Metal fence

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] METAL FENCE

[0002] The present invention relates to fences, and in particular to fire resistant fences. The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application 18 / 429,274, filed on January 31, 2024, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Fencing is a very important component of residential and commercial construction. Amongst other functions, a fence provides security, defines property boundaries and adds aesthetic appeal to property.

[0005] Properties located in areas subject to fire hazards can cause serious concerns for cities, builders, property developers and insurance companies. In California the State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate, High, or Very High.

[0006] For example, California Assembly Bill 3074 (AB 3074) became law on January 1, 2021; however, it has not yet been enforced. When officially adopted by the State Fire Marshal, this law will require a five-foot ember resistant zone around all structures located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ). Enforcement will occur when the State Fire Marshal approves vegetation clearance requirements. This is anticipated in 2025. Full enforcement on existing structures will not be required until one year after the State Fire Marshal approves final requirements. Full enforcement on new construction will take effect immediately upon approval of final clearance requirements. Full enforcement on new construction anticipated to be in 2025 and full enforcement on existing structures anticipated to be in 2026.

[0007] Because of increased concern for potential fire hazards, developers and builders are looking to utilize fire resistant materials when building homes and fences. In the past, fire resistant materials for fence construction include such items as masonry blocks and metal roofing panels. While it is true that both of these items are fire resistant, they both have poor visual aesthetic, they are inefficient, and they are costly to install and maintain. What is needed is an improved fire-resistant fence.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a metal fence. Two metal posts are inserted into a concrete footing. Hollow metal boards are connected between the metal posts. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow metal boards are filled with acoustical insulation for noise reduction.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGS. 1 - 7 show a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIGS. 8 - 10 show a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 11 - 16 show a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 17 shows the utilization of acoustical foam for noise reduction.

[0015] FIG. 18 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 19 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] First Preferred Embodiment

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 10 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Cap 15 covers the top of posts 11. Top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 are slid into rectangular opening 14 of posts 11 (see also FIG. 2 and 3). Metal boards 16 are slid into top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 as shown.

[0020] FIG. 4A shows a bottom view of bottom rail 14. Bottom rail 14 includes weep holes 18 for allowing water to drain and for providing ventilation. FIG. 4B shows a front view of top rail 13 and FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of top rail 13 with ventilation holes 19. FIG. 5 shows a top view of post 11. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view and FIG. 7 shows a side view of board 16.

[0021] Post 11, rails 13 and 14 and boards 16 are hollow and are all preferably fabricated from extruded metal. In a preferred embodiment, board 16 has a 1-inch x 6-inch cross section. Rails 13 and 14 each have a 2-inch x 4-inch cross section. And post 11 has a 4-inch x 4-inch cross section. Post 11, rails 13 and 14 and boards 16 arc all preferably fabricated from galvanized steel to prevent corrosion and arc preferably coated with a marine grade primer and industrial top coat for protection against the elements and rusting.

[0022] Preferred Method of Installation

[0023] Posts 11 are first set in concrete footings 12, as shown. After concrete footings 12 are cured, bottom rail 14 and top rail 13 are both slid into one post only. Boards 16 are then slid into the uninstalled ends of rails 13 and 14 until all the boards have been installed. Then, after all the boards have been installed, rails 13 and 14 are inserted into the other post 11.

[0024] Superior Strength Characteristics

[0025] Metal fence 10 has superior strength characteristics. By sliding the component parts into one another (as described above and below) the strength of the fence is vastly increased. This is important for maintaining structural coherence during significant seismic activities and very high winds.

[0026] ICC-ES Report

[0027] Applicant recently requested the generation of an International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) report for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] For the seismic evaluation, it was concluded that metal fence 10 meets the requirements of ASCE 7-16 Section 15.6.8 for the following assumptions:

[0029] The design spectral response acceleration parameter at short periods, SDS < 1.0.

[0030] Risk Category is I or II.

[0031] Seismic Design Category A, B, C or D.

[0032] The mapped MCER, spectral response acceleration parameter at a period of 1 second, SI < 0.6g.

[0033] For the wind evaluation, it was concluded that metal fence 10 can resist Basic Wind Speed of 95 mph for the following assumptions: Exposure Category is C.

[0034] Risk Category is I or II.

[0035] Kzt = 1.0

[0036] Gust-effect factor, G = 0.85

[0037] Force Coefficient, Cf = 1.45

[0038] Second Preferred Embodiment

[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 show another pre I erred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 20 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Metal boards 16 are horizontally slid into rectangular openings 22 (see also FIG. 10).

[0040] Third Preferred Embodiment

[0041] FIGS. 11 - 16 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 30 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 are slid into rectangular opening 14 of posts 11 (see also FIG. 14). Metal channels 36 are vertically connected between rails 13 and 14 and pushed flush against posts 11. In preferred embodiment metal channels 36 are approximately 1-inch x 2-inch and are also fabricated from extruded metal and are coated for protection against the elements and rusting. Metal boards 16 are slidingly connected horizontally as shown between the channels formed by channels 36 and rails 13 and 14 (see also FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0042] Sound Insulation

[0043] Board 16 tube has a hollow center that is preferably filled with acoustical foam 40 (FIG. 17). The utilization of acoustical foam 40 meets the typical noise reduction standards of most cities and counties. A fence utilizing boards 16 filled with acoustical noise reducing foam, when installed, can be used as a "sound absorption" or sound block and be installed up to 16 feet in height to effectively reduce noise where necessary.

[0044] Fourth Preferred Embodiment FIGS. 18 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 40 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 arc slid into rectangular opening 14b of posts 11 (see also FIG. 14). Metal channels 36 are vertically connected between rails 13 and 14 and pushed flush against posts 11. Metal boards 16 are slidingly connected horizontally as shown between the channels formed by channels 36 and rails 13 and 14 (see also FIGS. 15 and 16). *4 inch thick tempered glass 104 is slide between 1” x 1” aluminum tracks 103. 1” x 1” aluminum tracks 103 are slid into vertical slots cut into posts 11, for stability.

[0045] Fifth Preferred Embodiment

[0046] FIGS. 19 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Metal fence 50 includes posts 11 inserted into concrete footing 12. Top rail 13 and bottom rail 14 arc slid into rectangular opening 14b of posts 11 (see also FIG. 14). Metal channels 36 are vertically connected between rails 13 and 14 and pushed flush against posts 11. Metal boards 16 are slidingly connected vertically as shown between the channels formed by channels 36 and rails 13 and 14 (see also FIGS. 15 and 16). *4 inch thick tempered glass 104 is slide between 1” x 1” aluminum tracks 103. 1” x 1” aluminum tracks 103 are slid into vertical slots cut into posts 11, for stability.

[0047] Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, various types of metals may be utilized for the fence components, including aluminum. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is Claimed is:1) A metal fence, comprising:A) at least two metal posts,B) footing wherein said at least two metal posts are rigidly inserted into said footing, andC) at least one hollow metal board connected between said at least two metal posts.2) The metal fence as in Claim 1 wherein said footing is concrete footing.3) The metal fence as in Claim 1 wherein said at least one hollow metal board is a plurality of extruded hollow metal boards wherein each hollow metal board is filled with acoustical insulation.4) The metal fence as in Claim 1, further comprising:A) a metal top rail slidingly connected between said at least two metal posts, andB) a metal bottom rail slidingly connected between said at least two metal posts, wherein said metal boards are slidingly and vertically connected between said at least two metal posts and said top rail and said bottom rail.5) The metal fence as in Claim 4, further comprising tempered glass connected between said at least two metal posts.6) The metal fence as in Claim 1, further comprising:A) a metal top rail slidingly connected between said two metal posts,B) a metal bottom rail slidingly connected between said two metal posts,C) two metal vertical channels each adjacent to one of said two posts and each sliding connected between said top rail and said bottom rail, wherein said metal boards are slidingly and horizontally connected between said two vertical channels and said top rail and said bottom rail.7) The metal fence as in Claim 6, further comprising tempered glass connected between said at least two metal posts.

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