Fence Assembly and Method of Installing the Same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fence assembly and method of installing a fence assembly on a support surface having underground obstacles. The method for installing a fence assembly includes providing at least three posts, brackets each having a first plate and a second plate that is connected perpendicularly to the first plate, at least one rail, and a fence fabric. The posts are inserted in a support surface, such that the at least three posts are spaced from one another at varying distances. The first plates of the brackets are secured to a front surface of each post, and the rail is secured to the second plate of the brackets in an orientation perpendicular to the posts. The fence fabric is secured to the rail so such that the fence assembly components are not accessible from the exterior of the fence assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/523,352, filed Jun. 22, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fence assemblies and to methods of installing fence assemblies. The fence assemblies are constructed so as to facilitate installation and allow for avoidance of underground objects while providing sufficient structural strength and stability.

Description of Related Art

Fences are often used to enclose a specific area, such as a parcel of land, to protect the area and/or to demarcate the property lines. The fence may serve to keep trespassers or other unauthorized persons out of a specific area, such as a private property, or an area having dangerous materials or special equipment. The fence may also prevent animals from entering or exiting the area enclosed by the fence. Further, the fence may help to provide the enclosed area with some protection from the environment, such as by acting as a wind barrier or by inhibiting debris from entering the enclosed area.

However, conventional fences have various drawbacks. Typically, a fence includes a plurality of posts inserted into the ground at a fixed distance from one another, such as at about ten foot intervals. Some fences may utilize prefabricated fence panels that require the posts to be positioned at precisely the correct interval in order to allow the fence panels and posts to be secured to one another. This precision can increase the time and difficulty of installing the fence. Further, the ten foot interval requires a considerable number of posts to be used to create a fence of a desired length. The use of a large number of posts inserted into the ground can be problematic when attempting to construct the fence while avoiding various obstacles buried underground, such as pipes, cables, and other utilities. The problem is compounded when the fence includes a foundation, which consumes more space and increases the likelihood that the fence will encounter an obstacle in the ground.

Fences may also be overdesigned, resulting in added expense and waste of materials, or may be underdesigned resulting in reduced longevity of the fence and reduced strength or stability of the fence. Some fences include component shapes that are designed so that the fence can withstand forces that would not actually be applied to the fence, resulting in a waste of materials. Similarly, conventional fences may be constructed with an excess of concrete in the foundation, which can add to the expense of the fence and result in waste of materials. Alternately, the fence may suffer from reduced longevity if the fence is poorly constructed or is constructed from low-grade materials.

Further, traditional fences may have security issues if the components of the fence, such as the posts, and the fasteners used to secure the various components of the fence, such as the fasteners used to secure the fence fabric to the posts, are accessible on the exterior side of the fence. This would allow for humans or animals to damage or dismantle the fence or a portion thereof.

Thus, traditional fences have numerous drawbacks and an improved fence that can be easily installed and that allows for avoidance of underground obstacles is desired. Further, a fence is desired that is designed to withstand only the forces that the fence will experience once installed so as to prevent overdesign of the fence, to reduce construction costs, and to facilitate installation of the fence.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for installing a fence assembly on a support surface having underground obstacles, comprising providing at least three posts each having a longitudinal axis and a front surface, a plurality of brackets each having a first plate and a second plate that is connected to the first plate and is substantially perpendicular to the first plate, at least one rail having a longitudinal axis, and a fence fabric; inserting the at least three posts in a support surface, such that the at least three posts are spaced from one another, wherein the distance between a first post and a second post is different than a distance between the second post and a third post; securing the first plate of each bracket to the front surface of one of the at least three posts such that the second plate of each bracket is arranged in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the front surface of each of the at least three posts; securing the at least one rail to the second plate of one or more of the plurality of brackets secured to the at least three posts so that the longitudinal axis of the at least one rail is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the at least three posts; and securing the fence fabric to the at least one rail so that the at least three posts and the plurality of brackets are not accessible from an area exterior to the fence assembly.

The method may further include positioning the at least three posts such that each of the at least three posts is independently spaced from an adjacent post by about 15 to about 25 feet.

Each of the at least three posts may comprise a central portion having a first side and a second side, and a first panel on the first side that extends perpendicularly to the central portion, and a second panel on the second side that extends perpendicularly to the central portion, and wherein the first panel defines the front surface of each of the at least three posts.

The method may further comprise securing a plurality of brackets on each of the at least three posts, such that the plurality of brackets on one of the at least three posts are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the post. The plurality of brackets are preferably secured to the at least three posts by the use of fasteners.

The first plate of each of the plurality of brackets may define one or more apertures such that a fastener may be inserted through the one or more apertures of the brackets to secure each of the plurality of brackets to the at least three posts.

The at least one rail may comprise a central panel with a first side and a second side, a first panel extending perpendicularly from the first side of the central panel, and a second panel extending perpendicularly from the second side of the central panel, and the method further comprises positioning the central panel of the at least one rail in facing engagement with the second panel of one or more of the plurality of brackets. The central panel of the at least one rail may be secured to the second panel of one of the plurality of brackets via fasteners. Further, the fence fabric may be secured to the second panel of the at least one rail. The fence fabric preferably comprises a rigid material.

The method for installing a fence assembly may further include providing one or more support ribs, positioning the one or more support ribs substantially perpendicularly to the at least one rail, and securing the support ribs to the fence fabric in order to provide additional strength and support to the fence fabric.

In some embodiments, the at least three posts may be installed by pile-driving or vibro-driving each of the posts into the support surface. Alternatively, the at least three posts may be installed in a support surface by forming a hole in the support surface, positioning a first end of one of the at least three posts in the hole, and filling the hole with a foundation material to form a foundation. The hole may be formed so as to have a depth that is greater than a width of the hole. Reinforcing rebar may be positioned in the foundation material.

The present invention further relates to fence assemblies for installation on a support surface having underground obstacles, comprising at least three posts each having a longitudinal axis and a front surface; a plurality of brackets each having a first plate and a second plate that is connected to the first plate and is substantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein the first plate of each of the plurality of brackets is secured to the front surface of one of the at least three posts such that the second plate of each of the plurality of brackets is perpendicular to the front surface of the post; at least one rail having a longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one rail is secured to the second plate of one or more of the plurality of brackets so that the longitudinal axis of the at least one rail is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the at least three posts; and a fence fabric secured to the at least one rail so that the at least three posts and the plurality of brackets are not accessible from an area exterior to the fence assembly.

The fence assembly may have the same features and configuration as discussed above with respect to the methods for installing a fence assembly on a support surface to avoid underground obstacles. Further, each of the at least three posts may be an I-beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of a post of the fence assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is an elevational view of a first panel of the post of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket of the fence assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3B is a top elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross sectional view of a rail of the fence assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is an elevational view of the central panel of the rail of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an embodiment of the fence assembly according to the present invention as installed.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the fence assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a fence fabric according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a front panel of a support rib of an embodiment of the fence assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a front elevational view of a rear panel of a support rib of an embodiment of the fence assembly according of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a top elevational view of a fence assembly having a support rib with a front panel and a rear panel as used to secure two fence fabric panels.

FIG. 8 is a front cross sectional view of an embodiment of the fence assembly comprising an augured foundation.

FIG. 8A is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of the fence assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is front cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the fence assembly having a spread foundation.

FIG. 9A is a side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the fence assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a post of the fence assembly according to the present invention, wherein the post is composed of multiple subparts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a fence assembly and to a method of installing the fence assembly. Traditional fences suffer from a variety of drawbacks that increase the cost of the fence and the time required to install the fence. The posts of traditional fences may be spaced at a fixed interval and may be spaced too closely together, making it difficult to avoid underground obstacles, such as pipes, cables and other utilities when installing the posts. The more closely the posts are spaced together, the higher the number of posts that are required to construct a fence of a desired length. Further, digging multiple holes for the numerous posts and filing those holes with a foundation material, such as concrete, can also be time consuming and can result in the excess use of materials and added costs of construction.

Traditional posts may also be subject to gradual damage or deterioration. Depending upon the shape or configuration of the post, the entire post may not be able to be protectively coated, and the portion of the post that is positioned in the ground may be subject to dampness that cannot be drained away from the post. As a result, the underground portion of the post may deteriorate, corrode or weaken prematurely.

Traditional post designs may also be constructed to withstand forces that the fence is not subjected to during use of the fence. In the past, fences were generally designed for use with chain-link fence fabric and such fences commonly used round, hollow posts that experienced forces on the posts in all directions due to the flexibility of the chain-link fence fabric. Now that more secure fence fabrics are available, such as expanded metal or welded wire, the primary forces exerted on the posts occur only perpendicularly to the fence due to wind impinging on the fence. Thus, the posts do not need to be constructed so as to withstand forces in all directions. As a result, a new fence design that provides both improved strength and cost efficiency relative to traditional fences is desired.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of the fence assembly according to the present invention. The present invention provides a fence assembly 100 that includes at least three posts 120, a plurality of brackets 140, at least one rail 160, and a fence fabric 180. The posts 120 are positioned in or on a support surface 300, such as the ground. The support surface may be indoor or outdoor, and may be sand, gravel, dirt, or grass, among others, and can be flat, inclined, sloped, or the like. The posts 120 are positioned substantially perpendicularly to the support surface 300 on which they are installed. However, if the fence assembly 100 and posts 120 are installed on a slope or incline, the posts 120 are preferably positioned substantially perpendicularly to a hypothetical horizontal plane. The posts 120 of the fence assembly 100 are spaced from one another, and the distance between posts 120 may be varied as necessary to avoid underground obstacles in the support surface 300. Brackets 140 can be secured to each post 120 and are used to support a rail 160 in a position that is substantially perpendicular to the posts 120. The fence fabric 180 is connected to the rail 160 so as to complete the fence assembly 100. The fence fabric 180 forms the outermost portion of the fence assembly 100 and prevents humans or animals in the area A exterior to the fence assembly 100 from accessing the posts 120, brackets 140 or rails 160 so as to prevent unauthorized persons from damaging or tampering with the components of the fence assembly 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, there is shown an embodiment of a post 120 according to the present invention. Each post 120 has an elongated body 122 with a first end 121 and a second end 123, wherein the elongated body 122 extends along a longitudinal axis Z of the post 120 so that the post 120 is substantially linear in configuration. The length h of the post 120 as measured along the longitudinal axis Z of the post 120 is greater than the width w₁ of the post 120 measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis Z of the post 120.

In a preferred embodiment, each post 120 has a transverse cross sectional area that resembles an I-shape as best shown in FIG. 2. Further, the post 120 may be in the form of a wide flange I-beam, commonly referred to as a “W-beam.” In such embodiments, the post 120 includes a central portion 124 with a first side 125 and a second side 127, wherein the first side 125 includes a first panel 126 positioned perpendicularly to the central portion 124 and the second side 127 of the central portion 124 includes a second panel 128 positioned perpendicularly to the central portion 124. The exterior surface of the first panel 126 is the front surface 131 of the post 120, and the exterior surface of the second panel 128 is the rear surface 132 of the post 120. The rear surface 132 faces towards an area enclosed by the fence assembly 100.

In use, the post 120 is designed to be positioned with the first end 121 of the post 120 in contact with, or more preferably inserted into a support surface, such as the ground, so that the longitudinal axis Z of the post 120 is substantially perpendicular to the support surface. The second end 123 of the post 120 is located above the support surface so that the second end 123 of the post 120 serves as the upper end of the post 120.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A, the post 120 may define a plurality of apertures 129. The apertures 129 are preferably defined by the first panel 126 and are configured to be aligned with apertures of a bracket 140 of the fence assembly 100 so that a fastener can be inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the bracket 140 to the post 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 129 are arranged in two parallel rows with each row extending parallel to a longitudinal axis Z of the post 120. Each aperture 129 is preferably spaced from a subsequent aperture 129 in the same row. The apertures 129 are shown as having an elongated and rounded shape. However, in alternate embodiments, fewer or additional rows of apertures may be provided, the apertures may be spaced at a different interval along the length of the post 120, and the apertures may have any of various shapes, such as a circular shape.

In some embodiments, each post 120 is solid and is of one-piece or unitary construction. In alternate embodiments, the post 120 is provided in one or more subparts as shown for example at FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the post 220 includes a first portion 220a and a second portion 220b each having substantially the same transverse cross sectional shape and dimensions. The first and second portions 220a, 220b are joined in an end-to-end fashion along the longitudinal axis of each portion so as to form a continuous post 220. One or more connection members, such as plates 230, can be used to join the first portion 220a and second portion 220b by positioning a portion of the plate 230 on the first portion 220a and a portion of the plate 230 on the second portion 220b. The plate 230 as positioned on an interface between the first and second portions 220a, 220b can be secured to the first and second portions 220a, 220b by the use of fasteners 235, such as rivets, bolts, screws, or powder-actuated pins, among others. Alternatively, the connection can be made by the use of welding, adhesives, or other fastening methods. The plates 230 can be positioned on any portion of the post 220, such as the central portion, the first panel, the second panel, or a combination thereof. When the post 220 is provided in multiple subparts, the central portion of the post 220 may be provided separately from the first panel and the second panel, wherein the central portion, first panel and second panel are removably connected to one another via one or more fasteners or fastening methods as described herein. Additionally, the subparts of the post 220 may be joined via an engineered splice.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-3C, there are shown views of a bracket of the fence assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fence assembly 100 further includes a plurality of brackets 140 configured to be secured to the posts 120 and to support a rail 160. In the illustrated embodiment, each bracket 140 has a substantially L-shaped configuration, and includes a first plate 142 connected to a second plate 144. The second plate 144 is substantially perpendicular to the first plate 142. Both the first plate 142 and second plate 144 are preferably rectangular in configuration. The first and second plates 142, 144 are preferably substantially the same shape and dimensions, however, this need not be the case. The bracket 140 is preferably formed of a single piece of material, such that the first and second plates 142, 144 are of unitary construction. In an alternate embodiment, the brackets 140 may be composed of one or more subparts and connected via any of various conventional fastening methods, such as by use of rivets, bolts, screws, joints, and other mechanical fasteners, or via heat welding, adhesives or other fastening methods.

In some embodiments of the bracket 140, a support 146 extends diagonally between the first plate 142 and the second plate 144 of the bracket 140 to provide support and structural stability to the bracket 140. Thus, the support 146 provides the bracket 140 with a substantially triangular configuration when the bracket 140 is viewed from the side, as best shown in FIG. 3A. The support 146 may be in the form of a rod or bar extending between the first plate 142 and the second plate 144, or may be in the form of a triangularly shaped plate as shown in FIG. 3A. When formed as a plate, the support 146 is substantially perpendicular to both the first plate 142 and the second plate 144. The support 146 is preferably positioned centrally on the first plate 142 and the second plate 42 as best shown in FIG. 3C.

To secure each bracket 140 to a post 120, the first plate 142 of the bracket 140 can be placed in facing engagement with a front surface 131 of the post 120 and secured thereto via fasteners. When the first plate 142 of the bracket 140 is secured to the post 120, the second plate 144 is preferably arranged in a horizontal plane Pi that is substantially perpendicular to the front surface 131 of the post 120 as shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the first plate 142 of the bracket 140 defines one or more apertures 145 for receiving fasteners therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, four apertures 145 are shown and are arranged in a square configuration, however, in alternate embodiments, additional or fewer apertures may be provided and the apertures may be variously arranged on the first plate 142 of the bracket 140. The apertures 145 of the first plate 142 of the bracket 140 are configured to be aligned with apertures 129 of the first panel 126 of a post 120 so that a fastener can be inserted through the aligned apertures 129, 145 to secure the bracket 140 to the post 120. Preferably, the apertures 145 of the first plate 142 have an arcuate shape. The arcuate shape allows the bracket 140 to be connected to a post 120 in a desired orientation relative to the post 120.

The second plate 144 of each bracket 140 may also define one or more apertures 147 for receiving fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the second plate 144 is shown as having four apertures 147 arranged in a square configuration, however, in alternate embodiments additional or fewer apertures may be provided and the apertures may be variously arranged on the second plate 144 of the bracket 140. Further, the apertures 147 on the second plate 144 of the bracket 140 are shown as having a substantially circular configuration. However, the apertures 147 may have alternate shapes. The apertures 147 of the second plate 144 are configured to be aligned with apertures of a rail 160 when the rail 160 is positioned on the bracket 140 so that a fastener can be inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the rail 160 to the bracket 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-4A, there are shown views of a rail of the fence assembly of the present invention. The fence assembly 100 of the present invention further includes at least one rail 160. Each rail 160 is substantially linear in configuration and has a length l₂ measured along the longitudinal axis X of the rail 160 from the first end 121 to the second end 123 of the rail 160. The length l₂ of the rail 160 is preferably greater than the width w₂ of the rail 160, the width being measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rail 160. The longitudinal axis X of the rail 160 is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of the posts 120 when the fence assembly 100 is installed. Preferably, the rail 160 has a sufficient length so to allow the rail 160 to extend along the at least three posts 120 when installed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 160 includes a central panel 162 that is substantially rectangular in configuration with a first side 165 opposite a second side 167. The first and second sides 165, 167 correspond to the length of the central panel 162. The central panel 162 further includes a first panel 164 extending perpendicularly from the first side 165 of the central panel 162 and along the length of the central panel 162, and a second panel 166 extending perpendicularly from the second side 167 and along the length of the central panel 162. The first and second panels 164, 166 preferably extend in opposing directions. The first and second panels 164, 166 are substantially parallel to one another. Each of the first and second panels 164, 166 of the rail 160 may further include a flange 168 on a terminal end thereof and the flange 168 extends in an inward direction as best shown in FIG. 4.

In use, the rail 160 is preferably arranged such that the central panel 162 is in facing engagement with a second panel 144 of a bracket 140 that is secured to a post 120. The rail 160 may define one or more apertures 169 for receiving fasteners as best shown in FIG. 4A. Preferably, the central panel 162 of the rail 160 defines the apertures 169. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 169 are arranged in pairs that are aligned in a transverse direction of the rail 160. Pairs of apertures 169 are spaced from subsequent pairs of apertures along a longitudinal direction of the rail 160. The apertures 169 are configured to be aligned with apertures on a bracket 140, such as on the second panel 144 of the bracket 140 so that a fastener can be inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the rail 160 to the bracket 140. However, in alternate embodiments, the rail 160 may be secured to each bracket 140 by welding, adhesives, or other fastening methods.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-5A, there is shown a side view of the fence assembly as installed. The posts 120 are installed on or in the support surface 300 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the support surface 300. To install each post 120, a hole may be formed in the support surface 300 of a desired depth, such as by means of an augur or by digging, and the first end 121 of a post 120 is positioned in the hole, which can then be filled with soil or a foundation material, such as concrete, to secure the post 120 in the support surface 300. The posts 120 may alternately be inserted into the support surface 300 via pile-driving or vibro-driving the posts 120 into the ground without the need for digging a hole. Pile-driving eliminates the time and difficulty in preparing holes into which the posts 120 are inserted and the safety concerns of forming open holes and removing and disposing of the excavated materials.

Each post 120 is positioned such that a rear surface of the post 120 serves as the rear or interior side of the fence assembly 100 and a front surface 131 of the post 120 faces the front or exterior side of the fence assembly 100. When installing the fence assembly 100 in a support surface having underground obstacles, each post 120 can be positioned at a desired location to avoid the underground obstacles. As a result, the distance between adjacent posts may vary as necessary to avoid underground objects. For example, the distance between a first post and a second post may be different than a distance between the second post and a third post. While the distance between adjacent posts 120 of the fence assembly 100 may be independently selected, preferably the distance between each post 120 is about 15 to about 25 feet, and more preferably is about 20 feet, assuming that the interval allows the fence assembly 100 to meet project specified minimum design criteria for strength. This extended interval, relative to the post spacing of conventional fences, helps to minimize the number of posts 120 required to construct a fence assembly 100 of a desired length, which facilitates installation of the fence assembly 100 and also helps to avoid issues relating to the posts 120 or a foundation of the fence assembly 100 interfering with subterranean objects. The distance between adjacent posts 120 is sufficiently close so that the fence assembly 100 does not sacrifice structural stability or rigidity.

In the illustrated embodiment, several brackets 140 are secured to each post 120. Preferably, a plurality of brackets 140 are secured to the front surface 131 of each post 120, and the brackets 140 are vertically aligned and spaced at an interval along the front surface 131 of the post 120. The brackets 140 are positioned on the posts 120 such that the first plate 142 of each bracket 140 is in facing engagement with the front surface 131 of a post 120, and the second plate 144 of the bracket 140 is arranged in a horizontal plane Pi that is substantially perpendicular to the front surface 131 of the post 120, such that the bracket 140 has an upside-down L-shape when installed. Further, the brackets 140 on each post 120 are positioned such that the second plates 144 of the brackets 140 on each post 120 are coplanar with one another. In this way, a rail 160 can be positioned on the second plates 144 of the brackets 140 on multiple posts 120 to support the rail 160 in a perpendicular orientation relative to the posts 120. For example, each post 120 may have three brackets 140 arranged along the longitudinal axis of the post 120 and separated from one another so as to define three planes on which three rails may be arranged. In such an embodiment, the three rails 120 can be positioned on the brackets 140 arranged in each plane such that the rails 120 are substantially parallel to one another.

The bracket 140 can be secured to the post 120 via any of various fastening methods, such as by heat welding or other fastening methods, or by the use of mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, or rivets, among others. Each bracket 140 may be secured to a post 120 via powder-actuated pins. The powder-actuated pins may be installed or driven by any conventional powder-actuated tool, such as a Hilti gun or a Ramset gun, among other similar tools. The pins are driven through the first plate and through the front face of the post, securing the bracket to the post. The pins are driven at a high velocity such that the heat produced thereby fuses the pin to the bracket and to the post. Once secured, the pins are not readily removable. One or more pins can be used to secure each bracket to a post.

Preferably, a plurality of fasteners 150, such as bolts or other mechanical fasteners, may be inserted through the apertures 145 of the first plate 142 of the bracket 140 to provide a secure connection to the posts 120. The apertures 145 on the first plate 142 of the bracket 140 are aligned with apertures on the first plate of the post 120 and the fastener 150 is inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the bracket 140 to the post 120 in the desired position. In alternate embodiments, the use of powder-actuated pins eliminates the need to pre-form holes in the posts 120 for securement of a fastener therethrough, which saves time and reduces costs.

With the brackets 140 secured on the posts 120, a rail 160 can be positioned on the brackets 140 so that a longitudinal axis of the rail 160 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the posts 120. The brackets 140 on each post 120 are coplanar such that a rail 160 can be supported along its length by a bracket 140 on each post 120. Additional rails 160 may be positioned on brackets 140 that define a plane at a different elevation on the post 120. The rail 160 is positioned such that the central panel 162 of the rail 160 is positioned on the bracket 140 and is preferably in facing engagement with the second panel 144 of the bracket 140. With the central panel 162 secured to the second panel 144 of the bracket 140, the first panel 164 of the rail 160 extends upwardly and may be in facing engagement with the front surface 131 of the post 120, and the second panel 166 of the rail 160 extends downwardly and towards the support surface on which the fence assembly 100 is installed.

In embodiments in which the rails 160 and brackets 140 have apertures, the apertures of the central panel 162 of each rail 160 are configured to be positioned in alignment with the apertures on the second panel 144 of the bracket 140 so that fasteners can be inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the rail 160 to the bracket 140. Any of the fasteners or fastening methods described above for connecting the bracket 140 to the post 120 can be used to secure the rail 160 to the brackets 140.

A desired fence fabric 180 can be secured to the rail or rails 160 to complete the fence assembly 100. The fence fabric 180 is preferably formed from a rigid material, and may be an expanded metal or a welded wire, such as an 8-gauge welded wire, among others. The fence fabric 180 is affixed to the rails 160, and preferably to the second panel 166 of the rails 160, via fasteners. The fasteners may include self-tapping screws having specialized washers, rivets or bolts, among other types of fasteners. The fasteners preferably secure the fence fabric 180 to the rail 160 at regular intervals along each rail 160, as shown in FIG. 6. The fence fabric 180 is positioned perpendicularly to the support surface and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the posts 120 as shown in FIG. 5. The fence fabric 180 is the outermost portion of the fence assembly 100 and the posts 120, brackets 140 and rails 160 are not accessible from an area exterior to the fence assembly 100, preventing persons on the exterior of the fence assembly 100 from attempting to damage or disassemble the fence assembly 100.

The fence fabric 180 may be provided in panels and multiple panels are used to complete the fence assembly 100. The panels may be arranged so that the edges of two or more panels overlap and are secured together via a fastener. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the fence assembly 100 further includes one or more support ribs 190. The support ribs 190 are used to join panels of the fence fabric 180 so that the fence fabric 180 extends continuously along the fence assembly 100. The support ribs 190 may also serve a reinforcing function to provide the fence fabric 180 with greater strength and stability. The support ribs 190 may be positioned substantially perpendicularly to the rails 160 and parallel to the longitudinal axes of the posts 120. Preferably, where multiple support ribs 190 are used, the support ribs 190 are spaced from one another along the length of the rail. The support ribs 190 may be connected to the rails 160, and specifically to the second panel 166 of the rails 160, such that the support ribs 190 are positioned on an interior side of the fence fabric 180 and within the area enclosed by the fence. In this way, the support ribs 190 are not accessible by persons in the area exterior to the fence assembly 100.

FIGS. 7-7B shows an alternate embodiment of a support rib in which the support rib has both a front panel 292 and a rear panel 294. In FIG. 6, the support rib 190 is configured as only a rear panel positioned on an interior side of the fence fabric. However, in an alternate embodiment, the support rib 290 may have a rear panel 294 and also a front panel 292 configured to be positioned on an exterior of the fence fabric 180. The front panel 292 of the support rib 290 is preferably substantially linear and includes a first end 291 and a second end 293 with a length l₃ extending along a longitudinal axis Z of the front panel 292. The length l₃ of the front panel 292 is preferably greater than a width w₃ of the front panel 292, the width w₃ being measured in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis Z. The length of the front panel 292 may be the same as the height of the fence fabric above the support surface. The front panel 292 may further define a plurality of apertures 295 for receiving fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 292 defines pairs of apertures 295 aligned in a transverse direction of the front panel 292, with successive pairs of apertures 295 separated from one another by a space in the longitudinal direction.

Similarly, the rear panel 294 is preferably substantially linear and includes a first end 297 and a second end 299 with a length l₄ extending along a longitudinal axis X of the rear panel 294. The length l₄ of the rear panel 294 is preferably greater than a width w₄ of the rear panel 294, the width w₄ being measured in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis X The length of the rear panel 294 may be the same length as the front panel 292 or may be less than the full length of the front panel 292, such that the rear panel 294 does not extend along the full length of the fence fabric 180. Similar to the front panel 292, the rear panel 294 may also define a plurality of apertures 298 for receiving fasteners. The apertures 298 may be arranged in pairs that are aligned in a transverse direction of the rear panel 294 and successive pairs of apertures 298 are separated from one another by a space in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the apertures 298 of the rear panel 294 are arranged at the same or a similar interval as the apertures of the front panel 292 so that the apertures on the front and rear panels 292, 294 can be aligned.

In use, as shown in FIG. 7B, the support rib 290 may be used to join multiple fence fabric panels 180a, 180b arranged in an edge-to-edge fashion so that there is no overlap between the fence fabric panels 180a, 180b. A support rib 290 can be positioned at the intersection 185 of the fence fabric panels 180a, 180b so as to secure the two fence fabric panels 180a, 180b together with no overlap of the fence fabric material. The front panel 292 can be positioned on an exterior side of the fence fabric 180 so that the front panel 292 is in contact with both fence fabric panels 180a, 180b, and on the opposing side of the fence fabric 180, the rear panel 294 can be positioned so that it is aligned with the front panel 292 and is also in contact with both fence fabric panels 180a, 180b. In this way, the fence fabric panels are sandwiched between the front and rear panels 292, 294. A fastener 150, such as a bolt, rivet or pin, among others, can be inserted through the support rib 290 so as to extend through the first panel 292, through a fence fabric panel 180a and through the back panel 294. Preferably, the front and rear panels 292, 294 of the support rib 290 have apertures to facilitate the installation of fasteners, and the apertures on the front and rear panels 292, 294 are aligned so as to receive a fastener through the aligned openings. The fastener 150 can be further secured with a securement member 252, such as a nut, to maintain the fastener 150 in position. Preferably, a fastener 150 is inserted through the support rib 190 to secure each fence fabric panel 180a, 180b.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-8A and 9-9A, there are shown views of a fence assembly of the present invention having a foundation. In order to provide a foundation for the fence assembly 100, a hole may be formed in a support surface 300. A first end 121 of each post 120 may be inserted into the hole with the post 120 extending in a generally upward direction, perpendicular to the support surface 300 with the second end of the post 120 positioned above the support surface 300. The hole can be filled with a foundation material, such as concrete, cement or other similar material to form a foundation 320. The foundation 320 helps to secure the post 120 in the desired position and helps to provide the fence assembly 100 with improved strength and stability. The posts 120 extend above the support surface 300 to a desired height of the fence assembly 100. The fence fabric 180 has the same height above the support surface 300 as the posts 120, and the lower end 181 of the fence fabric 180 preferably meets the support surface 300.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8-8A, the post 120 includes an augured foundation 320 wherein the depth of the foundation 320 is greater than the width of the foundation 320. In one embodiment, the depth of the foundation 320 is about 10.75 feet and the width or diameter of the foundation 320 is about 3 feet. The post 120 is preferably centrally positioned within the foundation 320, and the first end 121 of the post 120 is positioned above the lowermost portion 321 of the foundation 320, such as about 0.5 feet above the lowermost portion 321 of the foundation 320, such that the first end 121 of the post 120 is encased within the foundation 320. Thus, the foundation 320 supports the fence assembly 100 while having a narrow footprint to avoid cables, pipes or other utilities buried in the support surface 300. The augured foundation 320 may be particularly advantageous where the support surface 300 includes numerous underground obstacles, preventing formation of a widened foundation. The dimensions of the foundation 320 are not intended to be limiting and serve only as an example of suitable dimensions for the foundation in one embodiment. The specific dimensions of the foundation are determined as a function of the fence height, the fence fabric's wind resistance, the local wind rating in the location the fence is installed, and the soil density, among other factors.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-9A shows an embodiment of the fence assembly of the present invention having a spread foundation. In order to provide a spread foundation 330 for the fence assembly 100, a hole can be formed in the support surface 300, the first end 121 of the post 120 is inserted into the hole, and the hole is filled with a foundation material. In the illustrated embodiment, the post 120 is positioned to a depth that is less than a width or diameter of the foundation 330. In one embodiment, the depth of the foundation may be about 24 inches, and about 12 feet in length by about 4 feet to about 6 feet in width. In such an embodiment, the first end 121 of the post 120 may be positioned about 3 inches from the lowermost portion 331 of the foundation 330 so that the first end 121 of the post 120 is encased within the foundation 330. Reinforcing rebar 335 may be evenly spaced within the foundation 330 to provide additional strength and stability. In this way, the spread foundation 330 supports the fence assembly 100 without extending too deeply into the support surface 300, which may be particularly advantageous if cables, pipes or other utilities or objects are buried within the support surface at a greater depth such that a foundation cannot be formed too deeply into the support surface 300 without encountering the underground objects. The provided dimensions of the foundation 330 are not intended to be limiting and serve only as an example of suitable dimensions for the foundation 330 in one embodiment. It will be readily understood to by one skilled in the art that the specific dimensions of the foundation 330 are determined as a function of the height of the fence assembly, the fence fabric's wind resistance, the local wind rating in the location the fence is installed, and the soil density, among other factors.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for installing a fence assembly on a support surface having underground obstacles, comprising:

providing: at least three posts each having a longitudinal axis and a front surface, a plurality of brackets each having a first plate and a second plate that is connected to the first plate and is substantially perpendicular to the first plate, at least one rail having a longitudinal axis, and a fence fabric;

inserting the at least three posts in a support surface, such that the at least three posts are spaced from one another, wherein the distance between a first post and a second post is different than a distance between the second post and a third post;

securing the first plate of each bracket to the front surface of one of the at least three posts such that the second plate of each bracket is arranged in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the front surface of each of the at least three posts;

securing the at least one rail to the second plate of one or more of the plurality of brackets secured to the at least three posts so that the longitudinal axis of the at least one rail is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the at least three posts; and

securing the fence fabric to the at least one rail so that the at least three posts and the plurality of brackets are not accessible from an area exterior to the fence assembly.

2. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, comprising positioning the at least three posts such that each of the at least three posts is independently spaced from an adjacent post by about 15 to about 25 feet.

3. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least three posts comprises a central portion having a first side and a second side, and a first panel on the first side that extends perpendicularly to the central portion, and a second panel on the second side that extends perpendicularly to the central portion, and wherein the first panel defines the front surface of each of the at least three posts.

4. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, further comprising securing a plurality of brackets on each of the at least three posts, such that the plurality of brackets on one of the at least three posts are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the post.

5. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, wherein securing the plurality of brackets to the at least three posts comprises the use of fasteners.

6. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first plate of each of the plurality of brackets defines one or more apertures and the method further comprises inserting a fastener through the one or more apertures of the brackets to secure each of the plurality of brackets to the at least three posts.

7. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rail comprises a central panel with a first side and a second side, a first panel extending perpendicularly from the first side of the central panel, and a second panel extending perpendicularly from the second side of the central panel, and the method further comprises positioning the central panel of the at least one rail in facing engagement with the second panel of one or more of the plurality of brackets.

8. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 7, further comprising securing the central panel of the at least one rail to the second panel of one of the plurality of brackets via fasteners.

9. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 7, further comprising securing the fence fabric to the second panel of the at least one rail.

10. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fence fabric comprises a rigid material.

11. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, further comprising providing one or more support ribs, positioning the one or more support ribs substantially perpendicularly to the at least one rail, and securing the support ribs to the fence fabric.

12. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, further comprising pile-driving or vibro-driving each of the at least three posts into the support surface.

13. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 1, further comprising forming a hole in the support surface, positioning a first end of one of the at least three posts in the hole, and filling the hole with a foundation material to form a foundation.

14. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 13, wherein the hole is formed so as to have a depth that is greater than a width of the hole.

15. The method for installing a fence assembly according to claim 13, further comprising positioning reinforcing rebar in the foundation material.

16. A fence assembly for installation on a support surface with underground obstacles, comprising:

at least three posts each having a longitudinal axis and a front surface;

a plurality of brackets each having a first plate and a second plate that is connected to the first plate and is substantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein the first plate of each of the plurality of brackets is secured to the front surface of one of the at least three posts such that the second plate of each of the plurality of brackets is perpendicular to the front surface of the post;

at least one rail having a longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one rail is secured to the second plate of one or more of the plurality of brackets so that the longitudinal axis of the at least one rail is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the at least three posts; and

a fence fabric secured to the at least one rail so that the at least three posts and the plurality of brackets are not accessible from an area exterior to the fence assembly.

17. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least three posts are independently spaced from an adjacent post by about 15 to about 25 feet.

18. The fence assembly of claim 16 wherein each of the at least three posts is an I-beam.

19. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the at least three posts comprises a central portion having a first side and a second side, a first panel on the first side that extends perpendicularly to the central portion, and a second panel on the second side that extends perpendicularly to the central portion, and wherein the first panel defines the front surface of each of the at least three posts.

20. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the at least three posts comprises a plurality of brackets secured thereon, wherein the plurality of brackets on each of the at least three posts are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the post.

21. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of brackets are secured to the at least three posts via fasteners.

22. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein the first plate of each of the plurality of brackets defines one or more apertures for receiving a fastener.

23. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one rail comprises a central panel with a first side and a second side, a first panel extending perpendicularly from the first side of the central panel, and a second panel extending perpendicularly from the second side of the central panel.

24. The fence assembly of claim 23, wherein the central panel of the at least one rail is in facing engagement with the second plate of one or more of the plurality of brackets secured to the at least three posts.

25. The fence assembly of claim 24, wherein the central panel of the at least one rail is secured to the second plate of one or more of the plurality of brackets via fasteners.

26. The fence assembly of claim 23, wherein the fence fabric is secured to the second panel of the at least one rail.

27. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein the fence fabric comprises a rigid material.

28. The fence assembly of claim 16, further comprising one or more support ribs positioned substantially perpendicularly to the at least one rail, and wherein the one or more support ribs are secured to the fence fabric.

29. The fence assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the at least three posts comprises a first end that is encased within a foundation.