CA2505082A1 - Interlocking privacy fence - Google Patents
Interlocking privacy fence Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2505082A1 CA2505082A1 CA002505082A CA2505082A CA2505082A1 CA 2505082 A1 CA2505082 A1 CA 2505082A1 CA 002505082 A CA002505082 A CA 002505082A CA 2505082 A CA2505082 A CA 2505082A CA 2505082 A1 CA2505082 A1 CA 2505082A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- leg
- interlocking
- fence
- plate
- panels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
- E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
- E04H17/16—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts using prefabricated panel-like elements, e.g. wired frames
- E04H17/18—Corrals, i.e. easily transportable or demountable enclosures
- E04H17/185—Corrals, i.e. easily transportable or demountable enclosures hinged or tied prefabricated panel-like elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F13/00—Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades ; Preventing passage of vehicles of selected category or dimensions
- E01F13/02—Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades ; Preventing passage of vehicles of selected category or dimensions free-standing; portable, e.g. for guarding open manholes ; Portable signs or signals specially adapted for fitting to portable barriers
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Fencing (AREA)
Abstract
An interlocking privacy fence is made up of a series of molded panels with simulated paneling and lattice in relief bounded on each lateral side by a leg. One leg has a plurality of brackets along the length thereof. The other leg has a plurality of pintles along the length thereof Each of the brackets has an aperture therethrough for receiving a prong of a pintle. In assembly, the brackets of different panels are aligned with the pintles of other panels and the pintles are inserted through the apertures such that each leg is interlocked. The bottom of the legs are formed as a sharpened spade for insertion into the ground to fix the fence in place.
Description
2 Field of the invention 3 This invention relates to prefabricated panels that are 4 assembled to form a decorative privacy fence.
Backcrround of the Invention 6 There are numerous examples of prefabricated fence 7 sections that can be assembled to form a continuous structure.
8 Earlier prefabricated fences were assembled from individual 9 sections made of wood. Usually, each section had a separate fence post at each end for anchoring in the ground. Other 11 fence sections were made with pilings or panels attached to 12 supporting frame members and the frame members were assembled 13 to pre-set fence posts 14 More recently, wood has been replaced with man-made materials such as aluminum, steel, polymers, pressed board, 16 fiberglass, etc. These materials offer advantages in 17 uniformity of shape, ease of assembly, upkeep, and longevity.
18 One such prefabricated fence is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
19 6, 772, 998.
Included in the broad field of prefabricated fencing, 21 lattice screens are well known for decorative use, as well as, 22 for providing a barrier. One advantage of this structure is 23 the lessened wind resistance. The lattice is usually mass 24 produced of a series of small thin longitudinal pieces laid 1 over a series of small thin lateral pieces at a ninety degree 2 angle and fastened together leaving interstices of varying 3 sizes. Again, the traditional wooden construction has given 4 way to plastics and other synthetic materials. Examples of such structure is found in U.S. Patent No. 6,398,193, U.S.
6 Patent No. 6,308,487 and U.S. Patent No. 6,286,284.
Usually, the prior art fence sections are anchored to each 8 other and in the ground by fence posts that are designed for 9 joining in straight lines or right angles. For example, some posts have bores extending through the posts at right angles to 11 each other allowing the panel supports to be aligned or 12 oriented normal to each other. Any other angular relationship 13 may require some modification of the posts or the panel 14 sections or both.
Prior art fences are semi-permanent in that placement of 16 the fence posts usually results in a post fixed in a filled 17 hole in the ground. Adjustment the fence line then requires of 18 substantial labor of digging new fence post holes and filling 19 the old ones.
Tisbo et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,357,OOOdiscloses an 21 improved ornamenta l integrally moldedplastic fence section.
22 The fence section generally includes a pair of substantially 23 parallel stringers with a plurality pickets formed integral of 24 with the stringers. Each stringer has a plurality of identical 1 spaced ears formed integral with one end. Each of the ears has 2 a rod aperture extending therethrough. The rod apertures in 3 the ears on one end of a stringer are aligned with rod 4 apertures in ears on the other stringer. A slot is formed in each ear extending from the exterior of the respective ear to 6 the respective aperture. Each slot in each ear on one end of 7 the section is aligned with the other slots in the other ears 8 on that end of the section. A second plurality of supports is 9 formed integral with the other end of each of the stringers. A
cylindrical rod is formed integral with the supports on the end 11 of the stringer. Each rod has a diameter slightly less than 12 the diameter of the rod aperture to fit snugly into the 13 respective aligned rod apertures in the ears. The cylindrical 14 rods fit into the ears and the supports pass through the slots to lock adjacent sections to each other by rotating the section 16 relative to each other after each rod has been positioned in 17 its respective rod apertures.
18 Emmie, U.S. Patent No. 4,130,272discloses a picket fence 19 comprising a plurality of parallel and laterally spaced metal pickets which are interconnected by a plurality of parallel 21 pairs of stringers. The stringers are made from a metal 22 material and have opposite ends shaped in a tubular 23 configuration which are received in mating recesses on 24 adjacent, parallel pickets such that the pickets are rotatable 1 about the tubular configurations of the stringers whereby the 2 pickets and their associated stringers are movable with respect 3 to each other in such a manner that the pickets may be disposed 4 along a curved path.
S Harden, U.S. Patent No. 4, 911, 339discloses a hay enclosure 6 including two end sections and two sections along each side.
? Diagonally opposite side sections are equal in length, although 8 the two sections on each side have different lengths. The 9 enclosure is pivotally movable to a second position wherein two triangular-in-shape enclosures are formed having an area 11 smaller than the rectangular enclosure area. Adjacent sections 12 are pivotally interconnected by vertically spaced apart hinges, 13 with the upper hinge including a downwardly extending pin 14 received in a sleeve, and the lower hinge including a pair of abutting vertically aligned sleeves in which a movable pin is 16 received.
17 Reppert, U.S. Patent No. 5,445,362discloses a fence 18 assembly including modules of two-foot width. The modules are 19 easily assembled in four-module sections to achieve whatever cumulative length of fencing is desired. A module is joined to 21 an adjacent module by insertion of a clip into vertical, 22 T-shaped slots formed in an adjacent module. Sections are 23 anchored in the ground by pipes having downwardly projecting 24 stakes. These pipe and stake assemblies are located concealed 1 within the first and fourth module of each section. Upper and 2 lower horizontal reinforcing members are attached along the 3 sections. Resilient expanding anchors are used to connect the 4 pipes, extensions, and horizontal members, there being S alignable bores formed therein which receive these anchors. In 6 one embodiment, intended for use on flat terrain, the lower .7 reinforcing member is extended through and concealed in 8 longitudinal bores extending through each module. Only one 9 horizontal member is external to and visible from the finished fence of the first embodiment, which has as an important object 11 to present an attractive, uncluttered appearance.
12 Niemiec, U.S. Patent No. 3,711,066discloses an integral 13 plastic fence section having an expansive main body with a 14 plurality of stake members projecting downwardly from a lower edge and adapted to be driven into the ground. The opposite 16 side edges of the section have hinge members that releasably 17 snap together and that cooperate with each other to provide for 18 rotational movement of adjacent interconnected fence sections 19 about the hinge axis to provide for a variety of alignments.
Bermudez, U.S. Patent No. 4,073,478discloses an improved 21 fence structure composed of aligned and interconnected fence 22 sections, which are of two types,and which are arranged in 23 staggered relation. In assembly, the fence sections of the 24 first type, which have downwardlyextending end posts, are -S-1 received in malelfemale relation in recesses provided in a 2 support surface along a fence line and, thereafter, the fence 3 sections of the second type are connected to the installed 4 fence sections of the first type.
Pettit et al, U.S. Patent No. 6,637,728 and 6 D463, 036discloses a plastic fence section including a series of 7 connected hollow chambers with at least upper and lower 8 horizontal chambers extending the length of the fence section 9 for receiving reinforcing members. The fence section is made of plastic material. The hollow chambers are separated by 11 pinch off regions. The fence section provides a visual block 12 and has a similar appearance on either side of the fence 13 section. The fence section has a post edge and a panel joining 14 edge. The panel joining edge is adapted to engage and overlap with a second fence panel section.
16 Simpson et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,078,367discloses a 17 panel system comprising a plurality of posts and at least one 18 panel for securing between a pair of adjacent posts, in which 19 each post is formed from plastic material and has a channel in at least one edge to receive an edge portion of a panel, and 21 each panel is formed from plastics material and comprises a 22 plurality of sub-panels and a frame formed from a plurality of 23 side members having similar cross-section secured together at 24 corners of the frame. The plurality of sub-panels secured 1 within the frame wherein each panel frame side member is formed 2 with a channel open to one edge of the side member to receive 3 edge portions of the sub-panels making up the panel.
4 Lappen, U.S. Publication No. 2004/0140461discloses S flexible fence and gate systems, which are flexible to 6 alterations, have common parts, are easy to assembly, durable, 7 and have long service life. The frame can be made of 8 pre-coated galvanized steel parts. The panel is held in a 9 U-shaped slotted rectangular fence frame formed by a parallel pair of L-shaped retainer angles mounted back-to-back or 11 face-to-face on the stringers to accommodate a wide choice of 12 panel styles, materials and thicknesses without adding any new 13 components. Another feature provides a panel insert which can 14 be sandwiched between two panels to further suppress noise.
Another feature relates to adjustable post angle adapters.
16 Another feature relates to a gate width opening adjustment 17 member using a sliding rail at the far end.
18 Stusser, U.S. Publication No. 2002/0020834discloses a 19 durable, low-maintenance and easy to install fence incorporating a combination of materials that includes at least 21 two posts, a casement structure maintained between the two 22 posts, a lattice structure supported within the casement 23 structure, and a shield structure supported within the casement 24 structure. The posts and casement structure are made of _7_ I weather treated wood and the lattice and shield structures are 2 made of a synthetic material such as vinyl. Both the lattice 3 and shield structures are supported within the casement 4 structure by a plurality of wood supports.
Cuzzocrea, U.S. Publication No. 2003/0107031discloses a 6 modular-grid fence system that comprises integral connectors on 7 each end that allows each respective grid to be connected to 8 each other grid and form a fence. The connectors also provide 9 that the modular-grid fence system may be utilized in angles from near zero degrees, to an in-line angle of 180 degrees.
11 This connecting feature provides that the modular-grid fence 12 system may be used to augment and provide additional 13 restriction to an existing fence, or be used as a freestanding 14 fence .
What is needed in the art is a fencing system that 16 provides secure privacy, adaptability in layout, and ease of 17 changing the fence line.
_g_ 2 Disclosed is an interlocking privacy fence formed from a 3 series of molded panels with simulated paneling and lattice in 4 relief bounded on each lateral side by a leg. The bottom of S the legs are formed as a sharpened spade for insertion into the 6 ground to fix the fence in place. The bottom of the legs are 7 formed as a sharpened spade for insertion into the ground to 8 fix the fence in place.
9 Each of the legs have brackets for coupled to pintles placed on a leg to be adjoined. Each bracket includes an aperture 11 therethrough for receiving a prong of a pintle. In assembly, 12 the brackets of different panels are aligned with the pintles 13 of other panels, and the pintles are inserted through the 14 apertures such that each leg is interlocked. Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a fence that provides a 16 visual barrier to screen the interior from view.
17 Another object of this invention is to provide identical 18 panels with integral brackets on each end disposed to interlock 19 with each other such that a series of panels can be engaged by the brackets.
21 A further object of this invention is to provide fence 22 posts cooperating with the interlocking brackets to link the 23 panels together.
24 Yet another object of this invention is to provide the 1 brackets with complementary shape permitting the panels to be 2 assembled in an infinite angular array.
3 A still further object of this invention is to provide 4 legs at each end of each panel extending below the lower margin for ground clearance and shaped to easily penetrate the 6 supporting surface.
Z
2 Fig. 1 is a perspective of the interlocking privacy fence 3 of this invention showing an enclosure;
4 Fig. 2 is a front perspective in positive relief of a panel of the interlocking privacy fence of this invention;
6 Fig. 3 is a back perspective in negative relief of a panel 7 of the interlocking privacy fence of this invention;
8 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pintle;
9 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket used to receive a pintle; and 11 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the pintle of Fiure 4 12 interlocked with the bracket of Figure 5.
2 The interlocking privacy fence 10, shown in Figure 1, is 3 composed of four panels 11, 12, 13 and 14, though the number of 4 panels is a matter of choice. As shown, each panel is oriented at a perpendicular angle to the other two panels at each end.
6 Each of the panels has the same components which are given the 7 same reference numbers for simplicity.
8 Panel 11 has a plate 15 formed synthetic materials in any 9 conventional method including molding, casting, fabricating and assembly, etc. The plate 15 is formed with a leg 16 at one end 11 and a leg 17 at the other end. The plate 15, as shown, has a 12 simulated vertical siding 20 with vertical siding in the bottom 13 portion and a simulated lattice 21 with longitudinal pieces 22 14 and vertical pieces 23 forming openings 24 in the top portion.
The vertical siding is spaced apart providing an open slot for 16 air circulation. The siding is oriented at an angle to prevent 17 a direct view of the interior of the enclosed area. A frame 18 rail 25 extends between the leg 16 and the leg 17 at the top of 19 the panel. An intermediate frame 26 rail extends between the posts at the boundary between the vertical siding and the 21 lattice. Another frame rail 27 extends between the legs at the 22 bottom of the panel. This design may be reversed or other 23 designs may substituted therefore. The siding 20 and the be 24 lattice 21 may be imperforate, if desired.
1 The legs 16, 17 extend above and below the plate 15. The 2 spade 28 of the leg 16 penetrates the ground or other surface 3 and supports the weight of the panel 11 along with the spade 29 4 of leg 17. The space 30 between the ground and the bottom frame rail 27, along with the openings in the vertical siding 6 and lattice, allow air to circulate through the interlocking 7 privacy fence 10.
8 The panels 11, 12, 13 and 14 are molded as a sheet with a 9 three dimensional form presenting the front, positive, side of the vertical paneling lattice and legs in relief, in Fig. 2, I1 with a back, negative, side shown in Fig. 3. The top end of 12 leg 16 and leg 17 each with an end cap 18 and 19. The end caps 13 18, 19 close the interior of the legs and add rigidity to the 14 panel .
The outer surface of leg 16 is formed with three brackets 16 31 projecting outwardly, in Fig. 3. The brackets as shown 31 17 each have a top wall 32, a bottom wall 33 and a sidewall 34 18 connecting the top and bottom lls. The top wall has an wa 19 aperture 35 and the bottom wall has an aperture 36 aligned therewith. The sidewalls 34 havea groove 37 extending from 21 the edge of the bracket partiallyaround the sidewall.
22 The leg 17 has three pintles38 spaced vertically apart 23 along the leg, s shown in Fig. Each pintle has a top prong a 2.
24 39, and a bottom prong 40 extendingin opposite directions from 1 a shaft 41 attached to the leg.
2 The brackets 31 and pintles 37 are evenly spaced along the 3 length of each leg in a manner that each bracket 31 is 4 positioned opposite a pintle 37. This results in alignment of the brackets and pintles when separate panels are joined, as 6 shown in Figure 1. The prongs 39 and 40 are longer than the 7 distance between the top wall and bottom wall of the brackets 8 permitting the angular insertion of the prongs into the 9 apertures.
To assemble the interlocking privacy fence 10, a leg 16 of 11 one panel 11 is juxtaposed with a leg 17 of another panel 12.
12 The shaft 41 of the pintles 38 are inserted in the grooves 37 13 of the brackets 31 and the prongs 39 and 40 are passed through 14 the apertures of the brackets 31 interlocking the separate panels 11, 12, 13 and 14 together.
16 The legs 16 and 17 extend below the bottom rail 27 and are 17 sharpened into a blade 42. Because of the three dimensional 18 relief of the panels, the spades 28 have sidewalk 43, 44 19 connected by a front wall 45. The three sided spade 28 is driven into the ground or other surface and anchors the fence 21 to the ground. In this manner the fence may be erected with 22 the panels at any angle from each other for aesthetics, as well 23 as stability, and to form various shaped enclosures.
I Figure 4 illustrates pintle 38 having a top prong 39, 2 bottom prong 40 extending in opposite directions from a shaft 3 41 extending from the leg 17. In the preferred embodiment, 4 each prong is cylindrical providing for ease positioning exceeding 180 degrees of position rotation. Figure 5 6 illustrates bracket 31 having a top wall 32, a bottom wall 33 7 and a sidewall 34 connecting the top and bottom walls. The top 8 wall has an aperture 35 and the bottom wall has an aperture 36 9 aligned therewith. The sidewalls 34 have a groove 37 extending from the edge of the bracket partially around the sidewall. As 11 shown in Figures 4-6, the shaft 41 of the pintles 38 is 12 available for insertion along groove 37 of bracket 31 wherein 13 prongs 39 and 40'are passed inside of sidewalls 32 and 33 and 14 into the apertures 35 and 36. The brackets 31 interlocking the pintles 41 and thus the separate panels together. Groove 37 16 allows for positional rotation of the pintle permitting the 17 panels to be located at any position necessary to accomplish 18 the privacy needs of the consumer.
19 While a number of embodiments of the present invention are described, it is understood that various modifications may be 21 made without departing from the spirit and scope of the 22 invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the 23 invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated 24 embodiment but only by the scope of the appended claims.
Backcrround of the Invention 6 There are numerous examples of prefabricated fence 7 sections that can be assembled to form a continuous structure.
8 Earlier prefabricated fences were assembled from individual 9 sections made of wood. Usually, each section had a separate fence post at each end for anchoring in the ground. Other 11 fence sections were made with pilings or panels attached to 12 supporting frame members and the frame members were assembled 13 to pre-set fence posts 14 More recently, wood has been replaced with man-made materials such as aluminum, steel, polymers, pressed board, 16 fiberglass, etc. These materials offer advantages in 17 uniformity of shape, ease of assembly, upkeep, and longevity.
18 One such prefabricated fence is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
19 6, 772, 998.
Included in the broad field of prefabricated fencing, 21 lattice screens are well known for decorative use, as well as, 22 for providing a barrier. One advantage of this structure is 23 the lessened wind resistance. The lattice is usually mass 24 produced of a series of small thin longitudinal pieces laid 1 over a series of small thin lateral pieces at a ninety degree 2 angle and fastened together leaving interstices of varying 3 sizes. Again, the traditional wooden construction has given 4 way to plastics and other synthetic materials. Examples of such structure is found in U.S. Patent No. 6,398,193, U.S.
6 Patent No. 6,308,487 and U.S. Patent No. 6,286,284.
Usually, the prior art fence sections are anchored to each 8 other and in the ground by fence posts that are designed for 9 joining in straight lines or right angles. For example, some posts have bores extending through the posts at right angles to 11 each other allowing the panel supports to be aligned or 12 oriented normal to each other. Any other angular relationship 13 may require some modification of the posts or the panel 14 sections or both.
Prior art fences are semi-permanent in that placement of 16 the fence posts usually results in a post fixed in a filled 17 hole in the ground. Adjustment the fence line then requires of 18 substantial labor of digging new fence post holes and filling 19 the old ones.
Tisbo et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,357,OOOdiscloses an 21 improved ornamenta l integrally moldedplastic fence section.
22 The fence section generally includes a pair of substantially 23 parallel stringers with a plurality pickets formed integral of 24 with the stringers. Each stringer has a plurality of identical 1 spaced ears formed integral with one end. Each of the ears has 2 a rod aperture extending therethrough. The rod apertures in 3 the ears on one end of a stringer are aligned with rod 4 apertures in ears on the other stringer. A slot is formed in each ear extending from the exterior of the respective ear to 6 the respective aperture. Each slot in each ear on one end of 7 the section is aligned with the other slots in the other ears 8 on that end of the section. A second plurality of supports is 9 formed integral with the other end of each of the stringers. A
cylindrical rod is formed integral with the supports on the end 11 of the stringer. Each rod has a diameter slightly less than 12 the diameter of the rod aperture to fit snugly into the 13 respective aligned rod apertures in the ears. The cylindrical 14 rods fit into the ears and the supports pass through the slots to lock adjacent sections to each other by rotating the section 16 relative to each other after each rod has been positioned in 17 its respective rod apertures.
18 Emmie, U.S. Patent No. 4,130,272discloses a picket fence 19 comprising a plurality of parallel and laterally spaced metal pickets which are interconnected by a plurality of parallel 21 pairs of stringers. The stringers are made from a metal 22 material and have opposite ends shaped in a tubular 23 configuration which are received in mating recesses on 24 adjacent, parallel pickets such that the pickets are rotatable 1 about the tubular configurations of the stringers whereby the 2 pickets and their associated stringers are movable with respect 3 to each other in such a manner that the pickets may be disposed 4 along a curved path.
S Harden, U.S. Patent No. 4, 911, 339discloses a hay enclosure 6 including two end sections and two sections along each side.
? Diagonally opposite side sections are equal in length, although 8 the two sections on each side have different lengths. The 9 enclosure is pivotally movable to a second position wherein two triangular-in-shape enclosures are formed having an area 11 smaller than the rectangular enclosure area. Adjacent sections 12 are pivotally interconnected by vertically spaced apart hinges, 13 with the upper hinge including a downwardly extending pin 14 received in a sleeve, and the lower hinge including a pair of abutting vertically aligned sleeves in which a movable pin is 16 received.
17 Reppert, U.S. Patent No. 5,445,362discloses a fence 18 assembly including modules of two-foot width. The modules are 19 easily assembled in four-module sections to achieve whatever cumulative length of fencing is desired. A module is joined to 21 an adjacent module by insertion of a clip into vertical, 22 T-shaped slots formed in an adjacent module. Sections are 23 anchored in the ground by pipes having downwardly projecting 24 stakes. These pipe and stake assemblies are located concealed 1 within the first and fourth module of each section. Upper and 2 lower horizontal reinforcing members are attached along the 3 sections. Resilient expanding anchors are used to connect the 4 pipes, extensions, and horizontal members, there being S alignable bores formed therein which receive these anchors. In 6 one embodiment, intended for use on flat terrain, the lower .7 reinforcing member is extended through and concealed in 8 longitudinal bores extending through each module. Only one 9 horizontal member is external to and visible from the finished fence of the first embodiment, which has as an important object 11 to present an attractive, uncluttered appearance.
12 Niemiec, U.S. Patent No. 3,711,066discloses an integral 13 plastic fence section having an expansive main body with a 14 plurality of stake members projecting downwardly from a lower edge and adapted to be driven into the ground. The opposite 16 side edges of the section have hinge members that releasably 17 snap together and that cooperate with each other to provide for 18 rotational movement of adjacent interconnected fence sections 19 about the hinge axis to provide for a variety of alignments.
Bermudez, U.S. Patent No. 4,073,478discloses an improved 21 fence structure composed of aligned and interconnected fence 22 sections, which are of two types,and which are arranged in 23 staggered relation. In assembly, the fence sections of the 24 first type, which have downwardlyextending end posts, are -S-1 received in malelfemale relation in recesses provided in a 2 support surface along a fence line and, thereafter, the fence 3 sections of the second type are connected to the installed 4 fence sections of the first type.
Pettit et al, U.S. Patent No. 6,637,728 and 6 D463, 036discloses a plastic fence section including a series of 7 connected hollow chambers with at least upper and lower 8 horizontal chambers extending the length of the fence section 9 for receiving reinforcing members. The fence section is made of plastic material. The hollow chambers are separated by 11 pinch off regions. The fence section provides a visual block 12 and has a similar appearance on either side of the fence 13 section. The fence section has a post edge and a panel joining 14 edge. The panel joining edge is adapted to engage and overlap with a second fence panel section.
16 Simpson et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,078,367discloses a 17 panel system comprising a plurality of posts and at least one 18 panel for securing between a pair of adjacent posts, in which 19 each post is formed from plastic material and has a channel in at least one edge to receive an edge portion of a panel, and 21 each panel is formed from plastics material and comprises a 22 plurality of sub-panels and a frame formed from a plurality of 23 side members having similar cross-section secured together at 24 corners of the frame. The plurality of sub-panels secured 1 within the frame wherein each panel frame side member is formed 2 with a channel open to one edge of the side member to receive 3 edge portions of the sub-panels making up the panel.
4 Lappen, U.S. Publication No. 2004/0140461discloses S flexible fence and gate systems, which are flexible to 6 alterations, have common parts, are easy to assembly, durable, 7 and have long service life. The frame can be made of 8 pre-coated galvanized steel parts. The panel is held in a 9 U-shaped slotted rectangular fence frame formed by a parallel pair of L-shaped retainer angles mounted back-to-back or 11 face-to-face on the stringers to accommodate a wide choice of 12 panel styles, materials and thicknesses without adding any new 13 components. Another feature provides a panel insert which can 14 be sandwiched between two panels to further suppress noise.
Another feature relates to adjustable post angle adapters.
16 Another feature relates to a gate width opening adjustment 17 member using a sliding rail at the far end.
18 Stusser, U.S. Publication No. 2002/0020834discloses a 19 durable, low-maintenance and easy to install fence incorporating a combination of materials that includes at least 21 two posts, a casement structure maintained between the two 22 posts, a lattice structure supported within the casement 23 structure, and a shield structure supported within the casement 24 structure. The posts and casement structure are made of _7_ I weather treated wood and the lattice and shield structures are 2 made of a synthetic material such as vinyl. Both the lattice 3 and shield structures are supported within the casement 4 structure by a plurality of wood supports.
Cuzzocrea, U.S. Publication No. 2003/0107031discloses a 6 modular-grid fence system that comprises integral connectors on 7 each end that allows each respective grid to be connected to 8 each other grid and form a fence. The connectors also provide 9 that the modular-grid fence system may be utilized in angles from near zero degrees, to an in-line angle of 180 degrees.
11 This connecting feature provides that the modular-grid fence 12 system may be used to augment and provide additional 13 restriction to an existing fence, or be used as a freestanding 14 fence .
What is needed in the art is a fencing system that 16 provides secure privacy, adaptability in layout, and ease of 17 changing the fence line.
_g_ 2 Disclosed is an interlocking privacy fence formed from a 3 series of molded panels with simulated paneling and lattice in 4 relief bounded on each lateral side by a leg. The bottom of S the legs are formed as a sharpened spade for insertion into the 6 ground to fix the fence in place. The bottom of the legs are 7 formed as a sharpened spade for insertion into the ground to 8 fix the fence in place.
9 Each of the legs have brackets for coupled to pintles placed on a leg to be adjoined. Each bracket includes an aperture 11 therethrough for receiving a prong of a pintle. In assembly, 12 the brackets of different panels are aligned with the pintles 13 of other panels, and the pintles are inserted through the 14 apertures such that each leg is interlocked. Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a fence that provides a 16 visual barrier to screen the interior from view.
17 Another object of this invention is to provide identical 18 panels with integral brackets on each end disposed to interlock 19 with each other such that a series of panels can be engaged by the brackets.
21 A further object of this invention is to provide fence 22 posts cooperating with the interlocking brackets to link the 23 panels together.
24 Yet another object of this invention is to provide the 1 brackets with complementary shape permitting the panels to be 2 assembled in an infinite angular array.
3 A still further object of this invention is to provide 4 legs at each end of each panel extending below the lower margin for ground clearance and shaped to easily penetrate the 6 supporting surface.
Z
2 Fig. 1 is a perspective of the interlocking privacy fence 3 of this invention showing an enclosure;
4 Fig. 2 is a front perspective in positive relief of a panel of the interlocking privacy fence of this invention;
6 Fig. 3 is a back perspective in negative relief of a panel 7 of the interlocking privacy fence of this invention;
8 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pintle;
9 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket used to receive a pintle; and 11 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the pintle of Fiure 4 12 interlocked with the bracket of Figure 5.
2 The interlocking privacy fence 10, shown in Figure 1, is 3 composed of four panels 11, 12, 13 and 14, though the number of 4 panels is a matter of choice. As shown, each panel is oriented at a perpendicular angle to the other two panels at each end.
6 Each of the panels has the same components which are given the 7 same reference numbers for simplicity.
8 Panel 11 has a plate 15 formed synthetic materials in any 9 conventional method including molding, casting, fabricating and assembly, etc. The plate 15 is formed with a leg 16 at one end 11 and a leg 17 at the other end. The plate 15, as shown, has a 12 simulated vertical siding 20 with vertical siding in the bottom 13 portion and a simulated lattice 21 with longitudinal pieces 22 14 and vertical pieces 23 forming openings 24 in the top portion.
The vertical siding is spaced apart providing an open slot for 16 air circulation. The siding is oriented at an angle to prevent 17 a direct view of the interior of the enclosed area. A frame 18 rail 25 extends between the leg 16 and the leg 17 at the top of 19 the panel. An intermediate frame 26 rail extends between the posts at the boundary between the vertical siding and the 21 lattice. Another frame rail 27 extends between the legs at the 22 bottom of the panel. This design may be reversed or other 23 designs may substituted therefore. The siding 20 and the be 24 lattice 21 may be imperforate, if desired.
1 The legs 16, 17 extend above and below the plate 15. The 2 spade 28 of the leg 16 penetrates the ground or other surface 3 and supports the weight of the panel 11 along with the spade 29 4 of leg 17. The space 30 between the ground and the bottom frame rail 27, along with the openings in the vertical siding 6 and lattice, allow air to circulate through the interlocking 7 privacy fence 10.
8 The panels 11, 12, 13 and 14 are molded as a sheet with a 9 three dimensional form presenting the front, positive, side of the vertical paneling lattice and legs in relief, in Fig. 2, I1 with a back, negative, side shown in Fig. 3. The top end of 12 leg 16 and leg 17 each with an end cap 18 and 19. The end caps 13 18, 19 close the interior of the legs and add rigidity to the 14 panel .
The outer surface of leg 16 is formed with three brackets 16 31 projecting outwardly, in Fig. 3. The brackets as shown 31 17 each have a top wall 32, a bottom wall 33 and a sidewall 34 18 connecting the top and bottom lls. The top wall has an wa 19 aperture 35 and the bottom wall has an aperture 36 aligned therewith. The sidewalls 34 havea groove 37 extending from 21 the edge of the bracket partiallyaround the sidewall.
22 The leg 17 has three pintles38 spaced vertically apart 23 along the leg, s shown in Fig. Each pintle has a top prong a 2.
24 39, and a bottom prong 40 extendingin opposite directions from 1 a shaft 41 attached to the leg.
2 The brackets 31 and pintles 37 are evenly spaced along the 3 length of each leg in a manner that each bracket 31 is 4 positioned opposite a pintle 37. This results in alignment of the brackets and pintles when separate panels are joined, as 6 shown in Figure 1. The prongs 39 and 40 are longer than the 7 distance between the top wall and bottom wall of the brackets 8 permitting the angular insertion of the prongs into the 9 apertures.
To assemble the interlocking privacy fence 10, a leg 16 of 11 one panel 11 is juxtaposed with a leg 17 of another panel 12.
12 The shaft 41 of the pintles 38 are inserted in the grooves 37 13 of the brackets 31 and the prongs 39 and 40 are passed through 14 the apertures of the brackets 31 interlocking the separate panels 11, 12, 13 and 14 together.
16 The legs 16 and 17 extend below the bottom rail 27 and are 17 sharpened into a blade 42. Because of the three dimensional 18 relief of the panels, the spades 28 have sidewalk 43, 44 19 connected by a front wall 45. The three sided spade 28 is driven into the ground or other surface and anchors the fence 21 to the ground. In this manner the fence may be erected with 22 the panels at any angle from each other for aesthetics, as well 23 as stability, and to form various shaped enclosures.
I Figure 4 illustrates pintle 38 having a top prong 39, 2 bottom prong 40 extending in opposite directions from a shaft 3 41 extending from the leg 17. In the preferred embodiment, 4 each prong is cylindrical providing for ease positioning exceeding 180 degrees of position rotation. Figure 5 6 illustrates bracket 31 having a top wall 32, a bottom wall 33 7 and a sidewall 34 connecting the top and bottom walls. The top 8 wall has an aperture 35 and the bottom wall has an aperture 36 9 aligned therewith. The sidewalls 34 have a groove 37 extending from the edge of the bracket partially around the sidewall. As 11 shown in Figures 4-6, the shaft 41 of the pintles 38 is 12 available for insertion along groove 37 of bracket 31 wherein 13 prongs 39 and 40'are passed inside of sidewalls 32 and 33 and 14 into the apertures 35 and 36. The brackets 31 interlocking the pintles 41 and thus the separate panels together. Groove 37 16 allows for positional rotation of the pintle permitting the 17 panels to be located at any position necessary to accomplish 18 the privacy needs of the consumer.
19 While a number of embodiments of the present invention are described, it is understood that various modifications may be 21 made without departing from the spirit and scope of the 22 invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the 23 invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated 24 embodiment but only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. An interlocking privacy fence for providing an enclosure and visual barrier comprising an integral panel having a plate with a width from one side to a second side, a leg formed at one side, a second leg formed at said second side, said leg including a first bracket extending outwardly therefrom, said first bracket having a first aperture therethrough perpendicular to said width, a pintle on said second leg extending outwardly therefrom, said pintle having a prong extending parallel to said first aperture.
2. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 1 further comprising said leg and said second leg extending below said plate and each terminating in a spade, each said spade adapted to anchor said panel.
3. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 1 further comprising said plate having vertical siding in a lower portion and a lattice in an upper portion.
4. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 1 further comprising a cap on said leg and said second leg, said cap closing the top of said leg and said second leg.
5. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 1 further comprising said integral panel molded from a polymer.
6. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 5 further comprising said siding and said lattice formed in relief on said plate.
7. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 6 further comprising said lattice formed with vertical pieces and horizontal pieces, said vertical pieces and said horizontal pieces forming boundaries about openings through said plate.
8. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 7 further comprising said vertical siding having vertical spaces adapted for air circulation.
9. An interlocking privacy fence providing an enclosure and visual barrier comprising at least a first and a second like molded panels, said panels including a plate having an upper portion and a lower portion, a first leg extending along one side of said plate, a second leg extending along a second side of said plate, said first leg and said second leg adapted to anchor said panels, said first Leg having a plurality of brackets opposite said plate, said second leg having a plurality of pintles opposite said plate, said panels juxtaposed with said brackets on said first leg of said first panel registered with said pintles on said second leg of said second panel, said pintles and said brackets interlocking said first and said second panels.
10. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 9 further comprising an aperture through each of said brackets, said pintles having an upper prong and a lower prong of lesser diameter than said aperture, said prongs disposed in said apertures, said first and said second panels adapted to pivot independently.
11. An interlocking privacy fence of claim 9 further comprising said lower portion of said plate including vertical siding forming a visual barrier, said upper portion of said plate formed as a lattice.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/003,754 US20060118771A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 | 2004-12-02 | Interlocking privacy fence |
| US11/003,754 | 2004-12-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2505082A1 true CA2505082A1 (en) | 2006-06-02 |
Family
ID=36565928
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002505082A Abandoned CA2505082A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 | 2005-04-22 | Interlocking privacy fence |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20060118771A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2505082A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA05013070A (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20070278468A1 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2007-12-06 | Zacarias Felix M | Novel modular molded frame with interchangeable design panels for vinyl fencing and its method of fabrication |
| US20080296548A1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | Mcdonald John | Panel connection system |
| US7854424B1 (en) | 2007-12-13 | 2010-12-21 | Ames True Temper, Inc. | Sectional fence assembly |
| US20100071186A1 (en) * | 2008-09-21 | 2010-03-25 | Edward Mun-Song Son | Easily Assembled, Disassembled Fence |
| US9215860B2 (en) * | 2010-04-16 | 2015-12-22 | Andy Min-Lung Hsieh | Fence for use by infants or pets |
| US8955250B2 (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2015-02-17 | Curb Allure LLC | Breakaway bracket for use with modular tree guard |
| US8763303B2 (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2014-07-01 | Curb Allure LLC | Tree guard |
| US9816286B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2017-11-14 | Snapfence Llc | Integrated snap together fence system |
| US10087651B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2018-10-02 | Snapfence Llc | Integrated snap together fence system |
| USD889946S1 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2020-07-14 | CAD Precision Inc | Wall-mounted hanger |
| US20190218816A1 (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2019-07-18 | Susana KUMERZ GONZALEZ | Modular fence element for orchards and/or gardens |
| USD872903S1 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2020-01-14 | Dimex, Llc | Landscape edging |
Family Cites Families (26)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3454262A (en) * | 1967-04-04 | 1969-07-08 | Ned P Romano | Interchangeable fence construction |
| US3484081A (en) * | 1967-10-12 | 1969-12-16 | Edward B Rowan | Prefabricated fencing |
| US3648981A (en) * | 1969-12-29 | 1972-03-14 | John Allen | Fence |
| US3711066A (en) * | 1971-08-06 | 1973-01-16 | L Niemiec | Snap lock plastic fencing |
| US4371148A (en) * | 1976-07-29 | 1983-02-01 | Harden Richard L | Pivotal connection for enclosure sections |
| US4073478A (en) * | 1977-02-28 | 1978-02-14 | Eduardo Bermudez | Fence structure |
| US4174096A (en) * | 1977-06-06 | 1979-11-13 | Richard G. Miller | Fence |
| US4130272A (en) * | 1977-09-22 | 1978-12-19 | Emmie George W | Flexible picket fence |
| US4357000A (en) * | 1980-10-31 | 1982-11-02 | Custom Plastics, Inc. | Molded plastic fence section |
| GB8718210D0 (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1987-09-09 | Simpson A G | Fencing system |
| US4911339A (en) * | 1988-07-13 | 1990-03-27 | Cushing John J | Bicycle water pump |
| US5445362A (en) * | 1994-02-25 | 1995-08-29 | Reppert; Francis J. | Fence assembly |
| US6676113B2 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2004-01-13 | Off The Wall Products, Llc | Control barrier with rotatable legs |
| US6398193B1 (en) * | 1997-06-06 | 2002-06-04 | U.S. Fence, Llc | Plastic fence construction |
| ES2219859T3 (en) * | 1998-05-12 | 2004-12-01 | Construcciones Mecanicas Mares, S.A. | MODULAR ELEMENT OF SEPARATING VALL. |
| US6308487B1 (en) * | 1999-01-14 | 2001-10-30 | Antoinette Janine Cantley | Plastic lattice |
| US6478287B2 (en) * | 2000-06-02 | 2002-11-12 | U.S. Fence, Llc | Plastic fence panel |
| US20020020834A1 (en) * | 2000-06-29 | 2002-02-21 | David Stusser | Low-maintenance fence |
| CA2312694A1 (en) * | 2000-06-29 | 2001-12-29 | Laurie D. Higgins | Plastic privacy fence |
| AU734491B1 (en) * | 2001-01-04 | 2001-06-14 | Ronald William Bebendorf | A fence panel |
| US6681447B2 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2004-01-27 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Hinge assembly for a storage enclosure |
| USD463036S1 (en) * | 2001-01-24 | 2002-09-17 | Gsw Inc. | Privacy fence partition |
| US6832752B2 (en) * | 2001-12-06 | 2004-12-21 | Lawrence A. Cuzzocrea | Modular-grid fence system |
| US20040140461A1 (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2004-07-22 | Lappen Alan Rick | Configurable fence and gate systems |
| USD513326S1 (en) * | 2004-10-20 | 2005-12-27 | Suncast Corporation | Outdoor screen |
| US7111828B2 (en) * | 2004-12-02 | 2006-09-26 | Suncast Corporation | Stackable outdoor screen fence |
-
2004
- 2004-12-02 US US11/003,754 patent/US20060118771A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-04-22 CA CA002505082A patent/CA2505082A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-02 MX MXPA05013070A patent/MXPA05013070A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MXPA05013070A (en) | 2006-06-06 |
| US20060118771A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |