U.S. patent application number 09/808467 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-20 for reflective fencing with light elements.
Invention is credited to Hulett, John K..
Application Number | 20010052595 09/808467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26885435 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010052595 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hulett, John K. |
December 20, 2001 |
Reflective fencing with light elements
Abstract
A portable fencing system for creating a temporary or
semi-permanent barrier or boundary comprising a selected,
substantially continuous section of generally flat, flexible
fencing material being a selected length and width and a selected
number of supports parts having a length and a base at one end,
said fencing material comprising at least one reflective strip
along said length and an active lighting. The system may further
comprise a power source, and a container for transportation and/or
storage of the system. In some embodiments, the system may comprise
these parallel reflective strips equally spaced across the width.
In some embodiments, the active lighting may comprise a single
lighting element comprising a number of interconnected light
emitting sources, and in other embodiments, a number of discrete
light emitting sources. In any case, the lighting may be processed
by a suitable power source such as alternating or direct current,
one or more batteries, a generator, photo-cells and the like.
Auxiliary light sources, such as warning beacons or flashes, may be
used with the fencing system as well.
Inventors: |
Hulett, John K.; (Plymouth,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCOTT A. MARKS
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
220 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-1498
US
|
Family ID: |
26885435 |
Appl. No.: |
09/808467 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60189718 |
Mar 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/022 20130101;
E01F 7/00 20130101; E01F 13/028 20130101; E01F 7/025 20130101; E04H
17/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/11 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/00 |
Claims
1. A light emitting fence comprising: a fence structure having a
pattern of body elements defining a plurality of openings; a number
of lights affixed to said fence structure in a desired pattern; a
support structure removably and operably attached to said fence
structure, the support structure for supporting the erected
fence.
2. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the lights are light
emitting diodes.
3. The light emitting fence of claim 2 wherein the light emitting
diodes each have an individual power supply operatively attached
thereto.
4. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the lights are
connected to a single power source.
5. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the lights turn on
and off in a selectable sequence.
6. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the lights are
disposed on a front surface of the fence structure in a desired
pattern.
7. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the lights are
disposed on a front surface and a back surface of the fence
structure in a desired pattern.
8. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
openings in the fence structure are in the shape selected from one
or more of the group comprising diamonds, circles, squares, oblong
ovals, and triangles.
9. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the support
structure is a post.
10. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein th support
structure is a pole.
11. The light emitting fence of claim 1 further comprising a
reflective strip.
12. A light emitting fence, the fence comprising a length of
flexible, plastic mesh; at least two support posts; means for
attaching the mesh to the support posts to form a unified fence
structure which is maintained in substantially vertical orientation
by the support posts; and at least one light removably and operably
attached to the mesh.
13. The light emitting fence of claim 12 wherein the at least one
light is removably contained in a backing strip, the backing strip
operably attached to the mesh.
14. The light emitting fence of claim 1 wherein the backing strip
further comprises a reflective portion.
15. A modular lighted fence comprising: a length of fence; an at
least one light affixed to the fence; and an integral fence
support.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of a U.S.
Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/189,718, filed Mar. 15,
2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to structures, materials, and
methods for forming and/or defining boundaries and/or areas. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a fencing or barrier
material and method including a portable structure, the structure
including one or more active light emitting elements.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fencing and barrier materials and systems are familiar and
well-known. Fences are known that include construction materials
such as wood and metal, and have permanent support structures with
members buried in the ground. Less permanent and more easily
constructed fence structures are also known. These temporary,
easily constructed fences or barriers may be formed of wood or
metal, but may also include plastic materials may be used as well.
The plastic materials vary in design and style. A uniform pattern
of holes might be incorporated into the fence material taking the
shape of flat or oblong ovals, round holes, square grids, diamonds,
or other patterns. Temporary, easily constructed fences or barriers
of this nature are frequently used for controlling silt, sand,
snow, and also may be used for safety and warning purposes.
[0004] It is further known to apply reflective tape to different
types of fencing to make it more visible under poor lighting
conditions. This tape is generally applied in horizontal, vertical,
or other patterns of strips across the fencing in such a manner
that it reflects light and makes the fence more visible. Making
warning fences or barriers more visible creates safer conditions
for those people who approach the fence or barrier during the day
or night, including drivers, workers, children, etc.
[0005] One prior art fence system is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,887,856 (Everly). This fence includes upright poles with clear or
tinted lenses. Behind the clear or tinted lenses are arc lighting
systems disposed in the poles. This fencing system further has a
long lens incorporated into the slat structure of the fencing
material. The described fencing serves the purpose for which it was
made, but is limited by the difficulty in erecting the fence, by
the delicate nature of the light bulbs and the elongated solid
lenses, and by the generally non-portable nature of the system.
This prior art fence also required connection to a power source to
all of the lighting means enclosed therein.
[0006] Another lighted barrier that is well known in the art
includes a sawhorse structure with a flashing light on the top. The
flashing light is often circular or square and may include a bulky
box which contains the battery and other control equipment. The
heavy box is attached on top of the sawhorse. This barrier and
light serve a purpose but are hindered by the fact that the barrier
and the light are both rather heavy and bulky. Furthermore, many
sawhorses would need to be placed together in order to form a
substantially uniform barrier, both an expensive and time consuming
operation. A need exists, therefore, for a better, low cost, and
easily constructed fencing material that includes light emitting
elements viewable under poor lighting conditions.
[0007] A need exists for a safe and low cost fencing material that
is easy to position and/or erect and has an active light emitting
system, including light reflective strips disposed thereon. This
fencing material should be constructed so that it is easily
installed or deployed, taken down, stored, and transported.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of an erected portion of the present
invention apparatus.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a sectional front view of an erected fence of the
present invention apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the present invention
apparatus while erected.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention while erected.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the light of the present embodiment
while erected.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front view of a strip of lights of the present
embodiment while erected.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present invention comprises a fencing or barrier
material typically installed or erected in a generally vertical
manner with respect to the surface on which it is installed.
Furthermore, the present invention is typically arranged in varying
lengths across the surface to define an edge, area or boundary. The
material is available in units of varying lengths, and may be
quickly and easily erected or constructed. In addition, each unit
is designed for assembly or deployment in any desired pattern.
[0015] The fence or barrier material of the present invention can
be adapted to serve as a safety, snow, sand, or warning barrier
fence. It may be placed around construction areas, bushes,
dangerous pits, holes, cliffs, dangerous equipment, frozen lakes
with open water, recreation areas, athletic fields and indoor or
outdoor events, and the like, or used in any other manner that
would have utility, both outdoors and indoors.
[0016] One embodiment of the present invention may comprise a light
emitting fence including a fence structure having a pattern of body
elements defining a plurality of openings, a number of lights
affixed to said fence structure in a desired pattern, a support
structure removably and operably attached to said fence structure,
the support structure for supporting the erected fence.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a
light emitting fence including a length of flexible, plastic mesh,
at least two support posts, a means for attaching the mesh to the
support posts to form a unified fence structure which is maintained
in substantially vertical orientation by the support posts, and at
least one light removably and operably attached to the mesh.
[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
modular lighted fence including a length of fence, an at least one
light affixed to the fence, and an integral fence support.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Any references to front and back, right and left, top and
bottom, and upper and lower are intended for convenience of
description, not to limit the present invention or its components
to any one positional or spatial orientation. As used herein, the
terms "fencing," "barrier," "fencing material," or "safety fence"
are intended to mean and/or encompass structures, devices or
apparatus for forming or defining areas, lines, borders, boundaries
and the like.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present embodiment of the
present invention lighted fence 8 will be herein described. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the present embodiment lighted fence 8 may
include a fence structure 10, one or more lights 12, and a one or
more support structures 14. The fence structure 10 may include a
front side 16 and a back side 18. The support structures 14 may be
disposed on the surface on which the fence 8 is to be erected; the
fence structure 10 may be attached to the support structure 14. The
lights 12 may be fixedly attached in a pattern along the front side
16 of the fence structure 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lights
12 in the present embodiment may be placed along a substantially
horizontal axis running the length of the fence. The fence
structure 10 may be approximately four feet tall and a few tenths
of an inch thick, though in alternative embodiments the fence
structure 10 may be shorter or thicker depending on the desired
qualities. The present embodiment support structure 14 of the
present embodiment may be a square shaped support structure 14
approximately 2 inches on a side and approximately five feet in
height. The manner in which the present embodiment fence 8 may be
erected is further described below.
[0021] With regards to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fence structure 10 of the
present embodiment lighted fence 8 will be further described. The
fence structure 10 of the present embodiment may include a pattern
of holes 20 formed by the body of the fence structure 10. The holes
20 of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 may be
oval in shape. The holes 20 may be approximately three and one
quarter inches high and one and one half inches across. In
alternative embodiments, the holes 20 disposed in the fence
structure may instead be larger, smaller, or of different shapes.
Other shapes may include diamonds, circles, squares, triangles, or,
in other embodiments, the lighted fence 8 may not include any holes
20 at all. The holes 20 of the present embodiment may be useful so
that the fence does not catch wind after it has been erected in an
outdoor setting. Providing holes 20 may allow wind to pass through
the fence structure thereby not providing a strain on the posts 14,
and thus a allowing smaller and lighter support structure 14 to be
utilized; snow, sand etc., will also not build up against and place
strain on the fence. In alternative embodiments the fence may be a
fence 8 that is non-flexible and designed to be a barrier against
wind, snow, sand, etcetera.
[0022] The fence structure 10 of the present embodiment may be made
substantially of a high density polyethylene (HDPE). This material
may be light weight and flexible so that the present invention
lighted fence 8 is light, easily transported, easily constructed,
and able to withstand rough treatment. Furthermore, HDPE may be
relatively cheap to construct and may provide material that resists
the elements of nature for a long period of time with minimal
maintenance. In further embodiments, the fence structure 10 may be
comprised of other materials known to those skilled in the art,
including polypropylene (PPE) or various co-polymers. In still
further embodiments, the fence structure 10 and the support
structure 14 may be constructed of metals, fibers (natural or
synthetic) or other materials known to those skilled in the art.
The fence structure 10 and the support structure 14 of the present
embodiment may be formed by plastic extrusion, though in
alternative embodiments the fence structure may be made by other
methods, such as molding.
[0023] One advantage to the present embodiment is that the fence
structure 10 is flexible. Because of the flexible nature of the
present embodiment fence structure 10, the fence 8 may be supplied
in a roll. The rolled fence 8 is easy to store, carry, and place.
An alternative embodiment, substantially stiff fence structure 10
may require that the lighted fence 8 be supplied in smaller fence
sections which are then erected in the desired pattern. A stiffer
fence structure may allow for the lighted fence 8 to be used for
different applications, such as an animal pen, a restraining wall,
or other applications known to those in the art.
[0024] With regards to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 6, the lights 12 of the
present embodiment lighted fence 8 will be herein further
described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lights of the present
embodiment may be affixed in a pattern on one side of the lighted
fence 8 in a substantially horizontal line. The lights 12 may be
situated at a regular interval. In alternative embodiments, the
lights 12 may be disposed on the front side 16 of the fence
structure 10 in any desired pattern. In further embodiments, the
lights 12 may be disposed in a pattern on both the front side 16,
and the rear side 18, of the fence structure 10. As may be
appreciated, different light patterns may be useful for different
applications. For example, the present embodiment light pattern
near the top of the fence may be particularly useful if the bottom
portion of the fence may be expected to be covered by snow, sand,
or water. Other patterns useful for other applications may be known
to those skilled in the art.
[0025] The lights 12 of the present embodiment may be a light
emitting diode ("LED") 12. LEDs 12 may be useful in an outdoor
setting and cheaply constructed to resist rain, snow, heat, cold,
etcetera. LEDs useful for this purpose are well known. LEDs may
also be particularly useful in the present invention because of the
low power requirements. Each LED, therefore, may be useful light
emitters for a substantial period of time without requiring
replacement and without requiring expensive batteries. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, the LEDs 12 of the present embodiment may
have a substantially back 22, a slightly curved front lens 24, and
a light emitting diode chip 25. The chip 25 is attached to a power
source (not shown) and actually emits the light. The lens 24 and
the back 22 may protect the chip 25. The back 22 may also house the
insulators, power supplies, wires, etc., required for the operation
of the LED. The LED of the present embodiment may have an internal
power source that allows the LED to emit light for a period of time
before the power source is depleted and the LED becomes
non-functional. The lens 24 of the present embodiment may be
substantially clear and devoid of color, though in alternative
embodiments the lens 24 may be any color desired.
[0026] The LED 12 shown in FIG. 5 may be of a particular style, but
as may be appreciated, various LEDs 12, and other sorts of lights
12, compatible with the nature and scope of the present invention
may utilized without altering the nature and scope of the
invention. For example, the lens 24 may be flat, more rounded, of a
different color, tint, or the back 22 may be a different shape as
well.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the LED may further comprise a
line in 26 and a line out 28. Furthermore, the line in 26 and line
out 28 may allow connection of the lights 12 in such a manner as to
control their pattern of light emission, similar in nature to
strands of holiday lights. Light emission may then be set so that
the lights flash in unison, the lights flash in series, or the
lights flash in other patterns. Utilizing the line in 26 and the
line out 28, the lights 12 may draw power from a source external to
the LED itself, thus allowing the LED to function over a basically
unlimited period of time. In still further embodiments, the lights
12 may be attached to a rechargeable battery and a solar recharging
unit operatively integrated to the fence structure 10.
[0028] The lights 12 may be attached to the present embodiment
fence structure 10 by utilizing a suitable adhesive. Suitable
adhesives should resist extremes in temperature, moisture, and
should be substantially compatible with the material of the fence
structure 10 and the back 22 of the light 12. As illustrated in
FIG. 6, in alternative embodiments the lights 12 may be fitted onto
strip 28 which is then affixed to the fence structure 10. In still
further embodiments, the lights 12 may be removably fitted into a
pocket 27 of the strip 28 so that the lights 12 maybe replaced if
they are damaged or if the light 12 power source becomes
depleted.
[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the fence may be further
comprised of two or more horizontal strips of reflective stripping
32. The stripping 32 of the present embodiment may be placed in a
generally parallel manner at a selected vertical interval on the
fence material. The reflective stripping 32 may be disposed in a
pattern similar to or different than that of the lights 12. The
reflective stripping 32 of the present embodiment may be two inches
in height and may run substantially the length of the fence
structure 10. The stripping 32 may be reflective tape of the type
manufacture by 3M Company, which is made of layers of a vinyl based
material with water resistant adhesive on the back side of the tape
for securing the same to the fence structure 10. In yet another
embodiment, the reflective stripping 32 may be operatively
integrated with the plastic strip 28. Placement of the stripping 32
on the fence structure 10 near the lights 12 of the present
invention may serve to enhance the brightness of the lights 12,
providing even greater visibility for the fence 8 of the present
invention.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the support structure 14 will
be further described herein. The support structure 14 of the
present embodiment may be comprised of a number of substantially
straight posts 14. The posts of the present embodiment may be
formed of fiberglass. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the back
side 18 of the fence structure 10 may be affixed to the post 14.
Fiberglass posts 14 may provide a substantially straight post 14
that is light, flexible, strong, and resistant to extreme outdoor
conditions. In alternative embodiments of the present invention,
the posts 14 may be constructed of PVC, wood, steel, or other forms
of plastic.
[0031] The posts may be removably attachable to the fence structure
10 using nylon cable ties. The nylon cable ties may be wrapped
around the posts 14, through the holes 20, and securely tied. In
one alternative embodiment, the posts 14 of the present embodiment
may be preassembled with the fence structure 10 in an integrated
fashion. Integrating the posts 14 with the fence structure 10 in
this manner may allow the fencing material to be quickly deployed
without having to secure cables or other attachments. As may be
appreciated, a number of different ways of attaching the posts 14
to the fence structure 10 may be utilized without changing the
nature and scope of the present invention. For example, heavy duty
twist-ties, clamps, pins, and the like may also be used. In still
further embodiments, molded sleeves may be formed in the fence
structure 10 so that the posts 14 may be inserted therein and then
placed into the ground. In still further embodiments, each post 14
may be provided with a base 14 so that the lighted fence 8 may be
constructed on a surface in which the insertion of the posts 14 may
be undesirable or difficult to accomplish.
[0032] In one embodiment, the lighted fence 8 may be provided as a
rolled unit. When provided as a rolled unit, lighted fence 8 may be
erected by placing the posts 14 into the ground at an interval and
in a desired pattern, then unrolling the fence structure 10 along
the pattern of posts 14, fixedly attaching the fence structure 10
to the posts 14. In another embodiment, the present invention may
be constructed into a fence by simply unrolling the fence structure
10 with the integrated posts 14 and inserting the posts 14 into the
surface on which the lighted fence 8 is erected. In still further
embodiments, the fence may be directly attached to an already
existing structure, such as the side of a building. In still
further embodiments, the posts 14 may be inserted into stands which
are placed in a pattern on the ground.
[0033] One advantage of the present invention is that if there is
no ambient light to illuminate the fence, the fence can still
provide a visible barrier because of the active lights. These
lights can be on constantly or set to flash in a regular or random
interval to draw attention to the fence or to the area that the
fence abuts. The reflecting stripping may further enhance the
visibility of the present invention lighted fence.
[0034] One advantage particular to the above described embodiment
is the portability of the fence material. The fence material can
easily be constructed or taken down. Once taken down, for example,
the present embodiment flexible fence material can be rolled up and
stored almost anywhere. Because the fence is light and can be
rolled up, the fence of the present invention is extremely portable
and may be stored and/or transported without taking up a
significant amount of space.
[0035] Another advantage of the present invention is its low cost
of production. Whether the fencing material is made of PVC, HDPE,
PPE, or co-polymer plastic extrusion, or some other type of
non-metallic or metallic material, the fence is economical to
manufacture, easily transported, and easily erected because it does
not require heavy support structure to encapsulate the light
emitting elements.
[0036] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
material of the above embodiments are substantially resistant to
heat, cold, rain, snow, and other types of weather conditions that
might harm other types of fencing materials. In some embodiments,
the fence is also able to withstand heavy winds because of a
uniform and regular pattern of holes placed in the fence material;
however, in some embodiments the fence may be designed to function
as a wind barrier by presenting a more solid surface. The lights
and LED indicators of the invention are also durable and preferably
resistant to harsh weather conditions.
[0037] The accompanying figures and descriptive material depict and
describe embodiments of the device of the present invention,
including features and components thereof. With regard to
fastening, mounting, attaching, or connecting the components of the
present invention to form the device or apparatus as a whole,
unless specifically described otherwise, the invention may
incorporate or use conventional fasteners such as screws, nut and
bolt connectors, machined connectors, snap rings, complementary
fittings and interlocks, such as snap, threaded, tongue and groove,
plug/socket arrangements and the like, clamps such as screw clamps
and the like, rivets, toggles, pins and the like. Components may
also be connected, if appropriate, by adhesives, welding, friction
fitting or deformation. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or
taught, materials for making components of the present invention
may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic
alloys, fibers, fabrics, plastics and the like, natural or
synthetic. In addition, ultra-violet stabilizers and other
materials may be added to the construction to further enhance the
durability of the fencing material while it is in use. Appropriate
manufacturing or production methods may be used to produce the
fencing material, e.g., casting, extruding, weaving, spinning,
molding, and machining.
[0038] Various changes, including those mentioned above, can be
made without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention
be determined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description.
* * * * *