Fence

Abstract

A fence panel comprising: a plurality of upright members, and at least one crossbar connected to each of the upright members, where the at least one crossbar comprises: an outer housing defining a crossbar channel and comprising at least one aperture, where the at least one aperture is located in the outer housing; each of the upright members extends through the aperture into the crossbar channel; a first plastic insert extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel and at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, where the first plastic insert comprises a plurality of openings; a plurality of pins, where each pin extends through an opening in the first plastic insert to rotatably connect the upright member to the first plastic insert; and a second plastic insert extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel and at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, where the second plastic insert is positioned on an opposite side of the plurality of upright members from the first plastic insert, where the second plastic insert extends along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel and is at least partially enclosed by the outer housing. The thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert increase along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel such that rotation of each of the upright members about the pin is impeded by the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fence panel, a fence, a method for assembling a fence, and a kit for assembling a fence. Background Art

[0002] A fence is a free-standing structure designed to limit and / or prevent movement across a boundary. One type of fence that is often used for civil boundaries because of its aesthetic properties is a picket fence. Generally, a picket fence includes at least one crossbar, but typically, a picket fence includes two or more crossbars that span at least two adjacent fence posts that are embedded in the ground. A picket fence also includes a plurality of upright members that are typically evenly spaced, extend over and are connected to the crossbars, and are typically oriented parallel to the posts.

[0003] Fences are often used on ground that is not flat but rather sloping. In this case, welded picket fences are not suitable. Instead, rackable picket fences must be used. Adjustable fences work by adjusting the uprights of the fence relative to the crossbars so that the angle between the uprights and the crossbars can be changed. This is not possible if the joints are welded together. Therefore, for many civilian applications, it is desirable to make the fence adjustable.

[0004] It is also desirable that the fence can be manufactured in a cost-effective and simple manner and can be easily installed at a site different from the manufacturing and / or assembly site. In addition, it is also desirable that the fence is made of a material with high weather resistance and low corrosion potential.

[0005] A variety of methods of connecting upright members to crossbars are known in the art. For example, WO2021164923 describes a fence panel comprising a plurality of upright members and at least one crossbar connected to each of the upright members, wherein at least one crossbar comprises: an outer shell defining a crossbar channel and comprising at least one aperture, wherein each of the upright members extends through the aperture into the crossbar channel; and an inner panel extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel, wherein the inner panel is at least partially enclosed by the outer shell, wherein the inner panel comprises a flat portion and two angled portions, the flat portion comprising a plurality of openings against the upright members, the angled portions being connected to opposite sides of the flat portion and extending away from the upright members, wherein each of the plurality of upright members comprises a protrusion extending into one of the openings to connect the upright member to the crossbar.

[0006] US6824123 describes an adjustable fence having a crossbar, a picket carrier and a plurality of pickets, wherein the crossbar defines a rigid inverted U-shaped cross-section, the picket carrier includes a top spanning portion located inside the crossbar and extending across the interior of the crossbar, and the pickets are pivotally connected to the picket carrier and can be pivoted toward the crossbar.

[0007] It is also known to include additional components within the crossbars to strengthen the arrangement and attach the upright members. For example, US2006081828 describes a picket fence system in which the pickets are supported by a system including picket supports and a reinforcing bar and crossbar system.

[0008] US2002175321 describes a picket fence and crossbar mounting system. The system includes at least an upper and lower elongated crossbar. Each crossbar has a hollow interior defining a generally I-shaped cross section including at least a first slot and a second slot. A plurality of pickets are capable of sliding laterally through an opening in an upper surface of the crossbar and a channel in a lower surface. Each picket has at least a first notch or recess near a first end and at least a second notch or recess near a second end. An elongated retaining rod capable of sliding within at least one crossbar cooperates with a notch or recess on each picket to secure the picket to the crossbar. In addition to the retaining rod, a resilient clamp, a threaded fastener, or the like may also cooperate with a hole in each picket to secure the picket to the crossbar.

[0009] Arrangements in the art typically include additional inserts or components made of materials susceptible to corrosion. Additionally or alternatively, inserts in the art typically need to have a specific shape to provide sufficient stability to resist rotation of the upright member.

[0010] Therefore, there remains a need for an adjustable fence that is inexpensive, easy to manufacture, simple to assemble and install. It is also desirable that the fence be made of a material that provides structural integrity and reduces the risk of corrosion. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence panel, comprising:

[0012] a plurality of upright members, and

[0013] at least one crossbar connected to each of the upright members, wherein the at least one crossbar comprises:

[0014] an outer housing defining a crossbar passage and including at least one aperture, wherein each of the upright members extends through the aperture into the crossbar passage,

[0015] a first plastic insert extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel, and the first plastic insert being at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, wherein the first plastic insert includes a plurality of openings,

[0016] a plurality of pins, wherein each pin extends through an opening in the first plastic insert to rotatably connect the upright member to the first plastic insert, and

[0017] a second plastic insert extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel and at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, wherein the second plastic insert is positioned on an opposite side of the plurality of upright members from the first plastic insert,

[0018] Wherein the thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert increase along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel so that rotation of each of the upright members about the pin is hindered by the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert.

[0019] The term "fence panel" is to be interpreted in accordance with the normal usage of that word to mean a panel that can be used in conjunction with fence posts to form a fence. As such, a fence panel is not self-supporting and is not sufficient to form a fence or other barrier on its own without some form of support.

[0020] The inventors have found that the fence panels of the present invention are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, have a minimum and simple number of parts (and have fewer parts than similar arrangements of the related art), while still providing excellent structural security. In addition, the fence panels are rackable.

[0021] Since the fence panels of the present invention are adjustable, the angle between the upright members and the crossbars can be changed. In the present invention, the angle can preferably be up to 40° from the vertical in either direction. Therefore, the fence panels can be used on inclined surfaces.

[0022] The first and second plastic inserts of the present invention generate an inward force against the upright members when the inserts are positioned in the outer housing, thereby limiting the ability of the upright members to rotate freely. The inventors have advantageously discovered that the use of plastic materials provides the necessary friction between the inserts, the outer housing and the upright members to resist free rotation of the upright members. In addition, the inventors have advantageously discovered that the arrangement of the present invention eliminates rattling of the upright members in the fence panel structure.

[0023] Thus, the first and second plastic inserts according to the present invention can have the ability to provide the necessary force against the upright member, thereby resisting rotational movement. This force can be greater than gravity so that the upright member is held in its position but can still be repositioned by the user.

[0024] The inventors have advantageously discovered that the use of two separate plastic inserts in accordance with the present invention provides the necessary friction to prevent the upright members from loosening and rotating freely. This is in contrast to arrangements in the related art, for example, arrangements in the related art that utilize one insert that can surround either side of the upright members as well as the top of the upright members to provide the necessary support. Therefore, arrangements in accordance with the present invention are more cost effective than similar arrangements in the related art.

[0025] Additionally, the shape of the insert may reduce flexibility of the insert, thereby providing improved stability to the fence panel while also increasing the ease of positioning the insert within the crossbar channel.

[0026] In particular, the inventors have discovered that using a plastic material such as PVC for the first and second inserts provides the inserts with a sufficient degree of elasticity to generate the necessary friction between the plastic inserts and the upright members to resist rotation of the upright members. Although rotation of the upright members is important for the adjustability of the fence, the upright members should remain in the position in which they are placed, rather than being able to rotate freely.

[0027] It has been found that the present invention has advantages over similar arrangements in the art including the use of inelastic materials such as steel which require specific shapes to provide the forces required to resist rotation. In contrast, the present invention utilizes the inherent elasticity of the material itself, which increases the ease of manufacturing the component as a variety of shapes can be used. In addition, the material of the present invention is not susceptible to corrosion.

[0028] Thus, the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert may be made of an elastic material or a material having a certain degree of elasticity. The terms "elastic" and "a certain degree of elasticity" are to be understood as requiring that the material can be deformed under the application of a force and can subsequently return to its original shape when the force is removed. It is to be understood that any deformation of shape is not permanent. In contrast, a non-elastic material is to be understood as a material that cannot be deformed or does not return to its original shape after deformation.

[0029] The first and second plastic inserts may be made of PVC. This is advantageous due to the inherent elastic properties of PVC and reduces the tendency to corrosion compared to other conventional inserts or plates used in the art, such as those made of steel.

[0030] The first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may have a tensile strength greater than 7 MPa, preferably between 7 MPa and 200 MPa. The first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may have a hardness less than 80 HA, preferably less than 60 HA. The first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may have an elongation at break greater than 250%, preferably greater than 300%.

[0031] Low hardness and / or high tensile strength make the plastic insert more deformable and more resilient. This means that tolerances can be improved, as well as the friction that the insert exerts on the upright member.

[0032] The first plastic insert and the second plastic insert may have the same length. The first plastic insert and the second plastic insert may have different lengths. The second plastic insert may be longer than the first plastic insert. The first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may extend the entire length of the crossbar channel, preferably, the first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may extend more than 80% of the length of the crossbar channel, more preferably, the first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may extend more than 90% of the length of the crossbar channel. An arrangement in which the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert have different lengths has been found to be advantageous because it is cost effective due to the need for less material while still maintaining the necessary structural integrity.

[0033] The first and second plastic inserts of the present invention are less expensive to manufacture than similar arrangements in the art because no separate forming process is required after the inserts are formed. In addition, it has been found that providing one plastic insert is shorter than the other improves the structural integrity of the fence panel because shorter plastic inserts are inherently less flexible. Furthermore, the inventors have found that the use of the first and second plastic inserts according to the present invention can produce a fence that is easier to assemble and simpler than fences in the art.

[0034] The first plastic insert and the second plastic insert may have a thicker portion that tapers to a thinner portion, thereby forming a wedge shape. The thickness varies along the height of the insert, i.e., the dimension parallel to the length of the upright member. The first plastic insert and / or the second plastic insert may have a thinner portion at each end thereof, with a thicker portion between the thinner portions. The thicker portion is preferably closer to one end than the other. Additionally or alternatively, a bend or curved portion may be provided at one end of the first wedge-shaped portion and / or the second wedge-shaped portion. This shape of the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert is advantageous because it can be easily inserted into the arrangement structure of the present invention and is therefore simple in construction. The thicker portion of the plastic insert may apply pressure to the upright member, thereby generating the friction required to hinder rotation.

[0035] The thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert may be the same. The thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert may be different.

[0036] The thickest portion of the first plastic insert and the thickest portion of the second plastic insert can contact both the upright member and the outer shell.Therefore, the thickest portion of the first plastic insert and the thickest portion of the second plastic insert can provide the necessary force to resist the rotation of the upright member.

[0037] The thickest portion of the first insert and the thickest portion of the second plastic insert are preferably opposite each other at the same height along the upright member. The thickest portion of the first plastic insert and the thickest portion of the second plastic insert can be positioned away from the upper side of the outer housing. It has been found that this shape allows for easy insertion of the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert while still providing the necessary force to resist rotation of the upright member.

[0038] The thickest portion of the first plastic insert and the thickest portion of the second plastic insert may be positioned towards the upper side of the outer shell. This shape has been found to provide the greatest amount of friction and contact between the insert and the upright member, thereby increasing the stability of the upright member.

[0039] The terms "upper" and "lower" in this context are to be interpreted with reference to the surface on which the fence panels are arranged. Thus, the lower side is the side closest to the surface, and the upper side is the side furthest from the surface.

[0040] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term "external housing" includes any protrusions that may be provided in the external housing.

[0041] The outer shell may include at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture opposite the at least one first aperture, wherein each of the upright members extends through the first aperture and the second aperture, thereby extending through the crossbar channel. This allows the crossbar to be positioned at any point along the length of each upright member (e.g., at the top, middle, or bottom of the upright member). Thus, multiple crossbars may be positioned at different heights of the fence panel.

[0042] Preferably, the outer shell includes a plurality of apertures so that each upright member extends through a different aperture. The plurality of apertures may be a plurality of first apertures. The plurality of apertures ensure that each upright member is held in place and limit the degree of rotational freedom that the upright member has. The degree of rotational freedom is at least partially determined by the size of the apertures. The first aperture is preferably located on the upper side of the outer shell.

[0043] The outer housing may include an aperture extending along at least a portion of the length of the outer housing such that all upright members extend through the same aperture. The aperture may be a second aperture. The aperture may extend along the entire length of the outer housing. The aperture may be located on the underside of the outer housing.

[0044] The combination of multiple first apertures and a single second aperture increases the ease of positioning the upright members relative to the crossbar, as each upright member need only be aligned with the first aperture. This arrangement is also cheaper and easier to assemble, while maintaining the stability of the upright members provided by the first aperture.

[0045] The cross-section of the orifice may be larger than the cross-section of the upright member extending through the orifice. For clarity, the term "cross-section" as used herein refers to a cross-section parallel to the side of the outer shell that includes the orifice. This may be the case for all orifices in the outer shell, and is particularly important for multiple first orifices if multiple first orifices are provided. The cross-section of the orifice may be larger than the cross-section of the upright member in one dimension, or the cross-section of the orifice may be larger than the cross-section of the upright member in all dimensions.

[0046] This allows the upright to rotate about the pin, which would not be possible if the cross-sectional area of ​​the aperture was equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the upright, as the upright would fit tightly in the aperture with no room to move. It also allows the upright to be inserted into the outer housing and through the crossbar passage, taking into account the size of the pin. Ease of assembly is also improved.

[0047] The outer shell may have a rectangular cross-section. The outer shell may include two sides parallel to the upright members and two sides perpendicular to the upright members. However, at least one of the sides perpendicular to the upright members includes an orifice. In embodiments where the orifice extends through part or all of the side, the outer shell may be described as generally having an inverted U-shaped cross-section. The dimensions of the outer shell may be such that the side of the outer shell parallel to the upright members is longer than the side of the outer shell perpendicular to the upright members.

[0048] The outer housing may include a lip adjacent to the aperture and extending into the crossbar channel. The lip may be connected to the outer housing at a boundary between the outer housing and the aperture. The aperture may be a second aperture and the lip may extend along at least a portion of the second aperture. Preferably, the lip is connected to the side of the aperture closest to the first plastic insert.

[0049] The lip may be connected to a lower side of the outer housing that extends perpendicular to the upright members. Alternatively, the lip may be directly connected to a side of the outer housing that extends parallel to the upright members. The lip may include a portion that is angled away from the lower side toward the interior of the outer housing. The lip may extend partially above the orifice.

[0050] Advantageously, the lip may provide a channel into which the end of the first plastic insert may be placed. Thus, the height of the first plastic insert may extend over a substantial portion of the height of the crossbar channel, for example, the height of the first plastic insert extending from the upper side of the outer shell to the lip of the outer shell. The lip may also ensure that the cross-sectional dimensions of the aperture in a dimension perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel are similar to the cross-sectional dimensions of the upright members in the same dimension. This prevents movement of the upright members in that dimension, thereby increasing the stability of the upright members. Alternatively, the lip may be located on one side of the second plastic insert, and these features apply equally in this case.

[0051] The lip may be at an angle of about 0° to about 80° relative to the side of the outer housing including the aperture, preferably, the lip may be at an angle of about 20° to about 80° relative to the side of the outer housing including the aperture, more preferably, the lip may be at an angle of about 20° to about 70° relative to the side of the outer housing including the aperture, and most preferably, the lip may be at an angle of about 30° to about 70° relative to the side of the outer housing including the aperture. The inventors of the present invention have found that such an angle provides optimal positioning of the plastic insert inside the outer housing to maximize stability and safety, especially compared to related art devices without a lip or having an angle greater than about 80°. A lip with such an angle makes it more difficult to remove the top crossbar from the device. The inventors of the present invention have also found that an outer housing including a lip with such an angle is cheaper and easier to manufacture than a related art arrangement having an angle greater than about 80°.

[0052] The first plastic insert may contact the outer housing between a side of the outer housing extending parallel to the upright member and the lip. Additionally or alternatively, the first plastic insert may contact the outer housing between the upright member and the outer housing. This provides additional stability and security for the first plastic insert inside the outer housing, particularly in view of the forces applied to the first plastic insert by the pin when the upright member is rotated.

[0053] The thinner end of the first plastic insert can be positioned between the lip and the side of the outer shell extending parallel to the upright member. In this embodiment, the thicker portion of the first plastic insert can contact both the upright member and the outer shell. Alternatively, the end of the first plastic insert closer to the thicker portion can be positioned between the lip and the side of the outer shell extending parallel to the upright member. In this embodiment, the thicker portion can contact both the upright member and the outer shell just above the lip. The curved portion of the first plastic insert can help provide the necessary force to the upright member.

[0054] The outer shell may be made of metal, preferably the outer shell may be made of aluminum. This material has been found to provide fence panels with better weather resistance and less corrosion than fence panels made of other materials conventionally used in the art, such as steel. The outer shell is preferably extruded and may be made of extruded aluminum. This means that projections extending into the crossbar channel can be easily formed on the inside of the outer shell.

[0055] The outer shell may include one or more protrusions extending into the crossbar channel. One or both sides of the outer shell parallel to the upright members may be provided with one or more protrusions. The outer shell may include a plurality of protrusions extending into the crossbar channel on the side positioned closest to the second plastic insert. The protrusions may extend in a manner perpendicular to the upright members. Thus, the second plastic insert may contact the one or more protrusions. Additionally or alternatively, one or more protrusions may be provided on the side of the first plastic insert, so these features also apply to this case.

[0056] The outer housing may include at least two protrusions or at least three protrusions extending into the crossbar channel of the outer housing. The outer housing may include two protrusions extending into the crossbar channel of the outer housing. The protrusions may protrude into the crossbar channel to varying degrees, so the protrusions may have different lengths. The individual protrusions may have different lengths. Alternatively, the protrusions may have the same length.

[0057] The length of the protrusion can be complementary to the thickness of the plastic insert in the outer housing at the height of the protrusion. For example, the thinner the portion of the plastic insert that is in contact with the protrusion, the longer the corresponding protrusion can be.

[0058] The upper protrusion can be used to hold the second plastic insert against the upright member, thereby applying the necessary force to hold the upright member in place and prevent rotation of the upright member. This can also reduce the friction generated when the second plastic insert is pushed along the crossbar channel because the second plastic insert only contacts the protrusion, rather than the entire surface of the outer shell. Therefore, the protrusion that contacts the surface of the second plastic insert and is used to hold the second plastic insert against the upright member must have a length that allows the plastic insert to slide over the protrusion between the outer shell and the upright member. The thicker portion of the second plastic insert can contact the upper protrusion to increase the force applied to the upright member. The thinner portion of the second plastic insert can contact the upper protrusion to increase the ease of assembly.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, the second plastic insert may be in contact with and abut the lower protrusion, which may be perpendicular to the upright member. Advantageously, the end of the second plastic insert may rest on the upper surface of the lower protrusion. The upper surface may provide a channel in which the second plastic insert is positioned. Thus, the second plastic insert may extend between the upper side of the outer shell and the lower protrusion. This arrangement means that the height of the second plastic insert (perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel and parallel to the upright member) can be reduced, which improves the ease of assembly and the rigidity of the second plastic insert, and reduces costs because less material is required. The end of the second plastic insert farthest from the thicker portion rests on the lower protrusion. Alternatively, the end of the second plastic insert closest to the thicker portion rests on the lower protrusion.

[0060] Advantageously, the position of the lower protrusion on which the end of the second plastic insert may rest may depend on the desired height of the plastic insert.The distance between the upper side of the outer housing and said lower protrusion may be smaller than the distance between the upper side of the outer housing and the lip.

[0061] Thus, the outer housing may include a lower protrusion, wherein the second plastic insert rests on an upper surface of the lower protrusion. The outer housing may also include an upper protrusion positioned between the upper side of the outer housing and the lower protrusion. The upper protrusion does not extend as far into the crossbar channel as the lower protrusion. The upper protrusion may contact a thicker portion of the second plastic insert. The upper protrusion may contact a thinner portion of the second plastic insert.

[0062] The term "interior" herein is intended to be interpreted with reference to the outer housing surrounding the crossbar channel. Thus, the interior side is the side closest to the upright member, while the exterior side is the side furthest from the upright member and facing the surrounding environment.

[0063] The first plastic insert is rotatably connected to the upright member via a pin. The pin may be part of the upright member, or the pin may be a separate component. Thus, the upright member may include a pin connected to the upright member, or the upright member may include a hole through which the pin can pass.

[0064] The upright members may each include a pin that is irreversibly attached to the upright member. The pin may be fixed and immovable on the upright member. The pin may be welded to the upright member. This is simpler and cheaper than the spring-loaded pins known in the art, because it is more expensive to manufacture an upright member including a spring-loaded pin than to manufacture an upright member including a fixed pin. However, the pin may be a spring-loaded pin.

[0065] Alternatively, the upright member may include a hole, and the pin may not be fixed to the upright member and may be loose. The loose pin may not be attached to the upright member, but may extend through the hole in the upright member and then through the hole in the first plastic insert.

[0066] The second plastic insert may not be provided with holes.

[0067] The outer shell may also include one or more stops to hold one or both of the plastic inserts in place. The one or more stops are preferably positioned within the crossbar channel in a manner extending away from the outer shell. Preferably, the stops prevent movement of the plastic insert in a direction parallel to the length of the crossbar channel. Stops may be provided at both ends of the plastic insert at the opposite ends of the crossbar channel, particularly for the first plastic insert. A stop may be provided at one end of the second plastic insert. There may be no stop in contact with the second plastic insert, and stops may be provided at both ends of the first plastic insert. The stop may be an L-shaped stop, which may be welded to the outer shell or integrally formed on the outer shell.

[0068] This may increase the stability of the adjustable fence panel as the plastic insert will not move during adjustment. Therefore, preferably at least the first plastic insert is held in place by one or more stops. This also provides a simple method of assembling the fence panel in a way that the plastic insert is held in place without the need for additional tools to connect the plastic insert to the outer housing.

[0069] The fence panel may include at least two crossbars, optionally the fence panel may include at least three crossbars, optionally the fence panel may include at least four crossbars. The additional crossbars provide additional support and stability to the fence panel and improve the aesthetics of the fence panel. The fence panel may include two crossbars. The fence panel may include three crossbars. The fence panel may include four crossbars.

[0070] The fence panel may include an upper crossbar extending at or towards the top of the upright members. The fence panel may include a lower crossbar extending at or towards the bottom of the upright members. This improves the stability and aesthetics of the fence panel.

[0071] Preferably, when the fence panel comprises at least two crossbars, the outer housing of at least one crossbar comprises an aperture only on one side of the outer housing. In an arrangement of fence panels comprising at least two crossbars, one of the crossbars may be located at the top of the fence panel so as to be connected to the upper end of the upright member.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, one of the crossbars may include an aperture on only one side of the outer shell and may be located at the bottom of the fence panel so that it can be connected to the other end of the upright member. The crossbar may also contact a surface. For aesthetic reasons, in these embodiments, the upright member does not extend all the way through the crossbar channel of at least one crossbar located at the top and / or bottom of the fence panel so that the ends of the upright member are located in the crossbar channel, thereby forming a flat surface on the top and / or bottom of the fence panel.

[0073] Furthermore, in these embodiments, the end of the upright member located in the crossbar channel may contact the side of the outer shell opposite the side including the at least one aperture. Alternatively, the end of the upright member may not contact the side of the outer shell to allow the upright member to rotate around the pin of the upright member.

[0074] The cross-section of the upright member may increase in size towards the ends of the upright member.Preferably, the cross-section increases in size perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel.

[0075] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the arrangement of the present invention prevents the arrangement from rattling and does not allow free rotation of the upright members, while maintaining the quality of adjustability. This is achieved due to the shape and material of the plastic inserts combined with the use of pins. This is in contrast to conventional arrangements in the art, which require additional structural modifications to maintain the position of the upright members. As a result, the arrangement of the present invention is simpler and easier to assemble.

[0076] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence comprising at least two adjacent fence posts and a fence panel as described above, wherein the fence panel comprises a plurality of upright members located between adjacent fence posts, and at least one cross bar extending between adjacent fence posts and connected to each of the upright members.

[0077] The outer housing may be clamped to at least one of the fence posts. This may be achieved by providing corresponding slots on both the outer housing and the clamp and then screwing or bolting the outer housing and the clamp together. The clamp is then attached to the fence post. The clamp may be screwed onto the fence post. The use of slots on both the outer housing and the clamp allows rotation about the connection joint, thereby allowing the fence to be adjusted.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing may be bolted to at least one of the fence posts. The outer housing may be bolted with self-drilling screws. All crossbars may be clamped to at least one of the fence posts, and preferably all crossbars may be clamped to two fence posts. This is to ensure maximum strength and stability of the fence.

[0079] The fence posts may be metal and may be made of a corrosion resistant metal such as aluminum. The fence posts may be extruded. The upright members may be made of the same material and may be extruded.

[0080] A fence post can have a rectangular or square cross-section. A fence post can have a circular or oval cross-section.

[0081] At least one end of at least one of the fence posts may be connected to a surface. If the fence is used as part of a larger structure, for example if the fence is used to block the entrance to a building, both ends of the fence posts may be connected to a surface. Preferably, at least one end of all fence posts is connected to a surface. Preferably, the surface is the ground. The surface may be flat or inclined.

[0082] The end of at least one of the fence posts may be embedded in the surface. The fence posts may be embedded by any reasonable method, for example, by pushing the fence post into the surface or digging a hole for the fence post to be inserted into.

[0083] The end of at least one of the fence posts may include a base plate for attaching the fence post to a surface. The base plate may be attached to the fence post using any reasonable means. The base plate may include a plurality of holes for screwing or bolting the base plate to a surface.

[0084] At least a portion of the fence may be adjustable. In particular, the fence may be adjustable when used on an inclined surface. The upright members may be rotated about the pins so that the upright members remain parallel to each other and to the fence posts. However, in this embodiment, the upright members are no longer perpendicular to at least one crossbar. The adjustable fence may include a plurality of crossbars, wherein the distance between the crossbars is maintained when the adjustment is made, and the plurality of crossbars remain parallel to each other.

[0085] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling the above-mentioned fence panel, the method comprising the following steps:

[0086] a) inserting pins through corresponding openings in the first plastic insert, thereby connecting the plurality of upright members to the first plastic insert;

[0087] b) passing the plurality of upright members through the apertures of the outer housing so that the first plastic insert moves within the crossbar channel of the outer housing; and

[0088] c) Inserting a second plastic insert along the crossbar channel between the outer housing and the side of the upright member opposite the side in contact with the first plastic insert.

[0089] As described above, the pins may be attached to the upright members, or the pins may be separate components. Thus, step (a) may include inserting the pins connected to the upright members through corresponding openings on the first plastic insert. Alternatively, step (a) may include inserting the pins through openings in both the first plastic insert and the upright members. Each pin may connect one upright member to the first plastic insert.

[0090] The upright member may be inserted partially through an aperture in the outer shell before the pin is passed through the opening in the first plastic insert. Thus, the upright member may extend through the crossbar channel before performing step (a). Thus, step (b) may include passing the upright member further through the aperture of the outer shell. In this embodiment, the outer shell helps to hold the upright member in place to facilitate connection with the first plastic insert. Alternatively, the upright member may not extend through the aperture of the outer shell before performing step (a).

[0091] After the plastic insert is positioned within the outer housing, a stopper may be attached to the interior of the outer housing. In embodiments where the stopper is positioned at either end of the first plastic insert, the stopper may be attached to the interior of the outer housing after step (b) or after step (c). The stopper may be attached to the outer housing by welding. This allows the plastic insert to be in close contact with the stopper, thereby ensuring that the plastic insert is securely held in the desired position.

[0092] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing the fence as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0093] a) Installing the first fence post;

[0094] b) attaching a fence panel as described above to a first fence post; and

[0095] c) Installing a second fence post and attaching the second fence post to the fence panel, or attaching the second fence post to the fence panel and installing the second fence post.

[0096] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing the fence as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0097] a) installing a first fence post and a second fence post; and

[0098] b) Attaching a fence panel as described above to a first fence post and a second fence post.

[0099] Thus, the fence panels of the present invention may be used in an installation method where two or more posts are first installed and the panels are subsequently fitted to the posts. The fence panels of the present invention may also be used in an installation method where posts and panels are installed in an alternating manner along the length of the fence.

[0100] The installation method of the present invention is simple, does not require complex tools or machinery (such as welding equipment), and can be performed at a location other than the manufacturing and / or assembly site.

[0101] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembling the fence, the kit comprising:

[0102] At least two fence posts,

[0103] a plurality of upright members, and

[0104] At least one crossbar, wherein the at least one crossbar comprises:

[0105] an outer housing defining a crossbar passage and including at least one aperture, and

[0106] a first plastic insert, the first plastic insert being capable of extending along at least a portion of the crossbar channel, wherein the first plastic insert includes a plurality of openings,

[0107] a plurality of pins capable of extending through the openings in the first plastic insert,

[0108] a second plastic insert, the second plastic insert being capable of extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel,

[0109] Wherein the thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert increase along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel so that: in use, rotation of each of the upright members about the pin is hindered by the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert.

[0110] For the avoidance of doubt, all features relating to fence panels also relate where appropriate to fences, methods for assembling fences, and kits for assembling fences, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0112] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a fence according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0113] Figure 2 shows a cross section of an upright member and a crossbar according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0114] Figure 3 shows a cross section of an upright member and a crossbar according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0115] Figure 4 shows a cross section of an upright member, a pin and a crossbar according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0116] Figure 5 shows a cross section of an upright member and a crossbar according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0117] Figure 6 A cross section of an upright member and a crossbar according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] Figure 1 A cross section of a fence 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fence 10 includes a plurality of fence posts 11 (only two of the plurality of fence posts are shown), a plurality of upright members 12, and a crossbar 13. The crossbar 13 extends between adjacent fence posts 11 and connects each of the upright members 12. In this embodiment, the upright members do not extend through the crossbar. Therefore, the fence 10 has a flat top defined by the crossbar 13.

[0119] A plurality of upright members 12 are parallel to the fence posts 11 and perpendicular to the crossbars 13. Thus, Figure 1 The fence in is not racked. However, the uprights can be rotated around the pins and thus the angle between the uprights and the crossbars can be changed.

[0120] Figure 2 A cross section of the junction between an upright member 22 and a crossbar according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The crossbar comprises an outer housing 23 having an aperture 24 on the bottom side of the housing. The aperture 24 is sized to allow the upright member 22 to pass through. In this embodiment, the outer housing 23 comprises only a single aperture and therefore the upright member 22 does not extend all the way through the crossbar channel so that the end of the upright member 22 is located within the crossbar channel. This forms a flat surface on the top of the fence panel.

[0121] The crossbar also includes a first plastic insert 25 and a second plastic insert 26. The first plastic insert 25 and the second plastic insert 26 are arranged between the upright member 22 and the outer shell 23, and the first plastic insert 25 and the second plastic insert 26 are shaped so that the thickness of the first plastic insert 25 and the second plastic insert 26 increases along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel. Therefore, the first plastic insert 25 and the second plastic insert 26 have a thicker portion that tapers to a thinner portion, thereby forming a wedge shape. However, the two inserts taper to the thinner portion at their upper ends, and therefore have a thinner end and a thicker portion between the two ends. The two inserts also have a slight bend at the end closest to the thickest portion.

[0122] The thickest portion of first plastic insert 25 and the thickest portion of second plastic insert 26 are located toward the top of outer housing 23, opposite to one side of aperture 24 and closest to the upper side of outer housing 23. First plastic insert 25 and second plastic insert 26 are located on opposite sides of upright member 22.

[0123] The outer housing 23 includes a plurality of protrusions 27a, 27b that extend into the crossbar channel on a side that is located closest to the second plastic insert 26. A thinner portion of the second plastic insert 26 rests on an upper surface of a lower protrusion 27a that is angled into the crossbar channel in a perpendicular manner to the upright member 22. Thus, the second plastic insert 26 is disposed between the lower protrusion 27a and the upper side of the outer housing 23.

[0124] The outer housing 23 also includes an upper protrusion 27b that extends into the crossbar channel. The upper protrusion 27b is angled in a perpendicular manner to the upright member 22 and is positioned between the upper side of the outer housing 23 and the lower protrusion 27a. The upper protrusion 27b does not extend as far into the crossbar channel as the lower protrusion 27a, and the upper protrusion 27b is positioned adjacent to the thicker portion of the second plastic insert 26. The thicker portion of the second plastic insert 26 is disposed between the upper protrusion 27b and the upright member 22, thereby increasing the friction applied to the upright member 22.

[0125] The lower side 28 a of the outer housing extends perpendicularly to the upright member 22 and defines one side of the aperture 25 .

[0126] The first plastic insert 25 includes at least one opening (not shown). The first plastic insert 25 is connected to the upright member 22 by at least one pin (not shown) on the upright member 22, which extends into a corresponding opening on the first plastic insert 25. The upright member 22 has a corresponding hole (not shown) through which the pin can also extend, thereby connecting the upright member and the first plastic insert 25 in a rotatable manner.

[0127] The thicker portion of the first plastic insert 25 contacts both the side of the outer housing 23 and the upright member 22. The thinner portion of the first plastic insert 25 contacts and abuts the lip 28b, which is angled 45° upward away from the lower side of the outer housing 23. Therefore, the first plastic insert 25 is held in place in the outer housing by the lip 28b. Therefore, the first plastic insert 25 is arranged between the lip 28b and the upper side of the outer housing 23 and parallel to the upright member 22. The height of the first plastic insert 25 is greater than the height of the second plastic insert 26. The length of the first plastic insert 25 extends most of the length of the crossbar channel.

[0128] Figure 3 A cross section of the junction between an upright member 32 and a crossbar according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The crossbar comprises an outer housing 33 having a first aperture 34a on the bottom side of the housing and a second aperture 34b on the top side of the housing. The upright member 32 extends all the way through the outer housing 33 via opposite apertures 34a, 34b.

[0129] The bottom aperture 34a is a single aperture extending along the entire length of the outer housing 33. A plurality of top apertures 34b are provided, through each of which a single upright member 32 extends. The cross-section of the top aperture 34b is larger than that of the upright members.

[0130] and Figure 2 The crossbar also includes a first plastic insert 35 and a second plastic insert 36, as well as protrusions 37a, 37b, a lip 38b and a bottom surface 38a of the crossbar. The arrangement of these components is similar to that described above with respect to Figure 2 Same discussion.

[0131] Figure 4 A cross section is shown of an upright member 42 connected to a first plastic insert 45 via a pin 49 according to an embodiment of the invention. Also shown is a fence post 51 to which the outer housing 43 is connected via a clip 50.

[0132] The first plastic insert 45 includes a plurality of openings 45 a , and pins 49 extend through the openings 45 a on the first plastic insert 45 and into corresponding holes 42 a on the upright member 42 , thereby rotatably connecting the upright member 42 and the first plastic insert 45 .

[0133] and Figure 2 As with the crossbar, the crossbar includes an outer housing 43 having an aperture 44 on the bottom side of the housing. The aperture 44 is sized so that the upright member 42 can pass through. The crossbar also includes a second plastic insert 46, as well as protrusions 47a, 47b, a lip 48b, and a bottom surface 48a of the crossbar. The arrangement of these components is similar to that described above with respect to Figure 2 Same discussion.

[0134] Figure 5 A cross section of the junction between an upright member 62 and a crossbar according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The crossbar comprises an outer housing 63 having a first aperture 64a on the bottom side of the housing and a second aperture 64b on the top side of the housing. The upright member 62 extends all the way through the outer housing 63 via opposite apertures 64a, 64b.

[0135] The bottom aperture 64a is a single aperture extending along the entire length of the outer housing 63. A plurality of top apertures 64b are provided, with a single upright member 62 extending through each top aperture.

[0136] and Figure 3 Similarly, the crossbar includes a first plastic insert 65 and a second plastic insert 66, as well as protrusions 67a, 67b, a lip 68b, and a bottom surface 68a of the crossbar. However, the orientation of the first plastic insert 65 and the second plastic insert 66 is different from Figure 3 , because the thickest parts of both plastic inserts are away from the upper side of the outer shell 63. Therefore, the end of the second plastic insert 66 closest to the thicker part rests on the lower protrusion 67a. The upper protrusion 67b presses the thinner part of the second plastic insert 66 toward the upright member 62.

[0137] The thicker portion of the first plastic insert 65 contacts and abuts the lip 68b, which is angled 45° upward away from the lower side of the outer housing 63. Therefore, the first plastic insert 65 is held in place between the lip 68b and the upper side of the outer housing 63 and parallel to the upright member 62. The shape of the first plastic insert 65 and its inherent elasticity provide a force to the upright member 62 that resists the rotation of the upright member 62.

[0138] Figure 61 shows a cross section of the junction between an upright member 72 and a crossbar according to an embodiment of the present invention. The crossbar comprises an outer shell 73 having an aperture 74 on the bottom side of the shell. Figure 2 As in the embodiment of FIG, the outer housing 73 comprises only a single aperture, so the upright member 72 does not extend all the way through the crossbar channel, so that the end of the upright member 72 is located within the crossbar channel. This forms a flat surface on the top of the fence panel.

[0139] and Figure 2 Like the arrangement structure of the crossbar, the crossbar also includes a first plastic insert 75 and a second plastic insert 76, which are arranged between the upright member 72 and the outer shell 73, and are shaped so that the thickness of the first plastic insert 75 and the second plastic insert 76 increases along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel. However, the thickest portion of the first plastic insert 75 and the thickest portion of the second plastic insert 76 are located toward the bottom of the outer shell 73, closer to the side of the orifice 74, and away from the upper side of the outer shell 73.

[0140] Thus, the end of the second plastic insert 76 closest to the thicker portion rests on the upper surface of the lower protrusion 77a, which is angled into the crossbar channel in a manner perpendicular to the upright member 72. The thinner portion of the second plastic insert 76 is disposed between the upper protrusion 77b and the upright member 72, thereby making assembly of the fence panel easier while still maintaining the necessary force on the upright member 72.

[0141] The arrangement structure of the first insert 75 is Figure 5 The arrangement structure of the first insert is the same. A stopper 79 is shown at one end of the first plastic insert 75. The stopper 79 is connected to the outer housing 73 by welding and extends into the crossbar channel, thereby preventing the first plastic insert 75 from moving in a direction parallel to the crossbar channel.

Claims

1. A fence panel, comprising: a plurality of upright members, and at least one crossbar, each of the one or more crossbars being connected to each of the upright members, Wherein, at least one of the crossbars comprises: an outer housing defining a crossbar passage and including at least one aperture, wherein each of the upright members extends through one of at least one of the apertures into the crossbar passage, a first plastic insert extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel and at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, wherein the first plastic insert includes a plurality of openings, a plurality of pins, wherein each pin extends through one of the openings in the first plastic insert to rotatably connect the upright member to the first plastic insert, and a second plastic insert extending along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel and at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, wherein the second plastic insert is positioned on an opposite side of the plurality of upright members from the first plastic insert, Wherein, the thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert increase along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel, so that rotation of each of the upright members around the pin is hindered by the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert.

2. The fence panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first plastic insert and the second plastic insert are made of elastic material, optionally wherein the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert are made of PVC.

3. A fence panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first plastic insert and the second plastic insert have different lengths, optionally wherein the second plastic insert extends substantially the entire length of the crossbar channel.

4. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer housing includes at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture opposite the at least one first aperture, wherein each of the upright members extends through the first aperture and the second aperture to extend through the crossbar channel.

5. The fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The outer housing includes a plurality of apertures such that each upright member extends through a different aperture.

6. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The outer housing includes an aperture extending along at least a portion of the length of the outer housing such that all upright members extend through the same aperture.

7. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The outer housing includes a lip adjacent one or more of the apertures and extending into the crossbar channel.

8. The fence panel according to claim 7, wherein: The lip is connected to an underside of the outer housing, and the lip is angled toward an interior of the outer housing away from the underside and partially above the aperture.

9. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The outer housing includes a plurality of projections extending into the crossbar channel, optionally wherein each projection has a different length.

10. The fence panel according to claim 9, wherein: The second plastic insert is in contact with at least one protrusion.

11. A fence panel according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The second plastic insert extends between an upper side of the outer housing and at least one protrusion.

12. A fence panel according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The second plastic insert is held in place between at least one projection and one of the upright members.

13. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The thicker portion of the first plastic insert and the thicker portion of the second plastic insert are positioned towards the upper side of the outer shell, or wherein the thicker portion of the first plastic insert and the thicker portion of the second plastic insert are positioned towards the lower side of the outer shell.

14. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: Each of the upright members includes an opening through which one of the pins can extend.

15. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: A plurality of said pins are irreversibly attached to said upright member, optionally wherein said pins are irreversibly attached to said upright member via welding.

16. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The fence panel comprises at least two crossbars, optionally wherein the outer shell of at least one crossbar comprises an aperture on only one side of the outer shell.

17. A fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The outer housing includes a stop to hold one of the plastic inserts in place.

18. A fence, comprising: At least two adjacent fence posts, and 18. A fence panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a plurality of upright members located between adjacent said fence posts, and at least one crossbar extending between adjacent said fence posts.

19. The fence according to claim 18, wherein The outer housing is clamped to at least one of the fence posts and / or wherein the outer housing is bolted to at least one of the fence posts.

20. A fence according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: At least one end of at least one of the fence posts is connected to a surface, optionally wherein the surface is the ground.

21. A method for assembling a fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising the steps of: a) inserting pins through corresponding openings on the first plastic insert to connect a plurality of upright members to the first plastic insert; b) passing a plurality of said upright members through apertures of said outer housing, thereby moving said first plastic insert within said crossbar channel of said outer housing; as well as c) inserting the second plastic insert along the crossbar channel between the outer housing and the side of the upright member opposite the side in contact with the first plastic insert.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: Step a) further comprises: passing the pin through the opening on the upright member.

23. A method of installing a fence according to any one of claims 18 to 20, the method comprising the steps of: a) Installing the first fence post; b) attaching a fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to the first fence post; and c) installing a second fence post and attaching the second fence post to the fence panel, or attaching a second fence post to the fence panel and installing the second fence post.

24. A method of installing a fence according to any one of claims 18 to 20, the method comprising the steps of: a) installing a first fence post and a second fence post; and b) Attaching a fence panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to the first fence post and the second fence post.

25. A kit for assembling a fence according to any one of claims 18 to 20, the kit comprising: At least two fence posts, a plurality of upright members, and At least one crossbar, wherein at least one of the crossbars comprises: an outer housing defining a crossbar passage and including at least one aperture, and a first plastic insert capable of extending along at least a portion of the crossbar channel, wherein the first plastic insert includes a plurality of openings, a plurality of pins capable of extending through the openings in the first plastic insert, a second plastic insert that can extend along at least a portion of the length of the crossbar channel, Wherein the thickness of the first plastic insert and the thickness of the second plastic insert increase along an axis perpendicular to the length of the crossbar channel so that: in use, rotation of each of the upright members around the pin is hindered by the first plastic insert and the second plastic insert.

Images