Fence System

Abstract

A fence having at least two posts positioned in a spaced apart relationship to one another; a rail connected across the at least two posts, the rail having an interior defined by a periphery, the periphery having a pair of ends defining an opening into the interior, the ends being rolled into the interior; a panel having an edge portion, the edge portion positioned through the opening into the interior; and a lock member having a base and an opposing top side, a front end and a tail end, the top side forming a recess and having a tapered section sloping downward, relative to the base, from the recess to the front end, wherein the lock member is positioned in the opening with one of the ends disposed in the recess and the base positioned against the panel.

1 . A fence system comprising:
 at least two posts positioned in a spaced apart relationship to one another;   a connector assembly connected to the posts; and   a panel having an edge portion, the panel connected to the posts via the connector assembly.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector assembly includes:
 a rail having an interior defined by a periphery; and   an opening into the interior defined by a pair of ends of the periphery, the edge portion of the panel positioned in the opening.   
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the pair of ends substantially grip the panel. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the connector assembly further includes a lock member positioned in the opening to secure the panel into engagement with the rail. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the lock member includes a base side and a top side, the top side forming a recess in which one of the ends of the periphery is disposed when the rail and the panel are in the secured engagement position. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the ends of the periphery is rolled into the interior. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 2 , a fiber optic sensor is positioned in the interior of the rail. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the ends of the periphery is rolled into the interior. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 4 , a fiber optic sensor is positioned in the interior of the rail. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the lock member includes a base side and a top side, the top side forming a recess in which one of the ends of the periphery is disposed when the rail and panel are in the secured engagement position. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , a rail member fixedly connected to the post and a locking member securing the panel to the connector assembly. 
   
   
       12 . A fence system comprising:
 at least two posts positioned in a spaced apart relationship to one another;   a rail connected across the at least two posts, the rail having an interior defined by a periphery, the periphery having a pair of ends defining an opening into the interior, the ends being rolled into the interior;   a panel having an edge portion, the edge portion positioned through the opening into the interior; and   a lock member having a base and an opposing top side, a front end and a tail end, the top side forming a recess and having a tapered section sloping downward, relative to the base, from the recess to the front end, wherein the lock member is positioned in the opening with one of the ends disposed in the recess and the base positioned against the panel.   
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the fence system further includes a optical fiber extending along the length of the rail. 
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the connector assembly further includes a lock member positioned in the opening to secure the panel into engagement with the rail. 
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the ends of the periphery is rolled into the interior. 
   
   
       16 . A connector assembly for connecting a panel having an edge portion to another member, the assembly comprising:
 a rail having an interior defined by a periphery;   an opening into the interior defined by a pair of ends of the periphery, the opening adapted to dispose a portion of the panel; and   a lock member positionable in the opening to secure the rail into engagement with the panel when it is disposed in the opening.   
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the ends of the periphery is rolled into the interior. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the lock member includes a base side and a top side, the top side forming a recess in which one of the ends of the periphery is disposed when the rail and the panel are in the secured engagement position. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the ends of the periphery is rolled into the interior. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the lock member includes:
 a base side; and   an opposing top side, the top side forming a recess sized to fit one of the ends of the periphery, the top side having a tapered section extending from a front end of the lock member to the recess.