US20100133493A1 - Fencing system and post insert for use therewith - Google Patents
Fencing system and post insert for use therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100133493A1 US20100133493A1 US12/700,201 US70020110A US2010133493A1 US 20100133493 A1 US20100133493 A1 US 20100133493A1 US 70020110 A US70020110 A US 70020110A US 2010133493 A1 US2010133493 A1 US 2010133493A1
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- Prior art keywords
- post
- fencing system
- mount
- lower section
- insert
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/1413—Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members
- E04H17/1447—Details of connections between rails and posts
- E04H17/1452—Details of connections between rails and posts the ends of the rails are fixed on the lateral sides of the posts
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to a fencing system or railing system. More particularly, the invention relates to a fencing system having a post support which provides sturdy mounting of the railing structure. Specifically, the invention relates to such a post support having a post insert mounted atop a post mount with the railing structure secured to the post insert.
- Fencing and railing systems commonly utilize vertically mounted post structures with horizontal railing structures extending between and mounted on adjacent post structures. It is known in the art to utilize a post mount which is mounted on the ground or to a floor structure of some sort with the post mount slidably received within a hollow post whereby various types of structure attached to the post mount engages the inner surface of the post in order to provide support to the post.
- the various structure mounted on the post mount to help support the post either is disposed closely adjacent the inner surface of the post or in contact with said inner surface.
- Said patent discloses a post mount having fins or other outwardly projecting structure formed integrally therewith which frictionally engage the inner surface of the post to provide support thereto.
- Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,710 granted to the Applicant.
- Said patent discloses a post mount having a head seated atop the post mount with a plurality of tabs extending outwardly therefrom which frictionally engage the inner surface of the post to provide support thereto. Both of said patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- Other post mounts are known in the arts which have somewhat similar structures.
- the present invention provides a fencing system comprising a post; an inner surface of the post defining a post cavity; a post mount which has upper and lower ends and an outer surface extending therebetween; wherein the post mount is adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower end to a foundation and is slidably receivable in the post cavity with the inner surface of the post spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the post mount; an inner surface of the post mount defining a post mount cavity in the upper end of the post mount; a post insert comprising a lower section which is insertable downwardly into the post mount cavity and an upper section connected to and extending upwardly from the lower section; and an outer surface of the upper section disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount and abutting the inner surface of the post.
- FIG. 1 is an elevational view showing the fence system of the present invention with the posts and railing structures in solid lines and the post mount, post insert and related structure in dashed lines.
- FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of the post insert of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of the post insert shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment of the post insert in relation to the various other structures of the fence system.
- FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 and shows a second embodiment of the post insert of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a third embodiment of the post insert of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the third embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing the third embodiment of the post insert in relation to various other structures of the third embodiment of the fence system.
- System 10 includes a post mount 12 which is mounted on a foundation or base structure 14 such as a floorboard of a floor or platform, a concrete floor or the like or the ground itself.
- Post mount 12 is typically mounted on a plate 16 adjacent a lower end 20 thereof by welding, for example, and mounted via plate 16 to base structure 14 via bolts 18 or other suitable fasteners known in the art.
- Some examples of mounting structures for mounting a post mount are described in more detail in the above-referenced patents granted to the Applicant.
- Post mount 12 has an upper end 22 and is elongated between lower and upper ends 20 and 22 , having a height H 1 extending from upper end 20 to lower end 22 .
- system 10 includes a post insert 24 mounted atop post mount 12 adjacent upper end 22 thereof and distal lower end 20 , as will be further detailed below.
- System 10 may also include outward projections 26 which extend outwardly from post mount 12 .
- System 10 further includes a hollow post 28 having an upper end 29 and a lower end 31 which slides over post insert 24 , projections 26 , post mount 12 and plate 16 .
- System 10 may include a cap member 30 seated atop post 28 .
- System 10 includes an upper rail structure 32 and a lower rail structure 34 each mounted between a pair of adjacent posts 28 .
- Upper rail structure 32 includes a rail 36 having a first end 38 and a second end 40 opposed thereto with rail 36 being elongated there between.
- Upper rail structure 32 further includes a rail mounting bracket 42 mounted on each post 28 as necessary to support rail 36 adjacent first end 38 thereof.
- Another rail mounting bracket 44 is mounted on each post 28 whereby the bracket 44 mounted on an adjacent post 28 supports rail 36 adjacent second end 40 thereof.
- Lower rail structure 34 likewise includes a rail 46 having a first end 48 and the second end 50 opposed thereto and being elongated between ends 48 and 50 .
- Lower rail structure 34 also includes a rail mounting bracket 52 mounted on each post 28 for supporting rail 46 adjacent first end 48 thereof.
- Another rail mounting bracket 54 is mounted on each post 28 opposite a respective rail mounting bracket 52 whereby each rail mounting bracket 54 supports one of rails 46 adjacent respective second end 50 thereof.
- Lower rail structure 34 is mounted in a conventional manner to a pair of adjacent posts 28 .
- Post insert 24 has an upper end 55 and a lower end 57 and is elongated therebetween, with lower end 57 being spaced upwardly a substantial distance (nearly that of height H 1 ) from lower end 20 of post mount 12 .
- Post insert 24 has a height H 2 ( FIG. 2 ) extending from upper end 55 to lower end 57 .
- Height H 1 ( FIG. 1 ) of post mount 12 is over three times that of height H 2 of post insert 24 .
- Post insert 24 includes an upper sleeve or sidewall 56 having an outer surface 58 and an inner surface 60 ( FIG. 4 ) defining an interior chamber or upwardly opening cavity 62 .
- Upper sidewall 56 is substantially square as viewed from above or below although the shape may vary. Preferably however, sidewall 56 is non-circular in cross-section. Upper sidewall 56 extends upwardly from a separating wall 64 ( FIG. 4 ) which serves as a base wall bounding the lower end of cavity 62 . Upper sidewall 56 has a lower end 65 coincident with a lower surface of separating wall 64 and a height H 3 ( FIG. 2 ) extending from upper end 55 to lower end 65 which is approximately 3 ⁇ 4 that of height H 2 of post insert 24 . Upper sidewall 56 includes four exterior flat portions 66 ( FIGS. 2-3 ). Sidewall 56 defines a pair of holes 68 along one of the flat portions 66 and a second pair of holes 70 along opposed front portion 66 ( FIG. 4 ). Holes 68 and 70 may be threaded if desired.
- post insert 24 further includes a collar 72 extending downwardly from separating wall 64 .
- Collar 72 includes a lower sidewall 74 which is substantially square in cross section and has an outer surface 76 and an inner surface 78 defining an interior chamber or downwardly opening cavity 80 .
- Lower sidewall 74 is stepped inwardly from upper sidewall 56 at lower end 65 of sidewall 56 whereby outer surface 76 of lower sidewall 74 is disposed inwardly of outer surface 58 of upper sidewall 56 .
- Lower sidewall 74 has a height H 4 ( FIG. 2 ) extending from lower end 65 of upper sidewall 56 to lower end 57 of post insert 24 .
- Height H 3 of upper sidewall 56 is approximately three times that of height H 4 of lower sidewall 74 .
- Lower sidewall 74 includes four substantially flat walls 82 with a respective projection or strengthening rib 84 extending outwardly from each flat wall 82 and formed integrally therewith.
- Each rib 84 extends from adjacent lower end 57 of post insert 24 to separating wall 64 to which rib 84 is connected and with which it is integrally formed.
- Collar 72 includes four projections 86 each of which extends inwardly from lower sidewall 74 and is integrally formed therewith, each projection 86 defining a portion of inner surface 78 and defining a portion of downwardly opening cavity 80 . More particularly, each projection 86 extends inwardly from a respective flat wall 82 of sidewall 74 . Projections 86 are disposed adjacent separating wall 64 which bounds an upper end of cavity 80 .
- Post mount 12 is a hollow structure including a sidewall 88 which is substantially square in cross-section and has an outer surface 90 .
- the square cross-sectional configuration provides for four exterior flat portions 92 (only two flat portions 92 are shown in FIG. 4 ).
- Post mount 12 adjacent upper end 22 thereof is slidably received within downwardly opening cavity 80 of post insert 24 so that upper end 22 abuts separating wall 64 of post insert 24 .
- the lower surface of separating wall 64 is disposed a distance equal to height H 1 ( FIG. 1 ) from lower end 20 of post mount 12 when post insert 24 is mounted on post mount 12 .
- outer surface 90 of sidewall 88 of post insert 24 engages inner surface 78 of lower sidewall 74 along projections 86 . More particularly, each flat portion 92 of sidewall 88 is in frictional engagement with a respective inward projection 86 .
- each outward projection 26 mounted on post mount 12 includes an upper substantially horizontal leg 94 which extends outwardly from and is connected to post mount 12 adjacent and spaced downwardly from upper end 22 .
- a tab 96 angles downwardly and outwardly from and is connected to leg 94 , each tab 96 having an outermost edge 98 .
- Lower end 57 of post insert 24 is seated atop an upper surface of leg 94 of each outward projection 26 .
- post 28 has a sidewall 100 which is substantially square in cross-section and is elongated between upper end 29 and lower end 31 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Sidewall 100 has an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104 defining an interior chamber or cavity 106 which opens upwardly adjacent upper end 29 and opens downwardly adjacent lower end 31 .
- Outer surface 102 of sidewall 100 includes four flat exterior surfaces 108 , two of which are shown in FIG. 4 .
- Inner surface 104 of sidewall 100 includes four interior flat surfaces 110 , three of which are shown in FIG. 4 .
- Sidewall 100 defines a pair of holes 112 extending from one exterior flat surface 108 to a corresponding interior flat surface 110 whereby holes 112 are aligned with respective holes 68 in post insert 24 .
- Sidewall 100 also defines a pair of holes 114 extending from another exterior flat surface 108 to a corresponding interior flat surface 110 , the latter of said flat surfaces 108 and 110 being on the opposite side of post 28 from holes 112 .
- Holes 114 are aligned respectively with holes 70 in post insert 24 .
- Holes 68 , 70 , 112 and 114 are all disposed upwardly of upper end 22 of post mount 12 .
- post insert 24 When assembled ( FIG. 4 ), post insert 24 , post mount 12 and outward projections 26 are slidably received within cavity 106 of post 28 . Outermost edges 98 of tabs 96 of projections 26 are in frictional engagement with respective interior flat surfaces 110 of sidewall 100 of post 28 .
- Post insert 24 is positioned within cavity 106 of post 28 so that upper end 55 of post mount 24 is adjacent upper end 29 of post 28 .
- outer surface 58 of post insert 24 is disposed closely adjacent or in contact with inner surface 104 of post 28 .
- each flat portion 66 of post insert 24 is closely adjacent or in contact with a respective interior flat surface 110 of post 28 . More particularly, outer surface 58 is closely adjacent inner surface 104 of post 28 adjacent upper end 55 and lower end 65 of sidewall 56 .
- outer surface 58 of sidewall 56 is in its entirety closely adjacent inner surface 104 of post 28 .
- rail mounting bracket 42 includes a base wall 116 and a collar 118 extending outwardly therefrom to define a cavity 120 in which first end 38 of one rail 36 is slidably received with first end 38 closely adjacent or in contact with base wall 116 .
- Collar 118 and base wall 116 of bracket 42 further define a pair of counterbore holes 122 which are aligned with respective holes 114 in post 28 and 70 in post insert 24 .
- a pair of fasteners in the form of threaded screws 124 are each inserted via one of counterbore holes 122 through respective holes 114 and 70 , with each screw 124 threadably engaging hole 70 to secure rail mounting bracket 42 to post insert 24 with a portion of sidewall 100 of post 28 sandwiched therebetween, thereby mounting upper rail structure 32 to post 28 and post mount 12 .
- rail mounting bracket 42 is connected to post insert 24 as opposed to being connected solely to post 28 , thereby providing a substantially sturdier connection.
- rail mounting bracket 42 is disposed upwardly of upper end 22 of post mount 12 .
- bracket 42 is disposed entirely above upper end 22 of post mount 12 whereby first end 38 of rail 36 is also disposed entirely above upper end 22 . Since each rail 36 is substantially straight and substantially horizontal, each rail 36 therefore is disposed entirely above upper end 22 of post 12 so that the entire rail structure 32 is disposed entirely above upper end 22 of post 12 .
- Rail mounting bracket 44 has the same configuration as rail mounting bracket 42 or is a mirror image thereof, is numbered similarly and mounted as described with regard to bracket 42 .
- second end 40 of second rail 36 is received in cavity 120 of mounting bracket 44 with second end 40 disposed closely adjacent or in contact with base wall 116 of bracket 44 .
- rail mounting bracket 44 is secured to post insert 24 by a pair of threaded screws 124 extending via respective counterbore holes 122 through respective holes 112 and 68 with each screw 124 threadably engaging hole 68 .
- Cap member 30 is seated atop post 28 to protect the hollow interior chamber 106 thereof from the elements and provide preferred aesthetics.
- System 200 is similar to system 10 except that it has a post insert 202 which is slightly different than that of post insert 24 of system 10 .
- post insert 202 is similar to post insert 24 except with regard to a collar 204 which differs from collar 72 of post insert 24 .
- Collar 204 is free of inward projections such as projections 86 of post insert 24 .
- collar 204 includes a lower sidewall 206 having a substantially square inner surface 208 which is in mating configuration to outer surface 90 of post mount 12 along virtually the entire length of the portion of post mount 12 adjacent upper end 22 thereof which is slidably received within a downwardly opening cavity 210 defined by inner surface 208 of collar 204 .
- collar 204 defines a plurality of holes as at 212 through which respective fasteners in the form of threaded screws 214 extend and threadably engage holes 216 (which may or may not be threaded) formed in post mount 12 adjacent upper end 22 thereof to further secure post insert 202 to post mount 12 .
- Screws 214 are optional and may be used in the first embodiment as well if desired.
- fencing systems 10 and 200 provide a sturdier mounting system than is known of in the prior art.
- post insert 24 provides a sturdier mounting structure to which upper rail structure 32 may be mounted.
- post inserts 24 and 202 each provide a structure other than the post itself to which the rail structures or rail mounting brackets are directly secured.
- outer surface 58 of post insert 24 provides a substantial surface area which is disposed closely adjacent or in contact with inner surface 104 of post 28 , thus providing greater stability or sturdiness via a surface area which is larger than in known prior art as well as a substantial area which is closely adjacent or in abutment with the inner surface of the post.
- Post insert 24 or 202 is also firmly mounted atop post mount 12 as previously described with engagement with post mount 12 and inward projections 86 of post insert 24 or the elongated inner surface 208 of post insert 202 .
- lower end 57 of post insert 24 or 202 abuts legs 94 of projections 26 to enhance the stable mounting of post inserts 24 and 202 .
- Fasteners such as screws 214 may also increase this stability.
- post mounts 24 and 202 extend primarily upwardly of upper end 22 of post mount 12 , thereby allowing post mount 12 to be shorter while the post mount provides sufficient height for mounting of the rail structure.
- the cross-sectional shapes of the post, the post insert and the post mount may take on a variety of shapes other than square while still being within the scope of the present invention.
- these cross-sectional shapes are non-circular in order to facilitate the alignment of the various pieces and related holes and fasteners.
- the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the post insert upper sidewall is substantially the same as that of the inner surface of the post. It is also preferred that this be the case for the outer surface of the post mount and the inner surface of the lower sidewall of the post insert in the area where they engage one another.
- post mount 12 is formed of a metal or metal alloy to provide the desired strength, although this may vary for certain applications.
- the post mounts are formed of an extrudable shape to keep costs lower.
- the posts and rails are most preferably formed of extrudable materials and shapes.
- the rails, rail mounting brackets, post and post insert will be formed of a sturdy plastic material, although again this may vary in accordance with the application.
- rail structures 36 and 46 are shown in the drawings as being formed from more than one piece, namely a rail 36 and rail mounting bracket 42 or 44 .
- the rail structure may be a one-piece member which may be formed integrally and has suitable flanges or other structure suitable for mounting to the post insert.
- the rail structures are mounted to the post insert via fasteners which extend through holes as described and most preferably involve a threaded engagement between the fastener and the post insert.
- fasteners may be used to secure the rail structure to the post insert.
- fasteners which extend through holes analogous to those described herein and which engage a second fastening member such as a nut may be used. Although this type fastener may require additional effort during assembly, the upwardly opening cavity of the post insert provides access from above to permit the use of these types of fasteners.
- the collars of the post inserts as described herein define a cavity which slidably receives an upper end of the post mount in order to mount the post insert atop the post mount.
- the first insert may be mounted with a downwardly extended projection which is inserted into the hollow interior of the post mount.
- a collar or similar structure disposed outwardly in the post mount is preferred to provide greater stability.
- outward projections such as projections 26 which extend from the post mount may be eliminated although they provide additional support to the post insert as well as the post.
- the specific heights detailed herein may vary. However, the heights which are specified represent typical relationships between various structures of which those heights are given. Other changes within the scope of the invention will be evident to one skilled in the art.
- a third embodiment of the post insert is shown generally at 302 in FIG. 6 and in use with a fence system 300 shown in FIG. 8 .
- Post insert 302 is preferably formed as an integral one-piece member which is typically formed of a rigid plastic material which may be formed in a single mold by injection molding or the like.
- Post insert 302 has upper and lower ends 304 and 306 defining therebetween height H 2 , as previously discussed with the earlier embodiments, which is preferably greater than or at least as great as the height of mounting brackets 42 and 44 .
- Post insert 302 comprises a body which includes an upper section or sidewall 308 and a lower section or sidewall 310 which extends downwardly therefrom and has a smaller cross-section than that of upper sidewall 308 .
- Upper sidewall 308 has a lower end 312 so that upper end 304 and lower end 312 define therebetween height H 3 as discussed with the previous embodiments.
- Lower sidewall 310 has an upper end 314 coincident with lower end 312 of upper sidewall 308 .
- Upper and lower ends 314 define therebetween height H 4 as previously discussed with the earlier embodiments.
- Lower sidewall 310 has a cross-section substantially smaller than that of the lower sidewalls of the previous embodiments and is configured to be received within an upper end of post mount 12 ( FIG. 8 ). More particularly, post mount 12 has a substantially square inner surface 316 defining an interior chamber or cavity 318 therewithin which communicates with the upper end of post mount 12 which includes an upwardly facing surface 320 .
- Upper sidewall 308 has a substantially square cross-sectional configuration as viewed from above or below and includes four substantially flat vertically extending mounting walls 322 A-D which are respectively connected to one another at four corners of upper sidewall 308 and collectively form an outer surface 324 thereof. Outer surface 324 on each mounting wall 322 thus includes a respective external flat portion 326 .
- Upper sidewall 308 has an inner surface 328 which defines an upper cavity 330 which opens upwardly at upper end 304 and is closed at the bottom by a laterally extending separating wall 332 which is typically horizontal and from which sidewall 308 extends upwardly.
- Upper cavity 330 is substantially rectangular as viewed from the side and substantially square as viewed from above.
- a pair of upper holes 334 are formed respectively in opposed mounting walls 322 B and 322 C each extending from inner surface 328 to outer surface 324 and respectively aligned with upper holes 112 and 114 formed in post 28 .
- Upper holes 334 are adjacent upper end 304 of post insert 302 .
- a pair of lower holes are formed respectively through walls 322 B and 322 C adjacent lower end 312 of sidewall 308 and are aligned with respective lower holes 112 and 114 formed in post 28 .
- Holes 334 and 336 are respectively received therein screws 124 to secure mounting brackets 42 and 44 to upper sidewall 308 in a similar manner described in the previous embodiments.
- Separating wall 332 serves as a bottom wall extending inwardly from each of mounting walls 322 and preferably extends in a continuous manner between the opposed mounting walls. Separating wall 332 is substantially square and defines horizontal lower surface 312 of upper sidewall 308 .
- Lower sidewall 310 has a substantially square cross-sectional configuration and is connected centrally to wall 332 and extends downwardly from lower surface 312 .
- the cross-sectional configuration of lower sidewall 310 is substantially smaller than that of upper sidewall 308 .
- Lower sidewall 310 includes four substantially flat vertically extending walls 338 A-D which are respectively parallel to mounting walls 322 A-D and together define an outer surface 340 of sidewall 310 including four external flat portions or surfaces 342 respectively on walls 338 .
- Outer surface 340 also includes vertically extending beveled corners or surfaces 343 which extend downwardly from surface 312 to adjacent lower end 306 and each of which is typically at an angle of about 45 degrees to each of outer surfaces 342 which it intersects.
- Beveled surfaces 343 may also be rounded or otherwise shaved to eliminate sharp corners which might otherwise engage post mount 12 to prevent insertion of lower sidewall 310 therein or make it more difficult to insert.
- Sidewall 310 has an inner surface 344 defining a substantially square lower cavity 346 which is bounded at the top by lower surface 312 of wall 332 and extends and opens downwardly at lower end 306 .
- Lower sidewall 310 tapers inwardly at respective tapered surfaces 348 extending respectively along walls 338 A-D such that surfaces 348 communicate with lower end 306 . Tapered surfaces 348 facilitate the insertion of lower sidewall 310 into cavity 318 of post mount 12 .
- the walls of 338 of lower section 310 have a thickness extending in the horizontal direction which is about the same as the thickness of wall 332 extending in a vertical direction.
- Walls 322 of upper section 308 are substantially thicker than either of walls 338 or 332 and more particularly in the exemplary embodiment have a thickness extending in the horizontal direction which is approximately twice that of either of walls 332 and 338 .
- a pair of holes 350 are formed respectively through walls 338 B and 338 C and are aligned with holes 352 formed through post mount 12 adjacent its upper end. Holes 350 and 352 receive therethrough a fastener in the form of a bolt 354 which threadedly engages a nut 356 to secure post insert 302 to post mount 12 adjacent its upper end. While such a fastener is preferred for additional security, post insert 302 may be used without such a fastener and simply positioned so that lower surface 312 is seated on upwardly facing surface 320 of post mount 12 . Lower surface 312 thus serves as a stop engaging upper surface 320 to prevent downward movement of post insert 302 relative to post mount 12 .
- Post insert 302 has a body which includes a lower section having an outer surface 340 which extends substantially vertically and abuts vertical inner surface 316 of post mount 12 adjacent its upper end, preferably providing a snug frictional engagement therebetween so that post insert 302 either is not or is only minimally laterally movable relative to post mount 12 even without the use of a fastener.
- the body of post insert 302 includes a laterally extending downwardly facing surface 312 which extends laterally outwardly from surface 340 to engage upwardly facing surface 320 and in the exemplary embodiment is substantially horizontal.
- the body of post insert 302 further includes an outer surface 324 which extends upwardly from laterally extending surface 312 and abuts the substantially vertical inner surface 104 of post 28 when received therein.
- first section 308 is disposed entirely above post mount 12 .
- no portion of post insert 302 is disposed below the upper end 320 of post mount external to post mount 12 and thus no portion of post insert 302 engages outer surface 90 of post mount 12 .
- a post insert may be formed similar to post insert 302 which also incorporates a structure similar to sidewall 74 of post insert 24 ( FIG. 2 ) which is disposed external to post insert 12 and engages its outer surface to provide additional stability.
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Abstract
A fencing system includes a post mount typically mountable on a foundation and having an outer surface extending upwardly therefrom. A post insert mounted adjacent the top of the post mount has an outer surface disposed outwardly of the post mount outer surface to abut an inner surface of a post which defines a cavity in which the post mount and post insert are slidably received. The post insert provides stability to the post such that a rail may be mounted on the post via a rail mounting bracket or otherwise.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/818,738, filed Jun. 15, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/046,499 filed Jan. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,152 issued Aug. 5, 2008; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by references.
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention relates generally to a fencing system or railing system. More particularly, the invention relates to a fencing system having a post support which provides sturdy mounting of the railing structure. Specifically, the invention relates to such a post support having a post insert mounted atop a post mount with the railing structure secured to the post insert.
- 2. Background Information
- Fencing and railing systems commonly utilize vertically mounted post structures with horizontal railing structures extending between and mounted on adjacent post structures. It is known in the art to utilize a post mount which is mounted on the ground or to a floor structure of some sort with the post mount slidably received within a hollow post whereby various types of structure attached to the post mount engages the inner surface of the post in order to provide support to the post. The various structure mounted on the post mount to help support the post either is disposed closely adjacent the inner surface of the post or in contact with said inner surface. One example of such a configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,928 granted to the Applicant. Said patent discloses a post mount having fins or other outwardly projecting structure formed integrally therewith which frictionally engage the inner surface of the post to provide support thereto. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,710 granted to the Applicant. Said patent discloses a post mount having a head seated atop the post mount with a plurality of tabs extending outwardly therefrom which frictionally engage the inner surface of the post to provide support thereto. Both of said patents are incorporated herein by reference. Other post mounts are known in the arts which have somewhat similar structures.
- While these patents and other structures provide suitable support to the post for many purposes, there remains a need in the art for a connection between the railing structure and the post structures whereby said connection is substantially sturdier than those presently known. Most typically, the railing structures are secured by a fastener typically in the form of a screw or bolt to the post itself. Especially for railing structures that are elevated substantially above the ground or floor to which the post mount is attached, such a connection is not as sturdy as desired for certain applications.
- The present invention provides a fencing system comprising a post; an inner surface of the post defining a post cavity; a post mount which has upper and lower ends and an outer surface extending therebetween; wherein the post mount is adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower end to a foundation and is slidably receivable in the post cavity with the inner surface of the post spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the post mount; an inner surface of the post mount defining a post mount cavity in the upper end of the post mount; a post insert comprising a lower section which is insertable downwardly into the post mount cavity and an upper section connected to and extending upwardly from the lower section; and an outer surface of the upper section disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount and abutting the inner surface of the post.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which applicant contemplates applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
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FIG. 1 is an elevational view showing the fence system of the present invention with the posts and railing structures in solid lines and the post mount, post insert and related structure in dashed lines. -
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of the post insert of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of the post insert shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion ofFIG. 1 showing the first embodiment of the post insert in relation to the various other structures of the fence system. -
FIG. 5 is similar toFIG. 4 and shows a second embodiment of the post insert of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a third embodiment of the post insert of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the third embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar toFIG. 4 showing the third embodiment of the post insert in relation to various other structures of the third embodiment of the fence system. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
- The fencing system of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in
FIG. 1 .System 10 includes apost mount 12 which is mounted on a foundation orbase structure 14 such as a floorboard of a floor or platform, a concrete floor or the like or the ground itself.Post mount 12 is typically mounted on aplate 16 adjacent alower end 20 thereof by welding, for example, and mounted viaplate 16 tobase structure 14 viabolts 18 or other suitable fasteners known in the art. Some examples of mounting structures for mounting a post mount are described in more detail in the above-referenced patents granted to the Applicant.Post mount 12 has anupper end 22 and is elongated between lower andupper ends upper end 20 tolower end 22. - In accordance with a feature of the invention and with continued reference to
FIG. 1 ,system 10 includes apost insert 24 mounted atoppost mount 12 adjacentupper end 22 thereof and distallower end 20, as will be further detailed below.System 10 may also includeoutward projections 26 which extend outwardly frompost mount 12.System 10 further includes ahollow post 28 having anupper end 29 and alower end 31 which slides overpost insert 24,projections 26,post mount 12 andplate 16.System 10 may include acap member 30 seated atoppost 28.System 10 includes anupper rail structure 32 and alower rail structure 34 each mounted between a pair ofadjacent posts 28.Upper rail structure 32 includes arail 36 having afirst end 38 and asecond end 40 opposed thereto withrail 36 being elongated there between.Upper rail structure 32 further includes arail mounting bracket 42 mounted on eachpost 28 as necessary to supportrail 36 adjacentfirst end 38 thereof. Anotherrail mounting bracket 44 is mounted on eachpost 28 whereby thebracket 44 mounted on anadjacent post 28 supportsrail 36 adjacentsecond end 40 thereof. -
Lower rail structure 34 likewise includes arail 46 having afirst end 48 and thesecond end 50 opposed thereto and being elongated betweenends Lower rail structure 34 also includes arail mounting bracket 52 mounted on eachpost 28 for supportingrail 46 adjacentfirst end 48 thereof. Anotherrail mounting bracket 54 is mounted on eachpost 28 opposite a respectiverail mounting bracket 52 whereby eachrail mounting bracket 54 supports one ofrails 46 adjacent respectivesecond end 50 thereof.Lower rail structure 34 is mounted in a conventional manner to a pair ofadjacent posts 28. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-4 ,post insert 24 is further detailed. Postinsert 24 has anupper end 55 and alower end 57 and is elongated therebetween, withlower end 57 being spaced upwardly a substantial distance (nearly that of height H1) fromlower end 20 ofpost mount 12.Post insert 24 has a height H2 (FIG. 2 ) extending fromupper end 55 tolower end 57. Height H1 (FIG. 1 ) ofpost mount 12 is over three times that of height H2 of post insert 24.Post insert 24 includes an upper sleeve orsidewall 56 having anouter surface 58 and an inner surface 60 (FIG. 4 ) defining an interior chamber or upwardly openingcavity 62.Upper sidewall 56 is substantially square as viewed from above or below although the shape may vary. Preferably however, sidewall 56 is non-circular in cross-section.Upper sidewall 56 extends upwardly from a separating wall 64 (FIG. 4 ) which serves as a base wall bounding the lower end ofcavity 62.Upper sidewall 56 has alower end 65 coincident with a lower surface of separatingwall 64 and a height H3 (FIG. 2 ) extending fromupper end 55 tolower end 65 which is approximately ¾ that of height H2 ofpost insert 24.Upper sidewall 56 includes four exterior flat portions 66 (FIGS. 2-3 ).Sidewall 56 defines a pair ofholes 68 along one of theflat portions 66 and a second pair ofholes 70 along opposed front portion 66 (FIG. 4 ).Holes - With continued reference to
FIGS. 2-4 , postinsert 24 further includes acollar 72 extending downwardly from separatingwall 64.Collar 72 includes alower sidewall 74 which is substantially square in cross section and has anouter surface 76 and aninner surface 78 defining an interior chamber or downwardly openingcavity 80.Lower sidewall 74 is stepped inwardly fromupper sidewall 56 atlower end 65 ofsidewall 56 wherebyouter surface 76 oflower sidewall 74 is disposed inwardly ofouter surface 58 ofupper sidewall 56.Lower sidewall 74 has a height H4 (FIG. 2 ) extending fromlower end 65 ofupper sidewall 56 tolower end 57 ofpost insert 24. Height H3 ofupper sidewall 56 is approximately three times that of height H4 oflower sidewall 74.Lower sidewall 74 includes four substantiallyflat walls 82 with a respective projection or strengtheningrib 84 extending outwardly from eachflat wall 82 and formed integrally therewith. Eachrib 84 extends from adjacentlower end 57 ofpost insert 24 to separatingwall 64 to whichrib 84 is connected and with which it is integrally formed.Collar 72 includes fourprojections 86 each of which extends inwardly fromlower sidewall 74 and is integrally formed therewith, eachprojection 86 defining a portion ofinner surface 78 and defining a portion of downwardly openingcavity 80. More particularly, eachprojection 86 extends inwardly from a respectiveflat wall 82 ofsidewall 74.Projections 86 are disposed adjacent separatingwall 64 which bounds an upper end ofcavity 80. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , postmount 12 is further detailed.Post mount 12 is a hollow structure including asidewall 88 which is substantially square in cross-section and has anouter surface 90. The square cross-sectional configuration provides for four exterior flat portions 92 (only twoflat portions 92 are shown inFIG. 4 ).Post mount 12 adjacentupper end 22 thereof is slidably received within downwardly openingcavity 80 ofpost insert 24 so thatupper end 22 abuts separatingwall 64 ofpost insert 24. Thus, the lower surface of separatingwall 64 is disposed a distance equal to height H1 (FIG. 1 ) fromlower end 20 ofpost mount 12 when post insert 24 is mounted onpost mount 12. In addition,outer surface 90 ofsidewall 88 ofpost insert 24 engagesinner surface 78 oflower sidewall 74 alongprojections 86. More particularly, eachflat portion 92 ofsidewall 88 is in frictional engagement with a respectiveinward projection 86. - With further reference to
FIG. 4 , eachoutward projection 26 mounted onpost mount 12 includes an upper substantiallyhorizontal leg 94 which extends outwardly from and is connected to postmount 12 adjacent and spaced downwardly fromupper end 22. Atab 96 angles downwardly and outwardly from and is connected toleg 94, eachtab 96 having anoutermost edge 98.Lower end 57 ofpost insert 24 is seated atop an upper surface ofleg 94 of eachoutward projection 26. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 , post 28 has asidewall 100 which is substantially square in cross-section and is elongated betweenupper end 29 and lower end 31 (FIG. 1 ).Sidewall 100 has anouter surface 102 and aninner surface 104 defining an interior chamber orcavity 106 which opens upwardly adjacentupper end 29 and opens downwardly adjacentlower end 31.Outer surface 102 ofsidewall 100 includes four flat exterior surfaces 108, two of which are shown inFIG. 4 .Inner surface 104 ofsidewall 100 includes four interiorflat surfaces 110, three of which are shown inFIG. 4 .Sidewall 100 defines a pair ofholes 112 extending from one exteriorflat surface 108 to a corresponding interiorflat surface 110 wherebyholes 112 are aligned withrespective holes 68 inpost insert 24.Sidewall 100 also defines a pair ofholes 114 extending from another exteriorflat surface 108 to a corresponding interiorflat surface 110, the latter of saidflat surfaces post 28 fromholes 112.Holes 114 are aligned respectively withholes 70 inpost insert 24.Holes upper end 22 ofpost mount 12. - When assembled (
FIG. 4 ),post insert 24,post mount 12 andoutward projections 26 are slidably received withincavity 106 ofpost 28. Outermost edges 98 oftabs 96 ofprojections 26 are in frictional engagement with respective interiorflat surfaces 110 ofsidewall 100 ofpost 28.Post insert 24 is positioned withincavity 106 ofpost 28 so thatupper end 55 ofpost mount 24 is adjacentupper end 29 ofpost 28. In addition,outer surface 58 ofpost insert 24 is disposed closely adjacent or in contact withinner surface 104 ofpost 28. In particular, eachflat portion 66 ofpost insert 24 is closely adjacent or in contact with a respective interiorflat surface 110 ofpost 28. More particularly,outer surface 58 is closely adjacentinner surface 104 ofpost 28 adjacentupper end 55 andlower end 65 ofsidewall 56. Preferably,outer surface 58 ofsidewall 56 is in its entirety closely adjacentinner surface 104 ofpost 28. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 ,rail mounting bracket 42 includes abase wall 116 and acollar 118 extending outwardly therefrom to define acavity 120 in whichfirst end 38 of onerail 36 is slidably received withfirst end 38 closely adjacent or in contact withbase wall 116.Collar 118 andbase wall 116 ofbracket 42 further define a pair of counterbore holes 122 which are aligned withrespective holes 114 inpost post insert 24. A pair of fasteners in the form of threadedscrews 124 are each inserted via one of counterbore holes 122 throughrespective holes screw 124threadably engaging hole 70 to securerail mounting bracket 42 to postinsert 24 with a portion ofsidewall 100 ofpost 28 sandwiched therebetween, thereby mountingupper rail structure 32 to post 28 and postmount 12. - Thus, in accordance with a feature of the invention,
rail mounting bracket 42 is connected to postinsert 24 as opposed to being connected solely to post 28, thereby providing a substantially sturdier connection. In addition, becauseupper sidewall 56 ofpost insert 24 extends upwardly ofupper end 22 ofpost mount 12,rail mounting bracket 42 is disposed upwardly ofupper end 22 ofpost mount 12. Indeed,bracket 42 is disposed entirely aboveupper end 22 ofpost mount 12 wherebyfirst end 38 ofrail 36 is also disposed entirely aboveupper end 22. Since eachrail 36 is substantially straight and substantially horizontal, eachrail 36 therefore is disposed entirely aboveupper end 22 ofpost 12 so that theentire rail structure 32 is disposed entirely aboveupper end 22 ofpost 12.Rail mounting bracket 44 has the same configuration asrail mounting bracket 42 or is a mirror image thereof, is numbered similarly and mounted as described with regard tobracket 42. Thus,second end 40 ofsecond rail 36 is received incavity 120 of mountingbracket 44 withsecond end 40 disposed closely adjacent or in contact withbase wall 116 ofbracket 44. Similar tobracket 42,rail mounting bracket 44 is secured to postinsert 24 by a pair of threadedscrews 124 extending via respective counterbore holes 122 throughrespective holes screw 124threadably engaging hole 68.Cap member 30 is seated atoppost 28 to protect the hollowinterior chamber 106 thereof from the elements and provide preferred aesthetics. - With reference to
FIG. 5 ,fencing system 200 is described.System 200 is similar tosystem 10 except that it has apost insert 202 which is slightly different than that ofpost insert 24 ofsystem 10. In particular,post insert 202 is similar to postinsert 24 except with regard to acollar 204 which differs fromcollar 72 ofpost insert 24.Collar 204 is free of inward projections such asprojections 86 ofpost insert 24. Thus,collar 204 includes alower sidewall 206 having a substantially squareinner surface 208 which is in mating configuration toouter surface 90 ofpost mount 12 along virtually the entire length of the portion ofpost mount 12 adjacentupper end 22 thereof which is slidably received within adownwardly opening cavity 210 defined byinner surface 208 ofcollar 204. In addition,collar 204 defines a plurality of holes as at 212 through which respective fasteners in the form of threadedscrews 214 extend and threadably engage holes 216 (which may or may not be threaded) formed inpost mount 12 adjacentupper end 22 thereof to further securepost insert 202 to postmount 12.Screws 214 are optional and may be used in the first embodiment as well if desired. - Thus,
fencing systems insert 24 provides a sturdier mounting structure to whichupper rail structure 32 may be mounted. In particular, post inserts 24 and 202 each provide a structure other than the post itself to which the rail structures or rail mounting brackets are directly secured. Further,outer surface 58 ofpost insert 24 provides a substantial surface area which is disposed closely adjacent or in contact withinner surface 104 ofpost 28, thus providing greater stability or sturdiness via a surface area which is larger than in known prior art as well as a substantial area which is closely adjacent or in abutment with the inner surface of the post.Post insert post mount 12 as previously described with engagement withpost mount 12 andinward projections 86 ofpost insert 24 or the elongatedinner surface 208 ofpost insert 202. In addition,lower end 57 ofpost insert legs 94 ofprojections 26 to enhance the stable mounting of post inserts 24 and 202. Fasteners such asscrews 214 may also increase this stability. Moreover, post mounts 24 and 202 extend primarily upwardly ofupper end 22 ofpost mount 12, thereby allowing post mount 12 to be shorter while the post mount provides sufficient height for mounting of the rail structure. - It will be evident to one skilled in the art that a variety of changes could be made to present embodiments described which are within the scope of the present invention. For example, as previously mentioned or implied, the cross-sectional shapes of the post, the post insert and the post mount may take on a variety of shapes other than square while still being within the scope of the present invention. As previously noted, preferably these cross-sectional shapes are non-circular in order to facilitate the alignment of the various pieces and related holes and fasteners. In addition, it is preferred that the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the post insert upper sidewall is substantially the same as that of the inner surface of the post. It is also preferred that this be the case for the outer surface of the post mount and the inner surface of the lower sidewall of the post insert in the area where they engage one another.
- Most typically, post
mount 12 is formed of a metal or metal alloy to provide the desired strength, although this may vary for certain applications. Most typically, the post mounts are formed of an extrudable shape to keep costs lower. Similarly, the posts and rails are most preferably formed of extrudable materials and shapes. Most commonly, the rails, rail mounting brackets, post and post insert will be formed of a sturdy plastic material, although again this may vary in accordance with the application. - In addition,
rail structures rail 36 andrail mounting bracket - In addition, the collars of the post inserts as described herein define a cavity which slidably receives an upper end of the post mount in order to mount the post insert atop the post mount. However, it is contemplated that the first insert may be mounted with a downwardly extended projection which is inserted into the hollow interior of the post mount. However, a collar or similar structure disposed outwardly in the post mount is preferred to provide greater stability. Further, outward projections such as
projections 26 which extend from the post mount may be eliminated although they provide additional support to the post insert as well as the post. The specific heights detailed herein may vary. However, the heights which are specified represent typical relationships between various structures of which those heights are given. Other changes within the scope of the invention will be evident to one skilled in the art. - A third embodiment of the post insert is shown generally at 302 in
FIG. 6 and in use with afence system 300 shown inFIG. 8 .Post insert 302 is preferably formed as an integral one-piece member which is typically formed of a rigid plastic material which may be formed in a single mold by injection molding or the like.Post insert 302 has upper and lower ends 304 and 306 defining therebetween height H2, as previously discussed with the earlier embodiments, which is preferably greater than or at least as great as the height of mountingbrackets Post insert 302 comprises a body which includes an upper section orsidewall 308 and a lower section orsidewall 310 which extends downwardly therefrom and has a smaller cross-section than that ofupper sidewall 308.Upper sidewall 308 has alower end 312 so thatupper end 304 andlower end 312 define therebetween height H3 as discussed with the previous embodiments.Lower sidewall 310 has anupper end 314 coincident withlower end 312 ofupper sidewall 308. Upper and lower ends 314 define therebetween height H4 as previously discussed with the earlier embodiments.Lower sidewall 310 has a cross-section substantially smaller than that of the lower sidewalls of the previous embodiments and is configured to be received within an upper end of post mount 12 (FIG. 8 ). More particularly, postmount 12 has a substantially squareinner surface 316 defining an interior chamber orcavity 318 therewithin which communicates with the upper end ofpost mount 12 which includes an upwardly facingsurface 320. -
Upper sidewall 308 has a substantially square cross-sectional configuration as viewed from above or below and includes four substantially flat vertically extending mountingwalls 322A-D which are respectively connected to one another at four corners ofupper sidewall 308 and collectively form anouter surface 324 thereof.Outer surface 324 on each mounting wall 322 thus includes a respective externalflat portion 326.Upper sidewall 308 has aninner surface 328 which defines anupper cavity 330 which opens upwardly atupper end 304 and is closed at the bottom by a laterally extending separatingwall 332 which is typically horizontal and from which sidewall 308 extends upwardly.Upper cavity 330 is substantially rectangular as viewed from the side and substantially square as viewed from above. - A pair of upper holes 334 (
FIG. 8 ) are formed respectively in opposed mountingwalls inner surface 328 toouter surface 324 and respectively aligned withupper holes post 28.Upper holes 334 are adjacentupper end 304 ofpost insert 302. A pair of lower holes are formed respectively throughwalls lower end 312 ofsidewall 308 and are aligned with respectivelower holes post 28.Holes screws 124 to secure mountingbrackets upper sidewall 308 in a similar manner described in the previous embodiments.Outer surface 324 thus extends upwardly above the upper end ofpost mount 12 and abutsinner surface 104 ofpost 28 withflat portions 326 abutting respectiveflat portions 110. Separatingwall 332 serves as a bottom wall extending inwardly from each of mounting walls 322 and preferably extends in a continuous manner between the opposed mounting walls. Separatingwall 332 is substantially square and defines horizontallower surface 312 ofupper sidewall 308. -
Lower sidewall 310 has a substantially square cross-sectional configuration and is connected centrally towall 332 and extends downwardly fromlower surface 312. The cross-sectional configuration oflower sidewall 310 is substantially smaller than that ofupper sidewall 308.Lower sidewall 310 includes four substantially flat vertically extendingwalls 338A-D which are respectively parallel to mountingwalls 322A-D and together define anouter surface 340 ofsidewall 310 including four external flat portions orsurfaces 342 respectively on walls 338.Outer surface 340 also includes vertically extending beveled corners orsurfaces 343 which extend downwardly fromsurface 312 to adjacentlower end 306 and each of which is typically at an angle of about 45 degrees to each ofouter surfaces 342 which it intersects.Beveled surfaces 343 may also be rounded or otherwise shaved to eliminate sharp corners which might otherwise engagepost mount 12 to prevent insertion oflower sidewall 310 therein or make it more difficult to insert.Sidewall 310 has aninner surface 344 defining a substantially squarelower cavity 346 which is bounded at the top bylower surface 312 ofwall 332 and extends and opens downwardly atlower end 306.Lower sidewall 310 tapers inwardly at respectivetapered surfaces 348 extending respectively alongwalls 338A-D such thatsurfaces 348 communicate withlower end 306.Tapered surfaces 348 facilitate the insertion oflower sidewall 310 intocavity 318 ofpost mount 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the walls of 338 oflower section 310 have a thickness extending in the horizontal direction which is about the same as the thickness ofwall 332 extending in a vertical direction. Walls 322 ofupper section 308 are substantially thicker than either ofwalls 338 or 332 and more particularly in the exemplary embodiment have a thickness extending in the horizontal direction which is approximately twice that of either ofwalls 332 and 338. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , a pair ofholes 350 are formed respectively throughwalls holes 352 formed throughpost mount 12 adjacent its upper end.Holes bolt 354 which threadedly engages anut 356 to securepost insert 302 to postmount 12 adjacent its upper end. While such a fastener is preferred for additional security,post insert 302 may be used without such a fastener and simply positioned so thatlower surface 312 is seated on upwardly facingsurface 320 ofpost mount 12.Lower surface 312 thus serves as a stop engagingupper surface 320 to prevent downward movement ofpost insert 302 relative to postmount 12. -
Post insert 302 has a body which includes a lower section having anouter surface 340 which extends substantially vertically and abuts verticalinner surface 316 ofpost mount 12 adjacent its upper end, preferably providing a snug frictional engagement therebetween so thatpost insert 302 either is not or is only minimally laterally movable relative to postmount 12 even without the use of a fastener. The body ofpost insert 302 includes a laterally extending downwardly facingsurface 312 which extends laterally outwardly fromsurface 340 to engage upwardly facingsurface 320 and in the exemplary embodiment is substantially horizontal. The body ofpost insert 302 further includes anouter surface 324 which extends upwardly from laterally extendingsurface 312 and abuts the substantially verticalinner surface 104 ofpost 28 when received therein. In the exemplary embodiment,first section 308 is disposed entirely abovepost mount 12. Thus, no portion ofpost insert 302 is disposed below theupper end 320 of post mount external to postmount 12 and thus no portion ofpost insert 302 engagesouter surface 90 ofpost mount 12. However, it is contemplated that a post insert may be formed similar to postinsert 302 which also incorporates a structure similar tosidewall 74 of post insert 24 (FIG. 2 ) which is disposed external to postinsert 12 and engages its outer surface to provide additional stability. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (20)
1. A fencing system comprising:
a post;
an inner surface of the post defining a post cavity;
a post mount which has upper and lower ends and an outer surface extending therebetween; wherein the post mount is adapted to be mounted adjacent the lower end to a foundation and is slidably receivable in the post cavity with the inner surface of the post spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the post mount;
an inner surface of the post mount defining a post mount cavity in the upper end of the post mount;
a post insert comprising a lower section which is insertable downwardly into the post mount cavity and an upper section connected to and extending upwardly from the lower section; and
an outer surface of the upper section disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount and abutting the inner surface of the post.
2. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface of the lower section abutting the inner surface of the post mount.
3. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a lower end on the lower section which tapers downwardly and inwardly to facilitate downward insertion of the lower section into the post mount cavity.
4. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a laterally extending wall connected to the lower section and extending outwardly of the outer surface of the lower section.
5. The fencing system of claim 4 wherein the upper end of the post mount has an upwardly-facing surface; and the laterally extending wall abuts the upwardly-facing surface.
6. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface of the lower section which comprises a plurality of flat surfaces and a plurality of beveled corners each extending between an adjacent pair of the flat surfaces.
7. The fencing system of claim 6 wherein the flat surfaces comprise four flat surfaces; and the beveled corners comprise four beveled corners.
8. The fencing system of claim 1 wherein the post insert is formed as an integral one-piece member.
9. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface of the lower section; and a hole formed in the lower section extending inwardly from the outer surface adapted to receive therein a fastener.
10. The fencing system of claim 9 further comprising first and second opposed sides on the outer surface of the lower section; and wherein the hole is a through hole extending from the first side to the second side.
11. The fencing system of claim 10 wherein the lower section is formed as an integral one-piece member.
12. The fencing system of claim 9 further comprising a fastener disposed in the hole.
13. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising an outer surface on the lower section; and a fastener extending from the outer surface of the lower section to the inner surface of the post mount to secure the post insert to the post mount.
14. The fencing system of claim 13 further comprising a hole formed in the post mount in which the fastener is disposed.
15. The fencing system of claim 14 further comprising a hole formed in the lower section in which the fastener is disposed.
16. The fencing system of claim 13 further comprising a hole formed in the lower section in which the fastener is disposed.
17. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a fastener extending from the post to the upper section to secure the post to the post insert.
18. The fencing system of claim 17 further comprising a rail mounting bracket; and wherein the fastener extends from the rail mounting bracket through the post to the upper section to secure the mounting bracket and post to the post insert.
19. The fencing system of claim 1 further comprising a rail mounted on and extending laterally outwardly from the post.
20. The fencing system of claim 19 further comprising a rail mounting bracket; and wherein the rail is mounted on the post via the rail mounting bracket.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/700,201 US20100133493A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2010-02-04 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/046,499 US7407152B2 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2005-01-28 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
US11/818,738 US20070241318A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2007-06-15 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
US12/700,201 US20100133493A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2010-02-04 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/818,738 Division US20070241318A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2007-06-15 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
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US20100133493A1 true US20100133493A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
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US12/700,201 Abandoned US20100133493A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2010-02-04 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
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US11/818,738 Abandoned US20070241318A1 (en) | 2005-01-28 | 2007-06-15 | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
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CN106836960A (en) * | 2017-03-23 | 2017-06-13 | 江苏固耐特围栏***股份有限公司 | A kind of close net stairwell protection network |
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US20100025651A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2010-02-04 | Platt Robert E | Fencing system and post insert for use therewith |
US8919742B2 (en) * | 2010-09-10 | 2014-12-30 | Eastern Wholesale Fence Co., Inc. | System and fence kit for strengthening a fence |
CZ26244U1 (en) * | 2013-09-12 | 2013-12-16 | Antonín Kolenatý | Adapter for hollow stake |
US20160097217A1 (en) * | 2014-10-06 | 2016-04-07 | Preston Rudy Loehr | Clamping Support for Assembly of Pipe Fencing and Method of Use |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN106836960A (en) * | 2017-03-23 | 2017-06-13 | 江苏固耐特围栏***股份有限公司 | A kind of close net stairwell protection network |
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US20070241318A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
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