ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM

Abstract

The fence system attaches to an aluminum or steel rectangular base post in concrete or the ground. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around the inside wall. Three sides of the fence column has an elongated slot which receives one end of a slat. The fence system also has a gate of the same style as the rest of the fence. A lockset housing replaces one fence column. The lockset's latch projects from the other side. A hollow post has a slot facing the latch when the gate is closed. A latch cover is held by the slot, and an extension of the latch cover extends along the lockset housing to block surreptitious opening the gate. Clips may secure transparent, translucent, or opaque panels from the top, bottom, and sides.

Claims

1. A fence system comprising: a first upright fence column, formed of a single piece, the first upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; the first upright fence column including at least one slot extending the length of the first upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the at least one slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of an extension; the extension having a length and a height extending from the inside wall through the length of the slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, and a U-shaped opening adapted to receive a flat panel; a horizontal clip extending away from the first upright fence column, the horizontal clip having a width sized to be received in the at least one slot, the horizontal clip having a U-shaped opening adapted to receive a flat panel.

2. The fence system of claim 1 wherein the extension and horizontal clip are cut at 45°-angles and fastened to the first upright fence column.

3. The fence system of claim 2 wherein the horizontal clip is held in place adjacent to the extension using L-shaped fasteners.

4. The fence system of claim 1 wherein the panel is composed of plastic, plastic composite, metal, metal composite, glass, glass composite, wood, wood composite, or a composite of any of them.

5. The fence system of claim 1 further comprising a second upright fence column and a second extension; the second upright fence column formed of a single piece, the second upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; the second upright fence column including a second at least one slot extending the length of the second upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the second at least one slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of an extension; the second extension having a length and a height extending from the inside wall through the length of the slot of the second upright column, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, and a U-shaped opening adapted to receive a flat panel; and wherein the horizontal clip extends to the second upright fence column.

6. The fence system of claim 5 further comprising a second horizontal clip; the second extension being slotted into the at least one slot of the first column, the second extension being slotted into the second at least one slot of the second column, the horizontal clip extending from the at least one slot of the first column to the second at least one slot of the second column and having its U-shaped portion opening upward; the panel being slotted into the extension, second extension, and horizontal clip; and the second horizontal clip extending from the at least one slot of the first column to the second at least one slot of the second column and having its U-shaped portion opening downward and slotted over the panel.

7. The fence system of claim 6 further comprising a second panel, third horizontal clip, and fourth horizontal clip; the third horizontal clip above the second horizontal clip and extending from the at least one slot of the first column to the second at least one slot of the second column and having its U-shaped portion opening upward; the second panel being slotted into the extension, second extension, and third horizontal clip; and the fourth horizontal clip extending from the at least one slot of the first column to the at least one slot of the second column and having its U-shaped portion opening downward and slotted over the second panel.

8. The fence system of claim 5 wherein the second upright fence column incorporates at least two elongated sidewalls of sufficient width to accommodate a conventional lockset.

9. The fence system of claim 8 further comprising a stationary upright fence column formed of a single piece, the stationary upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; the stationary upright fence column including at least one slot extending the length of the stationary upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the at least one slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of a latch strike plate; a latch strike plate having a length and a height extending from the inside wall through the length of the slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, a latch opening positioned to receive a latch from a conventional lockset, and a strike extension extending the length of the latch strike plate for engaging the outside wall of the second upright column when the gate is closed.

10. The fence system of claim 9 wherein the second upright fence column has at least one cutout in the outside wall for at least one lock faceplate positioned to insert a latch from a conventional lockset into the latch opening of the latch strike plate.

11. A fence system comprising: a first upright fence column, formed of a single piece, the first upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; the first upright fence column including a first slot extending the length of the first upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the first slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of a first extension; the first extension extending from the inside wall through the length of the first slot; a second upright fence column, formed of a single piece, the second upright fence column having a hollow cross-section, and incorporating a second slot extending the length of the second upright fence column; a second extension extending the length of the second upright fence column within the second slot; and a panel extending between the first upright fence column and the second upright fence column, fixed at either side within the first and second extensions within the first and second slot.

12. The fence system of claim 11 further comprising a pair of horizontal clips, the pair of horizontal clips extending between the first upright fence column and second upright fence column, the pair of horizontal clips having a width sized to be received in the first and second slots of the first and second upright fence columns, the pair of horizontal clips having a U-shaped opening adapted to receive a panel; and the panel fixed within the U-shaped openings of the pair of horizontal clips.

13. The fence system of claim 12 wherein the first and second extensions and the pair of horizontal clips are joined together to form a rectangular shape surrounding the panel.

14. The fence system of claim 12 wherein the pair of horizontal clips are held in place adjacent to the opposed clips using L-shaped fasteners.

15. The fence system of claim 12 wherein the panel is composed of plastic, plastic composite, metal, metal composite, glass, glass composite, wood, wood composite, or a composite of any of them.

16. The fence system of claim 12, further comprising a second panel and second pair of horizontal clips; the second panel fixed between the first and second extensions; and the second panel additionally fixed in the U-shaped openings of the second pair of horizontal clips.

17. The fence system of claim 12 wherein the first upright fence column and the second upright fence column form a gate and the second upright fence column incorporates at least two elongated sidewalls of sufficient width to accommodate a conventional lockset.

18. The fence system of claim 17 further comprising a stationary upright fence column formed of a single piece, the stationary upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; the stationary upright fence column including a third slot extending the length of the stationary upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the third slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of a latch strike plate; a latch strike plate having a length and a height extending from the inside wall through the length of the slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, a latch opening positioned to receive a latch from a conventional lockset, and a strike extension extending the length of the latch strike plate for engaging the outside wall of the second upright column when the gate is closed.

19. The fence system of claim 18 wherein the second upright fence column has at least one cutout in the outside wall for at least one lock faceplate positioned to insert a latch from a conventional lockset into the latch opening of the latch strike plate.

20. A fence system comprising: a first upright fence column, formed of a single piece, the first upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; the first upright fence column including a first slot extending the length of the first upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the first slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of an extension, the extension having a length and a height extending from the inside wall through the length of the first slot; a second upright fence column, formed of a single piece, the second upright fence column having a hollow cross-section, incorporating a second slot extending the length of the second upright fence column, at least one cutout in the outside wall for at least one lock faceplate positioned to insert a latch from a conventional lockset into a latch opening of a latch strike plate; a panel extending between the first upright fence column and the second upright fence column, mounted between the first and second slot; and incorporating at least two elongated sidewalls of sufficient width to accommodate a conventional lockset; a pair of opposed extensions, each running the length of the first and second slot, mounted within the first and second slot; a pair of horizontal clips, the pair of horizontal clips extending between the first upright fence column and second upright fence column, the pair of horizontal clips having a width sized to be received in the at least one slot of the first and second upright fence columns, the horizontal clip having a U-shaped opening adapted to receive a panel; the panel fixed within the pair of opposed extensions and the pair of horizontal clips; a stationary upright fence column formed of a single piece, the stationary upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall and at least one slot extending the length of the stationary upright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the at least one slot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distal shoulders of a latch strike plate; and the latch strike plate having a length and a height extending from the inside wall through the length of the slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, a latch opening positioned to receive a latch from a conventional lockset, and a strike extension extending the length of the latch strike plate for engaging the outside wall of the second upright column when the gate is closed.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of applicant's fence surrounding a building.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0019] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0020] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0021] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

[0022] FIG. 2D is a sectional front view of a fence through plane 2D-2D in FIG. 2C.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of a fence.

[0024] FIG. 4-7 are front views of different slat arrangements of the fence.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view of a component of a fence used as part of a gate.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view of components of a fence used as part of a gate.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view the door structure of a fence.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view of a section of a fence with a thinner slat like a glass slat.

[0029] FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view showing a connection between two fence columns connected at right angles to each other.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view with the two fence columns connected at right angles to each other

[0031] FIG. 14 is a sectional plan view of structure for a fence through plane 14-14 of FIG. 13.

[0032] FIG. 15 is front view of a top corner of a fence with an internal bracket.

[0033] FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view of a portion of a fence with a window framed within.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a cross section of an upper or lower window frame.

[0035] FIG. 18 is a front view of a window pane mount for the fence or gate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Overview: A fence system 2 surrounds or partially surrounds property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence system's fence column 20 attaches to steel or other metal square, rectangle, or polygon base post 10 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Those figures also show the structure of fence column. Having a base post with the same shape as the base post prevents or limits pivoting of the fence column about the base post. The base post could be round, but that would require a different inside shape of fence column 20, but a round-to-round connection may allow the fence column to pivot about the base post. Though the specification uses “rectangle,” the word encompasses the other shapes. But the drawing show a square or nearly square base with rounded internal and external corners. The gate 190 is shown as fully framed, unlike the surrounding fence portions, but the gate 190 may be fully framed or the slats may be mounted directly into an upright fence post and/or specialized fence post on two sides which form the entirety of the gate frame, when joined with any interior slats.

[0037] Base post 10 can attach to concrete, deck, soil, or to the top of a brick, block, or concrete wall. The base post may be painted or treated to resist corrosion or rust. Base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A-D attaches to concrete or a deck 2. The base post in the figures is 1.25 in. (3.175 cm)×1.25 in., but opposite walls may be elongated slightly. Conversions between English and metric are approximated. The base post may have outer flange 12 with screw openings 14 (FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D). Bolts (not shown) secure the flange to concrete. The bolts may extend upward from the concrete when the concrete is poured. Then nuts secure the flange to the bolt and concrete.

[0038] Cover 16 slides over the base post. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D). The cover hides the outer flange and bolts for a pleasing appearance.

[0039] To mount the base post on soil, an 18 in. to 24 in. (46 cm to 61 cm) hole is dug. After concrete is poured into the hole, the base post is pushed into the soft concrete and plumbed to be vertical. Whether base posts 10 are in concrete or soil, the base posts are aimed to account for the path of the fence system.

[0040] Connection of slats to fence column: Fence slats 100 extend between fence columns 20 around property 4 (FIG. 1). The fence column (FIG. 3 and others) has a base post receiver, inside wall 22, around base post 10. The inside wall has four sides 24, 26, 28, and 30 (FIG. 3). Adjacent inside walls meet at a 3.4 mm (0.13 in.) outside radius. The inside spacing between walls 24 and 28 is 33 mm (1.3 in.), and the inside dimension between walls 26 and 30 is 34 mm (1.3 in.). Inside wall 22 is almost square to fit with the base post 10. The thickness of the aluminum components may vary, but it typically is 1.78 mm (0.07 in.).

[0041] Screws, other fasteners (not shown) or an adhesive may secure the base post to the inside wall, but friction may suffice. See also projections 34 on inside wall 36 of the other fence column 32 (FIG. 3). Those projections are small enough to allow the base post to pass into the inside wall but the productions deform when the base post is inserted in inside wall 36 to push against the base post and hold the base post within the inside wall. Fence column 32 on the right side of FIG. 3 does not show a base post within inside wall 36.

[0042] Fence column 20 also has outside tubular member 40 attached to and spaced outside of inside wall 22 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Because fence column 20 is extruded, “attached” in the context of the fence column means components are in contact or in such near contact that the aluminum maintains the components' positions with each other. The outside tubular member includes base member 42 with first and second ends 44 and 46 (left side of FIG. 3). The distance between the ends is greater than the length of inside wall 30 (FIG. 3). The base member's width may be 70 mm (2.8 in.) versus 33 mm (1.3 in.) for inside wall 22. End walls 50 and 52 continue from end 44 and 46 and then continue as sidewalls 56 and 58 to intersect fourth and first inside walls 30 and 24 (FIG. 3).

[0043] Three-sided pillars 60 and 62 extend outward near corners 64 and 66 of inside wall 22 (FIG. 3). Open-ended gaps like gap 76 are at the outside corners of pillars 60 and 62. Depending on the location of the end of fence column 20, the gaps receive self-drilling screws 156 for holding cover plate 48 at the top of fence column 20 (FIG. 2). Gaps 78 and 80 on the ends of outside tubular member 40 perform a similar function. Silicone or other adhesive attaches pyramid cover 54 above cover 48 (FIG. 2) to keep water, debris, and insects out of fence columns 20. Cover 48 and pyramid cover 54 may be attached to exposed ends during construction to keep rain or dirt outside the fence column 20 or other appropriate components.

[0044] The sizes and positions of outside tubular member 40 and three-sided pillars 60 and 62 create three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3). The slots are sized to receive one end of one or more elongated slats such as slat 100 received in slot 94 (FIG. 2D, 3, 9, 10). The slots' width dimension are wide enough to accommodate one end of a slat like slat 100. Additional slats may contact the slat below, or the slats may be spaced from adjacent slats.

[0045] Slats 100 may be powder-coated aluminum, which can be cut to length with an electric miter saw. Each slat's width may be 20.6 mm (0.8 in.). The height of each slat may be 140 mm (5.5 in.), 50 mm (2 in.) or another height. The slats in the drawings are rectangular in cross-section and a height 102 that may exceed its width 104 (FIG. 2B).

[0046] Stainless steel, L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114 and their associated stainless steel, self-driving screws 116 and 118 through wall 26 secure slat 100 to wall 26 at the inside end of slot 94 (FIGS. 2, 2B, 2D). Stainless steel screws work well securing parts like the L-shaped fasteners into the aluminum slats and fence column 20.

[0047] Each sidewall of slots 90, 92, and 94 has opposing grooves 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 (FIGS. 2, 2A-D, and 3) formed during extrusion. Slot covers such as covers 142 and 144 cover unused slots in the fence member (FIGS. 2B, 3). Each slot cover has an outside wall 146 and two sides 148 and 150, each with a distal shoulder 152 and 154. The distal shoulders are sized to fit in their respective groove like groove 130 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2C, 3). When the distal shoulders at the bottom of the slot cover are inserted into the grooves of a slot, the slot cover can be glided through its grooves to cover its empty slot. Though the structure uses grooves in the slots for the slot covers, when the slot cover reaches its final position, they may be fastened with an adhesive or in other ways at their positions in the slots.

[0048] The slats extend from one fence column 20 to adjacent fence column 32 (FIG. 3). With the three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2A-2C and 3), the fence system is not limited to a straight line. In FIG. 3, for example, slat 100 extends from slot 90 of fence column 20 into slot 170 of fence column 32. Another slat, 98 extends from slot 186 in the same general direction as slat 100. Slat 98 also could extend from slot 188 at a right angle to slat 100. Turning fence column 32 180° extends slot 188 in the opposite right angle in FIG. 3.

[0049] Increasing the slots' widths slightly may allow changing the angles that the slats, e.g., 98 and 100, project from fence column 20 so the fence can accommodate irregular property shapes. Angled slats still are secured by screws through L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118.

[0050] Slats' Positioning: FIGS. 4 through 7 show four of many possible slat arrangements. FIG. 4 has 140 mm slats 96 in which the bottom of one slat rests on the top of the adjacent slat. From a distance, the arrangement may appear solid. A similar arrangement could have 140 mm slat 100, 50 mm slat 106 or another height slat or a mixture of them stacked above each other.

[0051] Slats 100 in FIG. 5 are about 140 mm high and are spaced apart about 140 mm apart. The 140 mm slats 106 in FIG. 6 are spaced apart farther than those in FIG. 5, and the 50 mm slats in FIG. 7 are spaced about 50 mm apart. Note the slats in FIGS. 5 and 7 and the single slat in FIG. 4 are aligned with the top and bottom of the fence columns 20 and 21, but the top and bottom slats in FIG. 6 are spaced from the top of the fence columns. FIGS. 5 through 7 only use slats of one width. Slats of two different widths and even three or more widths can be used.

[0052] L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118 secure slats to fence columns 20 in fence system with spacing between the slats, (FIG. 2). That spacing could leave parts of slot 94, the L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114, and screws 116 and 118 visible and exposed. Spacers 158 (FIGS. 2, 2C) can cover those parts of the otherwise open slot. Spacers have the same shape as slot covers 142 and 144. After one slat 100 is secured in place, spacer 158 is slid through grooves like groove 130 and 134 until it contacts the slat. Then another slat is slid through the slot and secured to wall 26. The process continues until the top slat is secured to its position.

[0053] A window of transparent material like glass or plastic 162 may replace one or more aluminum slats (FIG. 11) reliant upon a slot cover of a different form. The transparent material allows light to shine through, and the resident and guests can see out. The window also could be frosted or translucent to allow light to pass through it.

[0054] Here, the glass window 162 extends between fence columns 20 and 32 into slots 90 and 170 (FIG. 11) much as in FIG. 3. However, the window may be thinner than applicant's aluminum slats, and it may be taller or shorter than any slat. Clip 164 secures the window in the slot. The clip has a U-shaped portion 166, which is the width of the glass piece. FIG. 11 shows how the window fits in the U-shaped portion. Side projections 168 and 176 may project out from the U-shaped section to about the width of the slot, and distal projections 172 and 178 fit into the slot. Distal shoulders 176 and 180 project outward from wall 172 and 178 into slot grooves 182 and 184 to position clip 164.

[0055] Alternatively, the clips 164 and 168 may take the form of a U-shaped device fully filling the entirety of the slots 90 and 170 with or without engaging grooves 182 and 184. See FIG. 16. In such a case, the window 162 may be fully-framed (FIG. 17) by such clip 164 and 168. The clip may project outward from the edges of the columns 20 and 32 such that the clips 164 and 168 appear to fully frame the window 162. See FIG. 17. Silicone or rubber gaskets may be used to secure and frame the window 162 within the clips 164 and 168. When mounting the window 162, it may be fully framed or only framed on two sides.

[0056] Gates: The fence system can include sliding or pivoting door-like gates such as pivoting gate 190 (FIG. 1). Because gates slide, roll or pivot, they don't attach to concrete, deck or soil. Gates, especially sliding and rolling ones, may be wider than the spacing of conventional fence sections like those in FIG. 1, so stronger, more rigid tops and bottoms may be desirable.

[0057] The gate may rely upon only two upright members, one on either side of the gate, with the slats forming the frame of the horizontal portion of the gate since the slats themselves are structural and generally made of rigid material such as aluminum. In such a case, the slats operate in much the same way as the fence post and slat combinations. Except, in the case of a gate, the two fenceposts on either side of the gate are not connected to the ground, but instead are joined to two adjacent fixed, fenceposts on either side, one mounted on hinges, the other connected or adjacent and including a latch and catch. This configuration is preferable as both easier to manufacture on site when constructing the fence and having fewer parts.

[0058] In such a case, one of the fenceposts making up the gate, particularly the one nearest the latch, may be of a unique shape (FIGS. 8-10) which is of a shape designed to have mounted thereon a conventional lockset. The use of the word “conventional” here is important meaning a traditional United States lockset with a mounting position and size of approximately 2 and ⅛.sup.th inches in diameter. There have existed locksets made for use with thin gate and fence frames that are uniquely manufactured and, typically, thin. These are ordinarily on the order of 1 inch in width and designed for very narrow use. They operate adequately, but are expensive, cannot be keyed to the same key as the home around which the gate is located, and are more difficult to find in different styles than a traditional, conventional lockset. So, as used herein the phrase “conventional lockset” means one having a lock bore of 2 and ⅛ inches and the lockset housing 232 (FIG. 10) discussed below is of a sufficient width to accommodate a “conventional lockset” as defined herein.

[0059] Alternatively, the gate may have two intersecting members: fence columns 192 (vertical) and platform 194 (horizontal) (FIGS. 12-13). Both may have the same shape as fence column 20 (FIG. 3). Using the same fence columns allows builders to keep one component in inventory for both locations, but different dimensioned fence columns could be used. Applicant uses horizontal platform 194 at the bottom of gates (FIGS. 12-13), but the horizontal platform also can be used on fence sections that are not gates.

[0060] Vertical fence column 192 extends upward from horizontal platform 194. See FIGS. 12-15. The horizontal platform becomes a base with its bottom aligned with and at a right angle to the vertical fence column. Instead of a base post attached to the ground like base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D, and 3, applicant uses a short post 196 secured to vertical fence columns 192 and to horizontal platform 194 (FIGS. 12, 14). Those figures show one short post, but a gate usually has at least two short posts at opposite sides of the gate. Longer gates also may have one or more intermediated, spaced-apart, short posts to improve support.

[0061] Short post 196 may be hollow and have the same outer dimensions as base post 10 (FIG. 3 and others). The short post may be coated carbon steel or stainless steel to withstand corrosion. Instead of using bolt 210 and nut 204, the bottom end 208 of the short post may be welded shut, and the end would have a threaded opening 200 for receiving a modified bolt like bolt 202 (FIGS. 12 and 14). A drilled hole (not numbered) extends through inside walls 214 and 216 of the horizontal platform and through the bottom wall 198 if short post 196 (FIG. 14).

[0062] To install the short post, horizontal platform 194 is positioned with slot 210 open upward and slot 212 open downward (FIGS. 12-14). Bolt 202 fits through the holes and engages threaded opening 200 to connect to the short post. FIG. 14 shows nut 204 secured to the end of the bolt, but a nut may be unnecessary when opening 200 and bolt 202 have common threads to be secured to each other. If a nut is used, a locking washer (not shown) between head 206 of the bolt and the horizontal platform 194 also could secure the bolt.

[0063] Until components are aligned, having the bolt remain loose may be advantageous. Smaller screws 218 (FIGS. 12, 14) may be threaded through the slots into preexisting, threaded openings 212 in post 196 for securing the post to its fence column. Inserting those screws also may await aligning the components.

[0064] For a wide gate, one or two additional short posts like short post 196 may mount at spaced-apart locations between the ends of the gate. These short posts support a fence column with slots extending to the sides for receiving slats with the layout of the layout used between fence columns.

[0065] Rolling gates have wheels facing downward from the bottom fence column. The wheels may travel over a metal track attached to concrete under the gate. The support for the wheel attaches to a bolt through the bottom fence column (not shown).

[0066] During assembly, slot covers like cover 142 and 144 (FIGS. 2B and 3) are slid into place. Then the slats like slats 100 and 106 are inserted in the slots of vertical post column 192 attached by an L-shaped fastener like fastener 110. The first inserted slat may mount in slot 200 of vertical fence column 194, or using fasteners, the first inserted slat may be spaced from horizontal platform 194.

[0067] To make the gate more rigid, a similar arrangement of the horizontal and vertical fence columns may mount on the top to the gate after the slats are positioned between the vertical fence columns.

[0068] An alternate arrangement for a fence section uses an L-brace 224 (FIG. 15) to secure vertical fence column 192 and horizontal platform 222 at the top of the fence section. The L-brace may be steel for strength and may be formed from one square, hollow crosspiece with outside dimensions the same as or like short post 10's dimensions. The steel may be treated or painted for rust and corrosion prevention. The L-brace is cut to a desired length at a 45° angle, and one piece is rotated 180°. The 45°-angle ends are welded together to form the L-brace's horizontal section 226 and vertical section 224.

[0069] The free end 226 of L-brace 220 extends into a center section of horizontal platform 228, and the L-brace's vertical section 228 extends into the center section of vertical fence column 232. FIG. 15 shows neither center section, but they are formed from an inside wall like wall 22 in FIG. 3. Screws (not shown) through the slots of the fence column and platform into the L-brace secure the fence columns to the L-brace. Because the L-brace is steel, the bracket's holes may be predrilled and tapped.

[0070] To cover the region near the intersection of L-brace 224's horizontal section 226 and vertical section 224, the adjacent ends 292 and 294 of the horizontal platform and vertical fence columns are cut at a 45° angle so they intersect to form a right angle. Self-drilling screws may extend through the fence columns into predrilled holds in L-brace 224 after ends 292 and 294 are brought together tightly.

[0071] For swing gates, a fence column like fence column 20 mounts vertically on a base post like post 10, attaches to another stationary fence column, or attaches to a concrete, block, stucco, wood, or brick wall. One or more hinges (not shown) attach the fence column that pivots with the gate to the stationary object.

[0072] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show components for the side of the swinging gate that swings open and close. Lockset housing 232 replaces fence column 20 from other figures. It has two elongated sides 234 and 236. The right end (FIGS. 8 and 9) forms a slot 238 that receives slats 240. The slats are stacked like they are in other sections of the fence. These slats may be held in place by L-shaped fasteners (not shown) like fastener 110 and 118 in FIG. 2B. Self-drilling screws (not shown) also may extend through walls 240 and 242 near the right end of the lockset housing 232 into the slats. See FIG. 9.

[0073] Lockset housing 232 receives a lockset, which includes doorknobs 246 and 248 (FIG. 9). The doorknobs extend through drilled holes (not shown) through elongated walls 232 and 234. The drilled holes are typically about 3.5 ft. (1.1 m) above the ground. The doorknobs attach to other lockset structure based on instructions often included with purchased locksets.

[0074] Parts of the lockset extend from the doorknobs to a conventional mechanism 250 inside lockset housing 232. Rotating a doorknob causes the mechanism to move latch assembly 252 to the right (FIG. 9) to withdraw latch bolt 254 (FIG. 10). Releasing the doorknobs in the other direction allows the bolt to move outward as FIG. 10 shows. Because the lockset is conventional, and the installer can choose among different locksets, the installer uses components for the chosen lockset. The lockset latch may include a deadlatch plunger to block that may prevent an intruder from using a screwdriver, credit card or other flat device to push the latch inward to open the gate.

[0075] Instead of or in addition to latch 254, the gate may have a deadbolt lock (not shown) as part of the lockset. Applicant also could use a lock for sliding gates such as a sliding gate lock from Locinox USA. The lockset may use electronics for opening the latch through fingerprint recognition, a numeric combination, or remote through wi-fi or other wireless network protocols.

[0076] Post 260 specifically designed for the gate (FIGS. 9 and 10) may be extruded aluminum. Its back wall 262 may attach to a building wall to another fence column like fence column 20. It also may be attached to the ground though a post. Slot 268 in post 260 has gaps 264 at the inside corners the receive screws for attaching a cover. Post 260's front wall 266 receives slot cover 270 in grooves 272 and 274 (FIG. 9), and opening 268 in the slot cover receives latch 254 when the gate is pivoted closed. Front wall 266 includes extension 276 that extends a short distance along elongated wall 236 (FIG. 9). The extension blocks intruders from reaching latch 252 to force the gate open. Extension 276 should face outward from the property, and the gate opens in toward the opposite direction. See FIG. 10.

[0077] Narrow walls 242 and 244 at the right side of elongated walls 234 and 236 (FIG. 9) have grooves 280 and 282 for receiving slot covers (not shown) or slats so that the post 260 may be used without any other posts, interior frame, or horizontal posts along with a plurality of slats and may still self-support and self-frame while providing sufficient space to mount a conventional lockset on the lockset housing 232. Those covers may be sized to align with the outside surface of elongated walls 234 and 236. Other grooves 284 and 286 also may receive spacers like spacers 158 (FIG. 2) between slats.

[0078] Grooves like groove 130 (FIG. 2) inside the three fence column's slots like slot 90 run the length of the fence column. Slot covers may slide into those grooves to create a near-uniform flat face for the side with the slot cover.

[0079] Having no visible slots makes the fence column smooth and aesthetically pleasing. When slats are installed in a slot, the slot cover hide the slats' open ends and any rough edges made while cutting the aluminum.

[0080] Locating the slots along the fence columns' three sides enables the fence columns to be used for straight fence sections and for corners turning “left” or “right” along a fence row. The final side of the fence column, base wall 42, has no groove because that side needs no panels installed to that side.

[0081] returning to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present system that encloses transparent, translucent, or opaque window 162 is shown. Though discussed as a window herein, other substantially flat panels could be used (e.g. flat sheet of metal, a wooden panel or slats, a plexiglass or plastic panel, and similar materials). Window 162 is held between clips 164 at either side. Clips 300 enclose window 162 at the top and bottom of those panels. Clips 300 can be inserted into slot 90, 92, 94 or 170 in the same manner as are slats 100. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicone caulk may be used between windows 162 and clips 300 to prevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 300.

[0082] FIG. 17 discloses a cross section of an upper or lower window frame 350. The upper or lower window frame 350 includes no clips and instead is a fully-formed enclosure (in cross section) so that it may be mounted separately from the upright fence posts (or any horizontal fence posts) and may have a flush and aesthetic exterior appearance. There is an upper U-groove 352, and the sides 354 and bottom 356 fully enclose an interior portion (not labeled). The frame 350 is of a width that it may be mounted so that its two ends fit within a slot in an upright fence post, fully enclosing a window when combined with the clips 300 shown in FIG. 16.

[0083] Turning next to FIG. 18, a side view of the panel 162 framed within clips 164 and 300. Clip 300 is the same width as slots 90, 92, 94, and 170 so that clip 300 may fit into those slots. However, clip 300 does not have slot grooves 184. This allows clip 300 to fit within slots 90, 92, 94, and 170 perpendicular to clips 164. Clip 300 is the same as upper or lower window frame 350 and has a U-shaped portion 352, which is the width of the window 162. The window 162 fits in the U-shaped portion 352 of clip 300 in the same manner as it fits into the U-shaped portion of clip 164. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicon caulk may be used between windows 162 and U-shaped portion 352 to prevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 164 and 300. This configuration shown in FIG. 17 could be used with a fixed fence post set or could form a part of a gate.

[0084] However, clip 300 encloses the top and bottom of the panel 162, therefore, clip 300 does not contain any distal shoulders to engage with slot grooves.

[0085] Clip 300 can slide into slots 90, 92, 94, or 170 adjacent to (that is, below, on top of, or in between) clips 164. There, clips 300 may be held in place using L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Alternatively, clips 300 and 164 may be cut at 45°-angles and joined together, similar to the way L-brace sections 226 and 224, or ends 292 and 294 of the horizontal platform and vertical fence column, are joined together. Neither option requires welding of the aluminum.

[0086] Though the window 162 is shown as a single pane, the window 162 may in fact be multiple panes in much the same manner that the slats may be placed at various places along a given upright post. Individual panes may be separated using covers 142 and 144 and may be held in place with L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Such clips 300 for use on bottom and top to fully-frame the window 162 may not include distal shoulders so that such shoulders do not extend outward from the frame. Instead, such clips 300 may be fully flush on their exterior, providing only a frame around the window 162. And, the slats and windows 162 may be interspersed or alternated in a given gate (e.g. with a window portion near the top, slats from the ground to waist height). With the clip 300 operating as a separator, fully framing the window 162 within the gate or fence portion and the slats acting to support the gate or fence portion as described above.

[0087] Clips 300 may be oriented with their U-shaped portion 352 pointing up or down to enclose the bottom or top of a panel 162, respectively. Two clips 300 can be oriented abutting each other, but with their U-shaped portions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put two windows 162 between columns 32 and 20 without leaving a gap between the clips 300. The clips 300 may be fixed together to help maintain their position and improve strength. Alternatively, two clips 300 can be oriented with space in between them, with their U-shaped portions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put a gap between the two windows 162 and their respective clips 300. Other numbers of windows 162 and clips 300 may be arranged to place additional windows 162 (or slats) between columns 32 and 20, with or without spaces between the windows 162 and their respective clips 300. The description is illustrative, not limiting and is for example only. Although this application shows and describes examples, those having ordinary skill in the art will find it apparent they can make changes, modifications or alterations. Examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, but those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

[0088] “Plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and similar words in the written description or the claims are open-ended, i.e., each means, “including but not limited to.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases regarding claims. The ordinal terms like “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims don't by themselves connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Instead, they merely are labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for the ordinal term's use). Alternatives like “or” include one or any combination of the listed items. “Applicant” means the assignee of this application at the time of filing.