[0001 ] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101 ,656 filed on January 9, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to fencing.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[0004] Fences exist in many forms and are used for many purposes and in many situations. For example, fences are used in residential settings, industrial settings and rural settings. Many fencing solutions are ideal for their particular market, such as with barbed wire fencing used to contain livestock on a ranch.

[0005] Many fencing solutions have inherent limitations, such as the inability to conform to a curving path or to a path that varies in elevation. This results in fences that might lean, have gaps underneath and be limited largely to straight sections of considerable length and with harsh corners.

[0006] Traditional fences can be expensive and contain large amounts of materials. They can also be labour intensive to install, often requiring professional installation. Fencing solutions that can follow curves and elevation changes, such as custom formed and welded wrought iron, can be expensive to manufacture and install. Such solutions are thus not an option for many homeowners. INTRODUCTION

[0007] The following paragraphs are intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subject matter.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a fence system consisting of multiple and repeating components. Such components can include an arrangement of vertical posts secured together with one or more rows of horizontal links. Each link can interface at each of its ends with spherical joints and with a respective post, and these nodes can provide a freedom of movement. This arrangement of joints can create a series of linked parallelograms on the vertical plane, but which can also pivot on an axis orthogonal to the horizontal plane. This can give the fence multiple degrees of freedom while still maintaining its structural integrity and vertical orientation of posts. This can allow the fence to be adjusted to follow contours in plan and to simultaneously follow changes in elevation while allowing all posts to be positioned in a vertical orientation. As such, the fence system of the present disclosure can conform to most any terrain and path. Once the desired position is established, each link can be clamped tight, and friction can maintain the components in a fixed position.

[0009] Utilizing fasteners to secure the joints can enable the joint to be loosened or disassembled if required and the fence adjusted or reconfigured. A spring can be beneficial to ensure the node is always clamped tightly and with a predetermined force. This can allow for compliance to dimensional changes caused by factors such as fluctuations in temperature, water absorption and physical creep in materials, which otherwise can cause the clamping pressure to fluctuate and the joint to loosen.

[0010] The clamping force can also allow several consecutive links and their posts to be self-supporting and secured in space with these posts not connected to the ground. The clamping can be accomplished via nested and clamped spherical contact surfaces at each end of each link. One end of each link can form a spherical ball or pivot when assembled and the other end can form a clamp. When assembled, each consecutive link clamps on the ball of the previous link. The length of the assembled fence can therefore be unlimited with more or less links as required.

[001 1 ] For an open ended fence, the initially installed post can have a pivot ball for each row of links. The pivot ball can be required as the first link does not have previous link with a ball end on which to clamp. The opposite condition exists on the final end of the fence, where there is a ball end of a link but nothing to clamp it. In this case, an end cap can be used on each row to clamp the final link. For a closed loop fence, the pivot balls and end caps are not required as the links can be manipulated such as to close on themselves creating a continuous fence.

[0012] The number of rows of horizontal links in the fence is variable, as is their vertical spacing. The length of the horizontal links, and hence the horizontal spacing between the posts, is also variable. The post length is also variable.

[0013] The fence system described herein has utility in the residential fencing sector. It is well suited for applications such as, but not limited to, decorative landscape accent, landscape transition delineation, traffic blocking and guidance and keeping pets and children out of gardens or other areas. The fence system can also be applied to other fencing sectors.

[0014] The fence system of the present disclosure can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, can contain minimal materials, and can be installed by an individual using, for example, a screwdriver and a hammer. A ten foot length of the subject fence can weigh as little as ten pounds. The components can be well suited for mass production and can be easily and inexpensively produced in high volumes. High part volumes and low part costs can make it possible to produce a fence for a fraction of the cost of fencing traditionally available to homeowners. It can easily be purchased, assembled and installed by the buyer. [0015] Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will become apparent, to persons skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific examples of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

Figures 1 , 2 and 3 are perspective, plan and front elevation views, respectively, of an example of a fence system;

Figures 4 and 5 are perspective and partially exploded perspective views, respectively, of a representative portion of the fence system;

Figures 6, 6A and 6C are orthogonal, projected and perspective views, respectively, of an example of a post of the fence system;

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 6;

Figures 7, 7A and 7C are orthogonal, projected and perspective views, respectively, of another example of a post of the fence system;

Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 7;

Figures 8, 8A and 8C are orthogonal, projected and perspective views, respectively, of another example of a post of the fence system;

Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8;

Figure 9 is an orthogonal view of an example of a front link of the fence system;

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are projected views of the front link; Figures 9E, 9F and 9G are perspective views of the front link; Figure 9H is a detail view of Figure 9;

Figures 9I and 9J are cross-sectional views taken from Figure 9B; Figure 10 is an orthogonal view of an example of a rear link of the fence system;

Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are projected views of the rear link;

Figures 10E, 10F and 10G are perspective views of the rear link; Figure 10H is a detail view of Figure 10;

Figures 101 and 10J are cross-sectional views taken from Figure

10B;

Figure 1 1 is an orthogonal view of an example of a front end cap of the fence system;

Figures 1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C and 1 1 D are projected views of the front end cap;

Figures 1 1 E and 1 1 F are perspective views of the front end cap; Figures 1 1 G and 1 1 H are cross-sectional views taken from Figure

1 1 ;

Figure 12 is an orthogonal view of an example of a rear end cap of the fence system;

Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D are projected views of the rear end cap;

Figures 12E and 12F are perspective views of the rear end cap; Figures 12G and 12H are cross-sectional views taken from Figure

12;

Figure 13 is an orthogonal view of an example of a pivot ball of the fence system;

Figures 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D are projected views of the pivot ball;

Figures 13E and 13F are perspective views of the pivot ball; Figures 13G and 13H are cross-sectional views taken from Figure

13;

Figure 14 is an orthogonal view of an example of a stake of the fence system;

Figures 14A, 14B and 14C are projected views of the stake;

Figure 14D is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 14;

Figure 14E is a detail view of Figure 14D;

Figure 14F is a perspective view of the stake;

Figures 15 and 15A are front and side elevation views, respectively, of the representative portion of the fence system;

Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 15A;

Figures 15C, 15D and 15E are detail views of Figure 15B;

Figure 15F is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 15;

Figures 15G, 15H and 15I are detail views of Figure 15F;

Figure 15J is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 15;

Figures 15K and 15L are detail views of Figure 15J;

Figure 15M is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 15;

Figure 15N is a detail view of Figure 15M;

Figures 16 and 16A are front elevation and plan views, respectively, of the representative portion of the fence system;

Figures 17, 17A and 17B are orthogonal, projected and perspective views, respectively of an example of a corner assembly of the fence system;

Figure 17C is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 17;

Figure 17D is a detail view of Fig. 17C; Figure 18 is an orthogonal view of an example of an outside corner of the fence system;

Figures 18A, 18B and 18C are projected views of the outside corner;

Figure 18D is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 18;

Figures 18E and 18F are perspective views showing the outside corner;

Figure 19 is an orthogonal view of an example of an inside corner of the fence system;

Figures 19A, 19B and 19C are projected views of the inside corner;

Figure 19D is a cross-sectional view taken from Figure 19; and Figures 19E and 19F are perspective views showing the outside corner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various apparatuses or methods are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses and methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. [0018] Referring to Figures 1 , 2 and 3, an example of a fence system is shown generally at reference numeral 20. The fence system 20 is shown assembled and installed on ground surface 22.

[0019] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in the example illustrated, the fence system 20 includes posts 24, front or first links 26, rear or second links 28, front or first end caps 30, rear or second end caps 32, pivot balls 34, stakes 40 and finials 42. Fasteners are used to releasably couple these various components. In the example illustrated, the fasteners include screws 36 and disc springs 38.

[0020] Referring to Figures 6, 6A, 6B and 6C, the posts 24 can serve as the vertical members of the fence system 20. In the example illustrated, the posts 24 extend lengthwise along a post axis 44 between a first end 46 and a second end 48. The posts 24 are shown to include holes 50, 52, which extend through the post 24 intermediate of the first and second ends 46, 48. Each of the holes 50, 52 define a respective hole axis 54, 56. The axes 54, 56 can be parallel to each other, and each can be arranged to be coplanar with and orthogonal to the post axis 44.

[0021 ] In some examples, the holes 50, 52 can provide for engagement of pin bosses (not yet shown) of the front link 26, the rear link 28, the front end cap 30 and the rear end cap 32, as described in further detail herein. The engagement of the pin bosses can establish and maintain the vertical position of the links 26, 28 relative to the posts 24, and yet the pin bosses can be free to rotate and/or translate within the holes 50, 52 to provide a range of motion for assembly of the links 26, 28 to the posts 24.

[0022] In some examples, posts (not shown) can be made that include at least some portion of pin bosses of the front link 26, the rear link 28, the front end cap 30 and/or the rear end cap 32, which can be formed integral therewith. In such examples, the portion of the pin bosses of the front link 26, the rear link 28, the front end cap 30 and/or the rear end cap 32 can be replaced with sockets to accept the pin bosses integral to the molded post. [0023] In the example illustrated, the posts 24 are shown as a round hollow tube with open ends. The finials 42 (see Figure 5) can serve to cap the top end 48 of the post 24. The finials 42 can prevent water ingress and protect users from injury. It can be of any practical shape, construction or material.

[0024] The posts 24 can be formed of a metal tube of steel, aluminum or other suitable material. Other materials can be utilized, such as but not limited to, plastic resin and composite materials, including fibreglass or carbon reinforced resin. Various processes can be utilized for manufacturing the posts 24 including pultruding, extruding, forging and plastic or metal injection molding.

[0025] Referring to Figures 7, 7A, 7B and 7C, another example of posts

24a is shown, in which the post 24a is of a molded construction. The post 24a extends lengthwise between a first end 46a and a second end 48a. The post 24a is shown to include holes 50a, 52a, which extend through the post 24a intermediate of the first and second ends 46a, 48a.

[0026] Referring to Figures 8, 8A, 8B and 8C, another example of posts

24b is shown, in which the post 24b is of a molded construction containing internal voids. Such internal voids can be produced using gas assisted injection molding or a similar process. The post 24b extends lengthwise between a first end 46b and a second end 48b. The post 24b is shown to include holes 50b, 52b, which extend through the post 24b intermediate of the first and second ends 46b, 48b.

[0027] Referring to Figures 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 91 and 9J, the front link 26 can serve as one half of each horizontal link between the posts 24 of the fence system 20. The front link 26 has a male or first end 58, and a female or second end 60 spaced apart from the male end 58 along a first link axis 62. Once assembled, the first link axis 62 can be collinear with the hole axis 54 (or the hole axis 56). In the example illustrated, the ends 58, 60 are hemispherical and complementary in shape and size, so that, when assembled, the female end 60 of one front link 26 can generally envelop the male end 58 of the next front link 26 in the repeating chain. [0028] In the example illustrated, the front link 26 includes a pin boss 64 on the female end 60. The male end 58 includes a slot 66 that provides clearance for passage of the pin boss 64 into the holes 50 (or the holes 52) of posts 24. The pin boss 64 can include a bore 68 that is sized appropriately for proper engagement of a thread forming or thread cutting screw, which can eliminate the need to mold or machine threads into the bore 68.

[0029] A web 70 joins the ends 58, 60, and can be of any suitable shape. Where the web 70 interfaces with the ends 58, 60, it can be sized to allow maximum travel of the front links 26 without interference, and while maintaining adequate strength characteristics. In the example illustrated, the web 70 includes an inner mating surface 76, which extends substantially between the ends 58, 60.

[0030] In the example illustrated, the ends 58, 60 can include respective inner surfaces 72, 74. The inner surfaces 72, 74 can generally abut the posts 24 and can be sized and shaped so that the 58, 60 are coupled with the posts 24 in a locational clearance fit. In some examples, the inner surfaces 72, 74 can be sized and shaped to provide nominal clearance to the posts 24 to account for tolerances, and/or to ensure proper mating of surfaces 76, 104 and/or surfaces 78, 80 (described below). In some examples, the inner surfaces 72, 74 can provide clearance so that the front link 26 can be positioned with the first link axis 62 at an angle offset of 90 degrees relative to the post axis 44.

[0031 ] In the example illustrated, an outer side of the first end 58 includes a convex clamping surface 78, and an inner side of the second end 60 includes a concave clamping surface 80 for complementary engagement with the convex clamping surface 78. The surfaces 78, 80 are contact surfaces that can provide for friction when a clamping force is applied. Increasing surface roughness of the surfaces 78, 80 can increase holding power. Surface roughness can be incorporated by texturing the appropriate surfaces in the injection mold for this part. [0032] In the example illustrated, the inner side of the female end 60 includes a contact relief area 82 arranged between the pin boss 64 and the concave clamping surface 80. The contact relief area 82 can provide for the parts to contact each other spaced apart from the spherical center. This can provide for a larger mechanical advantage, such that the friction between the surfaces 78, 80 is maximized and hence the joint can carry more load.

[0033] Referring to Figures 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G,

10H, 101 and 10J, the rear link 28 can serve as the other half of each horizontal link between the posts 24. The rear link 28 has a male or first end 84, and a female or second end 86 spaced apart from the male end 84 along a second link axis 88. Once assembled, the second link axis 88 can be generally collinear with the first link axis 62 and the hole axis 54 (or the hole axis 56). In the example illustrated, the ends 84, 86 are hemispherical and complementary in shape and size, so that, when assembled, the female end 86 of one rear link 28 can generally envelop the male end 84 of the next rear link 28 in the repeating chain.

[0034] In the example illustrated, the rear link 28 includes a pin boss 90 on the female end 86. The male end 84 includes a slot 92 that provides clearance for passage of the pin boss 90 into the holes 50 (or the holes 52) of the posts 24. The pin boss 90 can include a through bore 94 that is sized appropriately for proper clearance of the screws 36. The female end 86 is also shown to include a recess 96 for seating the disc springs 38, which can be concentric with the through bore 94.

[0035] Also, once assembled, an inner end of the pin boss 90 can be spaced apart from an inner end of the pin boss 64 to define a gap therebetween (see Figures 15G, 15H and 151). The gap can ensure that the clamping force is transmitted through the clamping surfaces and not the pin bosses 64, 90.

[0036] A web 98 joins the ends 84, 86, and can be of any suitable shape. Where the web 98 interfaces with the ends 84, 86, it can be sized to allow maximum travel of the rear links 28 without interference, and while maintaining adequate strength characteristics. In the example illustrated, the web 98 includes an inner mating surface 104, which extends substantially between the ends 84, 86.

[0037] In the example illustrated, the webs 70, 98 are of similar size and shape, and the mating surfaces 76, 104 can engage one another between the first and second ends. In some examples, the front and rear links 26, 28 can be made to be very different in size, shape and/or appearance. In other examples, portions of the links can be combined into a single part. In other examples, portions of the links can be separate components but made integral during assembly, using, for example, snap-fit design or other joining technique.

[0038] In the example illustrated, the ends 84, 86 can include respective inner surfaces 100, 102. The inner surfaces 100, 102 can generally abut the posts 24 and can be sized and shaped so that the 84, 86 are coupled with the posts 24 in a locational clearance fit. In some examples, the inner surfaces 100, 102 can be sized and shaped to provide nominal clearance to the posts 24 to account for tolerances, and/or to ensure proper mating of surfaces 76, 104 and/or surfaces 106, 108 (described below). In some examples, the inner surfaces 100, 102 can provide clearance so that the rear link 28 can be positioned with the second link axis 88 at an angle offset of 90 degrees relative to the post axis 44.

[0039] In the example illustrated, an outer side of the first end 84 includes a convex clamping surface 106, and an inner side of the second end 86 includes a concave clamping surface 108 for complementary engagement with the convex clamping surface 106. The surfaces 106, 108 are contact surfaces that can provide for friction when a clamping force is applied. Increasing surface roughness of the surfaces 106, 108 can increase holding power. Surface roughness can be incorporated by texturing the appropriate surfaces in the injection mold for this part.

[0040] In the example illustrated, the inner side of the female end 86 includes a contact relief area 1 10 arranged between the pin boss 90 and the concave clamping surface 108. The contact relief area 1 10 can provide for the parts to contact each other spaced apart from the spherical center. This can provide for a larger mechanical advantage, such that the friction between the surfaces 106, 108 is maximized and hence the joint can carry more load.

[0041 ] Referring to Figures 1 1 , 1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C, 1 1 D, 1 1 E, 1 1 F, 1 1 G and

1 1 H, the front end cap 30 can be used at one extreme end of the fence system 20, and specifically the end having the male ends 58, 84 of the links 26, 28. In the example illustrated, the front end cap 30 is hemispherical and complementary in shape and size to the male end 58, so that, when assembled, the front end cap 30 can generally envelop the male end 58 of the last front link 26 in the repeating chain.

[0042] In the example illustrated, the front end cap 30 includes a pin boss 1 12. The pin boss 1 12 can include a bore 1 14 that is sized appropriately for proper engagement of a thread forming or thread cutting screw, which can eliminate the need to mold or machine threads into the bore 1 14.

[0043] In the example illustrated, the front end cap 30 includes an inner surface 1 16. The inner surface 1 16 can generally abut the posts 24 and can be sized and shaped so that the front end cap 30 is coupled with the posts 24 in a locational clearance fit.

[0044] In the example illustrated, an inner side of the front end cap 30 includes a concave clamping surface 1 18 for complementary engagement with the convex clamping surface 78. The inner side of the front end cap 30 can also include a contact relief area 120 arranged between the pin boss 1 12 and the concave clamping surface 1 18.

[0045] Referring to Figures 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 12G and

12H, the rear end cap 32 can also be used at one extreme end of the fence system 20, and specifically the end having the male ends 58, 84 of the links 26, 28. In the example illustrated, the rear end cap 32 is hemispherical and complementary in shape and size to the male end 84, so that, when assembled, the rear end cap 32 can generally envelop the male end 84 of the last rear link 28 in the repeating chain. [0046] In the example illustrated, the rear end cap 32 includes a pin boss 122. The pin boss 122 can include a through bore 124 that is sized appropriately for proper clearance of the screws 36. The rear end cap 32 is also shown to include a recess 126 for seating the disc springs 38, which can be concentric with the through bore 124.

[0047] In the example illustrated, the rear end cap 32 includes an inner surface 128. The inner surface 128 can generally abut the posts 24 and can be sized and shaped so that the rear end cap 32 is coupled with the posts 24 in a locational clearance fit.

[0048] In the example illustrated, an inner side of the rear end cap 32 includes a concave clamping surface 130 for complementary engagement with the convex clamping surface 106. The inner side of the rear end cap 32 can also include a contact relief area 132 arranged between the pin boss 122 and the concave clamping surface 130.

[0049] In some examples, the end caps and/or portions of the end caps can be combined into a single part. In other examples, portions of the end caps can be separate components but made integral during assembly, using, for example, snap-fit design or other joining technique.

[0050] Referring to Figures 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G and

13H, the pivot ball 34 can also be used at one extreme end of the fence system 20, and specifically the end having the female ends 60, 86 of the links 26, 28. The pivot ball 34 can be spherical in shape. The pivot ball 34 can be assembled by sliding a central bore 134 over one of the ends 46, 48 of the post 24. The perpendicular or lateral bore 136 can be aligned in registration with the holes 50 (or the holes 52) in the post 24. The pivot ball 34 can be held in position by the pin boss 64 of the front link 26 and the pin boss 90 of the rear link 28, which can engage the holes 50 (or the holes 52) in the post 24. When assembled, the female ends 60, 86 can generally envelop and clamp onto the pivot ball 34. [0051 ] In the example illustrated, the pivot ball 34 includes a convex clamping surface 138 for complementary engagement with the concave clamping surfaces 80, 108.

[0052] In some examples, the pivot ball can be constructed of two or more separate pieces. This can be required in cases where the posts are of a size or shape that does not allow the installation of a single piece pivot ball, including, for example, in cases where the post is molded and contains features such as bosses or a finial that are larger in size than the central bore 134.

[0053] Referring to Figures 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E and 14F, the stakes 40 can be used to secure the fence system 20 to the ground. In some examples, the stakes 40 can be used on every post, or as required or desired. In other examples, the stakes 40 can be replaced with a similar part that can, for example, have a flange to secure the fence system 20 to a flat surface, such as a concrete pad. In other examples, the stakes 40 can be omitted and the posts 24 can be secured directly into the ground surface.

[0054] In the example illustrated, the stake 40 includes a blade 140 that can penetrate the ground on its bottom end, and a receptacle 142 for securing the bottom end 46 of the post 24. The receptacle 142 can include a bore 144 that is sized and shaped to tightly contain the post 24. A bottom end of the bore 144 can include holes 146 that can allow for water drainage, and a rib 148 that can prevent the bottom end 46 of the post 24 from contacting a bottom floor of the bore 144, this can reduce the potential for corrosion of the post 24.

[0055] In the example illustrated, the receptacle 142 includes a snap feature 150 that can allow the post 24 to be inserted but prevent it from being pulled out. The snap feature 150 can engage a retaining feature 152 in the wall of post 24 (see Figure 6). Corresponding retaining features 152a, 152b are also shown in Figures 7B and 8B, respectively. A top rim 154 of the receptacle 142 can be undulating in shape, which can more effectively distribute loads on the post 24 and can help to prevent the post 24 from buckling if impacted. [0056] An outside corner 156 and an inside corner 158 can be utilized when there is a need for the fence system 20 to make a relatively sharp turn, for example, a ninety degree turn, on the horizontal plane, and which is outside the range of motion available with the links 26, 28. Usage of the corners 156, 158 in a corner assembly is illustrated in Figures 17, 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D. The outside corner 156 is further illustrated in Figures 18, 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E and 18F. The inside corner 158 is further illustrated in Figures 19, 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F. The functions and general features of the corners 156, 158 can be similar to that of the links 26, 28. The corners 156, 158 can preserve the full range of motion of the attached horizontal links.

[0057] Further details regarding the fence system 20 are illustrated in Figures 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G, 15H, 151, 15J, 15K, 15L, 15M and 15N.

[0058] As mentioned above, the pin bosses can be free to rotate within the holes 50, 52 to provide a range of motion for assembly of the links 26, 28 to the posts 24. To illustrate this, reference is made to Figures 16 and 16A. In the example illustrated, the fence system 20 has freedom of movement in the vertical plane (Figure 16) and the horizontal plane (Figure 16A). In particular, as shown in Figure 16, in a plane parallel to the post axis 44, the link axes 62, 88 can intersect the hole axis 54 (or hole axis 56) and the position can be varied about the hole axis 54 by approximately ± 15 degrees. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16A, in a plane parallel to the hole axis 54 (or hole axis 56), the link axes 62, 88 can intersect the post axis 44 and the position can be varied about the post axis 44 by approximately ± 20 degrees.

[0059] The links 26, 28, the end caps 30, 32, the pivot balls 34, the stakes 40, the finials 42, and/or the corners 156, 158 can each be manufactured using plastic or metal injection molding. Other process can be utilized, including, but not limited to, forging and compression molding. Suitable materials for these components can include, but are not limited to, many plastic resins such as polycarbonate, and metals such as zinc or aluminum alloys. In the case of plastic resins, reinforcing fillers such as glass or carbon fibers can be used to enhance desired physical properties, including strength and dimensional stability. Other additives can be utilized, including, but not limited to, UV stabilizers.

[0060] It will be appreciated that terms used herein to convey geometrical or mathematical relationships need not be construed with absolute precision. For example, the terms 'convex' and/or 'concave' as used herein need not be interpreted to mean structures having a curved surface that is exactly spherical. Furthermore, the terms 'parallel', 'perpendicular' and/or 'orthogonal' can be interpreted with some flexibility, without strict adherence to the mathematical definitions, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

[0061 ] While the above description provides examples of one or more apparatuses or methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses or methods may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.