Fences – Rail – Connection
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-03
2001-10-09
Kim, Harry C. (Department: 3629)
Fences
Rail
Connection
C256S059000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299143
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is directed to a spool for coupling pair of components, such as fence rails, and more particularly, to a spool for rotationally coupling a pair of components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ornamental fences are widely used for security and aesthetic purposes. However, professional fence installers are often required to install an ornamental fence, and their relatively high hourly rates significantly contribute to the final cost of the fence. Accordingly, it is desired to minimize the time required to install a fence, or to enable a homeowner to install a fence himself or herself, thereby eliminating payments to the fence installer.
In particular, improvements in the forming of structural connections when installing fences are needed to increase the ease of installation. For example, existing methods for attaching a fence rail to a fence post often require the field drilling of holes and passing fasteners through the holes, or aligning pre-drilled or pre-welded joints. These operations usually require extensive use of tools and can be time consuming. Furthermore, the use of pre-drilled or pre-welded components reduces the flexibility to account for any variations or out-of-range tolerances in the fence components. Accordingly, there is a need for an attachment bracket for attaching a fence rail to a fence post in a fast, efficient and adjustable manner.
When installing a fence on a hill or uneven terrain, the fence must be angled to match the inclination angle. An inclined fence is typically either rigidly prefabricated to match the incline, or is constructed with a series of hinged connections that allow the fence to pivot within a predefined range to match the ground angle. The former method requires precise measurements and minimizes any flexibility in the fence to allow for fine adjustments. The latter method typically incorporates a series of simple pin connections to give the fence its flexing ability. However, the pin connections often do not easily rotate, and may bind during attempted rotation. Furthermore, the pins extend outwardly from the fence, and provide a surface upon which clothing or other items may catch. Finally, the exposed pin heads are unsightly and subject to rust. Accordingly, there is a need for a connector for coupling various fence components which allows easy, unimpeded rotation of the fence components, and which remains generally hidden from view.
In order to securely anchor a fence post into the ground, a hole is typically dug in the ground, the fence post is set in the hole, the post is leveled and adjusted, and the hole is filled with concrete to encase the post. However, such an operation usually requires two separate contractors: one contractor to dig the hole and pour the concrete (the concrete contractor), and another contractor to precisely locate, adjust and fix the fence post locations (the fence installer). This division of labor is necessitated by union rules, as well as varying skills of the laborers. Such an arrangement requires both contractors to work together at the same time, and causes difficulties in scheduling, contractor availability, on-site space constraints, and requires one contractor's progress to depend upon the other's progress. Alternately, the concrete contractor may set the fence posts in the poured concrete without assistance from the fence installer. Once the concrete has set, the fence installer may mount the various fence components to the fence post. However, this method limits the fence installer's ability to adjust the location of the posts, and the fence installer must use various methods to fit the fence components to existing post locations. Accordingly, there is a need for a foundation for receiving a fence post and a method of installing a fence post which enables the concrete contractor to pour the foundation independently of the fence installer's locating and fixing of the fence posts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a bracket for coupling a fence rail to a fence post that enables the position of the rail to be adjusted relative the post, and is also quick and easy to install. The bracket can slide along the fence rail, which enables the position and effective length of the rail to be adjusted relative to the post.
In particular, the present invention is a bracket for coupling a first member to a second member having an opening for receiving the first member. The bracket is generally “U” shaped and has a first leg and a second leg such when the legs are spaced apart the first leg engages the first member and the second leg engages the second member to couple the first and second members together. The bracket is preferably sized to fit within the rail.
The present invention is also directed to a spool for coupling a fence picket to a fence rail. The spool is received in the rail, and the picket is passed through an opening in the spool. In this manner, the picket is coupled to the rail for rotation. The spool is recessed in the rail, easy to install, and guides the picket rotation in a smooth manner.
In particular, the present invention is a spool for coupling a fence picket to a support member, the spool comprising a generally cylindrical body having an opening generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The picket may be passed through the cylindrical body at the opening, and the spool is sized to fit within the support member to guide rotation between the picket and the support member.
The present invention is also foundation for receiving a fence post and a method of installing a fence post that enables the foundation to be poured separately from the installation of the fence post. That is, the concrete contractors may dig the required holes and fill them with concrete. The fence installers may then appear at their convenience to install the fence posts securely into the foundations poured by the concrete contractors. This enables the concrete contractors to work independently of the fence installers, while still providing the fence installer the ability to locate the fence posts. The resultant fence post/foundation combination is relatively strong and durable.
In one embodiment the invention is a reinforcing member for strengthening a foundation for a fence post, the reinforcing member being shaped to fit into a hole that is to be filled with concrete to form the foundation having an upper section for receiving the fence post. The reinforcing member comprises an upper portion for strengthening the concrete at the upper section of the foundation, and a lower portion that rests on the bottom of the hole and supports the upper portion.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 210526 (1878-12-01), Hanson
patent: 263324 (1882-08-01), Devoe
patent: 1416957 (1922-05-01), Hughes
patent: 1772159 (1930-08-01), Roth
patent: 2767959 (1956-10-01), Schott
patent: 3004751 (1961-10-01), Woodward
patent: 3174727 (1965-03-01), Burt et al.
patent: 3991981 (1976-11-01), Wu
patent: 4403767 (1983-09-01), Basey
patent: 4886245 (1989-12-01), Manzo
patent: 4898365 (1990-02-01), Conner et al.
patent: 5150885 (1992-09-01), Leone
patent: 6145814 (2000-11-01), Perrot
patent: 510603 (1955-03-01), None
patent: 519048 (1920-07-01), None
Kim Harry C.
Thompson Hine LLP
Valentine & Company
LandOfFree
Coupling spool does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Coupling spool, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Coupling spool will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2578264