Method and kit for supporting fence panels

Abstract

A method of supporting a barrier panel attached to a first post supported by a first foundation body is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first support portion of the barrier panel on a support surface of the first foundation body, the first support portion of the barrier panel indirectly engaged with the first post. Kits and assemblies are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to barriers. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a barrier such as a fence may be desirable to enclose, restrict access to, or guide access to land. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method of supporting a barrier panel attached to a first post supported by a first foundation body is disclosed, the method including positioning a first support portion of the barrier panel on a support surface of the first foundation body such that the first support portion of the barrier panel is indirectly engaged with the first post.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first support portion of the barrier panel extends away from the barrier panel in a direction along the first post.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first support portion of the barrier panel extends downwardly and away from the bottom laterally extending member of the barrier panel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first support of the barrier panel comprises a leg support.

[0007] In some embodiments, the strut support of the first foundation body above the support surface is received in the lower part of the first strut.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the first post directly contacts the support surface of the first foundation body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support surface of the first foundation body is substantially planar.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first post is attached to the first foundation body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first foundation body is engaged with a substrate that supports the first foundation body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the engagement portion of the first foundation penetrates the base material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the engagement portion of the first foundation body comprises a spike.

[0014] In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a ground.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first foundation body comprises a support plate comprising a support surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support plate directly contacts the substrate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the barrier panel is further attached to a second post supported by a second foundation body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes placing a second support portion of the barrier panel on the support surface of the second foundation body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support surface of the first foundation body is at a first elevation and the support surface of the second foundation body is at a second elevation above the first elevation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the angle of elevation difference from the first support surface to the second support surface is at least about 4°.

[0021] In some embodiments, the barrier panel comprises at least a first post attachment for attaching the barrier panel to a first post on a first side of the barrier panel, and at least a second post attachment for attaching the barrier panel to a second post on a second side of the barrier panel opposite the first side of the barrier panel, each post attachment of the first at least one post attachment laterally opposite a corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment, and each post attachment of the first at least one post attachment having a respective height on the barrier panel that corresponds to but differs from the respective height on the barrier panel of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment by an amount greater than the height of the post attachment of the first at least one post attachment and by an amount greater than the height of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment.

[0022] In some embodiments, the barrier panel is rotatable about the first post.

[0023] In some embodiments, the barrier panel is rotatable about the first post, and the method further comprises locking the barrier panel to the second post.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, a kit is disclosed that includes a first foundation body having a support surface, a first post supportable by the first foundation body, and a barrier panel having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top between the first side and the second side, and a bottom between the first side and the second side opposite the top, the barrier panel attachable to at least the first post at the first side of the barrier panel and including a first support portion, the first support portion of the barrier panel being positionable to support the barrier panel in contact with the support surface of the first foundation body and indirectly engaged with the first support portion when the first foundation body supports the first post and when the barrier panel is attached to the first post at the first side of the barrier panel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the barrier panel comprises at least one first post attachment on a first side of the barrier panel configured to attach the barrier panel to a first post at the first side of the barrier panel.

[0026] In some embodiments, each post mount of the first at least one post mount comprises a receiver sized to receive at least a portion of a respective one of the first posts to mount the barrier panel to the first post on a first side of the barrier panel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first support portion of the barrier panel extends away from the barrier panel in a direction along the first post when the barrier panel is attached to the first post.

[0028] In some embodiments, the barrier panel includes a bottom laterally extending member at a bottom of the barrier panel, and the first support portion of the barrier panel extends in a direction away from the top of the barrier panel and in a direction away from the bottom laterally extending member of the barrier panel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first support of the barrier panel comprises a leg support.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first foundation body includes a strut support portion on an upper portion of the support surface, and the first strut is connectable to the strut support portion of the first foundation body for supporting the first strut on the first foundation body.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first strut comprises a retaining portion sized to receive at least a portion of the strut support portion of the first foundation body to support the first strut on the first foundation body.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first strut comprises an end surface that directly contacts the support surface of the first foundation body when the first foundation body supports the first strut.

[0033] In some embodiments, the support surface of the first foundation body is substantially planar.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first strut is attachable to the first foundation when the first foundation supports the first strut.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first foundation body comprises an engagement portion operable to penetrate the substrate to support the first foundation body on the substrate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the engagement portion of the first foundation body comprises a spike.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first foundation body comprises a support plate comprising a support surface.

[0038] In some embodiments, the support plate is positioned to directly contact the base material when the engagement portion of the first foundation body penetrates the base material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a second foundation body having a support surface and a second post supportable by the second foundation body, hi some embodiments, the barrier panel is further attachable to the second post on a second side of the barrier panel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the barrier panel further comprises a second support portion, wherein when the second foundation body supports the second post and when the barrier panel is attached to the second post at the second side of the barrier panel, the second support portion of the barrier panel is positionable to support the barrier panel in contact with a support surface of the second foundation body and is indirectly engaged with the second post.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the first foundation body supports the first post and when the second foundation body supports the second post, when the support surface of the first foundation body is at a first elevation and when the support surface of the second foundation body is at a second elevation above the first elevation, the second support surface of the barrier panel is positionable to contact the support surface of the second foundation body to support the barrier panel, and the barrier panel is attachable to the first post at a first side of the barrier panel and the barrier panel is attachable to the second post at a second side of the barrier panel.

[0042] In some embodiments, when the first foundation body supports the first post and the second foundation body supports the second post, the second support surface of the barrier panel is positionable to contact the support surface of the second foundation body to support the barrier panel when the support surface of the first foundation body is at a first elevation, the support surface of the second foundation body is at a second elevation above the first elevation, and the angle of elevation difference from the first support surface to the second support surface is at least about 4°, and the barrier panel is attachable to the first post at a first side of the barrier panel and the barrier panel is attachable to the second post at a second side of the barrier panel.

[0043] In some embodiments, the barrier panel further comprises a second at least one post attachment on a second side of the barrier panel configured to attach the barrier panel to a second post at the second side of the barrier panel, each post attachment of the first at least one post attachment laterally opposite a corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment, and each post attachment of the first at least one post attachment having a respective height on the barrier panel that corresponds to but differs from the respective height on the barrier panel of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment by an amount greater than the height of the post attachment of the first at least one post attachment and by an amount greater than the height of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment.

[0044] In some embodiments, the barrier panel is rotatable about the first post when the barrier panel is attached to the first post.

[0045] In some embodiments, the barrier panel is rotatable about the first post when the barrier panel is attached to the first post, and the kit further comprises a second post, a latch, and a latch retainer, hi some embodiments, the latch and the latch retainer are operable to lock the barrier panel to the second post.

[0046] In accordance with at least one embodiment, an assembly is disclosed that comprises a kit, wherein a first base body supports a first post, and a barrier panel is attached to the first post at a first side of the barrier panel, a first support portion of the barrier panel contacts a support surface of the first base body to support the barrier panel, and the first support portion of the barrier panel is indirectly engaged with the first post.

[0047] In some embodiments, the engagement portion of the first foundation penetrates and engages the substrate to support the first foundation on the substrate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a ground.

[0049] Other aspects and features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a barrier assembly according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the foundation of the fence assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the base body of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is an elevational view of the foundation of FIG. 2 engaged with a furring material. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a post of the fence assembly of FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is an elevational view of the support column of FIG. 5 positioned above and aligned with the support column of the foundation of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7]6 is an elevational view of the support column of FIG. 5 lowered onto the support column of the foundation of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a barrier panel of the barrier assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged elevational view of the post mounting of the barrier panel of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the pole mount of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the pole mount of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the fence panel of FIG. 8 attached to the post of FIG. 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the fence panel of FIG. 8 attached to the post of FIG. 5 and to another post of the fence assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the fence assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is another elevational view of the fence assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a barrier panel according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a barrier assembly including the barrier panel of FIG. 16 according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged elevational view of the fence assembly of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is another enlarged elevational view of the fence assembly of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a latch retainer of the barrier assembly of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a barrier assembly according to one embodiment is generally indicated at 100 and includes bases 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110.

[0052] 2 and 3, the base body 102 is generally shown and includes a support plate 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 112 is generally annular and has a top, generally indicated at 114, and a bottom, generally indicated at 116. As used herein, "top" and "bottom" refer to possible orientations during use and are not intended to limit the base body 102 to any particular orientation. At the top 114, the support plate 112 has a support surface 118. The base body 102 also includes a column support 120 that extends through a through hole in the support plate 112 from the top 114 to the bottom 116 such that a column support portion of the column support 120, generally indicated at 122, is at the top 114 of the support plate 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the column support 120 is generally cylindrical and defines a side through hole, generally indicated at 123. At the bottom 116 of the support plate 112, the base 102 includes a spike 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the spike 124 includes four spike blades 126, 128, 130, and 132. The spike 124 terminates at a distal tip generally indicated at 134. The height of the spike 124 from the support plate 112 to the tip of the distal tip 134 can be about 10 inches (i.e., about 25.4 centimeters ("cm")), or about 14 inches (i.e., about 35.6 cm). In some embodiments, larger spikes (such as, for example, spikes having a height of about 14 inches (i.e., about 35.6 cm)) may be used at corners of a barrier assembly or to support a gate panel (such as, for example, gate panel 260 described below), and shorter spikes (such as, for example, spikes having a height of about 10 inches (i.e., about 25.4 cm)) may be used elsewhere.

[0053] Of course, the illustrated embodiment is only one example and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include different support plates or alternatives for support plate 112. Alternative embodiments may also include alternatives for column supports 120 and alternatives for spikes 124, such as, for example, spikes 124 of different sizes.

[0054] 1 and 4, to assemble the fence assembly 100, the foundation 102 may be engaged with a substrate, such as a ground 136, by placing the distal end 134 against the substrate and driving the spike 124 into the substrate using, for example, a mallet or hammer. A bubble level may facilitate ensuring that the stanchion support 122 is vertical or substantially vertical. The spike 124 may be driven into the ground 136 until the support plate 112 contacts a top surface 138 of the ground 136. Thus, the support plate 112 may facilitate driving the spike 124 to a desired depth in the ground 136. Additionally, the support plate 112 may facilitate restricting vertical movement of the foundation 102 relative to the ground 136 or another substrate, or may facilitate restricting rotation of the foundation 102 relative to the ground 136 or another substrate.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 1, the bases 104 , 106 , 108 , and 110 may be substantially similar to the base 102 , and the fence assembly 100 also includes posts 140 , 142 , 144 , 146 , and 148 .

[0056] 5, the post 140 is generally shown and includes a post body 150. The post body 150 includes a lower end surface 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the post body 150 is generally cylindrical and includes a receiver, generally indicated at 154, that opens at the end surface 152 and defines a side through hole, generally indicated at 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 154 is sized to receive the post support 122. In some embodiments, the post 140 may have a height of about 36 inches (or about 91 cm).

[0057] 1, 6, and 7, when the foundation body 102 is engaged with the ground 136 to assemble the fence assembly 100, the post body 150 of the post 140 may be positioned above and aligned with the post support portion 122 of the foundation body 102 along a longitudinal axis 158, as shown in FIG 6. The post 140 may then be lowered onto the foundation body 102 such that the foundation body 102 supports the post 140, as shown in FIG 7. In the illustrated embodiment, when the post 140 is lowered onto the foundation body 102, the receiving portion 154 of the post 140 receives the post support portion 122 of the foundation body 102, and the end face 152 of the post 140 directly contacts and is supported by the support surface 118 of the foundation body 102. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, when the support 140 is lowered onto the base body 102, the through hole 156 of the support 140 can be aligned with the through hole 123 of the base body 102, and a fastener, such as a pin, can be inserted through both the through hole 156 and the through hole 123 to attach the support 140 to the base body 102.

[0058] Of course, the illustrated embodiment is only one example and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include alternatives to the receiver 154, or the post body 150 may not include a means for receiving the post support 122. Alternative embodiments may also include alternatives to the through holes 123 and 156 as a means for attaching the post 140 to the base body 102.

[0059] Referring again to FIG. 1, posts 142 , 144 , 146 , and 148 may be substantially similar to post 140 , and barrier assembly 100 also includes barrier panels 160 , 162 , 164 , 166 , 168 , and 170 .

[0060] 8, the barrier panel 162 is generally shown to include side members 172 and 174, a top member 176 extending between side members 172 and 174, a bottom member 178 extending between side members 172 and 174, and post attachments 180, 182, 184, and 186. Side member 172 includes a support 188 and side member 174 includes a support 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier panel 162 includes vertical intermediate members 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, and 202 extending between the top member 176 and the bottom member 178, and a horizontal intermediate member 204 extending between the side members 172 and 174. Also in the illustrated embodiment, supports 188 and 190 extend below and away from the bottom member 178 and may be described as leg supports. In some embodiments, the barrier panel 162 may have a height of about 36 inches (or about 91 cm) and a width of about 34 inches (or about 86 cm) or about 48 inches (or about 122 cm).

[0061] 9-11, the pole mount 180 is generally shown and includes structure defining a pole receiving portion, generally designated 206. The pole receiving portion 206 is sized to receive at least a portion of a pole body, such as the pole body 150 of the pole 140, for reversible and adjustable mounting of the pole mount 180, and thus the barrier panel 162, to the pole body. In the illustrated embodiment, the pole mount 180 defines through holes 210 and 212, which can enhance the attachment between the pole mount 180 and a pole body, such as the pole body 150, when fasteners, such as screw fasteners, are driven through the through holes 210 and 212 and into the pole body. Thus, the pole mount 180 has a sufficient thickness, i.e., height, to receive one or more fasteners through the through holes 210 and 212.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 8, the post mounts 182 , 184 , and 186 may be substantially similar to the post mount 180 .

[0063] 1 and 12, to assemble the barrette assembly 100, when the post 140 is supported by the foundation 102, the barrette panel 162 may be attached to the post body 150 of the post 140 using the post attachments 180 and 182 and positioned such that the support portion 188 of the side member 172 contacts the support surface 118 of the foundation 102. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the barrette panel 162 has three contact points (the post attachments 180 and 182, and the support portion 188) that support the barrette panel 162 relative to the foundation 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the post body 150 is parallel to the side member 172 and thus the support portion 188, but is held at a fixed distance therefrom. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 188 is spaced apart from the strut body 150 but is engaged with the strut body 150 via the strut attachments 180 and 182 which may directly engage the strut body 150, and thus the support portion 188 is indirectly engaged with the strut body 150. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the support surface 118 supports the barrier panel 162 via the support portion 188.

[0064] 1, 12, and 13, when the post 140 is supported by the foundation 102, and when the barrier panel 162 is attached to the post body 150 of the post 140 such that the support portion 188 contacts the support surface 118, the post body 214 of the post 142 may be positioned via the post attachments 184 and 186 to identify the location of the foundation 104, for example, by marking the top surface 138 of the ground 136 with the bottom end of the post body 214. In some embodiments, to identify the location of the foundation in a straight line, stakes may be driven into the ground 136 or into another substrate, a string may be stretched between the stakes, and the location of the foundation may be identified along the string. Once the location of the foundation 104 is identified, the barrier panel 162 may be rotated slightly around the post 140 to create a space for the foundation 104 to be engaged with the ground 136 at the identified location.

[0065] To further assemble the barrier assembly 100, when the post 140 is supported by the foundation 102, when the post 142 is supported by the foundation 104, and when the barrier panel 162 is attached to the post body 150 of the post 140 such that the support portion 188 contacts the support surface 118, the barrier panel 162 may be further attached to the post body 214 of the post 142 using the post attachments 184 and 186 and positioned such that the support portion 190 of the side member 174 contacts the support surface 216 of the foundation 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the post body 214 is parallel to the side member 174 and thus the support portion 190, but is held at a distance therefrom. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 190 is indirectly engaged with the post body 214. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the support surface 216 supports the barrier panel 162 via the support portion 190.

[0066] Of course, the illustrated embodiment is only one example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include different intermediate members or no intermediate members. Alternative embodiments may also include different supports 188 and 190, such as supports that may not extend below and away from bottom member 178. Alternative embodiments may also include different column mounts 180, 182, 184, and 186, a different number of column mounts, or alternatives for column mounts 180, 182, 184, and 186.

[0067] Referring again to FIG. 1, barrier panels 160 , 164 , 166 , 168 , and 170 may be substantially similar to barrier panel 162 .

[0068] 14, post 146 is generally shown supported on foundation 108 and attached to barrier panels 166 and 168. Foundation 108 includes a support surface 219, which may be similar to support surface 118 of foundation 102 shown in FIG. 2. Post 146 includes a support body 218, which may be similar to support body 150 of post 140 shown in FIG. 5. Barrier panel 166 includes a support portion 221 and includes a side member 220, which may be similar to side member 172 of barrier panel 162 shown in FIG. 8, and support mounts 224 and 226, which may be similar to support mount 180 of barrier panel 162 shown in FIG. 8 and which may attach barrier panel 166 to support body 218. Similarly, the barrier panel 168 includes a side member 222 including a support portion 223, which may be similar to the side member 172 of the barrier panel 162 shown in Figure 8, and post mounts 228 and 230, which may be similar to the post mount 180 of the barrier panel 162 shown in Figure 8 and which may mount the barrier panel 168 to the post body 218. In the illustrated embodiment, when the post 146 is supported on the foundation 108, and when the barrier panels 166 and 168 are attached to the post body 218 of the post 146 using the post mounts 224 and 226, and 228 and 230, respectively, and when the supports 221 and 223 are in contact with the support surface 219, the height of the post mount 224 above the support surface 219 exceeds the height, or thickness, 231, of the post mount 224. 8, and similarly, post mounts 226 and 230 are vertically offset such that post mount 226 has a height above support surface 219 that differs from post mount 230's height above support surface 219 by an amount that exceeds height 231. Such height differences may prevent post mounts on adjacent barrier panels, such as post mounts 224 and 228 or 226 and 230, from interfering with each other when attached to the same barrier body, such as barrier body 218, even when barrier panels 166 and 168 are at different elevations on a horizontal but sloping ground.

[0069] 1 and 15, the fence assembly 100 may be installed on a sloped surface, such as a sloped region, generally designated 232, of the top surface 138 underlying the fence panel 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the sloped region 232 has an elevation angle 234, which may be, for example, at least about 4°. The fence panel 164 is attached to posts 142 and 144, which are supported by the foundation 104, which is supported by the foundation 106. The foundation 104 includes a support surface 236, and the foundation 106 includes a support surface 238. The support surfaces 236 and 238 may be similar to the support surface 118 of the foundation 102 shown in FIG. 2. The post 142 includes a post body 240, and the post 144 includes a post body 242. The post bodies 240 and 242 may be similar to the post body 150 of the post 140 shown in FIG. 5. The barrier panel 164 includes side members 244 and 246. Side member 244 includes a support portion 248, and side member 246 includes a support portion 250. Side members 244 and 246 may be similar to side member 172 of the barrier panel 162 shown in FIG. 8. The barrier panel also includes post mounts 252, 254, 256, and 258, which may be similar to post mount 180 of the barrier panel 162 shown in FIG. 8. Post mounts 252 and 254 may attach the barrier panel 162 to the post body 240 of the post 142, and post mounts 256 and 258 may attach the barrier panel 162 to the post body 242 of the post 144.

[0070] As described above with reference to the post attachment 180 shown in Figures 9-11, each post attachment in the illustrated embodiment, including post attachments 252, 254, 256, and 258, may be reversibly and adjustably attached to a respective post, such as post 142 or 144. That is, for example, post attachment 252 may be attached to post 142 at multiple points, or heights, along post body 240. Further, as described above with reference to the barrier panel 162 shown in Figures 12 and 13, and in particular with reference to supports 188 and 190 of side members 172 and 174, respectively, each support of each side member in the illustrated embodiment, including supports 248 and 250 of side members 244 and 246, respectively, is supported by, but is not necessarily attached to, a respective support surface of the foundation, such as support surface 236 or 238. That is, for example, when the barrier assembly 100 is fully assembled, the supports 250 may be positioned above and at a distance from the support surface 238, rather than in contact with the support surface 238. The adjustable mounting features of the post mounts, and the ability to be fully assembled without contact between at least some of the supports and their respective support surfaces, may enable the barrier assembly 100 to be installed on a sloped surface, such as the sloped region 232.

[0071] As a result of the elevation angle 234 of the sloped region 232, the foundations 104 and 106, and thus the support surfaces 236 and 238, may be located at different elevations. In the illustrated embodiment, the support surface 236 is at a higher elevation than the support surface 238. As a result, the post 142 is supported from a higher elevation than the post 144, and is therefore located at a higher elevation than the post 144. As shown in FIG. 15, because of the adjustable mounting features of the post mounts 252, 254, 256, and 258, the barrier panel 164 may be mounted to both the post 142 and the post 144, despite the elevation difference between the posts 142 and 144. Furthermore, because the support 250 does not need to contact the support surface 238, the barrier panel may be supported only by the support surface 236 via the support 248, despite being mounted to both the post 142 and the post 144.

[0072] 16, an alternative embodiment of a barr panel is shown generally at 260. This embodiment, which may be referred to as a gate panel, may replace any one of the barr panels 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, or 170 of the barr assembly 100. The gate panel 260 includes side members 262 and 264, a top member 266 extending between the side members 262 and 264, a bottom member 268 extending between the side members 262 and 264, and post attachments 270 and 272. The side member 262 includes a support portion 274 and the side member 264 includes a support portion 276. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate panel 260 includes vertical intermediate members 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, and 288 that extend between the top member 266 and the bottom member 268, and a horizontal intermediate member 290 that extends between the side members 262 and 264. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the gate panel includes a latch 292. In some embodiments, the gate panel 260 may have a height of about 36 inches (or about 91 cm) and a width of about 33.5 inches (or about 85 cm).

[0073] 17, to assemble the fence assembly 100 with a gate panel 260 instead of the barr panel 168, when the post 146 is supported by the foundation 108, the gate panel 260 may be attached to the post body 218 of the post 146 using post attachments 270 and 272 and positioned such that the support portion 274 of the side member 262 contacts the support surface 219 of the foundation 108. In this embodiment, the post body 218 is parallel to the side member 262 and thus the support portion 274, but is held at a fixed distance therefrom. That is, in this embodiment, the support portion 274 is indirectly engaged with the post body 218. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support surface 219 supports the gate panel 260 via the support portion 274.

[0074] 18, the post attachment 270 is generally shown and includes a hinge 294 sized to receive a bushing 296. The bushing 296 is retained within the hinge 294 but is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis 298 that passes through the center of the hinge 294 and through the center of the bushing 296 when the bushing 296 is retained within the hinge 294. The bushing 296 defines a post receiving portion, generally indicated at 300, that is sized to receive at least a portion of a post body, such as, for example, the post body 218 of the post 146, for reversibly and adjustably mounting the post attachment 270, and thus the gate panel 260, to the post body 218. Because the bushing 296 is free to rotate within the hinge 294, the gate panel 260 may rotate relative to the post 146 about the axis 298.

[0075] 17, the post attachment 272 can be substantially the same as the post attachment 270, and further, to assemble the fence assembly 100 having a gate panel 260 instead of the fence panel 168, the post 148 can be spaced apart from the post 146 such that when the post 146 is supported by the base 108, when the post 148 is supported by the base 110, and when the gate panel 260 is attached to the post body 218 of the post 146 such that the support portion 274 contacts the support surface 219, the gate panel 260 can freely rotate about the axis 298 between the post 146 and the post 148, and when the gate panel 260 is rotated about the axis 298 to the closed position, the side member 264 is adjacent the post body 302 of the post 148 and the support portion 276 of the side member 264 contacts the support surface 304 of the base 110. When the gate panel 260 is in the closed position, the post body 302 is parallel to, but a distance from, the side member 264 and thus the support 276. In the illustrated embodiment, the post 148 also includes a latch retainer 306 configured to engage the latch 292 to reversibly secure the gate panel 260 to the post 148 when the gate panel is in the closed position.

[0076] 19, the latch 292 is generally shown and includes a latch bolt 312 and a latch frame 314. In the embodiment shown, the gate panel 260 is in a closed position such that the side member 264 is adjacent the post body 302. The latch bolt 312 can be moved within the latch frame 314 to an unlatched position in which the latch bolt 312 does not engage the latch retainer 306, or to a latched position in which the latch bolt 312 engages the latch retainer 306.

[0077] 20, a latch retainer 306 is shown generally including structure defining a post receiver, generally indicated at 308, and structure defining a latch receiver, generally indicated at 310. The post receiver 308 is sized to receive at least a portion of a post body, such as the post body 302 of the post 148, for mounting the latch retainer 306 to the post body 302.

[0078] 19 and 20, when the gate panel 260 is in the closed position and the latch bolt 312 is in the latched position, the latch receiver 310 is sized to reversibly receive at least a portion of the latch bolt 312, thereby securing the gate panel 260 to the post 148.

[0079] Of course, the illustrated embodiment is merely an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include different supports 274 and 276 on gate panel 260, different post mounts 270 and 272, a different number of post mounts, or alternatives for post mounts 270 and 272. Alternative embodiments may also include different latches or latch retainers, or no latches or latch retainers.

[0080] In general, the embodiments described above may facilitate the assembly of fences or other barriers in which barrier panels may be supported against posts that may be vertical or substantially vertical on an inclined surface, for example.

[0081] Although particular embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered as illustrative only and not limiting of the invention as interpreted according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method of supporting a barrier panel attached to a first post supported by a first foundation, the method comprising: inserting a column support of the first foundation body, the column support having a first support surface and extending through the first support surface, into a lower portion of the first column; attaching at least one first post attachment on a first side of the barrier panel to the first post; Positioning a first support portion of the barrier panel on the first support surface of the first foundation; Including, The method of claim 1, wherein the first at least one post attachment comprises a post receiving portion sized to fit around at least a portion of a periphery of the first post.

2. The barrier panel is further attached to a second post supported by a second base; The method of claim 1 , further comprising placing a second support portion of the barrier panel on a second support surface of the second foundation.

3. the first support surface of the first foundation body is at a first elevation; The method of claim 2 , wherein the second support surface of the second foundation body is at a second elevation above the first elevation.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein an elevation difference angle from the first support surface of the first foundation to the second support surface of the second foundation is at least about 4 degrees.

5. the barrier panel includes at least one first post attachment for attaching the barrier panel to the first post on a first side of the barrier panel; the barrier panel includes at least one second post attachment for attaching the barrier panel to the second post at a second side of the barrier panel opposite the first side of the barrier panel; each strut mount of the first at least one strut mount is laterally opposed to a corresponding strut mount of the second at least one strut mount; 5. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each post attachment of the first at least one post attachment has a respective height on the barrier panel that corresponds to a respective height on the barrier panel of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment, but differs by more than the height of the post attachment of the first at least one post attachment and by more than the height of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment.

6. A kit comprising: a first foundation body having a first support surface and a column support extending through the first support surface; a first support column that can be supported by the first foundation body; a barrier panel having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top between the first side and the second side, and a bottom between the first side and the second side opposite the top, the barrier panel being attachable to at least the first post at the first side of the barrier panel, the barrier panel comprising a first support and a first at least one post attachment on the first side; Equipped with the first at least one pole attachment includes a pole receiving portion sized to fit around at least a portion of a periphery of the first pole; when the first foundation supports the first post and when the barrier panel is attached to the first post at the first side of the barrier panel, the first support portion of the barrier panel is positionable to contact the first support surface of the first foundation to support the barrier panel.

7. The kit of claim 6 , wherein the first post is connectable to the post support of the first foundation for supporting the first post on the first foundation.

8. 8. The kit of claim 7, wherein the first support comprises a retainer sized to receive at least a portion of the support portion of the first foundation for supporting the first support on the first foundation.

9. A second base body having a second support surface; a second support column that can be supported by the second foundation body; and Further equipped with the barrier panel is further attachable to the second post at the second side of the barrier panel; 9. The kit of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the barrier panel further comprises a second support portion, the second support portion of the barrier panel being positionable to contact the second support surface of the second foundation to support the barrier panel when the second foundation supports the second post and when the barrier panel is attached to the second post at the second side of the barrier panel.

10. when the first foundation body supports the first column, when the second foundation body supports the second column, when the first support surface of the first foundation body is at a first elevation, and when the second support surface of the second foundation body is at a second elevation above the first elevation; the second support portion of the barrier panel is positionable to support the barrier panel in contact with the second support surface of the second foundation; the barrier panel is attachable to the first post at the first side of the barrier panel; 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the barrier panel is attachable to the second post at the second side of the barrier panel.

11. when the first foundation body supports the first column, when the second foundation body supports the second column, when the first support surface of the first foundation body is at a first elevation, when the second support surface of the second foundation body is at a second elevation above the first elevation, and when the angle of elevation difference from the first support surface to the second support surface is at least about 4°; the second support portion of the barrier panel is positionable to support the barrier panel in contact with the second support surface of the second foundation; the barrier panel is attachable to the first post at the first side of the barrier panel; 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the barrier panel is attachable to the second post at the second side of the barrier panel.

12. the barrier panel further comprises at least one second post attachment on the second side of the barrier panel configured to attach the barrier panel to the second post at the second side of the barrier panel; each strut mount of the first at least one strut mount is laterally opposed to a corresponding strut mount of the second at least one strut mount; each post attachment of the first at least one post attachment has a respective height on the barrier panel that corresponds to a respective height on the barrier panel of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment, but differs by more than the height of the post attachment of the first at least one post attachment and by more than the height of the corresponding post attachment of the second at least one post attachment; A kit according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The barrier panel is rotatable about the first post when the barrier panel is attached to the first post, and the kit further comprises: A second support; and A latch and A latch retainer; Further equipped with 9. The kit of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the latch and latch retainer are operable to lock the barrier panel to the second post.

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