Fence "Angle Support"

Abstract

Several months after our PVC fence was installed a 70 mile per hour storm tore it apart. I contacted four local companies hoping to add some kind of support system, the only thing available was one metal system which was quite costly and not something that enhanced the fencing, I was not impressed.With imagination I took a PVC 5″ fence post I have come up with the “Support Angles”. I cut the post lengthwise along each corner 1½′×1½′, then cut that piece into 5″ and 7″ pieces, thus creating the “Support Angles” that will fit snug in the corner where the fence post meets the rail. To add just a bit more strength I first glued it onto the fence post / rail, then added 6 self-taping screws; creating a pleasant and strong support that will withstand the weather and winds.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION / ABSTRACT

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for the soul purpose of strengthening existing vinyl fences that are being sold and in use today. It consists of two pieces of vinyl, one 5 inches long and one 7 inches long, each has the thickness of ⅛″ (0.250) thick, 3 inches wide and bent at its length into a 90 degree angle making each side of the angle 1½ inches.BACKGROUND / SUMMARY

[0002] This patent is simple, efficient and affordable to create a strengthening system that will eliminate the loss of most fences that the public have been subjected to replacing many times over in the last 40 years. This new product will be able to match in material and color of existing fencing and allow the fencing to be strengthened without losing the visual appeal that the customers want.

[0003] Vinyl fencing sold is either listed as a 5″ or 7″ which identifies the sizing of the top and bottom rail that is inserted into the corresponding holes within the fence post. Each rail has near each end (4) juts, 2 on each side. These (4) juts each measuring 12 / 16″× 5 / 16″×⅛″, stick out slightly (the thickness of a nickel) so that when inserting the rail system into the post hole causes these juts to flatten out, then jutting out (the thickness of a nickel) once the rail is inserted; creating a locking jut, these juts then create the situation that the railing should not be able to pull out of the fencing post holes. It has been proven over the 40 years of vinyl fencing that this system is truly a flaw within the system, with heavy windstorms, hurricanes, cold or freezing temperatures or rising temperatures of extreme heat. This system has proven that the wear and tear on these juts will become weak points and cause fence failure. This is the main reason for causing damage to the fence; creating a domino effect of losing the entire fence that blows away into pieces and the fencing system scattered over miles.

[0004] Many of the previous vinyl fence patents have stated in their own patents that their products were “flawed” with defects or are “imperfect designs”. See Patent US2012 / 0061636A issued in 2012, listed under Field of Invention and Background of the Invention

[0003] it states; {However, vinyl fencing can be weak, especially regarding susceptibility to wind damage. Additionally, damaged vinyl fencing is not easily repaired or replaced, and often requires removal and replacement of fence posts to repair even a single stat.}

[0004] It also states; {It would therefore be desirable to provide a strengthened vinyl fence for longevity of the fence and being able to sustain wind challenges. It would further be desirable to provide a method and / or kit for strengthening existing vinyl fences, in one instance after construction of the fence. It would also be desirable to provide a method and / or kit for strengthening a fence before construction, which is delivered in stock form, for strengthening the fence to sustain a specified wind velocity over a period of time.} This product will finally protect the public's investments into vinyl fencing with this product.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] This “Support Angle” bracket should be attached to the upper and lower rails where the rail is inserted into the fence post. This 90 degree “Support Angle” vinyl bracket is glued to both the rail and the fence post creating a bonding of the vinyl “in a sense of becoming one unit”, then fastened by (3) self-taping screws which are placed through each 1½″ side of the “Support Angle” to the rail and the post; after applying the glue bead to the outer angle. This then creates the fencing to work as one whole unit instead of multiple pieces being put together and working individually.

[0006] These 5″ or 7″ long 90-degree vinyl “Support Angles” are designed to reinforce existing fences that have been sold and installed in today's market. These are designed to replace the existing clunky metal squared support systems that are on the market today; that are expensive, can corrode over time and an eye sore to the sleek and pleasing fencing that consumers desire. The cost of purchasing these support angles could be up to half of the cost of the existing metal ones. These “Support Angles” are easy to install for fencing companies or for the homeowner doing DIY, with just glue and self-taping screws that are available in today's market. Our “Support Angles” create a simple, efficient, stronger, and affordable lasting fence for years to come.

[0007] For the consumers that are very particular about maintaining the beautiful aesthetics of their fence, we suggest to these consumers to use “Support Angles” on the exterior side of the fencing to maintain the beauty while strengthening and maintain their entire fence system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MODELS AND PHOTOS

[0008] FIG. 1 Shows the 5″“Support Angle” A) is the length of 5″ B) 3″ width C) this piece is then bent at the length into a 90-degree angle at the 3″ width, making this now into 1½″ to the bend and 1½″ on the other side of the 90-degree bend. D) is showing the inside view of the “Support Angle” E) is showing the 90 degree actual bend F) demonstrates 6 dots signifying the suggested self-tap screws guide, on both 1½″×5″ inside angles. G) is showing the thickness of the PVC ⅛″ H) On the outside angle a line should indicate the bead line of glue on both 1½″×5″.

[0009] Photo #1 Shows an actual model that was created to show the different views of the actual “model of the Support Angle” for vinyl fencing. This 5″“Support Angle” 5″×3″×⅛″ of PVC plastic, this piece is then bent at the length into a 90-degree angle at the 3″ width, making this now into 1½″ to the bend and 1½″ on the other side of the 90-degree bend. Then it is to be marked with 6 dots signifying the suggested self-tap screws guide, on both of the 1½″×5″ inside angles. On the outside angle a line should indicate the bead line on both 1½″×5″. The outside “Support Angle” should have a glue bead place on the glue line then position it to the fence post and the rail at the place where they connect. Then use the self-taping screws into the suggested screw guide, this adds to the security of the fence post and the fence railing while the glue fuses the 2 pieces together and dries.

[0010] FIG. 2 Shows the 7″“Support Angle” A) is the length of 7″ B) 3″ is the width, C) shows this piece is then bent at the length width into a 90-degree angle, making this now into 1½″ to the bend and 1½″ on the other side of the 90-degree bend. F) is to be marked with 6 dots signifying the suggested self-tap screws guide, on both 1½″×7″ inside angles. G) is showing the thickness of the PVC ⅛″ H) shows on the outside angle a line should indicate the bead line for the glue on both 1½″×7″. K) is showing the Exterior side of the “Support Angle”

[0011] Photo #2 Shows an actual model that was created to show the different views of the actual “model of the Support Angle” for vinyl fencing. This 7″“Support Angle” 7″×3″×⅛″ of PVC plastic, this piece is then bent at the length into a 90-degree angle at the 3″ width, making this now into 1½″ to the bend and 1½″ on the other side of the 90-degree bend. Then it is to be marked with 6 dots signifying the suggested self-tap screws guide, on both of the 1½″×7″ inside angles. On the outside angle a line should indicate the bead line on both 1½″×7″. The outside “Support Angle” should have a glue bead place on the glue line then position it to the fence post and the rail at the place where they connect. Then use the self-taping screws into the suggested screw guide, this adds to the security of the fence post and the fence railing while the glue fuses the 2 pieces together and dries.

Claims

1. Our “Support Angle” is designed to reinforce the entire PVC fence. By fitting the 90-degree “Support Angle” onto the fence rail where it is inserted into the fence post at the rail post hole. At present time there are two different rail sizes which are 5″ and 7″. The “Support Angle's” are created to conform to each of these heights. The “Support Angle” is made of the same PVC materials and thicknesses of the fence post walls. These “Support Angles” are placed onto the 90-degree angle that is created once the rail is inserted into the post at the rail post hole. This “Support Angle” is then glued with PVC glue applied to the “Support Angle's” back side before it will make contact with the 5″ or 7″ rail and post, then 6 self-taping 10″×¾″ screws are placed into each of the “Support Angles” to help strengthen the entire panel of the fence. This is to be done on the bottom and top rail / post of each fence panel, which would mean 4 “Support Angles” are required on each panel of fencing.

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