Metal panel fencing system

Abstract

A fencing system is constructed with thin-walled generally rectangular tubing. The large cross-section of the rectangular tubing provides significant structural strength. The posts can also be formed into rectangular cross-sections to achieve similar cross-sectional strength. The posts are provided with openings for the rails to be inserted. A compliant grommet is provided in each opening and allows for articulation in any direction, isolates the rail from the post to prevent metal-on-metal contact, provides cushioning to the rails upon impact, silences the rails in heavy wind, electrically isolates each fence section and centers the rail in the post opening. A system of clips or spring loaded lock pins attach to the ends of the rails allow the rails to be easily inserted into the posts, but prevents their removal. Alternatively, lock spacers may be inserted into each post systematically to limit the rail movement independently between any two posts to assure retention of the rails and to allow easy rail removal upon removal of the lock spacers.

1 . A fencing system comprising:
 a plurality of at least generally horizontal rails that have opposed ends;   a plurality of vertical posts that each have at least one aperture, the ends of the rails being retained in the apertures in the posts;   a plurality of compliant structures, each of which is located in a respective aperture between a respective rail and a respective post, wherein the compliant structures permit articulation of the rails relative to the posts while sealing rail-to-post interfaces and preventing metal to metal contact between posts and rails.   
   
   
       2 . The fencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the compliant interfaces are elastomeric grommets. 
   
   
       3 . The fencing system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the rails and the posts are made from one of coated galvanized steel, aluminum, or steel reinforced aluminum. 
   
   
       4 . The fencing system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rail retaining clips, wherein each clip is connected to an end of one of the rails and fixedly connects the rail allocated to the associated post. 
   
   
       5 . The fencing system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the rails and the posts are formed from thin-walled tubing. 
   
   
       6 . The fencing system of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the rails and the posts have a non-circular profile. 
   
   
       7 . The fencing system of  claim 6 , wherein the rails and posts have a rectangular profile with rounded corners. 
   
   
       8 . The fencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the rails are made from galvanized steel of 1.2 mm thickness or less. 
   
   
       9 . The fencing system of  claim 6 , wherein the posts are made from galvanized steel of 1.4 mm thickness or less. 
   
   
       10 . The fencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the rails are retained in the posts by lock spacer assemblies, each of which is inserted into a central portion of respective posts and which is engaged by and limits in line movement of at least one rail. 
   
   
       11 . A fencing system comprising:
 a plurality of at least generally horizontal rails that have opposed ends;   a plurality of vertical posts that each have at least one aperture, the ends of the rails being retained in the apertures in the posts;   a plurality of lock spacer assemblies, each of which is inserted into a central portion of respective posts and which is engaged by and limits in-line movement of at least one rail.   
   
   
       12 . A method of installing a fencing system, comprising:
 inserting a plurality of posts into the ground, wherein each post contains at least one aperture;   inserting the first end of each of the plurality of rails into a first aperture on a first post;   inserting the second end of each of the plurality of rails into a second aperture on a second post; and   centering the ends of the rails in the apertures while allowing articulation of the rails relative to the posts by providing a compliant interface into each aperture between the rail and the post.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising limiting in-line movement of the rails by abutting the opposed ends of each rail against lock spacer assemblies located inside the respective posts. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the use of round rails and or round posts. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising utilizing rails and or posts made of plastic, wood or composite materials. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising retaining the rails to the posts uses preinstalled spring loaded buttons that protrude out of opposed sides of the rails to lock the rails in place without the need for lock spacers or other retainers.