A method for constructing a picket fence section includes the steps of: inserting a plurality of spring clips into a hollow interior of each of a plurality of hollow pickets. Each spring clip has a first leg and an opposing second leg that includes a locking protrusion that extends outwardly from the second leg. Each spring clip is disposed within the hollow interior of one hollow picket such that locking protrusion extends through one corresponding first hole formed in the one hollow picket. The plurality of pickets are coupled to a plurality of rails with each rail including a longitudinal locking channel and each picket being coupled to the plurality of rails by inserting the locking protrusions into the longitudinal locking channels of the corresponding rails, thereby coupling the hollow pickets to the corresponding rails.

A raking barrier panel includes a plurality of pickets, each defining a pivot pin hole. A channel member includes a web wall defining a plurality of spaced apart openings that each receives a respective one of the plurality of pickets therethrough. A plurality of picket pivot members are in snap-fit engagement with the channel member, and each one of the plurality of picket pivot members includes a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed side walls together forming a box-like shape. A pivot pin extends from at least one of the pair of opposed side walls and is received by the pivot pin hole of a respective one of the plurality of pickets to define a pivot axis with respect to the channel member.

A raking barrier panel includes a plurality of upright members and a rail assembly. The rail assembly is pivotally coupled to the plurality of upright members, and it includes a first inner rail disposed on a first side of the plurality of upright members. A plurality of fasteners pivotally couples the plurality of upright members to the first inner rail. A channel member includes a web portion and first and second side walls extending from the web portion. A first rib extends from the first side wall of the channel member and is in engagement with the first inner rail. The first and second side walls extend beyond the first rib.

The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure one or more fence rails to a fence post. The present invention brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence or on a new fence. The invention includes a fence post brace member adapted to connect to one or more sides of a fence post and a fence rail brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a fence rail. The fence post brace member may form a vertical picket fastener slot for use in affixing a picket to the fence post. The fence post brace system may be adapted for use with corner fence post arrangements such as those having a fence rail positioned above and supported by the fence post and those defining a channel for receiving a fence rail.

A two piece fence line post cap is disclosed, including a cap having a top component releasably engaged with a bottom component. The top component having a U-shape to retain a top rail of a fence between a top surface of the bottom component and the U-shaped top component. The bottom component is a cylindrical shape having an open end to receive the top rail.

The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure one or more fence rails to a fence post. The present invention brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence or on a new fence. The invention includes a fence post brace member adapted to connect to one or more sides of a fence post and a fence rail brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a fence rail. The fence post brace member may form a vertical picket fastener slot for use in affixing a picket to the fence post. The fence post brace system may be adapted for use with alternative fence post arrangements such as those having a fence rail positioned above and supported by the fence post and those defining a single channel for receiving a fence rail.

The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure one or more fence rails to a fence post. The present invention brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence or on a new fence. The invention includes a fence post brace member adapted to connect to one or more sides of a fence post and a fence rail brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a fence rail. The fence post brace member may form a vertical picket fastener slot for use in affixing a picket to the fence post. The fence post brace system may be adapted to secure a fence rail to a fence post such as those having a fence rail positioned on one or more sides of the fence post and those defining a channel for receiving a fence rail.

The invention encompasses a substantially animal-proof barrier that includes (a) two supports that are laterally spaced apart to define a substantially vertical plane there between; (b) fencing material that is attached to each of the supports and spans the defined substantially vertical plane to form a simple barrier that has a top edge, a bottom edge, a front surface and a back surface, wherein the simple barrier divides a domain into a first area and a second area; and (c) a hood having an inner surface, the hood originating from the top edge of the simple barrier. An angle formed by the inner surface of the hood and the front surface of the simple barrier measures about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees, such that a channel having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed.

A panel-post connector plate 16 for connecting a fence post 12 to an adjacent fence panel 14. The panel-post connector plate 16 comprises a plate body 84 having a post-receiving aperture 86 for receiving at least part of the fence post 12 therethrough, and a fastener receiving aperture 92 for receiving a fastener to attach the plate body 84 to a panel-body of the adjacent fence panel 14. A header-rail engagement member 94 is at or adjacent to the plate body 84, the header-rail engagement member 94 receivable in the header rail 26 of the adjacent fence panel 14. A temporary rail support device, a gravel-board retaining element, a fence post and a fence are also described.

The invention encompasses a substantially animal-proof barrier that includes (a) two supports that are laterally spaced apart to define a substantially vertical plane there between; (b) fencing material that is attached to each of the supports and spans the defined substantially vertical plane to form a simple barrier that has a top edge, a bottom edge, a front surface and a back surface, wherein the simple barrier divides a domain into a first area and a second area; and (c) a hood having an inner surface, the hood originating from the top edge of the simple barrier. An angle formed by the inner surface of the hood and the front surface of the simple barrier measures about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees, such that a channel having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed.