Simulated rock modular fence apparatus and system

Abstract

A modular system of fencing components that can simulate the appearance and texture of traditional fencing materials is provided having novel connection and support components and systems to accommodate for thermal expansion while remaining strong, lightweight, easy to install and repair, and cost effective.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fence system comprising:
 a first fencing panel having a first lip formed on a first side of an edge of the first fencing panel and a second lip disposed on a second side of the edge of the fencing panel, the second side being opposite from the first side; and   a supporting post having an H-shaped geometry to receive the first lip and the second lip of the first fencing panel to secure the first fencing panel relative to the supporting post.   
     
     
         2 . The fence system of  claim 1 , further comprising a column cover disposed on the supporting post. 
     
     
         3 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein the supporting post comprises a roll-formed steel. 
     
     
         4 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein the supporting post is configured to receive a second fencing panel opposite the first fencing panel. 
     
     
         5 . The fence system of  claim 4 , wherein the supporting post is configured to allow the first fencing panel and the second fencing panel to be secured in the supporting post and allow the first fencing panel and the second fencing panel to be pivoted about the supporting post to be oriented at a non-zero angle relative to one another. 
     
     
         6 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein the first fencing panel further comprises a face panel configured to simulate a natural stone. 
     
     
         7 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein the first fencing panel further comprises at least one reinforcing channel. 
     
     
         8 . The fence system of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one reinforcing channel comprises one or more intermediate reinforcing channels disposed within the first fencing panel. 
     
     
         9 . The fence system of  claim 7 , where in the at least one reinforcing channel has a U-shaped geometry. 
     
     
         10 . The fence system of  claim 7 , where in the at least one reinforcing channel is a truss structure. 
     
     
         11 . The fence system of  claim 10 , wherein the truss structure is a disjoint truss with a plurality of disjointed pieces of a reinforcing wire connected at angles to a central wire. 
     
     
         12 . The fence system of  claim 10 , wherein the truss structure is a continuous truss with a continuous reinforcing wire along a length of the first fencing panel. 
     
     
         13 . The fence system of  claim 1 , wherein the first fencing panel further comprises a supportive filling material. 
     
     
         14 . The fence system of  claim 1 , further comprising a column cover to engage with the supporting post to cover a side of the supporting post. 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising:
 rotationally molding a first fencing panel, the first fencing panel having a first lip formed on a first side of an edge of the first fencing panel and a second lip disposed on a second side of the edge of the fencing panel, the second side being opposite from the first side;   roll-forming a steel supporting post to have an H-shaped geometry sized to receive the first lip and the second lip of the first fencing panel to secure the first fencing panel relative to the supporting post.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising disposing a reinforcing channel within the first fencing panel. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the reinforcing channel is disposed within the first fencing panel during rotationally molding the first fencing panel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein rotationally molding the first fence panel comprises forming a panel face in the first fencing panel to simulate a fencing material. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising disposing a supportive fill material within the first fencing panel. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising forming a column cover sized to engage with the supporting post to cover a side of the supporting post.