Fencing system with coupler clamp assembly

摘要

Shown is a fence post system and a coupling used in such a system for coupling the fence rails and fence posts of metal tubular fences such as those used in horse and cattle ranching operations. A clamp ring is secured about the vertical tubular metal fence post. A pair of clamping body components fit about the horizontal fence rail and are secured by top and bottom tightening bosses and tightening elements. When tightened, the assembly nearly completely circumscribes the exterior surface of the fence rail, providing near 360 degree circumferential contact. The coupling can be articulated in various ways. It can be rotated about the fence post before tightening. It can also be pivoted in a vertical plane to adjust for changes in the elevation of the fence line.

主权项

1. A coupler clamp assembly for coupling a vertical tubular metal fence post to a tubular metal fence rail in a fencing system, where the tubular metal fence rail has an exterior surface, and interior surface and a given length, the coupler clamp assembly comprising:
a clamp ring adapted to pass around the vertical tubular metal fence post, the clamp ring having a pair of clamping flanges, each having a tightener receiving opening therein for receiving a tightener element, whereby the clamp ring provides near 360 degree circumferential contact with the vertical tubular metal fence post in a fencing system when the tightener elements are tightened, the clamp ring being independently supportable on the vertical tubular metal fence post when the tightener element is tightened, the clamp ring also having a pair of pivot points located thereon; first and second clamping body components separate from the clamp ring which are adapted to be received about a portion of the length of the tubular metal fence rail and securable thereto, each clamping body component having a pipe receiving interior surface for receiving the portion of the tubular metal fence rail and nearly completely circumscribing the exterior surface of the fence rail, providing near 360 degree circumferential contact when used in a fencing system; wherein each of the clamping body components has a pivot flange extending therefrom, the pivot flanges each having a pivot point defined by a pivot surface which fits over and contains one of the pivot points provided on the clamp ring, whereby the clamping body is pivotable with respect to the clamp ring when used in a fencing system, and whereby the clamping body components are removable from the vertical tubular metal fence post without removing the clamp ring; each of the clamping body components also having a top and bottom tightening boss located thereon at a location overlaying and circumscribing a portion of the exterior surface of the tubular metal fence rail when the fence rail is received within the pipe receiving interior surface of the first and second clamping body components, whereby a tightening element inserted in the respective tightening bosses can be used to tighten the first and second clamping body components about the fence rail when used in a fencing system to thereby clamp the fence rail and secure the fence rail to the vertical tubular metal fence post.