Modular vinyl fencing system

Abstract

A new fencing system is provided in the present disclosure that is constructed from durable polymer components that are sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The fence includes vertical posts with horizontal members extending therebetween. The horizontal members include grooves therein to support fence panels in the form of web panels. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical members utilizing a novel and uniquely configured connector element.

1 . A fence system comprising: 
 at least two spaced tubular vertical support members, each of said vertical support members having side walls and at least two vertically spaced holes in at least one side wall thereof;    a rail connector, said rail connector configured to be received and retained in each of said holes in said support members, said rail connectors including a receiver portion, and a pair of opposing retention clips extending from a rear surface of said receiver portion, said retention clips configured to extend into said hole in said sidewall of said vertical support and engage said sidewall to retain said rail connector in assembled relation with said vertical support member, wherein said receiver portion includes an inner support and an outer support, said inner support being positioned concentrically within side walls of said outer support, said receiver portion extending outwardly from said side wall of said support members when assembled therewith; and    at least two horizontal rails, each of said rails having a first end and a second end, each of said ends of said rails having openings therein, said openings configured to be received about said inner support and within said outer support and,    wherein said at least two horizontal rails are supported in parallel spaced relation between said at two vertical support members.    
   
   
       2 . The fence system of  claim 1 , said rail connector further comprising: 
 a shoulder extending from the rear surface of said receiver portion, said shoulder contacting an outer surface of said side wall of said vertical supports when said rail connector is in assembled relation therewith    
   
   
       3 . The fence system of  claim 1 , said rail connector further comprising: 
 a locking detent extending inwardly from a said outer support of said receiver portion, said detent configured and arranged to engage a retention hole in the side of said horizontal rail when said end of said rail is in assembled relation with said rail connector.    
   
   
       5 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein said vertical supports, said rail connectors and said horizontal rails are metallic.  
   
   
       6 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein said vertical supports and said horizontal rails are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of extruded vinyl and PVC.  
   
   
       7 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein said rail connector is formed from a polymer material selected from the group consisting of ABS, PVC, HDPE and polycarbonate.  
   
   
       8 . A connector for attaching vertical and horizontal members of a fencing system, said connector comprising: 
 a receiver portion including a back wall, an outer support extending upwardly from said back wall and an inner support extending upwardly from said back wall and positioned concentrically within said outer support; and    a pair of opposing retention clips extending from a rear surface of said receiver portion, said retention clips configured to extend into a hole in a sidewall of said vertical member and engage said sidewall to retain said rail connector in assembled relation with said vertical member,    wherein said receiver portion is configured and arranged to receive and retain said horizontal member.    
   
   
       9 . The connector of  claim 8 , wherein said connector is metallic.  
   
   
       10 . The connector of  claim 8 , wherein said connector is formed from a polymer material selected from the group consisting of ABS, PVC, HDPE and polycarbonate.  
   
   
       11 . The connector of  claim 8 , wherein said horizontal rail is received within said outer support and about said inner support, such that an end of said horizontal rail does not extend to the back wall of said receiver portion forming a space between said end of said horizontal rail and said back wall of said receiver portion, said space allowing thermal expansion of said horizontal rail.  
   
   
       12 . The connector  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 a locking detent extending inwardly from a said outer support of said receiver portion, said detent configured and arranged to engage a retention hole in the side of said horizontal rail when said end of said rail is in assembled relation with said rail connector.