Master-Halco, Inc.

Michael Lindsey

Charlie Larsen

Gene S Van Houten, Jr

Charles E Larsen

Jerry L Short

Bob Ingram

Robert Ingram

Kim Chau

Kim Chan

A picket fence and rail mounting system that is easily transformable by the consumer into a variety of aesthetic styles is provided. The system comprises at least an upper and a lower elongate rail. Each rail has a hollow interior defining a substantially I-shaped cross-section including at least a first slot and a second slot. A plurality of pickets are transversely slidable through openings in an upper surface of the rails and a channel in a lower surface. The pickets each have at least a first notch or indentation near a first end and a second notch or indentation near a second end. The distance from the first end to the first notch or indentation is preferably shorter than the distance from the second end to the second notch or indentation. An elongate retaining rod slidable within at least one rail cooperates with a notch or indentation on each picket to secure the picket to the rail. Rather than the retaining rod, spring clips, threaded fasteners or the like may cooperate with a hole in each picket to secure the picket to the rail. The pickets are invertible, such that they extend a distance x or a distance y above the upper rail depending upon whether the first or second notch or indentation or hole engages the retaining rod or other fastening member. Finials and decorative inserts may be secured to the fence to provide more aesthetic styles. Further, the upper rail is invertible, wherein a smooth cap may be secured to the upwardly facing surface of the upper rail, providing the fence with a smooth upper end having no protruding pickets.

Picket fence and rail mounting system

Picket fence rail

A metal fence post for use with a wooden fence. The fence post has a U-shaped center section positioned between two flanges, and each of the flanges includes a plurality of holes extending along an edge. The fence post can be used as a line post, comer post or end post. In one form, the thickness of the sides of the U-shaped center section is about the same as the thickness of the wooden fence rails so that the fence posts are positioned in-line with the fence rails. The fence posts allow the fence boards to be attached to either or both sides of the rails. In another form, the center section has very closely spaced, but longer legs. That provides increased strength allowing thinner gauge material.

Metal fence post

The present invention includes an improved metal fence post for use with a wooden fence. The fence post has a U-shaped center section positioned between two flanges, and each of the flanges includes a plurality of holes extending along an edge. The fence post can be used as a line post, corner post or end post. Preferably, the thickness of the sides of the U-shaped center section is about the same as the thickness of the wooden fence rails so that the fence posts are positioned in-line with the fence rails. Advantageously, the fence posts allow the fence boards to be attached to either or both sides of the rails.

An apparatus and method for connecting fence fabric to a support structure includes a tool with an elongated body member with notches at opposite ends. The notches are configured to allow a line to be securely wrapped around the tool. The tool is sized to allow it to fit through an opening located in the fence fabric. The tool is preferably constructed of steel and it includes one or more openings extending through the elongated member to facilitate attaching the line to the tool. The line is used to couple the fence fabric to the support structure.

Apparatus and method for connecting fence fabric to a support structure

The figure eight hinge of the present invention allows a gate to be quickly and safely attached to a support structure. The hinge includes two legs having two different radii of curvature. The legs also include a slot which allows the hinge to have the desired figure eight configuration. The present invention advantageously eliminates pinch points and minimizes the distance between the gate and the support structure. In particular, the hinge remains stationary with respect to the support structure while allowing the gate to rotate within one end of the hinge. The figure eight hinge is preferably used with animal enclosures such as kennels or pens because it reduces the risk that an animal will catching its feet or other body parts between the gate and the support structure.

Growing community of inventors

Ontario, CA, United States of America

Michael Lindsey