Metal fence

Abstract

A metal fence. Two metal posts are inserted into a concrete footing. Hollow metal boards are connected between the metal posts. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow metal boards are filled with acoustical insulation for noise reduction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to fences, and in particular to fire resistant fences.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fencing is a very important component of residential and commercial construction. Amongst other functions, a fence provides security, defines property boundaries and adds aesthetic appeal to property.

[0003] Properties located in areas subject to fire hazards can cause serious concerns for cities, builders, property developers and insurance companies. In California the State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate, High, or Very High.

[0004] The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.

[0005] Because of increased concern for potential fire hazards, developers and builders are looking to utilize fire resistant materials when building homes and fences. In the past, fire resistant materials for fence construction include such items as masonry blocks and metal roofing panels. While it is true that both of these items are fire resistant, they both have poor visual aesthetic, they are inefficient, and they are costly to install and maintain.

[0006] What is needed is an improved fire-resistant fence.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a metal fence. Two metal posts are inserted into a concrete footing.

[0008] Hollow metal boards are connected between the metal posts. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow metal boards are filled with acoustical insulation for noise reduction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIGS. 1-7 show a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIGS. 8-10 show a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIGS. 11-16 show a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 17 shows the utilization of acoustical foam for noise reduction.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSFirst Preferred Embodiment

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 10 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Cap 15 covers the top of posts 11. Top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 are slid into rectangular opening 14 of posts 11 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3). Metal boards 16 are slid into top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 as shown.

[0014] FIG. 4A shows a bottom view of bottom rail 14. Bottom rail 14 includes weep holes 18 for allowing water to drain and for providing ventilation. FIG. 4B shows a front view of top rail 13 and FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of top rail 13 with ventilation holes 19. FIG. 5 shows a top view of post 11. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view and FIG. 7 shows a side view of board 16.

[0015] Post 11, rails 13 and 14 and boards 16 are hollow and are all preferably fabricated from extruded metal. In a preferred embodiment, board 16 has a 1-inch×6-inch cross section. Rails 13 and 14 each have a 2-inch×4-inch cross section. And post 11 has a 4-inch×4-inch cross section. Post 11, rails 13 and 14 and boards 16 are all preferably fabricated from galvanized steel to prevent corrosion and are preferably coated with a marine grade primer and industrial top coat for protection against the elements and rusting.Preferred Method of Installation

[0016] Posts 11 are first set in concrete footings 12, as shown. After concrete footings 12 are cured, bottom rail 14 and top rail 13 are both slid into one post only. Boards 16 are then slid into the uninstalled ends of rails 13 and 14 until all the boards have been installed. Then, after all the boards have been installed, rails 13 and 14 are inserted into the other post 11.Second Preferred Embodiment

[0017] FIGS. 8 and 9 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 20 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Metal boards 16 are horizontally slid into rectangular openings 22 (see also FIG. 10).Third Preferred Embodiment

[0018] FIGS. 11-16 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 30 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 are slid into rectangular opening 14 of posts 11 (see also FIG. 14). Metal channels 36 are vertically connected between rails 13 and 14 and pushed flush against posts 11. In preferred embodiment metal channels 36 are approximately 1-inch×2-inch and are also fabricated from extruded metal and are coated for protection against the elements and rusting. Metal boards 16 are slidingly connected horizontally as shown between the channels formed by channels 36 and rails 13 and 14 (see also FIGS. 15 and 16).Sound Insulation

[0019] Board 16 tube has a hollow center that is preferably filled with acoustical foam 40 (FIG. 17). The utilization of acoustical foam 40 meets the typical noise reduction standards of most cities and counties. A fence utilizing boards 16 filled with acoustical noise reducing foam, when installed, can be used as a “sound absorption” or sound block and be installed up to 16 feet in height to effectively reduce noise where necessary.

[0020] Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A metal fence, comprising:A) at least two metal posts,B) footing wherein said at least two metal posts are rigidly inserted into said footing, andC) at least one hollow metal board connected between said at least two metal posts.2) The metal fence as in claim 1 wherein said footing is concrete footing.3) The metal fence as in claim 1 wherein said at least one hollow metal board is a plurality of extruded hollow metal boards wherein each hollow metal board is filled with acoustical insulation.4) The metal fence as in claim 1, further comprising:A) a metal top rail slidingly connected between said two metal posts, andB) a metal bottom rail slidingly connected between said two metal posts,wherein said metal boards are slidingly and vertically connected between said two metal posts and said top rail and said bottom rail.5) The metal fence as in claim 1, further comprising:A) a metal top rail slidingly connected between said two metal posts,B) a metal bottom rail slidingly connected between said two metal posts,C) two metal vertical channels each adjacent to one of said two posts and each sliding connected between said top rail and said bottom rail,wherein said metal boards are slidingly and horizontally connected between said two vertical channels and said top rail and said bottom rail.

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