Fence system

Abstract

A fence panel and method of assembly. The fence panel includes end brackets that are affixed to panel facing sides of fence uprights. A top rail and a base rail span between the uprights. Panel and spacer members are secured between the top and base rails. The fence panel construction method includes constructing lengths of fence by first installing uprights in the ground, then affixing the base rail to the uprights. A magnetic strip spans between the uprights. Spacers and panels are supported by the base rail and by the magnetic strip. After placement of the spacers and panels, a top rail is positioned between the uprights and adjacent to upper ends of the spacers and panels, thereby securing the spacers and panels between the top rail and the base rail to form a fence panel.

Claims

1. A fence assembly comprising: first and second uprights, each upright having a panel facing side with an opposing opposite facing side, and opposing front and rear sides; a top rail spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said top rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; a base rail below said top rail and spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said base rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; at least one panel member received between said top rail and said base rail within said channels thereof, and between said first upright and said second upright, said panel member having opposing first and second sides parallel with said first and second legs of said top rail and said bottom rail; wherein at least one of said outside surfaces of said first and second legs of said top rail and said base rail, and at least one of said front and rear sides of said first upright and said second upright each define an accessory track longitudinally-extending along a longitudinal direction thereof and integrally formed therein; at least one accessory defining an accessory foot received within one of said accessory track said accessory foot being slidably adjustable within each of said tracks disposed within said top rail, said base rail and said first and second uprights, and said accessory further defining a support arm portion extending outside of said track and supporting a structural accessory member thereon; and at least one cover configured to be disposed within each said accessory track to fill open portions of the track adjacent to said accessory foot.

2. The fence assembly according to claim 1 wherein: said inside surface of at least one of said first leg and said second leg of at least one of said top rail and said base rail defines a spacer track for receiving a foot of a spacer; and further comprising: a spacer having a foot received within said spacer track; wherein said spacer is provided for selectively reducing available space between said first leg and said second leg of the at least one of said top rail and said base rail for receiving said at least one panel member; and wherein each said spacer abuts said first or second side of said panel member.

3. The panel receiving structure according to claim 1 wherein said structural accessory member is selected from a group consisting of a light, a flower pot, a sign, a parking label, a bird house, a planter box, barb wire for security, and a hand rail.

4. The fence assembly according to claim 1 wherein said accessory track defines a base surface that is smooth.

5. The fence assembly according to claim 1 wherein said accessory foot has a width less than a length of said accessory track for permitting selectable placement of said accessory.

6. A fence assembly comprising: first and second uprights, each upright having a panel facing side with an opposing opposite facing side, and opposing front and rear sides; a top rail spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said top rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; a base rail below said top rail and spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said base rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; at least one panel member received between said top rail and said base rail within said channels thereof, and between said panel facing side of said first upright and said panel facing side of said second upright, said panel member having opposing first and second sides parallel with said first and second legs of said top rail and said bottom rail; wherein said outside surface of each at of said first and second legs of at least one of said top rail and said base rail, and each of said front and rear sides of at least one of said first upright and said second upright each define an accessory track longitudinally-extending along a longitudinal direction thereof and integrally formed therein; at least one accessory defining an accessory foot received within one of said accessory tracks, said accessory foot being slidably adjustable with each of said tracks disposed within said top rail, said base rail and said first and second uprights, and said accessory foot further having a support arm portion extending outside of said track and supporting a structural accessory member thereon; and at least one cover configured to be disposed within each said accessory track to fill open portions of the track adjacent to said accessory foot.

7. The fence assembly according to claim 6 further comprising: a spacer track on said inside surface of at least one of said first leg and said second leg of at least one of said top rail and said base rail for receiving a foot of a spacer; a spacer having a toot received within said spacer track; wherein said spacer is provided for selectively reducing available space between said first leg and said second leg of the at least one of said top rail and said base rail for receiving said at least one panel member, and wherein said spacer abuts said first or second side of said panel member.

8. The fence assembly according to claim 6 wherein said structural accessory member is selected from a group consisting of a light, a flower pot, a sign, a parking label, a bird house, a planter box, barb wire for security, and a hand rail.

9. A fence assembly comprising: first and second uprights, each upright having a panel facing side with an opposing opposite facing side, and opposing front and rear sides; an end bracket on at least one of said panel facing sides of said first upright and said panel facing side of said second upright; a top rail spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said top rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; a base rail below said top rail and spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said base rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; at least one panel member received between said top rail and said base rail within said channels thereof, and between said panel facing side of said first upright and said panel facing side of said second upright, said panel member having opposing first and second sides, and wherein said panel member is received in said end bracket; wherein at least one of said outside surfaces of said first and second legs of said top rail and said base rail, and at least one of said front and rear sides of said first upright and said second upright each define an accessory track longitudinally-extending along a longitudinal direction thereof and integrally formed therein; at least one accessory defining an accessory foot received within one of said accessory tracks, said accessory foot being slidably adjustable within each of the tracks disposed within said top rail, said base rail and said first and second uprights, and said accessory further defining a support art portion extending outside of said track and supporting a structural accessory member thereon; and at least one cover configured to be disposable within each said accessory track to fill open portions of the track adjacent to said accessory foot.

10. The fence assembly according to claim 9 further comprising a spacer track on the inside surface of at least one of said first leg and said second leg of said top rail for receiving a foot of a spacer.

11. The fence assembly according to claim 10 further comprising: a spacer having a foot received within said spacer track; wherein said spacer is provided for selectively reducing available space between said first leg and said second leg of said top rail for receiving said at least one panel member.

12. The fence assembly according to claim 9 further comprising a spacer track on the inside surface of at least one of said first leg and said second leg of said base rail for receiving a foot of a spacer.

13. The fence assembly according to claim 12 further comprising: a spacer having a foot received within said spacer track; wherein said spacer is provided for selectively reducing available space between said first leg and said second leg of said base rail for receiving said at least one panel member.

14. The fence assembly according to claim 9 wherein said structural accessory member is selected from a group consisting of a light, a flower pot, a sign, a parking label, a bird house, a planter box, barb wire for security, and a hand rail.

15. A fence assembly comprising: first and second uprights, each upright having a panel facing side with an opposing opposite facing side, and opposing front and rear sides; a top rail spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said top rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; a base rail below said top rail and spanning between said first upright and said second upright, said base rail having a web, and opposing first and second legs longitudinally-extending along opposing edges of the web, said legs each having an outside surface and an opposing inside surface, a channel being defined between said inside surfaces of said legs; at least one panel member received between said top rail and said base rail within said channels thereof, and between said first upright and said second upright, said panel member having opposing first and second sides; wherein at least one of said outside surfaces of said first and second legs of said top rail and said base rail, and at least one of said front and rear sides of said first upright and said second upright each have an accessory track longitudinally-extending along a longitudinal direction thereof and integrally formed therein; at least one accessory having an accessory foot received within one of said accessory tracks, said accessory foot being slidably adjustable within each of said tracks disposed within said top rail, said base rail and said first and second uprights, and said accessory further defining a support arm portion extending outside of said track and supporting a structural accessory member thereon; and at least one cover configured to be disposed within each said accessory track to fill open portions of the track adjacent to said accessory foot; wherein said inside surface of at least one of said first leg and said second leg of at least one of said top rail and said base rail defines a spacer track for receiving a foot of a spacer; wherein a spacer having a foot is received within said spacer track; wherein said spacer is provided for selectively reducing available space between said first leg and said second leg of the at least one of said top rail and said base rail for receiving said at least one panel member; and wherein said spacer abuts the first or second surface of said panel member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a fence panel of the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a gate panel of the invention;

(3) FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the top rail of FIGS. 1 and 2;

(4) FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the bottom rail of FIGS. 1 and 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of spacer members of FIGS. 1 and 2;

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second end brackets of FIGS. 1 and 2;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having spacer members between adjacent plank panel members;

(8) FIG. 7 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the invention having spacer members between adjacent plank panel members having a variety of panel configurations and having a decorative member located above the top rail of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the invention wherein bamboo rods are installed as panel members;

(10) FIG. 9 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the invention having spacer members between selected plank panel members;

(11) FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the invention having spacer members between adjacent plank panel members and having a security member located above the top rail of FIG. 1;

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembled gate panel of FIG. 2;

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support strip used to assist in fence assembly by stabilizing spacer members of the type shown in FIG. 1;

(14) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a top or bottom rail adapted to receive a spacer;

(15) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a top or bottom rail shown with a spacer sized to receive a relatively thick panel member;

(16) FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a top or bottom rail shown with a spacer sized to receive a relatively thin panel member;

(17) FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a top or bottom rail defining a track;

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a top or bottom rail with a cover installed;

(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a top of bottom rail with accessories installed;

(20) FIG. 19A is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a hook;

(21) FIG. 19B is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a hand rail bracket;

(22) FIG. 19C is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a barm arm/canopy accessory;

(23) FIG. 19D is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a light;

(24) FIG. 19E is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a tubular bracket;

(25) FIG. 19F is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a shelf/basket;

(26) FIG. 19G is an example accessory for being received in a track of the top or bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18 wherein the accessory is a frame;

(27) FIG. 20 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a swing gate utilizing the top and bottom rail of FIGS. 16-18;

(28) FIG. 21 is a top cross-sectional view of a post having a vertical track formed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(29) Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6-10, a fence panel is designated generally 10. Fence panel 10 includes a stationary panel 11 (FIGS. 1, 6-11) that includes a first upright, such as first post 12, having a panel facing side 14. Stationary panel 11 includes a second upright, such as second post 16, having panel facing side 18. First end bracket 19 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5-12) is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 20, a lower end 22, a web 24, a first leg 26 (FIG. 5) and a second leg 28 (FIG. 5). Web 24 is affixed to panel facing side 14 of first post 12.

(30) A second end bracket 30 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6-12) is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 32, a lower end 34, a web 36, a first leg 38 (FIG. 5) and a second leg 40 (FIG. 5), wherein web 36 is affixed to panel facing side 18 of second post 16. In one embodiment, end brackets 19 and 30 have legs 26 and 28 or 38 and 40 that are 1.5360.050 inches in width and that are spaced apart by 0.8000.050 inches. End brackets 19, 30 are preferably provided with web orifices 31 (FIG. 2) for receiving fasteners for affixing end brackets 19, 30 to uprights. End brackets 19, 30 may also be provided with end orifices 33 (FIG. 1) for receiving a fastener for affixing one or both of top rail 42 and base rail 54. Web 24 and web 36 are preferably affixed to posts 12 and 16, respectively, with bolts (not shown), received in web orifices 31, although other fasteners or other methods of attachment are also contemplated, such as welding. Posts 12 and 16 can be of any configuration or material, so long as posts 12 and 16 are capable of receiving end brackets 19 and 30. Although posts 12 and 16 are shown as example uprights, it should be understood that any surface may function as an upright, so long as the upright is capable of receiving an end bracket, e.g., end bracket 19 or 30. Examples of other surfaces that are contemplated for use as uprights include walls, masonry, other fence panels, etc.

(31) A top rail 42 (FIGS. 1-3A and 6-11) forms an upper portion of fence panel 10. Top rail 42 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having first end 44 and second end 46, web 48 (FIG. 3A), first leg 50 (FIG. 3A) and second leg 52 (FIG. 3A).

(32) Referring now to FIG. 1, upper end 20 of first end bracket 19 is received between first leg 50 and second leg 52 of top rail 42 proximate first end 44 of top rail 42. Upper end 32 of second end bracket 30 is received between first leg 50 and second leg 52 of top rail 42 proximate second end 46 of top rail 42. In a preferred embodiment, top rail 42 is bolted onto upper end of first end bracket 19 and to upper end of second end bracket 30.

(33) A base rail 54 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3B and 6-11) forms a lower portion of fence panel 10. Base rail 54 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having first end 56, second end 58, web 60 (FIG. 3B), first leg 62 (FIG. 3B) and second leg 64 (FIG. 3B). In one embodiment, legs 50 and 52 or 62 and 64 are 3.00 inches wide, and are formed from 16 gauge metal having a thickness of 0.49 inches. A flat hem may be found at a distal end of legs 50 and 52 or 62 and 64 having a width of 0.2000.25 inches. Preferably, the flat hem bends inwardly, as is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, thereby creating an air space surrounding panels 66 and 74, which assists in moisture dissipation. Preferably, base rail 54 is provided with drain holes 65 (FIG. 3B) at 6 inch intervals along web 66.

(34) Referring now to FIG. 1, lower end 22 of first end bracket 19 is received between first leg 50 and second leg 64 of base rail 54 proximate first end 56 of base rail 54. Lower end 34 of second end bracket 30 is received between first leg 62 and second leg 64 of base rail 54 proximate second end 58 of base rail 54. In a preferred embodiment, base rail 54 is bolted onto lower ends of first end bracket 19 and second end bracket 30.

(35) Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 11, fence panel 10 may also be a gate panel 101. Gate panel 101 includes a frame 111 that includes first upright 112, second upright 116, base rail 54 and top member 117 (FIG. 2). The components of frame 111 are preferably welded together to form a rigid structure. In an alternative embodiment, a bottom member may be provided that is similar to top member 117 but located adjacent to lower ends of end brackets 19, 30 for receiving lower ends of end brackets 19, 30. Base rail 54 may be welded to uprights 112, 116 as is shown in FIG. 11. First upright 112 has a panel facing side 114 and a second upright 116 has panel facing side 118. First end bracket 19 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 20, a lower end 22, a web 24, a first leg 26 and a second leg 28. Web 24 is affixed to panel facing side 114 of first upright 112.

(36) A second end bracket 30 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 32, a lower end 34, a web 36, a first leg 18 and a second leg 40. Web 36 is affixed to panel facing side 18 of second upright 116. Web 24 and web 36 are preferably affixed to uprights 112 and 116, respectively, with bolts (not shown), although other fasteners or other methods of attachment are also contemplated, such as welding. Uprights 112 and 116 can be of any configuration or material, so long as uprights 112 and 116 are capable of receiving end brackets 19 and 30.

(37) Still referring primarily to FIG. 2, top rail 42 forms an upper portion of gate panel 101. Top rail 42 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having first end 44 and second end 46, web 48, first leg 50 and second leg 52. Upper end 20 of first end bracket 19 is received between first leg 50 and second leg 52 of top rail 42 proximate first end 44 of top rail 42. Upper end 32 of second end bracket 30 is received between first leg 50 and second leg 52 of top rail 42 proximate second end 46 of top rail 42. In a preferred embodiment, top rail 42 is bolted onto upper ends of first end bracket 19 and second end bracket 30.

(38) Base rail 54 forms a lower portion of frame 111. Base rail 54 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having first end 56, second end 58, web 60, first leg 62 and second leg 64. Lower end 22 of first end bracket 19 is received between first leg 50 and second leg 64 of base rail 54 proximate first end 56 of base rail 54. Lower end 34 of second end bracket 30 is received between first leg 62 and second leg 64 of base rail 54 proximate second end 58 of base rail 54. In a preferred embodiment, base rail 54 is welded onto lower ends of first upright 112 and second upright 116 to form a rigid frame 111.

(39) In one embodiment, a plurality of panel members 66 (FIGS. 1, 6, and 8-12) are located between top rail 42, base rail 54, first upright 12, 112 and second upright 16, 116 of stationary panel 11 and/or gate panel 101. At least one panel member 66 has an upper edge 68 (FIG. 1) that is received between first leg 50 and second leg 52 of top rail 42. At least one panel member 66 has a lower edge 70 (FIG. 1) that is received between first leg 62 and second leg 64 of base rail 54. In one embodiment, at least one of panel members 66 has a side edge 72 received in one of first end bracket 19 and second end bracket 30. Panel members 66 may be planks (FIGS. 1, 6, 7, and 9-12) of wood, vinyl, glass, or other materials or may be rods of bamboo (FIG. 8), metal, wood or other materials. Additionally, other materials such as concrete board, composite materials, plywood or other types of planks may be used as panel members 66. Further, in some embodiments, vertical space can be filled with decorative members 67a, partial decorative panel 67b, or window 67c. In the case of partial panel 67b and window panel 67c, short segments of panel member 66 are placed above and/or below the partial members 67b and 67c. Window panel 67c is preferably provided with vertical legs 69 that are hidden within receiving areas 80 and 82 of spacer members 74.

(40) In one embodiment, a plurality of spacer members, such as spacer members 74 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9-12) are located between adjacent panel members 66. Spacer members are preferably metallic, but may be constructed of other material, such as plastic or other suitable materials. Spacer members preferably have an H shaped cross-section. Spacer members 74 have an upper end 76, a lower end 78, a first receiving area 80 (FIG. 4) and a second receiving area 82 (FIG. 4). Spacer members 74 are positioned to extend between top rail 42 and base rail 54. A first panel member 66 is received in first receiving area 80 of spacer member 74. A second panel member 66 is received in second receiving area 82 of spacer member 74. In one embodiment, (FIG. 9), spacer members 74 are located between selected ones of panel members 66, but not between all panel members 66. In this embodiment, adjacent surfaces of panel members 66 may be provided with interlocking structures, such as tongue and groove.

(41) As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, panel members 66 and spacer members 74 float within fence panel 10 or gate panel 101. As used in this application, float means that panel members 66 and space members 74 are not affixed into position other than be being received between legs 50, 62 and 52, 64 of top rail 42 and base rail 54 and/or between legs 26, 28, 38, and 40 of end brackets 19, 30. The result of the floating characteristics of members 64 and 74 is that selected ones of members 64 and 74 may be easily removed if necessary. Further, floating members 64 and 74 allow for almost unlimited rack, i.e., allow for top rail 42 and base rail 54 to be oriented at almost any angle from horizontal, without incurring binding or other difficulties associated with additional securing hardware. When installing a panel 10, 101 on very steep terrain, it may be necessary to remove an upper or lower corner of panel member 64 to accommodate panel member 64 between rails 42 and 54. Floating members 64 and 74 additionally simplify construction be eliminating the installation of fasteners seen in other systems. In a preferred embodiment, fasteners in the system of the invention are limited to fasteners for securing end brackets 19, 30 to uprights and fasteners for securing top rail 42 and base rail 54 to end brackets 19 and 30.

(42) Uprights 14, 114 and 18, 118 may be extended above top rail 42 to accommodate a clamp member 84 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 10) to secure an upper member, such as security member 86 (FIG. 10), decorative member 88 (FIG. 7) or other upper member to fence panel 10 or to gate panel 101.

(43) A length of fence having a plurality of fence panels 10 of the invention may be constructed as follows. Uprights, such as posts 12 and 16, may be set into the ground. Any number of posts may be set at this stage of construction. End brackets 19 and 30 are then affixed to the appropriate sides of the posts to facilitate construction of fence panels 10. Base rails 54 are then located to span between adjacent posts. Base rails 54 are preferably bolted into place, e.g., to lower ends 22, 34 of end brackets 19, 30, respectively. Panel members 66 are then received between legs 62 and 64 of base rail 54 and between legs 26 and 28 of end bracket 19 and between legs 38 and 40 of end bracket 30. In one embodiment, spacer members, such as H-members 74 are received between selected adjacent panel members 66.

(44) For construction of gate panel 101, uprights 112 and 116 are affixed to top frame member 113 and bottom frame member 115 to construct frame 111. End brackets 32 and 20 are then affixed to the inwardly facing sides of uprights 112 and 116. Base rail 54 is then affixed to bottom frame member 115 to span between adjacent uprights 112 and 116. Base rail 54 is preferably bolted into place. Panel members 66, if desired, are then received between legs 62 and 64 of base rail 54 and between legs 26 and 28 of end bracket 20 and between legs 38 and 40 of end bracket 32. In one embodiment, spacer members, such as H-members 74, are located between selected adjacent panel members 66. By providing a fence assembly that can be easily assembled piece by piece, fence construction may be easily accomplished by a single worker.

(45) To further increase ease of assembly, a securing strip 90, such as a magnetic strip, may be affixed span from first upright 12 to second upright 16 or, alternatively, from first upright 112 to second upright 114. In this embodiment, first upright 12, second upright 16, first upright 112, and second upright 116 are preferably constructed of metal so that magnets 92 can support support strip 90 via magnetic attraction. In one embodiment, securing strip 90 has one or more magnets 92 installed to strip frame 94. Securing strip 90 may then receive a plurality of parallel spacer members, such as H-members 74, which may be magnetically secured to strip 90, as shown in FIG. 12, when spacer members 74 are placed between legs 62 and 64 of base rail 54. Spacer members 74 and adjacent panel members 66 are held in place while top rail 42 is installed. Support strip 90 preferably has a plurality of magnets 92 along a length of strip 90. Top rail 42 is then positioned to receive upper ends of spacer members 74 and panel member 66 between legs 50 and 52 of top rail 42. Top rail 42 is then secured, e.g., bolted, into place.

(46) In another embodiment, securing strip 90 may have adhesive members 93 affixed to one side of support member 90. Adhesive members 93 should provide adhesive attraction of sufficient strength to hold H-members 74 in position until top rail 42 can be secured in place. However, adhesive members 93 should not provide an adhesive attraction so powerful that support member 90 cannot be removed after fence panel assembly is complete.

(47) In one embodiment, securing strip 90 may be provided with cords extending from each end. The cords are preferably provided with attachment members, such as hooks, for engaging an upper end of uprights 12, 16 so that securing strip 90 can be hung in place, rather than secured to uprights 12, 16 by magnetic or adhesive attraction.

(48) Therefore, it can be seen that construction of a length of fence, i.e., construction of a series of fence panels 10, including stationary panel 11 and gate panel 101 can be accomplished by a single worker, since each component of fence panel 10 may be constructed and installed individually and locating or erecting an assembled panel is not required.

(49) In another embodiment, a fence panel 200, e.g., as shown partially assembled in FIG. 20 includes a first upright 202 having a panel facing side and a second upright 204 having a panel facing side. A top rail 206 spans between the first upright 202 and said second upright 204. Top rail 206 preferably has a web 208, a first leg 210, and a second leg 212.

(50) Base rail 214 is provided below top rail 206 and spans between first upright 202 and said second upright 204. Base rail 214 has a web 216, a first leg 218 and a second leg 220.

(51) At least one panel member or infill 222 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 14, 15) is preferably in communication with top rail 206 and in communication with said base rail 214 and is received between first leg 210, 218 and second leg 212, 220 of top rail 206 and base rail 214.

(52) In one embodiment, at least one of first leg 210, 218 and second leg 212, 220 of at least one of top rail and base rail define a track.

(53) In one embodiment, the track is a spacer track 226 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-15) formed or provided on an inside of at least one of first leg 210, 218 and second leg 212, 220 of top rail 206 and/or base rail 214 for receiving a spacer foot. Spacer track 226 may be T shaped, or of another shape for receiving a complementary shaped spacer foot.

(54) Spacer 228 (FIGS. 14, 15) is provided with foot 230 for locating in spacer track 226. Spacer 228 is provided for selectively reducing available space between first leg 210, 218 and said second leg 212, 220 for receiving a infill member 222. Spacer 228 may be constructed of rubber, plastic, or another material for securing infill 222. Example material for infill member 222 include wood, PVC, composite, bamboo, concrete board, glass, polycarbonate panels, metal panels, welded wire, etc.

(55) In another embodiment, the track is an accessory track 232 formed or provided on an outside of at least one of first leg 210, 218, and said second leg 212, 220 of top rail 206 or base rail 214 for receiving an accessory foot 234.

(56) Preferably, a plurality of accessories are made available for a user to customize fence panel 200 by locating accessory foot 234 of the accessory in accessory track 232. Example accessories are shown in FIGS. 17 to 19G. Example accessories include cover 238, (FIG. 17), flower pot hanger 242 (FIG. 18), hook 248 (FIG. 19A), hand rail bracket 249 (FIG. 19B), barm arm or barb wire arm 252 (FIG. 19C) for security, light 253 (FIG. 19D), tubular bracket 254 (FIG. 19E), planter box 256 (FIG. 19F), and sign or frame 258 (FIG. 19G).

(57) Accessory foot 234 may be oriented to be received in a vertical track 260 that may be formed in post 262 or on other components. Referring to FIG. 21, post 262 has a panel facing side 264 and outwardly facing sides 266. Accessory foot 234 may be held in place with a friction fit or by locating a fastener or clamp into or adjacent to accessory foot 234. Post 262 is shown with reinforcing member 264 in FIG. 21. Exact dimensions include a thickness of 0.125 for the outer wall of the post, 0.065 thick for reinforcing member 264 and a width of 1 for the widest receiving area of vertical track 260. Other dimensions may also be used.

(58) In use, fence panel 200 is assembled by positioning first upright 202 and a second upright 204, affixing base rail 214 to first upright 202 and to second upright 204 and affixing top rail 206 to first upright 202 and second upright 204.

(59) A spacer foot 230 may be received in spacer track 226 on one or both an inside of first leg 210, 218 and second leg 212, 220 for securing infill members 222 securely within top rail 206 and base rail 214 for a variety of thicknesses of infill members 222.

(60) An accessory foot 234 may be received in accessory track 232 on one or both of an outside of first leg 210, 218 and second leg 212, 220 for allowing a user to customize fence panel 200 to meet a variety of needs. Accessory foot 234 may additionally be received in vertical track 260 of posts 262 or other components.

(61) Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.