Metal panel fencing system

Abstract

A fencing system is constructed with thin-walled generally rectangular tubing. The large cross-section of the rectangular tubing provides significant structural strength. The posts can also be formed into rectangular cross-sections to achieve similar cross-sectional strength. The posts are provided with openings for the rails to be inserted. A compliant grommet is provided in each opening and allows for articulation in any direction, isolates the rail from the post to prevent metal-on-metal contact, provides cushioning to the rails upon impact, silences the rails in heavy wind, electrically isolates each fence section and centers the rail in the post opening. A system of clips or spring loaded lock pins attach to the ends of the rails allow the rails to be easily inserted into the posts, but prevents their removal. Alternatively, lock spacers may be inserted into each post systematically to limit the rail movement independently between any two posts to assure retention of the rails and to allow easy rail removal upon removal of the lock spacers.

Description

1. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 150,194, filed Feb. 5, 2009, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to a fencing system. More particularly, the invention relates to a thin-walled, tubular metal panel fencing system. In addition, the invention relates to a method of installing and maintaining the fencing system.[0004]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0005]Traditional horse farm and some residential fencing have been constructed from planks of wood nailed to wooden posts. Typically, these wooden fencing systems utilize 4 inch or 6 inch square posts with 0.75 inch thick by 5.5 inch wide panels. The posts are installed 3 to 4 feet deep in the ground and are typically surrounded by a concrete footing. The panels are then nailed to one of the faces of the posts and the fe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, at least some of the above-identified needs are met by providing a fencing system constructed with thin-walled non-circular, preferably at least generally rectangular tubing. The tubing can be formed to provide rails in the form of rectangular panels to provide the desired aesthetic look. The large cross-section of the rectangular panels provides significant structural strength. The posts can also be formed into rectangular cross-sections to achieve similar cross-sectional strength.

[0010]The posts are provided with openings for the rails to be inserted. A compliant material, preferably an elastomeric grommet, may be provided in each opening. The compliant material allows for articulation in any direction, isolates the rail from the post to prevent metal-on-metal contact, and centers the rail in the post opening. This compliant material will also provide a cushioning of the rail in the event of animal impact to reduce the potential for injury. The grommet also reduces or eliminates any potential for noise due to movement of the rails in the wind.

[0011]Additionally, a fastening system, made up of clips attaching to the ends of the rails, is provided that allows the rails to be easily inserted into the posts without the use of specialized tools, but prevents their removal. This fastening system simplifies and speeds up fence installation. Further, the rail clips allow for independent thermal expansion and contraction of each rail, eliminating the potential of rails falling out or putting pressure on subsequent posts. A similar system of rail retention spring loaded latch pins can provide similar benefits.

Problems solved by technology

The drawbacks with this fencing system are high maintenance costs and short cosmetic and structural life spans.

Painted wood requires frequent painting due to the tendency of wood to absorb moisture, expand and contract with temperature changes, attract chewing by horses, and build up mold and mildew.

Posts can be quickly rotted by moist ground and are expensive to replace.

In addition, because the system is easily broken, animal escapes occur far too often.

However, vinyl fencing systems have their own drawbacks.

Vinyl fencing systems loose their gloss and their surfaces chalks much faster than modern paints due to exposure to the weather, resulting in a limited color selection.

In addition, the surfaces cannot be repainted in the field.

The panels also become brittle from age or exposure to the weather, making them susceptible to breakage by large animals.

Further, the panels could drop out because of thermal expansion and contraction of the rails and posts.

Similar to wood systems, these vinyl fences are easily broken and can shard to impale the animal or allow easy escape upon breakage.

Additionally the production of vinyl (poly vinyl chloride) is highly detrimental to the environment and these materials are not recycled.

These fencing systems solve many of the problems associated with wood and vinyl fencing systems; however, the pipe tubing systems lack aesthetic value.

In particular, pipe tubing fencing systems do not have the panel look that the market is used to and desires to maintain.

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