System, method and Apparatus for Assembling a Picket Fence

Abstract

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for assembling a picket fence. The picket fence includes two or more attachment surfaces, one or more rails, one or more single piece fasteners and one or more pickets. The one or more rails extend transversely to and are secured between two of the attachment surfaces. Each rail has one or more through apertures therein centered on a longitudinal axis of each rail. A single piece fastener is substantially disposed within each rail aperture and includes a housing having an aperture extending from a first end to a second end of the housing. The one or more pickets are vertically disposed between the rails and extend through the vertically aligned single piece fastener apertures. The single piece fastener locks into place within the rail aperture and locks the picket into place without any additional parts.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of fences and, more particularly, to a system, method and apparatus for assembling a picket fence.PRIORITY CLAIM[0002]This patent application is a non-provisional application of U.S. provisional patent application 60 / 762,466 filed on Jan. 25, 2006 and entitled “System, Method and Apparatus for Assembling a Picket Fence,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Current picket fence systems, especially metal picket fences, are expensive (material and labor cost) and difficult to install. For example, most systems require one or more pieces of hardware to be added during assembly, such as screws, pins, spring clips, caps, grommets, rods, plates, etc. Other systems have fewer parts, but require special machining or tools (e.g., complex shaped, custom made punches and tooling to produce components). Moreover, many current systems can damage picket and / or rai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for assembling a picket fence that is rapid, easy and less expensive than typical picket fences. Moreover, the present invention allows homeowners or contractors to assemble a picket fence without tools or additional hardware. The resulting fence provides increased durability and security while maintaining the clean aesthetic qualities of picket fence, which can be constructed of metal (e.g., steel, iron, aluminum, alloys, etc.) or plastic with a long life coating to prevent corrosion or UV degradation as the case may be.

[0006]As will be seen from the following description and FIGURES, the present invention provides at least the following advantages over current fence systems:

[0007]1. The grip or single piece fastener can be preinstalled in the rail. As a result, there is no loose hardware to install during assembly.

Problems solved by technology

Current picket fence systems, especially metal picket fences, are expensive (material and labor cost) and difficult to install.

Moreover, many current systems can damage picket and / or rail during assembly by sliding metal to metal, and / or leave the junction of picket and rail open to the environment, and / or require an additional hardware component to seal and provide cosmetic cover.

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