Modular vinyl fence system

Abstract

A new fencing system is provided in the present disclosure that is constructed from durable polymer components that are sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The fence includes vertical posts with horizontal members extending therebetween. The horizontal members include grooves therein to support fence panels in the form of web panels. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical members utilizing a novel and uniquely configured connector element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 10 / 687,182, filed on Oct. 16, 2003, which is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application No. 60 / 419,502, filed Oct. 18, 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for creating fencing systems. More specifically, the this invention relates to a new modular configuration that is particularly suited for fabricating and assembling vinyl fencing systems that are easier to install and are tailored to the do-it-yourself marketplace. [0003] In the prior art, the vertical post members and the horizontal rail supports used in constructing fences have typically been made of wood. However, the traditional wood construction has become less desirable for several reasons. A primary drawback is that the overall cost of installing and maintaining a wooden fence system is relatively high due to the escala...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a new fencing system made from durable polymer components that are easy to assemble and well-suited for a do-it-yourself market. The fencing system includes vertical posts, top and bottom horizontal rails, a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection, and a webbing panel. The vertical posts have clips that securely hold them in place, and the top and bottom rails can slide over the clips and securely hold fencing panels. The system also allows for the use of intermediate rails to accommodate different panels. The invention has improved structural characteristics, is easily interchangeable and reconfigurable, and can be easily disassembled and reused in alternate configurations.

Problems solved by technology

However, the traditional wood construction has become less desirable for several reasons.

A primary drawback is that the overall cost of installing and maintaining a wooden fence system is relatively high due to the escalation in the cost of lumber materials in recent years and the fact that wood fences require constant maintenance such as painting or staining and prevention of rot.

If the posts fail due to rot, the entire fence is rendered useless.

Although anchoring the posts in concrete can postpone these effects, it does not eliminate them.

In addressing the preservation of the wood materials, the industry has created a secondary drawback related to the use of highly toxic preservatives to prevent the wood from rotting.

Further, fences have historically been designed and erected as permanent structures, without providing for subsequent removal or alteration.

These permanent structures are been built on-site from the desired fencing materials, such as chain link or raw lumber, yielding integrated structures that cannot be easily dismantled without damaging the materials.

The result is that most of these prior art fences that are constructed “on site” as unitary structures, are highly labor intensive and quite expensive to have initially installed.

Additionally, wood fences constructed in this manner from raw lumber can also be non-uniform in appearance, detracting from their aesthetic qualities.

This problem is further amplified when the installation process is attempted by a do-it-yourself installer who has relatively little experience in working with traditional fencing systems.

Problems typically encountered with this type of plastic fence construction include the fact that these constructions do not take into account the expansion and contraction of the plastic and also that the support rails may tend to rotate in response to varying thermal conditions.

Further, some of these plastic fences are made of a material that has sufficient plasticity to result in sagging rails and bending posts over time.

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