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  Modular vinyl fence systemUSPTO Application #: 20060192190Title: Modular vinyl fence system Abstract: A new fencing system is provided in the present disclosure that is constructed from durable polymer components that are sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The fence includes vertical posts with horizontal members extending therebetween. The horizontal members include grooves therein to support fence panels in the form of web panels. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical members utilizing a novel and uniquely configured connector element. (end of abstract)
Agent: Barlow, Josephs & Holmes, Ltd. - Providence, RI, US Inventor: John J. Brucker USPTO Applicaton #: 20060192190 - Class: 256024000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Fences, Panel The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060192190. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 10/687,182, filed on Oct. 16, 2003, which is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application No. 60/419,502, filed Oct. 18, 2002. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for creating fencing systems. More specifically, the this invention relates to a new modular configuration that is particularly suited for fabricating and assembling vinyl fencing systems that are easier to install and are tailored to the do-it-yourself marketplace. [0003] In the prior art, the vertical post members and the horizontal rail supports used in constructing fences have typically been made of wood. However, the traditional wood construction has become less desirable for several reasons. A primary drawback is that the overall cost of installing and maintaining a wooden fence system is relatively high due to the escalation in the cost of lumber materials in recent years and the fact that wood fences require constant maintenance such as painting or staining and prevention of rot. This is particularly true when wooden posts supporting a fence are anchored in the ground. If the posts fail due to rot, the entire fence is rendered useless. Although anchoring the posts in concrete can postpone these effects, it does not eliminate them. In addressing the preservation of the wood materials, the industry has created a secondary drawback related to the use of highly toxic preservatives to prevent the wood from rotting. [0004] Further, fences have historically been designed and erected as permanent structures, without providing for subsequent removal or alteration. These permanent structures are been built on-site from the desired fencing materials, such as chain link or raw lumber, yielding integrated structures that cannot be easily dismantled without damaging the materials. The result is that most of these prior art fences that are constructed "on site" as unitary structures, are highly labor intensive and quite expensive to have initially installed. Additionally, wood fences constructed in this manner from raw lumber can also be non-uniform in appearance, detracting from their aesthetic qualities. This problem is further amplified when the installation process is attempted by a do-it-yourself installer who has relatively little experience in working with traditional fencing systems. [0005] As an alternative to the wood fencing systems, fences having plastic horizontal rails that snap into vertical plastic posts are known. Typically, these plastic rails have snap-in connections formed on their ends and they "snap-in" directly to the plastic posts. Problems typically encountered with this type of plastic fence construction include the fact that these constructions do not take into account the expansion and contraction of the plastic and also that the support rails may tend to rotate in response to varying thermal conditions. Further, some of these plastic fences are made of a material that has sufficient plasticity to result in sagging rails and bending posts over time. [0006] There is therefore a need to provide an esthetically pleasing fence that overcomes the above noted drawbacks associated with wood fencing systems. Further there is a need for a fencing system that is relatively inexpensive and durable, yet can be dismantled and reassembled in sections by a do-it-yourself consumer, if desired. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In this regard, the present invention provides for a new fencing system constructed from durable polymer components that is sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The entire fencing system is configured to snap together in a manner that eliminates the need for the use of tools during assembly. [0008] The present invention includes vertical post elements, top and bottom horizontal rail elements, a novel connector clip and a webbing panel that is retained therein. The vertical posts are extruded material and may be of any suitable profile for fencing posts. At least two openings are provided in the sidewall of the vertical posts. Retention clips are inserted in to each of the openings in the vertical posts. When the clips are inserted into the openings in the posts, a portion of the clips momentarily deflect and then return to their undeflected state to engage the wall of the vertical tube. Due to the shape of the clips and the manner in which they engage the wall of the vertical tube, the clips resist being withdrawn from the vertical tubes and resist deflection or rotation. [0009] The top and bottom horizontal rails each have openings in the ends thereof, allowing these members to slide over the retention clips. Small detent openings are provided in the sidewall of these tubes that engage a mating configuration on the retention clips when the rails are snapped into place. In this manner, the top and bottom rails are also firmly retained forming a unitary structure between the vertical fence posts and the top and bottom rails. The top and bottom rails also include a continuous longitudinal groove therein for receiving fencing panels. [0010] The present invention also anticipates the possibility of employing intermediate rail members. In this manner the intermediate rails would have longitudinal grooves provided in both their top and bottom sides for receiving the top edge of one panel and the bottom edge of another thereby allowing two or more different panels to be employed in the same section of fence. [0011] Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is the provision of an integrated modular vinyl fencing system. Another object of the present invention is the provision of a durable vinyl fence system that exhibits improved structural characteristics as compared to the prior art. Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a vinyl fencing system that is constructed of modular components that can be made to be easily interchangeable and reconfigurable. A further object of the present invention is the provision of a modular vinyl fence system that includes standardized construction components that is further capable of being easily disassembled and reused in alternate configurations. [0012] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention: [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled fence system of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the connection between the horizontal rail and the vertical support; [0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; [0017] FIG. 3a is an alternative cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; [0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rail connector mounted to the vertical support with the horizontal rail removed; [0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the connector element of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector element installed in the vertical support as taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2; Continue reading... Full patent description for Modular vinyl fence system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Modular vinyl fence system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Modular vinyl fence system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Easily mountable fence, due to the method used Next Patent Application: Post assembly and spacer for use therewith Industry Class: Fences ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Modular vinyl fence system patent info. 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