Reinforced Fence Rail with Enhanced Extrusion Pattern and Removable Steel Insert

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/644,777, filed May 9, 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Conventional PVC fence rails tend to sag, particularly over an extended period of time or distance, which can compromise the integrity of the fence. Conventional fence rail designs do not allow for vertical support, which also contributes to sagging over time.

The present invention relates to a reinforced fence rail with an enhanced extrusion pattern and a removable steel insert, which provides a stable reinforcement and resist sag.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a reinforced fence rail with an enhanced extrusion pattern and a removable steel insert.

In another aspect of the present invention, the enhanced extrusion pattern, together with the steel insert, of the present invention provides a stronger more sag-resistant fence rail as compared to conventional fence rail products.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a reinforced fence rail with an enhanced extrusion pattern and a removable steel insert. As noted above, conventional PVC fence rails tend to sag, which compromises the integrity of the fence. The present invention solves this and other problems with conventional designs.

depicts a perspective view of a fence constructed and installed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fencingcomprises fence poststhat are attached to top and bottom fence rails. As seen in, by way of example fence railcomprises a generally U-shaped panel openingthat, as seen in, by way of example, is designed and constructed to accept and retain fence paneltherein (see, by way of example).

depicts a perspective and exploded view of fence railconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fence rail comprises a steel insert pocketthat is designed and constructed to accept a steel insert. In a preferred embodiment, steel insertextends the entire length of fence rail. In a preferred embodiment, steel insertis positioned in the center portion of panel openingto engage and directly support the fence panelwhen inserted within panel opening(see, by way of example).

The enhanced extrusion pattern embodied within fence railis depicted in. In a preferred embodiment, the enhanced extrusion pattern comprises a first horizontal memberthat extends across the width of fence railand is positioned proximate the end opposite the panel opening. The enhanced extrusion pattern further comprises first and second angled membersthat extend from one end of steel insert pocketand are angled to a side wall of fence rail. In a preferred embodiment, first and second angled membersextend at approximately a 45-degree angle from the side wall of fence railto the side wall of steel insert pocket(see, by way of example). The enhanced extrusion pattern further comprises first and second side membersthat extend at a 90-degree angle from the side wall of fence railproximate the closed end of panel opening, and third and fourth side wall members that extend at a 90-degree angle from the panel openingto the side wall of fence railproximate the open end of panel opening.

The steel insert, together with the enhanced extrusion pattern, will make the PVC fence more stable and prevent sagging. The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. It provides a reinforcement that will not sag or cause the fence to lose integrity.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.