Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Post and Coupling Combination
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to posts, and more particularly
to a post and coupling combination.
Background of the Invention
A fence physically dividing two areas requires a framing system
generally comprised of posts secured to a base or the ground, and rails
secured to the posts to support barrier material to physically separate areas
for a variety of purposes including providing privacy, marking property
boundaries and protecting or securing an area from outside access. Ideally,
since the fence frame provides the foundation of the fence it needs to be
strong for most purposes, aesthetically pleasing in many cases and easy to
assemble.
Multi-component systems have been designed to allow rails and posts
to interconnect. U.S. Patent 3,847,489, Van Riper filed August 13'" 1973
discloses a fence frame that includes a multi-component system that joins
posts and rails. The connector used to join the posts to the rails, however,
is
somewhat awkward to use as it requires a component of the connector to be
inserted into the hollow of the post where it must be manually positioned such
that the outside joining portion of the connector can be fastened to the
internal
component to secure the connector to the post.
U.S. Patent 4,114,860, Parisien filed November 19t" 1976 discloses a
connector that joins a rail and a post to structure a fence frame by hooking
an
S-shaped arm over the top of the post thereby connecting a channel on the
external part of the rail to the post. While this system is easier to assemble
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than the system discussed above in the '489 patent since no additional parts
are required to allow the connector to join the post and rail beyond the S-
shaped arm noted, it is a highly restrictive assembly. That is, the relative
position of the rail along the post is determined by the middle length of the
S-
shaped arm. Further adjustments of the rail along the post cannot be made
practically, either during construction or over the lifetime of the fence. The
relative position of the rail is, for all practical purposes, set for the
lifetime of
the fence.
What is needed is a fence frame that is easy to assemble and
adjustable along the length of the post before and after final assembly.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved post.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a post and coupling combination.
The combination includes a post having at least three sides with at least one
elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at
least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel
to
the post's longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one
single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of
the
re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable
component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along
the longitudinal axis of the post.
In an aspect of the present invention, the post end of the coupling has
a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-
entrant engagement within the at least one channel in the post. In an aspect
of the present invention, the protrusions complement the shape of the re-
entrant portions of the at least one channel in the post. In an aspect of the
present invention, the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable
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component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape
as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and
extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal
axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable
relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
In an aspect of the present invention, the attachable component end of
the coupling has a second spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing
directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the
attachable component.
In an aspect of the present invention, the post has at least three sides
with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post
with
each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis.
The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling engaged,
at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in
opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an
attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is
adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.
In an aspect of the present invention, a post end of the coupling has an
opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace
engagement of a pair of channels formed in opposing sides of the post. In an
aspect of the present invention, an attachable component end of the coupling
has a second opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms
adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels formed in
opposing sides of the attachable component and extending substantially
parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the
attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each
other along their longitudinal axes.
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In an aspect of the present invention, the coupling is further engaged,
at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of
re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable
component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's
longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are
mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
In an aspect of the present invention, the attachable component end of
the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions
adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the
attachable component. In an aspect of the present invention, the pair of
protrusions complements the shape of the re-entrant portions of the channel
formed in the attachable component.
Using a single-piece coupling enables a fence frame to be assembled
quickly. Furthermore, the post is much stronger than other posts such as 4x4
cedar posts, yet weighs much less, enabling the posts to be set further apart.
As well, the dovetail-shaped channels provide added strength to the post
while providing an adjustable fence element.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become
apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following
description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the
accompanying figures.
Brief Description of the Drawings
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with regard to the following
description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of a post and coupling combination
in accordance with the present invention;
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Figure 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a post and coupling
combination in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a coupling;
Figure 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a coupling;
5 Figure 5 illustrates a top plan view of a coupling;
Figure 6 illustrates a top plan view of a coupling;
Figure 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a hinge joined to a post;
Figure 8 illustrates a top plan view of a hinge joined to a post;
Figure 9 illustrates a front elevation view of an anchoring spike;
Figure 10 illustrates a front elevation view of an anchoring bracket;
Figure 11 illustrates a side elevation view of an anchoring bracket;
Figure 11 a illustrates a side view of a fence utilizing an embodiment of
the post and coupling combination;
Figure 11 b illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a fence frame at a
rail/post connection point along the line A-A of Figure 11 a;
Figure 11c illustrates a side view of a fence frame at a rail/post
connection point along the line B-B of Figure 11 b;
Figure 11 d illustrates a cross-sectional view of a support;
Figure 11 a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a coupling;
Figure 11f illustrates a view of the coupling along the line C-C of Figure
11 e;
Figure 11g illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of
the fence frame at a post/rail connection point along line D-D of Figure
11 a;
Figure 11h illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a terminal
coupling;
Figure 11 i illustrates a top view of a further embodiment of a coupling;
and
Figure 11 j illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of
the fence frame at a post/rail connection point along line D-D of Figure
11 a.
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Detailed Descri tion of the Presentl Preferred Embodiment
The present invention is directed to a post and coupling combination.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the combination includes a post 12 having at least
three sides with at least one elongate channel 14 of re-entrant shape as seen
in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post 12 with each channel
14 extending substantially parallel to the post's 12 longitudinal axis. The
combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling 16 engaged, at
a post end 17 of the coupling 16, within one of the re-entrant channels 14 and
adjustable along the channel 14 for joining an attachable component 18 to the
post 12 such that the attachable component 18 is adjustable along the
longitudinal axis of the post 12.
As illustrated in Figures 3 through 5, in an embodiment of the present
invention, the post end 17 of the coupling 16 has a spaced pair of protrusions
extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within
the at least one channel 14 in the post 12. In an embodiment of the present
invention, the protrusions 20 complement the shape of the re-entrant portions
of the at least one channel 14 in the post 12. In an embodiment of the present
20 invention, the coupling 16 is further engaged, at an attachable component
end
19 of the coupling 16, with an elongate channel 14 of re-entrant shape as
seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component 18 and
extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's 18 longitudinal
axis such that the attachable component 18 and the post 12 are mutually
adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the attachable component
end 19 of the coupling 16 has a second spaced pair of protrusions 20
extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the
channel 14 formed in the attachable component 18.
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As illustrated in Figure 11b, in an embodiment of the present invention,
the post 12 has at least three sides with at least one elongate channel 14
formed in at least two sides of the post 12 with each channel 14 extending
substantially parallel to the post's 12 longitudinal axis. The combination
further
includes at least one single-piece coupling 16 engaged, at a post end 17 of
the coupling 16, with a pair of elongate channels 14 formed in opposing sides
of the post 12 and adjustable along the channel 14 for joining an attachable
component 18 to the post 12 such that the attachable component 18 is
adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post 12.
As further illustrated in Figure 11 b, in an embodiment of the present
invention, a post end 17 of the coupling 16 has an opposing pair of
substantially parallel spaced apart arms 22 adapted for embrace engagement
of a pair of channels 14 formed in opposing sides of the post 12. In an
embodiment of the present invention, an attachable component end 19 of the
coupling 16 has a second opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart
arms 22 adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels 14
formed in opposing sides of the attachable component 18 and extending
substantially parallel to the attachable component's 18 longitudinal axis such
that the attachable component 18 and the post 12 are mutually adjustable
relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling 16 is further
engaged, at an attachable component end 19 of the coupling 16, with an
elongate channel 14 of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a
side of the attachable component 18 and extending substantially parallel to
the attachable component's 18 longitudinal axis such that the attachable
component 18 and the post 12 are mutually adjustable relative to each other
along their longitudinal axes.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the attachable component
end 19 of the coupling 16 has a spaced pair of protrusions 20 extending in
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opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel 14
formed in the attachable component 18. In an embodiment of the present
invention, the pair of protrusions 20 complement the shape of the re-entrant
portions of the channel 14 formed in the attachable component 18.
As illustrated in Figures 2, 7 and 8, the attachable component 18 can
include a rail 26, barrier section 28, hinge 30 or latch.
As illustrated in Figure 9 in an embodiment of the present invention, the
post 12 further includes an anchoring spike 32 at a first end 34 adapted for
driving into ground, and at a second opposing end 36 having a square tube 38
adapted to fit inside the hollow of the post 12 for receiving the post 12 once
driven into ground. As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 in an embodiment of
the present invention, the post 12 further includes an anchoring bracket 40 at
a first end 42 adapted for setting into concrete, and at a second opposing end
44 having a square tube 46 adapted to fit inside the hollow of the post 12 for
receiving the post 12 once set into concrete.
The post 12 and coupling 16 are made from suitable material such as
aluminum or high-density plastic. A section of a fence frame can be
constructed utilizing embodiments of the present invention by employing two
or more posts 12 separated by rails 26 and joined by couplings 16. The
couplings 16 can be adjusted along the length of the post 12 while remaining
engaged with the post 12. The channels 14 are preferably dovetail-shaped
channels 14 as seen in cross-section extending the length of the post 12
generally parallel to the post axis.
After the posts 12 are set into the ground, top and bottom rails 26 can
be fitted with couplings 16 at intervals generally equal to the spacing of the
posts 12, and adjusted to a desired position along the posts 12. Once a rail
26
is in its desired location along the post 12, the coupling 16 can be secured
to
the post 12 with any suitable fastening means including an adhesive, or a
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setscrew 50 as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, to prevent further movement of
the coupling 16 along the post 12.
Since over time posts 12 can be displaced vertically causing
misalignment of the rails 26, the present invention allows the fasteners
securing the coupling 16 to the post 12 to be removed to enable the coupling
16 to be re-adjusted along the post 12 to realign the rail 26 while remaining
engaged with the post 12. Once the coupling 16 is re-positioned, the fasteners
can be reapplied to again secure the rail 26 to the post 12. Preferably, this
is
done with a fastener such as a setscrew 50 to prevent the coupling 16 from
moving downwards through the channel 14 along the post 12 by placing the
fastener just below the coupling 16, thereby restricting the coupling's 16
movement down the post 12.
In a wood rail embodiment of the coupling 16, the coupling 16 includes
two flat arms extending from the base of the coupling 16 for attaching a wood
rail. The coupling 16 can then join a post 12 with a wood rail, such as a two-
by-four or other dimensioned lumber suitable for framing a fence. The wood
rail can be secured between the finro flat arms of the coupling 16 with any
suitable fastening means, such as an appropriate adhesive material or
setscrews 50.
Figure 11 a illustrates a fence 110 framed by a series of rails 26 and
posts 12. In the embodiment shown, two rails 26 are provided, an upper rail
111 and lower rail 113. The rails 26 are used to support a barrier section 28
across the length of the fence 110 thus partitioning two areas physically. The
posts 12 are secured to a base or into the ground utilizing known techniques.
Referring to Figures 11b through 11f, a fence frame is constructed
utilizing the embodiment of the invention shown with an elongate rail 26 and
an elongate post 12 joined by a coupling 16. In the embodiment shown, the
coupling 16 engages the post 12 utilizing a pair of arms 22 extending from the
' CA 02394995 2002-07-25
base of the coupling 16. The arms 22 may be slidably adjusted along the
length of the post 12 while remaining engaged to the post 12. The arms 22 in
the embodiment shown engage an elongate post interface profile found on
opposing surfaces of the post 12. The post interface profiles in the
5 embodiment shown are dovetail channels 14 running the length of the post 12
basically parallel to the post axis where each arm 22 includes a small ridge
or
hook secured to the proximate lip of each opposing channel 14. While the
embodiment shown includes a post 12 with opposing elongate channels to
allow the coupling arms 20 to engage the post 12, other elongate intertace
10 profiles will allow the arms 22 to engage the outside surface of the post
12.
These would include but are not limited to other suitable opposing channels,
rims running along opposing surfaces of the post, protrusions on opposing
surfaces of the post or any other elongate feature on the post running
parallel
to the post axis that will allow the arms 22 to engage the post 12. It is also
important that the arms are able to slidably adjust along the length of the
post.
Referring to Figure 11 c, the rail 26 is joined to the coupling 16 via the
side of the base of the coupling 16 opposing the side with the extending arms
22. The base engages the rail 26 through an elongate rail intertace profile as
shown. The rail interface profile in the embodiment shown is an elongate
dovetailed channel 14 where the base of the coupling 16 is a dovetail in cross
section sized to positively engage the channel 14. Note that the rail 26 is
allowed to slidably adjust through the interface between the rail 26 and
coupling 16. Thus the coupling 16 between the rail 26 and post 12 allows the
rail and post to enjoy mutual adjustability relative to each other.
Note that other suitable rail and coupling profiles may be utilized for
engaging the base of the coupling 16 to the rail 26. For example, the rail
profile could be another suitable channel or a protrusion running parallel to
the
rail axis where the base of the coupling 16 would be shaped to slidably and
positively engage the profile used on the rail 26.
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Figure 11 d illustrates a support that can be utilized as both a rail 26
and a post 12, where, referring to Figure 11c the base of the coupling 16
engages the same elongate interface profile on the rail 26 as each arm 22 of
the coupling 16 engages on the post 12. That is, lengths of the support can be
divided up where some can be utilized as posts 12 and some utilized as rails
26. Rails 26 and posts 12 are, in the result, the same cross-section and,
therefore, interchangeable.
Once the rail 26 is in place relative to the post 12 again noting that both
the rail 26 and post 12 can be adjusted relative to each other once joined
together with the coupling 16, the coupling 16 can then be secured to the post
12 with any suitable fastener including but not limited to setscrews 50, as
illustrated in the embodiment in Figure 11d or a suitable adhesive.
The rail 26, post 12 and coupling 16 are made from any suitable
material including but not limited to aluminum or high density plastic,
however,
aluminum is preferred.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11b through 11d,
the rail 26 includes a barrier surface with an opening 27 into a substantially
hollow interior within the rail 26 to allow for a barrier section 28 to fit
through
the opening 27 such that the rail 26 supports it. Two interior elongate walls
extending into the interior from the opening 27 may further support the
barrier
section 28. An elongate ridge 29 may be run along the inside wall of the rail
26 opposite the opening 27 to support the barrier section 28. The ridge 29 is
important where the barrier section 28 is wood as it raises the barrier
section
28 off the base of the interior of the lower rail 113 thus avoiding contact
between the barrier section 28 and any moisture that may accumulate in the
lower rail 113.
The barrier section 28 may be selected from suitable material for the
objective sought in regards to the fence to be built. That is, different
material
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may depend on whether sounds reduction; privacy, aesthetic, security or a
combination of these or a variety of other reasons provides the objective of
building the fence. However, some such suitable material would include but is
not limited to wood planks, sheets or boards, composite plastic and
corrugated metal.
In practice, the embodiment described above and illustrated in Figures
11b through 11f is put into practice where a series of lengths of rail 26 and
post 12 are cut to desired lengths. This can be done from one or several
lengths of support material where there is a desire for the post 12 and rails
26
to be interchangeable. The posts 12 are then set into the ground or base
using techniques know in the art. The rails 26 are then fitted with couplings
16
at intervals approximately equal to the spacing of the posts 12. As the
couplings 16 are slidably adjustable along the length of the rails 26,
approximate equal spacing to the posts 12 is all that is required as the
couplings 16 can be later more precisely adjusted. The bottom rail 113 is
coupled to one or a series of posts 12 using the couplings 16 and slidably
adjusted to a desired position along the posts 12. The couplings 16 are
secured to the posts 12 using a setscrew 50 to fix the arms 22 to the posts
12.
Barrier section 28 is then placed into the opening 27 in the bottom rail 113.
The top rail 111 is fitted over the barrier section 28 through the opening 27
in
this rail 111 and, at the same time, engaged to the posts 12 utilizing the
coupling 16. Once the top rail 111 is in its desired location along the post
12
and supporting the barrier section 28, the couplings 16 engaged to the top
rail
111 are secured to the posts 12 with setscrews 50 to prevent further
movement of the arms 22 along the post 12. If desired, the rails 26 may also
be slidably adjusted through the coupling 16 once joined to the post 12.
Over years of use of a fence vertical movement of the posts 12 can
take place causing misalignment of the rails 26. When this happens, the
present invention allows the fasteners securing the arms 22 to the posts 12 to
be removed thereby allowing the coupling 16 to slidably adjust along the posts
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12 while remaining engaged to the posts 12 realigning the rails 26. Once the
arms 22 are re-positioned, the fasteners can be reapplied securing the rails
26 to the posts 12.
While the embodiment discussed above contemplates the arms 22 of
the coupling 16 engaging the post 12 while the base of the coupling 16
engages the rails 26, the opposite configuration may also be used. That is,
referring to Figures 11d through 11f, where Figure 11d illustrates a support
that may be utilized as a post 12 or a rail 26, the arms 22 of the coupling 16
may be used to engage each opposing elongate rail interface profile while the
base of the coupling 16 would positively engage one elongate post interface
profile. In Figure 11d each opposing elongate rail interface profile and the
elongate post interface profile are both dovetailed channels 14 as shown in
this embodiment, however, as mentioned in the embodiment discussed
above, both the post and rail interface profiles may be other suitable
elongate
channel designs, protrusions, rims or other elongate features that would allow
the coupling 16 to slidably engage the rail 26 and post 12. In any event, once
positioned the coupling 16 is secured to the post 12 using a fastener that
would prohibit vertical movement of the coupling 16 along the post 12.
Where the coupling base is engaged to the interface profile found on
the posts 12 freeing the arms 22 to engage a rail member 26, alternative
methods of utilizing the arms 22 to engage the rail 26 can be practiced.
While,
as discussed above, the coupling arms 22 may be used to engage opposing
interface profiles on the rail 26, the arms 22 may also be used to engage the
rail 26 in other ways.
One such method considers a coupling 16 that terminates the fence
frame. Referring to Figures 11 g and 11 h, the base of the terminal coupling
is
shaped to engage the elongate interface profile found on the post 12. In the
embodiment shown, the interface profile is a dovetail channel 14 and, as
such, the base of the terminal coupling is a protrusion to positively engage
the
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dovetail channel 14. However, as discussed above, the intertace profile may
be a different channel shape or a protrusion where the terminal coupling
would positively engage the profile. The coupling 16 may be adjusted parallel
to the post axis through the dovetail channel 14. Once positioned the coupling
16 is secured to the post 12. Preferably, this is done with a fastener that
may
be but is not limited to a setscrew 50, adhesive or other suitable material,
to
prevent the coupling 16 from moving downwards through the channel 14
along the post 12. The setscrew 50 or other suitable fastener may be placed
just below the coupling 16 thereby restricting its movement down the post 12.
Two terminal arms extend from the base of the coupling 16. The
terminal arms are separated by a width that would allow the arms to fit snugly
into an opening at the ends of the rail 26. The rail 26 is secured to the arms
of
the coupling 16 with a fastener that can be a setscrew 50 or suitable
adhesive. Where the fastener is a screw it is bored through the external
portion of the rail 26 to secure the arms of the coupling 16.
The coupling 16 of an additional embodiment is illustrated in Figure 11 i
and 11 j. Here, a wood rail coupling is introduced that includes finro flat
arms
extended from the base. The coupling 16 joins a post 12 with a wood rail such
as a two by four or other rail suitable for framing a fence. The base of the
coupling is a suitable shape to positively engage the elongate interface
profile
of the post 12. In the embodiment shown, the elongate intertace profile is a
dovetail channel 14 where the base of the wood rail coupling is an appropriate
dovetail protrusion for positively engaging the channel 14, however, as with
the other embodiments discussed above, the elongate intertace profile may
be but is not limited to other channel designs or protrusions where the base
would be shaped such that it could engage the post 12.
Once the coupling 16 is in position along the post 12, it is secured to
the post 12. This can be done with any suitable fastener including a suitable
adhesive material or a tap screw secured beneath the coupling 16 on the post
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12 to prevent the coupling 16 from sliding down the post 12 due to gravity.
The end of a wood rail is then slid between the arms of the coupling 16 and
secured to the arms when in position thus providing a fence frame or a series
of more or less horizontal fence panels. The wood rail can be secured
5 between the arms of the coupling 16 with any suitable fasteners such as an
appropriate adhesive material or, as is the case in the embodiment
illustrated,
setscrews 50.
Using a single-piece coupling 16 enables a fence frame to be
10 assembled quickly. Furthermore, the post 12 is much stronger than other
posts such as 4x4 cedar posts, yet weighs much less, enabling the posts 12
to be set further apart. As well, the dovetail-shaped channels 14 provide
added strength to the post 12 while providing an adjustable fence element.
15 Although the present invention has been described in considerable
detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions
are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should
not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained
herein.
