Fences – Earth – stone – plastic – and wooden
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-02
2001-01-16
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Fences
Earth, stone, plastic, and wooden
C256S066000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173944
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to plastic fencing and, more particularly, to in-line plastic fencing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plastic fencing is now becoming much more widespread because of the many advantageous properties available with plastic. As a result, fences can be produced which do not rot, corrode, warp or splinter and which are impervious to insects and weathering rendering them highly durable and maintenance free. By making the fence components as hollow extrusions, they are cost effective, light in weight, and easy to handle and may, where desired, be strengthened by reinforcing inserts.
In typical plastic fencing, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,494, granted Jan. 12th, 1971, the rails are simply screwed to the faces of the posts with these screws being readily accessible by popping off the plastic domes for unauthorized removal of the rails.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,514, issued Feb. 2nd, 1988, discloses an inline plastic fence in which the slats merely span between the rails with the ends projecting into the rails their assembly relying solely on friction until the rails are assembled with the posts to prevent their separation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,058, issued Oct. 16th, 1984, discloses a plastic picket fence in which they fence boards or pickets while extending above and below the rails are secured merely by a plastic snap fitting. Moreover, many of the pickets or slats display unsightly grooves.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a plastic fence structure in which the pickets are secured in position projecting through and in line with the hollow plastic fence rails by a locking means located interiorly of at least one of the rails to provide a highly aesthetic fence section having a completely hidden tamper proof locking arrangement.
It is a further object of the invention to utilize the locking means for the pickets as a reinforcement for the rail or rails in which it is employed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention resides in providing a novel means of securing slats or pickets to the hollow rails of a plastic fence whereby the pickets can be inserted through the rails to be in line therewith and then locked in position by a simple totally concealed slidable locking means operated within at least one of said hollow rails whereby the pickets are locked in position without the use of screws, nails or the like and without any external evidence of the securement which would detract from the aesthetics of the fencing.
Further, according to another aspect of the invention, the locking means is utilized to form a reinforcement for the hollow plastic rail or rails in which it is employed.
These and other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3554494 (1971-01-01), Bee
patent: 3801072 (1974-04-01), Newberry, Jr.
patent: 3892056 (1975-07-01), Mann
patent: 3892387 (1975-07-01), Mann
patent: 4114597 (1978-09-01), Erb
patent: 4477058 (1984-10-01), Lowery
patent: 4722514 (1988-02-01), Pettit
patent: 4883256 (1989-11-01), Hebda
patent: 4962914 (1990-10-01), Taylor
patent: 5372354 (1994-12-01), Cacicedo
patent: 5454548 (1995-10-01), Moore
patent: 5556079 (1996-09-01), West
patent: 5601279 (1997-02-01), Schwartz et al.
patent: 5613664 (1997-03-01), Svalbe
patent: 5660378 (1997-08-01), Schall
patent: 5846620 (1998-12-01), Compton
patent: 5938184 (1999-08-01), DeSouza
patent: 5988599 (1999-11-01), Forbis
patent: 6039307 (2000-03-01), De Zen
Browne Lynne H.
Cottingham John R.
Royal Group Technologies Limited
LandOfFree
Plastic in-line fencing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Plastic in-line fencing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Plastic in-line fencing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2474026