CA3150579C

CA3150579C - Horizontal fencing system

Info

Publication number: CA3150579C
Application number: CA3150579A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Nedzad Brkic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-03-01
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2024-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2042-03-01
Also published as: CA3150579A1

Abstract

A method for constructing a horizontal fence comprises using an h-shaped fence posts and u-shaped bars configured to fit into channels along the length of each side of the fence posts is provided. The fence posts have a flange at an outer edge on each side of the respective channel.
The method comprises: cutting slots into side faces of a u-shaped elongated bar; sliding one end of a fence board into one of the channels of the fence post and the other end of the fence board into a corresponding channel of a second fence post; repeating the sliding step until the fence has reached a desired height; and sliding the slots of the first u-shaped elongated bar over the flanges of the fence post. The fence constructed is stable and can be made with a minimal variety of components.

Description

HORIZONTAL FENCING SYSTEM
Technical Field [001] The present application relates to horizontal fencing systems and methods of installing the fencing systems.
Background

[002] Horizontal fences are generally built using post that hold horizontal planks in place. Existing horizontal fencing systems comprises many different parts, each part for a unique function within the system.
For example, some systems for building horizontal fences include different types of posts for different functions: one style for end posts; one style for center posts; one style for corner posts; and another for gate posts. The multitude of part required can make it confusing to determine the parts required when designing a fence and can be expensive to manufacture, as a different mold is required for each component. Examples of existing horizontal fencing systems are: HOFT Solutions and Slipfencerm.
Summary

[003] The system disclosed herein uses one h-shaped post and a u-channel piece as the two main components. These two multi-functional components are used separately or in combination to create line posts, end posts, corner posts, gate posts, gates, locking brace, and spacers for semi-private horizontal fences.

[004] In one aspect, there is provided a fence post for use in a horizontal fencing system, the fence post being a single piece having an elongated square shape with a square horizontal cross-section with two solid opposing sides and two opposing sides have a channel centered thereon, each channel having a flange at an outer edge on each side of the respective channel, each flange extending from a solid opposing side of the fence post toward the center of the respective channel, the two channels separated at the center of the fence post by a center barrier.

[005] In another aspect, there is provided horizontal fencing system comprising: one or more single-piece fence posts, each having an elongated shape with a square horizontal cross-section with two solid opposing sides and two opposing sides have a channel centered thereon, each channel having a flange at an outer edge on each side of the respective channel, each flange extending from a solid opposing side of the fence post toward the center of the respective channel, the two channels separated at the center of the post by a center barrier; and one or more u-shaped elongated bars sized to fit in one of the channels of the fence post inside Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28 the flanges, the u-shaped elongated bars each having a shape the same as the channels with a rear face and two side faces, the rear face being less than the width of the channel.

[006] In another aspect, there is provided a method for constructing a horizontal fence using the system described herein, comprising: cutting slots into the side faces of a first u-shaped elongated bar, the slots being at a distance less than the length of the channel from each end of the first u-shaped elongated bar; securing one of the fence posts to a surface; sliding one end of a fence board having a width less than the distance between the flanges of the channels into one of the channels of the fence post and the other end of the fence board into a corresponding channel of another fence post or into a second elongated u-shaped bar mounted to a vertical surface; repeating the sliding step until the fence has reached a desired height; and sliding the slots of first u-shaped elongated bar over the flanges of one of the one or more fence post.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[007] Figure 1 is a line drawing of a fence post for horizontal fencing in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[008] Figure 2 is a line drawing of a u-channel for use with the fence post in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[009] Figure 3 is a line drawing of the top of the corner of a fence constructed accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is a line drawing of a stopper in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is a line drawing of a base plate in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 is a line drawing of a fence post installed on a base plate in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 is a line drawing of a fence post installed on a base plate a fence post installed on a base plate in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure with an encasement partially installed at a bottom end.

[0014] Figure 8 is a line drawing of a fence post installed on a base plate a fence post installed on a base plate in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosurewith an encasement installed at a bottom end.

[0015] Figure 9 is a line drawing of a top corner of a horizontal fence in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28

[0016] Figure 10 is a line drawing of a semi-private horizontal fence in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 11 is a line drawing of a private horizontal fence in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 12 is a line drawing of a gate in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed description

[0019] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings.
These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced.
Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

[0020] A horizontal fencing system 500 (see Figure 3) according to the present application comprises a fence post 100 and a u-shaped elongated bar 200. Embodiments of each component and the system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a fence post 100 for use in a horizontal fencing system 500 (see Figure 3) will be described. The fence post 100 has an elongated square shape with two solid opposing sides 102 and two opposing sides 104 have a channel 110 centered thereon. Each channel 104 has a flange 120 at an outer edge on each side of the respective channel. The two channels 104 are separated at the center of the post 100 by a center barrier 150. The fence post 100 can be made of any suitable material.
In some embodiments, the fence post 100 is made from aluminum by way of an extrusion process. Other possible materials include, but are not limited to steel and polymers, such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Other manufacturing processes are also possible.

[0022] The fence post can be any height depending on the desired fence height.
Most fences are between 6 and 10 feet in height depending on use and bylaws. The fence post can be any suitable width. In one embodiment the sides 102 and 104 are 3 inches wide.
100231 The distance between the flanges 120 accommodates a fence board 300 (shown in Figure 3). For example, for fence boards that are linch in wide, the distance between ends of the flanges is at least 1 inch.
For boards that are 0.9 inches wide, the distance between the flanges is at least 0.9 inches. In one embodiment, the flanges extend .4 inches from the outer edges of the sides of the channels 110.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28 [0024] In an embodiment, the fence post 100 comprises semi-circular or circular protrusions 140 at the inside of each corner, extending toward the center of the fence post 100. These semi-circular or circular protrusions 140 can be used to attach the fence post 100 to a base plate 600 (shown in Figure 6). The semi-circular or circular protrusions 140 also add structural stability to the fence post 100.
[0025] In some embodiments, the fence post 100 has a uniform horizontal cross-section for the entire length of the fence post. This is beneficial for production, as longer lengths of posts can be produced and subsequently cut to the desired length.
[0026] In some embodiments of the fence post, two lines 106 are marked on an exterior face of each solid opposing side 102. The two lines 106 are centered on each of the solid opposing sides and extend the length of the post. The distance between the two lines being equal to or slightly less than the width of the channel.
These lines can be used as a guide when installing the u-shaped elongated bar 200 when building the horizontal fencing system 500. In some embodiments the two lines 106 are etched into the fence post 100. In other embodiments, the two lines are painted onto the fence post.
[0027] Referring to Figure 3, the horizontal fencing system 500 will now be described. The system comprises one of more fence post 100 and one or more u-shaped elongated bars 200 (shown in more detail in Figure 2.) The u-shaped elongated bar 200 is sized to fit in one of the channels 110 of the fence post 100 inside the flanges 120. The u-shaped elongated bars 200 each having a rear face and two side faces, the rear face being slightly less than the width of the channel. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 demonstrates the fence post used as a corner post, with fence boards 300 in one channel 110, a u-shaped bar 200 inserted vertically in the other channel 110, and a second u-shaped bar 200 attached vertically to one of the solid sides 102 of the fence post. The second u-shaped bar has fence boards 300 inserted into it.
[0028] In some embodiments, the system 500 comprises at least two fence posts.
As will be discussed below, a fence can be built using two fence posts or alternatively, a fence can be built with one fence post 100 at one end and a u-shaped elongated bar 200 on a vertical surface, such as a side of a building on the other end. Thus, some systems include only one fence post.
[0029] Referring to Figure 4, some embodiments of the system 500, a stopper 400. The stopper can be placed at a bottom end of the channel 110 of the fence post 100 to stop the lowest fence board 300 at a desired height when the fencing system 500 is constructed. The stopper 400 comprises two adjacent rectangular sides 410 and 440 at 90 degrees to each other and having a width slightly less than the width of the channel, with one side 440 being connectable to a center wall 150 of the channel 110 and the other side 410 being slightly less in length to a distance from an inside of the flanges 120 to the center wall 150 of the channel 110. In some embodiments, on or both of the sides 410 and 440 of the stopper 400 have slots or holes 412,414 suitable for inserting a bolt or screw. The slots 412, 414 can be used to attach the stopper to the center wall Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28 150 of the channel 110. The stopper 400 can be made of any suitable material.
In some embodiments, the stopper is made from metal, such as, but not limited to aluminum or steel. In some embodiments, the stopper is made from a polymer, such as but not limited to PVC.
[0030] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the system further comprises a base plate 600 connectable to one end of the fence post 100. The base plate 600 can be used to attach the fence post 100 to a surface, such as but not limited to a deck or floor. In some embodiments, the base plate 600 is square and with sides longer than the width of the fence post 100. In some embodiments the base plate has pegs 610, configured to fit into the semi-circular or circular protrusions 140 of the fence post 100. In some embodiments, the base plate 600 comprising four pegs 610, one for each corner of the fence post 100. IN
some embodiments, the pegs 610 are centered on the base plate 600. In some embodiments, the base plate 600 has holes 620 though the base plate for to accommodate fasteners 640 (shown in Figure 6) for attaching the base plate to a surface. In some embodiments, there are four holes 620. In some embodiments, the holes 620 are located at corners of the base plate 600. Figure 7 shows a fence post 100 attached to a base plate 600 with a stopper 400 in place at the bottom end of the fence post.
[0031] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the bottom end of the fence post 100, in some embodiments, can be covered with a decorative casement 700. In some embodiments, the encasement 700 comprises two symmetrical parts 710 and 720 that wrap around the fence post 100 and connect together.
[0032] A method for constructing a horizontal fence using the system described above will now be described. Slots 240 are cut into the side faces 220 of a first u-shaped elongated bar 200. The slots 240 are at a distance slightly less than the length of the channel 110 from each end of the first u-shaped elongated bar 200. The slots are sized to slide over the flanges 120 and serve to stabilize the fence when constructed. The flanges 120 in conjunction with the slots 240 serve to lock the distance between fence posts 100 so that the same distance between fence posts is maintained under external forces, such as but not limited to wind and frost pressure. Furthermore, the slots allow the u-shaped bar 200 bar to move up and down to accommodate expansion and contraction of the fence boards 300. In some embodiments, the slots 240 extend the entire length of the side faces 220, such that when in place, the first u-shaped elongated bar 200 covers a top edge of a fence board (see Figure 9).
[0033] To construct the fence, one of the fence posts 100 is secured to a surface. In some embodiments, the surface is the ground, and the fence post is inserted into the ground. In some embodiments, the surface is the ground, and the fence post is secured to the ground using concrete poured into a hole. In some embodiments, the surface is a base plate 600.
[0034] Once the fence post(s) are in place one end of a fence board 300 having a width slightly less than the width of the channel 110 is slid into the channel of the fence post 100 and the other end of the fence board Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28 300 into a corresponding channel of another fence post or into a second elongated u-shaped bar mounted to a vertical surface. This step of sliding fence boards into place is repeated until the fence has reached a desired height. Any fence board having a depth less than the distance between the flanges of a channel can be used.
Examples of materials that the fence boards can be made of include, but are not limited to, pressure treated wood, cedar, polymers. The most common width of PCV fence boards is .875 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the fence posts, the flanges are .9 inches apart to accommodate the .875-inch PVC boards.
[0035] To complete the fence, first u-shaped elongated bar is placed at the top of the fence by sliding the slots 240 sliding over the flanges 120.
[0036] In some embodiments the second elongated u-shaped bar 200 is attached to one of the solid sides 102 of another fence post. This creates a comer post.
[0037] In some embodiments, the second u-shaped elongated bar 200 is inserted into one of the channels 110 of the fence post This creates an end post.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method further comprises cutting a third elongated u-shaped elongated bar into equal pieces and inserting a piece of the third u-shaped elongated bar in the channel of each fence post or second u-shaped elongated bar between each fence board. This creates a semi-private fence 1100 which is shown in Figure 10.
[0039] An example of a private fence 1200 constructed using the horizontal fencing system 300 described herein is shown in Figure 11.
[0040] Referring to Figure 12, the components of the horizontal fencing system 500 can be used to create a gate 1300. In some embodiments a gate panel 1310 is constructs from two fence posts 100 with u-shaped elongated bars 200 in one channel 110 of each post. Fence boards 300 are inserted into the other channels of the two fence posts and the panel is topped with another u-shaped elongated bar 200 with slots 240 cut into it.
Hinges 1320 are attached to one fence post 100 and a gate latch 1330 is attached to the opposing fence post 100. The gate panel 1310 can be mounted to any vertical surface, including but not limited to another fence post. A mating latch can be mounted on an opposing vertical surface to enable the gate panel to be secured in a closed position. In some embodiments, a diagonal gate brace is installed diagonally to one side of the panel and from one bottom corner of the panel to an opposing top comer. This provides additional strength to the gate.
[0041] What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible.
Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28 such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
[0042] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-28

Claims

Claims:

1. A method for constructing a horizontal fence using the system, the system comprising:
one or more single-piece fence posts, each having an elongated shape with a square horizontal cross-section with two solid opposing sides and two opposing sides have a channel centered thereon, each channel having a flange at an outer edge on each side of the respective channel, each flange extending from one of the solid opposing sides of the fence post toward a center of the respective channel, the two channels separated at a center of the post by a center barrier; and one or more u-shaped elongated bars sized to fit in one of the channels of the one or more single-piece fence posts inside the flanges, the u-shaped elongated bars each having a shape the same as the channels with a rear face and two side faces, the rear face being less than a width of the channel and the method comprising:
cutting slots into the side faces of a first of the one or more u-shaped elongated bars, the slots being at a distance less than a length of the channel from an end of the first u-shaped elongated bar;
securing one of the fence posts to a surface;
sliding one end of a fence board having a width less than a distance between the flanges of the channels into one of the ch nn els of the fence post and the other end of the fence board into a corresponding channel of a second fence post or into a second of the one or more elongated u-shaped bars mounted to a vertical surface;
repeating the sliding step until the fence has reached a desired height; and sliding the slots of the first u-shaped elongated bar over the flanges of one of the one or more fence post.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface is ground and the one or more fence posts are inserted into the ground.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface is ground and the one or more fence posts are secured to the ground using concrete poured into a hole.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface is a base plate.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fence board is slid into the second elongated u-shaped bar, further comprising attaching the second u-shaped elongated bar to one of the solid sides of a third fence post to create a corner post.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising, cutting a third of the one or more elongated u-shaped bars into equal pieces and inserting a piece of the third u-shaped bar of the one or more elongated bars in the channel of each fence post or second u-shaped elongated bar between each fence board.

Date re we/Date received 2024-01-10

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising sliding a fourth of the one or more u-shaped elongated bars into one of the channels of a third fence post to create an end post.

Date re cue/Date rece ived 2024-01-10