FENCING SYSTEMS

Abstract

A modular fence system includes a plurality of modular fence assemblies. Each fence assembly includes a first post connected to a side of a panel section and a second post connected to an opposing side of the panel section. The posts and panels are adjustable to varying heights and are attachable to one another in a plurality of varied angular orientations.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to fencing systems, and more particularly, to modular fencing systems.

BACKGROUND

Installing a fence often requires multiple components, tools, and individuals to install. Traditional fencing components include posts, fencing sections, connectors, and various other pieces. The posts are typically installed first while the fencing sections are subsequently stretched or otherwise extended between the posts. In some instances, the fencing sections, themselves, incorporate numerous individual components that require assembly.

Uneven terrain upon which a fencing system is to be placed adds complexity to fence installation beyond that which is already present in the multitude of components, tools and individuals needed. For example, an installer must not only level the posts and the fencing section to present a level top line but must also ensure that the fencing sections extend to the ground while adjusting for variations in an uneven ground level.

It is therefore desired to have a modular fencing system that can be installed by a single individual with minimal tool requirements.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure relates to modular fencing systems and methods of assembly.

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a modular fence system that includes a plurality of modular fencing assemblies and a fastener. Each module fencing assembly includes a first post connected to a first side of a panel section and a second post connected to a second side of the panel section. Each of the first and second posts include an upper head that contains a plurality of spaced openings extending through a height of the upper head. The fastener has a first downward prong and a second downward prong connected by a connecting portion. The first downward prong is inserted into one of the plurality of spaced openings of one of the first or second posts of a first modular fencing assembly while the second downward prong is inserted into one of the plurality of spaced openings of one of the first or second posts of a second modular fencing assembly to connect the first and second modular fencing assemblies in a continuous configuration.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a modular fence system that includes a plurality of modular fencing assemblies. Each of the fencing assemblies includes first and second posts with each post having a central channel that houses an interior height-adjusting post; the height-adjusting post is secured to its respective post at one of a plurality of selectable heights. Each of the fencing assemblies further includes a panel section that extends between the first and second posts. The panel section includes at least one cross-component having first and second ends; each of the first and second sends includes a horizontal portion that is perpendicular to each of the first and second post. Each of the fencing assemblies further includes a first post receptacle secured to the first post and a second post receptacle secured to the second post at one of a plurality of selectable heights. The first and second post receptacles receive, respectively, the horizontal portion of the first and second s of the cross component to connect the panel section to the first and second post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates an example modular fencing system assembly.

FIG. 1b illustrates a top view of a post of the modular fencing system assembly

FIG. 2a illustrates an example continuous fence configuration comprising a plurality of the modular fencing system assemblies of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b illustrates the continuous fence configuration of FIG. 2b rolled for storage.

FIG. 3a illustrates an example post connector for the modular fencing assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3b illustrates the post connector of FIG. 3a connecting a post of a first modular fence assembly to a post of a second modular fence assembly.

FIG. 3c illustrates various orientation options for connecting posts with the post connector of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4a illustrates an example panel connector.

FIG. 4b illustrates an example of the panel connector connecting a fence post to a fence panel.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a modular fencing assembly.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a post of the modular fencing assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a panel section of the modular fencing assembly of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8a-8b illustrate an example post receptacle of the module fencing assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fencing configuration using a plurality of the modular fencing assemblies of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

Similarly, where steps of a method are disclosed, those steps are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps. For example, the steps can be performed in differing order, two or more steps can be performed concurrently, additional steps can be performed, and disclosed steps can be excluded without departing from the present disclosure.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular FIG. is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, a may not be included or may be combined with other features.

As briefly described above, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a modular fence system and methods of installing the modular fence system.

FIG. 1a illustrates a modular fencing assembly 100 of a fencing system. As shown, the modular fencing assembly 100 includes at least a first post 102a, a second post 102b and a panel section 104. The panel section 104 is in a mesh configuration having plurality of horizontal components 106, including a top line 106a and a bottom line 106b, which extend between the first post 102a and the second post 102b, and a plurality of vertical components 108 that extend between the top line 106a and the bottom line 106b. The mesh configuration illustrated presents a repeating rectangular pattern, however, other mesh patterns may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Each of the posts 102a, 102b includes an upper first end 120 and a lower second end 122. The first end 120 includes a head 123 that is unitary with the post 102a, 102b, or alternatively, fixedly secured to the post 102a, 102b. In certain embodiments, the head 123 presents a rounded surface (e.g., a mushroom cap) while in other embodiments, the head presents a flat surface; either surface presents an appropriate head with strength sufficient to accommodate pounding by a hammer, if needed. FIG. 1b provides a top view of the surface 124 of the head 123. As shown, the surface 124 includes having four openings 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d, spaced equidistantly about the surface 124 and extending all the way through a length L of the head 123. In certain embodiments a greater number, e.g. 5, 6, 7, 8, etc., or a lesser number, e.g., 1, 2, or 3, openings 125 may be provided in the head 123 to accommodate different fencing configurations.

The second end 122 of each of the posts 102a, 102b includes a ground-penetrating stake 126 and, optionally, a ground anchor 128. In certain embodiments, the stake 126 and/or ground anchor 128 are unitary with their respective post 102a, 102b while in other embodiments, the stake 126 and/or ground anchor 128 are fixedly secured to their respective post 102a, 102b. The ground anchor 128 is of triangular shape presenting a flat upper surface 128a, which is parallel to the bottom line 106b of the panel section 104, and an angled surface 128b. An installer may utilize the flat upper surface 128a of the ground anchor 128 as a surface upon which to place their foot, or other weighted object, to assist in driving the stake 126 into the ground. The stake 126 is preferably driven sufficiently into the ground such that the flat upper surface 128a of the ground anchor 128 can be covered with soil. In other embodiments, the flat upper surface 128a of the ground anchor 128 is at ground level or slightly above ground level. The triangular configuration of the ground anchor 128, particularly the angled surface 128b within the ground, helps to prevent to the respective posts 102a, 102b from rotating once positioned.

In an example embodiment, the panel section 104 is pre-secured to the posts 102a, 102b and exist as a single, modular fencing assembly 100 that can be joined to further single modular fencing assemblies 100 to establish a fence 10, see FIG. 3b, of a desired length through use of a post connector 300, described further below.

In other embodiments, each panel section 104 is an extension of a previous panel section 104 thereby presenting a continuous fence configuration having a continuous length of mesh with posts 102a, 102b pre-secured at equidistant intervals, e.g., see FIG. 2a, to establish a fence 12 of a desired length. In such a configuration, the continuous panels sections 104 and plurality of posts 102a and posts 102b can be stored in a roll configuration, see FIG. 2b, and unrolled for installation. In the continuous fence configuration, each of the continuous panel sections 104 presents a vertical component 108 proximate either side of each post 102a, 102b (e.g., a vertical component 108 within 1 inch, within 2 inches, or within 3 inches of each post 102a, 102b) to provide a convenient cutting location to cut through the horizontal components 106 and separate any undesired remaining portion of the continuous fence from the desired length of fence.

In certain embodiments, a pair 109 of closely positioned vertical components 108 (e.g, vertical component separated by a 1 inch gap, 2 inch gap or 3 inch gap), can be provided at one or more mid-locations within each panel section 104 to provide other convenient cutting locations. In the instance of cutting at a mid-location, e.g., not proximate to a post 102a, 102b, a loose end of the panel section 104 will exist. Upon this occurrence, a free-standing post 102 can be secured to secured to the panel section 104 with a panel connector 400, described further below.

The components of the modular fencing assembly 100, whether in separate modular components or in a continuous configuration, can be made from one or a combination of suitable materials such as plastic, metal (e.g., steel), wood or other suitable fencing material. The modular fencing assembly 100 (single modules or continuous) can be manufactured at one or more heights suitable for a specific application and one or more lengths suitable for an application. For example, a one foot or two foot tall modular fencing assembly 100 may be suitable for an edging or garden location, while a module fencing assembly at 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet or greater may be suitable as yard fences or snow fences. Further, a single module of the modular fencing assembly may be 6 inches, 12, inches, 18 inches, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc. in length while a continuous configuration of the modular fencing assembly may be manufactured in rolls of 10 feet, 25, feet, 50 feet, etc. Regardless of the height and length of the modular fencing assemblies 100 (single modules or continuous) can be installed within a short period of time by a single installer. The single module configuration of the modular fencing assemblies require no tools for installation while the continuous configuration requires only a wire cutting tool for installation. A hammer, though not required, may be helpful in either configuration for pounding the posts 102a, 102b if the ground is particularly hard.

As mentioned elsewhere herein, the post 102 of one modular fencing assembly 100 can be coupled to the post of another modular fencing assembly in a desired configuration through use of a post connector 300, which is illustrated in FIG. 3a. The post connector 300 includes a first downward prong 304a and a second downward prong 304b, connected by a connecting portion 302. The first and second prongs 304a, 304b are preferably manufactured such that each bends inward toward a center line C of the post connector 300 to exert a clamping force against the head 123 of the post 102 and help prevent displacement of the post connector 300 when installed. Referring to FIG. 3b, installation provides that the first downward prong 304a engages one opening 125 of the head 123 of a first post 102a and extends there through while the second downward prong 304b engages one opening 125 of the head 123 of a second fence post 102b and extends there through. Due to the multiple openings 125 about the heads 123 of the posts 102a, 102b, the post connectors 300 can connect a post 102 and its respective modular fencing assembly 100 at various angles relative to another post 102 and is respective modular fencing assembly 100. FIG. 3c illustrates: (1) an obtuse angle connection; (2) a 90 degree connection; (3) an acute angle connection; and (4) a 180 degree connection.

As mentioned herein, a post 102 can be secured to a loose end of a panel section 104 through use of a panel connector illustrated in FIG. 4a. The panel connector 400 includes a first loop 402 defining an opening 403 large enough to accommodate a diameter of the post 102. It should be noted that while the post 102 and first loop 402 are illustrated as round in shape, the post 102 may be manufactured in any suitable shape (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, etc.) and the first loop 402 may be manufactured in a corresponding shape, or different shape, as long as it has an opening 403 sufficient to accommodate the post 102. The first loop 402 is connected to a second loop 406 via a first side length 404a and a second side length 404b includes a clasp 408 to interface with a springing end 409 of the second loop 406. The second loop 406 defines an opening 407 that is large enough to accommodate the shape, (e.g., diameter) of a last vertical component 108 at the loose end of a panel section 104 and is typically. Accordingly, one more panel connectors 400 can be used to secure a loose end of a panel section 104 to a post 102 to provide a finished end to the fencing, see FIG. 4b.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a fencing system. It should be noted that the various features of the different fencing system embodiments can be combined to provide multiple variations on the fencing system. However, referring to FIG. 5, a modular fencing assembly 500 includes a first post 502a, a second post 502b, and a panel section 514 extending between the first post 502a and the second post 502b. Each post includes an upper first end 505 having a capped upper surface 506 and a lower second end 507. At lower second end 507, each post 502a, 502b incorporates an interior height-adjusting post 504a, 504b extending through a central channel 503a, 503b of each respective post 502. The interior height-adjusting post 504 is capable of extending into the ground and holding the post 502 at an angle normal to the ground. In certain embodiments, the interior height-adjusting post 504 may include an anchor, such as the anchor 128 shown in FIG. 1a, to assist in positioning the interior height-adjusting post 504 within the ground and/or a ground penetrating stake, such as stake 126 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, each post 502 and each interior height-adjusting post 504 includes one or more openings 604, e.g., openings 604a-604d, that can be aligned and secured, such as by a set screw or other fastening device, to maintain the post 502 at a desired height. For example, each post 502 may include one or two openings 604 while each interior height-adjusting post 504 can include a greater number of openings 604, e.g., greater than three openings, from which a corresponding one or two may be selected to interface with those of the post 502. As such, each post 502 is adjustable to numerous heights to accommodate variations in terrain and/or accommodate an installer's desired height. In certain embodiments, openings 604 are presented only on a single surface of each of the posts 502 and each of the interior height-adjusting posts 504 while in other embodiments, openings 604 are provided on multiple surfaces (e.g., on each of four sides of a square post, multiple openings spaced equidistantly about a round post, etc.) to enable an installer to position each modular fence assembly 500 in different orientations to one another, such as those illustrated in FIG. 3b. Posts 502, even though they provided telescoping height-adjustment, can be manufactured in various heights, widths and shapes as desired. FIG. 6 additionally illustrates an opening 610, e.g., 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d, that are used to secure a post receptacle 520 (described further herein) to the post 502.

Referring once again to FIG. 5, the panel section 514 of modular fencing assembly 500 includes two or more horizontal components 516, including a first upper horizontal component 516a and a lower horizontal component 516b, each of which spans the distance between the posts 502a and 502b. A plurality of vertical components 518 extend between, and, in certain embodiments, beyond, the upper and lower horizontal components 516a, 516b. In certain embodiments, each of the vertical components 518 has a lower end 518b that ends level with the lower end 507 of the post 502, while in other embodiments the lower end 518b of the vertical components 518 ends prior to the lower end 507 of the post 502. Similarly, the upper end 518a of the vertical component 518 may end level with the capped upper surface 506 or extend beyond, or to a level below, the capped upper surface 506 of the post 502. The vertical components 518 are secured to the horizontal components 516 via any appropriate means suitable to the material from which the modular fencing assembly 500 is manufactured. Suitable materials can include a single material or a combination of suitable fencing materials such as plastic, metal, wood, etc. In certain embodiments, the panel section 514 is injection molded plastic such that horizontal component 516 and vertical components 518 are unitary within one another. The panel sections 514 can be manufactured in various heights, widths and patterns (e.g., for privacy or non-privacy) to suit multiple applications.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a panel section 514 that includes one or more telescoping vertical components 518 that include an interior component 702, that is height-adjustable similar to height-adjusting post 504 to accommodate varying terrains and/or adjust to a desire height. The height-adjusting interior component 702 and the vertical component 518 are preferably equipped with openings, similar to openings 604, that allow the height-adjusting interior component 702 to be fixed at a desired height with a set screw or other fastener that can maintain the height-adjusting interior component 702 at a fixed height relative to the vertical component 518.

Referring once again to FIG. 5, it is illustrated that each end of the horizontal component 516 is received in a post receptacle 520, e.g. 520a, 520b, 520c, 520d.

FIGS. 8a and 8B provide more detailed views of the post receptacle 520. As shown, the post receptacle 520 includes a base 802 and three sides 804a, 804b, 804c, extending perpendicularly from the base 802, which form an opening sized to receive a width W and a height H (see FIG. 8b) of the horizontal component 516. The side 804c includes an opening 803 that can be aligned with an opening 610 (e.g., 610a-610d) of the post 502 (see FIG. 6) and secured thereto with an appropriate fastener. The multiple openings 610 of the post 502 enable the post receptacle 520 to be secured at various heights, dependent upon the chosen opening. In certain embodiments more than one opening 803 is provided on the side 804c enable the post receptacle 520 to be aligned with two of the post openings 610 (e.g., 610a, 610b), each of which can be secured with an appropriate fastener.

In certain embodiments, one or both of sides 804a and 804b include an opening 807 that align with an opening 704 (see FIG. 7) of the horizontal component 516. A cotter pin, screw or other appropriate fastener can be used to secure the horizontal component 516 within the post receptacle 520. In other embodiments, the horizontal component 516 rests freely within the post receptacle 520 without be secured thereto. Further, in certain embodiments, the post receptacle 520 includes a top 806, connected via a hinge 808 (e.g., living hinge or multiple component hinge such as a spring hinge, butt hinge, bi-fold hinge, etc.), to the side 804c of the post receptacle 520. The top 806 folds to rest atop the sides 804a, 804b of the post receptacle 520 or, in certain embodiments, to securely engage the sides 804a, 804b through, for example, a snap fit or other manner of engagement.

FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality modular fencing assemblies 500, e.g., 500a, 500b, joined together to create a fence 900. Three fence posts 502, e.g., 50a, 502b, 502c, join two panel sections 514. In the example shown, the modular fence system 900 is installed on uneven ground A taking advantage of the various height-adjustable components (e.g., height-adjusting posts 504, e.g., 504a-504c of posts 502a-502c, and height-adjusting vertical interior components 702 of the vertical components 518). It should be appreciated that any number of modular fencing assemblies 500 can be joined in various orientations to produce a desired fencing configuration.

Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

Claims

1. A modular fence system comprising:

a plurality of modular fencing assemblies, each modular fencing assembly comprising a first post connected to first side of a panel section and a second post connected to a second side of the panel section, each of the first and second posts including an upper head containing a plurality of spaced openings extending through a height of the upper head; and

a fastener having a first downward prong and a second downward prong connected by a connecting portion, the first downward prong inserted into one of the plurality of spaced openings of one of the first or second posts of one of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies and the second downward prong inserted into one of the plurality of spaced openings of one of the first or second posts of a second one of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies to connect the one and the second one of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies in a continuous configuration.

2. The modular fence system of claim 1, wherein each of the spaced openings of the upper head of the one of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies enables connection of the one of the plurality modular fencing assemblies with the fastener in a different angled orientation, relative to the second one of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies.

3. The modular fence system of claim 2, wherein the angled orientation comprise an acute angle orientation, an obtuse angle orientation, a 90 degree angle orientation or a 180 degree orientation.

4. The modular fence system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of spaced openings are equidistantly spaced about the upper head.

5. The modular fence system of claim 2, wherein the panel section of each of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies is distinct from the panel section of each of the other of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies.

6. The modular fence system of claim 2, wherein the panel section of each of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies is continuous with the panel section of each of the other of the plurality of module fencing assemblies.

7. The modular fence system of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second posts includes a ground-penetrating stake.

8. The modular fencing system of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second posts includes a ground anchor coupled to the ground-penetrating stake.

9. The modular fencing system of claim 8, wherein the ground anchor presents a foot-placement upper surface.

10. The modular fencing system of claim 9, wherein the ground anchor minimizes rotational movement of the post.

11. The modular fencing system of claim 1, further comprising a panel connector connecting the panel section to at least one of the first and second post.

12. The modular fence system according to claim 7, wherein the panel connector comprises a first loop that engages the at least one of the first and second post and a second loop that engages the panel section, the first loop connected to the second loop by first and second side lengths.

13. The modular fence system according to claim 1, wherein the panel section is rolled about the first and second posts in an uninstalled configuration and wherein the panel section is extended between the first and second posts in an installed configuration.

14. A modular fence system comprising:

a plurality of modular fencing assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of modular fencing assemblies includes:

a first post and a second post, each of the first and second post having a central channel housing an interior height-adjusting post, wherein the interior height-adjusting post is secured to its respective post at one of a plurality of selectable heights;

a panel section extending between the first post and the second post including at least one cross component having first and second ends, each of the first and second ends including a horizontal portion that is perpendicular to each of the first and second post; and

a first post receptacle secured to the first post and a second post receptacle secured to the second post at one of a plurality of selectable heights, wherein the first and second post receptacles receive, respectively, the horizontal portion of the first and second ends of the cross component to connect to the panel section to the first and second post.

15. The modular fence system of claim 14, wherein the panel section includes a vertical component that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion of the cross component and wherein the vertical component includes a height-adjusting interior component that is secured to vertical component at one of a plurality of selectable heights.

16. The modular fence system of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second post receptacles includes a base and three sides extending from the base in the same direction.

17. The modular fence system of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second receptacles includes a hinged top portion to engage at least two of the three sides, the engaged top portion retaining the first and second ends, respectively, of the cross component.

18. The modular fence system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the three sides of each of the first and second receptacles is secured, respectively, to the horizontal portion of the first and second ends of the cross component of the panel section.

19. The modular fence system of claim 14, a first post and a second post, each of the first and second post having central channel housing an interior height-adjusting post, wherein the interior height-adjusting post of the first post is secured to the first post at a first height and wherein the interior height adjusting post of the second post is secured to the second post at a second height that is different from the first height.

20. The modular fence system of claim 15, wherein the panel section includes a plurality of vertical components, wherein the height-adjusting interior vertical component of a first one of the plurality of vertical component is adjusted to a first height and wherein the height-adjusting interior vertical component of a second one of the plurality of vertical component is adjusted to a second height that is different from the first height.