherein the rail is mounted on the post via the rail mounting bracket.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 4, 2010
Publication Date: Jun 3, 2010
Inventor: Robert E. Platt (Mineral Ridge, OH)
Application Number: 12/700,201
International Classification: E04H 17/20 (20060101);