Aluminum privacy fence system

Abstract

A privacy fence system includes an upright fence column incorporating at least two slots for accepting a plurality of privacy fence slats. The privacy fence slats are primarily a single layer of aluminum of sufficient structural integrity that may stand upright, unaided, when joined between two upright fence columns. The privacy fence slats incorporate a pair of mating lips and tines at their bottom and top, respectively, for enabling the privacy fence slats to be joined together thereby forming a uniform whole for the entire height of the privacy fence. The privacy fence system components are sufficiently lightweight that may be cut with typical hand tools available to most contractors so that a privacy fence created using the privacy fence system may be cut to size as desired on site without welding or special tools. Covers may obscure connecting means between the upright fence column and privacy fence slats.

Description

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and / or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

[0002] This patent claims priority from provisional patent application 63 / 296,126, filed Jan. 3, 2022 and entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM.

[0003] This patent also claims priority as a continuation-in-part from non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18 / 341,622, entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM filed Jun. 26, 2023 which claims priority as a continuation-in-part to non-provisional application Ser. No. 17 / 898,315, filed Aug. 29, 2022, entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM.BACKGROUNDField

[0004] This disclosure relates to fencing systems and gates.Description of the Related Art

[0005] Many types of residential and commercial fencing exist. One type is pre-cut wooden fence posts with and panels or slats. Installers using those systems may purchase a desired number of posts, sink them with concrete, attach them with crossbars, and nail the slats to the crossbars. These fences have a more rustic, rough-cut feel that some find unattractive for certain applications.

[0006] Wrought iron fencing is also common. It usually is sold in panels, but to fit in the perimeter of a property or yard, panels must be cut to desired lengths with an acetylene torch. Wrought iron also is heavy, about 0.28 lb. / in.3 though most components of wrought iron fencing are hollow and the pickets are spaced. Wrought iron fencing requires strong metal or brick posts to support them. Gates for wrought iron fencing usually are custom made and sized using a welder. Wrought iron becomes expensive because of the labor costs for a welder, the expense of sturdy posts, and the material and shipping cost of using iron. Wrought iron also is subject to rust and corrosion and needs regular painting especially in damp or rainy climates.

[0007] Chain link fence is widely available and inexpensive. It comes in rolls, and may be installed using standard posts and fittings. Many find chain link fencing unattractive, particularly for higher-end homes, and it often degrades and looks worse over time as fittings loosen, sections sag, and the bottom may become spaced from the ground.

[0008] One fencing solution for modern-style homes is fine-cut redwood or cedar fencing. The slats typically are installed horizontally between vertical posts, but the slats can be installed vertically. The slats may be arranged with wider slats and smaller slats interspersed with one another for aesthetic purposes. The support structure's posts usually are redwood or cedar, but they it may be metal. The posts typically are sunk in concrete or fixed to existing concrete or structures. These fences can be attractive especially for modern homes, but they are labor intensive. To appear appropriately, the slats must be cut precisely. Fine-cut, pre-sanded, and fine-grained redwood or cedar which are typically used is costly, three to five times the price of rough-cut fence slats. Though redwood and cedar resist weathering better than other wood, rain, snow, ice, and sunlight can still cause degradation so components must be replaced or at least periodically re-sanded and stained or painted.

[0009] Steel-based systems are said to mimic the shape and clean lines provided by the fine-cut redwood and cedar fences, but working with steel can be difficult. Steel must be cut with an acetylene torch, and a welder usually must attach the slats to steel posts and cross members. Steel slats may be painted and are strong but they can be heavy, difficult to install, and welding each member takes time and money for a professional welder.

[0010] Vinyl fencing systems exist. The vinyl fencing is easy to cut, simple to install, uninform in color (usually white), lightweight, and relatively aesthetically pleasing. However, vinyl stands up to heat quite poorly. The slats sag or fall out and usually must be screwed to a cross member or post. The connections between slats and posts often are visible. The slats themselves cannot be used alone for support because the vinyl is not sufficiently strong and rigid. So, support members are often included and spacing between posts must generally be closer than with metal-based systems.

[0011] Aluminum and steel fencing can be expensive for use in privacy fences. For a true privacy fence, the fencing should generally entirely occlude the covered area from top to bottom. So, privacy fence slats of whatever type are typically abutted against one another. As a result, a great deal of material must be used in typical cases to ensure complete occlusion of vision. Relatedly, a typical privacy fence is from six to ten feet in height so that it may properly function as a privacy fence and not merely an obstruction. Privacy fences are typically used in back yards and side yards of homes, but may also be used by businesses and government properties to discourage theft, or trespassing, or otherwise hinder outsider's view of the interior of the fencing.SUMMARY

[0012] Most components shown herein are made from powder-coated aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, less than 0.1 lb. / in.3 (2.8 g / cm3), substantially less than iron or steel. The light weight allows the persons constructing the fence system to move the aluminum components easily. Shipping is likewise less expensive. The powder coat or anodization can come in many colors and designs. The components here are hollow so any comparison with other material such as wrought iron must account for parts being hollow. For the thicknesses applicant uses, the components can be cut using a conventional electric miter saw and remain strong enough to be placed without additional non-aluminum support.

[0013] The principal components are extruded 6063 alloy powder-coated aluminum. Anodized aluminum is another choice, but powder coating allows for more colors and designs. Several components including a fence column have a complex cross-section for which forming by extrusion is ideal, and the 6063 alloy is a suitable choice for extrusions though other alloys also may be suitable.

[0014] The fence system attaches to aluminum or steel rectangular base posts that attaches to a fence column. The inside wall of a fence column fits over the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around the inside wall. Each of three side of the fence column has a slot wide enough to accommodate one end of the slats. A bracket attaches the end of the slat to the fence column to secure the slats in place and provide rigidity to the entire structure. Additional slats may be added adjacent to the slat above or below, and spacers may leave space between the slats. The slats may be the same height, or their heights can vary for aesthetic purposes. All slots have grooves so empty slots can receive a slot cover, and areas between spaced slats can receive covers sized to fit in the space between slats. The slot covers likewise provide uniform spacing between the slats and an overall aesthetic, clean appearance.

[0015] A plate covers the open end on top of the fence column, and self-drilling screws extend through apertures in the plate and secure the plate to the fence column's open end. Other plate covers attach to other open ends of fence columns or similar members used for other than a fence column. An adhesive secures a post cap to the top of the fence column and the plate.

[0016] The fence system also includes a gate, which may have two intersecting members: fence column (vertical) and platform (horizontal). The platform is at the bottom of the gate, and structure like the platform may be at the gate's top. The fence column and platforms may have the same extruded shape. A short post secures the fence column and platform together.

[0017] The horizontal platform is positioned with a slot open upward and a slot open downward. A bolt extends through a hole in the platform to a threated opening in a short post within the fence column to secure the fence column to the platform.

[0018] An L-brace though the centers of the horizontal platform and the vertical fence columns could secure them together. To cover the intersection of the L-brace's horizontal and vertical sections, the adjacent ends horizontal platform and vertical fence column are cut at a 45° angle so they intersect at a right angle and cover the L-brace.

[0019] The privacy fence system described and claimed herein reduces the steel or aluminum fencing material necessary to provide complete coverage, primarily relying upon a single layer for visual occlusion. It also snaps together using a unique linking system and slides neatly into custom-designed fence posts. The details of this system will be discussed below herein.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fence surrounding a building.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0022] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0023] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0024] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0025] FIG. 2D is a sectional front view of a fence through plane 2D-2D in FIG. 2C.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of a fence.

[0027] FIG. 4-7 are front views of different slat arrangements of the fence.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view of a component of a fence used as part of a gate.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view of components of a fence used as part of a gate.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view the door structure of a fence.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view of a section of a fence with a thinner slat like a glass slat.

[0032] FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view showing a connection between two fence columns connected at right angles to each other.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view with the two fence columns connected at right angles to each other

[0034] FIG. 14 is a sectional plan view of structure for a fence through plane 14-14 of FIG. 13.

[0035] FIG. 15 is front view of a top corner of a fence with an internal bracket.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view of a portion of a fence with a window framed within.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a cross section of an upper or lower window frame.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a front view of a window pane mount for the fence or gate.

[0039] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of parts of a fence system.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of plurality of interconnected fence slats and a fence slat top cover.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of two fence slats and a fence slat top cover.

[0042] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of two interconnected fence slats and an affixed fence slat top cover.

[0043] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0044] FIG. 24 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled fence.

[0045] FIG. 25 is a top, cross-sectional view of parts of an assembled fence.

[0046] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a rolling gate surrounding a building.

[0047] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a door-style gate surrounding a building.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled gate corner.

[0049] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of parts of a gate near a fence column acting as a center post.

[0050] FIG. 30 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate near a fence column acting as a center post.

[0051] FIG. 31 is a top, cross-sectional view of an assembled gate near a fence column acting as a center post.

[0052] FIG. 32 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate near a hinge.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Overview: A fence system 2 surrounds or partially surrounds property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence system's fence column 20 attaches to steel or other metal square, rectangle, or polygon base post 10 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Those figures also show the structure of fence column. Having a base post with the same shape as the base post prevents or limits pivoting of the fence column about the base post. The base post could be round, but that would require a different inside shape of fence column 20, but a round-to-round connection may allow the fence column to pivot about the base post. Though the specification uses “rectangle,” the word encompasses the other shapes. But the drawing show a square or nearly square base with rounded internal and external corners. The gate 190 is shown as fully framed, unlike the surrounding fence portions, but the gate 190 may be fully framed or the slats may be mounted directly into an upright fence post and / or specialized fence post on two sides which form the entirety of the gate frame, when joined with any interior slats.

[0054] Base post 10 can attach to concrete, deck, soil, or to the top of a brick, block, or concrete wall. The base post may be painted or treated to resist corrosion or rust. Base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A-D attaches to concrete or a deck 2. The base post in the figures is 1.25 in. (3.175 cm)×1.25 in., but opposite walls may be elongated slightly. Conversions between English and metric are approximated. The base post may have outer flange 12 with screw openings 14 (FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D). Bolts (not shown) secure the flange to concrete. The bolts may extend upward from the concrete when the concrete is poured. Then nuts secure the flange to the bolt and concrete.

[0055] Cover 16 slides over the base post. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D). The cover hides the outer flange and bolts for a pleasing appearance.

[0056] To mount the base post on soil, an 18 in. to 24 in. (46 cm to 61 cm) hole is dug. After concrete is poured into the hole, the base post is pushed into the soft concrete and plumbed to be vertical. Whether base posts 10 are in concrete or soil, the base posts are aimed to account for the path of the fence system.

[0057] Connection of slats to fence column: Fence slats 100 extend between fence columns 20 around property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence column (FIG. 3 and others) has a base post receiver, inside wall 22, around base post 10. The inside wall has four sides 24, 26, 28, and 30 (FIG. 3). Adjacent inside walls meet at a 3.4 mm (0.13 in.) outside radius. The inside spacing between walls 24 and 28 is 33 mm (1.3 in.), and the inside dimension between walls 26 and 30 is 34 mm (1.3 in.). Inside wall 22 is almost square to fit with the base post 10. The thickness of the aluminum components may vary, but it typically is 1.78 mm (0.07 in.).

[0058] Screws, other fasteners (not shown) or an adhesive may secure the base post to the inside wall, but friction may suffice. See also projections 34 on inside wall 36 of the other fence column 32 (FIG. 3). Those projections are small enough to allow the base post to pass into the inside wall but the productions deform when the base post is inserted in inside wall 36 to push against the base post and hold the base post within the inside wall. Fence column 32 on the right side of FIG. 3 does not show a base post within inside wall 36.

[0059] Fence column 20 also has outside tubular member 40 attached to and spaced outside of inside wall 22 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Because fence column 20 is extruded, “attached” in the context of the fence column means components are in contact or in such near contact that the aluminum maintains the components' positions with each other. The outside tubular member includes base member 42 with first and second ends 44 and 46 (left side of FIG. 3). The distance between the ends is greater than the length of inside wall 30 (FIG. 3). The base member's width may be 70 mm (2.8 in.) versus 33 mm (1.3 in.) for inside wall 22. End walls 50 and 52 continue from end 44 and 46 and then continue as sidewalls 56 and 58 to intersect fourth and first inside walls 30 and 24 (FIG. 3).

[0060] Three-sided pillars 60 and 62 extend outward near corners 64 and 66 of inside wall 22 (FIG. 3). Open-ended gaps like gap 76 are at the outside corners of pillars 60 and 62. Depending on the location of the end of fence column 20, the gaps receive self-drilling screws 156 for holding cover plate 48 at the top of fence column 20 (FIG. 2). Gaps 78 and 80 on the ends of outside tubular member 40 perform a similar function. Silicone or other adhesive attaches pyramid cover 54 above cover 48 (FIG. 2) to keep water, debris, and insects out of fence columns 20. Cover 48 and pyramid cover 54 may be attached to exposed ends during construction to keep rain or dirt outside the fence column 20 or other appropriate components.

[0061] The sizes and positions of outside tubular member 40 and three-sided pillars 60 and 62 create three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3). The slots are sized to receive one end of one or more elongated slats such as slat 100 received in slot 94 (FIG. 2D, 3, 9, 10). The slots' width dimension are wide enough to accommodate one end of a slat like slat 100. Additional slats may contact the slat below, or the slats may be spaced from adjacent slats.

[0062] Slats 100 may be powder-coated aluminum, which can be cut to length with an electric miter saw. Each slat's width may be 20.6 mm (0.8 in.). The height of each slat may be 140 mm (5.5 in.), 50 mm (2 in.) or another height. The slats in the drawings are rectangular in cross-section and a height 102 that may exceed its width 104 (FIG. 2B).

[0063] Stainless steel, L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114 and their associated stainless steel, self-driving screws 116 and 118 through wall 26 secure slat 100 to wall 26 at the inside end of slot 94 (FIGS. 2, 2B, 2D). Stainless steel screws work well securing parts like the L-shaped fasteners into the aluminum slats and fence column 20.

[0064] Each sidewall of slots 90, 92, and 94 has opposing grooves 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 (FIGS. 2, 2A-D, and 3) formed during extrusion. Slot covers such as covers 142 and 144 cover unused slots in the fence member (FIGS. 2B, 3). Each slot cover has an outside wall 146 and two sides 148 and 150, each with a distal shoulder 152 and 154. The distal shoulders are sized to fit in their respective groove like groove 130 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2C, 3). When the distal shoulders at the bottom of the slot cover are inserted into the grooves of a slot, the slot cover can be glided through its grooves to cover its empty slot. Though the structure uses grooves in the slots for the slot covers, when the slot cover reaches its final position, they may be fastened with an adhesive or in other ways at their positions in the slots.

[0065] The slats extend from one fence column 20 to adjacent fence column 32 (FIG. 3). With the three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2A-2C and 3), the fence system is not limited to a straight line. In FIG. 3, for example, slat 100 extends from slot 90 of fence column 20 into slot 170 of fence column 32. Another slat, 98 extends from slot 186 in the same general direction as slat 100. Slat 98 also could extend from slot 188 at a right angle to slat 100. Turning fence column 32 180° extends slot 188 in the opposite right angle in FIG. 3.

[0066] Increasing the slots' widths slightly may allow changing the angles that the slats, e.g., 98 and 100, project from fence column 20 so the fence can accommodate irregular property shapes. Angled slats still are secured by screws through L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118.

[0067] Slats' Positioning: FIGS. 4 through 7 show four of many possible slat arrangements. FIG. 4 has 140 mm slats 96 in which the bottom of one slat rests on the top of the adjacent slat. From a distance, the arrangement may appear solid. A similar arrangement could have 140 mm slat 100, 50 mm slat 106 or another height slat or a mixture of them stacked above each other.

[0068] Slats 100 in FIG. 5 are about 140 mm high and are spaced apart about 140 mm apart. The 140 mm slats 106 in FIG. 6 are spaced apart farther than those in FIG. 5, and the 50 mm slats in FIG. 7 are spaced about 50 mm apart. Note the slats in FIGS. 5 and 7 and the single slat in FIG. 4 are aligned with the top and bottom of the fence columns 20 and 21, but the top and bottom slats in FIG. 6 are spaced from the top of the fence columns. FIGS. 5 through 7 only use slats of one width. Slats of two different widths and even three or more widths can be used.

[0069] L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118 secure slats to fence columns 20 in fence system with spacing between the slats, (FIG. 2). That spacing could leave parts of slot 94, the L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114, and screws 116 and 118 visible and exposed. Spacers 158 (FIGS. 2, 2C) can cover those parts of the otherwise open slot. Spacers have the same shape as slot covers 142 and 144. After one slat 100 is secured in place, spacer 158 is slid through grooves like groove 130 and 134 until it contacts the slat. Then another slat is slid through the slot and secured to wall 26. The process continues until the top slat is secured to its position.

[0070] A window of transparent material like glass or plastic 162 may replace one or more aluminum slats (FIG. 11) reliant upon a slot cover of a different form. The transparent material allows light to shine through, and the resident and guests can see out. The window also could be frosted or translucent to allow light to pass through it.

[0071] Here, the glass window 162 extends between fence columns 20 and 32 into slots 90 and 170 (FIG. 11) much as in FIG. 3. However, the window may be thinner than applicant's aluminum slats, and it may be taller or shorter than any slat. Clip 164 secures the window in the slot. The clip has a U-shaped portion 166, which is the width of the glass piece. FIG. 11 shows how the window fits in the U-shaped portion. Side projections 168 and 176 may project out from the U-shaped section to about the width of the slot, and distal projections 172 and 178 fit into the slot. Distal shoulders 176 and 180 project outward from wall 172 and 178 into slot grooves 182 and 184 to position clip 164.

[0072] Alternatively, the clips 164 and 168 may take the form of a U-shaped device fully filling the entirety of the slots 90 and 170 with or without engaging grooves 182 and 184. See FIG. 16. In such a case, the window 162 may be fully-framed (FIG. 17) by such clip 164 and 168. The clip may project outward from the edges of the columns 20 and 32 such that the clips 164 and 168 appear to fully frame the window 162. See FIG. 17. Silicone or rubber gaskets may be used to secure and frame the window 162 within the clips 164 and 168. When mounting the window 162, it may be fully framed or only framed on two sides.

[0073] Gates: The fence system can include sliding or pivoting door-like gates such as pivoting gate 190 (FIG. 1). Because gates slide, roll or pivot, they don't attach to concrete, deck or soil. Gates, especially sliding and rolling ones, may be wider than the spacing of conventional fence sections like those in FIG. 1, so stronger, more rigid tops and bottoms may be desirable.

[0074] The gate may rely upon only two upright members, one on either side of the gate, with the slats forming the frame of the horizontal portion of the gate since the slats themselves are structural and generally made of rigid material such as aluminum. In such a case, the slats operate in much the same way as the fence post and slat combinations. Except, in the case of a gate, the two fenceposts on either side of the gate are not connected to the ground, but instead are joined to two adjacent fixed, fenceposts on either side, one mounted on hinges, the other connected or adjacent and including a latch and catch. This configuration is preferable as both easier to manufacture on site when constructing the fence and having fewer parts.

[0075] In such a case, one of the fenceposts making up the gate, particularly the one nearest the latch, may be of a unique shape (FIGS. 8-10) which is of a shape designed to have mounted thereon a conventional lockset. The use of the word “conventional” here is important meaning a traditional United States lockset with a mounting position and size of approximately 2 and ⅛th inches in diameter. There have existed locksets made for use with thin gate and fence frames that are uniquely manufactured and, typically, thin. These are ordinarily on the order of 1 inch in width and designed for very narrow use. They operate adequately, but are expensive, cannot be keyed to the same key as the home around which the gate is located, and are more difficult to find in different styles than a traditional, conventional lockset. So, as used herein the phrase “conventional lockset” means one having a lock bore of 2 and ⅛ inches and the lockset housing 232 (FIG. 10) discussed below is of a sufficient width to accommodate a “conventional lockset” as defined herein.

[0076] Alternatively, the gate may have two intersecting members: fence columns 192 (vertical) and platform 194 (horizontal) (FIGS. 12-13). Both may have the same shape as fence column 20 (FIG. 3). Using the same fence columns allows builders to keep one component in inventory for both locations, but different dimensioned fence columns could be used. Applicant uses horizontal platform 194 at the bottom of gates (FIGS. 12-13), but the horizontal platform also can be used on fence sections that are not gates.

[0077] Vertical fence column 192 extends upward from horizontal platform 194. See FIGS. 12-15. The horizontal platform becomes a base with its bottom aligned with and at a right angle to the vertical fence column. Instead of a base post attached to the ground like base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D, and 3, applicant uses a short post 196 secured to vertical fence columns 192 and to horizontal platform 194 (FIGS. 12, 14). Those figures show one short post, but a gate usually has at least two short posts at opposite sides of the gate. Longer gates also may have one or more intermediated, spaced-apart, short posts to improve support.

[0078] Short post 196 may be hollow and have the same outer dimensions as base post 10 (FIG. 3 and others). The short post may be coated carbon steel or stainless steel to withstand corrosion. Instead of using bolt 210 and nut 204, the bottom end 208 of the short post may be welded shut, and the end would have a threaded opening 200 for receiving a modified bolt like bolt 202 (FIGS. 12 and 14). A drilled hole (not numbered) extends through inside walls 214 and 216 of the horizontal platform and through the bottom wall 198 if short post 196 (FIG. 14).

[0079] To install the short post, horizontal platform 194 is positioned with slot 210 open upward and slot 212 open downward (FIGS. 12-14). Bolt 202 fits through the holes and engages threaded opening 200 to connect to the short post. FIG. 14 shows nut 204 secured to the end of the bolt, but a nut may be unnecessary when opening 200 and bolt 202 have common threads to be secured to each other. If a nut is used, a locking washer (not shown) between head 206 of the bolt and the horizontal platform 194 also could secure the bolt.

[0080] Until components are aligned, having the bolt remain loose may be advantageous. Smaller screws 218 (FIGS. 12, 14) may be threaded through the slots into preexisting, threaded openings 212 in post 196 for securing the post to its fence column. Inserting those screws also may await aligning the components.

[0081] For a wide gate, one or two additional short posts like short post 196 may mount at spaced-apart locations between the ends of the gate. These short posts support a fence column with slots extending to the sides for receiving slats with the layout of the layout used between fence columns.

[0082] Rolling gates have wheels facing downward from the bottom fence column. The wheels may travel over a metal track attached to concrete under the gate. The support for the wheel attaches to a bolt through the bottom fence column (not shown).

[0083] During assembly, slot covers like cover 142 and 144 (FIGS. 2B and 3) are slid into place. Then the slats like slats 100 and 106 are inserted in the slots of vertical post column 192 attached by an L-shaped fastener like fastener 110. The first inserted slat may mount in slot 200 of vertical fence column 194, or using fasteners, the first inserted slat may be spaced from horizontal platform 194.

[0084] To make the gate more rigid, a similar arrangement of the horizontal and vertical fence columns may mount on the top to the gate after the slats are positioned between the vertical fence columns.

[0085] An alternate arrangement for a fence section uses an L-brace 224 (FIG. 15) to secure vertical fence column 192 and horizontal platform 222 at the top of the fence section. The L-brace may be steel for strength and may be formed from one square, hollow crosspiece with outside dimensions the same as or like short post 10's dimensions. The steel may be treated or painted for rust and corrosion prevention. The L-brace is cut to a desired length at a 45° angle, and one piece is rotated 180°. The 45°-angle ends are welded together to form the L-brace's horizontal section 226 and vertical section 224.

[0086] The free end 226 of L-brace 220 extends into a center section of horizontal platform 228, and the L-brace's vertical section 228 extends into the center section of vertical fence column 232. FIG. 15 shows neither center section, but they are formed from an inside wall like wall 22 in FIG. 3. Screws (not shown) through the slots of the fence column and platform into the L-brace secure the fence columns to the L-brace. Because the L-brace is steel, the bracket's holes may be predrilled and tapped.

[0087] To cover the region near the intersection of L-brace 224's horizontal section 226 and vertical section 224, the adjacent ends 292 and 294 of the horizontal platform and vertical fence columns are cut at a 45° angle so they intersect to form a right angle. Self-drilling screws may extend through the fence columns into predrilled holds in L-brace 224 after ends 292 and 294 are brought together tightly.

[0088] For swing gates, a fence column like fence column 20 mounts vertically on a base post like post 10, attaches to another stationary fence column, or attaches to a concrete, block, stucco, wood, or brick wall. One or more hinges (not shown) attach the fence column that pivots with the gate to the stationary object.

[0089] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show components for the side of the swinging gate that swings open and close. Lockset housing 232 replaces fence column 20 from other figures. It has two elongated sides 234 and 236. The right end (FIGS. 8 and 9) forms a slot 238 that receives slats 240. The slats are stacked like they are in other sections of the fence. These slats may be held in place by L-shaped fasteners (not shown) like fastener 110 and 118 in FIG. 2B. Self-drilling screws (not shown) also may extend through walls 240 and 242 near the right end of the lockset housing 232 into the slats. See FIG. 9.

[0090] Lockset housing 232 receives a lockset, which includes doorknobs 246 and 248 (FIG. 9). The doorknobs extend through drilled holes (not shown) through elongated walls 232 and 234. The drilled holes are typically about 3.5 ft. (≈1.1 m) above the ground. The doorknobs attach to other lockset structure based on instructions often included with purchased locksets.

[0091] Parts of the lockset extend from the doorknobs to a conventional mechanism 250 inside lockset housing 232. Rotating a doorknob causes the mechanism to move latch assembly 252 to the right (FIG. 9) to withdraw latch bolt 254 (FIG. 10). Releasing the doorknobs in the other direction allows the bolt to move outward as FIG. 10 shows. Because the lockset is conventional, and the installer can choose among different locksets, the installer uses components for the chosen lockset. The lockset latch may include a deadlatch plunger to block that may prevent an intruder from using a screwdriver, credit card or other flat device to push the latch inward to open the gate.

[0092] Instead of or in addition to latch 254, the gate may have a deadbolt lock (not shown) as part of the lockset. Applicant also could use a lock for sliding gates such as a sliding gate lock from Locinox USA. The lockset may use electronics for opening the latch through fingerprint recognition, a numeric combination, or remote through wi-fi or other wireless network protocols.

[0093] Post 260 specifically designed for the gate (FIGS. 9 and 10) may be extruded aluminum. Its back wall 262 may attach to a building wall to another fence column like fence column 20. It also may be attached to the ground though a post. Slot 268 in post 260 has gaps 264 at the inside corners the receive screws for attaching a cover. Post 260's front wall 266 receives slot cover 270 in grooves 272 and 274 (FIG. 9), and opening 268 in the slot cover receives latch 254 when the gate is pivoted closed. Front wall 266 includes extension 276 that extends a short distance along elongated wall 236 (FIG. 9). The extension blocks intruders from reaching latch 252 to force the gate open. Extension 276 should face outward from the property, and the gate opens in toward the opposite direction. See FIG. 10.

[0094] Narrow walls 242 and 244 at the right side of elongated walls 234 and 236 (FIG. 9) have grooves 280 and 282 for receiving slot covers (not shown) or slats so that the post 260 may be used without any other posts, interior frame, or horizontal posts along with a plurality of slats and may still self-support and self-frame while providing sufficient space to mount a conventional lockset on the lockset housing 232. Those covers may be sized to align with the outside surface of elongated walls 234 and 236. Other grooves 284 and 286 also may receive spacers like spacers 158 (FIG. 2) between slats.

[0095] Grooves like groove 130 (FIG. 2) inside the three fence column's slots like slot 90 run the length of the fence column. Slot covers may slide into those grooves to create a near-uniform flat face for the side with the slot cover.

[0096] Having no visible slots makes the fence column smooth and aesthetically pleasing. When slats are installed in a slot, the slot cover hide the slats' open ends and any rough edges made while cutting the aluminum.

[0097] Locating the slots along the fence columns' three sides enables the fence columns to be used for straight fence sections and for corners turning “left” or “right” along a fence row. The final side of the fence column, base wall 42, has no groove because that side needs no panels installed to that side.

[0098] Returning to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present system that encloses transparent, translucent, or opaque window 162 is shown. Though discussed as a window herein, other substantially flat panels could be used (e.g. flat sheet of metal, a wooden panel or slats, a plexiglass or plastic panel, and similar materials). Window 162 is held between clips 164 at either side. Clips 300 enclose window 162 at the top and bottom of those panels. Clips 300 can be inserted into slot 90, 92, 94 or 170 in the same manner as are slats 100. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicone caulk may be used between windows 162 and clips 300 to prevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 300.

[0099] FIG. 17 discloses a cross section of an upper or lower window frame 350. The upper or lower window frame 350 includes no clips and instead is a fully-formed enclosure (in cross section) so that it may be mounted separately from the upright fence posts (or any horizontal fence posts) and may have a flush and aesthetic exterior appearance. There is an upper U-groove 352, and the sides 354 and bottom 356 fully enclose an interior portion (not labeled). The frame 350 is of a width that it may be mounted so that its two ends fit within a slot in an upright fence post, fully enclosing a window when combined with the clips 300 shown in FIG. 16.

[0100] Turning next to FIG. 18, a side view of the panel 162 framed within clips 164 and 300. Clip 300 is the same width as slots 90, 92, 94, and 170 so that clip 300 may fit into those slots. However, clip 300 does not have slot grooves 184. This allows clip 300 to fit within slots 90, 92, 94, and 170 perpendicular to clips 164. Clip 300 is the same as upper or lower window frame 350 and has a U-shaped portion 352, which is the width of the window 162. The window 162 fits in the U-shaped portion 352 of clip 300 in the same manner as it fits into the U-shaped portion of clip 164. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicon caulk may be used between windows 162 and U-shaped portion 352 to prevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 164 and 300. This configuration shown in FIG. 17 could be used with a fixed fence post set or could form a part of a gate.

[0101] However, clip 300 encloses the top and bottom of the panel 162, therefore, clip 300 does not contain any distal shoulders to engage with slot grooves.

[0102] Clip 300 can slide into slots 90, 92, 94, or 170 adjacent to (that is, below, on top of, or in between) clips 164. There, clips 300 may be held in place using L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Alternatively, clips 300 and 164 may be cut at 45°-angles and joined together, similar to the way L-brace sections 226 and 224, or ends 292 and 294 of the horizontal platform and vertical fence column, are joined together. Neither option requires welding of the aluminum.

[0103] Though the window 162 is shown as a single pane, the window 162 may in fact be multiple panes in much the same manner that the slats may be placed at various places along a given upright post. Individual panes may be separated using covers 142 and 144 and may be held in place with L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Such clips 300 for use on bottom and top to fully-frame the window 162 may not include distal shoulders so that such shoulders do not extend outward from the frame. Instead, such clips 300 may be fully flush on their exterior, providing only a frame around the window 162. And, the slats and windows 162 may be interspersed or alternated in a given gate (e.g. with a window portion near the top, slats from the ground to waist height). With the clip 300 operating as a separator, fully framing the window 162 within the gate or fence portion and the slats acting to support the gate or fence portion as described above.

[0104] Clips 300 may be oriented with their U-shaped portion 352 pointing up or down to enclose the bottom or top of a panel 162, respectively. Two clips 300 can be oriented abutting each other, but with their U-shaped portions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put two windows 162 between columns 32 and 20 without leaving a gap between the clips 300. The clips 300 may be fixed together to help maintain their position and improve strength. Alternatively, two clips 300 can be oriented with space in between them, with their U-shaped portions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put a gap between the two windows 162 and their respective clips 300. Other numbers of windows 162 and clips 300 may be arranged to place additional windows 162 (or slats) between columns 32 and 20, with or without spaces between the windows 162 and their respective clips 300. The description is illustrative, not limiting and is for example only. Although this application shows and describes examples, those having ordinary skill in the art will find it apparent they can make changes, modifications or alterations. Examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, but those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

[0105] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of parts of a fence system 400. In a similar fashion to the fence post of FIG. 2A, the system 400 includes a fence column 410, a cover 420, a base post 430 and property 440.

[0106] The fence column 410 is of a design distinct from that discussed with reference to FIG. 2A. As will be discussed more fully below with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, this fence column includes two slots for accepting privacy fence slats, and two front cavities for enabling screws to be driven through the column and into the privacy fence slats when placed in position within the two slots. Thereafter, covers may be placed over the cavities to provide a uniform, aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

[0107] The cover 420 may provide a buffer or barrier between the base post 430 and the property 440. The cover 420 also separates the upright fence column 410 from the property 440. The cover 420 may be made of the same material as the fence column 410 and the privacy fence slats (not shown, see FIGS. 20-22).

[0108] Preferably, the privacy fence slats and fence column are made of an aluminum material. A preferred thickness is of sufficient strength to enable the privacy fence slats in particular to withstand significant lateral pressure, particularly because privacy fence slats are designed to immediately abut one another to provide the desired privacy. There will be no real ability for wind or water to easily move through such slats. The fence columns are likewise so made.

[0109] A preferred material for the privacy fence is aluminum with the range of 6000 series. Other materials may be suitable, such as steel, tin, copper, iron, and other metals, each with different required thicknesses, dependent upon the particular alloy, to reach a desired rigidity and strength for use as a privacy fence and associated upright columns. A preferred thickness of the privacy fence slats and the fence column 410 in the preferred aluminum is approximately 1.33 millimeters thick. But, a suitable range may be from 1 millimeter to 1.9 millimeters thick.

[0110] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of plurality of interconnected fence slats 450 and a fence slat top cover. The fence slats 450 are shown in perspective here, and their details will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22. This FIG. 20 demonstrates how the fence slat top cover 460 may be “snapped onto” or slid onto the top of a given privacy fence slat 450. Likewise, each privacy fence slat 450 may be joined with another by engaging their respective pair of tines (top of each slat) with a corresponding pair of engagement lips (bottom of each slat). This may be seen more fully as discussed below.

[0111] FIG. 21 is cross-sectional side view of two fence slats and a fence slat top cover. Here, the fence slats 450 are shown separated from one another, but the engagement lips 452 and pair of tines 454 are shown as able to be joined together. The tines 454 and lips 452 may “snap” together or may slide on to one another from the side (e.g. toward a view of FIG. 21). A reinforcement rib 455 may be included in a perpendicular span forming the base portion of the slat 450. The reinforcement rib 455 may provide additional tensile strength for the overall slat when it is cut to length, suspended between two upright fence columns.

[0112] FIG. 21 also shows the engagement of a pair of tines 454 with engagement lips 462 in the slat top cover 460. As with any two slats, at the top of a given privacy fence, formed of many privacy fence slats joined one to another from bottom to top within the slots of an upright fence post, the slat top cover 460 may engage with the top portion of a privacy fence slat 450 by causing the slat top cover 460 to “snap” in place over the top or to slide onto the top of the privacy fence slat 450. This slat top cover 460 may provide a flat, uniform look for the top of a privacy fence, or may enable slats to be spaced apart from one another, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, without exposing the unsightly engagement lips 454 to viewing by passersby.

[0113] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of two interconnected fence slats and an affixed fence slat top cover. Here, the privacy fence slats 450 have been joined to one another by engagement of the pair of tines 454 with the engagement lips 452. The reinforcement rib 455 is still present. And, the rectangular cavity formed at the join of each privacy fence slat to another privacy fence slat serves to act as a rib running perpendicular to the upright fence columns (e.g. toward the viewer of FIG. 22) to thereby add more strength to the overall privacy fence once installed. Likewise, the rectangular cavity's exterior portion is of a width to correspond to slots (see FIG. 23) in the sides of the upright fence column to thereby enable the slats to snugly engage with the fence post when a fence is created using the system disclosed herein.

[0114] Likewise, the slat top cover 460 has been joined to the top privacy fence slat 450 by engagement of the pair of tines 454 with the slat top cover 460 engagement lips 462.

[0115] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of parts of a fence. Here, the privacy fence may be seen in a more fully assembled posture. The fence column 410 is shown, along with a top cover 414 and associated screws or bolts 416 to hold the cover on. A top cover 418 may be provide to protect the fence column 410 interior from the elements such as rain or dirt. The cover 418 shown is a pyramidal shape, but other shapes may be used (e.g. rectangular in cross-section).

[0116] A pair of slots 421 are shown. These slots run the length of the fence column 410 and are for inserting privacy fence slats 450. The width (front to back) of the slots 421 substantially corresponds to the exterior dimensions of the privacy fence slats 450 at their widest point so that the privacy fence slats sit snugly within the slots 421 when installed. The slats 450 may be secured by a screw or bolt, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 25.

[0117] A pair of covers 412 for cavities in the front of the fence column 410 are also shown not-yet engaged with the fence column 410.

[0118] Similarly, the privacy fence slats 450 are shown joined together through engagement of each pair of tines with each pair of engagement lips (see FIG. 22). And a fence slat cover 460 is shown likewise engaged.

[0119] FIG. 24 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled fence. Here, the privacy fence slats 450, 450′ are inserted within slots 421, 421′ in the sides of the upright fence column 410. Top covers 460, 460′ cover the top of the privacy fence slats 450, 450′. An interior cavity 411 is designed to accommodate the base post 430 (FIG. 19). Engagement ridges 413 may provide an intentionally snug fit with an inserted base post 430. And, simultaneously, those engagement ridges 413 may provide vertical reinforcement for the upright fence column. The pair of covers 412, 412′ cover cavities 417, 417′ running the length of the upright fence column 410. The cavities 417, 417′ will be discussed with respect to FIG. 25.

[0120] FIG. 25 is a top, cross-sectional view of parts of an assembled fence. Here, the fence column 410 is shown from a top with the base post 430 inserted therein. The reinforcement ridges 413 are shown holding the base post 430 in place within the interior cavity 411.

[0121] The privacy fence slats 450, 450′ are shown inserted within slots 421, 421′. The cavities 417, 417′ are shown with an interior wall immediately abutting or adjacent to the front wall of each of the inserted privacy fence slats 450, 450′. Within the cavities 417, 417′, a screw, nail, barb, bolt, or other method (illustrated as element 470, for example) of attaching the fence column 410 to the privacy fence slats 450, 450′ may be used to cause the slats 450 to be permanently or semi-permanently joined to the upright fence column 410. A plurality of such screws may be used to attach, thereby adding structural rigidity to the overall system. These screws may be used for each of the plurality (e.g. 5 or 10) of privacy fence slats 450 used and inserted within the slots 421, 421′.

[0122] In this way, an installer may easily utilize self-driving, sheet metal screws to quickly assemble a privacy fence. Each fence column and fence slat may be cut to a desired length on-site using a miter saw, hand saw, or skill saw. Despite the ad hoc creation and installation, the addition of self-driving screws within these cavities 417, 417′ enable the overall fence system to be incredibly strong and sturdy.

[0123] The covers 412, 412′ over the cavities 417, 417′ may be used to provide a uniform, smooth exterior appearance to the fence column 410, while enabling the installer to drive screws through the fence column 410 and into the slats 450, 450′. The covers 412, 412′ may be “snapped” into place with the lips 415, 415′ engaging tines 419, 419′ or may slide down into place from the top (e.g. from the perspective of a viewer of FIG. 25) after being cut to a desired length to match the fence column 410 length.

[0124] The indentations 432 may be used to insert a cover (like cover 142 in FIG. 2B) for a fence column 410 end where no slats will be added to fence.

[0125] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a rolling gate 490 surrounding a building. Here, a privacy fence system surrounds a property 4. The fence system includes privacy fence columns 420 like those shown in FIGS. 19-25. In addition, the same style privacy fence columns 420 are used in the rolling gate 490. Within the rolling gate 490, typical slats are used (like those in FIGS. 1-7), to provide structural rigidity and strength to the rolling gate 490. Outside of such a gate 490, the fence slats 450 (FIGS. 20-21) are used for the reasons discussed above (e.g. less material, privacy, etc.). A center column is provided in the rolling gate 490. This also adds additional strength and rigidity to the gate 490. The slats and central columns will be discussed more fully below.

[0126] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a door-style gate surrounding a building. Here, a privacy fence system surrounds a property 4. The fence system includes privacy fence columns 420 like those shown in FIGS. 19-25. In addition, the same style privacy fence columns 420 are used in the door-style gate 590. Within the door-style gate 590, typical slats are used (like those in FIGS. 1-7), to provide structural rigidity and strength to the door-style gate 590. Outside of such a gate 590, the fence slats 450 (FIGS. 20-21) are used for the reasons discussed above (e.g. less material, privacy, etc.). A center column is provided in the door-style gate 590. This also adds additional strength and rigidity to the gate 590. The slats and central columns will be discussed more fully below.

[0127] FIG. 28 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled gate 490 corner. Here, the typical slats 100 (FIGS. 1-7) are used sitting within the slots 421 (not numbered here, but in FIG. 24). The fence column 410 is of the same style as that shown in FIG. 24, but in this case is formed into a gate 490 by cutting at 45 degree angles at the corners, placing slats 100 within the slots 421 (not numbered here, but in FIG. 24), and securing those slats 100 in place. The fence columns 410 formed into this fully-surrounding shape (which may include one or more center posts, discussed below) results in a fully-surrounding slot into which the slats 100 may sit. Therein, the slats 100 may be secured with screws or other systems (discussed below with reference to FIG. 31) to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to hold the entire gate 490 together. Because the material is preferably aluminum, steel, or another rigid metal structure, the gate 490 will maintain its shape for many years, even in the presences of heat, cold, water, and other elements. The screws may be hidden behind covers, like cover 412 (see also FIG. 24) which, when in place over the cavities 417 (FIG. 24) provide a uniform, flat surface. And, when those covers 412 are in place fully surrounding the slats 100, the covers 412 are held in place by abutting adjacent covers and no mounting screws, brackets, glue or other systems are required once all columns 410 and covers 412 are in place around the slats 100.

[0128] An exterior slot may also be formed by the fence column 410 along the exterior of the gate 490. This cavity is substantially water-tight and uniform, but need not be covered (in some cases it may be with a corresponding slot cover, like slot cover 144 (FIG. 17). This will provide a uniform, smooth exterior surface for the fence columns 410 that surround the slots 100 in the gate 490. Such an appearance may be aesthetically pleasing. And, as with the other fences, gates, and fence columns herein, all may be cut to size and created on-site with minimal specialized tools (e.g. blades suitable to cut aluminum are sufficient) so that they may be fabricated and installed on-site at a location.

[0129] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of parts of a gate 490 near a fence column 410 acting as a center post 410. The fence column 410 is the same as the fence columns 410, but placed in the center of a gate 490 to bridge two sets of slats 100 that are in the gate 490 together. The slats may come in pre-cut lengths such as six feet or ten feet and may be cut to a desired length as discussed above. The slats 100 may be fastened to the fence column 410 by screws, rivets, fasteners, or other systems, thereby providing structural rigidity to the gate 490. The covers 412 may be placed over the screws or fasteners to hide them from view and provide a uniform, aesthetically-pleasing exterior to the fence column 410.

[0130] FIG. 30 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate 490 near a fence column 410 acting as a center post. In this perspective, one can see the fence column 410 with the same cross-section as shown in FIG. 19. The covers 412 are now in place providing the uniform, aesthetically pleasing front face. Because this is a privacy fence, the slats 100 abut one another top to bottom so that there are no or very tiny gaps and no one may see through the slats 100. The slats 100 are also now in place within the slots (not numbered here).

[0131] FIG. 31 is a top, cross-sectional view of an assembled gate 490 near a fence column 410 acting as a center post. Here, the screws, like screw 470, may be seen holding the slats 100 in place. One or more screws, fasteners, rivets, or other systems for holding the slats in place may be used to secure each slat 100. The collective connection provide by at least one screw or other fastener (typically, two) for each of many slats along the body of the fence column 410 provides a significant amount of structural strength and rigidity to the gate 490. This helps to avoid sag and other deformities of the gate 490 over time and use. The covers 412 cover the screws, hiding them from easy view.

[0132] FIG. 32 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate 590 near a hinge 602. Here, the gate 590 is made up of the fence column 410, and a series of slats 240. There may be other fence columns 410 as shown as center posts in FIGS. 30 and 31 and there will be another edge having a latch as shown in FIG. 27 so that the gate 590 may close. A series of covers 412 may cover the open areas of the fence column 410 to provide a smooth, aesthetically-pleasing surface for one of the sides of the fence column 410.

[0133] Preferably slats like slat 240 (e.g., FIG. 9) are used because they provide the same appearance from the front and the back, unlike those slats 450 shown in FIG. 23. This is because the presence of a gate like gate 590 indicates that a viewer will be able to see the gate 590 from the front and the back. In general, the privacy fence slats 450 of FIG. 23 are intended for situations where the back side of the gate 590 may not be seen. In addition, slats like slat 240 provide more rigidity than those of FIG. 23 for structural strength for the gate 590. However, slats of any suitable type may be used.

[0134] The fence column 410 may be joined to the fence column 20 (see FIGS. 2A-2C) using a hinge 602. The hinge 620 may be joined to both the fence column 20 and the fence column 410 using metal self-tapping screws 604. The metal material, typically aluminum, for both fence columns 20, 410, are sufficiently ductile that self-tapping screws 604 may penetrate. And, the columns 20, 410 are sufficiently rigid and reinforced that screws will not meaningfully impact their structural integrity. Importantly, such an installation enables the gate 590 and fence to be joined easily, on-site, without reliance upon welding or pre-cutting materials. This saves in installation and manufacturing costs as the materials may be manufactured and sold in bulk, then assembled as necessary on site. Fence columns 20 and 410 are shown as distinct from one another in this gate 590, but in other cases only column 410 or only column 20 types may be used.

[0135] Fence column 20 fence column 410 covers 412, slats 240 (e.g., FIG. 9)

[0136] “Plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. The terms “comprising,”“including,”“carrying,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,” and similar words in the written description or the claims are open-ended, i.e., each means, “including but not limited to.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases regarding claims. The ordinal terms like “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., in the claims don't by themselves connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Instead, they merely are labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for the ordinal term's use). Alternatives like “or” include one or any combination of the listed items. “Applicant” means the assignee of this application at the time of filing.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0053]Overview: A fence system 2 surrounds or partially surrounds property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence system's fence column 20 attaches to steel or other metal square, rectangle, or polygon base post 10 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Those figures also show the structure of fence column. Having a base post with the same shape as the base post prevents or limits pivoting of the fence column about the base post. The base post could be round, but that would require a different inside shape of fence column 20, but a round-to-round connection may allow the fence column to pivot about the base post. Though the specification uses “rectangle,” the word encompasses the other shapes. But the drawing show a square or nearly square base with rounded internal and external corners. The gate 190 is shown as fully framed, unlike the surrounding fence portions, but the gate 190 may be fully framed or the slats may be mounted directly into an upright fence post and / or specialized fence post on two sides which f...

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and / or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

[0002] This patent claims priority from provisional patent application 63 / 296,126, filed Jan. 3, 2022 and entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM.

[0003] This patent also claims priority as a continuation-in-part from non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18 / 341,622, entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM filed Jun. 26, 2023 which claims priority as a continuation-in-part to non-provisional application Ser. No. 17 / 898,315, filed Aug. 29, 2022, entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM.BACKGROUNDField

[0004] This disclosure relates to fencing systems and gates.Description of the Related Art

[0005] Many types of residential and commercial fencing exist. One type is pre-cut wooden fence posts with and panels or slats. Installers using those systems may purchase a desired number of posts, sink them with concrete, attach them with crossbars, and nail the slats to the crossbars. These fences have a more rustic, rough-cut feel that some find unattractive for certain applications.

[0006] Wrought iron fencing is also common. It usually is sold in panels, but to fit in the perimeter of a property or yard, panels must be cut to desired lengths with an acetylene torch. Wrought iron also is heavy, about 0.28 lb. / in.3 though most components of wrought iron fencing are hollow and the pickets are spaced. Wrought iron fencing requires strong metal or brick posts to support them. Gates for wrought iron fencing usually are custom made and sized using a welder. Wrought iron becomes expensive because of the labor costs for a welder, the expense of sturdy posts, and the material and shipping cost of using iron. Wrought iron also is subject to rust and corrosion and needs regular painting especially in damp or rainy climates.

[0007] Chain link fence is widely available and inexpensive. It comes in rolls, and may be installed using standard posts and fittings. Many find chain link fencing unattractive, particularly for higher-end homes, and it often degrades and looks worse over time as fittings loosen, sections sag, and the bottom may become spaced from the ground.

[0008] One fencing solution for modern-style homes is fine-cut redwood or cedar fencing. The slats typically are installed horizontally between vertical posts, but the slats can be installed vertically. The slats may be arranged with wider slats and smaller slats interspersed with one another for aesthetic purposes. The support structure's posts usually are redwood or cedar, but they it may be metal. The posts typically are sunk in concrete or fixed to existing concrete or structures. These fences can be attractive especially for modern homes, but they are labor intensive. To appear appropriately, the slats must be cut precisely. Fine-cut, pre-sanded, and fine-grained redwood or cedar which are typically used is costly, three to five times the price of rough-cut fence slats. Though redwood and cedar resist weathering better than other wood, rain, snow, ice, and sunlight can still cause degradation so components must be replaced or at least periodically re-sanded and stained or painted.

[0009] Steel-based systems are said to mimic the shape and clean lines provided by the fine-cut redwood and cedar fences, but working with steel can be difficult. Steel must be cut with an acetylene torch, and a welder usually must attach the slats to steel posts and cross members. Steel slats may be painted and are strong but they can be heavy, difficult to install, and welding each member takes time and money for a professional welder.

[0010] Vinyl fencing systems exist. The vinyl fencing is easy to cut, simple to install, uninform in color (usually white), lightweight, and relatively aesthetically pleasing. However, vinyl stands up to heat quite poorly. The slats sag or fall out and usually must be screwed to a cross member or post. The connections between slats and posts often are visible. The slats themselves cannot be used alone for support because the vinyl is not sufficiently strong and rigid. So, support members are often included and spacing between posts must generally be closer than with metal-based systems.

[0011] Aluminum and steel fencing can be expensive for use in privacy fences. For a true privacy fence, the fencing should generally entirely occlude the covered area from top to bottom. So, privacy fence slats of whatever type are typically abutted against one another. As a result, a great deal of material must be used in typical cases to ensure complete occlusion of vision. Relatedly, a typical privacy fence is from six to ten feet in height so that it may properly function as a privacy fence and not merely an obstruction. Privacy fences are typically used in back yards and side yards of homes, but may also be used by businesses and government properties to discourage theft, or trespassing, or otherwise hinder outsider's view of the interior of the fencing.SUMMARY

[0012] Most components shown herein are made from powder-coated aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, less than 0.1 lb. / in.3 (2.8 g / cm3), substantially less than iron or steel. The light weight allows the persons constructing the fence system to move the aluminum components easily. Shipping is likewise less expensive. The powder coat or anodization can come in many colors and designs. The components here are hollow so any comparison with other material such as wrought iron must account for parts being hollow. For the thicknesses applicant uses, the components can be cut using a conventional electric miter saw and remain strong enough to be placed without additional non-aluminum support.

[0013] The principal components are extruded 6063 alloy powder-coated aluminum. Anodized aluminum is another choice, but powder coating allows for more colors and designs. Several components including a fence column have a complex cross-section for which forming by extrusion is ideal, and the 6063 alloy is a suitable choice for extrusions though other alloys also may be suitable.

[0014] The fence system attaches to aluminum or steel rectangular base posts that attaches to a fence column. The inside wall of a fence column fits over the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around the inside wall. Each of three side of the fence column has a slot wide enough to accommodate one end of the slats. A bracket attaches the end of the slat to the fence column to secure the slats in place and provide rigidity to the entire structure. Additional slats may be added adjacent to the slat above or below, and spacers may leave space between the slats. The slats may be the same height, or their heights can vary for aesthetic purposes. All slots have grooves so empty slots can receive a slot cover, and areas between spaced slats can receive covers sized to fit in the space between slats. The slot covers likewise provide uniform spacing between the slats and an overall aesthetic, clean appearance.

[0015] A plate covers the open end on top of the fence column, and self-drilling screws extend through apertures in the plate and secure the plate to the fence column's open end. Other plate covers attach to other open ends of fence columns or similar members used for other than a fence column. An adhesive secures a post cap to the top of the fence column and the plate.

[0016] The fence system also includes a gate, which may have two intersecting members: fence column (vertical) and platform (horizontal). The platform is at the bottom of the gate, and structure like the platform may be at the gate's top. The fence column and platforms may have the same extruded shape. A short post secures the fence column and platform together.

[0017] The horizontal platform is positioned with a slot open upward and a slot open downward. A bolt extends through a hole in the platform to a threated opening in a short post within the fence column to secure the fence column to the platform.

[0018] An L-brace though the centers of the horizontal platform and the vertical fence columns could secure them together. To cover the intersection of the L-brace's horizontal and vertical sections, the adjacent ends horizontal platform and vertical fence column are cut at a 45° angle so they intersect at a right angle and cover the L-brace.

[0019] The privacy fence system described and claimed herein reduces the steel or aluminum fencing material necessary to provide complete coverage, primarily relying upon a single layer for visual occlusion. It also snaps together using a unique linking system and slides neatly into custom-designed fence posts. The details of this system will be discussed below herein.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fence surrounding a building.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0022] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0023] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0024] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0025] FIG. 2D is a sectional front view of a fence through plane 2D-2D in FIG. 2C.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of a fence.

[0027] FIG. 4-7 are front views of different slat arrangements of the fence.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view of a component of a fence used as part of a gate.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view of components of a fence used as part of a gate.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view the door structure of a fence.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view of a section of a fence with a thinner slat like a glass slat.

[0032] FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view showing a connection between two fence columns connected at right angles to each other.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view with the two fence columns connected at right angles to each other

[0034] FIG. 14 is a sectional plan view of structure for a fence through plane 14-14 of FIG. 13.

[0035] FIG. 15 is front view of a top corner of a fence with an internal bracket.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view of a portion of a fence with a window framed within.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a cross section of an upper or lower window frame.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a front view of a window pane mount for the fence or gate.

[0039] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of parts of a fence system.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of plurality of interconnected fence slats and a fence slat top cover.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of two fence slats and a fence slat top cover.

[0042] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of two interconnected fence slats and an affixed fence slat top cover.

[0043] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0044] FIG. 24 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled fence.

[0045] FIG. 25 is a top, cross-sectional view of parts of an assembled fence.

[0046] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a rolling gate surrounding a building.

[0047] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a door-style gate surrounding a building.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled gate corner.

[0049] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of parts of a gate near a fence column acting as a center post.

[0050] FIG. 30 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate near a fence column acting as a center post.

[0051] FIG. 31 is a top, cross-sectional view of an assembled gate near a fence column acting as a center post.

[0052] FIG. 32 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate near a hinge.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Overview: A fence system 2 surrounds or partially surrounds property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence system's fence column 20 attaches to steel or other metal square, rectangle, or polygon base post 10 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Those figures also show the structure of fence column. Having a base post with the same shape as the base post prevents or limits pivoting of the fence column about the base post. The base post could be round, but that would require a different inside shape of fence column 20, but a round-to-round connection may allow the fence column to pivot about the base post. Though the specification uses “rectangle,” the word encompasses the other shapes. But the drawing show a square or nearly square base with rounded internal and external corners. The gate 190 is shown as fully framed, unlike the surrounding fence portions, but the gate 190 may be fully framed or the slats may be mounted directly into an upright fence post and / or specialized fence post on two sides which form the entirety of the gate frame, when joined with any interior slats.

[0054] Base post 10 can attach to concrete, deck, soil, or to the top of a brick, block, or concrete wall. The base post may be painted or treated to resist corrosion or rust. Base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A-D attaches to concrete or a deck 2. The base post in the figures is 1.25 in. (3.175 cm)×1.25 in., but opposite walls may be elongated slightly. Conversions between English and metric are approximated. The base post may have outer flange 12 with screw openings 14 (FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D). Bolts (not shown) secure the flange to concrete. The bolts may extend upward from the concrete when the concrete is poured. Then nuts secure the flange to the bolt and concrete.

[0055] Cover 16 slides over the base post. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D). The cover hides the outer flange and bolts for a pleasing appearance.

[0056] To mount the base post on soil, an 18 in. to 24 in. (46 cm to 61 cm) hole is dug. After concrete is poured into the hole, the base post is pushed into the soft concrete and plumbed to be vertical. Whether base posts 10 are in concrete or soil, the base posts are aimed to account for the path of the fence system.

[0057] Connection of slats to fence column: Fence slats 100 extend between fence columns 20 around property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence column (FIG. 3 and others) has a base post receiver, inside wall 22, around base post 10. The inside wall has four sides 24, 26, 28, and 30 (FIG. 3). Adjacent inside walls meet at a 3.4 mm (0.13 in.) outside radius. The inside spacing between walls 24 and 28 is 33 mm (1.3 in.), and the inside dimension between walls 26 and 30 is 34 mm (1.3 in.). Inside wall 22 is almost square to fit with the base post 10. The thickness of the aluminum components may vary, but it typically is 1.78 mm (0.07 in.).

[0058] Screws, other fasteners (not shown) or an adhesive may secure the base post to the inside wall, but friction may suffice. See also projections 34 on inside wall 36 of the other fence column 32 (FIG. 3). Those projections are small enough to allow the base post to pass into the inside wall but the productions deform when the base post is inserted in inside wall 36 to push against the base post and hold the base post within the inside wall. Fence column 32 on the right side of FIG. 3 does not show a base post within inside wall 36.

[0059] Fence column 20 also has outside tubular member 40 attached to and spaced outside of inside wall 22 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Because fence column 20 is extruded, “attached” in the context of the fence column means components are in contact or in such near contact that the aluminum maintains the components' positions with each other. The outside tubular member includes base member 42 with first and second ends 44 and 46 (left side of FIG. 3). The distance between the ends is greater than the length of inside wall 30 (FIG. 3). The base member's width may be 70 mm (2.8 in.) versus 33 mm (1.3 in.) for inside wall 22. End walls 50 and 52 continue from end 44 and 46 and then continue as sidewalls 56 and 58 to intersect fourth and first inside walls 30 and 24 (FIG. 3).

[0060] Three-sided pillars 60 and 62 extend outward near corners 64 and 66 of inside wall 22 (FIG. 3). Open-ended gaps like gap 76 are at the outside corners of pillars 60 and 62. Depending on the location of the end of fence column 20, the gaps receive self-drilling screws 156 for holding cover plate 48 at the top of fence column 20 (FIG. 2). Gaps 78 and 80 on the ends of outside tubular member 40 perform a similar function. Silicone or other adhesive attaches pyramid cover 54 above cover 48 (FIG. 2) to keep water, debris, and insects out of fence columns 20. Cover 48 and pyramid cover 54 may be attached to exposed ends during construction to keep rain or dirt outside the fence column 20 or other appropriate components.

[0061] The sizes and positions of outside tubular member 40 and three-sided pillars 60 and 62 create three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3). The slots are sized to receive one end of one or more elongated slats such as slat 100 received in slot 94 (FIG. 2D, 3, 9, 10). The slots' width dimension are wide enough to accommodate one end of a slat like slat 100. Additional slats may contact the slat below, or the slats may be spaced from adjacent slats.

[0062] Slats 100 may be powder-coated aluminum, which can be cut to length with an electric miter saw. Each slat's width may be 20.6 mm (0.8 in.). The height of each slat may be 140 mm (5.5 in.), 50 mm (2 in.) or another height. The slats in the drawings are rectangular in cross-section and a height 102 that may exceed its width 104 (FIG. 2B).

[0063] Stainless steel, L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114 and their associated stainless steel, self-driving screws 116 and 118 through wall 26 secure slat 100 to wall 26 at the inside end of slot 94 (FIGS. 2, 2B, 2D). Stainless steel screws work well securing parts like the L-shaped fasteners into the aluminum slats and fence column 20.

[0064] Each sidewall of slots 90, 92, and 94 has opposing grooves 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 (FIGS. 2, 2A-D, and 3) formed during extrusion. Slot covers such as covers 142 and 144 cover unused slots in the fence member (FIGS. 2B, 3). Each slot cover has an outside wall 146 and two sides 148 and 150, each with a distal shoulder 152 and 154. The distal shoulders are sized to fit in their respective groove like groove 130 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2C, 3). When the distal shoulders at the bottom of the slot cover are inserted into the grooves of a slot, the slot cover can be glided through its grooves to cover its empty slot. Though the structure uses grooves in the slots for the slot covers, when the slot cover reaches its final position, they may be fastened with an adhesive or in other ways at their positions in the slots.

[0065] The slats extend from one fence column 20 to adjacent fence column 32 (FIG. 3). With the three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2A-2C and 3), the fence system is not limited to a straight line. In FIG. 3, for example, slat 100 extends from slot 90 of fence column 20 into slot 170 of fence column 32. Another slat, 98 extends from slot 186 in the same general direction as slat 100. Slat 98 also could extend from slot 188 at a right angle to slat 100. Turning fence column 32 180° extends slot 188 in the opposite right angle in FIG. 3.

[0066] Increasing the slots' widths slightly may allow changing the angles that the slats, e.g., 98 and 100, project from fence column 20 so the fence can accommodate irregular property shapes. Angled slats still are secured by screws through L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118.

[0067] Slats' Positioning: FIGS. 4 through 7 show four of many possible slat arrangements. FIG. 4 has 140 mm slats 96 in which the bottom of one slat rests on the top of the adjacent slat. From a distance, the arrangement may appear solid. A similar arrangement could have 140 mm slat 100, 50 mm slat 106 or another height slat or a mixture of them stacked above each other.

[0068] Slats 100 in FIG. 5 are about 140 mm high and are spaced apart about 140 mm apart. The 140 mm slats 106 in FIG. 6 are spaced apart farther than those in FIG. 5, and the 50 mm slats in FIG. 7 are spaced about 50 mm apart. Note the slats in FIGS. 5 and 7 and the single slat in FIG. 4 are aligned with the top and bottom of the fence columns 20 and 21, but the top and bottom slats in FIG. 6 are spaced from the top of the fence columns. FIGS. 5 through 7 only use slats of one width. Slats of two different widths and even three or more widths can be used.

[0069] L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118 secure slats to fence columns 20 in fence system with spacing between the slats, (FIG. 2). That spacing could leave parts of slot 94, the L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114, and screws 116 and 118 visible and exposed. Spacers 158 (FIGS. 2, 2C) can cover those parts of the otherwise open slot. Spacers have the same shape as slot covers 142 and 144. After one slat 100 is secured in place, spacer 158 is slid through grooves like groove 130 and 134 until it contacts the slat. Then another slat is slid through the slot and secured to wall 26. The process continues until the top slat is secured to its position.

[0070] A window of transparent material like glass or plastic 162 may replace one or more aluminum slats (FIG. 11) reliant upon a slot cover of a different form. The transparent material allows light to shine through, and the resident and guests can see out. The window also could be frosted or translucent to allow light to pass through it.

[0071] Here, the glass window 162 extends between fence columns 20 and 32 into slots 90 and 170 (FIG. 11) much as in FIG. 3. However, the window may be thinner than applicant's aluminum slats, and it may be taller or shorter than any slat. Clip 164 secures the window in the slot. The clip has a U-shaped portion 166, which is the width of the glass piece. FIG. 11 shows how the window fits in the U-shaped portion. Side projections 168 and 176 may project out from the U-shaped section to about the width of the slot, and distal projections 172 and 178 fit into the slot. Distal shoulders 176 and 180 project outward from wall 172 and 178 into slot grooves 182 and 184 to position clip 164.

[0072] Alternatively, the clips 164 and 168 may take the form of a U-shaped device fully filling the entirety of the slots 90 and 170 with or without engaging grooves 182 and 184. See FIG. 16. In such a case, the window 162 may be fully-framed (FIG. 17) by such clip 164 and 168. The clip may project outward from the edges of the columns 20 and 32 such that the clips 164 and 168 appear to fully frame the window 162. See FIG. 17. Silicone or rubber gaskets may be used to secure and frame the window 162 within the clips 164 and 168. When mounting the window 162, it may be fully framed or only framed on two sides.

[0073] Gates: The fence system can include sliding or pivoting door-like gates such as pivoting gate 190 (FIG. 1). Because gates slide, roll or pivot, they don't attach to concrete, deck or soil. Gates, especially sliding and rolling ones, may be wider than the spacing of conventional fence sections like those in FIG. 1, so stronger, more rigid tops and bottoms may be desirable.

[0074] The gate may rely upon only two upright members, one on either side of the gate, with the slats forming the frame of the horizontal portion of the gate since the slats themselves are structural and generally made of rigid material such as aluminum. In such a case, the slats operate in much the same way as the fence post and slat combinations. Except, in the case of a gate, the two fenceposts on either side of the gate are not connected to the ground, but instead are joined to two adjacent fixed, fenceposts on either side, one mounted on hinges, the other connected or adjacent and including a latch and catch. This configuration is preferable as both easier to manufacture on site when constructing the fence and having fewer parts.

[0075] In such a case, one of the fenceposts making up the gate, particularly the one nearest the latch, may be of a unique shape (FIGS. 8-10) which is of a shape designed to have mounted thereon a conventional lockset. The use of the word “conventional” here is important meaning a traditional United States lockset with a mounting position and size of approximately 2 and ⅛th inches in diameter. There have existed locksets made for use with thin gate and fence frames that are uniquely manufactured and, typically, thin. These are ordinarily on the order of 1 inch in width and designed for very narrow use. They operate adequately, but are expensive, cannot be keyed to the same key as the home around which the gate is located, and are more difficult to find in different styles than a traditional, conventional lockset. So, as used herein the phrase “conventional lockset” means one having a lock bore of 2 and ⅛ inches and the lockset housing 232 (FIG. 10) discussed below is of a sufficient width to accommodate a “conventional lockset” as defined herein.

[0076] Alternatively, the gate may have two intersecting members: fence columns 192 (vertical) and platform 194 (horizontal) (FIGS. 12-13). Both may have the same shape as fence column 20 (FIG. 3). Using the same fence columns allows builders to keep one component in inventory for both locations, but different dimensioned fence columns could be used. Applicant uses horizontal platform 194 at the bottom of gates (FIGS. 12-13), but the horizontal platform also can be used on fence sections that are not gates.

[0077] Vertical fence column 192 extends upward from horizontal platform 194. See FIGS. 12-15. The horizontal platform becomes a base with its bottom aligned with and at a right angle to the vertical fence column. Instead of a base post attached to the ground like base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D, and 3, applicant uses a short post 196 secured to vertical fence columns 192 and to horizontal platform 194 (FIGS. 12, 14). Those figures show one short post, but a gate usually has at least two short posts at opposite sides of the gate. Longer gates also may have one or more intermediated, spaced-apart, short posts to improve support.

[0078] Short post 196 may be hollow and have the same outer dimensions as base post 10 (FIG. 3 and others). The short post may be coated carbon steel or stainless steel to withstand corrosion. Instead of using bolt 210 and nut 204, the bottom end 208 of the short post may be welded shut, and the end would have a threaded opening 200 for receiving a modified bolt like bolt 202 (FIGS. 12 and 14). A drilled hole (not numbered) extends through inside walls 214 and 216 of the horizontal platform and through the bottom wall 198 if short post 196 (FIG. 14).

[0079] To install the short post, horizontal platform 194 is positioned with slot 210 open upward and slot 212 open downward (FIGS. 12-14). Bolt 202 fits through the holes and engages threaded opening 200 to connect to the short post. FIG. 14 shows nut 204 secured to the end of the bolt, but a nut may be unnecessary when opening 200 and bolt 202 have common threads to be secured to each other. If a nut is used, a locking washer (not shown) between head 206 of the bolt and the horizontal platform 194 also could secure the bolt.

[0080] Until components are aligned, having the bolt remain loose may be advantageous. Smaller screws 218 (FIGS. 12, 14) may be threaded through the slots into preexisting, threaded openings 212 in post 196 for securing the post to its fence column. Inserting those screws also may await aligning the components.

[0081] For a wide gate, one or two additional short posts like short post 196 may mount at spaced-apart locations between the ends of the gate. These short posts support a fence column with slots extending to the sides for receiving slats with the layout of the layout used between fence columns.

[0082] Rolling gates have wheels facing downward from the bottom fence column. The wheels may travel over a metal track attached to concrete under the gate. The support for the wheel attaches to a bolt through the bottom fence column (not shown).

[0083] During assembly, slot covers like cover 142 and 144 (FIGS. 2B and 3) are slid into place. Then the slats like slats 100 and 106 are inserted in the slots of vertical post column 192 attached by an L-shaped fastener like fastener 110. The first inserted slat may mount in slot 200 of vertical fence column 194, or using fasteners, the first inserted slat may be spaced from horizontal platform 194.

[0084] To make the gate more rigid, a similar arrangement of the horizontal and vertical fence columns may mount on the top to the gate after the slats are positioned between the vertical fence columns.

[0085] An alternate arrangement for a fence section uses an L-brace 224 (FIG. 15) to secure vertical fence column 192 and horizontal platform 222 at the top of the fence section. The L-brace may be steel for strength and may be formed from one square, hollow crosspiece with outside dimensions the same as or like short post 10's dimensions. The steel may be treated or painted for rust and corrosion prevention. The L-brace is cut to a desired length at a 45° angle, and one piece is rotated 180°. The 45°-angle ends are welded together to form the L-brace's horizontal section 226 and vertical section 224.

[0086] The free end 226 of L-brace 220 extends into a center section of horizontal platform 228, and the L-brace's vertical section 228 extends into the center section of vertical fence column 232. FIG. 15 shows neither center section, but they are formed from an inside wall like wall 22 in FIG. 3. Screws (not shown) through the slots of the fence column and platform into the L-brace secure the fence columns to the L-brace. Because the L-brace is steel, the bracket's holes may be predrilled and tapped.

[0087] To cover the region near the intersection of L-brace 224's horizontal section 226 and vertical section 224, the adjacent ends 292 and 294 of the horizontal platform and vertical fence columns are cut at a 45° angle so they intersect to form a right angle. Self-drilling screws may extend through the fence columns into predrilled holds in L-brace 224 after ends 292 and 294 are brought together tightly.

[0088] For swing gates, a fence column like fence column 20 mounts vertically on a base post like post 10, attaches to another stationary fence column, or attaches to a concrete, block, stucco, wood, or brick wall. One or more hinges (not shown) attach the fence column that pivots with the gate to the stationary object.

[0089] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show components for the side of the swinging gate that swings open and close. Lockset housing 232 replaces fence column 20 from other figures. It has two elongated sides 234 and 236. The right end (FIGS. 8 and 9) forms a slot 238 that receives slats 240. The slats are stacked like they are in other sections of the fence. These slats may be held in place by L-shaped fasteners (not shown) like fastener 110 and 118 in FIG. 2B. Self-drilling screws (not shown) also may extend through walls 240 and 242 near the right end of the lockset housing 232 into the slats. See FIG. 9.

[0090] Lockset housing 232 receives a lockset, which includes doorknobs 246 and 248 (FIG. 9). The doorknobs extend through drilled holes (not shown) through elongated walls 232 and 234. The drilled holes are typically about 3.5 ft. (≈1.1 m) above the ground. The doorknobs attach to other lockset structure based on instructions often included with purchased locksets.

[0091] Parts of the lockset extend from the doorknobs to a conventional mechanism 250 inside lockset housing 232. Rotating a doorknob causes the mechanism to move latch assembly 252 to the right (FIG. 9) to withdraw latch bolt 254 (FIG. 10). Releasing the doorknobs in the other direction allows the bolt to move outward as FIG. 10 shows. Because the lockset is conventional, and the installer can choose among different locksets, the installer uses components for the chosen lockset. The lockset latch may include a deadlatch plunger to block that may prevent an intruder from using a screwdriver, credit card or other flat device to push the latch inward to open the gate.

[0092] Instead of or in addition to latch 254, the gate may have a deadbolt lock (not shown) as part of the lockset. Applicant also could use a lock for sliding gates such as a sliding gate lock from Locinox USA. The lockset may use electronics for opening the latch through fingerprint recognition, a numeric combination, or remote through wi-fi or other wireless network protocols.

[0093] Post 260 specifically designed for the gate (FIGS. 9 and 10) may be extruded aluminum. Its back wall 262 may attach to a building wall to another fence column like fence column 20. It also may be attached to the ground though a post. Slot 268 in post 260 has gaps 264 at the inside corners the receive screws for attaching a cover. Post 260's front wall 266 receives slot cover 270 in grooves 272 and 274 (FIG. 9), and opening 268 in the slot cover receives latch 254 when the gate is pivoted closed. Front wall 266 includes extension 276 that extends a short distance along elongated wall 236 (FIG. 9). The extension blocks intruders from reaching latch 252 to force the gate open. Extension 276 should face outward from the property, and the gate opens in toward the opposite direction. See FIG. 10.

[0094] Narrow walls 242 and 244 at the right side of elongated walls 234 and 236 (FIG. 9) have grooves 280 and 282 for receiving slot covers (not shown) or slats so that the post 260 may be used without any other posts, interior frame, or horizontal posts along with a plurality of slats and may still self-support and self-frame while providing sufficient space to mount a conventional lockset on the lockset housing 232. Those covers may be sized to align with the outside surface of elongated walls 234 and 236. Other grooves 284 and 286 also may receive spacers like spacers 158 (FIG. 2) between slats.

[0095] Grooves like groove 130 (FIG. 2) inside the three fence column's slots like slot 90 run the length of the fence column. Slot covers may slide into those grooves to create a near-uniform flat face for the side with the slot cover.

[0096] Having no visible slots makes the fence column smooth and aesthetically pleasing. When slats are installed in a slot, the slot cover hide the slats' open ends and any rough edges made while cutting the aluminum.

[0097] Locating the slots along the fence columns' three sides enables the fence columns to be used for straight fence sections and for corners turning “left” or “right” along a fence row. The final side of the fence column, base wall 42, has no groove because that side needs no panels installed to that side.

[0098] Returning to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present system that encloses transparent, translucent, or opaque window 162 is shown. Though discussed as a window herein, other substantially flat panels could be used (e.g. flat sheet of metal, a wooden panel or slats, a plexiglass or plastic panel, and similar materials). Window 162 is held between clips 164 at either side. Clips 300 enclose window 162 at the top and bottom of those panels. Clips 300 can be inserted into slot 90, 92, 94 or 170 in the same manner as are slats 100. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicone caulk may be used between windows 162 and clips 300 to prevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 300.

[0099] FIG. 17 discloses a cross section of an upper or lower window frame 350. The upper or lower window frame 350 includes no clips and instead is a fully-formed enclosure (in cross section) so that it may be mounted separately from the upright fence posts (or any horizontal fence posts) and may have a flush and aesthetic exterior appearance. There is an upper U-groove 352, and the sides 354 and bottom 356 fully enclose an interior portion (not labeled). The frame 350 is of a width that it may be mounted so that its two ends fit within a slot in an upright fence post, fully enclosing a window when combined with the clips 300 shown in FIG. 16.

[0100] Turning next to FIG. 18, a side view of the panel 162 framed within clips 164 and 300. Clip 300 is the same width as slots 90, 92, 94, and 170 so that clip 300 may fit into those slots. However, clip 300 does not have slot grooves 184. This allows clip 300 to fit within slots 90, 92, 94, and 170 perpendicular to clips 164. Clip 300 is the same as upper or lower window frame 350 and has a U-shaped portion 352, which is the width of the window 162. The window 162 fits in the U-shaped portion 352 of clip 300 in the same manner as it fits into the U-shaped portion of clip 164. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicon caulk may be used between windows 162 and U-shaped portion 352 to prevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 164 and 300. This configuration shown in FIG. 17 could be used with a fixed fence post set or could form a part of a gate.

[0101] However, clip 300 encloses the top and bottom of the panel 162, therefore, clip 300 does not contain any distal shoulders to engage with slot grooves.

[0102] Clip 300 can slide into slots 90, 92, 94, or 170 adjacent to (that is, below, on top of, or in between) clips 164. There, clips 300 may be held in place using L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Alternatively, clips 300 and 164 may be cut at 45°-angles and joined together, similar to the way L-brace sections 226 and 224, or ends 292 and 294 of the horizontal platform and vertical fence column, are joined together. Neither option requires welding of the aluminum.

[0103] Though the window 162 is shown as a single pane, the window 162 may in fact be multiple panes in much the same manner that the slats may be placed at various places along a given upright post. Individual panes may be separated using covers 142 and 144 and may be held in place with L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Such clips 300 for use on bottom and top to fully-frame the window 162 may not include distal shoulders so that such shoulders do not extend outward from the frame. Instead, such clips 300 may be fully flush on their exterior, providing only a frame around the window 162. And, the slats and windows 162 may be interspersed or alternated in a given gate (e.g. with a window portion near the top, slats from the ground to waist height). With the clip 300 operating as a separator, fully framing the window 162 within the gate or fence portion and the slats acting to support the gate or fence portion as described above.

[0104] Clips 300 may be oriented with their U-shaped portion 352 pointing up or down to enclose the bottom or top of a panel 162, respectively. Two clips 300 can be oriented abutting each other, but with their U-shaped portions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put two windows 162 between columns 32 and 20 without leaving a gap between the clips 300. The clips 300 may be fixed together to help maintain their position and improve strength. Alternatively, two clips 300 can be oriented with space in between them, with their U-shaped portions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put a gap between the two windows 162 and their respective clips 300. Other numbers of windows 162 and clips 300 may be arranged to place additional windows 162 (or slats) between columns 32 and 20, with or without spaces between the windows 162 and their respective clips 300. The description is illustrative, not limiting and is for example only. Although this application shows and describes examples, those having ordinary skill in the art will find it apparent they can make changes, modifications or alterations. Examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, but those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

[0105] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of parts of a fence system 400. In a similar fashion to the fence post of FIG. 2A, the system 400 includes a fence column 410, a cover 420, a base post 430 and property 440.

[0106] The fence column 410 is of a design distinct from that discussed with reference to FIG. 2A. As will be discussed more fully below with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, this fence column includes two slots for accepting privacy fence slats, and two front cavities for enabling screws to be driven through the column and into the privacy fence slats when placed in position within the two slots. Thereafter, covers may be placed over the cavities to provide a uniform, aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

[0107] The cover 420 may provide a buffer or barrier between the base post 430 and the property 440. The cover 420 also separates the upright fence column 410 from the property 440. The cover 420 may be made of the same material as the fence column 410 and the privacy fence slats (not shown, see FIGS. 20-22).

[0108] Preferably, the privacy fence slats and fence column are made of an aluminum material. A preferred thickness is of sufficient strength to enable the privacy fence slats in particular to withstand significant lateral pressure, particularly because privacy fence slats are designed to immediately abut one another to provide the desired privacy. There will be no real ability for wind or water to easily move through such slats. The fence columns are likewise so made.

[0109] A preferred material for the privacy fence is aluminum with the range of 6000 series. Other materials may be suitable, such as steel, tin, copper, iron, and other metals, each with different required thicknesses, dependent upon the particular alloy, to reach a desired rigidity and strength for use as a privacy fence and associated upright columns. A preferred thickness of the privacy fence slats and the fence column 410 in the preferred aluminum is approximately 1.33 millimeters thick. But, a suitable range may be from 1 millimeter to 1.9 millimeters thick.

[0110] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of plurality of interconnected fence slats 450 and a fence slat top cover. The fence slats 450 are shown in perspective here, and their details will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22. This FIG. 20 demonstrates how the fence slat top cover 460 may be “snapped onto” or slid onto the top of a given privacy fence slat 450. Likewise, each privacy fence slat 450 may be joined with another by engaging their respective pair of tines (top of each slat) with a corresponding pair of engagement lips (bottom of each slat). This may be seen more fully as discussed below.

[0111] FIG. 21 is cross-sectional side view of two fence slats and a fence slat top cover. Here, the fence slats 450 are shown separated from one another, but the engagement lips 452 and pair of tines 454 are shown as able to be joined together. The tines 454 and lips 452 may “snap” together or may slide on to one another from the side (e.g. toward a view of FIG. 21). A reinforcement rib 455 may be included in a perpendicular span forming the base portion of the slat 450. The reinforcement rib 455 may provide additional tensile strength for the overall slat when it is cut to length, suspended between two upright fence columns.

[0112] FIG. 21 also shows the engagement of a pair of tines 454 with engagement lips 462 in the slat top cover 460. As with any two slats, at the top of a given privacy fence, formed of many privacy fence slats joined one to another from bottom to top within the slots of an upright fence post, the slat top cover 460 may engage with the top portion of a privacy fence slat 450 by causing the slat top cover 460 to “snap” in place over the top or to slide onto the top of the privacy fence slat 450. This slat top cover 460 may provide a flat, uniform look for the top of a privacy fence, or may enable slats to be spaced apart from one another, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, without exposing the unsightly engagement lips 454 to viewing by passersby.

[0113] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of two interconnected fence slats and an affixed fence slat top cover. Here, the privacy fence slats 450 have been joined to one another by engagement of the pair of tines 454 with the engagement lips 452. The reinforcement rib 455 is still present. And, the rectangular cavity formed at the join of each privacy fence slat to another privacy fence slat serves to act as a rib running perpendicular to the upright fence columns (e.g. toward the viewer of FIG. 22) to thereby add more strength to the overall privacy fence once installed. Likewise, the rectangular cavity's exterior portion is of a width to correspond to slots (see FIG. 23) in the sides of the upright fence column to thereby enable the slats to snugly engage with the fence post when a fence is created using the system disclosed herein.

[0114] Likewise, the slat top cover 460 has been joined to the top privacy fence slat 450 by engagement of the pair of tines 454 with the slat top cover 460 engagement lips 462.

[0115] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of parts of a fence. Here, the privacy fence may be seen in a more fully assembled posture. The fence column 410 is shown, along with a top cover 414 and associated screws or bolts 416 to hold the cover on. A top cover 418 may be provide to protect the fence column 410 interior from the elements such as rain or dirt. The cover 418 shown is a pyramidal shape, but other shapes may be used (e.g. rectangular in cross-section).

[0116] A pair of slots 421 are shown. These slots run the length of the fence column 410 and are for inserting privacy fence slats 450. The width (front to back) of the slots 421 substantially corresponds to the exterior dimensions of the privacy fence slats 450 at their widest point so that the privacy fence slats sit snugly within the slots 421 when installed. The slats 450 may be secured by a screw or bolt, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 25.

[0117] A pair of covers 412 for cavities in the front of the fence column 410 are also shown not-yet engaged with the fence column 410.

[0118] Similarly, the privacy fence slats 450 are shown joined together through engagement of each pair of tines with each pair of engagement lips (see FIG. 22). And a fence slat cover 460 is shown likewise engaged.

[0119] FIG. 24 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled fence. Here, the privacy fence slats 450, 450′ are inserted within slots 421, 421′ in the sides of the upright fence column 410. Top covers 460, 460′ cover the top of the privacy fence slats 450, 450′. An interior cavity 411 is designed to accommodate the base post 430 (FIG. 19). Engagement ridges 413 may provide an intentionally snug fit with an inserted base post 430. And, simultaneously, those engagement ridges 413 may provide vertical reinforcement for the upright fence column. The pair of covers 412, 412′ cover cavities 417, 417′ running the length of the upright fence column 410. The cavities 417, 417′ will be discussed with respect to FIG. 25.

[0120] FIG. 25 is a top, cross-sectional view of parts of an assembled fence. Here, the fence column 410 is shown from a top with the base post 430 inserted therein. The reinforcement ridges 413 are shown holding the base post 430 in place within the interior cavity 411.

[0121] The privacy fence slats 450, 450′ are shown inserted within slots 421, 421′. The cavities 417, 417′ are shown with an interior wall immediately abutting or adjacent to the front wall of each of the inserted privacy fence slats 450, 450′. Within the cavities 417, 417′, a screw, nail, barb, bolt, or other method (illustrated as element 470, for example) of attaching the fence column 410 to the privacy fence slats 450, 450′ may be used to cause the slats 450 to be permanently or semi-permanently joined to the upright fence column 410. A plurality of such screws may be used to attach, thereby adding structural rigidity to the overall system. These screws may be used for each of the plurality (e.g. 5 or 10) of privacy fence slats 450 used and inserted within the slots 421, 421′.

[0122] In this way, an installer may easily utilize self-driving, sheet metal screws to quickly assemble a privacy fence. Each fence column and fence slat may be cut to a desired length on-site using a miter saw, hand saw, or skill saw. Despite the ad hoc creation and installation, the addition of self-driving screws within these cavities 417, 417′ enable the overall fence system to be incredibly strong and sturdy.

[0123] The covers 412, 412′ over the cavities 417, 417′ may be used to provide a uniform, smooth exterior appearance to the fence column 410, while enabling the installer to drive screws through the fence column 410 and into the slats 450, 450′. The covers 412, 412′ may be “snapped” into place with the lips 415, 415′ engaging tines 419, 419′ or may slide down into place from the top (e.g. from the perspective of a viewer of FIG. 25) after being cut to a desired length to match the fence column 410 length.

[0124] The indentations 432 may be used to insert a cover (like cover 142 in FIG. 2B) for a fence column 410 end where no slats will be added to fence.

[0125] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a rolling gate 490 surrounding a building. Here, a privacy fence system surrounds a property 4. The fence system includes privacy fence columns 420 like those shown in FIGS. 19-25. In addition, the same style privacy fence columns 420 are used in the rolling gate 490. Within the rolling gate 490, typical slats are used (like those in FIGS. 1-7), to provide structural rigidity and strength to the rolling gate 490. Outside of such a gate 490, the fence slats 450 (FIGS. 20-21) are used for the reasons discussed above (e.g. less material, privacy, etc.). A center column is provided in the rolling gate 490. This also adds additional strength and rigidity to the gate 490. The slats and central columns will be discussed more fully below.

[0126] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a privacy fence with a door-style gate surrounding a building. Here, a privacy fence system surrounds a property 4. The fence system includes privacy fence columns 420 like those shown in FIGS. 19-25. In addition, the same style privacy fence columns 420 are used in the door-style gate 590. Within the door-style gate 590, typical slats are used (like those in FIGS. 1-7), to provide structural rigidity and strength to the door-style gate 590. Outside of such a gate 590, the fence slats 450 (FIGS. 20-21) are used for the reasons discussed above (e.g. less material, privacy, etc.). A center column is provided in the door-style gate 590. This also adds additional strength and rigidity to the gate 590. The slats and central columns will be discussed more fully below.

[0127] FIG. 28 is a top, perspective view of parts of an assembled gate 490 corner. Here, the typical slats 100 (FIGS. 1-7) are used sitting within the slots 421 (not numbered here, but in FIG. 24). The fence column 410 is of the same style as that shown in FIG. 24, but in this case is formed into a gate 490 by cutting at 45 degree angles at the corners, placing slats 100 within the slots 421 (not numbered here, but in FIG. 24), and securing those slats 100 in place. The fence columns 410 formed into this fully-surrounding shape (which may include one or more center posts, discussed below) results in a fully-surrounding slot into which the slats 100 may sit. Therein, the slats 100 may be secured with screws or other systems (discussed below with reference to FIG. 31) to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to hold the entire gate 490 together. Because the material is preferably aluminum, steel, or another rigid metal structure, the gate 490 will maintain its shape for many years, even in the presences of heat, cold, water, and other elements. The screws may be hidden behind covers, like cover 412 (see also FIG. 24) which, when in place over the cavities 417 (FIG. 24) provide a uniform, flat surface. And, when those covers 412 are in place fully surrounding the slats 100, the covers 412 are held in place by abutting adjacent covers and no mounting screws, brackets, glue or other systems are required once all columns 410 and covers 412 are in place around the slats 100.

[0128] An exterior slot may also be formed by the fence column 410 along the exterior of the gate 490. This cavity is substantially water-tight and uniform, but need not be covered (in some cases it may be with a corresponding slot cover, like slot cover 144 (FIG. 17). This will provide a uniform, smooth exterior surface for the fence columns 410 that surround the slots 100 in the gate 490. Such an appearance may be aesthetically pleasing. And, as with the other fences, gates, and fence columns herein, all may be cut to size and created on-site with minimal specialized tools (e.g. blades suitable to cut aluminum are sufficient) so that they may be fabricated and installed on-site at a location.

[0129] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of parts of a gate 490 near a fence column 410 acting as a center post 410. The fence column 410 is the same as the fence columns 410, but placed in the center of a gate 490 to bridge two sets of slats 100 that are in the gate 490 together. The slats may come in pre-cut lengths such as six feet or ten feet and may be cut to a desired length as discussed above. The slats 100 may be fastened to the fence column 410 by screws, rivets, fasteners, or other systems, thereby providing structural rigidity to the gate 490. The covers 412 may be placed over the screws or fasteners to hide them from view and provide a uniform, aesthetically-pleasing exterior to the fence column 410.

[0130] FIG. 30 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate 490 near a fence column 410 acting as a center post. In this perspective, one can see the fence column 410 with the same cross-section as shown in FIG. 19. The covers 412 are now in place providing the uniform, aesthetically pleasing front face. Because this is a privacy fence, the slats 100 abut one another top to bottom so that there are no or very tiny gaps and no one may see through the slats 100. The slats 100 are also now in place within the slots (not numbered here).

[0131] FIG. 31 is a top, cross-sectional view of an assembled gate 490 near a fence column 410 acting as a center post. Here, the screws, like screw 470, may be seen holding the slats 100 in place. One or more screws, fasteners, rivets, or other systems for holding the slats in place may be used to secure each slat 100. The collective connection provide by at least one screw or other fastener (typically, two) for each of many slats along the body of the fence column 410 provides a significant amount of structural strength and rigidity to the gate 490. This helps to avoid sag and other deformities of the gate 490 over time and use. The covers 412 cover the screws, hiding them from easy view.

[0132] FIG. 32 is a top, perspective view of an assembled gate 590 near a hinge 602. Here, the gate 590 is made up of the fence column 410, and a series of slats 240. There may be other fence columns 410 as shown as center posts in FIGS. 30 and 31 and there will be another edge having a latch as shown in FIG. 27 so that the gate 590 may close. A series of covers 412 may cover the open areas of the fence column 410 to provide a smooth, aesthetically-pleasing surface for one of the sides of the fence column 410.

[0133] Preferably slats like slat 240 (e.g., FIG. 9) are used because they provide the same appearance from the front and the back, unlike those slats 450 shown in FIG. 23. This is because the presence of a gate like gate 590 indicates that a viewer will be able to see the gate 590 from the front and the back. In general, the privacy fence slats 450 of FIG. 23 are intended for situations where the back side of the gate 590 may not be seen. In addition, slats like slat 240 provide more rigidity than those of FIG. 23 for structural strength for the gate 590. However, slats of any suitable type may be used.

[0134] The fence column 410 may be joined to the fence column 20 (see FIGS. 2A-2C) using a hinge 602. The hinge 620 may be joined to both the fence column 20 and the fence column 410 using metal self-tapping screws 604. The metal material, typically aluminum, for both fence columns 20, 410, are sufficiently ductile that self-tapping screws 604 may penetrate. And, the columns 20, 410 are sufficiently rigid and reinforced that screws will not meaningfully impact their structural integrity. Importantly, such an installation enables the gate 590 and fence to be joined easily, on-site, without reliance upon welding or pre-cutting materials. This saves in installation and manufacturing costs as the materials may be manufactured and sold in bulk, then assembled as necessary on site. Fence columns 20 and 410 are shown as distinct from one another in this gate 590, but in other cases only column 410 or only column 20 types may be used.

[0135] Fence column 20 fence column 410 covers 412, slats 240 (e.g., FIG. 9)

[0136] “Plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. The terms “comprising,”“including,”“carrying,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,” and similar words in the written description or the claims are open-ended, i.e., each means, “including but not limited to.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases regarding claims. The ordinal terms like “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., in the claims don't by themselves connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Instead, they merely are labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for the ordinal term's use). Alternatives like “or” include one or any combination of the listed items. “Applicant” means the assignee of this application at the time of filing.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0053]Overview: A fence system 2 surrounds or partially surrounds property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence system's fence column 20 attaches to steel or other metal square, rectangle, or polygon base post 10 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Those figures also show the structure of fence column. Having a base post with the same shape as the base post prevents or limits pivoting of the fence column about the base post. The base post could be round, but that would require a different inside shape of fence column 20, but a round-to-round connection may allow the fence column to pivot about the base post. Though the specification uses “rectangle,” the word encompasses the other shapes. But the drawing show a square or nearly square base with rounded internal and external corners. The gate 190 is shown as fully framed, unlike the surrounding fence portions, but the gate 190 may be fully framed or the slats may be mounted directly into an upright fence post and / or specialized fence post on two sides which f...

Claims

1. A privacy fence system comprising:an upright fence column formed of a single piece, the upright fence having a length, a width, and a depth, the upright fence column including:two slots at opposite sides running the length of the upright fence column from top to bottom, the slots for accepting one or more privacy fence slats;two cavities, formed on a front face of the upright fence column, adjacent to the two slots and running the length of the upright fence column, each of the two cavities for providing access to an interior wall of one of the two slots from which an installation screw may be driven into and through the interior wall and the one or more privacy fence slats to thereby cause the one or more privacy fence slats to be fixed to the upright fence column;an interior, substantially square cavity running the length of the upright fence column for accepting a base post.

2. The privacy fence system of claim 1 further comprising a pair of covers for two cavities, the covers running the length of the upright fence column and covering the two cavities such that the front face of the upright fence post is substantially flat and smooth following installation of the pair of covers.

3. The privacy fence system of claim 2 wherein the pair of covers slide into the two cavities engaging with a pair of corresponding mating lips on the pair of covers and the two cavities to thereby engage the pair of covers with the two cavities.

4. The privacy fence system of claim 2 further comprising at least one screw, driven through the interior wall of the one of the two slots.

5. The privacy fence system of claim 1 further comprising at least one slot cover for one of the two slots to thereby cause at least a portion of a side of the upright fence column including the one of the two slots to be substantially smooth.

6. The privacy fence system of claim 5 wherein the at least one slot cover:runs the full length of the upright fence column within the one of the two slots; orcovers only a portion of the one of the two slots, thereby providing a spacer between at least two privacy fence slats.

7. The privacy fence system of claim 1 further comprising:a first privacy fence slat, the first privacy fence slat including:a fence slat face, the fence slat face substantially smooth, installed within one of the two slots in the upright fence column and terminating at a bottom in a first slat engagement lip;a base portion, spanning a cross-sectional width of the two slots, affixed to a bottom of the fence slat face, the base portion including:an upper span running across the cross-sectional width of the two slots at position perpendicular to the fence slat face; andan arm extending downward at a distal end of the upper span, parallel to the fence slat face and including a second slat engagement lip; andan upper portion, spanning the cross-sectional width of the two slots, affixed to a top of the fence slat face and including a pair of tines for engaging the first slat engagement lip and the second slat engagement lip of another privacy fence slat.

8. The privacy fence system of claim 7 further comprising a fence slat top cover for engaging with the pair of tines to thereby provide a smooth surface perpendicular to the fence slat face at the top of the first privacy fence slat.

9. The privacy fence system of claim 7 comprising a second privacy fence slat substantially identical to the first privacy fence slat, wherein the second privacy fence slat and the first privacy fence slat are joined by engagement of the pair of tines of the first privacy fence slat with the first and second slat engagement lips of the second fence slat.

10. The privacy fence system of claim 1 wherein the upright fence column is installed by sliding the substantially square cavity over a ground-mounted base post.

11. A privacy fence system comprising:a first privacy fence slat, the first privacy fence slat including:a fence slat face, the fence slat face substantially smooth and terminating at a bottom in a first slat engagement lip;a base portion, spanning a cross-sectional width of the fence slat, affixed to a bottom of the fence slat face, the base portion including:an upper span running across the cross-sectional width at position perpendicular to the fence slat face; andan arm affixed at a distal end of the upper span extending downward,parallel to the fence slat face and including a second slat engagement lip; andan upper portion, spanning the cross-sectional width, affixed to a top of the fence slat face and including a pair of tines for engaging the first slat engagement lip and the second slat engagement lip of another privacy fence slat.

12. The privacy fence system of claim 11 further comprising a fence slat top cover for engaging with the pair of tines to thereby provide a smooth surface perpendicular to the fence slat face at the top of the first privacy fence slat.

13. The privacy fence system of claim 11 comprising a second privacy fence slat substantially identical to the first privacy fence slat, wherein the second privacy fence slat and the first privacy fence slat are joined by engagement of the pair of tines of the first privacy fence slat with the first and second slat engagement lips of the second fence slat.

14. The privacy fence system of claim 11 further comprising:an upright fence column formed of a single piece, the upright fence having a length, a width, and a depth, the upright fence column including:two slots at opposite sides running the length of the upright fence column from top to bottom, the slots for accepting the privacy fence slat;two cavities, formed on a front face of the upright fence column, adjacent to the two slots and running the length of the upright fence column, each of the two cavities for providing access to an interior wall of one of the two slots from which an installation screw may be driven into and through the interior wall and the one or more privacy fence slats to thereby cause the one or more privacy fence slats to be fixed to the upright fence column;an interior, substantially square cavity running the length of the upright fence column for accepting a base post.

15. The privacy fence system of claim 14 further comprising a pair of covers for two cavities, the covers running the length of the upright fence column and covering the two cavities such that the front face of the upright fence post is substantially flat and smooth following installation of the pair of covers.

16. The privacy fence system of claim 2 wherein the pair of covers slide into the two cavities engaging with a pair of corresponding mating lips on the pair of covers and the two cavities to thereby engage the pair of covers with the two cavities.

17. The privacy fence system of claim 2 further comprising at least one screw, driven through the interior wall of the one of the two slots.

18. The privacy fence system of claim 1 further comprising at least one slot cover for one of the two slots to thereby cause at least a portion of a side of the upright fence column including the one of the two slots to be substantially smooth.

19. The privacy fence system of claim 18 wherein the at least one slot cover:runs the full length of the upright fence column within the one of the two slots; orcovers only a portion of the one of the two slots, thereby providing a spacer between at least two privacy fence slats.

20. A privacy fence system comprising:an upright fence column formed of a single piece, the upright fence having a length, a width, and a depth, the upright fence column including:two slots at opposite sides running the length of the upright fence column from top to bottom, the slots for accepting one or more privacy fence slats;two cavities, formed on a front face of the upright fence column, adjacent to the two slots and running the length of the upright fence column, each of the two cavities for providing access to an interior wall of one of the two slots from which an installation screw may be driven into and through the interior wall and the one or more privacy fence slats to thereby cause the one or more privacy fence slats to be fixed to the upright fence column;an interior, substantially square cavity running the length of the upright fence column for accepting a base post;a first privacy fence slat, the first privacy fence slat including:a fence slat face, the fence slat face substantially smooth, installed within one of the two slots in the upright fence column and terminating at a bottom in a first slat engagement lip;a base portion, spanning a cross-sectional width of the two slots, affixed to a bottom of the fence slat face, the base portion including:an upper span running across the cross-sectional width of the two slots at position perpendicular to the fence slat face; andan arm extending downward at a distal end of the upper span, parallel to the fence slat face and including a second slat engagement lip; andan upper portion, spanning the cross-sectional width of the two slots, affixed to a top of the fence slat face and including a pair of tines for engaging the first slat engagement lip and the second slat engagement lip of another privacy fence slat.

Images