Fence with removable slats

Abstract

This invention consists of a fence constructed of metal vertical posts with upper and lower bars connecting the posts. The bottom bar is a cup or a trough in which wooden fence slats sit. The top bar consists of a back that is permanently affixed to both posts and a removable or hinged front that opens to permit the slats to be inserted without nails or tools. This invention is novel in that it presents a wooden backyard fence with standard wooden slats that can be removed or replaced without tools. The homeowner may therefore vary the height, the slat width and the design of the slats without replacing the entire fence.

What I claim for my invention is:  
     
         1 . A pair of laterally spaced substantially vertical metal posts having two horizontal support members affixed thereto. These horizontal support members contain a row of fence slats held secure by means of a removable front rail holding the top of the slats against a fixed backing and a three sided base in which the bottom of each slat resides.  
     
     
         2 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the front side of the lower horizontal support member contains holes for the purpose of securing each fence slat with one or more screws, pins or nails.  
     
     
         3 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the front portion of the upper horizontal support member contains holes for the purpose of securing each fence slat with one or more screws, pins or nails.  
     
     
         4 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the removable front rail is affixed to a hinge permitting it to swing forward in order to provide access to the placing of the slats.  
     
     
         5 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the hinged or removable upper support member contains sharp protrusions that pierce the slats and hold them in place.  
     
     
         6 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the hinged or removable upper support member contains pins that fit into corresponding holes placed in the slats.  
     
     
         7 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the front portion of the lower support member is hinged or removable and contains sharp protrusions that pierce the slats and hold them in place.  
     
     
         8 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein front portion of the lower support member is hinged or removable and contains pins that fit into corresponding holes placed in the slats.  
     
     
         9 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  where the front rail (either hinged or entirely removable) is placed between the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member.  
     
     
         10 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein one side of the lower horizontal support member is absent.  
     
     
         11 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the posts and the horizontal members are constructed of something other than metal, preferably a durable and non-disintegrating material.  
     
     
         12 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the slats are made of a material other than wood.  
     
     
         13 . A fence construction as in  claim 1  wherein the lower horizontal member contains holes in the bottom to permit water to drain.