US20070181866A1

US20070181866A1 - Fence

Info

Publication number: US20070181866A1
Application number: US11/623,003
Authority: US
Inventors: L. Strong
Original assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
Current assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
Priority date: 2006-01-12
Filing date: 2007-01-12
Publication date: 2007-08-09

Abstract

A fence may include a support member that is sized and configured to support a portion of the fence. The support member may also facilitate attachment of the fence to a fence post. For example, a clip may be used to connect the support member to the fence post. The clip may include an opening with a generally teardrop-shaped configuration and the end of the support member may be disposed within the opening. In particular, the opening in the clip may include a first section that is larger than an end of the support member to allow the support member to freely move relative to the clip, and a second section that is generally equal to or smaller than a portion of the support member to secure the support member and clip in a generally fixed position. This may allow the clip to be attached to the support member by a snap, friction or interference fit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/758,670, entitled FENCE, which was filed on Jan. 12, 2006, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to fences and, in particular, to a clip or securing member that may be used in connection with a fence.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional fences are made from many different types of materials. For example, many conventional fences are constructed from wood. Conventional wooden fences typically have an attractive initial appearance, but maintaining that initial appearance may require significant effort because of exposure of the wood to the elements. For example, conventional wooden fences must be periodically repainted or restained. In addition, conventional wooden fences may rot or deteriorate over time. Accordingly, the rotted or damaged portion of the fence may have to be repaired or replaced. Thus, conventional wooden fences frequently require periodic maintenance, which is time consuming and may be expensive. Furthermore, conventional wooden fences may be difficult to install and skilled artisans may be required, which may increase costs and expenses.
Known fences are also constructed from vinyl. Conventional vinyl fences may also have an initially attractive appearance, but these fences may deteriorate and/or discolor over time. For example, many conventional vinyl fences can become brittle from exposure to certain weather conditions, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight. Moisture, such as water from a sprinkling system, may also discolor many conventional vinyl fences. Further, many conventional vinyl fences are not very strong and may be damaged from various types of impacts. In addition, many conventional vinyl fences are not securely connected together or fixed in a stationary position and may be damaged, for example, by a sudden gust of wind. Disadvantageously, it may be difficult and expensive to repair and/or replace portions of a conventional vinyl fence.
Many conventional vinyl fences include sections that are connected to fence posts by screws. The screws, however, may not allow a strong and sturdy fence to be constructed. In addition, the screws may be difficult to install and the screws may limit the potential uses of the fence. In particular, many conventional vinyl fences include metal tubes and screws are inserted into the metal tubes to assemble the fence. Disadvantageously, it may be very difficult to drill screw holes into round metal tubes, especially if this is required by purchaser of the vinyl fence. Additionally, the head of the screw may be the only structure that holds the metal tube in position, which may create a relatively weak or fragile structure. Further, because of the location of the metal tube and/or other portions of the fence, it may be very difficult to attach the screw to the metal tubing. This may make the fence difficult to install and assemble. Finally, the attachment of the screws to the metal tubing may limit the potential uses of the vinyl fence. For example, if the length of the fence needs to be decreased, then the metal may have to be cut and that may require a new screw hole to be drilled into the tubing. Undesirably, the steps of cutting the metal tubing, drilling a new screw hole and attaching the screw to the tubing may be very difficult, especially if the purchaser does not have the correct tools and/or if the purchaser is not skilled in this area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a fence that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems.
One aspect is a fence that may be constructed from relatively lightweight materials. For example, all or a portion of the fence may be constructed from plastic. Advantageously, the lightweight materials may allow the fence to be easily moved and transported. The lightweight materials may also allow for the fence to be installed and removed more easily.
Another aspect is a fence that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. For example, the fence may include panels or sections that are constructed from blow-molded plastic. Advantageously, the panels may include hollow interior portions that are formed during the blow-molding process, which may allow a lightweight fence to be constructed. In addition, if the panels are constructed from blow-molded plastic, then the panels may be relatively easily formed into many different shapes, sizes, configurations and designs depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or configuration of the fence. Other portions of the fence, such as slats, decorative covers, and the like, may also be constructed from blow-molded plastic. The fence may also be constructed from other suitable materials, such as metal or vinyl, and/or other processes, such as injection molding, rotational molding and the like.
Still another aspect is a fence that may be generally maintenance free. In particular, the fence may not require any significant maintenance over time or periodic maintenance. For example, the fence preferably does not require any painting, staining or the like. Advantageously, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic, then the fence may require very little, if any, maintenance. Thus, for instance, if the fence is constructed from the blow-molded plastic, then the fence may be constructed from plastic with a specific color and the fence may not have to be repainted or stained.
Yet another aspect is a fence that may include various features and/or have an attractive or eye-catching design. If desired, these various features and designs can be integrally formed as part of the fence. For example, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic panels, various features and designs can be integrally formed as part of the panels. In particular, one or both sides of the blow-molded plastic panels may include a design. Advantageously, the design on the sides of the panels may be the same or different, which may increase the versatility and potential uses of the fence. Further, the panels may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. The panels, however, could be constructed from one or more components.
Significantly, the blow-molded plastic components may be generally weather resistant and temperature insensitive, which may allow the fence to be used in a wide variety of locations and environments. The blow-molded plastic components may also be durable and long-lasting because it generally does not corrode, rust or otherwise deteriorate over time. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may be generally waterproof and/or windproof, which may also allow the fence to be used in a wide range of locations and environments.
A further aspect is a fence that may have enhanced visual appeal. For example, if the fence is constructed from blow-molded plastic, it may have a stronger and/or sturdier appearance than a conventional fence. Thus, the fence may desirably have a more rugged or durable appearance.
A still further aspect is a fence that may be relatively strong and impact-resistant. For example, if the fence may be constructed from blow-molded plastic components, this may allow the fence to withstand relatively large forces or impacts without being damaged. For example, the fence may be able to withstand repeated impacts with balls, toys, bicycles and the like without being damaged. Advantageously, this may help prevent the fence from being damaged by children, pets and the like. The fence may be relatively strong because the blow-molded plastic components may include two opposing walls or surfaces that are separated by a given distance. The opposing walls may help create the strong, impact-resistant fence. While the opposing walls are preferably separated by a generally constant distance, the walls can be separated by any suitable distance depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or design of the fence.
Another aspect is a fence that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic components that include one or more depressions or “tack-offs.” The depressions, which may extend from one surface towards another surface, are desirably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the fence. Preferably, the depressions extend from one surface and contact or engage an opposing surface, but the depressions do not have to contact or engage another surface. Advantageously, the depressions may form part of a design or pattern, and the design or pattern may minimize and/or hide the depressions from view. In addition, the depressions may be formed in one or both sides of the fence. If the depressions are formed in both sides of the fence, the depressions may be generally aligned. At least a portion of these opposing depressions may contact or engage each other, but the opposing depressions do not have to be aligned and the depressions do not have to touch or engage.
Significantly, a fence constructed from blow-molded plastic components may be relatively quickly and easily constructed. For example, the blow-molding process may allow opposing walls, depressions and other desired features to be quickly and easily formed. The blow-molded plastic components may also be constructed with relatively thin outer walls, which may reduce the amount of plastic required to construct the components. The thin outer walls may reduce manufacturing costs and allow the components to be cooled more quickly during the manufacturing process, which may allow the fence to be manufactured more quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, because the fence may be constructed using blow-molded plastic components with thin outer walls, this may allow a fence with reduced weight to be constructed. Significantly, the lightweight fence may be transported more easily, which may decrease shipping costs. Additionally, the consumer may appreciate the reduced weight because the fence may be moved and/or assembled more easily. Further, the lightweight components may allow the fence to be installed, repaired and removed more easily.
Still another aspect is a fence that may include portions that are constructed from two or more different types of materials, such as blow-molded plastic and metal. This may allow a more decorative or attractive fence to be created. For example, the fence may include ornamental metal components that are attached to upper and/or lower portions of a blow-molded plastic panel. The fence could also include different types of materials to allow a strong and more rigid fence to be constructed. For instance, the fence could include metal components that are structural portions of the fence. The metal components may also allow the fence to be assembled and installed more quickly and easily. The metal portions may be disposed inside and/or outside other portions of the fence, such as blow-molded plastic panels. If the metal portions are disposed within the blow-molded plastic panels, the metal portions may not be visible and that may help protect the metal portions from damage and/or limit the expose of the metal portions to the environment.
Still yet another aspect is a fence that may include a plurality of panels which may be interconnected. For example, the fence may include panels that are about one to two feet in width and about four to six feet in height. The fence could also include larger panels, such as panels that are about four to eight feet in width, or smaller panels, such as panels that are about four to twelve inches in width. The panels may be directly connected together and/or connected to support members, such as support or fence posts. Advantageously, the fence may be constructed with a wide variety of different types and sizes of panels. This may allow the fence to have different configurations and arrangements to follow, for example, the contour of the ground and allow different sizes of fences and enclosures to be constructed. In addition, the panels may have different designs, colors, textures and the like. This may allow, for example, the panels to be mixed and matched. Of course, the panels could have various suitable designs and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the fence.
A further aspect is a fence that may include support members that are sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the fence. For example, the support members may be constructed from hollow metal tubing and the support members may be at least partially disposed within other portions of the fence, such as the panels. Advantageously, the support members may be used to interconnect the panels and/or connect the panels to the support posts.
A still further aspect is a fence that may include clips or securing members that are sized and configured to connect the support members and/or panels to the support posts. For example, the clip may be connected to a portion of the support member to limit the movement of the support member relative to a support post. In particular, a portion of the support member may be inserted through an opening in the post and the clip may be connected to the support member to help prevent the support member from being withdrawn through the opening and detached from the support post.
Yet another further aspect is a fence that may include a fence panel disposed between two support posts. One or more support members may be disposed in receiving portions in the fence panel and the posts may include openings through which portions of the support members may extend to help connect the fence panel to the posts. Clips may be connected to the portions of the support members that extend through openings in the posts. The clips, however, do not have to be connected to all of the support members. For example, the fence may include an upper support member, an intermediate support member and a lower support member, and the clips may be connected to only some of the support members. It will be appreciated that the fence may include any suitable number and configuration of support members, and clips may be connected to some or all of the support members.
The clip preferably includes an opening that is sized and configured to receive an end of the support member. At least a portion of the opening is also sized and configured to contact a portion of the support member, which may allow the clip to be securely connected to the support member. For example, the opening may have a generally tear-drop shape and the support member may be initially inserted into the larger portion of the opening and then the clip and/or support member may be moved such that a smaller portion of the opening contacts the support member. This may allow the clip to be attached to the support member using a snap, friction and/or interference fit. The opening may have one or more serrated portions or teeth that are sized and configured to engage the support member. It will be appreciated that the clip may be connected to a support member in any suitable fashion and the clip may also be secured to the support member by fasteners, adhesives and the like, if desired.
Advantageously, the clip may securely connect the support member and/or panel to the support post. For example, because the clip may have a relatively large surface area, it may contact the inner portion of the support post and prevent the support member from being inadvertently removed from the opening in the support post. In addition, because the surface of the clip may have a generally flat and/or smooth configuration, that may help prevent the clip from damaging the support post. The clip may also be sized and configured to be quickly and efficiently connected and/or disconnected to the support member. Further, the clip may be constructed from metal, such as steel, and it may be quickly and inexpensively formed into the desired shape and configuration. It will be appreciated that the clip may be constructed from other suitable materials and it may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the support members and/or support posts.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings and the drawings themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a section of a fence, illustrating a fence panel, a pair of fence posts and three support members shown in broken lines;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a fence post, illustrating an end of a support member disposed through an opening in the fence post and a clip disposed proximate an end of the support member;
FIG. 3 is a another perspective view of the portion of the fence post shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the clip attached to the support member;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the clip; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clip shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards a fence. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to fences. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the fence and various structures disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other suitable types of structures.
Additionally, to assist in the description of the fence, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention can be located in a variety of desired positions—including various angles, sideways and even upside down. A detailed description of the fence now follows.
As seen in FIG. 1, a fence 10 may include support or fence posts 12 and fence panels 14. The support posts 12 preferably support the fence panels 14 in a generally vertical configuration. The fence panels 14 are preferably constructed from plastic and, in particular, from blow-molded plastic. The fence panels 14 may include hollow interior portions that are formed during the blow-molding process. In addition, the fence panels 14 may include opposing surfaces and at least a portion of the hollow interior portions may be disposed between the opposing surfaces. Advantageously, the blow-molded plastic panels 14 may be relatively lightweight and the panels may be quickly and easily formed into various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or configuration of the fence 10. It will be appreciated that the panels 14 may also be constructed from other suitable materials, such as metal or vinyl, and/or other processes, such as injection molding, rotational molding and the like.
The panels 14 are preferably relatively strong and impact resistant. For example, if the panels 14 are constructed from blow-molded plastic, this may allow the panels to withstand relatively large forces or impacts without being damaged. In particular, the blow-molded plastic panels 14 may include two opposing walls that are separated by a given distance and the opposing walls may help create a strong, high-strength and rigid panel. In addition, the blow-molded plastic panels 14 may include one or more depressions or “tack-offs” that extend from one surface towards another surface. Preferably, the depressions extend from one surface and contact or engage an opposing surface, but the depressions do not have to contact or engage another surface. The depressions are preferably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panels 14.
Advantageously, the panels 14 may have a wide variety of different shapes, sizes, configurations and designs. For example, the panels 14 may form a portion of a privacy fence to provide privacy to an owner. Thus, depending upon the size of the panels 14, the fence 10 may be used to prevent outsiders from seeing onto a property. The panels 14 may also be used to create a security fence to prevent trespassing or theft. The security fence may also be used to prevent children and pets from wandering away. In addition, the panels 14 may be used to create an agricultural fence to keep livestock in or predators out. If desired, the fence 10 may also be used in connection with other types of fences and features such as barbed wire, electric fences and the like.
The panels 14 may also be used in connection with different types of decorative fencing, such as to enhance the appearance of property, gardens, landscaping and the like. For example, one or both sides of the panels 14 may include a design. Advantageously, the design on the sides of the panels 14 may be the same or different, which may increase the versatility and potential uses of the fence 10. Thus, the design on one side of the panels 14 may be intended for use in connection with a particular environment and the design on the other side of the panels may be intended for use in connection with a different environment.
In addition to one or both sides of the panels 14 including designs, one or both sides of the panels may include depressions. The depressions may form part of the designs and, if desired, the designs may be used to minimize and/or hide the depressions from view. Thus, the depressions and designs may be formed on both sides of the panels 14, the depressions and designs may be part of an integrated pattern or arrangement. It will be appreciated that the panels 14 do not require any designs, depressions or the like on either or both sides of the panels.
As shown in FIG. 1, the panels 14 may have a relatively large configuration with a width between about four feet and about ten feet and a height between about six feet and about eight feet. In this configuration, the panels 14 may be used to create a privacy or security fence. It will be appreciated, however, that the panels 14 may have other sizes depending, for example, upon the intended use of the fence 10. For example, the panels 14 could have a smaller width, such as between about one foot and about two feet, if the fence 10 is intended to be used in a smaller area or to create a smaller enclosure. On the other hand, the panels 14 could have a larger width, such as between about twelve feet and about twenty feet, which may be helpful to build larger fences 10. The panels 14 could also have a smaller height, such as between about two and four feet, to create a pet or other suitable type of fence. In addition, the panels 14 could have a larger height, such as eight or ten feet, to create a privacy or other suitable type of fence.
The panels 14 may be connected directly to the support posts 12 and/or one or more panels may be interconnected. For example, if the panels 14 have a width of about one or two feet, then several panels may be interconnected to help form the fence 10. On the other hand, each of the panels 14 may be connected to the support posts 12. It will be understood that any suitable number of panels 14 may be interconnected and/or connected to the support posts 12.
Advantageously, the fence 10 may be constructed with a wide variety of different types and sizes of panels 14. Thus, the fence 10 may include any suitable number, type and size of panels 14. This may also allow the fence 10 to have different configurations and arrangements to follow, for example, the contour of the ground. In addition, the panels 14 may have different designs, colors, textures and the like. It will be understood that the panels 14 could have various suitable shapes, sizes, designs and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the fence 10.
In greater detail, as best seen in FIG. 1, the panel 14 may include a front surface 16 and an opposing rear surface 18. The panel 14 may also include a number of generally vertically aligned slats 20 and a number of horizontally aligned rails 22. The slats 20 and/or rails 22 may touch or be interconnected to create a solid panel 14. It will be appreciated that the slats 20 and/or rails 22, however, do not have to touch or be interconnected and the panels 14 may include one or more openings.
The panel 14 may also have a variety of other suitable configurations and arrangements. For example, the panel 14 may include one or more narrow, elongated sections that may be used to create structures such as a split-rail type fence. It will be understood that the panels 14 may have a range of configurations and arrangements to create different types of fences 10. For example, the panels 14 could be used to create the following types of fences 10: chain-link, rock or stone wall, picket and the like. Thus, while the accompanying figures illustrate the panel 14 as having numerous slats 20 and rails 22, the panel could have a number of slats, rails, and various shapes, sizes, designs and configurations.
As discussed above, the panels 14 are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic. The panels 14 may also be constructed from two or more different types of materials, such as blow-molded plastic and metal. This may allow a more decorative or attractive fence 10 to be created. For example, the fence 10 may include ornamental metal components that are attached to upper and/or lower portions of the blow-molded plastic panels 14.
The panels 14 could also include reinforcement structures that are sized and configured to increase the strength of the fence 10 and/or facilitate assembly of the fence. In particular, the reinforcement structures may also allow the fence 10 to be assembled and installed more quickly and easily. The reinforcement structures may be disposed inside and/or outside the panels 14. Thus, the reinforcement structures may be disposed within the panels 14, which may help create a more aesthetically pleasing design, or the reinforcement structures may be placed outside the panels, if desired.
The fence 10 may also include support members 24 that are sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the fence. For example, the support members 24 may be constructed from hollow metal tubing and the support members may be at least partially disposed within the panels 14. Advantageously, the support members 24 may be used to interconnect the panels 14 and/or connect the panels to the support posts 12. The support members 24 and the reinforcement members may form part of the same structure or the members may be different structures depending, for example, upon the intended use of the fence 10.
In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the support members 24 may be disposed within the panel 14. In particular, the panel 14 may include three support members 24 that are generally horizontally disposed and extend the width of the panel. Preferably, the ends of the support members 24 protrude beyond the sides of the panel 14 to facilitate attachment of the panel 14 to the support posts 12. It will be appreciated that the support members 24 do not have to extend the entire width of the panel 14 and the panel may have any suitable number and configuration of support members.
The support members 24 are preferably disposed within receiving portions formed in the panels 14. For example, the receiving portions may be disposed within the rails 22 that extend generally horizontally. In particular, the receiving portions may extend horizontally through the panel 14 and the receiving portions may be sized and configured to receive the support members. The receiving portions are preferably integrally formed with the panels 14, but the receiving portions may be formed at any suitable time. It will be understood that the receiving portions may have other suitable configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the size and shape of the support members 24.
The receiving portions are preferably disposed within and at least partially enclosed by the panel 14. Advantageously, this may help protect the support members 24 from damage. This may also allow the support members 24 to strengthen and/or increase the rigidity of the panel 14. The support members, however, could be attached to and/or disposed in any suitable portions of the panel 14 and/or fence 10.
The receiving portions preferably have a generally round, hollow configuration that is slightly larger than the support members 24 to allow the support member to be quickly and easily inserted into the receiving portions. The receiving portions, however, could have other suitable shapes and sizes depending, for example, upon the configuration and arrangement of the support members.
The support members 24 are preferably constructed from a relatively strong and rigid material such as metal. In particular, the support members 24 are preferably constructed from steel tubes because they are relatively high-strength and lightweight. The support members 24 could also be constructed from other materials with appropriate characteristics.
As best seen in FIG. 2, an end of a support member 24 preferably extends through an opening 26 in the support post 12. The support post 12 preferably includes a hollow interior portion and may be constructed from materials such as metal or plastic. As shown in the accompanying figures, the support posts 12 preferably have a generally square configuration that is about four inches by four inches. This may allow a person to insert their hand and tools inside the post 12. In addition, the support posts 12 may include one or more openings 26 which are preferably sized and configured to allow the panels 14 to be supported at a desired height relative to the ground. It will be appreciated that the support posts 12 could include any desired number of openings 26 and the support posts and openings could have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the fence 10.
When the end of the support member 24 is inserted into the opening 26 in the support post 12, a clip or securing member 30 is preferably attached to the support member. As shown in FIG. 2, the clip 30 is preferably disposed within the interior of the support post 12, but the clip could also be disposed outside the support post. The clip 30 is preferably sized and configured to connect the support member 24 and/or the panels 14 to the support post 12. In particular, the clip 30 may limit the movement of the support member 24 relative to the support post. Desirably, the clip 30 is sized and configured to prevent the support member 24 from being inadvertently removed or detached from the support post 12.
In greater detail, the clip 30 preferably includes an opening 32 that is sized and configured to receive an end of the support member 24. Preferably, the opening 32 has a generally tear-drop shape and the larger portion of the opening is desirably sized and configured to allow the support member 24 to be initially inserted into the opening. The clip 30 and/or support member 24 then may be moved such that the smaller portion of the opening contacts the support member. Desirably, the clip 30 securely contacts the support member 24 so that the clip cannot be inadvertently removed from the support member. For example, the clip 30 may be attached to the support member 24 using a snap, friction and/or interference fit. The opening 32 may have one or more serrated portions or teeth that are sized and configured to engage the support member 24.
The shape of the opening 32 may allow the clip 30 to be used in connection with a number of different sizes and types of connecting members 24. For example, because the sides of the opening 32 may be tapered from a larger opening to a smaller opening, that may allow the clip 30 to be connected to support members 24 of various sizes and diameters. Thus, the clip may have a wide variety of uses because it can be securely connected to different sizes and diameters of support members 24.
In addition, the tapered opening 32 may allow the clip 30 to be securely connected to the support member 24. For example, the opening 32 may allow the clip 30 to be securely connected to the support member 24 by using the snap, friction or interference fit. Further, while the clip 30 does not require the use of serrated edges or teeth 34, the teeth may firmly and powerfully engage the outer surface of the support member 24.
If desired, the support member 24 may include one or more receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive and/or engage a portion of the clip 30. For example, the support member 24 may include one or more grooves, detents, slots, notches, openings or the like that are sized and configured to receive a portion of the clip 30. These receiving portions may facilitate connection of the clip 30 to the support members 24, but they are not required.
The clip 30 may also securely connect the support member 24 to the support post 12, which may allow the panel 14 to be securely connected to the post. For example, because the clip 30 may have a relatively large surface area, it may contact the inner portion of the support post 12 and prevent the support member 24 from being inadvertently removed from the opening 26 in the support post. In addition, because the clip 30 may have a relatively large, flat surface, that may help prevent the clip from damaging the support post 12.
Significantly, the clip 30 may allow the support member 24 to be quickly and easily attached to the support post 12. If desired, the clip 30 may also be sized and configured to be quickly and efficiently disconnected from the support member 24. For example, the end of the support member 24 may be inserted through the opening 26 in the support post 12 and the clip 30 may then be attached to the end of the support member. Advantageously, the user may simply be able to use their hand, as shown in FIG. 2, to insert the end of the support member 24 into the opening 32 in the clip. The user may then slide the clip 30 relative to the support member 24 so that the support member is disposed towards the smaller portion of the opening. This may be done, for example, by pushing on the clip 30, using a hammer or the like. This may allow the clip 30 to be securely attached to the support member 24. Advantageously, no screws, bolts or other types of fasteners may be required to attach the clip 30 to the support member 24, but they may be used if desired.
The clip 30 is preferably constructed from metal, such as steel, to allow it to be securely connected to the support member 24 and to help prevent the support member from being inadvertently disconnected from the support post 12. The clip 30 may also be quickly and inexpensively formed into the desired shape and configuration. For example, the clip 30 may be constructed from sheet metal and it may be quickly and easily stamped or formed into the desired shape and configuration. It will be appreciated that the clip 30 may be constructed from other suitable materials and it may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the support members 24 and/or support posts 12.
Once the clip 30 is attached to the support member 24, it may prevent the support member from being pulled out of the opening 26 the support post 12. In addition, because the clip 30 may be securely connected to the support member 24, this may allow a strong and sturdy fence 10 to be constructed. However, because the clip 30 may also be quickly and easily disconnected from the support member 24, it may allow the fence 10 to be quickly and easily repaired, replaced and/or removed.
Advantageously, the clip 30 may allow different shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements of support members 24 and panels 14 to be connected to the support posts 12. For example, because the clip 30 may be quickly and easily attached to any desired portion of the support member 24, the support member does not have to have any particular length or configuration. In addition, the clip 30 does not require any holes be drilled in the support member 24 or other actions be taken before attaching the clip to the support member. Further, if the support member 24 has to be cut to a desired length because of the particular configuration of the fence 10, the clip 30 may still be able to be quickly and easily attached to the support member. Thus, the clip 30 may be used in a wide variety of circumstances because it can be used with support members 24 of different lengths. Additionally, because the clip 30 can be attached to any suitable portions of the support member 24, the clip may be used in a variety of different locations or positions. Further, the clip 30 may allow portions of the fence 10, such as the support members 24 or the panels 24, to be quickly and easily moved, adjusted or reconnected.
Additionally, the clip 30 may be easy to install because the support member 24 does not have to be in any particular orientation or alignment. The relatively large size of the clip 30 may also facilitate attachment of the clip to the support member 24. Further, the clip 30 may be easy to install because it is only one component and it is self-locking when attached to the support member.
As mentioned above, the clip 30 may also have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and designs. For instance, the opening 32 in the clip 30 may also have an oval or key-hole shaped configuration to allow the clip to be connected to various support members 24. The clip 30 may also have other features that contact, grip or engage the inner or outer surface of the support member 24. For example, the clip 30 may include a clamp type mechanism that engages the support member 24. The clip 30 may also include other features such as pins, cotter pins, rings, snap rings, slotted rings, snap-type buttons, bendable taps and the like to facilitate attachment of the clip to the support member 24, position the clip within the support post 12, help prevent the clip from being removed from the support member and/or help the support member from being disconnected from the support post. The clip 30 may also have other shapes and configurations, such as larger thickness and/or other non-rectangular forms depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the support member 24, support post 12 and/or fence 10. In addition, the clip 30 may have other sizes and designs. For example, the clip 30 may be sized and configured to engage a portion of the support post to prevent the clip 30 from unintentionally turning or rotating.
Other suitable aspects and features that may be used in connection with the fence 10 and/or components of the fence are disclosed in assignee's co-pending U.S. patent application ser. No. 11/228,052, filed Sep. 15, 2005, entitled FENCE, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A fence comprising:

a fence post;

a fence section;

a support member that is sized and configured to facilitate attachment of the fence section to the fence post; and

a clip that is sized and configured to be connected to the support member, the clip facilitating connection of the fence section to the fence post, the clip including an opening and at least a portion of the support member being disposed within the opening when the clip is secured to the support member.

2. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the opening in the clip has a generally teardrop-shaped configuration.

3. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the opening in the clip includes at least a first section that is larger than a second section.

4. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the opening in the clip includes a first section that is larger than an end of the support member to allow the support member to freely move relative to the clip, and a second section that is generally equal to or smaller than a portion of the support member to secure the support member and clip in a generally fixed position.

5. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the opening in the clip includes one or more inwardly extending members that are sized and configured to engage the support member when the clip is secured to the support member.

6. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the support member is at least partially disposed within a receiving portion in the fence section.

7. The fence as in claim 1, wherein an end of the support member extends beyond an outer edge of the fence section and is disposed within an opening in the fence post, the clip being connected to the end of the support member.

8. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the clip is disposed inside the fence post when the clip is connected to the support member and the support member is connected to the fence post.

9. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the fence post includes a hollow interior portion and an opening; and

wherein an end of the support member is inserted through the opening in the fence post and into the hollow interior portion fence post; and

wherein the clip is disposed within the hollow interior portion of the fence post when the clip is connected to the support member.

10. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the clip has a generally rectangular configuration and an outer portion of the clip is sized and configured to contact an inner surface of the fence post when the clip is secured to the support member.

11. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the clip is self-locking when attached to the support member.

12. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the clip may be attached to any desired portion of the support member.

13. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the clip has a large, generally planar surface that is sized and configured to contact an inner surface of the fence post when the clip is secured to the support member.

14. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the support member includes a first end that extends beyond a first edge of the fence section and a second end that extends beyond a second edge of the fence section.

15. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the fence section is constructed from blow-molded plastic.

16. The fence as in claim 1, wherein the opening in the clip includes a tapered portion that allow the clip to be connected to support members with different sizes.