U.S. patent application number 13/921472 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for customizable fencing system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frederick E. Bergner, Maureen D. Bergner. Invention is credited to Frederick E. Bergner, Maureen D. Bergner.
Application Number | 20130341580 13/921472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49773641 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130341580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bergner; Maureen D. ; et
al. |
December 26, 2013 |
CUSTOMIZABLE FENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
Disclosed is a system and method for a decorative, easy to
install privacy fencing system and method therefor. A customizable
fencing and privacy enclosure system is provided comprising
vertical clamp members and a preferably decorative fabric sheet
providing at least some level of ventilation therethrough, such
system being configured for attachment to existing fence posts or
newly installed fence posts. Such system is comprised of a small
number of simplistic components that allow a do-it-yourself
homeowner (or other person not particularly advanced as a skilled
craftsman) to easily install, customize, and adjust the system to
fit the homeowner's particular needs and aesthetic desires.
Inventors: |
Bergner; Maureen D.; (Middle
River, MD) ; Bergner; Frederick E.; (Middle River,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bergner; Maureen D.
Bergner; Frederick E. |
Middle River
Middle River |
MD
MD |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49773641 |
Appl. No.: |
13/921472 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61690219 |
Jun 21, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/24 ;
29/525.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1408 20130101;
E04H 17/16 20130101; E04H 2017/1452 20130101; Y10T 29/49947
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/24 ;
29/525.01 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. A customizable fencing system comprising: a first vertical clamp
member configured for attachment to a first existing fence post,
said first vertical clamp member having an interior face, an
exterior face, a front face, a back face, a top end, a bottom end,
and a plurality of holes extending through said first vertical
clamp member from said interior face to said exterior face; a
second vertical clamp member identical in construction to said
first vertical clamp member and configured for attachment to a
second existing fence post, said second vertical clamp member being
positioned with respect to said first vertical clamp member so that
said interior face of said first vertical clamp member faces an
interior face of said second vertical clamp member; a flexible
fabric sheet extending over said front face and said exterior face
of each of said first and second vertical clamp members and
extending beyond an intersection of said rear face and said
exterior face of at least one of said first and second vertical
clamp members, and having a height dimension that is less than a
height dimension of each of said first and second vertical clamp
members; and a semi-permanent connector extending through each said
vertical clamp member from said interior face to said exterior face
and through said flexible fabric sheet, said semi-permanent
connectors being configured to anchor each said vertical clamp
member to a fence post with the full said height dimension of said
flexible fabric sheet clamped between said exterior face of each
said vertical clamp member and an adjacent fence post.
2. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, wherein said height
dimension of said flexible fabric sheet is less than a distance
between a top-most hole in each of said vertical clamp members and
a bottom-most hole in each of said vertical clamp members.
3. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, wherein said
flexible fabric sheet further comprises a decorative pattern on at
least one side of said flexible fabric sheet.
4. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, further comprising
an upper cross member extending between said first vertical clamp
member and said second vertical clamp member.
5. The customizable fencing system of claim 4, wherein a top edge
of said fabric sheet is aligned with a top edge of said upper cross
member.
6. The customizable fencing system of claim 5, further comprising a
lower cross member extending between said first vertical clamp
member and said second vertical clamp member and vertically below
said upper cross member.
7. The customizable fencing system of claim 6, wherein a bottom
edge of said fabric sheet is aligned with a lower edge of said
lower cross member.
8. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, wherein said
flexible fabric sheet extends beyond intersection of said rear face
and said exterior face of both of said first and second vertical
clamp members.
9. The customizable fencing system of claim 8, wherein said
flexible fabric sheet extends beyond said intersections by at least
2 inches.
10. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, wherein said fabric
sheet comprises a mesh fabric.
11. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, wherein said fabric
sheet comprises a breathable material allowing air to pass
therethrough.
12. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, wherein each of
said vertical clamp members comprises a hollow tube, said system
further comprising a nylon end cap positioned with each of said top
end and said bottom end of each said vertical clamp member.
13. The customizable fencing system of claim 1, further comprising:
a first fence post, wherein said first vertical clamp member is
attached to said first fence post with said fabric sheet clamped
between said first fence post and said first vertical clamp member;
and a second fence post, wherein said second vertical clamp member
is attached to said second fence post with said fabric sheet
clamped between said second fence post and said second vertical
clamp member.
14. A method for installing a customizable fencing system,
comprising: providing a first vertical clamp member configured for
attachment to a fence post, said first vertical clamp member having
an interior face, an exterior face, a front face, a back face, a
top end, a bottom end, and a plurality of holes extending through
said first vertical clamp member from said interior face to said
exterior face; providing a second vertical clamp member identical
in construction to said first vertical clamp member and configured
for attachment to a fence post; providing a plurality of
semi-permanent connectors configured to anchor each said first and
second vertical clamp member to a fence post; attaching said first
vertical clamp member to a first fence post with one of said
semi-permanent connectors through a top-most one of said holes, and
another of said semi-permanent connectors through a bottom-most one
of said holes in said first vertical clamp member; providing a
flexible fabric sheet having a height dimension that is less than a
height dimension of each of said first and second vertical clamp
members; extending a first end of said flexible fabric sheet over
said front face and said exterior face of said first vertical clamp
member so that the full said height dimension of said flexible
fabric sheet is positioned between said top-most hole and said
bottom-most hole in said first vertical clamp member; installing a
semi-permanent connector in said holes between said top-most hole
and said bottom-most hole and extending through said first vertical
clamp member and said fabric sheet and into said first fence post
so as to clamp said fabric sheet between said first vertical clamp
member and said first fence post; attaching said second vertical
clamp member to a second fence post with one of said semi-permanent
connectors through a top-most one of said holes in said second
vertical clamp member, and another of said semi-permanent
connectors through a bottom-most one of said holes in said second
vertical clamp member, with said second vertical clamp member
positioned with respect to said first vertical clamp member so that
said interior faces of said first and second vertical clamp members
face each other; extending a second end of said flexible sheet over
said front face and said exterior face of said second vertical
clamp member so that the full said height dimension of said
flexible fabric sheet is positioned between said top-most hole and
said bottom-most hole in said second vertical clamp member; and
pulling said second end of said flexible sheet so that said
flexible sheet is taught, with said second end of said flexible
sheet extending beyond an intersection of said rear face and said
exterior face of said second vertical clamp member, and installing
a semi-permanent connector in each of said holes between said
top-most hole and said bottom-most hole in said second vertical
clamp member and extending through said second vertical clamp
member and said fabric sheet and into said second fence post so as
to clamp said fabric sheet between said first vertical clamp member
and said first fence post.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of aligning
a top edge of said fabric sheet with an intended position of a top
face of cross member to be installed between said first and second
vertical clamp members.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of placing
a cross member between said vertical clamp members so that a top
face of said cross member is aligned with a top edge of said fabric
sheet.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of trimming
side portions of said fabric sheet that extend beyond a rear face
of either of said first or second vertical clamp members following
a period of time sufficient to allow acclimation of said
customizable fencing system to an environment in which it is
installed.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of removing
said fabric sheet and thereafter re-installing said fabric sheet
according to the steps of claim 14.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims benefit of
copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/690,219
entitled "Fencing and Privacy Enclosure System," filed with the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 21, 2012 by the inventors
herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to fencing systems, and more
particularly to an easy-to-install, customizable privacy fencing
system and method for its installation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fences come in a wide variety of shapes and configurations.
For instance, some fences, such as simple chain link or security
fences, are typically configured to simply cordon off a particular
area. Other fences may provide privacy, such as plank wood fencing
often used in residential neighborhoods to fence a homeowner's back
yard. Still other fences may provide a distinctive and attractive
appearance, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the overall property
on which they are installed (in addition to providing the standard
feature of delineating a particular space).
[0004] Often times, such fencing systems are formed of metal which
may rust over time, or wood which may become worn and weathered
over time. For the homeowner that wishes to maintain the aesthetic
appeal of the originally installed fencing system, this can become
frustrating and create a significant chore for the homeowner, often
requiring resurfacing/repainting, removal and replacement of
fencing sections, and the like, all of which can be significantly
laborious tasks. Further, such systems (whether comprised of metal,
wood, or synthetic materials) will often require close measurement
and fitting for proper installation, and can be quite unforgiving
if mistakes are made in doing so, as the ability to customize
component dimensions is quite limited. Still further, as components
of such systems weather, they may expand or shrink depending upon
environmental conditions, and again present significant challenge
if the homeowner thereafter wishes to adjust the components of his
system to provide a better fit.
[0005] Moreover, typically known fencing systems may come at
significant cost to the homeowner in both material and installation
expenses. Likewise, prior known fencing systems are typically
provided as permanent installations. Thus, while they might provide
the homeowner opportunity to provide a unique and aesthetically
attractive appearance to their yard, they provide little
opportunity to change that appearance should styles or simply the
desires of the homeowner change.
[0006] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a fencing
system, and more preferably a privacy fencing system, capable of
easy installation, customization, and modification that is
sufficiently easy to install and modify so that a do-it-yourself
homeowner may easily undertake such tasks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Disclosed is a system and method for a decorative, easy to
install privacy fencing system and method therefor. With regard to
certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, a customizable
fencing and privacy enclosure system is provided comprising
vertical clamp members and a preferably decorative fabric sheet
providing at least some level of ventilation therethrough, such
system being configured for attachment to existing fence posts or
newly installed fence posts. Such system is comprised of a small
number of simplistic components that allow a do-it-yourself
homeowner (or other person not particularly advanced as a skilled
craftsman) to easily install, customize, and adjust the system to
fit the homeowner's particular needs and aesthetic desires. Such
system provides a sense of privacy and a sleek aesthetic appearance
while providing at least some amount of ventilation. The fabric
sheet may be comprised of mesh, in order to provide increased
ventilation, or a more substantial fabric to increase privacy. The
system may also be easily disassembled in order to conduct
maintenance on the system or to change the style, color, or other
design of the fabric sheet. The system also provides a variety of
configurations of fencing, as the components that comprise the
system may be cut or otherwise sized to the homeowner's size and
specification requirements. Also, while the primary use of such
system is for use as privacy fencing, such system could also be
used for many functional and decorative fencing and enclosure
applications.
[0008] Also disclosed herein is a method for installing such a
system on existing or newly installed fence posts, which method is
designed to be carried out by a homeowner or other installer having
minimal craftsman skill (such as a do-it-yourself homeowner).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be
better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a customizable fencing system in
accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vertical clamp member
suitable for use in the system of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cross member suitable for
use in the system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
customizable fencing system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for use
with the customizable fencing system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 provides side, top, and bottom views of a fitting for
use with the customizable fencing system of claim 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The following description is of a particular embodiment of
the invention, set out to enable one to practice an implementation
of the invention, and is not intended to limit the preferred
embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those
skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the
conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for
modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out
the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the
art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest
form.
[0017] With reference to FIG. 1, a front view of a customizable
fencing system 100 in accordance with certain aspects of an
embodiment of the invention is shown attached to a plurality of
fence posts 200 of standard configuration. Fence posts 200 may be
comprised of any material suitable for forming fence posts, deck
posts, or similar structures, such as (by way of non-limiting
example) wood posts, vinyl posts, and the like. As used herein,
"fence post" is intended to refer to any vertical post member that
is used in fencing, decking, or similar structures and to which
horizontal cross-members are typically directly connected.
Customizable fencing system 100 is configured for attachment to
vertical fence posts 200 of any configuration, such as square,
rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, or even irregular shaped
vertical posts, as will be discussed in further detail below.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, customizable fencing system 100 includes
vertical clamp members 110 which are directly attached to fence
posts 200, and a fabric sheet 150 that is held taught between two,
adjacent, facing vertical clamp members 110. Fabric sheet 150 is
clamped in place at opposite ends of the fabric sheet 150 between a
clamp member 110 and the fence post 200 to which it is attached.
Vertical clamp members 110 are preferably attached to fence posts
200 with semi-permanent connectors, such as screws or similarly
configured threaded fasteners (not shown in FIG. 1), each of which
extends through a vertical clamp member 110, then through fabric
sheet 150, and into the immediately adjacent fence post 200. As
used herein, semi-permanent connector is intended to refer to any
connector that will rigidly hold vertical clamp member 110 to its
intended fence post 200 through typical environmental conditions
(wind, rain, snow, etc.), but that may be intentionally removed and
replaced through action by a homeowner (such as by unscrewing when
it is desired to modify the configuration of customizable fencing
system 100, as discussed in greater detail below).
[0019] Also as shown in FIG. 1, an upper cross member 120 may be
provided that extends between and is attached to two, adjacent,
facing vertical clamp members 110 for each fabric sheet 150. Upper
cross member 120 serves to maintain a fixed distance between
adjacent, facing vertical clamp members 110, and also provides
support for a top edge of fabric sheet 150. As fabric sheet 150 is
preferably at least somewhat flexible, the top edge of fabric sheet
may optionally be joined to upper cross member 120, such as by way
of threaded fasteners such as screws, by use of hook and loop
fastening material or snaps, or any other connecting device that
will hold the top edge of fabric sheet 150 in place during typical
use, but that will allow its intentional removal therefrom when
desired by homeowner.
[0020] Similarly, a lower cross member 130 may optionally be
provided that also extends between and is attached to two,
adjacent, facing vertical clamp members 110 for each fabric sheet
150, but at a lower position along vertical claim member 110 from
upper cross member 120. Lower cross member 130 will further assist
in maintaining a fixed distance between adjacent, facing vertical
clamp members 110, and also provides support for a bottom edge of
fabric sheet 150. As with the connection to upper cross member 120,
the bottom edge of fabric sheet 150 may optionally be joined to
lower cross member 130, such as by way of threaded fasteners such
as screws, by use of hook and loop fastening material or snaps, or
any other connecting device that will hold the top edge of fabric
sheet 150 in place during typical use, but that will allow its
intentional removal therefrom when desired by homeowner.
[0021] The configuration of customizable fencing system 100 shown
in FIG. 1 provides a sense of privacy, and a sleek aesthetic
appearance while providing slight ventilation through fabric sheet
150. Although a mesh exterior fabric is most preferred, a heavier,
more solid fabric may likewise be used to provide a greater degree
of privacy. For example, a solution-dyed acrylic fabric (many
varieties of which are readily commercially available and known to
those of ordinary skill in the art, including that which is
commercially distributed under the name SUNBRELLA) could be used,
as could any marine fabric normally used in, for instance, boat
covers (with the exception of cotton duck material which has a
tendency to shrink). Moreover, through use of semi-permanent
connectors as discussed above, customizable fencing system 100 may
be easily disassembled in order to carry out maintenance on the
fabric sheet 150 (such as removing it for washing or the like), or
for purposes of changing out fabric sheet 150 from a particular
section to provide a change in fabric style, color, or the like.
The customizable fencing system 100 is configured of components
that may be cut to the purchaser's size and specification, and thus
may be easily customized to fit any existing fence post
configuration. Further, while one use of such a customizable
fencing system 100 is use as privacy fencing, it is also suitable
for use in any functional and decorative fencing and enclosure
purpose.
[0022] FIG. 2 provides a detail view of a vertical clamp member
110. Vertical clamp member 110 is preferably formed of anodized
aluminum tubing, making it suitable for long term use outdoors. In
a particular embodiment, vertical clamp member 100 is formed of
square anodized aluminum tubing, and more particularly 3/4'' square
anodized aluminum tubing, capable of being easily cut with a
hacksaw or the like so as to allow for easy size customization, and
while maintaining a sufficiently low profile in the overall
aesthetic appearance so as to maintain a sleek, pleasing
appearance. In any given installation of customizable fencing
system 100, vertical clamp member 110 is preferably provided a
height dimension H that is sufficient to extend 3/4'' beyond the
top edge 152 and the bottom edge 154 (FIG. 1) of fabric sheet 150,
in order to ensure that the full height dimension of fabric sheet
150 is clamped between clamp member 110 and its adjacent fence post
200.
[0023] Vertical clamp member 110 has an interior face 112 (the face
that points toward an opposing vertical clamp member 110 at the
opposite end of a single fabric sheet 150), and an exterior face
113 (the face that points toward the immediately adjacent fence
post 200). A series of preferably vertically aligned holes 114
extend along the length of interior face 112, each hole passing
through the width of vertical clamp member 110 and out through
exterior face 113. Vertically aligned holes 114 are configured to
receive semi-permanent connectors 115, such as screws or similarly
configured threaded connectors, and most preferably stainless steel
screws, as discussed above. Optionally, in the event that vertical
clamp members 110 are to be attached to irregularly shaped fence
posts 200, shims, washers, or the like may be provided between such
irregularly shaped fence posts 200 and the adjacent vertical clamp
member 110 to keep vertical clamp member 110 vertically aligned,
and more particularly parallel to a facing vertical clamp member
110 at the opposite end of a single fabric sheet 150.
[0024] Preferably, an end cap 116 is provided at an upper end of
each vertical clamp member 110, such as a nylon end cap, to provide
a clean, finished appearance to the end of each vertical clamp
member 110.
[0025] Further, in those installations of customizable fencing
system 100 that utilize upper cross member 120 and/or lower cross
member 130, a fitting 118 may be provided on the interior face 112
of vertical clamp member 110, which fitting 118 is configured to
receive an end of each of upper cross member 120 and lower cross
member 130. Optionally, each of upper cross members 120 and lower
cross member 130 may be semi-permanently joined to each such
fitting 118, such as by use of a screw or similarly configured
connecting device.
[0026] In certain embodiments of the invention, fitting 118 may be
configured to fit within an interior of each end of upper cross
member 120 and lower cross member 130 so as to provide a clean
intersection between each end of upper cross member 120 and lower
cross member 130 and each adjacent clamp member 110, maintaining a
sleek and aesthetically appealing appearance. In such embodiments,
and with particular reference to FIG. 6, fitting 118 may comprise
head member 142 having outer perimeter dimensions configured to fit
closely within each end of upper cross member 120 and lower cross
member 130, preferably by way of a friction-fit engagement
(although other connection mechanisms, such as screws or the like,
may likewise be used to provide a more permanent and/or fixed
connection). Hollow insert member 144 is attached to and extends
away from a back surface of head member 142, and is sized with
outer perimeter dimensions to fit within and to be frictionally
held within an opening in clamp member 110 that has minimally
larger perimeter dimensions than insert member 144. A hollow
channel 146 extends through head member 142, and is configured to
receive a semi-permanent connector 115 therein that will, when
installed through fitting 118, extend into post 200 so as to affix
fitting 118 to post 200 (holding clamp member 110 therebetween).
With fitting 118 so installed on post 200 and clamp member 110, the
open end of cross members 120 and 130 may be placed over head
member 142 of each fitting 118 to removably mount cross members 120
and 130 to the remainder of customizable fencing system 100.
[0027] Next, FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an upper
cross member 120 (though it is noted that lower cross member 130
would preferably take the same configuration as upper cross member
120). Upper cross member 120 has a front face 122, which front face
122 is intended for engaging an interior side of fabric sheet 150
along and immediately adjacent to top edge 152 of fabric sheet 150.
Upper cross member 120 also has a top face 124. Customizable
fencing system 100 is preferably configured so that top edge 152 of
fabric sheet 150 aligns with top face 124 of upper cross member 120
when customizable fencing system 100 is installed between fence
posts 200. Likewise, in the event that a lower cross member 130 is
used, bottom edge 154 of fabric sheet 150 aligns with a bottom face
126 of lower cross member 130 when customizable fencing system 100
is installed.
[0028] Front face 122 of upper cross member 120 may optionally be
provided a plurality of connectors, such as snaps 126 or sections
(or a single section) of hook and loop fastening material for
joining top edge 152 of fabric sheet 150 to front face 122 of upper
cross member 120. Similarly, in those installations in which a
lower cross member 130 is used, front face 122 of lower cross
member 130 is likewise provided such snaps 126 or other connectors
for joining bottom edge 154 of fabric sheet 150 to lower cross
member 130.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1, fabric sheet 150 is preferably an
elongate, flexible sheet of fabric, and may be comprised mesh or a
somewhat more solid fabric material that allows at least some
ventilation. Fabric sheet 150, while customizable in length
(through cutting by the homeowner during the installation process),
preferably has a length that is sufficient to span the entire space
between adjacent fence posts 200, pass between each vertical clam
member 110 and fence post 200 between which it runs, and an
additional length that will later be customized after the fabric
sheet (and other elements of customizable fencing system 100) have
fully acclimated to the environmental conditions in the space in
which it is installed (e.g., dimensional changes caused by humidity
or temperature, etc.). Furthermore, the outer face 156 of fabric
sheet 150 (and optionally the inner face opposite the outer face)
may be provided a decorative pattern 158 to add to the aesthetic
appeal of customizable fencing system 100.
[0030] Next, FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of
customizable fencing system 100 where it attaches to a fence post
200. As shown in FIG. 4, fabric sheet 150 is positioned so that its
top edge 152 is aligned with the top face 124 of cross member 120.
A leading edge 159 of fabric sheet 150 extends over the front face
(not seen in the perspective of FIG. 4) of clamp member 110,
between the exterior face of vertical clamp member 110 and the
fence post 200, and extends by some amount past a rear face 117 of
vertical clamp member 110, such additional material allowing for
later adjustment of the position of fabric sheet 150 (e.g., further
tightening of fabric sheet 150 between facing vertical clamp
members 110) with respect to the rest of the components of
customizable fencing system 100 after all elements become
acclimated to their in-use environment.
[0031] The above described customizable fencing system 100 is
configured as a highly simplistic system that maintains aesthetic
appeal, provides a privacy fencing function, provides opportunity
for a homeowner to easily change such aesthetics as they may desire
(such as by switching out one fabric sheet 150 having one
decorative pattern 158 thereon with another fabric sheet 150 having
a distinct decorative pattern 158 thereon), and through its
simplistic design may be easily installed by a homeowner having
minimal craftsman skill. In accordance with further aspects of an
embodiment of the invention, such simplistic system may be
installed by way of the following method.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, at a first step 500, vertical clamp
members 110 are loosely attached to the fence posts 200 between
which fabric sheet 150 is to be installed by inserting
semi-permanent connectors 115, such as stainless steel screws, into
the top-most and bottom-most holes 114 on the interior face 112 of
clamp members 110, through the body of each clamp member 110 and
into the immediately adjacent fence post 200. Next, at step 510, a
leading edge 159 of fabric sheet 150 is placed between the exterior
face 113 of a vertical clamp member 110 and the immediately
adjacent fence post 200, with the full height of fabric sheet 150
being positioned between the two semi-permanent connectors 115
installed at step 500. The top-most and bottom-most holes 114 in
vertical clamp member 110 are positioned sufficiently close to the
ends of vertical clamp member 110 (which extends preferably at
least 3/4'' beyond the full height of fabric sheet 150) so that
fabric sheet 150 may rest flat against the exterior face 113 of
vertical clamp member 110. Next, at step 520, top edge 152 of
fabric sheet 150 is aligned on the exterior face 113 of vertical
clamp member 110 with the ultimately intended position of the top
face 124 of cross member 120 (which may be indicated, for example,
by the top most portion of fitting 118), and may likewise be
aligned with rear face 117 of vertical clamp member 110 (relying on
the opposite end of fabric sheet 150 to provide additional slack
material to provide for future adjustment), or additional slack
material (preferably at least 2 inches) may extend beyond rear face
117 of vertical clamp member 110 to maximize the ability to adjust
the fit of fabric sheet 150. Next, at step 530, the remaining
semi-permanent connectors 115 are installed in the remaining
pre-drilled holes 114, thus drawing vertical clamp member 110 tight
against fence post 200 and clamping fabric sheet 150 in place.
Next, at step 540, fabric sheet 150 is then stretched across the
opening between the facing vertical clamp members 110, and placed
behind such facing vertical clamp member 110 between the
semi-permanent connectors 115 installed in the top-most and bottom
most pre-drilled holes 114 in such facing vertical clamp member
110. Next, at step 550, the remaining leading edge 159 of fabric
sheet 150 is grasped by the installer and pulled tight at the
location of each pre-drilled hole 114 (fabric sheet 150 being
particularly sized to allow the installer to easily grip and
tighten the fabric sheet 150 while securing semi-permanent
connectors 115 through vertical clamp member 110), and the
installer places a semi-permanent connector 115 in each such hole
114 one-by-one and tightens at the hole 114 to the fence post 200.
Next, at step 560, cross member 120 may be placed on fittings 118
on each vertical clamp member 110 in order to maintain the intended
distance between adjacent fence posts 200, thus ensuring that the
fabric sheet 150 will remain taught and attractive. At this point,
lower cross member 130 may likewise be installed on fittings 118.
Next, at step 570, adjustments may be made to the fabric sheet 150
in order to optimize the fit of fabric sheet 150 between fence
posts 200. Specifically, the installer may loosen each connector
115 on a single vertical clamp member 110, reposition fabric sheet
150 if and as necessary to make it form a flat, planar panel, and
retighten each connector 115. Preferably, at least 2 inches of
material of fabric sheet 150 should extend beyond the back face 117
of vertical clamp member 110 at the time of installation and up to
preferably one month in order to allow for tightening after the
fabric sheet 150 is fully acclimated. Next, at step 580, nylon end
caps may be pressed into the top and bottom ends of each vertical
clamp member 110 to provide a finished and professional appearance.
Finally, at step 590, and after preferably one month of allowing
the fabric sheet 150 and the other components of the customizable
fencing system 100 to become acclimated to their environment,
remaining side portions of fabric sheet 150 that extend beyond the
rear face 117 of each vertical clamp member 110 may be cut, such as
by way of a razor knife, at the intersection of rear face 117 and
exterior face 113 of each vertical clamp member 110 so as to create
a clean edge for fabric sheet 150.
[0033] The foregoing method describes the installation of a single
section of customizable fencing system 100 between two adjacent
fence posts 200, and would be repeated as necessary in order to
install fabric sheets 150 between all fence posts 150 that are to
be included in the installation.
[0034] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and
certain modifications of the concept underlying the present
invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations
and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described
will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood,
therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically set forth herein.
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