U.S. patent application number 12/324105 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for installable top accent panels for a barrier system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fortress Iron, LP. Invention is credited to Matthew Carlyle Sherstad.
Application Number | 20090146122 12/324105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40720670 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090146122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sherstad; Matthew Carlyle |
June 11, 2009 |
INSTALLABLE TOP ACCENT PANELS FOR A BARRIER SYSTEM
Abstract
An accent top panel is selectable installed on a base panel. The
installation is made using one of a number of techniques,
including, press-fit, clamp fit and clip fit. The base panel can be
one of a fence panel, railing panel or gate.
Inventors: |
Sherstad; Matthew Carlyle;
(Dallas, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECTION
3000 THANKSGIVING TOWER, 1601 ELM ST
DALLAS
TX
75201-4761
US
|
Assignee: |
Fortress Iron, LP
Richardson
TX
|
Family ID: |
40720670 |
Appl. No.: |
12/324105 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60992560 |
Dec 5, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/165 20130101;
E04H 17/16 20130101; E04H 17/003 20130101; E04H 17/00 20130101;
E04H 17/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/24 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. An accent top panel for selectable installation on a base panel
including means for securing the accent top panel to the base panel
including a U-shaped channel in the accent top panel which receives
an elongate rail of the base panel.
2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein base panel can be one of a fence
panel, a gate panel or a railing panel.
3. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the means for securing comprises
the U-shaped channel supporting a press fit securing mechanism with
respect to receipt of the elongate rail.
4. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the means for securing comprises
the U-shaped channel supporting a clamp fit securing mechanism with
respect to receipt of the elongate rail.
5. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the means for securing comprises
the U-shaped channel supporting a snap fit securing mechanism with
respect to receipt of the elongate rail.
6. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the snap fit securing mechanism
comprises a bead structure extending along the U-shaped channel
which engages an edge of the elongate rail of the base panel.
7. An accent top panel for selectable installation on a base panel,
the accent top panel including a rail channel having means for
securing the rail channel to the base panel.
8. The panel of claim 7 wherein the means for securing is a press
fit securing mechanism.
9. The panel of claim 7 wherein the means for securing is a clamp
fit securing mechanism.
10. The panel of claim 7 wherein the means for securing is a snap
fit securing mechanism.
11. The panel of claim 7 wherein the means for securing comprises a
base rail of the panel being designed with dimensions and
manufacturing tolerances such that opposed side walls of the base
rail snugly contact opposed sides of a top elongate rail in the
base panel in a press-fit manner.
12. The panel of claim 7 wherein the means for securing comprises a
base rail of the panel being designed with a geometry such that
opposed side walls of the base rail are angled slightly inwardly to
form a biasing clamp against opposed sides of a top elongate rail
in the base panel.
13. The panel of claim 7 wherein the means for securing comprises a
base rail of the panel being designed such that an inner surface of
opposed side walls of the base rail includes an inwardly projecting
bead (or detent) which engages against opposed sides of a top
elongate rail in the base panel.
14. The panel of claim 13 wherein the bead engages a bottom edge of
the opposed sides of the top elongate rail.
15. The panel of claim 13 wherein the bead snugly contacts the
opposed sides of the top elongate rail in a press-fit manner.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application for Patent No. 60/992,560 of the same title filed on
Dec. 5, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to barriers to
pedestrians or vehicles, and more particularly to fences and fence
components, as well as railings and railing components, which have
a selectably installable top accent panel.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention comprises a barrier formed from a set
of elongate rails and a set of vertical upright members. An accent
top panel is selectably installable on a top-most positioned one of
the elongate rails of the barrier. The accent top panel includes a
base rail having a flat web and a pair of opposed side walls which
extend from the web to define a rail channel. The decorative accent
features of the top panel are mounted to and above the base rail.
The base rail is sized and shaped to fit over the top one of the
elongate rails such that the elongate rail is received by the rail
channel.
[0004] In one implementation, the base rail is designed with
dimensions and manufacturing tolerances such that the opposed side
walls snugly contact the opposed sides of the top elongate rail in
a press-fit manner.
[0005] In another implementation, the base rail is designed with a
geometry such that the opposed side walls are angled slightly
inwardly to form a biasing clamp against the opposed sides of the
top elongate rail.
[0006] In another implementation, the base rail is designed such
that an inner surface of the opposed side walls includes an
inwardly projecting bead (or detent) which either engages a bottom
edge of the opposed sides of the top elongate rail or snugly
contacts the opposed sides of the top elongate rail in a press-fit
manner.
[0007] An embodiment of the present invention comprises an accent
top panel (alone) having any of the configurations discussed
above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate in an exemplary manner certain
architectural or ornamental motifs with can be used for accent top
panels.
[0009] FIGS. 7-8 generally illustrate how an accent top panel
having a selected architectural or ornamental motif is installed
onto a fence panel, railing panel or a gate.
[0010] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate press-fit installation.
[0011] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate biasing clamp installation.
[0012] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate bead/detent clip or snap
installation.
[0013] FIG. 16 illustrates installation options.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Accent top panels are decorative additions selectably
attached to the top of a fence panel, railing panel, or a gate. The
accent top panels are used to convert a plain fence or railing
installation into an installation capable of matching or
establishing a particular architectural or ornamental motif. The
top panels also provide added height to the fence panel, railing
panel, or a gate which may be needed in order to meet certain
building codes or provide an added level of security. Reference is
made to FIGS. 1-6 which illustrate in an exemplary manner certain
architectural or ornamental motifs with can be used for accent top
panels. The architectural or ornamental motif features of the
accent top panels are not a part of the present invention. Rather,
it will be understood that any desired architectural or ornamental
motif can be selected for use with the accent top panels of the
present invention. For ease of description and illustration, the
architectural or ornamental motif illustrated in FIG. 1 will be
used, without any limitation, in connection with the description of
a unique way of installing and attaching the accent top panel to a
fence panel, railing panel or a gate.
[0015] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8 will generally
illustrate how an accent top panel 10 having a selected
architectural or ornamental motif is installed onto a fence panel,
railing panel or a gate (referred to herein as a base panel 12).
The base panel 12 includes an elongate top rail 14 and at least one
vertical upright member 16. The accent top panel 10 includes a base
rail 18 having a flat web 20 and a pair of opposed side walls 22
which extend downwardly from the web to define a rail channel 24.
The rail channel has a geometry (size and shape) which would allow
for the elongate top rail of the base panel to be received therein
(see, FIG. 8). Since the base panel 12 is subject to movement, and
the accent top panel 10 is a separate piece, it is important to
secure the base rail 18 of the accent top panel to the elongate top
rail 14 of the base panel. It is known in the art to use welding,
gluing or screws in order to make this secure attachment. These
mechanisms are not always successful in satisfactorily securing the
accent top panel to the base panel. Additionally, several known
securing mechanisms suffer from the drawback that the securing
means can damage, deform or deface the accent top panel (especially
the base rail thereof). Additionally, some of these securing
mechanisms can allow for rusting to occur.
[0016] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9 and 10 wherein there is
shown a first implementation for an accent top panel 10 including
improved means for securing the accent top panel to a base panel
12. Again, the accent top panel 10 includes a base rail 18 having a
flat web 20 and a pair of opposed side walls 22 which extend from
the web to define a rail channel 24. The decorative accent features
(architectural or ornamental motif features) of the top panel are
mounted to and above the base rail. The base rail is sized and
shaped to fit over the top one of the elongate rails 14 such that
the elongate rail is received by the rail channel. In particular,
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate that the base rail is designed with
dimensions and manufacturing tolerances such that the opposed side
walls snugly contact the opposed sides of the top elongate rail in
a press-fit manner. Preferably, the depth of the pair of opposed
side walls is chosen such that the elongate top rail is received
fully within the rail channel. In other words, from a horizontal
point of view, after the accent top panel has been installed, one
would not be able to see the sides of the elongate top rail. This
is an aesthetic feature which preserves the illusion that the
accent top panel and base panel are a single panel. It is also a
structural feature in that it helps to retain the accent top panel
on base panel. The structure further provides added height to the
fence panel, railing panel, or a gate which may be needed in order
to meet certain building codes or satisfy an added level of
security.
[0017] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11 and 12 wherein there is
shown a second implementation for an accent top panel 10 including
improved means for securing the accent top panel to a base panel
12. Again, the accent top panel includes a base rail 18 having a
flat web 20 and a pair of opposed side walls 22 which extend from
the web to define a rail channel 24. The decorative accent features
(architectural or ornamental motif features) of the top panel are
mounted to and above the base rail. The base rail is sized and
shaped to fit over the top one of the elongate rails 14 such that
the elongate rail is received by the rail channel. In particular,
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate that the base rail is designed with a
geometry such that the opposed side walls are angled slightly
inwardly to form a biasing clamp against the opposed sides of the
top elongate rail. The inward angular degree of the opposed side
walls of the base rail need only be a few degrees (taken with
reference to vertical) in order to achieve the desired clamping
function. In this implementation, the dimensions and manufacturing
tolerances with respect to the opposed side walls need not be so
precise as to snugly contact the opposed sides of the top elongate
rail since the inward angular bias and clamp structure will serve
to secure the accent top panel. Preferably, the depth of the pair
of opposed side walls is chosen such that the elongate top rail is
received fully within the rail channel. In other words, from a
horizontal point of view, after the accent top panel has been
installed, one would not be able to see the sides of the elongate
top rail. This is an aesthetic feature which preserves the illusion
that the accent top panel and base panel are a single panel. It is
also a structural feature in that it helps to retain the accent top
panel on base panel. The structure further provides added height to
the fence panel, railing panel, or a gate which may be needed in
order to meet certain building codes or satisfy an added level of
security.
[0018] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13-15 wherein there is shown
a third implementation for an accent top panel 10 including
improved means for securing the accent top panel to a base panel
12. Again, the accent top panel includes a base rail having a flat
web 20 and a pair of opposed side walls 22 which extend from the
web to define a rail channel 24. The decorative accent features
(architectural or ornamental motif features) of the top panel are
mounted to and above the base rail. The base rail 18 is sized and
shaped to fit over the top one of the elongate rails 14 such that
the elongate rail is received by the rail channel. In particular,
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate that the base rail is designed such that an
inner surface of the opposed side walls includes an inwardly
projecting bead (or detent) 30 which either engages a bottom edge
of the opposed sides of the top elongate rail or snugly contacts
the opposed sides of the top elongate rail in a press-fit manner.
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate the former implementation where the inwardly
projecting bead 30 is positioned at a bottom edge of each pair of
opposed side walls. The bead is sized such that it will engage
again the bottom edge 32. In this implementation, the dimensions
and manufacturing tolerances with respect to the opposed side walls
need not be so precise as to snugly contact the opposed sides of
the top elongate rail since the inwardly extending bead will serve
to secure the accent top panel. Preferably, the depth of the pair
of opposed side walls is chosen such that the elongate top rail is
received fully within the rail channel. In other words, from a
horizontal point of view, after the accent top panel has been
installed, one would not be able to see the sides of the elongate
top rail. This is an aesthetic feature which preserves the illusion
that the accent top panel and base panel are a single panel. It is
also a structural feature in that it helps to retain the accent top
panel on base panel. This is of some importance in this
implementation since the bead is located at the bottom edge.
[0019] FIG. 16 schematically shows each of the three
implementations. At the left is the close tolerance implementation
where a snug or press fit exists between the accent top panel and
the base panel due to the careful selection of and control over
dimensions and manufacturing tolerances. In the center is the clamp
implementation where the opposed side walls are angled slightly
inwardly to form a biasing clamp against the opposed sides of the
top elongate rail. On the right is the bead implementation where
the opposed side walls include an inwardly projecting bead at a
bottom edge which engages a corresponding bottom edge of the top
elongate rail.
[0020] In summary, the attachment of the accent top panel to the
base panel (for example, fence panel, railing panel, or gate) is
achieved by the depth of the sides of the rail channel being
slightly longer than the depth of the sides of the top elongate
rail, and by the use of close tolerances between the rail channel
and the top elongate rail. The sides of the rail channel can be
either straight or bent slightly inwards to create a close
tolerance fit that prevents the accent top panel from being loose
on the fence. This close tolerance also gives the connection
between the accent top panel and the fence/railing/gate panel top
elongate rail a snap type fit making the Top Accent tight and
secure on the fence/railing/gate panel. Alternatively, the snap fit
between the accent top panel and the elongate rail of the base
panel is formed using a bead on the bottom edge of each side wall
(leg) of the rail channel. These beads can run the full length of
the rail channel legs or be small sections of bead spaced along the
length of the rail channel. The beads snap over the bottom edge of
the fence/railing/gate panel top elongate rail, securing the accent
top panel to the base panel. If the leg is shorter than the depth
of the elongate top rail, the bead can instead press against the
side of the elongate rail.
[0021] It will be understood that fasteners, welding, brackets, or
an adhesive may be used in addition to the securing means described
above.
* * * * *