| 摘要 |
A picket fence and rail mounting system that is easily transformable by t he consumer into a variety of aesthetic styles is provided. The system comprise s 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 th e 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 t he 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 pick et to secure the picket to the rail. Rather than the retaining rod, spring clips, threade d fasteners or the like may cooperate with a hole in each picket to secure the picket to th e 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 insertsmay b e 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.</S DOAB> |
