Fence System

Abstract

A fence section includes an upper horizontal rail, a lower horizontal rail, and vertical members. At least one of the vertical members is connected to the upper horizontal rail by an upper connection system and to the lower horizontal rail by a lower connection system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fence section, comprising:
 an upper horizontal rail including a first longitudinally-extending wall extending lengthwise of the upper horizontal rail and laterally between first and second upper rail sidewalls that depend from the first longitudinally-extending wall and are spaced apart from one another to define an upper rail cavity, wherein the first longitudinally-extending wall includes an upper rail aperture;   a lower horizontal rail, spaced vertically below the upper horizontal rail, including a second longitudinally-extending wall extending lengthwise of the lower horizontal rail and laterally between first and second lower rail sidewalls that depend from the first longitudinally-extending wall and are spaced apart from one another to define a lower rail cavity, wherein the second longitudinally-extending wall includes a lower rail aperture; and   a vertical member;   wherein:
 the vertical member and the upper horizontal rail are connected by an upper connection system, and the vertical member and the lower horizontal rail are connected by a lower connection system; 
 the upper connection system includes a first upper connecting structure and a second upper connecting structure; 
 the lower connection system includes a first lower connecting structure and a second lower connecting structure; 
 the first upper rail sidewall includes a first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, and the vertical member includes a second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure; 
 the second upper rail sidewall includes a first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, and the vertical member includes a second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure; 
 the first lower rail sidewall includes a first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, and the vertical member includes a second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure; 
 the second lower rail sidewall includes a first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure, and the vertical member includes a second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure; and 
 for the upper connection system, the connection of the vertical member and the upper horizontal rail is effected by:
 a first upper interaction between the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, and 
 a second upper interaction between the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure; 
 
 for the lower connection system, the connection of the vertical member and the lower horizontal rail is effected by:
 a first lower interaction between the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, and 
 a second lower interaction between the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure; 
 
 the vertical member extends through the upper horizontal rail via the upper rail aperture and the lower horizontal rail via the lower rail aperture; 
 the vertical member and the upper horizontal rail are co-operatively configured such that establishing of the connection by the upper connection system is effected in response to insertion of the vertical member through the upper horizontal rail via the upper rail aperture; 
 the vertical member and the lower horizontal rail are co-operatively configured such that establishing of the connection by the lower connection system is effected in response to insertion of the vertical member through the lower horizontal rail via the lower rail aperture; and 
 while the connection of the vertical member and the upper horizontal rail is effected by: (i) the first upper interaction between the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, and (ii) the second upper interaction between the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure:
 the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first upper interaction; and 
 the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second upper interaction; and 
 
 while the connection of the vertical member to the lower horizontal rail is effected by: (i) the first lower interaction between the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, and (ii) the second lower interaction between the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure:
 the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first lower interaction; and 
 the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second lower interaction. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The fence section of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure includes a first upper slot;   the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure includes a second upper slot;   the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure includes a first lower slot;   the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure includes a second lower slot;   the first upper interaction is effected by an insertion of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure into the first upper slot;   the second upper interaction is effected by an insertion of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure into the second upper slot;   the first lower interaction is effected by an insertion of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure into the first lower slot; and   the second lower interaction is effected by an insertion of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure into the second lower slot.   
     
     
         3 . The fence section of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is insertable into the first upper slot for effecting the first upper interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is inserted into the first upper slot such that the first upper interaction is effected, and the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first upper interaction; 
   the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is insertable into the second upper slot for effecting the second upper interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is inserted into the second upper slot such that the second upper interaction is effected, and the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second upper interaction; 
   the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is insertable into the first lower slot for effecting the first lower interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is inserted into the first lower slot such that the first lower interaction is effected, and the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first lower interaction; and 
   the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is insertable into the second lower slot for effecting the second lower interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is inserted into the second lower slot such that the second lower interaction is effected, and the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second lower interaction. 
   
     
     
         4 . The fence section of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is insertable into the first upper slot for effecting the first upper interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is inserted into the first upper slot such that the first upper interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first upper interaction; 
   the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is insertable into the second upper slot for effecting the second upper interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is inserted into the second upper slot such that the second upper interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second upper interaction; 
   the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is insertable into the first lower slot for effecting the first lower interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is inserted into the first lower slot such that the first lower interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first lower interaction; and 
   the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is insertable into the second lower slot for effecting the second lower interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is inserted into the second lower slot such that the second lower interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second lower interaction. 
   
     
     
         5 . The fence section of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure includes a first upper barb;   the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure includes a second upper barb;   the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure includes a first lower barb; and   the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure includes a second lower barb.   
     
     
         6 . The fence section of  claim 1 , wherein:
 while the connection of the vertical member to the upper horizontal rail is effected by: (i) the first upper interaction between the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, and (ii) the second upper interaction between the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure:
 the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first upper counterpart of the first upper connecting structure; and 
 the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure; 
   while the connection of the vertical member to the lower horizontal rail is effected by: (i) the first lower interaction between the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, and (ii) the second lower interaction between the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure:
 the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first lower counterpart of the first lower connecting structure; and 
 the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure and the second lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first lower counterpart of the second lower connecting structure. 
   
     
     
         7 . A fence section comprising:
 two horizontal rails, each one of the two horizontal rails, independently, including a longitudinally-extending wall extending lengthwise of the horizontal rail and laterally between first and second rail sidewalls that depend from the longitudinally-extending wall and are spaced apart from one another, wherein the longitudinally-extending wall includes a rail aperture; and   a vertical member;   wherein:
 the two horizontal rails and the vertical member are co-operatively configured such that:
 the vertical member is connected to each one of the two horizontal rails, independently, by a respective connection system such that two connection systems are provided; 
 
 each one of the two connection systems, independently, includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure; 
 the first connecting structure includes a first counterpart that is connected to a second counterpart, wherein the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is defined by the first rail sidewall and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is defined by the vertical member; 
 the second connecting structure includes a first counterpart that is connected to a second counterpart, wherein the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is defined by the second rail sidewall and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is defined by the vertical member; 
 the connection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure to the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is established by a first interaction between the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, and the connection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure to the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is established by a second interaction between the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure; 
 for each one of the two horizontal rails, independently, the connection to the vertical member is established in response to insertion of the vertical member through the horizontal rail via the rail aperture of the horizontal rail; 
 while the connection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is established by the first interaction, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first interaction; and 
 while the connection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is established by the second interaction, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second interaction. 
   
     
     
         8 . The fence section of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the second counterpart of the first connecting structure includes a first slot;   the second counterpart of the second connecting structure includes a second slot;   the first interaction is effected by an insertion of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure into the first slot; and   the second interaction is effected by an insertion of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure into the second slot.   
     
     
         9 . The fence section of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is insertable into the first slot for effecting the first interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is inserted into the first slot such that the first interaction is effected, and the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first interaction; and 
   the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is insertable into the second slot for effecting the second interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is inserted into the second slot such that the second interaction is effected, and the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second upper interaction. 
   
     
     
         10 . The fence section of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the first counterpart of the first connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is insertable into the first slot for effecting the first interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is inserted into the first slot such that the first interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first interaction; and 
   the first counterpart of the second connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is insertable into the second slot for effecting the second interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is inserted into the second slot such that the second interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second interaction. 
   
     
     
         11 . The fence section of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the first counterpart of the first connecting structure includes a first barb; and   the first counterpart of the second connecting structure includes a second barb.   
     
     
         12 . The fence section of  claim 7 , wherein a material of manufacture of the two horizontal rails includes plastic material, and a material of manufacture of the vertical member includes plastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The fence section of  claim 7 , wherein
 while the connection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is established by the first interaction, the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure; and   while the connection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is established by the second interaction, the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure.   
     
     
         14 . A kit for assembling a fence, comprising:
 two horizontal rails, each one of the two horizontal rails, independently, including a longitudinally-extending wall extending lengthwise of the horizontal rail and laterally between first and second rail sidewalls that depend from the longitudinally-extending wall and are spaced apart from one another, wherein the longitudinally-extending wall includes a rail aperture; and   a vertical member;   wherein:
 the two horizontal rails and the vertical member are co-operatively configured such that:
 the vertical member and the two horizontal rails are connectible for assembling the fence, wherein each one of the two horizontal rails, independently, is connectible to the vertical member by a respective connection system such that two connection systems are provided; 
 
 each one the two connection systems, independently, includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure; 
 the first connecting structure includes a first counterpart that is connectible to a second counterpart, wherein the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is defined by the first rail sidewall and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is defined by the vertical member; 
 the second connecting structure includes a first counterpart that is connectible to a second counterpart, wherein the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is defined by the second rail sidewall and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is defined by the vertical member; 
 the connection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure to the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is establishable by a first interaction between the first counterpart of the first connecting structure, and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, and the connection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure to the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is establishable by a second interaction between the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure; 
 for each one of the two horizontal rails, independently, the connection to the vertical member is establishable in response to insertion of the vertical member through the horizontal rail via the rail aperture of the horizontal rail; 
 while the connection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is established by the first interaction, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first interaction; and 
 while the connection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is established by the second interaction, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose a deflection, of at least one of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second interaction. 
   
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the second counterpart of the first connecting structure includes a first slot and the first interaction is effected by an insertion of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure into the first slot; and   the second counterpart of the second connecting structure includes a second slot and the second interaction is effected by an insertion of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure into the second slot.   
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the first upper connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is insertable into the first slot for effecting the first interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is inserted into the first slot such that the first interaction is effected, and the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first interaction; and 
   the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is insertable into the second slot for effecting the second interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is inserted into the second slot such that the second interaction is effected, and the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure and the second upper counterpart of the second upper connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second upper interaction. 
   
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the first counterpart of the first connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is insertable into the first slot for effecting the first interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is inserted into the first slot such that the first interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the first interaction; and 
   the first counterpart of the second connecting structure includes a retaining member that is resiliently deformable between:
 an insertion configuration, wherein, while the retaining member of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the insertion configuration, the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is insertable into the second slot for effecting the second interaction; and 
 a retention configuration, wherein, while the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is inserted into the second slot such that the second interaction is effected, and the retaining member of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure is disposed in the retention configuration, the retaining member of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure are co-operatively configured to oppose the deflection, of the at least one of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure, that is effective for defeating the second interaction. 
   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first counterpart of the first connecting structure includes a first barb; and   the first counterpart of the second connecting structure includes a second barb.   
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein:
 a material of manufacture of the two horizontal rails includes plastic material; and   a material of manufacture of the vertical member includes plastic material.   
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein
 while the connection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure is established by the first interaction, the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure and the second counterpart of the first connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first counterpart of the first connecting structure; and   while the connection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure is established by the second interaction, the deflection that is opposed, by the co-operative configuration of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure and the second counterpart of the second connecting structure, includes an outward deflection of the first counterpart of the second connecting structure.