STACKABLE SPACERS FOR INFILL

Abstract

A fence system that provides a platform that allows for construction of various configurations. The system includes a section of fence having first and second uprights and an upper and a lower rail that span between the uprights. First and second end brackets are affixed to the uprights for receiving a plurality of horizontal panels. Spacers may be located within the end brackets to selectively space the horizontal members as desired or may be located within upper and lower rails to selectively space the vertical members as desired. Spacer combinations can vary an amount of spacing between horizontal or vertical panels. Advantages include versatility, i.e., an ability to easily install spacers, either alone, or in stackable combination with other spacers to easily construct a fence having horizontal or vertical segments that are separated by a desired amount.

Claims

1. A fence frame comprising: a first vertical channel; a second vertical channel; a top rail; a bottom rail; a first member extending between one of said first vertical channel and said second vertical channel, extending between said top rail and said bottom rail; a second member extending between one of said first vertical channel and said second vertical channel, or extending between said top rail and said bottom rail; a first spacer in said first vertical channel or said top rail for spacing apart said first member and said second member; a second spacer in said second vertical channel or said bottom rail for spacing apart said first member and said second member.

2. The fence frame according to claim 1 further comprising: a first upright defining an inwardly facing side; a first end bracket affixed to said inwardly facing side of said first upright, wherein said first vertical channel is defined by a first end bracket.

3. The fence frame according to claim 1 wherein: said first spacer is a first spacer unit; and said second spacer is a second spacer unit.

4. The fence frame according to claim 3 wherein: said first spacer unit having a front member having an upper end, a lower end, an inside surface and an outside surface, a rear member having an upper end a lower end, an inside surface and an outside surface, an upper member connecting said front member and said rear member, a lower member connecting said front member and said rear member; wherein said front member of said first spacer unit and said rear member of said first spacer unit extend above said upper member of said first spacer unit for defining an upper receptacle; wherein said front member of said first spacer unit and said rear member of said first spacer unit extend below said lower member for defining a lower receptacle.

5. The fence frame according to claim 1 wherein: said first spacer comprises a first spacer unit and a first stackable unit; and said second spacer comprises a second spacer unit and a second stackable unit.

6. The fence frame according to claim 4 wherein: said first spacer comprises a first spacer unit and a first stackable unit; and said second spacer comprises a second spacer unit and a second stackable unit; wherein said first stackable unit defines a protrusion sized for mating engagement with said lower receptacle of said first stackable unit.

7. The fence frame according to claim 6 wherein: said first stackable unit having a front stackable member having an upper end, a lower end, and an inside surface, a rear stackable member having an upper end, a lower end, and an inside surface, a protrusion having a front portion, a back portion and an end portion connecting said front portion and said back portion, a horizontal stackable member connecting said front stackable member and said rear stackable member; wherein said front portion of said protrusion of said first stackable unit has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, said first end of said front portion engaging said inside surface of said front stackable member proximate said upper end of said front stackable member.

8. The fence frame according to claim 7 wherein: wherein said back portion of said protrusion of said first stackable unit has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, said first end of said back portion engaging said inside surface of said rear stackable member proximate said upper end of said rear stackable member; wherein said protrusion of said first stackable unit is sized to matingly engage with said lower receptacle on said first spacer unit; wherein said front stackable member of said first stackable unit and said rear stackable member of said first stackable unit of one of said front stackable member of said first stackable unit and said rear stackable member of said first stackable unit extend below said horizontal stackable member for defining a lower stackable receptacle; wherein a protrusion of a second stackable unit is sized to matingly engage with said lower stackable receptacle on said first spacer unit.

9. The fence frame according to claim 1 wherein: said first horizontal member defines a first end, a second end, an upper portion, and a lower portion; said second horizontal member defines a first end, a second end, an upper portion, and a lower portion; wherein said first end of said first horizontal member is received in said first vertical channel; wherein said second end of said first horizontal member is received in said second vertical channel; wherein said first end of said second horizontal member is received in said first vertical channel; wherein said second end of said second horizontal member is received in said second vertical channel.

10. A fence and spacer combination comprising: a fence frame; a first panel supported by said fence frame, said first panel having a spacer engaging surface; a second panel supported by said fence frame, said second panel having a second spacer engaging surface; a spacer defining a first receptacle for securely receiving said first spacer engaging surface of said first panel, said spacer defining a second receptacle for securely receiving said second spacer engaging surface of said second panel.

11. The fence and spacer combination of claim 10 wherein: said fence frame defines a vertical channel; wherein said spacer is received in said vertical channel.

12. The fence and spacer combination of claim 10 wherein: said spacer is a spacer unit, said spacer unit defining said first receptacle for securely receiving said first space engaging surface of said first panel, said spacer unit defining said second receptacle for securely receiving said second spacer engaging surface of said second panel.

13. The fence and spacer combination according to claim 12 further comprising: a stackable unit defining a protrusion; wherein said protrusion is sized to matingly engage with a receptacle on said spacer unit.

14. The fence and spacer combination according to claim 10 wherein: said spacer is a spacer unit, said spacer unit having a front member having an first end, a second end, an inside surface and an outside surface, a rear member having a first end, a second end, an inside surface and an outside surface, a first member connecting said front member and said rear member, and a second member connecting said front member and said rear member; wherein said front member and said rear member extend above said first member for defining a first receptacle; wherein said front member and said rear member extend below said second member for defining a second receptacle; said spacer unit defining said first receptacle for securely receiving said first spacer engaging surface of said first panel, said spacer unit defining said second receptacle for securely receiving said second spacer engaging surface of said second panel.

15. The fence and spacer combination according to claim 10 further comprising: a stackable unit having a front stackable member having a first end, a second end, and an inside surface, a rear stackable member having a first end, a second end, and an inside surface, an first protrusion having a front portion, a back portion and a first portion connecting said front stackable member and said rear stackable member, a horizontal stackable member connecting said front stackable member and said rear stackable member; wherein said front portion of said first protrusion has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface, said second end of said front portion engaging said inside surface of said front stackable member proximate said first end of said front stackable member; wherein said back portion of said first protrusion has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, said second end of said back portion engaging said inside surface of said rear stackable member proximate said first end of said rear stackable member; wherein said first protrusion is sized to matingly engage with said second receptacle on said spacer; wherein said front stackable member and said rear stackable member of said stackable unit extend below said horizontal stackable member for defining a second stackable receptacle.

16. A method of constructing a fence panel comprising: erecting a first vertical channel and a second vertical channel; affixing a first end of a base rail proximate to a lower end of said first vertical channel; affixing a second end of said base rail proximate to a lower end of said second vertical channel; affixing a first end of a top rail proximate to a lower end of said first vertical channel; affixing a second end of said top rail proximate to a lower end of said second vertical channel; locating a first panel within at least two of said first vertical channel, said second vertical channel, said base rail, and said top rail; locating a second panel within at least two of said first vertical channel, said second vertical channel, and positioning said second panel adjacent to said first panel; locating a spacer within one of said first vertical channel and said base rail and locating said spacer within one of said second vertical channel and said top rail for spacing apart said first panel and said second panel.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein said step of erecting comprises: setting a first upright and a second upright in a vertical orientation, said first upright having a first panel facing side, said second upright having a second panel facing side; affixing a first end bracket to said first panel facing side of said first upright, said first end bracket defining a first channel; affixing a second end bracket to said second panel facing side of said second upright, said second end bracket defining a second channel.

18. The method claim 16 wherein: said spacer defines an upper receptacle for receiving said second panel and defines a lower receptacle for receiving one of said first panel and a protrusion of a stackable unit.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein: said spacer is a first spacer unit and a first stackable unit, said spacer defining a receptacle for receiving one of said first panel and said second panel; said first stackable unit defining a receptacle for receiving one of said first panel and said second panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a fence panel of the invention;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a gate panel of the invention;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of channel members of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spacer unit of the invention;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a stackable unit of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the spacer unit of FIG. 4;

[0011] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the stackable unit of FIG. 5;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a combination unit formed by interlocking the spacer unit of FIG. 4 and the stackable unit of FIG. 5;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spacer unit of FIG. 4 engaging a panel on a first side and the combination unit of FIG. 8 engaging the panel on a second side;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a fence panel of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fence panel is designated generally 10. In one embodiment, fence panel 10 is a stationary panel frame 11 (FIG. 1) that includes a first upright, such as first post 12, having a panel facing side 14. Stationary panel frame 11 includes a second upright, such as second post 16, having panel facing side 18.

[0016] First end bracket 19 (FIGS. 1-3) is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 20, a lower end 22, a web 24 (FIG. 3), a first leg 26 and a second leg 28. Web 24 is affixed to panel facing side 14 of first post 12.

[0017] A second end bracket 30 (FIGS. 1, 2) 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 and a second leg, i.e., of similar constructions to first end bracket 19, wherein web 36 is affixed to panel facing side 18 of second post 16. In one embodiment, end brackets 19 and 30 have legs, e.g., first leg 26 and second leg 28 of first end bracket 19, that are 1.5360.050 inches in width and that are spaced apart by 0.8000.050 inches. End brackets, e.g., 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 (FIGS. 1, 2) for receiving a fastener for affixing one or both of top rail 42 and base rail 54. Web 24 of first end bracket 19 and web 36 of second end bracket 30 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.

[0018] Top rail 42 (FIGS. 1, 2) forms an upper portion of fence panel 11. 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.

[0019] 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 20 of first end bracket 19 and to upper end 32 of second end bracket 30.

[0020] Base rail 54 (FIGS. 1, 2) forms a lower portion of fence panel frame 11. 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 (FIG. 2). 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 60 and 62 having a width of 0.2000.25 inches, which assists in moisture dissipation. Preferably, the flat hem bends inwardly, thereby creating an air space surrounding panels 70 received between top rail 42 and base rail 54, and received in first end bracket 19 and second end bracket 30. Preferably, base rail 54 is provided with drain holes at 6 inch intervals along web 66.

[0021] Still referring 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.

[0022] Panels 70 include top panel 72 received adjacent top rail 42 and bottom panel 78 adjacent base rail 54. In the example embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, panels 70 additional include second panel 74 (FIGS. 1, 2) and third panel 76 (FIG. 2). Other numbers of panels 70 are possible.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, fence panel 10 may also be a gate panel frame 101. Gate panel frame 101 includes first upright 112, second upright 116, base rail 54 and top member 117. 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. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Still referring primarily to FIG. 2, top rail 42 forms an upper portion of gate panel frame 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.

[0026] 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 101.

[0027] In one embodiment, fence frame 101 has first upright 112 defining an inwardly facing first side 114 and a second upright 116 defining an inwardly facing second side 118.

[0028] First end bracket 19 is adjacent first inwardly facing side 114. First end bracket 19 has upper end 20, lower end 22, web 24, first leg, and second leg 28. Web 24 is located adjacent to first inwardly facing side 114 of first upright 112.

[0029] Second channel 30 is adjacent second inwardly facing second side 118 of second upright 116. Second end bracket 30 has upper end 32, lower end 34, web 36, first leg 38, and second leg 40. Web 38 is adjacent to second inwardly facing second side 118 of second upright 110.

[0030] Second end 46 of first horizontal member 42 is received in second channel 30. First end 56 of second horizontal member 54 is received in first channel 19. Second end 58 of second horizontal member 54 is received in second end bracket 30.

[0031] Spacers 200 (FIGS. 3-10) may be located in first end bracket 19 and second end bracket 30 between adjacent panels 70, e.g., between top panel 72 and second panel 74, between second panel 74 and third panel 70, etc., for separating panels 70 by a desired distance. Spacer 200 may be comprised of a spacer unit 201, a stackable unit 400 (FIGS. 5, 7, 9), or a combination unit 500 (FIG. 8), as will be discussed below. An example construction of spacer unit 201 for locating in first end bracket 19 or second end bracket 30 is discussed below.

[0032] A second spacer 200 is located in channel 30 in the same manner as spacer unit 201 is located in channel 19 to ensure that panels 70 are equally spaced.

[0033] As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, in one embodiment, spacer unit 201 has a front base member 202 having an upper end 204, a lower end 206, an inside surface 208, and an outside surface 210. First spacer unit 201 additionally has a rear base member 212 having an upper end 214, a lower end 216, an inside surface 218, and an outside surface 220. First spacer unit 201 has an upper base member 222 connecting front base member 202 and rear base member 212. First spacer unit 201 additionally has lower base member 224 connecting front base member 202 and rear base member 212. An internal support member 225 joins upper base member 222 and lower base member 224.

[0034] Front base member 202 and rear base member 212 preferably extend above upper base member 222 for defining upper receptacle 226.

[0035] Front base member 202 and rear base member 212 preferably extend below lower base member 224 for defining lower receptacle 228.

[0036] Upper receptacle 226 and lower receptacle 228 are preferably sized to receive a width of panel 70 for securely engaging panel 70 (see, e.g., FIG. 9).

[0037] In one embodiment, first spacer 200 may be combined with first stackable unit 400 (FIGS. 5, 7).

[0038] First stackable unit 400 has front stackable member 402 having a lower end 404, an upper end 406, and an inside surface 408. First stackable unit 400 additionally has a rear stackable member 410 having a lower end 412, an upper end 414, and an inside surface 416. First stackable unit 400 additionally has protrusion 418 having front portion 420, back portion 422, and end portion 424 that connects front portion 420 and back portion 422. Horizontal stackable member 426 connects front stackable member 402 and rear stackable member 410. Vertical stackable member 425 connects end portion 424 of protrusion 418 and horizontal stackable member 426.

[0039] Front portion 420 of protrusion 418 of stackable unit 400 has first end 428, second end 430, outer surface 432.

[0040] Back portion 422 of protrusion 418 of stackable unit 400 has first end 436, second end 438, and outer surface 440.

[0041] Protrusion 418 of stackable unit 400 is sized to matingly engage with one of upper receptacle 226 or lower receptacle 228 of spacer unit 201. Front stackable member 402 of first stackable unit 400 and rear stackable member 410 of first stackable unit 400 extend beyond horizontal stackable member 426 for defining stackable receptacle 450. Stackable receptacle 450 is preferably sized to receive a width of panel 70 for securely engaging panel 70 (see, e.g., FIG. 9) or for receiving protrusion 418 of another stackable unit 400.

[0042] Protrusion 418 of stackable unit 400 is sized to matingly engage with upper receptacle 226 or lower receptacle 228 on spacer unit 201 to form combination unit 500 (see FIG. 8).

[0043] Spacer unit 201 may be installed between one or more panels 70 to create spacing therebetween as desired. Spacer units 201 may be combined with one or more stackable units 400 to form combination unit 500 (FIGS. 8, 9) for creating larger spacing between panels 70 as desired.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 10, a fence panel is designated generally 1010. Fence panel 1010 includes a stationary panel 1011 that includes a first upright, such as first post 1012, having a panel facing side 1014. Stationary panel 1011 includes a second upright, such as second post 1016, having panel facing side 1018. First end bracket 1019 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 1020, a lower end 1022, a web 1024, a first leg 1026 and a second leg 1028. Web 1024 is affixed to panel facing side 1014 of first post 1012.

[0045] A second end bracket 1030 is preferably formed of a length of U-channel having an upper end 1032, a lower end 1034, a web 1036, a first leg 1038 and a second leg 1040, wherein web 1036 is affixed to panel facing side 1018 of second post 1016. In one embodiment, end brackets 1019 and 1030 have legs 1026 and 1028 or 1038 and 1040 that are 1.5360.050 inches in width and that are spaced apart by 0.8000.050 inches. End brackets 1019, 1030 are preferably provided with web orifices 1031 for receiving fasteners for affixing end brackets 1019, 1030 to uprights. End brackets 1019, 1030 may also be provided with end orifices 1033 for receiving a fastener for affixing one or both of top rail 1042 and base rail 1054. Web 1024 and web 1036 are preferably affixed to posts 1012 and 1016, respectively, with bolts (not shown), received in web orifices 1031, although other fasteners or other methods of attachment are also contemplated, such as welding. Posts 1012 and 1016 can be of any configuration or material, so long as posts 1012 and 1016 are capable of receiving end brackets 1019 and 1030. Although posts 1012 and 1016 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 1019 or 1030. Examples of other surfaces that are contemplated for use as uprights include walls, masonry, other fence panels, etc.

[0046] A top rail 1042 forms an upper portion of fence panel 1010. Top rail 1042 is preferably formed from a length of U-channel having first end 1044 and second end 1046, web 1048, first leg 1050, and second leg 1052.

[0047] Upper end 1020 of first end bracket 1019 is received between first leg 1050 and second leg 1052 of top rail 1042 proximate first end 1044 of top rail 1042. Upper end 1032 of second end bracket 1030 is received between first leg 1050 and second leg 1052 of top rail 1042 proximate second end 1046 of top rail 1042. In a preferred embodiment, top rail 1042 is bolted onto upper end of first end bracket 1019 and to upper end of second end bracket 1030.

[0048] Bottom rail 1054 forms a lower portion of fence panel 1010. Bottom rail 1054 is preferably formed from a length of U-channel having a first end 1056 and a second end 1058, web 1060, a first leg, and a second leg.

[0049] Spacers 200 locate between vertical panel members 1066. Preferably, spacers 200 will be received within top rail 1042 and bottom rail 1054, although other locations are also possible.

[0050] In practice, fence panel 11 may be constructed by setting first upright 12 and second upright 16 into a ground surface or fence panel 1011 may be constructed by first affixing first upright 1012 and second upright 1016 to top member 1042, wherein the first upright 12, 1012 has a panel facing side 14, 1014 and second upright 16, 1016 has a panel facing side 18, 1018.

[0051] First end bracket 19, 1019 is affixed to the panel facing side 14, 1014 of the first upright 12, 1012. First end bracket 19, 1019 has an upper end 20, 1020 and a lower end 22, 1922. Channel 19 or end bracket is formed by a first leg 26, a second leg 28 and a web 24.

[0052] Second end bracket 30 is affixed to panel facing side 18, 1018 of second upright 16, 1016. Second end bracket 30, 1030 has an upper end 32, 1032 and a lower end 34, 1034. Second channel 30, 1030 or second end bracket 40, 1040 is formed by a first leg, a second leg and a web 36, 1036.

[0053] First end 56, 1056 of base rail 54, 1054 is affixed to lower end 22, 1022 of first end bracket 19, 1019. Second end 58, 1058 of base rail 54, 1054 is affixed to lower end 34, 1034 of second end bracket 30, 1030.

[0054] Bottom panel 78 is located within the channel defined by first end bracket 19 and in the channel defined by second bracket 30. Bottom panel 78 is positioned adjacent to base rail 54.

[0055] A second panel, e.g., second panel 74 is located above the bottom panel 78 within the channel defined by first end bracket 19 and within the channel defined by second bracket 30. Second panel 74 is located adjacent to an upper surface of the bottom panel 78.

[0056] In one embodiment, spacer 200 is located within the channel defined by first end bracket 19 and spacer 200 is located within the channel defined by second end bracket 30 for creating space between bottom panel 78 and second panel 74. In one embodiment, spacer 200, e.g., spacer unit 201, defines an upper receptacle 226 for receiving a lower surface of second panel 74 and defines lower receptacle 228 for receiving the an upper surface of bottom panel 78 (see, e.g., FIG. 9).

[0057] In one embodiment, the spacer 200 is a first spacer unit 201 and a first stackable unit 400, i.e., spacer 200 is combination unit 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). First spacer unit 201 defines a receptacle 226, 228 for receiving one of bottom panel 78 and second panel 74 and protrusions 418 of stackable unit 400. Stackable unit 400 defines a receptacle 450 for receiving one of bottom panel 78 and second panel 74 and protrusions 418 of another the stackable unit 400.

[0058] Fence panel 101 may be constructed of two or more horizontal panels 70. Each adjacent horizontal panel 70 may be spaced apart by spacer 200, combination unit 500 or not spaced apart, depending on the desired appearance.

[0059] Fence panel 1011 may be constituted of two or more vertical panels 1066. Each adjacent vertical panel 1066 may be spaced apart by spacer 200, combination unit 500, or not spaced apart, depending on the desired appearance. Spacers 200 may be located within the channel defined by top rail 1042 and spacers 200 may be located in the channel defined by bottom rail 1054 for creating space between adjacent vertical panels 1066.

[0060] 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.

[0061] It is to be understood that the terms including, comprising, consisting and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

[0062] If the specification or claims refer to an additional element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0063] It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to a or an element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

[0064] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic may, might, can or could be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0065] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

[0066] The term method may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

[0067] The term at least followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a ranger having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, at least 1 means 1 or more than 1. The term at most followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, at most 4 means 4 or less than 4, and at most 40% means 40% or less than 40%.

[0068] When, in this document, a range is given as (a first number) to (a second number) or (a first number)(a second number), this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.

[0069] It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

[0070] Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., about, substantially, approximately, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.

[0071] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.