Fencing system and post insert for use therewith

Abstract

A fencing system typically includes hollow posts with rail structures extending therebetween. Post mount assemblies are configured to mount on a foundation and are slidably received within the hollow posts to provide suitable support for the posts. In one embodiment, each post mount assembly includes a wedge which is wedged in a wedged position against the post mount assembly adjacent its upper end to apply an outward force thereon and/or move a portion of the post mount assembly outwardly within the hollow post. The wedged position typically forces the post mount assembly adjacent its upper end to frictionally engage an inner surface of the post in order to brace and secure the post adjacent its upper end. The hollow post may include strengthening ribs to provide additional structural integrity.

1 . A fencing system comprising:
 a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation and a central vertical axis;   a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;   a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and   a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable downwardly within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall; wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof moves away from the central vertical axis in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a tapered outer surface of the wedge which tapers upwardly and outwardly; and wherein the tapered outer surface contacts the first wall during movement from the first position to the wedged position. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first wall moves away from the central vertical axis in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a first section of the post mount assembly;
 and wherein the first wall is cantilevered from the first section.   
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first wall is substantially flat and vertically oriented. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first wall flexes to move away from the axis. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a second wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and wherein the first wall moves away from the central vertical axis in a first direction in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position; and the second wall moves away from the central vertical axis in a second direction different from the first direction in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the second direction is transverse the first direction. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first wall is substantially flat and vertically oriented. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a post mount of the post mount assembly which has an upper end, a lower end and an outer surface which extends therebetween, the post mount adjacent the lower end thereof adapted to mount on the foundation; and a post insert of the post mount assembly which is mounted on the upper end of the post mount and has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface which extends therebetween and is spaced outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a first cam surface on the first wall; a second cam surface on the wedge; and a sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces which translates downward movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position into movement of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof away from the central vertical axis. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof abuts the inner surface of the post in the wedged position. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the first wall abuts the inner surface of the post in the wedged position. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sidewall of the post which circumscribes the post cavity and has an inner surface; and a strengthening rib which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the sidewall adjacent the upper end of the post mount assembly. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the strengthening rib is vertical. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof abuts the strengthening rib in the wedged position. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the first wall abuts the strengthening rib in the wedged position. 
   
   
       19 . A fencing system comprising:
 a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation and a central vertical axis;   a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;   a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and   a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position;   a first cam surface on the first wall;   a second cam surface on the wedge; and   a sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces which translates movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position into movement of the first wall away from the central vertical axis.   
   
   
       20 . A fencing system comprising:
 a post mount assembly having an upper end, a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation;   a post having an inner surface defining therewithin a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;   a first wall of the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof; and   a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable within the post cavity from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall; and   a force created by the wedge in the wedged position and applied by the post mount assembly adjacent the upper end thereof to the inner surface of the post.