Fence

Abstract

A fence may include a support member that is sized and configured to support a portion of the fence. The support member may also facilitate attachment of the fence to a fence post. For example, a clip may be used to connect the support member to the fence post. The clip may include an opening with a generally teardrop-shaped configuration and the end of the support member may be disposed within the opening. In particular, the opening in the clip may include a first section that is larger than an end of the support member to allow the support member to freely move relative to the clip, and a second section that is generally equal to or smaller than a portion of the support member to secure the support member and clip in a generally fixed position. This may allow the clip to be attached to the support member by a snap, friction or interference fit.

1 . A fence comprising: 
 a fence post;    a fence section;    a support member that is sized and configured to facilitate attachment of the fence section to the fence post; and    a clip that is sized and configured to be connected to the support member, the clip facilitating connection of the fence section to the fence post, the clip including an opening and at least a portion of the support member being disposed within the opening when the clip is secured to the support member.    
   
   
       2 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the clip has a generally teardrop-shaped configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the clip includes at least a first section that is larger than a second section.  
   
   
       4 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the clip includes a first section that is larger than an end of the support member to allow the support member to freely move relative to the clip, and a second section that is generally equal to or smaller than a portion of the support member to secure the support member and clip in a generally fixed position.  
   
   
       5 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the clip includes one or more inwardly extending members that are sized and configured to engage the support member when the clip is secured to the support member.  
   
   
       6 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the support member is at least partially disposed within a receiving portion in the fence section.  
   
   
       7 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein an end of the support member extends beyond an outer edge of the fence section and is disposed within an opening in the fence post, the clip being connected to the end of the support member.  
   
   
       8 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the clip is disposed inside the fence post when the clip is connected to the support member and the support member is connected to the fence post.  
   
   
       9 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the fence post includes a hollow interior portion and an opening; and 
 wherein an end of the support member is inserted through the opening in the fence post and into the hollow interior portion fence post; and    wherein the clip is disposed within the hollow interior portion of the fence post when the clip is connected to the support member.    
   
   
       10 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the clip has a generally rectangular configuration and an outer portion of the clip is sized and configured to contact an inner surface of the fence post when the clip is secured to the support member.  
   
   
       11 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the clip is self-locking when attached to the support member.  
   
   
       12 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the clip may be attached to any desired portion of the support member.  
   
   
       13 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the clip has a large, generally planar surface that is sized and configured to contact an inner surface of the fence post when the clip is secured to the support member.  
   
   
       14 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the support member includes a first end that extends beyond a first edge of the fence section and a second end that extends beyond a second edge of the fence section.  
   
   
       15 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the fence section is constructed from blow-molded plastic.  
   
   
       16 . The fence as in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the clip includes a tapered portion that allow the clip to be connected to support members with different sizes.