U.S. patent application number 11/143895 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for flexible fence assembly.
Invention is credited to Edward L. Dombroski.
Application Number | 20060273294 11/143895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37493263 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060273294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dombroski; Edward L. |
December 7, 2006 |
Flexible fence assembly
Abstract
A fence assembly is made up of a plurality of fence sections.
Each section is made up of panels with top, bottom and side edges
and front and rear surfaces. Slots are spaced from and milled into
the panels along one of the sets of edges. A pair of trim extends
over and covers the set edges and each trim has projections that
snap or slide into the front and rear slots. The fence sections are
coupled pivotably to fence posts such that the panels may pivot,
under force of wind, about either their top or bottom end. The
panels are restored to generally vertical position by the force of
gravity.
Inventors: |
Dombroski; Edward L.;
(Poughkeepsie, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Family ID: |
37493263 |
Appl. No.: |
11/143895 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1448 20210101;
E04H 17/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/024 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. A fence section for use in a fence assembly, comprising: a panel
having a set of top and bottom edges, a set of opposite side edges,
front and rear surfaces, and slots spaced from and running along at
least one of the sets of edges and on both the front and rear
surfaces; and, a pair of trim, each trim having a body portion
extending over and covering the edge of said at least one set of
edges and secured to the panel.
2. The fence section of claim 1 wherein each trim includes a pair
of projections for snapping or sliding into the slots in the panel
front and rear surfaces, thereby securing the trim to the
panel.
3. The fence section of claim 1 wherein the slots are milled into
the panel.
4. The fence section of claim 1 wherein the panel comprises a
plurality of joined-together sheets.
5. The fence section of claim 1 wherein the panel comprises a
corrugated or accordian-shaped panel.
6. The fence section of claim 1 wherein the trim is an extruded,
flexible, plastic member.
7. The fence section of claim 1 wherein the trim is a metallic
member.
8. The fence section of claim 1 including a stiffening member
disposed within the trim body portion.
9. A fence assembly having fence panels that may pivot under the
force of wind, thus allowing wind flow through the fence,
comprising: at least a fence panel generally in vertical position
and having an upper end and a lower end; at least a vertical fence
post; means coupling the panel to the posts; means allowing the
panel to pivot about at least one end of the panel in response to
wind; and, gravity means for restoring the panel to its vertical
position.
10. The fence assembly of claim 9 wherein the fence is pivotable
about its lower end.
11. The fence assembly of claim 11 wherein the gravity means is a
counterweight linked to the panel and suspended within the fence
post.
12. The fence assembly of claim 9 wherein the fence is pivotable
about its upper end.
13. The fence assembly of claim 9 including means for locking the
panels in position.
14. The fence assembly of claim 9 wherein the panel comprises a
plurality of joined-together sheets.
15. The fence section of claim 9 wherein the panel comprises a
corrugated or accordian-shaped panel.
16. The fence assembly of claim 9 including at least a trim
disposed along an end and having open ends therein and a body
portion extending over and covering the panel end and secured to
the panel, and, a pin extending from the fence post into the trim
opening, thereby permitting panel pivoting action.
17. The fence assembly of claim 16 wherein the trim is an extruded,
flexible plastic member.
18. The fence assembly of claim 16 wherein the trim is a metallic
member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to fencing such as the type that
might be used in suburbs for enclosing one's property and, in
particular, to a type of fence assembly that will allow for wind
passage therethrough without sacrificing privacy.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Especially in areas where strong winds frequently occur,
fence rigidity is required. Otherwise in a strong wind the fence
will not be able to withstand the force of the wind and be knocked
over. Even where the fences are rigid, a very strong wind can cause
damage to the fence and as the fence ages even less force is
required to damage the fence and blow it over.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, an object of the invention is a fence that will
allow passage of wind therethrough without sacrifice of
privacy.
[0006] Another object is such a fence that is lightweight and
extremely flexible in terms of dimensions and color selection.
[0007] Still another object is such a fence that is easy to
install, remove, replace and store.
[0008] A further object of the invention is to enable a
`snap-together` assembly for a manufacturing cost reduction.
[0009] A still further object is to enable greater post spacing
through the use of longer, corrugated fence panels or
equivalent.
[0010] These and other objects, features and advantages are
accomplished in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises a fence
assembly made up of a plurality of fence sections. Each section is
made up of panels with top, bottom and side edges and front and
rear surfaces. Slots are spaced from and milled into the panels
along one of the sets of edges. A pair of trim extends over and
covers the set edges and each trim has projections that snap or
slide into the front and rear slots. The fence sections are coupled
pivotably to fence posts such that the panels may pivot, under
force of wind, about either their top or bottom end. The panels are
restored to generally vertical position by the force of
gravity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
and accompany drawing, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front elevation of a portion of a fence
assembly, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention, including a gate;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the backside of a portion
of an alternate fence assembly, showing the effects of wind action
on the assembly's panels and where the panels pivot about their top
length;
[0014] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the backside of another
alternate embodiment, showing the effects of wind action on the
fence assembly's panels where the panels pivot about their bottom
length;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a fragmentary, perspective view of a main body or
panel made up of standard house-siding or a single sheet
equivalent, with mill cuts or notches across the top and bottom of
each siding piece or sheet;
[0016] FIG. 2b is a fragmentary, perspective view of a trim piece
with an insertable cover for the pivot pins entrance slot;
[0017] FIG. 2C is a side sectional, fragmentary view, showing a top
trim and a bottom trim snapped onto a piece of siding;
[0018] FIG. 3A is a fragmentary, side view of a portion of a main
body or panel made up of siding, to which has been added a vertical
trim for support for a hinge;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a top view of FIG. 3A;
[0020] FIG. 3C is a fragmentary side view of the post in FIG. 1A in
which pins are located for the gate's pivot;
[0021] FIG. 3D is a top view of FIG. 3C;
[0022] FIG. 3E is a top, fragmentary view showing the latch
assembly of the FIG. 1A embodiment secured on the pin embedded in
the vertical post;
[0023] FIGS. 3F and 3G are fragmentary perspective views showing
the positioning and relationship of the post, pin, latch, vertical
trim piece and siding;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side view of a portion of the FIG.
1C embodiment showing the makeup of the counterweight assembly when
the pivoting action is along the bottom length of the fence
assembly;
[0025] FIG. 5A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the FIG. 1C
embodiment where pivoting is about the bottom length and showing
the effect of the wind's force on the fence assembly panels;
[0026] FIG. 5B is a fragmentary, perspective view of the base of
the FIG. 1B embodiment and when locking the fence assembly in
closed position;
[0027] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of one of the panels in the
FIG. 1A or 1B embodiments where the pivoting is about the top
length showing the effect of the wind's force on the panel and
further showing the fence assembly post embedded in concrete;
[0028] FIG. 6A is a perspective of a snap-on tool used toward the
bottom of adjacent posts for post placement;
[0029] FIG. 6B is a perspective of a pole-spacing tool used
simultaneously with the tool depicted in FIG. 6A, but at the tops
of the posts;
[0030] FIG. 7A is a fragmentary, perspective view showing the use
of the main body or panel as a window shutter;
[0031] FIG. 7B is a fragmentary, perspective view showing the use
of the main body or panel as a low barrier like a hedge;
[0032] FIG. 8A is a fragmentary, exploded view of an alternate
embodiment for supporting the main bodies or panels on the
posts;
[0033] FIG. 8B is a fragmentary, perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the trim used when no pivoting action of the panel is
contemplated;
[0034] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the trim showing the
pin entrance at the bottom when pivoting action is at the bottom
length of the panel;
[0035] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the trim showing the
pin entrance at the top when pivoting action is at the top length
of the panel;
[0036] FIG. 10A is a fragmentary view showing corrugated panels
with milled slots;
[0037] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of a side trim adjacent to a
fence post;
[0038] FIG. 10C is a top view of the end of a corrugated panel;
[0039] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a locking bracket for
capturing the side trims on both sides of the fence post of FIG.
10B when wind-through pivoting is not wanted;
[0040] FIG. 10E is a nut for placement on the top of the fence post
of FIG. 10B;
[0041] FIG. 10F is a fragmentary side view of the fence post of
FIG. 10B sandwiched between the trims of two adjacent corrugated
panels;
[0042] FIG. 11A is a fragmentary side view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention showing the fence post, upper
pivot attachment and lower trim lock;
[0043] FIG. 11B is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper trim
and panel for attachment to the fence post attachment depicted in
FIG. 11A; and,
[0044] FIG. 11C is a fragmentary side view of the upper and lower
trim and panel of FIG. 11B;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1A of the drawing, one embodiment of the
novel fence assembly 10A of the present invention is seen as
including vertical posts 11, a plurality of main bodies or panels
12, and top 13 and bottom 14 trim. In this embodiment the left-most
and right-most panels 12 are secured to the vertical posts 11 (in a
manner to be explained hereafter) so as to pivot about the top,
while the middle panel is hinged at 15 and provided with a latch 16
so as to function as a gate within the fence assembly 10A.
[0046] The posts 11 can be of any cross-section, e.g., round,
square, rectangular, etc. and can be made of wood, steel, plastic,
etc., so long as they are rigid.
[0047] Each panel 12 may be a complete sheet or, as illustrated, a
plurality of joined-together sheets as, for example, like multiple
sheets of vinyl house siding, and made in different lengths, widths
and color, depending on the site and application.
[0048] Each panel 12 is provided with an extruded, upper 13 and
lower 14 trim that extends over and covers the top and bottom edges
of the panels 12. The trims are affixed to the panel, either by
screwing or, when spring is provided to the trim, by snapping or
sliding the trims onto the edges of the panel as will be explained
hereafter. The trims 13,14 are of a flexible plastic material. In
areas where strong winds frequently occur, the need for fence
rigidity is required. The trims 13,14 provide rigidity as well to
the panel. The trim is made of ABS, vinyl or equivalent.
Optionally, the bottom trim 14 can be omitted.
[0049] The top trim 13 is also used in securing the panel 12 to the
posts 11, but in a manner to allow, with the bottom part of the
panel 12 unsecured, the panel to pivot about its top length.
[0050] With the panels 12 thus mounted, the fence assembly allows
the left and right panels 12 to pivot under a wind's force and thus
allow wind flow through the fence assembly 10A. When the wind
subsides, gravitational forces, in this instance the weight of the
panels 12, return the panels 12 to their normally vertical
position.
[0051] The embodiment 10B depicted in FIG. 1B is similar to the
embodiment in FIG. 1A, but without a gate so that all panels 12
pivot about their top length. The figure depicts a possible
position of the panels 12 due to the effects of a wind's force.
[0052] The embodiment 10C differs from the FIGS. 1A and 1B
embodiments in that in this embodiment the fence assembly 10C is
constructed, in a manner to be explained hereafter, so that the
panels 12 pivot about their bottom length. The panels 12 are shown
in a possible position due to the effects of a wind's force. When
the wind subsides counterweights (not shown in FIG. 1C), suspended
within the poles 11 and tied to the top of the panels 12 will
return the panels to their normal vertical position.
[0053] Each main body or panel 12 may be a complete sheet or, as
illustrated in FIG. 2A, a plurality of snapped-together sheets 21
of vinyl house siding, typically of 3/64 inch thickness.
[0054] The sheets are mill-cut or notched, typically 1/8 inch deep
along the top at 22 and bottom at 23, in both the front and back to
form little lips for a snap-on assembly of the upper trim 13 and
lower trim 14, rather than necessitating the use of screws to
secure the trim to the siding.
[0055] To be explained hereafter pivot pins 55 (See FIG. 5C) are
press-fit into the vertical posts 11 and then inserted within
openings in the trim (93 in FIG. 9B). A removable cover 24 may be
press-fit into a slot 25 within lower trim 14. The cover 24 is
primarily for aesthetic purposes, but also prevents accidental
panel/post disconnect. In the FIG. 5C embodiment, the opposite post
has been omitted from the view. It should be understood that only
the backside of the top and bottom trim has the openings for the
pivoting pins. Also, where house siding is used to form a fence
panel, each slotted edge normally used for house attachment must be
trimmed for aesthetic value.
[0056] In the FIG. 1A embodiment, the middle panel functions as a
gate. With the middle panel made up of pieces of siding 21, the
adjacent siding alone would be inadequate to support a hinge and
latch assembly. In this instance and referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B and
3E, both the right and left edges of the gate panel 12 (in this
instance made up of siding 21) are provided with a more substantial
vertical trim piece 31 on the order of 1/8 inch thickness that runs
the entire length of the siding 21. Hinges 15 are secured to the
vertical trim piece 31 by means of rivets or screws 32 that pass
through the siding 21. Adjusting screws 17 (FIG. 1A) may be
included in the event a skewed condition develops between posts 11
and panel 12.
[0057] FIGS. 3C and 3D disclose the post 11 in which two L-shaped
pins 34 are embedded and on which the gate can pivot.
[0058] FIG. 3E is a top view showing the latch 16 secured on the
pole, while FIGS. 3F and 3G show the positioning and relationship
of the post 11, its pin 33, latch 16, vertical trim piece 31 and
siding 21.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 1C, 4 and 5A, in this embodiment the
fence assembly 10C is constructed so that the panels 12 pivot about
their bottom length. In FIG. 4, counterweights 41 are shown
suspended within the poles 11 and tied by means of cord 42, as of
braided nylon, that passes through a molded pole cap 43 to pins 44
affixed to the upper trim 13 of adjacent panels 12. Pivot pins 45
are inserted within openings in the trim (94 in FIG. 9A) and into
the vertical posts 11. In the FIG. 1C embodiment, the fence
assembly 10C is shown in a possible position due to the effects of
a wind's force. When the wind subsides the counterweights 41 will
return the panels 12 to their normal vertical position.
[0060] There may be times when you wish to confine a child or pet
within a fenced area, or when moderate winds are expected and no
wind passage through the fence assembly is needed. In those
instances, and referring to FIG. 5B, the fence post 11 is provided
with a threaded rivet 51 near ground level. A locking bar 52 is
centered in and between two adjacent bottom trim members 14. To
lock the fence assembly in closed position, a screw 53 is threaded
through the locking bar 52 and fastened to the threaded rivet 51 in
the fence post 11. Alternatively, instead of screwing through the
locking bar 52 to the post 11, a semi-circular clamp 54, is
fastened by means of the locking screw 53 to the threaded rivet 51
in the fence post 11. The locking bar 52 is eliminated.
[0061] FIG. 5C discloses a fence post 11 that is embedded in the
ground G or concrete, as the case may be. A single panel 12 that
pivots about its top length is illustrated. A pin 55 inserted into
the post 11 and within the trim 13 supports the panel 12.
[0062] To assure consistent, precise pole spacing during
installation to very close tolerances, typically six feet, and
referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, after a first post 11 has been
installed in a vertical position, a bottom locating tool 61 is
snapped on to the first installed post 11 at ground level and the
next post 11 is snapped on to the opposite end of tool 61. Tool 61
has a circular opening 62 at each end with a slot 63 extending
therefrom so that it can be opened and closed and snapped onto the
posts 11.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 6B, second top locating tool 64 such as a
trim piece with notches 65 is then slid on to the first and next
posts 11 on the top ends of the posts 11, thereby maintaining
proper spacing at the top ends of the posts 11 as well. The top
tool 64 is so constructed that a level 66 may be positioned therein
to control the height of the posts 11 as well. With the poles 11 so
positioned, cement, gravel, soil or equivalent is packed solidly at
the base of the poles 11. After curing of the cement, the tools 61
and 64 are removed.
[0064] Thus far the main bodies or panels 12 have been shown in
connection with a fence assembly. Alternatively, the panels could
be used as shutters (71 in FIG. 7A) or as a low barrier like a
hedge (72 in FIG. 7B) anchored with ground stakes 73.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8A, instead of the short pins 55
illustrated in FIG. 5C for support and pivoting of the panels, a
single bar 81 passes entirely through the trim 13. Bar 81 is
grooved at 82 and fits within a slot 83 at the top of the vertical
post 11. Where pivoting is about the bottom, a similar bar may be
used.
[0066] If one resides in a location where wind velocity is minimal
and thus no pivoting action of the fence panels is needed and
contemplated, then, referring to FIG. 8B, the trim 91 is provided
with a hooked end piece 92 that can be set down in a slot in the
vertical post such as the slot shown at 83 in FIG. 8A.
[0067] A further alternate embodiment of the fence assembly of the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 10A through 10F. Instead of
using fence panels that may be of vinyl siding such as shown and
described earlier, the fence assembly includes a corrugated or
accordian-shaped panel 101. It can give the panel extra thickness
and added stiffness than say the panels made up of house siding.
This allows one to have much longer panels and wider spacing
between fence posts. The panel 101 can be of metal say aluminum,
plastic and the like. Added thickness provides more resistance
against the wind bending it.
[0068] FIG. 10B is a top view of a fence post 102 and trim 103 that
fits onto the end of the corrugated panel 101. Trim 103 is provided
with projections 104 for snapping into milled slots or notches 105,
although the ends could be squared off. FIG. 10C is a side view of
a panel 101 showing the notches 105. The trim 103 can be slid or
snapped into the slots 105.
[0069] In many situations a person may not be concerned with the
panel movement caused by the wind forces, in which case a lock 106,
as shown in FIG. 10D, can be fitted over the ends of adjacent
panels and against the fence post and affixed to the fence post at
the base of adjacent panels by means of a screw (not shown).
[0070] This embodiment also lends itself to pivoting action of the
panels 101. In FIG. 10E is shown a nut 107 having a lower part 108,
upper flanges 109,110 and a threaded bore 111 therethrough.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 10E and 10F, the nut 107 is dropped into
the post 102, with the flanges 109,110 coming to rest on the top of
the post, the bore 111 being positioned transversely of the nut
such that the bore is slightly above the top of the post. A bolt
112 is passed trough trim 103, post 102 on both sides, threaded
through the bore 111 and locked in place and provides the pivot
point for the panels 101.
[0072] FIGS. 11A through 110C disclose an alternate embodiment for
permitting pivoting of the fence panel, for locking the panels in
place and for stiffening the trim.
[0073] Referring first to FIG. 11A, the fence post 121 can be a
steel post and of smaller diameter than the post in previous
embodiments and is provided with extruded holes 122 (one on either
side for each adjacent panel and trim). A pivot member 123 with
outwardly extending feet 124,125 is attached to the post 121 (on
either side) by means of knurled head shoulder screws 126. The
figure also depicts a lower trim lock 127 that is attached to the
lower part of the post 121 by means of screw 128 threaded through
the lock 127 and into the post 121.
[0074] FIGS. 11B and 11C show the fence panel 129 and upper trim
130. The walls of the trim are provided with vertical slots 131
into which the feet 124,125 of the pivot 123 snap. The square,
upper chamber 132 of the upper trim 130 and the square lower
chamber 133 of lower trim 134 trim are provided with tubular
stiffening members or rods 135, 136 of square cross-section. The
stiffening members 135, 136 are slid into the chambers 132 and 133
to prevent possible bowing during very heavy winds.
[0075] The fence assembly designs of the present invention permit
thinner flexible materials that can simplify manufacture and
provide other advantages such as lightweight and quick
interchangeable and removable fence sections and allows for easy
storage.
[0076] The fence assembly of the present invention is light in
construction and can be built at small cost. The top and bottom
trims are identical until the pivoting pin slots are added. Both
are made as an extrusion with any desired length. When subjected to
wind pressure, the fence panels will pivot, relieving the fence
assembly of the force of the wind and ensuing damage. Forceful
winds passage can occur without the need for large openings and
extra cost of heavier construction
[0077] The assembly is virtually maintenance-free.
[0078] There is extreme design flexibilty that enables custom made
fences with a choice of height, width and color.
[0079] The fence assembly of the present invention minimizes
assembly time and manpower requirements because each fence unit has
only three `snap together` components.
[0080] The assembly enables a maximum `wind thru` area without
fence panel removal.
[0081] The assembly uses gravity for automatic fence repositioning
after any degree of wind passage.
[0082] Each panel is independently removable. No tools are required
for installation or removal of panels and there is a `lock-down`
ability, when preferred.
[0083] When excessive fence lengths are desired with greater fence
post spacing, presently marketed corrugated panels used for roofing
can be used instead of house siding. The same `snap-together`
assembly method can be used or a `slide` attachment of the panel
and its trim. Only a wider trim is required with its attachment on
each side, and the fence sheets horizontally positioned.
[0084] It should be obvious that changes, additions and omissions
may be made in the details and arrangement of parts without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *